Wereldhave statement on media reportsabout Hudsons Bay
Wereldhave has taken notice of recent media attention about the possible intention of Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) to close its operations in the Netherlands by the end of 2019. Hudsons Bay is a tenant at one of Wereldhaves properties, situated in the inner city of Tilburg. Hudsons Bay represents 1.2% of Wereldhaves gross rental income (as per 30 June 2019) and is the 10th largest tenant.
Werelhave has not received any information from Hudsons Bay about potentially closing business at this location or terminating the rental contract. The rental contract with HBC Netherlands B.V. expires in 2037, with a Parent Company Guarantee provided by Canadian Hudsons Bay Company until 2027.
As Hudsons Bay earlier publicly announced to investigate a strategic move towards North America, Wereldhave has already been exploring several scenarios for the Tilburg property. It is situated on an A1-location in the sixth largest city of the Netherlands in terms of population, which provides a good perspective for multiple uses other than retail, such as offices, leisure, residential and student housing.
Wereldhave will inform the market in case there are material changes to the Hudson Bay situation.
Ruud van Maanen
Director IR & Corporate Development
Ruud.van.maanen@wereldhave.com
+ 31 (0) 20 702 78 43
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