MetroFit SA Announces Investment from Goldman Sachs Group

Posted by Poppy Behrens on Jul 25, 2016 12:00:00 AM

MetroFit SA Announces Investment from Goldman Sachs Group

LAKE FOREST, IL July 25, 2016 –MetroFit SA (“Metrofit” or the “Company”), a leading self storage operator based in São Paulo, Brazil has closed on an investment from the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS, “Goldman Sachs”). The transaction aims to recapitalize MetroFit’s existing facilities as well as provide expansion capital for development and selective acquisitions of Brazilian self storage facilities.

MetroFit was founded in 2012 as a joint venture between Grupo TRX, a São Paulo-based real estate developer and fund manager, and Metro Storage LLC, one of the top 10 largest owner/operators of self-storage facilities in the US with over 100 stores covering 12 states. Since its founding, MetroFit has focused on the development and operation of self storage facilities principally in the São Paulo metropolitan area. Through the investment, MetroFit intends to become the leading self storage platform in the Brazilian market. MetroFit estimates that there are only 150 self storage facilities currently catering to a country-wide population of approximately 200 million in Brazil. The continued urbanization of Brazil’s large metropolitan markets, combined with the growing consumerism across all income segments, portend well for self storage operators like MetroFit that provide short-term, flexible storage solutions for personal as well as commercial customers.

Added Luiz Augusto F. do Amaral, CEO of Grupo TRX, “This investment is being launched during a delicate economic moment in Brazil, but we are totally confident in Brazil’s long-term prospects and Goldman’s investment in MetroFit demonstrates why self storage is such a compelling business opportunity in Brazil.”

For MetroFit co-founder and CEO, Hans Scholl, the Company’s transaction with Goldman Sachs will accelerate the growth of the self storage segment in Brazil. “Self storage is a solution that meets various needs in the market, whether for individuals or companies. Given the unplanned growth of many Brazilian cities and how unpredictable things can be from one day to the next, self storage has become an alternative for those who need additional space quickly and in a practical manner.” Scholl said.

Metro Storage LLC’s Chairman Matthew Nagel concluded: “We could not be more excited to add Goldman Sachs as an investor. Their investment in MetroFit helps position the Company for long-term growth and success.”

Goldman Sachs will continue to pursue additional interesting investment opportunities in Brazil.

About MetroFit SA

MetroFit designs, develops and manages self storage facilities in Brazil with a focus on the major metropolitan markets. Headquartered in São Paulo, the Company is a fully-integrated self storage platform that operates under the MetroFit brand. More information on the Company is available at www.metrofit.com.br.

About Grupo TRX

Founded in 2007 and based in São Paulo, Brazil, Grupo TRX develops, acquires, and finances real estate assets by means of managing investment products. The Company, with R$5.6 billion in assets under management, operates in three primary segments: corporate real estate solutions, real estate development, and infrastructure. More information on TRX can be found at www.trx.com.br.

About Metro Storage LLC

Metro Storage LLC is a privately owned and fully integrated, international self-storage operating company specializing in the development, construction, acquisition, and management of self storage facilities in the US and Brazil. Metro operates under the trademark Metro Self Storage in the US, being one of the top 10 largest owner/operators of self-storage facilities in the US with over 100 stores covering 12 states. Metro operates in Brazil under the trade name MetroFit which is one of the fastest growing self storage companies in Brazil. More information about the firm is available at www.metrostoragecorporate.com.