The expansion into Mexico marks Integra's first international foray. The firm has entered into a partnership with consulting firm the Mexico Business Alliance and will open offices in Mexico City and Ensenadas, Baja under the name IRR de Mexico. The two offices will serve the entire country with real property and machinery and equipment valuation services. Operations are scheduled to begin in early summer.

"Mexico is a tremendous consulting opportunity for Integra in almost every area, but in particular through our specialty practices that focus on Energy Resources and Production and Corporate/Municipal Bond Financing," says Ben Loughry, partner in charge of international business development for Integra. "The NAFTA free trade treaty has set the stage for a tremendous expansion in Mexico's real estate infrastructure."

Integra's San Francisco office will be spearheaded by Bill Hersler and Jan Kleczewski. Prior to joining Integra, Hersler served as vice president in CB Richard Ellis' Valuation and Advisory Services group in San Francisco. Kleczewski founded San Francisco appraisal firm Kleczewski & Associates in 1993 and served as assistant vice president and regional manager in the San Francisco regional office of GMAC Commercial Mortgage-owned appraisal firm Realty Services International.