JLL has announced a merger with boutique London agency W.A.Ellis.
Operating since 1868 with a particular focus on prime residential in Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Belgravia, W.A.Ellis comprises six equity partners. Five will take up key roles within the JLL agency, while the sixth, James Wilson, moves his team into the existing residential valuation business.
JLL head of residential Andrew Frost will continue to lead the residential business in the UK, while Lucy Morton will join the residential executive board to lead the agency business.
The deal will bolster JLL’s residential capability in the central London market.
Under the terms, W.A.Ellis will become part of the JLL group, with offices and employees integrating with immediate effect. However, it will continue to operate from its office in Brompton Road and under the established W.A.Ellis brand for a period.
Guy Grainger, JLL chief executive officer for the UK, said: “We are marrying a well-established and highly respected agency business with a global platform and this is a decision that fits with our wider strategy, making it a sensible and forward-thinking partnership for all involved.”
Lucy Morton, senior partner at W.A.Ellis, added: “We see this as the coming together of two great companies who are culturally aligned and fully believe both will benefit from the partnership. Combining our second-to-none knowledge of this market with JLL’s global platform will ensure we are leaders in prime sales, lettings and investment for the benefit of all clients and staff.”
