THE KUWAIT-BASED INVESTOR HAS AGAIN PARTNERED WITH M7 REAL ESTATE TO ACQUIRE THREE OFFICE BUILDINGS IN ENGLAND (CARDIFF, BRISTOL AND MAIDENHEAD), WITH LAW FIRM ADDLESHAW GODDARD SERVING AS LEGAL COUNSEL.

The three properties – Artadius House (Cardiff), Keypoint (Bristol) and Objects House (Maidenhead) – were purchased from both private and corporate owners. The combined floor space of the three buildings, which each include sitting, single-occupancy tenants, exceeds 213,000 sqft and provides 562 car parking spaces. The latest string of deals now brings Kamco and M7's UK office investment portfolio to over 420,000 sq ft, following the acquisition of offices in Bristol, Hamilton and Chertsey last year. Kamco Investment Group is one of the largest and most active real estate asset managers in the GCC.

International law firm Addleshaw Goddard, Kamco's sole legal counsel in the UK, created the investment structure for the transactions meeting Sharia-compliant funding structures. AG's cross-office, cross-jurisdiction team was led by real estate partner and head of London office Leona Ahmed and Finance partner Sarah Egbu, with support by Lisa Donaghy and Harveen Kalsi. Dhaksha Giga, Peter Sayer and Liam Diggins provided the structuring and tax advice.  

Mohammad Al Othman, Executive Director of Real Estate at Kamco Invest, said:

"We are continuing to advise and assist our regional group entities on real estate transactions and diversify the group’s portfolio by investing in high-quality, well-located office spaces throughout the UK. Each of the properties within this package of deals include existing investment-grade tenants."

"Kamco Invest group will continue to build out the group’s investment strategy by seeking to acquire income-generating, premium office space, using a specialist UK-based team of collaborators including M7 Real Estate and Addleshaw Goddard."

Leona Ahmed, Real Estate Partner and Head of London at Addleshaw Goddard, said:

"Though the UK is still in the grips of a national lockdown, we're beginning to see signs of renewed interest in regional office markets, particularly high-quality, flexible spaces which can be easily adapted based on changing occupier needs."

"Acting as Kamco's sole legal advisor in the UK, we are looking forward to working with the company as it expands further into the office market, providing essential inward investment across regional towns and cities and attractive returns to Kamco's investors."