UPS Opens Hub Facility in Consolidated Investment Group’s East Park 70 Industrial Park
$90 million facility to create 700 jobs in Aurora, Colorado
AURORA, Colorado – United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE: UPS) announced today its first distribution center in Aurora, Colorado. The company signed a 10-year lease for the entire 360,000 square foot building located in Consolidated Investment Group’s (CIG) East Park 70 industrial park. More than 700 new jobs will be created with this facility when it is fully operational in late 2018. Operations are expected to begin this year in time for the busy holiday shopping season.
The Class A warehouse is located at I-70 and E Smith Rd. This state-of-the-art facility was completed in late 2016 to serve the metro area’s thriving industrial market.
“We are excited to have a reputable national tenant like UPS choose our park to grow its expanding metro area business,” said CIG Vice President Tim Bertoch. “This transaction further validates the East Park 70 location as a highly viable regional logistics and distribution hub.” CIG intends to continue its speculative development program at this location this year and into 2018. When fully built out, the park will consist of more than 1.4 million square feet of industrial space.
Construction of the facility began in late 2015 as part of a CIG speculative development phase, which included the large warehouse as well as an adjacent 81,000-square-foot, rear-loaded warehouse with 3 acres of secured outdoor storage area. Bertoch noted that interest in both of East Park 70’s buildings from local and national tenants has been strong throughout the development process.
This news comes soon after the recent opening of the Amazon fulfillment center, also located in the City of Aurora. “Aurora is a powerhouse in the industrial real estate market and we are happy to welcome UPS to the city,” said City of Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan. “It is because of our assets like East Park 70, that we continue to attract Fortune 500 companies. I’m proud of the partnerships that make these projects a reality, create jobs for our residents, and drive economic vitality in Aurora. With the continued growth of the metro area, it’s more important than ever that we show the world that Aurora is open for business.”
“We are thrilled to have helped UPS establish a presence in our city. This is one more example of how attractive Aurora is to businesses,” said Aurora Economic Development Council President and CEO, Wendy Mitchell. “As a city, we have shovel ready land, quality developers like CIG, and a diverse workforce among many other qualities. Companies across the globe are eyeing Aurora because of all that we can offer.”
The Aurora Economic Development Council focuses on attracting and retaining primary employers like UPS by working with businesses, developers, local government and the public sector, and many other parties through a comprehensive process. Mitchell added, “Our continued focus on aligning our economic development efforts with primary employers’ needs is a large part of why we have been so succesful. We look forward to having UPS’ operations and partnership in the city, and to bring so many new jobs to the community. We truly believe that Aurora is the best business address in the West.”
About CIG
Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) is an entrepreneurial investment company that manages a diverse portfolio valued in excess of $1.5 billion. Since 2003, CIG has actively invested in private equity, capital markets, real estate, and philanthropy. The company’s mission is to preserve and grow its shareholders’ capital for current and future generations and to support their philanthropic endeavors. It accomplishes this through innovative processes and a results-oriented team. CIG is committed to an environment founded on high ethical standards that puts its people first, fosters collaboration, and inspires dedication. CIG invests domestically and internationally through operating partners, direct investment, and opportunistic funds. Learn more about CIG at www.ciginvest.com.
About The Aurora Economic Development Council
A partnership between business and government for more than three decades, the Aurora Economic Development Council champions Colorado’s most promising growth industries including aerospace and defense, bioscience, transportation logistics and energy, positioning Aurora and Colorado to win new jobs in an intensely competitive market. We create new primary jobs through innovative deal creation, strategic partnerships, and by advocating for economically sustainable public policy. The Aurora Economic Development Council is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(6) corporation comprised of the leading 100 companies in the Aurora/Denver metro area, the city of Aurora, and Adams and Arapahoe Counties. A-List, Colorado’s premier business event of the metro area that brings together 2,000 regional business, political and civic leaders to celebrate the economic successes of the region, is produced by the Aurora Economic Development Council. For more information on the Aurora Economic Development Council, visit www.auroraedc.com.
Funky Chunky Debuts Newest Sweet Innovation
Funky Chunky®, LLC, the gourmet snack featuring buttery caramel popcorn drizzled with different types of chocolate with added combinations of pretzels and nuts, spikes the Sweets & Snacks Expo May 23-25 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, with the introduction of an unexpected yet delicious flavor best known for being an early morning must-have. Funky Chunky Café is a gourmet coffee flavored popcorn that comes in three irresistible specialty coffee flavors: Caramel Latte, Vanilla Sweet Crème and Dark Chocolate Mocha. Forget that morning latte and stop by Booth 1295 to get your coffee fix.
