Savills completes acquisition of Eastdil Secured, creating global real estate advisory powerhouse

Savills has completed its acquisition of Eastdil Secured for an enterprise value of $1.1 billion (€1bn), bringing together one of the world’s largest real estate advisory firms with the sector’s leading global real estate investment bank. 

Simon Shaw, Savills group CEO

The deal, first announced in March, positions Savills as a top‑tier global capital markets platform with strengthened capabilities across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific.

The transaction was funded through loan finance and the issuance of new Savills ordinary shares representing around 16 percent of the enlarged share capital. Equity holders in Eastdil Secured, including Guggenheim, Temasek, Wells Fargo and members of the firm’s leadership team, have become Savills shareholders as part of the deal.

Eastdil Secured has now been rebranded as Eastdil Secured Savills and will operate as Savills’ dedicated real estate investment bank, maintaining its existing business model. The combined platform will be the number two advisory firm globally for prime commercial real estate transactions above $100 million (€87mln), offering expertise in M&A, continuation vehicles, joint ventures, sales, debt placement, structured credit and loan sales.

The executive leadership team announced in March has been confirmed: Roy H. March becomes Executive Chairman, overseeing client advisory and execution; D. Michael Van Konynenburg becomes Chief Executive Officer, responsible for operations, strategy and key client relationships; and James McCaffrey becomes President, leading international growth from London. Van Konynenburg and McCaffrey will join the Savills Group Executive Board.
Eastdil Secured Savills will retain headquarters in New York, Santa Monica and London, with its 21 offices joining Savills’ global network spanning more than 70 countries.

Savills Group Chief Executive Simon Shaw said the combination creates a stronger, globally connected platform capable of supporting clients across all stages of the property cycle. Michael Van Konynenburg described the completion as an important milestone, enabling the firm to broaden resources while maintaining its hallmark capital markets expertise and discretion. James McCaffrey said the integration enhances the firm’s ability to deliver advice and execution across borders as client strategies become increasingly global.

James Sparrow, CEO of Savills UK & EME, said the merger is one of the most significant developments in his career at the firm, noting the complementary nature of the two businesses and the alignment of their cultures. He added that the combination will be transformational for Savills’ EMEA platform and the wider group.