Strategic Storage REITs Merge In $340M Deal
Once the deal closes, SST II will acquire a portfolio totalling approximately 2.1 million net rentable square feet of storage space.
LADERA RANCH, CA–Strategic Storage Trust II and Strategic Storage Growth Trust — two public non-traded REITs that focus on the self-storage space and are sponsored by SmartStop — are merging in a $340 million transaction. Under the agreement, SST II will pay SSGT’s stockholders a purchase price of $12.00 per share in cash. The merger agreement was negotiated on behalf of SST II by an independent special committee of SST II’s board of directors, which was formed to conduct a review of the merger. The merger remains subject to the approval of SSGT’s stockholders, as well as other customary closing conditions.
Once the deal closes, SST II will acquire all of the real estate owned by SSGT, which consists of 28 self storage facilities in 10 states and in the Greater Toronto Area. This portfolio totals 19,300 self storage units and approximately 2.1 million net rentable square feet of storage space. SST II will obtain the rights to acquire two self storage facilities currently under contract with SSGT.
“We are excited for the opportunity to consolidate SSGT with SST II, into a company with revenues that we anticipate will exceed $100 million next year,” said H. Michael Schwartz, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of SST II. He said the drivers of the deal included growth potential and the opportunity for economies of scale.
The merger is expected to close during the first quarter of 2019. The merger agreement also provides SSGT with a go-shop period.
Robert A. Stanger & Co., Inc. served as financial advisor and Venable LLP served as legal advisor to the special committee of SST II’s board of directors. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as legal advisor to SST II. Stanger also provided a fairness opinion to the special committee of SST II’s board of directors in connection with the transaction.
SmartStop also is the sponsor of Strategic Storage Trust IV and Strategic Student & Senior Housing Trust, which is focused on student and senior housing assets.