Simon Property Group, Inc. announced that it has completed its acquisition of an 80% ownership interest in The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (“TRG”). Under the terms of the transaction, Simon, through its operating partnership, Simon Property Group, L.P., acquired all of Taubman Centers, Inc. (“TCO”) common stock for $43.00 per share in cash, and the Taubman family sold approximately one-third of its ownership interest at the transaction price and remains a 20% partner in TRG.
“We are very pleased to complete this transaction and to add some of the world’s premier retail assets to our portfolio,” said David Simon, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. “This investment will enhance the ability of TRG to establish innovative retail environments for consumers and to create new job prospects for the communities in which it operates. I look forward to partnering with the Taubmans in this exciting new joint venture, and to driving strong performance at TRG’s properties.”
Robert Taubman, Chairman, President and CEO of TRG, stated, “David and I share a vision for optimizing TRG’s assets and a strong commitment to our shoppers, retail partners and communities. I am excited to work with the entire Simon team as we share ideas and implement best practices to enhance the operations and cash flow of our new joint venture.”
Total consideration for the acquisition, including the redemption of TCO’s 6.5% Series J Cumulative Preferred Shares and its 6.25% Series K Cumulative Preferred Shares, was approximately $3.4 billion and was funded with existing liquidity, including proceeds from Simon’s recently completed equity offering.
Advisors
BofA Securities, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Evercore Group, L.L.C. are serving as financial advisors to Simon and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP are serving as legal advisors. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to Taubman and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Honigman LLP are serving as legal advisors. The Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Taubman has retained Lazard as its independent financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as its independent legal counsel.
About Simon
Simon is a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company. Our properties across North America, Europe and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.
About Taubman Realty Group
Taubman Realty Group (TRG) is engaged in the ownership, management and/or leasing of 26 regional, super-regional and outlet malls in the U.S. and Asia. TRG’s U.S. properties are among the most productive in the U.S. retail industry. Founded in 1950, TRG is a joint venture between Simon Property Group and the Taubman family and is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Taubman Asia, founded in 2005, is headquartered in Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.taubman.com.