Sotheby's International Realty Brand Continues Growth in Japan

By: Sotheby's International Realty | 2 Shares 92 Reads

MADISON, NJ and TOKYO, JAPAN - (Marketwired - Dec 6, 2013) - Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that JS International Inc., which owns Japan Sotheby's International Realty, is converting six locations of its related company, List Co. Ltd., across Tokyo and Kanagawa to operate under the Sotheby's International Realty® brand. These offices will do business as List Sotheby's International Realty.

Hisashi Kitami serves as chief executive officer of the firm. Japan Sotheby's International Realty will continue to operate under that name in Hiroo.

"I am pleased this strong network of offices in the metropolitan areas of Tokyo and Yokohama will be part of the Sotheby's International Realty global network," said Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC. "Strengthening our brand's presence in Japan has been one of our core objectives, and this strategic expansion marks the largest growth we've witnessed so far in the Asia Pacific region. Under Kitami's leadership, List Sotheby's International Realty will combine Japan Sotheby's International Realty's existing expertise in luxury residential properties globally with List's dedication in delivering real estate solutions to the Japanese market and beyond."

Kitami and his team will focus on the area's luxury homes and apartments, prime resorts and vacation residences. "When we initially obtained the exclusive rights to the brand for Japan, we were interested in its unique business model and felt the well-coordinated global support and network would be an advantage in helping us expand our real estate business globally with customer confidence," Kitami said. "We believe our growth with this brand will allow us to reach high-end customers even more effectively in both domestic and global markets. I am very excited about this opportunity and looking forward to taking full advantage of the Sotheby's International Realty network and contributing to the vitalization of the Asian markets."

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has nearly 14,000 sales associates located in approximately 680 offices in 49 countries and territories worldwide. List Sotheby's International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm's brokers and clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby's auction house and worldwide Sotheby's International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby's International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

Contact:

Kay Lee
Director, International Marketing, Asia
Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC
m + 852.9851.5333
t + 1.973.407.4953
f + 1.866.746.2429

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