Lee & Associates Opens Office in Atlanta

ATLANTA—August 16, 2010—Lee & Associates, one of the largest commercial real estate firms in the country, has made a key strategic move in its national expansion plan with the opening of an Atlanta office through a merger with one of Atlanta’s most respected real estate service firms headed by Richard Bryant, Bryant Commercial Real Estate Partners, whose offices are located at 3500 Lenox Road, NE., Suite 200 in Atlanta.

“We’ve had periodic conversations with other commercial real estate organizations regarding how we could best blend our local expertise with a company that would expand our reach and enhance our processes,” Bryant said. “But it was Lee & Associates, which we believe suited our strengths and will provide for a front line national company as well as maintain our front line local presence and expertise.  Anyway you look at it the merger will benefit our company, our clients, and our community.”

In 2004, Bryant formed Bryant Commercial Real Estate Partners with the objective of creating a firm that provides the highest level of integrity, expertise and service in the Atlanta marketplace.  This objective was achieved by focusing on building and maintaining long-term client relationships. Positioning itself within the Atlanta market with instant credibility was a key reason that Lee & Associates was desirous of merging with Bryant Commercial Real Estate Partners. 

Ed Indvik, chairman of the Lee Advisory Board and vice chairman of Lee & Associates Investment Services Group, said the opportunity to join with Bryant will offer long-term benefits for our clients. The local expertise of Bryant will now have national advantage and Lee will have the ability to serve clients within the southeastern region through a well connected and well respected organization.

 “One of the key components in our business plan is to link with experienced brokers who know the market,” Indvik said.  “In Bryant Commercial Real Estate Partners, you not only have a company who is firmly in command of the market, but has created a reputation in Atlanta real estate that is second to none.”

Before he formed Bryant Commercial Real Estate Partners, Bryant was chairman, president and managing director of the Atlanta offices of GVA Advantis Real Estate Services. Before that, he was senior vice president and managing broker at Portman Barry Investments in Atlanta and was vice president and resident manager for CB Richard Ellis Real Estate Services in the Southeastern region.

Other key figures joining the Lee Atlanta team include Bryant Commercial partners Rick Tumlin, Kurt Unger, Mark Hollan, John DeCouto, Bruce Davis and Craig Viergever, Jim Ramseur, Nadia Wagner and Scott Crooks.

“We fully subscribe to the Lee & Associates model, which provides for efficient and effective services delivery, as well as an opportunity for all members of the company to have input in setting a strategic plan, as well as an opportunity to participate financially in the success of the firm.  We will blend the merger with Lee & Associates to our present service capabilities and continue expanding the company to further serve our clients and customers.  We are delighted to be a part of this fine organization,” Bryant said.

The Atlanta office gives Lee’s its first appearance in the Southern market and increases its office locations to 40 nationwide.