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Nexus Select Trust to acquire Marina Mall in Chennai for INR 18,786 crore

#Top Stories#India#Tamil Nadu#Chennai
Last Updated : 5th Jun, 2024
Synopsis

Real estate investment trust (REIT) Nexus Select Trust, valued at INR 18,786 crore (USD 2.3 billion), is in talks to acquire Chennai's Marina Mall. This acquisition would expand their South Indian portfolio amid a post-pandemic retail sector boom. Opened in 2019, the Marina Mall offers over 600,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 150 brands, 25 food outlets, an amusement centre, and more. Nexus Select Trust aims to double its asset portfolio to 20 million sq. ft. within five years. This move highlights rising investor confidence and significant growth prospects in India's retail sector, reflected by increased mall consumption and occupancy rates.

Real estate investment trust (REIT) Nexus Select Trust, with a current market capitalization of INR 18,786 crore (USD 2.3 billion), is reportedly in talks to acquire Chennai's Marina Mall. This potential acquisition would significantly expand their portfolio in South India and reflects growing investor confidence in India's retail sector, which is experiencing a post-pandemic boom.


Located on Chennai's Old Mahabalipuram Road, the Marina Mall is a well-known destination for shoppers and families in the city. Opened in 2019, it boasts over 600,000 square feet of retail space spread across six floors. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of options, including over 150 brands, more than 25 food establishments, an amusement centre, a kids' zone, entertainment zones, a hypermarket, home stores, and an eight-screen digital multiplex. The mall even features South India's largest inflatable park, making it a one-stop shop for entertainment and shopping.

Nexus Select Trust has been actively expanding its portfolio, solidifying its position as a major player in the Indian retail REIT market. They're reportedly in the final stages of acquiring three Grade-A malls in Hyderabad, totaling a staggering INR 71,000 crore (USD 8.7 billion). The potential acquisition of Marina Mall would further strengthen their presence in South India, aligning with their ambitious goal of doubling their asset portfolio to 20 million square feet within the next five years.

REITs are a relatively new investment option in India, but they've quickly gained traction due to their potential for stable returns. These trusts hold and manage income-generating real estate assets, allowing investors to participate in the real estate market without directly owning physical properties. Nexus Select Trust, established in 2016, is one of the leading players in the Indian REIT market, focusing on high-quality retail assets across the country.

The potential deal highlights the growing confidence in India's retail sector. Following a challenging period during the pandemic, the industry is experiencing a significant rebound. Data from the Shopping Centres Association of India (SCAI) reveals an 11.5% increase in mall consumption, a 6.7% rise in occupancy, and a 9.6% average rental growth in the last fiscal year. This rise reflects a renewed consumer appetite for in-person shopping experiences, driven by evolving preferences and a desire for a more complete shopping and entertainment experience. With around 50 new malls expected to open in the next two years, India's retail sector appears poised for continued growth, creating a positive environment for REITs like Nexus Select Trust.

The potential acquisition of Marina Mall by Nexus Select Trust is a positive sign for Chennai's retail landscape and the broader Indian retail sector. This move reflects investor confidence in the industry's recovery and future potential. With consumer spending on the rise, a growing desire for physical shopping experiences, and the increasing popularity of REITs, India's retail sector appears well-positioned for a bright future.

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