US property giant Transwestern has completed the corporate acquisition of Forte Real Estate Partners, an established commercial brokerage based in the Twin Cities. The strategic buyout brings 12 advisory specialists across the office, industrial and healthcare sectors directly into Transwestern’s regional operations. The deal also incorporates Forte’s property management assets, lifting Transwestern’s total Midwest portfolio to more than 52 million square feet of commercial space.

Forte arrived in the local market in 2021 through the corporate merger of Excelsior Advisory and Paramount Real Estate Corp. Over its history, the firm has secured a strong local reputation, advising clients on corporate deals valued at more than $885 million while looking after nearly 1 million square feet of space. Notable past work includes guiding Hennepin Healthcare through a multi-block land assemblage, handling a 78,000-square-foot medical clinic deal for Summit Orthopedics, and representing Binks’ Manufacturing for its 150,000-square-foot global corporate headquarters.

Under the new corporate structure, the incoming staff will move into Transwestern’s existing Minneapolis workplace located at 705 Marquette Avenue South. Forte’s original founders, Steve Brown, Jim Jetland and Philip Simonet, will transition into senior positions within Transwestern to lead tenant advisory and healthcare real estate growth.

Emily Nicoll, Managing Director and Minneapolis market leader at Transwestern, said: “From our earliest conversations, it was clear Forte and Transwestern share a commitment to personalized service and a dynamic, team-oriented culture. The team’s expertise in the office, healthcare and industrial sectors expands our ability to help clients navigate increasingly complex real estate decisions.”

The acquisition boosts Transwestern’s total regional workforce to roughly 475 professionals operating across the Midwest. Their expanded management portfolio now covers a diverse mix of retail, industrial, healthcare, office and government buildings. Prior to the takeover, Forte was named a Best Place to Work by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for three consecutive years.

Jim Jetland said: “We are incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished since we joined forces five years ago. As we anticipate the future of commercial real estate, we wanted to align with an organization that shares our values and client commitment, adding the resources of an integrated national platform. Transwestern is the perfect fit for our next chapter.”