Christopher Mertlitz, Managing Director, Head of European Investments at W. P. Carey
MIPIM offered a great moment to gather with key industry players in Cannes. As the sector adapts to shifting conditions, it was interesting to hear different participants emphasising the importance of resilience and adaptability within portfolios in addition to discussing potential solutions to unlocking growth opportunities amidst looming economic pressures.
Tariffs were a topical area of conversation this year due to the growing risk of a trade war. Ultimately, it will be corporates who are agile, and able to access alternative sources of capital to help unlock growth, that will be best positioned to navigate these choppy waters.
Sustainability was another dominant theme in conversations this year, with extensive discussions on the future of environmental standards and reporting requirements. While regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, there is no doubt that they are here to stay. In this context, sale-leasebacks are increasingly being considered by companies as a strategic financing tool to support sustainable building upgrades and finance energy efficiency improvements.
As we head into the remainder of the year, we remain confident in our ability to source and close attractive deals. We believe sale-leasebacks will continue to play a vital role in enabling corporates to unlock capital for their businesses, particularly since accessing liquidity will be essential within the forthcoming environment.
Boris Schran, Partner, Peakside Capital
MIPIM 2025 takes place during a time of global uncertainties and geopolitical changes. As a specialized investment boutique, we see opportunities in this market environment, as this volatility also creates opportunities. However, trust in the market must be rebuilt – only then will transaction activity recover sustainably. The industry needs reliability and predictability now. This is where the international network of MIPIM plays a central role: The exchange in Cannes is always essential for capturing market sentiment, deepening strategic partnerships, and developing solutions to the current challenges.
Yama Mahasher, CEO, Westbridge Advisory
The mood at MIPIM this year mirrors the weather: Everyone is watching the forecasts and hoping for better prospects – but reality quickly catches up with us. The challenges remain significant: economic uncertainties, both external and internal political turbulence, and regulatory hurdles continue to pressure the industry. But now is not the time to bury our heads in the sand – it’s time to roll up our sleeves. MIPIM once again shows that those who strategically position themselves and drive sustainable solutions forward will emerge stronger from this still-difficult phase.”
