We didn’t see a tough-to-find property in an almost non-existent market. We saw a chance to use the art of persuasion and bold determination to turn the impossible into possible.
It was during a networking breakfast held by the Fédération des Clubs d’affaires du Québec (FCAQ), that Étienne Marcoux, Senior Associate within Colliers Montréal’s brokerage group, met his client, IGF Axiom. An engineering firm working mainly in health and safety and project management, IGF Axiom was looking to purchase an existing office building in Laval to relocate its business. However, with the availability of office buildings for sale in Laval being non-existent, this mandate was particularly challenging.
A Rare Opportunity Reveals Itself
Étienne Marcoux and Steve Garneau, Senior Associate with Colliers Montréal, spotted a “FOR LEASE” sign on a 10,300-square-foot office building in Laval and did not hesitate for a minute. Even though the sign said “FOR LEASE”, they knew there was still a possibility the owner would sell, and so they confidently approached the owner to negotiate a purchase.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a tour of the building was not possible, adding another challenge.
Two Transactions Realized in the Span of One Year, During the Pandemic
When the owner finally authorized a visit and agreed to proceed with a sale transaction, IGF Axiom couldn’t be happier as the property met all of the company’s requirements.
Yet the mandate presented another challenge because IGF Axiom still had obligations to Groupe Montoni, its previous lessor, until the end of 2021. Steve, teaming up with Étienne, and with the help of Julie Beauvais, Brokerage Project Specialist with Colliers Montréal, worked diligently to terminate IGF Axiom’s lease. Through a well-established relationship and successful negotiations with the developer, the client was released from its previous lease obligations and is now able to enjoy its new home in Laval.
