The Chugoku Bank Completes Investment in Asset Management Company 'Furusato Partners' for REIT Formation

PROSPER Co., Ltd., NBI Holdings Co., Ltd., and The Chugoku Bank, Ltd. announced today the completion of the transfer of a portion of shares in 'Furusato Partners,' an asset management company for REIT formation, from PROSPER and NBI Holdings to The Chugoku Bank. The Chugoku Bank is the first regional financial institution to participate in this REIT project, which was initiated by PROSPER and NBI Holdings to promote regional revitalization. The parties aim to begin REIT operations in 2029. 'Furusato Partners' aims to form a REIT based on the concept of regional tourism revitalization, building a platform that collaborates with regional financial institutions nationwide to create long-term value. Specifically, by accepting investments from regional financial institutions, each institution can realize regional revitalization in its own area together with 'Furusato Partners.' 'Furusato Partners' plans to receive investments from multiple other regional financial institutions by the summer of 2026. The Chugoku Bank's capital participation aims to promote value-up investments in hotels and inns, primarily focusing on properties located within its business area. This initiative, which circulates funds from both inside and outside the region into the local tourism industry, combines NBI Holdings' real estate investment expertise with The Chugoku Bank's knowledge of real estate finance to contribute to the sustainable development of the regional economy. The Chugoku and Setouchi regions have the potential to become one of Japan's leading tourism areas, possessing the scenic beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, historical and cultural assets, a mild climate, and a rich food culture. In recent years, attention has been growing toward stay-type, high-value-added tourism, attracting significant interest from both domestic and international markets. By maximizing the charm and potential of this area, NBI Holdings aims to be a 'true regional revitalization company,' utilizing local resources to enrich the future of the Chugoku and Setouchi regions through the 'vitality of finance and investment.' 'Furusato Partners' plans to start REIT operations in the summer of 2029. At the time of launch, the REIT is expected to have an asset size of 50 billion yen, with a goal to grow to 200 billion yen within about five years. NBI Holdings, the sponsor of 'Furusato Partners,' has already secured a pipeline of over 40 billion yen in inns and hotels, confirming the social demand for regional revitalization and the abundance of value-up investment opportunities in the hospitality sector.