AXA Real Estate returns to Spain as euro break-up fears ease

AXA Real Estate, Europe's largest property fund manager, has bought its first office blocks in Spain since the start of the financial crisis, tempted by the relatively high yields on offer despite fears of a euro zone break-up receding. AXA Real Estate, which has 45 billion euros under management, has agreed to buy 13 office buildings in Barcelona let to the regional government for 172 million euros, it said on Tuesday.