CB Richard Ellis Retained by 7-Eleven to Evaluate Rental Rates in Key Markets

TAMPA, FL– CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has been engaged by 7-Eleven, Inc. to conduct a comprehensive review of its real estate portfolio in key markets nationwide. The project will include analyzing fair-market values for 7-Eleven's retail sites and negotiating lease terms, when appropriate, in line with current commercial rental rates.

CBRE's team will be led by Senior Vice Presidents Michael G.Friedman (top right photo) and Will Evans from the Dallas office. Friedman has worked with 7-Eleven for more than 20 years. While many other retailers are contracting, 7-Eleven is focused on growing its store base by approximately 200 stores this year.

"7-Eleven is an investment-grade tenant in expansion mode during challenging economic times," said Dan Porter, vice president of real estate for the convenience retailer. "Working together with CBRE, our objective is to partner with property owners to determine how we both can succeed for the long term and survive these difficult market conditions through deal restructurings, lease negotiations and new site development."

In an effort to align rent expense with current market rates, CBRE, on behalf of 7-Eleven, has begun a formal review of all leased stores in its real estate portfolio. CBRE/7-Eleven expects to enter into discussions with property owners to negotiate terms and restructure lease agreements where discrepancies between rental rates and market values exist.

"This is prudent business practice for any retailer during these unusual economic times, particularly with the footprint that 7-Eleven has nationwide," says Friedman. "Through our analysis, we believe we will discover solutions that will assist 7-Eleven in reducing its overall operating expense."

Additionally, 7-Eleven's real estate development team is evaluating sites for new development opportunities with other landlords who may be experiencing lease defaults or retail flight by their current tenants. The company operates about 5,700 stores in the U.S. under the 7-Eleven® brand and opened approximately 170 stores in 2008.

Contact: Lauren Crawford, 813.273.8482, lauren.crawford@cbre.com