Globest Sectors

NEW YORK CITY-Several New York based companies have backed the creation of new Web-based ventures.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA-After shedding thousands of Southland positions since the 1998 merger, the banking giant will bring some back through consolidation of a key business segment.

PHOENIX-A California partnership acquires 212-lot facility in neighboring Tucson.

ATLANTA-The selling prices are between $44.50 and $46 per share. The stock was acquired between $28.05 and $38.94 per share. The stock is currently trading at about $44 per share.

CHICAGO- Real estate titan continues to predict massive consolidation for the real estate industry, saying the upcoming changes will be akin to the "oligopolization" of steel and autos early last century. Zell says the two REITs he launched and in which he remains the largest shareholder, Equity Office REIT and Equity Residential REIT, will increasingly focus on offering services to their huge client base. Sees Equity Residential offering insurance and mortgages to renters who are leaving to buy homes.

CHARLOTTE-This Durham, NC company didn't have to put out bids for a materials contractor to build its new $3.2 million, 4,240-sf plant at 325 E. Hebron St. here. Unicon Concrete is using its own product.

KANSAS CITY, MO-Meiners Thriftway closes Oldham Parkway store.

MINNEAPOLIS-11,500-sf building to go up on cleaned-up Minneapolis salvage yard.