-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, R3LkB0vKk0okF+eJXhX53KigcPkQznotlxcEEoRCeuuu14Ci5+A+QG63dHV5Aumj mK6HHocFajjAE5CD965Ecw== 0001042798-06-000037.txt : 20060316 0001042798-06-000037.hdr.sgml : 20060316 20060315173632 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001042798-06-000037 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 9 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20051231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20060316 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20060315 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001042798 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798] IRS NUMBER: 364173047 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-13589 FILM NUMBER: 06689319 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 77 WEST WACKER DR STREET 2: STE 3900 CITY: CHICAGO STATE: IL ZIP: 60601 BUSINESS PHONE: 3129171300 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 77 WEST WACKER DRIVE STREET 2: SUITE 3900 CITY: CHICAGO STATE: IL ZIP: 60601 10-K 1 finalfront.htm FORM 10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

 

or

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from to

 

Commission file number: 1-13589

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3900, Chicago, Illinois

(Address of principal executive offices)

36-4173047

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

60601

(Zip Code)

 

(312) 917-1300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

Series B – Cumulative Redeemable

Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest,

$0.01 par value per share

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

 

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. __ Yes X No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. __ Yes X No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. X Yes No

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. (See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large Accelerated Filer __ Accelerated Filer X Non-Accelerated Filer__

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

__Yes

X

No

 

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common shares held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $170,740,625 based on the per share closing price on the New York Stock Exchange for such shares on June 30, 2005.

 

The number of the registrant’s common shares outstanding was 236,483 as of March 15, 2006.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

None.

 



 

 

 

INDEX

 

PART I

 

PAGE

 

 

 

Item 1.

Business

4

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

12

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

21

Item 2.

Properties

22

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

24

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

24

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

25

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

28

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

30

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

60

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

60

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

61

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

61

Item 9B.

Other Information

62

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

63

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

68

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

73

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

74

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

75

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

76

 

 

 

 

Signatures

83

 

 

2

 



 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Forward-Looking Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the section entitled "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which reflect management’s current view with respect to future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, and include but are not limited to, the effects of future events on our financial performance; risks associated with our high level of indebtedness and our ability to refinance our indebtedness as it becomes due; the risk that we or our subsidiaries will not be able to satisfy scheduled debt service obligations or will not remain in compliance with existing loan covenants; the effects of future events, including tenant bankruptcies and defaults; risks associated with conflicts of interest that exist with certain members of our board of trustees ("Board") as a result of such members’ affiliation with our sole common shareholder; the risks related to the office and to a lesser extent, industrial markets in which our properties compete, including the adverse impact of external factors such as inflation, consumer confidence, unemployment rates and consumer tastes and preferences; the risk of potential increase in market interest rates from current rates; and risks associated with real estate ownership, such as the potential adverse impact of changes in the local economic climate on the revenues and the value of our properties as well as our tenants and vendors operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of December 31, 2005.

 

Among the matters about which we have made assumptions are the following:

 

 

future economic and market conditions which may impact the demand for office and industrial space either at current or increased levels;

 

the extent of any tenant bankruptcies or defaults that may occur;

 

ability or inability to renew existing tenant leases and lease up vacant space;

 

prevailing interest rates;

 

the effect of inflation and other factors on operating expenses and real estate taxes;

 

our ability to minimize various expenses as a percentage of our revenues; and

 

the availability of financing and capital.

 

In addition, historical results and percentage relationships set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are not necessarily indicative of future operations.

 

 

3

 



 

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Background and General

 

We are a fully-integrated, self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT") which owns, manages, leases, develops, and redevelops office and industrial real estate, primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area. Our portfolio of properties consists of 10 office properties, containing an aggregate of 3.8 million net rentable square feet, and one industrial property, containing 0.1 million net rentable square feet (see the "Properties" section for detailed information concerning the individual properties). All of our properties are located in the Chicago metropolitan area in prime business locations within established business communities and account for all of our rental revenue and tenant reimbursements revenue. In addition, we own 6.3 acres of developable land. We also have three joint venture interests in office properties containing an aggregate of 2.6 million net rentable square feet.

 

Our three joint venture interests are accounted for as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. These consist of a 50.0% common interest in a joint venture which owns the 945,792 square foot office tower located at 77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, a 30.0% subordinated common interest in a joint venture which owns the 1,508,068 square foot Citadel Center (formerly known as Bank One Center or Dearborn Center) office building located at 131 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, and a 23.1% common interest in a joint venture that owns a 101,006 square foot office building located in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

We were organized in Maryland on July 21, 1997 as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("the Code"), for federal income tax purposes. On November 17, 1997, we completed our initial public offering and contributed the net proceeds to Prime Group Realty, L.P. (our "Operating Partnership") in exchange for common and preferred partnership interests.

 

Prior to our acquisition (the "Acquisition") by an affiliate of The Lightstone Group, LLC ("Lightstone"), we were the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and owned all of the preferred units and 88.5% of the common units of the Operating Partnership then issued. Each preferred unit and common unit entitled us to receive distributions from our Operating Partnership. Distributions declared or paid to holders of common shares and preferred shares were based upon such distributions we received with respect to our common units and preferred units.

 

On June 28, 2005, our common shareholders approved the Acquisition by Lightstone and on July 1, 2005, the Acquisition was completed. The Acquisition closed pursuant to the terms of the previously announced agreement and plan of merger dated as of February 17, 2005, among certain affiliates of Lightstone, the Operating Partnership and us. As a result of the Acquisition, each of our common shares and limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership were cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of $7.25 per common share/limited partnership unit, without interest. In connection with the Acquisition, all outstanding options with an exercise price equal to or greater than the sales price of $7.25 per share/unit were cancelled and each outstanding option for a common share with an exercise price less than the sales price were entitled to be exchanged for cash in an amount equal to the difference between $7.25 and the exercise price. Our Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (the "Series B Shares") remain outstanding after the completion of the Acquisition.

 

4

 



 

 

As a result of the Acquisition, Prime Office Company LLC ("Prime Office"), a subsidiary of Lightstone, owned 100.0%, or 236,483, common shares and 99.1%, or 26,488,389, of the outstanding common units in the Operating Partnership. Prime Group Realty Trust (the "Company" or "PGRT") owns 0.9%, or 236,483, of the outstanding common units and all of the 4.0 million outstanding preferred units in the Operating Partnership.

 

Effective on November 16, 2005, Prime Office transferred 5,512,241 common units to Park Avenue Funding, LLC, an affiliate of Lightstone. Subsequent to the transfer, Prime Office owns 78.5%, or 20,976,148, of the outstanding common units in the Operating Partnership, while Park Avenue Funding, LLC owns 20.6% and PGRT owns 0.9% of the outstanding common units in the Operating Partnership.

 

As a result of the closing on December 30, 2005 of a loan from IPC Investments Holding Canada Inc. ("IPC Lender") to an affiliate of the Company, an affiliate of IPC Lender and subject to certain conditions having been met, IPC Prime Equity, LLC ("IPC Equity") will own a 12.6% interest in the cash available for distribution derived from Prime Office’s direct ownership of the common limited partnership units of our Operating Partnership. See Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Recent Developments for more detailed information regarding this loan.

 

Each preferred and common unit of the Operating Partnership entitles the owners to receive distributions from the Operating Partnership. Distributions declared or paid to holders of our common shares and preferred shares are based upon the distributions received by us with respect to the common units and preferred units we own in the Operating Partnership.

 

We conduct substantially all of our business through the Operating Partnership, except for certain services requested by our tenants, certain management contracts and build-to-suit construction activities, which are conducted through Prime Group Realty Services, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and its affiliates (collectively, the "Services Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership. Our executive offices are located at 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3900, Chicago, Illinois 60601, and our telephone number is (312) 917-1300.

 

Tax Status

 

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. As a REIT, we will not be subject to federal income tax at the corporate level on our income as long as we distribute 90.0% of our taxable income (excluding any net capital gain) each year to our shareholders. Since our inception, we believe that we have complied with the tax rules and regulations to maintain our REIT status. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we are subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and property. In addition, our Services Company’s income is subject to state and federal income taxation.

 

Business Strategy

 

Our business strategy is to operate our portfolio of properties to create the optimum level of service and value to our tenants, to retain our existing tenant base as their leases expire, to search for and identify prospective tenants for space in our properties which is unoccupied or is subject to expiring leases and to create maximum portfolio value for our shareholder.

 

5

 



 

 

Ongoing Operations. Our primary business is to focus on the operation, leasing and management of our existing real estate properties.

 

We strive to enhance our property-level net operating income and cash flow by:

 

engaging in pro-active leasing programs and effective property management;

managing operating expenses through the use of in-house management expertise;

maintaining and developing long-term relationships with a diverse tenant group;

attracting and retaining motivated employees by providing financial and other incentives; and

emphasizing value-added capital improvements to maintain and enhance our properties’ competitive advantages in their submarkets.

 

Liquidity and Capital Requirements. We require cash to pay our operating expenses, make capital expenditures, fund tenant improvements and leasing costs, pay distributions and service our debt and other short-term and long-term liabilities. Cash on hand and net cash provided from operations represent our primary sources of liquidity to fund these expenditures. In assessing our liquidity, key components include our net income, adjusted for non-cash and non-operating items, and current assets and liabilities, in particular accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. For the longer term, our debt and long-term liabilities are also considered key to assessing our liquidity.

 

In order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we must distribute 90.0% of our taxable income (excluding capital gains) annually. See Item 5 – Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for more information regarding distributions on our common shares and our Series B Shares dividends.

 

For a discussion of recent transactions which affect our liquidity and capital resources, see Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Recent Developments.

 

Our anticipated cash flows from operations combined with cash on hand are expected to be sufficient to fund our anticipated short-term capital needs. In 2006, we anticipate the need to fund significant capital expenditures to retenant space that has been previously vacated, or is anticipated to be vacated during the year. In order to fund these and our other short-term and long-term capital needs, we expect to utilize available funds from cash on hand, cash generated from our operations and existing escrows with lenders. In addition, we may enter into capital transactions, which could include asset sales and modifications or extensions of existing loans. There can be no assurances that any capital transactions will occur or, if they do occur, that they will yield adequate proceeds to fund our long-term capital needs or will be on terms favorable to us.

 

The financial covenants contained in some of our loan agreements and guarantee agreements with our lenders include minimum ratios for debt service coverage, as well as minimum net worth levels and numerous other financial covenants. As of December 31, 2005, we are in compliance with the requirements of all of our financial covenants.

 

Given our current level of debt, limited availability of unencumbered collateral and our current financing arrangements, we may not be able to obtain additional debt financing at interest rates that are below the rates of current return on our properties.

 

Acquisition and Development Activity. We may pursue selective property acquisitions.

 

6

 



 

 

Recent Developments

 

Dispositions. During the period from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005, we sold the following operating property and parcel of land.

Property

 

 

 

Location

Net

Rentable Square

Feet/Acres

 

Sales Price

(in millions)

 

Mortgage

Debt

(in millions)

Month

Sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

208 S. LaSalle Street (1)

Chicago, IL

865,655

$

44.0

$

41.9

December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Libertyville (2)

Libertyville, IL

3.0

$

0.7

$

February

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

On December 9, 2005, the previously announced sale of our 208 South LaSalle Street property to Prime/Mansur Investment Partners, LLC ("Prime/Mansur"), an entity controlled by E. Barry Mansur and including Michael W. Reschke, a former Chairman and a former member of our Board, was completed. We sold this property for a gross sales price of $44.0 million minus certain agreed upon closing prorations, including the assumption of the existing debt of $41.9 million on the property. After closing prorations and costs we received approximately $0.5 million in net proceeds from the sale. During the second quarter of 2005, we had recorded an asset impairment charge of $15.1 million related to this property. As a result of the revaluation of our balance sheet to fair value due to the Acquisition (See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting for the Acquisition to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail), no gain or loss was recorded on this sale.

 

(2)

Net proceeds from the sale of this property were $0.7 million and the property was unencumbered. A loss of $61,000 was recorded in gain (loss) on sales of real estate.

Indebtedness. During 2005, we completed the following transactions with respect to our indebtedness:

 

Collateral

Type of Loan

 

Loan

Principal

Amount

(in millions)

Interest Rate

Transaction

Date

Original

Maturity

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Indebtedness

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continental Towers

First Mortgage

$

75.0

LIBOR + 1.75%

5/05

5/08

Citadel Center

Mezzanine

 

55.0

12.00%

12/05

4/10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indebtedness Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continental Towers

First Mortgage

$

65.4

7.22%

5/05

5/13

208 S. LaSalle Street

First Mortgage

$

41.9

7.79%

12/05

4/13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal Payments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization

Various

$

2.8

Various

Various

Various

 

On May 5, 2005, we refinanced the senior loan secured by our Continental Towers office building with a non-amortizing first mortgage of $75.0 million maturing May 1, 2008. In addition, we purchased an interest rate protection agreement, which caps the total interest rate at 8.3%. During the loan refinancing, we received $4.0 million in loan proceeds and $4.9 million was funded into escrow ($3.5 million in a leasing escrow and $1.4 million in a tax escrow).

 

7

 



 

 

 

In conjunction with the sale of our 208 South LaSalle Street property discussed above, Prime/Mansur assumed the existing $41.9 million first mortgage held on the building and certain agreed upon closing prorations.

 

On December 30, 2005, our subsidiary, Prime Dearborn Equity LLC ("Prime Dearborn") entered into a $55.0 million mezzanine loan agreement associated with Citadel Center. This loan is collateralized with a pledge by Prime Dearborn of its right to distributions from the joint venture, Dearborn Center, L.L.C. (the "Dearborn JV"), owning Citadel Center, and a pledge by our Operating Partnership of its rights to management and leasing fees in connection with the management of the property. This loan contained a 2.0% origination fee, matures April 5, 2010 and has an annual interest rate of 12.0% payable to the extent of available cash flow, with minimum payments of 8.0% the first year of the loan and increasing by 50 basis points each year thereafter, to a maximum of 12.0%. In addition to the repayment of the loan, the lender, IPC Investments Holding Canada Inc. ("IPC Lender"), is entitled to a 12.0% look-back internal rate of return upon the maturity of the loan. An affiliate of IPC Lender, IPC Prime Equity, LLC ("IPC Equity"), received a membership interest in Prime Dearborn from which IPC Equity will be entitled to receive 10.0% of any net sales proceeds in excess of $50.0 million from Prime Dearborn’s interest in the Dearborn JV. IPC Equity has also been granted a right of first offer in certain circumstances to purchase Prime Dearborn’s interest in the Dearborn JV in the event Prime Dearborn determines to sell such interest. IPC Equity also received a membership interest in Prime Office. In connection with this membership interest, and subject to certain conditions having been met, IPC Equity will own a 12.6% interest in the cash available for distribution derived from Prime Office’s direct ownership of the common limited partnership units of our Operating Partnership. In the event that Prime Dearborn repays all or a portion of the loan before the first anniversary of the loan, IPC Lender shall have the option to use the proceeds of such repayment to purchase up to 33.3% of the membership interests in Prime Office.

 

Shareholders and Board of Trustees Developments. On February 28, 2005, our Board increased its size from six to seven members and elected Mr. Jeffrey A. Patterson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, to fill the newly created position on the Board.

 

On July 1, 2005, in connection with the Acquisition, Mr. Patterson agreed to remain as a trustee and as President and Chief Executive Officer. Messrs. Jacque Ducharme, Stephen Nardi, Christopher Nassetta, Douglas Crocker II, Ray D’Ardenne and Daniel Lupiani resigned as trustees and have been succeeded by (i) Messrs. David Lichtenstein, the Chairman and Principal of Lightstone, Michael Schurer, the Chief Financial Officer of Lightstone, and Bruno de Vinck, a Senior Vice President of Lightstone, each of whom were named as non-independent trustees, and (ii) Messrs. George R. Whittemore, John M. Sabin, and Shawn R. Tominus, each of whom were named as independent trustees and members of our audit committee.

 

Competition

 

We compete with many other owners and developers of office and industrial real estate, some of which may have greater financial and marketing resources or expertise. In addition, the amount of available space in competitive properties in any particular market or submarket in which our properties are located could have a material adverse effect on both our ability to lease space and on the rents charged at our properties.

 

8

 



 

 

Services Company

 

We provide certain services requested by tenants through our Services Company. As a Taxable REIT Subsidiary, our Services Company can provide services to tenants of our properties, even if these services are not considered services customarily furnished in connection with the rental of real estate property, without causing the rental income from the properties to be treated as other than rents from real property by the Internal Revenue Service under the Code. Our Services Company provides leasing and property management services to the unconsolidated joint ventures that own the Citadel Center and 77 West Wacker Drive office properties.

 

Government Regulations

 

Environmental Matters. Phase I or similar environmental assessments have been performed by independent environmental consultants on all of our properties. Phase I assessments are intended to discover information regarding, and to evaluate the environmental condition of, the surveyed property and surrounding properties. Phase I assessments generally include a historical review, a public records review, an investigation of the surveyed site and surrounding properties and the preparation and issuance of a written report, but do not include soil sampling or subsurface investigations.

 

During the due diligence process in connection with the sale of certain industrial properties in October 2004, additional environmental contamination, beyond that previously identified by our environmental consultants, was discovered by the purchaser at our East Chicago Enterprise Center and Hammond Enterprise Center facilities. As a result, we agreed to establish a $1.25 million environmental escrow at the closing, in addition to a $3.2 million reserve for the previously identified environmental contamination, for use in remediation of the costs. In connection with the sale, the purchaser of these properties agreed to assume the responsibility for the environmental remediation of the property and any costs which may be incurred in excess of the amounts we placed in escrow at the closing. Any excess funds remaining in the $1.25 million escrow after the remediation of the additional environmental contamination will be returned to us. This escrow is included in our restricted cash with a corresponding liability included in other liabilities. At December 31, 2005, this escrow had a balance of $1.25 million plus interest of $27,326.

 

In November 2001, at the request of the Department of the Army of the United States of America (the "DOA"), we granted the DOA a right of entry for environmental assessment and response in connection with our property known as the Atrium located at 280 Shuman Boulevard in Naperville, Illinois. The DOA informed us that the property was located north of a former Nike missile base and that the DOA was investigating whether certain regional contamination of the groundwater by trichloethene ("TCE") emanated from the base and whether the DOA would be required to restore the environmental integrity of the region under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program for Formerly Used Defense Sites. In December 2001, the results from the tests of the groundwater from the site indicated elevated levels of TCE. It is currently our understanding based on information provided by the DOA and an analysis prepared by its environmental consultants that (i) the source of the TCE contamination did not result from the past or current activities on the Atrium property, (ii) the TCE contamination is a regional problem that is not confined to the Atrium and (iii) the DOA has not yet identified the source of the TCE in the groundwater. Our environmental consultants have advised us that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") has issued a Statement of Policy towards owners of property containing contaminated acquifers. According to this policy, it is the EPA’s position that where hazardous substances have come to be located on a property solely as a result of subsurface migration in an aquifer from an offsite source, the EPA will not take enforcement actions against the owner of the property. The groundwater underneath this property

 

9

 



 

 

is relatively deep, and the property obtains its potable water supply from the City of Naperville and not from a groundwater well. Accordingly, we do not anticipate any material liability because of this TCE contamination.

