Category Archives: Developers

UOL taking half-share in Rainbow site

UOL Group is taking a half-share in the Rainbow Gardens site in Toh Tuck Road bought by the LaSalle Asia Opportunity II fund in a collective sale a few years ago.

The 999-year leasehold plot and an adjoining strip of state land total a land area of 130,164 sq ft. In its statutory filing with the Singapore Exchange (SGX) yesterday, UOL said planning approval has been granted for a condo project with a gross floor area of about 182,219 sq ft.

BT understands the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) approval for the site is for a five-storey condo with around 120 units although market watchers reckon that with UOL’s advent, the unit mix could be reconfigured.

In its statement, UOL said it will be investing a total of about $15.58 million for its half-share in a joint-venture company it has formed with the LaSalle fund. The sum UOL is investing comprises $1 million in ordinary shares, about $10.17 million in redeemable preference shares, and about $4.4 million in shareholders’ loans.

UOL said it and/or its subsidiaries will be appointed as the project and sales and marketing managers for the new condo to be built.

Source : Business Times – 10 Oct 2009

CMA listing won’t hurt CMT, CRCT performance

WE refer to the Hock Lock Siew commentary, ‘Spinoff by CapitaLand: Will Reit units lose out?’ (BT, Oct 8).

We would like to assure investors that the business model and financial performance of CapitaMall Trust (CMT) and CapitaRetail China Trust (CRCT) will not be affected by the listing of CapitaMalls Asia (CMA).

Being real estate investment trusts (Reits), CMT and CRCT offer stable and sustainable distributions, primarily from the rental income derived from their portfolio of properties.

Further, they will continue to enjoy the right of first refusal for CMA’s completed and stabilised shopping mall pipeline in Singapore and China respectively.

CMA, on the other hand, will primarily focus on the development or redevelopment of shopping malls (including greenfield malls) and the management of retail property funds. Its focus will be more on growth and less on dividend payout – similar to other real estate development companies. Continue reading