Background
MFMac's Real Estate Sector Group has spent several years helping a family-owned client scale its commercial property investment portfolio. This has included advising on a coordinated investment corporate group structure and delivering targeted acquisitions that align with the client's long-term objectives.
Beyond the investment transactional advice, we also support on the operational side of their retail-franchise business, providing continuity, commercial insight and sector-specific experience.
Transactions which we advised on include:
1. Paton's Mill Retail Park, Johnstone
A modern retail park anchored by Aldi and Home Bargains, along with a Starbucks drive-thru.
We advised on the £7.9m acquisition from Knight Frank Investment Management Long Income Property Unit Trust, secured with HSBC funding.
Since this transaction completed in early 2024, our involvement has since extended to acquiring adjacent strategic land.
2. South Muirhead Court, Cumbernauld
A well-established food-led location, comprising a Burger King drive-thru and a four-unit retail block let to Greggs, Domino's Pizza, Subway and Indigo Sun.
We acted on the £4.5m purchase, with funding again provided by HSBC.
3. Darnley Mains Road, Glasgow
A prime, long-income drive-thru and roadside investment, this is a 14,370 sq ft development arranged over seven purpose-built units with associated car parking. The property comprises three drive-thrus let to McDonald's, KFC and Costa, a retail parade occupied by Subway, Domino's and a pharmacy, and a standalone trade-counter unit let to Toolstation.
We delivered this c.£8.3m acquisition within a four-week timetable from instruction, meeting the client’s strategic deadline without compromising diligence or commercial rigour.
On all assets, we now provide ongoing asset management support.
Delivering results
Commercially-driven advice: We approach each acquisition with a clear understanding of the client's objectives and drivers, delivering pragmatic, commercially-focused and solutions-led guidance tailored to each transaction and the client's growth strategy.
Consistency under pressure: The successful delivery of all three transactions, particularly Darnley which completed in four weeks, demonstrates our ability to execute complex, high-value work at pace, without compromising diligence, commercial judgement or service levels.
Long-term Client Partnership: Our ongoing role across the portfolio reflects the strength of the relationship and our client-led commitment to supporting clients throughout the full lifecycle of their investments and wider business operations.
