Smith Price is to provide professional services to H&M. Having advised the Swedish retailer on property acquisitions for both H&M and COS since 2001, including 18 new stores this year alone with more in pipeline, the firm has been asked to join a panel of specialist advisors that provides landlord and tenant advice. H&M join a host of retailers - including River Island, Monsoon, Clarks, Currys Digital, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Austin Reed, Fraser Hart, BrightHouse and TK Maxx - that retain the firm for professional matters.

H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB has expanded substantially in recent years since it was first established in Vasteras, Sweden, in 1947 by Erling Persson. The company now operates some 1,800 stores across 34 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, China, Germany, Spain, France, Hong Kong and Dubai, employing no fewer than 73,000 members of staff. There are also plans to move into South America with Brazil the main focus.

The retailer has become one of leaders on the high street for fashion. Over the last few years, it has enjoyed collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Kylie Minogue, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson and most recently Jimmy Choo. 2007 saw the launch of the new COS concept, or Collection of Style, with the opening of the signature store on Regent Street. The brand is aimed at the mid-market consumer who either cannot be reached with H&M products or wants to trade up.