In a landmark transaction for Canada's real estate sector, Minto Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has agreed to be taken private by Crestpoint Investments in a deal valued at approximately $2.3 billion. The agreement, announced on January 5, 2026, marks a significant consolidation in the residential property market.
The Details of the Major Acquisition
The deal will see Crestpoint, a prominent real estate asset manager, acquire all the outstanding units of the publicly traded REIT. This privatization move is one of the largest of its kind in the Canadian apartment sector in recent years. The transaction underscores the continued investor confidence in multi-family residential assets, particularly in major urban markets where Minto holds a substantial portfolio.
While the specific price per unit was detailed in the official announcement, the total enterprise value of $2.3 billion highlights the scale of the trust's holdings. The REIT's portfolio primarily consists of residential apartment buildings, with a significant presence in key cities.
Implications for the Market and Unitholders
For unitholders of Minto Apartment REIT, the deal provides liquidity and a premium on their investment, as privatization offers typically come at a price above the current trading value. The move to a private structure is expected to provide Crestpoint with greater operational flexibility to manage and potentially grow the portfolio without the quarterly reporting pressures of public markets.
This transaction is indicative of a broader trend where private capital is actively seeking stable, income-generating real estate assets in Canada. The multi-family residential sector is often viewed as a resilient investment during economic fluctuations, driven by consistent housing demand.
What Comes Next for the Portfolio
With the deal expected to close pending regulatory and unitholder approvals, attention will turn to Crestpoint's strategy for the acquired assets. Industry observers will be watching to see if the new private owner pursues asset enhancements, further acquisitions, or portfolio optimizations. The deal solidifies Crestpoint's position as a major player in Canadian real estate investment and management.
The $2.3-billion privatization of Minto Apartment REIT represents a pivotal moment, demonstrating the strong appetite from institutional investors for high-quality Canadian residential real estate and potentially setting the stage for further consolidation in the REIT space.
