PRIMESTAR acquires Berlin serviced apartment property for June Stay brand

PRIMESTAR Group has acquired a serviced apartment property in Berlin City West from the insolvency proceedings of Revo and will rebrand it as June Stay Berlin from September 2026.

The property, located on Goethestraße in the Charlottenburg district, was previously operated as Townhouse Berlin and comprises 47 serviced apartments. It will become PRIMESTAR’s third June-branded property in Berlin and the second addition to the platform in 2026, following the opening of June SIX Salzburg – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel in March.

The acquisition forms part of the expansion of PRIMESTAR’s June hospitality platform, which combines boutique hotels, extended-stay accommodation and flexible workspaces under the June SIX, June Stay and WorX brands.

June Stay Berlin will complement the existing June SIX Berlin City West and will operate alongside the planned June SIX & Stay Warschauer Platz development, which is expected to provide around 350 keys.

PRIMESTAR plans to invest in the property through a phased refurbishment and rebranding programme that will include upgrades to the building, integration of the group’s operating systems and implementation of its digital guest platform. The property is scheduled to begin operating under the June Stay brand on 1 September 2026.

The June Stay concept targets guests seeking longer stays by combining apartment-style accommodation with digital services, including mobile check-in, AI-supported guest assistance and app-based in-house services.

According to PRIMESTAR, the acquisition also demonstrates its strategy of repositioning existing hospitality assets through refurbishment and operational integration.

The transaction was advised by Hogan Lovells and Marc P. Werner.

IGO Industries Group sells 4% stake in PORR, increasing free float

IGO Industries Group has sold a 4.0% stake in PORR AG, increasing the construction group’s free float while leaving its ownership structure and shareholder agreement unchanged.

Following the transaction, PORR’s free float, including shares held by management, has increased to 56.6%, up from 52.6%.

As a result of the sale, the combined shareholding held under the existing shareholder syndicate between the IGO Industries Group and the Strauss Group has been reduced to 43.4%.

According to the companies, the transaction does not affect the continuation of the shareholder syndicate, existing control arrangements or IGO Industries’ commitment to PORR’s long-term strategic development.

PORR said the higher free float is expected to broaden its investor base, improve share liquidity and increase the company’s visibility in international capital markets.

FETTERS opens show apartment at Panorama Braník residential development

FETTERS management has completed a show apartment at its Panorama Braník project in Prague 4, giving prospective buyers an opportunity to view the interior standards and layout ahead of the scheme’s completion.

The fully furnished 76 sqm three-room apartment (3+kk) was designed by interior designer Zuzana Bednáriková of ProBydlení Studio and showcases the finishes and materials planned for the development. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2027.

According to the developer, more than 70% of the apartments have already been sold. FETTERS is also offering selected three-room apartments with fitted kitchens included as part of a promotional sales campaign.

The show apartment features a neutral interior design with natural materials, oak-effect vinyl flooring, modern handleless kitchen units, concealed doors and large windows designed to maximise natural light. The apartment also includes a private terrace.

Panorama Braník is a mixed-use development comprising 77 apartments, ranging from one-room to five-room layouts, together with seven commercial units. The 14-storey building is located in Prague 4, close to residential neighbourhoods, public transport and local amenities.

Construction is progressing according to schedule. The reinforced concrete structure has reached the 11th floor, while internal finishing works are underway on the lower levels. Flooring, plastering and tiling are progressing in the completed sections of the building.

The surrounding infrastructure is also being upgraded, including the reconstruction of Údolní Street, the construction of a new bus bay and improvements to pedestrian walkways.

The architectural concept for Panorama Braník was prepared by Studio Qarta Architektura. Building permit documentation was developed by Domy Architects, with the final technical design prepared by Atelier Smitka. Construction is being carried out by BAK stavební společnost.

Panattoni completes first warehouse at Panattoni Park Szczecin VII

Panattoni has completed and handed over the first warehouse building at Panattoni Park Szczecin VII.

The new facility provides 25,000 sqm of warehouse space and has been leased primarily to two international logistics operators.

Located in the Załom district on the eastern side of the Szczecin metropolitan area, the development has direct access to the S3 expressway and the A6 motorway. The site is approximately 15 km from central Szczecin and around 150 km from Berlin, with access to the Port of Szczecin supporting domestic and international distribution.

According to Panattoni, the park has been designed to accommodate logistics, distribution and light manufacturing occupiers, with flexible warehouse space that can be adapted to different operational requirements.

The building has been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent certification and incorporates energy- and water-efficiency measures intended to reduce operational resource consumption.

Panattoni said it has now delivered approximately 880,000 sqm of industrial and logistics space across Poland’s West Pomeranian Voivodeship.

