"We view our FHO transaction as another important step in ourstrategy to build breadth and depth of local talent within theworld's key financial centers," DTZ chief executive Mark Struckettsays in a release announcing the commitment. The firm last year,for example, expanded into New York City by acquiring Rockwood, andDTZ officials indicate they plan to pursue additional relationshipsin other US markets going forward.

On the flip side, FHO principal Joseph Fallon says the unionwith DTZ fulfills his firm's goal of finding a partner possessing aglobal platform to help clients needing cross-border services.Colliers International reportedly had pursued FHO soon afterBoston's Trammell Crow team opted to launch its own operationearlier this year, and rumors that DTZ was making a run begancirculating once prospects for a Colliers affiliation faded. Inassessing the DTZ agreement, Fallon says the arrangement shouldbenefit all phases of FHO's landlord, tenant and capital marketsefforts.

"DTZ is a world-class organization with an excellent reputationfor client service, teamwork and integrity," says Fallon. "We arepleased to become part of the group at this interesting stage ofits development." In addition to its London base, DTZ has a strongpresence in most corners of the globe, including Asia andEurope.