There’s a lot going on in our September issue, from a mega-merger in residential property, to a flurry of M&A activity in the listed sector and the ongoing debate about the future of the office.
As readers can see from the cover, we are getting excited by the prospect of a merger between Germany’s two biggest residential property companies. If Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen combine, it will create a new listed property beast with €90 bn in combined assets, but the takeover process has been a saga so far!
I recommend taking a look at the entire section for a rundown on the listed sector. A flurry of M&A deals has taken place in the past few months, seemingly against a backdrop of robust half-year earnings reports. Where will the sector go next?
Meanwhile, there is no shortage of talking points in the private investing world. We managed to work with two firms taking contrarian views on retail property – the sector where listed property companies have struggled. Also, please see the outcome of our Future of the Office roundtable. The role of the office is changing, this much we know. But discover in which ways, and whether this is good for the prospects of investing in the asset class.