Alternative Energy Projects Company plans capital increase to support MENA expansion

Alternative Energy Projects Company plans to increase its share capital to support the expansion of its solar energy business across Kuwait and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The company has appointed Kamco Invest, in collaboration with Burgan Bank, to lead the transaction. Kamco Invest will also establish a special purpose vehicle on behalf of its clients to participate in the capital increase by acquiring an equity stake in the company and obtaining board representation.

Alternative Energy Projects Company develops, finances, constructs and operates solar energy projects and currently has operations in Kuwait, Jordan and Oman. The company is also pursuing additional commercial, industrial and utility-scale solar projects across the region.

According to the company, its projects are supported by long-term agreements, typically ranging from 15 to 25 years, with government and corporate customers.

The planned capital increase is intended to support the development of additional solar and hybrid off-grid projects, particularly within the commercial and industrial sectors. The company said it has recently secured several solar projects in Kuwait and Oman and intends to expand further into markets including Saudi Arabia.

Kamco Invest said the transaction is designed to support the company’s regional growth strategy and project pipeline. The investment firm noted that demand for renewable energy in the MENA region continues to be supported by national energy transition programmes, growing electricity demand and declining solar generation costs.

The transaction remains subject to the required approvals and completion of the capital raising process. According to the company, the proceeds will be used to finance new renewable energy projects and strengthen its position in regional markets.

Galeria Katowicka expands tenant mix and completes store modernisations

Galeria Katowicka added three new brands and completed a series of store relocations and refurbishments during the first half of 2026 as part of its ongoing leasing and asset management strategy.

The shopping centre welcomed MR. DIY, Ploom and Wólczanka to its tenant mix. MR. DIY, making its debut at the centre, occupies approximately 850 sqm, introducing a non-food discount retail format offering household, DIY and everyday consumer products.

Wólczanka also returned to the centre after an absence of several months.

Several existing tenants expanded or relocated within the scheme. Rituals moved to a larger unit, increasing its store by approximately 80 sqm, while W.Kruk expanded by around 60 sqm. Ryłko also relocated its store to another floor within the shopping centre.

Galeria Katowicka said the refurbishment programme reflects broader retail design trends that emphasise warmer, more open store environments, with increased use of natural materials, softer lighting and simplified product displays.

Among the completed refurbishments, Tatuum opened its largest store in Poland, occupying nearly 400 sqm. Bershka expanded its premises and introduced its latest store concept, joining other Inditex brands already operating updated formats at the centre.

Other retailers completing refurbishment projects included Etam, Rossmann, Smoke, Swiss, Świat Książki, Verona and Ziaja, many of which also increased storefront visibility by introducing higher shopfronts and redesigned façades.

According to the shopping centre, the latest changes continue a programme that began in 2024. During 2025, the centre added 11 new brands, while 36 existing tenants upgraded or relocated their stores to reflect updated retail concepts and operational requirements.

Radisson Blu Hotel Complex Bucharest refinanced with €123 million facility

Revetas Capital and funds managed by Cerberus Capital Management have completed a €123 million refinancing of the Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest complex.

The refinancing facility was underwritten by Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG (pbb), which acted as sole arranger and lender. According to the parties, the transaction is the largest financing completed for a single hotel asset in Romania.

The financing closed at the end of June 2026, less than five months after the refinancing process began.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Complex comprises the Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest and the Park Inn by Radisson Bucharest Hotel & Residence, providing a combined 835 rooms across interconnected buildings with a total gross built area of approximately 86,000 sqm. The property also includes conference facilities, restaurants, fitness amenities and entertainment venues centred around a shared courtyard.

Since 2019, the owners have invested more than €30 million in refurbishing the complex, including upgrades to guest rooms, meeting facilities, restaurants and other public areas. The refinancing also consolidates the property’s previous financing arrangements into a single facility.

According to Revetas Capital, the transaction demonstrates continued interest from international institutional lenders in the Romanian hospitality sector. The company noted that pbb, which does not have a retail banking presence in Romania, provided the entire financing facility.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest received the title of Romania’s Leading Business Hotel at the World Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2024. In 2025, it also became the first five-star hotel in Bucharest to achieve a BREEAM In-Use Excellent certification.

Wolf Theiss acted as legal adviser to the borrower, while Kinstellar advised Deutsche Pfandbriefbank. Sentient served as technical adviser to the lender.

US port fees on Chinese-built ships could reduce trade while benefiting some exporters

Planned US port fees on Chinese-built ships could reduce both US imports and exports while reshaping global trade flows, according to a new study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin).

The study, based on global ship registry and vessel tracking data, examines the potential impact of proposed US port charges due to take effect in November. The measures are intended to reduce dependence on Chinese-built vessels and support the domestic US shipbuilding industry.

According to DIW Berlin, Chinese-built ships are now deeply integrated into global maritime trade, with around half of newly built commercial vessels worldwide constructed in China. By comparison, the European Union’s share of global shipbuilding has declined from approximately 17% three decades ago to less than 3%.

