MSCI Inc. is acquiring real estate data provider Real Capital Analytics for US$950 million in cash to leverage on the latter’s database of commercial property worth over $20 trillion.
New York-based Real Capital Analytics provides data on commercial property deals, pricing, capital flows and investment trends in more than 170 countries.
“MSCI will leverage Real Capital Analytics’ database of more than $20 trillion of commercial property transactions linked to over 200,000 investors and lender profiles, enhancing MSCI’s commercial real estate capabilities,” the index provider says in a statement on August 2.
The deal is expected to close by early in the fourth quarter, subject to regulatory approval. MSCI didn’t disclose the identity of the seller.
The combination of the two firms’ data and analytics “creates an unparalleled level of solutions for the real estate market”, MSCI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Henry Fernandez says in the statement.
MSCI is one of the world’s top three index providers alongside S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and FTSE Russell. The firms have been acquiring or collaborating with data providers to bolster their capabilities in new and growing areas, including sustainable investing and alternatives.
Last year, MSCI formed a partnership with The Burgiss Group, a US firm that provides real estate and private capital performance benchmarks, to expand the use of data and analytics tools in private assets.
It also acquired US property benchmark provider IDP Group for $125 million in 2012.
