JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Jacksonville-based Regency Centers Corp. (NYSE: REG) has agreed to acquire Equity One Inc. (NYSE: EQY), creating one of the largest shopping center REITs in the U.S. The all-stock merger will convert each share of Equity One stock into 0.45 shares of Regency stock. Based on Regency’s closing stock price on Monday, Nov. 14, that equates to $31.44 per share, for a total acquisition price of nearly $5 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. At the close of the deal, Regency shareholders are expected to own approximately 62 percent of the combined company’s equity, and former Equity One shareholders are expected to own approximately 38 percent. The company will retain the Regency name and will continue to trade under the ticker symbol REG. The headquarters will also remain in Jacksonville. The combined company is expected to have a total market capitalization of $15.6 billion, making it the largest REIT by equity value in the shopping center index. The merger will create a national portfolio of 429 properties encompassing more than 57 million square feet. Regency’s Board of Directors will be increased from nine to 12 members, including two directors designated by Equity One and one director designated …
