On March 12, 2024, Avison Young announced the completion of a comprehensive financial recapitalization transaction (recap) with approval of 100% of its financial partners.
The transaction reduced Avison Young’s financial obligations by more than half and secured additional capital to advance its strategic goals.
Avison Young raised US $[Premium Contents, please Log In or Subscribe]
CDPQ, which made a CDN $250 million preferred equity investment to buy out Parallel49 Equity, formerly known as Tricor Pacific Capital, in July 2018 (CDPQ was entitled to designate three members of Avison Young’s nine-member board of directors), invested additional US $[Premium Contents, please Log In or Subscribe] million as part of the recap.
Following the closing of recap, Avison Young reduced its board from previous size of 12 to a new board now consisting of Mark E. Rose, CEO & Chair, [Premium Contents, please Log In or Subscribe]
CDPQ, previously with two board seats, will have no board representation.
photo credit: Avision Young
News Release
Avison Young closes milestone financial recapitalization transaction
Eliminates liabilities by more than half and receives new money investment to advance strategic goals
March 12, 2024
TORONTO, CA – Avison Young (the “Company”), a leading global commercial real estate advisor, today announced that it closed a comprehensive financial recapitalization transaction (the “Transaction”) with approval of 100% of its financial partners. The Transaction reinforces the Company’s financial foundation by reducing its financial obligations by more than half and securing additional capital to advance its strategic goals.
“This transaction marks the start of our next chapter for Avison Young,” said Mark E. Rose, Chief Executive Officer and Chair, Avison Young. “Our financial partners recognize that our Principals are the heart of our business, and this deal will drive equity value for our shareholders and Principals, as well as market-based compensation in the years ahead. We are excited about our prospects as we continue to strengthen and reposition our business as the industry recovers, while delivering best-in-class client service.”
Through the Transaction, Avison Young will have a sustainable go-forward capital structure with a significantly de-levered balance sheet and new money from its financial partners to advance its ability to serve its clients well into the future. The Company’s Principals will retain a significant majority of equity ownership in the Company, maintaining the Company’s Principal-led structure. The Company expects U.S. ratings agencies to begin re-rating its post-Transaction debt structure in the coming days and issue new ratings reflective of the Company’s stronger financial position.
As part of the transaction, Avison Young will appoint a smaller, independent Board of Directors led by Rose as Chair. The new Board of Directors will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We are driving ahead bolstered by our leadership team and energized by the flexibility that our new capital structure provides,” continued Rose. “I look forward to working with our management team, new board members, and financial stakeholders to advance our strategic priorities.
Advisors
Centerview Partners LLC, Kobre Capital LLC, and Long Castle Advisors, Corp., served as financial advisors, Stikeman Elliott LLP (Canada), McDermott Will & Emery LLP (US), and DLA Piper LLP (US and UK) served as legal advisors, and C Street Advisory Group served as communications advisor to Avison Young. Lazard Frères & Co. served as investment banker and Paul Hastings LLP served as legal advisors to the syndicated lender group.
About Avison Young
Avison Young creates real economic, social and environmental value as a global real estate advisor, powered by people. As a private company, our clients collaborate with an empowered partner who is invested in their success. Our integrated talent realizes the full potential of real estate by using global intelligence platforms that provide clients with insights and advantage. Together, we can create healthy, productive workplaces for employees, cities that are centers for prosperity for their citizens, and built spaces and places that create a net benefit to the economy, the environment and the community.
Avison Young is a 2023 winner of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Club designation, having retained its Best Managed designation for 12 consecutive years.
Media Contacts
Canada: Andrea Zviedris (andrea.zviedris@avisonyoung.com)
United States: Sandra Hill (sandra.hill@avisonyoung.com)
United Kingdom: Andrea Klettner (andrea.klettner@avisonyoung.com)