JCI to Sell Global Workplace Solutions Unit

Johnson Controls Inc. intends to shed its Global Workplace Solutions unit, which provides facilities, real estate and energy management services.

The business has been part of JCI for more than 20 years and currently manages 1.8 billion square feet of corporate real estate. But JCI says the unit is not core to its engineering, manufacturing and product-based focus.

The company has hired Bank of America Merrill Lynch to look for a buyer.