Funky Chunky Café Trio
Inspired by a local coffee shop and our coffee loving staff, Caramel Latte begins with our traditional decedent caramel popcorn. Add layers of caramel latte white chocolate drizzle, milk chocolate drizzle, chewy caramel, and highlight it with dark chocolate covered espresso beans and get ready to experience an explosion of flavors.
Vanilla Sweet Crème is similar but with vanilla sweet crème white chocolate, chewy caramel and white chocolate covered espresso beans. This treat is guaranteed to trip your sweet tooth.
Lastly, Dark Chocolate Mocha loads up with dark chocolate mocha drizzle, milk chocolate drizzle, chewy caramel and dark chocolate covered espresso beans – perfect for your favorite chocoholic.
All flavors come in both 5-‐ounce bags and 19-‐ounce canisters, perfect for gifting or as a guilt-‐free sweet for you. Two ounce will be launched this fall.
“Funky Chunky is known for our delicious mash-‐ups of caramel popcorn and decadent drizzles. We combine fan favorites with our popcorn, and coffee is a flavor that is unexpected yet delicious,” said Laura Kruse, national sales manager. “We expect Funky Chunky Café to become a fast favorite.”
Stop by Booth 1295 to sample the latest innovation from Funky Chunky along with perennial favorite sea salt caramel.
Fourth Anniversary of David Merage Day
On May 11, 2013, David Merage received the 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award given to U.S. immigrants and native-born citizens who have made substantial contributions to American society. David was born in Iran and migrated to the U.S. when he was 15 years old. Since then, David has made a name for himself through both business and philanthropy. David and brother, Paul Merage, founded the well-known company Chef America, manufacturer of Hot Pockets©, Lean Pockets©, and Croissant Pockets©. After selling the company to Nestlé in 2002, David founded Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) based in Denver. CIG specializes in capital markets, commercial real estate, and private equity.
David and wife Laura’s philanthropic values are rooted in the family’s tradition to promote education as a way of improving life conditions and outcomes. Andre and Katherine Merage, David’s parents, instilled the value of empathy and compassion to others, encouraging their children to use their success to create positive social change. The David and Laura Merage Foundation was founded to promote self-sufficiency through education, community development, and arts and culture. These philanthropic ventures have positively impacted the lives of those throughout the U.S. and Israel, distinguishing David as a prime candidate for the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. David is recognized among U.S. presidents, Nobel Prize winners, artists, and athletes. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper recognized the significance of David’s innovative and philanthropic ventures by proclaiming May 11th as David Merage Day.
To learn more check out The Denver Post article highlighting David and this prestigious award. Also visit Consolidated Investment Group and the David and Laura Merage Foundation websites to learn more about their vision.
Caesar’s Kitchen Uniquely Gluten Free & Organic Pasta Spices Up Expo West
Need a healthy, organic or gluten-free meal fast? Fantástico! Caesar’s Pasta, the New Jersey-based pasta expert with 50 years of experience, unveils its new line of USDA-Certified Organic and Certified Gluten-Free line of fresh-from-the-freezer gourmet pasta meals by Caesar’s Kitchen at the Natural Products Expo West convention here March 10-12. Find this exciting new brand in Booth 2719 in the Anaheim Convention Center. Featuring five different fresh-frozen SKUs – two Gluten-Free Gourmet and three Organic Goodness options – Caesar’s Kitchen steps up the game in both purity and quality of ingredients plus taste of the product found in the current freezer section. The proof is on the labels where you don’t need a text book to figure out what is in your food.
“Shoppers seeking quick better-for-you meals with complex, sophisticated flavors now have a reason to stop by their grocer’s freezer aisles rather than simply shopping the perimeter for healthy options,” said Michelle Hennessy, Sales & Marketing Manager. “Established as a family business back in 1967, three generations later, our dedication to honest, simple ingredients still rings true.”
Organic Goodness
More Americans are buying organic foods, with a 2016 US Organic Food Industry’s survey showing double-digit growth in the past four years and outpacing single digit growth of the overall food market. Caesar’s Kitchen is uniquely positioned as a convenient, USDA certified organic option for time-starved families. A hot meal is on the table in only 5 minutes, start to finish. Joining the lineup for Caesar’s Kitchen Organic Goodness and making its debut at the Expo West show is the Italian Style Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Mozzarella in Marinara Sauce. It’s made from a favorite family recipe and it’s easy to taste why. Whether you prefer the Italian Style Stuffed Shells, Asiago Mushroom Penne Pasta with Monterey Jack Cheese Sauce or Spinach & Tomato 4 Cheese Ravioli with Herb Marinara Sauce, Caesar’s Kitchen Organic Goodness offers something for every pasta-lovers’ palette.
