Von der Heyden Group sells Andersia Business Centre to PHN S.A.!

Von der Heyden Group has the pleasure to announce having entered into a transaction with Polski Holding Nieruchomości S.A. who purchased VDHG’s shareholding in one of its 12 Polish special purpose companies, Andersia Business Centre Sp. z o.o.

Andersia Business Centre Sp. z o.o. owns the modern Class A office building – Andersia Business Centre (ABC), combining office and retail function in the heart of business in Poznań, fully let to renowned Tenants. The Building is in the neighbourhood of the Old Town, Stary Browar and Poznań International Fairs.

In March 2015, the ABC obtained the LEED gold certificate.

Andersia Business Centre is the first office building purchased by PHN S.A. in connection to the company’s acquisition strategy.

Although particular terms of transaction were not disclosed, Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of the Von der Heyden Group, said: ‘We have come a long way to close this transaction, since a letter of intent was signed half a year ago. We are pleased to have found with PHN a stable, reputable and experienced real estate investor as the new owner and wish them good luck with the third phase of buildings the Von der Heyden Group erected on Plac Andersa.’

‘We are pleased that we have completed the negotiations held over recent months to acquire an investment property. Andersia Business Centre is a building characterized by a very good location, high standard of offered space, and reputable tenants’, said Artur Lebiedziński, President of the Management Board of PHN S.A.

‘The transaction involves acquiring 100 percent of shares held by Andersia Business Centre Sp. z o.o., the building’s owner. We have also taken over a loan taken out in Bank Zachodni WBK S.A. The transaction is an element of PHN’s strategy aimed at increasing its modern leasable space assets. The Andersia Business Centre office building will definitely be a valuable asset in our portfolio’, said Włodzimierz Stasiak, Member of the Management Board of Polski Holding Nieruchomości S.A.

Adam Trybusz, President of the Management Board of Andersia Business Centre Sp. z o.o. and Managing Director of Von der Heyden Group for Poznań said: ‘For years the market has waited for an active Polish player. Transaction with PHN is a positive signal for further development of the Polish commercial real estate market giving a big hope for the future. Polish commercial properties in Polish hands become a fact. I’m happy to have contributed to this reality.’

In the transaction, Von der Heyden Group was advised by Knight Frank Sp. z o.o.
‘It was a pleasure to represent Von der Heyden Group in the disposal of Andersia Business Centre to PHN. The terms of the transaction proved that this is the highest quality office building in the best location in Poznań’,  said Krzysztof Cipiur, manager in Capital Markets at Knight Frank.

Knight Frank had advised also during previous two VDHG’s remarkable sale transactions at the Anders Square in Poznań: Poznań Financial Centre (PFC) sold to AIB Polonia Property Fund S.a.r.l. in 2004 (Istphase development) and Andersia Tower (AT) sold to DEKA Immobilien in 2008 (2nd phase development).

Andersia Business Centre, a joint venture between Von der Heyden Group and the City of Poznań constitutes the third phase of Anders Square Development developed by VDHG in 2012. The 5 storey above ground ABC building comprises app. 14.000 sqm usable area and two underground levels with 144 parking places.

The ABC building was designed by the Architectural Studio of Ewa and Stanislaw Sipińscy who had also designed the previous two phases. Project management has been entrusted to Probuild Sp. z o.o. Porr (Polska) S.A. acted as a General Contractor and Knight Frank Sp. z o.o. as a financial advisor and broker.  PHN S.A. was advised by:  Jones Lang LaSalle and Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak.With the sale of ABC, VDHG was advised by the law firm Piszcz, Norek i Wspólnicy.


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VDHG-PHN Press Release – ABC sale-ENG -2-07-2015

IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka and IBB Andersia Hotel awarded for exceptional hospitality services!

TOPHOTEL 2015: ‘Best weekend Hotel in Poland’ for IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka

‘Brand of the Year’ Award: ‘Best City Business Hotel in Poland’ for IBB Andersia Hotel

‘Super Star Award’ (2nd place) for conference centre in Poland for IBB Andersia Hotel
IBB Hotel Collection (IBBHC) and Von der Heyden Group (VDHG) are delighted to jointly announce that two IBBHC hotels in Poland: IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka and IBB Andersia Hotel have been granted prestigious market awards for exceptional hospitality services.

IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin has won TOPHOTEL 2015 award as ‘The best weekend hotel in Poland’, and IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań has obtained: a ‘Brand of the Year’ prize in ‘City Business’ category, as well as a ‘Super Star Award’ (2nd place) for its conference center, both awards granted during Hotel Brand Awards 2015 at Polagra and Hotel Invest Fair in Poznań.

Recent awards for IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka and IBB Andersia Hotel, prove not only the well-established renown of Polish IBB hotels to deliver first-rate standards, but also the ability of IBB Hotel Collection to perfectly address needs of different type of guests. Previously, both buildings have also gained numerous development awards, e.g. IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka: ‘Best Overall Development 2002’, ‘Laur Konserwatorski 2003’, ‘Zabytek Zadbany 2003’, ‘Kryształowa Cegła’, and IBB Andersia Hotel, e.g.: ‘Building of the Year 2007’, ‘Best Hotel Development Project 2008’, ‘CEE Hotel & Leisure Development of the year 2007’ (2nd place).

Growing success of IBB Hotel Collection paves the way for another hotel in Poland coming soon – IBB Długi Targ Hotel in Gdańsk and demonstrates the IBBHC Group capacity to effectively utilize its key assets – a combination of top locations, knowledge  and professional and friendly staff.

The 90 Room IBB Długi Targ Hotel Project (estimated investment value: Euro 11 mln) developed by Von der Heyden Group, is based on refurbishment and conversion of three historical semidetached city houses into a unique hotel in a unique place. This property acquired by VDHG is located in the most attractive part in the heart of Gdańsk, at the corner of historical Długi Targ Boulevard and Mieszczańska Street, almost opposite to the Neptun’s Statute and the Dwór Artusa Building. In February 2015, ‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Project has obtained bank financing with the best offer made by Alior Bank S.A.

Construction works are planned to start in January 2016 and finish in 2017. The building has been re-designed and will now boast about 1.200 sqm of prime retail space on the ground floor combined with an internal rearrangment.

About ‘Hotel Brand Awards‘ and ‘TOPHOTEL Awards‘:
Hotel Brand Awards are presented on the basis of various factors determining the power of the brand to attract guests. Depending on their character, hotels are rivaling in 10 categories in a competition organized by: Profitroom, leading supplier of IT solutions for hotel bookings, and Poznań International Fairs.

Hotel Brand Awards engage leading experts in branding and hospitality gathered on annual Invest-Hotel exhibition. Winners of the competition are selected by 200 representatives of the hotel industry during Hotel Marketing Conference. IBB Andersia Hotel gained ‘Brand of the Year’ prize in ‘City Business’ category and ‘Super Star Award’ in ‘Conference’ category, proving its ability and flexibility to be a hosting partner for biggest market players and create excellent environment for its guests’ businesses.

In September 2015, IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka obtained a TOPHOTEL 2015 prize as the best hotel destination for a weekend in Poland in an annual contest organized by Hotele.pl. Hotele.pl is the leading portal for on-line room reservations in Poland with more than 200 thousands hotels in their offer. Since 2008 Hotele.pl has been presenting TOPHOTEL prizes in 19 categories differentiating the character of services delivered by hotels in Poland, and two additional awards – TOPHOTEL Partner and TOPHOTEL of the Year. Hotels are nominated on the basis of a grade obtained from users of hotele.pl website and opinions of hundreds companies using Corporate Travel Assistant to book their business travels. The best hotel in a given category is selected through a vote on TOPHOTEL website.

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IBBHC VDHG Press release ENG 29-09-2015

Bavaria Towers in Munich – construction works in progress!

WHITE TOWER IN MUNICH – SOLD TO SWISS LIFE INSURANCE GROUP!

Bavaria Towers: the White Tower and the Blue Tower (investment value: Euro 154 million) form part of the most spectacular development projects in the Bavarian capital in a strategic location in Munich. Situated in the Bogenhausen district on the eastern edge of Munich, Bavaria Towers Project create a stunning new gateway to the city – offering businesses a unique opportunity to claim a spot on one of the major thoroughfares into the regional capital.

The Bavaria Towers building complex is designed by star duo from Madrid, Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos, and will be comprised in total of four pentagonal high-rises that makes 77.651 sqm of total gross rental area, two central underground car parks with a total of 960 spaces for cars, including places for electric cars and places for bicycles with changing rooms and showers.

