London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/24/2011 -- Disposal programmes by some of the largest operators led to an increase in deal activity in 2010 compared to the previous 12 months, according to specialist property agent and advisor Christie Co’s own buyer analysis.

At the start of 2010, Christie Co predicted that transaction volumes would rise during the coming 12 months across its specialist sectors — hotels, pubs, restaurants, leisure, care and retail. This prediction proved accurate, as the number of deals completed by the company increased by 32%, compared with 2009. Of the deals completed by Christie Co last year, 44% of businesses were sold on behalf of corporate operators, compared with 40% in 2009 and just 29% in 2008.

Although some corporate buyers re-entered the market, after successfully adapting to the trading conditions, the majority of buyers were local entrepreneurs. In fact, almost 70% of those who used Christie Co to buy a business last year were local buyers who lived within 20 miles of the businesses they bought.

David Rugg, Chairman of Christie Co, said: “Having acquired significant numbers of businesses whilst the markets were at their most buoyant, some of the largest operators in our sectors had assembled vast estates that could be shorn of hundreds of assets. Freehold businesses that were previously absorbed by these large estates were brought back to the market, where they have been acquired by smaller groups and private owner operators.

“Whilst the volume of deals transacted last year is still a long way behind the number we completed at the peak of the market, it proves that buyer confidence is returning.”

The new analysis is part of Christie Co’s Business Outlook 2011 publication, which includes a comprehensive look back at the issues that affected the company’s specialist sectors in 2010, and what key factors will impact these markets in the coming 12 months.

The publication, which will be officially launched on 18th January, will also include the average property value movements for each sector in 2010.

Christie Co, established in 1935, is one of the leading business agents and advisors specialising in the hotel, public house, restaurant, retail, leisure and healthcare markets.