TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L, "Loblaw") and George Weston Limited (TSX: WN, "GWL") announced that Loblaw has completed the spin out of its 61.6% effective interest in Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: CHP.UN, "Choice Properties") pursuant to a previously announced plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement").

GWL now owns an approximate 65.4% effective interest in Choice Properties directly (which includes the approximate 3.8% effective interest in Choice Properties owned by GWL prior to the reorganization).

Choice Properties confirmed support of the Arrangement as GWL is a more natural long-term owner of Choice Properties and will provide support and capital for its growth and diversification plans.

The reorganization will have no impact on the important, ongoing relationship between Loblaw and Choice Properties.  All current agreements and arrangements with Loblaw, including the Strategic Alliance Agreement and leases, will remain in place after the reorganization. In addition, Loblaw will continue to be Choice Properties' largest tenant.

About Choice Properties REIT

Choice Properties, Canada's preeminent diversified real estate investment trust, is the owner and manager of a high-quality real estate portfolio, comprising 757 properties totaling 67.0 million square feet of gross leasable area.  The Choice Properties' portfolio consists of retail properties predominantly leased to necessity‐based tenants, as well as industrial, office and residential assets concentrated in attractive markets.  Choice Properties also has a significant property development program. Choice Properties' strategic alliance with its principal tenant, Loblaw, the country's leading retailer, is a key competitive advantage providing long-term growth opportunities. For more information, visit Choice Properties' website at www.choicereit.ca and Choice Properties' issuer profile at www.sedar.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release for Choice Properties contains forward-looking statements concerning the expected impact of the spin-out of Loblaw's interest in Choice Properties on Choice Properties' relationship with Loblaw and GWL going forward. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive", "will", "may" and "should" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements reflect current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on Choice Properties' perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Choice Properties' estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events and as such, are subject to change. Choice Properties can give no assurance that such estimates, beliefs and assumptions will prove to be correct.

Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause Choice Properties' actual results to differ materially from the estimates, beliefs and assumptions expressed or implied in those forward-looking statements.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect Choice Properties' expectations only as of the date of this release. Choice Properties disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust

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