Colliers International Acquires Leading California Retail Brokerage

--Johnson Hoke, Upscale Retail Experts, To Boost Colliers’ Retail Services Division and West Coast Presence--

In a move that will immediately bolster the existing retail expertise of its domestic operations, Colliers International today announced that it has acquired Johnson Hoke, San Francisco’s leading urban specialty and lifestyle center retail brokerage firm.

By joining Colliers International, Johnson Hoke will become a critical component of one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated real estate companies. Johnson Hoke executives including Vikki Johnson, Karen Hoke and Pamela Mendelsohn also will become part of Colliers International’s expanding Retail Services Group, serving many of the world’s largest and best-known retailers and retail landlords.

In conjunction with Colliers retail experts located throughout the country, The Johnson Hoke team will focus on expanding and strengthening the organization’s retail services footprint throughout California and in major markets across the nation.

“Johnson Hoke represents an excellent addition to our fast-growing U.S. retail platform,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “Like Colliers International, Johnson Hoke knows how to enhance the value of their clients’ assets through sophisticated lease negotiations and other client services. With their long-standing reputation for creativity and integrity, I am excited to have them now working shoulder-to-shoulder with us as part of Colliers International beginning today.”

“Johnson Hoke is the perfect complement to our existing San Francisco retail team of Ross Portugeis and Glen Jones,” said Alan Collenette, Managing Director for Colliers International’s operations in San Francisco and Marin County. “Their clients have always sought them out for their flair and for their matchless knowledge, not just of real estate, but of retailing and merchandising. They understand how to make intelligent retail real estate decisions. I am so proud they are now part of our company.”

“We are thrilled to add a team with the depth of experience that Vikki (Johnson) and her colleagues possess,” said Patrick Duffy, head of the Retail Services Group and president of Colliers International’s Houston office. “The Colliers Retail Services Group has expanded over the past few years to include more than 350 of the best retail professionals in North America and over 450 worldwide. The Johnson Hoke team stands among the best in the world, and their arrival will measurably elevate our game.”

Founded in 1997 in San Francisco as a boutique retail services firm, Johnson Hoke has since become one of the savviest and most successful firms in their niche market of urban specialty retail. With a focus on the upper end of the retail market, the firm actively advises and consults with developers, landlords and tenants throughout the region.

“I look forward to taking the depth of our experience and utilizing the Colliers platform to provide an international reach for the benefit of our clients. My passion is the bricks and mortar of the business, which is where I want to spend my time,” said Vikki Johnson, Managing Director – Colliers International Retail Services Group, San Francisco

“I wake up every day and love what I do; advising our landlord and retail clients. I want to be a part of the finest real estate firm in the world, and I think with Colliers, we will be,” said Karen Hoke, Senior Vice President, Colliers International San Francisco

The former Johnson Hoke operation will be rebranded as Colliers International. There will be no staffing changes at either Johnson Hoke or Colliers International based on today’s news.

About Colliers International
Colliers International is the third-largest commercial real estate services company in the world with 15,000 professionals operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), it focuses on accelerating success for its clients by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.

Colliers International Broadens U.S. Platform with Addition of EVS Realty Advisors in St. Louis

Once again accelerating the pace at which it continues to grow its U.S. operations, Colliers International today has acquired a controlling interest in one of St. Louis’ most prestigious real estate firms, EVS Realty Advisors.

The addition will significantly bolster Colliers International in the Midwest by strengthening the local firm’s ability to service regional, national and international clients seeking to do business in the St. Louis region. With today’s addition of EVS Realty Advisors, 11 of the nation’s leading firms have integrated their operations into the world’s third largest real estate services firm and rebranded as Colliers within the past twelve months.

“EVS Realty Advisors is a true market leader in St. Louis and the region in providing integrated investor services to institutional clients,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “These professionals share our deep commitment to exceptional client service and a collaborative culture. Today’s news reinforces our commitment to market leadership and delivering the best service to our clients.”

