"I know they have met--definitely," one industry source claimsof negotiations between the two entities. Based in Boston, Colliershas 241 offices in 54 countries, but is sans a branch in the citywhere it was founded in 1986. The vacuum occurred last year whenlong-time Boston partner Spaulding & Slye was bought out byJones Lang LaSalle. FHO was formed after TCC was bought out by CBRichard Ellis, allowing a group to break off on its own.

Whether any talks between FHO and Colliers will lead to a unionis uncertain, but one observer unaware of any discussions notesthat Fallon Hines & O'Connor trumpeted the global reach of TCCwhen that firm joined forces in 1998. The $38 million-plus shelledout to Fallon Hines principals was clearly the bigger factor, butcompany officials cited TCC's far-reaching resources as anotherattraction, allowing many brokers to break into fresh markets. Inthe view of the observer, "it's tough to lose" the access andresources afforded an international platform.

Neither FHO nor Colliers appear ready to discuss the matter. Acall to FHO was not returned by press deadline, while a Colliersspokeswoman would only accede the organization is eager toestablish a local office again, calling Boston "a very importantreal estate market to us." She would neither confirm nor denyinterest in FHO.