Christie+ Co celebrates 80 years of hospitality transactions

Christie + Co, the property advisor that specialises in the hospitality sector, is celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Founded in May 1935 by George Christie, James Owen and Nick Davies in London, the company today operates out of 16 UK and 14 international offices. It has recently established its first presence in Sweden.

The history of the company reflects the history of the UK hospitality industry with key transactions including the sale in 1935 to 26-year-old Charles Forte of his first business, the Strand Milk Bar in Regent Street, London, before he went on to amass a global hotel and catering empire.

Christie + Co has been at the heart of hospitality trends as they have impacted the property sector of the business, including the development of high street casual dining groups, the acquisition of restaurants by pub groups and the move towards an asset light model for hotels.

David Rugg, chairman of Christie + Co, said the company had retained a family feel, despite its expansion. "We have shown adaptability in the face of changing market cycles and identified and reacted to gaps in the market, for example founding our own finance and insurance associate companies at a time when intermediary provision in our specialist sectors of any quality was virtually non-existent."

Rob Kinsman, south west regional director of Christie + Co, added: "The property market has changed dramatically and external factors such as the availability and cost of finance and the emergence of private equity and opportunity funds as key players in all our markets has led to continuing development of our range of services.

We continue to see new independent entrants in our markets, many focusing on lifestyle purchases in pubs and restaurants, hotels and convenience retail. Our employees ensure our clients are core to all our services and they are key to our business, often building long and trusted relationships with our clients that can last decades."

Hospitality ownership over the past 25 years >>
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