And the “goodness” goes well beyond the organic certification. Made with real cheese free of rBST hormones and antibiotics, packed with protein and void of preservatives, artificial flavors and trans fats, Caesar’s Kitchen Organic Goodness line of pasta dinners are 400 calories or fewer.
Gluten-Free Gourmet
Caesar’s Kitchen prides itself on innovating based on consumer insight and demand. Gluten-free products have risen in popularity, with an estimated 2.7 million people in the U.S. having eliminated or reduced their consumption of gluten despite never having been diagnosed with a health condition requiring them to do so. Heeding the call, Caesar’s Kitchen created two gluten-free options that are also free of rBST hormones and antibiotics in their meat, cheese and chicken. And you won’t find any preservatives, artificial flavors and trans fats either. Gluten-Free Gourmet Buffalo Style Chicken Mac & Cheese with Cheddar and Blue Cheese Sauce will put a kick in your step, thanks to the touch of cayenne red pepper.
If you prefer a more traditional approach to your pasta, check out the Gluten-Free Gourmet 3 Cheese Herb Rigatoni & Meat Sauce… because who doesn’t love ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan? The SRP on all Caesar’s Kitchen Gluten-Free Gourmet and Organic Goodness products ranges from $4.49 – $5.99. Coming soon to select retailers, including Whole Foods Mid Atlantic & Wakefern. For more information, please visit our website www.caesarskitchenmeals.com or call toll free: 888-432-2372.
About Caesar’s Pasta, LLC
As a North American food company, manufacturing in the United States with retail and food service sales and distribution in the U.S. and Canada, Caesar’s Pasta, LLC products can be found in grocery and independent natural food stores throughout the country. The organization has more than 50 years of experience proudly producing authentic frozen Italian Pastas such as ravioli, lasagna, manicotti and other specialties. Importantly, Caesar’s continues to strengthen its insight into today’s changing consumer expectations and is committed to continuing to develop only the most delicious items that will delight its consumers today and in the future.
Consolidated Investment Group Executes Acquisition to Purchase a Three Property Portfolio
The three properties purchased include 1,087 units in North Carolina and Texas. CIG plans to complete significant renovations to each of the properties and then hold the assets as part of their long-term investment strategy and growth objectives.
Denver, CO – Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) recently completed the acquisition of a three-property apartment portfolio which includes a total of 1,087 units that are located in Raleigh, North Carolina and Frisco, Texas. The purchase includes the three properties of which the average age is approximately 17 years. CIG plans on making substantial improvements to both property amenities and unit upgrades in all properties.
Interestingly, CIG was a previous owner of these properties, so this constitutes the second time they have owned these properties.
Tim Bertoch, Vice President at CIG, said “We were unable to shorten our due diligence period and execute quickly due to our existing knowledge of these properties and corresponding markets. This Acquisition is consistent with our strategy of acquiring well-located properties in high growth markets with the ability to upgrade units and amenities to meet the needs of the growing resident demographic.”
Overall, CIG’s real estate portfolio consists of investments in more than 20,000 multi-family apartment units and several million square feet of office buildings, industrial buildings and land holdings throughout the United States, Israel and Europe. Together with their partner, CWS Capital Partners, CIG plans to hold these new three assets as part of their long-term investment strategy and growth objectives.
CIG Announces the Purchase of the Assets of Sicilian Chefs, Inc
Consolidated Investment Group Announces Addition of New Portfolio Company, Caesar’s Pasta, North American Food Company Producing High-Quality Gluten Free and Organic Pasta
Denver, CO – August 21, 2015 – This week, Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) purchased the assets of Sicilian Chefs, Inc. and announced it will continue to produce frozen, authentic Italian pastas such as ravioli, lasagna, manicotti and several other specialties, under the new company name, Caesar’s Pasta, LLC.
As a North American food company, manufacturing in the United States with national sales and distribution in the U.S. and Canada, Caesar’s Pasta can be found at Acme, Safeway, Shop Rite, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and many other national chains and independent natural food stores throughout the country. Sicilian Chefs, Inc. is headquartered in Blackwood, New Jersey, and was started in 1967 by Michael Lodato where the family-run business quickly grew to include three generations of the Lodato family – all sharing their love of great food and their commitment to safety, quality and value.
