Modesta Real Estate advises LAUFEN/ ROCA-Group on property sale

AUSTRIA (Wilhelmsburg/ Vienna) - Modesta Real Estate, International Associate of Savills has been exclusively mandated with the sale of the LAUFEN Austria site in Wilhelmsburg (Lower Austria). Just before the year end the structured bidding process has been closed. Purchaser is a private investor. 

The sales process for the approx. 75,000 sqm site, including 58,500 sqm of existing buildings was initiated in March 2023 through an open bidding process. Eight bidders took part in the multi-stage tender which has been running over the past 9 months. Zöchling Immobilien GmbH (based approx. 20 km from the property) was selected as the final bidder for the transaction. The company, which specializes in real estate development, was able to convince the committees of the ROCA Group (parent company of LAUFEN Austria AG) with a coherent overall package.

As part of this package, a sale-and-lease-back agreement was negotiated, enabling LAUFEN Austria AG to keep its Austrian headquarters in Wilhelmsburg. Christian Schäfer, CEO of LAUFEN Austria AG, commented: "The name LAUFEN is strongly associated with the town of Wilhelmsburg. From the very beginning, it was a key priority for us to find a buyer with whom we could maintain this connection. In Modesta Real Estate we had a professional advisor on our side who guided us through the entire sales process helping us to achieve the best result for LAUFEN and the ROCA Group."

While manufacturing activities at the site were already shut down in 2020, parts of the warehouses and offices have continued to be used since then. LAUFEN Austria AG will lease back these parts of the property as part of the sale and leaseback agreement, in addition to expanding the office facilities and adding a modern building extension.

Hans Zöchling, Managing Director of Zöchling Immobilien GmbH, reveals what the plans for the rest of the site in the center of Wilhelmsburg are: "We had a mixed-use concept in mind for the site right from the start. As specialists in demolition, recycling, building construction and civil engineering, we know from our experience what is required for the redevelopment of such a site. Our primary goal is to create a sustainable added value for Wilhelmsburg and to work closely with the municipality to achieve the best solution for the city. We are delighted to have convinced LAUFEN with our concept and would like to thank the Modesta Real Estate investment team for the transparent and professional process."

The sold area combines 2 sites with a total area of approx. 75,000 sqm and a building stock of around 58,500 sqm, of which approx. 7,000 sqm are currently used by LAUFEN Austria AG. It has been agreed by all involved parties to maintain confidentiality regarding the purchase price.

About the Zöchling Group

Zöchling Immobilien GmbH is a company specializing in real estate development within the Lower Austrian Zöchling Group. Since its foundation as a transport company in 1954, the Zöchling Group has been continuously expanded and now stands for innovative services in the fields of transportation, earthworks, demolition and recycling. The company group is based in Hainfeld. More than 450 people contribute to making Zöchling what it is today with their commitment, enthusiasm and performance. 

More: www.zoechling.at

About LAUFEN Austria AG

LAUFEN Austria AG is one of the world's leading manufacturers of bathroom ceramics and the only company that produces sanitary ceramics in Austria. LAUFEN Austria AG, with its headquarters in Wilhelmsburg (Lower Austria), production & innovation center in Gmunden (Upper Austria) and the LAUFEN space in Vienna (1st district), is part of the Swiss LAUFEN Group, which specializes in complete solutions for bathrooms in the premium segment. Founded in 1892, the company has its headquarters in Laufen near Basel. The LAUFEN Group employs around 2,500 people in six Central European production facilities (Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland) and operates sales offices in 44 countries worldwide. 

Further information can be found at: www.laufen.co.at