The move represents an attempt by Minneapolis-based GVA Marquette to expand its services in corporate and institutional facility consulting, including site selection, development and investment consulting, and project management, says Louis Frillman, president of GVA Marquette. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Frillman called the acquisition the "logical next step" in the growth of his firm.

The four employees of Mendota Heights-based Corporate Real Estate have joined the 20 employees who work at GVA Marquette's downtown Minneapolis office. Among those moving is Bruce Maus, president of Corporate Real Estate. Maus, who founded Corporate Real Estate in 1992, will be senior vice president in charge of all operations of the corporate and investment group, according to Frillman.

Maus has 25 years experience in commercial and industrial, including stints at VenStar Corp., a real estate development firm, the St. Paul Port Authority, and the city of Mankato, MN, as development director. He has been involved in financing and developing more than $200 million in commercial and industrial real estate. He is past president of the Economic Development Association of Minnesota.