The real estate investment trust (REIT) industry in the DACH region is characterized by its focus on property investments that generate income through leasing and sales. Companies in this sector cover a range of property types, including residential, commercial, and industrial assets. With a growing interest in sustainability and digital transformation, the sector is witnessing a shift toward integrating technology into traditional investment approaches. Innovations such as PropTech are promoting efficiency and transparency. The DACH region showcases strong opportunities for investment, driven by robust economic conditions and the increasing importance of asset management in a changing global landscape.


The list of top investors includes a mix of private equity firms, corporate investors, and venture capitalists from the DACH region. Predominantly headquartered in major cities like Frankfurt, Munich, and Zug, these firms vary in size, ranging from small teams with fewer than 10 employees to large corporations with over 10,000 staff. Many of these investors have a long history, with some founded as early as 1890. In 2024, these investors entered numerous real estate transactions, showcasing their commitment to the industry and positioning them as key players in the evolving market.


Top 12 Real Estate Investment Trust Investors in DACH


1. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. The bank offers a wide range of solutions, including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. It serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has made significant strides in the real estate sector, highlighted by its acquisition of RREEF in 2002 for $440 million, which marked its entry into real estate investment management. In recent years, Deutsche Bank has also been involved in substantial debt financing transactions for real estate-related entities, such as Azora, which raised approximately $683 million in October 2023, and Azrieli Group, which secured post-IPO debt financing in April 2022. These transactions underscore Deutsche Bank's active participation in the real estate investment trust landscape, making it a relevant player in this sector.


2. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. Founded in 1996, the firm manages over USD 149 billion in assets and is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. In 2024, Partners Group has been active in the real estate sector, acquiring Empira, a real estate investment management firm, to enhance its exposure to real estate credit. Additionally, they have invested in Citivale, a developer and asset manager focusing on logistics and light industrial assets, and have acquired a stake in Trinity Investments, targeting growth in the hospitality sector across North America and Europe. These transactions highlight Partners Group's strategic focus on real estate, making them a significant player in the real estate investment trust industry.


3. Axel Springer

  • Website: axelspringer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1946
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: axel-springer-se

Axel Springer SE is a prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands, including BILD and Business Insider. The company is committed to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. In addition to its core media business, Axel Springer has made strategic investments in the real estate sector. Notably, it acquired PropertyGate.com in 2001, a platform that likely facilitates real estate transactions. Furthermore, in 2018, Axel Springer participated in funding for Lamudi, a real estate platform, indicating its interest in the digital transformation of real estate services. These transactions highlight Axel Springer's engagement in the real estate market, complementing its primary focus on media and advertising services.


4. Allianz

  • Website: allianz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1890
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: allianz

Allianz is a corporate investor based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1890. As a leading insurance company, Allianz provides a range of insurance products and investment management services aimed at risk management and asset protection. With a global presence, Allianz focuses on creating long-term value for stakeholders through innovative solutions. Notably, Allianz has been involved in significant real estate transactions, including the acquisition of ELIX Vintage Residencial in June 2021, which highlights their direct investment in real estate assets. Furthermore, their participation in funding rounds for real estate-related platforms, such as 99.co, demonstrates their strategic interest in the real estate sector and its financial products. These activities position Allianz as a relevant player in the real estate investment trust landscape.


5. Barclays Consumer Bank Europe


Barclays Consumer Bank Europe is a corporate financial services provider based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1991. The bank specializes in offering a variety of financial products, including credit cards, loans, and savings accounts, primarily targeting individual consumers. In 2024, Barclays has been involved in five notable transactions, including significant investments in the real estate sector. Notably, they participated in a post-IPO debt transaction for W. P. Carey, raising approximately $552 million, and a post-IPO equity transaction for Global Net Lease, which raised $237 million. These transactions highlight Barclays' active role in financing real estate investment trusts, showcasing their engagement in the real estate investment sector.


6. b2venture

  • Website: b2venture.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: btovpartners

b2venture is a venture capital firm based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in innovative startups across various sectors, providing financial backing and support to entrepreneurs. They collaborate with a community of angel investors, enhancing their investment strategy and positioning them as a key player in the European venture capital landscape. Notably, b2venture has participated in several transactions relevant to the real estate sector, including investments in Predium, a Munich-based PropTech startup that specializes in ESG management solutions for real estate and finance. In 2023, b2venture increased its investment in Predium during a seed funding round, which aimed to develop a leading ESG management platform for decarbonizing buildings. Additionally, their involvement in other real estate technology ventures, such as Tiko, a tech platform for selling houses, further demonstrates their engagement in the real estate investment space.


