In a transatlantic move, a leading North American real estate company completed the acquisition of a diversified portfolio of Decathlon stores across Europe. The deal, valued at 527 million euros, was confirmed in a formal statement released by the involved real estate advisor. The acquired properties are spread across Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, reinforcing the buyer’s footprint in key European markets.
Notably, the portfolio includes 82 retail stores in the French market where Decathlon serves as the tenant. This transaction is a classic example of a sale and leaseback strategy, a well-known approach in the sector that allows the seller to monetize assets while retaining long-term tenancy and operational continuity. Advisors Lazard and Savills are cited as recommending the deal, with Decathlon and Rothschild & Co. also acting in advisory roles. [Source: press release and market briefs]
Speaking on the deal, the Realty Income chairman emphasized the alignment between the two organizations. The executive highlighted Decathlon’s market leadership and financial strength as factors that make the partnership appealing. The statement noted the long-term commitment of Decathlon to the assets and expressed optimism about a durable, mutually beneficial relationship spanning multiple years. The portfolio comprises stores that have averaged about 18 years in operation, with Decathlon maintaining a presence in the participating countries for more than two decades. [Source: corporate communications]
Realty Income presence in Spain
According to Realty Income’s corporate profile, the company is headquartered in the United States and manages a market presence valued at more than 44.3 billion dollars. The Spanish market features 54 active Real Estate Income properties, representing roughly 0.9% of the company’s worldwide rental income footprint. [Source: corporate materials]
In Spain, Realty Income completed three notable transactions in 2021. Two portfolios comprised Carrefour supermarkets included a group of three stores for 64 million euros, and another collection of seven properties distributed across the Canary Islands, Valencia, Madrid, the Basque Country, Navarra, and Castilla y León sold for 93 million euros. Later that year, the company finalized the purchase of 30 food stores leased to Caprabo for 110 million dollars. These stores subsequently became part of Merlin Properties, an Ibex-35 listed real estate firm. [Context from market summaries and corporate disclosure]
Realty Income is listed on the S&P 500 index, a roster that brings together hundreds of the most influential U.S. corporations. The company is frequently described as a dividend aristocrat, a label earned by more than a quarter-century of annual dividend increases for shareholders. This track record of consistent returns underscores the emphasis Realty Income places on steady cash flow and long-term tenant relationships. [Index and investor communications]