PARIS-Bank of Ireland Private Banking has snapped up Cartier International's Paris headquarters for euro 281.5m ($496 million) on behalf of private investors. The bank is pursuing deals in France, Belgium and Scandinavia in the belief that yields in the UK and Ireland are now too demanding.

PARIS-Bank of Ireland Private Banking has snapped up Cartier International's Paris headquarters for euro 281.5m ($496 million) on behalf of private investors. The bank is pursuing deals in France, Belgium and Scandinavia in the belief that yields in the UK and Ireland are now too demanding.

LONDON-The property derivatives market in the UK is set to see massive expansion over the next 18 months, say industry leaders. They predict deals could exceed euro 2.95 billion ($3.5 billion) in 2006.

LONDON-The property derivatives market in the UK is set to see massive expansion over the next 18 months, say industry leaders. They predict deals could exceed euro 2.95 billion ($3.5 billion) in 2006.

LONDON-Land Securities has increased its retail portfolio with the acquisition of the Hatfield Galleria in Hertfordshire from Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners. LandSec ponied up euro 180.63 million ($214.75 million).

LONDON-Land Securities has increased its retail portfolio with the acquisition of the Hatfield Galleria in Hertfordshire from Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners. LandSec ponied up euro 180.63 million ($214.75 million).

LONDON-Land Securities has increased its retail portfolio with the acquisition of the Hatfield Galleria in Hertfordshire from Lehman Brothers Real Estate Partners. LandSec ponied up euro 180.63 million ($214.75 million).

LONDON-Property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz ends an eight-month takeover saga by agreeing to a euro 1.6-billion ($1.95-billion) takeover of the supermarket chain Somerfield. The deal was done only after the bidding consortium secured an extension in the deadline imposed by Stock Exchange Takeover Panel.