Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it has expanded its global real estate network into Finland with the launch of Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty located in Helsinki. The owners, consisting of Swedish and Finnish prominent business investors headed by Robert Charpentier, signed an exclusive 25-year franchise agreement to develop the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand throughout Finland. The company will operate under the leadership of Kenneth Katter, who brings over 20 years of relevant high-profile international sales experience to his role of chief executive officer.
“Expansion into Finland continues the brand’s commitment to providing access to theSotheby’s International Realty network’s exclusive real estate services in luxury real estate destinations around the world,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Finland is a country widely admired as a European hub of innovation and entrepreneurship where the luxury market continues to grow. Entry into Helsinki offers great opportunity and complements the brand’s strong existing presence throughout Sweden and the Baltic States.”
According to Charpentier, the plan is to establish the Sotheby’s International Realty brand in the capital city of Helsinki with the opening of the first Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty office. With the addition of this office, opening this year, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand will have over 180 independently owned and operated offices in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. Other cities in Finland will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and Charpentier anticipates a presence in the Finnish Lapland in the future to facilitate the international interest of high-end ski chalets.
Katter adds, “This company is focused on fulfilling the needs of highly discerning clients searching for extraordinary real estate and requiring a high quality of service. It is vitally important for our team to ensure that we understand our clients’ needs and to deliver efficient and personalized services with professionalism and confidentiality,” he said.
“Now with the support of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand we can bring Finland’s extraordinary and unique properties to the far-reaching corners of the world.”
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has over 18,000 sales associates located in approximately 825 offices in 61 countries and territories worldwide. Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm’s brokers and their clients will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.