Naples, FL (July 30, 2007) – After launching a Florida-based franchise operation only a few months ago, officials with the Naples headquarters operation of Engel & Völkers have already signed franchise agreements with several real estate professionals across the state. Those efforts gained even greater significance when the Punta Gorda franchise that opened in late June became the 300th real estate shop within this fast growing global network. Almost every 100 hours Engel & Völkers is opening a property shop somewhere in the world.
The milestone opening was one of the highlights reported at a recent gathering of Engel & Völkers’ franchisees from around the world held in Spain mid-July.
Engel & Völkers Group, one of the world’s leading companies for the sale of premium real estate, reports total revenues to date for 2007 have grown 56% - to 72.8 million euros - well above the total 46.8 million euros earned during the comparable six-month reporting period for 2006.
Florida is now an integral part of the ever-expanding international Engel & Völkers network. Since spring, more than a dozen franchise agreements have been contracted in Central and South Florida. Those locations include Florida’s first, the newly opened property shop in Punta Gorda, FL. that is owned by real estate professionals and franchise partners Hilde Block and Greg Loomis. The downtown Punta Gorda shop is located at 403 Sullivan St., in the Swiss Connections Building.
As of mid-year, the 274 residential property shops and the 26 commercial offices located worldwide employ approximately 2,170 staff.
“We are expecting similarly strong growth in the second half of the year, due to the strong performance of our current operations and the fact that at least two new Engel & Völkers shops or offices are currently being opened every week,” said the founder and CEO, Christian Völkers.
Among Engel & Völkers Group’s global locations are South Hampton, England, Ireland, Italy, Chile, Spain, Switzerland, South Africa and more. The Hamburg, Germany-based Engel & Völkers Group represents a worldwide brand with hundreds of locations in 26 countries and five continents.
“Our efforts to introduce this very successful real estate franchise to Florida have only just begun. We are extremely pleased with the response we’ve already received from franchise owners, and others who are interested in joining this network,” said Timo Khammash, managing partner and head of franchise distribution for the Engel & Voelkers Florida headquarters office. “It was a special honor to have the 300th opening here in Punta Gorda, positioning this Florida location among its counterparts in Europe, Asia, Australia, South Africa and worldwide.”
For information about Florida franchise opportunities, contact Timo Khammash at (941) 544-2829 or go to www.engelvoelkers.com/
The Engel & Völkers Group
The Engel & Völkers Group was established more than 20 years ago in the western suburbs of Hamburg, Germany as a purely residential estate agency. Today the Engel & Völkers Group has achieved a leading position in the European market and a prominent position in the global luxury real estate market.
Engel & Völkers provides real estate brokerage services for both buyers and sellers, focusing on upscale residential and commercial properties in top locations worldwide. Its proprietary buyer and seller system offers advanced technology that connects property shops throughout the world. Extensive training and support is provided for all franchises.
Engel & Völkers Group also publishes its own lifestyle and real estate magazine, known as Grund Genug in Europe and GG in English-speaking countries. It focuses on luxury living, exclusive destinations and famous artists, designers and business leaders plus features magnificent Engel & Völkers properties from around the world.
Engel & Voelkers Florida serves as the master franchise headquarters for Florida, providing statewide support to franchisees to ensure they have all of the necessary tools and services they require to develop, manage and grow successful real estate agencies within a clearly defined sub-market.
MEDIA CONTACT for interviews, information or images:
Mary Lou Janson, mary_lou_j@hotmail.com, 813-361-1061 or 813-251-5737,
www.maryloujanson.com.
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