Liberty Corner and Grand Hotel Lublinianka nominated to CEE Property Awards: ‘1989 – 2006 The Best of the Best’ !

It is our great pleasure to inform that Von der Heyden Group’s projects: Liberty Corner and Grand Hotel Lublinianka have taken part in CEPIF and International Herald Tribune CEE Property Awards: ‘1989 — 2006 The Best of the Best’ for the CEE Region’s best developments and have just been nominated for a short list to win the above mentioned awards in two categories: “Best CEE Office Development” and “Best CEE Hotel Development”.

The winners will be announced at the CEPIF Gala Party in the evening on May 11, 2006 and in the International Herald Tribune.

Von der Heyden Group invests in the heart of Gdansk Old Town!

It is our great pleasure to announce that after Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and Andersia Tower in Poznan, Von der Heyden Group has started its new 4 star hotel development in Poland: Dlugi Targ Hotel Project in Gdansk.

The von der Heyden Group took part and has won a complex tender organized by Millenium Bank and acquired a prestigious property at the corner of historical Dlugi Targ Boulevard and Mieszczanska Street, almost opposite to the well known Neptun’s Statue and the Dwor Artusa building.

The newly owned property is one of the most attractive buildings in the exceptional tourist part of Gdansk. It consists of three semidetached historical city houses with three different historically renovated and well preserved frontal elevations. Von der Heyden Group plans to convert the buildings into a 4 Star Deluxe boutique Hotel, after a thorough refurbishment which is planned to start in autumn of 2006 and will last until winter 2007. The total area is approximately 2.500 m2.

The hotel rooms are planned to be located on four floors, many of them facing the vibrant life and streams of tourists on the Dlugi Targ Boulevard. In order to obtain the required space for a banquet and event hall and additional hotel rooms, the southern wing of the building will be extended. The objective is to obtain a homogenous impression with the front part of the building, in close co-operation with the city conservator of monuments. The building will be renovated to keep its charm and historical character.

Sven von der Heyden, Von der Heyden Group Chairman said: “This is one of our most beautiful acquisitions for years and we are convinced more than ever, especially in a fierce competitive environment, that only location counts. Within Gdansk, the location can hardly be beaten and we are certain that this enterprise, even though below the average of our usual transaction size, will turn into a financial success story.”

Adam Trybusz, Von der Heyden Group Managing Director for Poland added: “We will develop a hotel where tourists will feel as if they were in the best hotel in Amsterdam old-town. The atmosphere, architecture and the service, all will make them travel to Gdansk instead of Amsterdam and our aim is that Gdansk has no vacant hotel rooms.”

When ready, the luxury hotel will offer international services standards for business travelers & tourists. For guests’ disposal there will be 44 spacious, well designed rooms and suites, an exquisite restaurant with 45 seats, a banquet & event hall (350 m2) and various fitness facilities.

The Hotel will be managed by the Spanish hotel chain IBB Hotels. Since 2003, this will be the third hotel run by IBB Hotels in Poland, after the successful management of the Grand Hotel Lublinianka and the launch of Andersia Tower Hotel in Poznań in spring 2007.

Estimated market value upon completion: app. Euro 7,5 mln

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Von der Heyden Group invests in the heart of Gdansk Old Town

Von der Heyden Group invests in a historic building in the centre of Erfurt’s Old Town!

We are happy to announce that after Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin, Andersia Tower in Poznan and Dlugi Targ Project in Gdansk, Von der Heyden Group has purchased its first 4 star hotel building in Erfurt, Germany. The hotel is located at the Krämerbrücke in the historical centre of Erfurt and gives a stunning view onto the famous medieval Krämer Bridge. It offers 91 rooms right in the heart of a lively tourism centre although with a magnificent and quiet location facing a small park and the river Gera.

The Von der Heyden Group acquired the prestigious property from Sorat Hotels, the German hotel chain. The hotel will be managed by IBB Hotels who has also taken an equity stake in the investment. Having signed the purchase agreement, Mr Sven von der Heyden, Von der Heyden Group Chairman, said: “this is the first step into the German Hotel market for both our Group and IBB Hotels and the building perfectly fits IBB’s strategy to go for quality properties. We are very excited to have purchased this beautiful landmark building in the Capital of the German federal state of Thueringen. As always, we have a long term vision up to increasing the amount of beds on a small plot adjacent to the Hotel”.

