NEWS
BIG CEE AND EBRD HAS SIGNED A DEBT PACKAGE OF UP TO EUR 100 MILLION
November 15th, 2023
BIG CEE via CEE BIG B.V. and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is boosting the development of green commercial real estate in Western Balkans with a debt package of up to €100 million to be used by CEE BIG B.V. for its regional expansion.
CEE BIG B.V. company will use the loan to finance the development, upgrade and acquisition of modern retail parks and shopping centers across the Western Balkans.
The developer is also committing to securing a BREEAM international sustainability certification for all buildings financed by the EBRD.
On behalf of CEE BIG B.V. project was led by Mr. Alon Bargiora, CFO BIG CEE.
“We are proud and honored to sign a debt package of 100 Million Euro with EBRD, which will support us in our expansion strategy in Serbia and the Western Balkans.
The first two projects that will be financed are located in cities of Stara Pazova and Čačak.
I would like to thank my team for the hard work and EBRD team for the swift cooperation” stated Mr. Bargiora.
DECATHLON ARRIVES TO THE HEART OF ŠUMADIJA
Kragujevac, October 17th, 2023
From Thursday, October 19, BIG Kragujevac will host well-known tenants in the new 7,000 m2 space.
Kragujevac, October 17, 2023 – BIG FASHION shopping center will delight the residents of Kragujevac this autumn with the opening of a new retail park, with an area of more than 7,000 m2.
On Thursday, October 19, in addition to exciting animations for children of all ages, performances by dance groups and DJs who will lead the whole day’s entertainment, BIG Kragujevac will present a rich offer of the new retail park in the form of new brands and stores that will open their doors to consumers that day and welcome them with generous discounts.
“We are proud to announce the arrival of another prestigious sports brand – Decathlon, for which Kragujevac, after Belgrade and Novi Sad, is the third destination in Serbia where it opens its doors to visitors. Decathlon is a French brand, famous for offering equipment for 70 sports disciplines and an excellent ratio of quality and price. Apart from it, I am extremely glad that we will host renowned brands such as Gigatron Megastore, Pet Centar, Pepco, Kengur, Galerija podova, Đak Sport and Extra Sport, which will significantly expand the shopping offer, and all gastronomy lovers will be able to enjoy the Matilda restaurant as well as the Coffee Dream cafeteria. This opening is in addition to many activities and efforts made in BIG Fashion Kragujevac in order to continue modernizing and providing the best possible service and experience to the citizens of the city, in the next few months the mall will be going through vast changes – such as the introduction of new tenants, renovation of the public spaces and more” said Lev Weiss, CEO of BIG CEE.
The new and spacious parking lot provides enough space for all visitors who want to use the conveniences of this modern shopping center. The design of the new facility exudes elegance thanks to the beautiful fountain and well-appointed spaces for relaxation and enjoyment, further contributing to the overall experience.
In addition to the BIG Fashion that provides an incredible shopping experience, visitors to BIG in Kragujevac now also get a spacious outdoor shopping oasis with a variety of content for all generations, from the youngest to the oldest.
The working hours of the center will be the same as before – from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – and you will have the opportunity to take advantage of discounts, a good party and visit the newly opened part as early as Thursday, October 19. For more information, visit our website www.bigcenters.rs.
NLB Bank and BIG shopping centers Signed Contract for the Purchase of Exclusive Business-Residential Complex 'Capital Plaza' in Montenegro
Podgorica, July 28th, 2023
On Thursday 20th July 2023, company BIG Shopping Centers signed a long-term credit agreement in Podgorica with NLB Bank worth EUR 24 million over a period of 10 years, for the purchase of the exclusive business, residential complex ‘Capital Plaza’ located in the very heart of Podgorica.
As one of the leading regional financial institutions, NLB Bank confirmed confidence in the business plans and strategy of BIG CEE, which aims for growth and a leading position in the shopping center segment in Central and Eastern Europe.
“NLB Bank is our strategic partner in Montenegro, and we are very pleased with both the cooperation we have achieved and the trust placed in us through the financing of the Capital Plaza project,” stated Alon Bargiora, CFO of BIG CEE.
“Through this credit, NLB Bank has demonstrated its readiness to support strong developmental and strategic projects in Montenegro. This credit support to BIG CEE is evidence of our dedication and support to the development of enterprises and business initiatives that contribute to the strengthening of the economy and creating development opportunities in our country. We are proud of the trust placed in us and the opportunity to provide credit and advisory support for this important project,” said Marko Celebic, Executive Assistant to the member of the Management Board of NLB Bank AD Podgorica.
