MetLife Originates More Than $11 Billion in Commercial Mortgages in 2011

MetLife also led a renewed effort among major life insurance companies to work together to "club" large, high-quality loans on several properties, including: 601 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan; 555 California in San Francisco; and Natick Mall in Boston.

Outside the U.S., MetLife grew its lending activities in 2011, originating more than $600 million in mortgages in Mexico and nearly $800 million in London. MetLife is also an active lender in Japan, with more than 36 billion yen in lending in 2011.

"In 2012, we expect that MetLife will continue to take advantage of its market-leading position among portfolio lenders to expand its commercial mortgage activity globally through our regional offices in London, Mexico City and Tokyo," said Merck. "We are particularly attracted by the market opportunity in the U.K., where very favorable conditions continue for lenders like MetLife."

MetLife's investment focus includes office, multi-family, industrial and retail properties in top metropolitan markets. The company had a $40 billion commercial mortgage portfolio as of December 31, 2011.