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

Printer Friendly Version