“We are extremely proud to partner with BIG CEE. I would like to take this opportunity to thank BIG CEE for the trust placed in us, as well as our colleagues from NLB Bank Podgorica, and our colleagues from NLB in Ljubljana for their invested effort and professionalism. NLB has once again proven that we are not just a regional systemic financial institution, but also an important regional player. We want to take maximum care of our region and improve the quality of life by creating a region of new possibilities. We believe that this project represents an important step on this path,” said Andrej Lasic, member of the Management Board of NLB responsible for corporate and investment banking.
The contract was signed by Alon Bargiora, CFO of BIG CEE, Martin Leberle, President of the Board of Directors of NLB Banka ad Podgorica and Marko Čelebić, Executive Assistant of the Board of Directors and Director of the Business Sector with Legal Entities of NLB Banka ad Podgorica.
BIG FASHION CENTER HAS ARRIVED IN PODGORICA!
Belgrade, September 8th, 2022
BIG shopping centers got a new family member – Delta City Podgorica became BIG FASHION Podgorica.
The beginning of a new chapter in the work of the largest shopping center in Montenegro was spectacularly marked by the performances of stars Petar Graso, Sara Jo, the dance troupe Una Saga Serbica, Mirror Crew performers, as well as excellent discounts and a variety of children’s entertainment programs.
The event was opened by Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic, Mayor Ivan Vukovic and the chairman of BIG Shopping Centers Israel, Eitan Bar Zeev.
“The company BIG Shopping centers with its daughter company AFI has been successfully operating in Israel and the region of Eastern Europe for many years.
Entrance to the market of Montenegro and first investment of 150 million euros is our first step in expanding in the Balkan region.
This is just the beginning of the novelties BIG will bring to Podgorica as well as other cities in Montenegro, such as Ulcinj, Bar, Tivat, Niksic and Kotor, in the form of modern retail parks, new international brands and international experience.
We have big plans and our key goal is satisfaction of our visitors!”
said Eitan Bar Zev, chairman of the company BIG Shopping centers Israel, especially thanking everyone present for the warm welcome and announcing the official change of name of the shopping center to BIG FASHION Podgorica.
BIG Shopping Centers is Now the Official Owner of Delta City in Podgorica
Belgrade, May 20th, 2022
BIG Shopping centers has fulfilled all the conditions for officially purchasing 100% of ownership of Delta City Podgorica on Thursday 19th of May.
“Purchase of Delta City Podgorica is our entry ticket to Montenegro and only the beginning of our support and investment in the country. This transaction is in accordance with our strategy which we declared last year, to continue our development throughout the Balkan Region.
BIG will bring a new experience for its customers in the shape of constant and dynamic events throughout the year, as well as in the shape of many new stores and brand names” – stated Lev Weiss, CEO BIG CEE
Delta City Podgorica center covers an area of 24,500 square meters with 100% of occupancy rate. The center has a rental mix that includes a Aroma supermarket, Cineplexx cinemas, cafes and restaurants, fashion chains and sport stores, with anchor stores like Zara, Bershka, Mango, Pandora, Fashion & Friends, Sport Vision, Cosmetics market and many others.
BIG SHOPPING CENTERS IS EXPANDING ITS OPERATION IN EASTERN EUROPE AND THE BALKAN REGION
Belgrade, February 20th 2022
BIG CEE ACQUIRES ITS FIRST PROPERTY IN MONTENEGRO AT VALUE OF 95 MILLION EUROS!
BIG acquired DeltaCity mall, the largest and most significant mall in the country, located in the Montenegrin capital Podgorica.
Belgrade, February 20th 2022 – Hay Galis, CEO of BIG Shopping Centers, has stated that BIG continues with acquiring strategic properties in the region, in line with the company’s expansion strategy for the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
“BIG’s entry to Montenegro is another step forward in the implementation of the company’s strategy to expand its operations in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
BIG continues to locate strategic assets in order to expand its commercial power which, in addition to success achieved in Serbia, ranks BIG in the position of one of the leading commercial real estate companies in the Balkan Region.
