AIC Industrial: A Comprehensive Review of This Industrial Sale Leaseback Specialist
For business owners looking to unlock the capital tied up in their real estate, sale leaseback transactions offer a powerful financial strategy. AIC Industrial has spent over 30 years specializing exclusively in industrial sale leasebacks and net-lease investments, building an impressive track record that includes $2.7 billion invested across 500+ properties. In this review, we take a deep dive into AIC Industrial — what they offer, who they serve, and whether a sale leaseback might be the right move for your business.
What Is AIC Industrial?
AIC Industrial is a real estate investment and management firm that focuses exclusively on industrial sale leaseback transactions and net-lease investments. Unlike diversified real estate companies that spread across retail, office, and residential markets, AIC Industrial has maintained a singular focus on the industrial middle market for more than three decades.
Their experience spans transactions ranging from $2 million to $35 million, making them a natural fit for small and mid-sized manufacturing, distribution, and logistics companies that own their facilities.
What Is a Sale Leaseback?
Before diving deeper into AIC Industrial’s services, it’s important to understand the sale leaseback concept:
- How It Works: Your company sells its owned real estate to an investor (like AIC Industrial) and simultaneously enters into a long-term lease to continue operating in the same facility
- The Benefit: You convert an illiquid real estate asset into immediate cash while maintaining full operational control of your facility
- The Trade-Off: You exchange ownership for lease payments, but gain significant capital that can be deployed for growth, debt reduction, acquisitions, or other strategic priorities
AIC Industrial’s Track Record
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 30+ Years of focused experience in industrial sale leasebacks
- $2.7 Billion invested in real estate transactions
- 500+ Properties acquired across their portfolio
- $2M – $35M transaction range, targeting the industrial middle market
- 100% Referenceable Sellers: AIC Industrial states that all sellers they’ve worked with act as references — a powerful testament to their reputation
Key Differentiators of AIC Industrial
Exclusive Industrial Focus
While many sale leaseback providers work across property types, AIC Industrial’s exclusive focus on industrial properties gives them several advantages:
- Deep understanding of industrial property valuation, including specialized manufacturing and distribution facilities
- Established relationships with industrial tenants and operators
- Expertise in structuring leases that accommodate industrial operations (environmental considerations, equipment, loading docks, etc.)
- Knowledge of industrial real estate market dynamics across different regions
Commitment to Long-Term Relationships
AIC Industrial emphasizes building lasting relationships with their tenants rather than treating transactions as one-time deals:
- They position themselves as a partner, not just a landlord
- They provide ongoing support for additional capital requirements as tenants grow
- Their approach focuses on creating win-win outcomes that serve both parties’ long-term interests
- They operate with what they describe as a “principled manner with predictable performance”
Streamlined Transaction Process
With three decades of experience, AIC Industrial has developed an efficient transaction process:
- Tailored structuring based on a clear understanding of each seller’s specific needs
- Professional, transparent, and efficient handling of every transaction
- Deep experience that eliminates common delays and complications
- Ability to provide certainty of close — critical for business owners counting on the capital
When Does a Sale Leaseback Make Sense?
A sale leaseback with AIC Industrial might be the right strategy if:
- You Need Growth Capital: Your business has opportunities to expand but capital is locked in real estate
- You’re Acquiring Another Business: Sale leaseback proceeds can fund part of an acquisition, reducing the amount of debt or equity needed
- You Want to Reduce Debt: Converting real estate to cash can help pay down existing obligations and strengthen your balance sheet
- You’re Planning an Exit: Separating real estate from operations can simplify a future business sale and potentially maximize total value
- You Want Operational Flexibility: Owning real estate ties capital and management attention to a non-core asset
Pros and Cons of AIC Industrial
Pros
- Exceptional track record: 30+ years, $2.7B invested, 500+ properties
- 100% referenceable seller base — a rare and impressive claim
- Exclusive industrial focus provides deep sector expertise
- Middle market specialization ($2M-$35M) serves SMBs that larger players may overlook
- Ongoing tenant support and relationship-oriented approach
- Streamlined, predictable transaction process
Cons
- Only serves industrial properties — not suitable for retail, office, or other property types
- $2M minimum transaction size excludes smaller businesses
- Sale leasebacks involve giving up real estate ownership, which may not align with every business owner’s goals
- Limited public information about specific terms and lease structures
Sale Leasebacks vs. SBA Loans: Which Is Right for You?
Business owners seeking capital often compare sale leasebacks with traditional financing options like SBA loans. Here’s how they compare:
- Sale Leaseback: Converts owned real estate into immediate cash; best for businesses that own significant real estate and want to redeploy that capital
- SBA Loan: Provides debt financing for business acquisitions, expansions, or working capital; best for businesses that need funding without selling assets
- Combination Strategy: Some businesses use both — securing an SBA loan for the business acquisition and using a sale leaseback to optimize the real estate component
How GoSBA Loans Can Help
Whether you’re considering a sale leaseback, an SBA loan, or both, having the right financing partner is essential. GoSBA Loans connects business owners with 50+ SBA lenders to find the best financing solution for their specific situation. With over $320 million in funded loans and a completely free service for borrowers, GoSBA Loans simplifies the lending process.
Our team can help you evaluate whether an SBA loan, a sale leaseback, or a combination strategy is the best path for your business goals. We work with you from initial consultation through closing — at no cost.
Contact GoSBA Loans today to explore your financing options and find the right capital solution for your business.
