Focus Estate Fund expands portfolio with acquisition of Galeria Sandecja shopping centre in Nowy Sącz, Poland

The seller of the property TK Development was represented by Colliers International, while the buy side was backed by Czabański & Gałuszyński, Gleeds and KKLW.

Galeria Sandecja boasts over 70 shops, service points, and dining options. Located on Węgierska Street in Nowy Sącz, it serves as a prime destination for shopping and socializing for residents of Nowy Sącz and the surrounding areas. Key highlights of Galeria Sandecja include its carefully curated tenant mix, featuring renowned brands such as H&M, New Yorker, Martes Sport, Douglas, Deichmann, CCC, and others. Additionally, it houses the only Carrefour hypermarket in the region, further enhancing its appeal as a comprehensive shopping destination for families. The shopping center offers ample parking with 800 parking spaces, ensuring convenience for visitors. Moreover, it provides a range of services and amenities, including car wash facilities (both manual and touchless), a children’s play area, and proximity to other conveniences such as a gas station, medical clinic, and automotive centers.

Maxim Shkolnik, General Partner of Focus Estate Fund, stating: „With the acquisition of Galeria Sandecja, we’re proud to announce that our total leasable area (GLA) has exceeded 100,000 square meters in Poland. We’re strategically diversifying our portfolio through targeted acquisitions of mid-sized convenience shopping centers in Poland. We’re also actively seeking opportunities in the UK, Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, and other select countries. Furthermore, we’re also considering installing solar panels, a sustainability initiative we’ve implemented across our portfolio, aimed at reducing our carbon footprint. A key element of this deal was the invaluable support and partnership provided by BNP Paribas Bank Polska, our valued strategic partner in Poland. BNP Paribas Bank Polska possess significant sectoral expertise and prioritize what is best for business when structuring relationships. Therefore, working with them is a pleasure because we speak the same language“.

“We are pleased to have completed another successful transaction with Focus Estate Fund. Galeria Sandecja, is an important shopping hub in the region, we appreciate all ESG initiatives which are planned by the new management and believe their dedication will take it to new heights. We hope we will continue to develop our partnership“, stated Elżbieta Chmielowska, Head of Real Estate Finance Bureau at BNP Paribas Bank Polska.

Focus Estate Fund – a private equity real estate investment fund focusing on non-prime value added retail properties. The Fund’s strategy is to invest in the existing mid-market convenience retail properties in Europe’s most dynamic markets.

Galeria Sandecja in Nowy Sącz is a shopping center with a GLA of 17,650 square meters, offering a diverse selection of over 70 shops, services, and dining options. Located on Węgierska Street, it serves as a prime destination for residents of Nowy Sącz and the surrounding areas, providing an ideal venue for shopping and socializing. With renowned brands like H&M, New Yorker, Martes Sport, and Carrefour hypermarket, along with ample parking space for 800 vehicles, Galeria Sandecja offers a comprehensive shopping experience for families. Additionally, it features amenities such as car wash facilities, a children’s play area, and convenient proximity to other amenities like gas stations and medical clinics.

BNP Paribas Bank Polska S.A., which has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange since 2011 is a member of the BNP Paribas banking group whose footprint spans 64 countries. In Poland, as a universal bank with a global reach, it provides services to retail customers and other segments including Wealth Management, microbusinesses, SMEs and corporate banking. As it advocates green initiatives, BNP Paribas supports its clients in the transition to a low carbon economy, endeavors to curtail the adverse impact of its operations on the natural environment and inspires clients to make good financial decisions. The Bank has provided funding for more than 40 thousand households to install photovoltaic panels. The Bank also consistently pursues its strategy of financing businesses in Poland while also supporting investments of strategic importance to the country with a positive social, economic and environmental impact.