sentences:  The division was substantially expanded in 1984 by the acquisition of the Swindon-based firm of Edwin H Bradley a family firm founded in 1902.Bradley brought with it the well-known Bradstone building blocks and Bradley Estates with its extensive land holdings.ECC was now building over 1000 private houses a year and in 1986 made a contested, but unsuccessful, bid for the larger Bryant Homes; it was left with a 29 per cent holding.