Goodman seeks no1 logistics position in three countries

Goodman Group aims to become the logistics property market leader in France and Poland over the next three years. The global integrated logistics company is already the market leader in Germany, and topped PropertyEU's 2012 ranking of top European real estate developers.

The global integrated logistics company's Continental European business manages 112 warehouses and six business parks across 11 countries.

The focus, though, is on four markets, Germany, France, the Benelux region and Poland. ‘We are the largest player in Germany and a major player in France, where the French REITS also have significant logistics holdings,’ Kristof Verstraeten, commercial director for Goodman's Continental European operations, told PropertyEU.

'We are not the biggest in Poland either, however our ambition is to use our capital, team and knowhow to become the number one player in each of these markets in three years.'

Germany accounts for about 45% of the company's EUR 2.1 bn assets under management at end-2011.

'We are very happy with that and I think it will stay around that level, though it could increase in the short-term as Germany is robust economically and one of the most active for development,' Verstraeten said.

Germany, which is forecast to see 1% GDP growth this year - accounts for half of the estimate completions of 800,000 m² logistics space for the full-year. The German share is valued at around EUR 240 mln.

When France, the Benelux and Poland are added the four markets account for 80 to 85% of Goodman's AUM. The company forecasts the AUM in Europe will grow to EUR 2.4 bn or more by year-end.

The full interview appears in the September edition of PropertyEU Magazine. Click on the link below to order your copy now