Cafe Barbera to launch a flagship location Colosseum Mall

Colosseum Mall is set to welcome the iconic Italian brand Cafe Barbera, which will open a flagship location within the shopping centre. The brand is being introduced locally by Hotspot Brands, the company holding the master franchise agreement for Cafe Barbera in Romania.

Andrei Garoseanu, Managing Partner of Hotspot Brands, commented:
“We selected Colosseum Mall as the location for Cafe Barbera’s flagship store in Romania due to its strategic positioning and its appeal to a premium customer base, both from Bucharest and its surrounding areas. These customers value and seek the high standards of quality that Cafe Barbera consistently delivers. We are thrilled to open this flagship coffee shop, which I believe will become a landmark destination for coffee enthusiasts in Romania.”

Doinița Ilie, Leasing & Marketing Director at Colosseum Mall, added:
“We are witnessing steady growth in the premium coffee segment, and, for this reason, our objective is to align with this trend and meet the increasingly sophisticated expectations of our customers. We are delighted to bring an authentic Italian coffee experience to Colosseum Mall, in partnership with Cafe Barbera, within a contemporary and welcoming setting. Through this initiative, we are not only supporting an entrepreneurial venture and a premium product but also contributing to the education and strengthening of coffee culture in Romania.”

The real estate consultancy for the lease transaction was provided by Fortim Trusted Advisors, a member of the BNP Paribas Real Estate Alliance.

Flanco opens a new Smart Discounter store in Pitești

Flanco opens a new Smart Discounter store in Pitești within the Supernova Pitești premises. This year, the Supernova group announces the opening of two more Flanco Smart Discounter stores in the Supernova shopping centers in Bacău and Constanța.

Flanco is the first Smart Discounter electro-IT in Romania. With over 1,500 employees, the company owns a network of 160 stores, located in the most important commercial areas in 113 cities in Romania. The retailer’s shareholders are Iulian Stanciu – 95% and Dragoș Sîrbu – 5%.

Storia: Rents increased by 7% on average nationwide in April

Rents requested by landlords in April remained relatively stable compared to March (+1%), but compared to April 2024, a general upward trend is observed (+7%), according to an analysis conducted by Storia, the real estate platform launched by OLX.

The largest increases compared to last year are visible in Oradea, Cluj-Napoca and Iași.

“We have noticed that in many large cities rents continue to increase annually. In this context, the evolution of the exchange rate becomes an additional pressure factor, especially for tenants who pay in lei and take into account the exchange rate on the day of payment. Even a difference of RON 60 can matter, especially for those managing tight budgets, for students or young families. Although the fluctuation may seem relatively minor from the perspective of some, it comes at a time when many Romanians are already facing financial pressures due to inflation and high utility costs,” said Monica Dudău, Head of Marketing Real Estate Europe OLX Group (Storia and OLX Imobiliare).

Rents in Bucharest continue to be the highest in the country, with average prices of EUR 858 /month for three-room apartments, EUR 592 /month for two-room ones and over EUR 383/month for studios.

Amber Forest obtains the first certification in Europe – LEED v4.1 for Communities

The Amber Forest project, developed by Alesonor, obtained Platinum certification according to the LEED v4.1 for Communities: Planning and Design evaluation system, thus becoming the first residential project in Europe to receive this recognition from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).

“Being the first LEED v4.1 for Communities: Planning and Design certified project in Europe implies responsibility and deep commitment. We believe that the transition to sustainable communities is a collective effort and we are dedicated to continuously learning, actively contributing and sharing our knowledge. Through this commitment, we aim to generate a multiplier effect in the region and support the development of sustainable and resilient communities, where the exchange of knowledge and experience is encouraged for a better future.”, said Leonidas Anastasopoulos, Managing Partner of Alesonor.

Source: Profit.ro

Infinity Capital Investments sold the Dâmbovița hotel in Târgoviște

Infinity Capital Investments, the former SIF Oltenia, announced that it has sold the Dâmbovița hotel in the city of Targoviste, which was put up for auction several times in the last year. The first auction had a starting price of RON 20 million. Now, the share package of the company that owns the three-star hotel with 100 rooms has been awarded for RON 12 million.

The company did not make the name of the buyer public.

