A PARTNERSHIP which saw the ultra-rapid rise of a new York-based estate agency has ended in "a difference of opinion" after 19 months.

Brothers Colin and Michael Cain, who sold half of their stake in Otisdale to the firm's former managing director, Reuben Barrett, have now bought back his shareholding for an undisclosed sum.

The Cains, both former slaughtermen who then moved into the removals business - they were owners of Walmgate Removals - formed Otisdale in Micklegate, York, in 2003.

After Mr Barrett came on the scene, the business expanded rapidly, opening branches in Selby and Goole.

In a statement issued through Andrew Lindsay, partner at York commercial solicitors Denison Till, Colin Cain said: "Michael and I are delighted that Otisdale has come back under our total control.

"We have a great passion and enthusiasm for estate agency in the Yorkshire region, and we would like to extend our enormous thanks to the staff who share our drive and commitment.

"We look forward to serving the Yorkshire public and in working with our staff throughout 2007 and beyond." The statement said Mr Barrett had left the company "to pursue other interests".

Mr Barrett, who was represented in his negotiations by York solicitor Jane Sachedina, told The Press: "There was a difference of opinion as to how to move the business on.

"One way or another, it is right that we should now go our own ways.

"I would have preferred to have bought them out rather than the other way around, but the deal we came to was very satisfactory.

"It is a great pity, because when I arrived there were four employees, and now there are 20.

"Turnover increased from about £100,000 to the region of £1.2 million, and I would have loved to continue to build the momentum."

A former University of York graduate, Mr Barrett went on to make a small fortune as a salesman for leading investment banks in London, before graduating from Isead in Paris, one of Europe's top business schools.

After his own market research in York, he bought into Otisdale as a partner.

He said: "I am now actively considering my options, one of which is to open another estate agency.

"It's not definite, but a good possibility."