CPOF raises $500m and acquires third asset

22/08/2006 - PDF Version Available

Charter Hall Group announces that as at the Second Close of the Core Plus Office Fund (CPOF) capital raising, $500 million of equity commitments from wholesale investors have been received.

Charter Hall Joint CEO David Harrison stated that CPOF was on track to invest the committed equity within the 2 year investment period, as 27% of the committed equity has already been allocated to 3 acquisitions all sourced off market.

In addition to the success of the Second Close, Charter Hall is pleased to announce that CPOF has contracted to acquire its third asset, being the Hatch building, 126-144 Stirling Street on the fringe of Perth CBD. The total consideration of $36.5 million represents $31.5 million for the Hatch building and $5 million for an adjoining site, which has a current development approval for a new office development of 11,500m2.

The investment is consistent with CPOF's investment strategy as the Hatch building represents a passive investment with strong rental growth prospects. The average net passing rents of $223/m2 are considered below current market levels. The purchase price of the existing building component reflects $2,450/m2 of lettable area. The adjoining site price component of $5 million equates to $432/m2 of approved lettable area. It offers significant development cost savings due to substantial commencement of the approved scheme. 

Mr Harrison noted that the development of the adjoining site would only proceed with a substantial pre-commitment, which is consistent with CPOF's investment strategy for enhanced assets. Mr Paul Craig of Savills negotiated the off market transaction on behalf of a Perth private investor who completed the existing Hatch building in 2001. $500 million demonstrates the strength of Charter Hall's relationship with wholesale investors and their confidence in the Group's excellent access to off market deal flow. The Group's past performance and value add credentials were the other cornerstones of CPOF's successful capital raising."

Other wholesale funds managed by Charter Hall include four opportunity funds that have raised $434 million of equity and have either undertaken or are currently undertaking over $1.3 billion of projects, with capacity for a further $400 million of projects.

CPOF was launched in December 2005. Charter Hall Property Trust will generate its growth in office sector assets via its $115 million investment in CPOF. As with previous wholesale funds, equity commitments are drawn down from investors progressively as acquisitions are finalised. With gearing of 50% of total fund assets, CPOF has initial capacity of approximately $1 billion.
The investment strategy of CPOF is to acquire and hold office properties over the
medium to long term within a "flow through" investment trust :

  • which are located within capital city markets of Australia, primarily CBD and Fringe CBD precincts, however, suburban or metropolitan locations may be considered appropriate;
  • that may require enhancement and subsequently represent appropriate investment grade assets to be held in a flow through wholesale fund which distributes 100% of pre-tax net rental income;
  • where values post-enhancement will generally be in the price range of $50 million to $250 million;
  • to provide a mix of core (70%) and enhanced (30%) assets; and
  • which on a blended basis will achieve a target 12% IRR on equity.


This information has been prepared by Charter Hall Funds Management Limited ABN 31 082 991 786; AFSL 262861 ("CHFML") for information purposes only. This website is not an offer to sell or a solicitation or an offer to subscribe or purchase or a recommendation of any securities referred to herein and the information has not taken into account any potential investors' personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before investing, you should consider your own objectives, financial situation and needs or you should obtain financial, legal and/or taxation advice.

CHFML does not receive fees in respect of the general financial product advice it may provide, however they will receive fees for operating the schemes of which it is the responsible entity ("Schemes") which, in accordance with the Schemes' Constitutions, are calculated by reference to the value of the assets of the Schemes. Entities within the Charter Hall Group may also receive fees for managing the assets of, and providing resources to the Schemes. For more detail on fees, see our latest annual report. To contact us, call 1300 365 585 (local call cost).