NEWS FLASH: Blackstone's at it again, agreeing last night to pay $36 billion (cash plus assumption of debt) for Equity Office Properties (590 buildings in 25 markets). Second biggest private equity transaction ever after HCA. 8.5% premium. Sam Zell's take: only $92 million! More info.
PICTURES: Events are speeding up as we approach the holidays. A sampling from our travels:
"Life is Sweet." That was the apt name of Best Buddies Virginia fundraiser (held in DC at the Four Seasons) last week. Pastry chefs from 20 top restaurants served up sinful concoctions for 350 philanthropic desert-lovers, includingCushman's Susan Thomas, Carr America's Dave Bevirt (a host of the event), Akridge's Andy Eichberg,and CB's Sherry Cushman.
Chief Tasters. Chair of the Best Buddies chapter and dinner this year was GVA Advantis' Steve Mutty, here with emcee Barbara Harrison of NBC-4.
Audience Participation. At last CREW panel event of year, Wednesday at Capital Hilton, tables are turned on audience, who wave and smile for cameraman. Panel on how media decide stories consisted of reps from magazines Spaces and OnSite, Commercial Property News, Engineering News Record, and — what's this? — Bisnow on Business.Event doubled as valedictory for outgoing president Elaine Gray of Cassidy.
Construction Crew. Breaking ground for 322,000 sq. ft. at 77 K St., NE, on Friday were ING's Mike O'Brien, Brookfield's Paul Schulman and Jim Berkon, ING's Marc DeLuca, and Cassidy Pinkard & Collier's Zeke Dodson.
Lunch Break. Resting up from such hard work after the groundbreaking, the shovelers from the previous picture and other colleagues gathered nearby at Charlie Palmer Steak to celebrate.
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