Bavaria Towers complex consists of: Blue Tower (72.3m high, 24,347sqm, 300 parking spaces), White Tower (53.6m high, 15.150sqm, 140 parking spaces), Sky Tower (83.6m high) and Star Tower (46.1m high). Covering a total area of app. 11,000sqm, the plot is the property of Bogenhausener Tor Immobilien GmbH, initiated by the Von der Heyden Group and co-owned with Luxembourg based Atlant Capital. The Munich-based Bayern Projekt GmbH is tasked with project development and representing the interests of the owners and also representing Zurich Insurance, the owners of the future Sky Tower and Star Tower.

The White Tower and Blue Tower are currently being constructed and are to gain certification in accordance with the LEED Gold sustainability standard. The General Contractor is PORR Germany. The fixtures and fittings in Bavaria Towers combine leading-edge materials, minimalist design and state-of-the-art building systems. The ensemble offers the perfect environment for innovative enterprises, supporting tomorrow’s world of work.

The 54m high White Tower building was already rented before construction to H-Hotels AG that will operate a four star Ramada Hotel for 20 years with 345 state-of-the art rooms and panorama suites with a large spa and fitness area on the 14th floor. Furthermore, in December 2015 shortly after the start of construction, the White Tower building was sold to Swiss Life Insurance Group and is one of the company’s largest hotel transactions.

Bavaria Towers will offer an impressive panorama view and breath-taking views over Munich and the Alps beyond.

Planned end of construction for the White and Blue Towers is July 2018.

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Von der Heyden Group starts construction of ‘Długi Targ’ Hotel project in the heart of Gdańsk!

‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Development Project is a unique property acquired by Von der Heyden Group in a complex tender from Millenium Bank some years back and is located in the most attractive part in the heart of Gdańsk, at the corner of historical Długi Targ Boulevard and Mieszczanska Street, almost opposite to the Neptun’s Statute and the Dwór Artusa Building.

With history of over 1000 years, Gdańsk is one of the oldest, one of the most dynamic, most popular tourist destinations in Poland. Together with Gdynia and Sopot, Gdańsk forms a conurbation of over 1.2 million inhabitants. Gdańsk, as the capital of the Pomerania Province is also an important academic and business centre in the country.

A complex tender for a General Contractor for construction works has been won by the locally based, renowned company, Allcon Sp. z o.o. sp. k. and the construction agreement was signed on April 21, 2016.

Allcon Budownictwo Sp. z o.o. sp. k. is a Pomeranian company specializing in general contracting in ‘design and build’ type contracts and ‘turn-key’ projects. During 25 years on the market, the company has completed dozens of projects for Polish and foreign investors. Allcon Budownictwo is a proud holder of a number of Certificates, issued among others by Det Norske Veritas (presently DNV GL Group), an independent international certification body. Certificates confirm compliance with the requirements of standards of quality management (ISO 9001: 2008) and environmental management (ISO 14001: 2004).

The chosen architect for the ‘Długi Targ’ Project is also a locally based company ‘Architectonica S.A.’ and the interior design is made by‘TOYA Design’ from Poznań. The Project Manger is ‘Probuild’ Sp. z o.o.

On signing the agreement, Sven von der Heyden, Von der Heyden Group’s Chairman said: ‘We have never given up to make this wonderful project a reality. Our timing at acquistion was not ideal right before the financial crisis broke out in 2007/2008. We have taken advantages of the suffered delays and optimized the design, increased the number of rooms and found a strong banking partner in Alior Bank. I am convinced that this Hotel will be financially very successful given its design and location combined with our usual touch for detail.’

Adam Trybusz, the President of the Management Board of Długi Targ Sp. z o.o., a special purpose vehicle to implement the project, and Co-investor of the project said: ‘The right to participate in such a unique project that is development of Dlugi Targ Boulevard wins with every obstacle on the timeline. This time, the time has not always favoured us. However, with such location it doesn’t matter that much. What matters most is the privilege to co-create the history of the city, the history of the beautiful city of Gdańsk.’

‘We are delighted that such a renowned and respected Investor has appreciated ALLCON Budownictwo’s experience in hotel construction. For our company, conducting construction works in the historical centre of Gdańsk, and with such a demanding and prestigious project, is a great motivation and a big chance for us to confirm the quality of our services.’ – said Mariusz Białek, the President of the Management Board of ALLCON Budownictwo Sp. z o.o., shareholder of ALLCON Budownictwo Sp. z o.o. sp.k.

