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• German exports increased by 9.2% and imports by 14.8% in the month of May 2010;

• Exports up by 28.8% and imports up by 34.3% compared with May 2009

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'Germany is back - not just in sports, but also in terms of the economy' Rainer Bruederle, Economy minister in Germany told parliament in his speech.  Bruederle was positive about the economy following the sales data, comparing Germany's recovery from a slump in 2009 to its performance in the World  Cup soccer.  German retail sales have posted their first monthly increase in three months in May, raising hopes that consumer spending may stabilise on the back of a labour market recovery.  According to the Irish Times  on Thursday 1st July, 2010 'An upbeat manufacturing survey and news of a record jump in engineering orders in May also indicated that Europe's largest economy is gaining steam.'  Click here for full article

An investor in the Sixth Augusta Syndicate would like to sell their shares (€100,000 original investment), at a price to be negotiated. Interested parties can, in the first instance, contact Jerry Purcell in Augusta on 01-294 8614.

Returns Plus launches today

We are just back from Germany, where we incorporated Returns Plus, the latest Augusta income-generating investment. This is now our fourth in the series of investments delivering a capital return every quarter. At a time when there’s a heavy tailback on the money highways, a nice tax-neutral bit of cashflow should be welcome in most households.

While we were in Germany, negotiations commenced on the State-contracted asset we are targeting. The asset matches our investment profile very closely and would deliver the projected 5% annual return comfortably, should the transaction complete according to our stipulations.

In Wiesbaden, we have been in contact with the local Planning Authority to apply for a change of use of the lettable space in the premises. A wider range of permitted uses will improve the value of the property and will increase our letting possibilities.

There is a lot of effort going into the tenancy structuring in Wiesbaden which should, in the next few months, bear fruit.

Whether you are new to Augusta or a long-standing client, you will find a host of new information on our new website. We introduce ourselves to you through our “About Augusta” video – it’s only 2 minutes long so try not to fall asleep!

We now offer investment performance details to our existing investors – all you need is your share reference number (found on your Nominee certificate) to enter.  

And don’t forget to look into our latest investment – Returns Plus – offering a 5% per annum projected capital return, plus the potential for a further lump sum return should the asset values rise.

We’d love your feedback on the site. If there’s anything extra you’d like us to add, please feel free to contact us by email or via the “Contact Us” page

In Kröpelinerstraße 60, Rostock, we have just briefed the architects to draw up detailed plans for our renovation strategy. Having analysed the local demand for all usage types, the optimal use for the upper floors is residential apartments. The property is a very attractive period building, with many original fittings. It should make for an excellent starting point for the development of quality apartments.

In Kr. 10, we are fully renovating the underground floor area, in preparation for re-letting. Our current tenant, Schuh Bode, is not delivering the rental return we would expect of the unit and so we intend to upgrade the lease with a new retail tenant. 

Augusta introduced a new pay parking system in the medical centre last spring. Just over a year on and the system is generating significant additional income for investors, ahead of our original estimates.

We’ve been in a long consultation process with the Berlin local government to establish whether we can extend the medical centre at 9-10 Schönstrasse. The preliminary outcome is that the limited additional footprint they will consider is just not cost-effective to warrant further development.

Back, it seems, to the drawing board. We have not drawn a line under the project just yet, but the planners’ decision is certainly a setback.

We're delighted to welcome on board our new Marketing Executive, Rachel Gallagher.

Rachel joins us with many years' marketing experience and a wealth of knowledge in digital media and online client relations. You have Rachel to thank for much of the improvement in our online presence!

Philipp and I are thrilled with the appointment and we hope Rachel is too.