Acquisition

CAPITAL AND REGIONAL PROPERTIES PLC 30 September 1999 CAPITAL AND REGIONAL ACQUIRES THE ASHLEY CENTRE, EPSOM FROM STANDARD LIFE FOR £73M Capital and Regional Properties plc, the specialist retail and leisure property investment company, today announces that it has exchanged contracts for the purchase of The Ashley Centre, Epsom from Standard Life for £73 million, reflecting an initial yield of 7.3%. The acquisition is being financed partly by debt with a loan of £57 million from Halifax plc and the balance by cash. The Ashley Centre represents 350,000 sq ft (32,528 sq m) and includes approximately 70,000 sq ft (6,505 sq m) of office space, including Fina House. It also benefits from an 800 space multi-storey car park adjacent to the Centre, which is currently operated by the Council. Anchor tenants include Dickens & Jones, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose with fashion retailers such as Next and Hennes. Current gross passing rent is £5.7 million, with 81% of the income generated from retail accommodation which is almost fully let. Epsom is located within the M25 and benefits from excellent transport links. The Ashley Centre dominates the retail heirachy and the town has a population of approximately 63,000 with a catchment of 275,000. Blair Kirkman and DTZ Debenham Thorpe acted for Capital and Regional Properties and Standard Life was represented by CB Hillier Parker. Commenting on the acquisition, Ken Ford, Executive Director of Capital and Regional Properties said: 'We are delighted to add The Ashley Centre to our growing portfolio. This acquisition is in line with our strategy of investing in covered in-town shopping centres which are dominant within their catchment areas. Epsom enjoys excellent demographics and The Ashley Centre will benefit from our unique management approach of increasing returns through reconfiguration and improvement of the tenant mix to satisfy retailer and consumer demand. The Centre will also benefit from our innovative approach to branding and substantial marketing and promotional campaigns.' For further information please contact: Martin Barber, Chairman, Capital and Regional 0171 730 5565 Ken Ford, Executive Director, Capital and Regional 0141 353 3306 Sarah Carrell, Corporate Communications 0171 730 5565
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