In Brief: GE and Big Builder In Apartment Venture

GE Capital Services of Stamford, Conn., and JPI, one of the nation's largest builders of luxury and student apartment communities, announced a venture that will build and acquire apartment complexes.

The General Electric Co. subsidiary will be the primary source of equity capital for the venture, with an initial equity commitment of $470 million.

"We strongly believe in a continued rebound in real estate values and are committed to building a strong portfolio in new and existing real estate in the next 24 months," said Ron Pressman, president of the commercial real estate financing unit at GE Capital Services.

The venture will develop luxury apartments and student housing communities in markets served by JPI as well as in new regions, such as California, the Northeast, and the Pacific Northwest. In addition, it will look for properties, portfolios, and companies to buy.

The goal is to become "the best and most innovative apartment company in the country, as well as one of the largest," said J. Frank Miller 3d, president and chief executive officer of JPI.

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