 

Our IBM Plaza office property currently contains asbestos in the form of non-friable spray-on insulation located on the decking and beams of the building. We have been informed by our environmental consultants that the asbestos in IBM Plaza is not friable and no remediation of the asbestos is necessary.

 

We believe that our other properties are in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations regarding hazardous or toxic substances. We have not been notified by any governmental authority, and are not otherwise aware of any material noncompliance, liability or claim relating to hazardous or toxic substances in connection with any of our other properties. None of the environmental assessments of our properties have revealed any environmental liability that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole, nor are we aware of any such material environmental liability. Nonetheless, it is possible that our assessments do not reveal all environmental liabilities or that there are material environmental liabilities of which we are unaware. Moreover, there can be no assurance that (i) future laws, ordinances or regulations will not impose any material environmental liability or (ii) the current environmental condition of our properties will not be affected by tenants, by the condition of land or operations in the vicinity of our properties (such as the presence of underground storage tanks) or by third parties unrelated to us. If compliance with the various laws and regulations, now existing or hereafter adopted, exceeds our budgets for such items, our financial condition could be further adversely affected.

 

Costs of Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA"). Under the ADA, all public accommodations and commercial facilities are required to meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. These requirements became effective in 1992. Compliance with the ADA requirements could require removal of access barriers, and noncompliance could result in the imposition of fines by the federal government or an award of damages to private litigants. We believe that our properties are substantially in compliance with these requirements, however, we may incur additional costs to fully comply with the ADA. Although we believe that such costs will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, if required changes involve a greater amount of expenditures than we currently anticipate, our capital and operating resources could be adversely affected.

 

Other Regulations. Our properties are also subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the imposition of fines by governmental authorities or awards of damages to private litigants. We believe that our properties are currently in material compliance with all such regulatory requirements. However, there can be no assurance that these requirements will not be changed or that new requirements will not be imposed which would require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures and could have an adverse effect on our net income and our capital and operating resources.

 

Insurance

 

In the regular course of our business, we maintain comprehensive liability and all-risk property insurance with respect to our properties provided by reputable companies with commercially reasonable deductibles, limits and policy specifications customarily covered for similar properties. Our management believes that such insurance adequately covers our properties.

 

 

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On March 22, 2005, we obtained new property insurance policies consisting of (i) a primary policy covering the first $150.0 million of physical damage to the properties in our portfolio (the "primary policy") and (ii) several layers of excess property insurance in an aggregate amount of $400.0 million covering physical property damages to our properties in excess of our primary policy (the "excess policies"). Our primary policy and excess policies include insurance for acts of terrorism as a covered loss. We are at risk for financial loss, which could be material, relating to losses in excess of our policy limits. In addition, we are at risk under our insurance policies for losses of any amount relating to occurrences which are not covered by our insurance policies, such as occurrences excluded under the standard coverage exclusions such as acts of war, military action, nuclear hazards, governmental action, illegal acts of the insured and pollution, which in the event of such losses could be material.

 

Our primary policy and excess policies include coverage for flood and earthquake losses. In certain instances our policy sub-limits for these losses may be less than the value of specific properties. Our properties are not located in geographical areas typically subject to flood or earthquake losses. However, we may be at risk of financial losses resulting from losses that exceed these policy sub-limits.

 

We maintain liability insurance including but not limited to commercial general liability, auto liability, garage liability and commercial umbrella insurance (the "liability policies") in amounts and limits that are similar to other property owners in geographic areas similar to that of our properties. Our liability policies include coverage for acts of terrorism as a covered loss. Additionally, we maintain workers compensation in compliance with statutory limits and requirements as well as employers liability insurance. These policies contain standard exclusions that are typical of liability insurance policies. We may be at financial risk for losses that exceed our limits of liability or which may be excluded from the insurance policies, which could be material.

 

In connection with the ownership of our properties, certain events may occur that would require us to expend funds for environmental remediation of some of our properties and adjacent properties. Certain environmental exposures are excluded from coverage under our insurance policies. Effective April 30, 2003, we obtained a pollution legal liability policy having a limit of $10.0 million, which includes coverage for liability, third party property damage and remediation costs as a result of pollution conditions. Pre-existing pollution conditions are excluded from the policy and certain property locations may be excluded in the future by our insurer based on its ongoing due diligence. Costs not covered under our pollution legal liability policy could be material, which could adversely affect our financial condition. We are unable to predict changes in future environmental laws and the financial impact we may incur as result of these changes.

 

Employees

 

As of December 31, 2005, we had approximately 108 full-time employees. We believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.

 

Available Information

 

We make available, free of charge, on our Internet website,www.pgrt.com, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are electronically filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of our governance guidelines, code of ethics and the charter of our audit committee is also available, free of charge, on our Internet website, and are available in print to any shareholder who requests it from our

 

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investor relations representative c/o Prime Group Realty Trust, Investor Relations, 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3900, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Investment in us presents risks. If any of the risk events described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. Some statements in the following risk factors discussion, constitute "forward-looking statements." Please refer to the section above entitled "Forward-Looking Statements."

Our properties depend upon the Chicago metropolitan area economy and its demand for office space.

With the exception of our joint venture interest in a building in Phoenix, Arizona, all of our properties are located in the Chicago metropolitan area, which exposes us to greater economic risks than if we owned properties in several geographic regions. Moreover, because our portfolio of properties consists primarily of office buildings, a decrease in the demand for office space may have a greater adverse effect on our business and financial condition than if we owned a more diversified real estate portfolio. We are susceptible to adverse developments in the Chicago metropolitan area, such as business layoffs or downsizing, industry slowdowns, relocations of businesses, changing demographics, increased telecommuting, terrorist targeting of high-rise structures, infrastructure quality, increases in real estate and other taxes, costs of complying with government regulations or increased regulation and other factors. We are also subject to adverse developments in the national and Chicago regional office space markets, such as oversupply of or reduced demand for office space. Any adverse economic or real estate developments in the Chicago metropolitan area, or any decrease in demand for office space, including those resulting from Chicago’s or Illinois’ regulatory environment, business climate or fiscal problems, could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations.

 

We may be unable to renew leases, lease vacant space or re-lease space as leases expire.

As of December 31, 2005, leases representing 4.0% of the annual base rent we receive for the properties in our portfolio will expire in 2006. Above market rental rates at some of our properties may force us to renew or re-lease some expiring leases at lower rates. There can be no assurance that leases will be renewed or that our properties will be re-leased at net effective rental rates equal to or above their current net effective rental rates. If the rental rates for our properties decrease, our existing tenants do not renew their leases or we do not re-lease a significant portion of our available space and space for which leases will expire, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder would be adversely affected.

 

Our performance and value are subject to risks associated with real estate assets and with the real estate industry.

Our ability to pay distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder depends on our ability to generate revenues in excess of expenses, scheduled principal payments on debt and capital expenditure requirements. Events and conditions generally applicable to owners and operators of real property that are beyond our control may decrease cash available for distribution and the value of our properties. These events include:

 

 

local oversupply, increased competition or reduction in demand for office space;

 

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inability to collect rent from tenants;

 

vacancies or our inability to rent space on favorable terms;

 

increased operating costs, including insurance premiums, utilities and real estate taxes, due to inflation and other factors which may not necessarily be offset by increased rents;

 

costs of complying with changes in governmental regulations;

 

the relative illiquidity of real estate investments; and

 

changing submarket demographics.

In addition, periods of economic slowdown or recession, rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate, or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in a general decline in rents or an increased incidence of defaults under existing leases, which would adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder.

 

We face significant competition, which may decrease or prevent increases of the occupancy and rental rates of our properties.

There are a number of office real estate companies that compete with us in seeking prospective tenants. All of our properties are located in developed areas where there are generally other properties of the same type and quality. Competition from other office properties may affect our ability to attract and retain tenants and maintain or increase rental rates, particularly in light of the higher vacancy rates of many competing properties which may result in lower-priced space being available in such properties. If our competitors offer space at rental rates below current market rates, or below the rental rates we currently charge our tenants, some of which are significantly above current market rates, we may lose potential tenants and we may be pressured to reduce our rental rates below those we currently charge in order to retain tenants when their leases expire. As a result, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow, and ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and pay distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder may be adversely affected.

 

Our debt level reduces cash available for operations, capital expenditures and distributions to our holders of our Series B Shares and our common shareholder, and may expose us to the risk of default under our debt obligations.

As of December 31, 2005, our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $453.0 million. Payments of principal and interest on borrowings may leave us with insufficient cash resources to operate our properties, fund necessary capital expenditures or to pay the distributions necessary to maintain our REIT qualification. Our relatively high level of debt and the limitations imposed on us by our loan agreements could have significant adverse consequences to us, including the following:

 

 

our cash flow may be insufficient to meet our required principal and interest payments;

 

we may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms;

 

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we may be unable to refinance our existing or future indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be less favorable than the terms of our existing indebtedness;

 

because a portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates, increases in interest rates could increase our interest expense;

 

we may be forced to dispose of one or more of our properties, possibly on disadvantageous terms;

 

we may default on our obligations and the lenders or mortgagees may foreclose on our properties that secure their loans and receive an assignment of rents and leases;

 

we may violate restrictive covenants in our loan agreements, which would entitle the lenders to accelerate our debt obligations; and

 

our default under any one of our mortgage loans with cross default provisions could result in a default on other indebtedness.

If any one of these events were to occur, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay distributions to holders of our Series B Shares and our common shareholder could be adversely affected. In addition, foreclosures could create taxable income without accompanying cash proceeds, a circumstance which could hinder our ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements imposed by the Code.

 

Covenants in our debt instruments could adversely affect our financial condition and restrict our range of operating activities.

 

The loan documents evidencing our loans contain certain covenants with our lenders, which include minimum ratios for debt service coverage, minimum net worth levels and numerous other financial covenants affecting us and certain of our properties. These covenants could limit our flexibility in conducting our operations and create the risk of a default on our indebtedness if we cannot continue to satisfy them. In addition, these covenants could limit our ability, without the prior consent of the appropriate lender, to further mortgage our properties. If we fail to comply with any of these covenants and are not able to get a waiver from the relevant lender, we will be in default under the relevant loan and any other loans which may be cross-defaulted with such loan. If this occurs, the relevant lenders may foreclose on our properties that secure the loans, pursue us or our affiliates for any portion of the debt which is recourse and could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder.

 

The average daily trading volume of our Series B Shares is relatively small, thus making it difficult to buy or sell significant numbers of shares without affecting the market price.

 

Our common shares are not publicly traded, and our Series B Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). However, based on the recent historical average daily trading volume of our Series B Shares, the acquisition or sale of a significant number of our Series B Shares on the NYSE will in most cases affect the market price of the Series B Shares, thus making it difficult or impossible to buy or sell large numbers of shares at or near the market price in effect immediately prior to any such purchase or sale. In addition, because the purchase or sale of relatively small numbers of shares may significantly impact the price of the Series B

 

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Shares, significant fluctuations in trading volume and price variations may occur, which may be unrelated to our operating performance.

 

The Lightstone Group controls us, and will continue to control us, as long as one or more of its affiliates own a majority of our common shares.

 

The Lightstone Group, through its subsidiary, Prime Office, beneficially owns all of our outstanding common shares. Our Board currently consists of seven trustees, of which three qualify as "independent" under NYSE rules. As long as The Lightstone Group beneficially owns a majority of our outstanding common shares, The Lightstone Group will continue to be able to elect all of the members of our Board. As a result, The Lightstone Group will control all matters affecting us, including (i) the composition of our Board and, through it, any determination with respect to our business direction and policies, including the appointment and removal of officers, (ii) any determinations with respect to mergers or other business combinations, (iii) our acquisition or disposition of assets, (iv) our corporate finance activities and (v) the payment of distributions on our common shares and Series B Shares.

 

The Lightstone Group and its designees on our Board may have interests that conflict with our interests.

 

The Lightstone Group and its designees on our Board may have interests that conflict with, or are different from, our own and/or holders of our Series B Shares. Conflicts of interest between The Lightstone Group and us may arise, and such conflicts of interest may not be resolved in a manner favorable to us and/or holders of Series B Shares, including potential competitive business activities, corporate opportunities, indemnity arrangements, registration rights, dividends on our common shares and Series B Shares and the exercise by The Lightstone Group of its ability to control our management and affairs. Our organizational documents do not contain any provisions designed to facilitate resolution of actual or potential conflicts of interests, or to ensure that potential business opportunities that may become available to both The Lightstone Group and us will be reserved for or made available to us. Pertinent provisions of law will govern any such matters if they arise.

 

We may sell or acquire additional assets which could adversely affect our operations and financial results.

 

We may sell or acquire real estate or acquire other real estate related companies when we believe a sale or acquisition is consistent with our business strategies. However, we may not be successful in completing a desired sale or acquisition in a timely manner or pursuant to terms that are favorable to us. Real estate investments may be, depending on market conditions, relatively difficult to buy and sell quickly. Consequently, we may have limited ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions. If we do complete an acquisition, we may not succeed in leasing any newly acquired properties at rental rates or upon other terms sufficient to cover the costs of acquisition and operations. Difficulties in integrating acquisitions may prove costly or time-consuming and could divert management’s attention from other important matters. We may also abandon acquisition or sale opportunities prior to completion and consequently fail to recover expenses already incurred and have thus devoted significant amounts of management time to a matter not consummated. Furthermore, future acquisitions may expose us to significant additional liabilities, some of which we may not be aware of at the time of acquisition. If and when we do complete a sale, we may not succeed in selling it for a price or on other terms favorable to us.

 

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The redevelopment of certain of our existing properties and any future development we may undertake could be costly and involve substantial risk.

 

As part of our operating strategy, (i) we may redevelop certain of our existing properties to upgrade the quality of an asset and/or change its use and (ii) we may acquire land for development or construct improvements on land we currently own. Developing and redeveloping real estate contains numerous risks, which may adversely affect our ability to make distributions to holders of our Series B Shares and our common shareholder. These risks include the risks that (i) financing and/or equity for development and redevelopment projects may not be available on favorable terms, (ii) long-term financing to refinance any short-term construction financing may not be available upon the completion of a project, (iii) the failure to complete construction of a project on schedule or within budget may increase debt service expenses and construction costs, and (iv) we may be unable to find interested users to acquire or lease space in a project after its completion, thus making it difficult or impossible for us to recoup our investment or refinance our indebtedness on the project. We may also abandon redevelopment or development projects prior to the commencement or completion or construction and (a) consequently fail to recover expenses already incurred and (b) have thus devoted significant amounts of management time to a project which was not completed.

 

Only our Series B Shares are listed on the NYSE and, therefore, we are entitled to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

 

Only our Series B Shares are listed on the NYSE. Under the NYSE rules, a company which only lists preferred shares or debt is not required to comply with certain of the NYSE corporate governance requirements, including (1) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors of a listed company consist of independent directors, (2) the requirement that a listed company have a nominating/corporate governance committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities and (3) the requirement that a listed company have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. We are currently utilizing these exemptions as they relate to our Board. As a result, we do not have a majority of independent trustees, nor do we have nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees. Accordingly, the holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.

 

We depend on significant tenants.

As of December 31, 2005, the five largest tenants in our portfolio represented approximately 37.4% of the total annualized rent generated by our properties (including joint ventures). Our tenants may experience a downturn in their businesses, which may weaken their financial condition, result in their failure to make timely rental payments or result in their default under their leases. In the event of any tenant default, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs attempting to protect our investment.

 

The bankruptcy or insolvency of a major tenant also may adversely affect the income produced by our properties. If any tenant becomes a debtor in a case under the United States Bankruptcy Code, we cannot evict the tenant solely because of the bankruptcy. In addition, the bankruptcy court might authorize the tenant to reject and terminate its lease with us. Our claim against the tenant for unpaid, future rent would be subject to a statutory cap that might be substantially less than the remaining rent actually owned under the lease. Even so, our claim for unpaid rent would likely not be paid in full.

 

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Our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if any of our significant tenants were to become bankrupt or insolvent, or suffer a downturn in their business, or fail to renew their leases at all or renew on terms less favorable to us than their current terms.

 

There can be no assurance that we will be able to pay or maintain cash distributions to holders of Series B Shares or our common shareholder.

 

Due to a number of factors, including our capital resources, heavy debt load and requirements in our operating environment, our Board decided not to pay a distribution on our common shares and units beginning with the last quarter 2001 and continuing during 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 through to the date of the Acquisition. Further in April 2002, our Board decided to suspend the declaration and payment of dividends on our Series B Shares. We subsequently resumed the payment of dividends on our Series B Shares with dividends of $0.5625 per share in April, July and October of 2004 and January and April 2005. Concurrent with the completion of the Acquisition, all accrued but unpaid distributions on the Series B Shares, plus distributions on our Series B Shares for the third quarter of 2005, were paid to the holders of our Series B Shares. On July 1, 2005, we funded both (i) one quarterly distribution of $0.5625 per share on our Series B Shares to preferred shareholders of record as of June 15, 2005 and (ii) six quarters of distributions totaling an additional $3.3750 per share on our Series B Shares to preferred shareholders of record as of June 21, 2005. Under our charter, these distributions represent the distributions for the first quarter of 2004 through to, and including, the entire third quarter of 2005.

 

After the closing of the Acquisition on July 1, 2005, our newly constituted Board declared a distribution to Prime Office, the holder at that time of the 26,488,389 common limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership and our 236,483 common shares, in an amount of $1.1225 per unit/share and having a record date and a payment date of July 5, 2005. In addition, our Board declared a distribution to the holders of the 26,488,389 common limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and the 236,483 common shares, in an amount of $2.8438 per unit/share and having a record date of February 9, 2006 and a payment date of February 10, 2006. On December 30, 2005, our Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5625 per share on our Series B Shares for the shareholders of record on January 16, 2006. This dividend was paid on January 31, 2006. Under our declaration of trust, this dividend is deemed to be a quarterly dividend related to the fourth quarter of 2005 dividend period. On February 9, 2006, our Board declared a quarterly dividend on our Series B Shares for the first quarter of 2006 of $0.5625 per share. The quarterly dividend has a record date of March 31, 2006 and a payment date of April 28, 2006. Dividends paid on our Series B Shares have been determined to be a return of capital to shareholders. There can be no assurances as to the timing and amounts of any future dividends on our Series B Shares and the declaration of the first quarter 2006 preferred dividend at this time should not be construed to convey any degree of certainty with respect to future preferred dividend payments.

 

Our management and Board review our cash position, debt levels and requirements for cash reserves each quarter prior to making any decision with respect to paying distributions/dividends. Any future distributions on our common shares and/or preferred shares will be made at the discretion of our Board. These distributions will depend on the actual cash available for distribution, our financial condition, capital requirements, the completion of capital events, including refinancings and asset sales, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code and such other factors as our Board deems relevant. Distributions on our common shares and common units are not permitted unless all current and any accumulated dividends on our Series B Shares and the related preferred units in the Operating Partnership have been paid in full or declared and set aside for payment.

