Aerium, the European real estate fund manager disposed of three shopping centers in Poland to Newbridge. Apleona GVA advised Aerium on the sale of these assets.
Located in Krakow (CH Czyżyny, opened in 2002), Torun (CH Bielawy, opened in 2002) and Lodz (CH Guliwer, opened in 1997) and totaling over 72,000 sqm of GLA each asset is anchored by Carrefour on a long term lease. Originally developed by Carrefour the schemes are 99 percent occupied and have sales 45 percent higher than the Polish national per square meter average. Other occupiers include Leroy Merlin, Rossmann, CCC, Deichmann, RTV Euro AGD, Jysk, Pepco, Douglas. Aerium acquired the properties in a pan-European portfolio in 2006 from Carrefour.
Charles-Edouard Castella, Portfolio Manager for Central and Eastern Europe at Aerium, commented, “Aerium is pleased to have completed this disposal on behalf of our shareholders with Newbridge, thanks to Apleona’s support. Our long term partnership with Carrefour which is anchoring our shopping centres in Poland and beyond has been a very successful one and we are extremely pleased that Newbridge is taking over the reins of these successful shopping centres. Our long term commitment sealed years ago, and recently renewed, with Carrefour Polska is a great tribute to our shared values and investment strategy.”
Rory Mepham, CEO of NewBridge said: “We are really excited about this acquisition and hope that this will lead to further investment opportunities. Each of the properties have significant upside possibilities.”
Apleona GVA, acted as the exclusive agent to Aerium, assisting them throughout the transaction process; from marketing the properties, carrying out due diligence to negotiating a successful closing.
NewBridge was assisted in the acquisition by Greenberg Traurig on the legal side, as well as Deloitte and Arcadis. Aerium were advised by SSW. Deutsche Pfandbriefbank provided Senior Debt finance.