Vitruvio plans MAB’s first REIT takeover.

Spanish REIT Vitruvio has launched a public offer to buy 100% of the shares of ÚNICA Real Estate SOCIMI (MBE: YURE), the first deal of this nature on Madrid’s Alternative Stock Exchange (MAB).

The friendly takeover expects to bring together two like-minded listed property funds with long-term investment policies focusing on the creation of a portfolio of income producing properties in good locations and a moderate level of financial leverage. According to Joaquín López-Chicheri, Vitruvio has a long term vision and was not created «to speculate on the economic cycle».

Vitruvio’s portfolio is comprised of 35 properties with a value of c. €109M and a minimal vacancy rate of 5%. Since IPO at €12.63 per share in November 2016, the REIT’s shares have grown 9.3% and currently trade at €13.8 per share. The vehicle has over 290 shareholders who receive a quarterly dividend.

The takeover target, ÚNICA Real Estate, specialises in retail properties and currently has a 36 unit portfolio located mainly within Madrid’s M-30 ring-road. The REIT completed its IPO this year and currently trades at €25.20 per share with a market cap of €29.98M. Única offers investors the ability to invest in the Spanish High Street Retail market with a low risk profile.