QTS Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:QTS) announced the expiration of the 40 day "go-shop" period pursuant to the previously announced definitive merger agreement under which Blackstone Infrastructure Partners, Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust and other long-term perpetual capital vehicles managed by Blackstone will acquire all outstanding shares of QTS common stock for $78.00 per share in an all cash transaction. The "go-shop" period expired at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 17. During the "go-shop" period, QTS, with the assistance of its financial advisors Jefferies (JEF) and Morgan Stanley & Co. (MS), actively solicited alternative acquisition proposals from potentially interested third parties. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021, subject to approval by QTS' stockholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.