News Releases

(ORLANDO, Fla.) Jan. 7, 2013 — CNL Financial Group, one of the nation’s largest providers of real estate and alternative investments, will kick off the celebration of its 40^th anniversary at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8, on the steps outside of Orlando City Hall, between CNL Center I and CNL Center II. The event launches a year-long celebration for the company.

Scheduled speakers at the event include James Seneff, founder and executive chairman of CNL; Thomas Sittema, CEO of CNL; and Buddy Dyer, mayor of Orlando. The celebration will also feature a small fireworks display. To help mark the occasion, the cupola on top of CNL Center I will be lit red to mark the “ruby red anniversary.” It will remain red all year.

“I am honored to celebrate 40 years of success with CNL’s associates, clients and friends in the Orlando community,” Seneff said. “It is rare that a private company reaches 40 years, so this is an important milestone.  Many people have worked diligently and tirelessly toward this company’s success during the past four decades, but I know we have just started. This event truly marks 40 years and counting.”

Seneff founded CNL Financial Group in 1973 with a $5,000 loan from his father. The company’s first office was a card table, typewriter and phone in his house. He originally invested in Orlando-area real estate and the company launched its first public investment real estate offering in 1986. The company and its affiliates currently sponsor four public real estate investment trusts (REITs) and a business development company (BDC). CNL also owns CNL Commercial Real Estate, a full-service commercial brokerage firm and its principals are also investors and directors with CNLBank.  

Over the past 40 years, CNL and/or its affiliates have formed or acquired companies with more than $26 billion in assets. Throughout its deep history, the company has forged strong, enduring relationships and partnerships with major national and international companies including KKR & Co. LP, Macquarie Group, Sunrise Senior Living, CB Richard Ellis and brands such as Marriott International and Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Since its founding, CNL has made significant contributions to improving the quality of life in its hometown of central Florida. CNL Centers I and II have helped to shape the city’s downtown skyline. CNL’s presence in the community can also be felt in its philanthropic role. The company has donated millions of dollars to improve education, create entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities, expand the impact and footprint of the arts, and address the problems of homelessness and poverty.

Please contact Sherry Magee at CNL Financial Group at (407) 540-2227 (work), (407) 443-6148 (mobile) or at sherry.magee@cnl.com if you have any further questions or need assistance in advance of the event.  

About CNL Financial Group

CNL Financial Group (CNL) is a leading private investment management firm providing global real estate and alternative investments. Since inception in 1973, CNL and/or its affiliates have formed or acquired companies with more than $26 billion in assets. CNL is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit www.cnl.com.

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