Effective Jan. 1, the global real estate investment banking and advisory firm Macquarie Capital Partners changed its name to M3 Capital Partners, reflecting phase three in the firm’s evolution toward more autonomy and flexibility from its affiliate, Macquarie Real Estate.

M3 Capital Partners was formed in 2001 to facilitate the development of Macquarie Real Estate’s funds management platforms. In the past six years, it has assisted in accumulating more than $11 billion in North American real estate assets under management in joint ventures with real estate operating partners such as Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE: BDN), Developers Diversified Realty Corporation (NYSE: DDR), Equity Office Properties Trust, Maguire Properties, Inc. (NYSE: MPG), ProLogis (NYSE: PLD) and Regency Centers (NYSE: REG).

“M3 Capital Partners will remain committed to adding value for our clients and investors,” says Managing Principal Don Suter. “Macquarie Real Estate has been and continues to be a highly valued client, and in light of our shared history, Macquarie Real Estate and M3 Capital Partners will continue to maintain a close relationship.”

GE Real Estate Expands Its Spanish Presence GE Real Estate Iberia, a subsidiary of GE Real Estate, has reached a preliminary agreement with the Spanish company Landscape Immobiliaria to purchase a portfolio of office, industrial and other mixed-use properties located primarily in Barcelona and Madrid. Marcelo Horcel, managing director of GE Real Estate Iberia, says the portfolio will be combined with GE’s other office and industrial properties and will allow the firm flexibility in a desirable market. “This portfolio gives GE Real Estate a strong foothold in the Barcelona office and logistics markets, which is an attractive market that is expected to show good rental growth and healthy economic fundamentals,” Horcel says. The transaction is valued at approximately €600 million ($792 million U.S.) and will boost the total value of GE Real Estate Iberia’s portfolio to approximately $1.3 billion U.S.