Global estate agents Hamptons International has taken over Shire and Cotswald-based agency Hayward White.

Hamptons, a subsidiary of Emaar properties, bought the firm of high-end and country house agents as a part of expansion into those markets.

‘The decision to acquire Hayward White is in line with our expansion plan,’ said Hamptons International’s residential agency managing director Mark Anderson.

‘This acquisition will help build upon and strengthen our presence in the mid-to-high end residential sales and lettings market within the Bucks and Oxfordshire region.’

Hamptons International, established in 1989, consists of six branches in Banbury, Brackley, Buckingham, Chipping Norton, Deddington and Winslow.

As a part of the take-over Hamptons will retain all of the Hayward White staff.