Starwood Capital enters partnership with ESR Group co-founders

Starwood Capital Group has agreed to acquire a 10.7 percent equity stake in ESR Group in a structured transaction alongside Stuart Gibson and Charles de Portes, ESR co-founders.

Gibson will remain co-CEO and an executive director of ESR, and Portes will remain a non-executive director of the company. Pursuant to the acquisition, all of the outstanding sums under the existing margin-loan facility of the co-founders’ holding vehicle will be fully extinguished.

“ESR is the leading real estate platform in Asia Pacific, with important market positions in logistics and data centers, which are key growth areas for Starwood Capital,” said Barry Sternlicht, chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital. “I have known Stuart for many years and have always been impressed by the business he, Charles and co-CEO Jeffrey Shen have built. Having recently partnered with ESR in Australia, we are very pleased to expand and strengthen our relationship through this transaction. We have full