Colliers International Sets New Leasing Volume Record in South Carolina
January 16, 2012
COLUMBIA, SC – January 16, 2012 – Colliers International exceeded all company records for leasing volume in 2011, representing a 25% increase over 2010 levels and a 60% increase over 2009. The previous record for leasing volume was set in 2007 at the height of the last economic expansion; 2011 levels were 13% higher than those experienced in 2007.
2011 was a record breaking year due to expansions in the economy and a release of pent-up demand among corporate users, resulting in total leasing volume which considerably exceeded pre-recessionary levels. Significant transactions for this 12-month period that also represent significant economic development activity for South Carolina include:
- Aflac, 400 Laurel Street, Columbia
- Caterpillar Inc, 111 Southchase Blvd, Fountain Inn
- Caterpillar, Inc, 175 McQueen Blvd, Summerville
- Computer Sciences Corporation, 500 Taylor Street, Columbia
- Energy Solutions, Center Point Business Park, Columbia
- Gallivan, White & Boyd LLC, 1201 Main Street, Columbia
- General Electric, Independence Corporate Park, Greenville
- Global Automotive Partners, 285 Parkway East, Duncan
- New Breed Logistics, 7405 Magi Road, Hanahan
- SAIC, Remount Business Park, North Charleston
As capital financing remained difficult to obtain in 2011, many users reevaluated their real estate models and shifted from owner/user purchases to long-term leases. “The level of leasing activity experienced in 2011 was extremely encouraging after several years of a down economy. Although lending policies have made business expansions increasingly difficult, we continued to see positive job growth in our state. We are extremely optimistic for 2012 as most of the significant employment clusters in South Carolina – Aerospace, Automotive and Insurance – are expected to see continued growth and development,” said David C. Lockwood, III, CCIM, SIOR, Senior Vice President of Leasing for Colliers International.
The foundation of Colliers International’s success is attributed to our unique model of specialization among its brokerage associates. Colliers’ specialized practice groups include Third Party Logistics, Industrial, Port and Deep Water Services, Retail Services, Land, Office and Medical Office, as well as Corporate Services. Through these specialties Colliers’ brokerage associates provide the expertise to further our clients’ business goals and advance economic development in South Carolina.
About Colliers International
Colliers International ranks among the largest commercial real estate services companies in the world with over 12,500 professionals operating out of more than 512 offices in 61 countries. Colliers focuses on accelerating their clients’ success by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.
In South Carolina, Colliers International has more than 120 employees including 61 brokerage associates. Total brokerage volume for the firm was in excess of $350 million for the calendar year 2011. It also ranks largest in the state among all commercial property management firms with a total portfolio of 6.5 million square feet of office, industrial and retail properties.