Delta City Podgorica is the most powerful asset in the country and one of the most powerful commercial facilities in the Balkans. It is fully leased and many leading international retail chains are interested in joining it”, says Mr. Galis.
Lev Weiss, CEO of BIG CEE, who leads the growing operations in Serbia and the Balkans, says that the company is very happy and proud with adding this strong asset to BIG’s asset portfolio and is excited to start its first operation in Montenegro.
“We at BIG are looking forward to merging the mall into the group and enhancing this excellent property”, states Mr. Weiss.
BIG Shopping Centers reports this morning that the subsidiary CEE-BIG BV, which is 95% owned by BIG, has signed an agreement to purchase DELTA CITY Mall located in Podgorica, Montenegro, at an agreed value of 95 million euros, of which € 57 million will be financed by a bank loan.
DELTA CITY mall has 24,500m2 GLA of commercial space, 1000 parking spaces and occupancy rate of about 100%.
The mall is anchored by ZARA, Pull & Bear, Bershka, Mango, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, New Yorker, Pandora, Under Armor, Replay, Springfield and many other brands, accompanied by Cineplexx multiplex cinemas and a children’s entertainment area.
BIG Shopping Centers Group will launch a large-scale wind turbine project in Romania at an estimated investment of EUR 109 million
Belgrade, December 7, 2021
Hay Galis, BIG Group CEO: “It is the first and significant step towards the implementation of a global development policy in the energy sector.”
BIG Shopping Centers, Israel’s leading shopping center development group, announced the sealing of the first deal for the group’s energy branch. BIG Energia Holdings Kft., BIG Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, engaged in the agreement to acquire all the shares of a Romanian company which holds the rights for the wind turbines erection project in the Braila district of Romania. The project is planned to incorporate seventeen turbines, each of 6-Megawatt capacity, estimated to produce 102 MW in total.
The subsidiary company is set to pay EUR 7 million for the shares and the project development, including the acquisition of the required building permits. Aside from the investment, the estimated cost of the project launch is EUR 102 million.
Since BIG announced its plans to establish a significant investment branch in the energy sector two years ago, an executive committee was formed. Chaired by Dani Kaplan, BIG’s Vice President for Energy, the committee examines various projects nationwide and worldwide. BIG has been involved in green energy production for over a decade, with solar panels on its shopping centers’ roofs in Israel, producing electricity for industrial purposes.
CEO, Hay Galis indicated that the BIG group defines green energy production as a source of growth and a leverage for investment diversification, and will continue, in line with the company’s core values, to invest in global enterprise for renewable energy.
Galis added that business activities in the US are proceeding as planned and the remaining capital will be used to extend the company’s principal ventures and to establish new energy branches.
BIG CEE announcement
Belgrade, October 21, 2021
BIG Shopping Centers Ltd., the controlling shareholder (~95%) of BIG CEE, successfully secured NIS 205 million (approx. 55 million EUR) by issuing secured bonds in the Israeli stock exchange by refinance of the following shopping centers: BIG Fashion Kragujevac, BIG Kruševac and BIG Fashion Outlet Inđija.
The bonds duration is 6.6 years (maturity October 2029), it is not linked to any index and bear an effective annual interest rate of 1.495%, with 70% loan to value.
The Bonds were issued mainly to leading institutional Israeli funds after having demands in the bidding process for bonds in the amount of above NIS 1 billion (approx. 267 million EUR); namely, BIG had demands of almost 5 times the amount it eventually decided to raise.
BIG group intends to use the proceeds from such issuance of bonds in orde r to push further its expansion in Serbia and in the Balkan region.
„We are very proud of the confidence the Israeli market put on our excellent Serbian assets as evidenced by the great financing that the Group obtained.“ Said Alon Bargiora, CFO at BIG CEE Serbia.
BIG CEE Group is among leading investors in retail real estate, having portfolio of nine shopping centers in Serbia and four additional projects in categories of residential, offices and logistics.
BIG FASHION has arrived in Kragujevac City
Belgrade, August 31, 2021
BIG shopping centers in Serbia got a new, eighth family member – the popular Kragujevac Plaza became BIG FASHION Kragujevac on Saturday, October 16. The beginning of a new chapter in the work of the largest shopping mall in central Serbia is symbolically marked by great discounts, performance by pop star Goca Trzan, dance troupe Una Saga Serbica, Mirror Crew performers, as well as variety of entertainment for children.
