DALLAS, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Behringer Harvard announced today that Mr. Brad Watt – a 25-year veteran of private and public real estate investment programs – has joined Behringer Harvard as Executive Vice President – Net Lease Investments. Mr. Watt will be primarily responsible for arranging and distributing a series of high-quality 1031 Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) and other private real estate wealth management programs that focus on generating high levels of enhanced fixed income and tax efficiency. The wealth management and 1031 exchange programs will be offered by Behringer Harvard in combination with the company's other alternative investment programs.

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"Investor interest in 1031 exchange programs has resurged in the last year as investors search for high-quality investment solutions that focus on capital preservation and repeatable cash distributions," said Mr. Frank Muller, Executive Vice President and Head of Distribution for Behringer Harvard. "We believe that adding a net lease strategy to our alternative investment programs is a logical extension of our existing investment management business. Brad's leadership will be a valuable asset to the team that will provide net lease programs that address this growing market demand and enhance our position as an industry leader in high-quality alternative investment programs."

The net lease platform will be anchored by an investment strategy that focuses on high-quality, single-tenant assets leased to investment-grade tenants on long-term double net and triple net leases. In addition to its core 1031 co-investment programs, Behringer Harvard will advise on separately managed accounts (custom portfolios), employing a highly collaborative direct-investment approach for high-net-worth retail clients and institutional investors who are seeking alternative income and growth solutions.              

"We're pleased to have this opportunity to work with Brad as we bring to market a series of net lease programs that seek to generate superior risk-adjusted returns for investors and are further enhanced by efficient tax structures," said Mr. Michael O'Hanlon, CEO of Behringer Harvard's Opportunity Funds. "His specialized skills in net leasing are an excellent complement to our expertise in capital market solutions, portfolio management, institutional underwriting and asset management."

Mr. Watt has more than 25 years of experience in structuring, marketing and managing real estate investment programs totaling more than $4 billion in asset value. Before joining Behringer Harvard, he served in an executive role with a national single-tenant developer as well as three nationally recognized real estate investment sponsors and investment advisors. In addition, he has served as general partner and principal in a series of private placement equity offerings, specializing in merchant banking and sale-leaseback financing.

About Behringer Harvard
Behringer Harvard creates, manages and distributes global institutional-quality alternative investment programs for individual and institutional investors. Programs sponsored and managed by the Behringer Harvard group of companies have attracted equity of more than $6 billion and made investments into more than $11 billion in assets. For more information, contact our U.S. headquarters toll-free at 866.655.3600 or our European headquarters at 011 49 40 34 9999 90, or visit us online at behringerharvard.com.

SOURCE Behringer Harvard