Griffin Capital Partners (GCP), the largest private investor and asset management firm in the private equity and real estate markets across Central and Eastern Europe, Germany, and selected EU countries, is strengthening its presence in Germany by opening a new office under the leadership of real estate and private equity investment expert Marcel Hertig. This expansion, culminating in the establishment of Griffin Capital Partners Germany, follows several key transactions in the region, including the acquisition of Bauwert in April 2023.
New Leadership and Strategic Focus in Germany
Griffin Capital Partners Germany will be led by Marcel Hertig, who has taken on the role of Managing Director, Head of Germany at Griffin Capital Partners. With over 15 years of experience in real estate and private equity investments, Marcel will focus on identifying and securing investment opportunities in these sectors while overseeing Griffin’s projects in Germany, including its ventures with Bauwert, one of the country’s leading real estate developers.
Before joining GCP, Marcel managed investments for Patron Capital in the German market and later led private equity real estate operations for TPG Angelo Gordon in Germany and the Benelux region as an Investment Director.
“Germany is a strategically important region for us, both personally and professionally. Opening a new office under the leadership of an expert like Marcel is a key milestone in strengthening our presence here. We believe that by establishing a local presence in this dynamic market, which offers attractive opportunities amid shifting political and economic conditions, we can create even greater value for our investors and partners,” said Nebil Senman, Co-Owner and Managing Partner at Griffin Capital Partners.
“I am delighted to lead Griffin Capital Partners Germany and contribute to the growth of our operations in this high-potential, strategically important market. We will focus on identifying compelling investment opportunities and implementing GCP’s proven investment approach in Germany. My goal is to leverage our expertise and company resources to deliver impactful projects while creating long-term value for our partners and investors,” said Marcel Hertig, Managing Director at Griffin Capital Partners Germany.
GCP’s Growing Presence in Germany
Despite a challenging market environment, Griffin Capital Partners has achieved significant milestones, solidifying its position as a leading investor in the region. In 2024, the firm continued expanding its existing real estate and private equity platforms, which together represent assets exceeding €8 billion. Notable developments include:
- The launch of StudentSpace, a student housing platform
- The creation of OnTrain, a company that will provide modern locomotives to European rail operators under a leasing model
“We have already made significant and successful investments in Germany and are determined to expand our presence and intensify our activities in this market,” added Maciej Dyjas, Co-Owner and Managing Partner at Griffin Capital Partners.
Key Investments and Strategic Moves
The establishment of Griffin Capital Partners Germany is not just a response to favorable market conditions and the firm’s growing interest in the region—it is also a strategic move to secure GCP’s position locally. As part of its broader efforts in Germany:
- In April 2023, GCP, in collaboration with WING Group as the majority shareholder, acquired a 60% stake in Bauwert, while the remaining 40% remained with the original shareholders.
- In 2022, through its logistics investment platform International Industrial Properties (IIProp), GCP sold two BTS (build-to-suit) projects for over €110 million. These facilities were developed for a global e-commerce leader as regional distribution centers.
- Additionally, in 2022, GCP completed two new Class A logistics projects, which were sold in 2023 for over €40 million.
Source: Manager Plus
