Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Completes $4 Billion Privatization by Blackstone

Deal News | Feb 12, 2025 | Blackstone

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. Completes $4 Billion Privatization by Blackstone

Blackstone Real Estate Partners X has completed the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (ROIC) for $17.50 each in an all-cash deal totaling approximately $4 billion, including outstanding debt. This transaction marks a significant venture for Blackstone, known for its global presence in real estate investment. Blackstone was advised by Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Newmark, and Eastdil Secured, with legal counsel from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. Meanwhile, J.P. Morgan served as the exclusive financial advisor for ROIC, and Clifford Chance US LLP provided legal counsel. ROIC, a prominent real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in grocery-anchored shopping centers on the West Coast, owns 93 shopping centers that cover roughly 10.5 million square feet. The move underlines Blackstone’s strategic emphasis on well-positioned real estate assets, reinforcing its dominance as a global leader in the sector.

Sectors

  • Real Estate Investment
  • Private Equity

Geography

  • United States – This transaction involves companies based in the US, with a specific focus on the West Coast markets.
  • New York – Blackstone's headquarters are located in New York, representing a central hub for the company's activities.
  • San Diego – San Diego is mentioned as one of the locations for the press release distribution, indicative of ROIC's operational presence.

Industry

  • Real Estate Investment – The article discusses the acquisition of a real estate investment trust (REIT), emphasizing Blackstone's engagement in the acquisition of commercial real estate.
  • Private Equity – Blackstone represents one of the largest private equity firms in the world, involved in the acquisition of other companies, such as ROIC in this instance.

Financials

  • $4 billion – The total value of the transaction, including the assumption of debt.
  • $17.50 per share – The price paid by Blackstone for each of ROIC's outstanding common shares.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.TargetCompanyA real estate investment trust focused on grocery-anchored shopping centers on the US West Coast.
BlackstoneAcquirerCompanyOne of the world’s largest private equity firms, known for its significant investments in various sectors including real estate.
J.P. MorganFinancial Advisor (ROIC)CompanyServed as the exclusive financial advisor to ROIC for this transaction.
Clifford Chance US LLPLegal Counsel (ROIC)CompanyProvided legal advice to ROIC during the acquisition process.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLCFinancial Advisor (Blackstone)CompanyOne of the financial advisors to Blackstone.
BofA SecuritiesFinancial Advisor (Blackstone)CompanyAdvised Blackstone on the financial aspects of the transaction.
CitigroupFinancial Advisor (Blackstone)CompanyActed as a financial advisor to Blackstone.
Wells FargoFinancial Advisor (Blackstone)CompanyInvolved as one of the financial advisors for Blackstone.
NewmarkFinancial Advisor (Blackstone)CompanyParticipated in providing financial advisory services to Blackstone.
Eastdil SecuredFinancial Advisor (Blackstone)CompanyPart of the financial advisory team for Blackstone.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPLegal Counsel (Blackstone)CompanyProvided legal counsel to Blackstone during the acquisition.