MADISON, N.J. and VIENNA, May 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it has signed a 25-year franchise agreement with Laguna F&Z Immobilien GmbH. to further expand the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand in Europe with the opening of Austria Sotheby’s International Realty.
Austria Sotheby’s International Realty, led by owner Wilhelm Zirngast and Chief Executive Officer Georges Luks, will serve the luxury residential real estate market throughout the country from the flagship office located in Vienna. The firm has future plans for additional offices in the cities of Graz and Kitzbühel.
"Austria is an attractive market for luxury homebuyers in Central Europe," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. "For those who appreciate architecture, the capital city of Vienna is graced with an inspiring baroque style, while the landscape throughout the rest of the country varies from elegant city living, to country estates and vineyards, to mountain ski chalets, offering something for everyone. I am proud to welcome Austria Sotheby’s International Realty to our global network."
"We have an exceptional team of sales professionals who are dedicated to delivering the best service to our clients," said Luks. "Our approach is built on respect, proven marketing methods and a client-based approach. We are delighted to affiliate with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in Austria and we endeavor to surpass even the most exacting demands by providing added value and service in a friendly, transparent, informative, proactive and accommodating manner."
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 20,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 880 offices in 69 countries and territories worldwide. In 2016, the brand achieved a record global sales volume of $95 billion USD. Austria Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.
About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.
CONTACT
David Russell
Director, International Marketing and Public Relations
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
175 Park Avenue
Madison, NJ 07940
+44 208 123 1959
David.Russell@sothebysrealty.com
sothebysrealty.com
George Luks
Chief Executive Office
Austria Sotheby’s International Realty
Parkring 4 Bel Etage 1010
Vienna, Austria
+43 13431000
georges.luks@austriasothebysrealty.com
SOURCE Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