The stylishly designed 4 star hotel in Erfurt offers 91 rooms and suites including 6 rooms in the Tower at the Krämer Bridge with exposed medieval brickwork, original beams, warm colours and clever details. The Interior furniture has been designed especially for the hotel by a top French designer, Didier Gomez. The hotel makes available an underground garage for 30 parking places, 2 restaurants with a terrace and a beer garden, lobby bar, 3 conference rooms up to 130 people, sauna, cosmetics and massage.

IBB Hotels will now develop the Hotel in Erfurt in order to ensure the already pleasing high occupancies and level of customer satisfaction. The IBB Hotel Erfurt is a first step of IBB’s expansion strategy into Germany. IBB Hotels is now active in Spain, Germany and Poland, where the Hotel Operations Company will soon manage 3 Hotels developed by the Von der Heyden Group: the Grand Hotel Lublinianka, the IBB Andersia Tower Hotel in Poznan and the refurbishment project Dlugi Targ in the heart of the old town of Gdansk. IBB Hotels is actively searching the market for new opportunities.

Von der Heyden Group:

The Von der Heyden Group, a pan-European developer began investing into the Polish property market at the start of the nineties. During over 16 years of activities it has become familiar with the specific characteristics of the market and enjoys the trust of national and international banks and other financial institutions. The Group specializes in high quality property investments including the renovation of historic buildings which have received numerous awards.

The companies comprising the Von der Heyden Group together have completed an investment programme in real estate valued at well over 145 million Euro. In 2006 there are investments under development and/or acquisition in the amount of approximately 75 million Euro which brings total investments to some 220 million Euro so far.

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Von der Heyden Group invests in a historic building in the centre of Erfurt’s Old Town

Von der Heyden Group welcomes Mr Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza!

It is our great pleasure to inform that Mr. Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza joined the team of the Von der Heyden Group (VDHG) and was appointed as the Managing Director Finance and Investments for the entire group starting from January 1, 2007.

Mr Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza will be responsible for VDHG’s projects development in Europe and at the same time has become the Managing Director of Von der Heyden Development Sp. z o.o. (VDHD), the service consultancy arm of the VDHG.

With reference to a dynamic development of the Von der Heyden Group’s projects in Poznan, Mr Adam Trybusz will concentrate on the Group’s activities in Poznan and stay in management boards of VDHG Poznan companies and also Nowy Świat 5 Sp. z o.o. and Długi Targ Sp. z o.o.

Mr Sven von der Heyden will remain active as the Chairman of the Group and will continue to supervise business in Poland, Spain and Germany.

“We are delighted to welcome Javier in our team, the experience he has gained both with his previous companies as well as during his studies shall ensure the further development and success of our group”. I am personally relieved to have him on board, given the numerous activities of Von der Heyden Group in Spain, Poland and Germany we needed another person strong in financial matters“, said Mr Sven von der Heyden.

Mr Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza said: “I am very pleased to join the Von der Heyden Group. Several reasons made me take the decision to join it: the impressive track record of the Group, the outstanding and exceptional team working in it and the professional respect I have for Mr. Sven von der Heyden. I strongly believe in the future development of the Group and will do my best to contribute to reach the highest possible goals“.

Mr Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza is a graduate of ICADE University where he studied business administration and law and holds the Master degree in Business Administration at  IESE. He has been working in companies such as Price Waterhouse, Riansa and some nine years for Aldeasa (Spain and Latin America’s number one Duty Free retailer) and Ferrovial (Spain’s largest construction company) in leading positions within the financial and development departments. He also teaches Financial Management at ICADE’s MBA from time to time.

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Von der Heyden Group welcomes Mr Javier Errejon Sainz de la Maza

Andersia Tower – Home for renowned international investors coming to Poznań!

Von der Heyden Development, the service consultancy arm of Von der Heyden Group, is pleased to announce that the highest building in Poznan, Andersia Tower, is 96% leased!

Long-term lease agreements have been signed a few months before finishing construction works. Andersia Tower is after Poznan Financial Centre the second class ‘A’ office building developed in Poznan and will house reputable international companies. For some of them, Andersia Tower will be the first headquarters not only in Poznan but in the whole of Poland. This shows that in spite of a very dynamic development of other Polish cities like e.g. Wrocław and Kraków, the city of Poznan has still been perceived as one of the most attractive investment places in Poland.

