LONDON-Merivale Moore has increased its focus on central London offices and south-eastern industrials by selling off 16 properties--predominantly retail and industrial--that do not fit its new focus.

LONDON-Haslemere Estates, the UK arm of the Dutch fund Rodamco, has sold 30 industrial units totalling 157,000 sf in East Kilbride, Scotland, to the Ashtenne Industrial Fund.

FRANKFURT-Plans by the DePfa Group, one of Germany's and Europe's biggest real estate banks, to split into two independent listed banks in 2002, have prompted it to put 22 properties totalling 3 million sf up for sale.

LONDON-Cross-border investment in Europe fell 40% year-on-year during the first half of 2001, according to new research from Jones Lang LaSalle. The broker says this provides further evidence of the slowdown in Europe's real estate markets.

LONDON-Retailer Marks & Spencer has completed the sale of 78 UK stores to the Topland Group. The deal involves fixed rental uplifts over the 25-year term and M&S has the ability to vacate up to one third of the properties.

LONDON-Office rents in Europe were falling even before the events of 11 September dealt a further blow to business confidence, according to new research from CB Hillier Parker.

LONDON-Land Securities Trillium has completed the refurbishment of 43,500 sf of surplus office space in its headquarters building at 140, London Wall in the City.

MUNICH-Germany is the most popular destination for cross-border retailers, according to new research from Healey & Baker unveiled at the Expo Real property convention in Munich.