LONDON-Westfield, the Australian shopping center specialist, has teamed up with rival Multiplex and property entrepreneurs the Reuben brothers to pursue a joint cash bid for Chelsfield.

LONDON-Westfield, the Australian shopping center specialist, has teamed up with rival Multiplex and property entrepreneurs the Reuben brothers to pursue a joint cash bid for Chelsfield.

LONDON-Investor demand for London offices has soared recently despite low levels of occupancy and even lower yields. New research by Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker found the strongest performance in the City, which saw a 30% increase in investment in the last quarter.

LONDON-Stanhope, which will submit a planning application shortly, has unveiled plans for a massive mixed-use scheme in Croydon, south London. But the developer will have to contend with a rival scheme for the same site.

LONDON-Homebuilder Crest Nicholson and property developer Grosvenor have been selected for a euro 1.47-billion ($1.8-billion) regeneration project in South West England.

LONDON-Demand for sheds in Central and Eastern Europe is also set to rise, says FPDSavills, as manufacturing companies look to benefit from lower costs in these regions and transport products back into Western Europe.

LONDON-Marylebone Warwick Balfour has acquired the lifestyle hotel brand, Hotel du Vin, by acquiring the holding company for euro 96.4 million ($118.8 million). MWB plans to manage the new hotel in conjunction with its Malmaison hotel brand. The acquisition effectively doubles the company's investment in the lifestyle hotel market.

LONDON-Westfield, the Australian shopping center giant, has launched its euro 793-million ($977-million) bid for Chelsfield on its own without the benefit of a consortium. Details of its bid also reveal the firm has ruled out a hostile takeover.