Overview
USS1 is a private, wholesale Australian investment trust established by USSFM in 2014 to gain exposure to the growing UK self storage industry through an investment in a portfolio of established storage facilities.
Portfolio
USS1 acquired 10 UK self storage centres in April 2014, in a joint venture with Big Yellow Group (BYG), one of the largest self storage operators in the UK. USS1 has an 80% ownership in the portfolio, with 20% ownership by BYG. These centres are operated under the Armadillo Self Storage brand (the Armadillo 1 Portfolio). The Armadillo 1 Portfolio has grown through a number of acquisitions:
- 2016 – acquired two Lock & Leave branded centres, located West Molesey and Canterbury in southern England.
- 2017 acquired three Quickstore branded self storage centres located in Torquay, Exeter and Plymouth in southern England and one self storage centre located in Stockton South.
- 2019 acquired three self storage centres located in Grimsby, Daventry and Liverpool Aintree.
The Armadillo 1 Portfolio now comprises 19 centres, located in well-established regional centres in the UK. The self storage centres are predominantly freehold sites with a total installed self storage capacity of approximately 706,000 sq. ft. The Armadillo 1 Portfolio has an independently assessed market value of approximately £81.075 million as at 31 March 2021.
Strategy
Through USS1, USSFM is pursuing a roll-up strategy in the UK self storage market, in conjunction with its industry leading partner, BYG. We look to acquire established centres in strong, regional markets and leverage off the economies of scale, lead generation and operating expertise of BYG to grow the occupancy, profitability and value of the centers under the Armadillo banner.
