Confirmation of REIT status
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Limited
(the 'Company')
Confirmation of REIT status
Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust (the 'Company')is pleased to announce
that 96.5% of voting shareholders voted in favour of the special resolution to
convert to Real Estate Investment Trust ('REIT') status. Following this
support from shareholders, the Company is to enter the REIT regime on or
around 1 May 2015.
In its existing structure as a London listed and Guernsey domiciled investment
trust, the Company had delivered a strong track record of providing investors
with an attractive level of income together with the potential for future
long-term income and capital growth through investing predominantly in UK
commercial real estate markets. As a UK-REIT the Company therefore expects to:
- Reduce the overall burden of UK taxation and increase the net income and
overall profitability of the Company;
- Benefit most shareholders' potential returns, as UK-REIT qualifying assets
will be largely exempt from corporation tax in the UK on both rental profits
and chargeable gains;
- Improve liquidity as a result of being available to a broader investor base
than was previously possible; and
- Improve the Company's ability to be agile and consequently more competitive
when acquiring assets in corporate structures in the UK by removing Capital
Gains Tax liabilities.
Commenting, Lorraine Baldry, Chairman of the Board, said: "As a UK-REIT we
will offer a tax efficient structure enabling the Company to distribute
optimal returns for shareholders as well as potentially enhancing the
liquidity of our shares. Against the backdrop of a growing UK economy, lower
inflation and low interest rates, and with a strong and diversified portfolio
which already offers considerable opportunity to add value, the Company is
well positioned for future growth as it continues the successful execution of
its investment strategy."
Duncan Owen, Global Head of Schroder Real Estate Investment Management
Limited, added: "Schroder REIT has generated competitive returns for
shareholders through active investment and subsequent asset management
alongside the refinancing of its debt at a materially lower cost with long
term and stable senior loans. The conversion to an onshore REIT will now
better enable us to continue to drive returns in the future environment. We
look forward to continuing to deliver performance for our shareholders as we
benefit from lower tax costs and greater operational flexibility within the UK
real estate market.
-ENDS-
For further information:
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited: 020 7658 6000
Duncan Owen / Nick Montgomery
J.P. Morgan Cazenove: 020 7742 4000
William Simmonds
Numis Securities: 020 7260 1000
David Benda
Northern Trust: 01481 745529
David Sauvarin
FTI Consulting: 020 3727 1000
Dido Laurimore / Ellie Sweeney
Latest directors dealings
- 9 hours ago Luceco
- 10 hours ago Helios Towers
- 10 hours ago Wise Class A
- 10 hours ago EDX Medical Group Plc
- 10 hours ago Naked Wines