When the L.A.-based real estate company was being run by Richard Ziman, the focus was strictly on Southern California (Ziman especially liked the Westside and suburban markets). But after Arden was sold to GE Real Estate earlier in the year, it became clear that the office landlord would be expanding its horizons to other regions and states. A taste of what's in store was just announced: Arden's $162 million purchase of five San Diego properties from DRA Advisors LLC. The portfolio is comprised of 533,315 square feet and 10 buildings. The company plans to expand in Northern California, Washington and Arizona.

Other real estate news: El Segundo-based CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. completed its $1.8 billion acquisition of Trammell Crow Co. The deal creates a company with $4.4 billion in annual revenue and 21,000 employees.