We are honoured to welcome Andersia Tower‘s Tenants:

1. Ernst & Young (742 sqm) – The world’s leading tax consultancy company, a world leader in tax advisory and auditing. The company provides professional services in audit, business, accounting, translation, grants and incentives, real estate and training. E&Y Poland employs over 1100 employees in 5 local offices. Ernst & Young audits nearly 20% of the companies listed in the ‘Business Week’s’ 1000 largest international companies.

2. Efect Financial Consulting (Efekt Doradztwo Finansowe) (250 sqm) – the company has become one of the most important players in overall financial market in Poland. Efect’s financial advisers offer its customers the best individual financial solutions which include insurance, credits and investments. In Poland there are 500 employees working for Efect.

3. Grafton Recruitment (180 sqm) – a world class provider of recruitment solutions. Grafton has experienced an impressive growth pattern in the last five years. The network has built to a total of 70 branch operations spanning 19 different countries including the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Chile, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, Russia, Romania, Portugal, France, Belgium, Turkey and the UAE.

4. IKB Leasing Polska (1.172 sqm) – member of the IKB Deutsche Industriebank Group, is one of the largest manufacturer-independent equipment and vehicle leasing companies in Poland. The company is a subsidiary of IKB Leasing GmbH in Hamburg, one of Germany’s leading mobile asset leasing companies with international operations. IKB Leasing Polska Sp. z o.o. specializes in equipment and production line leasing. The activities of the company focuses on the following branches of industry: metalworking and processing, plastic processing, printing, logistics, food, beverage and tobacco, wood processing.

5. 6.655 sqm – rented to an international, renowned yet undisclosed entity.

On this occasion, Mr Sven von der Heyden, Von der Heyden Group’s Chairman said: ‘I am truly amazed that we have repeated the enormous success of PFC (Poznan Financial Centre) in 2001 and are now, 5 months before completion even more occupied than we were with PFC at the same time. Together with the long term income from the Hotel component, managed by IBB Hotels, Andersia Tower is another masterpiece of perfect engineering, efficiency and foremost right market timing. I want to thank our “evergreen” advisors of Knight Frank and our whole team who have contributed to make this next dream come true for us.’

Mr Łukasz Ziółek, Ernst & Young Partner said: ‘Our firm pays great attention to attractive and prestigious locations of our offices. Andersia Tower is a modern building that offers comfortable and friendly working environment for our staff and visitors and reflects the high quality of the services we provide to our clients.’

Mr Adam Trybusz, Managing Director of Andersia Tower: ‘The Public Private Partnership concept can be difficult, sometimes even bitter, but when it all comes together – as with the Andersia Tower project realised with the City of Poznan then the sheer satisfaction of the accomplishment outweighs all the earlier difficulties and obstacles. Why shouldn’t we feel proud that a gaping hole in the city’s urban fabric is filled with good architecture and in achieving our targeted profits we create a place where new firms can prosper and further stimulate the local economy with the prospect of employment for another 1500 to 1700 young, well qualified Poznan citizens. “Poznan. Life at its best” – Now I can agree with that. A harmonious development compatible with its urban fabric does not end with simple investment returns. It needs to be judged against the reduction in unemployment, seen alongside the City’s growth and employment strategy, in raising the quality of work opportunities which in turn generate an increase in tax revenues that further regenerates the local economy let alone the additional property taxes. These human aspects have a greater significance and a longer lasting effect. This is how great cities are built.’

Andersia Tower is a joint venture between the Von der Heyden Group and the City of Poznan. It is the first investment started in Poznan after Poland’s accession to the EU. It makes the 2nd phase of the Anders Square development and after Poznan Financial Centre successfully completed in 2001 and sold to AIB Fund in December 2004.

Andersia Tower will be a mixed-use development comprising 32,000 sqm gross of office, hotel and leisure space. The upper floors will be used for top class ‘A’ office space of app. 10.500 sqm. The lower part of the project will be used for a **** deluxe hotel operated by IBB Hotels Polska, who already successfully manages the IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin as well as the newly acquired **** Hotel an der Krämerbrücke in Erfurt, Thuringia.

Completion of Andersia Tower is scheduled for summer 2007.

Investment costs are estimated at app. Euro 58 million.

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ANDERSIA TOWER – home for renowned international investors

Von der Heyden Group invests in Munich together with Bayern Projekt GmbH!

