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Argent and Related Companies announce formation of new joint venture company

Argent Related to capitalize on experience and expertise of one of the UK’s most highly-respected developers and best-in-class U.S. real estate firms to undertake UK development projects

Argent, one of the UK’s most prominent and well-respected developers, and Related Companies, one of the United States’ most prolific, best-in-class real estate and investment firms, today announces the formation of Argent Related. Capitalising on both firms’ expertise and track record of significant urban placemaking, the new joint venture company will pursue the development of projects of scale in London and the UK that involve the creation of lasting, livable places. Argent Related will be the joint venture company through which Argent and Related will exclusively pursue all future projects in the UK.

David Partridge, managing partner, Argent, and joint CEO of Argent Related, said, “Argent and Related share a common approach and passion for mixed-use development which is focused around creating new and distinctive places for people. We both have experience in taking on challenging property developments of a significant scale, and believe our shared dedication to long-term involvement, quality of product and thoughtful planning lend themselves to a successful partnership: one which can significantly benefit UK cities. Additionally, Related’s industry leadership in such areas as sustainability and construction supply chain, and expertise in developing and operating their portfolio of more than 50,000 build-to-rent homes in the U.S., will enable us jointly to deliver a significant contribution towards the homes London and the UK desperately needs. Together we will be able to complete projects with the scale and impact to make a real difference, and keep Argent at the forefront of the UK property sector.”

Kenneth P. Wong, chief operating officer and director of international development, Related, and joint CEO of Argent Related, said, “Related has been focused on the London market for several years and we are thrilled to partner with the UK’s leading regeneration developer to jointly pursue new opportunities there. Argent has been delivering brilliant commercial, residential, education, cultural and community developments in the UK for over 30 years. Their experience of working on city-scale, mixed-use developments makes Argent the perfect partner for Related. We recognize that real estate is a local business, and through Argent Related we look forward to applying the extraordinary capabilities of both companies to the UK, starting in greater London.”

The joint venture partners share complementary values and skill sets: Argent has 30 years of experience in city centre regeneration at Brindleyplace (Birmingham), Piccadilly Place (Manchester) and King’s Cross (London). Related has over 40 years of experience delivering residential, hotel, office and large-scale mixed-use schemes in both the U.S. and Middle East including Time Warner Center in New York City, CityPlace in West Palm Beach and significant developments on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Related is currently developing the largest private development project in the United States: Hudson Yards, on Manhattan’s West Side. Argent Related will develop open-market and affordable housing, offices, retail and leisure space and hotels, with a commitment to sustainable and sensitive development.

The joint venture company will target schemes that include the delivery of high-quality, intelligently designed mixed-use and residential developments. Drawing on Related’s extensive experience in build-to-rent developments and strong management capability in the United States, the venture will place a distinct focus on purpose-built rented homes, where the company sees great opportunity in the market. Argent Related is also committed to providing workspaces for the next generation of businesses and office users, all located near significant new transport hubs and offering environments which work as real places for communities. Related brings a strong balance sheet and vast expertise in sourcing capital.

Custom financial arrangements will be conceived for each Argent Related development, including potential partnerships with global capital providers. Pre-existing development arrangements and investments on both sides, including Argent’s on-going role in building out King’s Cross, and managing the development of Paradise Circus in Birmingham and Airport City in Manchester, will be unaffected by the new joint venture.

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About Related:
Related Companies is the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States. Formed over 40 years ago, Related is a fully-integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing and sales. Headquartered in New York City, Related has offices and major developments in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, South Florida, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi, London and Shanghai and boasts a team of approximately 3,000 professionals. The Company’s existing portfolio of real estate assets, valued at over $20 billion, is made up of best-in-class mixed-use, residential, retail, office and affordable properties in premier high-barrier-to-entry markets. Related has developed preeminent mixed-use projects such as Time Warner Center in New York and CityPlace in West Palm Beach and is currently developing the 28-acre Hudson Yards project on Manhattan’s west side. Related also manages approximately $3 billion of equity capital on behalf of sovereign wealth funds, public pension plans, multi-managers, endowments, and family offices. Related is staunchly committed to sustainable design with over $10 billion in green development underway or completed. Related also owns Equinox® Fitness Clubs, further expanding the company's capabilities into the health and fitness arena and enhancing the value of its properties through an exclusive, branded amenity and lifestyle offering . Related is a partner in Union Square Events, the catering, culture, sports, and events business of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group and CORE, a boutique residential brokerage. For more information about Related Companies, please visit www.related.com.

About Argent:
Since 1981, Argent has delivered some of the best mixed-use developments in the UK with major commercial, residential, education, cultural and community developments in the country's largest cities. City-scale, mixed use development is our particular strength. It is involved in the full development process – from identifying and assembling sites, developing designs and obtaining planning permission through to financing, project management of the construction process, letting, asset management and (sometimes) selling. We also manage and maintain buildings and estate. Argent has a team of over 130 people. For more information about Argent, visit www.argentllp.co.uk.

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