Janusz Hooker poised to buy back the family agency

Janusz Hooker, the grandson of the founder of Australia's real estate brand LJ Hooker, is poised to take control of the franchise group.

The Australian Financial Review reports Janusz Hooker and a big international backer are finalising negotiations to buy out the other partners in the 700 office network business.

The current chairman Greg Paramor along with high-profile investors, including RAMS founder John Kinghorn, bought the business from Suncorp in 2009 for $67 million.

With plans for a turnaround, repricing and possible float, it all took longer than expected with the business then up for sale nine months ago.

Hooker is its non-executive deputy chairman who controls a 10% stake. 

The 700 office LJ Hooker network, launched by the legendary Sir Leslie Hooker in 1928, remains one of the nation's best-known brands.

Mr Hooker is a medal-winning Olympic rower. He was the founder of TiNSHED before returning to the family firm which he describes as a forward-thinking real estate agency enhanced by his grandfather's persistence, determination and success that "remains a foundation stone of the LJ Hooker philosophy".