Deals

The unrelenting rise of sovereign wealth and a promising outlook for MENA private equity funds were among the key talking points at PEI’s Middle East Private Equity Forum in Dubai.

The investment bank is quietly drawing together professionals from within the firm to raise alternative investment funds for external clients.

As real estate investors such as Sam Zell’s Equity International scout opportunities in Libya, a project in the seaside resort of Janzour has received a €55 million development finance facility, the first of its kind in the country.

Mike Smith will replace Philip Levinson as director of client services for LaSalle’s Asian investors in real estate products.

The property investment arm of Principal Financial Group has partnered with a local developer to raise two LEED-certified office developments in California’s tech hotspot.

Backed by Lubert-Adler, the former founders of Somera Capital Management’s retail group have launched a venture to acquire retail properties across the US.

The Investment Corporation of Dubai has pulled out of €3 billion offer for Inmobiliaria Colonial, in what would have been the sovereign wealth fund’s first major move into overseas markets.

Virginia Retirement System increases real estate and private equity allocations by three percentage points, saying it wants more flexibility in its portfolio.

The two firms, both with global footprints, were big winners among many unveiled today for the 2007 Global PERE Awards.

A Chilean developer is looking for partners to build the world's largest pools.