3000 M² of Retail Space Let Across Four Units in Rue du Bac Street Development in Paris

Paris – Global private equity firm The Carlyle Group (“Carlyle”), today announces that it has signed four leases for a total of 3000 M² of retail space in its 29/37 Rue du Bac office and retail development in the VII arrondissement in Paris, France.

The Carlyle Group acquired the former Douanes building in 2005, before commencing a major reconstruction project in 2008. The project will complete in March 2010, when Carlyle will deliver 12000 M² of prime office space and 3600 M² of retail space, divided into five lots, each spread over the basement, ground and first floors.

The first lease, of 1200 M², is for the largest of the five stores and has been signed with leading fashion brand MONOPRIX, who will create a flagship, brand positioning shop that is due to open in spring 2010.

The second lease, for over 800 M² has been signed with B&B Italia, an upscale Italian furniture brand distributed by Silvera, for its first French store which is due to open at the end of January 2010.

A well known furniture brand and a luxury French “ready-to-wear” brand have also agreed to take 600 M² and 450 M² of space respectively.

A fifth 500 M² store on the corner of the rue du Bac and the rue de l’Université is currently being marketed.

The Carlyle Group was advised by SCC Vendôme and Draco Partners in these transactions.