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Vantage Capital backs Compass Capital to acquire a portfolio of Grade A office buildings in East Cairo

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The office buildings acquisition is facilitating the expansion and diversification of Compass Capital’s real estate portfolio

CAIRO, Egypt, March 23, 2022/ — Vantage Capital (www.VantageCapital.co.za), Africa’s largest mezzanine fund manager, announced today that it has provided $10 million of mezzanine debt funding to Compass Capital, a leading Egyptian private equity firm, to acquire six grade A office buildings in East Cairo. The acquisition is being made by Compass Capital’s existing real estate company, Bonyan for Development and Trade, which owns and operates the Walk of Cairo, an outdoor retail boulevard in West Cairo.

The office buildings were acquired from Namaa for Development and Real Estate Investment, a private real estate developer and operator owned by the Sallam family. Located in the heart of New Cairo’s central business district, the properties have an aggregate gross leasable area of 47 200 square metres and are fully tenanted by multinationals (including Nestlé, General Electric, Johnson & Johnson and Lafarge Cement) as well as large local Egyptian corporates.

The Walk of Cairo, the existing real estate asset owned by Bonyan, is located in Sheikh Zayed City, West Cairo and commenced operations in December 2020. The open-air mall provides an extensive range of unique entertainment and experiential offerings such as the Museum of Illusions, a wax museum and an amphitheatre where weekly events are held. The mall also offers a wide selection of food and beverage, lifestyle and retail outlets, hosting popular brands that include Natuzzi, McCafé, Espresso Lab and Core Gym.

Founded in 2010, Compass Capital is a leading Cairo-based private equity firm with a hands-on management approach. Over the past twelve years, the firm has built an attractive portfolio of investments across pharmaceuticals, financial services and real estate.

The office buildings acquisition is facilitating the expansion and diversification of Compass Capital’s real estate portfolio. Tarek Abdel-Rahman, Co-Managing Partner of Compass Capital, explained, “There is currently no easy way for investors to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of stable, yielding real estate assets in Egypt despite this being a major and fast-growing sector of the economy. Our vision is therefore to build such a real estate portfolio with a view to listing it on the Egyptian Stock Exchange. Through accessing public capital, further real estate acquisitions could be then made over time, enabling the portfolio to keep expanding and diversifying.

This listing would be the third for Compass Capital, who have previously achieved a partial exit of Rameda Pharmaceuticals and a full exit of CI Capital through initial public offerings on the Egyptian Stock Exchange.

Tarek added, “Vantage Capital has played an important role in supporting our vision and their funding has enabled Compass to retain its existing equity stake in the real estate portfolio.”

David Kornik, Partner at Vantage Capital, noted, “The real estate market in Egypt is buoyant and exhibiting robust growth, notwithstanding the onset of Covid. In particular, East and West Cairo have been expanding rapidly as residents move out of central Cairo to escape the congestion and improve their quality of life. The population of West Cairo alone has grown four-fold over the past four years, from 440,000 residents in 2017 to 1.8 million today and forecasts are for this to reach 6.7 million by 2027. Similarly high rates of growth are being seen in East Cairo, which currently has an estimated 8 million residents. This has fuelled strong demand growth for both retail and office space in these areas, supporting the real estate assets in Compass’ portfolio.”

The transaction represents Vantage Capital’s 33rd investment across four generations of mezzanine funds, with its portfolio spread across eleven countries in Africa. Warren van der Merwe, Managing Partner at Vantage Capital, added, “The transaction with Compass Capital marks our second investment into Egypt in as many years. With a population in excess of 100 million and an economy delivering resilient growth, it is a country with significant potential and a key target market for our firm as we look to deploy our newly-raised fourth mezzanine fund.”

Africa’s growing population and urbanisation are spurring significant investment into property developments across the continent. Over the years, Vantage has provided substantial financial support to the sector. This includes funding two neighbourhood shopping malls in Nigeria and Kenya, two mixed-use developments in Lagos and on the west coast of Mauritius, a hotel & commercial property group in Namibia, a leading owner & operator of hotels across Egypt’s Red Sea, as well as two residential property developments in South Africa.

Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy (in Cairo and Dubai) and Werksmans Attorneys (in Johannesburg) acted as legal counsel.


Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vantage Capital Group.

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Hundreds of real estate leaders set to gather at African Property Investment (API) Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Forum

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African Property Investment

The heartbeat of real estate in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean region, this African Property Investment (API) event is set to energise the property market

PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, May 8, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The 2nd annual API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Forum (www.APIEvents.com)​, which will be held on 13 June 2024 at the InterContinental Hotel & Resort, is situated 15km from both Port Louis and Gand Baie in Mauritius, promises to be a landmark event. The gathering is a testament to Mauritius’s growing status as a destination for real estate investment and corporate expansion.

With its favourable business environment, safety, strategic location, and growing economy, Mauritius is poised to attract increased foreign direct investment and become a major player in the regional business landscape. This one-of-a-kind event covers opportunities for buyers and developers as well as Mauritius’s significant potential as a business hub for Africa and the region.

The forum, a gathering of local and international stakeholders, offers a unique opportunity to connect with key players in the industry. With its well-structured schedule, diverse sessions, and high-profile speakers, the event promises to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for all.

Murray Anderson-Ogle, GM of marketing and commercial at API Events, says, “The API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Forum is easy to attend and comes with plenty of opportunities in residential, hospitality and commercial property, property management, and more. It also coincides with one of the best months to visit this beautiful island nation.” Adding that this year’s theme “ Building the Future – Leading Tomorrow’s Africa provides a unique platform to share insights into the opportunities in Africa’s fastest growing and impactful business hub.”

JLL, a second-time sponsor, is the largest global real estate advisor present in Africa and has been active in Mauritius for more than a decade, advising investors, lenders, developers, occupiers and the public sector on a broad spectrum of asset classes, with the aim of linking global capital and innovation with local platforms and expertise.

Wayne GodwinCo-CEO of JLL Africa, comments, “The success of the inaugural event in 2023 really highlighted the appetite for Mauritius from the regional and local investor community and 2024 will no doubt build on this success. Mauritius has weathered many of the global headwinds better than other regional economies and the fundamentals are amongst the best in Africa for recovery through 2024. As JLL, we are very proud of the partnership with API and the forum’s ability to raise awareness of the opportunity for investment into Mauritian and African real estate.”  

Bloomage is a proud sponsor of the API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Forum for the second consecutive year. It is a growth-driven innovative property fund that holds and manages a well-diversified portfolio of prime properties in Mauritius, with assets valued at circa MUR 6 billion spanning across the retail, office, industry and hospitality segments, and land for future development.

The API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Forum is easy to attend and comes with plenty of opportunities in residential, hospitality and commercial property, property management

Robin Hardin, CEO of Bloomage Property Fund, comments, “Our strong permeating belief in ‘Real Estate with a Heartbeat’ supports our dedication to positively contribute to Mauritius’s economy through the real estate sector. By collaborating with API Mauritius, we reinforce our role as a reliable partner in developing the property market both locally and in the region.” 

“Our principle of ‘Real Estate with a Heartbeat’ underscores our dedication to enhancing Mauritius’s economy through the real estate sector. By supporting API Mauritius, we reinforce our role as a reliable partner in developing the property market both locally and in the region.” 

As a repeat sponsor of the event Landscope Mauritius are pleased to demonstrate their ongoing support for the Summit, which serves as a valuable platform connecting international and local real estate professionals and leveraging on a wealth of industry expertise and pan-African knowledge.

Sandee Teeroovengadum, Head of Marketing & Communication at Landscope Mauritius, says, “API Mauritius aligns with the organization’s intent of promoting sustainable and cutting-edge real estate development in Mauritius. As a repeat sponsor, we are pleased to demonstrate our ongoing support for the Summit, which serves as a valuable platform connecting international and local real estate professionals and leveraging on a wealth of industry expertise and pan-African knowledge”.

Medine Property, another second-time sponsor, is part of the historic Medine Group in Mauritius, which has been part of the western Mauritius growth story since 1911. Since 2007, Medine Property managed a diverse portfolio of high value, strategically located properties, including retail, offices, education, and hospitality assets.

