ISELIN, NJ-Bergman Real Estate Group, a family-owned business based here, has expanded its acquisition program to include retail properties in New Jersey. The company has been focusing on office properties, and has built up a portfolio of more than 1.6 million sf of that product.
"Acquiring and managing retail properties is a natural expansion for our firm," says Michael Bergman, president and CEO of the company. "While we appreciate the competitiveness of both the office and retail property markets in New Jersey, the time is right to diversify in a variety of directions, one of which is the highly developed strip center market in New Jersey."
"Consumer spending, while cyclical, continues to drive the need for active retail businesses in our densely populated state," he continues. "We believe there is still room for growth and selective development of retail properties throughout New Jersey."
Spearheading the new effort is Jesse Cohen, former franchise owner of Stratis Business Centers, an executive suite company affiliated with the Regus Group in the UK. Cohen will work directly with Michael DiFede, Bergman's director of acquisitions.
The Bergman family does have some retail experience in its background. The company's founder and chairman, Jerome Bergman, managed and operated more than two million sf of retail properties in eight states back in the 1970s and '80s.
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.