The Miami-based real estate investment, finance and management company is acquiring the advice and counsel of a retired Republican senator who spent 18 years of as a representative and senator from the southwest Florida city of Fort Myers."His background and wealth of experience will be of immense value to LNR as we strive to achieve our long-term goal of building a premier real estate franchise while we continue to enhance shareholder value,'' Stuart A. Miller, LNR chairman, says in a prepared statement.

The announcement comes as Thompson/First Call forecasts the company to earn 96 cents a share for the three months ending Aug. 31. The company exceeded a forecast of 97 cents a share by 13 cents for the three months ended May 31.

Prior to the announcement, shares in the Miami company closed up 6sox cents Friday at $33.23 on volume of 136,900 -- just $2.27 off the 52-week high of $35.50. The issue has traded as low as $20 each over the same time period.