DWS Group has agreed to binding terms with specialist real estate manager Peakside Capital Advisors AG, which will see the former acquire 100% of the latter by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
The move is expected to strengthen DWS’s Alternatives platform by adding Peakside’s investment expertise and track record, as well as broaden the firm’s European real estate business.
Based in Switzerland, Peakside operates across Germany, Luxembourg and Poland, managing more than €1.7bn (£1.4bn) in assets. Current owners Stefan Aumann, Boris Schran, Simon Lutz and senior team Frank Schäfer and Karol Maziukiewicz will remain with the firm following the acquisition. This is expected to maintain continuity after the merger.
Stefan Hoops, CEO at DWS, said: “Peakside will add established capabilities and a strong track record in value-add and opportunistic real estate investing in Europe.
“It sends a clear signal that real estate is a core part of our Alternatives offering and an exciting asset class that we want to grow.”
Aumann, founder and managing partner at Peakside, continued: “By combining our investment expertise with DWS’ client relationships, distribution capabilities and global platform, we see significant opportunities to further develop the business and the solutions we provide to investors.”
The two firms have agreed not to disclose the financial terms of the acquisition, according to DWS.
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