Ric Lewis establishes own investment firm

Property veteran Ric Lewis has launched a new real estate investment management company, named Tristan Capital Partners. Tristan will specialise in real estate investment strategies across the UK and Continental Europe drawing upon Lewis' extensive experience as the former CEO of Curzon Global Partners and chief investment officer for AEW Europe.

Lewis, CEO of Tristan Capital Partners said: 'Very significant investment opportunities are opening up across Europe due to the dislocation in the real estate markets caused by the credit crunch and the following economic crisis. The opportunities that arise in the next few years will be the best for the past 20 years.

'I'm pleased Tristan will have the opportunity to continue to work closely with my old firm AEW Europe in a joint venture for two funds with combined gross assets under management of EUR 2.2 bn. This means I will maintain tight links with the AEW team and our institutional investor clients in these vehicles.'

Tristan Capital Partners is the sub-advisor and executive portfolio manager for AEW Europe's European Property Investors (EPI) and European Property Investors Special Opportunities (EPISO) funds. EPI raised EUR 769 mln in equity capital in 2004 and completed its investment period at the end of 2007. EPISO raised EUR 788 mln in 2008 and the fund is now in the process of making investments.

Lewis added: 'I intend that Tristan will be among the market leaders in capitalising on the unique chances resulting from the wholesale restructuring underway in the European real estate industry. We will also aim to recreate the savvy and professional reputation of a top investment boutique that we achieved with Curzon.'

The June edition of PropertyEU magazine features a profile of Ric Lewis. Click on the link below to subscribe.