ATLANTA – Aug. 5, 2026 – Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP represented longtime client The Ardent Companies, a privately held real estate firm based in Atlanta, in connection with the recapitalization of eight Class A self-storage assets totaling 742,855 square feet across seven states and the launch of a continuation vehicle with StepStone Group, a leading institutional investor.
The transaction involved the buyout of existing equity partners and allowed Ardent to return significant capital to its investors, the company said in a statement. The transaction was partially financed by a mortgage loan from ACORE Capital. Ardent will continue to serve as the day-to-day asset manager of the portfolio and general partner of the continuation vehicle.
“Our team has worked alongside Ardent from day one, advising on the acquisition, financing, development, and operation of these assets as they evolved into a high-quality institutional portfolio,” said Jordan S. Lewis, a Real Estate Practice shareholder in Greenberg Traurig’s Atlanta office and lead counsel for Ardent on the transaction. “It was especially meaningful to help Ardent reach this milestone through a continuation vehicle transaction that provides liquidity to existing investors while creating a strong platform for future growth.”
“We are grateful for our longstanding relationship with Greenberg Traurig. Their thoughtful and practical counsel was instrumental in bringing together our latest venture. The Ardent/Greenberg Traurig relationship continues to add meaningful value across our investments,” said Thomas Olson, partner and head of self-storage strategy at Ardent.
The Greenberg Traurig deal team also included Co-President and Global Real Estate Practice Co-Chair Michael J. Baum in Chicago, Private Funds Group Co-Chair Stephen R. Goler in Denver, Philadelphia Real Estate Shareholder John P. Schwartz, and Chicago Tax Shareholder Lawrence H. Brenman, as well as Real Estate Associates Brandon M. Salky and Aaron Slann in Atlanta.
“This deal showcases Greenberg Traurig’s ability to assemble a cross-office team with the real estate, private funds, financing, and tax experience needed to execute sophisticated transactions for our clients,” Baum said. “We are proud to have supported Ardent through a milestone transaction that delivered liquidity to investors, strengthened an institutional-quality portfolio, and positioned the company to capitalize on future growth opportunities.”