International

The self-storage industry continues to blossom around the globe as demand for the service drives growth. Maturing and new markets face a number of challenges including barriers to entry, consumer ignorance, lack of land or funding, and others. However, operators worldwide are finding a foothold and celebrate many successful business ventures.

Safestore/Carlyle Joint Venture Acquires Opslag XL Self-Storage Portfolio in The Netherlands

Jan 18, 2021

The joint venture between U.K.-based self-storage operator Safestore Holdings PLC and global private-equity firm The Carlyle Group has acquired Opslag XL, a three-property self-storage portfolio in The Netherlands. The purchase comprises 75,000...

Self-Storage in Spain: Insights From Association Manager Gonzalo Salazar

Jan 14, 2021

The Spanish self-storage market is the third largest in Europe, and it continues to grow despite the pandemic. The manager of the country’s industry association shares his views on market development, COVID-19 impact, challenges and predictions.

SmartStop Self Storage Names Executive Vice President of Canada, Hires VP of Corporate Finance

Jan 08, 2021

SmartStop Self Storage REIT Inc., which operates 149 properties in 19 U.S. states and Toronto, has expanded its leadership team by promoting Bliss Edwards to executive vice president for Canada and hiring David Corak as vice president of corporate...

Leveraging the Power of Your People: Employees Talk Up the Culture at National Mini Storage

Jan 06, 2021

In its approach to marketing, New Zealand self-storage operator National Mini Storage has carved out a niche through its wide and creative use of humor and content. It’s a company with big personality. In this video, we discover the charm is far...

Sweden-Based EQT Acquires Majority Stake in Self-Storage Supplier Storable

Dec 21, 2020

Sweden-based investment firm EQT AB has acquired a majority stake in Storable, an Austin-Texas-based supplier of varied products and services to the self-storage industry. Expected to close by June 30, the deal will enable Storable to leverage EQT...

Australia REIT Abacus Property Group to Raise $402M for Self-Storage, Office Acquisitions

Dec 15, 2020

Abacus Property Group, an Australia-based, publicly traded, diversified real estate investment trust (REIT) with interests in self-storage, intends to raise $402 million through institutional and entitlement offers. The company will use the funds...

Bluebird Self Storage of Canada Launches Third-Party Management Firm

Dec 03, 2020

Bluebird Self Storage, which operates facilities in six Canadian provinces, has formed a third-party property-management firm, Bluebird Storage Management ULC. The company already oversees 13 properties across Alberta, Ontario and Québec, with...

Shurgard Self Storage Receives 4-Star GRESB Rating for Sustainability Performance

Nov 20, 2020

Shurgard Self Storage Europe SARL, the European affiliate of U.S.-based real estate investment trust Public Storage Inc., has received a four-star rating from GRESB B.V. (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark), a data-services firm that...

Prosperity in a Pandemic Environment: Self-Storage Industry Growth in Brazil

Nov 17, 2020

In Brazil, self-storage contributes to positive trends in community well-being, supply-chain management, ecological sustainability and more. Learn how the industry is contributing to a better urban lifestyle and prospering, even during the...

Australia REIT Abacus Property Group Acquires the Remainder of Storage King for $50M

Nov 03, 2020

Abacus Property Group, the Australia-based, publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that purchased a 25 percent Interest in Storage King in August 2018, has agreed to acquire the remaining 75 percent for $50 million. The deal is...