Bahrain-based GFH Financial Group, has acquired a majority stake in Big Sky Asset Management, a US-based real estate asset manager focused on the attractive and defensive healthcare segment.
This transaction further expands GFH’s presence in the US and builds on its thematic focus on attractive and defensive markets. It follows the earlier acquisition in May 2022 of US-based SQ Asset Management, a leading specialist in student housing in prime US states and cities.
With the acquisitions of Big Sky, GFH has established a strong foothold in the growing, defensive healthcare market, making the Group one of the early pioneers in the region to penetrate this segment. Big Sky brings more than 20 years of experience in investing and managing healthcare assets in the US, with more than $2 billion in cumulative transaction value and 130 in medical facilities.
Nael Mustafa Co-Chief Investment Officer GFH
“We are looking forward to this partnership with an established and well-positioned expert such as Big Sky, and believe it gives GFH a unique approach to the market by bringing together our regional expertise with Big Sky’s extensive know-how in the US healthcare market. This partnership will further strengthen our real estate offering and allow us to introduce unique and attractive products to our investors.”
“This acquisition is instrumental to the future growth of GFH by giving us strong management teams that are able to execute our growth strategy and give us a local presence, which in today’s market is a key ingredient to success. Big Sky’s strong track record further complements our strong performance in the US markets and boosts our market know-how,” Mr. Mustafa said.
Big Sky has strong capabilities in sourcing, acquiring and managing healthcare assets with a specialized focus on medical clinics and life sciences real estate. The company seeks premier medical facilities where it can directly add value through active and enhanced asset management.
Mr. Jason L. Signor, CEO of Big Sky, said that “Having GFH as a strong partner will enable Big Sky to further offer unique investment opportunities to investors in the US and the GCC. Big Sky is well positioned to grow its AUM and become one of the largest healthcare real estate investors by combining our market capabilities with GFH’s strong global access.”
