Goodman Confirms Developments for Staples and Kmart, Delivering Approximately 100,000 sqm of New Logistics Space

SYDNEY, January 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Goodman Group (Goodman), the integrated property group which owns, develops and manages business and logistics space globally, has announced two significant new pre-committed developments:

    - a 21,500 sqm distribution centre for Staples, formerly known as
      Corporate Express, the world's largest office products company. In a
      separate transaction, Goodman has agreed terms to sell the completed
      development to Swedish investor Hemfosa Fastigheter for circa SEK 140
      million (AUD 21 million).

    - a 76,735 sqm warehouse and office facility in Victoria, Australia for
      Kmart, one of Australia's largest discount department store retailers.

The bespoke distribution centre being constructed for Staples is on a 47,934 sqm site, which is strategically located in Vaxjo, Sweden. It will enable Staples to consolidate its existing warehouse operations in Vaxjo and Boras into a single facility that will include 24 loading docks and 1,600 sqm of office space. The Vaxjo site is accessible by the RY 30 highway and is adjacent to the local airport.

The new warehouse will benefit from a number of energy efficient and sustainable features including extra insulation and an energy efficient lighting system, reflecting both Goodman and Staples' commitment to developing and operating an environmentally conscious building.

Goodman's existing relationship with Staples, combined with the quality of its product, technical knowledge and customer service, was key in their decision to select Goodman to develop the facility on its behalf in Sweden. Goodman is working together with longstanding contractor partner NCC to construct the new facility, which is expected to be completed by autumn 2010.

In Australia, the 100% pre-committed facility to be developed for Kmart includes a 75,000 sqm warehouse, 1,735 sqm ancillary office space and a container hardstand area, with a 15 year lease term and options. The development, which is expected to be completed in February 2011, will have an end value of approximately $65 million.

Goodman Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Greg Goodman said, "We are committed to working with customers such as Staples and Kmart to deliver high quality, tailored property solutions. These latest transactions follow the announcement in December of the Interlink development in Hong Kong, and demonstrate the renewed focus on our core business model, and the reactivation of our development pipeline around the world."

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This document has been prepared by Goodman Group (Goodman Limited (ABN 69 000 123 071) and Goodman Funds Management Limited (ABN 48 067 796 641) (AFSL 223621) as the Responsible Entity for Goodman Industrial Trust (ARSN 091 213 839)). The details in this press release provide general information only.

It is not intended as investment or financial advice and must not be relied upon as such. You should obtain independent professional advice prior to making any decision. This media release is not an offer or invitation for subscription or purchase of securities or other financial products.

    For more information, please contact:
    Goodman Group
    Greg Goodman
    +61-2-9230-7400

    FD
    Dominic Morgan
    +44(0)20-7269-9343
    [email protected]

SOURCE Goodman Group