Prominent residential real estate firms join forces

Naples-based Premier Properties of Southwest Florida Inc. has affiliated with the Sotheby's International Realty brand and will now operate as Premier Sotheby's International Realty.

“This is a long term strategic move,” Premier Properties founder Scott Lutgert says in a press release. “This represents a union of complementary strengths.”

Premier Sotheby's International Realty will continue to be a wholly owned subsidiary of The Lutgert Cos.

Premier Commercial, the commercial real estate operation of Premier Properties of Southwest Florida, will be spun off into a separate entity. Premier Properties president and CEO Tom Bringardner will serve as CEO of Premier Commercial, which will not be part of Sotheby's International Realty. Premier Properties of Southwest Florida also acquired a majority interest in Signature Sotheby's International Realty, which operates real estate offices in Sarasota and Venice.