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Brennan Investment Group has expanded its Midwest portfolio by acquiring a 56,000-square-foot industrial facility in Hebron, Kentucky. It is located in the high-demand Airpark International Corridor near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The property was secured through a sale-leaseback transaction with a long-term tenant. This deal reinforces Brennan’s strategy of aggregating institutional-quality assets in supply-constrained “infill” markets. In this submarket, vacancy rates are under 5%. Therefore, the acquisition highlights the continued resilience and value of the Cincinnati industrial sector for logistics and manufacturing investors.
Brennan Investment Group continues to solidify its footprint in the Midwest with a significant acquisition in the Cincinnati industrial real estate market.
This latest move by Brennan Investment Group highlights the enduring appeal of the Cincinnati Airport submarket for institutional investors seeking stable, high-value assets.
In a transaction that underscores the continued strength of the logistics sector, Brennan Investment Group has acquired a 56,000-square-foot light industrial facility in Hebron, Kentucky. According to a press release distributed by PR Newswire, the property, located at 1010 Petersburg Road, sits within the highly desirable Airpark International Corridor. It is just two miles from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by the Chicago-based firm to aggregate institutional-quality assets in supply-constrained “infill” markets.
The deal was structured as a sale-leaseback with the existing tenant, a rubber and plastics manufacturing company that has occupied the building for over a decade. As reported by REBusinessOnline, this arrangement provides Brennan Investment Group with immediate, durable cash flow. At the same time, it allows the tenant to maintain operations in a mission-critical location. The facility is situated on approximately five acres, offering potential for future utility in a market where land availability is becoming increasingly scarce.
Brennan Investment Group targets the high-demand airport submarket
The decision to expand in Hebron is not a coincidence. The Cincinnati Airport submarket is currently one of the tightest industrial corridors in the region. According to data cited by Pulse 2.0, the Airpark International Corridor is a fully built-out, master-planned industrial park. It boasts a vacancy rate of under 5%. By securing this asset, Brennan Investment Group is betting on the long-term viability of the CVG hub. The CVG hub serves as a critical artery for North American logistics.
“This acquisition represented a compelling sale-leaseback opportunity in one of the tightest industrial submarkets in the region,” said Doug Lance, Senior Vice President at Brennan Investment Group, in a statement obtained by Institutional Real Estate, Inc. “We acquired a high-quality facility in a submarket with very low vacancy and signed a long-term lease with an established company that has been a long-term occupant in the facility.”
The property’s location in the Airpark International Corridor provides the tenant with immediate access to Interstates 275 and 75. This connectivity is vital for manufacturers and distributors who rely on rapid transit times to reach major Midwest markets. As noted by Slice of Real Estate, acquiring an asset with such intrinsic locational advantages aligns with Brennan Investment Group’s tactic. Specifically, they aim to buy functional real estate in areas where tenant demand consistently outstrips supply.
The strategic value of sale-leaseback transactions
In the current high-interest-rate environment, sale-leaseback transactions have become a preferred vehicle for both operators and investors. For the tenant at 1010 Petersburg Road, the deal likely unlocks capital tied up in real estate. That capital can then be reinvested into core business operations or manufacturing upgrades. For Brennan Investment Group, it removes the initial leasing risk often associated with vacant acquisitions.
This specific transaction follows a pattern of calculated growth for the firm. As reported by Connect CRE, just last year, Brennan Investment Group acquired an adjacent 100,000-square-foot industrial asset. This move signals a deliberate effort to cluster their holdings in Hebron. This “clustering” strategy allows for more efficient property management. Furthermore, it gives the firm a stronger negotiating position within the local submarket.
“This transaction aligns perfectly with our strategy, tactic and regional growth objectives,” stated Jack Brennan, Managing Principal at Brennan Investment Group, according to the company’s official announcement. “This marks another successful acquisition in the Ohio region, strengthening our Midwest portfolio with an institutional-quality asset in a premier in-fill location.”
