LaSalle Investment Management has completed the purchase of a state-of-the-art logistics warehouse in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, located in Ladenburg east of Mannheim in south-west Germany. The warehouse was acquired as a forward-funding deal from PGIM Real Estate and Panattoni on behalf of Encore+.
The logistics property, which was completed in the summer of 2021, comprises a total of 56,864m² of multifunctional space. This extends over three units, ranging from 8,000 to almost 23,000m², which can be further divided up. Developed with the highest standards of sustainability, the property produces part of the energy required for its running via a photovoltaic system on the roof; this provides a habitat for the locally native lizards. The lighting is provided exclusively by LED technology, and charging stations for electric vehicles have also been installed on the site. The buildings have been developed according to the DGNB Gold standards. In addition, the award of the platinum certificate has already been applied for. The property is leased on a long-term basis to the sole user Neska Schifffahrts- und Speditionskontor.
Ladenburg is strategically located in one of the most sought-after logistics submarkets and economically strongest regions in Germany, where numerous listed corporations, small and medium-sized companies and start-ups are located. With its proximity to the major motorways of the A5, A6 and A67, connecting to the national rail network as well as to the rivers Rhine and Neckar, the location ensures excellent accessibility of important container terminals. With the inland ports of Mannheim and Ludwigshafen, the Rhine-Neckar region is an important shipment point, especially for the chemical industry, as well as being close to Frankfurt Airport.
David Ironside, Fund Manager for Encore+ at LaSalle, commented: "With this acquisition, we are increasing our allocation to the logistics sector – a segment that plays an important role in our long-term planning, not least thanks to its resilience to crises. This is because the German logistics market is on an upward trend. I am pleased for our investors that we have succeeded in acquiring this property for Encore+. Due to the long-term letting, the multifunctional space use possibilities as well as the state-of-the-art equipment, the property fits perfectly into our fund portfolio."
Andreas Wesner, Head of Transactions Northern Continental Europe at LaSalle, added: "The property is excellently located in an environment with scarce logistics space. The Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region is one of the strongest business locations in Germany and is also an important logistics market. As a result, the vacancy rate is low and the supply of space sizes for comprehensive ambitious projects is very limited, which is reflected not least in above-average rising rental prices. An excellent starting point from which the property, as well as our investors, will benefit sustainably."
