Germany is a springboard for European strategies
Swiss Life Asset Managers is leveraging the country’s central location, well-developed infrastructure and high political stability to drive expansion on the continent.
Demand for modern logistics space in Europe remains high, driven by e-commerce, industry and retail.
At the same time, issues such as sustainability, flexibility and location quality are becoming increasingly important.
Germany plays a key role in this. The country is Europe’s largest logistics market, with a central location, well-developed infrastructure and high political stability. Swiss Life Asset Managers is leveraging this strong starting position to drive its expansion in Europe in a targeted manner.
A look at Europe
Europe is defined by a large number of attractive logistics locations; the Netherlands with its port infrastructure, France with Paris, and Italy with Milan offer pivotal points for international goods traffic.
However, Germany remains the largest logistics market in Europe and therefore holds a special position. With metropolitan regions such as Hamburg, the Ruhr area and Rhine-Main, and hubs such as Frankfurt Airport and the Port of Hamburg, it serves as the backbone of international supply chains. Demand for modern space exceeds supply, particularly in urban regions, vacancy rates remain low, and even in times of market volatility, the location is resilient and stable in value.
For investors and users, Germany is a safe haven and a springboard for pan-European strategies.
However, fragmentation in Europe – with different jurisdictions, building regulations and market dynamics – requires a deep understanding of local characteristics. Experienced teams with excellent regional market knowledge are essential for sustainable expansion plans.
As Swiss Life Asset Managers’ logistics platform is in the process of entering new markets where the company has held a leading position in other asset classes for years, this established infrastructure in combination with an experienced team offers favourable conditions for a successful start to the new real estate cycle.
Platform concept
Another key factor for successful expansion in Europe is the ability to find the right sites and develop them proactively, even without an anchor tenant.
Swiss Life Asset Managers has made a name for itself in this area: thanks to its in-depth market knowledge and strong local network, it identifies sites that are destined for long-term value appreciation.
Whether it’s brownfield revitalisation in the Ruhr region, or modern new buildings in growth regions such as Hanover, the company’s financial strength enables it to implement even speculative projects successfully.
But today’s successful participants in the logistics market are more than just traditional developers. They cover the entire value chain: from development and investment to asset and property management, as well as research.
With specialised teams in key European markets and a close-knit network of partners, projects can be implemented efficiently and sustainably.
This integrated approach creates clear advantages over international competitors, who often operate on a transaction-only basis.
Diversified tenant base
Another success factor is a broad tenant portfolio. Swiss Life Asset Managers works with clients from the retail, e-commerce, industrial and logistics services sectors. This means the company remains independent of cyclical fluctuations in individual industries.
Standardised and flexible properties offer space for a wide variety of users and ensure stable occupancy rates. The result is a high level of reliability for investors and a strong foundation for continuous growth.
A solid equity base is crucial, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Those with sufficient financial resources can invest countercyclically. While other market participants hesitate, attractive projects can be secured and brought into development at an early stage.
Swiss Life Asset Managers has established itself in Germany as a reliable partner for investors and clients.
The company is now using this position to expand its logistics real estate presence in Europe. With regional expertise, a strong platform structure and a diversified tenant base, it offers both stability and growth.
