RAIT Financial Trust explained

RAIT Financial Trust
Location:130 West 42nd Street, New York City
Location Country:United States
Owner:Fortress Investment Group

RAIT Financial Trust (Resource Asset Investment Trust) is a real estate investment trust owned by Fortress Investment Group that manages commercial real estate loans and properties. It is headquartered at 130 West 42nd Street, New York City.[1]

History

RAIT was founded in August 1997 by Resource America, Inc. at which time it was led by Betsy Z. Cohen.[1] [2]

In January 1998, the company became a public company via an initial public offering.[3]

In December 2006, the company merged with Taberna Financial Realty Trust.[4]

In August 2007, during the subprime mortgage crisis, the company suffered due to its exposure to American Home Mortgage.[5]

In July 2009, the company sold its residential mortgage portfolio to Angelo Gordon for $15.8 million and took a $62 million loss on the sale.[6]

In March 2014, Urban Retail Properties became a subsidiary of the company.[7]

In November 2015, the company signed a lease to move its offices from the Cira Centre.[8]

In May 2017, the company sold UBS Plaza for $14 million.[9]

In December 2018, the company sold PlazAmericas.[10]

In August 2019, after defaulting on its bonds, RAIT filed bankruptcy and agreed to be acquired by Fortress Investment Group for $174.4 million.[11]

Magnetar Capital, a hedge fund, made a competing offer to acquire the company but the offer was rejected by a judge in December 2019.[12]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Overview . RAIT Financial Trust.
  2. News: Housing misery hits RAIT . Natalie . Kostelni . . September 10, 2007.
  3. News: IPOs for the fearless . . January 12, 1998.
  4. News: RAIT merger complete . . December 11, 2006.
  5. News: Home-Loan Woes Hit Commercial REITs . Kemba J. . Dunham . . August 15, 2007 . subscription.
  6. News: RAIT unloads loans, takes loss . Natalie . Kostelni . . July 22, 2009.
  7. News: RAIT Financial Trust Acquires Retail Centers for $50.8 Million . . September 18, 2014.
  8. News: RAIT Financial Trust leaving Cira Centre, wants to be back in Center City . Natalie . Kostelni . . November 13, 2015.
  9. News: UBS Plaza in St. Paul sells fetches $14 million in sale . Mark . Reilly . . May 26, 2017.
  10. News: Houston real estate firm buys former Sharpstown Mall . Olivia . Pulsinelli . . December 21, 2018.
  11. News: RAIT Financial Trust Files for Bankruptcy . Becky . Yerak . . August 31, 2019 . subscription.
  12. News: RAIT Financial Shareholders Fail to Derail Fortress Bankruptcy Bid . Becky . Yerak . . December 5, 2019 . subscription.