Helios Europe, the European logistics developer headed by Mike Hughes, has entered into a joint venture with specialist fund manager Mansford Real Estate to develop a EUR 1 bn pipeline of future projects across Europe. The new partnership has received 'substantial financial backing' from two of the UK's largest pension funds, British Airways and West Midlands, to build out its 1.2 million m[sup]2[/sup] European development pipeline and to seek new opportunities.

Helios Europe, the European logistics developer headed by Mike Hughes, has entered into a joint venture with specialist fund manager Mansford Real Estate to develop a EUR 1 bn pipeline of future projects across Europe. The new partnership has received 'substantial financial backing' from two of the UK's largest pension funds, British Airways and West Midlands, to build out its 1.2 million m2 European development pipeline and to seek new opportunities.

The area of operations will be focused on Western and Central Europe, with projects in Austria, Sweden, Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and the Baltic States.

'The Mansford team brings truly outstanding fund and asset management expertise to the business,' said Mike Hughes. 'The financial firepower reflects renewed confidence in the European logistics sector and will continue our active growth in delivering logistics product for our many occupier clients and funding partners.'

Oliver Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Mansford added: 'We believe that the growth prospects for the logistics market in mainland Europe remain strong and it is a market we have tracked closely.'

Helios Europe was represented by De Morgan and Co. Mansford was advised by BNP Paribas Real Estate.