PGIM Real Estate is acquiring the real estate and operations of Signature Senior Lifestyle, an owner, developer and operator of senior housing in the UK. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.

The Signature portfolio consists of 13 senior living communities, comprising 10 operating properties and three consented development projects in and around Greater London. Signature’s management team will continue to operate the homes.

The acquisition was made in partnership with investment manager Elevation Advisors to source, structure and execute the transaction and asset manage the portfolio.

Nabil Mabed, senior portfolio manager of European value-add strategy at PGIM Real Estate, said: “This is a landmark deal for the UK senior living sector and a hugely attractive growth opportunity for us, which strengthens our European value-add portfolio. Being one of the largest real estate investors globally, we are seeing real estate markets stabilise, and we maintain our conviction in the UK following the reset in valuations over the last two years.”

Simon Webster, partner at Elevation, added: “We carefully select operating partners who are proven to create best-in-class environments, have an excellent record in care and can evidence a positive impact on their respective local communities. We are delighted to extend our relationship with Signature, who are recognised as one of the premier senior living brands in the UK, and are looking forward to growing the brand. Plans are under way to start construction on three new developments in the Greater London area later this year. We are also excited to expand our partnership with PGIM Real Estate and draw from their wealth of institutional and sector expertise to grow the Signature footprint.”

Kay Cox, chief executive of Signature, commented: “PGIM Real Estate and Elevation have a proven track record of supporting operators in the senior living sector. This investment is a natural next step in our life cycle, together with the expertise to help us achieve our ambitions and enhance our brand as a market-leading senior living provider. With our amazing team and best-in-class assets combined with a strong development pipeline, we are well placed for the next stage in our growth.