It all started over 110 years ago, in 1906, when the effects of the San Francisco earthquake created a need for a quality organization that could rebuild the city's real estate market. That trailblazing company was founded when Colbert Coldwell, Albert Tucker, John Lynch and, later, Benjamin Banker joined forces and formed the organization named Coldwell Banker. First established as a preeminent commercial real estate business and then as a residential real estate company in 1925, it was based on honesty, integrity and excellent service. Focused on the idea that there was a newer, better way to do business than real estate agencies had used in the past, the new company measured its success by the success of their clients, rather than just the number of deals they could make. The Coldwell Banker name quickly grew to become one of the most respected names in the real estate industry.
Being pathfinders has been at our core since our beginnings when Colbert Coldwell wanted to do right by his clients by bringing honesty and transparency to the real estate transaction. He created a "brokers only" standard that paved the way for establishing their business and created a road to success that would outlast all others. Now 114 years later, his name and the Coldwell Banker® brand continue to grow and serve the commercial needs of the business community. Our mission is to outline a path for brokers who set up businesses across the globe and enable commercial real estate professionals to continue what Coldwell started. The Coldwell Banker Commercial network spans 40 countries with nearly 3,000 brokerage professionals across our network of independent franchises and company owned operations. This global presence matched with local power allows our professionals to guide clients and achieve outstanding outcomes for our customers.
In 1968, the Coldwell Banker brand went public, giving us even greater flexibility to become the best real estate company possible and increasing our commercial real estate presence. Shortly thereafter, we expanded throughout the United States. In the latter part of the 20th century, the Coldwell Banker brand was acquired by the Sears Financial Network in 1981 and again in 1996 by HFS Inc./Cendant. It was also in that year that the first international Coldwell Banker office opened in Toronto, Canada. More recently, in 2006, Cendant's real estate businesses became Realogy, which Apollo Management purchased for more than $7 billion. Since this acquisition, we have once again become part of a publicly held company, delivering great value to our stockholders as well as buyers and sellers. Our corporate partnerships allow us to create relationships that benefit our clients. Additionally, other Realogy holdings such as Title Resource Group, Realogy Brokerage Group and others make excellent partners that give us the ability to assist you in new and exciting ways.
At Coldwell Banker Commercial, we're passionate about our core values. We aim to Do Right. It's a core value driving us to be real estate problem solvers who develop creative solutions, offer sound advice and do right by our clients because their success is our success. We have grit, commitment and an unstoppable energy - this is our business Ownership Mentality, and we live by it. Our brokerage professionals reach goals, close deals and connect with people in our communities because we believe we Win Together. Our power is in our expertise, service and exceptional industry knowledge. And we've always been Big Hearted - putting our heart and soul into the communities we serve. It's where we live, work and lend support. We are the experts, advocates and community leaders in our neighborhoods, and we believe giving back is key to the success of us all.
Over the course of our history much has changed, but our dedication to our clients has remained the same. While technology has become increasingly more present in our everyday lives, our brokerage professionals continue to stay connected to their clients and devoted to understanding their clients' specific needs. Our network of qualified Coldwell Banker Commercial brokerage professionals is ready to help guide you with experienced advice and a personal touch. More than a century later, it continues to be our commitment and mission - to provide you with the utmost attention and exceptional service you deserve.