“The sale-purchase contract will be signed with the successful bidder within 30 working days from the date of signing the adjudication report,” the company’s announcement states.

In 2023, the company recorded a turnover of RON 4.8 million and had a net profit of RON 818,020. The number of employees was 30.

Source: economica.net

A Glittering Celebration of Excellence: HOF Awards 2025 Crowns the Best in CEE Real Estate

The 10th edition of the prestigious HOF Awards 2025 lit up the Radisson Blu Hotel on May 13 with an unforgettable evening celebrating the very best in Central and Eastern European real estate. From groundbreaking developments to top-tier investment firms and service providers, the region’s most influential players gathered under one roof for a night of accolades, fine dining, and vibrant entertainment.

More than just an awards ceremony, the event marked a decade of HOF Awards honoring excellence, innovation, and leadership in a sector that continues to shape the future of cities and communities. This year’s competition saw over 100 elite nominations—projects and companies that had already earned top honors in their respective countries—now competing for the title of “Best of the Best” across five major markets: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

“This night is about celebrating those who redefine the standard of excellence in our industry,” said Robert Fletcher, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of CIJ EUROPE, and host of the gala. “We are thrilled to recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions of our nominees and winners. Their innovation, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire and elevate the real estate landscape across the region.”

Winners Listing:

Best of the Best Residential Buildup In Development
RO: The Meadows by Speedwell

Best of the Best Standard Residential Development of the Year
HU: Waterfront City by Biggeorge Property

Best of the Best Premium Residential Development of the Year
PL: Neo Natolin (I-st Stage) by Real Management

Best of the Best Residential Real Estate Agency of the Year
RO: North Bucharest Investments

Best of the Best Retail Development of the Year
CZ: Palac Savarin by CRESTYL

Best of the Best Retail, Leisure & Hotel Upcoming Development of the Year
SK: Point Liptovský Mikuláš by OPC Group

Best of the Best Office Development of the Year
CZ: Roztyly Plaza by Passerinvest

Best of the Best Office Buildup in Development of the Year
RO: Timpuri Noi Square, Phase 2 by Vastint Romania

Best of the Best Legacy (Reconstruction) Development of the Year
CZ: Dunaj Palace by ZEITGEIST

Best of the Best Warehouse Development of the Year
CZ: Urbanity Campus Tachov by Urbanity

Best of the Best Warehouse Buildup in Development of the Year
CZ: Urbanity Campus Tachov phase 2 (38,500 sqm) by Urbanity

Best of the Best Commercial Design FIT-OUT (Project) of the Year
RO: Coca Cola HQ @ Globalworth Campus B / Floors 4 & 12 by WEMAT Global

Best of the Best Constructor of the Year
RO: Bog’Art

Best of the Best Commercial Property Investment Transaction of the Year
PL: Silesia City Center by NEPI Rockcastle (EUR 405 million)

Best of the Best Commercial Property Lease Transaction of the Year
PL: The Bridge 24,500 sqm HQ Santander Bank Polska by Ghelamco

Best of the Best Local Commercial Real Estate Agency of the Year
RO: Fortim Trusted Advisors

Best of the Best International Real Estate Agency of the Year
CZ: CBRE

Best of the Best Law Firm of the Year
RO: Biris Goran

Best of the Best Performing Real Estate Property Fund of the Year
SK: Wood & Company

Best of the Best Tax & Finance Advisor of the Year
CZ: TPA

Best of the Best Architectural Firm of the Year
PL: APA Wojciechowski Architects

Best of the Best Project Management Company of the Year
RO: Optim Project Management

Best of the Best Property/Facility Management Company of the Year
RO: Colliers

Best of the Best Sustainable Systems Provider of the Year
RO: WIREN

Best of the Best Leadership of the Year
RO: Ema Iftimie, Globalworth

Best of the Best Overall Developer of the Year
RO: Speedwell

The HOF Awards are the grand culmination of the CIJ Awards series, a respected benchmarking platform within the CEE real estate industry. What sets the HOF Awards apart is its transparent and dynamic voting system, which combines the discerning judgment of a 37 member expert jury with input from CIJ’s regional readership base, representing voices from across Central and Southeast Europe.

