ALDI signs 43,000 sqm lease with CTP for new distribution centre near Warsaw

ALDI has signed a lease agreement with CTP, Europe’s largest listed industrial and logistics property developer, for a 43,000 sqm distribution centre at CTPark Warsaw Emilianów. The facility, currently under construction, will serve as ALDI’s third distribution centre in Poland and is expected to open in the first quarter of 2026.

ALDI expanded rapidly in 2024, opening nearly 60 new stores and reaching over 360 locations nationwide. The new distribution centre will support the company’s growing operations, particularly in central and north-eastern Poland, and is intended to improve the efficiency of its logistics network. ALDI will be the first tenant at CTPark Warsaw Emilianów, occupying almost the entire first warehouse.

The warehouse is designed to enhance ALDI’s supply chain operations. It will feature a refrigeration zone allowing around 25% of deliveries to be temperature-controlled, supporting the freshness of products. The facility will have nearly 90 loading docks to facilitate logistics processes. By easing the load on ALDI’s existing centres in Bydgoszcz and Chorzów, the new centre is expected to shorten delivery times to stores in several regions, including Mazowieckie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Podlaskie, Łódzkie, and Lubelskie.

The warehouse will include enhanced fire safety systems and measures to improve energy efficiency, such as reusing waste heat from the cooling system for underfloor heating and hot water.

CTPark Warsaw Emilianów is located near the S8 expressway, approximately 23 km from Warsaw. Once fully developed, the park will consist of three buildings with a total leasable area of over 119,600 sqm.

Wojciech Łubieński, President of ALDI Poland, said the new centre is a strategic addition to the company’s logistics network, improving flexibility and responsiveness in key regions.

Piotr Flugel, Managing Director at CTP Poland, noted that the agreement with ALDI builds on CTP’s experience in working with major retail clients and aligns with its expansion plans in the Mazovia region, where the company is developing over 840,000 sqm of industrial and logistics space, targeting one million sqm by the end of 2026.

Romania faces financial instability amid political uncertainty following election shock

Romania’s financial markets have responded sharply to the political upheaval triggered by Sunday’s vote and the immediate resignation of the leading candidate. Early signs point to deepening economic instability as uncertainty grows over the country’s political direction ahead of the decisive vote on May 18.

The Romanian leu weakened by over 5 units against the euro, reaching an exchange rate of 5.0376 lei per euro. While not catastrophic on its own, the depreciation occurred despite the National Bank of Romania (BNR) intervening heavily in the market, reportedly spending around €3 billion from its reserves to slow the currency’s decline.

Interest rates also rose, with the interbank ROBOR rate climbing, signalling more expensive borrowing costs for individuals and businesses. This is likely to increase mortgage and loan repayments for many households.

Compounding the situation, the government was unable to secure financing on the bond market yesterday as investors demanded interest rates deemed too high. If this pattern continues, Romania could soon struggle to cover essential public spending, including pensions, social assistance, and public sector wages.

There are growing concerns about Romania’s ability to secure funding from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (PNRR). Analysts warn that Brussels may be unwilling to negotiate seriously with a caretaker government, jeopardising billions of euros earmarked for infrastructure and development projects.

The possibility of a sovereign credit rating downgrade to “junk” status is increasingly being discussed by financial observers, raising the spectre of broader financial turmoil with social implications.

While these challenges stem from years of fiscal mismanagement and political instability, Sunday’s election result and the resignation have accelerated market anxiety. Attention now turns to the second round of the presidential election on May 18, which analysts argue will effectively decide Romania’s next prime minister and government direction.

A key dividing line has emerged between the two frontrunners. George Simion has announced he would appoint Călin Georgescu as prime minister if elected. Georgescu’s nomination raises questions about Romania’s future economic orientation, with commentators warning of unpredictable policies and possible confrontation with international partners. Markets view his leadership as a source of heightened uncertainty, which could further unsettle investors and institutions.

