The property arm of Dutch insurer ASR is buying Sweco Capital Consultants to help grow its real estate and infrastructure offerings globally.

The ASR Real Estate team will merge with Sweco Capital Consultants, an independent consultant employing 16 people. 

As part of the deal, Jeroen Winkelman co-head of Sweco Capital Consultants and Herman Gelauff a senior consultant and head of the firm’s real assets investments will become part of the management team of the newly combined investment partners team.

Established in 2004, Sweco Capital Consultants advises and supports institutional investors in strategic and operational matters in investments in indirect real estate and infrastructure portfolios. 

ASR said the customer business will continue unchanged, as will the partnerships with parties in the Asia Pacific and the US.

Dick Gort, CEO of ASR Real Estate, said: “We see opportunities in a growing market in which institutional investors are increasingly investing their assets in real estate and infrastructure.”

Gort said the acquisition fits in with ASR Real Estate’s plan to grow into a full-service real estate investment manager.

“By merging Sweco Capital Consultants with our investment partners team, we can continue to provide customers with independent advice now and in the future.

“Not only for their Dutch real estate and infrastructure investments, but also worldwide. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new colleague,” Gort said.

Eugene Grüter, CEO of Sweco Nederland, said: “The increased complexity in the institutional investment market requires additional competencies in financial services. Issues of legislation and regulations, risk and compliance and matters such as ESG are becoming increasingly important.

“In order to properly address these issues, Sweco Capital Consultants wants to further professionalise and grow. As part of ASR Real Estate, Sweco Capital Consultants will be able to develop more quickly and further strengthen its market position.

“The acquisition will have no consequences for our customers. They will receive the same level of service and retain their daily point of contact. I have every confidence that the solid business operations and independent advice will continue unabated at ASR Real Estate.”

The name Sweco Capital Consultants will no longer be used following the acquisition.

Financial details were undisclosed.

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