London, 2nd December 2011
Today sees the launch of Merrick Real Estate (Merrick) into the UK and international commercial real estate market.
Merrick Real Estate is an Advisory and Asset Management business focussed on the creation of value across all the major property sectors. This includes offices, retail, industrial, mixed use and residential investments and projects. It is positioned to do this through the provision of high end consultancy services combined with hands-on active asset management.
Mark Norris, Managing Director of Merrick (who formerly headed up Capita’s Real Estate division), left Capita in September to set up the business. He has put together a team of hand-picked professionals and corporate partners who are recognised leaders in their respective fields. They include Richard Linnell, formerly Head of London Investment for Land Securities, Martin Fleishman, specialising in mainstream retail schemes and asset management, and Mark Johnstone, ex Cushman and Wakefield who is focussed on the financial analysis and modelling of investments, developments and asset management opportunities.
Within its positioning strategy, Merrick has also aligned itself with private equity and investment funds enabling financing to be brought into its projects in combination with its Advisory and Asset Management expertise.
Commenting on the launch Mark Norris said, “Against the background of an austere UK economy, tough lending conditions and uncertain property values it may seem a challenging time to launch a new business into the real estate market. However, I firmly believe this is a time of significant opportunity. Investors, corporate occupiers, banks and other players will be keen to explore new ways and ideas to make and/or save money in commercial real estate. This is what Merrick Real Estate is all about. Furthermore, in light of the continuing consolidation in the UK property consultancy and services market, it is not necessarily the case that ‘biggest is best’. Merrick’s high quality, agile, cost effective team is a compelling choice for any client embarking on or involved with a real estate investment strategy, initiative or project’.
Merrick is currently advising on a number of projects including international investors seeking to capitalise on specific investments in London and the South East, medium term asset management opportunities, and UK-wide corporate property portfolios undergoing business change.