C.R. Pointer, owner/broker in charge of Pointer & Associates Realty announced this week the merger of his company with Oakland Ltd.

The combined firm will be headquartered at 216 S. Main St., the current location of Pointer & Associates. The merger will also bring about a name change for the company, which will be known as Prudential-Pointer & Associates Real Estate, signaling the firm’s new association with the national real estate network.

In a letter to customers dated Feb. 29, Pointer wrote that by associating with Prudential, the company “will offer the resources of one of North America’s largest and most successful real estate networks…”

Pointer’s letter went on to point out that new signs for the company “will arrive shortly and your listing agent will be removing the old sign and placing the new Prudential-Pointer & Associates Real Estate sign on your property [this week].”

In addition to noting that the merger would bring the company under the North Main Street roof, Pointer wrote that “Our Hyco Lake offices and telephone numbers will remain unchanged.”

Pointer & Associates was established in Roxboro in 1987.

Oakland Ltd. was originally started in 1977 by Jess Sweely as Sweely and White Associates. The name subsequently was changed to Oakland Ltd. after Sweely left the firm.

Bonnie Meeler, who will join the staff of 15 agents at Prudential-Pointer & Associates Real Estate, has been associated with Oakland Ltd. for 28 years.

“I joined the company as an agent and co-owner and remained in that role until 1992, when I became the sole owner and broker in charge,” Meeler said Tuesday.

In reminiscing about her experience in local real estate, Meeler remembered that Oakland Ltd. was the first real estate company to have an office at Hyco Lake, opening that branch in 1985. Meeler, who began her real estate career in January of 1980, added that she believed Oakland Ltd. was the first Person County real estate firm to join the Durham Multiple Listing Service, now known as the Triangle Multiple Listing Service.

“I am very excited about the merge with Pointer & Associates and am looking forward to being a part of the Prudential Real Estate Network,” Meeler said. “This move will combine the two largest and locally-owned real estate companies and combine 50 years of real estate experience with a staff of 15 agents, making it the largest real estate firm in Roxboro.”

Pointer, like Meeler, said he was excited about the merger.

“We are very thankful to our clients and community for the support given us the past 20 years,” Pointer said. “We are excited about the merger…and the affiliation with Prudential. We look forward to continuing to serve Roxboro and surrounding areas with our dedication and commitment…”