International real estate advisor Savills has announced the formation of a strategic alliance with 5th Avenue Properties, South Africa - a property broking firm specialising in transaction management, advisory and corporate real estate services.  The arrangement will see Savills UK and European businesses working with 5th Avenue Properties on international corporate services across South and Southern Africa in the office and industrial sectors. 

5th Avenue Properties was established in 1988.  Over the past couple of years the firm has concluded leasing and sales transactions with amongst others, The Bank of China, Wrigley's, Vodacom, Sumitomo Bank, AMB Capital, Nestle, DB Thermal, PPC, MTN and Avon Justine. The firm is headquartered in Johannesburg and operates across Southern and South Africa partnering Savills existing residential associate Pam Golding with a collective network of 250 offices.

Mark Ridley, CEO of Savills UK, comments: "Over the past 12-18 months, we have seen a significant increase in interest from our Corporate Real Estate clients for a presence in the emerging markets in Africa.  In particular the oil and gas industry, pharmaceuticals and financial sectors all have expansion plans in this area.  5th Avenue will offer our commercial clients a premier property advisory service in South Africa, providing the right service lines and geographical reach."

Mark Latham, Director of 5th Avenue added: "The primary benefit of this strategic alliance between our companies is the unparalleled service delivery platform in Africa that has been created as a result. Our existing and future clients are able to access the highest standards of global best practice and extensive local market knowledge, as well as draw on the significant combined experience of our teams. We are able to offer an ideal infrastructure, the first of its kind in South Africa and Africa, which will allow for the delivery of superior real estate solutions in a professional and consistent manner - regardless of geography."

Indeed, the partnership between Savills UK and 5th Avenue Properties in South Africa will take both companies' capabilities to exciting new levels in the African real estate markets. This agreement will effectively open doors for corporate investment and services into South Africa as a launch-pad into Africa, as well as define new channels for outbound South African and African investment into the rest of the globe.