Much English can also be heard at Plaza Mexico, a shopping centre in south Los Angeles.

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The multimillion-dollar company is responsible for more than 10 million square feet of real-estate globally, much of it in and around Los Angeles, including hotels, shopping centers, residential apartments, and film studios.

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Now the Los Angeles-based company, which went public on May 3, wants to grow by expanding into shopping malls, quick-service restaurants and sports stadiums and arenas.

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MID-JULY marks the start of peak season for the Californian ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, as America's retailers stock up for the back-to-school and Christmas shopping seasons.

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