Savills

Savills plc

File:Savillslogo.PNG
Company type	Public (LSE: SVS)
Industry	Estate agents
Founded	1855
Headquarters	20 Grosvenor Hill, London, W1K 3HQ
Key people	Jeremy Helsby CEO Simon Shaw CFO Peter Smith Chairman
Revenue	£560.7 million (2009)
Operating income	£10.9 million (2009)
Net income	£9.2 million (2009)
Number of employees	19,000 (2010)
Website	www.savills.com

Savills plc is a global real estate services provider listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SVS) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. They have an international network of more than 200 offices and associates throughout the Americas, the UK, continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, offering a broad range of specialist property advisory, management and transactional services to clients all over the world.

History

1855 - Savills founded Alfred Savill (1829 - 1905) set up business at 27 Rood Lane, EC3, in 1855 as 'Savill and Son'.

1870s The business moved to 3 St Helen's Place, which belonged to the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers' estates (was a subtenant). Alfred was already retained as professional adviser to a number of Essex lordships.

1900s At the time of Alfred's death in 1905, his sons Alfred, Edwin and (Henry) Norman, were already firmly established in partnership although located in the City, its practice remained largely agricultural.

First world war Within weeks of war breaking out, Edwin Savill was appointed by the War Office to assess compensation to landowners in Essex and Suffolk for loss of or damage to properties. When the War Losses Commission called in two valuers to assist them, one was Edwin Savill.

1920s The firm moved to 51a Lincoln's Inn Fields. Their new office was near enough to the City to enable them to maintain their existing contracts, and had the advantage of being among the trustee solicitors who were bringing them new business.

Second world war The firm dispersed: junior staff were called up to serve, Norman Savill – along with vital records – went to Wimborne in Dorset. The firm’s architects worked from the Woking office. Norman Savill aside, the Partners stayed at the Lincoln’s Inn Field office.

1950s The firm merged with Rees-Reynold and Hunt, rating surveyors and specialist advisors on commercial property investment. This was in line with Alfred’s strategy of expanding into new service lines.

1960s 63 Lincoln's Inn Fields became the headquarters. In tune with the times, a raft of new young partners were admitted.

1970s The firm is re-branded as Savills. 58 partners operate from head office and 15 country offices in England and Wales.

1980s Savills becomes a limited company in 1988 and obtains a full listing on the London Stock Exchange, and became Savills plc in 1988.

1990s Savills consolidated its growing presence in Asia by joining forces with First Pacific Davies to become FPD Savills in 1997. Savills acquired a majority shareholding in the Spanish, German and French companies previously trading as Weatherall Green & Smith.

2000-2010 As Savills plc, the company moved into the FTSE 250 London Stock Exchange listing in 2000, Savills also acquired First Pacific Co. in April of that year. Acquired a 50% stake in Korean Asset Advisors and BHP Korea in 2000. Hamilton Osborne King is acquired in Ireland. Hepher Dixon, a specialist planning and regeneration practice. Jeremy Helsby was appointed as Group Chief Executive of Savills plc on 7 May 2008.

Operations

The Company has around 200 offices and associates throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

External links

• Official website