In contrast, Dan Barna, who has declared he would nominate Ilie Bolojan for prime minister, is associated with a more pragmatic and fiscally disciplined approach. Bolojan’s record in local government, including his tenure as mayor of Oradea and president of Bihor County Council, is seen as focused on reducing wasteful spending, encouraging investment, and improving public sector efficiency.

“This election is not only about choosing a president but also about deciding Romania’s economic path,” said Gabriel Biriș, Partner at Biriș Goran. “Voters face a choice between a controlled restructuring of the state and a riskier, disruptive transition.”

Simion currently leads in projected votes, with estimates suggesting he could secure 5.3 million votes based on likely transfers from first-round supporters. Barna is forecast at around 4 million votes. The 1.3 million vote gap is substantial, but higher turnout in the second round could alter the balance.

Historical patterns show second-round turnout exceeding the first. Analysts estimate that for Barna to overturn the deficit, an additional 2.6 million voters would need to mobilise, bringing total turnout to around 13 million—an ambitious figure given recent participation trends.

“The path forward depends on voter mobilisation,” political commentators note. “Without a significant increase in turnout, a hard landing for Romania’s economy becomes more probable.”

The outcome of the May 18 vote is likely to have immediate consequences for financial markets, government operations, and Romania’s engagement with international partners. Many observers caution that the coming weeks will be critical for the country’s political and economic stability.

Premium homes in Lisbon region attract buyers seeking sea views and lifestyle quality

The Lisbon region continues to attract strong interest from both domestic and international property buyers, with premium homes in Cascais, Estoril, and Ericeira standing out for their combination of coastal views, modern living standards, and access to leisure and cultural amenities.

“The Lisbon region continues to attract a diverse profile of buyers — from investors seeking long-term value to individuals prioritising lifestyle and coastal living,” says Barbora Hlaváčková, Residential Sales Consultant, who specialises in the Cascais, Sintra, and Ericeira areas. “These locations offer a unique combination of natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and proximity to the capital, making them especially appealing in today’s market.”

Among the standout listings is a fully renovated 2-bedroom apartment in Alapraia, Estoril, priced at €470,000. Located on the sixth floor, the apartment offers sea views, strong sunlight exposure, and proximity to São João do Estoril station and Azarujinha beach. The building features two elevators, video surveillance, and private storage, while the apartment itself includes a modern open-plan kitchen, updated technical systems, and nearly 86 m² of covered space.

“Your new home can have a sea view or sit in the middle of stunning nature just a few kilometres from the ocean,” says Hlaváčková.

In Ericeira, Europe’s only designated World Surfing Reserve, luxury properties are also drawing attention. One highlighted listing is a 2-bedroom apartment priced at €950,000, featuring a 65 m² rooftop terrace, private pool, and 98 m² of internal space. Located just 800 meters from Praia do Sul, it sits within a gated community. Another option in the area is a 2-bedroom duplex for €645,000, offering access to a communal pool and garden and located only 700 meters from the beach.

“Portugal, especially the Lisbon area, is a place where you’ll find all kinds of people — large families, gourmands, wine lovers, those who want to relax, and those who stay active,” says Hlaváčková. “Ericeira is a surf reserve, but it’s also great for running, walking, skating, practising yoga, or just enjoying peace and quiet. And Cascais offers amazing golf courses. Simply put, this area offers something for everyone — and more than 300 sunny days a year.”

Buyers looking for detached homes will find options like a 3-bedroom house in Santo Isidoro, priced at €725,000, offering 284 m² of covered space, sea views, and a location near the surfing beaches of Coxos and São Lourenço. Recently renovated, it is close to Ribamar village, combining coastal living with local charm.

“All these beaches are also some of the best places to watch sunsets — the most beautiful sunsets in Europe,” says Hlaváčková. “You never get tired of them, and they’re not just for the romantics. Portuguese sunsets touch everyone.”

