NAI/Latter & Blum says it’s expanding its footprint in the Capital Region by merging with Skill Real Estate, a Baton Rouge-based real estate firm that has been in operation for 50 years.
Details of the merger were not disclosed, and it’s unclear what exactly the deal means for Skill Real Estate. But in a news release announcing the deal, both sides indicate the merger will lead to shared resources between the two firms.
“I’m delighted to welcome the Skill Real Estate team into our family of companies,” Robert Merrick, chairman and CEO of Latter & Blum, says in a statement. “Our Baton Rouge commercial operation is pivotal to our vision of serving our clients throughout all our markets. As the leading real estate firm in this region, our new commercial agents further strengthen our position.”
The deal comes on the heels of another merger NAI/Latter & Blum completed earlier this year. In May, the firm finalized a deal with Donnie Jarreau Real Estate to form NAI/Latter & Blum-Donnie Jarreau. That deal was also called a merger.
Richard Hasse, Latter & Blum president, says the merger of the two operations is in line with NAI/Latter & Blum’s growth strategy.
“The timing for us couldn’t be better as Baton Rouge continues to be one of our strongest regions of operation,” Hasse says.
Skill Real Estate specializes in locating land for apartments, residential subdivisions and commercial departments. Owner Ben Skillman says in a statement that the merger gives his company access to new tools and capabilities that can be used to assist clients.
“The world of commercial real estate has changed, and the need for the capabilities of new technology is a must,” Skillman says. “NAI/Latter & Blum has the technology and resources to meet the needs of today’s clients.”
NAI/Latter & Blum is the commercial division of Latter & Blum Inc., a real estate firm based out of New Orleans.
