NEW YORK CITY-Locally based REIT Aegis ends a yearlong search for a buyer with an agreement to merge with a subsidiary of Phillips Edison Ltd. If approved, Aegis will sell off its entire portfolio of 28 shopping centers in 15 states.

OPELIKA, AL-The automotive manufacturing facility will be located on a 38-acre site in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park and will service the company's Southeastern customer base. Construction will begin next month and the facility is expected to open in September.

NEW YORK CITY-Project manager VVA LLC works on a tight schedule to bring Thelen Reid & Priest LLP's new offices online on time. The firm had to delay its move to 875 Third Ave. due to Sept. 11-related circumstances.

LISBON-The European shopping center developer sells its headquarters building here, leasing back its office space. The complex also includes a retail mall anchored by a Modelo Bonjour supermarket.

NEW ORLEANS-Friday's signing with Insterstate Hotels will change the Le Meridien Hotel here to the New Orleans Grande Hotel. The 494-key convention hotel is the second hotel property that Interstate will manage for LaSalle, which owns 17 upscale and luxury properties in 11 states.

MINNEAPOLIS-The 321-key Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Airport at the Mall will continue to be managed by seller Starwood, the White Plains, NY lodging giant. The deal closed Friday.

NEW YORK CITY-The former BJ's Wholesale Club was under contract to a residential developer but a zoning change was turned down and the deal fell through. Now, the property will become an R&D facility for Icon Laboratories.

AIKEN, SC-The Arthur Hills-designed course is sold by Cedar Creek Golf Club, LP of Libertyville, IL in a $2.3-million deal. CB Richard Ellis represented both parties in negotiating the purchase of White Pine's first golf property.