For buyers interested in new construction, a 3-bedroom house in Mafra is available in the project phase at €650,000, offering 174 m² of covered area on a 390 m² plot, with a swimming pool and garage planned across three floors. Another listing, a €560,000 apartment in Ericeira, offers sea views, modern interiors, balconies, and shared amenities like a swimming pool within a gated community.

“Portuguese people in the Lisbon area are ready to speak English with you,” notes Hlaváčková. “And another big plus is that all these places are no more than a 35-minute drive from Lisbon Airport, which is a great advantage for this area.”

Cascais and Estoril remain particularly desirable for their seaside location, proximity to Lisbon, and strong infrastructure. Ericeira, meanwhile, is increasingly sought after by lifestyle buyers drawn to its relaxed surf culture.

“Cascais is a very special place — often called the Portuguese Riviera,” adds Hlaváčková. “It has a beautiful promenade along the coast. And Estoril is a legendary place for all James Bond fans — guess why?”

Lisbon itself remains a central draw, offering historic charm, a vibrant food and nightlife scene, and easy access to the coast. With continued demand and a wide range of offerings, the broader Lisbon region presents compelling opportunities for residential buyers and investors alike.

WeNet moves Gdańsk office to Garnizon complex

WeNet, Poland’s largest internet marketing company, has relocated its Gdańsk office to the Garnizon mixed-use complex, owned by Hossa Investment Group. The company has leased over 450 square metres in the GATO office building, expanding its office space compared to its previous location. The lease process and contract negotiations were supported by the Gdańsk team from real estate advisory firm Walter Herz.

The new office is located near Aleja Grunwaldzka and Aleja Żołnierzy Wyklętych, providing central access within Gdańsk. Only minor adjustments were needed to adapt the space, avoiding major fit-out costs.

WeNet provides internet consulting services focused on supporting the digital needs of Poland’s small and medium-sized enterprises. Its services include website development, SEO, online advertising campaigns, local digital marketing, e-commerce solutions, and website hosting. The company owns several search platforms such as pkt.pl, panoramafirm.pl, and biznesfinder.pl, and holds partnerships as a Google Ads Premium Partner and certified PrestaShop developer. WeNet employs over 1,200 people across Poland and has been active in the market for more than 30 years.

According to Dorota Malarska, WeNet’s HR Director for ESG and Administration, the company selected Garnizon for the quality of the office space and the amenities available within the complex. She noted that the new location meets the firm’s space and layout needs and that Walter Herz provided support throughout the process, helping secure favourable lease conditions. Malarska added that the new office has been well received by employees, contributing to lower staff turnover and improved recruitment outcomes.

Walter Herz’s Associate Partner and Head of Tricity, Jarosław Zdzitowiecki, explained that WeNet required new office space in Gdańsk following the end of its previous lease. The firm initially secured a short-term solution at the Eternum office building before finalising the lease at GATO. The selected space offered a suitable layout, central location, and fit within the company’s budget. After minor refurbishment, WeNet successfully transitioned its operations to the new site.

The Garnizon complex covers 25 hectares along the border of the Wrzeszcz Górny and Strzyża districts. It includes residential buildings, lofts, office and retail spaces, as well as approximately 1,000 parking spaces. The GATO office building, opened in 2021, offers 15,000 square metres of commercial space over seven floors, with A+ class offices, a ground-floor lobby, service units, and over 270 underground parking spaces. GATO holds a BREEAM “Excellent” sustainability rating.

Garnizon’s design integrates new and renovated historic buildings, creating a mixed-use urban environment with access to shops, services, schools, sports facilities, and nearby green spaces, including the Tri-City Landscape Park. The site offers good transport connections across the Tri-City area, with cycling access to Gdańsk’s Old Town in around 20 minutes and driving times of about 10 minutes to the main railway station and under 15 minutes to the airport.

