Third generation of family-run housebuilder not interested in taking on the business

Surrey housebuilder Croudace Homes may sell up after it emerged that the third generation of the family-run firm doesn鈥檛 want to take it on.

Shareholders in the company, which has been controlled by the Brotherton-Ratcliffe family since it was founded in 1946, ordered a wholesale review last summer and a decision is expected next month.

The three shareholders, AB Ratcliffe, DCB Ratcliffe and JM Brotherton, have been repaid 拢15.1m of loans made to the company and it has been forced to seek a bank loan of 拢8.5m for the first time in its history.

Croudace denied the move has been prompted by the current credit squeeze.

It is understood that the review may not lead to a sale.

One analyst said the current downturn meant times were tough for small and medium sized housebuilders but said Croudace was not in financial difficulties. 鈥淭he balance sheet is healthy and the fact it is building houses in the south-east also counts in its favour.鈥

Year to 31 December 2007

Pre-tax profit - 拢32.6m (2006: 拢9m)


Turnover - 拢98m (拢94m)


Completions - 318 (328) private sales at an average price of 拢280,000 (拢270,000) and 76 (57) dwellings for housing associations at an average price of 拢115,000 (拢97,120)