ECE AS A COMPANY
Europe's leading shopping center expert
For more than 60 years, ECE has been synonymous with comprehensive expertise and in-depth know-how in the retail real estate sector.
Founded in 1965 by Prof. Dr. Werner Otto and still owned by the Otto family today, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the European shopping center market. Hardly any other company possesses comparable experience in the development, leasing, operation, and further development of retail real estate.
Until March 2026, the ECE Group operated as an international company active in all asset classes within the real estate and investment sectors, comprising the specialized subsidiaries ECE Marketplaces and ECE Work & Live, as well as the fund management company ECE Real Estate Partners. Since then, ECE has returned its full focus to its core business: the retail sector. ECE Work & Live now operates under the name Park Property Europe.
As a full-service partner, ECE supports international investors and owners throughout the entire lifecycle of their assets—from asset and property management, through leasing, marketing, and center and facility management, to ESG, financing, and transformation services. In doing so, we combine our experience as an operator with the perspective of a long-term-oriented owner.
With approximately 2,900 employees, ECE manages retail real estate valued at around 28 billion euros, comprising more than 17,000 stores, and continuously develops these properties into vibrant marketplaces, service hubs, and mobility hubs. In this way, we are actively shaping the future of brick-and-mortar retail—backed by more than 60 years of shopping center expertise.
International Expertise Combined with Local Market Knowledge
With approximately 200 retail properties under management, ECE is one of Europe’sleading shopping center management service providers. Operating in eleven countries, we combine local market knowledge with international retail real estate expertise. Our national subsidiaries are closely connected to their respective markets, and their clients benefit from the resources, experience, and Europe-wide network of one of Europe’s leading shopping center managers.
Added Value Beyond the Standard
Our business model integrates expertise across the entire lifecycle of retail real estate.
With our integrated 360-degree expertise, we consolidate all value-driven services throughout the life cycle of a retail property. This allows us to precisely align strategic, operational, technical, and ESG-related measures. Investors can flexibly utilize individual services or opt for fully integrated management—
tailored to the objectives and needs of the respective asset.
The close integration of our expertise creates transparency, shortens decision-making processes, and enables holistic management of all relevant areas of activity. This allows us to identify potential early on and implement targeted measures.
In this way, we lay the foundation for integrated and forward-looking management of individual properties and entire portfolios.
Our Range of Services
01
Investor/Asset Management
Managing asset performance and returns through strategic, operational, and financial management.
02
Center Management
Operational excellence on-site, ensuring the highest standards of operational quality, and serving as the primary point of contact for tenants and customers.
03
Leasing Services
Ensuring high occupancy rates, stable income, and sustainable value appreciation through active management and the right mix of tenants.
04
Parking & Mobility
A combination of parking management with excellent operational quality, along with digital parking solutions and mobility services.
05
ESG Products
Tailored solutions for investors to support them on their individual journey toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a property-specific decarbonization pathway, using a variety of products such as climate risk analysis, energy retrofit plans, strategies for optimizing asset performance, and taxonomy checks.
06
Technical Portfolio and Project Management
Consolidation of all technical and development expertise in the areas of architecture, design, project management, and technical operations, with a focus on long-term value preservation and appreciation.
07
Specialty Leasing & Digital Media
Real-time marketing of mall spaces and advertising, as well as new digital out-of-home products (digital columns and LED screens), for tenants and partners of the shopping centers.
08
Commercial Property Management & Rent Accounting
Comprehensive services in commercial lease management throughout the entire lease lifecycle.
09
Facility Management
Complex operator responsibilities, quality management, and optimization of operating costs.
10
Digital Business, Marketing & Research
Data-driven marketing in a digital consumer ecosystem based on comprehensive market and consumer research.
11
Legal Services
Identifying legal risks and providing organizational support to our investors in the judicial enforcement of their claims.
12
Corporate Insurance Management
Liability and insurance provisions for operators, claims management, project coverage, and international insurance programs, as well as country-specific specialized solutions.
13
Debt Advisory
Development of financing models, securing financing for acquisition and development projects, optimizing financing for our portfolio, and minimizing financing risks by diversifying our business partners and financial instruments.
"Our goal is to offer investors a reliable partnership with direct, personalized advice and tailored solutions to help them achieve their individual strategies and goals."
