Saturday, 10 May 2025
Mapletree Investments has solidified its focus on logistics as a core sector with two significant acquisitions in Europe: its first logistics property in the United Kingdom and a portfolio of ten logistics assets in Spain. The total value of these acquisitions is approximately €315.1 million (£266.4 million). These strategic moves mark a significant milestone for the Singapore-based real estate group as it continues to expand its global logistics footprint.
The acquisitions align with Mapletree’s strategy of leveraging logistics as a high-demand asset class driven by the e-commerce boom and the need for robust supply chain infrastructure. According to Ralph van der Beek, Chief Executive Officer for Commercial and Logistics in Europe, logistics remains a highly attractive sector, drawing strong interest from both occupiers and investors. “E-commerce continues to thrive, and companies are securing and expanding their supply chains. These institutional-quality assets will deliver stable and recurring returns over the long run,” van der Beek said.
UK Entry with Derby Commercial Park Logistics Hub
Mapletree’s maiden logistics acquisition in the UK is a hub located in Derby Commercial Park. Strategically situated near major arterial routes, including the M1, A50, and A6, and close to East Midlands Airport and Derby’s city center, the hub offers unparalleled connectivity. The facility’s importance to its tenant was reinforced by a recent long-term lease renewal, highlighting the site’s integral role in the tenant’s operations.
Strategic Expansion in Spain
In Spain, Mapletree acquired a portfolio of ten logistics properties concentrated in key logistics hubs surrounding Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid. These assets are positioned within core areas offering immediate access to city centers, making them ideal for last-mile delivery operations. The properties cater to the strong demand for modern logistics facilities, which are in short supply in these regions. With a net lettable area of approximately 256,000 square meters, the portfolio serves tenants ranging from leading third-party logistics providers to manufacturers committed to the sites due to proximity to production hubs and advanced automation facilities.
The portfolio benefits from robust sustainability credentials, reflecting Mapletree’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its investment and operational decisions. These assets are positioned to meet modern logistical demands while adhering to environmental standards.
Since entering the European logistics market in 2018, Mapletree has grown its portfolio to include 80 assets across eight countries. Sixty-two of these properties are held under the Mapletree US & EU Logistics Private Trust (MUSEL), a private fund established in 2019 that has consistently delivered strong returns. MUSEL’s diversified portfolio spans strategically located logistics properties in both Europe and the Americas.
The newly acquired assets in the UK and Spain will serve as seed investments for Mapletree’s second European logistics-focused fund, which the group plans to launch after achieving sufficient scale. This fund is part of Mapletree’s broader strategy to expand its presence in core European markets while leveraging its private funds platform.
In addition to logistics, Mapletree has a diversified real estate portfolio in Europe and the UK, including office, mixed-use, and student housing properties. As of 31 March 2024, the group managed over €4.3 billion (£3.6 billion) in assets in these markets. Moving forward, Mapletree aims to enhance its onshore development capabilities and acquire well-positioned logistics assets to meet the growing demand for high-quality facilities.
The acquisitions underscore Mapletree’s commitment to delivering high-value logistics solutions and capitalizing on the e-commerce-driven demand for advanced supply chain infrastructure. With these strategic investments, the group strengthens its position as a key player in Europe’s dynamic logistics market.
Photo: Derby DC1, logistics hub in Derby Commercial Park, UK