Joel Bruneau, Managing Director of the Property Department at Medine Group, says API Mauritius offers valuable international exposure and connections with industry leaders and potential buyers. “Medine Property’s support aligns with our goal to create world-class integrated residential and commercial offerings in The West of Mauritius with leisure and educational developments – all part of a carefully considered masterplan – while contributing to Mauritius’ sustainable social and economic progress.”

HTI Consulting is proud to be a second-time sponsor at the Mauritius & Indian Oceans Property Forum. HTI Consulting brings 20 years of experience in the brokerage, asset management, operation selection and management contract negotiation, due diligence, financial and feasibility analysis fields having worked in over 40 countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Wayne Troughton, CEO of HTI Consulting, comments The inaugural API Mauritius held last year provided significant opportunities to engage, network and hear from the leaders in the property and hospitality sector in Mauritius. It brought together all the major players in Mauritius and was invaluable for us and something that we are very proud to support again this year”.

Join the 2nd Mauritius & Indian Oceans Property Forum on 13 June 2024 at InterContinental Hotel & Resort, Mauritius. For more information and to book to attend the API Mauritius & Indian Oceans Property Forum visit https://apo-opa.co/3Wwtgm0

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

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CPS: Transforming East Africa’s Real Estate Landscape

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The Soul Fumba

“The Soul Fumba” offers 200 dream holiday apartments, strategically located on the west coast within the Fumba Town infrastructure, boasting a range of amenities

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, June 5, 2023/APO Group/ — 

CPS (www.CPS.Africa), the largest private real estate developer in Tanzania, is thrilled to announce its latest project in Fumba Town – “The Soul Fumba.” Following the immense success of “The Soul” project in Paje, where all units were sold out earlier this year, CPS is expanding its reach to the urban setting of East Africa’s first eco-city.

Highlighting the remarkable success that contributed to the original development’s immense popularity, CPS CEO Sebastian Dietzold proudly showcased “The Soul Fumba” project during the launch of the new CPS Office in Masaki near Kaffe Koffee. Additionally, he expressed sincere appreciation to key stakeholders, including the Government of Zanzibar, for their invaluable support in achieving this significant milestone.

“The Soul Fumba” offers 200 dream holiday apartments, strategically located on the west coast within the Fumba Town infrastructure, boasting a range of amenities such as health facilities, playgrounds, permaculture gardens, retail spaces, food courts, and office areas. The prime location near Stone Town and the airport ensures convenience for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, “The Soul Fumba” promises high returns on investment by benefiting from both the thriving tourism sector in Zanzibar and the value appreciation of a fast-growing urban centre. This makes “The Soul Fumba”, an ideal choice for investors but also singles, couples, and families seeking a home in Africa.

As part of the Fumba Town Development Project in the Free Economic Zone, “The Soul Fumba” welcomes foreign buyers. In addition, attractive incentives have been announced by the Government of Zanzibar, including residency visas starting with an investment of $100,000 and tax benefits. CPS aims to create a welcoming environment for international investors interested in the Zanzibar real estate market.

“The Soul Fumba” promises high returns on investment by benefiting from both the thriving tourism sector in Zanzibar and the value appreciation of a fast-growing urban centre

“The Soul Fumba” apartments are sold off-plan, allowing buyers to secure their units with a 15% down payment. A generous 5-year payment plan is available, with monthly instalments starting at $1,270. Chief Commercial Officer of CPS, Tobias Dietzold, highlights that while buyers make their payments, their holiday homes will be prepared for them to move in, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

Each purchaser of “The Soul Fumba” apartments will receive a 99-year lease title, providing them with the rights to inherit, mortgage, sell, and rent out their property. CPS is committed to ensuring long-term value and security for buyers, allowing them to make the most of their investments.

The unveiling of “The Soul Fumba” was accompanied by a panel discussion featuring prominent figures, including Graham Leslie, Executive Chairman of The Hotel Association Zanzibar & President of Conservation Capital; Fred Msemwa, Managing Director of Watumishi Housing Investment; and Abdulrahman Said, Managing Partner of Bankable. The panel aimed to explore the potential opportunities in the real estate sector spurred by the thriving tourism industry.

