In surprise move, CBRE returns

CBRE Group Inc.'s plan to set up shop and provide services to Southwest Florida marks a surprising homecoming, of sorts, for the nation's largest commercial real estate services firm.

That's because back in 1998, CBRE — it was known as CB Richard Ellis at the time — flagged offices in Fort Myers and Naples and owned a slice of a brokerage anchored by a slate of veteran brokers.

But when the recession lingered, the firm's Southwest Florida partners decided CBRE's royalty fees, commission splits and other costs were too onerous.