7. Vaudoise Assurances

  • Website: vaudoise.ch
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1895
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vaudoise-assurances

Vaudoise Assurances is a corporate insurance company based in Lausanne, Switzerland, founded in 1895. It offers a comprehensive range of insurance products and financial services to individuals and businesses, including car insurance, home insurance, and business liability coverage. In recent years, Vaudoise Assurances has actively engaged in the real estate sector, notably acquiring a strategic 20% stake in SEG Suisse Estate Group SA through its subsidiary Vaudoise Asset Management in December 2021. This acquisition aims to enhance their capabilities in managing third-party real estate assets. Furthermore, they participated in a CHF 10 million Series A financing round for Foxstone, an online real estate investment platform, indicating their interest in innovative real estate investment solutions. These transactions highlight Vaudoise Assurances' strategic positioning within the real estate investment landscape, particularly in managing and investing in real estate assets.


8. BitStone Capital

  • Website: bitstone.capital
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: bitstone-capital

BitStone Capital is a venture capital firm based in Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups within the real estate and construction technology sectors, providing venture capital, business development support, and advisory services to help these startups grow in a rapidly digitizing industry. Their portfolio includes companies focused on digital solutions for property management and building technology. Notable transactions include Optiml, which raised $4,112,026 in a Pre-Seed round in August 2024, indicating a focus on property management solutions. Additionally, Vermietet.de, which raised funds in February 2019, further emphasizes their commitment to the real estate sector. Other investments, such as shareDnC, also align with their strategy of supporting technology-driven solutions in real estate.


9. Scout24 SE

  • Website: scout24.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: scout24-group

Scout24 SE is a corporate investor based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 1998. It operates ImmoScout24, the leading online marketplace for residential and commercial properties in Germany, providing users with tools to search for properties and access market analysis. In recent years, Scout24 has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the real estate sector. Notably, in June 2023, they acquired a 75% majority stake in Sprengnetter Group, a leading provider of property data and valuation services, for approximately EUR 100 million. This acquisition was structured with a significant portion of the purchase price paid in Scout24 shares, aligning the interests of both companies. Additionally, in December 2024, Scout24 acquired bulwiengesa AG, a provider of valuation and data services for commercial real estate in Germany. These strategic acquisitions demonstrate Scout24's commitment to enhancing its real estate marketplace and providing comprehensive services to its users, making it a relevant player in the real estate investment trust context.


10. Universal-Investment


Universal-Investment is a fund service platform based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1968. It provides investment fund services and management company services to asset managers and institutional investors. The company specializes in launching and administering funds across various asset classes, including securities, alternative investments, and real estate. Notably, Universal-Investment has been involved in significant real estate transactions, such as the acquisition of the EDGE East Side building in Berlin, which is designed to be environmentally sustainable, and the management of funds that have facilitated major acquisitions like the IZD Tower in Vienna and Nimbus Park in Doncaster. With a strong focus on compliance and risk management, Universal-Investment supports its clients in navigating the complexities of the investment landscape, including real estate investments.


11. Edmond de Rothschild


The Edmond de Rothschild Group is a financial institution founded in 1953, specializing in private banking and asset management. It offers a range of services including investment solutions and philanthropic engagement, catering to institutional investors, private banks, and wealth managers. The company emphasizes a long-term vision and responsible investment practices, aiming to create positive societal impact through its financial activities. Notably, Edmond de Rothschild has made significant strides in the real estate sector, including the acquisition of a hotel on via Veneto in Rome for approximately €100 million, marking their entry into the hospitality sector in Italy. This transaction highlights their interest in real estate investments, which is further supported by their involvement in various financial transactions, such as acquiring a stake in the Hottinger Group, enhancing their wealth operations. While their primary focus remains on asset management, their active participation in real estate transactions aligns them with the interests of real estate investment trusts.


12. DWS Group

  • Website: dws.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: dws-group-com

DWS Group is an asset management company based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 1956. It provides a range of investment solutions, including Xtrackers ETFs, to individual and institutional clients. DWS Group focuses on portfolio management and investment advice, helping clients navigate the complexities of financial markets. The company operates globally, leveraging its expertise across various asset classes. Notably, DWS Group has engaged in transactions relevant to the real estate sector, such as its investment in Skyline AI, a real estate investment technology company, which highlights its interest in innovative solutions within the real estate market. While DWS Group also invests in technology and digital assets, its involvement in real estate technology indicates a potential interest in real estate investment trusts and related opportunities.



Real Estate Investment Trust Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
AllianzMunich, Bavaria, Germany10001+18905
Barclays Consumer Bank EuropeHamburg, Hamburg, Germany501-100019915
b2ventureSt. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland11-50200015
Vaudoise AssurancesLausanne, Vaud, Switzerland1001-500018951
BitStone CapitalNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1-1020174
Scout24 SEMunich, Bavaria, Germany1001-500019981
Universal-InvestmentFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1001-500019681
Edmond de RothschildGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500019533
DWS GroupFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany1001-500019566


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