Ascension Advisory Company Profile

Background

Ascension Advisory is an international corporate real estate advisory firm specializing in sale leaseback transactions for private equity firms and business owners. The company focuses on converting corporate-owned real estate assets into flexible, non-dilutive capital, enabling clients to reinvest in core operations, fund expansions, or optimize balance sheets.

Key Strategic Focus

The firm's strategic focus includes:

Sale Leaseback Advisory: Structuring transactions that allow businesses to sell property while leasing it back, providing immediate liquidity without relinquishing operational control.

Tenant Lease Structuring: Analyzing market rents and negotiating lease terms to reduce occupancy costs and enhance flexibility.

Build-to-Suit Financing: Assisting clients in securing financing for new construction projects, optimizing capital structures.

Market Data & Research: Providing precise market intelligence through global access and strategic local partnerships.

Financials and Funding

Specific financial details and funding history of Ascension Advisory are not publicly disclosed.

Pipeline Development

Ascension Advisory has successfully executed notable sale leaseback transactions across various industries, including:

Outdoor Storage: Collaborated with Olympus Partners for a sale leaseback of 23 production and storage sites owned by Tank Holding Corp.

Auto Dealership: Structured sale leasebacks for Dennis & Co., integrating this strategy with M&A to drive business expansion.

Fruit Manufacturer: Partnered with a leading European fruit production company to execute a sale leaseback of its facilities, unlocking capital for growth.

Life Support Technology: Assisted Spring Mountain Capital in executing a sale leaseback for Micropore's facility, generating a $3.2 million spread.

Technological Platform and Innovation

While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, Ascension Advisory leverages a team with backgrounds in private equity, investment banking, management consulting, and real estate investing to structure and execute complex sale leaseback transactions.

Leadership Team

Chelsea Mandel: Founder & Managing Director

Jack Foley: Chief Operating Officer

Sam Jacobs: Chief Marketing Officer

Staci Ashkin: Chief Financial Officer

Nina Valtchanov: Head of Transaction Management

Mathew Wainwright: Director, European Sales

Leadership Changes

In April 2024, Ascension Advisory appointed Mathew Wainwright as Director, European Sales, to enhance the company's activity across Europe and coordinate between the Madrid and London offices.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The sale leaseback market is experiencing growth as companies seek alternative financing methods to unlock capital tied in real estate assets. This strategy is particularly appealing in sectors where real estate is mission-critical, such as retail, manufacturing, and logistics.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the sale leaseback advisory space include:

CBRE Group, Inc.: A global real estate services firm offering a range of services, including sale leaseback advisory.

JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated): Provides real estate and investment management services, including sale leaseback transactions.

Cushman & Wakefield: Offers comprehensive real estate services, including sale leaseback advisory.

These firms have established global networks and extensive experience in real estate transactions, posing significant competition to Ascension Advisory.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In July 2023, Ascension Advisory entered a strategic partnership with a national business brokerage firm specializing in the lower middle market. This collaboration combines industry expertise and market insights, creating synergies and unique opportunities for both organizations.

Operational Insights

Ascension Advisory differentiates itself through:

Specialization: Focused expertise in sale leaseback transactions.

Global Presence: Offices in New York, Toronto, Miami, London, Mexico City, and Madrid, enabling localized service delivery.

Integrated Services: Offering a suite of services that seamlessly integrate with clients' teams, providing comprehensive real estate solutions.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Ascension Advisory's recent expansions into new territories and strategic partnerships position the company to capitalize on the growing demand for sale leaseback transactions. The firm's commitment to innovation and client-centric solutions is expected to drive future growth and strengthen its market position.