Linear seeks to acquire $200 million of "convenience-oriented" retail real estate by 2006. The company purchased three shopping centers totaling $14 million since its inception in 2003: Centre Street Village in Danvers; Flint Village Plaza in Fall River; and RK Plaza in Dracut.

Targeted acquisitions include smaller "unanchored" retail properties ranging from fully-stabilized shopping centers and freestanding stores to retail sites in need of complete redevelopment. Individual investments will typically range from a minimum of $1 million up to $15 million. Portfolio purchases are also being actively pursued by the company.

Linear was launched in September 2003 as Pivotal Properties by Beckeman in partnership with Principal Enterprise Capital, a subsidiary of Des Moines-based Principal Financial Group. The firm focuses on the acquisition, operation and repositioning of convenience-oriented retail properties in Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.