CBL Announces Acquisition Of Interest In Kirkwood Mall In Bismarck, ND

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (NYSE: CBL), today announced that it plans to acquire Kirkwood Mall in Bismarck, ND, from Radiant Partners.

In December 2012, CBL completed the acquisition of a 49% non-controlling interest in Kirkwood Mall. Additionally, CBL has executed an agreement to acquire the remaining 51% interest. CBL anticipates closing on the remaining 51% interest within 90 days (subject to lender approval), including the assumption of a $40.4 million non-recourse loan secured by the property, which bears a fixed interest rate of 5.75% and matures in April 2018.

“The acquisition of Kirkwood Mall will add a high-quality and growing property to our portfolio of market-dominant regional malls,” commented Stephen Lebovitz, president and CEO of CBL. “Similar to Dakota Square Mall in Minot, ND, which we acquired in 2012, Kirkwood Mall is enjoying remarkable growth from its proximity to the Bakken Formation oil reserves. We anticipate increasing the net operating income from the center through near- and long-term opportunities, including rent growth from roll-over leases as well as occupancy improvements and development of peripheral property.”

Kirkwood Mall is located in North Dakota’s state capital of Bismarck. The local economy has grown tremendously in recent years as a result of its proximity to the Bakken Formation. The state of North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate in the country and is one of only a few states with a budget surplus. Bismarck’s unemployment rate is estimated to be less than 4%.

The mall is situated on 68 acres and serves a broad trade area with the nearest competition located more than 100 miles away. The 850,000-square-foot mall was originally developed in 1971 and was last renovated in 2002. The mall is anchored by Herberger’s, Keating Furniture, JCPenney, Scheel’s All Sport and Target and features a strong line-up of mall retailers and restaurants such as The Buckle, Chico’s, Justice, The Children’s Place and Victoria’s Secret. The mall was 87.9% occupied at September 30, 2012. Sales per square foot at the center have increased more than 15% to over $400 per square foot for 2012. The mall offers both near- and long-term growth potential with low in-place occupancy cost of approximately 9.2% as well as lease-up opportunities.

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