Citigroup Inc. has finalized one of the largest commercial office space transactions of the year. The financial services giant has secured over 7.7 lakh sq ft of office space through a long-term lease in Pune’s Kharadi locality. According to records obtained by CRE Matrix, the company has leased 10 floors at Panchshil Business Hub for an estimated Rs 1,100 crore.
The lease, which starts on April 1, covers the commercial tower’s 7th through 16th floors. Depending on the level, the starting monthly rentals range from Rs 2.02 crore to Rs 2.71 crore. The contract specifies a lock-in duration of 4-5 years for various floors. It also mentions a 15% rental escalation clause every 36 months.
The leased space has been secured through Citigroup’s subsidiary, Citicorp Services India. They primarily provide back-office, technology, and operational support services for the global operations of Citigroup.
Of the total space, 3.07 lakh sq ft is located on the 13th to 16th floors, and 2.34 lakh sq ft is spread across the 10th to 12th floors. The remaining 2.29 lakh sq ft is on the 7th to 9th floors. The total deal value includes rental payments along with common area maintenance (CAM) charges. The charges are subject to an annual escalation of 5% and will amount to nearly Rs 197 crore over the lease term.
As part of the agreement, Citigroup will also receive exclusive access to 770 car parking slots and 1,185 two-wheeler parking spaces. In addition to these designated parking spots, the company has the option to secure additional parking at rates of Rs 6,000 per car and Rs 2,600 per two-wheeler. Citigroup has paid a security deposit of Rs 20.36 crore. The registration of the deal took place on March 12.
Citicorp Services India, while distinct from Citibank India, plays a crucial role in Citigroup’s operations. They handle key functions such as risk management, compliance, information technology services, analytics, and financial operations. The company’s decision to secure such a vast office space highlights its commitment to expanding its presence in India. This move further reinforces Pune’s position as a hub for global capability centers (GCCs).
Recent Transactions
The transaction highlights the resilience of India’s commercial real estate market. Leasing activity has reached record levels for the third consecutive year, driven by strong demand from global corporations. Despite economic uncertainties, multinational corporations continue to drive demand for office spaces, particularly for setting up GCCs. The Indian government has also been instrumental in fostering this growth by introducing incentives for such centers. This has further solidified the country’s appeal as a preferred destination for global businesses.
In a recent transaction, co-working giant Awfis Space Solutions leased 1.97 Lakh Sq Ft of office space in Pune’s Kharadi. In another transaction, US-based CA Technologies Private Limited renewed its lease for a 1.08 lakh sq ft commercial space in the same area.
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