SWI Group Emerges from Icona Capital and Stoneweg to Manage Over €10 Billion Assets

SWI Group Emerges with Over €10 Billion in Managed Assets

In a significant development in the investment sector, Icona Capital and Stoneweg have officially merged their operations under the newly branded SWI Group. This newly formed entity is poised to handle assets exceeding €10 billion, marking a pivotal milestone in alternative investment strategies.

With its headquarters located in London and Luxembourg, Icona Capital has built a reputation as a leading alternative investment firm, while Stoneweg, based in Geneva, has made notable strides in real estate investment. The strategic alignment of these two powerhouses harnesses their combined strengths to create a robust investment platform, managing an impressive portfolio across various sectors, including Living, light industrial, logistics, data centres, hospitality, office spaces, and cultural and leisure projects.

The merger follows their recent acquisition of Cromwell Property Group’s European fund management platform, which brought €3.9 billion of real estate assets, including a significant stake in the Cromwell European REIT, into the SWI Group fold for €280 million. This acquisition not only broadens the asset base but also enhances growth and scalability, enabling the SWI Group to diversify its offerings and attract higher levels of institutional investments. This integration exemplifies their commitment to creating an appealing platform for potential investors.

At the helm of SWI Group is Max-Hervé George, the former Chairman and CEO of Icona Capital, who now serves as Chairman and Co-CEO. George emphasized the significance of this venture, stating that the creation of the SWI Group elevates their combined status and positions them as a leader in the alternative investment domain. He highlighted how the integration enhances operational efficiency and taps into a diverse range of investment opportunities across global markets.

To drive its strategic vision, SWI Group has also welcomed new management talent. This influx of expertise aims to refine the group's strategic direction, focusing on scalability and the optimization of investment opportunities. The company has bifurcated its operations into two distinctive segments: Stoneweg Real Assets and Icona Alternatives. Stoneweg Real Assets is set to concentrate on core areas such as living spaces, hospitality, logistics, and real estate. In contrast, Icona Alternatives will pivot towards private equity, venture capital, and special situations, reflecting the diverse investment landscape.

SWI Group’s personnel strength includes over 350 skilled professionals stationed in 25 offices across 17 countries, including regions in Europe, North America, and Singapore. The presence of a robust and well-connected local workforce provides a strategic advantage, enabling the company to leverage local insights and networks. This extensive reach not only augments their local market understanding but also fortifies the asset management capabilities essential for maximizing returns.

The merger is seen as a watershed moment for both Icona Capital and Stoneweg, enabling them to operate under a unified brand while retaining their respective strengths. Jaume Sabater, the former CEO of Stoneweg and now Co-CEO of SWI Group, noted that the integration underscores their growth trajectory and solidifies their market stance as a dominant player in real assets investment.

As SWI Group embarks on this transformative journey, it aims to foster continuous growth and enhance its appeal to institutional clients by reinforcing its investment management framework. This strategic move signifies a broader shift towards more diversified investment offerings that can meet the evolving demands of the global marketplace.

About SWI Group

SWI Group operates as a pioneering alternative investment platform that thrives on entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. The firm is presently managing assets valued at over €10 billion, driven by rigorous research and extensive field knowledge. The team at SWI is dedicated to identifying investment opportunities worldwide, spanning sectors such as real estate, data centres, and credit markets.

For further information, you can visit SWI Group’s official website at www.swi.com.

About Icona Capital

Icona Capital is an independent investment and financial advisory firm headquartered in London, with branches in Geneva, Luxembourg, and Singapore. Established by Max-Hervé George, the firm specializes in sectors such as real estate, credit, and private equity.

For more details, visit www.iconacapital.com.

About Stoneweg

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Geneva, Stoneweg is a global alternative investment group recognized for its prowess in real estate investment and management. The firm adeptly caters to a diverse clientele, facilitated through partnerships, joint ventures, and co-investment strategies.

Explore more at www.stoneweg.com.