Sep 21 2022
ESPG AG – European Science Park Group – is one of the first German real estate companies to specialize in the ownership, management, and acquisition of science parks.
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A science park is a concept that originated in the USA and has already developed into its own asset class in the UK and other European countries. The key idea is to provide scientific and technology-oriented companies with areas tailored to their needs and to assist them in their growth. Science parks are typically located in close proximity to universities, clinics, and high-class research institutions and often reflect the professional focus of these academic institutions. This also creates synergies among the companies located within the same science park, which promotes the establishment and expansion of networks.
ESPG currently holds 16 commercial properties throughout Europe, which have a total lettable area of more than 126,000 square meters and a balance sheet value of around Euro 250 million. Around 81 % of the company’s current portfolio (measured by market value) is already classified as science parks, where ESPG provides tailor-made space in attractive locations for industry-leading research, development, and production, creating a perfect environment for tenants and their employees.
In the current portfolio, 34 % of the tenants belong to the life science sector, while 16 % focus on ‘green’ technologies, and 31 % work in digitalization. For example, Azenta Life Sciences GmbH operates one of Europe's largest bio-storage facilities in an ESPG property in Hesse, where several million tissue samples are stored at temperatures as low as minus 180 degrees Celsius. Nuvisan Analytical Services GmbH – a global-leading provider of early-stage clinical trials – operates in one of only three test facilities approved by the US Food and Drug Association at the ESPG property in Neu-Ulm. An example of green technologies is Krantz GmbH, which develops and tests air duct, heating, and cooling systems for ceiling and façade installation, as well as cleanroom systems in the Engineering Park Aachen, another ESPG property.
The management team of ESPG consists of Dr. Ralf Nöcker, Daniel L. Grosch, and Markus Drews. They will present the company – which was previously called Diok RealEstate AG – to experts for the first time on September 28, 2022, at the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference in Seville, Spain.
Our science parks offer space for innovation in which our tenants can firmly establish themselves, network, and benefit from the expertise of others, which in turn accelerates technological breakthroughs. This concept benefits not only the tenants but also all other stakeholders who have invested in science parks. As owners, we expect attractive returns and a stable, long-term tenant base. We also ensure that our company meets the increasingly important ESG criteria and that our buildings become increasingly energy efficient."
ESPG Board member, Dr. Ralf Nöcker
The three board members aim to use their extensive experience in real estate, innovative technologies, and financing to develop ESPG into a market leader and thought leader for the new asset class of science parks.
Due to ESPG's strong shareholder base, centered around investors managed by Alvarium Investments, as well as other international private investors, the company can continue to grow in the current economic situation and market phase. In addition, the company has access to various extensive debt capital, made possible by long-standing relationships with banks and capital partners.
Executive board member, Markus Drews, adds: "Our existing spaces, including Munich Aero Park 49 and the Campteq Innovation Campus near Darmstadt, have already been rented to more than 60 top-class tenants from industries such as life sciences and green technologies, including Nuvisan, SAP, ABB, and Siemens. We now want to expand our portfolio even faster, not only in terms of the number of properties but also in the variety of disciplines involved. For us at ESPG, it is exciting to see how our tenants thrive and succeed with innovation, supported by our facilities."
The strong cooperation with our financing partners from the banking and capital market worlds will continue. ESPG is ideally positioned to master the future challenges together with our new shareholder base.
Daniel Grosch, CEO and founder of ESPG's predecessor company
"Our properties also benefit society as they promote employment stability and regional development by attracting both national and international organisations. We are very happy to support the concept of science parks and see this new asset class as a viable investment for the future," concludes Arndt Krienen, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ESPG.
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