Forest Investment Associates Expands Timberland Holdings with $220 Million Deal

Forest Investment Associates (FIA) has officially confirmed its agreement to acquire approximately 86,000 acres of prime timberland located in Georgia and Alabama from Weyerhaeuser. This transaction, valued at around $220 million, marks a notable expansion of FIA’s Core+ portfolio in the Southern United States.

Initially announced on October 30, 2025, the acquisition remains contingent on standard closing conditions. FIA is set to purchase the land on behalf of a long-term client, fully supporting its objective of enhancing its sustainable forestry investment strategy.

Focus on Sustainable Management

The newly acquired properties consist largely of loblolly pine, benefiting from optimal growing conditions that place them among the top quartile of FIA’s regional portfolio. A diverse age class structure within the timberland promises sustainable harvesting opportunities. Remarkably, over 90% of the acquired estate permits year-round operational management, allowing for increased flexibility and better resource utilization.

Mike Cerchiaro, President of FIA, articulated the company’s dedication to sustainable practices in timberland management, stating, "Our investment strategy is rooted in acquiring and operating high-quality timberlands while emphasizing disciplined, sustainability-oriented stewardship."

The Core+ strategy adopted by FIA aims to harness active management skills and capitalize on both alternative revenue streams and ecological value enhancement. This approach positions FIA to potentially benefit from increasing timberland values spurred by rising demand in conservation and rural land use, along with notable trends in energy and infrastructure.

Strategic Market Insights

Andrew Boutwell, Senior Managing Director and Head of Investment Management at FIA, highlighted the strategic advantage FIA possesses in navigating transactions. He noted, "Our extensive industry relationships and market knowledge empower us to identify and secure high-quality assets outside standard competitive bidding environments."

The properties' inherent strengths—high timber productivity, growing local mill capacities, and favorable supply-demand dynamics—paint an optimistic future for growth in U.S. South sawlog pricing. Local analyses indicate an anticipated increase in price pressures due to the launch of new mills and infrastructure developments in the region, providing further opportunities for FIA’s investment strategy.

Additionally, the close proximity of the acquired timberland to burgeoning population centers such as Atlanta, Birmingham, and Chattanooga enhances prospects for premium recreational leasing and targeted land sales for rural projects, ensuring diverse revenue streams.

Commitment to Environmental Standards

This acquisition aligns with FIA’s sustainable objectives, as the forest will be managed under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) certification. This commitment adheres to stringent environmental standards, reinforcing FIA’s dedication to responsibly managing forest resources. An integral part of the acquisition is the inclusion of the 931-acre Coosa Valley Prairie, which is safeguarded by a conservation easement in conjunction with The Nature Conservancy. This protection preserves rare habitats while allowing for continued forest management practices.

About Forest Investment Associates

Founded over 39 years ago, Forest Investment Associates is a specialized investment manager focused on timberland and natural capital. The firm collaborates with institutional investors globally to create value through meticulous, data-driven forestry asset management and environmental stewardship. FIA's mission revolves around offering high-quality, sustainable forestry investments that deliver exceptional performance while fostering trusted relationships with clients. Notably, FIA manages over 2 million acres of certified forests across the United States, Brazil, and Chile, showcasing its extensive commitment to sustainable forestry practices.

For more information, visit www.forestinvest.com.