John D. Wilson

Fund Formation

• Advising Asana Partners in the formation of Asana Partners Fund IV, a closed-end fund targeting $1.5 billion investing in value-add retail assets throughout the U.S.
• Advising Cortland Partners in the formation of Cortland Fund VII, a closed-end fund targeting $2 billion in capital commitments for investment in value-add multifamily real estate.
• Advising Menlo Equities in the formation of a closed-end fund targeting $500 million in capital commitments for investment in the development of data centers throughout the U.S.
• Advised Cortland Partners in a $1.6 billion acquisition of a 19-asset portfolio of multifamily real estate properties from Elme Communities and the formation of related co-investment vehicle.
• Advised Walker & Dunlop in the formation of W&D Debt Fund I, a $500 million closed-end real estate debt fund.
• Advised Triangle Capital Group in the formation of Triangle Strategic Opportunities Fund, a $175 million closed-end fund making debt and equity investments in real estate properties.
• Advised Clarion Partners in the formation and ongoing fundraising for a series of closed-end real estate funds focused on investing in qualified opportunity zones, raising over $1.16 billion.
• Advised Cortland Partners in the formation of Cortland Enhanced Value Fund VI, a $1.5 billion closed-end real estate fund targeting value-add multifamily assets.
• Advising Crow Holdings in the formation of a build-to-hold open-end fund for investment in multifamily real estate.
• Advised Asana Partners in the formation of Asana Partners Fund III, an $1.5 billion closed-end fund investing in value-add retail assets throughout the U.S.
• Advised Cortland Partners in the formation of Cortland Enhanced Value Fund V, a $650 million closed-end real estate fund targeting value-add multifamily assets in high-growth markets across the U.S.
• Advised Berkshire Realty Ventures in the formation of a fund to invest in real estate operating platforms.
• Advised Asana Partners in the formation of Asana Partners Fund II, an $800 million closed-end fund investing in value-add retail assets throughout the U.S.
• Advised Cortland Partners in the formation of an open-end multifamily real estate fund formed to acquire $700 million in seed assets.
• Advised Greystar Real Estate Partners in the formation of a $4.6 billion open-end student housing fund formed to acquire EdR, a NYSE-listed REIT.
• Advised Asana Partners in the formation of Asana Partners Fund I, a $500 million closed-end fund investing in value-add retail assets throughout the U.S.
• Advised Jamestown in the formation of a flagship core, open-end real estate fund, including the acquisition of $1.4 billion in seed assets.
• Advised Paladin Realty Partners in the formation of a series of Latin America real estate funds with aggregate capital commitments in excess of $1 billion.
• Advising Axium Infrastructure in the ongoing fundraising for its open-end infrastructure fund.

Investment Management M&A and other Sponsor Recapitalizations

• Advised Jamestown in connection with its strategic partnership in which Simon Property Group acquired a 50% interest in Jamestown.
• Advised AgAmerica Lending in connection with its strategic partnership in which CGB Enterprises acquired a 50% interest in AgAmerica Lending.
• Advising Clarion Partners in its acquisition of a majority stake in Stoneshield Capital, a European investment firm focused on supply-constrained sectors such as housing, infrastructure, hospitality and more.
• Advised Clarion Partners in connection with its strategic partnership in which Legg Mason acquired an 83% interest in Clarion Partners.
• Advised Clarion Partners in its acquisition of an interest in Gramercy Europe, a real estate investment manager focused on single tenant logistics and light industrial properties.
• Advising various fund sponsors in connection with liquidity and succession planning, sponsor-level equity programs and other governance and compensation matters.

John Wilson’s practice focuses on the formation of open- and closed-end private investment funds, separately managed accounts and other investment vehicles. In addition to fund formation, John has significant experience advising funds sponsors and management teams in “sponsor-level” strategic transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, management “lift outs,” strategic investments, recapitalizations and other liquidity planning for sponsors and their owners.

John has represented private equity firms, investment managers and other sponsors of funds and investment vehicles covering numerous sectors and strategies, including buyout, infrastructure, energy and debt.

He has particular expertise in real estate funds, having represented real estate managers, public and private REITs, and other operating companies in the formation of open- and closed-end funds for investment in real estate across a wide range of geographies, property types and return profiles. In addition to funds focused on investment in the U.S. and Europe, John has extensive experience in forming funds for investment in Latin America and other emerging markets.

John also counsels private fund sponsors on exemptions and other compliance matters under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.