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Sam Zell walks through the acquisition of Equity Office Properties and how the deal unfolded. He explains his strategy of creating competition among buyers and increasing the breakup fee to discourage competing bids. The ultimate sale to Blackstone for $39 billion was a significant success for both parties, with Blackstone able to liquidate two-thirds of the portfolio at prices above what they paid for the entire company.
Sam Zell shares his insights into real estate investing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding supply and demand dynamics in the market, as well as the need for long-term thinking and a focus on cash flow and liquidity. Zell also highlights the value of being a contrarian investor and taking advantage of market cycles and opportunities.
Sam Zell discusses the significance of freedom and liquidity in his investing philosophy. He explains that money equals freedom, allowing for more choices and opportunities. He also asserts that liquidity equals value, allowing for greater flexibility in decision-making and the ability to take advantage of opportunities.
Sam Zell reflects on the lessons learned from the sale of Equity Office Properties. He emphasizes the importance of creating competition in transactions and the value of testing the limits of what can be achieved. Zell also highlights his focus on long-term appreciation and the need to consider tax implications in investment decisions.
Sam Zell shares his unique approach to investing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a level of fear and understanding supply and demand dynamics. He discusses the role of strategy in investment decisions and the satisfaction derived from achieving objectives and overcoming challenges. Zell also emphasizes the value of freedom and the ability to make choices without financial constraints.
On today’s show, we have the honor of interviewing legendary real estate investor and entrepreneur, Sam Zell.
Sam Zell has an impressive background, having started his career in real estate in the late 1960s. He is the founder and chairman of Equity Group Investments, a leading private investment firm. Over the course of his career, Sam has made many bold moves and investments, earning him a reputation as a savvy and fearless investor.
One of Sam's most notable achievements was his role in creating the modern-day real estate investment trust (REIT) industry. He did this by founding Equity Office Properties Trust in 1997, which became the largest office REIT in the United States. In 2007, he sold the company for a record-breaking $39 billion.
Joining us today as a co-host is David Greene, an accomplished real estate investor, and host of the BiggerPockets podcast, one of the most popular and highly-rated podcasts in the real estate investing space.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
00:00 - Intro.
04:49 - How Sam helped pioneer the REIT industry and what improvements he would like to see today
30:42 - What drives him to succeed at 81 years old
35:37 - Why Sam would raise interest rates further if he was the head of the Federal Reserve
49:36 - How Sam thinks through when to buy and when to sell
50:48 - A play-by-play breakdown of how he sold Equity Group Investments to Blackstone for nearly $40 billion dollars
1:06:08 - Why he says “liquidity = value”
Disclaimer: Slight discrepancies in the timestamps may occur due to podcast platform differences.
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