Property veteran Nick Leslau set for spending spree

Property veteran Nick Leslau is hoping to take advantage of “turbulent” markets as the company which clocks up long-term rents from a £1.35 billion portfolio including Alton Towers eyes a spending spree.

Secure Income REIT is advised by Leslau’s Prestbury Investments, which is also a major shareholder.

But the company said today it is overhauling its shareholder base as initial investors, like billionaire Sir Tom Hunter and Bank of Scotland, drastically reduce their stakes in favour of institutions.

This should give Secure — which harbours ambitions for the FTSE 250 and beyond — the firepower to move quickly.

“Generally turbulent markets throw up interesting opportunities,” said Leslau, who sold the Baker Street home of Madame Tussauds for £332.4 million last year.