Company Description
Cushman & Wakefield plc (CWK) was a publicly-traded global commercial real estate services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, before completing a redomiciliation to Bermuda. The firm operates as one of the largest commercial real estate services providers worldwide, offering property management, leasing, capital markets, valuation, and advisory services to occupiers and investors across more than 60 countries.
Corporate Transformation
In late 2025, Cushman & Wakefield completed a redomiciliation from the United Kingdom to Bermuda and subsequently deregistered from SEC reporting requirements. This corporate restructuring resulted in the company's delisting from major U.S. exchanges. Investors who previously held CWK shares should consult their brokerage for information about how their holdings were affected by this transformation.
Business Model and Services
Cushman & Wakefield generates revenue through fee-based commercial real estate services rather than property ownership. The company serves two primary client categories: occupiers (businesses that lease or own real estate for their operations) and investors (entities that own real estate as financial assets). This dual-client approach distinguishes commercial real estate services firms from traditional real estate investment trusts (REITs), which primarily own and operate properties.
The firm's service offerings span the full real estate lifecycle. Property management services include facility operations, maintenance, and tenant relations for office buildings, industrial facilities, and retail centers. Leasing services help tenants find suitable space and negotiate terms, while also helping landlords fill vacancies. Capital markets services facilitate property sales, acquisitions, and debt placement for investors.
Global Operations
With operations in more than 60 countries, Cushman & Wakefield maintains one of the most extensive geographic footprints in the commercial real estate services industry. This global presence enables the firm to serve multinational corporations with real estate portfolios spanning multiple regions, providing consistent service standards and local market expertise. The Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions each contribute substantially to the firm's operations.
Industry Context
The commercial real estate services sector operates alongside property ownership but focuses on service delivery rather than asset ownership. Major players compete for assignments based on market knowledge, client relationships, service quality, and geographic coverage. The industry experiences cyclicality tied to broader economic conditions, with transaction volumes and leasing activity fluctuating based on interest rates, employment trends, and business confidence.
Historical Significance
Cushman & Wakefield traces its origins to 1917, making it one of the oldest names in commercial real estate services. The company built its reputation through decades of serving major corporate clients and institutional investors, developing expertise across office, industrial, retail, and specialty property types. This historical archive documents the company's operations during its period as a U.S.-listed public company.