January 28, 2011
Helios Europe, the European specialist logistics developer led by Mike Hughes, has entered into an exclusive cooperation with Eindhoven-based developer/investor HG Property Group, co-owned by former PSV star Jan Heintze, as part of a €1 billion development drive in the logistics sector.
Helios Europe has, via Mansford managed funds, substantial financial backing from two UK large pension funds. HG Property Group was set up in early 2009 by former professional footballer Jan Heintze and ex-Goodman executive Nathan Gouka. The company has wide and stable portfolio with schemes in the Breda, Eindhoven and Roosendaal logistic areas.
The cooperation will provide HG Property with direct financial backup for the realisation of its future real estate developments. Helios Europe already has a European development pipeline of 1.2 million sq m and will, in this joint venture, work on further expansion, initially focused on the Benelux region.
Helios Europe has offices in London and Vienna and has projects in Austria, Sweden, Germany, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and the Baltic States.
Michael Hughes, founder of Helios Europe, sees the venture as a logical step in the further development of a European portfolio, commenting: “This strategic alliance jointly strengthens Helios Europe and HGP in the European logistics real estate market. HGP provides unique insight and experience in the Benelux market and Helios Europe and HGP can share complementary skills and a knowledge base in the wider European logistics sector. All indicators show that we stand at the beginning of a new growth phase and this joint venture helps cement our market position.”
Jan Heintze adds: “This alliance offers us a unique opportunity to set the next step in our company development. It has never been more important, at this time of financial uncertainty, to give our potential customers the financial confidence they need to commit to new warehouse facilities. This alliance will underpin substantial new growth for both parties.”
De Morgan and Co advised Helios Europe.
