Standard Life Investments has announced its intention to reopen the suspended UK Real Estate Fund (and associated feeder funds) from 12.00 noon on Monday 17 October 2016.
The SLI UK Real Estate Fund was one of a number of funds to suspend trading on 4 July 2016. This decision was taken in order to protect the interests of all investors in the Fund following an unprecedented level of redemptions.
They subsequently implemented a controlled and structured asset disposal programme in order to raise sufficient liquidity to meet future redemptions and work is ongoing to ensure the Fund is well positioned for markets in the long-term. “We now believe the commercial real estate market has stabilised and that the adequate level of liquidity achieved will allow the suspension to be lifted.” Standard Life stated on a press release.
By lifting the suspension, dealing in the Fund and Feeder Funds, purchases and redemptions of shares, will return to normal on 17 October 2016, with the first valuation point being 12.00 noon on that date. Dealing instructions to purchase or redeem shares will be accepted from Wednesday 28 September 2016, in a written or faxed format only, ahead of the fund re-opening.
Providing advanced notice will enable investors in the fund to make any preparations required ahead of the re-opening.
David Paine, Head of Real Estate at Standard Life investments said: “In the immediate aftermath of the EU referendum result redemptions from retail investor property funds increased dramatically whilst property transactions reduced significantly. During the period of suspension the fund has been able to restore liquidity through an orderly disposal of assets. We are pleased with the progress made and the removal of the Market Value Adjustment, and able to announce the reopening of the fund next month. The Standard Life Investments UK Real Estate Fund invests in a diverse mix of prime commercial property. Its lower risk positioning should therefore be beneficial for performance at times of market stress and uncertainty and continues to offer a stable and secure income, with a distribution yield of 4.04%*. In our opinion, as the search for yield intensifies within a world of low interest rates and nominal growth, the outlook for UK commercial real estate returns and income remains attractive.”
For Funds Society, Madrid
For Fórmate a Fondo