Why the Cincinnati market remains resilient
The acquisition comes at a time when the broader U.S. industrial market is normalizing after the frenetic pace of the pandemic years. However, Cincinnati—and specifically the Northern Kentucky submarket—has remained resilient due to the unique influence of CVG. As the 7th largest cargo airport in North America, CVG hosts massive global hubs for both DHL and Amazon Air. As a result, this infrastructure creates a “halo effect,” driving demand for support facilities, light manufacturing, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers in the immediate vicinity.
According to recent market analysis referenced by REJournals, while speculative development has slowed, demand for “shallow bay” or light industrial buildings—typically under 100,000 square feet—remains robust. These smaller, versatile buildings are essential for the “last mile” of the supply chain. However, they are often more difficult to build new due to rising construction costs and land prices. By acquiring existing product like the Hebron facility, investors can bypass construction delays and secure assets at a basis below replacement cost.
This resilience is reflected in the region’s economic data. Despite national headwinds, the Cincinnati region continues to attract investment in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Northern Kentucky’s economic growth has been particularly strong. It is outperforming many peer markets in the Midwest.
Brennan Investment Group continues aggressive Midwest expansion
This acquisition adds to an already impressive portfolio for Brennan Investment Group. According to the firm’s website, they currently own and manage approximately 28 million square feet of industrial real estate across the Midwest. This is part of a national portfolio spanning 29 states and nearly 60 million square feet. Since its founding in 2010, the company has acquired or developed over $6.5 billion in industrial real estate.
The firm’s focus on the Midwest is strategic. The region serves as the manufacturing and logistics heartland of the United States. It offers a centralized location that can reach a significant portion of the U.S. population within a day’s truck drive. Brennan Investment Group has consistently targeted “infill” locations—established industrial areas surrounded by dense population centers—rather than greenfield developments on the far exurban fringe.
This focus on infill assets shields the portfolio from some of the volatility seen in big-box distribution markets. While million-square-foot warehouses can suffer from fluctuations in global import volumes, smaller manufacturing and distribution facilities often serve stable, regional needs.
Looking ahead for the Cincinnati industrial sector
In 2026, Cincinnati’s industrial market favors landlords, especially for spaces under 100,000 square feet. Limited new construction ensures vacancy rates in submarkets like Hebron stay low. Consequently, tenants will face fierce competition for well-located industrial spaces.
This validates strategies like Brennan Investment Group’s focus on supply-constrained corridors. The Hebron acquisition reflects trends like quality, stable tenure, and location connectivity. Institutional investment shows receding “freight recession” fears and renewed supply chain confidence. The Cincinnati Airport submarket remains a dynamic industrial hub as capital continues to flow.
FAQs
Who is Brennan Investment Group?
Brennan Investment Group is a Chicago-based real estate investment firm specializing in industrial properties across the Midwest. Founded in 2010, the firm owns and manages nearly 60 million square feet of industrial real estate nationwide.
What did Brennan Investment Group recently acquire in Cincinnati?
The company acquired a 56,000-square-foot light industrial facility in Hebron, Kentucky, located at 1010 Petersburg Road, within the Airpark International Corridor near CVG airport.
What is a sale-leaseback transaction, and why is it used?
A sale-leaseback occurs when an owner sells a property to an investor while simultaneously leasing it back to continue operations. For tenants, it frees up capital for business growth. For investors like Brennan Investment Group, it provides immediate, stable cash flow with reduced leasing risk.
Why is the Cincinnati Airport submarket attractive for industrial investment?
The CVG Airport area is a high-demand, low-vacancy industrial corridor. Its proximity to interstates 275 and 75 and status as a major cargo hub for companies like DHL and Amazon Air makes it ideal for logistics, manufacturing, and distribution operations.
How does this acquisition fit Brennan Investment Group’s overall strategy?
The Hebron purchase aligns with Brennan Investment Group’s focus on “infill” industrial markets, clustering properties for operational efficiency. It also supports acquiring high-quality assets with long-term tenant stability in strategic Midwest locations.