The ‘Długi Targ’ development project (estimated development budget: Euro 11 million) is based on refurbishment and conversion of three historical semidetached city houses into a unique 90 room hotel with a total area of app. 4.500 m2.

The initial concept of Von der Heyden Group was to create a top 5* refined boutique hotel, however, due to changing market environment, the initial idea responded the local market needs and an efficient and trendy 3* Superior hotel will be created. The building will also have prime retail space on the ground floor. The characteristics of the external façade will be carefully preserved, however at the same time, the interiors will be modern and full of innovative solutions.

On July 1, 2016 there will take place the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony. The hotel will be opened in late summer 2017 and will be managed by IBB Hotel Collection (IBBHC). In Poland, IBBHC successully operates two renowned 4* hotels: IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań, both enjoying the best results in terms of REVPAR and occupancy. IBBBHC operates as well two 4* hotels and three 3* hotels in Germany, as well as three hotels in Spain: one 5* hotel, one 4* hotel and one 3* hotel (more info about IBBHC: www.ibbhotels.com).

In the new hotel in Gdańsk, guests will have 90 rooms and comfortable apartments at their disposal located on five above-ground storeys. The hotel will offer business facilities such as free in-room internet and business corners with a computer/printer for a public use. The hotel will also be focused on touristic groups with a drive-in access for busses, being the only hotel in the area with such a convenience. The venue will also offer retail lease and exquisite boutiques.

The city of Gdańsk will offer unforgettable memories and numerous events like e.g. St. Dominic’s Fair that is held in Długi Targ Boulevard, it’s the oldest dated from the 13th century, the most famous, and one of the largest open air events in Europe that attracts about 6.5 mln guests to Gdańsk every summer.

‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Project will be the first development project of Von der Heyden Group in Gdańsk and the Group is actively observing the local market for further opportunities there.

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VDHG Press Release 28-04-2016 ENG

Długi Targ under construction

Von der Heyden Group has finally started the construction of the Długi Targ hotel project in Gdańsk.

The Długi Targ project was acquired by Von der Heyden Group in a tender held by Millenium Bank some years ago and is located in the most attractive part in Gdańsk, at the corner of historic Długi Targ boulevard and ul. Mieszczańska, almost opposite the Neptune statute and the Dwór Artusa building. The tender to choose a general contractor was won by locally based company Allcon. Allcon Budownictwo specialises in general contracting under design-and-build type contracts and turn-key projects. Architectonica Michał Skwarło, a local studio has been chosen for the architectual design of the Długi Targ project and the interior design is made by Toya Design from Poznań. The project manger is Probuild. “Our timing at the acquisition was not ideal, just before the financial crisis broke in 2007/2008. We have taken advantage of the delays this imposed and optimised the design, increased the number of rooms and found a strong banking partner in Alior Bank,” said Sven von der Heyden, Von der Heyden Group’s chairman, on the signing the agreement. The hotel will be opened in late summer 2017 and will be managed by IBB Hotel Collection.

The estimated development budget for the project is EUR 11 mln. The project is based on the refurbishment and conversion of three historic semi-detached town houses into a 90-room hotel with a total area of app. 4,500 sqm. “The initial concept of Von der Heyden Group was to create a five-star boutique hotel. However, due to the changing market environment, the initial idea was adapted and a three-star hotel will be created. The building will also have prime retail space on the ground floor,” the developer explains. The characteristics of the external façade will be carefully preserved, while the interiors will feature modern innovations. The building will have five above-ground storeys. On July 1st, 2016 the cornerstone ceremony will take place. “Długi Targ will be the first development project of Von der Heyden Group in Gdańsk and the group is actively observing the local market for further opportunities,” the company has stated.

In Poland, IBBHC operates two four star hotels: IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań.

