Key Stats
CBRE Group, Inc. stands as the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm. The company delivers a comprehensive range of services to occupiers, owners, lenders, and investors across office, retail, industrial, and multifamily property types.
CBRE operates through multiple business segments including Advisory Services, Building Operations and Experience, Project Management, and Real Estate Investments. The firm serves clients in more than 100 countries through an integrated suite of services.
Listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CBRE, the company has maintained its position in the Fortune 500 every year since 2008. CBRE ranks among the “Big 4” commercial real estate services companies alongside Brookfield Corporation, Cushman and Wakefield, Colliers, and JLL.
CBRE Group History
Tucker, Lynch and Coldwell established in San Francisco following the devastating earthquake. Colbert Coldwell founded the company on principles of integrity and ethics.
Benjamin Arthur Banker joined the firm as a salesman, becoming partner in 1914. The company evolved through several name changes over the following decades.
Company name changed to Coldwell, Banker and Company after Cornwall’s retirement, later shortened to Coldwell Banker in 1974.
Coldwell Banker acquired by Sears, Roebuck and Co., becoming part of the Sears Financial Network.
Sears sold the commercial unit to a management-led buyout group including The Carlyle Group for approximately $300 million. Company renamed CB Commercial Real Estate Group.
CB Commercial acquired Richard Ellis International Limited, tracing roots to London in 1773. Company changed name to CB Richard Ellis.
CBRE began trading on the New York Stock Exchange through an initial public offering.
Added to the S&P 500 Index. Acquired Trammell Crow Company in a transaction valued at $2.2 billion.
Acquired ING Group’s real estate investment management business for $940 million. Company officially changed name to CBRE Group, Inc.
Acquired Global Workplace Solutions from Johnson Controls, significantly expanding occupier outsourcing capabilities.
Paid £960 million for a 60% stake in Turner and Townsend, a UK-based project management firm.
Acquired Industrious and Pearce Services. Combined project management business with Turner and Townsend. Established Building Operations and Experience segment.
CBRE Group Co-founders
Founded the company in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake. Coldwell established a philosophy of integrity and ethics, insisting the firm operate solely as a brokerage rather than speculating in real estate.
Joined the firm in 1913 as a salesman and became partner in 1914. Shared Coldwell’s values of placing clients’ best interests first, contributing to the company’s early growth and reputation.
CBRE Group Revenue
CBRE Group generated $35.77 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2024, representing an 11.95% increase from the previous year. The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth over the past decade.
Global Workplace Solutions remains the largest segment, contributing $25.14 billion or approximately 70% of total revenue in 2024. Advisory Services generated $9.61 billion, while Real Estate Investments contributed $1.04 billion.
CBRE Group Marketcap
CBRE Group’s market capitalization reached approximately $50 billion as of January 2026. The company has experienced substantial growth since its 2004 IPO when market cap stood at $1.2 billion.
This represents a compound annual growth rate of approximately 18% over two decades, reflecting the company’s successful expansion through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
CBRE Group Acquisitions
CBRE has completed over 50 acquisitions throughout its history, deploying approximately $4 billion in transaction value. The company’s acquisition strategy focuses on expanding service capabilities and geographic reach.
The 2006 Trammell Crow Company acquisition for $2.2 billion remains the largest deal in company history. This transaction created unprecedented scale in development services and real estate investment. The 2021 Turner and Townsend acquisition for £960 million significantly expanded project management capabilities across 60 countries.
Recent acquisitions demonstrate CBRE’s focus on technology and infrastructure services. The 2025 Pearce Services acquisition for $1.2 billion enhanced capabilities in data center and power infrastructure. The full acquisition of Industrious for $400 million created the new Building Operations and Experience segment.
Other notable acquisitions include Insignia Financial Group in 2003, ING Group’s real estate investment management business in 2011, Global Workplace Solutions from Johnson Controls in 2015, and Telford Homes in 2019. The company has acquired businesses across 15 US states and 10 countries, targeting real estate services and business services sectors.
CBRE Group Competitors
CBRE operates in a competitive commercial real estate services market alongside several major global firms. The industry is often characterized by its “Big 4” players who dominate the market.
| Company | Headquarters | Founded | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) | Chicago, USA | 1783 | Commercial Real Estate Services |
| Cushman and Wakefield | Chicago, USA | 1917 | Global Real Estate Services |
| Colliers International | Toronto, Canada | 1976 | Real Estate Advisory |
| Newmark Group | New York, USA | 1929 | Commercial Real Estate |
| Savills | London, UK | 1855 | Global Property Advisor |
| Avison Young | Toronto, Canada | 1978 | Commercial Real Estate |
| Knight Frank | London, UK | 1896 | Property Consultancy |
| Marcus and Millichap | Calabasas, USA | 1971 | Investment Brokerage |
| Hines | Houston, USA | 1957 | Real Estate Investment |
| CoStar Group | Washington DC, USA | 1987 | Real Estate Information |
FAQs
Who founded CBRE Group?
Colbert Coldwell founded the company in San Francisco in 1906. Benjamin Arthur Banker joined as partner in 1914, contributing to the firm’s early growth and ethical foundation.
What does CBRE stand for?
CBRE stands for Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis. The name combines the original Coldwell Banker firm with Richard Ellis International, acquired in 1998.
Where is CBRE Group headquartered?
CBRE Group is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company moved its corporate headquarters from Los Angeles in 2020 while maintaining global financial headquarters at Lever House in New York.
How many employees does CBRE have?
CBRE employs more than 140,000 people worldwide, including Turner and Townsend employees. The workforce serves clients across more than 100 countries globally.
What services does CBRE Group provide?
CBRE provides property sales, leasing, facilities management, project management, investment management, valuation, mortgage services, and development services to commercial real estate clients worldwide.
