Berkshire Global Advisors acted as financial advisor to Mesa West

Seller Details
Founded in 2004, Mesa West is a leading, originations-focused, commercial real estate credit platform with over $5 billion in gross assets under management as of June 30, 2017. Mesa West deploys capital primarily through originating transitional first mortgages to strong sponsors in core and secondary markets in the U.S. Since inception, Mesa West has originated over 250 loans totaling approximately $12 billion in principal balance. Mesa West has approximately 40 dedicated professionals across offices in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.

Buyer Details
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more than 42 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. Morgan Stanley Investment Management, together with its investment advisory affiliates, has more than 580 investment professionals around the world and $435 billion in assets under management or supervision as of June 30, 2017. Morgan Stanley Investment Management strives to provide outstanding long-term investment performance, service and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide.

Transaction Summary
Morgan Stanley Investment Management has announced an agreement to acquire Mesa West Capital, LLC. With over $5 billion in gross assets under management, Mesa West will add a premiere commercial real estate credit platform to MSIM’s existing investment strategies and product offerings across real assets and private credit. Mesa West will retain its brand and operate as a separate business unit within MSIM’s Real Assets group, which currently manages $47 billion of client assets and is overseen by John Klopp, Global Head of Real Assets. The Company’s headquarters will remain in Los Angeles, and Mesa West senior management, led by Co-Founders Jeff Friedman and Mark Zytko, will continue to manage the Company on a day-to-day basis. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining applicable regulatory approvals and requisite investor consents, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017.