Blacksand Company (Closed), a Bahrain-based investment firm, said it has completed more than $250 million in UK real estate acquisitions and plans to launch a student accommodation fund worth over $160 million, bringing its total UK real estate investment activity to more than $400 million and marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth.

The acquisitions span logistics, commercial offices, car parking facilities and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), reflecting Blacksand’s diversified investment strategy and expanding presence in the UK market, said senior Blacksand Company officials on the sidelines of the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf in Manama.

Key transactions include the acquisition of a prime UK regional distribution centre, the Q-Park Royal Liverpool Hospital car park, and a office building in the City of London, they stated.

Blacksand also successfully completed the over $30 million sale of a student accommodation property in Newcastle upon Tyne to Newcastle United Football Club, demonstrating its capabilities across the full investment lifecycle—from acquisition and active asset management through to exit.

Commenting on these achievements, CEO Mohamed Jasim Alshaikh said: "Completing more than $250 million in UK real estate acquisitions marks an important milestone for Blacksand. These transactions reflect our ability to identify attractive opportunities, execute complex acquisitions and actively manage investments to create long-term value for our investors."

"Our successful over $30 million exit in Newcastle further demonstrates the breadth of our investment capabilities, stated Alshaikh. 

"As we build on this momentum, we remain proud to contribute to Bahrain’s standing as a regional financial centre with international investment expertise," he noted.

"Looking ahead, Blacksand plans to launch an over $160 million UK student accommodation fund targeting purpose-built student accommodation across leading UK university cities," said Alshaikh. 

"The proposed value-add fund will focus on selective acquisitions, refurbishment, operational improvements and active asset management, with the objective of generating sustainable income and long-term capital appreciation," he added.

According to him, Blacksand remains focused on expanding its UK investment portfolio and delivering value to investors, while strengthening Bahrain’s presence in international investment markets.

"Our planned student accommodation fund builds on our experience in the sector and our conviction in the long-term appeal of leading UK university cities," noted Alshaikh.

"We aim to acquire assets at attractive entry prices and enhance their performance through targeted investment and disciplined management," he added.-TradeArabia News Service