Von der Heyden Development, the service consultancy arm of Von der Heyden Group is delighted to communicate that the VDHG has made the first important purchase in the Bavarian homeland of its Chairman, Mr. Sven von der Heyden.

In the top strategic location in Munich, on the border to Bogenhausen, at the beginning of the highway A94, providing access to the Munich Fair, VDHG and Bayern Projekt GmbH have purchased 3 office buildings and a warehouse building. The three pieces of real estate were purchased from two communities of heirs and Süddeutscher Verlag GmbH (= the publisher of Süddeutsche Zeitung daily).

On signing of the purchase contract, Mr. Sven von Heyden, Von der Heyden Group’s Chairman, said: “Like in the case of all interesting real estate transactions, also the purchase of these 3 outstandingly situated buildings was a genuine challenge. The success of the project is based particularly on successful synchronization of interests of fundamentally different sellers. I am glad that with this piece of hard work, our Group and Bayern Projekt have been able to reach such a favorable result. Following our intensive acquisitions in Leipzig and Erfurt during the last 18 months, we now again have both feet firmly on the ground in Munich, a fact which we are very proud of.”

Mr Sven Renz, the Managing Director of Bayern Projekt GmbH and Bogenhausener Tor Immobilien GmbH, said: “Considering how difficult the ownership and plot situation was, and given the challenges of the conceptual phase, this is a day full of joy for us. We would particularly like to extend our thanks to Von der Heyden Group for their trust, as well as a successful and competent completion of the purchase. Moreover, we are also glad to have found in Von der Heyden Group a capable investor and a visionary partner, who, after years of restraint, has again found its way back to its homeland Bavaria.”

Bogenhausener Tor Project:

The investment made through a special-purpose subsidiary Bogenhausener Tor Immobilien GmbH, includes three functional well-maintained office buildings with rented space of over 85%, as well as one three-story warehouse building with rented space of 70%. The investment’s total net usable floor space is approximately 20,500 sq m, including office floor space of approximately 13,000 sq m, warehouse floor space of approximately 6,500 and parking space for nearly 180 vehicles.

The VDHG’s partner in the joint-venture founded for the purpose of project implementation and asset management is Bayern Projekt GmbH, a Munich-based real estate company with more than 20 years of operation experience, since 2002 lead by its Managing Partner, Sven Renz, FRICS. Over the last couple of years, Bayern Projekt GmbH has acted as an initiator and laid the foundation for the Group’s real estate investment.

The purpose of the investment is, next to the return-oriented acquisition of rented buildings in a very good strategic location in Munich, to achieve a higher-than-average value-added with a lower risk profile through professional project development and long-term asset management.

The acquired 3 plots are not only attractive as a result of merging them, but there is also a significant location-related potential and prospects of enhancement in value as a result of present developments and the presence of a number of renowned companies, which have already settled in the direct neighborhood.

The present rental situation in Munich, the diversified structure of the existing rental agreements, as well as flexible concepts of a potential future project development – such as densification of the plot’s area – allow various estimates, which allow a very positive view of return or risk-related aspects.

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Von der Heyden Group invests in Munich together with Bayern Projekt GmbH

Von der Heyden Group sold its ‘Maraton Gardens’ Project in Poznań to Restaura!

Von der Heyden Development, the service consultancy arm of Von der Heyden Group is pleased to announce that Von der Heyden Group has sold one of its residential plots in Poznań to the experienced and renowned Spanish developer – Restaura, a company specializing in purchasing historical buildings for their renovation and later resale.

Maraton Gardens project is located in the heart of Poznań, at the intersection of Królowa Jadwigi Street and Maratońska street in the close neighbourhood of the Old Town. The site is 22.332 sqm.

Von der Heyden Group has sold not only the site itself but the completely prepared investment package with a building permit ready for realization. The architectural design has been prepared by PRC Architekci, a company that co-operated with VDHG’s other projects in Poland like e.g. Liberty Corner in Warsaw, or in terms of interior design with soon to be completed Andersia Tower in Poznań. The Maraton Gardens project foresees 251 apartments in 6 buildings (each max. 5-6 floors) with an underground car park.

