JLL accelerates growth in debt advisory and corporate finance business across EMEA

JLL today announced that UK-based Capra Global Partners Limited (Capra), the specialist real estate advisor, joins JLL’s capital markets business in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to bolster JLL’s debt advisory and corporate finance capabilities, including equity placement, M&A and JVs. 

Capra is a European leading debt and capital advisor in real estate. Since its foundation in 2012, it has raised debt and equity across a wide range of risk profiles, sectors, and strategies. Capra’s clients range from established global fund managers to boutique niche operators and private owners across Europe, Asia and North America.

Effective today, Capra becomes an integrated part of JLL’s EMEA capital markets business. Following the successful acquisition of HFF in 2019 this venture represents the next step in JLL’s capital markets growth ambitions in EMEA. Capra has an extensive network of relationships with institutional investors that will enhance JLL’s debt and corporate finance business.

“The pace of global real estate investment recovery is picking up as investors adapt to the new market environment and demand for debt, M&A, equity and funds placement expertise is growing rapidly,” said Matthew Richards, CEO Capital Markets, EMEA, JLL. “Capra’s specialist knowledge and long-standing relationships with investors and real estate lenders will deliver a range of compelling benefits for our clients, employees and shareholders. Having Capra on board provides a unique opportunity to continue the growth of our debt advisory and corporate finance platform in the EMEA region.

This move is part of a longer-term strategy and demonstrates JLL’s commitment to ensuring we drive significant value for our clients with the best expertise and service to help them tackle the challenges of today’s world.”

Anthony Biddulph, CEO, Capra Global Partners, added: “We’re excited to become part of JLL. Our companies share a culture of teamwork, ethics and excellence – and putting the client at the center of everything we do. We look forward to working together to grow and further strengthen JLL’s Capital Markets business in the region.”

Real estate capital markets saw a continued rebound in activity in the final quarter of 2020, with the pace of quarterly declines decelerating. Robust transaction volumes during Q4, which were down a moderate 21% year-on-year, helped push full-year volumes to US$762 billion. According to JLL’s interactions with investors, optimism continues to improve on the back of deeper liquidity and as measured by increased bidding activity globally.