Largest Nordic Transactions of H1 2018

Nordic — An intense first half of 2018 is in the books. The Nordic countries are on pace to set a new transaction record. Nordic Property News has listed the ten largest transactions.

”Our Ambition is to Become One of the Major Property Owners in Helsinki”

Finland Finland — Castellum, one of Sweden’s largest listed real estate companies, makes their entrance into the Finnish market with a EUR 81M acquisition from Skandia. Henrik Saxborn, CEO of Castellum, tells Nordic Property News of the strategy to grow in more Nordic markets, how much they are looking to invest in Finland and why he believes a player like Castellum is missing in Helsinki.

Continued Swedish Interest in the Danish Market

Denmark Denmark — Several Swedish investors have entered the Danish market lately and contributed to the Danish market has increased by 57 percent in transaction volume. Mikael Söderlundh, Head of Research at Pangea Property Partners, tells Nordic Property News about the Danish increase and why the Swedish interest in Denmark looks to remain high.

Why Cromwell Choses Finland over Sweden

Finland Finland — After purchasing the Omega portfolio together in 2017, Cromwell and Goldman Sachs continue to do business together in Finland. They now purchase 27 properties from IVG Polar for EUR 108.5 million. Tomas Beck, Head of Nordics at Cromwell, tells Nordic Property News about the significance of the acquisition, the hunt for more investments in Finland and why he currently has a hard time seeing Sweden as an attractive investment alternative.

Residential Dominates the Nordics

Nordic — Residential has been the most substantial segment as the Nordic transaction market notes the second highest listing ever in the first six months of 2018. Mikael Söderlundh, Head of Research and Partner at Pangea Property Partners, tells Nordic Property News about the factors behind the rise of the residential market.

These Are McDonald's Focus Areas in the New Nordic Expansion

Nordic — The world's largest fast food chain McDonald's increases their investments in the Nordic region with a new expansion of 100 new restaurants in the coming five years. Christer Åberg, CEO of McDonald's in the Nordics, tells Nordic Property News about the distribution of the new restaurants and in what areas they are looking for new establishments.

Why Helaba Strengthens Their Nordic Presence

Nordic — German Helaba strenghtens their position in the Nordic countries by converting their Stockholm representive office into a fully-fledged branch. Michael Kröger, General Manager International Real Estate Finance at Helaba, tells Nordic Property News of why Helaba views on the conversion, the Nordic markets going forward and the foreign interest.

Rent Levels in Gothenburg

Sweden Sweden — Gothenburg is the fifth largest city in the Nordic countries and one of the fastest growing. Nordic Property News presents figures for rent levels in the city.

EUR 929M Deal on Rocky Residential Market

Sweden Sweden — Heimstaden has entered a framework agreement with Magnolia Bostad for projects in Greater Stockholm and the Öresund region worth approximately EUR 929M. Fredrik Årman, Head of Transaction at Heimstaden, tells Nordic Property News on the thoughts of making a blockbuster deal on the current residential market.

Corpus Sireo: “We Expect the Next Investments to Be Closed by the End of the Year"

Finland Finland — Corpus Sireo has made their first Finnish acquisition for a real estate fund launched by Swiss Life Asset Managers. Manuel Böcher, Head of Transaction International, tells Nordic Property News of the acquisition and the future in the Nordics.

Here Are Antilooppi's Focus Areas in Helsinki

Finland Finland — Antilooppi acquired two Helsinki office buildings from Cromwell for EUR 43M. CEO Tuomas Sahi tells Nordic Property News what Helsinki areas Antilooppi focuses on.

After EUR 215M Divestment – Aspelin Ramm On the Hunt for New Investments

Norway Norway — Aspelin Ramm completed a giant divestment by selling the shopping center Alna Senter in Oslo for EUR 215M. The company's CEO, Gunnar Bøyum, tells Nordic Property News about the decision to sell after a 40 years of ownership and where they are looking for their next investment.

Housing Shortage Possible Threat to Stockholm

Sweden Sweden — Olle Zetterberg, retiring CEO of Stockholm Business Region, sees possible clouds looming on the horizon for the Stockholm market going forward.

Scala: "Size Matters"

Norway Norway — On the retail market, where there is an uncertainty regarding the future development of retail, one has to create strong companies. Salto Eiendom and Scala Retail Property in Norway have decided to merge. Hans Jørgen Mørland, CEO at the new formed company, tells Nordic Property News about the merger, future visions for the new company and his view on the development of the retail market.

Why Barings Focus on Sweden and Finland

Nordic — Barings Real Estate made a big splash on the Nordic market by acquiring the highly sought after office building Fleming 7 in Stockholm CBD from Mengus. Gunther Deutsch, Head of Real Estate Transactions Europe at Barings, tells Nordic Property News his views on the Nordic markets, how the Nordic markets perform compared to the rest of Europe and why Barings focus on Sweden and Finland.

"The Strong Foreign Interest in Norwegian Real Estate Will Continue"

Norway Norway — Anders Solaas, newly appointed CEO for Cushman & Wakefield Realkapital, tells Nordic Property News of his views on the Norwegian market, the future development of foreign interest in Norway and what he can contribute to Cushman & Wakefield.

Midroc on Major Stockholm Divestment

Sweden Sweden — Midroc completes a major sale in Stockholm CBD to Anders Bodin Fastigheter. Midroc's deputy CEO Peter Syrén tells Nordic Property News about the large divestment of Tändstickspalatset – and the company's future Stockholm plans: "Will definitely invest."

Why Balder Enters Germany

Sweden Sweden — The company's CFO Marcus Hansson explains to Nordic Property News why they view the hotel portfolio as the optimal step into the country: "There could definitely be more acquisitions."

Amasten on the Hunt for More

Sweden Sweden — Amasten's Jan-Erik Höjvall tells Nordic Property News about the company's largest transaction of all time - and the plans for new business areas.

Why Wallenstam Believes a Housing Crash is Coming

Sweden Sweden — CEO Hans Wallenstam tells Nordic Property News why he believes a crash in the housing market is coming – and when.

Klövern's Investment Goal for the Hot Danish Market

Denmark Denmark — Klövern keeps up the pace in Denmark. After the company’s second acquisition, CEO Rutger Arnhult tells Nordic Property News of his views on the Danish market and what real estate volume they want to reach in Denmark.

Why Balder has Strong Faith in the Nordic Markets

Nordic — Earlier this spring Sweden's largest listed real estate company, Balder, made its first acquisition in Norway as well as several acquisitions in the other Nordic markets. For Nordic Property News, CEO Erik Selin gives his views on the Nordic region's future development.

Heba Open for More after Largest Acquisition in Company History

Sweden Sweden — Heba made their largest ever acquisition by purchasing apartments and land in Täby, Stockholm, for MSEK 449 (EUR 44M). Patrik Emanuelsson, CEO of Heba, tells Nordic Property News of the possibility of more acquisitions.

Barings: "We Expect Office Rents in Stockholm to Outperform Perform Peer Cities"

Sweden Sweden — Barings Real Estate completed a major purchase in Stockholm by acquiring Fleming 7 from Mengus for approximately EUR 107M. With the acquisition in hand Gunther Deutsch, Head of Real Estate Transactions Europe at Barings, tells Nordic Property News of their view of the Stockholm market and what Swedish segments they are focusing on next.

Big Swedish Player Converts Offices to Apartments At Unique Address

Sweden Sweden — Listed Hufvudstaden converts office facilities to apartments near famous address in central Gothenburg: “Fantastic location.”