Jonathan Brasse

The Dallas-based firm’s attempt to buy Japan’s first failed REIT is blocked for a second time by creditors. A rival bid from Daiwa House remains on the cards if New City can avoid liquidation.

Having already corralled $4 billion of equity commitments for a global opportunity investing consortium, the Toronto-based firm has swollen its kitty by a further $1bn as two more investors sign up.

PERE Magazine September 2009: Although it sits on a massive pile of dry powder, the world’s largest private equity real estate firm has directed its professionals to first spend their time deeply researching macro trends around the world, as well as briefing LPs about their findings. Jonathan Brasse recently interviewed the London-based team that spearheaded this back-to-school effort to learn how they believe the world has changed.

Focus DIY is set to halve £12m in potential property costs in a deal illustrating landlords' desire to circumvent vacancies.

Former Istithmar managing director Richard Johnson has resigned from his post as the chief executive officer of a jointly managed real estate fund by his old employer and current employer Standard Chartered.

The Chinese Sovereign Wealth fund has reportedly shortlisted nine fund managers taking part in the US Public-Private Investment Plan.

UK home improvement firm, Focus DIY, is to offer its landlords incentives so its lenders agree to extend the term of its debt facility.

The New York-based alternative investment firm revealed it has closed on a deal to buy 1,200 home loans from Lehman Brothers’ Asia subsidiaries for its first ever Asia-focused fund.

New York based-Westbrook Partners is seeking to sell Shell-Mex House, a large office building in London, two years after paying £494 million ($831 million; €582 million) for the property.

The planned takeover by Dallas-based Lone Star of Japan’s first failed REIT New City Residence Investment Corporation has been blocked by creditors after its restructuring proposal could not muster a majority vote.