Hammerson Share Price (HMSO) - Buy HMSO Shares

Founded in 1942 by Lewis Hammerson with the intention of investing in real estate and converting houses into apartments, Hammerson PLC has become much more sophisticated in its strategy and vision but essentially retains a strong reputation both in the UK and France as a leading developer of properties in its two sectors, offices and retail. With many successful contributions to regeneration projects and numerous new builds, Hammerson PLC now lists Bishop Square - London E1, Italie 2 – Paris, Brent Cross – London NW4, The Oracle - Reading and the Birmingham Bullring amongst its top portfolio properties. Rent passing through the Bullring alone collates to some £15.4 million with its principal occupiers including Selfridges, Debenhams, Gap, H&M and Next.

In all, Hammerson PLC owns and manages 14 shopping centres and 19 retail parks, principally in the UK but with 1.3 million square meters of Retail space in France. A FTSE 100 company, Hammerson PLC benefits from tax-efficient REIT status in the UK and SIIC in France. As at 30th June 2008, the equity shareholders' funds stood at £3,920m with an adjusted net assert value per share, EPRA basis of £13.92. However; with a recession stepping up a gear, many people will be cautious of investing into property, particularly of the retail sector. Hammerson is cutting costs by £3 million which includes some job losses which has been inevitable thanks to rising costs of construction and financing and whilst developments in London and Aberdeen are set to continue throughout 2009, projects in Leeds and Sheffield have been halted.

All in all, despite the potential negatives that investing in a company such as Hammerson PLC might bring, comfort can be taken from the primary locations of many of the properties in the portfolio, and as rents remain firm, brokers are generally neutral or leaning towards "buy" on Hammerson PLC shares.