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Colony Northstar
Colony Northstar, formed in 2017 from Colony Capital and NorthStar Asset Management, is a global real estate and infrastructure investment manager.
Colony Northstar
Colony Northstar was established in January 2017 through the merger of Colony Capital, founded by Thomas J. Barrack Jr. in 1991, and NorthStar Asset Management, a publicly traded real estate investment trust. The combined entity operates a diversified platform spanning real estate equity, debt, and infrastructure investments worldwide. The firm allocates capital across opportunistic and value-add real estate, private credit, infrastructure, and hospitality. Known activities include investing in commercial real estate, data centers, and infrastructure projects. Notable past holdings have included the Plaza Hotel in New York and various hospitality assets. Geographic focus includes North America, Europe, and select Asian markets. Colony Northstar has undergone significant restructuring, including the 2019 separation of its asset management business and a rebranding to take the Colony name. The firm maintained over 400 professionals at its peak. Related entities include the Colony Realty Partners venture and advisory affiliates. A structural differentiator is its formation through a merger of two large publicly listed real estate entities, creating a hybrid asset manager with both public-market discipline and private-market deal fluency. The firm has also maintained a significant European foothold through its French office in Blagnac, reflecting a cross-border operational capability.
General information
Firm type
Real Estate Investment Manager
Year founded
2017
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
New York
Corporate office
New York, NY, United States
Additional offices
Los Angeles, CA, United States · Blagnac, France
Principals
Thomas J. Barrack Jr.
Executive Chairman (founder, Colony Capital)
Richard Saltzman
President and CEO (previously Colony Capital)
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Colony Northstar?
Colony Northstar's investment decisions have historically been led by Richard Saltzman as President and CEO, and Thomas J. Barrack Jr. as Executive Chairman. Barrack founded Colony Capital in 1991 and led the combined firm through its merger period.
How does Colony Northstar source proprietary deal flow?
The firm sources deals through its established network in real estate and infrastructure, including direct relationships with developers, operators, and financial institutions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its presence in both the US and France provides access to cross-border opportunities.
Is Colony Northstar structured as a single family office or does it operate more like a venture firm?
Colony Northstar operates as a publicly listed asset manager, not a family office. It was formed via the merger of two publicly traded REITs (Colony Capital and NorthStar Asset Management) and has historically been structured as a diversified real estate investment firm.
Does Colony Northstar participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The firm has historically engaged in both direct investments and fund structures, including closed-end funds and separate accounts. Its activities include direct property acquisitions, debt origination, and infrastructure equity.
What investment stages does Colony Northstar typically target?
Colony Northstar targets opportunistic and value-add real estate investments, as well as infrastructure and credit opportunities. The firm has invested in distressed assets, development projects, and stabilized income-generating properties.
Which sectors does Colony Northstar focus on?
The firm focuses on real estate (including hospitality, office, and industrial), infrastructure (including data centers and energy), and private credit. It has had a notable tilt toward hospitality assets, including the acquisition of the Plaza Hotel in New York.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
Colony Northstar is a publicly traded entity, not a wealth manager for a single family. Its capital comes from public markets, institutional investors, and fund commitments. Thomas Barrack's personal wealth derives from his founding of Colony Capital in 1991.
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