 

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Our current and future joint venture investments could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our joint venture partners’ financial condition and any disputes that may arise between us and our joint venture partners.

We own three joint venture interests and in the future we may co-invest with, or sell interests in our existing properties to, third parties through joint ventures. We may not be in a position to exercise sole decision-making authority regarding the properties owned through joint ventures. Investments in joint ventures may, under certain circumstances, involve risks not present when a third party is not involved, including the possibility that joint venture partners might become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions. Joint venture partners may have business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals and may be in a position to take actions contrary to our policies or objectives. Such investments also may have the potential risk of impasses on decisions, such as a sale, because neither we nor the joint venture partner would have full control over the joint venture. Any disputes that may arise between us and the joint venture partners may result in litigation or arbitration that would increase our expenses and prevent our officers and/or trustees from focusing their time and effort principally on our business. Consequently, actions by or disputes with joint venture partners might result in subjecting properties owned by the joint venture to additional risk. In addition, we may in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of our third-party joint venture partners.

 

Tax indemnification obligations in the event that we sell a certain property could limit our operating flexibility.

We agreed to indemnify the limited partner of the limited partnership that owns a property encumbered by a mortgage note we hold against specified adverse tax consequences that may result from the refinancing, sale, foreclosure or certain other actions that may be taken with respect to the property or the related mortgage note. If our tax indemnification obligations were to be triggered under this agreement, we would be required to reimburse the covered party for the effects of, or a portion of the effects of, the resulting tax consequences to this party. Subsequent to December 31, 2005, we restructured these obligations. See Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Recent Developments – Continental Towers Refinancing for further discussion.

 

Failure to qualify as a REIT would have significant adverse consequences to us.

 

We operate our business so as to qualify as a REIT under the Code. Although our management believes that we are organized and operate in such a manner, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be able to operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain so qualified. We have not requested and do not plan to request a ruling from the IRS that we qualify as a REIT, and the statements in this report are not binding on the IRS or any court. If we lose our REIT status, we will face serious tax consequences that would substantially reduce the funds available for operations, capital improvements and distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder for each of the years involved because:

 

 

we would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to shareholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates;

 

we also could be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax and possibly increased state and local taxes; and

 

unless we are entitled to relief under applicable statutory provisions, we could not elect to be taxed as a REIT for four taxable years following the year during which we were disqualified.

 

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In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will not be required to make distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder, and all distributions to such shareholders will be subject to tax as regular corporate dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. As a result of all these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT also could impair our ability to raise capital, and would adversely affect the value of our common shares.

 

Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable Treasury regulations under the Code is greater in the case of a REIT that, like us, holds its assets through a partnership. The determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. For example, in order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements, including requirements regarding the composition of our assets and a requirement that at least 95% of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources, such as "rents from real property." Also, we must make distributions to shareholders aggregating annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and by excluding net capital gains). In addition, no assurance can be given that new legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions will not significantly change the tax laws with respect to our qualification as a REIT or the federal income tax consequences of such qualification.

 

Even if we qualify as and maintain our status as a REIT, we may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and property. For example, if we were to generate net income from a "prohibited transaction," such income will be subject to a 100.0% tax.

 

We are required to evaluate the internal controls over our financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and any adverse results from that evaluation could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports and have an adverse effect on the stock price of our Series B Shares and the value of our common shares.

 

We are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission, which include the requirement that we prepare a report on our internal controls over financial reporting. This report must contain an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls as of December 31, 2005. We must disclose any material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting that were identified by us. Our independent auditors are also required to opine on their assessment of our internal controls. If we are unable to assert that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, or if our independent auditors are unable to give us an satisfactory opinion on the effectiveness of our internal controls, we could lose investor confidence in our financial reports, which could have an adverse effect on the value of our Series B Shares and common shares.

 

Other regulations could adversely affect our financial condition.

Our properties also are subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and safety requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the imposition of fines by governmental authorities or awards of damages to private litigants. We believe that our properties are currently in material compliance with all such regulatory requirements. There can be no assurance, however, that these requirements will not be changed or that new requirements will not be imposed which would require significant unanticipated expenditures and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and pay distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder.

 

 

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Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect our results of operations.

We seek to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility by using interest rate hedging arrangements that involve risk, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements, and that such arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may adversely affect our results of operations.

 

Potential losses may not be covered by insurance.

Our properties are covered by comprehensive liability, fire, flood, extended coverage, rental loss and all-risk insurance provided by various companies and with deductibles, limits and policy specifications customarily covered for similar properties. Certain types of losses, however, may be either uninsurable or not economically insurable, such as losses due to floods, riots or acts of war, or may be insured subject to specified limitations, such as large deductibles or co-payments. See Item 1 – Business – Insurance. Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose our investment in and the anticipated future cash flow from the affected property and may be obligated on any mortgage indebtedness, to the extent it is recourse indebtedness, or other obligations related to such property.

 

The construction of new developments adjacent to or near certain of our existing properties may adversely affect the leasing, operation and value of those properties.

 

Two large new developments being built by third parties are currently under construction adjacent to two of our properties, one near our 77 West Wacker Drive property and the other near our property located at 330 North Wabash Avenue. While to our knowledge neither of these projects under development currently contemplate any office component and thus will not directly compete with the existing use of our properties, the major construction activities underway at these adjacent sites could cause significant disruptions to the operation of our two properties identified above, including those resulting from noise, dust, vibrations, construction traffic and other related activities. These activities could inconvenience our tenants at these properties and make it difficult to renew certain leases as their terms expire or lease vacant space in these properties to new tenants. In addition, the new projects currently under construction may also adversely affect our leasing efforts and the value of our properties affected, by among other things, blocking certain views from our properties and creating increased traffic and congestion.

 

We may incur significant costs of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or the ADA, all public accommodations and commercial facilities are required to meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Compliance with the ADA requirements could require removal of access barriers, and non-compliance could result in imposition of fines by the federal government or an award of damages to private litigants. Although we believe that our properties are substantially in compliance with these requirements, we may incur additional costs to comply with the ADA. In addition, we are required to operate our properties in compliance with fire and safety regulations, building codes and other land use regulations, as they may be adopted by governmental agencies and bodies and become applicable to our properties. If we incur substantial costs to comply with the ADA and any other legislation, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay distributions to holders of Series B Shares and our common shareholder could be adversely affected.

 

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Liabilities for environmental matters could adversely affect our financial condition.

Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, an owner or operator of real property may be held liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances located on or in such property. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator was responsible for, or even knew of, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The costs of investigation, removal or remediation of such substances may be substantial, and the presence of such substances may adversely affect the owner’s or operator’s ability to rent or sell such property or to borrow using such property as collateral and may expose such owner or operator to liability resulting from any release of or exposure to such substances. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances at another location also may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at the disposal or treatment facility, whether or not such facility is owned or operated by such person. Certain environmental laws impose liability for release of asbestos-containing materials into the air, and third parties may also seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with asbestos-containing materials and other hazardous or toxic substances. In connection with the ownership (direct or indirect), operation, management and development of real properties, we may be considered an owner or operator of such properties or as having arranged for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances and therefore potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other related costs, including governmental penalties and injuries to persons and property. See Item 1 – Business – Government Regulations – Environmental Matters for a more detailed discussion of environmental matters affecting us.

 

Future terrorist attacks in the United States could harm the demand for, and the values of, our properties.

Future terrorist attacks in the U.S., such as the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, and other acts of terrorism or war could harm the demand for and the value of our properties. Terrorist attacks also could directly impact the value of our properties through damage, destruction, loss or increased security costs, and thereafter the availability of insurance for such acts may be limited or may cost more. To the extent that our tenants are impacted by any future attacks, their ability to continue to honor obligations under their existing leases with us could be adversely affected. In addition, certain tenants have termination rights in respect of certain casualties. If we receive casualty proceeds, we may not be able to reinvest such proceeds profitably or at all, and we may be forced to recognize taxable gain on the affected property.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

 

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

General

 

We own 10 office properties and one industrial property located in the Chicago metropolitan area. This includes Continental Towers, on which we own a second mortgage note that constitutes a significant controlling financial interest in this property. We therefore consolidate its operations. In addition, we own a 50.0% common interest in a joint venture which owns the 945,792 square foot office tower located at 77 West Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, a 30.0% subordinated common interest in a joint venture which owns a 1,508,068 square foot office building located at 131 South Dearborn Street in downtown Chicago, known as Citadel Center, and a 23.1% common interest in a joint venture which owns a 101,006 square foot office building located in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Our management team has developed or redeveloped a significant number of office properties, including the 77 West Wacker Drive and Citadel Center buildings and the redevelopment of the 180 North LaSalle Street building, all located in downtown Chicago. In the course of such activities, we have acquired experience across a broad range of sophisticated development and redevelopment projects.

 

We own approximately 6.3 acres of developable land. However, we do not currently anticipate commencing any new development projects in the near future, although we may undertake the redevelopment of, or improvements to, certain properties we currently own and/or may acquire in the future.

 

Our office properties are leased to tenants either (i) on a net basis with tenants obligated to pay their proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and operating expenses or (ii) on a gross basis, with the landlord responsible for the payment of these expenses up to the amount incurred during the tenants’ first year of occupancy ("Base Year"), or a negotiated amount approximating the tenants’ pro rata share of these expenses ("Expense Stop"). In the latter cases, the tenants pay their pro rata share of increases in expenses above the Base Year or Expense Stop. Our industrial property’s lease is written on a triple-net lease basis, with the tenant paying all of the real estate taxes, insurance, utilities and other operating expenses for the property.

 

22

 



 

 

Properties

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to each of our properties. Through the Operating Partnership and other subsidiaries, we own 100.0% fee-simple title in all of the office and industrial properties, except for Continental Towers and the unconsolidated joint venture properties identified below. All of the properties are office properties with the exception of 1051 N. Kirk Road, which is an industrial property.

 

 

 

 

 

Location

Year Built/

Renovated

Net

Rentable

Square Feet

Percentage

Occupied as

of 12/31/05

Wholly-Owned Properties:

 

 

 

 

IBM Plaza (1)

Chicago, IL

1971

1,370,460

87.8%

Continental Towers (2)

Rolling Meadows, IL

1977 thru

1981/2001

923,074

79.5%

180 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, IL

1982/1999

768,658

78.6%

800-810 Jorie Boulevard

Oak Brook, IL

1961/1992

191,666

100.0%

4343 Commerce Court

Lisle, IL

1989

165,471

66.5%

740-770 Pasquinelli Drive

Westmont, IL

1986

109,945

87.0%

280 Shuman Blvd.

Naperville, IL

1979

65,456

78.6%

1600-1700 167th Street

Calumet City, IL

1981

64,976

84.5%

Enterprise Center II

Westchester, IL

1999

62,619

100.0%

7100 Madison Avenue

Willowbrook, IL

1999

50,157

100.0%

1051 N. Kirk Road

Batavia, IL

1990

120,004

100.0%

Portfolio total

 

 

3,892,486

84.2%

 

 

 

 

 

Unconsolidated Joint Venture

Properties:

 

 

 

 

Citadel Center (3)

Chicago, IL

2002

1,508,068

73.1%

77 West Wacker Drive (4)

Chicago, IL

1992

945,792

93.1%

Thistle Landing (5)

Phoenix, AZ

1999

101,006

0.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The land underlying a portion of this property, related to the parking garage, is leased for a term expiring on April 30, 2019 with an option to extend the term for an additional twenty-five years.

 

 

(2)

We hold a mortgage note receivable on this office property and have consolidated the underlying property operations because we receive substantially all of the economic benefits of the property’s operations.

 

 

(3)

We own a 30.0% subordinated common ownership interest in a joint venture that owns this office property.

 

 

(4)

We own a 50.0% common ownership interest in a joint venture that owns this office property.

 

 

(5)

We own a 23.1% common ownership interest in a joint venture that owns this office property. On August 29, 2005, we were notified by our joint venture partner of the execution of a sale agreement for three of the four buildings at Thistle Landing. The sale took place in early November and we received a distribution relating to our interest of $3.9 million on November 7, 2005, which was recorded as a reduction of our investment in the unconsolidated joint venture. As a result of the sale, the net rentable square feet was reduced to 101,006 square feet from 383,509 square feet. In addition, we have no impairment on our investment because the fair value of our investment is greater than the carrying value.

 

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Except as described below, neither we nor any of our properties are presently subject to any material litigation or legal proceeding, nor, to our knowledge, is any material litigation or legal proceeding threatened against us, other than routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which is expected to be covered by liability insurance and all of which collectively is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

 

On October 26, 2005, Prime/Mansur exercised its option to acquire our membership interest in the Plumcor Thistle, LLC, ("Plumcor/Thistle JV"), and the parties subsequently executed the purchase and sale agreement for the sale. On December 22, 2005, we terminated the purchase and sale agreement relating to the Plumcor/Thistle JV because Prime/Mansur had failed to obtain our joint venture partner’s consent to the transaction by the December 15, 2005 deadline contained in the agreement. Prime/Mansur subsequently sent us a letter disputing our right to terminate the agreement, to which we replied with a letter reaffirming our right to terminate the agreement. On January 31, 2006, Prime/Mansur filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois claiming that our termination of the purchase and sale agreement was not justified. Prime/Mansur is requesting the Court to grant it either specific performance and order us to convey our joint venture interest in Plumcor Thistle to Prime/Mansur or damages in the amount of $5.0 million. We believe we have legitimate defenses to this action and the ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse affect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2005.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED

STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY

SECURITIES

 

Our common shares traded on the NYSE under the symbol "PGE" from November 12, 1997 through July 1, 2005, the effective date of the Acquisition. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and own all of the preferred units. Prior to the Acquisition, we owned 88.5% of the common units of the Operating Partnership. After the Acquisition, we own 0.9% of the common units of the Operating Partnership. Each preferred unit and common unit entitled us to receive distributions from our Operating Partnership. Distributions declared or paid to holders of common shares and preferred shares are based upon such distributions we receive with respect to our common units and preferred units.

 

As a result of the Acquisition, each of our common shares and limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership were cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of $7.25 per common share/limited partnership unit, without interest, which resulted in the delisting of our common shares from the NYSE effective July 2, 2005. In connection with the Acquisition, all outstanding options with an exercise price greater than the sales price of $7.25 per share/unit were cancelled and each outstanding option for a common share with an exercise price less than the sales price were entitled to be exchanged for cash in an amount equal to the difference between $7.25 and the exercise price. Our Series B Shares remain outstanding after the completion of the Acquisition and continue to be publicly traded on the NYSE.

 

As a result of the Acquisition, Prime Office owned 100.0%, or 236,483, of our common shares and 99.1%, or 26,488,389, of the outstanding common units in the Operating Partnership. We own 0.9%, or 236,403, of the outstanding common units and all of the 4.0 million outstanding preferred units in the Operating Partnership.

 

Effective on November 16, 2005, Prime Office transferred 5,512,241 common units to Park Avenue Funding, LLC. Subsequent to the transfer, Prime Office owns 78.5%, or 20,976,148, of the outstanding common units in the Operating Partnership while Park Avenue Funding, LLC owns 20.6% and PGRT owns 0.9% of the outstanding common units.

 

As a result of the loan from IPC Lender, IPC Equity owns a 12.6% interest in the cash available for distribution derived from Prime Office’s direct ownership of the common limited partnership units of our Operating Partnership.

 

25

 



 

 

The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices per common share reported on the NYSE prior to the Acquisition and the common share distributions we paid for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

 

High

 

Low

 

Paid (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter

$

7.23

$

6.15

$

Second quarter

 

7.26

 

7.03

 

Third quarter      (2)

 

 

 

1.1225

Fourth quarter    (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fiscal Year 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter

$

6.90

$

6.05

$

Second quarter

 

6.48

 

5.06

 

Third quarter

 

5.83

 

5.15

 

Fourth quarter

 

6.43

 

5.69

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             

 

 

(1)

No distributions were declared or paid prior to the Acquisition in 2005 or for the four quarters of 2004.

 

 

(2)

As a result of the Acquisition, our common shares were delisted from the NYSE effective July 2, 2005.

 

Due to a number of factors, including our capital resources, heavy debt load and requirements in our operating environment, our Board decided not to pay a distribution on the common shares and units beginning with the last quarter 2001 and continuing during 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 through to the date of the Acquisition. Further in April 2002, our Board decided to suspend the declaration and payment of dividends on our Series B Shares. We subsequently resumed the payment of dividends on our Series B Shares with dividends of $0.5625 per share in April, July and October of 2004 and January and April 2005. Concurrent with the completion of the Acquisition, all accrued but unpaid distributions on the Series B Shares, plus distributions on our Series B Shares for the third quarter of 2005, were paid to the holders of our Series B Shares. On July 1, 2005, we funded both (i) one quarterly distribution of $0.5625 per share on our Series B Shares to preferred shareholders of record as of June 15, 2005 and (ii) six quarters of distributions totaling an additional $3.3750 per share on our Series B Shares to preferred shareholders of record as of June 21, 2005. Under our charter, these distributions represent the distributions for the first quarter of 2004 through to, and including, the entire third quarter of 2005.

 

After the closing of the Acquisition on July 1, 2005, our newly constituted Board declared a distribution to Prime Office, the holder at that time of the 26,488,389 common limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership and our 236,483 common shares, in an amount of $1.1225 per unit/share and having a record date and a payment date of July 5, 2005. In addition, our Board declared a distribution to the holders of the 26,488,389 common limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and the 236,483 common shares, in an amount of $2.8438 per unit/share and having a record date of February 9, 2006 and a payment date of February 10, 2006. On December 30, 2005, our Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5625 per share on our Series B shares for the shareholders of record on January 16, 2006. This dividend was paid on January 31, 2006. Under our declaration of trust, this dividend is deemed to be a quarterly dividend related to the fourth quarter of 2005 dividend period. On February 9, 2006, our Board declared a quarterly dividend on our Series B Shares for the first quarter of 2006 of $0.5625 per share. The quarterly dividend has a record date of March 31, 2006 and a payment date of April 28, 2006. Dividends paid on our Series B Shares have been determined to be a return of capital to shareholders. There can be no assurances as to the timing and amounts of any future dividends on our Series B Shares and the declaration

 

26

 



 

of the first quarter 2006 preferred dividend at this time should not be construed to convey any degree of certainty with respect to future preferred dividend payments.

 

Our management and Board review our cash position, debt levels and requirements for cash reserves each quarter prior to making any decision with respect to paying distributions/dividends. Any future distributions on our common shares and/or preferred shares will be made at the discretion of our Board. These distributions will depend on the actual cash available for distribution, our financial condition, capital requirements, the completion of capital events, including refinancings and asset sales, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code and such other factors as our Board deems relevant. Distributions on our common shares and common units are not permitted unless all current and any accumulated dividends on our Series B Shares and the related preferred units in the Operating Partnership have been paid in full or declared and set aside for payment.

 

Equity Compensation Plans. For a discussion of our equity compensation plans see the information contained in Item 12 – Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management – Equity Compensation Plan Information of this report.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

None.

