The Challenge

In 2013, Maersk needed to optimize its North American office space. The Denmark-based global conglomerate desired a move from its renowned Giralda Farms headquarters, a storied site selected by former chairman and CEO Mærsk McKinney Møller, to new space in northern New Jersey that would better align with its forward business strategy. Maersk sought to lease out its former headquarters to a like-minded tenant who would respectfully care for the space, and then utilize the competitive terms of the new lease to sell the building.  And at the same time, find a new North American HQ.

The Solution

With seamless collaboration across business lines, CBRE secured a long-term tenant, Merck Animal Health, in record time and sold the headquarters property to American Realty Capital Global Trust, Inc. for $53.3 million in a unique auction process. At the same time, CBRE found 80,000 square feet of Class A office space and built it out to Maersk’s specifications on a tight schedule. CBRE teams from across various lines of business worked together to precisely execute the complex plan in just 10 months.