MetLife announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Georgia's premier golf and resort community, Reynolds Plantation, located on Lake Oconee, 70 miles east of Atlanta. The acquisition will include The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, six championship golf courses, four full-service marinas and nearly 5,000 acres of undeveloped golf and waterfront property. The transaction is anticipated to close during the summer, subject to customary closing conditions. Terms were not disclosed.

"Reynolds Plantation is an exceptional development, and we're excited about the opportunity to become the new owner," said Robert Merck, senior managing director and head of real estate investments for MetLife. "This is a premier community with world-class amenities, a great reputation and a strong future. MetLife has been a real estate investor for over a century, and this transaction represents an outstanding investment opportunity for us."

MetLife is engaging Daniel Corporation to oversee all day-to-day operations at Reynolds Plantation. The Daniel team will work in cooperation with MetLife's Atlanta Regional Office, headed up by Regional Director Tom Coakley. The Atlanta office manages the company's real estate investments in the southeastern United States.

The collaboration between MetLife and Daniel represents a continuation of a 25-year relationship between the two companies. Their projects include joint venture ownership of 12th & Midtown, a multi-block development along Atlanta's storied Peachtree Street, which includes the 717,000-square foot 1075 Peachtree office tower and the Loews Atlanta Hotel.

"The team at Daniel is looking forward to working with MetLife to enhance Reynolds Plantation and position it for future generations," said Charlie Tickle, chairman and CEO of Daniel Corporation. "We will bring a business approach to the operations to enhance the economic viability and sustainability of Reynolds Plantation, which is key to preserving and improving property values and attracting new residents and members."

Ritz-Carlton will continue to manage the hotel under its long-term management agreement.

MetLife has a long history of investing in real estate in Atlanta and the southeastern United States. The company's current investments -- in addition to 12th & Midtown -- include Georgia Pacific Center, Georgia 400 Center and Rocca Apartments.