Full-service boutique firm heats up local equity market.

The Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group, LLC is recognized as one of the leading commercial real estate advisory firm in the industry. With a tradition that dates back more than 75 years, the principals of Ackman-Ziff remain focused on setting the highest standards of integrity, performance and client service in their industry. In this era of rapid technological change, consolidation and constantly changing market dynamics, Ackman-Ziff is a benchmark firm in the industry.

Just a few weeks ago, Ackman-Ziff was bestowed with the prestigious Real Estate Board of New York's. "Most Ingenious Deal of the Year Award." The award recognized Ackman-Ziffs role in arranging the acquisition, construction and mezzanine financing for the Henry Hudson Hotel renovation project. According to brokers, this is the first time the Rice award-has been given for a transaction centering on mortgage financing. Mr. Ackman's late father, Herman, won this award for a sales transaction fifty years ago.

Facing a scarcity of capital for hotel projects, Ackman-Ziff convinced lenders that a mixture of condominium and leasehold interests in the property, and other factors affecting renovation activity, would not prevent the Henry Hudson's transformation into a successful commercial hostelry. The brokers tasks included preparing the mortgage application package, obtaining abridge loan to acquire the condominium unit owned by WNET/Channel Thirteen, and negotiating construction and mezzanine financing at favorable terms.

There are several key points of differentiation about Ackman-Ziff that clearly distinguish the firm from others in the marketplace. Most importantly, Ackman-Ziff, while considering the needs of the lenders and investors, represents the interests of borrowers exclusively. This approach has attracted many of the country's top developers and investors.

"We've worked with Ackman-Ziff many times for debt and equity loans, and they've proven they are truly 'the businessman's broker,"' said Robert James, president of Manhattan-based Enterprise Asset Management, Inc. "I've found they understand my business - and consequently, my business needs - so well that, they are able to be inventive as well as fruitful," James concluded.

Ackman-Ziffs philosophy of exclusive representation means their interests are aligned with their clients' needs. This unique approach enables Ackman-Ziff to devote the necessary time and resources to close a transaction and frees the company from any lender constraints and is therefore motivated to seek the most advantageous financing in the marketplace. Additionally, Ackman-Ziff's ability to seek financing from virtually any lender in the market also results in more innovative sources of debt and equity.

Simon Ziff, president, said, "While Ackman-Ziff represents the borrower, it is our access to, understanding- of, and relationships with lenders and equity investors that sets us apart."

Another key point of differentiation for Ackman-Ziff is their position as a real estate capital advisor to their clients. Rather than financing, the professionals at Ackman-Ziff work diligently to understand their clients' business models and devise creative, sophisticated financing -solutions. According to Simon Ziff, "Our company is positioned more similarly to an investment bank or a consulting firm than-a traditional mortgage broker. While the - perception is true that there is a great deal of money available, making sure-it's the right money at the right terms with the right lender is what distinguishes Ackman-Ziff."

Adam Ifshin, manager of Tarrytown, New York-based DLC Management, echoes Simon Ziff s statement by adding, "Ackman-Ziff has been- instrumental in helping us find both debt and equity. To be competitive with the large institutional buyers, we demand perfect execution in the capital markets. Accordingly, Ackman-Ziffs ability to identify arbitrage situations has created a number of opportunities for my company."

The Ackman-Ziff tradition is steeped in integrity and professionalism. Lawrence D. Ackman, chairman, said, "If there is one quality that we feel typifies the way we do business, it's openness and trustworthiness. This philosophy is particularly evidenced in our internal culture, as every professional at Ackman-Ziff recognizes that they are part of a team, a company and a tradition of trustworthiness. We take this philosophy very seriously and only take the best quality people in the business."

The firm has structured billions of dollars of financing for office, residential, retail, industrial, mixed-use, medical and land acquisitions, refinancing and developments in virtually all 50 states.

Technology is another area where Ackman-Ziff has made a significant internal investment. Simon Ziff commented, "It is apparent that technology will bring certain efficiencies to our business. Hopefully, it will allow firms like ours to streamline the 10 to 20 percent of our business that is processing and free us up to do more of what we are really compensated for."

Ziff also noted a growing aspect of Ackman-Ziff s business is their activity on the equity side. "Clearly, the equity business is a major focus for us today. Not only is it very complementary to our core business, it is what our clients want the most.