Boerke, founded in 1921, has 20 full-time brokers. Previously, the firm was affiliated with Grubb & Ellis. A spokesperson tells GlobeSt.com that Boerke did not renew its contract.

Dave Lawton, executive managing director of the alliance effort, says Milwaukee is "an important strategic market. Culturally, we are both long-time market leaders who value our heritage of innovation and commitment to client service."

Lawton adds that Milwaukee is a significant industrial market with office and retail components. As of the first quarter of 2006, the industrial inventory was 167 million sf, and the vacancy rate was 9.1%. The office inventory was 32.3 million sf and the vacancy rate was 17.4%. The retail inventory was 24 million sf and the vacancy rate was 6.9%. Firms headquartered there include Briggs & Stratton, Harley-Davidson, Manpower Inc., Northwestern Mutual and Rockwell Automation.