Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Panattoni has unveiled plans to significantly expand its operations in France, aiming to double the size of its business through a larger development pipeline, a national speculative development programme and an expanded regional team.
The strategy reflects the company’s view that improving market conditions, softer land pricing and greater land availability are creating opportunities for speculative logistics development across key French markets.
Matthew Byrom, Managing Partner for UK & France, said France shares several characteristics with the UK logistics market, where Panattoni has successfully expanded its speculative development activities. He noted that while the planning process in France can be lengthy and complex, obtaining development permits creates significant value and allows developers to respond more quickly to occupier demand than through build-to-suit projects.
Panattoni’s current French development pipeline includes the 43,000 sqm Triborder City Dock near Basel, the 37,000 sqm Panattoni Park Paris West at Gaillon and Val d’Hazey, and the redevelopment of a 10,700 sqm City Dock scheme at Paris Nord 2. The company has also recently completed a 7,600 sqm parcel hub at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport.
To support its expansion, Panattoni has strengthened its French leadership team through a series of senior appointments and promotions.
Grégoire Challe has been promoted to Executive Director, France, where he will oversee the overall management and performance of the French business. James Watson has been appointed Head of National Development, France, in addition to his existing responsibilities, with responsibility for development activities nationwide.
The company has also appointed Nick Jordan, formerly with Mountpark, as Development Director in Paris, while Jago Betts and Pierre Fuchs join as Associate Developers for Central and Eastern France respectively. Both will focus on sourcing development opportunities and supporting occupier requirements. Youcef Assous has been appointed Project Manager and Zoe Dreux joins as Marketing and Communications Manager.
As part of the leadership transition, Salvi Cals has stepped down as Managing Director. Since joining Panattoni in 2021, he has overseen the company’s entry into the French market and helped establish its operational platform.
Panattoni said it remains committed to expanding its long-term presence in France through continued investment, additional development projects and a growing regional team. The company’s strategy reflects continued confidence in demand for modern logistics space in France despite broader market uncertainty, with speculative development expected to play an increasingly important role in meeting occupier requirements across the country’s major logistics markets.