Although financial terms were not disclosed, on signing of the sale purchase agreement, Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of Von der Heyden Group said:

“We are happy that the Project has found a serious buyer for whom I personally have a lot of respect. We have decided to sell Maraton for a series of reasons such as the stateof the market and the fact that we have projects only in Poznan in the pipeline of more than Euro 140 mln. And last but not least something I have learnt from my days working as a Bond Dealer, nobody ever died taking profits”.

Mr Adam Trybusz, the Managing Director for Poznań, said:

‘I didn’t work at the stock exchange but I learnt a lot from Sven von der Heyden. Moreover, as a Poznan resident I’m glad we have a new professional developer at the local market. As it’s about my role in the Group, sale of the ‘Maraton Gardens’ project releases energy for next buildings at the Anders Square. Believe me, we are only half way now. We have ‘Andersia Front Office’ and an exciting ‘Andersia Silver’ in front of us.’

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Von der Heyden Group sold its ‘Maraton Gardens’ Project in Poznan to Restaura

Grand Opening Ceremony of the ‘Andersia Tower’ building and IBB Andersia Hotel !!!

We are pleased to announce that the official Grand Opening Ceremony of the ‘Andersia Tower’ building and IBB Andersia Hotel took place on December 6, 2007.

Von der Heyden Group’s representatives: Mr. Sven von der Heyden – VDHG Chairman and Mr. Adam Trybusz – VDHG Managing Director for Poznan, together with the Poznan City Authorities: Mr. Ryszar Grobelny – the Mayor of the City of Poznań, and President of IBB Hotels – Mr. Damian Ilull officially opened the ‘Andersia Tower’ Building and IBB Andersia Hotel in the very heart of Poznan.

After officially speeches, Father Jan Góra consecrated the whole building.

What followed was the whole night party with the main motive of James Bond movies and not only …

The whole ceremony was hosted by famous Polish TV presenters: Agata Konarska and Tomasz Kammel. A Polish star, Tatiana Okupnik, gave an electrifying concert. The banquet was enjoyed by more than 500 invited guests, amongst them: investment partners, contractors, banks, media representatives and celebrities.

Andersia Tower – a landmark transaction on real estate market!

Von der Heyden Development, the service consultancy arm of Von der Heyden Group (VDHG) has a great pleasure to announce that Von der Heyden Group entered into a landmark transaction on the Polish real estate market and sold its flagship mixed-use development in Poznan – Andersia Tower to an internationally recognized renowned fund DEKA Immobilien. DEKA Immobilien is responsible for worldwide purchases and sales of properties, managing assets, and providing all other property-related services. DEKA Immobilien belongs to DekaBank Gorup that manages fund assets of about 17 billion euros.

With the sale of the 19 story Andersia Tower as THE top class A building in Poznan, its prestigious tenants and the quality of the offices and the Hotel component managed by IBB Hotels, VDHG has certainly broken a record with respect to its low capitalization rate, which has never before been achieved in any city outside of Warsaw.

Although details on financial terms were not disclosed, on signing of the sale purchase agreement, Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of Von der Heyden Group commented: “Irrespective of the current turbulences on the World financial markets DEKA has been brave and forward thinking to acquire this prime property from us in an all-cash transaction. The Von der Heyden Group remains closely related to the building given its involvement in IBB Hotels as the operator of the Hotel component. We are proud to have closed this sale to DEKA and we want to wish this great Investment Fund all the luck for the future. As always, our closest advisors of Knight Frank and Clifford Chance have greatly contributed to a smooth and professional closing”

Mr Adam Trybusz, Managing Director for Poznan, Von der Heyden Group, said: “Poland is developing and becoming increasingly attractive not just because of Warsaw’s booming property market. The country’s economic development is also evident in the economic growth of its regions. Secondary cities like Poznan, Wroclaw, Katowice, Krakow, Gdansk and Lodz all have plenty to offer in terms of Prime Property – international real estate which is highly sought after because of the cash flows it generates, the quality of tenants it attracts, and the urban planning of its district. I am glad that this moment has arrived. I am proud to be able to say that VDHG has played, and continues to play, a major role in the development of the City of Poznan. Those projects that VDHG has realised with the City of Poznan would make excellent case studies of how a public and private partnership can work well in practice. While this is admittedly difficult from a legislative perspective, it is not impossible provided there are clearly established goals. The watchword is transparency, from which comes mutual trust.”