WING issues €43.2 million in bonds amid strong investor demand

WINGHOLDING Zrt., a major real estate development and investment group in Central Europe, has successfully raised €43.2 million through a bond issuance, recording more than double the subscription demand. The bonds, issued under a €100 million bond programme, carry a 6.50% yield with a three-year maturity.

A total of 43,200 bonds, each with a nominal value of €1,000, were subscribed. The company has submitted an application to list the bonds on the Budapest Stock Exchange.

WING stated that the proceeds from the issuance will be used to support new investment opportunities and the launch of additional real estate development projects.

The company has been active on the domestic capital market since 2016, maintaining a continuous presence through its bond programmes. WING’s strategy focuses on building a sustainable, innovative, and diversified portfolio to help manage market fluctuations.

Noah Steinberg, Chairman and CEO of WING Zrt., said the bond issue aligns with the company’s aim of financing its growth strategy transparently and under competitive market conditions. He added that the strong investor interest demonstrates confidence in WING’s position in both the Hungarian and wider Central European real estate markets.

In 2024, WING recorded a series of successful transactions, developments, and expansion activities that reinforced its role as a leading player in the region’s real estate sector.

Polish Waters to relocate Gdańsk office to Tryton Business House

The State Water Farm Polish Waters has signed a lease for 3,092 square metres of office space in the Tryton Business House in Gdańsk, part of the Globalworth portfolio. The lease was facilitated with the support of consulting firm Cushman & Wakefield.

The Regional Water Management Board in Gdańsk, part of Polish Waters, will move from its current locations — including a historic standalone building — into the modern office complex. The shift will consolidate operations, as the board currently works from two separate sites, which has posed organisational challenges. Additionally, the Regional Directorate of State Forests, which currently hosts part of the board’s offices, plans to reclaim its space for its own needs.

The Tryton Business House is nearly fully leased, reflecting strong demand. Anna Zygmunt, Junior Asset Management & Leasing Manager at Globalworth Poland, noted that the choice of Tryton by Polish Waters reinforces the building’s reputation for offering high-quality, professionally managed office space suited to the needs of both private companies and public institutions.

Globalworth has worked with public sector tenants since it entered the Polish market seven years ago, with its tenant list including diplomatic posts, chambers, and representative offices. In April, the Labour and Social Insurance Department and the Intellectual Property Division of the Regional Court and the Court of Appeal in Gdańsk also moved into Tryton.

Cushman & Wakefield’s negotiator, Samanta Kiełdanowicz, highlighted that the deal reflects a wider trend of public institutions relocating to modern, well-located office buildings. While the lease had to reconcile the specific operational needs of a state institution with standard commercial market terms, both parties reached an agreement that aligns with Polish Waters’ long-term goals.

The Tryton complex offers 25,500 square metres of office and service space. Planned updates in the second quarter of 2025 will include a refreshed main lobby. Polish Waters will occupy the third and fourth floors, with a cabinet-style office layout. The fit-out, designed and implemented by Globalworth’s in-house Workplaces department, will incorporate acoustic, energy efficiency, data protection, and security features.

Project Manager Joanna Liberadzka from Globalworth noted that the company’s experience with public sector projects has allowed it to tailor solutions to meet functional, procedural, and organisational requirements. The fit-out work is being delivered in a design-and-build format to meet tight deadlines, with ongoing close coordination between the project team and the tenant.

Located at Jana z Kolna Street, near the Gdańsk Shipyard and the European Solidarity Centre, Tryton Business House consists of two six-storey buildings and an eleven-storey tower, all connected by covered walkways. The building holds a BREEAM Excellent certification and operates entirely on green energy. It provides strong connections to public transport, easy access to Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (about 20 minutes by car), an underground car park with 262 spaces, and facilities for cyclists, including covered bike stands and changing rooms with showers.

