CEDEM CEE 2012: The Search for Alternatives

For a year that began as slowly as 2011, the end product in terms of real estate investments was actually quite impressive, with €130bn in property transactions. Central European countries had strong years, but produced less than 5% of that toal, a reflection of the lack of investment-grade product in the region. The losses by Western European banks are choking off new property investment in Central Europe, as only the best projects with flawless due diligence receive backing.

The backdrop for CEDEM CEE 2012 will be a heightened state of nervousness across Europe, with a high level of uncertainty over the future of the sovereign debt crisis thanks to economic insecurity. Property lenders are now coming face to face with the need to renew hundreds of billions of Euro in loans that were handed out as the boom came to an end five years ago. Alternatives to the "pretend and extend" approach so popular until recently will have to be found.

CEDEM 2012 will gather together the top investment funds, private equity representatives, financiers and developers for two days of intense debate on how these topics are impacting CEE. As usual, there will also be considerable time set aside for socializing and networking.

To be held in the Marriott Hotel in central Prague, this event will bring participants up to speed on the state of Central Europe's market and on how Western Europe's difficulties are impacting on how they do business in this region.