Paris, 22 January 2016 AXA Investment Managers - Real Assets agrees to acquire the iconic Tour First office tower in Paris-La Défense AXA Investment Managers - Real Assets (“AXA IM - Real Assets”), the leading real estate portfolio and asset managers in Europe(1), announces that it has exchanged contracts for the acquisition from BCSP CE Lux I Sarl and BCSP CE Lux III Sarl, affiliates of Beacon Capital Partners, of the Tour First office tower, which is the tallest building in France and is located in the La Défense business district of Paris, via a share deal. AXA IM - Real Assets has undertaken the acquisition on behalf of a club of investors seeking investments into core European real estate assets. The club comprises a group of investors managed by AXA IM - Real Assets, together with Assurances du Crédit Mutuel. Through utilising its on-the-ground knowledge and proven track record of sourcing core European landmark assets, AXA IM - Real Assets was able to use its in-depth relationships and ability to pool together investors to successfully source and agree to acquire Tour First. This iconic building is 231 meters high and comprises over 80,000 sqm (863,500 sqft) of prime office space across 44 office floors. Tour First is currently 83% let on long leases to two global blue-chip companies and has achieved both a LEED Gold rating and a HQE/THPE certification, underpinning the commitment to sustainable design. Originally built in 1974, the tower was sold for 50% to Beacon Capital Partners by AXA IM – Real Assets on behalf of one of its clients in 2007. AXA IM - Real Assets and Beacon Capital Partners then undertook a comprehensive €300 million re-development programme between 2007 and 2011 which was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), with Saubot-Rouit Associés (SRA) as associate architects, and included the addition of an extra 74 metres in height, the implementation of flexible and efficient floorplates, as well as the provision of a wide range of amenities. Upon completion of the redevelopment in 2011, Beacon acquired full ownership of the building via a share deal. AXA IM - Real Assets has been advised by De Pardieu Brocas Maffei, Etude Cheuvreux, Deloitte and Egis. Beacon Capital Partners has been advised by Linklaters, Etude Wargny Katz, Cairn, Taj, Debevoise and EY. Commenting on the transaction, Pierre Vaquier, CEO of AXA IM - Real Assets, said: “Having re- developed the tower between 2007 and 2011, we believe Tour First is now recognised as one of the most striking office towers in one of Europe’s foremost business districts. This transaction demonstrates our continued ability to bring together ‘clubs’ of leading international investors in the acquisition of landmark real estate assets and to position investments in coherence with market cycles. This transaction also represents a substantial investment in the European office market and matches our clients’ exacting requirements for high quality core assets. It demonstrates our confidence in the strength and prospects of the Paris office market.” Over the last 15 years, AXA IM - Real Assets has successfully developed over 250 projects in six European countries for a total of €11.1 billion and has €10.8 billion current projects under development (as of end Sept 2015). – ENDS – 1 Source: INREV Survey 2014 published in May 2015 www.axa-im.com https://realassets.axa-im.com @AXAIMRealAssets Press Contacts AXA Investment Managers – Real Assets Charline Coué, Media Relations, Real Assets - [email protected] Jocelyne Tamssom, Head of Communications, Real Assets - [email protected] Tel +33 1 44 45 97 95 FTI Consulting Inc. Richard Sunderland, Tom Gough, Ellie Sweeney, Clare Glynn Tél. : +44 20 3727 1000 [email protected] Note to editors AXA Investment Managers is an active, long-term, global, multi-asset investor focused on enabling more people to harness the power of investing to meeting their financial goals. By combining investment insight and innovation with robust risk management, we have become one of the largest asset managers in Europe with ambitions to become the chosen investment partner of investors around the world. With approximately €669 billion in assets under management as of end September 2015, AXA IM employs over 2,300 people in 28 offices around the world. AXA Investment Managers - Real Assets brings together €64 billion in assets under management, including €50.4 billion in direct property & infrastructure and €11.7 billion in real asset finance as of end of September 2015. We offer a 360° view of real asset markets, investing in both equity and debt, across different geographies and sectors, and via private and listed instruments. We are the number one property portfolio and asset manager in Europe, and among the largest worldwide(1). Our teams have 30 years’ experience managing funds and mandates. They comprise about 600 people in 14 offices around the world, operating in 24 countries and providing us with in-depth knowledge of countries, cities and sectors. AXA Investment Managers is part of the AXA Group, a global leader in financial protection and wealth management. Visit our websites: www.axa-im.com http://realassets.axa-im.com Follow us on Twitter @AXAIM / @AXAIMRealAssets to get our latest information 1 Source: INREV Survey 2014 published in May 2015 This document is aimed solely at the media and is for information purposes only. The opinions expressed here are the views of the author and do not constitute investment advice. This is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or subscribe to financial instruments, an offer to sell investment funds or an offer of financial services. They do not necessarily represent the views of any company within the AXA Investment Managers Group and may be subject to change without notice. This does not constitute a Financial Promotion as defined by the Financial Conduct Authority and is for information purposes only. No financial decisions should be made on the basis of the information provided. www.axa-im.com https://realassets.axa-im.com @AXAIMRealAssets .