The Credit Suisse Real Estate Fund Global (CS REF Global) is the first Swiss real estate fund that invests in a diversified range of foreign properties and has applied to be traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange after its launch. The fund is therefore not only open to institutional investors, but also provides private investors with access to this type of investment. "For private investors, there hasn't been an alternative of this kind before," explained Thomas Vonaesch, Head of Real Estate Fund Management for Credit Suisse. The initial issue for the fund is planned with a minimum volume of CHF 300 million.

The investment objective of CS REF Global is to achieve continuous capital appreciation and ensure regular income distributions through a geographically diverse, international real estate portfolio. The fund strives to invest roughly one third of the portfolio in European countries (excluding Switzerland), one third in the Asia-Pacific region, and one third in the Americas. It focuses on high-quality commercial properties. A majority of the net assets are hedged against currency fluctuations versus the Swiss franc (CHF).

Many Years of Experience
Portfolio and property management is provided by Credit Suisse Real Estate Asset Management. Its long track record in creating and growing internationally oriented real estate funds is key to the launch of CS REF Global. Credit Suisse Asset Management manages international real estate investment products with approximately CHF 10 billion under management. Its success is based on professional and active portfolio management with many years of expertise, and on proven cooperation with external partners who provide operational support for property management.