Summary
AvalonBay Communities Inc. (AVB) announced a significant acquisition of the Archstone Portfolio on November 26, 2012. This transaction, in partnership with Equity Residential, involves acquiring substantially all assets and liabilities of Archstone for approximately $6.9 billion. AVB's portion of the consideration includes issuing $1.9 billion in stock, $669 million in cash, assuming $4.1 billion in debt, and other obligations related to preferred units. The acquisition is strategically designed to deepen AVB's penetration in its core, high-barrier-to-entry markets, aligning with its objective to expand its portfolio with high-quality apartment communities. This move is expected to enhance the company's geographic diversification, particularly by increasing its presence in Southern California and the Mid-Atlantic, while also supporting its multi-brand strategy and achieving greater operational efficiencies through increased scale.
Key Highlights
- 1AVB entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire the Archstone Portfolio for approximately $6.9 billion, sharing the acquisition with Equity Residential.
- 2AVB's consideration includes $1.9 billion in stock, $669 million in cash, and assumption of approximately $4.1 billion in debt.
- 3The acquisition significantly expands AVB's portfolio with 66 consolidated apartment communities (22,222 homes) and interests in joint ventures, concentrated in AVB's existing high-barrier-to-entry markets.
- 4The transaction is expected to enhance AVB's geographic allocation, particularly strengthening its position in Southern California and the Mid-Atlantic.
- 5AVB anticipates increased scale will support its multi-brand strategy and lead to enhanced corporate efficiencies.
- 6The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close within 120 days.
- 7AVB has secured a commitment for a $2.2 billion bridge loan facility to fund the acquisition and related costs.