Starwood Capital Group has completed the final closing of its latest global opportunistic real estate fund, Starwood Distressed Opportunity Fund XIII, securing over $10.2 billion in capital commitments. Supported by more than 300 institutional and private investors across 20 countries, the fund has already deployed $3 billion into data centers, housing and industrial assets across the US, Europe and Asia.
World Environment Day is a prompt. What matters is everything before it. From Asia-Pacific real estate to European hotel groups, and a landmark EU directive that came into force this month, we look at the organisations and governments proving that sustainability has moved from the edges of the built environment to its centre.
Marriott International has launched its City Express brand in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of two hotels in Osaka, Japan. The City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya and City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South offer 243 rooms combined. These properties aim to provide affordable, high-quality stays for travelers. Located near major transport hubs, they offer easy access to Osaka’s famous shopping and dining districts.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has signed a major master franchise agreement with Dossen Group to launch the Hyatt Select brand in the Chinese mainland. This strategic partnership focuses on the upper-midscale sector, combining Hyatt’s international reputation with Dossen’s extensive local network. The move aims to meet rising demand for affordable quality among modern travellers while providing flexible, high-value development opportunities for hotel owners across the region.
ESR has successfully raised US$850 million in fresh equity capital from its existing shareholders. This major financial boost is intended to speed up the firm’s expansion within the logistics and data centre sectors across the Asia-Pacific region. The move follows a period of significant portfolio simplification, where the company raised over US$2 billion by selling non-core assets to focus on high-growth digital and supply chain infrastructure.
Savills has signed a $1.1 billion agreement to acquire global investment bank Eastdil Secured. This move creates a worldwide capital markets powerhouse, ranking the group second globally for commercial transactions over $100 million. Eastdil will operate as the dedicated investment banking arm of Savills, maintaining its headquarters in New York, London and Santa Monica while providing a platform for significant growth across the United States and Asia.