Todd Hughes Commercial Real Estate

Prologis Inc., a property developer that specializes in distribution facilities and logistics, agreed to buy DCT Industrial Trust Inc. for $8.4 billion, including debt. http://www.latimes.com//la-fi-prologis-dct-20180429-story.

2017 was the sixth straight year during which rent growth accelerated, and the first year on record in which the industrial sector’s rent growth outpaced that of the other three major commercial real estate sectors http://rew-online.com//industrial-vacancy-hits-time-low-t/

There was a 55% drop in new Chinese investment in U.S. commercial real estate in 2017 compared with the year before, as spending fell from $16.2 billion in 2016 to $7.3 billion last year. http://www.latimes.com//la-fi-chinese-investment-falls-201

Amazon is not simply planning to provide logistic services, they are looking for ways to improve shipping practices and increase efficiency. Only in 2017, Amazon added over 55,000 robots to its fleet and continues to utilize its tech knowledge by filing patents for innovative warehousing technology, drone delivery, autonomous trucking etc. https://www.sdentertainer.com//amazon-uber-transforming-l/

Such a move would let Amazon quickly expand its brick-and-mortar presence, coming on the heels of buying Whole Foods Market Inc. and its more than 450 locations last year. The Seattle-based company also has opened its own line of bookstores and a convenience-store concept. https://www.ocregister.com//amazon-eyes-some-toys-r-us-st/