Newmark Successfully Facilitates $1.8 Billion Merger Between Sonida Senior Living and CNL Healthcare Properties
Newmark Makes Significant Move in the Senior Living Sector
On November 5, 2025, Newmark Group, Inc. made headlines by announcing its advisory role in a substantial merger between Sonida Senior Living, Inc. and CNL Healthcare Properties, Inc. This merger, valued at approximately $1.8 billion, is set to position Sonida as the eighth largest owner of senior living facilities in the United States.
Sonida Senior Living, a publicly traded company recognized for its leadership in the senior housing space, has made a definitive agreement to acquire CNL Healthcare Properties, which expands its capabilities in providing quality senior care. This strategic move aims to create a combined portfolio of 153 properties, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities that total around 14,700 units.
Chad Lavender, the President of Capital Markets at Newmark, along with Ryan Maconachy, Vice Chairman and Co-Head of Healthcare and Alternative Real Estate Assets, spearheaded the advisory for this significant transaction. Upon completion, the unified entity is expected to boast an enterprise value of approximately $3 billion, with a projected equity market capitalization of $1.4 billion.
The merger is anticipated not only to enhance the operational efficiency of both companies but also deliver substantial synergies and improve liquidity, setting the stage for a stronger market position. Maconachy emphasized that this merger underlines Sonida's robust leadership and strategic vision to leverage the ongoing demographic trends favoring senior living services.
Sonida will continue to operate under its existing brand and maintain its ticker symbol on the NYSE post-merger, retaining its leadership team, which is essential for preserving the company's current momentum and operational knowledge. The companies expect the merger to be finalized in the first half of 2026, pending customary approvals.
Newmark’s report also indicates a rising interest in the senior housing market, with transaction volumes in this sector reaching $13 billion by the end of September 2025—marking a 67% increase compared to the previous year
As a leader in commercial real estate services, Newmark offers a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to meet the needs of various stakeholders, including institutional investors and corporations. The firm reported revenues exceeding $3.1 billion for the year ending September 30, 2025, reflecting its extensive reach across the industry. Newmark operates around 170 offices worldwide, staffed by more than 8,500 professionals, revealing its robust positioning in both established and emerging markets.
In conclusion, as Newmark continues to drive growth within the senior housing sector, it remains committed to empowering its clients with advanced real estate solutions. This merger not only creates a formidable entity in the senior living space but also reflects Newmark’s capabilities as a trusted advisor to significant market players. This step is expected to significantly enhance the operational and financial standing of both Sonida and CNL, marking a noteworthy progression in the senior housing sector.