 

 

Purchases of Equity Securities by Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

None.

 

27

 



 

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial data and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

Balance Sheet Data

 

(dollars in thousands)

Real estate assets

$

471,892

 

$

619,059

$

681,933

$

1,025,271

$

685,601

Total assets

 

771,921

 

 

767,363

 

948,781

 

1,410,181

 

1,527,649

Mortgage notes and notes payable

 

452,965

 

 

427,445

 

435,869

 

693,910

 

598,135

Total liabilities

 

530,668

 

 

502,785

 

663,640

 

1,064,099

 

1,076,737

Minority interests

 

135,851

 

 

19,154

 

21,803

 

100,643

 

128,806

Shareholders’ equity                                .....

 

105,402

 

 

245,424

 

263,338

 

245,439

 

282,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share amount)

Statement of Operations Data (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

$

48,555

 

$

48,178

$

98,614

$

124,714

$

106,086

$

107,661

Operating (loss) income

 

(921)

 

 

(3,347)

 

16,235

 

28,887

 

15,603

 

2,259

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

4,294

 

 

(18,382)

 

(19,982)

 

(16,087)

 

(1,829)

 

(8,965)

Net income (loss)

 

4,319

 

 

(19,571)

 

(11,383)

 

(36,217)

 

(30,621)

 

(4,498)

Net loss available to common shareholders

 

(181)

 

 

(24,071)

 

(20,383)

 

(45,217)

 

(41,901)

 

(16,648)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings available to common shares per weighted-average common share (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

$

(0.87)

 

$

(0.97)

$

(1.22)

$

(1.25)

$

(0.84)

$

(1.35)

Net loss available per weighted-average common share of beneficial interest –basic and diluted

 

(0.76)

 

 

(1.02)

 

(0.86)

 

(2.25)

 

(2.67)

 

(1.07)

Distributions paid per common share

 

1.1225

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.01

Preferred stock dividends paid per share

 

4.50

 

 

1.125

 

1.6875

 

 

2.25

 

2.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flow and Operating Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funds from operations (3)

$

4,212

 

$

(18,831)

$

12,689

$

(1,085)

$

(29,924)

$

15,786

Cash flow provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

1,768

 

 

(6,659)

 

22,108

 

56,875

 

42,320

 

52,810

Investing activities

 

(58,326)

 

 

2,258

 

116,613

 

296,732

 

(75,951)

 

(144,744)

Financing activities

 

4,523

 

 

2,314

 

(99,598)

 

(336,799)

 

42,849

 

73,248

Office Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Square footage

 

3,157,744

 

 

3,841,001

 

4,632,633

 

5,536,065

 

6,281,263

 

7,807,576

Occupancy (%)

 

83.7

 

 

82.8

 

85.1

 

75.1

 

91.5

 

92.0

Industrial Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Square footage

 

120,004

 

 

120,004

 

120,004

 

3,874,712

 

3,874,712

 

3,914,712

Occupancy (%)

 

100.0

 

 

100.0

 

100.0

 

81.4

 

84.4

 

81.7

Unconsolidated Joint Venture Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Square footage

 

1,982,044

 

 

2,295,569

 

2,831,303

 

2,827,302

 

2,831,943

 

1,421,658

Occupancy (%)

 

77.6

 

 

80.9

 

79.7

 

74.1

 

39.9

 

81.9

 

 

(1)

Information for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 has been restated for the reclassification of the operations of properties, to reflect the impact of SFAS 144, from continuing operations to discontinued operations.

 

 

28

 



 

 

(2)

Net income available per weighted-average common share of beneficial interest-basic equals net income divided by 236,483; 23,658,579; 23,671,412; 20,105,183; 15,673,544 and 15,630,586 common shares for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Net income available per weighted-average share of beneficial interest-diluted equals net income divided by 236,483; 23,658,579; 23,671,412; 20,105,183; 15,673,544 and 15,630,586, common shares for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The change in number of weighted-average common shares is principally due to the Acquisition by Lightstone and common unitholders in our Operating Partnership exchanging units for common shares and the issuance of new units in connection with property acquisitions.

 

(3)

We compute Funds from Operations ("FFO") in accordance with standards established by the Board of Governors of National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") in its April 2002 White Paper. FFO does not represent amounts available for management’s discretionary use because of needed capital replacement or expansion, debt repayment obligations, or other commitments and uncertainties. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net (loss) income, as an indication of our performance or as an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity or the ability to pay dividends or make distributions.

 

 

29

 



 

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

 

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

We are a fully-integrated, self-administered and self-managed REIT which owns, manages, leases, develops and redevelops office and industrial real estate, primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area. Our portfolio of properties consists of 10 office properties, containing an aggregate of 3.8 million net rentable square feet, and one industrial property, containing 0.1 million net rentable square feet. In addition, we own 6.3 acres of developable land and have three joint venture interests in office properties containing an aggregate of 2.6 million rentable square feet.

 

All of our properties are located in the Chicago metropolitan area in prime business locations within established business communities and account for all of our rental revenue and tenant reimbursements revenue. One of our joint venture properties is located in Arizona.

 

Our results reflect the general weakness in the office leasing market in the Chicago metropolitan area over the past several years. Because of this weakness in the leasing market, we have been challenged to retain existing tenants and locate new tenants for our vacant and non-renewing space at acceptable economic rental rates. In addition, the supply of downtown Chicago office space continues to grow, principally as a result of the construction of new office buildings. As these buildings continue to come on line in the next few years, the additional supply may add to the challenge.

 

Our management is addressing this challenge by increasing our marketing efforts both through working with the office brokerage community and in direct marketing campaigns to prospective users of office space in our market, as well as investing in targeted capital expenditures to improve our properties in order to enhance our position in our market.

 

Our income and cash flow is derived primarily from rental revenue (including tenant reimbursements) from our properties. We expect that any revenue growth over the next several years will come from revenue generated through increased occupancy rates in our portfolio. The following summarizes our portfolio occupancy at the end of 2004 and at the end of each quarter of 2005, excluding properties sold in subsequent periods:

 

 

Portfolio Occupancy

 

December 31,

September 30,

June 30,

March 31,

December 31,

 

2005

2005

2005

2005

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Total

84.2%

82.5%

83.1%

83.8%

85.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unconsolidated Joint Venture Properties

77.6%

80.3%

80.9%

81.3%

79.7%

 

2005 Business Summary

 

For 2005, our focus was on:

 

improving our liquidity position;

retiring or refinancing debt which had maturity dates in 2005;

stabilizing portfolio cash flow;

reducing operating costs;

 

30

 



 

 

aggressively pursuing leasing transactions; and

continuing to explore strategic alternatives and closing the Acquisition.

 

Below is a summary of several of the activities we undertook in 2005 in keeping with these objectives.

 

We refinanced our Continental Towers property with a first mortgage loan in the principal amount of $75.0 million.

We sold our 208 South LaSalle Street property to eliminate the outflows of cash needed for its continuing operations and generated $0.5 million in net sales proceeds.

Through December 31, 2005, we commenced 69 new and expansion office leases totaling 241,642 square feet, and renewed or extended 55 office leases totaling 285,957 square feet.

We completed an Acquisition by Lightstone on July 1, 2005 of all of our outstanding common shares and limited partnership units for a price of $7.25 per common share/limited partnership unit.

 

Key Performance Indicators

 

We evaluate the performance of our operations based on the occupancy percentages and operating profit of each of our properties, including their rental revenue, tenant reimbursement revenue, property operations expense and administrative expenses, as well as tenant retention and the results of tenant satisfaction surveys. We also use other metrics such as gross rent, occupancy, percent of property operating expenses recovered and net effective rent in analyzing individual tenant lease agreements.

 

In addition to net income under GAAP, prior to the Acquisition we used FFO, which is a measurement tool common among real estate investment trusts for measuring profitability.

 

We used the purchase method of accounting to record the assets and liabilities in connection with the Acquisition. Accordingly the financial statements as of and for the period ended subsequent to the Acquisition are not comparable in all material respects to our financial statements as of and for periods ended prior to the Acquisition.

 

31

 



 

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the Year ended December 31, 2005 to the Year ended December 31, 2004

 

The table below represents selected operating information for our portfolio. Property revenues include rental revenues, tenant reimbursements and other property operating revenues. Property operating expenses include real estate taxes, utilities and other property operating expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase/

 

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

(Decrease)

 

% Change

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Property revenues

$

92,559

$

94,240

$

(1,681)

 

(1.8)%

 

Services Company revenues

 

4,174

 

4,374

 

(200)

 

(4.6)

 

Total revenues

 

96,733

 

98,614

 

(1,881)

 

(1.9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operating expenses

 

48,497

 

45,955

 

2,542

 

5.5

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

30,052

 

19,534

 

10,518

 

53.8

 

General and administrative

 

7,708

 

10,426

 

(2,718)

 

(26.1)

 

Services Company operations

 

4,062

 

3,768

 

294

 

7.8

 

Severance costs

 

394

 

322

 

72

 

22.4

 

Strategic alternative costs

 

10,288

 

2,374

 

7,914

 

333.4

 

Total expenses

 

101,001

 

82,379

 

18,622

 

22.6

 

Operating (loss) income

 

(4,268)

 

16,235

 

(20,503)

 

(126.3)

 

Loss from investments in unconsolidated

joint ventures

 

(13,022)

 

(14,878)

 

1,856

 

12.5

 

Interest and other income

 

2,596

 

1,617

 

979

 

60.5

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense

 

(25,368)

 

(25,106)

 

(262)

 

(1.0)

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(1,288)

 

(1,616)

 

328

 

20.3

 

Accretion of mortgage note payable

 

927

 

 

927

 

100.0

 

Loss from continuing operations before minority interests

 

(40,423)

 

(23,748)

 

(16,675)

 

(70.2)

 

Minority interests

 

26,335

 

3,766

 

22,569

 

599.3

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

(14,088)

 

(19,982)

 

5,894

 

29.5

 

Discontinued operations,
net of minority interests

 

(10,235)

 

9,092

 

(19,327)

 

(212.6)

 

Loss before gain (loss) on sales of real estate

 

(24,323)

 

(10,890)

 

(13,433)

 

(123.4)

 

Gain (loss) on sales of real estate,

net of minority interest

 

9,071

 

(493)

 

9,564

 

1,940.0

 

Net loss

$

(15,252)

$

(11,383)

$

(3,869)

 

(34.0)%

 

 

Property Revenues. The decrease of $1.7 million in property revenues was primarily attributable to the amortization of the above-market and below-market lease values resulting from the Acquisition ($1.8 million).

 

Services Company Revenues. The decrease of $0.2 million in our Services Company revenues during 2005 was primarily due to decreased leasing commission income from the joint ventures due to decreased leasing activity.

 

Property Operating Expenses. The increase of $2.5 million in property operating expenses was primarily attributable to increases in real estate taxes due to increased tax rates ($1.1 million), landscaping and parking lot repairs ($0.7 million), general and administrative expenses ($0.4 million) and repairs and maintenance costs ($0.4 million).

 

Depreciation and Amortization. The increase of $10.5 million in depreciation and amortization was primarily attributable to the revaluation to fair value of our tangible and intangible assets as a result of the Acquisition. Of the total increase, $2.2 million was attributable to tenant improvements and leasing costs associated with the commencement of new leases.

 

General and Administrative. The decrease of $2.7 million in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease in salaries and benefits ($0.7 million) as a result of a reduction in headcount,

 

32

 



 

lower legal costs ($0.9 million) and lower compliance fees ($0.5 million) which was the result of management’s cost containment strategies.

 

Strategic Alternative Costs. The $7.9 million increase in strategic alternative costs is primarily due to the settlement payment ($7.0 million) and legal fees ($0.7 million) associated with previously settled litigation.

 

Loss From Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The decrease of $1.9 million in loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures was primarily due to a $1.4 million decrease in loss as compared to 2004 associated with our equity investment in the Citadel Center joint venture related to additional leasing activity during 2004. In addition, our equity investment in the 77 West Wacker joint venture experienced a decrease of $0.5 million as compared to 2004, primarily due to the expiration of the interest rate collar in September 2004.

 

Interest and Other Income. The increase of $1.0 million in interest and other income was primarily due to an increase in interest income related to our short-term investments and restricted escrow accounts, which was the result of an increase in average interest rates on investment from 1.3% in 2004 to 3.0% in 2005, while the average balance was unchanged.

 

Interest Expense. The decrease in interest expense of $0.3 million was primarily due to $1.7 million in interest expense savings related to the mezzanine loan payoffs at Fleet Bank related to a mezzanine loan collateralized by our 180 North LaSalle ($0.9 million) property and a mezzanine loan collateralized by our 800-810 Jorie Boulevard and our former 208 South LaSalle ($0.8 million) properties. Additionally, we refinanced the fixed rate debt associated with our Continental Towers property with a variable rate loan that accounted for $0.6 million in interest expense savings. These gains were partially offset by unfavorable changes in LIBOR rates that led to a $2.1 million increase in interest expense on the variable rate debt associated with our IBM Plaza property.

 

Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs. The decrease of $0.3 million in amortization of deferred financing costs was primarily attributable to the revaluation of our intangible assets as a result of the Acquisition and the write-off and accelerated amortization of financing costs for indebtedness retired or refinanced in 2004 and 2005.

 

Minority Interests. The increase of $22.6 million in minority interests was primarily due to the Acquisition. As a result of the Acquisition, minority interest percentage ownership increased from 11.5% to 99.1%.

 

Discontinued Operations. Discontinued operations reflect net income (loss) (including provision for asset impairment and lease termination revenue) and gain (loss) on sales of real estate for operating properties, which have been sold. Discontinued operations include the results of operations of our 208 South LaSalle Street property, which was sold in December 2005, and the residual effects relate to properties sold in prior years. The decrease of $19.3 million was primarily attributable to a provision for asset impairment on our 208 South LaSalle Street property in 2005 ($15.1 million), a gain on sale on our industrial properties in 2004 ($8.2 million), a gain from operations associated with our industrial properties in 2004 ($1.7 million) and a change in minority interests ($0.7 million), offset by a reduction in loss from operations on our 33 West Monroe Street property from 2004 ($2.9 million), a reduction in depreciation and amortization related to our 208 South LaSalle Street property from 2004 ($1.7 million), an increase in the gain on sale of our industrial properties upon finalization of our related obligation under the tax indemnity agreement with certain principals affiliated with the former Chairman of our Board, Mr. Stephen J. Nardi (the "NAC Contributors") in 2005 ($0.7 million), lease termination fees received in 2005 related to our 208 South LaSalle Street property ($0.6 million) and the accretion of the mortgage note payable associated with our 208 South LaSalle Street property in 2005 ($0.2 million).

 

 

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Gain (Loss) on Sales of Real Estate. The increase of $9.2 million in gain on sales of real estate is primarily due to a recognized gain from the Citadel Center joint venture as we achieved a leasing condition under the Citadel Center joint venture agreement and qualified for the receipt of a contingent purchase price of $9.8 million.

 

 

34

 



 

 

Comparison of the Year ended December 31, 2004 to the Year ended December 31, 2003

 

The table below represents selected operating information for our portfolio. Property revenues include rental revenues, tenant reimbursements and other property operating revenues. Property operating expenses include real estate taxes, utilities and other property operating expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase/

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

(Decrease)

 

% Change

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Property revenues

$

94,240

$

121,791

$

(27,551)

 

(22.6)%

 

Services Company revenues

 

4,374

 

2,923

 

1,451

 

49.6

 

Total revenues

 

98,614

 

124,714

 

(26,100)

 

(20.9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operating expenses

 

45,955

 

54,325

 

(8,370)

 

(15.4)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

19,534

 

26,105

 

(6,571)

 

(25.2)

 

General and administrative

 

10,426

 

9,681

 

745

 

7.7

 

Services Company operations

 

3,768

 

2,582

 

1,186

 

45.9

 

Provision for asset impairment

 

 

1,948

 

(1,948)

 

(100.0)

 

Severance costs

 

322

 

701

 

(379)

 

(54.1)

 

Strategic alternative costs

 

2,374

 

485

 

1,889

 

389.5

 

Total expenses

 

82,379

 

95,827

 

(13,448)

 

(14.0)

 

Operating income

 

16,235

 

28,887

 

(12,652)

 

(43.8)

 

Loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

(14,878)

 

(2,249)

 

(12,629)

 

(561.5)

 

Interest and other income

 

1,617

 

1,296

 

321

 

24.8

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense

 

(25,106)

 

(44,423)

 

19,317

 

43.5

 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(1,616)

 

(6,906)

 

5,290

 

76.6

 

Loss from continuing operations before minority interests

 

(23,748)

 

(23,395)

 

(353)

 

(1.5)

 

Minority interests

 

3,766

 

7,308

 

(3,542)

 

(48.4)

 

Loss from continuing operations

 

(19,982)

 

(16,087)

 

(3,895)

 

(24.2)

 

Discontinued operations,
net of minority interests

 

9,092

 

(19,484)

 

28,576

 

146.7

 

Loss before loss on sales of real estate

 

(10,890)

 

(35,571)

 

24,681

 

69.4

 

Loss on sales of real estate,

net of minority interest

 

(493)

 

(646)

 

153

 

23.7

 

Net loss

$

(11,383)

$

(36,217)

$

24,834

 

68.6%

 

 

Property Revenues. The decrease of $27.6 million in 2004 property revenues consists principally of revenues generated from Citadel Center in 2003 ($27.3 million), which is no longer consolidated into our operations and the 2003 termination of Arthur Andersen LLP’s lease at our IBM Plaza property ($1.0 million) offset by the additional tenant reimbursements due to greater property operating expenses in 2004 excluding our Citadel Center property ($0.5 million).

 

Services Company Revenues. The increase of $1.5 million in our Services Company revenues during 2004 was primarily due to increased leasing commission income of $0.8 million from the joint ventures, and increased management fee income of $0.8 million related to our management of Citadel Center for a full year and the management of 77 West Wacker Drive which was previously managed by our Operating Partnership and previously included in other income.

 

Property Operating Expenses. The decrease of $8.4 million in property operating expenses consists principally of operating expenses incurred by Citadel Center in 2003 ($8.5 million), which are no longer consolidated, offset by increases in real estate taxes ($0.5 million) and bad debt expense ($0.5 million).

 

Depreciation and Amortization. The decrease of $6.6 million in depreciation and amortization was attributable primarily to the discontinued consolidation of depreciation and amortization related to Citadel Center in 2003 ($5.9 million). In addition, in 2003 we recorded a write-off of $0.4 million of unamortized tenant improvement and leasing commissions associated with the Arthur Andersen LLP lease termination at our IBM Plaza property.

 

 

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General and Administrative. The increase of $0.7 million in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in consulting and professional fees in 2004, principally related to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, costs to settle a legal claim and the costs associated with the registration of certain common shares.

 

Services Company Expenses. The increase of $1.2 million in our Services Company’s operating expenses was primarily due to an increase in the provision for income taxes of $0.7 million due to increased income and an increase in leasing commissions expense of $0.4 million.

