EQT Real Estate Sells 7.3M Sq Ft US Logistics Portfolio

In a significant move within the industrial real estate sector, EQT Real Estate has successfully divested a substantial 7.3 million square foot logistics portfolio spread across 12 key U.S. distribution markets. The transaction, which saw Ares Real Estate emerge as the buyer through one of its dedicated funds, marks a strategic realization of value for EQT's Core-Plus industrial strategy. The portfolio's management will be handled by Marq Logistics, Ares' integrated global logistics arm.

This disposition represents the second major exit from EQT's industrial holdings, following a prior large-scale sale that was notably the largest U.S. industrial deal of 2025. The phased approach highlights EQT's adeptness at strategically carving up and monetizing extensive logistics assets, aiming to capture maximum value irrespective of market fluctuations. The portfolio's strategic placement in critical hubs like Chicago, Columbus, Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, and the Carolinas, with access to major transportation arteries and dense population centers, underpins its enduring appeal.

The 36 modern logistics facilities within the portfolio are characterized by institutional-grade specifications, including 31-foot clear heights and configurations suitable for efficient distribution. This robust physical infrastructure serves a diverse roster of blue-chip tenants operating in high-demand sectors such as e-commerce, food and beverage, and light manufacturing. The consistent demand from such a tenant base underscores the resilience and growth potential inherent in well-located, modern industrial assets.

Matthew Brodnik, Global Chief Investment Officer at EQT Real Estate, emphasized the firm's proficiency in navigating the full investment lifecycle. He stated, "This transaction underscores EQT Real Estate’s strength in creating and realizing value across the investment lifecycle. The team combined thoughtful portfolio construction with EQT Real Estate’s differentiated hands-on active management to build a portfolio with strong underlying fundamentals, enhance its performance, and ultimately deliver an outcome that reflects its quality and future potential." This active management approach, focused on operational enhancements and strategic leasing, has been a cornerstone of EQT's value creation strategy.

The U.S. industrial and logistics market continues to demonstrate robust fundamentals, driven by the persistent growth of e-commerce and the ongoing need for efficient supply chain infrastructure. While the sector has seen significant investment, well-capitalized buyers like Ares Real Estate remain active in acquiring high-quality, income-producing assets in supply-constrained, high-growth markets. The acquisition by Ares, leveraging its vertically integrated platform, signals confidence in the long-term trajectory of these essential logistics assets.

Dave Fazekas, Head of North America Logistics at Ares Real Estate, commented on the acquisition, stating, "We are pleased to complete another transaction with the EQT team in acquiring this diversified portfolio of high-quality assets. We look forward to bringing the scale and experience of our vertically integrated logistics platform to further enhance the value of these properties and deepen Ares’ presence across key distribution markets." This sentiment reflects the strategic importance of expanding their footprint in prime logistics corridors.

EQT Real Estate was represented in this transaction by JLL, with key advisors including John Huguenard, Trent Agnew, and Will McCormack. This deal further solidifies EQT's reputation for executing complex, large-scale dispositions within the competitive real estate investment landscape.