Ascott targets 7,000 apartment units in Europe by 2015

The Ascott Limited will invest approximately $50 million to acquire a turnkey serviced residence property which is slated to open in 2014.

According to Ascott, they extended their footprint to Frankfurt, Germany's financial and transportation hub. This follows the company's expansion into Germany's second largest city, hamburg, in January.

The new 165-unit Citadines Messe Frankfurt increases AScot's Europe portfolio to over 5,300 apartment units in 48 properties across 22 cities.

Mr Lim Ming Yan, Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Europe is a key market for Ascott in its international expansion. With this acquisition, we are on track to achieve 7,000 apartment units in Europe by 2015. Germany is Europe’s largest and strongest economy where we already have properties in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. Expanding into Frankfurt will allow us to tap the strong demand for quality accommodation and extend our network of properties in Germany. Frankfurt is Germany’s financial and transportation hub where many global companies such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, BNP Paribas and J.P. Morgan are located. It is also one of Europe’s leading cities for international and regional trade fairs, attracting millions of visitors each year. Besides building upon our strong presence in Germany, Paris and London, we will also look for opportunities to expand into Central and Eastern Europe.”

Citadines Messe Frankfurt will be developed on a site strategically located in the city centre and across the renowned Frankfurt Messe Trade Fair Area. It will be surrounded by numerous retail and commercial developments
including the landmark Messeturm skyscraper office tower and Skyline Plaza, an integrated development comprising a congress centre, shopping mall and restaurants. The property will also be a short walk to the Frankfurt Central Railway Station which provides fast connections to major cities in Germany and Europe.

When completed, Citadines Messe Frankfurt will offer a range of apartments from studios to two-bedroom units to cater to the different lifestyle needs of both business and leisure travellers. Residents will enjoy amenities including meeting rooms, a fitness centre, business centre and breakfast lounge.