Catella sells majority stake in French valuation unit to Newmark

Catella Group has sold its 66.1% stake in Catella Valuation Advisory SAS to Newmark Group Inc. The transaction is expected to contribute nearly SEK 50 million to Catella’s EBIT in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The divestment forms part of Catella’s strategy to streamline its service offering and focus more closely on Corporate Finance operations, while maintaining the subsidiary’s established local expertise in France. According to the company, the sale will allow Corporate Finance to strengthen its core advisory and transaction services.

“It is of course with mixed feelings we take this strategic step to divest Catella Valuation Advisory SAS, which has played an important role in establishing Catella’s local presence in France. At the same time, this move allows us to sharpen our transaction and advisory capabilities. Catella’s strong brand in France provides a solid foundation for accelerating our growth within property advisory services. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Valuation team and wish them every success in their future endeavours,” said Daniel Gorosch, Head of Corporate Finance Europe.

France remains an important market for Catella, and Catella Valuation Advisory SAS has contributed significantly to building the Group’s position there. Following the divestment, Catella Corporate Finance in France will consist of Catella Property Consultants and Catella Residential Partners, with a continued focus on transaction and property advisory services.

The Corporate Finance business area plans to continue recruiting and developing key competencies to support client needs, strengthen profitability, and advance its pan-European growth strategy.

Photo: Daniel Gorosch, Head of Corporate Finance Europe, Catella Group

Slovakia’s Top Real Estate Projects and Leaders Recognised at the CIJ Awards Slovakia 2025

fletcher@cijeurope.com
21 November 2025
CIJ - Spotlight, Co-Social, Logistics, Office, Residential, Retail

The Slovak real estate community gathered on 20 November 2025 in Bratislava’s historic Moyzes Hall for the CIJ Awards Slovakia 2025, the country’s longest-running and most respected commercial property awards event. Organised by CIJ EUROPE, the gala celebrated the year’s most outstanding achievements in development, investment, advisory, brokerage and leadership. Winners were selected through a combination of jury assessment and voting by CIJ EUROPE readers.

This year’s winners also shared insights on what the awards mean to them and their teams.

Dominika Bajzáthová, Counsel at Kinstellar Slovakia, which won Best Law Firm of the Year, said the award recognises “all the hard work we put in for our clients and all our efforts to help them get their deals completed.”

Residential excellence was marked by several strong performers, including HERRYS, winner of Best Local Residential Real Estate Agency of the Year, and MINT Investments, developer of the Best Premium Residential Development, Metropolis. HERRYS Partner Filip Zoldák credited their success once again to the strength of their relationships. “It’s about the right people we work with,” he said. “We understand each other with our developers, our investors, our agents and consultants. The chemistry between everyone is what makes our projects succeed.” He added that the recognition represents “hard work and a great achievement that pushes the whole team forward.”

In the major residential development categories, Čerešne Residence by ITB Development was awarded Best Standard Residential Development. ITB COO Filip Matovič said the award is “a reward for the work we’re doing, delivering a product that makes clients happy. We’re grateful that not only our buyers, but also the jury of experts, appreciate the results.”

On the upcoming development side, Éclair Bottova by IMMOCAP was named Best Residential Upcoming Development of the Year. IMMOCAP Commercial Director Martin Marko stressed the collective nature of their achievements. “The most important factor behind these nominations and prizes is excellent teamwork,” he said. “We’re committed to bringing quality real estate into the regions, and we’re grateful for this recognition.”

Commercial development also delivered several standout projects. Best Office Development of the Year went to ZWIRN Office by YIT Slovakia, while Best Retail Shopping Development of the Year was awarded to Point Revúca by OPC Group. OPC Real Estate’s Managing Director, Miroslav Tavel, said awards like these are important for the company and its team: “It confirms that we are doing well. Our projects are performing strongly, and recognition like this motivates us even more.”

Mountpark Bratislava secured Best Warehouse/Logistics Development of the Year and played a major role in the Best Warehouse Lease Transaction of the Year for the 65,000 m² pre-lease to Alza. Representing Holland & Company, Real Estate Executive Tomáš Ostatník described Mountpark as “one of the leading industrial projects in Bratislava—very close to the city, accessible via highway and airport, attractive for tenants who need to stay close to their customers, and full of strong green features.”

