KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): US-based Capital Income Builder has emerged as a substantial shareholder in Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust (Sunway REIT) with 6.5% stake.

A filing with Bursa Malaysia showed the fund purchased the stake, comprising of 174.95 million units, up to Feb 2. The unit price closed at RM1.29 on that day.

Sunway REIT is the largest Malaysia REIT in terms of asset size, market capitalisation, average daily turnover volume and free float.

Its paid-up is 2.691 billion units and market capitalisation is at RM3.418 billion

The largest shareholder is Sunway Bhd with 36.83% or 991.49 million shares while the Employees Provident Fund Board owns 9.77% or 262.87 million shares.

Sunway REIT recorded a net realised income of RM50.76 million in its second quarter ended Dec 31, 2011, compared to RM45.23 million a year ago.