The company comprehensively manages outlet centers and cooperates with well-known institutional and private investors, such as DWS, Resolution Property, INGKA Centers, Mutschler Outlet Holding and many others.
The last few months in ROS Retail Outlet Shopping have been marked by, among others: work carried out related to the expansion of four facilities: Designer Outlet Gdańsk (expansion completion planned for the end of 2024), Designer Outlet Algarve (opening in summer 2025), City Outlet Geislingen (opening in late summer 2025) and Designer Outlet Croatia. The opening of the new Designer Outlet Kraków shopping center is planned for spring 2025.
The French FREY Group is a developer, investor and manager. A company listed on the Paris Stock Exchange operating on the real estate market, specializing in the construction and operation of shopping centers in Europe. A pioneer in the field of environmentally friendly retail parks with the Greencenter concept and originator of shopping centers conceived as "Shopping Promenade". The Société à Mission and B Corp™ certified FREY Group is fully committed to creating a more responsible, greener environment that is socially beneficial to both the ecosystem and its stakeholders. Because the company knows the important role retail plays in processes of urban diversity, social connection, local economy and environmental transformation, its mission is to restore retail as a service best suited to the needs of individual communities. The FREY Group also conducts large urban regeneration operations and mixed-use projects.
Benefits for both parties, for ROS and FREY
Enriching the portfolio with ROS Retail Outlet Shopping gives the FREY Group access to the European outlet market, strengthens its position in Europe and supports the company's vision of being a leader on the European market in the field of open retail and exclusive shopping places.
While traditional shopping centers suffered during the pandemic, outlet centers and retail parks have proven their strong position as shopping places often arranged outdoors – as shopping towns. Also in the post-pandemic period and in the face of rising inflation, outlet centers are popular. ROS closed 2023 with a 16.5% increase in sales compared to 2022. Further strengthening of the company's value will result from the development of new outlet locations, including, among others: expansion plans of brand partners in the ROS network, as well as from expanding and strengthening the mix of categories and marketing activities. As a result of the merger, ROS Retail Outlet Shopping gains a financially strong real estate group that helps manage the assets of its portfolio of facilities and exploits new growth opportunities in the European outlet market. Further synergies will appear in the areas of ESG and the ongoing digitalization of the retail real estate sector.
Antoine Frey, president and CEO of FREY, issued the following statement: "We are pleased to announce what is an important strategic transaction for FREY. The acquisition of ROS, the fourth largest operator of outlet markets in Europe, will not only give us access to a very thriving assets in this industry, but will also provide us with a significant diversification of our geographical exposure. ROS is a fantastic company run by extremely talented people operating in the outlet market, which has successfully risen to the very top of the league of experts in Europe. FREY's strategy will focus on strengthening ROS's position in external management, but also by using its experience and reputation to build a portfolio dedicated specifically to outlets, by acquiring or developing assets. The first example of this strategy is the recently launched development operation of the Swedish Malmö Designer Village.
FREY now boasts over 31 outdoor shopping locations operating in 9 countries in Europe, strengthening its leading position in the retail assets that are most sought after by consumers, brand partners and investors alike.
Thomas Reichenauer, co-founder and managing director of ROS, commented on the transaction: "FREY is the ideal investor for ROS Retail Outlet Shopping, which will allow us to further grow in the European outlet market and develop new, unique and innovative shopping destinations. We share the same vision of creating sustainable , socially responsible and attractive facilities that meet the needs of current customers and future generations. Thanks to the financial position and experience of the FREY group, we see many synergies and new opportunities to create innovative outlet concepts.
In this context, we congratulate FREY on the purchase of Malmö Designer Village, which is an excellent outlet location. We look forward to a successful journey together as we learn from each other, inspire each other and create new projects."
FREY's first outlet investment – Malmö Designer Village, Sweden
FREY is already benefiting from this synergy and announces that it is acquiring its first outlet project in Sweden. Malmö Designer Village is currently under construction and is located in the heart of the popular Scandinavian area (population 4 million and attracting 26 million visitors annually within a 90-minute radius) that includes the cities of Malmö, Helsingborg and Copenhagen.
After obtaining all necessary permits and after an advanced commercialization process, work is scheduled to begin before the end of this year. The first stage with an area of 18,000 sq m. will be opened in the second half of 2026, while the second stage with an area of 8,000 sq m. will be a continuation of the first one.
The project will eventually become Scandinavia's largest shopping mall, hosting over 135 national and international brands including Adidas, Levi's, Marc O'Polo and Skechers. The Malmö Designer Village project will be BREEAM certified at the Excellent level, in line with FREY's strict ESG policy. Approximately EUR 100 million is to be invested in the first stage, and the target cost profitability is over 8%.