In the future development categories, Penta Real Estate’s Chalupkova Offices was awarded Best Office Upcoming Development of the Year. Senior Business Development Manager Michal Hranai said receiving recognition during construction is especially meaningful. “Developing a building takes many years. Being awarded in the middle of the process provides valuable feedback and motivates the team to finish the project at the highest possible level.”

Mint Investments’ Metropolis project had a particularly strong presence this year. Co-founder Katarína Lindbergh reflected on building during highly challenging external conditions. “When we started Metropolis, we faced the Ukraine war, rising material costs and a complicated environment. But the most important thing was the team,” she said. “From our internal project management and strategic leadership to suppliers like Takenaka, MetroStab and Aheris, the professionalism was exceptional. If we were to build another project, we would not change a single decision.”

Corporate excellence was also acknowledged across advisory and management categories. ATRIOS was awarded Best Project Management Company of the Year. Managing Partner Peter Kysela highlighted their long-term role supporting major retail and commercial brands. “We are not just technical advisors,” he said. “We are partners responsible for the entire development process—land acquisition, engineering, documentation and construction management. Our partners recognise us as a reliable collaborator for many years.”

Wood & Company won Best Asset Management Company of the Year, IAD Investments received Best Performing Real Estate Property Fund of the Year, and 365.invest was awarded Best Real Estate Property Fund Management of the Year. Best Tax & Finance Advisor went to Highgate Law & Tax, while Space Brokers was named Best Local Commercial Real Estate Agency of the Year.

The evening concluded with the prestigious leadership award. Best Senior Leadership of the Year was presented to Karol Šebo, CEO of UNITED Real Estate, for his contribution to transforming the historic Cukrovar site in Trnava into a new mixed-use district. Šebo said he hopes the jury recognised “the way we work with history and how we connect history with the future in our residential project.”

Robert Fletcher, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of CIJ EUROPE, said the winners reflect “the strength, resilience and innovation of Slovakia’s real estate market,” adding that their work demonstrates the forward-looking development that reinforces Slovakia’s position as one of Central Europe’s most dynamic property environments.

All national winners now advance to compete at the HOF Awards – Best of the Best in 2026, joining leading projects and companies from 12 countries across the region.

Panattoni completes robotised distribution centre for Auchan in Wilcza Góra

Auchan has opened a new 18,000 sqm build-to-suit distribution facility in Wilcza Góra, developed by Panattoni. The site is designed for e-grocery logistics and operates with the Ocado automation system. JLL advised on the location selection and BTS process, while the design was prepared by Tacakiewicz Ferma Kresek. The investment is valued at nearly EUR 34 million.

“The solutions implemented in the new centre allow for a highly automated order-picking process, greater reliability and completeness of deliveries, and the highest service quality for our customers, while offering an exceptionally wide product range — ultimately up to 40,000 SKUs,” said Alexandre Saussard, CEO of Auchan Polska. He added that the scale of the project required experienced partners and that the cooperation was conducted “at an exceptionally high and professional level.”

The building features a multi-level technological mezzanine, dedicated refrigeration and freezing systems, and a reinforced floor for robotics. The project included extensive infrastructure work, including a 7 km power connection and 100 km of cabling.

Marek Dobrzycki, Partner at Panattoni, noted that “neither in Poland nor across the entire CEE region has the Ocado automation system been deployed on such a scale before,” describing the facility as a reference point for food logistics and online fulfilment.

The Ocado system uses robotics, AI and machine learning, enabling autonomous robots to work within a three-dimensional grid. “With the launch of the Wilcza Góra facility, we are bringing a new level of online grocery service to the Polish market,” said Gregor Ulitzka, President Europe, Ocado Solutions. He highlighted that the project incorporates the company’s latest automation technologies, including AI-supported robotic picking.

JLL supported Auchan throughout the BTS process. Tomasz Mika, Head of Industrial Agency Poland, said the development reflects the increasing automation of the Polish e-commerce logistics sector and required coordination between multidisciplinary teams to meet “stringent technological requirements.”

The facility was developed with a focus on energy efficiency and has achieved BREEAM Excellent certification. Measures include a roof prepared for photovoltaic panels, LED lighting with sensors, a BMS system and a CO₂-based refrigeration system. According to the developers, primary energy use is around 30% lower than a standard reference building. The site also includes EV charging points, bicycle infrastructure and extensive landscaping with more than 200 native trees.

