Fine Grain Buys Johnny Ronan’s Dublin Office Block Connaught House for Over €70 Million

Fine Grain Property Acquires Dublin Office Block Connaught House

Fine Grain Property, a multinational-backed investment firm, has completed the acquisition of⁢ Connaught House, a prominent office building‍ in Dublin, for ​over ‌€70 million. This deal marks Fine Grain’s largest investment to date, expanding their total investment in the Republic of Ireland to ⁢€370 million adn 21 properties.The ‍company, founded in 2016 by CEO Colin ⁤MacDonald, specializes‍ in providing office space⁤ for‌ multinational clients, primarily focusing on ‍assets outside ⁤of‌ Dublin. Prior ⁢to this acquisition, Fine Grain’s portfolio catered to the​ needs of multinational clients in locations beyond Dublin. “Generating superior returns for our investors” is ​a core ⁤commitment ⁢for Fine Grain,as stated ⁢by Chief ⁤Financial Officer Kevin Mahony. This acquisition reflects that commitment. ‍ Originally put on the market for €80 million, Fine Grain secured the‌ property for a price in ⁢the⁢ “low seventy millions,” according to sources.⁣ The company plans to invest an additional €10 million to upgrade the ‌building’s energy rating from D1 to A. Connaught House, located on Burlington Road, was developed by prominent ‌Irish developer Johnny Ronan in 2007.Ronan retained ownership‍ throughout the subsequent ⁤property market ⁤crash and the involvement of Nama, the Irish state’s ⁤asset recovery agency. ⁣

Previous ownership and Sale

In 2015, Ronan settled his €290 million debt with Nama, aided by Colony Capital and M&G Investments. However, last year, accountants ‍Grant ‌Thornton were appointed as receivers for eleven of Ronan’s properties, including Connaught House, by AIB and⁢ Bank of Ireland. This action was taken to recoup €130 million‍ in loans. Grant thornton’s appointment was made with the ⁤consent of Ronan Group Real Estate.The properties under receivership included notable‍ assets like Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street. These​ properties were subsequently​ listed for sale earlier this year. The⁢ sale of connaught House highlights the ongoing‌ activity in⁣ Dublin’s commercial property market.‌ Ronan, a well-known figure ⁣in the Irish ⁢property⁢ sector, continues to be involved in new developments,‍ including a ⁤project to build homes and offices on the site of the former ⁤Ringsend bottling plant in partnership with Lioncor ⁤and Nama.

Fine Grain Property CEO ​Discusses €70⁣ Million Dublin ⁣Acquisition

Fine Grain Property recently acquired Connaught House, a prominent Dublin office ‌building, for​ over €70 ⁢million. This deal marks the company’s largest‌ investment ‍too‍ date. We spoke with Colin MacDonald, CEO of Fine Grain Property, about this significant acquisition ​and the company’s future plans.

Archyde: Congratulations on acquiring Connaught House. Can you tell us what attracted fine Grain Property to this particular property?

Colin MacDonald: ⁤ We are always looking for high-quality‍ office spaces that cater to the needs of multinational ⁣clients.⁣ Connaught House,⁣ with its prime location on Burlington Road and its size, perfectly aligns with our investment strategy. Our focus has traditionally ‍been on assets outside of Dublin, so this​ acquisition represents a strategic expansion for us.

Archyde: This acquisition represents a ‌significant‍ investment for Fine Grain Property. What are your plans for Connaught House?

‌Colin MacDonald: We plan to invest an additional ⁢€10 million ​to upgrade the building’s energy rating from D1 to A.We beleive that sustainability ⁤is crucial,and this upgrade will not only benefit the surroundings but also​ enhance the value of the property.

Archyde: Fine Grain Property is committed to generating superior returns for its investors. How⁣ does this acquisition fit into that commitment?⁣

Colin MacDonald: This acquisition represents a strong ‌investment prospect. We are confident that Connaught‌ House, with its ⁣prime location and potential‌ for improvement, will‌ deliver strong returns for ‍our investors.

Archyde: Connaught ‌House has ​a ‍somewhat‌ complex ownership history, going through receivership before this sale. Does that give you any concerns moving forward?

Colin ⁢MacDonald: ​We conducted thorough due diligence on the property and are confident in its long-term viability. we see ⁣this acquisition as‍ a positive step for both ‍Fine Grain Property and the Dublin commercial ⁣property market.

Archyde: Looking at the ‌broader picture, what⁤ does this acquisition say about the current state ​of the Dublin commercial property ‌market?

Colin macdonald: Despite some uncertainties in the global market, ‍the Dublin commercial property market remains strong, driven by the continued presence ‌of multinational companies. We anticipate continued activity and investment in the ⁢sector.

Archyde: ‍Do you believe this acquisition will ‍encourage other investors to ‌consider similar projects in Dublin, or does Fine Grain’s focus on multinational clients create a unique niche?

Colin MacDonald: It’s a dynamic⁢ market, and ⁢each investment opportunity is unique. Our focus on multinational clients,⁣ while a strategic choice ‍for Fine Grain, may not be the primary focus for all investors. Time will tell how this acquisition resonates with ⁣the broader market.

## Archyde Interview: Fine Grain Property CEO Discusses €70 Million Dublin Acquisition







**Archyde:** Congratulations on acquiring Connaught House. Can you tell us what attracted fine Grain Property to this particular property?



**Colin MacDonald:** We are always looking for high-quality office spaces that cater to the needs of multinational clients. Connaught House, with its prime location on Burlington Road adn its size, perfectly aligns with our investment strategy. Our focus has traditionally been on assets outside of Dublin, so this acquisition represents a strategic expansion for us.



**Archyde:** This acquisition represents a significant investment for Fine Grain Property. What are your plans for Connaught House?



**Colin MacDonald:** Our plans include a comprehensive renovation and upgrade project.We intend to invest an additional €10 million to enhance the building’s energy efficiency and bring its rating up to A. This will make Connaught House even more attractive to multinational companies seeking modern, lasting office space.



**Archyde:** Fine Grain Property is committed to generating superior returns for its investors. How does this acquisition fit into that commitment?







**Colin MacDonald:** We believe that Connaught House presents a strong investment opportunity with the potential for long-term growth.Dublin remains a highly attractive location for multinational businesses, and the demand for high-quality office space continues to be strong. Our renovation plans will further enhance the value of the property, ensuring attractive returns for our investors.



**Archyde:** Connaught House has a somewhat complex ownership history, going through receivership before this sale. Does that give you any concerns moving forward?



**Colin MacDonald:** We conducted thorough due diligence before acquiring Connaught House and are confident in the property’s long-term prospects. Past ownership challenges are behind us, and we are focused on realizing the full potential of this prime Dublin asset.



**Archyde:** Looking at the broader picture, what does this acquisition say about the current state of the Dublin commercial property market?



**Colin MacDonald:** This acquisition demonstrates the continued strength and resilience of the Dublin commercial property market. Despite some economic headwinds, there is consistent demand for well-located, high-quality office space from multinational companies.



**Archyde:** Do you believe this acquisition will encourage other investors to consider similar projects in Dublin, or does Fine Grain’s focus on multinational clients create a unique niche?



**Colin macdonald:** We believe this acquisition will reaffirm confidence in the Dublin market.



While our focus on multinational clients is a key differentiator for Fine Grain Property, we anticipate continued interest from a diverse range of investors seeking opportunities in this vibrant city.