Zanzibar has recently garnered the prestigious title of being Africa’s top travel destination, as declared by “The Travel Magazine.” Surpassing iconic locations like Mt. Kilimanjaro, Cape Town, and the Masai Mara of Kenya, Zanzibar’s tourism sector has not only rebounded to pre-pandemic levels but also anticipates a remarkable 30% growth compared to 2022. The country’s thriving economy is poised for a projected growth of over 7% in 2023.

With a progressive Government that welcomes foreign investment, the real estate sector in Zanzibar has experienced rapid growth in recent years making Zanzibar a fertile ground for growth and expansion, with endless opportunities for those up to the challenge.

CPS invites potential buyers and investors to explore the exciting opportunity presented by “The Soul Fumba” and join the journey of creating a vibrant community in Fumba Town. For more information, please visit the CPS website or contact their dedicated sales team.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CPS Zanzibar Limited.

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Baron & Cabot Launches a portal to support the expansion of local real estate agencies in Africa

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Baron and Cabot

Baron and Cabot’s property portal is also expected to create new job opportunities in the African market

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 22, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Baron and Cabot (https://BaronCabot.com/), a UK-based international real estate firm has launched a game-changing concept – a UK property portal that is offering a strategic expansion plan for real estate agencies in Africa. The innovative approach, is a first of its kind using AI technology to predict property prices and will allow real estate agents in Africa to sell properties, and earn in pounds, providing an unprecedented opportunity for growth and financial success. Through this portal, real estate firms will get to de-risk their investments in international markets and gain access to a wide range of fully compliant properties.

Baron & Cabot, with a reputation for being one of the top fastest-growing property companies in the world and transacting on around £100 million GBP per annum ($120 m) of UK property while having access to some of the best property developments in the UK, has been particularly successful in Africa due to inflation driving clients to move their money into GBP and Dollar to purchase assets.

“We are thrilled to be launching this innovative concept that will not only provide a platform for real estate agents in Africa to sell UK properties but will also create job opportunities and drive economic growth. We believe that by leveraging AI technology to predict property prices, we can provide our partners with a unique advantage and help them to achieve financial success. Our joint venture expansion plans are aimed at creating mutually beneficial partnerships that will bring value to all parties involved.” – Mark Pearson, Managing Director of Baron & Cabot.

Our joint venture expansion plans are aimed at creating mutually beneficial partnerships that will bring value to all parties involved

In addition to providing agents with access to new revenue streams, Baron and Cabot’s property portal is also expected to create new job opportunities in the African market. The company is committed to providing its agents with comprehensive 2 to 4 week training and support to help them succeed in their new roles. This training will ensure that agents are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the real estate market and take advantage of the opportunities that Baron and Cabot’s concept provides. Real estate will have the ability to reserve properties and Baron and Cabot will process the client through legal processes.

As part of its offering, Baron and Cabot will provide clients with mortgages anywhere in the world (excluding war zones), with mortgage rates lower than 6% and deposits below 35%, making it easier for clients to invest in UK properties.

Mark Pearson, Managing Director of Baron & Cabot, said, “Our management company boasts an impressive occupancy rate of over 99%, with properties awaiting new tenants for an average of only 10 days. This sets us apart from other cities around the world, where the average occupancy rate is only 70%. In addition, our AirBnb or short-term rental products have an average occupancy rate of over 70%, resulting in substantial rental returns and a secure investment. Our secret to success lies in our ability to identify high-demand areas with low supply, combined with exceptional management that keeps both our tenants and landlords satisfied.”

Baron and Cabot utilizes advanced machine learning and data processing to analyze millions of lines of data to identify the best investment locations and pockets of value for clients. With access to information such as the square footage of every property in England and every sold price of every residential property in the UK since 1997, along with economic forecasts, government investment plans, and knowledge of upcoming transport links for the next 5 years, Baron and Cabot is ahead of the curve when it comes to investments. This allows investors to benefit not only from the firm’s purchasing power and large discounts, but also from massive rental growth and capital growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Baron & Cabot.

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