DWS Group and OMERS Infrastructure announce a strategic acquisition of Grandi Stazioni Retail, expanding their European portfolio
An Infrastructure Investment fund, managed and advised by DWS Group and OMERS Infrastructure, announced an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Grandi Stazioni Retail from Antin Infrastructure Partners, ICAMAP, and Borletti Group.
Grandi Stazioni Retail oversees commercial and advertising spaces in 14 of Italy's major railway stations and high-speed rail hubs, attracting over 800 million visits annually.
These stations house over 800 commercial units, covering approximately 190,000 square metres of leasable space, and feature more than 1,800 media assets.
This acquisition marks OMERS' first investment in Italy, its 19th in Europe, and its 14th transportation asset globally.
DWS has a notable history in rail transportation, including investments in Akiem, Streem, and Corelink, and has significant Italian infrastructure investments in Gruppo SAVE, Rimorchiatori Mediterranei, and Ergéa.
Hamish Mackenzie, global head of Infrastructure at DWS, highlighted the acquisition as evidence of their dedication to high-quality infrastructure investments.
He stated, “Grandi Stazioni Retail offers a unique platform that aligns with our long-term vision for growth and providing essential services to the passengers and communities served by our portfolio companies, as well as a strong alignment with the key sustainability trend of reduction of transportation emissions, a theme supported by local and European policies.”
“We are particularly impressed by the Grandi Stazioni Retail’s strategic direction and operational excellence of the management team, led by Alberto Baldan. We are excited to partner with OMERS and leverage our expertise and resources to further enhance the value of this asset and ensure it continues to serve as a vibrant travel hub for connectivity.”
Alastair Hall, head of Europe, OMERS Infrastructure, expressed enthusiasm about entering the Italian market and expanding OMERS' presence in Europe.
He remarked, “We’re delighted to acquire Grandi Stazioni Retail, which marks our entry into Italy and further expands OMERS presence in Europe. The investment presents us with an exciting opportunity to grow our exposure to the resilient and dynamic European rail sector. We are hugely impressed by Grandi Stazioni Retail’s management team, their commercial strategy, and successful track record of growth.”
Michael Hill, executive vice president and global head of Infrastructure at OMERS, emphasized the strategic fit of the acquisition, stating, “We are delighted to be partnering with DWS to acquire Grandi Stazioni Retail. The acquisition is highly consistent with the OMERS Infrastructure strategy and will be an excellent complement to our world-class portfolio of infrastructure investments.”
The transaction, expected to close by the end of the year, is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
