Nido Living has signed an agreement for the acquisition of Brookfield Asset Management’s Iberian student housing portfolio Livensa Living, in a landmark transaction valued at €1.2bn. This transformative move significantly advances Nido’s strategic goal of owning and operating 25,000 beds across continental Europe by 2031.
Earlier this year, Nido announced an ambitious expansion plan which included a commitment to continue expanding in Iberia, whilst highlighting its aim to enter other key European purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) markets.
This acquisition significantly builds on Nido’s existing Iberian presence to 3,000 beds across ten assets in Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Lisbon, and Porto – bringing its total owned European portfolio to over 13,000 bedrooms upon deal completion, currently expected in Q4 2025.
“This acquisition marks a significant step forward for Nido, reflecting the scale of backing for us from our shareholder CPP Investments as well as debt finance provider, and the clarity of our ambition to become the largest and the preferred student accommodation provider in continental Europe.
“We look forward to taking ownership of the Livensa portfolio and welcoming their talented team into our organisation, as we continue to acquire, develop and operate in key European markets through our unique, vertically integrated platform.”
Carlo Matta, Chief Executive Officer, Nido Living
Originally acquired by one of Brookfield Asset Management’s private real estate funds in 2019, Livensa has rapidly expanded with around 9,000 bedrooms across 20 operational properties and two under development in key university cities across Spain and Portugal, becoming a benchmark brand in Iberian student housing. This acquisition reinforces Nido’s position as one of Europe’s fastest-growing PBSA platforms.
“Securing €700m in debt financing to support this transaction reflects the strength of our vertically integrated platform and the depth of institutional confidence in our long-term strategy.”
Ryan Lee, Chief Financial Officer, Nido Living
Since being acquired by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) in April 2024, Nido has made several strategic leadership hires to strengthen and support its European expansion. These include CEO Carlo Matta, CFO Ryan Lee, CIDO Taco van Heusden, COO Joanne Pollard, and Head of Italy Giuseppe Zafferri, together with Board Chair Beatrice Lafon, and NED Rosemary Boot.
“We hold a strong conviction in the fundamentals of the European PBSA market and have confidence in Nido’s fully integrated model. Livensa is a highly strategic fit – offering immediate scale and access to dynamic university cities. We look forward to leveraging our unique platform to drive long-term value by delivering exceptional living experiences to our residents.”
Taco van Heusden, Chief Investment & Development Officer, Nido Living
Nido was advised by J.P. Morgan Securities PLC as sole financial advisor for this transaction, Clifford Chance, Savills, KPMG and Alix Partners.
