French real estate services group BNP Paribas Real Estate saw turnover rise by 17% to EUR 618 mln in 2010 compared to the previous year, with international activities accounting for 37% of the group's total business. Operating profit increased by 51% year-on-year to EUR 141 mln in the course of last year.

'2010 was a good year thanks to the sense of our business model and the strengthening of our holds on the various European markets,' said Philippe Zivkovic, Executive Chairman of BNP Paribas Real Estate.

In terms of business lines, Commercial Property Development and Residential accounted for 34% of total activities, while real estate services represented 66%.

With 2010 marking the recovery of pipeline projects, development activities are expected to accelerate in 2011 as BNP Paribas Real Estate plans to launch 80,000 m2 of pre-let schemes, with a potential additional 100,000 m2 that will start being pre-marketed.

The development pipeline also looks good for 2012 and 2013 with 300,000 m2 of new projects set to be launched, including the new scheme at King's Cross in London which marks the international expansion of the property development business line.

The Commercial Property Transaction business line has experienced strong growth (32%) in 2010, with turnover almost returning to 2008 levels. Around 50% of total turnover (EUR 162 mln) was generated by activities outside its home market.

The Investment Management business also performed exceptionally well, posting a 24% increase in gross sales last year. The business line added EUR 1.1 bn of assets under management during the course of last year, and currently oversees nearly EUR 11 bn in assets. 'This rate of increase should continue in 2011 with the launch of several new vehicles,' the company said.