VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Aug. 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The management and Board of Directors of Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (NASDAQ:WHLR), a fully-integrated, self-managed commercial real estate investment company focused on acquiring and managing income-producing retail properties with a primary focus on grocery-anchored centers, announced today the formation of a new committee of the Board of Directors designed to strengthen Board oversight of the Company’s operations and increase interaction with management. The Operating Committee will be comprised of three independent directors and will expire on March 1, 2018. The committee has authority to retain advisors with approval of the full Board of Directors. John Sweet will chair the committee and will be joined by, Jeffrey Zwerdling, the Company’s lead independent director and John McAuliffe. Wheeler’s Board of Directors, along with management, remains focused on increasing shareholder value and believes that this new committee will allow the Board to provide support in executing the Company’s growth plan.

Jon S. Wheeler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Both management and the Board remain steadfast in maximizing shareholder value and have continued to drive value through portfolio operations. The current operating environment has become increasingly more challenging, and the Board is taking a proactive approach to ensure that operations are maximized. The Operating Committee will provide additional tactical support and increase interaction with management as we look to execute on the Company’s growth strategy. Our commitment to protect our shareholders remains at the forefront of that strategy as we look to evaluate any and all alternatives to enhance long term shareholder value.”

About Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. is a fully-integrated, self-managed commercial real estate investment company focused on acquiring and managing income-producing retail properties with a primary focus on grocery-anchored centers. Wheeler’s portfolio contains well-located, potentially dominant retail properties in secondary and tertiary markets that generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns, with a particular emphasis on grocery-anchored retail centers.

Additional information about Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. can be found at the Company’s corporate website: www.whlr.us.