JLL’s HFF Buy to Boost Capital Markets Platform

Chicago-based JLL is acquiring HFF, which is headquartered in Dallas, to bolster its capital markets platform. The $2 billion acquisition will put JLL in the position of becoming a “leading capital markets intermediary,” according to a statement by JLL’s Global CEO, Christian Ulbrich.

According to JLL, the acquisition will help increase its U.S. capital markets presence, grow its debt advisory business in Europe and Asia and boost operating efficiencies globally. “Increasing the scale of our Capital Markets business is one of the key priorities in our Beyond strategic vision to drive long-term sustainable and profitable growth,” Ulbrich said.

The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2019. HFF CEO Mark Gibson will join JLL as CEO, Capital Markets, Americas, and Co-Chair of its Global Capital Markets Board. “We believe the combination with JLL will create a superior platform for our shareholders, clients and employees than either company would have, independent of the other, and will significantly accelerate our firm’s strategic plan,” Gibson said.

Pictured: Dallas, TX

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