Canada Life Asset Management has today announced that it has completed a £148 million loan to LXi REIT plc. The loan will refinance a mixed-use, UK regional portfolio of commercial property assets, typically let on inflation-linked, long-term leases, providing a diversified, secure income profile, on behalf of Canada Life’s annuity business.

The loan has been provided at an LTV of 40% and is over a 16-year term, maturing in 2039.

Mark Dunstan, Director, Real Estate Finance, Canada Life Asset Management, said:

“We are very pleased to establish a new long-term relationship with LXi REIT. The portfolio securing the loan offers good diversification and strong, long-term income streams. LXi’s focus on long-term investment opportunities is well aligned with our investment approach.”

Simon Lee, Partner and Fund Manager, LXi REIT Advisors, commented:

“LXI is delighted to welcome Canada Life Asset Management as a new lender to the group, and we look forward to a long-term and close relationship with them.”

Nicholas Bent, Head of Real Estate Finance, Canada Life Asset Management, commented:

“Despite uncertainty in the property market and wider economy, this significant long-term refinancing demonstrates our continued ambition to expand and diversify our commercial loan book by partnering with responsible investors and proven real estate specialists such as LXi.”

Canada Life Asset Management was advised by Taylor Wessing LLP (English counsel), Morton Fraser (Scottish counsel), and BNP Paribas’ real estate valuation team.

Canada Life Asset Management’s property lending business has a 30-year track record within the UK and has further expanded its lending ambitions in recent years, as it continues to grow its loan book. All of Canada Life Asset Management’s loans are managed in-house by its dedicated London team.