Catella forms €10 billion investment management platform

Catella has announced the strategic merger of the front office operations of its subsidiaries, Catella Residential Investment Management GmbH (CRIM) in Berlin and Catella Real Estate AG (CREAG) in Munich, to form Catella Investment Management GmbH (CIM). Effective January 1, 2025, the merger aims to create a unified, €10 billion fund investment management platform designed to enhance operational efficiency and client services.

The newly established CIM will manage and advise assets across more than 25 funds, encompassing properties in 15 countries throughout Europe. The consolidation enables greater resource sharing, the development of innovative products, and improved service offerings for clients, according to Catella.

“I am proud that we are combining the expertise and resources of CRIM and CREAG’s front offices, reinforcing our strength as a unified presence in the market,” said Timo Nurminen, Head of Investment Management at Catella. “This merger creates a more efficient platform, backed by close to 150 dedicated professionals.”

The merger will integrate CRIM’s operations with the property-related activities of CREAG, including asset and portfolio management, resulting in a streamlined and more effective investment management platform. CRIM will be renamed Catella Investment Management GmbH (CIM) to reflect its expanded scope, offering a comprehensive product range across multiple property sectors.

While CREAG will retain its role as the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) with existing back-office functions for open-ended regulated funds, CIM will focus on front office operations, uniting teams in Berlin, Munich, and Vienna.

The organizational restructuring aligns with Catella’s strategic goals of leveraging synergies across its group and expanding its portfolio into value-added products. The controlling entity, Catella Investment Management Holding GmbH (CIM Holding GmbH), will oversee office management, HR, IT, and ESG advisory services for both CIM and CREAG.

CIM’s front office will be led by Managing Directors Michael Keune and Michael Fink, while CREAG’s AIFM operations will be managed by Olena Posiko and Bernd Thalmeier, with Thalmeier also serving as the spokesperson for CREAG. Volker Stix has been appointed Managing Director of CIM Holding GmbH.

“With this organizational change, our ability to serve clients’ interests will improve significantly,” said Keune and Fink. “We will continue to work with the same teams in Berlin, Munich, and Vienna, providing excellent opportunities to diversify and expand our portfolio across residential, office, parking, logistics, and mixed-use sectors.”

The merger aims to position Catella as a leader in the competitive European market. “By pooling our expertise, resources, and technologies, we are creating a powerful platform for our investors and partners,” added Thalmeier. “Our goal is to respond effectively to investor needs while maintaining the highest standards of quality and transparency.”

Headquartered in Berlin, CIM will play a pivotal role in driving Catella’s strategic vision, ensuring the company’s continued growth and innovation in the evolving real estate market.