Vodafone has awarded preferred supplier status to four property consultants. The mobile phone giant said the move is designed to improve operational efficiencies through the consolidation of the number of agents it deals with internationally.

Vodafone has awarded preferred supplier status to four property consultants. The mobile phone giant said the move is designed to improve operational efficiencies through the consolidation of the number of agents it deals with internationally.

Following a competitive tender process, Colliers International, Cushman & Wakefield, DTZ and Jones Lang LaSalle, will handle all Vodafone's real estate management for more than 20 markets across mainland Europe, Central Europe and Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

The agreements cover the transactional work for Vodafone's portfolio of more than 3,000 properties, including network centres, offices, call centres and retail outlets as well as administration of real estate management in some markets.

In addition to improved operational efficiencies, Vodafone said it will be able to gain greater economies of scale and reduce estate management costs through awarding contracts on a multiple country basis. The move will also improve data management, analysis, and reporting of global property costs.

Vodafone has awarded JLL preferred supplier status in Germany, Turkey, Portugal and Spain. Vincent Lottefier, CEO EMEA Corporate Solutions at JLL said: 'This appointment underpins our core business strategies. We are delighted to expand our relationship with Vodafone to 3 new geographies in EMEA and very much look forward to working with Vodafone to realise its real estate objectives internationally.'

Colliers International was selected as preferred supplier in the UK, New Zealand, Romania, Egypt and Albania and as joint supplier in India with DTZ.

The contract covers the transaction and rent review/lease renewal advice on Vodafone’s operational portfolio including network centres, offices, call centres and retail outlets.

Chris McLernon, president of Colliers International, Europe & Latin America, said: 'Vodafone is a recognised world brand and we are delighted to have been selected as a key advisor. Colliers International intends to challenge the established market leaders in global corporate solutions and this appointment proves our capability.'

Jonathan Steel, Partner Client Solutions at Cushman & Wakefield commented: 'We are delighted to have been selected, through the highly competitive tendering process, to work in partnership with Vodafone to devise and deliver their real estate strategy in these key markets. We are looking forward to a long and successful relationship with Vodafone.'