The Monthly Dividend Company, announced a sale-leaseback transaction for 82 retail properties leased to affiliates of Decathlon SE, one of the world's leading sports companies and sporting goods retailers. The portfolio includes properties located in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
Founded in 1976 by Michel Leclercq, Decathlon is majority owned by AFIR and Association Familiale Mulliez, the largest retail conglomerate in France. In 2022, Decathlon recorded €15.4 billion of sales across 1,751 stores. Decathlon, which is investment grade rated, operates in more than 70 territories worldwide, including 27 in Europe, 14 in Asia, and four in Latin America.
Neil Abraham, president, Realty Income International, comments: "Decathlon exemplifies the type of leading operator Realty Income is proud to partner with. Decathlon's market leading position and financial strength make it an attractive partner, and it has demonstrated its dedication to sustainable growth by announcing a public commitment to reduce its absolute CO2 emissions by 20% by 2026 across the entire value chain. We are pleased to own high performing assets that Decathlon is committed to for the long term. On average, the stores in the portfolio have operated for 18 years and Decathlon has operated in the portfolio countries for more than 20 years. We hope that this is the first step in a long and mutually beneficial global relationship between Decathlon and Realty Income."
Lazard and Savills served as transaction advisors to Realty Income. Rothschild & Co. served as transaction advisor to Decathlon.