In the world of commercial real estate, finding a reliable brokerage firm is crucial. These companies provide valuable services to investors, owners, and tenants, offering market insight, specialized expertise, and premier resources. From purchasing and selling to leasing and consulting, commercial real estate brokerage firms cater to individual needs and requirements.
While hundreds of commercial real estate companies operate globally, we have compiled a list of the largest and most influential brokerages in the industry. These firms have been ranked based on factors such as the number of employees, global transaction value, annual revenue, and annual EBITDA.
Publicly traded commercial real estate companies
CBRE
CBRE Group, Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, is the largest commercial real estate services and investment firm in the world. With over 90,000 employees and more than 480 offices worldwide, CBRE offers an extensive range of integrated services. These include facilities management, property leasing, investment management, appraisal and valuation, and strategic consulting.
CBRE - The world's largest commercial real estate company.
- Employees: 90,000
- 2017 total value of global transactions: $337B
- 2018 Annual revenue: $21.3B (14% increase from 2017)
- 2018 annual EBITDA: $1.5B (5% increase from 2017)
Website: www.cbre.com
JLL
JLL, based in Chicago, is a leading commercial real estate professional services firm. With operations in over 80 countries and nearly 300 corporate offices, JLL has a global workforce of 88,000 professionals. The company specializes in delivering integrated commercial real estate services based on sound market research and relevant knowledge.
JLL - A leading commercial real estate professional services firm.
- Employees: 88,000
- 2017 total value of global transactions: $252B
- 2018 Annual revenue: $16.3B (13% increase from 2017)
- 2018 annual EBITDA: $92M (24% increase from 2017)
Website: www.jll.com
Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield is a global commercial real estate firm with approximately 51,000 employees in 70 countries. The company provides exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners through core services such as property management, project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation. In 2018, Cushman & Wakefield recorded revenue of $8.2 billion.
Cushman & Wakefield - A global commercial real estate firm.
- Employees: 51,000
- 2016 total value of global transactions: $191B
- 2018 Annual revenue: $8.2B (19% increase from 2017)
- 2018 annual EBITDA: $659M (25% increase from 2017)
Website: www.cushmanwakefield.com
Newmark Knight Frank
Newmark Knight Frank (NKF) is one of the world's leading commercial real estate advisory firms. With offices in the United States and partnerships across the globe, NKF operates with a team of 15,000 professionals. The firm offers comprehensive services in established and emerging property markets, focusing on collaboration and expertise.
Newmark Knight Frank - A leading commercial real estate advisory firm.
- Employees: 15,000
- 2017 total value of global transactions: $151B
- 2017 Annual revenue: $1.5B (18% increase from 2016)
- 2017 adjusted annual EBITDA: $373M (72% increase from 2016)
Website: www.ngkf.com
Colliers International
Colliers International Group Inc. is a global commercial real estate company with a presence in 68 countries. With a team of 17,000 skilled professionals, Colliers provides a full range of services to real estate occupiers, owners, and investors worldwide. Their expertise spans property sales, leasing, finance, project management, valuation, customized research, and thought leadership consulting.
Colliers International - A global commercial real estate company.
- Employees: 17,000
- 2018 total value of global transactions: $116.3B
- 2018 Annual revenue: $2.8B (16% increase from 2017)
- 2018 annual EBITDA: $280M (27% increase from 2017)
Website: www2.colliers.com
Savills
Savills is a global commercial real estate services provider with a network of more than 35,000 professionals in over 600 offices worldwide. Headquartered in London, Savills advises corporate, institutional, and private clients in acquiring, leasing, developing, and realizing the value of residential and commercial properties. In 2018, their annual revenue reached £1.76 billion.
Savills - A global commercial real estate services provider.
- Employees: 35,000
- 2017 total value of global transactions: $82.9B
- 2018 Annual revenue: £1.76B (10% increase from 2017)
- 2018 annual EBITDA: £143.7M (2% increase from 2017)
Website: www.savills.com
Marcus & Millichap
Marcus & Millichap is the largest firm specializing in real estate investment sales and financing. With over 80 offices and nearly 2,000 professionals across the United States and Canada, they are renowned for their long-term relationships and collaborative culture. Marcus & Millichap caters to a wide range of clients, from small businesses to large corporate users and institutional investors.
Marcus & Millichap - The largest firm in real estate investment sales and financing.
- Employees: 35,000
- 2017 total value of global transactions: $42.2B
- 2018 Annual revenue: $814.8M (13.2% increase from 2017)
- 2018 annual EBITDA: $119M (18% increase from 2017)
Website: www.marcusmillichap.com
HFF
HFF is a commercial real estate capital intermediary that incorporates capital markets knowledge with local real estate expertise. With a "one-stop shop" approach, HFF offers a comprehensive range of services, including debt placement, investment advisory, equity placement, funds marketing, M&A and corporate advisory, loan sales, and loan servicing. Over the years, HFF has been actively involved in some of the largest real estate transactions.
HFF - A leading commercial real estate capital intermediary.
- Employees: 1,000
- 2017 total value of global transactions: $34.4B
- 2018 Annual revenue: $662M (9% increase from 2017)
- 2018 annual EBITDA: $119M (2% decrease from 2017)
Website: www.hfflp.com
Conclusion
Commercial real estate brokerages play a vital role in the industry, offering comprehensive services to investors, owners, and tenants. The firms mentioned in this article are among the largest and most reputable in the field, providing exceptional value and expertise to clients worldwide. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, lease, or invest, these brokerages are well-equipped to meet your commercial real estate needs.
Sources: National Real Estate Investor Online: 2018 Top Brokers, Macrotrends
