Formation of SWI Group Marks Significant Milestone in Alternative Investments

Tue 25th Mar, 2025

SWI Group has been established through the merger of Icona Capital and Stoneweg, managing a total asset portfolio exceeding EUR10 billion. The newly formed group operates from London, Geneva, and Luxembourg, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including residential, light industrial, logistics, data centers, hospitality, office space, culture, and leisure across Europe and the United States.

With a workforce of over 350 professionals across 25 offices worldwide, the SWI Group integrates the strengths of its predecessor firms to enhance operational efficiency and broaden its investment offerings, aiming to attract a greater volume of institutional investments.

Icona Capital, an alternative investment group based in London and Luxembourg, and Stoneweg, a real estate investment firm headquartered in Geneva, recently completed the acquisition of Cromwell Property Group's European fund management platform along with associated co-investments. This transaction involved real estate assets valued at EUR3.9 billion, including a 27.8% stake in Cromwell European REIT, acquired for EUR280 million, providing immediate growth opportunities and diversification for SWI.

New management talent has joined SWI Group, contributing to the strategic realignment towards becoming a leading platform in alternative investments, aiming for scalability, growth enhancement, and optimization of investment opportunities.

The SWI Group's operations are divided into two distinct business segments: Stoneweg Real Assets and Icona Alternatives. Stoneweg Real Assets will primarily focus on sectors such as residential, hospitality, logistics, offices, real estate, infrastructure, data centers, and experiential ventures. In contrast, Icona Alternatives will concentrate on private equity, venture capital, special situations, liquid strategies, private credit, and sports & entertainment.

With over 350 employees in 25 locations across 17 countries in Europe, North America, and Singapore, the SWI Group benefits from a robust global presence and local expertise. Most team members have extensive experience in their respective fields, providing the necessary local knowledge and networks to excel in asset management.

According to Max-Hervé George, the former Chairman and CEO of Icona Capital and now Chairman and Co-CEO of SWI Group, the establishment of SWI Group represents a pivotal development, enhancing the combined reputation of Icona and Stoneweg. This merger has created an attractive institutional investment platform built on global reach and local talent, offering clients enhanced investment opportunities.

Jaume Sabater, the former CEO of Stoneweg and now Co-CEO of SWI Group, emphasized that this integration is a significant step in Stoneweg's growth trajectory, solidifying its market position as a leading real estate investment group. He highlighted the collaborative efforts with Icona Capital on various acquisitions and expressed enthusiasm for integrating their expertise under the unified SWI Group brand.

The SWI Group is a dynamic alternative investment platform operating across multiple sectors, including data centers, real estate, credit, and finance. The company's investment strategies are grounded in thorough research, firsthand knowledge, and the efficient implementation of strategies to maximize return potential.

Leveraging local teams worldwide, the SWI Group identifies, develops, and manages investment opportunities across various strategies. Currently, the group oversees assets worth over EUR10 billion and employs more than 350 staff members in 26 offices globally.

About Icona Capital: Icona Capital is an independent investment firm founded by Max-Hervé George, headquartered in London with additional offices in Singapore, Geneva, and Luxembourg. It offers advisory services for a range of purpose-built companies across sectors like real estate, credit, private equity, and special situations.

About Stoneweg: Stoneweg is a global alternative investment group based in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 2015 by a team of seasoned investment professionals, it has expanded its platform and capabilities through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The firm collaborates with a diverse array of global and local investors, providing customized solutions, including club deals, joint ventures, and co-investments.


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