Maximilian Tappert and Lars Bothe of HIH Invest have partnered with Nrep in a strategic joint venture to acquire a major logistics development in Herten, North Rhine-Westphalia. The partnership marks HIH Invest's growing influence in the German logistics sector as it strengthens ties with international investors.
The project, sold by developer E-Group, will deliver approximately 36,821 m² of rental space with completion expected by mid-2026. Nearly half of the space has already been pre-let to a well-known company, with active negotiations underway for the remaining areas. The development includes 33,416 m² of logistics space, 1,153 m² of office space, and 2,252 m² of mezzanine space.
"The completed property will meet the highest sustainability and efficiency standards and be built in accordance with the taxonomy. We are also aiming for DGNB Gold certification. A photovoltaic system with a capacity of around 2.2 megawatts will be installed on the roof," says Maximilian Tappert, Head of Transaction Management Logistics at HIH Invest. "With modern heat pump technology, a clear height of 12.20 metres, a floor load of five tonnes per square metre and 24/7 use, the property meets all the requirements for future-proof logistics locations," Tappert continues.
The logistics park benefits from exceptional connectivity, with direct access to the A 42, A 43 and A 2 motorways, and proximity to the Herne container terminal. What makes this project particularly attractive to ESG-focused investors is its brownfield revitalisation approach, transforming a former coal slag heap into the sustainable 'Green Hub Emscher' industrial and commercial site spanning 40 hectares.
Wolfgang Ködel, Head of Nrep Germany, said: "The prime logistics property market in Germany is characterised by limited supply, even more so when it comes to sustainable and flexible space. Our partnership with HIH Invest is complementary to our existing strategies to capitalise on this opportunity and strengthen our German market presence. By combining our expertise in developing best in class logistics centres with HIH's asset management capabilities, we can unlock substantial value through these development projects."
Lars Bothe, Head of Value Add Investments at HIH Invest, adds: "With Nrep, we were able to win another international private equity investor for a partnership. With our expertise and broad positioning, we can also convince renowned international investors. Together, we are planning further value-add investments. In addition to logistics, we are currently examining exciting residential properties in the value-add sector with positive feedback from some investors. We are very familiar with the needs and requirements of the users of the rental properties and are in a position to react to trends and changing conditions in order to realise increases in value. In the current market environment, there are attractive opportunities in selected developments. Thanks to our broad network and our extensive asset management expertise, we have the ideal setup for realisation."
People mentioned:
- Maximilian Tappert, Head of Transaction Management Logistics at HIH Invest
- Lars Bothe, Head of Value Add Investments at HIH Invest
- Wolfgang Ködel, Head of Nrep Germany
Companies mentioned:
- HIH Invest Real Estate (HIH Invest) - Transaction initiator, deal structurer, and asset manager
- Nrep (Nordic Real Estate Partners) - International private equity investor
- Logicenters - Nrep's logistics platform
- E-Group - Project developer and seller
- Ashurst - Legal due diligence provider
- CBRE - Commercial due diligence provider
- Dress & Sommer - Technical advisor
Image: Visualisation Herten (Source: HIH Invest)
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