Goodman Group is investing NZ$490m (€279m), including a NZ$290m reinvestment, into the listed New Zealand offshoot, Goodman Property Trust (GMT), and to launch a fund management platform in New Zealand.

Goodman is selling the management rights to GMT, which is internalising its management, for NZ$290m, including a management fee of NZ$17.6m. It is reinvesting the proceeds into the internalised GMT to lift its stake from 25% to 31.8%.

As well, Goodman is investing NZ$200m into a new Auckland logistics property fund with a target of NZ$2bn funds under management in the next 3-5 years. Goodman is to co-invest with GMT and new investors to grow the platform.

Greg Goodman, the CEO of Goodman Group, said: β€œThis transaction is all about growth and capturing the opportunity available in the New Zealand market. Additionally, access to alternative funding sources will allow GMT to finance this growth in a way that will generate significant value for GMT Unitholders.”

John Dakin, chair of Goodman New Zealand, said: β€œWe believe internalisation will enable GMT to reach its full potential and create further value for all our stakeholders.”

GMT has a portfolio of NZ$4.5bn.

β€œWith the flexibility to acquire assets on-market and directly from GMT’s existing portfolio, Dakin said, the funds management platform had the potential of scaling to around NZ$2bn within 3 to 5 years.”

James Spence, Goodman New Zealand CEO, said: β€œThe establishment of a funds management business and introduction of new capital partners complements GMT’s current investment strategy.  

β€œThe positive income contribution from management fee revenue and an enhanced ability to recycle capital is expected to support annualised earnings growth of between 5% and 7% within the next three-to-five years.”

Deputy chair and independent director of Goodman New Zealand, David Gibson said: β€œThe independent directors unanimously recommend that unitholders vote in favour of all three resolutions.” A shareholders’ meeting has been set for the end of March.

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