ING announced today that it has reached agreement to sell the majority of its ING Real Estate Investment Management business (ING REIM) in two separate transactions for a combined price of approximately USD 1.0 billion (EUR 770 million). In addition, as part of the overall transactions, ING has also agreed to sell up to approximately USD 100 million of its equity interest in existing ING REIM funds.

“With these transactions we continue to deliver on our strategic objectives of reducing exposure to real estate, simplifying our company and further strengthening our capital base,” said Jan Hommen, CEO of ING Group.

ING has entered into an agreement with CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc., to sell ING REIM Europe, ING REIM Asia and Clarion Real Estate Securities (CRES), ING REIM’s US-based manager of listed real estate securities, as well as part of ING’s equity interests in funds managed by these businesses. The proceeds for these REIM businesses and the equity interests amount to approximately USD 1.0 billion. ING REIM Europe, ING REIM Asia and CRES combined have EUR 44.7 billion in assets under management as of 31 December 2010. CB Richard Ellis Group is a leading global commercial real estate services firm.

In a separate transaction, ING has agreed to sell the private market real estate investment manager of its US operations, Clarion Partners, to Clarion Partners management in partnership with Lightyear Capital LLC for USD 100 million. Clarion Partners has EUR 16.5 billion in assets under management as of 31 December 2010. Lightyear is a US-based private equity firm.

The Real Estate Investment Management business in Australia (ING REIMA), with EUR 4.8 billion in assets under management as of 31 December 2010, is not included in these transactions. Within the context of the previously announced evaluation, ING finalised the review of the strategic options and implementation has commenced.As a result ING will undertake a phased withdrawal from its Australian real estate investment management activities in a timely and controlled manner.

In the transaction with CB Richard Ellis, ING Insurance has agreed to continue its asset management mandate with CB Richard Ellis as the new manager of the funds. ING Bank will continue to have an equity interest in some REIM funds in Europe, Asia, the US and Australia. The equity stakes held by the Bank will be monetised over time as it continues to steadily reduce its exposure to real estate.

Combined, the transactions are expected to result in an after-tax gain on disposal of approximately EUR 500 million at current exchange rates. The final terms are subject to potential adjustments at closing, customary for this kind of transaction.

William Connelly, CEO of ING Commercial Banking, said: “We are pleased to have found in CB Richard Ellis, and Clarion Partners management together with Lightyear, dedicated and solid partners to build on the leading positions of these REIM businesses and ensure continuity of investment teams in managing client assets in their best interests.”

CB Richard Ellis Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm (in terms of 2010 revenue). The company has approximately 31,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 300 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide.

Lightyear Capital LLC is a recognized private equity firm in the US that specializes in investing in financial services companies. With a successful track record of investing in well-managed, highperforming companies poised for strong future growth, Lightyear currently manages approximately 2/2 USD 3 billion in committed capital. Lightyear’s principals average more than 25 years of experience across the financial services industry.

ING Real Estate Development and ING Real Estate Finance are not impacted by the transactions disclosed in today’s announcement and will continue to be part of ING Bank.

Both transactions are expected to close in the second half of 2011 and are subject to approvals by certain stakeholders including various regulators.

(Fonte: CS della Società)