CBRE Snaps Up South Florida Firm

By Barbra Murray, Contributing Editor

Commercial real estate services giant CBRE Group Inc., just keeps growing in size, and its latest expansion endeavor strengthens its foothold in South Florida. CBRE recently acquired the business of Brenner Real Estate Group, a full-service commercial real estate services firm based in Fort Lauderdale.

Arden Karson, CBRE Group

Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach County. CBRE already has a strong presence in the southernmost region of the Sunshine State, but the firm has growth on its mind, and for good reason. “South Florida continues to be an important market for both domestic and international investors, and we remain bullish about the future,” Arden Karson, a senior managing director with CBRE Group Inc., told Commercial Property Executive.

BREG, established by Scott Brenner, president & CEO, made its debut in 1987. It has since evolved into a well-respected provider in the region, offering asset solutions, brokerage, development, investment sales, property management, asset management, and receivership services for clients with needs in the office, multifamily, industrial and retail sectors. And it’s all done with a team of approximately 20 professionals. “This acquisition expands our footprint in Broward and Palm Beach counties, while adding key personnel in specialty areas whose set of capabilities will help us further implement our business plan,” Karson added.

CBRE has not been shy about fortifying its business through acquisitions of firms in any number of areas this year. Most recently, the firm purchased Australian project advisory and management company Aurora Projects Pty Ltd., a move that strengthened CBRE’s position in Australia and New Zealand. The company made a notable step forward in its technology initiatives when it grabbed Mainstream Software Inc., a firm providing mobile and software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology solutions for facilities management operations. CBRE augmented its national debt and structured finance service and added client service advantages in the Midwest with the acquisition of Capstone Financial Solutions LLC, a boutique commercial real estate finance and consulting firm. And CBRE kicked off 2017 by bringing SaaS solutions provider Floored Inc. into the family, giving its professionals and clients access to advanced technology.

Image courtesy of CBRE