OAK BROOK, IL—When the $2.3-billion merger with real estate funds managed by DRA Advisors was announced last December, IRC's Thomas D'Arcy cited "the long-term discount at which the company's shares have traded versus private market valuations and its shopping center REIT peers."

SANTA ANA, CA—"Concerns about rising prices hampering affordability and access to credit are tempering title agent expectations for market growth," says chief economist Mark Fleming at First American Financial.

SOUTHFIELD, MI—Sun Communities' acquisition of Carefree Communities from Centerbridge will deepen SUI's presence in key coastal markets, says chairman and CEO Gary Shiffman.

CARROLLTON, TX—"We continue to see no evidence of affordability concerns among renters of market-rate, professionally managed apartments," says Jay Parsons, VP of MPF Research.

CINCINNATI—CEO of the REIT that was spun off from Darden Restaurants last summer, William Lenehan brings real estate experience "in a variety of industry sectors" to the board, says Macy's CEO Terry Lundgren.

HAVANA—The first US hotelier to receive the Treasury Department's okay on operating in Cuba, Starwood Hotels has forged two rebranding agreements and has signed a letter of intent for a third property.

LOS ANGELES—Although most investors globally plan to increase or maintain their buying activity this year, CBRE's Chris Ludeman says that "2016 looks likely to be a 'risk-off' year."

NEW YORK CITY—The three Boca Raton, FL student housing properties and two Minneapolis-area apartment complexes boast "strong market fundamentals including solid rent growth and high occupancy rates," says Investcorp's Herb Myers.