“BIG CEE has been operating successfully in Serbia for more than 10 years and we are very happy that we have opened the first BIG center in Central Serbia after Vojvodina and Belgrade. This is only the first step when it comes to our expansion in this part of the country, but also the beginning of changes for BIG FASHION Kragujevac. We have big plans. The most important thing for us is visitors satisfaction. Through a rich experience in running over 60 shopping malls around the world, we strive to provide each guest of our centers with superior shopping experience as well as entertainment for the whole family”, said Lev Weiss, CEO of BIG CEE Serbia who especially thanked everyone present for the warm welcome, as well as the Nepi group for the great work they have done so far.
From October 16, BIG FASHION Kragujevac has also become pet friendly for all pets up to eight kilograms. It is just one of the newness that this center is preparing for all visitors in the upcoming period.
Thanks to the quality combination of brands in the field of sports, fashion, but also because of the modern Cineplexx cinema, excellent restaurants and cafes, BIG FASHION Kragujevac will continue to be a favorite shopping destination in Central Serbia, as well as during the past nine years of successful work.
BIG Novi Sad, BIG Fashion Outlet Indjija, BIG Pancevo, BIG Zrenjanin, and three centers in Belgrade: BIG FASHION, BIG FASHION Park and BIG Rakovica aslo operate successfully within the BIG CEE Serbia company. In the next period, Krusevac Shopping Park will join this network of shopping centers in Serbia and will also change its name and become BIG.
Lev Weiss new CEO of the BIG CEE Serbia
Belgrade, August 31, 2021
Lev Weiss has been appointed the new CEO of the BIG CEE Serbia, the parent company BIG Shopping Centers Ltd from Israel announced today.
Weiss comes to this position after Robert Yahav, who has run the company since 2007.
” We would like to thank Mr. Yahav for his long-term cooperation in the previous years. We believe that Mr. Weiss, together with Mr. Branimir Bojic Deputy CEO, will successfully continue to lead and manage our company in Serbia in the coming period in further expansion in the country and region and we wish him great success”, the company BIG Shopping Centers Ltd announced on this occasion.”
BIG Shopping Centers purchased two more projects in central Serbia
Belgrade, June 17, 2021
BIG Shopping centers has signed the final agreement on purchasing two more projects in Serbia, Plaza Kragujevac shopping center and Krusevac Shopping Park.
Plaza Kragujevac covers an area of 22.700 m2 with 96% of occupancy rate and Krusevac Shopping Park covers an area of 8.700 m2. with 100% occupancy rate and additional plot for future extension of Krusevac park.
Total value of acquisition is 61 Million Euro, with projects total annual net operating income of 4,5 Million Euros.
Today BIG Group owns and manages four centers in Vojvodina: BIG Novi Sad, BIG Fashion Outlet Indjija, BIG Pancevo and BIG Zrenjanin and three centers in Belgrade: BIG Fashion Mall & Park and BIG Rakovica. With latest acquisition we strengthened our network in the area of Central Serbia.
We trust Serbian economy and the growth of the country and we will continue expansion in the South and East Serbia as well as in the entire Balkan and CEE region – stated Robert Yahav, CEO BIG Shopping Centers Serbia.
In total, today BIG Group owns 9 shopping centers in Serbia, and 4 more projects in categories of residential, office and logistics
BIG CEE'S OPEN LETTER: WE ARE TOGETHER IN NICE, AS WELL AS IN HARD TIMES LIKE THIS!
April 7th, 2020
„BIG CEE’s philosophy, that works successfully in Serbia in the last 12 years, is to always be on the side of family, its tenants and visitors of all shopping centers“ – that is the main message from the letter of Robert Yahav, general director of BIG CEE Serbia.
BIG Shopping Centers purchases Aviv Park Zrenjanin!
February 25th, 2020
BIG Shopping centers has signed the final agreement on purchasing 100% of ownership of Aviv Park Zrenjanjin.
Aviv Park Zrenjanin center covers an area of 25,000 square meters with 100% of occupancy rate.
The center has a rental mix that includes a supermarket, cinema complex, cafes and restaurants, fashion chains and sport stores, with anchor stores like H&M, C&A, New Yorker, Deichmann, dm, Dexy, Sport Vision, Tehnomanija, Cinestar, DIS and many others.
To remind, BIG opened its first center in Novi Sad in 2012 and since then is accepted as a local brand name by all citizens of Vojvodina.
