The order bans them from estate agency work. A warning order was also made against one of the company's employees, David Estall.
An adjudicator found that Lloyds, French and Estall failed to forward offers promptly and in writing to their clients, and failed to disclose their personal interest to purchasers in respect of two properties. One of the properties was owned by Estall. The adjudicator also found that Lloyds and French fabricated letters to the OFT in an attempt to conceal their actions.
Mike Haley, OFT head of consumer protection, said: "Estate agents who have a personal interest in a property that they are marketing must declare this without fail. Fabricating letters to the OFT when it is carrying out an enquiry is of the utmost seriousness, and we have demonstrated that where necessary we will take the strongest possible action against them."
