Erinaceous Group, NAI Global Join Forces

LONDON-NAI Global CEO Jeffrey Finn calls the firm “a rising star” in Europe, and now Erinaceous Group plc has joined the international real estate network’s universe as its United Kingdom representative. Part of a UK-based conglomerate also prevalent in insurance and other businesses, the Erinaceous Group’s CRE arm has become a major force this decade, and is poised for additional growth, according to Finn. NAI’s network now encompasses more than 350 offices in 45 countries.

The designation comes after last year’s sale of NAI’s previous affiliate and an in-depth search to find a replacement. “We are delighted with the result,” Finn tells GlobeSt.com. “This is an ideal fit for us.” NAI was enticed by the broad nature of Erinaceous’ capabilities and the firm’s geographic reach, says Finn.

Founded just eight years ago, Erinaceous has 50 UK offices and 5,000 staffers offering expertise in everything from asset management and development to leasing, property management and investment sales. The latter arena, says Finn, was “a particular strength” of Erinaceous piquing his organization’s interest, with NAI seeking to increase its production in that field. About 25% of NAI Global’s 2006 revenues of $40 billion was generated from investment sales, Finn estimates, and Erinaceous principal Stuart Hicks says his company is eager to expand that line as well.