Sale of Vyzis empire seems close at hand. (Vyzis Co.)

Vyzis Co. has issued termination notices to a number of employees and a headhunter has begun interviewing new leasing and property-management talent, in what sources describe as preparation for sale of the company.

The Bellevue-based real estate giant is no more than a few weeks from selling its entire portfolio to Bentall Corp., one of Vancouver, B.C.'s largest developers, said sources close to Vyzis Co. The Vyzis firm then would dissolve, sources said.

Neither company would discuss negotiations. George Lobisser, a former Vyzis Co. executive and a key player in the transition, said "there is no news but I expect some shortly - within seven days." Bentall's chief …