British property developer Hammerson has turned to Herbert Smith Freehills, CMS and Davis Polk & Wardwell for advice on raising approximately £800 million in a bid to offset the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.K. retail industry.

HSF is leading for long-standing client Hammerson on a rights issue that is expected to raise net proceeds of around £550 million, and also on the sale of Hammerson’s stake in VIA Outlets for around €300 million.