Simon Parker
The former PRD Jens Gaunt agencies in Victoria, of which there are 14, are now trading as PRDnationwide, the company announced today.
“The reason for transitioning from PRD Jens Gaunt to PRDnationwide was to ensure consistency nationally,” PRDnationwide managing director and chairman, Tony Brasier, said.
PRDnationwide – the residential franchise subsidiary of Colliers International - secured a commercial interest in Jens Gaunt, one of Victoria’s biggest regional realtors, in September 2009.
PRDnationwide managing director and chairman Tony Brasier said the venture created a springboard for significant growth throughout the region.
“Since entering into the Victorian market two and a half years ago – we have grown from eight offices to 14 offices, all now trading as PRDnationwide,” he said.
The branches include Ararat, Ballarat, Bendigo, Buninyong, Creswick, Geelong, Horsham, Kyneton, Lara, Maryborough, Melton, Mildura, Warrnambool and Werribee.
Neil Jens established the Jens Gaunt business in 1986 and continues to attract offices to the PRDnationwide brand.
Mr Jens believes it is a natural progression for their businesses to be rebranded PRDnationwide.
“It’s terrific as we are recognizable as part of a bigger group,” he said.
“It saves us from dual branding and now we are fully part of the PRDnationwide group which has enabled a quantum leap forward for our offices giving us access to processes and systems, combined with market research, cutting edge marketing and national training,” said Mr Jens.
Colliers International and PRDnationwide merged in 2006 to form the largest commercial and residential property service provider in the country.
PRDnationwide now has 125 offices in Australia, including the 14 Victorian offices.
“We have a vast geographical representation and look forward to future opportunities in 2012,” said Mr Brasier.