Ares Real Estate, the property arm of US asset manager Ares Management Corporation, has launched a strategic investment partnership for European logistics real estate. Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) is acting as partner. The Norwegian central bank, which manages the state pension fund, is contributing an equity commitment of EUR 1.5 billion. For both players, the agreement marks their first direct institutional collaboration.
The investment focus of the newly founded partnership is pan-European, targeting modern, high-quality logistics assets. The objective is to capitalise on investment opportunities arising from structural transformations in distribution, supply chains and e-commerce. The joint venture will benefit from the operational resources of the "Marq Logistics" platform, through which Ares pools its global logistics capabilities.
Infrastructure via the Marq Logistics platform
Through the Marq Logistics vehicle, Ares currently manages an international portfolio of more than 2,250 assets. Total space under management amounts to over 655 million square feet, equating to approximately 60.8 million square metres. The platform aims to act as a landlord offering consistent logistics solutions across central European distribution corridors.
- —Equity commitment of EUR 1.5 billion from NBIM for European logistics assets
- —First institutional partnership between Ares and the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund manager
- —Deployment of the Marq Logistics platform with a global portfolio of around 60.8 million square metres
- —Investment focus spanning both existing properties and planned development projects
Comments from the initiators and platform data
Julie Solomon, Partner and Head of Ares Real Estate, stated that NBIM's commitment affirms the considerable potential of the European logistics sector alongside the capability of their in-house platform. Daan van den Hoven, Partner and Head of European Logistics at Ares, emphasised that demand for modern logistics space in established locations continues to be supported by enduring macro trends. The team sees attractive opportunities through a selective acquisition and asset management strategy.
On behalf of Norges Bank Investment Management, Alex Knapp, Global Head of Real Estate, highlighted that Ares holds a strong footprint as an investor and developer across key European markets. The alliance secures NBIM access to standing assets as well as promising development projects, with Knapp anticipating long-term collaboration.
According to its own disclosures, Ares Real Estate held around USD 121 billion in assets under management as of 30 June 2026. The integrated unit employs more than 720 professionals across the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, covering various real estate sectors and risk profiles through equity and debt strategies.
