China’s HNA to Buy New York Office Tower for $2.2 Billion

China’s HNA to Buy New York Office Tower for $2.2 Billion
Chinese company HNA Holding Group Co. Ltd. has agreed to pay $2.21 billion for the office tower at 245 Park Avenue. (Google Maps)
Reuters
3/21/2017
Updated:
3/21/2017

NEW YORK—China’s HNA Holding Group Co Ltd has agreed to purchase a marquee Manhattan office building for $2.21 billion in a deal that showcases the role of Chinese capital in New York’s heady commercial real estate market.

The deal for 245 Park Avenue has not closed but HNA, a Chinese conglomerate that has been on an acquisition spree, signed a purchase and sale agreement, a source familiar with the transaction said on Tuesday.

The acquisition from majority owner Brookfield Property Partners LP and New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, which has a 49-percent stake, would mark one of the highest prices ever paid for a New York office building.

A prior Brookfield entity acquired the 45-floor building in 1996 from the bankruptcy of Olympia & York. NYSTRS acquired its stake in 2003.

China accounted for 30 percent of some $15.4 billion in cross-border investment in U.S. real estate last year, with almost half placed in New York, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

The transaction was first reported by The Real Deal.