Former Barings MD launches new company

Former Barings managing director Christoph Wittkop has founded an investment, asset management and development business, Sonar Real Estate. In a deal with Barings, Barings will transition its German asset management and advisory mandates over to Sonar Real Estate. The company, which is headquartered in Hamburg with Wittkop (pictured) as chairman, will focus on commercial property in the office, retail, and logistics sector in Germany. The company plans to partner with German and foreign investors aiming to invest in Germany. Other co-founders are from Barings and will transition from the company to Sonar Real Estate. They include: Matthias Gerloff (head of German institutional investors and fund management), Nick Puschkasch (head of the eastern region and head of asset management) and Daniel Jäde (head of development and project management). Wittkop said: “Following our success at Barings, my co-founders and I are looking forward to the challenge of once again leading and expanding an owner-managed company at Sonar Real Estate. Our competent and experienced team, who have successfully worked together for many years, have an excellent network in the industry.” To send feedback, e-mail lucy.alderson@egi.co.uk or tweet @LucyAJourno or @estatesgazette