Natick-based RE/MAX New England is beefing up its acquisition efforts, adding two executives to focus on acquiring independent brokerages and real estate teams and converting them into RE/MAX franchises.

"It’s very timely, because of the difficulties that some of these companies have had in the marketplace. As the pie continues to shrink, it’s the strongest companies who will be able to continue to take a piece of that pie," said Jay Hummer, executive vice president and regional director of RE/MAX New England.

Bob Leighton and Roz Anton will be senior strategic development consultants. Leighton, who began his career as a Coldwell Banker franchisee in Southeastern Connecticut, was most recently president of Jack Goughen Realtor ERA. He will focus on independent brokerages with more than 20 agents.

"Our role for Bob is in helping larger companies, independent companies, convert to the RE/MAX brand, helping them understand the business models and the strategic focus of a franchise brand like RE/MAX and how it might help them attain their goals," said Hummer.

Anton’s role will be to focus on convincing real estate teams to take the leap into becoming franchisees. Anton has 15 year’s experience as a Realtor, 10 of them at RE/MAX, and led one of the top 25 most successful real estate teams at RE/MAX of New England. Prior to her new role, she was vice president of Danis & Co. Accounting Services.

"Her role there was helping real estate agents with their finances and business planning, and also helping real estate companies with that same concept," said Hummer. "Her experience both as a sales leader and as an accountant brings a really interesting dynamic for her to be able to help large real estate teams have the opportunity to open their own business, hopefully though RE/MAX."

Both Leighton and Anton will cover all of New England.