Boutique Firms Are Sourcing Deals for Institutions

Babak Ziai: “I think this transaction underscores the value proposition of boutique real estate firms to help institutional investors source and operate unique investment opportunities.”

LOS ANGELES—J.P. Morgan Asset Management – Global Real Assets has acquired a 20,000-square-foot multi-tenant retail property in Santa Monica from Related California. The purchase price of the property was not disclosed. Boutique investment firm BrandView Capital Partners sourced the acquisition for J.P. Morgan from Hanley Investment Group, which represented the Related in the transaction. Although the property isn’t typically fodder for institutional investors, it is a great investment opportunity and one that J.P. Morgan could take advantage of by sourcing through a boutique firm.

“I had worked on mixed-use development joint ventures with J.P. Morgan Asset Management – Global Real Assets while at my previous firm. During that time I also worked with Hanley Investment Group SVP Carlos Lopez on sourcing retail investment opportunities,” Babak Ziai, founder of BrandView Capital Partners, tells GlobeSt.com. “I regularly communicated with both firms after founding BrandView Capital Partners, so relationships, teamwork and having a flexible platform made it happen. I think this transaction underscores the value proposition of boutique real estate firms to help institutional investors source and operate unique investment opportunities.” BrandView Capital Partners is providing owner’s representation services for the property of behalf of J.P. Morgan.