Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. - JLL STOCK NEWS

JLL (NYSE: JLL) has announced an agreement to acquire Raise Commercial Real Estate, a technology-powered brokerage with a transformative digital real estate platform. This acquisition will provide JLL and its clients access to Raise's industry-leading leasing technology, enhancing JLL's global platform. Raise offers a cloud-based application that integrates every stage of the leasing lifecycle, from transaction and lease management to workplace and portfolio analytics.

The acquisition aligns with JLL's commitment to accelerating its digital leasing capabilities and delivering better client outcomes. Raise's platform will supplement JLL's existing leasing technology, such as Blackbird. Justin Bedecarre, Co-Founder and CEO of Raise, will become Head of Americas Leasing Innovation at JLL, reporting to Andy Poppink, CEO of Markets Advisory. The transaction is expected to close shortly, subject to customary closing conditions.

JLL's Capital Markets group has successfully arranged a $577.625 million CMBS single-borrower (SASB) financing for LBA Logistics Value Fund VII Industrial Portfolio. The portfolio consists of 25 industrial properties across 10 states, totaling 7,040,030 square feet. JLL secured a floating-rate loan for a five-year term through a syndicate led by J.P. Morgan, with Bank of America and Wells Fargo as joint bookrunners. The final pricing was approximately 195 bps over SOFR.

The portfolio boasts a 100% occupancy rate with a diverse tenant mix across various industries. Located in highly desirable markets nationwide, the properties benefit from strong demographics, with a weighted average population of 1.0 million within a 30-minute radius and 2.9 million within a 60-minute radius of each asset.

JLL has announced plans to strengthen its building operations and digital leasing capabilities. The company will unify all building operation groups to better address client needs and adapt to changing industry dynamics. This restructuring aims to create greater synergy and enhance client value by aligning real estate management activities globally.

Additionally, JLL will accelerate the development of its digital leasing platform, investing in technology to support clients throughout the leasing lifecycle. Effective January 1, 2025, the Property Management business will be reported under Neil Murray, CEO of Work Dynamics. The Markets Advisory segment will be renamed Leasing Advisory. These changes are designed to improve operational efficiency and client service, with JLL committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all stakeholders.

The UAE BioTech Symposium, chaired by Secondcell Bio, will take place on November 6-8, 2024 in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. The event, organized in partnership with AmCham Abu Dhabi's BioTech Committee and Masdar City, aims to attract U.S. and international BioTech owners and executives to explore opportunities in the UAE's growing BioTech sector. The symposium will feature:

• Approximately 150 qualified attendees
• Discussions on BioTech sector growth, Emirati genomic research, and the future of medicine in the UAE
• Networking opportunities and lab tours
• Information from UAE government entities on business incentives

The inaugural event will be followed by quarterly symposiums across the Middle East, fostering collaboration and innovation in the BioTech industry.

JLL's Future of Work Survey reveals that 65% of business leaders expect their CRE budgets to increase by 2030, despite challenging market conditions. Key findings include:

1. 64% of leaders plan to increase and rebalance headcount by 2030.
2. 62% expect increased office space use, with 85% requiring at least 3 days of office attendance weekly.
3. 44% of organizations are now 'office advocates', up from 34% in 2022.
4. CRE functions are expected to support business growth (41%), enable efficiency (38%), and reduce costs (37%).
5. 70% of CRE activities are expected to be AI-supported by 2030.

The survey highlights the need for CRE teams to balance priorities, leverage technology, and demonstrate value to the C-suite in an evolving work landscape.

JLL and LaSalle's 2024 Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI) reveals that highly transparent real estate markets are making strong progress, outpacing peers. Key findings include:

1. Europe remains the most transparent region, with the U.S., Canada, France, and Australia among top improvers.

2. Singapore enters the 'Highly Transparent' group for the first time.

3. Asia records the strongest average transparency improvements since 2022, with India as the top global improver.

4. AI and sustainability are driving new transparency opportunities and challenges.

5. The top transparent countries have attracted over $1.2 trillion in direct commercial real estate investment over the last two years.

6. Debt markets, money laundering, and beneficial ownership emerge as key transparency themes to watch.

JLL Hotels & Hospitality group has secured a $620 million acquisition financing for the Hyatt Regency Orlando, a 1,641-key AAA Four Diamond resort. The floating-rate, five-year loan was arranged through Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Deutsche Bank for affiliates of RIDA Development and an Ares Management Real Estate fund.

The resort boasts 315,000 square feet of meeting and event space and is directly connected to the Orange County Convention Center. It offers spacious accommodations, multiple dining options, and various amenities. Located on International Drive, the property is close to major Orlando attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The upcoming Epic Universe theme park, set to open in 2025, is just minutes away.

JLL Spark Global Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of JLL, has led a Series A investment round in PROBIS, a Munich-based PropTech company specializing in AI-powered financial management for real estate development. PROBIS aims to revolutionize the industry by replacing outdated systems with its comprehensive platform for financial control and cost management.

This strategic investment aligns with JLL's global expansion strategy and digital transformation efforts. It will enable PROBIS to leverage JLL's resources and expertise to enhance its cloud-based AI functions, particularly in multi-project controlling and real-time data provision for real estate lenders and developers. The partnership is expected to drive efficiency and innovation in the real estate industry, offering clients improved project and development management solutions.

JLL reported strong Q2 2024 financial results, with revenue up 12% to $5.6 billion. Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.75 from $0.05 last year, while adjusted diluted EPS increased to $2.55 from $2.12. Resilient business lines saw 16% revenue growth, led by a 19% increase in Workplace Management. Transactional revenues grew 5%, with Leasing up 5% and Capital Markets up 3%. Net income attributable to shareholders was $84.4 million, compared to $2.5 million in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA rose 9% to $246.3 million. The company reduced net debt by nearly $150 million and improved its leverage ratio. JLL highlighted continued profitability improvement driven by revenue growth and cost management efforts.