By merging with Colliers International, EVS Realty Advisors will integrate its operations with one of the world’s largest and most influential real estate companies, with 15,000 employees working from more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion. No immediate leadership or personnel changes are expected.

Robert A. Guimbarda, one of the principals and founders of EVS Realty Advisors, adds: “From the start, our firm’s mission was to become the top full-service, real estate investment advisory firm catering to Midwestern and other regional markets. With today’s news, we will be able to over-deliver on that promise to our clients while drawing the region’s most talented professionals into our ranks. The growth opportunities for everyone involved are monumental. We are thrilled to become a part of Colliers International.”

EVS Realty Advisors, which was founded in 2003, manages more than 2.5 million square feet of signature office properties throughout the St. Louis region. The firm also provides sales and leasing expertise in addition to real estate advisory and asset management services.

Colliers International Further Expands Platform in Greater Baltimore

SEATTLE and BALTIMORE, December 6, 2010 – Colliers International has further bolstered the rapid growth of its U.S. platform with the addition of Hearn Burkley, one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most highly regarded commercial real estate firms. Colliers International also announced that Baltimore’s top office brokerage team will join the organization.

Rebranded and operating as Colliers International, Hearn Burkley will transition from a growing regional powerhouse into a key hub for one of the world’s leading real estate organizations, with 15,000 employees operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion.

“With the addition of Hearn Burkley as part of the Colliers International platform, we continue our strategy to build our market share in the U.S.,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “The firm meets every criterion we look for when expanding into additional markets--it is the most client-centric and culturally-aligned firm in the Baltimore market, and is poised to continue its impressive record of growth as it fully embraces the Colliers International business model.”

With 55 professionals in Columbia, Maryland, the firm is focused on providing a full line of services to the Mid-Atlantic region, including brokerage and property management, development and consulting, and construction and engineering. Hearn Burkley currently manages 7 million square feet across more than 100 properties throughout the Baltimore region. “Aligning with Colliers International is the next logical step in our firm’s growth,” said Timothy R. Hearn, Hearn Burkley’s chief executive officer. “Last year’s acquisition of Corridor Reznick and our continuing investment in the business ideally positions us to become an important contributor to Colliers International on a local, regional and national level.”

The firm also announced that Gary Applestein and Clare Berrang, formerly of the Baltimore office of MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Services, will join Colliers International’s Baltimore operation. Recognized as one of the top office leasing teams in the Baltimore region, Applestein and Berrang will work from the company’s Columbia, MD location. The team has arranged several significant transactions including the sale of an 110,000-square-foot building for ADP, Inc. in Owings Mills, MD as well as leasing 160,000 square feet of medical office space adjacent to the Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, MD.

Colliers International Continues U.S. Growth with Addition of The Winbury Group in Kansas City

Building upon the explosive growth of its domestic operations, Colliers International today announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in Kansas City’s leading commercial real estate services firm, The Winbury Group. With today’s development, nine market leaders have integrated their operations into the third largest global player and rebranded as Colliers International over the past year.

By merging with Colliers International, The Winbury Group will immediately evolve from a locally owned top-performing operation to a key component of one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated real estate companies, with 15,000 employees operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion.

“With today’s news, we are continuing our systematic strategy to seize additional market share in the U.S.,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “Our U.S. continued expansion further solidifies our ability to provide the best service to our clients and the best career opportunities for our professionals. The Winbury Group is the clear market leader in greater Kansas City and we see very high alignment between the two firm’s cultures.”

Ted Murray, who serves as the CEO of The Winbury Group, adds: “After serving our clients for more than two decades throughout the Kansas City region and the country, we are thrilled to join Colliers International, a global industry leader. Our ongoing commitment to deliver the highest-quality commercial real estate services in the region will be significantly enhanced by this merger. Our clients will continue to rely on our local market knowledge and connections, but going forward they also will benefit from the national and international growth opportunities and resources of Colliers.”

