INGKA INVESTMENTS MAKES INVESTMENT ON FIFTH AVENUE

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Jul 01, 2024, 09:44 ET

Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, invests in Extell's new world-class office and retail tower.

NEW YORK, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ingka Investments, the investments arm of Ingka Group, which owns the majority of IKEA stores worldwide, announced today a real estate investment on New York City's iconic Fifth Avenue. The investment in 570 Fifth Avenue will be part of the real estate portfolio of Ingka Investments and marks a significant step in Ingka Group's long-term strategy to enhance its city center retail presence. The new Class-A retail and office tower is being developed by Extell Development Company, one of the nation's premier development firms. The building is scheduled for tenant delivery in 2028.

This strategic alliance between two industry leaders marks the largest development on Fifth Avenue in more than 60 years. Located at the intersection of the Plaza and Grand Central Districts, 570 Fifth Avenue will be a 1,000,000-square-foot mixed-use commercial building, with an outstanding address, exceptional access to transportation, world-class architecture, and next level services and amenities. A new IKEA customer meeting point will be located in the building's prime retail space of 80,000 sq ft arranged over two large cellar levels with a corner entrance on Fifth Avenue. With a focus on sustainability and wellness, the tower is targeting a minimum LEED Gold certification and will exemplify high sustainability standards and low carbon operation principles.

Peter van der Poel, Managing Director of Ingka Investments: "We are excited to share the news of this major investment that boosts our growth strategy across the U.S., a vital market for Ingka Group. Investing in Fifth Avenue goes beyond just growing our footprint; it's about changing the way we engage with consumers and playing a part in creating strong, sustainable economies and business communities."

The investment is another step in Ingka Group's strategy to evolve its retail operations by adapting to urban growth and changing consumer shopping preferences. This initiative involves introducing innovative retail formats in city centers, enhancing accessibility and convenience for customers. Located just a three-minute walk from Grand Central Station and Bryant Park, the new development benefits from unmatched accessibility, tapping into the vibrant energy of Manhattan.

Javier Quiñones, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA U.S.: "This next phase of our investment and expansion in the U.S. signals our commitment to bring IKEA closer to people in city centers. While we are in the very early stages of planning for the IKEA location, we can promise to deliver an experience that is full of inspiration and designed to meet the home furnishing dreams of the many New Yorkers."

Since 2019 Ingka Group has opened stores and shops in major cities, including Tokyo, Madrid, Paris and London, as well as planning studios in Vienna, Barcelona, Berlin and Prague – bringing the IKEA home furnishing offer to many more people, as well as the company's latest innovations within the digital customer experience.

Gary Barnett, Founder & Chairman, Extell Development Company: "We have been working on assembling this project for almost two decades and Ingka Investments' substantial commitment allows us to move forward with the construction and leasing of the best new office building in New York. This will be the first office tower to begin construction in the city post pandemic and it is a great sign of New York's resilience. We are thankful to the Ingka Group team for their confidence in the project and New York's future and look forward to a rewarding partnership. We are also thankful to our lenders, Meritz Securities and IGIS, for their continued commitment to the project."

Ingka Investments will hold a one-third stake in the project alongside preferred equity components and full ownership of the prime retail space where the IKEA customer meeting point will be located. Extell will hold a two-thirds stake in the project.

About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations in 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centers.

About Ingka Investments
Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, supports the long-term growth and financial strength of Ingka Group and IKEA. Ingka Investments focuses on investing in core inner city real estate and as well as large distribution and logistics parks in major cities important to IKEA Retail. As the retail industry continues to evolve, real estate investments play a central role in supporting the global expansion strategy of IKEA Retail – bringing IKEA closer to customers. Through long-term ownership in real estate, IKEA Retail is able to reduce operating costs and invest in its business.