acquisition

Philip Kay, Director at Arc & Co., a leading specialist in debt and equity advisory, has successfully secured a £7,322,500 funding package for the purchase and strategic enhancement of a multi-tenanted office property located in the heart of Glasgow.

The three-year facility has been carefully structured to not only fund the acquisition but also enable value-add asset management strategies aimed at maximising the building’s long-term potential.

This transaction required a bespoke approach due to the asset’s short weighted average unexpired lease term (WAULT) of less than 12 months—a factor that would typically result in short-term bridging finance at elevated rates until rental income becomes more stable.

However, Philip recognised that the entry price—reflecting the high net initial yield—provided a sufficient buffer to service the debt even if some tenants exercised break clauses or leases expired.

He ensured that a strong underlying position was established with the lender, combined with a comprehensive asset management strategy, which allowed him to secure long-term stabilisation funding rather than expensive bridging finance.

Philip identified a lender that specialised in competitive stabilisation funding and understood both the building’s excellent central Glasgow location and the client’s value-add business plan.

In addition, the sponsor’s JV equity partner is a large established New York developer which underlines the return of appetite from US equity investors in the UK regional office market.

The loan was delivered at an LTV of 67.5% with a market-leading margin of 4.25% over three years—a particularly competitive margin considering the short WAULT on a regional office property and the leverage against purchase price.

Philip commented, “This case demonstrates the value of identifying lenders who truly understand both the asset and the borrower’s strategy.

“The lender’s appreciation of the building’s fundamentals and the sponsor’s track record enabled us to secure stabilisation funding where others might have only been able to offer bridging terms.”

Arc & Co. continues to actively finance a variety of projects across the UK, leveraging its expertise to deliver bespoke solutions for clients navigating evolving market conditions.

Valpre Capital, a London-based investment management firm, has announced the acquisition of its first property in Athens—a centrally located office building on Piraeus Street in the Omonia Square district. This purchase marks the beginning of Valpre Capital’s strategic initiative to establish a portfolio of high-quality aparthotels in central Athens’ most sought-after areas.

The project involves repurposing underutilized office spaces into modern accommodation solutions, in collaboration with local partner Mr. Anastasios Nasim.

The 2,900 sqm property, located in the bustling Omonia district, will undergo an extensive refurbishment to cater to the needs of today’s travelers and residents. Upon completion, the aparthotel will be operated by a renowned international brand, ensuring top-tier management and an exceptional guest experience.

Ahmad M. Hariri, Managing Partner of Valpre Capital, commented: “This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Valpre Capital’s expansion into the Athens real estate market. Piraeus Street is a strategic location at the intersection of business and culture, making it an ideal starting point for our aparthotel portfolio. Our vision is to deliver high-quality, sustainable assets that address the growing demand for flexible accommodation solutions in central Athens.”

Anastasios Nasim, local partner of Valpre Capital, added: “It is a privilege to partner with Valpre Capital on this strategic venture in Athens. Our shared commitment to creating developments that cater for the evolving needs of short-term accommodation while integrating seamlessly with the local community and environment is at the core of this venture.”

The refurbishment will incorporate sustainable practices and innovative design, reflecting Valpre Capital’s commitment to responsible investment and development. The aparthotel portfolio will target a diverse audience, including tourists, corporate travellers, digital nomads, and longer-stay residents, capitalizing on Athens’ growing appeal as an international business and leisure destination.

Valpre Capital anticipates completing the refurbishment and operational stabilization of the Piraeus Street property by Q1 2027. Additional portfolio expansion is expected, with the acquisition of another office building in the Monastiraki district planned in the coming months.

This initiative aligns with Valpre Capital’s strategic focus on unlocking value in urban real estate markets through innovation and operational excellence. By repurposing centrally located office buildings, the firm contributes to Athens’ urban revitalization while delivering superior risk-adjusted investment returns.

Leading talent, lifestyle and sports agency, CAMO Digital, are delighted to share their successful recent aqcuisition of prominent London-based football media brand, Tekkers media. This strategic move further solidifies CAMO Digital’s position in the sports industry and strengthens its commitment to delivering high-quality content and engaging experiences to its global audience.