The Co-op has today announced the acquisition of Simplify Probate.
Underpinning its ambition to grow its existing later life business, which includes a range of services such as Wills, probate and funeral plans, Co-op has set out its aim to transform the market.
The company also claims that the change will lead to the Co-op members and customers benefits from the faster distribution of estate proceeds, as well as gain improved access to regulated estate planning services. Co-op Legal is also increasing its investment in technology, with an aim to bring consumers regulated services at an affordable cost.
Part of the Simplify Group of companies, Simplify Probate has provided estate administration and probate services for over 25 years. The company also run a Bereavement Advice Centre, providing consumers with access to online and phone advice.
Move With Us, the provider of residential property services, is also part of the Simplify Group and will work in a strategic partnership with Co-op Legal. It will also be joined by its sister businesses, JS Law and DC Law to handle the conveyancing and property requirements of estate administration.
Matt Howells, Managing Director of Co-op’s Legal Services and Later Life business, said:
“We’re very excited about the Co-op’s potential to transform later life planning in the UK and the acquisition of Simplify Probate is a key part of that ambition. This agreement will help us increase access to quality, fixed-fee probate services in what is a fragmented market.
“Our focus is on delivering a suite of fully regulated end-to-end services for later life planning, whilst also promoting a better way of doing business through a faster and more transparent way of delivering probate.”
David Grossman, CEO, Simplify Group added:
“We are proud to have built a business that will now combine with the Co-op to create the undisputed leader in the industry.
“The sale of our probate business to the Co-op allows the Simplify Group to increase our focus and scale in conveyancing and property services. We are thrilled to be entering into a long-term strategic partnership to provide conveyancing and property services to the new enlarged Co-op probate business and look forward to delivering exceptional service to its customers.”
