Franchise Times’ Rates the Brand One Of the Fastest Growing Franchises

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emily King, 207-363-6640

YORK, Maine (March 10, 2009) — Anne Erwin Sotheby’s International Realty, offering distinctive homes in every price range, announced that this month marks the fifth anniversary of the launch of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, of which it is a member.

“Five years ago, we made a commitment to build the quintessential luxury real estate franchise system in the world,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We set the bar high and we have worked with passion and undying commitment to achieve our vision. I am proud that we have attracted and selected the most exceptional firms that make up our growing network.”

In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name, the acquisition of 15 company-owned offices and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Today, the brand has more than 10,700 sales associates located in more than 500 franchised offices in 39 countries and territories worldwide.

“It is very exciting to be part of a brand that has grown so much in just five short years. Anne Erwin Real Estate was one of the original Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates, going back to shortly after our founding in 1980,” said owner Eileen Roberts. “We renewed our affiliation when Sotheby’s International Realty entered into their current franchise agreement with the auction house, officially becoming Anne Erwin Sotheby’s International Realty. Since then, the brand has provided us with the differentiating factor we needed in our market.”

This month, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand also was ranked second on Franchise Times’ Fast 55 list, a ranking of the fastest growing franchises, published in the March 2009 issue. The Fast 55 list is compiled based on FRANdata research and is published by Franchise Times. According to the publication, in order to make the Fast 55 list a franchise company must meet two criteria: they must be a brand that has been franchising for five years or less and they must exhibit positive franchise unit growth for each year during this period.

Affiliations in the Sotheby’s International Realty system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

Anne Erwin Sotheby’s International Realty, serving the communities of York, Kittery, Kittery Point, South Berwick, Eliot, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport, as well as seacoast New Hampshire, offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele. The agency recently launched a new website that offers viewers improved design, functionality, navigation, and content, with an enhanced property search, and expanded content and resources.

Anne Erwin Sotheby's International Realty has had a leading presence in the southern York County Maine real estate market for over 25 years. Founded in 1980, the company offers the largest selection of oceanfront, ocean view, waterfront, water view, and distinctive homes in every price range in southern Maine including York, Cape Neddick, Kittery, Kittery Point, Ogunquit, Wells, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, South Berwick, and Eliot. Most recently, they have expanded into the New Hampshire Seacoast, with listings in North Hampton and Hampton. For more information, browse www.AnneErwin.com or call 207-363-6640.

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