Shapoorji Pallonji Group has launched Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE) to consolidate its vast real estate assets, valued at USD 6 billion (INR 50,000 crore). With 2,000 acres of land and 140 million square feet of development potential, SPRE aims to enhance operational efficiency and access to funding. The group plans to raise USD 800-900 million in an initial public offering, with future fundraising potentially reaching USD 2 billion. This strategic move positions SPRE to play a pivotal role in India's real estate sector, focusing on both luxury and affordable housing projects.
The Shapoorji Pallonji Group, a player in the Indian real estate market, has announced the formation of a new holding company called Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE). This move aims to consolidate its extensive real estate assets spread across several major cities in India, enhancing operational efficiency and unlocking the value of its substantial land holdings.
With land parcels totaling around 2,000 acres, the Shapoorji Pallonji Group holds an impressive portfolio, with an estimated value of USD 6 billion (approximately INR 50,000 crore). Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, the managing director and chief executive of the new company, emphasised that this consolidation is key to the group's strategy of streamlining operations and maximising growth opportunities.
Under this new structure, SPRE encompasses about 45 land parcels and development projects, which together have a potential development area of around 140 million square feet. Currently, 22 million square feet of projects are under development. The revenue potential of this portfolio could reach INR 200,000 crore as these developments progress. Gopalakrishnan noted that this consolidation will offer the group easier access to funding sources, including public markets and private equity, which is crucial for executing large development projects.
The holding company is also expected to strengthen the company's financial health. It is equipped with nearly USD 1 billion in capital, allowing for improved transparency and investor confidence. The group plans to raise approximately USD 800-900 million in phase one of its initial public offering (IPO), targeting around 10-12% of the company's stake. In the future, a public float of at least 25% is anticipated, potentially increasing total fundraising to around USD 2 billion.
SPRE's assets are chiefly based in major urban centres such as Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Kolkata, in addition to sizable land holdings in Mysore and Nagpur. These regions provide diverse opportunities for both affordable and luxury housing projects. The company is also addressing its existing financial commitments, with current debts of about INR 6,500 crore primarily sourced from construction finance. However, Gopalakrishnan reassured that this debt is manageable and well-aligned with future cash flows, with plans to significantly reduce liabilities by prepaying debts this year.
The establishment of SPRE reflects a broader trend in the real estate sector, where firms are reorganising to enhance value and efficiency. The Shapoorji Pallonji Group aims to follow a model similar to previous strategic moves, such as the successful demerger of Eureka Forbes. By creating independent entities for its various business units-including construction and real estate-the group hopes to optimise capital structures and operational effectiveness.
Looking ahead, SPRE aims to expand its middle-income housing initiative, Joyville Shapoorji, which is already backed by notable investors like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Asian Development Bank. Gopalakrishnan stated that the company plans to launch five new Joyville projects annually while also pursuing strategic acquisitions to bolster its growth.
With its robust land bank and commitment to steady development, SPRE is well-positioned to play a significant role in India's growing real estate landscape. This initiative marks a significant step for the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, signalling its ongoing commitment to delivering quality housing solutions and creating long-term value in the real estate market.