Bank of China is part of a consortium funding the construction of the 200-metre Incity Tower project in the French city of Lyon.
Bank of China is part of a consortium funding the construction of the 200-metre Incity Tower project in the French city of Lyon.
The Chinese bank recently opened a branch in the city.
French developer Sogelym Dixence has started construction of the flagship office skyscraper in the Part-Dieu district after securing funding from a banking pool including Bank of China, its long-term associate the Banque Cantonale de Genève, and two key regional players, the Lyonnaise de Banque and the Caisse d’Epargne Rhône-Alpes.
In addition to the bank finance, Sogelym said it has launched a bond issue fully underwritten by a subsidiary of Perella Real Estate Fund II, a vehicle managed by private equity group Perella Weinberg Partners.
Bouygues Construction is the contractor for the Valode & Pistre-designed project, which will involve 44,000 m2 of office space. The scheme is slated for completion in 2015.
Sogelym said it has secured the first occupant for the project with the signing of a major pre-let to railway group SNCF , which is taking 22,000 m2.
Located at 114-116, Cours Lafayette, the 39-storey complex is aiming to achieve HQE (high environmental quality), BBC and BREEAM Excellent energy certification ratings.
Sogelym Dixence was advised by Lefèvre Pelletier & associés; Perella Weinberg Partners by Allen & Overy, Lacourte Balas Raquin, CJP Partners and Maître Ginisty; the banking pool by Field Fisher Waterhouse, Maître Alcaix in Lyon and Brumm & associés.
Sogelym has developed a number of iconic office towers in France, including Oygène Tower in Lyon, Vista Tower and Balthazar in Paris.
