Robbins: We have been working with Electra America for more than a year, and we felt that moving forward with the merger would be an added value to both individual companies. The merger will allow us to continue growing our portfolio while bringing more opportunities and high-quality service to our residents. I am confident that Robbins' management expertise, along with Electra's experience in working with and transforming distressed properties, will allow us to become an industry leader.

GlobeSt.com: How will the merger affect the properties and residents in the markets where you own and operate?

Robbins: The economies of scale we're able to achieve through the merger will allow us to deliver great service and outstanding living environments to its residents and customers; deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our investors and partners; and provide opportunities for growth, advancement and diversity to its team members.

GlobeSt.com: What do renters want most? And how is Robbins Property Associates meeting those expectations?

Robbins: Renters want excellent service in a good, safe environment. Our property staff delivers that by paying attention to detail.

Renters have many choices in the market and keeping a satisfied renter is critical. We're enjoying strong occupancy and demand across our entire portfolio as home ownership is at an all-time low and incomes are starting to rise.

MIAMI—Two multifamily powerhouses have merged to form an even more formidable market player. Electra America, a private owner-operator focused on multifamily investment in the southeastern United States, recently merged with Robbins Property Associates, a full-service owner-operator and apartment management company.

Combined, the new company now owns and operates a $2-billion multifamily portfolio. The company boasts 66 properties with 20,000 multifamily units in Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.

GlobeSt.com caught up with Steve Robbins, co-founder of Robbins Property Associates, to discuss next steps and implications for the merger. You can read Joseph Lubeck's take in last week's column: After Merger, CEO Answers What's Different This Time Around.

GlobeSt.com: You started Robbins Property Associates with your brother in 2009. Why did you choose to merge with Electra America now?

Robbins: We have been working with Electra America for more than a year, and we felt that moving forward with the merger would be an added value to both individual companies. The merger will allow us to continue growing our portfolio while bringing more opportunities and high-quality service to our residents. I am confident that Robbins' management expertise, along with Electra's experience in working with and transforming distressed properties, will allow us to become an industry leader.

GlobeSt.com: How will the merger affect the properties and residents in the markets where you own and operate?

Robbins: The economies of scale we're able to achieve through the merger will allow us to deliver great service and outstanding living environments to its residents and customers; deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns to our investors and partners; and provide opportunities for growth, advancement and diversity to its team members.

GlobeSt.com: What do renters want most? And how is Robbins Property Associates meeting those expectations?

Robbins: Renters want excellent service in a good, safe environment. Our property staff delivers that by paying attention to detail.

Renters have many choices in the market and keeping a satisfied renter is critical. We're enjoying strong occupancy and demand across our entire portfolio as home ownership is at an all-time low and incomes are starting to rise.