Forecast Group Hooks Up With French Builder

Forecast Group said it has signed a joint-venture agreement with French builder Les Nouveaux Constructeurs Group to build high-end homes in the Western United States. The agreement allows Rancho Cucamonga-based Forecast, which builds mostly entry-level homes, to add luxury home-building assets to its portfolio. Together, the companies expect to see revenue of about $525 million in 2001 and complete construction of about 2,200 homes in 35 projects in California and Arizona. Under the agreement, privately held Forecast will acquire an ownership interest in the French builder’s luxury home unit, Corona-based Premier Homes. The average price of a Premier unit is $410,000. The company is now building in Castaic, Reseda, Winnetka, Tujunga, Claremont, Corona and Rancho Cucamonga. The price of a Forecast home averages about $203,000. The company is currently building in Corona, Fontana, Hemet, Lancaster, and Rancho Cucamonga.