A York commercial property specialist has bought out a well-established Malton estate agency.

Andrew McBeath, who only last year set up his chartered surveyor's practice, MPC Limited, at Clifton Moor, has acquired Paul Beanland and Associates for an undisclosed sum.

Paul Beanland and Associates, which was established in Malton Market Place, in 1993, specialises in both residential and commercial property and is operated by six staff.

Paul Beanland himself will be retained as a consultant and will continue his interests with his other estate agency venture, Beanland Illingworth in Pickering.

He said: "I have a number of professional interests which are demanding more of my time. I am nearing retirement so selling the business to Andrew was the logical step.

"Andrew shares my business values and over the years that I have got to know him has demonstrated a very similar understanding of, and involvement in, the property market.

"It is very important that the business continues with the same professionalism and Andrew's reputation for integrity is second to none".

Much of Mr McBeath's early career was spent in Leeds, but he has been a well-known figure in the North Yorkshire property industry for many years, as director of the York office of Savills and later as a partner in the commercial department of Hunters of York.

His new company, MPC Limited, is now involved in major office projects at Manor Farm, Old Malton, and Swinton Grange, Swinton as well as a number of residential and mixed use developments in North and East Yorkshire.

Mr McBeath, who lives in Broughton with his wife, Fiona, and their four children, said: "Being a resident in the area I have always felt that my business interests were destined to develop here as well.

"Ryedale offers enormous potential and I am delighted that Paul has enabled me to practice in the residential and commercial sectors of the area".

Updated: 10:22 Tuesday, April 25, 2006