Milan, February 19, 2026 – A significant shift in the Italian retail landscape is underway as Carmila Italia and NewPrinces Group have selected Svicom SpA Società Benefit to manage a portfolio of eight shopping centers. This move, following a competitive tender, reflects a broader reorganization within Carmila and a strategic decision to leverage specialized expertise in the management of these key retail assets. The deal, announced on February 18, 2026, encompasses properties across Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont and Tuscany, totaling 192,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) and hosting over 300 active tenants. This partnership marks a new chapter for these shopping centers as they adapt to evolving consumer habits and market dynamics.
The eight shopping centers now under Svicom’s management include Centro Commerciale Brianza (Paderno Dugnano, Milan), Centro Commerciale Gran Giussano (Giussano, Monza Brianza), Centro Commerciale La Porta di Ivrea (Burolo, Turin), Centro Commerciale Montecucco (Turin), I Viali Shopping Park (Nichelino, Turin), Centro Vercelli, Centro Commerciale Thiene (Thiene, Vicenza), and Centro Commerciale MareMonti (Massa). The transition comes after Carmila initiated a review of its shopping center management activities, opting to collaborate with a specialist firm. According to Maryse Beucher, Managing Director of Carmila Italia, Svicom was identified as “the most suitable partner” due to its “consolidated experience and recognized professionalism.”
This decision by Carmila follows a period of change within the Italian retail sector, particularly concerning properties formerly under the Carrefour banner. Carmila Italia has entrusted Svicom with the management of these centers following the transfer of Carrefour’s national subsidiary to NewPrinces Group. In many of these locations, the anchor tenant is currently a Carrefour supermarket, with plans for most to transition to GS supermarkets.
Svicom’s Expanding Portfolio and Market Position
With the addition of these eight centers, Svicom now manages over 400 assets nationwide, approximately 60% of which are in the retail sector. This represents a total managed surface area exceeding 4 million square meters, solidifying Svicom’s position as a leading “All Assets – Full Service Provider” in the Italian market. The company’s growing portfolio reflects a trend towards specialized management services within the real estate industry, as owners seek expertise to navigate a complex and competitive environment.
The mandate awarded to Svicom encompasses comprehensive mall management, property administration, and technical services. This includes overseeing the day-to-day operations of the shopping centers, managing tenant relationships, and ensuring the maintenance and upkeep of the properties. The selection of Svicom followed a competitive bidding process, highlighting the company’s strong reputation and track record in the industry.
Carmila’s Strategic Reorganization and Financial Performance
Carmila, a real estate company listed on Euronext Paris, has been strategically reorganizing its operations to focus on core competencies. The company, which develops shopping center galleries alongside Carrefour hypermarkets in France, Spain, and Italy, currently manages a total of 251 assets. Notably, Carmila was not involved in the sale of Carrefour’s Italian properties to the Mastrolia Group, choosing instead to focus on its existing portfolio and strategic partnerships.
Recent financial results demonstrate Carmila’s strong performance. On February 18, the company reported net rental income of €403.1 million for 2025, an 8.8% increase. Organic growth reached 3.5%, and investments increased by 5.3%, boosted by the successful integration of Galimmo, which includes 52 Cora-branded shopping centers acquired at 93% in 2023. The company’s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization (EBITA) reached €344.5 million, a 9.8% increase.
Looking Ahead: Transition and Retail Evolution
The handover of management responsibilities from Carmila to Svicom is expected to be a seamless process, ensuring continuity of operations for tenants and shoppers. The focus will be on optimizing the performance of the shopping centers, attracting new tenants, and enhancing the overall customer experience. The transition of Carrefour supermarkets to GS supermarkets in most locations will likewise be a key focus, adapting the retail offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences.
The partnership between Carmila, NewPrinces, and Svicom signals a dynamic period for the Italian retail sector. As consumer behavior continues to shift, the ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial for success. Svicom’s expertise in mall management and property administration will be instrumental in navigating these challenges and maximizing the potential of these strategically located shopping centers. Further updates on the progress of the transition and the performance of the portfolio are expected in the coming months.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about business and real estate developments and should not be considered financial or investment advice.
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