Realty consultants beef up investment banking teams as big deals pop up

International and domestic property consultants are increasing their capital market and investment banking teams as big real estate deals pop up. Recently, JLL India hired senior executives for its real estate investment and capital market services business. Hardeep Dayal was hired as chief operating officer, capital markets; Amit Gupta as head, debt markets; and Mohammed Aslam as head, mid-markets. JLL acted as a banker in the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board’s investment in IndoSpace. Ramesh Nair, chief executive officer (CEO) and country head, JLL India, said, “We are committed to exploring formats and avenues to channel real estate investments in order to drive liquidity into realty. As India becomes more attractive to global capital, we welcome the opportunity to be at the forefront in channelising foreign and domestic investments.” Real estate has seen some big deals in recent times. Singapore's sovereign fund, Government of Singapore Investment Corporation bought 40 per cent in the DLF’s rental arm for $1.4 billion. It bought 40 per cent in Prestige estates’ rental portfolio for an estimated $250-$300 million. Blackstone bought 20 per cent in K Raheja Corp's rental arm.