Mar 2, 2026
Still part of the Otto family – now under the umbrella of the transatlantic brand ParkProperty
The ECE Group, owned by the Otto family, is refining its brand architecture and continuing its strategy of establishing the individual operating companies within the group as independent entities. Effective immediately, ECE Work & Live GmbH & Co. KG will operate under the new name ParkProperty Europe GmbH & Co. KG, thus becoming part of ParkProperty, a pan-European real estate investor and developer and a residential real estate company owned by the Otto family with subsidiaries in Europe, the USA, and Canada. This new structure is more appropriate than its previous integration within the ECE Group, which focused on shopping centers. ECE will continue to concentrate on the retail real estate sector under its established brand name.
For years, ECE has been strengthening the independence of the individual companies within the group, thereby promoting a consistent focus on the respective market segments and customers. The rebranding of ECE Work & Live to ParkProperty Europe is a further step towards a clearer organizational structure. "With ParkProperty Europe, we continue to present ourselves as a company within the Otto Group, but now under a brand that better reflects our strategic and content-related focus than the ECE brand, which specializes in retail. ParkProperty Europe is a well-capitalized, pan-European developer and investor with extensive local experience, sound professional expertise, and an international perspective," explains Henrie W. Kötter, CEO of ParkProperty Europe.
European perspective, local expertise
While the brand is changing, the team and the company's strategy remain stable. "In Europe, we invest strategically where we see potential and growth – as individual investors or collaboratively in joint ventures, co-investments, and fund structures – with a high level of equity stake, deep local market knowledge, and clear responsibilities," explains Jan-Hendrik Walloch, Managing Director Investment at ParkProperty Europe. "In doing so, we can draw on an established European network that has grown over many years."
Values, competence and financial strength
Whether in new construction projects or existing property developments, as a single investor or in partnership with other investors: As a family-owned company, ParkProperty Europe combines its own financial strength with experience and know-how, thus creating sustainable value in high-growth European metropolitan areas. The focus is primarily on the residential asset class – both in investment management and development. "Our goal is to develop properties that are economically viable, functionally compelling, and sustainably attractive, and therefore perform well in the long term," says Katja Freese, Managing Director Development at ParkProperty Europe. "With our projects, we win over users and cities alike, while simultaneously creating reliable value for investors and financing partners. This is a standard that also applies to our developments in the industrial and hospitality asset classes."
More than 60 years of experience
ParkProperty Europe draws on more than 60 years of real estate expertise. As a company belonging to the Otto family, ParkProperty Europe remains characterized by a long-term perspective – through stability, responsibility, an entrepreneurial culture, and a willingness to seize opportunities in different market phases.
The rebranding affects only the brand identity. The company structure, including management and staff, as well as contracts with business partners and ongoing projects, remain unchanged.
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