In the transaction, Von der Heyden Group was advised by Knight Frank Sp. z o.o., a company that also together with Von der Heyden Development contributed to the 100% leasing up of Andersia Tower. Mr Piotr Górecki, representing Knight Frank said: “The hotel and mixed use hotel-office development transactions are rarely seen on the Polish market due to the limited supply of good quality products. Therefore available investment opportunities are very attractive for international investors. The success of the commercial development depends, however mostly on three elements: its location, quality of the building and the market strength of the tenants. Andersia Tower has it all: Poznań, Pl. Andersa, the developer experienced in top quality commercial buildings and renown, reputable companies occupying its space. This elements place Andersia Tower among of the most unique investment products in Central Europe.”

Andersia Tower (development costs of Euro 64 mln, total development area 42.668 sqm) is a Joint Venture between Von der Heyden Group (VDHG) and the City of Poznań, located in the heart of Poznan, Poland. It perfectly blends into the environment with the 1st phase of the Anders Square development, Poznan Financial Centre (“Intelligent Building 2001″Award, developed by VDHG as well) but also with the neighboring Stary Browar Development. After PFC, Andersia Tower is again a perfect proof that private & public partnership can work well.

Andersia Tower is the tallest building in Poznań (102,1m) and the first mixed-use development with both hotel (4 star de-luxe, located on the first 9 floors of AT) and office functions (class A, upper levels). The turn-key developer’s product was fully leased up while still under construction.

The office part is 100% let and houses prestigious tenants such as: Franklin Templeton Investments Poland, Ernst & Young, IKB Leasing, Pannatoni Development. The hotel part makes the high-class 4-star hotel with 171 rooms, suits with an executive floor, presidential suite, retail outlets, restaurants, extensive conference centre and bankquet & ball rooms for up to 800 people, swimming pool, fitness club and a steam bath. The IBB Andersia Hotel is operated by IBB Hotels that has been successfully operating, e.g. Grand Hotel Lublinianka, Poland.

As the state-of-the-art technology was applied in building construction and some solutions were used in Poland for the very first time, there is no doubt that Andersia Tower can be rated as one of the very few really intelligent buildings. It conforms to the most strict standards of intelligent facilities as well as set-up standards performed by Von der Heyden Group in its European projects.

Andersia Tower was designed applying the top quality materials, natural materials have been used (marble, wood, combination of natural stone and Venetian plaster). The hotel part is comparable with the standard of a five star hotel both in terms of finishes, amenities and size of the rooms. It was vital for the investor to offer a unique hotel product and a particular focus was put on the interior design and high quality and comfortable hotel equipment.

Some innovative interior design solutions for the first time in Poznan and partly in Poland have been introduced, e.g. chaise lounge (unique window-sills arrangement – the window sill finished with an upholstered seat and a sliding table), or the bathroom glass panels.

The building complies with the sustainability idea in many ways, none of the materials used is by any means hazardous to health. Building Management System guarantees energy saving management of the building and quick intervention in case of malfunctions or emergency. The building has no boiler room, so there is no air pollution. In a swimming pool the technology of “low salinity of water” was introduced, and the technology based on electrolysis of salt. This materially improves the environmental aspect and both hotel and SPA guests are not bothered with chlorine substances and unpleasant smell.

Architect: Pracownia Architektoniczna Ewy i Stanisława Sipińskich Sp. z o.o.

General Contractor: HOCHTIEF Polska Sp. z o.o., “zero stage” performed by Warbud S.A.

Hotel Interior design: PRC Architekci Sp. z o.o.

Project Manager: Grupa Inwestycyjna Probuild Sp. z o.o.

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Andersia Tower sold – Press Release – Final – ENG

Andersia Tower announced as the ‘Best Hotel Development Project 2008’!

We have a pleasure to inform that during CEPIF Fairs Von der Heyden Group’s project – ‘Andersia Tower‘ was awarded ‘CEE Best Project Awards 2008’ in a category ‘Best Hotel Project 2008’.

The competition ‘CEE Best Project Awards’ is organized by CEPIF & International Herald Tribune and is dedicated to developers active in the entire Central and Eastern Europe region. The Best Projects are chosen in seven different categories: office, retail, warehouse, hotel, residential, revitalisation and mixed-use project. Von der Heyden Group was nominated and then short-listed for the ‘AndersiaTower‘ development in two categories: hotel and mixed-use project.