Ben Levy, Private Equity Manager at CIG, led the team that brought these two companies together, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition. Mr. Levy said, “The addition of Caesar’s Pasta to the CIG portfolio provides us with an opportunity to pursue the better-for-you market trends through gluten free and organic foods.” CIG’s direct investment division acquires food and beverage manufacturing companies across the country and utilizes its extensive experience and resources in the field to nurture the growth of strong products and brands.
CIG Vice President of Private Equity, Rob Nelson, said, “We are excited to bring together CIG’s knowledge and industry expertise with the high-quality, authentic products offered by Caesar’s Pasta. We welcome our new colleagues at Caesar’s Pasta to the growing CIG family, and we look forward to helping them build this company into the #1 brand of gluten-free and organic pastas.”
CIG has seen tremendous growth in 2015. Over the past 12 months, CIG has increased its Denver-based staff by 45% – expanding its corporate footprint in all areas of its investment stream from real estate to private equity to philanthropy.
About Consolidated Investment Company
Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) is an entrepreneurial investment company that manages a diverse portfolio valued in excess of $1.5 billion. Since 2003, CIG has actively invested in private equity, capital markets, real estate, and philanthropy. The company’s mission is to preserve and grow its shareholders’ capital for current and future generations and to support their philanthropic endeavors. It accomplishes this through innovative processes and a results-oriented team. CIG is committed to an environment founded on high ethical standards that puts its people first, fosters collaboration, and inspires dedication. CIG invests domestically and internationally through operating partners, direct investment, and opportunistic funds. Learn more about CIG.
Consolidated Investment Group Purchases 3-Story Building and Adjacent Land Parcel at Colfax and Downing in Denver – Plans to Develop 8-Story Structure
Plans for the project, known as Route 40, are in development and CIG expects to break ground in Summer 2017.
Denver, CO – August 19, 2015 – Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) recently purchased an existing 3-story building, known as Route 40, at Colfax and Downing in Denver that includes existing ground floor retail and 28 apartment units. In conjunction, CIG also acquired an adjacent .70 acre parcel of land, which they plan to develop into an exciting new mixed use project featuring retail, co-work office space and apartments.
The new development is expected to break ground in Summer of 2017 and will include the construction of a new, 8-story structure on the land parcel. Preliminary plans include ground floor retail, co-work office space and approximately 140 apartment units. Additionally, the new complex will feature common areas including a westerly facing courtyard, a roof top deck, fitness center, club room, and will be pet and bike friendly.
“We are excited to continue the revitalization of the Colfax corridor and expand our presence in the Capitol Hill neighborhood,” said Chris Winn, Asset Manager at CIG. “We envision an opportunity to introduce an exciting collaboration of spatial uses including retail, shared office and residential living.”
The addition of Route 40 to CIG’s portfolio adds to a growing number of real estate investments in the Denver area, most prominently, they are the owners of the Parkway Apartments (466 Units on Colfax and Speer Blvd) and the developers of the Eastpark 70 Industrial Park in Aurora. Overall, CIG’s real estate portfolio consists of investments in more than 20,000 multi-family apartment units and several million square feet of office buildings, industrial buildings and land holdings throughout the United States, Israel and Europe.
“Our team focuses on maximizing the value of our existing real estate portfolio while strategically acquiring new real estate assets in select high-growth markets like Denver, including Dallas, Houston, Austin and Phoenix.,” said Tim Bertoch, Vice President of Real Estate at CIG. “As a Denver-based investment group, we have been excited to see our local real estate market thriving over the past several years, allowing us to explore even more opportunities right here in our own backyard,” Tim added.
About Consolidated Investment Group
Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) is an entrepreneurial investment company that manages a diverse portfolio valued in excess of $2 billion. Since 2003, CIG has actively invested in private equity, capital markets, real estate, and philanthropy. The company’s mission is to preserve and grow its shareholders’ capital for current and future generations and to support their philanthropic endeavors. It accomplishes this through innovative processes and a results-oriented team. CIG is committed to an environment founded on high ethical standards that puts its people first, fosters collaboration, and inspires dedication. CIG invests domestically and internationally through operating partners, direct investment, and opportunistic funds. Learn more about CIG.
