Savills Expands U.S. Footprint with $1.1B Acquisition of New York’s Eastdil Secured

Savills, a London-based global real estate services firm, is set to acquire Eastdil Secured Holdings, a New York-headquartered real estate investment bank, in a transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion including debt. The deal, announced Thursday, marks a significant strategic move for Savills as it seeks to deepen its presence in the competitive U.S. real estate advisory market.

Eastdil Secured has long been recognized for its role advising major institutional investors on complex real estate sales, acquisitions, and financing, particularly in New York City. The firm carved out a distinctive niche after many Wall Street banks scaled back real estate advisory services following the 2008 financial crisis, positioning itself as both broker and financial adviser on landmark deals. Eastdil’s shareholders will retain a 16% stake in the combined group post-acquisition.

For Savills, which ranks among the largest real estate brokers across Europe and Asia, this acquisition builds on its 2014 purchase of U.S. leasing advisory firm Studley. By integrating Eastdil’s capital markets expertise, Savills aims to compete more effectively with established American giants CBRE and JLL. The deal notably enhances Savills’ debt advisory capabilities, a sector that has seen robust growth amid evolving real estate financing landscapes.

Simon Shaw, CEO of Savills, highlighted the opportunity to expand in the U.S. market as a key driver of the acquisition. The transaction will be financed through a combination of debt and new equity issuance, underscoring Savills’ commitment to scaling its North American operations. As New York remains a focal point for real estate investment activity, this move positions Savills to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to institutional clients navigating the city’s dynamic property market.