Case Study - Global Portfolio Optimisation for one of the largest companies on the NYSE

Whilst working as a Partner of a global real estate services firm in London, Simon won and managed the exclusive global real estate service provider appointment to a multinational company with a market capitalisation that placed it as one of the largest companies on the New York Stock Exchange. He was entrusted with reviewing their extensive 270,000 sqm global office and industrial leasehold portfolio. The project aimed to streamline and optimise the company’s worldwide real estate holdings, which had been operating in a decentralised manner for many years.

The portfolio optimisation program required the comprehensive collation and analysis of all lease agreements across numerous countries. This process was challenging due to the independent operations of various regions over the decades. He oversaw the preparation of detailed lease abstracts, compiling critical data into a centralised format for streamlined evaluation. Each country and submarket were thoroughly researched allowing for benchmarking of all commercial property leases against both internal portfolio properties and local market conditions.

The strategic evaluation process uncovered numerous opportunities for cost savings with significant financial benefits projected over the next few years. The analysis also revealed previously unknown leasehold and freehold properties which had been acquired through various business acquisitions over time.

All data, including lease and market information, was uploaded to a centralised database in Boston. This central repository enabled a transition from reactive property management to a proactive approach, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and the optimal utilisation of global real estate assets. By implementing targeted initiatives identified through the analysis, the company achieved substantial cost savings and greater control over its real estate portfolio.

While this project was conducted at a specific point in time, its outcomes provide long-lasting value, ensuring ongoing efficiency improvements and the strategic optimisation of the company’s global property assets.