"It is important for us to establish strong coverage of the major markets in Canada as part of our global services platform, and J.J. Barnicke is the best Canadian firm in the business," says Stephen B. Siegel, chairman and chief executive officer of Insignia/ESG. "Over the years, Insignia and J.J. Barnicke have collaborated on many assignments, serving companies such as Bank of Nova Scotia, Mack Truck Canada, McGraw-Hill, Tellabs, and others."

The Canadian firm will be known as J.J. Barnicke Insignia and will serve as the exclusive representative for I/ESG throughout Canada. In return, Barnicke has access to Insignia's Global platform. "Joe Barnicke and his team share our operating philosophy, values and commitment to excellence," says Insignia/ESG president Ron Uretta. "Our clients will be well served in Canada, as Barnicke's clients will be throughout the rest of the world," he said.

"Through this collaboration with Insignia, we will be able to better serve our Canadian clients who need real estate representation in the United States and on an international level," agrees Joseph J. Barnicke, founder and chairman of J.J. Barnicke Limited. "We also expect to increase sharply our deal-flow from the United States."