Robin Marriott

New York-based Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has reportedly pulled out of a joint bid with TPG Capital for Australian rail and ports operator Asciano, which rejected an A$2.7bn takeover bid from the two firms last year. GIP may now proceed with a bid of its own.

Though South Africa is on the brink of recession and mergers and acquisition volumes have tumbled, a report by information provider Mergermarker says there have been a string of real estate deals in the first quarter of the year.

The placement agent has hired Alex Walker from the global real estate advisory business, DTZ.

The firm says it has raised equity from investors for deployment across the country.

AEW Europe has sold an asset in Hamburg acquired for its €759m European Property Investors fund, the predecessor to its second opportunity fund, which raised €788m last year.

The Wall Street firm has deferred the final close of its latest global property vehicle because investors have asked for more time. The firm remains confident, however, it is on track to raise its target of up to $10 billion.

Rachel Tan, former global head of business development for real estate and private equity at French bank Société Générale, is helping expand the capital raising business at Australia’s Macquarie Group.

The placement agent has moved Franklyn Chang from its Connecticut office and hired former UBS placement agent Christophe Pietersen and Stephanie Brendel, previously with Bear Stearns.

Pacific Star has recruited Knut Riesmeier from the global asset mangement division of insurer Munich Re to lead efforts in the region.

Axel Wieandt, global head of corporate investments at Deutsche Bank, will take up the role of chief executive at Hypo Real Estate from Monday.