Allianz Real Estate has reported that its firm’s global logistics portfolio increased by a third in 2021 to €11.6 bn in assets under management (AUM).

Allianz is also developing a number of schemes in partnership, such as its AEW venture

Allianz is Also Developing a Number of Schemes in Partnership, Such as Its AEW Venture

The firm’s logistics exposure comprises €8.6 bn in equity investment, an increase of 39% year-on-year, and €3 bn in financing, up 15%. Regionally, the firm’s portfolio split is €5.8 bn in Europe, €3.3 bn in the U.S. and €2.5 bn in Asia Pacific.

Kari Pitkin, head of business development Europe at Allianz Real Estate said: 'We established our global logistics portfolio early, and now have a leading market position in the sector.
'Our dedicated logistics team has continued to build on this in 2021, leveraging their strong relationships with prime partners in Europe and beyond to capitalise on the significant shift in distribution and the evolution of the retail industry.

'Our approach to the sector has fully aligned with our global ESG strategy and the wider theme of sustainability. We have continued to select assets and partners with strong ESG profiles, building a logistics portfolio which meets the very highest standards.'

ESG goals
In April 2021, Allianz Real Estate announced it would aim to reduce the carbon footprint of its global portfolio by 25% by 2025 and reach net zero by 2050.

Initiatives in 2021 have included the incorporation of energy efficient improvements such as solar panels and the provision of e-truck charging infrastructure.

In March, for instance, the firm acquired a €72 mln newly built, last-mile logistics facility single-tenanted by Amazon in the south of Vienna. The first part of an active asset management programme focused on sustainability is the installation of photovoltaic panels as a means to increase the amount of energy derived from renewable sources.

The firm said it expected to further expand its logistics portfolio in 2022, ramping up its activity in Europe, the US and in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region, all of which are benefitting from strong tailwinds engendered by its significant adoption of e-commerce.

Karen Horstmann, head of acquisitions US at Allianz Real Estate added: 'Our focus is on the development of state-of-the-art facilities through both equity partnerships with leading operators and debt financing, honing in on prime, sustainable assets located strategically in and around urban areas – not only in Europe which has seen a plethora of activity over 2021, but in the US as well, which currently serves as the world’s most-developed logistics market.'