In a strategic expansion into retail real estate, Blackstone Real Estate has announced an agreement to acquire Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (ROIC) in an all-cash transaction valued at $4 billion. This deal includes ROIC’s debt and values the company’s shares at $17.50, a premium of 34% over the pre-rumor trading price from July. ROIC owns and manages 93 grocery-anchored shopping centers across the West Coast, totaling 10.5 million square feet. These properties, located in high-density urban areas, align with Blackstone’s goal of capitalizing on essential retail spaces, which remain resilient amid shifting retail landscapes.

About Blackstone

Blackstone, a powerhouse in alternative asset management with a robust real estate portfolio, has emphasized a commitment to stable, community-oriented retail sectors. ROIC’s locations in cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco are intended to complement Blackstone’s other retail holdings, focusing on grocery-anchored centers that benefit from limited new construction and high demand for in-person shopping experiences. Blackstone believes that brick-and-mortar retailers, especially those providing essential goods, will continue to attract strong consumer interest, even as e-commerce reshapes other parts of the retail industry

About Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (ROIC) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in grocery-anchored shopping centers across the West Coast of the United States. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in San Diego, ROIC has a portfolio of approximately 10.5 million square feet spread over 93 properties in high-density, high-income urban areas. ROIC’s focus on essential retail establishments, such as grocery stores, positions it to benefit from stable demand despite retail sector disruptions.