Halladale and Citigroup in Retail Portfolio Deal

LONDON-Halladale, the AIM-listed developer and trader has formed a joint venture with Citigroup Alternative Investments to buy a £32 million ($49 million) mainly retail portfolio from the Opportunity Fund, operated by Henderson Global Investors and the United Bank of Kuwait.

The portfolio consists of 15 commercial properties and includes six retail units, two retail warehouses, two trade counters, one office and four industrial units. Twelve of the properties are located in England with the remaining three located in Scotland.

Halladale said more than 65% of the leases have more than ten years to run, and the purchase represents an initial yield of 7.56% and a reversionary yield of 8.64%. Chief Executive David Lockhart said: “This portfolio is attractive to Halladale as it offers opportunities to add value through active management. Other than one extremely well-let office, all the properties are in the retail and industrial sectors which are currently enjoying strong investor demand.”

Halladale was advised by Strutt & Parker and Lambert Smith Hampton acted for Henderson Global Investors.