NEWTON, MASS. AND WESTLAKE, OHIO — TravelCenters of America LLC (NASDAQ: TA) has agreed to purchase 20 truck stop locations from its primary landlord, Hospitality Properties Trust (NASDAQ: HPT), for $308.2 million. The 20 properties span 15 states. HPT will continue to own 179 properties that TA leases. The leases have been amended by both companies, which puts the 179 properties under five leases. The leases have all been extended by three years. Westlake-based TA expects to purchase nine of the travel centers for $140.5 million Jan. 17 and expects to complete the remaining purchases in two closings by the end of January. HPT expects to gain $160 million from the sale, which it plans to use to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility and for general business purposes. When the sales are finalized, TA’s rent will fall by $243.9 million per year. Under the amended leases, TA’s rent will be reduced by $43.1 million per year. HPT will receive $70.5 million for backlogged payments in 16 quarterly payments from TA beginning April 1. The backlogged rent has been reduced from $150 million due to moving the payments up from June 2024. “As we move into the tenth year …
