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ASCENSION ADVISORY

Real Estate Sale Leasebacks For Financial Sponsors & Business Owners

Get the most out of your balance sheet assets by converting real estate into flexible, non-dilutive capital. 
OFFICES LOCATED IN
Office Locations
New York-3
London-3
Madrid-1
Mexico City-2
Toronto-4
Miami-3
WHY BUSINESSES PARTNER WITH US

Sale Leaseback Experts

Our specialization in the art of the sale leaseback strategy sets us apart. With backgrounds in private equity, investment banking, management consulting, and real estate investing, our team has the expertise to structure and execute even the most complicated sale leaseback transactions.

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Doug Carey
WHY BUSINESSES CHOOSE THE SALE LEASEBACK

Strategic Advantages

Redeploy existing capital into highest and best use
Generate liquidity through non-dilutive financing
Secure flexible financing without covenants or personal guaranties
Realize 100% of asset market value, compared to a mortgage
Access cheaper capital than other financing alternatives
Create equity value through arbitrage of EBITDA vs. Cap Rate multiples

HOW BUSINESSES DEPLOY PROCEEDS

Uses of Funds

Businesses use sale leaseback proceeds to fund expansions of existing facilities or new locations, invest in equipment and capital expenditures, pay down expensive debt, redeploy into core business operations, or even take chips off the table for stakeholders.

Financial Sponsors can also leverage sale leaseback proceeds to finance M&A transactions and buy down their acquisition EBITDA multiples.

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Frequent Sale Leaseback Questions

Click each option below to learn more.

What is a sale leaseback?

A sale leaseback is a financial transaction where a company sells an asset, typically real estate, to an investor and then leases it back for a long-term period. This allows the company to continue using the asset while also unlocking the capital tied up in it.

Why do companies choose sale leasebacks?

Private Equity Firms and Business Owners opt for sale leasebacks for several reasons, including the need to free up capital for reinvestment in their core business, improve liquidity, optimize balance sheet structure, and potentially benefit from tax advantages. This approach can also allow for more flexible financing options compared to traditional debt financing.

What are the benefits of a sale leaseback?

The primary benefits include immediate access to capital, off-balance sheet financing, potential tax benefits, and the ability to focus on core business activities without the capital constraints of owning real estate. It can also improve certain financial ratios, making the company more attractive to investors.

What criteria do investors look for in a sale leaseback transaction?

Investors evaluate the creditworthiness of the company, the quality and location of the property, the stability of the company's business, and the attractiveness of the lease terms, including rent, duration, and renewal options.

How can a sale leaseback impact a company’s balance sheet?

A sale leaseback can positively impact the balance sheet by converting a fixed asset into liquid capital, thereby improving liquidity ratios. While the lease obligations are recorded as liabilities, the overall effect can be a stronger financial position and improved operational flexibility.

Can a sale leaseback arrangement be customized?

Yes, sale leaseback terms are highly customizable. Ascension Advisory can help negotiate lease lengths, payment schedules, and other terms to align with the company's strategic financial plans, operational needs, and future growth projections.

Are sale leasebacks suitable for all industries?

While sale leasebacks can be beneficial across various industries, they are particularly common in sectors where the real estate is mission-critical to the operating company, such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics. The suitability can depend on the company's financial goals, industry stability, and the strategic value of retaining operational control over the property.

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Hear From Our Clients

Max Kathari

"Ascension left me thoroughly impressed with the team’s performance throughout the lifecycle of our sale leaseback transaction. Their team was efficient, knowledgeable, and highly organized...We look forward to working with them in the future."

Max Kothari | Chief Executive Officer | Express Kitchens
Partner of Midwest Private Equity-1

"This sale leaseback was very important for the Company. It unlocked meaningful capital for us to redeploy into higher ROI opportunities that will help drive the Company's growth for years to come. The Ascension team was integral to making this possible."

Partner of Private Equity Firm
william goetz

"Our goal with the sale leaseback was to position the company to continue investing in advanced technologies and to fund growth. Our success and timing in closing the sale leaseback is a testament to Ascension’s expertise and partnership."

William Goetz | CFO | Alpha Precision PM
Søren Nielsen (3)

"The Ascension team did a great job leading us through this sale leaseback transaction on behalf of the company. The company signed a long-term lease at the facility, demonstrating the business’s commitment to this site."

Søren Hvidberg Nielsen | President | Widex USA
Vice President of Private Equity Firm-1

"The Ascension team delivers reliable and timely execution with attentive and highly responsive service. We trust the Ascension Advisory team to move quickly to achieve our real estate-related objectives."

Vice President of Private Equity Firm
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"Ascension delivered an excellent SLB outcome on an accelerated timeline that tracked our M&A process. As such, we were able to consummate a RE deal simultaneously with our M&A transaction and helped us fund the M&A deal."

Associate of Private Equity Firm
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"We have worked with Ascension in the past, and have always had a very strong experience.  Very strong attention to detail, real-time communication, work ethic, and an excellent grasp of the market are a few of the reasons I continue to work with Ascension."

Principal of Private Equity Firm
Group Chairman of European-Based Private Equity Firm

"The Ascension team supported us every step of the way during our process. The deal team was very helpful in keeping this transaction on track and worked diligently with all parties involved toward a successful close."

Chairman of Private Equity Firm
Joe Cappuccio

"The Ascension team has an amazing ability to parse the complexity out of any transaction providing for a smooth glide to a closing. There is no way we would have achieved even a fragment of our success without them."

Joe Cappuccio | Partner | Trinity Petro
Daryl Scott (2)

“Chelsea and her team did a great job. This transaction provides additional capital allowing us to continue reinvestment into our business that has seen tremendous growth over the last 12 months.”

Daryl Scott | Chief Executive Officer | Surlean Foods
Henry Legere
“We engaged the Ascension team to help us market and sell our medical office property and we couldn’t be more happy with their team, process, and results. I highly recommend the Ascension team.”  
Henry Legere | Founder & CEO | Reliant Immune Diagnostics
Brian Dennis

"Ascension has allowed us to turbocharge our business expansion. In fact, our last SLB deal was nothing short of incredible – we used the entire sale leaseback proceeds to fund the acquisition of the entire dealership operations – no cash outlay required."

Brian Dennis | President | Dennis & Co. Auto Group
Pat Voelker

"I enjoyed our experience working with Ascension. I would recommend Ascension again to be used by our firm or will suggest you all to other PE firms that ask for recommendations."

Vice President of Private Equity Firm
Josh Chandler

“Ascension Advisory was instrumental in helping Whisker achieve a successful real estate sale leaseback transaction during an increasingly challenging macro environment.”

Josh Chandler | Chief Financial Officer | Whisker
Shamari McCrimons

"It was a pleasure working with the Ascension Advisory team on Dirty Dog's Car Wash recent sale leaseback transaction! Great team. Great results."

Shomari McCrimons | Chief Financial Officer | Dirty Dog's Car Wash
Co-Founder of Private Equity Firm-1

"The Ascension team delivered on everything they proposed and hit the aggressive timeline we asked for. Their thoroughness and professionalism throughout the process was fantastic and we won’t hesitate to work with them again."

Co-Founder of Private Equity Firm