THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
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Warren Buffett firm announces Franchise Deal with London Estate Agent
The Berkshire Hathaway brand will work with London's Kay & Co
www.kayandco.com
US Based firm Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, owned and run by American billionaire Warren Buffett, has announced an expansion of its franchise network into the London market by signing an agreement with London luxury estate agent, Kay & Co.
The London entity, to be known as Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Kay & Co from November 2018, will be the second Global Franchisee of the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services network. Discussing the development, the network's president and CEO, Gino Blefari, commented that "London has been among our highest priorities as a key center for international business and an attractive market for global capital looking to invest in property". Mr Blefari went on to say that "We are thrilled to enter the market with Kay & Co, a brokerage known for exceptional leadership, knowledgeable, tenured agents and relentless client service. As important, the company’s core values and growth aspirations match those of our own, steeped in trust, integrity, stability and longevity."
Kay & Co was founded in London in 1982 by Chairman Samuel Bikhit. The firm works in a number of prestigious London districts, including Mayfair, Hyde Park, Marylebone, Regent’s Park, King’s Cross and the West End. Mr Bikhit said "We are proud to bring the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand to London ... We believe Londoners and our many American clients in the city will embrace the brand and understand its marketing appeal."
Martin Bikhit, Kay & Co's Managing Director, added that "We believe there will be a surge of home-buyer interest in areas across central London, driven by the arrival of global tech giants Apple in Battersea Power Station, Twitter in Soho, Instagram and Snap – the parent company of Snapchat – in Fitzrovia and Google and Facebook in King’s Cross ... These companies and others have made informed decisions to establish hubs in London. Their employees will need homes in the months and years ahead, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Kay & Co will be ready to help."
Kay & Co will commemorate its brand membership in November at a gala celebration in London attended by agents, guests and representatives from Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.