CEVA Logistics extends partnership with Magneti Marelli Parts & Services in Italy and Poland

CEVA Logistics has renewed its long-term collaboration with Magneti Marelli Parts & Services by extending two major contracts in Italy and Poland. The extensions, for six years in Italy and five years in Poland, reinforce CEVA’s role in managing the distribution of automotive spare parts and improving supply chain operations across Europe.

In Italy, CEVA will continue overseeing the warehousing and distribution of spare parts to workshops and independent dealers from its 30,000 m² logistics centre in San Pietro Mosezzo, Novara. This site handles around 33,000 spare parts, 50,000 pallets, and 120,000 shipments annually. The agreement also covers two local warehouses in Pero (Milan) and Padua (Venice), which focus on high-demand spare parts that often require urgent delivery. CEVA and Magneti Marelli Parts & Services have worked together in Italy since 1993.

In Poland, the partnership, ongoing since 2004, has been extended until 2029. CEVA will continue operations at the 18,000 m² distribution centre in Sosnowiec, one of Magneti Marelli Parts & Services’ largest hubs in Europe, serving 27 countries including regions in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Under the renewed contract, the warehouse—previously a shared multi-user facility—will now be fully dedicated to Magneti Marelli Parts & Services, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of operational errors.

The Sosnowiec site has also been upgraded with new logistics technologies, including a two-level Pick Tower mezzanine to boost storage capacity, an automated conveyor system to speed up internal transport, and a covered outdoor area for handling special materials such as refrigerant gases. These changes will help CEVA manage over 50,000 product references with improved speed and accuracy.

The Sosnowiec distribution centre, located in the Panattoni Logistics Park, benefits from direct access to expressways and motorways, which supports faster delivery to key markets and improves cooperation with carriers and customers.

By renewing these contracts, CEVA Logistics and Magneti Marelli Parts & Services aim to strengthen their cooperation to meet the evolving needs of the automotive sector. CEVA will continue supporting Magneti Marelli’s growth strategy by providing efficient distribution networks and maintaining smooth supply chain operations across Europe.

April consumer inflation in Czechia slows sharply to 1.8%, but core inflation remains firm

According to the preliminary estimate from the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO), year-on-year consumer price growth in April slowed sharply to 1.8%, down from 2.7% in both February and March. This drop was mainly driven by lower food prices, which contrasted with last year’s price increases, as well as declining fuel costs. The April figure came in below analysts’ expectations of 2.1%.

Despite the overall slowdown, core inflation remains resilient, though it showed slightly milder momentum compared to the first quarter. Chief Economist at CBA, Jaromír Šindel, noted that the weaker headline inflation figure strengthens the case for the Czech National Bank (CNB) to cut interest rates to 3.5% at its upcoming meeting. However, he cautioned that strong underlying price pressures and ongoing economic uncertainties — including the effects of international trade tensions — could still argue for holding the rate steady at 3.75%.

Food prices, which fell significantly in April, contributed around 0.7 percentage points to the easing of annual inflation, while fuel prices added another 0.2 percentage points to the slowdown. According to preliminary estimates, core inflation likely held steady at 2.5% year-on-year, as in March, assuming a modest 0.5% month-on-month rise in regulated non-energy prices.

If confirmed, the seasonally adjusted month-on-month growth rate for core inflation would have eased to 0.2% in April, down from an average of 0.27% in the first quarter. This would translate to an annualised growth pace of 2.4% — slightly lower than the 3.3% recorded over the prior three months, but still above the CNB’s inflation target and its forecast of 2.1% year-on-year for the second quarter of 2026.

The CNB’s February projections had expected a slowdown in consumer price index (CPI) growth to 2.2% in the second quarter, alongside a steady rise in core inflation at 2.5%. While the latest inflation figures offer some relief, much of the easing appears linked to the volatility of food prices and a sustained drop in fuel costs, supported by current trends in global oil prices. However, uncertainties in the global economy — particularly around the impact of ongoing trade disputes — continue to add risk to the outlook.

