What the Project Is
Sigma Retail Partners’ primary objective is to add value to their capital partner’s assets through rigorous and effective asset management. The approach is all about sourcing assets that are specifically tailored to each Capital Partner’s appetite for risk, investment timeline horizon, debt versus equity requirements, and target return expectations… It’s a straightforward, results-driven project designed to meet the unique needs of every investor while keeping the process dynamic and transparent.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
Key figures and facts of the project include:
- Sourcing and tailoring assets precisely to individual capital partner requirements.
- Unparalleled collaboration with investors, retailers, banks, developers, and a host of professional teams.
- A broad multi-disciplinary network that includes solicitors, accountants, agents, property managers, quantity surveyors, engineers, architects, and planning consultants.
- Solid, documented timeline progress from early successes in 2015 to major milestones projected through 2025.
- Results that include asset acquisitions, strategic refurbishments, refinancing, and successful off-market opportunities.
Collaboration and Expertise
Bringing the best team together is seen as key to success in any significant retail asset… The project leans on a collaborative approach where the experience of the team is unrivalled. Working closely with hundreds of international, national, and local retailers, as well as their advisors, has allowed for productive partnerships. The collaboration extends even further to multiple disciplines—professionals such as solicitors, accountants, and engineers all contribute their expertise to collectively deliver the best possible outcomes. It’s a system that thrives on teamwork and open conversation, ensuring that every stakeholder’s voice is heard.
Discretion and Trust
Respect for confidentiality and discretion is integral to the project’s ethos. Sigma Retail Partners places this at the forefront of their operations. The Managing Director, Marcus Wren, who previously played a key role with The National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), brings this understanding to life. The ability to engage with various parties on unadvertised opportunities allows for the pursuit of off-market deals. Retailers feel secure sharing sensitive information on turnover and store performance without the fear of public disclosure. In short, trust and discreet handling of information are essential cornerstones that cement lasting relationships.
Project Timeline Highlights
The journey has been marked by a series of noteworthy milestones that illustrate both growth and adaptability. Back in 2015, the project kicked off when Sigma Retail Partners was founded by Marcus Wren and Neil Bannon, acquiring key assets including The Harvest Portfolio of four shopping centres, followed by acquisitions of Navan, Sligo, and Bray Retail Park. This was quickly followed by major acquisitions in Naas, Drogheda, Gateway, Waterford Retail Parks and Manor Mills Shopping Centre, leading to an immediate boost in net operating income (NOI). Fast forward to 2017, the acquisition of The Square Shopping Centre opened new opportunities while addressing operational challenges such as surplus land sales and the resolution of management company matters.
By 2018, the momentum was maintained with the start of construction on a major expansion at Gateway Galway and additional refurbishments at Dungarvan. Planning permissions for innovative projects, like stand-alone coffee pods at Waterford and Bray Retail Park, further signal a commitment to evolving retail spaces. In 2020, amidst challenging economic conditions, planning permission for a retail extension at The Square Shopping Centre was lodged alongside non-core sales that diversified the investment portfolio.
Despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19 in 2022, the project demonstrated resilience through creative asset management strategies, including extra health and safety measures, leasing enhancements, and refined sales negotiations. The timeline continued into 2023 and beyond, with new asset acquisitions such as The Mill Shopping Centre, ongoing asset management initiatives in major properties like Decathlon, and significant transactions and refinancings planned as far as 2025.
Project Impact on SDGs
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Closing Thoughts
The project embodies a blend of precise asset management, strategic acquisitions, and a collaborative spirit that appeals to a diverse set of stakeholders—from capital partners to local communities. Sigma Retail Partners’ journey is marked by bold initiatives, refined strategies, and continuous adaptation over time. Emphasizing both a disciplined approach to asset value enhancement and a flexible, team-oriented ethos, the project manages to balance confidentiality with transparency. The detailed timeline, enriched by numerous milestones from 2015 to upcoming targets in 2025, underscores a strong commitment to excellence with an eye for detail and innovation… From the inception of the Harvest Portfolio to the strategic partnerships that continue to shape the market, the project remains a dynamic force addressing evolving needs in retail asset management.
Located at 53 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, D02 Y449, Ireland, the project is not just about numbers—it’s about creating lasting value and ensuring that every investment is managed with care and insight. Social connections are maintained via platforms like LinkedIn and Vimeo, where further insights and updates are shared. Ultimately, the evolving nature of this venture highlights the importance of targeted strategy, collaborative effort, and discreet management to drive success in every asset endeavor.