The researchers estimate that the proposed fees would reduce US imports by around 0.2% and exports by 0.3%, reflecting higher transport costs.

The report suggests export-oriented emerging economies would experience the largest impact. Countries including Costa Rica, Vietnam and Pakistan could see exports to the United States decline by more than 8% under the modelled scenario.

The European Union could also be affected, with around three-quarters of its external trade transported by sea. According to the study, Finland, Denmark and Poland would face the largest reductions in exports to the US, with estimated declines of 5.0%, 4.4% and 3.0%, respectively.

By contrast, the study identifies Germany and South Korea as potential beneficiaries. Their exports to the United States could increase by around 2%, reflecting lower dependence on Chinese-built vessels and an opportunity to gain market share from more heavily affected exporters.

The report also highlights broader geopolitical implications. According to the authors, competition between the United States, China and the European Union is increasingly extending beyond traded goods to include maritime transport, shipping capacity, ports and supply chain infrastructure.

The study notes that the European Commission has proposed a new alliance for maritime industrial value chains aimed at strengthening European shipbuilding, promoting investment in innovative vessel technologies and expanding export financing for low-emission shipping.

The authors argue that Germany, as one of Europe’s largest exporting economies and home to major shipping companies and ports, could play a larger role in the development of the EU’s maritime industrial strategy.

German automotive industry faces structural transformation amid rising competition

Germany’s automotive industry is undergoing a structural transformation driven by the shift to electric vehicles, increased competition from Chinese manufacturers and changing consumer preferences, according to a new market assessment by Atradius.

The report cites forecasts from Oxford Economics that German automotive production will decline by 2.6% in 2026, followed by a further 1.8% contraction in 2027.

According to Atradius, German manufacturers face growing pressure as competition increasingly centres on software, battery technology and digital capabilities rather than traditional engineering strengths. The report argues that Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have gained competitive advantages through vertically integrated supply chains, economies of scale and shorter product development cycles.

Atradius says these factors are contributing to weaker sales and profitability for some German manufacturers, alongside workforce reductions and production restructuring.

The report also highlights increasing pressure on automotive suppliers, particularly lower-tier component manufacturers. It notes that electric vehicles typically require significantly fewer components than vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, increasing the challenges for suppliers whose businesses remain focused on conventional powertrain technologies.

According to Atradius, companies that have not diversified their product portfolios or invested in technologies linked to electric mobility face greater restructuring risks. At the same time, the insurer notes that some suppliers are successfully adapting their operations and remain well positioned for the transition.

The report argues that regulatory requirements, including stricter carbon dioxide emissions standards, are accelerating the industry’s transformation. It also suggests that administrative procedures and data protection requirements have slowed progress in areas such as autonomous driving and digital mobility technologies.

Atradius further notes that government incentives for electric vehicles have had mixed results, while trade measures designed to protect European industry could increase input costs and contribute to international trade tensions.

Looking ahead, the report says Germany’s automotive sector will continue to face significant competitive challenges. By comparison, Oxford Economics forecasts 1.9% growth for China’s automotive industry in 2026.

Atradius concludes that companies with specialised technologies, strong partnerships in areas such as battery storage and successful business transformation strategies are likely to be better positioned as the sector continues to evolve.

The report also points to changing consumer behaviour, with purchasing decisions increasingly influenced by affordability, digital features and sustainability considerations. According to Atradius, consumers are also showing a greater preference for vehicle leasing over outright ownership.

REWE Group and LEH-Allgäu sign agreement for future operation of Feneberg stores

REWE Group, the self-administration of Feneberg Lebensmittel GmbH and LEH-Allgäu GmbH have signed an investor agreement setting out a proposed long-term solution for Feneberg’s retail network following the retailer’s insolvency proceedings.

Feneberg Lebensmittel GmbH entered self-administered insolvency proceedings on 1 April 2026.

The agreement provides a framework for the future operation of a substantial proportion of Feneberg’s 72 stores by LEH-Allgäu and REWE Group. The transaction remains subject to merger control approval and must also be implemented through an insolvency plan requiring approval from the company’s creditors. According to the parties, the court-appointed creditors’ committee has already approved the proposal.

The companies said the objective is to preserve the long-term operation of the stores, maintain employment and support local food retail provision across the Allgäu region and southern Germany.

Under the proposed arrangement, employees transferring to stores operated by REWE Group are expected to retain their existing employment contracts. LEH-Allgäu also stated that it intends to continue the employment contracts of staff working in the stores it will operate.

The parties said the agreement is intended to provide a long-term future for the Feneberg business while supporting regional economic development and maintaining local food retail services.

The transaction will not be completed until it receives approval from the relevant competition authorities and creditors under the insolvency process.

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