Countrywide has announced the acquisition of Mortgage Intelligence.

The network, which merged with Mortgage Next in 2009, provides broker services to over 6,500 mortgage intermediaries under the brands Mortgage Intelligence and Mortgage Next.

It will operate independently of Countrywide’s existing 650 mortgage consultants. Sally Laker will continue to oversee the business as managing director reporting to Nigel Stockton, Countrywide’s financial services director and will also join Countrywide’s senior management team.

Grenville Turner, chief executive of Countrywide, said: “The broker market has endured some challenging times over recent years the acquisition of Mortgage Intelligence / Mortgage Next signals an exciting new chapter for their members and Countrywide. Work is already underway to see how we can use our expertise to introduce unique benefits to clients of both networks