CHICAGO-The Australian firm finalizes the purchase of locally based Equis Corp. CEO David Montross and Equis founder Michael Silver will stay on board to help run the new venture.

CHICAGO-The Australian firm finalizes the purchase of locally based Equis Corp. CEO David Montross and Equis founder Michael Silver will stay on board to help run the new venture.

CINCINNATI-The units, located in New Mexico, California and Pennsylvania, bring Federated's total announced sales to 62. The company has plans to sell a total of 80 stores.

CHICAGO-After the Fordham Co. falls short of financing, Ireland-based Shelbourne Development will now take over the $1.2-billion development at 400 N. Lake Shore Dr.

INDIANAPOLIS-The 328-unit Phoenix Apartments at 4004 Meadows Dr. obtains a 20-year renewal of its Section 8 Housing Assistance contract, allowing for substantial physical improvements to the property.

MINNEAPOLIS-The medical office market is seeing robust figures, with construction activity at an all-time high of 775,000 sf of new product in the pipeline.

WASHINGTON, DC-The NFR's 2006 Back-to-School Consumer Survey reports spending is estimated to reach $17.6 billion, up from $13.4 billion.

CHICAGO-The brokerage firm increases its board from six to seven members with the addition of F. Joseph Moravec, former US General Services Administration commissioner.