The voting process for ‘CEE Best Project Awards 2008’ took part is two stages: on-line voting – during which short list was chosen and the final voting during the CEPIF Fairs. The winners in each category were announced at the CEPIF Gala Party on May 14, 2008.

 

Andersia Tower – the winner of “Construction Oscar 2007”!

Von der Heyden Development, the service consultancy arm of Von der Heyden Group (VDHG) is pleased to announce that Von der Heyden Group has received for its Andersia Tower mixed-use development project the First Prize in the most prestigious construction Contest in Poland “Budowa Roku 2007” (“Building of the Year 2007) organized by the Polish Association of Civil Engineers and Construction Technicians (PZITB), the Ministry of Infrastructure and the General Office of Building Control (GUNB).

The independent and highly qualified Jury examined all buildings for the whole year to prepare a short list and finally choose the winners of the “Construction Oscars” out of the whole Poland. Among nine categories including: office, public use, residential, industrial, warehouse, revitalization, retail, railway and road constructions, and a final list of 49 buildings, Andersia Tower took the First Prize in the “Public Use Buildings” Category. The Awards’ Ceremony took place on June 2, 2008 at the headquarters of the Polish Federation of Engineering Associations (NOT) in Warsaw.

Except from the above, Von der Heyden Group’s Andersia Tower has recently received another prestigious Award in the whole Central and Eastern Europe region: “The Best Hotel Project 2008” in acompetition organized by the CEPIF (Central Eastern European Property and Investment Fair) and International Herald Tribune. The best development projects were chosen in 7 different categories: office, retail, warehouse, hotel, residential, revitalization and mixed-use. The voting process took part in 2 stages: on-line voting by real estate market participants who decided on the short list and finally during the CEPIF Fairs. The winners in each category were announced at the CEPIF Gala Party on May 14, 2008 in Warsaw.

“Winning “Budowa Roku 2007” award for our project Andersia Tower in Poznan is certainly another highlight in our long history and presence in Poland. We are very proud of this distinction as it’s based on the probably most unbiased jury and selection process in the entire country. I am sure that this will support also the long term commercial success of both the Office component which is fully let as well as the Hotel which is successfully run by Ibb Hotels” – said Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of Von der Heyden Group.

Mr Adam Trybusz, Managing Director for Poznan of Von der Heyden Group said: “It’s a special award and we appreciate it very much! The jury was utmost scrupulous and diligent and the moment of granting the award by the Head of the General Office and Building Control must make an impression on everybody. Another exam for us and by no means less important is to be confirmed by the real estate market participants and that is CEPIF Award: “The Best Hotel Project 2008″. What’s more to add having been verified by professionals and the market?”

Andersia Tower (sold in 2008 to DEKA Immobilien for more than Euro 80 mln. with a total development area 42.668 sqm) was a Joint Venture between Von der Heyden Group (VDHG) and the City of Poznań, located in the heart of Poznan, Poland. It perfectly blends into the environment with the 1st phase of the Anders Square development, Poznan Financial Centre (“Intelligent Building 2001″Award, developed by VDHG as well) but also with the neighboring Stary Browar Development. After PFC, Andersia Tower is again a perfect proof that private & public partnership can work well.

Andersia Tower is the tallest building in Poznań (102,1m) and the first mixed-use development with both hotel (4 star de-luxe, located on the first 9 floors of AT) and office functions (class A, upper levels). The turn-key developer’s product was practically fully leased up while still under construction.

The office part is today 100% let and houses prestigious tenants such as: Franklin Templeton Investments Poland, Ernst & Young, IKB Leasing, Pannatoni Development. The hotel part makes the high-class 4-star hotel with 171 rooms, suits with an executive floor, presidential suite, retail outlets, restaurants, extensive conference centre and bankquet & ball rooms for up to 800 people, swimming pool, fitness club and a steam bath. The IBB Andersia Hotel is operated by IBB Hotels that has been successfully operating, e.g. Grand Hotel Lublinianka, Poland.

As the state-of-the-art technology was applied in building construction and some solutions were used in Poland for the very first time, there is no doubt that Andersia Tower can be rated as one of the very few really intelligent buildings. It conforms to the most strict standards of intelligent facilities as well as set-up standards performed by Von der Heyden Group in its European projects.

