Information on the target
Eastdil Secured has emerged as a leading player in the retail real estate brokerage sector, showcasing a remarkable performance in the first half of 2025. The firm reported a significant increase in sales volume, achieving $3.64 billion, which represents a 78% year-over-year growth. This surge has allowed Eastdil to capture a commanding market share of 35.5%, surpassing its closest competitor, JLL, which has held the top position for the past four years.
The retail property market has seen a resurgence, with large trades of retail properties increasing by 35% in the first half of 2025. This trend reflects a broader recovery in the sector, which had been adversely affected by the pandemic and rising interest rates. The total volume of deals valued at $25 million or more reached $14.26 billion, indicating a robust appetite for retail investments.
Industry overview in the target’s specific country
The retail real estate industry in the United States is currently experiencing a notable recovery following a challenging period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of mid-2025, retail space occupancy rates have stabilized at 95.1%, according to a report by CBRE. Despite some retailer bankruptcies leading to a slight increase in vacancy rates, the overall sentiment in the market remains optimistic, bolstered by a strong leasing environment and improving debt market conditions.
Market professionals have observed a significant shift in investor sentiment towards retail properties, driven by a combination of pent-up demand and a growing recognition of the sector's resilience. Chris Gerard, a senior managing director at JLL, noted that capital markets are beginning to align with the strong fundamentals of retail, leading to an influx of new equity aimed at acquiring retail assets.
Furthermore, the lack of new retail supply over the past 12 years has made the sector increasingly attractive compared to other property types, such as industrial and multifamily, which currently exhibit lower capitalization rates. This scarcity of supply, coupled with rising construction costs, has created a favorable environment for retail investments, as buyers seek to acquire assets at prices significantly below replacement costs.
As the market continues to evolve, experts anticipate that trading momentum will persist into the second half of 2025. While the volume may not reach the peak levels seen in 2022, projections indicate that 2025 is on …