Columbia Property Trust Provides Update on Strategic Business Review Process

Rhea-AI Summary

Columbia Property Trust (NYSE: CXP) is undergoing a strategic review to enhance shareholder value, involving outreach to potential transaction counterparts, with Morgan Stanley and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz as advisors. The review process has no set timeline and may not result in a transaction. Columbia has maintained strong operations and financial performance amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has received an unsolicited acquisition proposal from a bidding group and intends to consider this as part of its strategic review. Shareholders do not need to take any action currently.

Positive

• Maintained strong operations and financial performance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Engaging with a bidding group for potential acquisition, indicating interest in the company.

Negative

• No definitive timeline set for the strategic review process, creating uncertainty.

Columbia Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CXP) today issued the following statement:

Columbia’s Board and management team regularly evaluate opportunities to enhance shareholder value and will continue to take steps to achieve this objective for the benefit of all shareholders. In doing so, the Board and management team will continue to take into account the valuable input and perspectives that our shareholders share with us.

Consistent with these commitments, the Board has commenced a thorough review of Columbia’s business, strategies and positioning, including undertaking a comprehensive strategic alternatives review process that will include outreach to, and identification of, potential transaction counterparties. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz have been retained as financial and legal advisors, respectively, in support of this strategic review process. There is no deadline or definitive timetable set for completion of this review, and there is no assurance that this process will result in any transaction, including the Company’s sale, privatization, or entry into a business combination.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbia has maintained seamless operations, strengthened its balance sheet, and delivered solid financial performance throughout 2020 while protecting the health and safety of our employees and tenants. The strength of the Company, despite unprecedented challenges across our industry, and the previously announced interest expressed by a bidding group, reflect the resilience of our strategy, the quality of Columbia’s modernized portfolio of well-located and unique assets, and our Board and management team’s dedication to creating and capturing value for shareholders.

Columbia previously confirmed that it had received an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from various affiliates associated with Arkhouse Partners LLC, AS8888 LLC, TSE 88 LLC, Sapir Global Corp., and 8F Investment Partners Pte. Ltd. (collectively, the “bidding group”) regarding acquiring all of the Company’s outstanding shares. Columbia will continue to seek to engage constructively with the bidding group and consider the bidding group’s proposal as part of Columbia’s broader strategic review process, including an assessment of potential counterparties and alternatives.

Columbia shareholders do not need to take any action at this time, and Columbia does not intend to update these statements except as may be required by law.

About Columbia Property Trust

Columbia Property Trust (NYSE: CXP) creates value through owning, operating, and developing storied properties for legendary companies in New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Boston. The Columbia team is deeply experienced in transactions, asset management and repositioning, leasing, development, and property management. It employs these competencies to grow value across its high-quality, well-leased office portfolio of 15 properties that contain more than six million rentable square feet, as well as four properties under development, and also has more than eight million square feet under management for private investors and third parties. Columbia has investment-grade ratings from both Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings. For more information, please visit www.columbia.reit.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from projections. For a discussion of some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in our forward-looking statements, see Columbia Property Trust’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent annual report on Form 10-K. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations and speak as of the date of such statements. We make no representations or warranties (express or implied) about the accuracy of, nor do we intend to publicly update or revise any such forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise except for such updates as may be required by law.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

Columbia Property Trust intends to file a definitive proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) and accompanying WHITE proxy card in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the 2021 annual meeting of Columbia Property Trust shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”). INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (the “SEC”) CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders may obtain the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement and other documents filed by Columbia Property Trust with the SEC for no charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies will also

FAQ

What is the strategic review process for Columbia Property Trust (CXP)?

Columbia Property Trust has initiated a strategic review to enhance shareholder value, which includes engaging with potential transaction partners.

What was the unsolicited proposal received by Columbia Property Trust (CXP)?

Columbia received an unsolicited, non-binding acquisition proposal from a group of affiliates, which it is considering in its strategic review.

What financial advisors are assisting Columbia Property Trust (CXP) in its review process?

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz have been retained as financial and legal advisors for the strategic review.

How is Columbia Property Trust (CXP) performing amid the COVID-19 pandemic?

Columbia has reported strong operations and financial performance throughout the pandemic, reflecting the resilience of its strategy.