JP Morgan and Barclays are preparing to launch a $1.19 billion CMBS conduit that is collateralized by 68 fixed-rate commercial mortgage loans that are secured by 151 properties.

PwC has hired Simon Marriott and Algernon Kent to its commercial and corporate real estate practice to help expand its growing asset and investment management services.

CMLS Financial tested new securitization waters with a $400 million deal backed by five Westin hotels -- Canada's first hotel backed CMBS.

Bonds backed by federally guaranteed student loans will continue to pay interest even if Congress does not raise the federal debt limit, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

Fannie Mae’s risk sharing transaction may be similar to Freddie Mac’s deal but some key difference broaden the deal’s investor appeal an could tighten pricing by up to 50 basis points, said Deutsche Bank analysts in a report today.

Participants at ABS East held forth on value opportunities in securitization and how increases in interest rates, loosening underwriting standards and the debt ceiling stalement ought to inform investor behavior over the short-to-medium term.

Sears, the other major retail tenant in retail CMBS that remains under credit stress, is listed as a tenant in 197 loans compared to 254 loans for JCPenny. The two are frequently co-anchors of securitized regional malls.

J.P. Morgan priced the top rated portion of its JPMCC 2013-INN CMBS about 10 basis points wide to guidance.

Mayer Brown announced this week that Richard Todd and David O'Connor joined its banking & finance group in London as partners.

Virgin Australia is readying its first issue of enhanced equipment notes, according to a presale report from Fitch Ratings.