As a new presidential administration takes shape, business leaders and investors alike are tuning in with anticipation to see how policy changes will shape the economic landscape. From deregulation to tax policy, the levers pulled in Washington directly influence the strategic decisions companies make—including whether to pursue sale leaseback (SLB) transactions. Here’s the Ascension team’s policy wish list for the new administration and how these initiatives could impact the SLB market for both buyers and sellers.
Renewed Focus on Deregulation
A business-friendly regulatory environment fosters confidence and incentivizes growth. Deregulation in key industries can lower operational burdens, making it easier for companies to thrive and expand. For sellers, this could mean a stronger appetite for SLBs as they free up capital for reinvestment in a more accommodating regulatory climate.
Buyers, such as real estate investors, would also benefit. Reduced regulatory hurdles for property ownership and management can increase the attractiveness of SLB deals, as they mitigate risks and reduce long-term compliance costs. Industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and energy, often key players in SLBs, stand to gain the most from these policy shifts.
A Less Stringent Approach to Antitrust Enforcement
Recent years have seen heightened scrutiny of M&A under stringent antitrust enforcement. While these policies aim to protect competition, they can inadvertently stifle opportunities for companies to grow through consolidation.
A more moderate approach to antitrust enforcement could invigorate the buy-and-build strategy—where private equity firms or corporations acquire platforms and expand by purchasing complementary businesses. SLBs are often integral to these transactions, providing capital to fund acquisitions or pay down debt. With relaxed antitrust restrictions, the SLB market could experience a surge as companies leverage real estate capital to support growth-oriented strategies. In Axios’ recent article “Trump win may usher in M&A revival” the $35 billion credit card merger of Capital One and Discover is referred to as a bellwether for how the administration views the M&A environment, with Piper Sandler managing director Mark Fitzgibbon writing “We think that under a Trump administration, deal approvals will speed up markedly and the process will be more clearly delineated.”
Lower Corporate Taxes Could Boost Liquidity
Corporate tax rates significantly influence a company’s financial strategy. A reduction in corporate taxes would leave more cash on hand for businesses, enabling them to reinvest in operations, pursue acquisitions, or deleverage balance sheets.
With SLBs, lower corporate taxes can impact both sides of the transaction. For sellers, the additional liquidity from reduced taxes may enhance their ability to explore SLBs as a financial tool rather than as a necessity, creating a healthier, more balanced marketplace. For buyers, lower taxes can improve their return on investment by increasing after-tax cash flow, making SLB deals even more attractive.
Interest Rate Policy: Keeping Rates Competitive
Interest rates have a significant impact on the SLB market. Higher rates often increase the cost of capital for buyers, which can reduce the pricing sellers receive in SLB transactions. While the Federal Reserve’s decisions on monetary policy are independent of the presidential administration, the tone and priorities set at the executive level can influence rate policy indirectly.
Our hope is that the new administration will support policies that promote economic growth without triggering significant inflationary pressures, thereby allowing the Federal Reserve to maintain competitive interest rates. A stable or lower-rate environment would benefit SLB buyers by reducing financing costs and sellers by maintaining or increasing asset valuations.
How These Policies Could Shape the SLB Market
For Sellers
- Deregulation can free up operating cash that may otherwise be tied to compliance costs, making SLBs more of a strategic choice.
- A favorable tax environment means companies can better leverage SLBs to fund growth or strengthen their balance sheets.
For Buyers
- Reduced regulation and tax rates translate to lower operating costs, improving ROI.
- Lower interest rates make it more feasible to finance SLB acquisitions, keeping demand high and sustaining competitive deal structures.
Final Thoughts
The intersection of government policy and commercial real estate is greater than many realize, and a healthy mix of deregulation, antitrust easing, tax policy, and general interest rate stability could benefit buyers and sellers alike.
As we await this economic agenda to play out, we remain cautiously optimistic. The coming years could present unique opportunities for companies to unlock the value of their real estate
assets while creating mutually beneficial partnerships with investors. All of us on the Ascension team will be here every step of the way – whatever happens!
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