HARDEN WILL MANAGE ALL OF RIOCAN’S COMMERCIAL CENTERS IN QUEBEC

After having completed a few transactions together, Riocan and Harden have decided to entered into a framework agreement whereby Harden will manage RioCan’s 19 commercial centers in Quebec, with the exception of their Gatineau properties which will continue to be managed by RioCan’s Ottawa team. Harden already manages its own commercial centers and is well recognized for its expertise in increasing value to existing real estate portfolios, whether it be by the quality of its tenants, its repositioning or other form of redevelopment. Now Harden will also put this added-value to the benefit of RioCan. Gascon, by its partner Nicolas Beaulieu, handled this transaction on behalf of Harden in negotiating this framework agreement which was extremely strategic for Harden. This transaction was one of 2 large transactions being completed at the same time, where Harden purchased 50% of the commercial center known as Mega Centre Notre-Dame in Laval held by RioCan. Harden and RioCan also own Galeries Lachine, where both hold, respectively, 50% interest in the asset. Gascon assisted Harden in both transactions. Nicolas Beaulieu, one of Gascon’s senior partners, is specialised in commercial real estate law and in particular in complex real estate transactions where he offers his strategic guidance in particular in joint venture, property management, development, construction and financing agreements.