Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2023
Life Storage Board of Directors Unanimously Rejects Unsolicited Proposal from Public Storage
Board Determined Proposal Significantly Undervalues the Company and its Future Growth Prospects, and Is Not in the Best Interests of Life Storage and its Shareholders
BUFFALO, N.Y.—February 16, 2023 - Life Storage, Inc. (NYSE:LSI), a leading national owner and operator of self-storage properties, today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors unanimously concluded that the acquisition proposal submitted by Public Storage on February 5, 2023, significantly undervalues Life Storage and its prospects for future growth and value creation. This determination follows a comprehensive review process conducted by the Life Storage Board in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors.
As previously announced, Public Storage proposed to acquire in a taxable transaction all of the outstanding shares and units of Life Storage for 0.4192 shares of Public Storage common stock for each outstanding Life Storage share or unit. Based on the closing price of Public Storage common stock on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, the proposal had an implied value of approximately $126.14 per share or unit or an equity value of approximately $11 billion.
Mark G. Barberio, Non-Executive Chairman of the Life Storage Board, said, “After further and careful consideration, the Life Storage Board of Directors continues to believe that Public Storage’s proposed exchange ratio significantly undervalues the Company, and that the proposal is not in the best interests of shareholders. The Board believes Life Storage will deliver greater risk-adjusted total shareholder returns as a standalone company than through the proposed transaction. The Board is always open to and regularly evaluates opportunities to enhance shareholder value and will consider any proposal that appropriately values the Company and its prospects.”
Joseph Saffire, Life Storage’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Life Storage has a strong platform for continued growth with a diversified portfolio in high-value, fast-growing markets and a best-in-class operating platform including leading customer service and technology solutions. The Company’s successful execution has resulted in industry-leading same-store performance, expanding operating margins and a strong balance sheet. Importantly, Life Storage is positioned to build on its momentum with accelerating top-line and FFO growth supported by pricing power, multiple revenue drivers and prudent cost management.”