“Today BIG owns and manages centers in 4 cities in Vojvodina: BIG Novi Sad, BIG Fashion Outlet Indjija, BIG Pancevo and BIG Zrenjanin.The relationship with citizens of Vojvodina is very important for us and we will continue to support and invest in the region” – stated Robert Yahav, CEO BIG Shopping Centers Serbia.
In total, today BIG CEE owns 7 shopping centers in Serbia, and 4 more projects in categories of residential, office and logistics. BIG CEE continues investing in Serbia as well as the Balkans and CEE region.
BIG FASHION Park opened in Belgrade!
December 12th, 2019
Two and a half years after the opening of BIG FASHION center, Belgrade has received a new shopping destination – BIG FASHION Park. The location in Karaburma, which has become one of the leading shopping areas in the city, has now become the destination of the first Decathlon store in Serbia.
BIG FASHION Park opened on the date 12.12.2019. exactly at 12 o’clock, while the audience had been adressed by Her Excellence Alona Fisher-Kan, ambassador of Israel in Serbia, Michel Kapler, general director of Decathlon for Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, and Robert Yahav, general director of BIG CEE Serbia.
“Thanks to our rich international experience, BIG is dedicated to providing our visitors with the best possible shopping experience. We are happy to open BIG FASHION Park as our fifth retail location on this market. Of course, we aren’t stopping here since we are planning on further expanding in different fields of real estate in 2020” – said Robert Yahav andadded that Serbia is a very interesting country for BIG CEE investments.
The new shopping center with the capacity of 15.000 square meters houses Maxi, Galerija Podova, Pet centar, Home center, NonStop fitness, Galen Pharm, CoffeeDream, DM, Jysk, Babylon park, UniCredit bank, Nacionalna klasa, WinWin, Sanioptik, Golden Beauty, Media Plus and Exclusive Change.
BIG CEE purchases Capitol Park Rakovica!
September 30th, 2019
BIG CEE has purchased Capitol Park Rakovica in Belgrade for EUR 32.5 million, in its fourth real estate deal since the beginning of 2019. The center has 23,000 square meters. This acquisition increases retail space area that BIG owns in Serbia up to 130,000 square meters in 5 different properties.
“The company intends to continue expanding in Serbia and the region, given the accelerated growth of the country’s economy in recent years. The economic growth is noticeable in all aspects of agriculture, tourism, commerce and real estate. Private consumption grew 6.5% in Serbia in 2018. We enjoy being a local player with excellent connections with the world of tenants” , says BIG CEE CEO, Robert Yahav.
BIG announced this year that it will introduce the Decathlon network to Serbia. The first shop of Dechatlon will be opened in December 2019, in a new 15,000 square meters retail complex that is under construction near the shopping mall BIG Fashion in Visnjicka street, Belgrade.
Rakovica shopping center serves a target population of about 500,000. The center has a rental mix that includes a supermarket, cinema complex, cafes and restaurants, DIY, fashion chains and sport stores.
BIG has operations in Israel, Serbia and the USA.
BIG Shopping Center now in Pancevo!
May 13th, 2019
Good news for the citizens of pančevo and its numerous visitors. the popular shopping center Aviv Park Pancevo has become a part of the well-known family of the BIG Shopping centers in Serbia.
On this occasion, last weekend, on May 11-12th, many attractive activities for the whole family were organized in the shopping center to celebrate this festal event.
Aviv Park Pancevo, which has officially become BIG PANCEVO, has been a synonymous with good shopping and entertainment for years.
The Centre is located in the very heart of the city and offers a large selection of local and foreign brands in the field of fashion and sport. Also, the BIG PANCEVO shopping centre has the CineStar, a modern multiplex cinema complex, the first of its kind in Pancevo.
In addition to BIG PANCEVO shopping center, there are also BIG FASHION in Belgrade and BIG in Novi Sad, which are successfully operating within the BIG family in Serbia. One of the most recent projects still under construction is the BIG FASHION Park, with the opening date announced for the second half of 2019. BIG CEE is a part of BIG Shopping Centers Israel, which currently holds and manages 58 active shopping centers throughout the world.
New owners of AFI Properties – BIG Shopping Centers Israel
March 4th, 2019
On Monday, 4th March 2019, Israeli investor and developer BIG Shopping Centers, in partnership with other Israeli investors, took over 51% shares of AFI Group Properties.
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