ARIF I, a retail-focused fund managed by Amplion Asset Management, has acquired a eight retail properties in Finland from Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company for nearly EUR 28 mln.

The portfolio includes two K-Supermarkets in Iisalmi and Lahti, a Budget Sport in Espoo as well as three S-Markets in Turku, Espoo and Kangasala. Main tenants are Kesko Group and S- Group.

'This transaction supports ARIF I fund's strategy to build a broadly diversified retail portfolio with main focus on grocery store properties. This transaction also strengthens the portfolio's tenant mix,' said Amplion's deputy managing director Reima Södervall. The fund is looking for new investments in the retail sector and has remaining investment capacity of EUR 20-30 mln, he added.

Banks Nordea and Sampo financed the deal.

Amplion, part of the Catella group, manages around EUR 485 mln of assets.