Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link REIT) is the largest REIT in Asia in terms of market capitalisation. It is managed by Link Asset Management Limited, a leading real estate investor and asset manager in the world. Since its listing in 2005 as the first REIT in Hong Kong (Hong Kong stock code: 823), Link REIT has been 100% held by public and institutional investors.
Starting as an owner and manager of a portfolio of shopping centres and car parks in Hong Kong valued at about HK$33 billion at its IPO, we have transformed into a market leader with a diversified portfolio worth over HK$240 billion*, including retail facilities, car parks, offices and logistics assets which span Hong Kong, Mainland China, Australia’s Sydney and Melbourne, Singapore and the UK’s London. (*As of 31 March 2023)
Link REIT is a constituent of the Hong Kong securities market benchmark Hang Seng Index, as well as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index, the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index.
We have undergone several transformations to deliver sustainable growth over the past years. Our journey is marked by three stages, with each being characterised by evolutionary yet distinctive business focus.
Link 1.0Building Three Core Competences |
Link 2.0Portfolio Diversification and Optimisation |
Link 3.0Growing Assets under Management through Diversification with Capital Partners |
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We focused on building up our core competences in asset management, capital management and portfolio management. Asset enhancement was the most important topic we had to address following our listing in 2005 as we aimed to provide high-quality public spaces and to better serve the Hong Kong community. We initiated a series of asset enhancement initiatives, including placemaking, thematic makeover, as well as improvement in shopping experience, accessibility and tenant mix, supported by extensive market research and agile management. As a result, shoppers in our neighbourhood had more affordable choices of products and services and tenants saw their sales increase. |
Approaching the 10th anniversary of Link REIT’s listing, we incrementally diversified our asset class exposure across multiple markets including Mainland China and overseas to ensure there were drivers for future growth. We broadened our investment models to include joint ventures, minority ownership and development projects. We also initiated the capital recycling and reallocation programme to ensure our portfolio quality and maintain a robust capital structure. |
As of now, we are committed to pursuing growth as we aim to optimise our portfolio through diversification and to grow our assets under management with capital partners. We explore opportunities in multiple asset classes, with a focus on non-discretionary retail and logistics. In addition to our home base Hong Kong, we will continue to broaden our investible universe to include tier-one cities in the Mainland China, Australia and Singapore. We will look at multiple investment models and platforms and consider different formats of capital partnership to capitalise on opportunities that may arise at any time. |
Link’s Chief Executive Officer George Hongchoy discusses why the Link 3.0 strategy is important to Link’s business sustainability, how the company will deliver growth for stakeholders, and why he is confident Link can achieve this aspiration.
Link is a sizable and independent real estate investor and manager, a rarity in Asia. We are managed by a team of professionals, with the goal of promoting long-term success and delivering sustainable values to stakeholders. We provide insights into the opportunities presented by the real estate market for investors who are looking to capitalise on growth in the region.
Link has excellent track record and on-the-ground experience as a portfolio manager across geographies and asset classes. That give us unique advantages in identifying opportunities in different aspects of real estate.
We leverage our vast portfolio to find the most impactful ways to achieve sustainability goals. We have a track record of asset enhancement, investment, and financing to meet rising ESG standards.
Link is led by a strong and independent board, together with a host of corporate governance and risk management measures, providing a robust check and balance system.
We have successfully delivered over 90 asset enhancement projects in Hong Kong and Mainland China, with placemaking, thematic makeover, as well as improvement in shopping experience, accessibility and tenant mix.
Our regional and diversified portfolio has lent us resilience across market cycles. We continue to seek portfolio growth through yield accretive investments and active management of our portfolio.
Portfolio resilience, vigorous corporate governance and robust risk management mechanism have contributed to our strong credit rating. These, together with efficient capital management, empower us to pursue continuous growth.