Elme Communities Concludes Strategic Alternatives Review Process; Executes Agreement to Sell 19 Properties to Cortland, Remaining Assets to be Marketed for Sale

Core Viewpoint - Elme Communities has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Cortland Partners to sell a 19-asset portfolio for $1.6 billion, initiating a plan for voluntary liquidation and asset sales to maximize shareholder value [1][2][3] Financial Distributions - The company plans to make total upfront distributions to shareholders of approximately $14.68 to $15.00 per share, assuming the completion of the Cortland Portfolio Transaction [1][6] - Additional liquidating distributions are estimated to be approximately $2.90 to $3.50 per share from the sale of remaining assets [1][6] Transaction Details - The Portfolio Sale Transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending shareholder approval and customary closing conditions [1][11] - The company will market its remaining nine multifamily assets and Watergate 600 for sale within the next 12 months [2][11] Strategic Review Process - The decision to proceed with the sale and liquidation followed a comprehensive evaluation of strategic alternatives, including engagement with over 80 potential counterparties [3][11] - The Board of Trustees unanimously determined that the sale to Cortland and subsequent asset sales would yield the highest value for shareholders compared to other options [3][11] Future Operations - Following the completion of the Portfolio Sale Transaction, the company expects to suspend regular quarterly distributions and focus on liquidating distributions from future asset sales [10][11] - The company has received a debt commitment of $520 million from Goldman Sachs Bank USA to finance assets not included in the Portfolio Sale Transaction [9] Market Presence - The transaction marks Cortland's significant expansion in the greater Washington, D.C. area and Georgia, enhancing its portfolio and operational capabilities [3][4]