 

Provision for Asset Impairment. The decrease of $1.9 million in provision for asset impairment is due to no impairments recorded in 2004. During 2003 we recorded an asset impairment of $1.0 million related to costs associated with a development project, which we determined no longer had value. Also, during the third quarter of 2003, we entered into an agreement to admit a new 70.0% joint venture partner to our subsidiary that owned the Citadel Center office building, which subsequently closed in October 2003. As a result, we recorded an asset impairment of $0.9 million representing the difference between our equity in the property and the equity value determined by the acquisition price paid by our joint venture partner for the 70.0% interest, net of transaction costs.

 

Severance Costs. The decrease of $0.4 million in severance costs is due to lower severance expenditures in 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2004, we recorded $0.3 million of severance costs primarily resulting from the retirement of Mr. Stephen J. Nardi as our Chairman of our Board. Our severance costs for 2003 were $0.7 million resulting from the termination of Mr. Louis G. Conforti, our former Chief Financial Officer.

 

Strategic Alternative Costs. The increase in strategic alternative costs of $1.9 million is due to an increase in legal, consulting and professional fees of $1.0 million as compared to 2003, and an accounts receivable reserve in 2004 for $0.9 million. The receivable reserve relates to a prior master lease obligation due from Mr. Nardi, which was payable solely from future common dividends/distributions. Due to the uncertainty of future dividend/distribution payments as a result of our pursuit of strategic alternatives, a reserve was established for this amount.

 

Loss from Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The increase in loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures of $12.6 million was primarily due to an $11.1 million increase in loss as compared to 2003 associated with our equity investment in the Citadel Center joint venture as the venture commenced operations in October of 2003, a partial year. Because distributions to our partner in the joint venture exceeded the joint venture’s net income, income equal to the distribution was allocated to our partner and we recorded a loss in the amount of the difference between this allocation and the actual net income of the joint venture. In addition, our equity investment in the 77 West Wacker joint venture experienced a $0.9 million loss in 2004 compared to a $0.3 million gain in 2003, which was principally due to a lease termination fee at the joint venture property in 2003 in addition to the effects of an interest rate collar in 2004. The interest rate collar expired on September 30, 2004.

 

Other Income. The increase in other income relates primarily to forfeiture to us of $0.3 million of earnest money related to a proposed merger transaction and higher interest income, partially offset by management fee income from the 77 West Wacker Drive joint venture which is now included in our Services Company revenues.

 

Interest Expense. The decrease in interest expense of $19.3 million was primarily due to a $11.9 million decrease in interest as a result of a reduction in debt due to the sale of 70.0% of our ownership in Citadel Center, a $5.7 million decrease due to the retirement of our Security Capital Preferred Growth Incorporated ("SCPG") debt, a $0.6 million decrease due to the refinancing of our IBM Plaza property, a $0.8 million decrease due to the retirement of mezzanine loans associated with our 180 North LaSalle Street and 800-810 Jorie Boulevard properties and a decrease of $0.3 million due to the amortization of principal on various other loans.

 

36

 



 

 

Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs. The decrease in amortization of deferred financing costs of $5.3 million was primarily attributable to the write-off of financing costs for indebtedness retired or refinanced in 2003 and 2004.

 

Discontinued Operations. In connection with the requirements of SFAS 144 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" (SFAS 144), we have updated our historical financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 to present operating results of properties sold or classified as held for disposition through December 31, 2005, as discontinued operations. Discontinued operations for 2004 and 2003 include the results for our 208 South LaSalle Street property, which was sold in December 2005, our industrial portfolio, which was sold in October and November 2004, our 33 West Monroe Street property, which was sold in April 2004, and National City Center, which was sold in June 2003. Included in the 2004 and 2003 discontinued operations is $2.4 million and $2.1 million of income related to our 208 South LaSalle Street property, $8.6 million and $0.6 million of income related to our industrial portfolio, $2.0 million and $25.1 million loss, net of a provision for asset impairment, related to our 33 West Monroe Street property, $0.0 million and $2.8 million of income, related to our National City Center property.

 

Loss on Sales of Real Estate. Loss on sales of real estate is primarily due to changes in estimates of assumed lease liabilities which we retained in connection with the sale of 70.0% of our ownership in Citadel Center.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Recent Developments.

 

Acquisition. On February 17, 2005, we entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger with Lightstone. Our Board unanimously approved the transaction and recommended it for approval by our common shareholders.

 

On June 28, 2005 our common shareholders approved the Acquisition and on July 1, 2005, the Acquisition was completed. As a result of the Acquisition, our common shares and limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership were cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of $7.25 per common share/limited partnership unit, without interest. In connection with the Acquisition, all outstanding options with an exercise price greater than the sales price of $7.25 per share/unit were cancelled, and each outstanding option for a common share with an exercise price less than the sales price were entitled to be exchanged for an amount equal to the difference between $7.25 and the exercise price. Our Series B Shares remained outstanding after the completion of the Acquisition.

 

Concurrent with the completion of the Acquisition, all accrued but unpaid distributions on the Series B Shares, plus distributions on our Series B Shares for the third quarter of 2005, were paid to the holders of our Series B Shares. On July 1, 2005, we funded both (i) one quarterly distribution of $0.5625 per share on our Series B Shares to preferred shareholders of record as of June 15, 2005 and (ii) six quarters of distributions totaling an additional $3.3750 per share on our Series B Shares to preferred shareholders of record as of June 21, 2005. Under our charter, these distributions represent the distributions for the first quarter of 2004 through to, and including, the entire third quarter of 2005.

 

In addition, after the closing of the Acquisition on July 1, 2005, our newly constituted Board declared a distribution to Prime Office, the holder at that date of the 26,488,389 common limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership and our 236,483 common shares, in an amount of $1.1225 per unit/share and having a record date and a payment date of July 5, 2005. For accounting purposes, this distribution, which was paid out of acquired cash, was recorded as a reduction of Prime Office’s investment in us.

 

 

37

 



 

 

In connection with the Acquisition, Mr. Jeffrey A. Patterson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, agreed to remain as a trustee. On July 1, 2005, Messrs. Jacque Ducharme, Stephen Nardi, Christopher Nassetta, Douglas Crocker II, Ray D’Ardenne and Daniel Lupiani were succeeded as our trustees by (i) Messrs. David Lichtenstein, the Chairman and Principal of Lightstone, Michael Schurer, the Chief Financial Officer of Lightstone, and Bruno de Vinck, a Senior Vice President of Lightstone, each of which were named as non-independent trustees, and (ii) Messrs. George R. Whittemore, John M. Sabin and Shawn R. Tominus, each of which were named as our independent trustees and members of our audit committee. Mr. Richard FitzPatrick resigned from his position as our Executive Vice President–Chief Financial Officer. In addition, immediately following the Acquisition, the employment of Mr. Roy P. Rendino, our Senior Vice President-Finance and Chief Accounting Officer, was terminated. Also in connection with the Acquisition, we paid approximately $3.7 million to certain employees related to change of control agreements, severance and discretionary bonuses. In addition, in connection with the closing of the Acquisition, we paid $141,250 to a former employee pursuant to his employment agreement.

 

On July 1, 2005, simultaneously with the closing of the Acquisition, we assumed the obligations under two employment agreements executed on June 1, 2005, and dated as of May 31, 2005, with Jeffrey A. Patterson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and James F. Hoffman, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.

 

Transactions with Prime/Mansur and its Affiliates. In connection with our previously disclosed settlement of litigation with Prime/Mansur, our agreement to sell the 208 South LaSalle Street property resulted in a change in our expected holding period for the property and, as a result, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $15.1 million in our second quarter 2005 financial results.

 

Pursuant to the settlement agreement with Prime/Mansur on December 9, 2005, we closed on the sale of our 208 South LaSalle Street property to Prime/Mansur for a sales price of $44.0 million and certain agreed upon closing prorations, including the assumption of the existing debt of $41.9 million on the property. After closing prorations and costs, we received approximately $0.5 million in net proceeds from the sale. As a result of the revaluation of our balance sheet due to the Acquisition, no gain or loss was recorded on the sale.

 

On October 26, 2005, Prime/Mansur exercised its option to acquire our membership interest in the Plumcor/Thistle JV, and the parties subsequently executed the purchase and sale agreement for the sale. On December 22, 2005, we terminated the purchase and sale agreement relating to the Plumcor/Thistle JV because Prime/Mansur had failed to obtain our joint venture partner’s consent to the transaction by the December 15, 2005 deadline contained in the agreement. Prime/Mansur subsequently sent us a letter disputing our right to terminate the agreement, to which we replied with a letter reaffirming our right to terminate the agreement. On January 31, 2006, Prime/Mansur filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois claiming that our termination of the purchase and sale agreement was not justified. Prime/Mansur is requesting the Court to grant it either specific performance and order us to convey our joint venture interest in Plumcor Thistle or damages in the amount of $5.0 million. We believe we have legitimate defenses to this action and the ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse affect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

In connection with our option to buy a parking garage at 300 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois from the owner of the garage, an affiliate of The Prime Group, Inc. (an entity controlled by Michael W. Reschke, a former Chairman of our Board and an affiliate of Prime/Mansur), we entered into a separate agreement with a potential third party buyer of the property (unrelated to Prime/Mansur or Mr. Reschke) providing that, among other things, we would terminate our option upon the receipt of $2.6 million from the potential buyer payable upon and in the event the potential buyer closes on the purchase of the parking garage. The option was fairly valued as an intangible asset as part of purchase accounting related to the Acquisition. On August 15, 2005, we received the $2.6 million from the buyer and terminated our option to buy the parking garage which resulted in no gain being recognized.

 

 

38

 



 

 

Continental Towers Refinancing. On May 5, 2005, we refinanced our Continental Towers property with a first mortgage loan in the principal amount of $75.0 million. The loan bears interest at 30-day LIBOR plus 1.8%. Proceeds of the loan were utilized to repay the existing first mortgage loan encumbering the property in the amount of $65.4 million, to pay closing costs and expenses and for general corporate purposes. The loan matures on May 1, 2008. Simultaneously with the closing, we purchased an interest rate protection agreement capping LIBOR at 6.5%, which results in a maximum interest rate of 8.3%. We have two one-year extension options for the loan at then current market rates and upon the payment of a 0.3% extension fee, provided, among other things, the property is meeting at least a 1.35 debt service coverage ratio. In addition, we have the right to convert the loan to a seven-year fixed rate loan at any time during the term, subject to the lender’s underwriting requirements and then market loan terms. Although we do not own fee title to the Continental Towers property, we have significant controlling financial interests in the property through our ownership of a second mortgage note secured by the property and therefore we consolidate the property in our financial statements.

 

Dearborn Joint Venture. In January 2005, our joint venture, which owns Citadel Center, executed a lease amendment with Citadel Investment Group, LLC ("Citadel"). The lease amendment with Citadel for 47,235 additional square feet was effective as of December 1, 2004 for a term of nine years and one month. As a result of this lease amendment, we met a leasing condition under the Citadel Center joint venture agreement and qualified for the receipt of a contingent purchase price of $9.8 million. We received a distribution of this amount from the joint venture in January 2005. This amount was recorded as a gain on sales of real estate in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

Libertyville Land Sale. On February 28, 2005, we closed on the sale of 2.96 acres of vacant land located in Libertyville, Illinois, for a sales price of $0.7 million. This property was unencumbered. As a result of the transaction, a liability of approximately $56,000 was incurred under the tax indemnity agreement with the NAC Contributors. A loss of $61,000 was recorded in gain (loss) on sales of real estate.

 

Prime Dearborn Equities LLC Debt. On December 30, 2005, Prime Dearborn, entered into a $55.0 million loan agreement with IPC Lender. The members of Prime Dearborn include our Operating Partnership, and IPC Equity, an affiliate of IPC Lender. IPC Equity is owned indirectly by IPC US Real Estate Investment Trust and Barry Reichmann. Prime Dearborn owns a 30.0% membership interest in Dearborn JV, which owns the Class A office building located in downtown Chicago known as Citadel Center (and formerly known as Bank One Center).

 

The loan documents and loan proceeds for this loan were held in escrow from December 30, 2005 until their release from escrow on January 11, 2006, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions for such release.

 

The loan, which has a 2.0% origination fee, matures April 5, 2010 and has an annual interest rate of 12.0% payable to the extent of available cash flow received by Prime Dearborn from Dearborn JV, with minimum payments of 8.0% in the first year of the loan and increasing by 50 basis points each year thereafter. In addition to the repayment of the loan, IPC Lender is entitled to a 12.0% look-back internal rate of return upon maturity of the loan.

 

In connection with the loan, Prime Dearborn has pledged all of its rights to distributions from Dearborn JV to IPC Lender. In addition, we have guaranteed the payment of all interest under the loan and guaranteed all principal payments under the loan upon the occurrence of certain non-recourse carve-out events, including, without limitation, voluntary bankruptcy, fraud, or breach of certain covenants. Our Services Company, has also pledged its right to receive certain management and leasing fees in connection with its management of Citadel Center. As additional security for the loan, Prime Dearborn has deposited $458,334, the amount of one month’s prepaid interest on the loan (calculated based on a 10.0% annual interest rate), with IPC Lender.

 

39

 



 

 

Prime Dearborn received the entire amount of the loan proceeds, less customary closing costs. In addition, IPC Equity will receive a 10.0% interest in all net sales proceeds or refinancing proceeds from Prime Dearborn’s interest in Citadel Center in excess of $50.0 million (the "IPC Dearborn Membership Interest"). IPC Equity has also been granted a right of first offer (the "Right of First Offer") to purchase all of Prime Dearborn’s interest in Citadel Center in the event Prime Dearborn determines to sell such interest in certain circumstances. IPC Equity owns a 12.6% interest in the cash available for distribution derived from Prime Office’s direct ownership of the common limited partnership units of our Operating Partnership. In the event that Prime Dearborn repays all or a portion of the loan before the first anniversary of the loan, IPC Equity shall have the option (the "Option") to use the proceeds of such repayment to purchase up to 33.3% of the membership interests in Prime Office.

 

In the event that (i) on or before February 28, 2006, Prime Dearborn enters into a binding commitment to sell its interests in Dearborn JV to its existing joint venture partner in Dearborn JV (the "JV Partner"), with no rights of termination in favor of the JV Partner and (ii) on or before March 31, 2006, Prime Dearborn has (A) sold its interest in Dearborn JV to the JV Partner and (B) repaid all amounts then outstanding under the loan, then IPC Equity shall automatically forfeit (1) the Option; (2) the Right of First Offer; and (3) the IPC Dearborn Membership Interest, in exchange for the payment by Prime Dearborn to IPC Equity of a $1.0 million break-up fee.

 

Continental Towers Restructuring. On January 10, 2006, we and certain other parties, including Roland E. Casati ("Casati") and Richard H. Heise ("Heise"), entered into an Amended and Restated Tax Indemnity Agreement (the "Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement") in connection with certain modifications to the ownership structure of Continental Towers (the "Continental Transaction"), which among other things, reduced the estimated maximum liability of the Operating Partnership in the event of the consummation of a taxable transaction relating to Continental Towers, calculated at current tax rates, from approximately $53.2 million to $14.0 million.

In connection with the Continental Transaction, we made a payment to Casati of $4.2 million and Casati released the Operating Partnership from all of its obligations under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement relating to Casati. The Operating Partnership also transferred its interest in the junior mortgage loan (the "Junior Loan") encumbering Continental Towers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, PGRT Equity LLC ("Prime Equity"). In addition, the fee title ownership of Continental Towers was modified so that the property is now owned as tenants in common by (i) Continental Towers, L.L.C. ("64.0% Owner"), as a co-owner having an undivided 64.0% interest in the property, and (ii) Continental Towers I, L.P. ("36.0% Owner"), as a co-owner having an undivided 36.0% interest in the property. Mr. Heise now owns a 96.7% limited partnership interest in the 36.0% Owner. The remaining ownership interests in 36.0% Owner and all of the ownership interests in 64.0% Owner are now owned by affiliates of Mr. Yochanan Danziger (the "CT General Partner").

Because our interest in Continental Towers constitutes a significant financial interest in the property, we consolidate the operations of Continental Towers in our financial statements and account for it as an owned property. In addition, a subsidiary of Prime Equity continues to manage Continental Towers pursuant to a management agreement that has a term that expires on December 31, 2012 and cannot be terminated by the owners of Continental Towers prior to that date.

Under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement, the Operating Partnership continues, subject to certain exceptions and conditions contained therein, to indemnify Heise from federal and state income tax payable as a result of any taxable income or gain in his gross income which is caused by a sale, foreclosure or other disposition of Continental Towers or other action by the Operating Partnership or the CT General Partner prior to January 5, 2013. The amount of the potential tax indemnity to Heise under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement, including a gross-up for taxes on any such payment, is estimated to be approximately $14.0 million using current tax rates, which is a reduction of approximately $39.2 million from the estimated maximum liability of $53.2 million to Casati and Heise prior to the execution of the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement.

 

40

 



 

 

Under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement and the partnership agreement of the 36.0% Owner, Heise has limited consent rights with respect to transactions relating to Continental Towers which could result in taxable income or gain to Heise. Heise’s consent rights relate to the following actions: (1) sale or disposition of Continental Towers or any portion thereof; (2) refinance or repayment of debt relating to the Continental Towers; (3) amendments to the Junior Loan or the junior lender’s rights thereunder; and (4) any other action which results in or creates the risk of a "Tax Event" with respect to Heise; provided, however, that Heise cannot withhold his consent to any proposed transaction if (i) we obtain a tax opinion from an independent law firm stating that the relevant transaction will not create a tax event; (ii) we obtain an opinion from an independent law firm stating that Heise has a "reasonable basis" for reporting the transaction without including any taxable income or gain and either (x) we have a net worth of at least $100.0 million or (y) we deposit security in the amount of the potential tax payment which would be due Heise, grossed-up for any taxes which would be payable by Heise relating to such payment; or (iii) if we cannot obtain the opinions specified in (i) or (ii) above, we pay the amount of the tax, on a grossed-up basis, to Heise. In the event that our net worth falls below $50.0 million, then Mr. Heise has the right to acquire the general partnership interest in the 36.0% Owner for a price of $1,000.

The Operating Partnership can be released from its obligations under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement in the event of the transfer of Prime Equity’s interest in the Junior Loan to a third-party transferee provided that such transferee or an affiliate assumes our obligations under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement and has a net worth in accordance with GAAP of not less than $100.0 million.

Prime Equity Citicorp Loan. On January 11, 2006, Prime Equity obtained a loan in the original principal amount of $58.0 million (the "Citicorp Loan") from Citicorp USA Inc. ("Citicorp"). Simultaneously with the closing of the Citicorp Loan, the Operating Partnership transferred to Prime Equity (i) its interest in the Junior Loan encumbering Continental Towers referred to above, (ii) its 50.0% common membership interest in 77 West Wacker Drive, L.L.C., the owner of 77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago Illinois, (iii) its 100.0% membership interest in 280 Shuman Boulevard, L.L.C. ("280 Owner"), the owner of the property known as the Atrium located at 280 Shuman Boulevard in Naperville, Illinois, (iv) its 100.0% membership interest in 800 Jorie Blvd. Mezzanine, L.L.C. , the owner of a 49.0% membership interest in 800 Jorie Blvd, L.L.C. and the owner of 800-810 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, Illinois, and (v) its 100.0% membership interest in Prime Group Management, L.L.C. ("Prime Management"), the manager of Continental Towers.

