Phoenix Beard and GBR merge
Two Midlands property companies are to merge, creating a major player in the Birmingham property market. Property consultant Phoenix Beard is to join forces with agency and investment specialist GBR, to become known as GBR Phoenix Beard, with effect from July.
Phoenix Beard, with offices in Birmingham and London, employs 65 staff operating in the Midlands and across the UK. It acts for landlords, occupiers, investors and developers. Its clients include Standard Life Investments, Threadneedle Property Investments, Wesleyan Assurance, IM Properties, Birmingham Science Park Aston and Birmingham International Airport.
GBR has become a major player in the Midlands since it launched in 2003, and its eight-strong team has a particular focus on investment agency and office leasing. Recent major transactions include the sale of Bank House and the £40m purchase of M&B’s headquarters.
Simon Farrant, Phoenix Beard’s managing director, will become MD of the merged company. He said: “It was key that there were no losers in this union and I am pleased to say that we all believe that we will be stronger and more resilient as a result.”
Simon Robinson, a director of GBR, added: “The synergies in combining our two businesses are immense and there is a unique business fit between us.”
Mark Anslow of BDO and Alastair Peet of Shoosmiths advised both parties on the merger. GBR’s team will relocate to Phoenix Beard’s Grade I listed offices in Newhall Street when the merger is completed.
