WR Hambrecht Forms RE Securities Unit

WR Hambrecht + Co., San Francisco, has announced the hiring of George B. Rogers and Christopher J. Hartung as managing directors in connection with the formation of a Real Estate Securities Group, a new business line for the firm.The group will focus on capital transactions and research coverage for real estate investment trusts, real estate operating companies, and homebuilders. "WRH+Co.'s OpenIPO and OpenFollow-On equity auction products can benefit both issuers and investors of real estate securities by allowing participation in a truly efficient process," Mr. Rogers said. Mr. Rogers founded Black Mountain Capital, an investment banking consulting group in the real estate and technology areas, and he was previously employed by Jefferies & Co. Inc. and Robertson Stephens & Co. Mr. Hartung was previously a managing director and group head of real estate equity research at Banc of America Securities. WR Hambrecht can be found online at http://www.wrhambrecht.com.