Cousins Properties to Acquire Lifestyle Office Property in South End Charlotte

Rhea-AI Summary

Cousins Properties (NYSE: CUZ) has announced plans to acquire Vantage South End, a 639,000 square foot lifestyle office property in Charlotte, for $328.5 million. The property consists of two office towers completed in 2021 and 2022, boasting a 97% occupancy rate and over nine-year weighted average lease term. Located in South End Charlotte, the property is situated near Cousins' existing RailYard property and South End Station development parcel. The transaction is expected to close in December, pending customary closing conditions.

Positive

• 97% occupancy rate indicates strong tenant demand
• Long-term revenue stability with 9+ year weighted average lease term
• Strategic location near existing Cousins properties
• Purchase price below replacement cost
• Transaction expected to be immediately accretive to earnings

Negative

• Significant capital outlay of $328.5 million

Insights

Real Estate Investment Analyst

This strategic acquisition marks a significant expansion in Charlotte's premium office market. The $328.5 million purchase of Vantage South End represents a shrewd move, acquiring a nearly fully leased (97%) modern asset below replacement cost. The property's 9+ year weighted average lease term provides strong cash flow visibility and reduced near-term leasing risk.

The location synergy with Cousins' existing RailYard property and South End Station development creates a compelling cluster effect, potentially enabling operational efficiencies and enhanced market presence. The Sun Belt focus aligns with broader market trends of business migration to lower-cost, high-growth markets. The immediate earnings accretion and below-replacement-cost purchase price suggest favorable deal economics that should benefit shareholders.

Market Research Analyst

Charlotte's South End submarket has emerged as a premier destination for corporate tenants seeking modern, amenity-rich office spaces. The acquisition of this 639,000 square foot lifestyle office property positions Cousins to capitalize on the area's robust growth trajectory and increasing demand for premium office space. The property's recent completion (2021-2022) means minimal near-term capital expenditure requirements and modern features that attract quality tenants.

The off-market nature of the transaction suggests strong relationship-based deal sourcing capabilities and potentially more favorable pricing terms. This acquisition strengthens Cousins' competitive position in one of the Southeast's most dynamic office markets.

ATLANTA, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Properties (NYSE: CUZ) announced today that it is under contract to acquire Vantage South End, a 639,000 square foot lifestyle office property in Charlotte, for $328.5 million. The transaction is expected to close in December, subject to customary closing conditions.

Vantage South End is located in the heart of the dynamic South End submarket and is approximately two blocks away from Cousins' existing RailYard property as well as its South End Station development parcel. The property is comprised of two office towers, which were completed in 2021 and 2022, and is currently 97% leased with a weighted average lease term of over nine years.     

"We are excited to grow our presence in Charlotte with the acquisition of Vantage South End.  We are purchasing the property in an off-market transaction at a meaningful discount to replacement cost, and at a price that will be immediately accretive to earnings," said Colin Connolly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cousins Properties. "Cousins remains focused on identifying compelling opportunities to invest in highly-amenitized lifestyle office assets in the Sun Belt."  

Please refer to the Investor Relations page of Cousins' website for a presentation with additional information on the transaction discussed in this release.

About Cousins Properties

Cousins Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company, based in Atlanta, GA and acting through its operating partnership, Cousins Properties LP, primarily invests in Class A office buildings located in high growth Sun Belt markets. Founded in 1958, Cousins creates shareholder value through its extensive expertise in the development, acquisition, leasing, and management of high-quality real estate assets. The Company has a comprehensive strategy in place based on a simple platform, trophy assets, and opportunistic investments. For more information, please visit www.cousins.com.

CONTACT:
Roni Imbeaux
Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations
404-407-1104
rimbeaux@cousins.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cousins-properties-to-acquire-lifestyle-office-property-in-south-end-charlotte-302298793.html

SOURCE Cousins Properties

FAQ

What is the purchase price for Vantage South End by Cousins Properties (CUZ)?

Cousins Properties (CUZ) is acquiring Vantage South End for $328.5 million.

What is the current occupancy rate of Vantage South End?

Vantage South End is currently 97% leased.

When were the Vantage South End office towers completed?

The two office towers were completed in 2021 and 2022.

When is the Vantage South End acquisition expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to close in December 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

What is the total square footage of Vantage South End?

Vantage South End is a 639,000 square foot lifestyle office property.