Source: Eurobuild CEE

Ground breaking ceremony of hotel development project ‘IBB Hotel Długi Targ’ in Gdańsk

Location: Długi Targ 14-16, heart of the Old Town in Gdańsk
Estimated investment budget: Euro 11 million
Total area: 4.500 m2
End of Construction: late summer 2017
Investor and Developer: Długi Targ Sp. z o.o. (Von der Heyden Group, Adam Trybusz)
Project Manager: Probuild Sp. z o.o.
Architect: Biuro Projektów ‘Architectonica’ S.A.
General Contractor: Allcon Budownictwo Sp. z o.o. sp. k.
Interior Design: TOYA Design Sp. z o.o.
Financing Bank: Alior Bank S.A.
Hotel Operator: IBB Hotel Collection

The ‘Długi Targ’ development project (estimated development budget: Euro 11 million) is based on refurbishment and conversion of three historical semidetached city houses into a unique 90 room hotel with a total area of app. 4.500 m2.

With history of over 1000 years, Gdańsk is one of the oldest, one of the most dynamic, most popular tourist destinations in Poland. Together with Gdynia and Sopot, Gdańsk forms a conurbation of over 1.2 million inhabitants. Gdańsk, as the capital of the Pomerania Province is also an important academic and business centre in the country.

‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Development Project is a unique property acquired by Von der Heyden Group in a complex tender from Bank Millennium S.A. some years back and is located in the most attractive part in the heart of Gdańsk, at the corner of historical Długi Targ Boulevard and Mieszczanska Street, almost opposite to the Neptun’s Statute and the Dwór Artusa Building.

A complex tender for a General Contractor for construction works has been won by the locally based, renowned company, Allcon Sp. z o.o. sp. k. and the construction agreement was signed in April 2016. The chosen architect for the ‘Długi Targ’ Project is also a locally based company ‘Architectonica’ S.A. and the interior design is made by ‘TOYA Design’ Sp. z o.o. from Poznań. The Project Manger is ‘Probuild’ Sp. z o.o. The financing Bank for the Project is Alior Bank S.A.

The initial concept of Von der Heyden Group was to create a top 5* refined boutique hotel, however, due to changing market environment, the initial idea responded the local market needs and an efficient and trendy 3* Superior hotel will be created. The building will also have prime retail space on the ground floor. The characteristics of the external façade will be preserved, however at the same time, the interiors will be modern and full of innovative solutions.

The IBB Hotel Długi Targ in Gdańsk will be opened in late summer 2017 and will be managed by IBB Hotel Collection (IBBHC). In Poland, IBBHC successully operates two renowned 4* hotels: IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań, both enjoying the best results in terms of REVPAR and occupancy. IBBBHC operates as well two 4* hotels and two 3* hotels in Germany, as well as three hotels in Spain: one 5* hotel, one 4* hotel and one 3* hotel (more info about IBBHC: http://www.ibbhotels.com).

In the new hotel in Gdańsk, guests will have 90 rooms and comfortable apartments at their disposal located on five above-ground storeys. The hotel will offer business facilities such as free in-room internet and business corners with a computer/printer for a public use. The hotel will also be focused on touristic groups with a drive-in access for busses, being the only hotel in the area with such a convenience. The venue will also offer retail lease and exquisite boutiques.

The city of Gdańsk will offer unforgettable memories and numerous events like e.g. St. Dominic’s Fair that is held in Długi Targ Boulevard, it’s the oldest dated from the 13th century, the most famous, and one of the largest open air events in Europe that attracts about 6.5 mln guests to Gdańsk every summer.

‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Project will be the first development project of Von der Heyden Group in Gdańsk and the Group is actively observing the local market for further opportunities there.

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Ground broken for Długi Targ

The ground breaking ceremony for the IBB Hotel Długi Targ in Gdańsk has taken place in the presence of Gdańsk mayor Paweł Adamowicz.

IBB Hotel Długi Targ in Gdańsk is being constructed at ul. Długi Targ 14–16. Investment costs are estimated at EUR 11 mln for the project. The hotel will be ready in the late summer 2017. The developer and investor behind the project is the Długi Targ company owned by the Von der Heyden Group and Adam Trybusz. Probuild is the project manager, while the general contractor is Allcon Budownictwo. Biuro Projektów Architectonica is responsible for the architectural design and Poznań studio Toya Design for the interior design. Alior Bank is providing finance for the project. IBB Hotel Collection will be the hotel operator.

The Długi Targ development project involves the refurbishment and conversion of three historic semi-detached townhouses into a 90-room hotel with a total area of app. 4,500 sqm. The buildings were acquired by Von der Heyden Group in a tender organized by Bank Millennium some years back and are located in the city’s Old Town, almost directly opposite the Neptun’s Statute and the Dwór Artusa Building.

