Property investment company announces two London acquisitions as it posts six-month pre-tax loss of 拢29.8m

Great Portland Estates has bought the special purpose vehicles which own Marcol House, a Grade II listed, office and retail development site and 23/24 Newman Street, an existing office building for 拢10m upfront and a share of potential future profits.

The news comes as the property investment and development group announced a six-month pre-tax loss of 拢29.8m, down from a 拢146.2m loss for the same period in 2008.

In its half-year results the group also reported that loss per share for the period was 12.2 pence, down on last year's value of 60.5 pence per share.

Adjusted earnings for the period fell to 拢13.3m from 拢14.4m this time last year.

Net rental and related income for the period increased to 拢21.8m from 拢21.5m in the comparable period.

The board has declared an interim dividend of 3 pence per share, which will be paid on 5 January 2010.

The group's two acquisitions in London's West End from Istithmar World coincides with 鈥渢he formation of a profit share and debt structuring arrangement with Eurohypo to develop the properties鈥.

Marcol House at 289-295 Regent Street has planning consent for 111,548 ft2 and 23/24 Newman Street has 25,200 ft2 with planning consent for conversion to 22 residential apartments.

Toby Courtauld, chief executive of Great Portland Estates, said: 鈥淭his deal adds two high-quality West End developments to our exciting and substantial programme, scheduled to complete in 2012 at a time when we think conditions in the office market will favour the landlord.鈥