CHICAGO, IL — June 24, 2011 (11 a.m. CST) -- Baird & Warner Real Estate just announced that it has acquired west suburban real estate broker F.C. Pilgrim & Co. The combination of these two venerable, family-owned, independent real estate firms further solidifies Baird & Warner's dominant residential sales leadership in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park and surrounding communities. Both organizations have enjoyed a reputation of consumer confidence that dates back to the late 1800s — and a historic commitment to diversity and fair housing that are the benchmarks of the industry.

"F.C. Pilgrim & Co. is an outstanding example of what we look for in a partner — talented real estate sales professionals with a culture focused on service," said Stephen W. Baird, President and CEO of Baird & Warner Real Estate. "We see this union as a win-win for both of our firms, and especially for our valued clients.

"We are incredibly pleased to be joining the Baird & Warner professional family," said John O'Neill, Chairman of F.C. Pilgrim & Co. "The alignment of our two teams brings a unique pairing of local market sensitivity and expertise, combined with unparalleled reach and resources. This ensures that our clients will enjoy an experience that is absolutely second-to-none for all of their real estate needs — whether buying, selling or financing a home."

Renee Naffziger, Managing Broker for Baird & Warner's Oak Park Office, will assume responsibility for the combined sales operations. Michael O'Neill, Managing Broker of F.C. Pilgrim & Co., will take on the newly created role of Baird & Warner's Director of Community Initiatives. A life-long resident of Oak Park, Michael O'Neill serves as President of the Oak Park Area Association of Realtors, and as a Director of the Oak Park Development Corporation.

About Baird & Warner

Established in 1855, Baird & Warner — now in its fifth generation of local family ownership — is the oldest residential real estate brokerage in the nation and the largest independent broker in Illinois. With over 1,500 sales professionals servicing hundreds of communities throughout the Northeastern Illinois marketplace, the company consistently ranks among the nation's Top 12 real estate firms. With a dynamic and progressive approach to the real estate business, Steve Baird has been consistently recognized among the "Industry's 100 Most Influential Leaders." The firm's "Website Quality Certified" online portal — Article Link Here — is ranked as the "#1 Real Estate Website in Chicagoland," and in 2010 was named "Best Overall Website" among the 600 member firms of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World's international broker network.

About Pilgrim

Specializing in residential brokerage services in the west suburban communities of Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park. Berwyn and Galewood — F.C. Pilgrim & Co. has been an established and leading independent real estate firm since 1893. The family-owned company is committed to service, integrity and trust.