Adrian Lipowski, Senior Architect at Tacakiewicz Ferma Kresek, said the team realised early in construction that the project’s technological and architectural elements were aligning as planned and that completion ahead of schedule appeared achievable.

Futureal Investment Partners leases full building at Lipowy Park to National Police Headquarters

Futureal Investment Partners has leased an entire building within the Lipowy Park complex in Warsaw to the National Police Headquarters. The agreement covers approximately 10,000 sqm of office space and represents the largest relocation transaction recorded on the Warsaw office market so far in 2025.

According to the landlord, the tenant selected the property based on its technical specification, building quality, location, and its ability to meet required security standards.

Lipowy Park is currently undergoing a wider repositioning programme aimed at transforming the site into a mixed-use, green campus. The complex is targeting a BREEAM Excellent In-Use certification. Of the four buildings within the development, two have already been converted for residential use. These assets were acquired by 1AM and are now operated as rental housing under the “SHED Co-living” brand.

The transaction involved teams from Futureal Investment Partners, including Jacek Hasiec, Katarzyna Socha, Paulina Błędowska and Piotr Puchalski, with legal support from Andrzej Szmigiel and Karolina Samul of DECISIVE Szmigiel Papros Gregorczyk, and technical advisory from MJL, represented by Artur Hoppe.

HIH Invest Buys 16,000 sqm Office Property in Hamburg

HIH Invest Real Estate has purchased an office and administrative building located at Hammer Straße 30–34 in Hamburg’s Wandsbek district. The acquisition was completed on behalf of an institutional investor under an individual mandate.

The property offers approximately 16,000 sqm of rental space, including about 15,170 sqm of offices and 830 sqm of storage, along with 213 underground parking spaces and seven outdoor spaces. It has been fully leased to the City of Hamburg since 2016. Public agencies using the building include the Office for Migration, the Central Immigration Authority, the Central Residents’ Registration Office and the State Police. The current lease runs for 20 years and includes extension options of roughly 10 years.

Built in 2006, the six-storey reinforced concrete building has modern technical systems, flexible floor layouts and DGNB Platinum certification. Standard floors of around 2,450 sqm can be subdivided into up to three units of approximately 660 sqm each.

“Due to its central location, good accessibility and flexible floor plan structure, the property in Hamburg-Wandsbek is ideally suited as a location for public authorities and administration with high footfall,” said Daniel Asmus, Head of Transaction Management Office Germany at HIH Invest.

David Sanders, Head of Fund Management/Multi Manager Business, noted that the acquisition provides long-term income security. “With the acquisition of this office property, we are securing a long-term stable investment for our investor, which generates reliable cash flow thanks to the public tenant,” he said.

Wandsbek, Hamburg’s most populous district, hosts numerous administrative offices and benefits from strong public transport links, including a nearby underground station and several bus routes. Retail and dining options are located in the immediate area.

HIH Invest plans further sustainability measures as part of its manage-to-green approach. “The switch to green electricity has been completed and the retrofitting of a photovoltaic system is being examined,” Asmus added.

Hogan Lovells International LLP handled legal and tax due diligence. Technical and ESG due diligence was performed by Drees & Sommer SE, and BNP Paribas Real Estate acted as broker.

Peakside Capital Advisors Appoints Łukasz Meisner as Head of Project Management

Peakside Capital Advisors has expanded its Polish team with the appointment of Łukasz Meisner as Head of Project Management. He will oversee the company’s investment projects in Poland, including developments within the City Point, Urban Parks and Peakside Industrial logistics platforms.

In his new position, Meisner will lead the project team responsible for all stages of the investment cycle — from planning and concept preparation to construction and final handover to tenants. His responsibilities will include coordinating project execution, supervising general contractors, managing budgets and timelines, and implementing measures supporting ESG strategies and operational efficiency.

Meisner has extensive experience in project management and regulatory processes in the real estate sector. He has previously worked on warehouse, logistics and industrial developments, coordinating construction, budget oversight and technical optimisation.

“We are delighted that Łukasz is joining our team. His experience in investment project implementation and excellent knowledge of the real estate market in Poland are an important reinforcement of our operational capabilities,” said Roman Skowroński, Managing Director at Peakside Capital Advisors. “As Peakside’s investment portfolio grows, maintaining the highest standards of quality and efficiency is crucial. We believe that his expertise will support our strategic objectives and deliver value to investors and partners.”

