Land agent CKD Galbraith announced yesterday it is to expand its operations through a merger with Hayes Macfarlane, one of the two main brokerages in the country in the trading of Single Farm Payment Entitlements.

The merger, which will take effect from July 1, will see all of the 11 staff at Hayes Macfarlane's Aberdeenshire and Perthshire offices retained.

The enlarged firm will employ 250 staff at 14 offices across Scotland and have a turnover of around £11m.

This deal follows on from acquisitions by CKD Galbraith of Donalds Chartered Surveyors in June 2010, Buccleuch John Sale in 2009 – that allowed expansion throughout the Scottish Borders – and Macdonald Fraser, the land agency division of United Auctions – which significantly enhanced the firm's rural services in 2007.

Speaking at a press conference at Ingliston on the outskirts of Edinburgh, James Galbraith, chairman of CKD Galbraith, said: "The merger enables the regional experts from Hayes MacFarlane to join forces with our existing team of rural land and property specialists at CKD Galbraith, a partnership that will be beneficial to the agricultural and rural sector throughout Scotland."

Tom Stewart, partner in Hayes Macfarlane, added: "Over the years our business has grown steadily and has earned a good reputation amongst farmers and other rural businesses. It was time to take things to another level and teaming up with CKD Galbraith, a highly respected and progressive firm, is just the right fit.

"As far as clients are concerned there will be a seamless transition and we look forward to providing the ever growing number of services people require to sustain their own businesses."