Jellis Craig and Bennison Mackinnon merge to form boutique Melbourne agency
Melbourne real estate groups Jellis Craig and Bennison Mackinnon have merged their operations to form a boutique Stonnington group servicing the upmarket inner south east suburbs of South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, Toorak, Armadale, Kooyong, Glen Iris, Malvern and Malvern East.
Jellis Craig Bennison Mackinnon is aiming to be the dominant group in the municipality of Stonnington and to have stronger representation in Richmond and on the Mornington Peninsula.
The combined group will have 350 staff operating across a 13 office network.
The co-branded component of the merger will include combined offices in Armadale, South Yarra, Richmond and Sorrento and will launch on April 15 2013.
Jellis Craig CEO Nick Dowling told Property Observer this was a "one off merger" that perfectly complimented where both agencies are geographically strong.
He added that both agencies are also well-aligned culturally.
The four co-branded offices will include new signage featuring both brands with Bennison Mackinnon colours predominent.
Dowling says this is a mark of respect for the "rich heritage" that both brands carry and to show that it is a "genuine merger".
The remaining nine offices will continue to operate under the Jellis Craig banner.
“Bennison Mackinnon and Jellis Craig each have a rich and successful heritage in residential sales and property management collectively spanning more than 50 years. Joining forces will further cement our dominant market positions across our key geographic areas,” says Dowling.
CEO of Bennison Mackinnon group Andrew McCann will join the Jellis Craig board.
McCann says the combined group will have access to a significantly increased referral network, client database and technology platform.
“Together we are creating a formidable force within the inner south eastern suburbs of Melbourne while further strengthening our operations in Richmond and Sorrento. We will be focusing on increasing our strong positions in these markets as well as ensuring we are well positioned to capitalise on new growth opportunities.”
