Macerich Acquires Market-Dominant Crabtree Mall in Raleigh, NC for $290 million

Core Viewpoint - The Macerich Company has announced the acquisition of Crabtree Mall for $290 million, which is expected to yield an initial return of approximately 11% and is aligned with the company's Path Forward Plan aimed at enhancing operational performance and asset value [1][2][3]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves Crabtree Mall, a Class A retail center in Raleigh, NC, covering approximately 1.3 million square feet [1]. - The expected initial yield on the acquisition is around 11%, with a potential yield of approximately 12.5% when considering current leases that will commence in 2027 [2]. - A strategic investment plan of about $60 million is planned for redevelopment and leasing to maximize the mall's performance from 2025 to 2028 [2]. Financial Strategy - The acquisition was funded using cash on hand and $100 million borrowed from a revolving line of credit, with plans to repay this borrowing within 30 days using proceeds from a $160 million two-year term loan [3]. - The financing strategy is designed to maintain the company's de-leveraging targets under the Path Forward Plan [3]. Market Position and Growth Potential - Crabtree Mall is positioned in the high-growth Raleigh-Cary, NC MSA, which is recognized for its innovation and wealth, anchored by the Research Triangle Park [4]. - The mall features over 200 stores and generates $429 million in annual sales, with a sales per square foot of $951 and over 8.7 million annual visitors [6]. Company Overview - Macerich is a self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on high-quality retail properties in densely populated U.S. markets, owning 41 million square feet of real estate across 38 retail centers [7]. - The company has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, achieving a 1 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ranking for the North American retail sector for ten consecutive years [8].