Investire, Henderson team up to launch Italian funds

Henderson Global Investors and Investire Immobiliare SGR, the property funds asset management company belonging to Banca Finnat Euroamerica Group, have signed a joint venture agreement for the development and distribution of property funds.

The partnership will focus on two key areas: funds structured around Italian real estate funds targeting Italian investors; and real estate funds developed for international investors, predominantly investing directly or indirectly in Italian real estate.

The partners aim to launch their first fund - a core+ pan-European fund - before summer 2012.

James Darkins, managing Director at Property for Henderson Global Investors said: ‘We are excited to be teaming up with Investire Immobiliare who boast access to an extensive pipeline of investment products in Italy and are confident of a successful and lasting relationship. It is also consistent with our proven strategy of co-investing alongside and utilising partners who can strengthen our position within a particular sector or geographical market.'

Henderson already has a joint venture in Germany - Warburg Henderson.

'We are highly proud of this agreement which consolidates the strategic placement of our asset management company,' said Investire Immobiliare President, Arturo Nattino. 'Thanks to the expertise and skills of Henderson Global Investors, we will have the opportunity, not only to increase our products' offer - giving new international opportunities to our Italian investors, but also to facilitate new contacts and enlarge our clients base, given that Henderson Property will allow the access to international players that could be interested in investing in Italy.'

The two businesses claim they complement each other well. Investire Immobiliare aims to widen its product range and to consolidate its growth path by strengthening its activity across the international markets, as it benefits from Henderson Property’s 30 years’ global property expertise, market-leading research and worldwide network of over 200 specialised professionals. Henderson Property, aims to boost its strategic positioning within the Italian market, which it targets through its dedicated Milan-based team, with an increased Italian product offering for its extensive network of international institutional clients.

Alberto Albertazzi, General Director of Henderson SGR, added: 'The establishment of a joint venture with such a leading player reflects our commitment to strengthen our presence in Italy, a market for which we recognize considerable investment opportunities.'