Jones Lang LaSalle has confirmed that the Swiss-based Sal. Oppenheim Real Estate team will join the property advisory group on 1 February 2011. The addition of 11 established real estate professionals means that Jones Lang LaSalle will now have an 'on the ground' presence in Switzerland with a fully owned office in Zurich.

Jan Eckert, previously head of Sal Oppenheim Real Estate, has been named as CEO of the new company, which will focus on the management of real estate transactions and structures, valuation of real estate assets and real estate companies, corporate finance and M&A advice as well as strategic and organisational advice for real estate development and management.

Christian Ulbrich, CEO EMEA, Jones Lang LaSalle commented: 'Switzerland is an exceptionally interesting market for Jones Lang LaSalle, both as a source of real estate capital and as a market in which to develop real estate services. Having an office and experienced team in Zurich will enable us to participate in the development and growth of the Swiss real estate market. In addition our global expertise and connected network of colleagues and offices will enable us to assist Swiss capital in targeting and participating in the global real estate markets.'

Jones Lang LaSalle will continue its longstanding and successful cooperation with Kuoni Mueller & Partner in Zurich and Schofield & Partners in Geneva.