CBRE Group to acquire the Global Workplace Solutions Business of Johnson Controls – EuropaProperty

CBRE Group (CBG) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Global WorkPlace Solutions (GWS) business of Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI). GWS is a market-leading provider of Integrated Facilities Management solutions for major occupiers of commercial real estate and has significant operations around the world. The purchase price is $1.475 billion, payable in cash, or $1.3 billion net of the present value of estimated tax benefits, and with customary post-closing adjustments for working capital and other items.

“The exceptionally talented GWS team will greatly enhance our service offering for occupiers around the world,” said Bob Sulentic, president and chief executive officer of CBRE. “With GWS, we further our ability to create advantages for occupier clients by aligning every aspect of how they lease, own, use and operate real estate to enhance their competitive position.”

GWS will operate as part of CBRE’s Global Corporate Services (GCS) business, which has increased revenue at a double-digit compound annual growth rate over the last decade, as more major corporations and other institutions outsource their real estate services. When the transaction is completed, the full range of combined occupier services – notably including CBRE’s leasing expertise and GWS’s engineering expertise – will be available to the clients of both companies.

GWS, which has approximately 16,000 employees worldwide, generated approximately $3.4 billion of revenue for the 12 months ended December 31, 2014.