Equity International is a private equity firm that invests in real estate-related companies outside of the United States. Established in 1999, Equity International is affiliated with Equity Group Investments, LLC, the investment company founded and led by Sam Zell. Equity Group is one of the world’s largest owners of real estate through its four affiliated public companies with an aggregate equity market capitalization in excess of $20 billion. Two of the four companies, Equity Office Properties Trust (NYSE:EOP) and Equity Residential Properties Trust (NYSE:EQR) are members of the S&P 500.