Is Britians Richest Estate Agent About to Sell?

Speculation continues to grow that Jon Hunt, the founder of Foxtons, the estate agent, is planning to sell his stake in the company in a deal that could potentially secure him £400 million.

Mr Hunt, , who founded Foxtons in 1981, owns more than 90 per cent of the business and hired Credit Suisse in November to explore a possible flotation.

However, The Times understands that Foxtons has received offers of more than £400 million from private equity firms such as 3i and TA Associates and the investment group BC partners.

Mr Hunt, who is No 182 in the Sunday Times Rich List and has paid himself £7.5 million in dividends over the past two years.