Knight Frank LLP, the leading independent global property consultancy, has expanded its German operations with the recruitment of a well established and leading commercial real estate team to open its second office in Germany.
The Company will open its Munich office at Prinzregentenstrasse 22, in the heart of Munich's Central Business District on 1 October 2007. It will provide commercial property agency, investment and valuations services and employ nine staff.
Knight Frank has appointed five leading Munich property specialists, all of whom join from DTZ's Munich office. Helmut Schüchl (41) will be appointed Managing Director from 1 November 2007 following 11 years with DTZ. Ralf Mejovsek (39) joins as Director, Investment; and Daniel Czibulas (36), as Director, Agency, after nine and seven years with DTZ respectively. Their experienced colleagues Michael Wagenmann (30) and Tanja Faulhammer (36) also join the team. In addition, Horst Litschel (38), joins as accountant formerly from DTZ.
Three members from Knight Frank's London based European Valuations team will relocate to Munich. Emma Colebrook (28), Daniel Woodhouse (31) and Sebastian Merkle (27), will centrally manage the German Valuations business from Munich.
Joachim von Radecke (34), who is part of and remains in Knight Frank's London based European Investment team, will be further assisting the Munich team for international and cross border investment activity.
The move is in line with Knight Frank's three year European growth strategy which focuses on Continental Europe and the anticipated opening of two new offices per year and the doubling of both turnover and profit.
Chris Bell, managing director Europe, Knight Frank said: "One of the first priorities in our European expansion strategy has been to focus on Germany. This is as a result of our clients' requirements, and the country's real estate market, economy and size. Coupled with our already well-established Frankfurt office, the opening in Munich, with an exceptionally strong and unrivalled team, will further add to meeting the demands of both our local and global clients. It is always paramount to hire the right people who will complement Knight Frank's values, who know the importance for professional consultancy and of course, the market. The team's local knowledge will be a significant advantage to our clients. Knight Frank's tight European network will enhance the cross border activity and bring a crucial competitive advantage."
The news follows Knight Frank's recent European acquisition of one of Ireland's leading property consultancies, Ganly Walters, which is to the fore in commercial property services and amongst the top three specialists in fine country property, quality Dublin and overseas residential property. The 40 plus strong team joined Knight Frank's European Commercial office network in May 2007.
Source: Knight Frank