Before joining Peakside, Meisner worked at 7R, where he coordinated investment preparation and supervised contracts with general contractors, as well as cooperation with local authorities and compliance with project and lease documentation. Earlier roles include positions at Panattoni Development Europe, Trebbi Polska, Waimea Holding, Strabag and Polimex Energetyka.

He graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technology and Construction Organisation at the Krakow University of Technology.

SFI Europe Becomes New Tenant at P3 Ostrava Central

SFI Europe s.r.o., the European branch of Korean manufacturer SeAH FSI Co., Ltd., has established its first European base at the P3 Ostrava Central industrial and commercial park. The company, which produces automotive fluid systems, began operating from the site in November.

SFI Europe has leased 2,673 sqm in Hall M2. Around two-thirds of the space will be used for light production, with the remaining area serving as storage. The company is also taking 465 sqm of offices for administrative functions.

“We are delighted that SFI Europe has chosen P3 Logistic Parks, and in particular our Ostrava park, for its strategic move,” said Marek Jaskula, leasing manager at P3. “We believe that the combination of an excellent location, multifunctional halls, administrative space and the availability of a skilled workforce will enable the company to enter the European market quickly and efficiently.”

According to Sam Kim, Managing Director of SFI Europe s.r.o., the choice of location was driven by proximity to customers. “We chose the Czech Republic for our entry into the European market because of its strategic location in the center of Europe. P3 Ostrava Central offers us excellent access to labor, a tradition of industrial production and, above all, space that precisely meets our requirements and those of our clients,” he said.

The Ostrava facility will manufacture brake and fuel lines made from thin-walled steel tubes. Trial output is planned for the second half of next year, with full production expected in 2027. A testing laboratory inside the hall will support quality control. Initial staffing will be around 35 people, rising to an estimated 60 once regular production begins.

Environmental criteria played a significant role in the selection of the premises due to the requirements of SFI Europe’s automotive clients. “The building that the company will use in P3 Ostrava Central has BREEAM Excellent environmental certification and solar panels on the roof. The company will also purchase electricity from renewable sources,” Jaskula noted.

P3 Ostrava Central was developed on a former brownfield site and all buildings in the complex hold BREEAM Excellent certification. The park includes landscaped public areas with benches, bike stands and an outdoor gym, and hosts a range of occupiers including Linde Material Handling, Tefcold, Canpol babies, PNS, Zítek logistics, bezvapostele.cz and Brainmarket. SFI Europe will combine production, warehousing and office functions within its leased space.

Union Investment sells Palladium shopping centre in Prague

Union Investment has profitably sold Palladium in Prague, which it had acquired for UniImmo: Deutschland in 2015, to a fund belonging to the Czech REICO Erste Asset Management. The sale marks the largest property transaction ever carried out on the Czech market and is also the biggest single-asset retail transaction in CEE so far in 2025. The sales price is above the latest valuation of the property and significantly above the purchase price at the time.

“Palladium is a success story for the UniImmo: Deutschland fund, from its acquisition to its successful exit after a holding period of around 10 years. The timing of the sale at the beginning of the new market cycle is perfect. The property has generated positive long-term cash flow and a high-level of income stability for the fund over one decade and achieved high value gains.,” says Laura Roll, Senior Investment Manager Retail at Union Investment.

“We have now successfully capitalised on the renewed interest in dominant and high-quality retail assets in Europe to achieve a record high sales price, which we will use to further develop the fund’s portfolio through targeted reinvestments in European gateway cities,” says Henri Eisenkopf, Director Transaction Shopping Places at Union Investment. In line with the fund’s strategy, investments in retail, hotels, logistics and office properties are being examined in particular.

Palladium, has a total usable floor space of around 60,000 sqm, of which around 17,500 sqm is office space. The property offers above 800 car parking spaces in an inner-city parking garage. The 180 shops are predominantly occupied by strong local and international brands, including numerous flagship stores. Thanks to its easy accessibility in a central location on Náměstí Republiky square with direct links to the main shopping are between Prague’s Old Town and New Town, the iconic shopping centre attracts over 14.8 million visitors per year.

Union Investment was advised on the transaction by CBRE, Clifford Chance and TPA. The buyer was advised by Willsons, ASB, Savills and Cushman and Wakefield.

Study: Reform of EU CO₂ border rules needed to support climate-neutral and competitive industry

A new analysis by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) finds that the current combination of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the planned CO₂ border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is not sufficient to guide Europe’s basic materials industry toward climate-neutral production while maintaining international competitiveness.

