Printer Friendly Version
Orvis and C&W Form New Global Real Estate Venture Specializing in Premier Recreational Properties
2 Jun, 2005, Manchester, VT
The Orvis Company and Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. jointly announced today the formation of
Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield Ranch and Recreational Properties, LLC, a new company
specializing in the worldwide marketing and sale of investment-quality ranch and recreational
properties. John B. Watson, of Westcliffe, Colorado, has been named president & CEO.
Company headquarters will be located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In a 50/50 joint venture between the two companies, Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield will combine
the sporting traditions of Orvis with the global real estate expertise of Cushman &
Wakefield. This combination of skill sets will drive the two founding principles of the new
venture: representing only the world's finest properties as judged by recreational and
investment qualities; and committing to conservation and responsible land use.
Orvis executive vice president David D. Perkins said, "We are excited about the
opportunities of bringing our worldwide reach and brand integrity to the marketing of the ranch
and recreational gems that often get only local or regional coverage."
Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield will have three board members from each organization, plus three
outside board members. In addition, Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield president John Watson will
draw on the resources each organization brings to the venture.
"Orvis provides us with an unparalleled degree of authenticity and knowledge as it applies
to the sporting lifestyle and conservation," said Mr. Watson. "In addition, they
bring a wide array of customer touchpoints - direct mail, retail stores and e-commerce - by
which to foster brand recognition and market properties. Cushman & Wakefield is unrivaled
in the commercial real estate services business, and their depth of experience and vast global
organization put Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield in a singular position within the ranch and
recreational real estate business."
Cushman & Wakefield vice chairman Louis B. Cushman, chairman of the venture, agrees.
"This is a new way of thinking about ranch and recreational properties. Until now, the
recreational property sector was made up of a handful of local and regional brokerages. The
launch of Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield brings with it a unique perspective to this industry
sector that combines sophisticated marketing and unsurpassed customer service with global
reach. That's what makes this enterprise so exciting, and why I expect it to be immensely
successful."
"Cushman & Wakefield and Orvis do not lend their unmatched brands lightly," said
Bruce E. Mosler, president and CEO of Cushman & Wakefield. "In forming this joint
venture, Cushman & Wakefield is excited to partner with the best to satisfy the
recreational real estate requirements of the most discerning clients."
"This is the latest example of our diversifying our business," Mr. Mosler
added.
The establishment of this groundbreaking venture allows both Orvis and Cushman & Wakefield
to serve its clients in new and exciting areas - and supports each firm's contributions to
corporate social responsibility in helping sustain the environment for future
generations.
For more information about the company, or to see the current listings, visit
www.orviscw.com.
The Orvis Company, based in Manchester, Vermont, is synonymous with the distinctive country
lifestyle, offering products and services ranging from men's and women's apparel, fly-fishing
gear, luggage and furniture, to fully constructed log homes. Founded in 1856, the company mails
50 million catalogs per year, owns 29 retail stores across the country, has a network of 500
dealers worldwide, and owns a subsidiary, Orvis UK, serving the United Kingdom and Europe with
consumer-direct, retail and dealer businesses. Truly a distinctive lifestyle brand, Orvis also
offers fly-fishing and wingshooting schools, has a network of endorsed fishing and hunting
lodges throughout North America, and offers luxury travel adventures to exotic locations
throughout the world. To find out more, visit the Orvis website at www.orvis.com.
*****
Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. is the world's premier real
estate services firm. Founded in 1917, the company has over 1,500 brokerage professionals out
of more than 11,000 employees in 175 offices (78 in the U.S.) in 50 countries on six
continents. Cushman & Wakefield delivers integrated solutions by actively advising,
implementing and managing, on behalf of landlords, tenants and investors, through every stage
of the real estate process. These solutions include helping clients to buy, sell, finance,
lease and manage assets. The firm also provides valuation advice, strategic planning and
research, portfolio analysis, and site selection and space location assistance, among many
other advisory services. To find out more about Cushman & Wakefield, call
800-376-3133.
John B. Watson is president & CEO of Orvis/Cushman & Wakefield Ranch and Recreational
Properties, LLC. Prior to its formation, he was president for 13 years of Watson Land Company,
a brokerage specializing in high-value ranch and mountain properties in Colorado. Watson was a
real estate broker for 12 years in Los Angeles with Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. and Cushman
Realty Corporation. He began his business career as a CPA for five years with Price Waterhouse
& Co. in Honolulu, Hawaii. Watson can be reached at 888-541-4300 or
watsonj@orviscw.com.
back to real estate News & Events
|