European logistics real estate specialist Verdion has boots on the ground at Expo Real to seek out deals in key territories, building on recent successes. According to Michael Hughes, CEO of Verdion, ‘value-add fund activity is an important focus’.
He added: ‘Leasing for our major park near Berlin and other VELF1 fund assets is going well. With the initial closings for VELF2, we are actively securing opportunities to redevelop and repurpose existing properties across Germany, the Nordics and Benelux.’
Hughes underlined that Verdion isn’t afraid of taking on projects that others might reject for their complexity. ‘We are pursuing more complex brownfield sites, and with a close understanding of occupier requirements, we are looking closely at opportunities within local sub-markets that have the necessary infrastructure, labour supply and transport rationale,’ he said. ‘We are also growing our UK business and will be investing in development opportunities in major urban locations.’
Turning to the mood at Expo, Hughes said: ‘Expo Real comes at a key moment in the real estate cycle. The economic shocks of the past year have created some outstanding investment opportunities, this is the time for the true sector specialist.
‘Asset re-pricing is still playing out in some of our geographies, but generally there is now far greater market certainty on valuation, and the fundamental strengths of investing in logistics real estate remain consistently sound.’
