03 November 2014
Goodman (NZ) Limited, the Manager of Goodman Property Trust (“Trust” or “GMT”), has announced the introduction of GIC as a new capital partner in an expanded joint venture investing in Auckland’s Viaduct Quarter. This is GIC’s first real estate investment in New Zealand.
GIC, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, is partnering with GMT, to co-invest in Auckland’s rapidly developing Viaduct Quarter. The joint venture, which includes GMT’s existing viaduct property interests, has a mandate to grow to NZ$500 million over time.
The partnership will initially own a portfolio of assets valued at NZ$313 million. GIC will acquire a 49% interest in these assets while GMT will retain a 51% share. All future investments will be undertaken on the same basis.
Keith Smith, Chairman of Goodman (NZ) Limited said “The benefits of GMT’s close relationship with Goodman Group, one of the world’s largest integrated property groups, have facilitated the introduction of GIC into the New Zealand market and a broadening of GMT’s investment strategy in the Viaduct”.
Greg Goodman, Chief Executive Officer of Goodman Group said “We are pleased to be partnering with GIC, one of the world’s largest investment funds, and look forward to extending our involvement in the regeneration of Auckland’s Viaduct Quarter.”
Goh Kok Huat, President of GIC Real Estate, said “As a long-term investor, GIC looks to establish strategic partnerships with leading market players. Goodman has strong asset management expertise and has a good pulse on the New Zealand market. We believe there will be good investment opportunities that allow the joint venture to grow further, particularly in the Viaduct Quarter.”
A summary of the initial transaction, which remains subject to certain conditions including Overseas Investment Office approval, is included in the Appendix to this announcement.
Investment Strategy
John Dakin, Chief Executive Officer of Goodman (NZ) Limited said “The Viaduct Quarter is a proven investment location that presents exciting new opportunities with local government initiatives and private development transforming the former marine and industrial areas into a world-class, mixed-use waterfront precinct.”
GMT identified the Viaduct Quarter as a strategic investment location over eight years ago, acquiring the Air New Zealand building and a 50% interest in Viaduct CorporateCentre1 in 2006. These initial investments were extended with the purchase of the new Fonterra building currently being developed by Goodman Group and Fletcher Building.
The investment strategy of the new partnership will continue this commercial focus, building a portfolio of high quality, campus style office properties, leased to major customers on long term leases.
Through its relationship with Goodman Group, the joint venture has options to purchase future office developments in the Viaduct Quarter and subject to meeting strict investment hurdles, it is anticipated that the partnership’s property portfolio could grow to NZ$500 million over time.
Benefit to GMT
The new partnership is expected to provide a range of benefits for GMT including,
- Capacity to reinvest in a growing market segment
- Access to new office stock in a progressive location
- Increased asset and customer diversity
- Greater mix of ownership tenures in an expanded portfolio
John Dakin, said, “The introduction of a like-minded partner gives GMT the capacity to expand its investment in the Viaduct Quarter, enhancing the overall portfolio, without the requirement for any significant new funding.”
GMT’s gearing reduces as a result of the initial transaction and the Trust has reaffirmed its FY15 distributable earnings guidance, of 9.1 cents per unit before tax. Forecast cash distributions of 6.45 cents per unit, are also unchanged.
