CubeSmart (NYSE: CUBE) (the “Company”), today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the outstanding partnership units of LAACO, Ltd. (“LAACO”), the owner of the Storage West platform for approximately $1.69 billion, which includes approximately $40.9 million of LAACO debt that will be repaid at, or shortly after, the closing. Storage West is the owner and operator of 59 self storage assets in the highly desired western markets of Southern California (22), Phoenix (17), Las Vegas (13), and Houston (7). Two of these properties are owned by two separate joint ventures, each owned fifty percent by LAACO.
This immediately accretive transaction is a unique opportunity to acquire a sizable portfolio of high-quality assets across the Southwest.”
“The Storage West portfolio represents a very strategic transaction that will enhance our portfolio and further diversify our geographic exposure,” commented Christopher P. Marr, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. “This immediately accretive transaction is a unique opportunity to acquire a sizable portfolio of high-quality assets across the Southwest. The properties are all in top-40 MSAs that represent key growth markets with strong demographics that perfectly fit our external growth strategy and complement our existing portfolio.”
The Company expects to finance the purchase price at closing through a combination of (i) the net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Company’s equity securities on or prior to the closing date and (ii) the proceeds from new long-term debt financing, such as a term loan or debt securities, which the Company intends to pursue prior to the closing of the acquisition. If such debt financing is unavailable, the Company intends to finance any remaining portion of the acquisition purchase price with proceeds from a committed $1.0 billion senior unsecured bridge loan facility and/or unsecured revolving credit facility.
Karen Hathaway, President and Managing Partner of LAACO, Ltd., said, “We are pleased that this transaction will benefit both the unitholders who have supported our company over the years and the shareholders of CubeSmart. We are also gratified that our operations will continue in the good hands of a skilled management team whose values so closely align with ours, and whose success includes solid growth, commitment to their employees, and dedication to customer satisfaction, sustainability, and diversity.”
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021, and is subject to customary closing conditions. No assurance can be given that the transaction will be consummated on contemplated terms, or at all. Additional information on the transaction can be found in the presentation posted on our investor relations website at investors.cubesmart.com.
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
About CubeSmart
CubeSmart is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust. CubeSmart owns or manages 1,251 self-storage properties across the United States. According to the 2021 Self Storage Almanac, CubeSmart is one of the top three owners and operators of self-storage properties in the U.S.
The Company’s mission is to simplify the organizational and logistical challenges created by the many life events and business needs of its customers – through innovative solutions, unparalleled service, and genuine care. The Company’s self-storage properties are designed to offer affordable, easily accessible, and, in most locations, climate-controlled storage space for residential and commercial customers. For more information about business and personal storage or to learn more about the Company and find a nearby storage property, visit www.cubesmart.com or call CubeSmart toll free at 800-800-1717.
About LAACO
LAACO, Ltd., is a California limited partnership that owns and manages Storage West self-storage facilities in the western United States.
