SAFESTORE HOLDINGS PLC (LON:SAFE)

Founded in 1998, Safestore Holdings Plc is a self-storage company, which is the UK’s largest group with 163 stores consists of a mix of freehold and leasehold stores, of which 125 stores are wholly owned by the group. Headquartered in Borehamwood, it was founded by Frederic Vecchioli. In 2003, Safestore got de-listed from AIM after £39.8 million Management Buyout led by Steve Williams and carried out by Bridgepoint. The group provides storage to more than 75,000 business and domestic customers. In 2007, Safestore got listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

The group’s main aim is to increase the value for its shareholders by optimising the performance of its portfolio, maintaining strong and flexible capital structure of the group, and strategically taking advantage of the acquisition and expansion opportunities to increase its footprints in new geographical markets.

Safestore has a leading position in the two most important markets in Europe, as most of the stores are located in London and Paris. Around 70 wholly owned stores are located in London and the South-East areas mainly focused in the metropolitan regions, such as Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Bristol. Around 28 stores are in Paris, 6 in Netherlands and 4 stores are located in Spain. In order to expand its operations, the group follows flexible approach to leasehold and freehold developments.