# EQUITY RESIDENTIAL (EQR) — merger/definitive [announced]
Source: SEC API (secapi.ai) · situation sit_be775bf00cac4c4328ee · retrieved 2026-08-11T15:51:36.071Z

## Overview
Equity Residential is a Maryland real estate investment trust that owns and operates multifamily apartment communities.

Equity Residential and AvalonBay Communities entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger on May 20, 2026, providing for an all-stock merger-of-equals transaction. The combined company will operate under the name Vivmark Residential. The merger agreement was signed by Equity Residential, AvalonBay, ERP Operating Limited Partnership, and Canopy Merger Sub LLC (a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Equity Residential). The Registration Statement on Form S-4 was declared effective on July 13, 2026, and the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to shareholders on or about July 13, 2026.

## Terms
- Counterparty: AvalonBay Communities, Inc. · Deal value: $53.00B · Consideration: stock

## Key dates
- Announced 2026-07-22 · Vote 2026-08-12

## Timeline
- 2026-07-22 · 8-K (0001193125-26-312445): 8-K - EQUITY RESIDENTIAL — *Equity Residential is a real estate investment trust that owns and manages 312 rental properties consisting of 85,520 apartment units in dynamic metro areas across the U.S., with primary concentration in major coastal markets and targeted presence in Atlanta, Dallas/Austin, and Denver.* On May 21, 2026, Equity Residential and AvalonBay Communities, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals. The combined company will have a pro forma equity market capitalization of approximately $53 billion and a total enterprise value of approximately $71 billion, with more than 180,000 rental apartments. The combined company's board will consist of 14 trustees, with seven members from each company's current board. Benjamin W. Schall will serve as President and CEO of the combined company, and Stephen E. Sterrett will be appointed Chairman. Shareholders of both companies are scheduled to vote on the merger on August 12, 2026.
  https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/906107/0001193125-26-312445.txt
- 2026-07-31 · 8-K (0001140361-26-030523): 8-K - EQUITY RESIDENTIAL — *Equity Residential is a Maryland real estate investment trust that owns and operates multifamily apartment communities.* Equity Residential and AvalonBay Communities entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger on May 20, 2026, providing for an all-stock merger-of-equals transaction. The combined company will operate under the name Vivmark Residential. The merger agreement was signed by Equity Residential, AvalonBay, ERP Operating Limited Partnership, and Canopy Merger Sub LLC (a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Equity Residential). The Registration Statement on Form S-4 was declared effective on July 13, 2026, and the definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to shareholders on or about July 13, 2026.
  https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/906107/0001140361-26-030523.txt

## Citations
- 0001193125-26-312445 — https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&type=&dateb=&owner=include&count=40&search_text=000119312526312445
- 0001140361-26-030523 — https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&type=&dateb=&owner=include&count=40&search_text=000114036126030523