Specialist outlet asset manager, Realm, has launched a new consultancy division which aims to provide a broad variety of due diligence, advisory and asset underwriting services to investors (and their lenders) seeking to break into or expand exposure to the UK and global outlet market.
The company says the launch of Realm Outlet Advisory comes at a pivotal time as appetite increases from multiple investor groups – including many newcomers to the market – who are recognising the maturity and attractiveness of outlets. Outlets have effectively weathered the pandemic and economic turbulence of recent years, demonstrating resilience to emerge as one of the fastest sectors to rebound across Europe. They have consistently outperformed traditional full-price retail and further strong performance is expected in 2022 and beyond.
In the last 12 months Realm has advised institutional and private equity clients on the acquisition, sale or development of circa £900m-worth of outlet schemes including Cheshire Oaks, Swindon and Bridgend and London Designer Outlet. Realm’s operating methodology is driven by active asset management and collaboration, backed by comprehensive data collection that provides full visibility of trading to ensure the ongoing success of its occupiers. By harnessing its wealth of data and operating platform, Realm says it can collaborate with occupier partners and support their business growth. It is now looking to draw on these insights to inform decision-making at the other end of the spectrum; advising investors seeking to maximise asset value and returns.
Dan Mason, Managing Director, at Realm, said: “Having been involved in several of the biggest outlet transactions in the last 12 months, we noticed a clear demand for our specialist skill set and knowledge base. Whilst investment agency support is available, there is a need to couple this with an understanding of the day-to-day workings of the outlet and turnover model and a market facing appreciation of occupier performance and requirements. We are well placed to bridge this gap, as we not only understand the theory, but have two decade’s experience putting it into practice. With this deep operational and transactional intelligence, we can help underwrite an outlet proposition or opportunity. We are on track to reach the milestone of advising on over £1bn of transactions in the next six months, making this the right time to build on our robust track record and take the natural next step to share our experience in a commercial advisory capacity.”
