by Brianna Crandall — May 9, 2011—Cushman & Wakefield announced May 4 that in line with its strategy to expand and align its FM services globally, it has acquired full ownership of a joint venture, Corporate Occupier Solutions (COS), formed with EC Harris in 2006. As of May 1, 2011, the joint venture ceased to exist and the FM business became part of the firm’s global Corporate Occupier & Investor Services (CIS) division in EMEA.
The joint venture was formed to provide integrated facility, project, and transaction and asset management services to corporate real estate clients across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The joint venture manages corporate real estate services for corporate clients in nearly 800 buildings across more than 50 countries with 130 staff.
Following a strategic review by both partners, it was agreed that a single ownership model would provide the focus required and global scale to continue to develop and grow the business and secure new contacts. There will be no disruption to existing clients, and all employees will become part of Cushman & Wakefield’s CIS division, says the company.
EC Harris will continue to provide support to specific COS clients in line with current arrangements and plans to further expand its property operations and facilities management services to corporate real estate clients in its own right through its market-leading management consultancy, project and FM services.
