Vendôme Rome already has a controlling interest inAuguste-Thouard in France and Mller International in Germany aswell as stakes in brokers in Spain and Belgium, giving it apowerful pan-European presence. Speaking from Paris, MichelMoubayed, Head of Groupe Vendôme Rome said: 'While others in ourmarket have sought to create global networks and strategicalliances, we have chosen to establish a single business, combiningthe leading real estate companies in five major Europeanterritories.'

Greg Cooke, ex-Senior partner of Weatheralls become chairman ofthe new UK operation with a seat on the main executive board of thenew European group. Richard Baldwin, formerly managing partner,becomes UK Managing Director. The dominant language of the newgroup will be English, and in addition to his main boardresponsibilities, Cooke has been asked to lead on the group'smarketing and communications initiatives. He said he expected toroll out a new corporate brand and identity shortly.