AFI Europe signs largest financing agreement in the CEE worth 220 million (RO)

AFI Europe, a member of “AFI Group”, has signed the largest real estate financing agreement, totaling €220 million, with the consortium of banks comprised of Deutsche Pfanbriefbank, Erste Group Bank and Raiffeisen Bank, for the refinancing of “AFI Palace Cotroceni” shopping mall in Bucharest, Romania.
“We appreciate the consortium’s trust in AFI Europe and in AFI Palace Cotroceni, for granting such a significant loan of €220 million. The process has been extremely challenging given the amount of the loan, the participation of three major banks and the fact that it was for a project in Romania. However, as the successful result shows, achieving financing in large sums is possible in Romania if it is for a good project and an experienced developer. I would like to thank the three banks for their trust in AFI Europe and AFI Palace Cotroceni and the two law firms, Dentons, which represented AFI Europe, and CMS Cameron McKenna, which represented the consortium of banks”, commented David Hay, CEO AFI Europe Romania.
AFI Palace Cotroceni has been inaugurated in November 2009 and has been considered as one of the most successful shopping malls in Romania since it opened.
AFI Palace Cotroceni gross leasable area spreads over 81,000 m² and its net operating income for Q1, 2014 totaled €7.3 million, which represent an increase of 6.7% compared to Q1, 2013. Based on Q1 results, NOI for 2014 is assumed to pass €29 million.
In addition, “AFI Palace Cotroceni“, showed an increase in shoppers’ footfall (visitors to the mall) to an average of 55,000 visitors per day in Q1 2014. Current occupancy increased to over 98%.
The value of “AFI Palace Cotroceni“ is €375 million as of 30.09.2013.
Source: AFI Europe