8-KLeadership ChangesAcquisitions & DispositionsShareholder Matters+3

EQUITY RESIDENTIAL 8-K Report, Acquisition Completed (Aug 17, 2026)

Filed August 17, 2026For Securities:EQR

Summary

Equity Residential (EQR), now Vivmark Residential, announced the successful completion of its merger with AvalonBay Communities, Inc. on August 17, 2026. This significant transaction involved AvalonBay contributing certain assets and merging into a subsidiary of EQR, with the combined entity ultimately merging into EQR's Operating Partnership. As a result of the merger, approximately 400 million Vivmark Residential common shares were issued. The company has officially changed its name to Vivmark Residential, and its shares will trade under the new ticker symbol 'VMRK' starting August 18, 2026. The company also announced changes to its Board of Trustees and executive leadership to reflect the integration of the two entities. This filing details the structural changes following the merger, including the reconstituted Board of Trustees with seven members from each legacy company and the appointment of Stephen E. Sterrett as Chairman of the Board. Key executive officers from AvalonBay have transitioned into leadership roles within Vivmark Residential, including Benjamin W. Schall as President and CEO. The compensation structures for non-employee trustees and executive severance plans have been updated to align with the new corporate structure. Investors should note the comprehensive integration of AvalonBay's operations and management into Vivmark Residential, marking a new chapter for the combined entity.

Key Highlights

  • 1Completion of the merger between Equity Residential (EQR) and AvalonBay Communities, Inc. on August 17, 2026.
  • 2Equity Residential has officially changed its corporate name to Vivmark Residential.
  • 3The company's common shares will trade under the new ticker symbol 'VMRK' on the NYSE, effective August 18, 2026.
  • 4Approximately 400 million Vivmark Residential common shares were issued in connection with the merger.
  • 5The Board of Trustees has been expanded to fourteen members, with seven from each legacy company's board.
  • 6Stephen E. Sterrett has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Board.
  • 7Key executive officers from AvalonBay have transitioned into leadership roles within Vivmark Residential, with Benjamin W. Schall named President and CEO.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K filing announces the completion of the merger between Equity Residential (EQR) and AvalonBay Communities, Inc., the company's name change to Vivmark Residential, and related organizational and leadership changes.

The company's common shares will trade on the NYSE under the new ticker symbol 'VMRK', effective August 18, 2026.

The Board of Trustees has been expanded to fourteen members, comprising seven individuals who were formerly on the AvalonBay board and seven who were on the legacy Equity Residential board. Stephen E. Sterrett has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board.

Several key executives from AvalonBay, including Benjamin W. Schall as President and CEO, Kevin P. O’Shea as Executive Vice President and CFO, Matthew H. Birenbaum as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, and Sean J. Breslin as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, have transitioned into leadership roles within Vivmark Residential. Some former executives have ceased their roles and will receive severance benefits.

The filing incorporates by reference audited and unaudited financial statements of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. as of December 31, 2025, and June 30, 2026, respectively, as well as pro forma financial information for the combined entity. These documents are available as exhibits to this filing.