JAG INVESTMENT Group has acquired Macleod Properties, the real estate company that holds the record for selling more properties in the Constantia area than any other agency over the past 42 years.
Said JAG managing director Greg James: “We will retain the expertise and vast experience of Chris Macleod, who will continue to run the agency. However, we also see great potential in growing Macleod Properties into one of the top property houses in South Africa.
“Our long-term vision is to set up alliances around the country while retaining our key focus which is the top-end niche of the property market.”
Chris Macleod, who launched Macleod properties in 1964 with his father, Roderick, played a key role in changing the face of Constantia over the years, which saw it being transformed from farmlands into an exclusive residential area.
Over the past four decades Macleod has seen incredible growth in Constantia. “It’s interesting how times have changed. In October 1964 my first sale in Constantia was a Cape Dutch homestead on a hectare of land for R20 000, a rather minuscule amount in comparison with today’s prices,” said Macleod.
According to JAG Investment Group, another exciting dimension is the forged partnership with Leana Nel from Leana Nel International Relocations, who is the preferred relocation company for the Homecoming Revolutionary. This company has been relocating families to South Africa for over a decade, including James himself, who recently returned to South Africa from Switzerland.
“This is an alliance which will increase our market presence in the international property sales arena, enabling us to market properties in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe,” said James.
“This not only provides a welcome boost to our economy through foreign investment but affords expatriates an easy passage to move back home. In addition to property acquisition, we also assist in identifying business opportunities, including full office set-up from telephone to networks installation to office interiors, recruitment of staff and the buying and selling of businesses.”
Macleod says that while the agency aims to retain its niche focus in the Southern Suburbs area, the international expertise and skills of the JAG Group will dramatically assist in growing the business throughout South Africa.
With the JAG Group’s expertise and financial savvy behind them, Macleod Properties will shift from traditional realtor into a business and property consultancy, he said.
“We plan to focus strongly on property development, while at the same time forging strong alliances with developers, builders and other industry players,” said James.
“We are also excited to welcome Jenny Williams to Macleod fold. “Jenny has 19 years experience in the Constantia area, and is a valuable addition to the company,” said Macleod.
For JAG Investment Group, Macleod Properties is the first of many investments. Plans are afoot to develop a portfolio of mid-tier mining, industrial assets and property acquisitions that will benefit from the groups international experience and expertise gained by James while living and working overseas.
“Our sole focus is assisting in the development and transformation of South Africa. “We specialize in identifying, managing and turning around ventures, with a strong focus on sharing our expertise and knowledge, especially with up and coming BEE companies,” said James.
Interestingly enough, Macleod Properties was founded in the same year that Greg James was born. Superstitious or not, these two men have more in common than birth dates both are dedicated businessmen with an eye on the future.
Weekend Argus, July 29 2006
Author: Graham Norris
Contact Information:
info@jaginvestment.com
0027 021 7027880