Merv Forms RE Investment Banking Firm

Entertainer-businessman Merv Griffin has announced the formation of a real estate investment banking firm that will structure joint ventures and raise capital for owners and developers.Griffin & Co. LLC, Beverly Hills, Calif., will be headed by Lawrence Cohen, the president and chief executive officer of The Griffin Group, another Griffin company. His title at the new company will be managing director/CEO. In addition, Randall Zisler, formerly a partner in Jones Lang LaSalle, has been hired as managing director/chief investment officer of the new company. Mr. Griffin, the creator of "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!", will be the "hands-on chairman" of the new enterprise.