Although the theme of the fall 2006 PREA conference was “Back to Basics,” delegates found the current state of the real estate industry anything but. By Alison Granito
7 min read · 23 January 2013
In the mid-1990s, Chicago-based Heitman became one of the first major property players to invest in Central Europe. The firm formed a JV in 1996 to develop the Warsaw Financial Center, a 32-story office building that was the tallest building in Eastern Europe. In 2000, the firm launched Heitman Central Europe Property Partners to focus on Poland and the Czech Republic, which closed on $125 million. Slovakia and Hungary were added to the mandate for the second fund, which closed on €175 million in 2002. By the time Heitman launched its third vehicle on €350 million in 2005, it was also looking for opportunities in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Romania and Bulgaria. Otis Spencer, the firm's Warsaw-based portfolio manager, spoke with PERE about the evolution of Heitman's strategy in the region and where the firm is looking for value as competition grows.
4 min read · 23 January 2013
As Romania and Bulgaria gear up for EU accession, their real estate markets are becoming increasingly active, but that doesn't mean a shortage of risks. By Aaron Lovell
8 min read · 23 January 2013
A social phenomenon is taking place in Poland as residents trade up from Soviet-style homes to Western apartments. Private equity real estate investors are following the trend, in Warsaw and beyond. By Robin Marriott
8 min read · 23 January 2013
As yields continue to decline in Central and Eastern Europe, real estate investors are looking for new strategies and geographies to exploit. But some question whether the risks are worth the reward?
1 min read · 23 January 2013
After seven years running Doughty Hanson's real estate arm Marc Mogull left last year to set up his own firm, Benson Elliot. Here the 20-year industry veteran discusses his family ties to the business, his long career in Europe and why he doesn't like talking to the press. By Robin Marriott
10 min read · 23 January 2013
Starwood Capital's Barry Sternlicht gets specific about his firm's plans for India—which could include up to $500m in real estate investments.
2 min read · 23 January 2013
China's explosive economic growth has led to some amazing real estate projects. But what happens if the bubble bursts? By Aaron Lovell
5 min read · 23 January 2013
The global real estate investment manager has bought a minority stake in the ports business of private UK property group Peel Holdings.
2 min read · 23 January 2013
Hiring Desmond Taljaard has stoked talks of Starwood launching a takeover of the publicly traded UK leisure group.
6 min read · 23 January 2013
