Blackstone Group LP is interviewing investment bankers. This is for an intended initial public offering (IPO) of its neighborhood shopping center company. Brixmor Property Group Inc. is eyed to be open to the public. This was according to two people with direct knowledge with the interviewing process.

Blackstone Group is a private equity company based in New York. Established in 1985, Blackstone Group LP has been the leader in numerous leveraged buyout transactions in the last decade. The company has also accomplished investments in several notable companies.

Meanwhile, Brixmor Group LP is a leader in retail and property development. It owns more than 94 million square feet of retail space and are strategically located in 39 different states.

Given the size of Brixmor, several banks will likely get hired. Brixmor Property Group owns more than 600 shopping centers. It is valued at about US$13 billion including debt. This was according to one source said on Friday.