Consolidated Investment Group Announces Development of 815,700 Square Foot State-of-the-Art Industrial Project Near 1-70 & Tower Road
Eastpark 70’s Phase I Distribution Building to Break Ground Summer 2015
Denver, CO – April 2, 2015 – Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) announced yesterday that they awarded CBRE with the exclusive listing for Eastpark 70, a 105-acre, state-of-the-art master planned industrial development project located near I-70 and Tower Road, at Smith Road and Ensenada Street. CBRE First Vice Presidents Doug Viseur and Todd Witty will represent the developer, EP 70, LLC, a single asset entity managed by Consolidated Investment Group, in the marketing of the asset for lease.
The project plans include three Class AA double-loaded distribution buildings comprised of 815,700 square feet with 32’ clear, ESFR sprinkler systems, dock high loading and on-site trailer parking. The project is scheduled to break ground summer 2015 with Building 1 delivery estimated for March 2016. Eastpark 70 is zoned M-1, Aurora with outside storage approved and offers nearby access to I-270, I-25, I-225 and E-470. In addition to the three large, bulk distribution buildings planned for the central portion of Eastpark 70, the master plan also includes smaller industrial buildings to be developed along the perimeter with sizes ranging from 9,000 to 80,000 square feet and has the potential for large outdoor storage yards.
“We are pleased to offer a range of industrial product types and space sizes to serve the growing distribution demands in the Denver market from both regional and national businesses at Eastpark 70,” said Chris Winn, CIG Asset Manager.
CIG obtained sole ownership of the Eastpark 70 project in 2009. Four smaller industrial buildings were developed on the northern portion of the property – two of which were subsequently sold to users and two of which are currently being leased. The remainder of the property has been graded for future development with public streets and utility connections.
“At this time, CIG plans to develop the property speculatively as long as demand for industrial space remains strong,” said Tim Bertoch, CIG Vice President of Real Estate. “CIG would also pursue build-to-suit opportunities at Eastpark 70 for prospective tenants with specific building needs,” Tim added.
About Consolidated Investment Group
Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) is an entrepreneurial investment company that manages a diverse portfolio valued in excess of $1.5 billion. Since 2003, CIG has actively invested in private equity, capital markets, real estate, and philanthropy. The company’s mission is to preserve and grow its shareholders’ capital for current and future generations and to support their philanthropic endeavors. It accomplishes this through innovative processes and a results-oriented team. CIG is committed to an environment founded on high ethical standards that puts its people first, fosters collaboration, and inspires dedication. CIG invests domestically and internationally through operating partners, direct investment, and opportunistic funds. Learn more about CIG.
Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) Acquires and Revamps New Student Housing Property in Tempe, Arizona
Denver-based CIG has plans to improve the recently renamed “Regents on University” near Arizona State University before school starts in the fall.
July 16, 2014 – TEMPE, AZ: Denver-based Consolidated Investment Group (CIG), a privately held investment company focusing on real estate, capital markets and philanthropic initiatives, recently acquired a 225-unit, 640-bedroom student housing property that was built in 2010 and is located near Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Formerly known as Block 1949, CIG has already renamed the property to Regents on University.
The facility already includes a pool, fitness room, and coffee bar with lounge area. CIG’s Vice President of Real Estate, Tim Bertoch says, “This property presents a unique opportunity for us to add value through improved management, capital improvements, and a complete re-branding of the building.” Bertoch added, “We are focused on immediately implementing our improvement plan which will establish Regents on University as one of the premier student living experiences in Tempe.”
This improvement plan includes new pool furniture with a full outdoor kitchen/bar area and cabana seating space, a new game room that includes a shuffleboard table and 80 inch television with full gaming capabilities, an added study room with all new computer and printing stations, a new tanning bed area, a community fire pit with seating area, an additional fitness room with all new equipment as well as completing updates to the leasing center and coffee bar and lounge area.
Regents on University’s management plans to have the building leased-up in conjunction with the start of ASU’s fall semester. The acquisition is part of a joint venture between CIG and CWS Capital Partners which comprises a portfolio of over 5,000 units and includes the Regents branded student living communities serving the UT campus in Austin, Texas.
About Consolidated Investment Company
Consolidated Investment Group (CIG) is an entrepreneurial investment company that manages a diverse portfolio valued in excess of $1.5 billion. Since 2003, CIG has actively invested in private equity, capital markets, real estate, and philanthropy. The company’s mission is to preserve and grow its shareholders’ capital for current and future generations and to support their philanthropic endeavors. It accomplishes this through innovative processes and a results-oriented team. CIG is committed to an environment founded on high ethical standards that puts its people first, fosters collaboration, and inspires dedication. CIG invests domestically and internationally through operating partners, direct investment, and opportunistic funds. Learn more about CIG.