Patron Capital and INBRIGHT acquire light industrial asset in Cologne‑Niehl 

Patron Capital and INBRIGHT have acquired a 14,700 sq m light industrial property in Cologne‑Niehl from Rhenus SMG, marking the JV’s seventh investment in Germany and ninth overall. 

Cologne‑Niehl site

The asset, built on a 27,706 sq m site, includes four warehouses totalling 14,050 sq m and two office units of 650 sq m. Located within the Industriepark Köln‑Nord, the property benefits from strong multimodal connectivity, including proximity to Niehler Hafen, the A1 motorway, the B9 federal road and local public transport. The surrounding area is anchored by major industrial operators, including Ford’s manufacturing plant.

A long‑term green lease to Kölner Verkehrs‑Betriebe AG (KVB) was secured simultaneously with the acquisition, taking the asset to full occupancy. KVB will use the largest warehouse and an adjoining office for tram fleet spare‑parts storage, while the remaining units are let to a diversified mix of logistics and service tenants.

The JV plans targeted ESG‑led upgrades, including heating system renewal, full LED conversion and installation of a photovoltaic system, with the building aiming for BREEAM certification. The acquisition aligns with Patron and INBRIGHT’s strategy of assembling a portfolio of well‑connected, value‑add logistics and light industrial assets across Germany and Portugal. The JV’s portfolio now spans nine assets in key metropolitan markets.

Christoph Ignaczak of Patron Capital said the location exemplifies the JV’s focus on strategic last‑mile hubs with strong infrastructure and occupier demand. Frederik Keller‑Berndorff of INBRIGHT highlighted the simultaneous KVB lease as a major strength, ensuring resilient income from day one while supporting futureproof ESG upgrades.

Angermann NRW GmbH brokered the deal, with GSK Stockmann providing legal counsel, Noerr advising on tax, KVL conducting technical due diligence and Landplus overseeing environmental due diligence.