J.C. Penney rises after partner reveals REIT plans

J.C. Penney (JCP) is advancing after the company's Canadian partner, retailer Loblaw Companies, earlier today announced that it would launch a Real Estate Investment Trust, or REIT. The REIT, which will sell units via an IPO, will acquire a significant portion of Loblaw's real estate assets, the Canadian company stated. Initially Loblaw, whose stock is soaring nearly 20% on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the news, intends to turn over real estate currently worth more than C$7B to the REIT. Loblaw's announcement may be leading some investors to speculate that J.C. Penney and other American retailers may take similar steps in order to monetize their assets. Loblaw in July signed a four year deal to open almost 700 shops featuring its Joe Fresh fashions within J.C. Penney's stores. In mid-morning trading, J.C. Penney jumped 91c, or 5.19%, to $18.44. Also climbing was Staples (SPLS), which rose 1.42% to $11.45.