Cushman & Wakefield Echinox advises MAS PLC on the sale of Romanian strip malls to M Core Group

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox has successfully advised MAS PLC, a leading property investor and operator in Central and Eastern Europe, on the sale of its strip mall portfolio in Romania to M Core Group.

The portfolio includes seven retail assets with a total gross leasable area (GLA) of approximately 32,000 square meters, strategically located in Slobozia, Focșani, Râmnicu Sărat, Târgu Secuiesc, Sebeș, Făgăraș, and Gheorgheni. These properties are situated in densely populated areas adjacent to Kaufland hypermarkets, ensuring high foot traffic and sustained demand. The assets boast a 100% occupancy rate and house a diverse mix of national and international tenants, including JYSK, Pepco, C&A, CCC, Deichmann, Sinsay, Altex, KFC, and McDonald’s.

Cushman & Wakefield Echinox provided strategic advisory services and transaction support, with the project led by Cristi Moga, Head of Capital Markets, and Bogdan Marcu, Partner, Capital Markets. M Core Group was advised by CMS Cameron McKenna, Deloitte, and IO Partners throughout the transaction process.

Commenting on the deal, Cristi Moga, Head of Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, emphasized its significance in confirming the recovery trend in Romania’s investment market. “The retail sector continues to be recognized as a stable and secure asset class. The quality of the portfolio was a key factor in securing the transaction, while the professionalism of all parties involved facilitated a smooth process.”

Bogdan Marcu, Partner, Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, noted the increasing investor interest in Romania as the economy stabilizes. “We are witnessing the start of a new economic cycle, bringing renewed interest from both existing investors looking to expand their portfolios and new entrants to the market. Romania’s young and dynamic retail sector holds significant growth potential, and this transaction highlights the resilience, liquidity, and overall positive sentiment in the retail investment market.”

MAS PLC continues to focus on high-quality, income-generating assets across the CEE region. The company has demonstrated exceptional operational performance, achieving a 97.4% occupancy rate across its retail portfolio as of mid-2024, with a 7.2% year-on-year net rental income growth. The decision to divest its Romanian strip mall assets aligns with MAS PLC’s long-term strategy, which prioritizes maximizing shareholder returns through selective capital reallocation.

This transaction marks another milestone in the evolution of Romania’s commercial real estate market, reinforcing the retail sector’s attractiveness to both regional and international investors.

Photo: Cristi Moga, Head of Capital Markets & Bogdan Marcu, Partner Capital Markets from Cushman & Wakefield Echinox