The Winbury Group is a full-service commercial real estate firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. The firm also has an office in nearby Lawrence, Kansas. Founded in 1989, the firm currently boasts more than 100 employees and real estate advisors. During its 21 years in business, The Winbury Group has consistently delivered transaction, consulting, property and asset management services in addition to strategic planning expertise on behalf of both corporate and investment-grade clients, both on a local and national level.

About Colliers International
Colliers International is the third-largest commercial real estate services company in the world with 15,000 professionals operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), it focuses on accelerating success for its clients by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.

A Special Evening with Clients

I had the privilege of co-hosting several hundred clients and colleagues in San Francisco this past Wednesday. Colliers International was lead sponsor and host of an event on behalf of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, established by the former prime minister of the U.K. in 2008 to foster dialogue and understanding between people worldwide, regardless of cultural and religious differences.

The centerpiece of the evening was meeting Tony Blair himself, and later seeing him interviewed by Emmy-winning broadcast journalist Charlie Rose. It was evident from their immediate rapport that this is one of a series of conversations the two have had since Blair stepped down from government in 2007 to begin a new career as statesman and thinker—not just for the United Kingdom, but for the world as a whole.

That his ongoing work has shifted in part from politics to religion reflects what he views as a changing and increasingly globalized world. The 20th century’s defining conflicts were over political ideology; whereas those of the next century will arise from differences of religious and cultural ideology.

Blair is still a political figure, of course, given his continued involvement in the Middle East peace process, emerging governments in Africa, and climate change. But the compelling moments in the discussion transcended both politics and religion, and pointed to something greater that unifies us all: basic human values.

“The one thing that in our part of the world we need to understand is that when we talk about ‘Western values,’ like freedom and democracy, the rule of law, and a belief in basic social justice…these aren’t Western values. They’re values of the human spirit, and they’re the values that people anywhere choose, when they’re given the choice.”

Occasions like this are an opportunity to evaluate one’s own leadership, regardless of your profession. Being around Mr. Blair and engaging with him personally, you can really see how naturally he brings people together. He’s candid without being exclusionary, intelligent without being elitist, warm without being artificial. It’s inspiring how he has continued to grow and learn in his second career, free from the limitations of political office. Despite having achieved the highest political office in his country, and retaining it for a decade, he continues to add to his accomplishments and build on his experience. It is clear that Mr. Blair has demonstrated an enterprising spirit, and having him as a focal point of a gathering of Colliers International clients created an evening that was well received by all.

Industry Veteran Appointed Colliers International UK PLC CEO

Colliers International is pleased to announce that Tony Horrell has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer, UK and Ireland, effective immediately.

London-born, Tony began in the property industry as a graduate student and has a deep level of experience in the London office market and international capital markets. Before joining Colliers International, Tony was with Jones Lang LaSalle for over 27 years where he steadily grew and expanded their capital markets business. Prior to leaving the firm in 2009, Tony was International Director and Head of Capital Markets in Europe, a business of 450 professionals across 24 countries facilitating €35- 40 billion per year in sales, acquisitions and finance transactions.

As Chief Executive Officer, Tony will be responsible for the direction and growth of the Colliers International business and joins the company at an exciting time with the recent launch of the new Colliers International brand, an initiative signifying the unification of the Colliers business around the world.

Colliers International’s Chief Executive Officer, EMEA, Chris McLernon said: “Tony is the ideal fit for Colliers International. His passionate commitment to providing clients with exceptional service and track record of growing a national and regional business will help us grow the Colliers International business in the UK and Ireland to a top tier position.”

Tony commented: “I am delighted to be joining Colliers International at a time when there is an absolute passion to grow the business. The culture of the company to ‘go the extra mile’ and provide ideas and opportunities for clients matches my own enthusiasm for the industry.”

Colliers International Further Expands into the Charlotte Market

Colliers International has bolstered the unprecedented growth of its U.S. platform with the addition of one of Charlotte’s most highly regarded commercial real estate firms, Clarus Properties Inc. The firm also announced that two of Charlotte’s top commercial real estate professionals will join the organization.

