M Core Expands Romanian Retail Portfolio with Over €150 Million in Strategic Investments Over Six Months

M Core, Romania’s leading retail park owner, has reinforced its market leadership through a series of high-impact acquisitions and developments within the past six months. With over €150 million deployed in Romania year-to-date, the company has successfully acquired Focsani Shopping Centre from KBC, Suceava Shopping City, and seven retail parks from property investor MAS. Concurrently, M Core has completed six retail developments and maintains an active pipeline exceeding €200 million in projected developments over the next two years.   Focsani Shopping Centre, a core retail asset spanning 45,000 sqm with a 92% occupancy rate in 2025, further strengthens M Core’s national presence. Home to more than 100 retailers, the centre has demonstrated sustained performance over the past 17 years.   Sebastian Macdonald-Hall, Chief Investment Officer (Europe) at M Core commented: “Our sustained investment in Romania underscores our long-term commitment to the market and confidence in the sector’s resilience. We continue to identify high-calibre assets that align with our strategic vision and enhance the retail experience for tenants and consumers alike. With more than €200 million earmarked for future developments, M Core remains focused on innovation, sustainability, and retail excellence.”   Suceava Shopping City adds further weight to M Core’s portfolio. With 43,100 sqm of leasable space and an exceptional 99% occupancy rate, it serves as a pivotal retail destination for northeastern Romania and neighbouring regions. Its strategic location, resilient operations, and curated tenant mix position it as a benchmark for modern proximity retail.   “The transactions completed by M Core over the past six months underscore the strong performance of the retail sector and reaffirm investor confidence in Romania’s long term fundamentals. The acquisition of Suceava Shopping City and Focsani Mall demonstrate the strategic appeal of the investors for dominant regional assets. At Colliers International, we are proud to have supported M Core with local market insight and transactional expertise throughout this process”, explains Simina Niculita, Partner Head of Retail at Colliers.   Additionally, M Core has acquired seven fully occupied retail parks from MAS, totalling approximately 32,000 sqm of leasable area. Located in Slobozia, Focsani, Ramnicu Sarat, Targu Secuiesc, Sebes, Fagaras, and Gheorgheni, these assets will be integrated into M Core’s national portfolio under the M Parks brand.   "Following our advisory role in MAS’s disposal of its strip mall portfolio earlier this year, we are pleased to have supported another successful transaction with M Core Group by advising KBC Bank on the sale of Focsani Mall. M Core’s continued acquisitions underscore a growing appetite for income-generating retail assets in strategic locations across the country" said Cristi Moga, Head of Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.   These transactions form part of M Core’s broader retail expansion strategy, reinforcing its position as Romania’s dominant retail real estate player. Through targeted investments and a forward-thinking approach, the collective remains committed to shaping the future of retail across Romania and Europe.   M Core was advised on these acquisitions by CMS Cameron McKenna, Schoenherr, Deloitte, Colliers, iO Partners, Sentient and Optim.   About M Core:  M Core is an established family of property investment and management companies comprising LCP, Sheet Anchor, Proudreed and Sheet Anchor Evolve.   The group of businesses have a £6bn+ portfolio of assets and employs c.600 people across Europe. Over 1,050 assets are managed across the UK, France, Poland, Romania, Germany and Spain.   M Core carefully assesses and evaluates each investment opportunity across the commercial property sector with a focus on light industrial and convenience led retail assets. With over 35 years’ experience of investing in the commercial property market, M Core has a proven track record in identifying opportunities and then applying its strategy of intensive management to maximise value.