Cyril Sweett forms Indian alliance

Cyril Sweett has formed an alliance with Indian property services company Trammell Crow Meghraj. The two are teaming up to offer services to international clients requiring construction consultancy in India.

Trammell Crow Meghraj offers agency services, consulting, property and facilities management and project management across all real estate sectors.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding on 17 May.

They have worked together less formally for more than a decade.

Francis Ives, chairman of Cyril Sweett, said the deal was in line with the firm's strategy of building an international business through strong and complementary partnerships. "Much of our international exposure has been with local players. We don't have the resources to risk failure in foreign countries."

Jimmi Bradbury, International Managing Director of Cyril Sweett, said: "The Indian real estate market is booming. India is becoming a preferred investment destination, yet there is a shortage of investment quality stock. This will lead to significant growth in the development market. One of the areas for development of real estate is retail and the shopping centre sector is set to increase rapidly."

Cyril Sweett's director for India is Mahesh Doshi.

The deal comes at a time when international alliances are under the spotlight. Gardiner & Theobald's global alliance with Rider Hunt and Levett & Bailey broke up in May 2005. Then in March of this year Bucknall Austin stepped in and clinched a similar tie-up with the two international practices.