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Bill Ackman Finalizes $900M Deal, Gains Strategic Control of Howard Hughes

Ackman raises his stake to 46.9%, becomes executive chairman, and sets the stage to transform Howard Hughes into a diversified holding company modeled after Berkshire Hathaway.

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Howard Hughes CEO David O'Reilly will retain his position and have expanded responsibilities after the deal with Bill Ackman's Pershing Square.
Bill Ackman, chief executive officer and portfolio manager at Pershing Square Capital Management, speaks during the SALT conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. May 18, 2017.  REUTERS/Richard Brian/File Photo
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Overview

  • Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square has purchased 9 million newly issued shares of Howard Hughes at a 48% premium, increasing its stake to 46.9%.
  • Ackman has assumed the role of executive chairman, with Pershing Square’s Ryan Israel named chief investment officer of Howard Hughes.
  • The agreement limits Pershing Square’s voting power to 40% and its beneficial ownership to 47% to ensure balanced governance.
  • Howard Hughes will pivot from its core real estate business to acquiring controlling stakes in smaller, high-growth companies as part of Ackman’s vision to emulate Berkshire Hathaway.
  • The $900 million transaction includes a quarterly $3.75 million base fee and a market cap-based management fee for Pershing Square, with Howard Hughes shares rising nearly 3% on the news.