The premises for modern business this year confirmed the fundamental importance in the life of each of us. Thanks to them and the tenants who operate in them, the European economy has kept going even during the greatest quarantine and the basic supply of households, companies and countries has not collapsed. In addition, the dynamic growth of the logistics and e-commerce sectors has also shown their investment potential. Industrial real estate plays an important role in the strategies of the world's largest funds. At the same time, they are a sought-after asset for smaller investors.

"Our long-term strategy is being confirmed. We are in the phase of further transformation of traditional industry and it is already clear that industrial buildings will play a major role in it. Six years ago, we knew that industrial halls and quality infrastructure for business would be increasingly needed. We built on a conservative path, strategic locations and especially on the diversification of our tenants' portfolios. Today, it consists of dozens of major companies in the field of online shopping, logistics and light manufacturing. Thanks to rental income, which, despite the current crisis, is fully paid by European and global leaders in our unions, we can offer our investors a stable long-term return. Our existing tenants are growing with us, new ones are coming and the interest in our halls is great. This is evidenced by the occupancy rate of 99.7%, which significantly exceeds not only the market of Central and Eastern Europe, but also the German market," explains Milan Kratina, co-founder and chairman of the board of Accolade Industrial Fund.

Despite the difficult period affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, 9 projects were added to the Fund 's portfolio in 2020 within 7 industrial complexes, which are now leased by 14 world brands and leaders in their fields. Almost 70% were modern halls for production and logistics related to e-commerce in the Czech Republic and Poland. These include e.g. DHL, Dematic, InterCars, Expondo, Raben, TFS, Nexans or REAL digital. The average length of leases is seven years.

Following the growing demand, the Accolade Fund will now also be actively offered in Slovakia. For distribution on the local market, it has agreed with Slovenská sporiteľňa, which is a significant and stable player in the market.

"I am very pleased that clients of ERSTE Privatebanking - Slovenská sporiteľňa's private banking, will also have the opportunity to take advantage of investment opportunities in industrial real estate, which is successfully managed and managed by the Accolade Industrial Fund. I am convinced that cooperation with Accolade Industrial Fund will contribute to a greater diversity of our clients' investment portfolios and enable ERSTE Privatebanking clients to participate in the growth of the industrial real estate market under the professional and experienced supervision of Accolade," comments Michal Orlovský, Erste Privatebanking's director at Slovenská sporiteľňa.

The Accolade Fund enjoys the trust of 1,200 qualified investors and other partners and financial institutions. Proof of this is the newly concluded agreement on the refinancing of the portfolio of four industrial complexes worth 85 mil. EUR within the Erste Group with Česká sporitelna. This step leads to ensuring the stability of the fund and in the long run also has a positive effect on its performance.

Transaction for 85 mil. EUR proves that the business premises of the 21st century are today considered by major financial institutions to be the most attractive segment of commercial buildings.

"For Česká sporitelna, the priority is to finance projects that strengthen the prosperity and competitiveness of our economy. The importance of industrial parks will grow stronger and will continue to grow with regard to changing conditions in the areas of production, retail and e-commerce in connection with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the cooperation with the Accolade fund guarantees a friendly approach to the environment, which is essential for the savings bank," says Martina Jůzová, real estate manager of Česká sporitelna.

At present, the Accolade Fund, established in 2014, manages assets in excess of 658 mil. EUR and owns 15 industrial parks in the Czech Republic, Poland and Germany. It leases modern and sustainable industrial halls on a total area of ​​886,136 m2 to dozens of tenants of renowned European and world business names. The fund offers investors not only the opportunity to participate in the development of a sustainable future for business in Europe, but also an interesting return, which in the last five years has averaged around 10% p.a. The minimum expected yield is 7% p.a.

"At Accolade, we have created a portfolio of buildings that meet the highest standards of modern construction and environmental impact, as evidenced by their prestigious BREEAM sustainability certifications. As a result, we have brought a new dimension of responsible investment to the market, as our parks not only operate in harmony with nature and the world around us, but also guarantee a high level of energy self-sufficiency, efficient water management and above-standard working conditions for employees. We currently have one of the greenest portfolios of industrial buildings in Europe, which also includes the most environmentally friendly modern hall in the world in Cheb. Sustainability is important to us in all directions. Both in business and towards nature and our partners," explains Martin Kratina.

Source:// Priekopnik