Von der Heyden Group’s initial concept was to create a five-star boutique hotel; however, due to the changing market environment, the concept has been adapted to a three-star hotel will be developed with retail space on the ground floor. Characteristic elements of the external façade will be preserved, however the interiors will be modernised.

Długi Targ is the first development project by Von der Heyden Group in Gdańsk – a market the company is actively monitoring for further opportunities.

IBBHC operates two four star hotels in Poland: the IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and the IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań.

Source: Eurobuild CEE

VDHG trades Bonds on the Malta Stock Exchange

Von der Heyden Group Finance p.l.c. announced the successful public offering, placement and listing of our € 25 million 4.4% unsecured bonds 2024 issued by Von der Heyden Group Finance p.l.c. guaranteed by TIMAN Investments Holdings Ltd.

The Bond is approved by the Listing Authority and trading on the Official List of the Malta Stock Exchange commenced on March 20, 2017.

Malta Stock Exchange CEO Simon Zammit welcomed the company to the fold and congratulated its Chairman Mr Sven von der Heyden and its Executive Director, Mr Robert Rottinghuis as well as Nick Calamatta of Calamatta Cuschieri on the achievement.

The Von der Heyden Group Chairman, Sven von der Heyden, said: ‘The placement and listing of a corporate bond issued by our fully owned subsidiary is a milestone for the Von der Heyden Group. We feel obliged and honoured at the same time to have more than 1.300 Bondholders and look with great expectations into the future. This placement will enhance our capability to reach our ambitious goals for the years to come.’

Von der Heyden Group Finance p.l.c. forms part of Von der Heyden Group (VDHG) which is a high quality niche player on the European Real Estate Market and has been successfully developing Class A Office buildings and Hotels in always top central and strategic locations in Germany, Poland and Spain. The Group is commonly known for its high-end finishes and quality, and at all times achieved record prices for its award winning projects, when sold.

With over 25 years sound experience and continuing presence on European markets, VDHG enjoys the trust of international financial institutions, funds and big market players, as well as embassies, governmental institutions and cities. Since 1989, a volume of investment of around Euro 350 million has been achieved in Poland, Germany and Spain. There are plans to invest further 175 million during the next 3 years, including equity and debt. New country of investment includes Malta.

Source: The Malta Independent

Maltese company invests €154 million in Munich development project

The Valletta-based Von der Heyden Group is investing €154 million in the Bavaria Towers, a €380 million development consisting of three office towers and a hotel tower that will redefine the skyline of Munich.  Described as one of the most spectacular developments in the recent history of this German city, the building will make an impressive visual statement on the main access to Munich’s eastern district of Bogenhausen. The building shells for all four towers will be finished before the end of the year, while completion of the entire project is currently planned for the third quarter of 2018.

The Von der Heyden Group also owns the IBB Hotel Collection which operates hotels in Spain, Malta, Germany and Poland. Last April, IBB announced the restoration and renovation of Senglea’s iconic Maċina Bastion to become the first exclusive Cugó Gran hotel in Malta, opening in mid-summer 2017.  IBB Pjazza Merkanti in Valletta will be their second hotel in Malta when it opens its doors in January 2018. Last week, the hotel chain opened its 11th and 12th IBB Hotels in  Ingelheim and Paderborn respectively.

The Munich project consists of three office towers with a total floor space of 62,000 sqm of tenanted areas and a hotel tower leased by H-Hotels‘ new premium brand Hyperion to open in October 2018. The hotel occupies the 54 metre high White Tower, of which 14 of its 15 floors are already completed, and will become one of Munich‘s premier destinations for business travellers as it benefits from its direct proximity to the Munich exhibition centre. Services geared towards business travellers, such as valet parking, business lounges featuring dedicated check-in and concierge services are among the many highlights offered by this new hotel with its 345 guest rooms.

The profile of Munich‘s new architectural highlight also includes office space starting at 250 sqm to accommodate single offices or open plan layouts as well as a pioneering sustainability concept. Two underground car parks offer 960 car spaces. The towers will hold the prestigious LEED Gold or DGNB Gold sustainability certifications. The project is the brainchild of development company Bayern Projekt GmbH, who have teamed up with the investment partners Von der Heyden Group and Zurich Group Germany to bring this exciting new development to life.

Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of the Von der Heyden Group, said: “The laying of the foundation stone kickstarts one of Munich‘s most important development projects. The Bavaria Towers will be making an important contribution to contemporary urban planning as they create an architectural highlight that will make the residents of Munich proud of their city and at the same time will make the quality and standards of tomorrow available to be enjoyed by its occupiers today.”

The symbolic foundation stone was placed in the centre of the development among the well progressed highrise towers, in order to ensure its visibility for future occupiers and visitors. The highlight of the festive event, attended by Munich‘s Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid, the Head of the Urban Planning and Construction Authority, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Merk, and over 200 guests, was ‘the landing of a Martian’, who handed over a time capsule holding plans, daily newspapers and coins that were immured into the foundation stone.

The IBB portfolio includes business and resort hotels in the three-, four- and five-star category. Providing leasing, management and franchise contracts and investing in attractive operator free properties, the hotel company has ambitious growth plans, focusing on the countries where it is already active.

Source: The Malta Chamber of Commerce Enterprise and Industry

THE BIG INTERVIEW with Sven von der Heyden

Cugó Gran is one of the finest examples of a restored farmhouse in Menorca. And it is the brainchild of Sven von der Heyden, a German national who has had deep-rooted connections with the island for many years.

We met in the dining room at Cugó and discussed his journey to arrive at such a stunning property.

From owning a small boat and holidaying here in Menorca, he progressed to owning a property in Cala Llonga and living here. And until very recently he commuted across Europe from Menorca to conduct his many business interests.

He was trained as an investment banker and institutional bond dealer with a private bank in Germany, which later led in 1989 to becoming the wealth manager of his first clients. This led him to not just advise clients but work as an entrepreneur himself, and so he started his own property development company very soon after. The company quickly targeted the Eastern European countries in the early 90s, along with refurbishing tenement houses in the new German federal states, at the time when the West was providing beneficial tax breaks for those investing in East Germany.

This business has thrived and he has property projects running in Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin in Germany and Warsaw and Poznan in Poland. In the early years of this century he started to invest into IBB Hotel Collection, in which he now owns the majority.

He continues to have both personal and business interests in Menorca. His two children completed their junior school education here, and he became the President of the local Housing Association in Cala Llonga. His energy and enthusiasm galvanised most of the residents there and he was able to make great improvements to the public spaces. And he still has his property there.

But it is Cugó that has been his long-term love affair. He purchased the property in 2001, and it was only in 2016 when the doors were first opened for business.

‘I bought the property on a slight whim, and spent the first years of owning it wondering what to do with the building and the 250 acres that comes with it. Convert it into a private villa or make it available for luxury rental? I have now invested over 9 million euros in the property, and I am proud of what has been achieved, especially to have protected and restored such a wonderful property that is part of the heritage of the island.’

The business broke even in 2016, its first trading year, which he thinks ‘isn’t too bad’. He continues: ‘But the issue is that July and August provide around 70% of the total revenue. So, it is too seasonal, and this applies to Cugó as with the rest of the island. We have generated very good media coverage since we opened; we just need to work harder and be more focussed on bringing business in during the shoulder periods, just like everyone else in Menorca.’

He retains some other business interests here – he owns a hotel in Cala´n Porter and has a small investment in Nautic Lounge Menorca, a fleet of fun motor crafts that tourists can hire and take out into Mahón harbour and enjoy an on-board BBQ. Always an eye for an opportunity!

‘I have my base now in Malta, and we conduct our business from there. The Public Sector has a very positive attitude to business, and they have managed to attract some large brands to invest on their island, create jobs and add to the economy. It is an interesting example of what can be achieved with a can-do mentality, which I had hoped so badly to find in Menorca.’

Typical business day: I don’t have one. I am not really tied to a desk, but am always on the move. I have clocked up over 4,500 flights during my career and keep on having some 100 flights every year.

His two children from his first marriage are at university in London. They love it here and frequently visit.

Downtime
I love snow skiing, especially in Lech in Austria, enjoy boating and playing golf. I am an avid newspaper reader, and subscribe and consume before breakfast the FT, El Mundo, Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Times of Malta so I can keep abreast of what’s happening in Europe and the world.

Interests
Work and play often blend together: wherever I go I run in my mind a potential business plan on a given hotel I stay in. Some may think this is weird, but my job is my passion.

Roqueta Menorca Interview with Sven von der Heyden – June 2017