Paul Fruchbom

Former Merrill Lynch property pro Michael Nash has joined Blackstone as a senior managing director in the firm’s real estate group.

The private equity real estate firm has acquired a portfolio of primarily New York City restaurants, as well as formed a joint venture with the restaurants’ owner, BR Guest, to develop new eateries for its hotel portfolio.

The investment bank has invested in retail and residential developer RBI Holdings, which has already formed a separate $500m joint venture with RREEF, as Morgan Stanley marks its first property investment in St. Petersburg.

Swiss alternatives manager Partners Group is acquiring heavyweight US real estate advisor Pension Consulting Alliance.

The US investment firm becomes the second company this year to close on a fund of funds vehicle targeting the European property markets.

The battle over the largest private equity deal yet involves the biggest names in private equity and real estate setting personal relationship aside in favour of a bidding slug-fest.

The US investment firm becomes the second company this year to close on a fund of funds vehicle targeting the European property markets.

Last year, British architect Sir Norman Foster unveiled a giant glass pyramid in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Now, he is back, this time to build a huge tent that will shield a giant urban park.

Biggest ever buyout could be the start of something even more impressive.

A partnership between CapitaLand and Maybank Group is planning to raise a $250m private equity real estate vehicle for Malaysia.