Safestore Ventures into Italy: A €175m Milestone in Growth

Safestore Expands Into the Italian Market

Safestore Holdings plc, a prominent self-storage operator based in the UK, has made a sweeping move into the Italian market with a remarkable joint venture. This exciting venture is a 50/50 partnership with Nuveen Real Estate, aimed at acquiring Easybox, Italy's second-largest self-storage provider. The total investment for this significant acquisition is €175 million, heralding a new era for Safestore in Italy.

Details of the Acquisition

The joint venture is set to include a portfolio consisting of ten existing facilities and two planned developments. Collectively, these properties boast a maximum lettable area of 780,000 square feet. These facilities are strategically located in economically vibrant regions such as Milan, Turin, Rome, Genoa, and Florence, and are known for their outstanding performance and modern amenities.

Financial Investments and Projections

To finance its share of the venture, Safestore has committed approximately €45 million, alongside debt financing at the joint venture's level. Although the company forecasts a slight negative impact of 0.3p on earnings per share for FY25, it anticipates a rebound with earnings per share growth by FY27 as these new developments come to fruition.

Growth Potential in Italy

The entry into the Italian market presents a significant opportunity for Safestore, as it is one of the most underserved markets in Europe for self-storage solutions. With merely 0.02 square feet of self-storage space per capita, the potential for expansion and growth is considerable compared to the European average.

CEO Insights on the Acquisition

Frederic Vecchioli, the CEO of Safestore, highlighted that this acquisition aligns with the company’s long-term strategic objectives aimed at entering new markets with substantial growth potential. Vecchioli is optimistic about the Easybox portfolio's quality and expressed confidence in applying Safestore's management expertise to maximize returns. He projects a cash-on-cash return of 10% once the investment stabilizes.

Safestore's Broader Strategy

Founded in 1998 and publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (LON:LSEG) since 2007, Safestore has successfully operated a vast network of self-storage facilities that spans the UK, France, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, and now Italy. This acquisition is a crucial part of Safestore's overarching strategy to broaden its presence across Europe by leveraging its vast experience and management skills in the self-storage industry.

Commitment to Quality and Growth

Safestore’s commitment to delivering high-quality self-storage solutions remains unwavering. The company is dedicated to enhancing its portfolio while ensuring every facility meets the expectations of a rapidly evolving market. This expansion into Italy is not just about increasing numbers; it's about fostering customer trust and establishing robust service offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Safestore's expansion into Italy?

Safestore aims to tap into the underserved self-storage market in Italy, presenting an exciting growth opportunity.

How much is the investment for the Easybox acquisition?

The investment for the acquisition of Easybox is €175 million.

What are the future earnings projections for Safestore after this acquisition?

Safestore expects a slight negative impact on earnings per share for FY25, with expected growth by FY27 as the new developments mature.

How many facilities are included in the Easybox portfolio?

The Easybox portfolio consists of ten existing stores along with two planned developments.

What is the CEO's projection on the return from this investment?

Frederic Vecchioli projects a 10% cash-on-cash return upon stabilization of the investment.

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