Councilor Stijn Steenbakkers (Brainport and Economy): “Our campuses create the jobs of tomorrow and develop innovations that make a difference for society. They are the beating heart of the new economy, attracting increasing interest from both domestic and international stakeholders. Owning BIC 1 is strategically important. This way, we can strengthen our regional innovation ecosystem, ensure public functions at BIC 1, enhance strategic cooperation across the campus, and better protect our unique economic infrastructure. Building a strong and sustainable future for Eindhoven and the entire Brainport region requires a forward-thinking government willing to take a stand and make real choices. The acquisition of BIC 1 is a unique opportunity we want to seize with both hands.”
Councilor Maes van Lanschot (Finance and Participation): We are pleased with the proposed acquisition of BIC 1 as a participation of the municipality of Eindhoven. The solid business case is an important financial condition for the purchase. Additionally, the corporate structure allows us to bring reliable public-private partners on board as co-owners for the long term.
Acquisition of BIC 1 Shares
Capreon has offered BIC 1 for sale to the municipality of Eindhoven on behalf of the current owners. Over the past months, Capreon and the municipality have negotiated, resulting in a purchase agreement for the shares of BIC 1. This includes the existing BIC 1 building of approximately 105,000 m2, the public space surrounding the building, and the parking garage.
With the acquisition, contracts with over 40 existing tenants and collaborating parties in BIC 1 will also be transferred. To ensure continuity for them and to retain knowledge about the building, it has been agreed that Capreon will remain involved for the next 3 and possibly 5 years, continuing to manage BIC 1. This includes coordinating the management and maintenance of the building and communication with tenants and partners.
Raphael Noé (CEO Capreon): “We are exceptionally proud of what we have achieved thus far at the Brainport Industries Campus. We helped drive BIC to 100% occupancy, adding key blue chip multi-national, start-ups and incubator businesses, alongside the educational and government occupiers. The campus is now an institutional, prime, well diversified and stable asset which sits at the forefront of real estate, and particularly at the heart of the Brabant region and local community. The next step is taking BIC into local and governmental hands where it belongs, and it can fulfil its mission. We look forward to working with the municipality of Eindhoven on these next steps of BIC, and continuing to deliver on its mission to becoming the premier hub for innovation, collaboration and excellence in the high-tech manufacturing industry.”
Brainport Industries Campus
The Brainport Industries Campus is a key hotspot and link in the entire innovation ecosystem of Brainport Eindhoven. At BIC, sustainable and successful high-tech manufacturing companies, entrepreneurship, and education come together under one roof in a natural environment. The campus is rapidly developing. BIC 1 has approximately 2000 jobs and is nearly fully occupied by over 500 students daily. Furthermore, last summer the zoning plan for BIC 2 became irrevocable and will be developed in the coming years. With 225,000 m2, BIC 2 is more than twice as large as BIC 1. On the northern part of the Brainport Industries Campus, the possible expansion of ASML is planned, creating thousands of jobs. The total development of the Brainport Industries Campus is crucial for the (future) earning capacity of the city, the Brainport region, and the Netherlands.