As security for the Citicorp Loan, among other things, (a) the Operating Partnership pledged all of its interests in Prime Equity, (b) Prime Equity pledged all of its interests in the Junior Loan, the membership interests referred to in clause (ii), (iv) and (v) above and its right to receive distributions from all of the property referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above and (c) 280 Owner granted a mortgage to Citicorp on the Atrium property.

The Citicorp Loan is in the original principal amount of $58.0 million. The Citicorp Loan documents provide that if Prime Equity is unable to obtain, within 120 days following the closing of the loan, the necessary consents from the senior mortgage lender on our 180 N. LaSalle Street property, and deliver to Citicorp a pledge and assignment of all of the membership interests in 180 N. LaSalle II, L.L.C., our subsidiary that owns the 180 N. LaSalle Street property (the "180 Pledge"), then Prime Equity must repay not less than $14.0 million of the Citicorp Loan. There can be no assurances that the consent of the 180 N. LaSalle Street senior lender can be obtained in a timely manner, or if it can be obtained, that the terms for obtaining such consent will be favorable to us.

Mr. David Lichtenstein, the principal of The Lightstone Group, our indirect parent, has guaranteed (i) the payment of 50.0% of the principal amount of the Citicorp Loan (reducing to 25.0% on the date that Prime Equity delivers to Citicorp the 180 Pledge or repays $14.0 million of the Citicorp Loan), (ii) the payment of all of the interest on the Citicorp Loan and (iii) the payment of all operating expenses for Continental Towers, Atrium, 77 West Wacker Drive, Jorie Plaza and, if applicable, 180 N. LaSalle Street. In addition, Mr. Lichtenstein’s guaranty covers the full amount of the Citicorp Loan in the event of any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with the loan or in the event of any voluntary bankruptcy,

 

41

 



 

assignment for the benefit of creditors or other similar action relating to Prime Equity, us or certain other entities in connection with the Citicorp Loan.

The Citicorp Loan has a two (2) year term and payments of interest only are due monthly. It is pre-payable at any time. The loan bears interest as selected by Prime Equity at either the eurodollar rate (as defined in the loan documents) plus 4.3% per year or the Citicorp base rate (as defined in the loan documents) plus 1.5% per year. Simultaneously with the loan closing, Prime Equity paid $0.3 million for an interest rate cap with a notional amount of $58.0 million that capped the eurodollar rate at 4.8%, resulting in a capped maximum interest rate of 9.1% per year.

In the event Prime Equity makes distributions to the Operating Partnership other than distributions from the proceeds of the Citicorp Loan, Prime Equity shall pay to Citicorp 20.0% of any such distributions and Citicorp may apply such payments to prepay the loan or hold them in reserve as cash collateral.

The Citicorp Loan has an origination fee of 1.0% ($580,000), and an exit fee of 1.0% ($580,000), if the loan is paid in full within one year of the closing date. Prime Equity was required to establish a $3.0 million leasing reserve account at the closing and is required to deposit an additional $250,000 per month into the account, to be used for tenant improvements costs and leasing commissions. In addition, Prime Equity is also required to maintain a minimum cash balance during the term of the loan, including amounts in the leasing reserve account, of at least $6.0 million.

Prime Equity is also required to maintain a minimum 1.10 debt service coverage ratio as defined in the loan documents. In addition, after the first anniversary of the Citicorp Loan, Prime Equity is required to maintain a loan-to-value ratio for certain of the collateral pledged as security for the loan of 80.0%, as defined in the loan documents.

Liquidity. We require cash to pay our operating expenses, make capital expenditures, fund tenant improvements and leasing costs, pay distributions and service our debt and other short-term and long-term liabilities. Cash on hand and net cash provided from operations represent our primary sources of liquidity to fund these expenditures. In assessing our liquidity, key components include our net income adjusted for non-cash and non-operating items, and current assets and liabilities, in particular accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. For the longer term, our debt and long-term liabilities are also considered key to assessing our liquidity.

 

In order to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we must distribute 90.0% of our taxable income (excluding capital gains) annually. At this time, we are current on the payment of dividends on our Series B Shares. There can be no assurances as to the timing and amounts of any future dividends on our Series B Shares and the fact that we are current on our Series B dividends at this time should not be construed to convey any degree of certainty with respect to future preferred dividend payments. Our management and Board review our cash position and requirements for cash reserves each quarter prior to making any decision with respect to paying distributions/dividends. Distributions on our common shares may not be made until all accrued dividends on our Series B Shares are declared and paid or set apart for payment. Future distributions will depend on the actual cash available for distribution, our financial condition, current and future capital requirements, the completion of any capital transactions, including refinancings and asset sales, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code and such other factors as our Board deems relevant.

 

Our anticipated cash flows from operations combined with cash on hand are expected to be sufficient to fund our anticipated short-term capital needs. In 2006, we anticipate the need to fund significant capital expenditures to retenant space that has been previously vacated, or is anticipated to be vacated during the year. In order to fund these and our other short-term and long-term capital needs, we expect to utilize available funds from cash on hand, cash generated from our operations and existing escrows with lenders. In addition, we may enter into capital transactions, which could include asset sales, debt or equity financings and modifications or extensions of existing loans. There can be no assurance that any capital transactions will occur or, if they do occur, that they will yield adequate proceeds to fund our long-term capital needs or be on terms favorable to us.

 

42

 



 

 

The financial covenants contained in some of our loan agreements and guarantee agreements with our lenders include minimum ratios for debt service coverage, as well as minimum net worth levels and numerous other financial covenants. As of December 31, 2005, we are in compliance with the requirements of all of our financial covenants.

 

As a requirement of our lenders, we maintain escrow accounts and restricted cash balances for particular uses. At December 31, 2005, these accounts totaled $96.7 million, which included $55.0 million in loan proceeds related to the Citadel Center mezzanine debt that were being held as a restricted escrow until January 11, 2006. The remainder of these escrows relate to the $18.1 million escrow for capital and tenant improvements, the $9.3 million escrow representing lease obligations, the $7.1 million escrow for real estate taxes and insurance, the $2.3 million escrow for depository accounts, the $1.4 million escrow related to environmental remediation and the remaining $3.5 million escrow is reserved for various other purposes.

 

Given our current level of debt, limited availability of unencumbered collateral and our current financing arrangements, we may not be able to obtain additional debt financing, or to negotiate terms that are fair and reasonable. The following tables disclose our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2005:

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

(dollars in thousands)

Contractual Obligations (A)

 

Total

 

2006

 

2007/

2008

 

2009/

2010

 

2011 and

Thereafter

Mortgage notes payable (B)

$

452,965

$

198,048

$

95,533

$

93,980

$

65,404

Operating lease obligations

 

3,309

 

554

 

469

 

447

 

1,839

Tenant improvement

allowances (C)

 

11,792

 

11,792

 

 

 

Tax indemnification (D)

 

56

 

56

 

 

 

Liabilities for leases

assumed and lease reimbursement obligations (E)

 

65,977

 

13,829

 

18,268

 

17,997

 

15,883

Total contractual cash

obligations

$

534,099

$

224,279

$

114,270

$

112,424

$

83,126

 

(A)

We anticipate funding these obligations from operations, cash on hand, escrowed funds and the proceeds of equity, debt or asset sale(s) transaction(s) as discussed above.

 

(B)

These totals represent the fair value of our mortgage notes payable as adjusted in conjunction with the application of purchase accounting related to the Acquisition except for our $55.0 million loan with IPC Lender, which is presented at carrying value. Also, as a result of the Acquisition, we are amortizing the fair value adjustment for our debt over the remaining life of the debt, which is recorded in the accretion of mortgage note payable. For the six months ended December 31, 2005, amortization totaled $0.9 million. The actual amount owed to lenders for mortgage notes payable at December 31, 2005, is $447.0 million.

 

(C)

We have escrows of $6.1 million that may be utilized to fund these obligations.

 

(D)

As a result of the sale of vacant land located in Libertyville, Illinois on February 28, 2005, a liability was incurred under a tax indemnity agreement.

 

(E)

These obligations would be offset by any receipts from subleasing of the related space. We currently have executed subleases that we estimate will provide subleasing receipts of $53.8 million consisting of base rent and the pro-rata share of operating expenses and real estate taxes. In addition, we have escrowed reserves totaling $9.3 million to fund a portion of this contractual amount at December 31, 2005. Of this escrow, $3.6 million was returned to us in January 2006.

 

 

43

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Other Commercial Commitments

 

Total Amounts Committed

 

2006

 

2007-2008

 

2009-2010

 

2011 and Thereafter

Guarantees (A)

$

4,256

$

600

$

1,200

$

1,200

$

1,256

Unconsolidated joint ventures (B)

 

163,661

 

2,103

 

4,551

 

79,800

 

77,207

Tax indemnifications (C)

 

53,187

 

(C)

 

(C)

 

(C)

 

(C)

Series B preferred shares (D)

 

(D)

 

9,000

 

18,000

 

18,000

 

(D)

Total commercial commitments

$

221,104

$

11,703

$

23,751

$

99,000

$

78,463

 

(A)

This represents a guarantee for $4.3 million to ensure certain tenant improvement and lease commission payments are made with respect to the joint venture that owns the office building located at 77 West Wacker Drive.

 

(B)

We have a 50.0% common interest in an unconsolidated real estate joint venture that owns an office building located at 77 West Wacker Drive. The amount shown includes 50.0% of the balance of the $166.0 million mortgage note payable secured by the property.

 

We also have a 30.0% subordinated common interest in an unconsolidated real estate joint venture that owns the Citadel Center office property. While we are not a guarantor or responsible party, the joint venture has a $270.0 million mortgage loan secured by the property. The amount shown includes 30.0% of the balance of the mortgage loan.

 

In addition, we have a 23.1% interest in an unconsolidated real estate venture, which owns an office property in Phoenix, Arizona and subsequent to the sale of three of the four buildings owned by the venture in August 2005, is unencumbered.

 

(C)

We estimate our maximum possible exposure on tax indemnifications to be $53.2 million if all remaining indemnity properties had been sold as of December 31, 2005. Subsequent to December 31, 2005, we restructured these obligations and reduced the exposure to $14.0 million. See Item 13 – Continental Towers Restructuring of this Item and Item 13 – Certain Relationships and Related Transactions for further discussion of these indemnities.

 

(D)

Dividends are cumulative and payable at a 9.0% annual rate each quarter that our Series B Shares remain outstanding. In January 2006, we declared a quarterly dividend for the fourth quarter of 2005 of $0.5625 per share. This quarterly dividend had a record date of January 16, 2006, and was paid on January 31, 2006. On February 9, 2006, our Board declared a quarterly dividend on our Series B Shares for the first quarter of 2006 of $0.5625 per share. The quarterly dividend has a record date of March 31, 2006, and a payment date of April 28, 2006.

 

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Tenant Concentration. The following represents our five largest tenants in 2005 based on gross revenue recognized during 2005:

 

Tenant

 

Gross

Tenant

Revenue

% Of Our Total

Revenue

Lease

Expiration

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank NA (1)

$

25,567

13.7%

December 2017

Citadel Investment Group, LLC (1)

 

15,239

8.2

December 2013

Jenner & Block

 

14,505

7.8

April 2010

IBM Corporation (2)

 

7,738

4.2

August 2006

ST Holdings, Inc. (2)

 

6,472

3.5

May 2007

 

$

69,521

37.4%

 

 

 

(1)

These are tenants of the Citadel Center building which we have an ownership interest in the joint venture that owns the office property.

 

 

(2)

We have received indications that IBM Corporation and ST Holdings, Inc. will not be renewing their leases at expiration.

 

If one or more of the tenants listed above were to experience financial difficulties and cease paying rent or fail to renew their lease at the expiration of its term, our cash flow and earnings would likely be negatively impacted in the near term. The extent and length of this would be impacted by several factors, including:

 

 

the nature of the financial difficulties;

 

our ability to obtain control of the space for re-leasing;

 

market conditions;

 

the length of time it would require for us to re-lease the tenant’s space; and

 

whether the tenant’s rent was above or below market.

 

Property Sales. On February 28, 2005, we closed on the sale of 2.96 acres of vacant land located in Libertyville, Illinois, for a sales price of $0.7 million. This property was unencumbered. As a result of the transaction, a liability was incurred under the tax indemnity agreement with the NAC Contributors of approximately $56,000. A loss of $61,000 was recorded in gain (loss) on sales of real estate.

 

Pursuant to the settlement agreement with Prime/Mansur on December 9, 2005, we closed on the sale of our 208 South LaSalle Street property to Prime/Mansur for a purchase price of $44.0 million and certain agreed upon closing prorations, including the assumption of the existing debt of $41.9 million on the property. After closing prorations and costs, we received approximately $0.5 million in net proceeds from the sale. As a result of the revaluation of our balance sheet due to the Acquisition, no gain or loss was recorded on the sale.

 

Preferred Shares. Our Series B Shares rank senior to our common shares as to the payment of dividends. Our Series B Shares may be redeemed at our option at a redemption price of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The redemption price is payable solely out of the proceeds from our sale of other capital shares of beneficial interest.

 

Our Board had previously suspended the payment of distributions and dividends for certain prior periods in anticipation of our need for liquidity for dealing with our maturing indebtedness and our capital needs for property level expenditures in retenanting our vacant office and industrial space. We subsequently resumed the payment of dividends on our Series B Shares with dividends of $0.5625 per share in April, July and October 2004 and January and April 2005. In conjunction with the Acquisition which was completed on July 1, 2005, we paid both (i) one quarterly distribution of $0.5625 per share on our Series B Shares to

 

45

 



 

preferred shareholders of record as of June 15, 2005 and (ii) six quarters of distributions totaling an additional $3.3750 per share on our Series B Shares to preferred shareholders of record as of June 21, 2005. Under our charter, these distributions represent the distributions for the first quarter of 2004 through, to and including the entire third quarter of 2005. On December 30, 2005, our Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5625 per share on our Series B shares for the shareholders of record on January 16, 2006. This dividend was paid on January 31, 2006. Under our declaration of trust, this dividend is deemed to be a quarterly dividend related to the fourth quarter of 2005 dividend period. On February 9, 2006, our Board declared a quarterly dividend on our Series B Shares for the first quarter of 2006 of $0.5625 per share. The quarterly dividend has a record date of March 31, 2006 and a payment date of April 28, 2006. Dividends paid on our Series B Shares have been determined to be a return of capital to shareholders. There can be no assurances as to the timing and amounts of any future dividends on our Series B Shares and the payment of the first quarter 2006 preferred dividend at this time should not be construed to convey any degree of certainty with respect to future preferred dividend payments. The holders of our Series B Shares have the right to elect two additional members to our Board if six consecutive quarterly dividends on the Series B Shares are outstanding. The term of any trustees elected by the Series B Shareholders will expire whenever the total dividend arrearage on the Series B Shares has been paid and current dividends have been declared and set apart for payment.

 

Tax Indemnity Agreements. In connection with the contribution of certain properties during our initial public offering, we entered into tax indemnification agreements with certain principals affiliated with Mr. Edward S. Hadesman, a former executive officer, and certain principals affiliated with Mr. Nardi, the former Chairman of our Board. These agreements expired upon the closing of the Acquisition.

 

In addition, on December 12, 1997, we purchased and amended the mortgage note encumbering the property known as Continental Towers located in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. As part of this transaction, we agreed to indemnify the two limited partners of the limited partnership which owns the property for, among other things, the federal and applicable state income tax liabilities that result from the income or gain which they recognize upon refinancing, sale, foreclosure or other action taken by us with respect to the property or the mortgage note.

 

On January 10, 2006, we and certain other parties, including Casati and Heise, entered into the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement in connection with the Continental Transaction, which among other things, reduced the estimated maximum liability of the Operating Partnership in the event of the consummation of a taxable transaction relating to Continental Towers, calculated at current tax rates, from approximately $53.2 million to $14.0 million.

In connection with the Continental Transaction, we made a payment to Casati of $4.2 million and Casati released us from all of its obligations under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement relating to Casati.

 

The terms of these agreements are discussed in Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Indebtedness. Our aggregate indebtedness had a fair value and carrying value of $453.0 million at December 31, 2005. This indebtedness had a weighted average maturity of 2.3 years and bore interest at a weighted average interest rate of 7.5% per annum. At December 31, 2005, $183.0 million, or 40.4% of such indebtedness, bore interest at fixed rates, and $270.0 million, or 59.6% of such indebtedness, bore interest at variable rates. The $270.0 million of variable rate debt is subject to interest rate cap agreements.

 

46

 



 

 

Interest Rate Protection Agreement. We have entered into the following interest rate cap agreements:

 

Loan Associated with

 

Notional Amount as of December 31 2005

Capped LIBOR Rate

Effective Date

Expiration Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

IBM Plaza

 

 

 

 

 

First Mortgage/Mezzanine Loans

$

195,000,000

6.6%

2/21/03

3/15/06

Continental Towers

 

 

 

 

 

First Mortgage

$

75,000,000

6.5%

5/04/05

5/01/08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No amounts were received under the terms of the interest rate protection agreements in 2005.

 

Debt Activity. Scheduled 2005 principal payments were made totaling $2.8 million. The new owner of our former 208 South LaSalle Street property agreed to assume the $41.9 million outstanding mortgage loan payable on the building. A $65.4 million first mortgage on Continental Towers was refinanced with a new $75.0 million loan and a $55.0 million mezzanine loan was financed relating to our interest in the joint venture which owns Citadel Center, which increased our total debt in 2005 by $19.9 million. See Note 4 –Mortgage Notes Payable to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further explanation.

 

Capital Improvements. In order to secure new and renewal leases, our properties require an infusion of capital for tenant improvements and leasing commissions. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003, our tenant improvements and leasing commissions averaged $32.74, $37.98 and $37.75, respectively, per square foot of newly-leased office space totaling 241,642, 457,928 and 427,756 square feet, respectively, and $16.18, $12.61 and $16.85, respectively, per square foot of office leases renewed by existing tenants totaling 285,957, 290,885 and 303,965 square feet, respectively. Our total cost of general capital improvements to our properties historically averages $2.5 million annually based upon an estimate of $0.72 per square foot. For 2005, we incurred $1.8 million of capital improvement expenditures, excluding discontinued operations, and we expect to incur approximately $7.5 million for 2006.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As part of our ongoing business, we do not participate in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities ("SPEs"), which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As of December 31, 2005, we are not involved in any unconsolidated SPE transactions.

