Campus Living Villages (CLV) has recently confirmed the purchase of a portfolio of 4.539 beds across the UK, which were formerly part of the Opal Student Property Group.

The acquisition has been made by CLV together with Arlington Investors Limited, a Jersey based company representing major family office investors from the Middle East.

The acquisition was funded through a £210 million (US$300 million) listed bond with a 50 year maturity which has been subscribed in full by a single purchaser.

The investment has increased UK student room numbers under CLV’s management from 3,821 to 8,346 and its total UK business, including current new build projects under development, to over 11,000 beds. Additionally, around 60 existing staff at the properties acquired will transfer to CLV.

CLV’s and Arlington’s legal advisors include international law firms Osborne Clarke, led by partner Chris Wade and McGuire Woods led by partner Hed Amitai. While financial advisor include DWPF, Grant Thornton and Traderisks. Additionally, the technical advisors for Campus Living Villages and Arlington were Knight Frank and Savills.

Gary Clarke, CLV UK Chief Executive Officer, said:

 “The acquisition of these assets provides CLV with operational scale in a key global market, and takes its global platform across the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand to over 40,000 beds. Whilst several of these newly acquired assets are not physically on campus, they all have in common strong links to university partners, and the opportunity to strengthen these partnerships through collaboration and commitment to the student experience”.

George Shweiry, Chief Executive of Arlington Advisors, commented:

“The dynamics of the UK student housing sector present a compelling story, where we are seeing a shortage of good quality stock, falling development pipeline and a growing demand. Taken in the context of what is happening around the world in emerging markets, we expect to see a significant increase in international student mobility which is only going to drive up demand further.”