CIM Group has announced a significant expansion in its European footprint through a strategic partnership with Michael Bickford to establish Round Hill Capital Ventures. This newly formed investment platform is set to manage a $2.1 billion portfolio, focusing predominantly on high-quality investment and development real estate in Europe.
CIM Group, a leading real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender, and developer, has announced that it will invest in financing to create Round Hill Capital Ventures. This new entity will acquire management contracts for assets previously managed by Round Hill Capital. A move made to ensure continuity through highly experienced teams across six offices in the EU, the U.K., and the U.S.
Michael Bickford will serve as CEO of Round Hill Capital Ventures. The platform will leverage the established platform of Round Hill Capital’s vertically integrated real estate management business and be bolstered by CIM Group’s extensive experience and growth capital.
Strategic Goals Behind Round Hill Capital Ventures
CIM Group’s current holdings include $28.6 billion in assets across 135 communities in North America, Latin America, and the U.K.
As a continuation of that legacy, Round Hill Capital Ventures will oversee a portfolio comprising 13,450 residential units spread across ten countries, including the U.K., Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, France, and the U.S.
CIM Group’s investment is expected to accelerate Round Hill Capital Ventures' growth, sharpening its ability to raise and deploy capital while strengthening relationships with global partners.
The collaboration aims to build on Michael Bickford and his team's successful track record. They bring a high degree of experience, having transacted over $13 billion in real estate and investing in more than 140,000 residential units and student housing beds since 2002.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to CIM Group in this transaction, ensuring the strategic and financial soundness of the partnership.
Executive Insights
Richard Ressler, Co-Founder and Principal of CIM Group, stated:
“CIM Group’s investment in Round Hill Capital Ventures is part of our firm’s long-standing practice of expanding our platform by partnering with best-in-class managers in their home markets, including by providing financial and operational support. We believe Round Hill Capital Ventures will be a top-tier living sector fund manager across the EU and the U.K., and we look forward to being a part of its growth going forward as an investor and supportive partner.”
Michael Bickford expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting CIM Group’s 30-year track record in managing real estate and infrastructure.
“CIM Group is a strong investment partner with a 30-year track record of successfully managing real estate and infrastructure, along with a substantial credit business. We are excited about this new chapter to grow our business.”
Bickford also provided some insights into the medium-to-long term goals behind Round Hill Capital Ventures, stating:
"We have significant ambitions to continue expanding across Europe, and CIM Group’s expertise and resources will be invaluable in helping us achieve those goals. We believe this strategic partnership with CIM Group positions us advantageously at a compelling point in the market cycle across Europe, which should allow us to deliver superior performance for all of our investment partners.”
About the Partners
CIM Group has been a community-focused real estate and infrastructure entity since 1994, delivering over $60 billion in essential projects across the Americas. The company is based in California, Los Angeles and has over 1,000 employees. Its comprehensive approach encompasses due diligence, operations, and disposition, and it is committed to ESG initiatives.
Round Hill Capital has established itself as a prominent name in real estate investment and management. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in London. It has 14 offices worldwide and over 230 employees. With a history of significant transactions and investments and $6.8 billion in assets under management, it continues to be a key player in the European property market.
