Mergers & Acquisitions

June 2, 2015: David Brandon is named chairman and CEO, effective July 1, succeeding the retiring Antonio Urcelay.

November 2013: Former Walmart executive Hank Mullany is named president of Toys “R” Us, U.S.

October 2013: 17-year Toys “R” Us veteran Antonio Urcelay is named chairman and CEO after serving in an interim role for five months.

RANDOM NOTES: Microsoft made its Manhattan debut with a 22,369-sq.-ft. flagship on Fifth Avenue — its largest location yet. Designed in collaboration with Gensler, the store has a striking, all-glass facade that provides a full view of the contemporary, multi-level interior. High-definition video walls and digital signage are featured throughout the space, streaming video, images and information. A two-story video wall is located behind an “answer desk,” where shoppers can receive assistance and training. ...

For Toys “R” Us chairman and CEO David Brandon, it’s all about having a successful holiday in 2015 — a short-term goal that he believes will pave the way to leveraging longterm opportunities.

Taking the reins of Toys “R” Us in July 2015, new CEO and chairman David Brandon recognized one of the biggest challenges he faced would be inspiring others to execute his vision of what the company could be. The retailer had gone through a decade of leadership changes, and Brandon was well aware that frequent executive changes, strategic shifts and cost-cutting can cause stress and a lack of trust.

Fresh Market’s new CEO Rick Anicetti said he is making changes as fast as possible to restore growth to a retailer he contends has enormous untapped potential.

Cincinnati – Phillips Edison Grocery Center REIT II announced it has acquired two grocery-anchored shopping centers, expanding the company’s portfolio in Arizona and Florida.

51st and Olive Square is an 88,225-sq.-ft. grocery-anchored shopping center in Glendale, Arizona. The center is anchored by Fry’s Food and Drug grocery store, the number one grocer by market share in the Phoenix area. Additional key national tenants include Leslie’s Poolmart, Papa Murphy’s and the UPS Store.

Hamilton Township, N.J. -- IP Associates announced it has executed an agreement with Regal Entertainment Group to anchor Independence Plaza located in Hamilton, New Jersey. The announcement comes on the heels of an eight month turnaround leasing campaign that has netted in 115,000 sq. ft. of new leases.

Pictured from left to right: Carlos Serra, Greg Holcomb, Martin Potts and Peter Belisle