Ziegler Facilitates Strategic Partnership Between Kokoro Assisted Living and Northstar Senior Living
Ziegler, a leading specialty investment bank, has officially announced the successful conclusion of a strategic partnership between Kokoro Assisted Living and Northstar Senior Living. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for the renowned senior living community located in San Francisco's vibrant Japantown, known for its culturally sensitive care that beautifully merges Japanese and American traditions.
In early 2025, Kokoro's Board of Directors sought the expertise of Ziegler to help find a suitable management partner that would uphold the community's mission and values. To fulfill this objective, Ziegler utilized its extensive network and industry knowledge to identify management companies with a solid track record in delivering specialized cultural care tailored for diverse communities.
After an extensive evaluation and search process, Northstar Senior Living was chosen as the ideal fit. Celebrated for its operational excellence and dedication to resident-centered care, Northstar officially took over management responsibilities for Kokoro on September 1, 2025. The partnership is expected to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, further enhancing the quality of services offered within the Kokoro community.
Humair Sabir, Managing Director of Ziegler's Senior Housing and Care Finance Practice, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: "The partnership between Kokoro and Northstar Senior Living signifies a significant advancement for both organizations, and I am confident that this will lead to a flourishing community that continues its vital mission for years to come."
Similarly, Rodney Chin, President of the Kokoro Board, shared his positive sentiment regarding the partnership. He noted, "Collaborating with Ziegler has been an exceptional experience. Their professionalism and understanding of our core values have enabled us to find the right partner in Northstar. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to Kokoro's continued success under their leadership."
Ziegler’s Senior Housing and Care Finance Practice is recognized for providing top-notch advisory and financing solutions tailored to the healthcare industry. They remain one of the most active firms engaged in mergers and acquisitions, offering a diverse range of services including innovative sell-side solutions, strategic partnerships, and private equity placements.
With a profound focus on the healthcare sector, particularly senior living and education, Ziegler functions as a privately held investment bank headquartered in Chicago. They maintain regional and branch offices across the United States, where they deliver various services such as capital raising, strategic advisory, and fixed-income sales.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Kokoro and Northstar represent a forward-thinking approach to resident care and cultural integration within senior living communities. For more on Ziegler’s services and initiatives in this space, interested parties can visit
Ziegler's website.