Mergers & Acquisitions

Nashville, Tenn. -- X Team International announced that Nashville-based partner Baker Storey McDonald Properties has acquired two shopping centers located in Kentucky and Ohio.

Mount Laurel, N.J. -- Metro Commercial Real Estate announced that Jonathan Klear has joined its full-service brokerage team.

Klear most recently worked for NAI Mertz.

News this week that Walmart acquired a majority stake in one of China’s fastest growing e-commerce companies positions Walmart to become a dominant multichannel player in China far faster than it ever would have on its own.

By Dave Spargo, [email protected]

Hong Kong -- Asian-based apparel retailer Esprit reported Thursday a net profit of $71.6 million for the six months ended December, beating Wall Street estimates.

The retailer said it remains on track to close its directly managed stores in North America by end-March 2012 and will continue to look for a licensing partner.

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group announced that Mark T. Dufton has been named CEO and Neill J. Kelly has been named president of DJM Realty, Gordon Brothers’ real estate management affiliate.

Dufton has held the role of interim president of DJM Realty since December 2011. He is a former veteran of the company, after having spent nine years with DJM as principal and senior managing director.

Kelly is also a former DJM executive, having served as managing director from 1999 to 2003. He was previously principal at RK Realty Advisors.

Columbus, Ohio -- Limited Brands reported Wednesday that fourth quarter profit dropped 21% to $359.4 million, from $452.3 million in the year-ago period.

The parent to Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Henri Bendel was negatively impacted by a large restructuring charge for an asset write-down and closures of some of its La Senza lingerie stores. Last quarter’s profit decrease breaks a streak of four consecutive quarters of year-over-year profit increases.

Dallas – SRS Real Estate Partners announced that Pierce Mayson has joined the company as a senior associate in the Atlanta office.

Prior to joining SRS, Mayson worked as a retail investment sales broker in Newmark Knight Frank’s southeast capital group.