Coldwell Banker Real Estate, the US-based global giant, is expecting to launch in this country over the next few weeks.

At its helm will be experienced agents, including some who met when they were at Countrywide.

Director Stuart White, who was the former UK master franchisee of Century 21, said that the ambition is to have 50 UK Coldwell Banker branches within the next five years, and expand to up to 100 in the next ten.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate really signed a master franchise agreement with new firm, GBRE.

It is GBRE that will operate the business, to be led by managing director Vic Pegna.

White said that the business is currently searching for its first UK office in central London. It will also start to recruit franchisees at the forthcoming National Franchise exhibition.

White said that franchise recruitment will concentrate on people already working in estate agency.

They will pay £25,000 to join the network, and then a 6% royalty fee.

White said: “The key difference between Coldwell Banker and other franchise organisations is that we concentrate on the mid to upper markets, including both residential and commercial property.”

Other American brands with presences in the UK include Century 21, Re-Max, Sothebys Realty and Keller Williams.