Avison Young opens new office in Boston

TORONTO,/PRNewswire/ - Mark E. Rose (top right photo), Chair and CEO of Avison Young, Canada's largest independently-owned commercial real estate services company, announced today that the firm has acquired Boston-based Essex River Ventures, Inc. (ERV) and opened a new office in the Massachusetts city.


ERV is a real estate investment and property management company founded by John Fenton (bottom left photo) (CEO) in 2003. Effective immediately, Fenton becomes a Principal of Avison Young and Managing Director of the company's newest office.

The Boston office represents Avison Young's sixth location outside of Canada and gives the leading Canadian commercial real estate firm a presence in the New England market. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"The New England market, particularly the Greater Boston area, is critical to Avison Young's U.S. expansion. Avison Young's acquisition of Essex River Ventures is the first step in creating a new and vibrant competitor that will, over time, obtain a significant market share," comments Rose.

"The strategic location and the addition of John Fenton and the rest of the ERV team, with their vast experience and valuable client relationships in the Boston and New England markets, will allow Avison Young to further expand its commercial real estate footprint across the U.S. The purchase underscores our commitment to serving communities and clients across the nation," he says.


The following ERV members also join Avison Young: K. Beth O'Donnell (Director, Client Services), Tom Palmer (Senior Property Manager), Brian Hodess (Director, Construction Services) and Kathy Shepherd (Administrative Manager).

 For further information/comment/photos, contact:  

Sherry Quan, National Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young: (604) 647-5098; cell: (604) 726-0959;

Mark Rose, Chair and CEO, Avison Young: (416) 673-4028;

 Earl Webb, President, U.S. Operations, Avison Young: (847) 881-2237;

John Fenton, Principal and Managing Director, Boston, Avison Young: (978) 729-9010; www.avisonyoung.com