Slade stepped down as chief executive of Richard Ellis' City office to found the business in 1997. He said: "Hamptons have been a terrific company to work with over the last five years. They provided backing to the set-up and a tremendous base to the business. The MBO gives us the chance to control our own destiny."

Hamptons said it planned to concentrate on its residential business, but it would continue to co-operate with Slade & Co.

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