Ardian and Rockfield Acquire Sustainable Student Accommodation in Bologna
Deal News | Mar 04, 2025 | Ardian

Ardian, a premier private investment firm, alongside Rockfield Real Estate, an integrated living platform, has successfully completed an acquisition in Bologna, Italy, as part of their strategy to expand their pan-European student accommodation portfolio. The new property, Laude Living Bologna, is a state-of-the-art, sustainable student housing asset located conveniently near Bologna's central station and university district. Boasting a LEED Gold certification, the property spans 16 floors with over 500 beds and an array of amenities tailored to modern student needs. The acquisition represents the third property under Ardian and Rockfield’s strategy focusing on major European university cities, supported by an 800 million euro investment pipeline. Italy's burgeoning student accommodation sector, marked by rising international student numbers and a lagging supply, presents lucrative opportunities. This venture aligns with Ardian’s vision of creating a portfolio of innovative, sustainable student residences. The strategy also focuses on geographic diversification across Europe, aiming to yield stable returns and capital appreciation through top-tier living standards. The initiative is part of an ongoing collaboration with CBRE Investment Management, enhancing their foothold in emerging and established markets.
Sectors
- Real Estate
- Education
- Investment Management
Geography
- Italy – The acquisition took place in Bologna, Italy, and the article discusses the Italian student housing market.
- Europe – The investment is part of a pan-European strategy targeting major university cities across the continent.
Industry
- Real Estate – The investment involves the acquisition of a student accommodation property, which is a real estate asset.
- Education – The article discusses student accommodation and the demand driven by university students, indicating relevance to the education sector.
- Investment Management – Ardian and Rockfield's strategic investment in student accommodation reflects activities within the investment management industry.
Financials
- 800 million EUR – Investment pipeline to support the pan-European student housing portfolio expansion.
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Ardian | Investment Firm | Company | A private investment house leading the acquisition in partnership with Rockfield. |
Rockfield Real Estate | Real Estate Platform | Company | A vertically integrated living platform collaborating with Ardian on the acquisition. |
Stonehill | Seller | Company | The company responsible for constructing the Bologna property sold to Ardian and Rockfield. |
CBRE Investment Management | Initial Commitment Provider | Company | Supported the pan-European investment strategy with a significant initial commitment. |
TP Bennet | Design Firm | Company | Responsible for the interior design of the newly constructed student accommodation. |
Rodolfo Petrosino | Head of Real Estate Southern Europe, Ardian | Person | Involved in the strategic vision for Ardian’s student accommodation investments in Europe. |
Matteo Minardi | Head of Real Estate Italy and Managing Director, Ardian | Person | Provides insights about the growing demand in the Italian student housing market. |
Juan Acosta | Partner & CIO, Rockfield | Person | Discusses the strategic alignment of the acquisition with Rockfield's investment strategy. |
Josep Franch Bellmunt | Investment Director - Southern Europe, Rockfield | Person | Highlights the benefits of the acquisition to Rockfield's fund growth model. |