The Great American Group Launches as New Independent Business Following Formation of Partnership between Oaktree and B. Riley
Rhea-AI Summary
B. Riley Financial and Oaktree Capital Management announced the launch of Great American Group as an independent business following their partnership formation. B. Riley received approximately $203 million in cash, Class B Preferred Units with an initial liquidation preference of about $183 million, and Class A Common Units representing roughly 47% of total outstanding common units. The company expects to record a $235 million gain on this investment in Q4 2024. The transaction allows B. Riley to reduce its debt while maintaining significant equity in the business.
Positive
- Received $203 million in cash consideration
- Retained 47% ownership in Great American Group through Class A Common Units
- Expected gain of $235 million in Q4 2024
- Significant debt reduction opportunity
- Maintains upside potential through equity stake
Negative
- Reduction in direct control over Great American Group operations
- Decreased ownership from 100% to 47% in the business unit
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, RILY declined 2.54%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
The Great American Group to Leverage 30-Year Track Record to Provide Industry-Leading Valuation, Appraisal, Asset Disposition and Real Estate Services
B. Riley to Recognize Gain of Approximately
The launch of the GA Group as an independent business follows the completion of the transactions between B. Riley and Oaktree previously announced on October 14, 2024. Prior to the closing, B. Riley undertook a pre-closing internal reorganization resulting in the contribution of all of the interests in B. Riley's Appraisal and Valuation Services, Retail, Wholesale & Industrial Solutions and Real Estate businesses into Great American Holdings, LLC, a newly formed holding company ("Great American NewCo"). At the closing, B. Riley received total consideration consisting of approximately
B. Riley expects to record a gain on its investment in GA Group of approximately
Bryant Riley, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of B. Riley, said, "We are excited about this new partnership with Oaktree, which has the scale and expertise in alternative investments to power GA Group's next chapter of growth and success. The transaction provided B. Riley with the ability to meaningfully de-lever our balance sheet and retain significant equity upside in a business with compelling growth prospects."
For more information on the GA Group, please visit www.brileyfin.com/ga-transition.
Advisors
Moelis & Company LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to B. Riley, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as legal advisor to B. Riley. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal advisor to Oaktree.
About B. Riley Financial
B. Riley Financial is a diversified financial services company that delivers tailored solutions to meet the strategic, operational, and capital needs of its clients and partners. B. Riley leverages cross-platform expertise to provide clients with full service, collaborative solutions at every stage of the business life cycle. Through its affiliated subsidiaries, B. Riley provides end-to-end financial services across investment banking, institutional brokerage, private wealth and investment management, financial consulting, corporate restructuring, operations management, risk and compliance, due diligence, forensic accounting, litigation support, appraisal and valuation, auction, and liquidation services. B. Riley opportunistically invests to benefit its shareholders, and certain affiliates originate and underwrite senior secured loans for asset-rich companies. B. Riley refers to B. Riley Financial, Inc. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries or affiliates. For more information, please visit www.brileyfin.com.
About Oaktree
Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, our business, operating results, financial condition, and stock price could be materially negatively affected. You should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are based on the information currently available to us and speak only as of today's date. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's performance or achievements to be materially different from any expected future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Actual future results, performance or achievements may differ materially from historical results or those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the risks described from time to time in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, the risks described in the Company's 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in B. Riley Financial's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024 under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (as applicable). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All information is current as of the date this press release is issued, and the Company undertakes no duty to update this information.
Contacts
Investors
ir@brileyfin.com
Media
press@brileyfin.com
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SOURCE B. Riley Financial
FAQ
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