Domain Timber Advisors, LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor and an affiliate of Domain Capital Advisors, LLC headquartered in Atlanta, announced the purchase of Timbervest, LLC’s fund management business. Domain Timber is focused on discretionary investment management of timberland and timberland-related investments for public and private pension plans, corporations, foundations, endowments, and high net worth individuals.

The purchase was completed on May 30, 2017 and included the acquisition of the Timbervest infrastructure and personnel responsible for managing a 530,000-acre timberland portfolio with a market value of approximately $1 billion across the major timber producing regions of the U.S. In addition, the portfolio is also comprised of environmental restoration projects including mitigation and conservation banks across the U.S., with a market value of approximately $200 million.

“The Timbervest portfolio is a natural extension of Domain’s real estate investments and provides increasing diversification for our investors,” explained Patrick R. Leardo, CEO of Domain Capital Holdings.

According to former Timbervest CEO Joel Shapiro, “My partners and I were impressed with Domain’s leadership, strategy and management style. We believe this is truly the best result for our investors, our staff and both firms for the future.”

Domain Timber Advisors

Domain Capital formed Domain Timber Advisors to establish its timberland investment division, targeting domestic-only assets in sectors of the timberland market that are considered less efficient. Domain Timber is managed by two experienced timberland professionals, Joe Sanderson and Mark Foley, CFA.

Mr. Sanderson began his 25-year career with Plum Creek Timber Company, a forest products, mineral extraction and property development company, where he participated in the integration of more than five million acres of timberland. There, he directed various forestry operations and in 2007 became Plum Creek’s director of logistics. Most recently, Mr. Sanderson was senior vice president of the timberland investment group for US Trust.

Mr. Foley brings 20 years of experience in real estate consultancy, direct investments, and asset management. His career included roles with Tasman Pulp & Paper, Fletcher Challenge Paper and PaperExchange, where his responsibilities ranged from investment research to risk management business planning. In 2001, Mr. Foley joined global investment firm, GMO LLC, as forestry portfolio analyst, where he focused on the marketing, structuring, finance sourcing and investing efforts of eight private equity funds. Most recently, Mr. Foley was senior vice president of investment strategy for US Trust.

“We are excited and pleased with this acquisition. We plan to leverage our expertise and dedicated staff to proactively create value for the existing investor base. In addition, we plan to use the platform for managing commingled and separate accounts, as well as socially responsible impact investments,” explained Mr. Sanderson. “We see tremendous potential for customized timberland solutions that align opportunities with client needs.”