"This acquisition is a strategic move to help us advance toward our goal of being the largest commercial real estate company in the Northeast," explains John G. Udell, president of Weichert Commercial Brokerage Inc. "Hirschman's range of brokerage and consulting services will benefit our clients and customers and help us grow. This acquisition is part of our commitment to extend our market area and diversify."

The Paramus, NJ-based Hirschman Realty Cos. is comprised of an integrated group of real estate companies that includes David Hirschman Realty Co., founded by David Hirschman in 1976. It also includes C.B. Snyder Realty, a 75-year-old company acquired by Hirschman in the mid-90's, as well as a property management company.

With the acquisition, Hirschman's Paramus home base will become a regional office of Weichert. Besides its headquarters office in Morris Plains, Weichert Commercial itself has regional offices in Piscataway, Tinton Falls and Fort Lee, NJ, and in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley region.

Last year, Weichert Commercial had restructured itself as part of its ongoing effort to grow its presence. According to Udell, "our reorganization plan includes strengthening the existing divisions while expanding our service to such areas as Bergen, Passaic, Hudson and Essex counties in New Jersey, and Rockland County, NY. The acquisition of Hirschman complements that."

"After building our companies from the ground up, I'm pleased to bring our company to a new level of recognition and broaden our market area," says David Hirschman. He will continue to oversee the Paramus operation as senior vice president and branch manager.

"I have a long history with David Hirschman," adds W. Joshua Levering, executive vice president of Weichert's office division. "Even before he was located in Paramus, I was doing business with him in Bergen County and surrounding areas. We have already begun using our respective expertise to grow our business."

For its part, Weichert Commercial's 75 brokers have closed more than 2,000 transactions in recent years, according to Udell. It operates as an affiliate of Weichert, Realtors, the home sales powerhouse with 9,000 sales associates in more than 200 offices.