Source: CBA

ATAL begins construction of ATAL Grabiszyn residential project in Wrocław

ATAL, a nationwide property developer, has launched construction on its new residential project, ATAL Grabiszyn, in Wrocław. Named after the Grabiszyn district where it is located, the development is positioned in an area known for its green spaces, established infrastructure, and convenient connections to the city centre.

The first phase of the project offers 53 apartments and six commercial units located on the building’s ground floor. Apartment prices in the developer’s standard finish range from PLN 13,700 to PLN 16,800 per square metre, while commercial premises start at PLN 11,500 per square metre. Completion of the project is planned for the second quarter of 2027.

Apartments range from 28 to 73 square metres and include one-, two-, and three-room layouts. In addition, the project offers two-unit apartments designed to appeal to investors or buyers seeking flexible use, whether as a combined space for personal use or partially rented out. According to Agnieszka Majkusiak, ATAL’s sales director, these units offer buyers additional functional and design possibilities.

The development will feature amenities such as a bicycle storage room and video surveillance for residents’ convenience and security. Architecturally, ATAL Grabiszyn aims for a simple, elegant form with ample glazing to maximise natural light. Balconies will extend living spaces, while the outdoor areas will include planted greenery, subtle lighting, and small architectural features to enhance the surroundings.

The location on Grochowa Street offers access to shops, restaurants, cafés, services, and schools. A nearby tram stop provides connections to the city centre within about 15 minutes. Cultural and entertainment spots such as the History Centre Zajezdnia, Oporowski Stadium, and the Tęczowa Night Market are within walking distance, as are local parks like Gen. Marian Langiewicz Park and Grabiszyński Park, offering residents nearby recreational options.

For buyers interested in turnkey finishing, ATAL offers four packages under its ATAL Design programme: Invest at PLN 999 per square metre, Basic at PLN 1,199, Optimum at PLN 1,449, and Premium at PLN 1,699 per square metre.

Berliner Volksbank and Redstone launch third venture capital fund

Berliner Volksbank and its long-standing strategic partner Redstone are expanding their venture capital activities with the launch of a third fund, Redstone Fintech & Beyond Fund III. This move marks ten years of cooperation between the two organisations and signals a step toward internationalisation and broader participation from external investors.

The new fund targets €100 million in total volume, with Berliner Volksbank committing €10 million as anchor investor in the first tranche. The fund will focus on European fintech startups and scalable B2B solutions, investing in early-stage financing rounds from pre-seed to Series A.

Since 2015, Berliner Volksbank and Redstone have built a notable presence in venture capital within the cooperative financial sector, gradually opening to external investors. CEO Carsten Jung of Berliner Volksbank described venture capital as a strategic activity, not just for financial returns but also for learning from emerging technologies, improving agility, and expanding networks.

With this latest fund, the management company formerly known as VR Ventures Management GmbH has been renamed Redstone Fintech Management GmbH. Redstone becomes the majority shareholder, while Berliner Volksbank remains a significant stakeholder. The fund will be managed by Timo Fleig and Mickael Bellaiche, with Fleig, who has been involved in the venture platform since its inception, now becoming a shareholder of the management company.

The investment committee for the new fund includes representatives from both partners: Andreas Laule from Berliner Volksbank, Fleig and Bellaiche from Redstone Fintech Management, and Redstone’s CEO and founder, Samuli Sirén.

According to Sirén, the new structure builds on the performance of the previous two funds, which delivered strong results and supported startups such as Planradar, Liqid, Empion, Orus, Banxware, and Atlas Metrics. The first fund achieved a reported value increase of 260%, with successful exits including Thermondo, Flexperto, and Qonto.

By opening to a wider group of professional investors, especially from the financial sector, Redstone Fintech & Beyond Fund III aims to provide access to new technologies and business models and to strengthen its position as a European venture investor. Legal advisory for the initiative was provided by Real Advokatbyrå.

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