Retail
Matalan is reportedly exploring a potential launch in the Republic of Ireland as part of its wider turnaround and store expansion strategy, appointing Savills to identify possible sites, with retail park units understood to be the focus. No deal has yet been completed, and suitable space may be limited given high occupancy levels in Irish retail parks. The potential move would mark a significant step in Matalan’s efforts to grow beyond its core UK estate, following its 2023 lender takeover and ongoing investment in new stores, refurbishments and product improvements (Retail Gazette, 18 May 2026).
Logistics
InPost reported a 220% increase in UK and Ireland parcel volumes in Q1 2026, delivering 76.9 million parcels compared with 24 million a year earlier, supported by the consolidation of Yodel and growth in consumer and business delivery volumes. Revenue in the division rose 120.9% to PLN 947.7m, although adjusted EBITDA swung to a PLN 48.9m loss due to continued investment in the Yodel integration and UK network transformation. The company said it had become the UK’s largest out-of-home delivery network and plans to deploy around 5,000 additional UK parcel machines this year (Retail Gazette, 13 May 2026).
DHL Supply Chain has broken ground on a new European Battery Logistics Hub in Holtum, Limburg, providing 17,000 sqm of specialised storage and service space for high-voltage batteries used in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems. The facility, due to become operational in early 2027, will be integrated with DHL’s existing automotive operation next door to create a broader EV and energy systems logistics campus, offering services including compliant storage, diagnostics, testing, charging, refurbishment, reverse logistics and recycling preparation. The site is positioned as a central European gateway for the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and neighbouring markets, supported by access to major highways and a nearby container and barge terminal on the Juliana Canal (Parcel and Postal Technology International, 21 May 2026).
Grimaldi Group has expanded its automotive distribution logistics partnership with Leapmotor International, the Stellantis–Leapmotor joint venture, supporting the movement of nearly 100,000 vehicles from China to Europe over the past 18 months. In Q1 2026, the partnership delivered more than 20,000 vehicles to Italy through 15 sailings linking China with ports across Belgium, the UK, Spain, Portugal and Italy. The programme uses Grimaldi’s Pure Car & Truck Carrier fleet and is supported by its European port logistics platform, which provides vehicle handling, preparation, maintenance and battery charging services, helping support Leapmotor International’s continued expansion in Europe (Parcel and Postal Technology International, 19 May 2026).
Office
British Land has secured 222,000 sq ft of lease recommitments and extensions at 201 Bishopsgate, with Janus Henderson and Mayer Brown extending their leases to 2033 from 2028. Janus Henderson occupies around 134,700 sq ft across the upper floors, while Mayer Brown occupies 85,000 sq ft, marking a significant leasing win for British Land and GIC at the Broadgate campus. The deal reflects the limited availability of large City floorplates and a wider trend of major occupiers choosing to renew or regear existing space rather than relocate, particularly given the cost and complexity of large office moves. British Land also reported record leasing across its office and retail portfolio, noting strong London office demand and high retail park occupancy (CoStar, 20 May 2026).
Other
Whitbread is facing pressure from activist investor Corvex Management, which has called for the Premier Inn owner to put itself up for sale following plans for a £1.5bn sale-and-leaseback programme. Corvex, which holds a 7% stake, criticised the strategy as a misallocation of capital and warned it may nominate new directors if the board continues its current approach. Whitbread defended its five-year plan, which includes reducing capital intensity, recycling freehold assets and funding growth across the UK and Germany (Property Week, 18 May 2026).
