Chinamex Picks Atlantic Station for U.S. Headquarters

ATLANTA, December 7, 2009 — Chinamex, a business incubator that connects Chinese companies with those across the globe, has selected Atlantic Station for its U.S. headquarters. The new location will focus on helping Chinese enterprise conduct business with companies in North America and South America. 'We believe Atlanta is best suited for our U.S. headquarters based on the scope of global business done here daily, and superior accessibility to all North American and South American markets,' said Chinamex Chief Representative Hanson Zhang. 'Atlantic Station's central location and concentration of businesses makes it a great fit for our U.S. headquarters. We look forward to a long and mutually prosperous engagement with all of our stakeholders in China, the State of Georgia, and the City of Atlanta.' Chinamex Americas LLC leased nearly 14,000 square feet on the ground floor at 201 17th Street, a 17-story, 350,000-square-foot office tower in Atlantic Station. The tower at 201 17th Street is Gold LEED Certified. 'Georgia's pro-business environment will facilitate Chinamex's success in the U.S.,' said Ken Stewart, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). 'We anticipate the company's presence here will in turn spark increased interest in Georgia from Chinese companies.' In July, Chinamex said it would locate its U.S. headquarters in Atlanta after also considering San Francisco. This fall, the group selected Atlantic Station. Its space is currently in the build-out phase. Chinamex has scheduled a media briefing and ribbon cutting ceremony including an expected contingent of government officials and corporate senior executives from Hubei Province for Monday, Dec. 14. 'Cultivation of relationships is vital to build the trust necessary to close a deal with international companies,' said Jorge Fernandez, Vice President of Global Commerce for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. 'This is exactly what Metro Atlanta Chamber has done with Chinamex for the past two and half years through multiple visits to Beijing, Hubei Province and Amsterdam.  We are very excited that Chinamex is establishing this important portal for Hubei industries in Atlanta.' Chinamex, owned by Beijing businessman Feng Hao, helps small- and mid-sized companies in China begin operations in foreign countries. 'Landing a leading-edge international incubator like Chinamex reinforces Atlantic Station as a focal point of business, finance and commerce in Atlanta and the region,' said John S. Whitaker, managing director of AIG Global Real Estate, an owner of Atlantic Station. 'We're proud to be a partner with Chinamex, and we're excited about the opportunities, jobs and commerce Chinamex will bring to Georgia.' Mike Shelly, senior vice president and Sonia Winfield, senior associate with Carter USA, represented 201 17th Street in the lease. Frank Mann and Tony Zivalich, senior directors for Cushman & Wakefield, represented Chinamex. Mann commented, 'This is hugely positive because it represents another example of a major global enterprise selecting Atlanta as the platform for their U.S. operations.  Numerous parties worked together to secure Chinamex including our state and local officials, the National Association of Chinese-Americans, the Atlanta Development Authority and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to continuing to foster new relationships with the affiliate companies working with Chinamex.' 'We are thrilled to welcome Chinamex to the City of Atlanta,' says Danielle Fernandes, Program Manager of Business Engagement for the Atlanta Development Authority.   'This is a direct result from mission trips to the Netherlands and China led by the Metro Atlanta Chamber. We look forward to assisting Chinamex in growing their business and the Chinese community in the city.' About Atlantic Station The Atlantic Station® community is a national model for smart growth and sustainable real estate development. Master developed by AIG Global Real Estate and Jacoby Development, Atlantic Station officially opened in 2005. The 138-acre community is an environmental redevelopment and reclamation of the former Atlantic Steel Mill. Located at the nexus of Interstates 75 and 85 in Midtown Atlanta, Atlantic Station is ultimately projected to include 12 million square feet of retail, office, residential and hotel space as well as 11 acres of public parks. Providing homes for 10,000 people, employment opportunities for 30,000 and shopping and entertainment options for millions more, this 24-hour neighborhood buzzes as one of the premier 'live/work/play' communities in the United States. About Carter One of the country's leading full-service commercial real estate firms since 1958, Carter offers a diverse range of services to deliver value for our clients. An Atlanta-based privately held company with 400 associates, Carter has successfully and responsibly navigated five decades of commercial real estate cycles. The firm's size allows Carter to nimbly respond to client needs and opportunities while still offering all of the resources of the industry's largest players. Carter consistently provides clients with the highest-caliber professionals throughout every facet of the company. With a focus on integrity, commitment, and excellence, Carter associates are passionate about creating value through relationships. Carter associates have a history of successfully nurturing long-term client relationships, often spanning several decades. For additional information on Carter, please visit www.carterusa.com.