Expanding Portfolio: ZDR Acquires Retail Parks in Slovenia

Celebrating its sixth anniversary, ZDR Investments has expanded into its sixth EU market by acquiring three retail parks in Slovenia. This acquisition follows successful establishments in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Austria, and Croatia. 

The map of ZDR Investment funds' properties now includes a new country—Slovenia. The ZDR group has invested in three retail parks located in the towns of Prevalje, Ravne, and Slovenj Gradec in the northern part of the country, near the border with Austria. 

Slovenia embodies the definition of a politically and economically stable country, which ZDR targets for its investments. Slovenia has been a member of NATO and the EU since 2004 and has been part of the Schengen Area and the eurozone since 2007. The country's profile as an attractive investment opportunity is further confirmed by its excellent transport infrastructure, emphasis on sustainability, and high standard of living. In terms of GDP per capita in purchasing power parity, the country ranks in the top half within the EU and holds the top spot in the Central and Eastern Europe region. 

The acquisition enriches ZDR’s Master Fund portfolio, which now includes 41 properties valued at nearly SGD 633 million, with an occupancy rate of 99.9%. The Master Fund is available to Southeast Asian investors through the Singapore-based VCC fund. 

The newest park is located in Slovenj Gradec—it was opened this year. The shopping center's customers include not only the residents of the town, which has a population of more than seven thousand, but also people from its surroundings. The retail park is situated next to a major road crossing the north of the country. Slovenj Gradec retail park spans almost 4,928 square meters and hosts SPAR groceries, Müller drugstore, Hervis sports goods, and Slovenian electronics retailer Big Bang. 

The largest retail park, located in the town of Prevalje, serves nearly 7,000 locals with tenants like SPAR, Deichmann, and JYSK across 7,474 sqm. Near Prevalje is the town of Ravne—a significant industrial centre of the region with a steel mill employing nearly 4,000 people. A retail park covering an area of 2,975 square meters was built in 2022 right next to a large residential area. Tenants include SPAR, NKD, dm drogerie, and the local chain Mana focusing on affordable fashion. 

The strategic acquisition of three retail parks in Slovenia not only increases ZDR’s Master Fund portfolio but also enhances geographic diversification. This is one of the pillars of ZDR Investments' strategy, along with a focus on long-term leased properties and a creditworthy tenant mix with a substantial share of groceries. Thanks to our investment approach, we have been able to deliver our investors an annual average return of more than 10% over the last six years despite economic fluctuations. 

Slovenj Gradec Retal Park

Prevalje Retal Park

Ravne Retal Park