Walker & Dunlop Expands Internationally With Addition of London-Based Team

Rhea-AI Summary

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD) announced its first international expansion with a new London-based brokerage and capital markets advisory team. After 87 years of exclusive focus on U.S. commercial real estate, the company is expanding globally, led by Claudio V.R. Sgobba as senior managing director, Head - EMEA Capital Markets, alongside managing director Jessica Bell.

The new Walker & Dunlop Mayfair London office will focus on commercial real estate capital solutions, including senior, mezzanine, whole-loan, bridge loans, loans on loan, equity joint ventures, and recapitalizations. The team joins from Artega Capital, bringing over 60 years of combined experience and $70 billion in completed transactions since 2005 across the UK, Western Europe, U.S., and Middle East.

Positive

• First international expansion after 87 years strengthens global market presence
• Acquisition of experienced team with $70B+ transaction history
• Strategic expansion to strengthen relationships with global investors
• Diversification of services into international markets

Negative

• None.

Insights

Strategic Business Analyst

Walker & Dunlop's strategic expansion into London marks a transformative moment for the $3.2 billion market cap commercial real estate firm. This move represents more than just geographical expansion - it's a calculated strategy to tap into the massive European commercial real estate market, estimated at over €2 trillion.

The timing is particularly strategic. With European commercial real estate markets experiencing significant repricing and restructuring needs, W&D's entry positions them to capitalize on distressed opportunities and refinancing requirements. The addition of Claudio Sgobba and Jessica Bell, with their extensive experience at prestigious institutions like KKR, JLL and HFF, brings important relationships with institutional investors and deep market knowledge.

Key strategic benefits include:

• Access to new revenue streams through European deal flow
• Enhanced relationships with global capital providers
• Cross-selling opportunities between U.S. and European markets
• Diversification of revenue sources beyond the U.S. market

However, this expansion carries execution risks, including:

• Integration challenges in a new regulatory environment
• Higher operational costs during the establishment phase
• Potential cultural and business practice differences
• Competition from established European players

The focus on multiple financing solutions - from senior debt to equity joint ventures - suggests a comprehensive approach to capturing market share. With over $70 billion in combined transaction experience, the new team's track record provides credibility in a market where relationships and execution capability are paramount.

BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. (NYSE: WD) today announced its international expansion with the addition of a London-based brokerage and capital markets advisory team led by Claudio V.R. Sgobba. For 87 years, Walker & Dunlop has focused exclusively on the U.S. commercial real estate market and established itself as one of the largest and most recognized advisors in the industry. This strategic expansion capitalizes on the company’s scale, client demand for its expertise beyond the U.S., and opportunity to strengthen relationships with global investors already engaged with the company in the U.S. market.

Claudio V.R. Sgobba (Photo: Business Wire)

Sgobba assumes the role of senior managing director, Head - EMEA Capital Markets, leading a talented group that includes managing director Jessica Bell and others.

“This is a game changer for us and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our company,” said Willy Walker, Chairman and CEO of Walker & Dunlop. “Over the past 20 years, we have built W&D into one of the largest commercial real estate lenders and service providers in the U.S. Now is the time to leverage our scale and expertise to expand beyond the U.S., bringing us closer to our global capital partners. Having previously led the European expansion of a U.S. multinational platform, I have a clear vision for this next phase of growth, and I’m thrilled to welcome Claudio and Jessica to W&D to begin this next chapter.”

Sgobba, Bell and other team members join W&D from Artega Capital. The newly established Walker & Dunlop Mayfair London office will concentrate on sourcing and structuring a diverse range of commercial real estate capital solutions, including senior, mezzanine, whole-loan, bridge loans, loans on loan, equity joint ventures and recapitalizations.

Founded in the summer of 2024, Artega Capital has rapidly developed into an organization comprising seasoned commercial real estate and capital advisory professionals. The Artega team brings over 60 years of combined experience across the UK, Western Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East, having completed transactions exceeding $70 billion since 2005.

“We are thrilled to join Walker & Dunlop at a pivotal moment in its growth, and to be an important part of its international expansion,” said Sgobba. “W&D’s culture of client focus, and exceptional execution are what attracted us to the company. As we open the doors on W&D’s European operations, we will bring that same culture of focus and commitment to our global clients.”

Sgobba’s extensive 20-year background encompasses roles as a lender, institutional investor, investment banker, and capital advisor. Sgobba, Bell and other team members join W&D from Artega Capital. Before founding Artega, Sgobba was a senior director at JLL, and previously a managing director at Holiday Fenoglio Fowler (HFF). His career also includes principal roles with Dubai Inc., Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai, and Wintrust Financial in Chicago.

Bell brings 20 years of experience in various roles, including lender, syndicator, and institutional investor, with a strong focus on structuring and executing debt and equity transactions across the U.K., Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Prior to joining Artega, Bell served as a managing director at KKR, where she was a member of the Capital Markets Co-investments and Partnerships team, focusing on global real estate. Her previous experience includes significant roles at ING in London and Amsterdam, the Royal Bank of Scotland in London, and Société Générale in both Paris and New York.

About Walker & Dunlop

Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD) is one of the largest commercial real estate finance and advisory services firms in the United States and internationally. Our ideas and capital create communities where people live, work, shop, and play. The diversity of our people, breadth of our brand and technological capabilities make us one of the most insightful and client-focused firms in the commercial real estate industry.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250205074677/en/

Investors:

Kelsey Duffey

Investor Relations

Phone 301.202.3207

investorrelations@walkeranddunlop.com

Media:

Nina H. von Waldegg

VP, Public Relations

Phone 301.564.3291

info@walkeranddunlop.com

Source: Walker & Dunlop, Inc.

FAQ

What is Walker & Dunlop's (WD) international expansion strategy in 2025?

Walker & Dunlop is expanding internationally by establishing a London-based brokerage and capital markets advisory team, marking its first expansion outside the U.S. in 87 years.

Who leads Walker & Dunlop's new EMEA Capital Markets division?

Claudio V.R. Sgobba leads the EMEA Capital Markets division as senior managing director, alongside managing director Jessica Bell.

What services will Walker & Dunlop's London office provide?

The London office will provide commercial real estate capital solutions, including senior, mezzanine, whole-loan, bridge loans, loans on loan, equity joint ventures, and recapitalizations.

How much transaction experience does WD's new London team bring?

The team brings over 60 years of combined experience and has completed transactions exceeding $70 billion since 2005 across the UK, Western Europe, U.S., and Middle East.

Where is Walker & Dunlop's new international office located?

The new office is located in Mayfair, London, serving as the company's first international location.