Slate Retail REIT (TSX:SRT.U / SRT.UN) ("Slate Retail" the "REIT") is
pleased to announce its debut on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX")
as a public real estate investment trust. The Class U Units of the REIT
will begin trading this morning on the TSX in both US dollars (under the
trading symbol SRT.U) and Canadian dollars (under the trading symbol
SRT.UN). Slate Retail is the result of a transaction that combined the
assets of Slate U.S. Opportunity (No. 1) Realty Trust, Slate U.S.
Opportunity (No. 2) Realty Trust and U.S. Grocery Anchored Retail (1A),
(1B) and (1C) Limited Partnerships. The REIT is a pure-play in U.S.
grocery-anchored real estate with an initial portfolio of 29 properties
across 14 states with well-recognized name brand tenants. Management
remains committed to continuing the execution of its acquisition
strategy and capitalizing on opportunities in target markets across the
United States.
"It is our pleasure to mark this significant milestone just three years
after starting our investment program in U.S. grocery-anchored real
estate," said Blair Welch, Chief Executive Officer of Slate Retail REIT.
"With the support of our unitholders, we look forward to continued
growth of our portfolio of well-positioned cash-generating properties."
"Our strong balance sheet and cash position will allow us to continue to
execute on opportunities aligned with our growth strategies," said
?Brady Welch, Chief Financial Officer of Slate Retail REIT. "We are
well-positioned to continue our track record of delivering unitholder
value in both the near and long-term."
Toronto-based Slate Properties Inc. ("Slate") will continue in its
capacity as asset manager of the REIT and the REIT's portfolio. Slate,
including its affiliates and senior employees, owns an approximate 10%
interest in the REIT.
About Slate Retail REIT
Slate Retail REIT is an open-ended
real estate investment trust and a pure-play in U.S. grocery-anchored
real estate. The REIT's portfolio includes 29 properties across 14
states with name brand tenants that occupy approximately 70% of gross
leasable area. The REIT's manager, Toronto-based Slate Properties Inc.,
has an experienced and dedicated team of real estate professionals with
a proven track record of success in U.S. grocery-anchored real estate.
The Slate team has established a significant presence in key target
markets, predominantly within the top 50 U.S. metro areas, and has the
resources in place to quickly capitalize on opportunities for accretive
growth.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
press release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not
always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words
such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected",
"estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or
"believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that
certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or
"will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the REIT to
be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Examples of such statements include statements regarding the continued
growth of the REIT's portfolio and management's expectation of
continuing to deliver unitholder value in both the near and long-term.
Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions
that may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, the
ability of the REIT to source appropriate growth opportunities and the
operating performance of the REIT's properties. There can be no
assurances that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These cautionary
statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to the
REIT and persons acting on its behalf. Unless otherwise stated, all
forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press
release and the REIT undertakes no obligation to update such statements
except as required by law.
Head Office
121 King St W, Suite 200
Toronto, ON M5H 3T9
Tel: +1 416 644 4264
Fax: +1 416 947 9366
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or
United States
6003 Veterans Pkwy, Suite 317
Columbus, GA 31909
Telephone: +1 416 644 4264
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