Newly released database details global forest ownership, expected trends and international timberland transactions
Despite timberland ownership remaining heavily concentrated in North America, the industry is experiencing a shift onto a more global scale. Approximately US$57 billion in assets are managed by the top 30 Timber Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs) alone, one-third of which are now currently based outside of the United States. These and other key findings were released today in a new database by RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry.
""In compiling ownership details covered in the database, we were able to identify and correct certain misconceptions that exist within the sector. For example, it has been commonly perceived that timberland investment beyond North America has been highly concentrated in Oceania. However, based on an accounting of pension fund activity in timberland in Europe and Latin America, we've found that non-North American investment is, in fact, more evenly distributed between three regions," explained Robert Flynn, co-author and Director of International Timber at RISI.
""For anyone involved in, or looking to invest in the timberland industry, this database truly is the only tool available for understanding both the current state and future trends of global timberland investments," continued Flynn.
International Timberland Ownership and Investment Database identifies forest ownership by 760 companies in 74 countries. In total, the database identifies timberland ownership by company for 246 million acres, with an implied value of over US$370 billion (at an assumed global average value of $1,500 per acre). This database comes with a short report providing brief profiles of more than 300 timberland owners and contains data for 170 timberland transactions outside of North America.
Included in International Timberland Ownership and Investment Database:
Global Forest Ownership Database:
Forest ownership details for 759 companies in 74 countries covering 246 million acres {estimated $370 billion}
o Accurate breakdown of forest ownership by state/province (in North America {130 billion}) and by softwood and hardwood plantations ({a combined $150 billion} in Latin America, Oceania, Africa and Asia)
International Timberland Transaction Database:
Information for 170 transactions outside of North America, including 115 identifying announced pricing (totals $11.6 billion)
Global Forest Ownership Review:
Ranking of the top 30 TIMOs world-wide by assets under management ($57 billion)
Identification of largest forest owners by region
Recent trends in timberland sales and purchases by REITs and TIMOs in the USA
Brief profiles of more than 300 timberland owners in North America, Europe, Latin America, Oceania, Asia and Africa
