Singapore-based Global Logistic Properties (GLP) has agreed to acquire Goodman Group’s Central and Eastern Europe(CEE) logistics real estate portfolio, for approximately €1 billion (A$1.7 billion).
GLP entered the European market in December 2017 through the acquisition of Gazeley, a developer, investor and manager of European logistics warehouses and distribution parks with a 2.4 million sqm portfolio across the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands.
The transaction, includes properties located in Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia, will expand GLP’s presence to 10 countries in Europe.
The acquired 2.4 million sqm portfolio is concentrated on key logistics routes across the region with access to growing markets for e-commerce and distribution. It will bring a number of new customers into the business and allow it to better support existing customers with their expanding supply chain requirements across Europe in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
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In addition, Goodman Group’s Central and Eastern European approximately 40-person team working in the region will join GLP’s European team, Gazeley, upon completion of the transaction and will support the Company’s growth across Europe.
The acquisition of the portfolio follows a broader European expansion since GLP entered the market at the end of 2017. In the past year, it has opened offices in both Spain and Italy following of a number of development opportunities.
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“This deal is a very exciting part of our European growth strategy. The scale and geographic footprint of the portfolio is highly complementary to our existing business and offers us compelling opportunities for growth in a number of important European markets.We are confident that the addition of this portfolio will support us in delivering further value to investors and our customers.We very much look forward to welcoming the team, its customers and partners to Gazeley in the coming months,” said Nick Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Gazeley.
“The proceeds of this transaction will enable us to capitalise on the strong demand for industrial property and continue to scale up in the major consumer markets in Germany, France, Spain, Benelux and Italy. We will continue to focus on owning high-quality properties and building out our significant development pipeline in these markets, where barriers to entry are high and land is scarce,” said Philippe Van der Beken, Chief Executive Officer Goodman Continental Europe.
Kirkland & Ellis served as legal counsel to GLP, with Greenberg Traurig and Kinstellar providing local legal advice. Cushman & Wakefield served as advisors to GLP and Goldman Sachs and Citi have committed to finance the acquisition.
 logistics real estate portfolio, for €1 billion (A$1.7 billion).){kind=link}