Guests enjoyed not only the prestige of the awards but also a full evening of networking, gourmet cuisine, and live musical performances in a dazzling setting, creating the perfect backdrop for celebration and connection among industry leaders.

With the conclusion of yet another successful edition, the HOF Awards 2025 have once again confirmed their status as the premier real estate awards event in Central and Eastern Europe. Celebrating the visionaries, innovators, and market leaders who continue to shape the region’s built environment, the evening was a powerful reminder of the sector’s momentum and promise. As the lights dimmed and the final applause echoed through the venue, one thing was certain: the future of real estate in CEE is brighter than ever.

Looking ahead, the HOF Awards 2026 are set to expand their reach even further, with the competition welcoming nominees from five additional countries. The extended circuit will now include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia—marking a bold step forward in uniting and recognizing excellence across the entire region.

About CIJ EUROPE:
For three decades, CIJ EUROPE has been a trusted source of news, analysis, and insight for the real estate and construction sectors across Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe. Covering new projects, transactions, and major development initiatives, CIJ EUROPE delivers in-depth reporting, expert commentary, and up-to-date market data, offering a comprehensive view of the latest trends shaping the industry. Through exclusive interviews with leading developers, policymakers, and public officials, the publication brings readers closer to the key figures driving change. Recognized for its credibility and depth, CIJ EUROPE remains an essential resource for professionals in the international real estate development community.

Kit-Go Klanica Ladilnik opens retail park in Strumica

North Macedonia’s food company Kit-Go Klanica Ladilnik opened a retail park in the city of Strumica, in the eastern part of the country.

The Symbol retail park covers an area of 25,000 square meters and created 250 new job positions, according to a municipality of Strumica press release.

The retail park encompasses stores, catering facilities and recreational facilities. The value of the investment was not disclosed by the company.

Leroy Merlin Romania moves its headquarters to Floreasca Park

Do-it-yourself retailer Leroy Merlin Romania is moving its headquarters to Floreasca Park and increasing its office space by about 70%. This is one of the largest rental transactions signed this year in the office sector.

Leroy Merlin Romania has rented 3,500 square meters on one floor of the Floreasca Park office complex, in northern Bucharest, which it will use as a service center for the company’s more than 200 employees in the financial, accounting and administrative areas.

The employees will move to Floreasca from an office building on Icoanei Street no. 11-13, in central Bucharest, where they occupied several floors and an area of about 2,000 square meters.

Source: Profit.ro

Duke hotels in the center of Bucharest have been sold

The law firm Filip & Company assisted Amstar Management in the transaction regarding the sale of two hotel units located in the center of Bucharest – the Duke Romană and Duke Armenească hotels.

“The hotel sector in Bucharest is in a period of active development, driven by the return of business tourism, the resumption of international events and the growing interest in city breaks. There is an increasingly intense competition for central locations, and investors are increasingly attentive to the potential for repositioning properties. Transactions in the hotel sector involve, beyond the classic real estate components, a good understanding of the operational specifics and industry regulations. We are glad that we were able to contribute to the successful conclusion of this transaction and we thank the clients at Amstar Management for the trust they have placed in us,” said Ioana Roman, partner and coordinator of the Real Estate department at Filip & Company.

The Filip & Company team involved in this transaction was coordinated by Ioana Roman (partner) and included Cristina Tudoran (partner), Alexandru Moraru (senior associate), Roxana Iordache (senior associate) and Alexandra Ionescu (associate).

Source: wall-street.ro

Artemis develops EUR 8 million factory for Mondo Style in Sânandrei

Swiss group Artemis, with real estate development activities in the industrial area, has started construction on an EUR 8 million factory for window and door manufacturer Mondo Style in Sânandrei, with which it has signed a ten-year lease agreement. This is the second factory that the Swiss are building for Mondo Style in the industrial park in Timiş County.

“We have obtained the authorization for a new industrial investment in Sânandrei. The factory will be built, customized for Mondo Style, with which Artemis has signed a 10-year lease agreement,” said Adriana Cioca, president of Artemis.

The Swiss are building the factory, which will have a footprint of 9,500 square meters on the ground, in the Artemis Industrial Park in Sânandrei, which covers 10 hectares. The factory where aluminum and PVC joinery will be produced will be ready at the end of February 2026.

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