Carlyle Group acquires 27 distribution logistics assets in France and Germany

The Carlyle Group said that it has purchased a portfolio of 27 distribution logistics assets across France and Germany for an undisclosed price.

According to the global investment firm, the deal is structured as a sale-and-leaseback.

The portfolio features 27 distribution logistics assets totaling 158,000 sqm of space, which is focused on parcel-delivery.

The acquired assets are located strategically near important urban and trade areas in France (92,000 sqm) and Germany (66,000 sqm), said Carlyle Group.

Presently, more than 98% of the portfolio is occupied.

Equity for the investment has come from Carlyle Europe Realty (CER), which is a €540 million pan-European real estate fund.

Carlyle Group said that the acquisition boosts the fund’s exposure to European logistics, which has been an area of focus for it since four years.

The global investment firm further stated that the European logistics market has experienced quick growth in recent years, and has shown to be resilient throughout the coronavirus pandemic as the shift to e-commerce has fast-tracked, thereby leading to higher delivery volumes.

Marc-Antoine Bouyer – Managing Director on the Carlyle Europe Realty advisory team said: “This acquisition exemplifies our strategy of targeting well located, high-quality assets in the distribution logistics sector which have seen rapidly growing delivery volumes accelerated by strong growth in e-commerce.

“We are delighted to grow our exposure to this fast-growing segment across France and Germany, two countries that are core to our investment strategy in Europe.”