Montreal-based Aurora Realty Consultants and Toronto’s Retail Ventures CND have announced a merger that will form one of the largest retail-dedicated brokerages in Canada. The combined company will operate under the name Aurora Retail Group, bringing together two highly respected firms in the Canadian retail real estate sector.
The new firm will be co-led by Jeff Berkowitz, founder of Aurora Realty Consultants, and Sam Winberg, founder of Retail Ventures CND. Both will serve as Co-Chief Executive Officers of Aurora Retail Group. Joining them on the leadership team will be Manon Parisien, who will assume the role of President, and Justin Pearlstein, who will step into the position of Executive Vice President.
With a headcount of approximately 23 to 25 professionals, Aurora Retail Group is expected to stand as one of the largest brokerages in the country that is exclusively focused on retail. The firm will maintain its offices in Montreal and Toronto, in addition to other offices across Canada as well as in the US and UK.
The creation of Aurora Retail Group represents a significant consolidation within the Canadian retail real estate advisory space. Both firms have long histories of guiding major retailers in their market entry, expansion, and real estate strategies across the country. The announcement comes just ahead of the ICSC Canadian conference in Toronto on October 7-8, where the new Aurora Retail Group will be introduced to industry stakeholders.
Aurora Realty Consultants: A Montreal Legacy
Founded in 1989 by Berkowitz, Aurora Realty Consultants established itself as a leading retail-focused brokerage at a time when tenant representation was emerging as a critical service in Canada’s evolving commercial landscape. Over the decades, the firm expanded from its Montreal base to work on assignments across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Aurora built its reputation through projects involving shopping centres, big-box developments, urban street retail, and entertainment venues. The company has been credited with helping introduce global brands such as Sephora and Uniqlo into the Canadian market. Beyond tenant representation, Aurora has advised landlords and developers while also offering consulting for pop-ups, incubators, and international expansion through its WR-C Aurora partnership in Europe.
Berkowitz himself is a well-known figure in the industry, recognized not only for his deal-making but also for his leadership in community initiatives and mentoring programs. In 2017, he co-founded Halcyon Brands, a company dedicated to expanding international retail concepts in North America through e-commerce, licensing, and bricks-and-mortar strategies.
Retail Ventures CND: A Toronto-Based Powerhouse
Retail Ventures CND, founded by Sam Winberg, has also carved a prominent place in the Canadian brokerage sector. Winberg brings more than 35 years of experience in retail real estate, having co-founded Northwest Atlantic (Canada) Inc. in 1991, later acquired by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) in 2018.
Retail Ventures CND has specialized in tenant-side representation, guiding a roster of both global and Canadian retailers in their market strategies. Winberg and his team have represented brands such as Walmart, Nordstrom, Whole Foods, TJX Companies (Winners, Marshalls, HomeSense), Indigo, Rolex, and Ulta Beauty, among others.
The firm has been particularly active in supporting retailers through expansion challenges and restructurings. Most recently, Retail Ventures CND led the disposition of Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby leases during CCAA proceedings in Canada, showcasing its expertise in complex court-monitored lease assignments.
Alongside Winberg, the Retail Ventures CND team includes industry experts such as Justin Pearlstein and Vice President Kenzie Kohl, who will continue to contribute to the firm’s national expansion strategies under the new Aurora Retail Group banner.
Building One of the Largest Retail-Dedicated Brokerages in Canada
With the combination of Aurora and Retail Ventures, Aurora Retail Group will bring together decades of expertise and a deep bench of talent. The merged firm will count a team of more than 20 professionals, providing the scale and specialization to compete at the top of the Canadian market.
Services will include tenant representation, landlord consulting, lease negotiations, portfolio management, and strategic real estate advice for retailers entering or expanding across Canada. The firm’s expertise will extend internationally, with relationships and partnerships in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.
The leadership emphasized that the merger positions Aurora Retail Group as a unique entity in the marketplace. By focusing exclusively on retail, the firm will provide a specialized alternative to large multi-sector brokerages, ensuring dedicated attention to retailers and landlords navigating a rapidly evolving sector.
