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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."