According to the study, Europe’s emission-intensive sectors face a structural challenge: conventional technologies are incompatible with long-term climate targets, while low-carbon alternatives are still more expensive and lack strong market incentives. Study author Fernanda Ballesteros argues that today’s CO₂ price signals do not fully balance differences in climate policies between regions, and therefore do not create the conditions needed for large-scale investment in cleaner production.

Gaps in the current border adjustment system

The researchers conclude that CBAM, which is set to replace the long-standing system of free emission allowances for energy-intensive industries, leaves several issues unaddressed. Important manufacturing sectors are not included in its scope, export-oriented producers receive no relief for CO₂ costs, and the system opens room for “resource shuffling,” where lower-emission goods are directed to the EU while more carbon-intensive products are sold elsewhere.

Free allowances have so far helped limit the risk of companies relocating production to regions with looser climate rules, but they have also weakened incentives to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce the use of emission-intensive materials.

Proposal: Clean Industry Contribution

DIW researchers recommend an additional instrument that the European Commission previously considered in 2021. Their proposal, called the Clean Industry Contribution (CIC), would apply a charge to key raw materials such as steel, cement, aluminium and chemicals, regardless of where they are produced. Each material would be assigned a standardised emissions value representing conventional production, making climate-related costs visible in the price of downstream products.

Karsten Neuhoff, head of DIW’s Climate Policy Department, notes that such a scheme would maintain protection against carbon leakage while restoring incentives for emissions reduction along the value chain. Because the charge would also apply to imported materials, competitive conditions with non-EU producers would remain aligned.

Exports from the EU would be exempt from the contribution. Unlike product-specific CBAM calculations, the use of standardised values allows for export exemptions that, according to the study, are compatible with World Trade Organization rules and simpler to administer. Standard values would also reduce incentives for strategic redirection of goods to the EU market.

Revenue potential and investment support

DIW estimates that applying the Clean Industry Contribution across Europe could generate about €50 billion in revenue. This funding could be used to co-finance long-term agreements supporting investment in low-carbon industrial processes and to strengthen climate-related initiatives at both national and international levels.

The researchers conclude that a reform combining CIC with the existing emissions trading framework would provide clearer cost signals, reduce distortions in trade, and create more predictable conditions for industries that must transform their production methods over the coming decades.

Source: DIW Berlin

Corwin prepares major residential district in Prague’s Vysočany

Slovak developer Corwin is set to deliver a large multi-phase residential and mixed-use project in Prague’s Vysočany district. The plan envisions more than 1,000 new homes along with commercial and community facilities, with construction expected to run for roughly eight to ten years. Representatives of the company presented the details at a press briefing in Prague.

The site lies south of Českomoravská Street, on land formerly used for industrial purposes. The development, named Dvory Vysočany, will proceed in several stages. Work on the first phase is underway and includes over 200 apartments, approximately 6,000 square metres of office space and around 1,400 square metres for shops and services. According to Corwin, the second phase has already secured the necessary building permit, and preparations for the remaining stages continue.

The overall architectural concept was prepared by the international urban design studio led by Jan Gehl and David Sim, working together with the Czech firm OVA Štěpán Valouch. The vision blends new construction with selected industrial elements, and the plan includes local amenities such as a nursery, retail units and a pharmacy. The district will be linked to public transport and cycling routes, including the A5 path.

Jakub Dobrý, Corwin’s head for the Czech market, said the arrangement of streets and buildings aims to create a safe and comfortable neighbourhood, with areas where children can play and residents can meet in public spaces or cafés.

Corwin, headquartered in Bratislava and active in Slovenia through its Ljubljana office, has delivered several residential and commercial schemes in both countries, including the Einpark Offices in Bratislava and the Vilharia complex in Ljubljana. Over the past several years, the company has also redeveloped former industrial areas.

The Dvory Vysočany project is being financed through a combination of bank loans and the developer’s own capital. According to Corwin, the Hartenberg investment group, which has collaborated with the developer on earlier projects in Slovakia and Slovenia, is among the partners involved in the Vysočany scheme. Hartenberg, founded by Jozef Janov after leaving the Penta Group, invests across retail, e-commerce and healthcare and has taken stakes in several Corwin developments in recent years.

The first part of the new Prague district is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2029.

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