UK Sotheby’s International Reality is launching a billionaire’s division giving the world’s super-rich one single point of contact when they wish to acquire luxury assets globally.
The new division, called The Family Office, will enable a billionaire client to buy or sell a mansion, villa or penthouse as well as the related luxury assets such as the artwork and sculptures for the interiors, luxury cars, white gloved staff and security personnel.
STRATEGIC MOVE
One source close to the deal tells Property Soup: “It’s fascinating. This is a strategic move and highlights the changing role of super-prime estate agency – from provider of property to a wealth adviser, advising on not just real estate but also wealth management and access to other luxury assets, and also provision of staff, security and financial advice.”
Rutland Gate, KnightsbridgeLed by Founder, Marcus O’ Brien (main picture), The Family Office will act as a singular point of contact for global ultra-high net worth clients for services at the highest levels of seniority across UK Sotheby’s International Realty, Sotheby’s Auction House, RM Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s Financial Services.
O’ Brien has a proven track record of discreetly representing billionaire clients and is a recognised industry leader in ultra-prime trophy real estate, globally.
Over the past decade he has successfully transacted on a series of record-breaking deals including a £225 million mansion at 2-8a Rutland Gate in Knightsbridge – the most expensive house ever sold in the UK.
O’ Brien says: “The Family Office will act as a singular point of contact for existing and future UHNW clients globally for services at the highest levels of seniority across our partners including Sotheby’s International Realty, Sotheby’s esteemed Auction House, RM Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s Financial Services.
“The Family Office will be a bridge for this network and provide clients with senior-level expertise and a comprehensive understanding of global luxury markets, allowing us to provide a truly exceptional and bespoke service to our esteemed clientele, while unlocking global investment opportunities.”
OPEN MARKET
More often than not the majority of trophy real estate and other luxury assets are not available on the open market. The Family Office clients will have one point of contact globally when they wish to buy or sell best in class assets anywhere in the world.
The Family Office, in partnership with Sotheby’s Financial Services, will also offer clients financial services should they require assistance in funding the purchase or sale of luxury assets, and also expert legal advice on their transactions.
ENDURING VALUE
The global advisory team for The Family Office includes George Azar, Chairman and Chief Executive of UK, Dubai and Saudi Arabia Sotheby’s International Realty and Nikki Field, Founder, The Field Team, based in New York, a leading expert on trophy real estate in North America who will serve as the Head of US Realty for The Family Office.
George Azar says: “The Family Office of UK Sotheby’s International Realty will focus on the creation of enduring value for our esteemed Ultra-High-Net-Worth global clients in their pursuit of acquiring and managing the world’s most coveted trophy real estate and luxury assets, not available through other sources or the open market.”