 

47

 



 

 

Historical Cash Flows

 

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase/

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

(Decrease)

 

% Change

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(15,252)

$

(11,383)

$

(3,869)

$

(34.0)%

 

Accretion of mortgage notes payable

 

(927)

 

 

(927)

 

 

Amortization of above/below-market lease value

 

1,762

 

 

1,762

 

 

Amortization of costs for leases assumed

 

190

 

288

 

(98)

 

(34.0)

 

Amortization of in-place lease value

 

8,956

 

 

8,956

 

 

Net equity in loss of unconsolidated investments

 

13,022

 

14,878

 

(1,856)

 

(12.5)

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

23,268

 

29,558

 

(6,290)

 

(21.3)

 

Provision for asset impairment

 

15,074

 

 

15,074

 

 

Gain on sales of real estate

 

(10,728)

 

(5,382)

 

(5,346)

 

(99.3)

 

Minority interests

 

(36,241)

 

(2,649)

 

(33,592)

 

(1,268.1)

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

(4,015)

 

(3,202)

 

(813)

 

(25.4)

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

$

(4,891)

$

22,108

$

(26,999)

$

(122.1)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenditures for real estate and equipment

$

(10,069)

$

(15,950)

$

5,881

$

36.9%

 

Proceeds received under environmental indemnification

 

 

3,100

 

(3,100)

 

(100.0)

 

Proceeds from sales of real estate

 

13,460

 

134,169

 

(120,709)

 

(90.0)

 

Leasing costs

 

(6,433)

 

(7,761)

 

1,328

 

17.1

 

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash escrows

 

(57,259)

 

3,424

 

(60,683)

 

(1,772.3)

 

Loan to unconsolidated joint venture

 

 

(588)

 

588

 

100.0

 

Net distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

4,233

 

219

 

4,014

 

1,832.9

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

$

(56,068)

$

116,613

$

(172,681)

$

(148.1)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing costs

$

(2,457)

$

(755)

$

(1,702)

$

(225.4)%

 

Proceeds from mortgage notes payable

 

130,000

 

67,000

 

63,000

 

94.0

 

Repayment of mortgage notes payable

 

(68,206)

 

(159,093)

 

90,887

 

57.1

 

Distributions to minority interests—operating partnership

 

(29,735)

 

 

(29,735)

 

 

Dividends paid to Series B preferred shareholders

 

(22,500)

 

(6,750)

 

(15,750)

 

(233.3)

 

Dividends paid to common shareholder

 

(265)

 

 

(265)

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

$

6,837

$

(99,598)

$

106,435

$

106.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities. The $27.0 million decrease in net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from 2004 was primarily due to:

 

 

the loss of $7.8 million of net income from operations in 2004 from our former industrial properties which were sold in the fourth quarter of 2004;

 

a $7.7 million increase in strategic alternative costs;

 

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a $5.3 million increase in payments made related to other liabilities;

 

a $2.7 million payment of tax indemnities to the NAC Contributors in 2005, recorded in discontinued operations.

 

a $1.1 million increase in property operating expense payments as compared to 2004; and

 

a $1.1 million decrease in receipts related to prepaid rent.

 

This decrease was partially offset by:

 

 

a $2.5 million decrease in general and administrative expenses as a result of a reduction of employees;

 

a $1.8 million net loss from operations in 2004 from our former 33 West Monroe Street property, which was sold in April 2004;

 

a $1.1 million refund for real estate taxes paid in 2004 related to our former 33 West Monroe Street property; and

 

a $0.3 million decrease in interest paid from 2004 due to the repayment of debt by utilizing the proceeds from property sales in 2004.

 

Investing Activities. The $172.7 million decrease in net cash (used in) provided by investing activities from 2004 was primarily due to:

 

 

proceeds from the sale of real estate decreased by $120.7 million in 2005 which included a $9.8 million distribution received from the Citadel Center joint venture, $2.6 million in proceeds from the sale of an option to purchase a parking garage, $0.6 million in proceeds from the sale of our Libertyville land parcel in 2005 and $0.5 million in net proceeds from the sale of our 208 South LaSalle Street property;

 

as compared to sales activity in 2004 which included the $68.0 million sale of our former 33 West Monroe Street property and the $66.2 million received from the sale of our industrial properties;

 

a $60.7 million net change in restricted cash management escrow accounts associated with increases of $55.0 million in proceeds from the mezzanine loan on Citadel Center, an additional $10.1 million in monthly escrow payments, $0.5 million in increased interest income and a $0.3 million increase in net tax escrow payments; these increases were partially offset by a $5.1 million decrease in tenant improvement escrow releases; and

 

$3.1 million in proceeds from environmental indemnities which were received in 2004 related to our previously owned Chicago, East Chicago and Hammond Enterprise Centers.


This decrease was partially offset by:

 

 

a decrease of $5.8 million in expenditures for real estate and equipment primarily as the result of the sale of our former 33 West Monroe Street property in 2004;

 

a $3.9 million distribution received from our Plumcor/Thistle joint venture in 2005;

 

a decrease of $1.3 million of leasing costs, primarily as a result of lesser leasing activities resulting in decreased leasing commissions in 2005, mainly attributable to property sales in 2004 and 2005; and

 

a $0.6 million loan to our Citadel Center joint venture partner in 2004.

 

Financing Activities. The $106.4 million in net cash provided by (used in) financing activities compared to 2004 was primarily due to:

 

 

proceeds from mortgage notes payable increased by $63.0 million in 2005 which included a $75.0 million variable rate first mortgage on our Continental Towers property, which was used in part to retire our existing fixed rate position; and a $55.0 million fixed rate mezzanine loan secured by Citadel Center;

 

49

 



 

 

 

as compared to proceeds from mortgages and notes payable in 2004, including $67.0 million in refinancing proceeds from our 180 North LaSalle Street property;

 

repayments of mortgages and loans payable were lower by $90.9 million in 2005, which included the retirement of $65.4 million of mortgage notes payable using the net proceeds from the conversion of our fixed rate debt to a variable rate position on our Continental Towers property in May 2005; and principal amortization payments of $2.8 million; and

 

as compared to repayments of indebtedness in 2004, including the refinancing of maturing indebtedness at our 180 North LaSalle Street property totaling $60.0 million; the repayment of the mortgage note payable secured by our former 33 West Monroe Street property upon its sale totaling $59.3 million; the repayment of the mortgage notes payable secured by our former industrial properties upon their sale totaling $11.8 million and the repayment of two mezzanine loans totaling $22.8 million and principal amortization payments of $5.2 million.

This increase was partially offset by:

 

 

an additional payment of $29.7 million of distributions to our operating partnership was made in 2005 related to the Lightstone acquisition;

 

additional payments totaling $15.8 million of dividends to our Series B preferred shareholders were made in 2005 versus 2004;

 

additional payments totaling $1.7 million in financing costs associated with new debt were made in 2005 versus 2004; and

 

a dividend of $0.3 million was paid to our common shareholder in 2005.

 

50

 



 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase/

 

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

(Decrease)

 

% Change

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(11,383)

$

(36,217)

$

24,834

 

68.6%

Amortization of discount on notes payable

 

 

343

 

(343)

 

(100.0)

Amortization of costs for leases assumed

 

288

 

2,968

 

(2,680)

 

(90.3)

Net equity in loss of unconsolidated investments

 

14,878

 

2,249

 

12,629

 

561.5

Depreciation and amortization

 

29,558

 

42,575

 

(13,017)

 

(30.6)

Provision for asset impairment

 

 

45,353

 

(45,353)

 

(100.0)

Gain on sales of real estate

 

(5,382)

 

(1,618)

 

(3,764)

 

(232.6)

Minority interests

 

(2,649)

 

(25)

 

(2,624)

 

(10,496.0)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

(3,202)

 

1,247

 

(4,449)

 

(356.8)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

22,108

$

56,875

$

(34,767)

 

(61.1)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenditures for real estate and equipment

$

(15,950)

$

(104,472)

$

88,522

 

84.7%

Proceeds received under environmental indemnification

 

3,100

 

 

3,100

 

Proceeds from sales of real estate

 

134,169

 

430,254

 

(296,085)

 

(68.8)

Leasing costs

 

(7,761)

 

(20,201)

 

12,440

 

61.6

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash escrows

 

3,424

 

(13,483)

 

16,907

 

125.4

Loan to unconsolidated joint venture

 

(588)

 

 

(588)

 

Net distributions from unconsolidated entities

 

219

 

4,634

 

(4,415)

 

(95.3)

Net cash provided by investing activities

$

116,613

$

296,732

$

(180,119)

 

(60.7)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing costs

$

(755)

$

(4,838)

$

4,083

 

84.4%

Proceeds from mortgage notes payable

 

67,000

 

195,000

 

(128,000)

 

(65.6)

Repayment of mortgage notes payable

 

(159,093)

 

(318,763)

 

159,670

 

50.1

Proceeds from construction financing

 

 

97,155

 

(97,155)

 

(100.0)

Repayment of construction financing

 

 

(305,353)

 

305,353

 

100.0

Dividends paid to Series B preferred shareholders

 

(6,750)

 

 

(6,750)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

$

(99,598)

$

(336,799)

$

237,201

 

70.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Activities. The $34.8 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities from 2003 was primarily due to:

 

 

a decrease of $30.3 million due to the lease termination fee received from Arthur Andersen LLP in 2003, offset by a $2.4 million decrease in loss from operations of our former 33 West Monroe Street property;

 

$7.6 million related to the operations of our Citadel Center property in 2003, which is no longer consolidated as a result of the sale of a 70.0% joint venture interest in October 2003;

 

$3.3 million related to the operations of our former National City Center property, which was sold in June 2003; and

 

a decrease of $2.0 million related to the operations of our former industrial properties, which were sold in October and November 2004.

 

 

51

 



 

 

This decrease was partially offset by a decrease of $6.2 million related to interest expense payments from 2003 primarily due to the retirement of our indebtedness with SCPG in 2003.

 

Investing Activities. The $180.1 million decrease in net cash provided by investing activities from 2003 was primarily due to:

 

 

a decrease of $296.1 million in proceeds from the sales of real estate primarily as a result of 2003 sales activity including the admittance of our Citadel Center joint venture partner ($350.0 million) and the sales of our former National City Center property ($79.0 million) and land in Aurora, Illinois ($2.7 million), as compared to sales activity in 2004 including the sales of our former 33 West Monroe Street property ($68.0 million), industrial properties ($66.2 million) and land in Carol Stream, Illinois ($1.2 million); and

 

a $4.4 million distribution from the 77 West Wacker Drive unconsolidated joint venture in 2003.

 

This decrease was partially offset by:

 

 

a decrease of $88.5 million in expenditures for real estate and equipment primarily as a result of construction costs ($44.5 million) and tenant improvements ($36.0 million) in 2003 for our Citadel Center property and a payment in 2003 to purchase all of our former joint venture partner’s interest in the entity that owns Citadel Center ($10.9 million);

 

a decrease of $16.9 million of payments into restricted cash escrows, which was primarily due to a deposit in 2003 of the fee received related to the Arthur Andersen LLP lease termination at our former 33 West Monroe Street property, as required by the lender ($33.6 million), and a release of escrowed funds in 2004 related to lease liability obligations ($2.4 million), partially offset by a release of construction and financing escrows in 2003 related to our Citadel Center property ($18.7 million); and

 

a decrease of $12.4 million of leasing costs primarily as a result of leasing costs in 2003 for our Citadel Center property ($7.9 million) and executing subleases for occupancy at One North Wacker Drive thereby reducing required payments towards the liabilities for leases assumed and lease reimbursement obligations ($4.5 million).

 

Financing Activities. The $237.2 million increase in net cash used in financing activities as compared to 2003 was primarily due to:

 

 

repayments of construction financing ($305.4 million), net of proceeds ($97.2 million) related to our Citadel Center property in 2003;

 

repayments of mortgages and notes payable that were lower by $159.7 million in 2004, which included:

 

the refinancing of maturing indebtedness at our 180 North LaSalle Street property ($60.0 million),

 

the repayment of the mortgage note payable secured by our former 33 West Monroe Street property upon its sale ($59.3 million),

 

the repayment of the mortgage notes payable secured by our former industrial properties upon their sale ($11.8 million),

 

the repayment of two mezzanine loans totaling $22.8 million and

 

principal amortization payments ($5.2 million).

 

52

 



 

 

As compared to repayments of indebtedness in 2003, including:

 

 

the refinancing of the debt associated with our IBM Plaza property ($177.1 million);

 

the repayment of the mortgage note payable secured by our former National City Center property upon its sale ($71.8 million);

 

payments on our indebtedness with SCPG ($57.3 million);

 

a partial payment on our former 33 West Monroe Street property mortgage ($7.0 million) and

 

principal amortization payments ($5.6 million); and

 

$4.8 million of financing costs incurred in 2003 principally as a result of refinancing the above debt.

 

This increase was partially offset by:

 

 

proceeds from mortgages notes payable that were lower by $128.0 million in 2004 due to refinancing proceeds from our 180 North LaSalle Street property in 2004 ($67.0 million) as compared to proceeds from the refinancing of our IBM Plaza property in 2003 ($195.0 million); and

 

$6.8 million of dividends paid to our Series B shareholders in 2004.

 

Funds from Operations

 

Industry analysts generally consider FFO, as defined by NAREIT, an alternative measure of performance of an equity REIT. FFO is defined by NAREIT as net income (loss) determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains (or losses) from sales of depreciable operating property, plus depreciation and amortization (other than amortization of deferred financing costs and depreciation of non-real estate assets) and after adjustment for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures and discontinued operations (primarily for adding back the effect of gains (losses) on sale of depreciable operating property and depreciation and amortization expense). Non-recurring items, other than those considered "extraordinary" under GAAP, are not adjustments to FFO. Prior to the Acquisition, we believed that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical operating results, FFO should be examined in conjunction with net income (loss) as presented in the financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

53

 



 

 

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fourth

 

Third

 

 

Second

 

First

 

 

Total

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (loss) income (1)

$

(15,252)

$

2,151

$

2,168

 

$

(24,154)

$

4,583

Adjustments to reconcile to Funds from Operations available to common shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate depreciation and

amortization

 

21,075

 

2,810

 

8,998

 

 

4,040

 

5,227

Amortization of costs for leases

assumed

 

190

 

(4)

 

56

 

 

69

 

69

Amortization of in-place lease value

 

7,287

 

7,287

 

 

 

 

Joint venture adjustments

 

14,471

 

1,853

 

3,526

 

 

4,612

 

4,480

(Gain) loss on sale of operating property, net of minority interests

 

(9,071)

 

2

 

1

 

 

(316)

 

(8,758)

Adjustment for discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate depreciation and amortization (2)

 

824

 

(9)

 

 

 

816

 

17

(Gain) loss on sale (included in

discontinued operations) (3)

 

(703)

 

3

 

3

 

 

 

(709)

Minority interests

 

1,895

 

1,827

 

1,402

 

 

(1,536)

 

202

Minority interests in Operating Partnership

 

(26,335)

 

(12,763)

 

(10,599)

 

 

(1,936)

 

(1,037)

Funds from Operations (1)

 

(5,619)

 

3,157

 

5,555

 

 

(18,405)

 

4,074

Income allocated to preferred shareholders

 

(9,000)

 

(2,250)

 

(2,250)

 

 

(2,250)

 

(2,250)

Funds from Operations available to

common shareholders

$

(14,619)

$

907

$

3,305

 

$

(20,655)

$

1,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FFO available to common share/unit holders per share/unit of beneficial interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and Diluted

$

(0.55)

$

0.03

$

0.12

 

$

(0.77)

$

0.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares/units of beneficial interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

11,947

 

236

 

236

 

 

23,642

 

23,675

Nonvested employee stock grants

 

3

 

 

 

 

6

 

6

Operating Partnership units

 

14,782

 

26,488

 

26,488

 

 

3,076

 

3,076

Basic

 

26,732

 

26,724

 

26,724

 

 

26,724

 

26,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

11,947

 

236

 

236

 

 

23,642

 

23,675

Nonvested employee stock grants

 

3

 

 

 

 

6

 

6

Employee stock options

 

14

 

 

 

 

30

 

26

Operating Partnership units

 

14,782

 

26,488

 

26,488

 

 

3,076

 

3,076

Diluted

 

26,746

 

26,724

 

26,724

 

 

26,754

 

26,783

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

54

 



 

 

 

 

 

Predecessor Company

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss (1)

$

(11,383)

$

(36,217)

Adjustments to reconcile Funds from Operations available to common shareholders:

 

 

 

 

Real estate depreciation and amortization

 

18,210

 

24,731

Amortization of costs for leases assumed

 

288

 

1,912

Joint venture adjustments

 

18,640

 

7,324

Loss on sale of operating property, net of minority interests

 

493

 

Adjustment for discontinued operations:

 

 

 

 

Real estate depreciation and amortization (2)

 

5,880

 

11,332

Gain on sale (included in discontinued operations) (3)

 

(7,854)

 

(1,226)

Minority interests

 

1,181

 

7,367

Minority interests

 

(3,766)

 

(7,308)

Funds from operations (1)

 

21,689

 

7,915

Income allocated to preferred shareholders

 

(9,000)

 

(9,000)

Funds from Operations available to common share

$

12,689

$

(1,085)

 

 

 

 

 

FFO available to common share/unit holders per share/unit

of beneficial interest:

 

 

 

 

Basic and Diluted

$

0.47

$

(0.04)

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares/units of beneficial interest:

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

23,672

 

20,105

Nonvested employee stock grants

 

7

 

6

Operating Partnership units

 

3,076

 

6,636

Basic

 

26,755

 

26,747

 

 

 

 

 

Common shares

 

23,672

 

20,105

Nonvested employee stock grants

 

7

 

6

Employee stock options

 

14

 

19

Operating Partnership units

 

3,076

 

6,636

Diluted

 

26,769

 

26,766

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure. FFO is defined as net income (loss), computed in accordance with GAAP plus real estate depreciation and amortization (excluding amortization of financing costs), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of operating properties, and after comparable adjustments for unconsolidated joint ventures and discontinued operations. FFO includes results from discontinued operations, including revenues, property operations expense, real estate taxes expense, provision for asset impairment and interest expense. Tax indemnification payments and write-off of deferred financing fees related to properties sold have been included as a cost of sale in computing the gain/loss for these properties. We compute FFO in accordance with standards established by NAREIT, which may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition differently than us. Prior to the Acquisition, we utilized FFO as a performance measure. We believed that FFO provided useful information to investors regarding our performance as FFO provided investors with additional means of comparing our operating performance with the operating performance of our competitors. FFO is not representative of cash flow from operations, is not indicative that cash flows are adequate to fund all cash needs and should not be considered as an alternative to cash flows as a measure of liquidity. We believe that net income (loss) is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to FFO.

 

(2)

The real estate depreciation and amortization in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 relates to our 208 South LaSalle Street property which was sold in December 2005. The real estate depreciation and amortization in discontinued operations for the year ended

 

55

 



 

December 31, 2004 relates to our industrial portfolio which was sold in October and November 2004, and our 33 West Monroe Street property, which was sold in April 2004. The real estate depreciation and amortization in discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2003 relates to the above-mentioned properties as well as our National City Center property which was sold in June 2003.

