GECINA Snapshot
In the City of Lights, few can hold a candle to GECINA. The residential and office property holder and operator commands more than 3.5 million sq. meters of floor space worth some E12 billion, with most of its holdings in Paris and surrounding communities. It has benefited from a vacancy rate in the region that historically has hovered around 5%. The company's portfolio also includes hotels, health properties, and student residences. Affiliate Locare is the firm's sales, leasing, and management arm. GECINA is registered in France as an SIIC, which is similar to a US real estate investment trust (REIT). Spanish real estate giant Metrovacesa owns more than a quarter of the company.