As Colliers International, Clarus Properties will transition from being a regional player into a key component of one of the world’s leading real estate brands, with 15,000 employees operating out of more than 480 offices in 61 countries and with revenues of nearly $2 billion.

“We remain committed to our goal that Colliers International becomes the unparalleled market leader in the U.S.,” said Dylan Taylor, chief executive officer of Colliers International in the U.S. “In every recent instance where we’ve expanded our platform, it has been the most client-centric and culturally aligned firms in those markets that have combined forces with us. Clarus Properties is only the latest example of how Colliers International continues to attract the best that the industry has to offer.”

This latest arrival to the Colliers International platform brings the number of markets added in 2010 to nine.

Greg Copps, SIOR principal and cofounder of Clarus Properties, said: “After serving our clients under the Clarus Properties brand since 2005, we are excited to have joined global industry leader Colliers International. We’re also thrilled to have two of our market’s top professionals joining us as we embark upon this new era.

Lawrence Shaw. SIOR, also a principal and cofounder said: “As part of Colliers we will leverage our ongoing commitment to deliver the highest quality commercial real estate services in the region. Our clients will continue to rely on our local market expertise and relationships, while benefiting from the national and international growth opportunities and resources of Colliers International.”

The two brokerage professionals who have joined Colliers International’s new Charlotte office as partners are Brad Grow and Brent Royall. In addition, Edward “Teddy” Chapman, SIOR has been promoted internally to partner. Grant Miller rounds out the organization’s brokerage team.

Brad Grow most recently worked for Cassidy Turley, where he served as a senior vice president/principal in the firm’s Charlotte office. While working there, Grow was actively involved in leasing up projects owned by both institutional and regional developers. In 2008, the Charlotte Commercial Board of Realtors selected Grow as the second highest office leasing producer in the Charlotte market. Among the many clients that Grow has assisted are Lennar Homes, UBS, Pizzagalli Properties and Lord Baltimore Properties. Grow holds a SIOR designation.

Prior to entering the commercial real estate industry, Grow served as a Special Agent for the U.S. Secret Service, working on both protection-focused and investigative assignments.

Brent Royall has thirteen years of corporate real estate experience where his primary focus has been on office tenant representation. He most recently served as a Senior Vice President and office tenant broker at Keystone Partners, a Charlotte-based full service commercial real estate firm. Before Keystone, Royall also worked previously as an office tenant broker for both The Staubach Company and Lincoln Harris. Among the many clients that Royall has assisted are Wachovia, Doosan, Cisco Systems, Duke Energy, Koch Industries, and State Farm Automobile Insurance.

Royall is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. He also holds an MBA in Real Estate Finance and Development from The Belk College of Business at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Royall also holds designations from both SIOR and CCIM.

As a partner at Colliers International’s new Charlotte office, Teddy Chapman, SIOR will continue to specialize in industrial property transactions and assist his clients with a range of services including landlord and tenant representation, lease negotiations, site searches and acquisition/disposition assignments. Chapman has more than 10 years of experience working with industrial properties in multiple markets around the country.

Greg Copps and Lawrence Shaw – whose working relationship spans 17 years – along with Kirsten Patterson established Clarus Properties in 2005. The team has more than 80 years of combined commercial real estate experience representing both tenants and landlords in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Notable clients include Lord Baltimore Properties, Service Express, Arvato Services (formerly BMG Music), Weston, Verus Partners, Ross Stores and Home Depot.

Earlier this year, Colliers International announced that it combined operations and global real estate services platforms with FirstService Real Estate Advisors. Since then, the organization has embarked on an extensive rebranding effort in which all its local operations have adopted the Colliers International name and branding. Clarus Properties will do the same.

Colliers International has expanded its platform in eight other markets in addition to Charlotte this year alone, including Raleigh-Durham, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Long Island and Nashville.