Stockland has announced that it has entered into a binding Sale and Purchase Agreement for EQT Infrastructure (EQT) to acquire full ownership of Stockland’s Retirement Living business for $987m.
The disposal price represents a ~1.9% discount to Stockland’s December 2021 book value of $1,006m.
Under the terms of the agreement, EQT will acquire Stockland’s portfolio of 58 established Retirement Living villages,10 development projects underway and in planning, along with the associated management platform.
As a result of the transaction, over 300 employees will transfer to EQT with the business.
To facilitate and support an effective transfer of the business and its people, Stockland will continue to provide administrative support in areas such as finance and technology for an agreed period post completion of the transaction under a Transitional Services Agreement.
“I am delighted that we have found a strong Retirement Living owner and operator to acquire Stockland's Retirement Living platform," said CEO and Managing Director of Stockland, Tarun Gupta.
EQT is a purpose-led organisation with a well-established track record in healthcare, aged care and retirement living. We are confident that EQT will be the right custodian for the residents and employees, and are well placed to support the continued growth of the high-quality Retirement Living platform.
We have an accomplished and dedicated team in our Retirement Living business, who will transfer to EQT at the completion of the transaction. They continue to be focused on providing the best possible care and resident experience across the portfolio.
The announcement today does not impact any of the arrangements with our residents. It will be business as usual for our residents, noting on completion they will have a new partner with significant experience in running industry-leading retirement living villages.
The transaction also demonstrates that we are executing on the strategy announced in November 2021 to refocus our Communities business and reduce our capital exposure to Retirement Living.”
“From the outset, we’ve been very impressed with the team and the first-rate retirement living portfolio Stockland has built," said Partner and Head of Asia Pacific for EQT Infrastructure, Ken Wong.
"Stockland Retirement Living is a clear leader in the Australian retirement living space and we are excited about working together as we transition the business toward a standalone platform that continues to develop and operate high-quality retirement villages.
"With an ageing Australian population and increased need for specialised care, we are excited to have the opportunity to use our significant global experience in the sector to enhance the range of services provided to current and future residents of Stockland’s villages.”
