GPT Group (ASX:GPT) is seeking to take full control of the $1.2 billion MLC Centre. GPT and QIC Global Real Estate are co owners of the centre. GPT has a right to purchase the interest in the tower ahead of any formal marketing of the stake and could hold the asset on balance sheet, in its wholesale funds, or on behalf of other investors. The parties declined to comment on their negotiations but GPT has only weeks to decide whether it will buy the half-interest it does not already own from QIC, which served notice of its intention to sell last December 2016. GPT may be reluctant to hold such a large tower on balance sheet in its entirety but it has a strategy of lifting its office holdings and may see an advantage in having full control.