Andersia Tower was designed applying the top quality materials, natural materials have been used (marble, wood, combination of natural stone and Venetian plaster). The hotel part is comparable with the standard of a five star hotel both in terms of finishes, amenities and size of the rooms.
It was vital for the investor to offer a unique hotel product and a particular focus was put on the interior design and high quality and comfortable hotel equipment.

Some innovative interior design solutions for the first time in Poznan and partly in Poland have been introduced.

The building complies with the sustainability idea in many ways, none of the materials used is by any means hazardous to health. Building Management System guarantees energy saving management of the building and quick intervention in case of malfunctions or emergency. The building has no boiler room, so there is no air pollution. The swimming pool technology is based on electrolysis of salt. This materially improves the environmental aspect and both hotel and SPA guests are not bothered with chlorine substances and unpleasant smell.

Architect: Pracownia Architektoniczna Ewy i Stanisława Sipińskich Sp. z o.o.

General Contractor: HOCHTIEF Polska Sp. z o.o., “zero stage” performed by Warbud S.A.

Hotel Interior design: PRC Architekci Sp. z o.o.

Project Manager: Grupa Inwestycyjna Probuild Sp. z o.o.

Andersia Tower – the winner of Construction Oscar 2007

Von der Heyden Group acquires further shares in IBB Hotels!

It is a great pleasure of IBB Hotels and Von der Heyden Group to jointly announce that Von der Heyden Group has become through an additional purchase of shares the 70% majority shareholder in IBB Hotels, a Spanish origin hotel chain that has been successfully operating on the Spanish, Polish and German markets.

In 2001 Von der Heyden Group, a pan-European investor and developer acquired 25,5% of the shares in IBB Hotels, followed by an increase to 40% in 2005, to 50% in 2007 and now to 70% in 2008.

IBB Hotels was founded in 1992 by Damian Llull in Menorca, entered the Polish market in 2002 as the first Spanish hotel chain in Poland. IBB Hotels commenced its operations in one of the most beautiful heritage buildings in Lublin, the four star de-luxe Grand Hotel Lublinianka.

The common values shared by the developer and the hotel operator such as top quality individual approach and care for detail allow for an excellent teamwork between the two companies. A strategic plan for the future has been developed to increase the portfolio in Spain, Poland and Germany by opening in each of those countries one new hotel per year. At the same time, IBB Hotels will look for new destinations including in Asia. To support the plan a new corporate image has been created for IBB Hotels Brand.

Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of Von der Heyden Group, said: “We have always felt a particular love for Hotel business and for the IBB Brand as such. Given the strengthening our capital base of the company, IBB is now able to grow to a different category Hotel Operator. IBB’s strength is a human and professional approach in doing business with Hotel Owners, our care for detail and our hands-on cost management. The stronger link between the two firms will shorten even more communication lines and increase efficiencies within the group.”

Angel Llull, Managing Director of IBB Hotels in Poland and Germany, said: “Von der Heyden Group entered IBB company a few years ago buying part of the shares. That was a very important step as it created good synergies and opened new markets. Now with the increase of the participation in the company, it will allow to develop the company faster, better and quicker. It is very important for IBB Hotels to have the support and knowledge of Von der Heyden Group in order to achieve the future goals.”

Only recently in July 2008, IBB Hotels has expanded in Germany and opened a second four star hotel in the heart of the Bavarian three-river city Passau, in front of the main station and only a few steps from the historical Old Town.

IBB Hotels:

The IBB Hotels Group was founded in 1992 by Damian Llull with the purchase of 20 apartments in one of the bays in Menorca, the present location of the headquarters of the company. In 2001, Von der Heyden Group purchased 25,5% shares in IBB Hotels and by the continuous acquisition of shares became the main shareholder in the following years. This has allowed IBB Hotels to enter the Polish market in 2002 where the Von der Heyden Group has already had a well-established position as a real estate developer and investor. Through the opening of IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin, IBB Hotels was the first Spanish hotel chain operating in Poland.

Today, with around 12 hotels and projects in Germany, Spain and Poland, the company develops an ambitious expansion plan for the pan-European market and not only.

In Poland, besides the existing IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznan, the IBB Hotel Gdansk on the prominent Dlugi Targ is in the pipeline. In Spain, the company is involved in the development of golf hotel projects and SPA Hotels. The focus is on a 4-star de luxe standard, centrally located and the acquisition is not excluded, something rare in the industry.

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Von der Heyden Group acquires further shares in IBB Hotels