The Leading Cities Invest public fund by the KanAm Grund Group has made its first investment in Switzerland by purchasing the European headquarters of Chiquita Brands International at Lake Geneva from the Aerium Group. The property, which was finished in 2018 and is located in Etoy, comprises c. 3,500m² of space spread over four stories and a basement. Apart from the four levels of office space and a central reception area on ground level, the building also offers storage facilities and outdoor parking for 73 vehicles. The purchase price was not disclosed.
The building is highly visible and enjoys easy access to public transport and motorway links to Lausanne and Geneva, including the airport. The tenancy agreement with Chiquita Brands International, who financed most of the final completion of the building themselves, runs over a 10-year term (from the moving-in date in 2018).
The northern shore of Lake Geneva with the economic centre of Lausanne is well known as a popular location for leading international companies, such as hardware provider Logitech, cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company Philip Morris International, footwear manufacturer Bata as well as global food and beverage company Nestle. The authorities are actively promoting the economic development of the French-speaking canton of Vaud, which is already the renowned home of leading industries from micromechanics, electronics, watchmaking, medical engineering, information and biotechnology.
