Realty Income Announces Sale-Leaseback Deal with Decathlon for 82 Retail Properties Across Europe

(IN BRIEF) The Monthly Dividend Company, Realty Income, has finalized a sale-leaseback agreement involving 82 retail properties leased to Decathlon SE, a renowned global sports retailer. The portfolio spans across key European markets such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Founded in 1976, Decathlon boasts a robust market presence with €15.4 billion in sales from 1,751 stores worldwide, making it an attractive partner for Realty Income. Neil Abraham, president of Realty Income International, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Decathlon’s market leadership, financial stability, and commitment to sustainable growth, including a pledge to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% by 2026. Lazard, Savills, and Rothschild & Co. played pivotal roles as transaction advisors in the deal, signaling a strategic move towards long-term collaboration between Decathlon and Realty Income.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 10-Feb-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Founded in 1976 by Michel Leclercq, Decathlon is majority owned by AFIR and Association Familiale Mulliez, the largest retail conglomerate in France. In 2022, Decathlon recorded €15.4 billion of sales across 1,751 stores. Decathlon, which is investment grade rated, operates in more than 70 territories worldwide, including 27 in Europe, 14 in Asia, and four in Latin America.

Neil Abraham, president, Realty Income International, comments: “Decathlon exemplifies the type of leading operator Realty Income is proud to partner with. Decathlon’s market leading position and financial strength make it an attractive partner, and it has demonstrated its dedication to sustainable growth by announcing a public commitment to reduce its absolute CO2 emissions by 20% by 2026 across the entire value chain. We are pleased to own high performing assets that Decathlon is committed to for the long term. On average, the stores in the portfolio have operated for 18 years and Decathlon has operated in the portfolio countries for more than 20 years. We hope that this is the first step in a long and mutually beneficial global relationship between Decathlon and Realty Income.”

Lazard and Savills served as transaction advisors to Realty Income. Rothschild & Co. served as transaction advisor to Decathlon.

Media Contact:

Tristam Larder
Head of European Capital Markets
+44 (0) 20 7409 8014

SOURCE: Savills plc