Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:COLD) completed a cold-storage joint venture with EQT's Active Core Infrastructure fund covering 12 U.S. temperature-controlled warehouses with more than $1.3 billion of gross ***** et value. EQT acquired 70% of Americold-EQT Cold Storage Partnership, while Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:COLD) retained 30% and became the day-to-day manager.
Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:COLD) received approximately $1.1 billion of net cash proceeds and intends to use the cash to repay outstanding consolidated debt. Based on rounded announced figures, the proceeds equal approximately 25% of the latest reported net debt of $4.4 billion. Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:COLD) projects that the eventual debt repayment will reduce annual interest expense by approximately $46 million and lower leverage by roughly 0.75 turn.
The structure remains more complicated than a simple ***** et sale. The joint venture drew $845.5 million under mortgage financing at closing. Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:COLD) and EQT each appoint three members to the six-person board. Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:COLD) also has maximum net exposure of up to $70 million under a 10-year income-support arrangement if specified performance thresholds are not achieved.
Those savings should offset part of the surrendered income while improving financial flexibility and reducing refinancing pressure.
Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:COLD) retains exposure to distributions and appreciation through the 30% ownership interest. The management role preserves operating continuity, while equal board representation provides governance influence despite the minority economic stake.

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