Press Releases
Three Top Firms Merge to Form Largest Independent Real Estate Company in Vermont & Northern New Hampshire
January 31, 2007
South Burlington, Vermont Three of New England’s oldest and most
respected real estate firms-Lang Associates, McLaughry Real Estate
and Pall Spera Company-merged on January 31, 2007, forming the
largest real estate company in Vermont and northern New Hampshire,
and the third-largest independent in all of New England.
The new firm, Lang McLaughry Spera, serves homebuyers and sellers in
the two-state geographic area encompassing the Upper Connecticut
River Valley, the Central Vermont and Stowe areas and Northwestern
Vermont including the Champlain Valley.
With 12 offices, a 200-member sales and support team and more than
$600 million in combined sales, Lang McLaughry Spera immediately
establishes itself as one of the leading real estate companies in
the Northeast.
“I can’t begin to describe how excited I am at this merger, and what
it will mean in terms of benefits to clients when it comes to buying
or selling their properties,” said Staige Davis, owner of Lang
Associates and chief executive officer of the new firm.
“This is truly a unique merger which brings together three highly
regarded companies from separate, non-competing markets. Joining
forces creates a tremendous opportunity to expand our presence from
local players into a formidable regional firm. For our customers, it
means increased exposure on a regional and national level,
additional services, greater marketing support and increased
exposure of their properties. We’re proud to not only retain the
names of each of the firms, but also the past history, connections
and local market expertise as well.”
The merger has substantial benefits for the company’s sales
associates as well, Davis said. “By working for one company in
distinct, non-competing markets, our associates will benefit from a
true esprit de corps, comprehensive training and educational
materials, and enhanced purchasing power through combined ads,
marketing programs, referrals and other media resources. Our sales
associates are now part of the largest independent real estate
brokerage firm in northern New England.” Davis said yard signs
reflecting the company’s new logo for the local offices are
currently being produced and will be in place in February. Buff
McLaughry, owner of McLaughry Real Estate, will serve as chief
operating officer, while Pall Spera, owner of Pall Spera Company,
will serve as president of the luxury brand.
The merger brings together the talents, resources, experience and
deeply-rooted community involvement of three of the area’s
longest-operating independent firms. McLaughry Real Estate was
founded in 1959, and Lang Associates and Pall Spera Company were
both founded in 1969.
Steve Murray, publisher of real estate industry research firm, Real
Trends, called the merger “unique from a number of perspectives.
Here you have three extremely successful, independent firms from
three distinct markets coming together under one organizational roof
to create a significant regional presence. That in itself is
remarkable. Next, when was the last time you’ve heard of such a
merger of this magnitude that resulted in zero job reductions and no
shuffling of management?”
“This merger portends very good things for homebuyers and sellers
throughout northern New England” Murray added. “As just one benefit
to buyers and sellers, Lang McLaughry Spera will market properties
which are offered in the multiple listing services statewide, rather
than locally, in both Vermont and New Hampshire.”
In New Hampshire, the new company’s offices are located in Hanover,
West Lebanon and Grantham. In Vermont, offices are located in
Fairlee, Middlebury, Morrisville, Norwich, South Burlington, St.
Albans, Stowe, Stowe Village and Woodstock.
Owners Pall Spera, Bruce “Buff” McLaughry and Staige Davis, with
their company’s new yard sign.
