ORLANDO - Panther Properties Investment LLC, specializing in the acquisition, development and operations of Class A multifamily properties, announced its newest acquisition, Venue Apartments in Orlando.

The property consists of 306 units situated on 27.83 acres and was purchased for approximately $26,500,000 from the FDIC as part of its takeover of IndyMac Bank. Cushman & Wakefield’s Orlando Apartment Brokerage Services team represented the FDIC. Panther Properties secured a 10-year Freddie Mac CME loan through Deutsche Bank Berkshire Mortgage.

ORLANDO - Sperry Van Ness has expanded its presence in the Florida market by naming Natvar Nana, T.C. Chen and Rumit Nana as the foundation of the newly formed hospitality brokerage division.

Although active for many years in hotel brokerage as individual advisors with Sperry Van Ness prior to the formation of the new division, the new statewide structure provides the advisors more resources, additional support and growth opportunities.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS - Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services announced the sale of Clarion Inn and Suites, a 264-room hotel in Altamonte Springs. The asset commanded a sales price of $6,200,000.

Jaimin P. Patel, a senior associate in Marcus & Millichap’s Tampa office, had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, a limited liability company. The buyer, a limited liability company, was also secured and represented by Patel.

Clarion Inn and Suites is at 230 West SR 436.

ORLANDO - CB Richard Ellis announced that its Central Florida Multi-Housing Group retained its position as the No. 1 apartment brokerage team in Orlando in 2009 with more than $104 million in local sales. CBRE closed more than twice as many transactions in Central Florida as its nearest competitor for the third straight year.