Wavertree call centre sold to Kenyan investors

THE North West Capital Markets team at CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has advised Kenyan-based Sameer Group on the £10.45m purchase of a Barclays call centre in Wavertree, Liverpool.

The 94,000 sq ft office has 12 years remaining on its lease and is home to Barclays’ personal telephone banking and Barclaycard operations.

The bank has occupied the premises since 1988 and it is one of the largest call centres in Barclays’ portfolio, employing around 1,200 staff. The purchase by the Nairobi-based investors reflects a net yield of 7.75%.

Robin Jones, senior surveyor in CBRE’s Capital Markets team, said: “Although the UK is feeling the effects of the recession and Government cut-backs, this deal highlights that the UK, and the North West in particular, are still attractive targets for international investors.”

King Sturge advised the vendor on the sale.