ProLogis Releases New Research Report on Central and Eastern Europe's Emerging Logistics Infrastructure

- Continued Investment in a World-Class Transportation Network is Bringing the Central and Eastern Region Closer to Economic Parity with Western Europe -

DENVER, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ProLogis (NYSE: PLD), the world's largest owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities, today released a new research report entitled, "Central and Eastern Europe's Logistics Infrastructure: Connecting the Dots."

This report examines the transformation taking place in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries as they work to create a modern network of high-speed motorways suitable for transporting the escalating truck traffic and freight entering, exiting and crisscrossing the region, as well as their plans for the next ten years. It also identifies four new distribution corridors that are emerging within the CEE region as its transport infrastructure continues to mature.

"The CEE countries' expanding economies, increasing prosperity and further integration into the European Union (EU) have helped drive major improvements in their logistics infrastructure in recent years," said Leonard Sahling, first vice president of research for ProLogis. "While some countries have made more progress than others, new regional distribution corridors are fast emerging throughout the region to accommodate the increasing quantity of freight not only between the CEE countries but with the rest of the world."

During their 40-plus years under communist rule, the five main CEE countries -- the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia -- woefully underinvested in their transportation infrastructure. Today, bolstered by continued economic growth, foreign trade and support from the European Union, they are spending billions of euros per year building new railways, seaports, airports and most significantly, roadways to handle the growing volumes of truck freight.

"The majority of roads serving the capital cities in the CEE region are rapidly approaching Western European standards, but those serving secondary cities within these countries are still inadequate, resulting in significant traffic congestion," said Sahling. "Combined with the current pace of progress, we estimate it will take at least another ten years before the CEE countries are able to complete their plans for a modern transportation infrastructure."

ProLogis' Global Research Department monitors, analyzes and reports on key trends and dynamics in both real estate and supply chain management, drawing from industry data and primary research conducted by company analysts and a network of affiliated academics and other professionals. Past reports have focused on global supply chain dynamics, internet retailing, RFID technology, Japan's logistics property markets, Mexico's maquiladoras, and other related topics.

For a copy of the report on CEE's logistics infrastructure or other reports, please click on the following link: http://www.prologisresearch.com/CEEinfrastructure.

About ProLogis

ProLogis is the world's largest owner, manager and developer of distribution facilities, with operations in 132 markets across North America, Europe and Asia. The company has $40.4 billion of assets owned, managed and under development, comprising 542.3 million square feet (50.4 million square meters) in 2,884 properties as of June 30, 2008. ProLogis' customers include manufacturers, retailers, transportation companies, third-party logistics providers and other enterprises with large-scale distribution needs. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, ProLogis employs over 1,500 people worldwide. For additional information about the company, go to http://www.prologis.com.

SOURCE ProLogis

Released September 18, 2008