Westfield Group is to expand into Continental Europe with an agreement to acquire a 50 per cent interest in a major development site in Milan, Italy.
“This acquisition represents a unique opportunity, notwithstanding the volatile financial markets at present, to establish our franchise in one of the wealthiest population centres in Europe. We believe that this site represents one of, if not the, best shopping centre development opportunities in Continental Europe.”
Co-CEO of Westfield Group, Steven Lowy, said the opportunity leverages the capabilities the company has created in the UK and in particular at Westfield London and the soon to be opened Stratford City.
“Mr Percassi has a long and successful history in the operation of major retail brands in Italy as well as significant experience in retail development. Culturally our two organisations are closely aligned”, said Steven Lowy.
Percassi said: “We are delighted to have formed this joint venture with Westfield, a world leader in major shopping centre development, management and ownership. I am confident Westfield will bring its global expertise and experience to create the premier mall in Continental Europe.”
MD UK/Europe and new markets for Westfield Group, Michael Gutman said: “Milan’s strong consumer demographic and very low penetration of shopping centre space provides an exciting opportunity to develop a unique shopping centre of similar quality and scale as the Group’s other major iconic centres in Europe, principally Westfield London and Stratford City. Accordingly, we will utilise our London based capabilities in the development and ongoing management of our Milan shopping centre.”
WDC will invest €115 million (A$160 million) in two stages to acquire a 50 per cent interest in the joint venture, with €65 million (A$90 million) invested initially, and a further €50 million (A$70 million) to be invested when the development commences. The group expects to commence the development in 2012/2013 with a view to project completion coinciding with the Milan World Expo in 2015.
WDC expects the 170,000sqm project would represent a total investment in the range of €1 billion – €1.25 billion with a target yield in the range of seven to 7.5 per cent and an unlevered internal rate of return of between 12 to 15 per cent on the capital invested.