Segro, the UK-based provider of flexible business space, has announced the acquistion of BAA's 50% interest in the Airport Property Partnership (APP) for £111.3 mln (EUR 128 mln) in cash. APP is a 50/50 joint venture with Aviva Investors, focused on airport-related industrial assets in and around major UK airports.
Segro, the UK-based provider of flexible business space, has announced the acquistion of BAA's 50% interest in the Airport Property Partnership (APP) for £111.3 mln (EUR 128 mln) in cash. APP is a 50/50 joint venture with Aviva Investors, focused on airport-related industrial assets in and around major UK airports.
Segro will become the asset manager of the APP portfolio whilst Aviva Investors will retain its role as fund manager. In addition, Segro and Aviva Investors are in discussions to expand the joint venture significantly through the proposed purchase by APP of approximately £240 mln of complementary assets within Segro's existing portfolio. Details will be disclosed in due course, Segro said in a press release.
The APP portfolio includes 17 direct property assets and three indirect investments. The direct assets comprise an area of 3.5 mln square feet with a vacancy rate of 6.8% and an average unexpired lease length of 13.4 years. By value, 73% of the assets are located in the Heathrow market.
The acquisition price implies a property valuation of £446.6 mln on a 100% ownership basis (excluding indirect investments), and a net equivalent yield of 7.6%. As at 31 March 2010, APP had net debt of £229.0 mln.
Commenting on the transaction, Segro CEO Ian Coull said: 'The APP portfolio comprises high-quality assets, reinforces Segro's position at Heathrow, one of our core locations in the UK and offers significant upside potential. Further, the opportunity to expand the APP joint venture through the injection of existing Segro assets meets one of the Group's strategic objectives to leverage its property management skills across a broader asset base. We look forward to working with Aviva Investors to add value to the portfolio in the years ahead.'