Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. (JLL Quick QuoteJLL - Free Report) – which shortened its name to “JLL” – announced the acquisition of Merritt & Harris, Inc. (“M&H”), a New York-based construction-related consulting services provider for real estate lenders and investors. The acquisition of M&H, which has proven expertise in cost estimation and assessment of property conditioning, is likely to add to the Project and Development Services capabilities of JLL.

Notably, M&H was set up in 1937 as the first construction monitoring company in the U.S. to serve the interests of the lending and investing community. Over the years, the company earned the reputation of assisting its clients to make informed financial decisions and lower potential risks. M&H’s professionals offer services to various types of properties including commercial, industrial, residential, retail, hospitality, medical, entertainment, educational, parking, airport, sports, gaming and mixed-use.

Chicago-based JLL is a leading full-service real estate firm that provides corporate, financial and investment management services to corporations and other real estate owners, users, and investors worldwide. This acquisition gives JLL the chance to associate with a group of expert professionals who hold similar types of cultural values and assist its clients in safeguarding the value of their projects.

JLL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors interested in the real estate industry can consider other stocks like Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (BAM Quick QuoteBAM - Free Report) , HFF Inc. (HF Quick QuoteHF - Free Report) and FirstService Corporation (FSV Quick QuoteFSV - Free Report) . All these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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