It was hit in 2020 as numerous businesses were forced to temporarily close sites for lockdowns. Hammerson agreed rent holidays and deferrals for some tenants.
Any sale would help the group pay down net debt of £2.2 billion and see the group exit the retail parks sector, allowing it to concentrate on trophy urban shopping centres in the UK, Ireland and France, and its land bank.
Hammerson’s chief executive Rita-Rose Gagné said in March: "Our immediate focus in 2021 is leading Hammerson through Covid-19 to safety. This means further disposals to strengthen the balance sheet, managing refinancing, and sharpening our operations to maximise income.”
Regarding the latest potential sale to Brookfield, Hammerson said: “There can be no certainty that a transaction will take place or the terms on which any transaction may occur. The company will provide a further update in due course, if appropriate.”
