Successful repositioning despite tenant insolvency

Tenant insolvencies are a challenge that property owners must face. In 2021, ۶Ƶ AST-KIS dealt with the bankruptcy of its former tenant, Legacy Pharmaceuticals Switzerland GmbH, which vacated around 20,000 m² of space at Rührbergstrasse 8 and 21 in Birsfelden (BL).

Progress in vacancy reduction

Despite this setback, vacancy reduction at this location has been progressing steadily. One of the first new tenants in 2022, a pharmaceutical company, is continuing to expand at Rührbergstrasse 21. In January 2026, the company will also occupy the eighth and top floor of the office and commercial tower, an attractive and prestigious office space currently being customized to the tenant’s specifications.

۶Ƶ AST-KIS is proud of the long-term rental contract, which extends until 2041, highlighting the tenant’s commitment to the location. The pharmaceutical company has also extended the existing contract for the office and laboratory space occupied in 2022 until 2041, with an exit option in 2036.

Positive financial outlook

The site currently generates rental income of around CHF 2 million, compared to the income of CHF 2.4 million prior to the former tenant’s bankruptcy. Once fully leased, this is expected to increase to around CHF 3.1 million per year.

۶Ƶ AST-KIS has proven to be a reliable crisis manager and aims to generate higher returns for investors on a sustainable basis. Vacancies represent an opportunity to increase the investment group’s rental income in the long term, benefiting investors.

Attractive location with a wide range of uses

Birsfelden is a prime location for office and commercial space. The port of Birsfeld, located in the northeast of the municipality, offers access to the Rhine and the freeway. Basel city limits are about one kilometer away, as is the center of Birsfelden. Excellent public transportation options include a bus stop with direct connections to Birsfelden and Basel, as well as a train station about 200 meters away. The Rhine port and the motorway access are quickly reachable by private transport. The rental property stands out with affordable rental prices, versatile usage options, and flexible spaces that can be subdivided as needed.

Facts & figures:

  • Remodeling time: probably 8 to 10 months
  • The tenant moves into the new space on: 1 January 2026
  • Occupancy rate: New contract for the area on the 8th floor in Building 3 of approx. 615 m2 and addendum signed on all sides.
  • The current occupancy rate for the “legacy” site is 64% of the new target rent, which is around 30% higher than the previous rent.

The ۶Ƶ AST Commercial Real Estate Switzerland investment group of ۶Ƶ Investment Foundation 1 invests directly in real estate throughout Switzerland, focusing on commercial properties. New leases for the properties at Rührbergstrasse 8 and 21 in Birsfelden (BL) and the successful reduction in vacancies represent an opportunity for the investment group to generate more income sustainably. The project aligns with ۶Ƶ AST-KIS’s investment objective of generating an attractive risk-adjusted return through active asset management.1

Only tax-exempt pension funds domiciled in Switzerland are admitted as direct investors in accordance with the investment foundation’s charter.

Christian Spiess

Christian Spiess
Fund Manager since 2018

۶Ƶ AST-KIS

۶Ƶ AST Real Estate Switzerland
Security no. 10 077 053

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    Head of Real Estate DACH

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    Oliver Müller-Känel

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