 

(3)

The gain on sale of real estate for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 resulted from the gain related to contingent purchase adjustments on the sale of our industrial portfolio and 33 West Monroe property. The gain on sale of real estate for the year ended December 31, 2003 resulted from our sale of National City Center. See Note 16 – Property Acquisitions, Placed In Service and Dispositions to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these transactions. Tax indemnification payments and write-off of deferred financing fees related to properties sold have been included as a cost of sale in computing the gain/loss for these sold properties.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

General. The previous discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of our financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments about the effects of matters or future events that are inherently uncertain. These estimates and judgments may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including contingencies and litigation. We base these estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable in the circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

To assist in understanding our results of operations and financial position, we have identified our critical accounting policies and discussed them below. These accounting policies are most important to the portrayal of our results and financial position, either because of the significance of the financial statement items to which they relate or because they require our management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

 

Consolidation. Our consolidated financial statements include our accounts, variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which we are the primary beneficiary and other subsidiaries over which we have control. Our determination of the appropriate accounting method with respect to our variable interests is based on Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities ("FIN 46R"). We consolidate any VIE of which we are the primary beneficiary and disclose significant variable interests in VIEs of which we are not the primary beneficiary. We determine if an entity is a VIE under FIN 46R based on several factors, including whether the entity’s total equity investment at risk upon inception is sufficient to finance the entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support provided by any parties, including equity holders. We make judgments regarding the sufficiency of the equity at risk based first on qualitative analysis, then quantitative analysis if necessary. In a quantitative analysis, we incorporate various estimates, including estimated future cash flows, asset hold periods and discount rates, as well as estimates of the probabilities of various scenarios occurring. If the entity is a VIE, we then determine whether we will absorb the majority of expected losses and/or receive the majority of expected returns, and if so, consolidate the entity as the primary beneficiary. This determination of whether we will absorb the majority of expected losses and/or receive the majority of expected returns includes any impact of an "upside economic interest" in the form of a "promote" that we may have. A promote is a disproportionate interest built into the distribution structure of the entity based on the entity’s achievement of certain return hurdles. We determine whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, whether it should be consolidated by utilizing judgments and estimates that are inherently subjective. If we made different judgments or utilized different estimates in these evaluations, it could result in differing conclusions as to whether or not an entity is a VIE and whether or not to consolidate such

 

56

 



 

entity. We are not required to reconsider the entity’s VIE status if the entity incurs losses that exceed expectations, but are required to reconsider the status if the structure of the entity changes.

 

Our determination of the appropriate accounting method for all other investments in subsidiaries, including those that are not primary beneficiary interests in VIEs, is based on the amount of control or influence we have (considering our ownership interest) in the underlying entity. We consolidate those other subsidiaries over which we exercise control. Those other investments in subsidiaries where we have the ability to exercise significant influence (but not control) over operating and financial policies of such subsidiaries (including certain subsidiaries where we have less than 20% ownership) are accounted for using the equity method.

 

Tenant Reimbursements. Estimates are used to record cost reimbursements from tenants for real estate taxes and operating expenses. We recognize revenue based upon the amounts to be reimbursed from our tenants in the same period these reimbursable expenses are incurred. Differences between estimated recoveries and final amounts billed are recognized in the subsequent year. Leases are not uniform in dealing with such cost reimbursements and variations exist in computations between properties and tenants. Adjustments are also made throughout the year to these receivables and the related cost recovery income based upon our best estimate of the final amounts to be billed and collected. We analyze the balance of the estimated accounts receivable for real estate taxes and operating expenses for each of our properties by comparing actual recoveries versus actual expenses.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We monitor the liquidity and creditworthiness of our tenants on an ongoing basis. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts using the specific identification method for estimated losses resulting from the inability of certain of our tenants to make payments required by the terms of their respective leases. No general reserve is recorded. If the financial condition of our tenants were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required.

 

Assumed Lease Liabilities. As a result of the negotiation of certain leases, we assumed the liability for the tenants’ obligation or agreed to reimburse the tenants for their obligation under leases with their prior landlords. In addition, in connection with the sale of certain industrial properties in 1999, we agreed to a master lease agreement for certain properties for a defined period. Our policy is to record the estimated net obligation we may be subject to as a liability. The net obligation is derived by calculating our total contractual obligation and reducing the amount by existing subleases and an estimate of subleases we anticipate signing in the future based on the nature of the space, the property and market conditions. We periodically review these estimates for reasonableness based on changes in market conditions and executed subleases. Failure to achieve forecasted results could lead to a future increase in the liabilities associated with these transactions. The liability for leases assumed at December 31, 2005 as compared to 2004 reflects payments under these leases, in addition to a decrease in the liability during 2005 of $0.1 million due to assumption changes.

 

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense for real estate assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets: forty years for the composite life of buildings and improvements and five to ten years for equipment and fixtures. Expenditures for leasehold improvements and construction allowances paid to tenants are capitalized and amortized over the initial term of each lease.

 

Interest Rate Protection Agreements. We recognize all derivative financial instruments in the consolidated financial statements at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in stockholder’s equity as a component of comprehensive income or as an adjustment to the carrying value of the hedged item. Changes in fair values of derivatives not qualifying for hedge accounting are reported in earnings.

 

 

57

 



 

 

Interest rate hedges that are designated as cash flow hedges, hedge the future cash outflows on debt. Interest rate swaps that convert variable payments to fixed payments, interest rate caps, floors, collars and forwards are cash flow hedges. The unrealized gains/losses in the fair value of these hedges are reported on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to either accumulated other comprehensive income or in earnings, depending on the type of hedging relationship. If the hedging transaction is a cash flow hedge, then the offsetting gains and losses are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Over time, the unrealized gains and losses held in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified to earnings. This reclassification is consistent when the hedged items are also recognized in earnings. Since the time of the Acquisition all of our derivative instruments have been marked to their fair value. We do not foresee any material accumulated other comprehensive income being reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months. If a derivative instrument is terminated or the hedging transaction is no longer determined to be effective, amounts held in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings over the term of the future cash outflows on the related debt.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. In evaluating our assets for impairment in accordance with SFAS 144, we record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Under SFAS 144, assets that display indicators of possible impairment are reviewed to see if their net book value will be recovered from estimated cash flows over an anticipated hold period. If these cash flows, plus the proceeds from a sale at the end of the anticipated hold period, are less than the net book value of the related asset, our policy is to record an impairment reserve related to the asset in the amount of the difference between its net book value and our estimate of its fair market value, less costs of sale. For assets held for sale, impairment is measured as the difference between carrying value and fair value, less cost to dispose. Fair value is based on estimated cash flows discounted at a risk-adjusted rate of interest. Property held for development is also evaluated for impairment.

 

At December 31, 2005, we determined that no reserves were warranted. In evaluating our other long-lived assets used in operations for impairment at December 31, 2005, we assumed anticipated hold periods of three to five years for our operating properties. In evaluating our property held for development, we concluded that development expenditures, including capitalized interest, were recoverable and no reserves were warranted at this time. However, as discussed under "Liquidity and Capital Resources", if we determine that a capital transaction is desired, our anticipated hold periods for certain assets would be shortened and impairment reserves would be required. These reserves would have significant impacts on our operating results.

 

Capitalization of Interest and Other Costs on Development Projects. Development costs, which include land acquisition costs, fees and other costs incurred in developing new properties, are capitalized as incurred. Interest, financing costs, real estate taxes, other direct costs and indirect costs (including certain employee compensation costs and related general and administrative expenses) incurred during development periods are capitalized as a component of the building costs. These costs continue to be capitalized, to the extent they relate to vacant space, for one year following the date the development is placed in service. During this one-year period, the amount of capitalized costs could be materially affected by the timing and changes in occupancy levels. Subsequent to the one-year period, these costs are fully expensed as incurred. During 2005, we did not capitalize any development costs.

 

Accounting for the Acquisition. As a result of the closing of the Acquisition on July 1, 2005, we were required to revalue our balance sheet to reflect the fair market value of each of our assets and liabilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141, "Business Combinations." See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting for the Acquisition – to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.

 

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Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("Statement 123(R)"), which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("Statement 123"). See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Stock Based Compensation to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.

 

In June 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus in EITF Issue No. 04-5, Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights ("EITF 04-5"). To promote consistency in applying this guidance to corporate entities and those entities that hold real estate:

 

 

the EITF amended Issue No. 96-16 Investor’s Accounting for an Investee When the Investor Has a Majority of the Voting Interest but the Minority Interest Shareholder or Shareholders Have Certain Approval or Veto Rights ("EITF 96-16"), and

 

the FASB staff issued FSP No. SOP 78-9-1, Interaction of AICPA Statement Position 78-9 with EITF Issue No 04-5 ("FSP SOP 78-9-1") which amends AICPA Statement of Position 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures, to reflect the consensus reached in EITF 04-5.

 

EITF 04-5 states that the general partner in a limited partnership is presumed to control that limited partnership. That presumption may be overcome if the limited partners have either (1) the substantive ability, either by a single limited partner or through a simple majority vote, to dissolve (liquidate) the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partner without cause or (2) substantive participating rights. Substantive participating rights, which are based on the concept discussed in EITF 96-16, provide the limited partners with the ability to effectively participate in significant decisions that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of the limited partnership’s business and thereby preclude the general partner from exercising unilateral control over the partnership.

 

The effective date for applying the guidance in EITF 04-5 and FSP SOP 78-9-1 is (1) June 29, 2005, for all new limited partnerships and existing limited partnerships for which the partnership agreements are modified, and (2) no later than the beginning of the first reporting period in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005, for all other limited partnerships. The effect of initially applying this guidance may be accounted for similarly to a change in accounting principle or by restating the financial statements of prior periods. The amendments to EITF 96-16 are to be applied prospectively to new investment agreements and to investment agreements that are modified after June 29, 2005. Retrospective application is not required for investments in limited partnerships for which the entity is no longer a general partner as of the date that the guidance in EITF 04-5 is adopted.

 

We have applied EITF 04-5 when required for new or amended limited partnerships in our December 31, 2005, financial statements. The impact of adopting EITF 04-5 for our joint venture interests cannot be predicted at this time, however, we anticipate that the adoption will not impact net income, earnings per share or stockholder’s equity. We plan to account for any initial effect of applying the new guidance to all other limited partnerships under the method similar to a change in accounting principle.

 

Inflation

 

Substantially all of our office and industrial leases require tenants to pay, as additional rent, a portion of real estate taxes and operating expenses. In addition, many of our leases provide for fixed increases in base rent or indexed escalations (based on the Consumer Price Index or other measures). We believe that inflationary increases in expenses will be offset, in part, by the expense reimbursements and contractual rent increases described above.

 

 

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As of December 31, 2005, approximately $270.0 million of our outstanding indebtedness was subject to interest at floating rates. Future indebtedness may also be subject to floating rate interest. Inflation, and its impact on floating interest rates, could affect the amount of interest payments due on such indebtedness. Our floating rate debt is subject to an interest rate cap agreement that is designed to mitigate some of this risk.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT

MARKET RISK

 

The following table provides information about our derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For our mortgage notes payable, the table presents principal cash flows, including principal amortization, and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates as of December 31, 2005. For the interest rate protection agreement, the table presents the notional amount entered into and the cap rate.

 

 

 

Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

 

Principal (Notional) Amount by Expected Maturity

 

 

Average Interest Rate

 

 

2006

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

 

(dollars in millions)

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage notes payable (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate amount – Carrying Value

$

1.7

$

1.8

$

16.2

$

4.1

$

88.2

$

65.4

$

177.4

Weighted-average interest rate – Carrying Value

 

6.5%

 

6.5%

 

7.1%

 

7.7%

 

10.6%

 

5.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate amount – Fair Value

$

3.0

$

3.2

$

17.4

$

5.2

$

88.8

$

65.4

$

183.0

Weighted-average interest rate – Fair Value

 

7.3%

 

7.3%

 

7.2%

 

7.9%

 

10.6%

 

5.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate amount (2)

$

195.0

$

$

75.0

$

$

$

$

$270.0

Weighted-average interest rate

 

7.2%

 

 

6.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate cap agreements (3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notional amount

$

195.0

$

$

75.0

$

$

$

$

$270.0

Cap rate

 

6.6%

 

 

6.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Based upon the rates in effect at December 31, 2005, the weighted-average interest rates on our mortgage notes payable at December 31, 2005 was 7.5%. On May 5, 2005, we refinanced the senior loan secured by our Continental Towers office building with a non-amortizing first mortgage of $75.0 million maturing May 1, 2008. The interest rate on this mortgage is LIBOR plus 1.8%. In addition, we purchased an interest rate protection agreement, which caps the total interest rate at 8.3%. If interest rates on our variable rate debt increased by one percentage point, our annual interest incurred (including the effects of the interest rate protection agreements) would increase by $2.7 million.

 

(2)

The $195.0 million IBM Plaza loan has two extension options allowing the maturity date of the loan to be extended to March 9, 2007 and March 9, 2008 for payments of $0.5 million per extension.

 

(3)

In March 2003, we obtained an interest rate cap of LIBOR at 6.6% with a notional amount of $195.0 million for the term of the outstanding debt collateralized by our IBM Plaza property. See (1) above for additional information on the $75.0 million loan which is collateralized by our Continental Towers property and contains a 6.5% LIBOR rate cap provision.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The financial statements and supplementary data required by Regulation S-X are included in this Report on Form 10-K commencing on page F-1.

 

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON

 

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

On October 5, 2005, our Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees entered into an engagement letter with Grant Thornton LLP ("Grant Thornton") naming Grant Thornton as our independent accountants for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. In connection with such action, the Audit Committee dismissed Ernst & Young LLP ("E&Y") as our independent accountants.

 

E&Y’s reports on our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and through the date hereof, there were no disagreements with E&Y on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to E&Y’s satisfaction, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter in connection with its reports on our consolidated financial statements for such periods. There were no reportable events as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and through October 5, 2005, we did not consult Grant Thornton with respect to the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements, or any other matter that was either the subject of a disagreement or reportable event as set forth in Items 304(a)(1)(iv) and (a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Based on our management’s evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, which was conducted with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Vice President—Capital Markets, the officer currently performing the function of our principal financial officer, our Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President—Capital Markets have concluded that our disclosure and controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

(b)

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our system of internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and our Board regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2005, our system of internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

 

 

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Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, has been audited by Grant Thornton, the independent registered public accounting firm who also audited our consolidated financial statements. Grant Thornton’s attestation report on management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting appears on page F-3 hereof.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

None.

 

 

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Trustees

 

The following table presents certain information as of March 1, 2006 concerning each of our trustees serving in such capacity:

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

Year Term of

 

 

 

 

 

 

Occupation and

 

Office Will

 

Served as a

Name

 

Age

 

Positions Held

 

Expire

 

Trustee Since

David Lichtenstein

 

45

 

Chairman of the Board

 

2006

 

2005

Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

46

 

President and Chief Executive Officer, Trustee

 

2006

 

2005

John M. Sabin

 

51

 

Independent Trustee

 

2006

 

2005

Michael Schurer

 

44

 

Trustee

 

2006

 

2005

Shawn R. Tominus

 

46

 

Independent Trustee

 

2006

 

2005

Bruno de Vinck

 

60

 

Trustee

 

2006

 

2005

George R. Whittemore

 

56

 

Independent Trustee

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Lichtenstein. Mr. Lichtenstein has served as our Chairman of the Board since July 2005. Mr. Lichtenstein founded both American Shelter Corporation and The Lightstone Group and directs all aspects of the acquisition, financing and management of a diverse portfolio of multi-family, retail and industrial properties located in 24 states and Puerto Rico that is owned by these companies. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. Mr. Lichtenstein is the Chairman of the board of directors of Prime Retail, Inc. and Park Avenue Bank, New York City, both private companies, and is Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the board of trustees of Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

 

Jeffrey A. Patterson. Jeffrey A. Patterson has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2004 and has served on our Board since February 2005. From October 2003 until August 2004, Mr. Patterson served as our President and Chief Investment Officer. From June 2000 to October 2003, Mr. Patterson served as our Co-President and Chief Investment Officer. From November 1997 to June 2000, Mr. Patterson served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. In his current capacity, Mr. Patterson oversees our strategic direction and performance, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and development oversight. Mr. Patterson is also responsible for the asset management, operations, leasing and marketing activities for our properties. From 1989 to November 1997, Mr. Patterson was Executive Vice President of The Prime Group, Inc., with primary responsibility for the acquisition, financing and redevelopment of office and mixed-use properties. Mr. Patterson was also in charge of the overall operations of The Prime Group, Inc.’s office properties, and has provided real estate advisory services for several major institutional investors. Prior to joining The Prime Group, Inc., Mr. Patterson served as Director of Development in Tishman Speyer Properties’ Chicago office and as a Senior Financial Analyst at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s Real Estate Investment Group. Mr. Patterson is an associate member of the Urban Land Institute and a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts.

 

John M. Sabin. Mr. Sabin has served on our Board since July 2005. Mr. Sabin is currently the Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel of Phoenix Health Systems, Inc. He also serves on the boards of North American Scientific, Inc. since 2005, Hersha Hospitality Trust since 2003 and Competitive Technologies, Inc. since 1996. From January 2000 to October 2004, Mr. Sabin was the Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of NovaScreen Biosciences Corporation, a private bioinformatics and contract research biotech company. Prior to joining NovaScreen, Mr. Sabin served as an executive with Hudson Hotels Corporation, Vistana, Inc., Choice Hotels International, Inc., Manor Care, Inc. and Marriott International, Inc. Mr. Sabin received Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and University Studies,

 

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Masters of Accountancy and Business Administration from Brigham Young University, and also received a Juris Doctor from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. Mr. Sabin is a licensed CPA and is admitted to the bar in several states.

 

Michael Schurer. Mr. Schurer has served on our Board since July 2005. Mr. Schurer is the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of both Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and The Lightstone Group. From August 2004 until April 2005, Mr. Schurer was the Chief Financial Officer of Northwest Hotel Group (formally Grand Heritage Hotel Group) and from January 2001 until August 2004 was Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of Humphrey Hospitality Trust, Inc. From March 1997 to September 2000, Mr. Schurer was Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Crown Golf Properties, LP. Mr. Schurer also served as Division Controller, Senior Manager and Audit Manager with Marriott International, and as an independent auditor with Pannell Kerr Forster and Ernst & Young. Mr. Schurer received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Rutgers University and earned his CPA designation in 1987.

 

Shawn R. Tominus. Mr. Tominus has served on our Board since July 2005. Mr. Tominus is the founder and has served as the President of Metro Management, a real estate investment and management company, which specializes in the acquisition, financing, construction and redevelopment of residential, commercial and industrial properties, since 1994. Mr. Tominus is currently responsible for the ownership, management and development of assets in excess of $100,000,000. Mr. Tominus has over 25 years experience in real estate and also acts as a national consultant primarily focusing on market and feasibility analysis. Prior to Metro Management, Mr. Tominus held the position of Senior Vice President at Kamson Corporation, where he managed a portfolio of over 5,000 residential units as well as commercial and industrial properties.

 

Bruno de Vinck. Mr. de Vinck has served on our Board since July 2005. Mr. de Vinck is the Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, Secretary and a director of the Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. and a director of the Park Avenue Bank, New York City. Mr. de Vinck is also involved in the management and renovation of various multi-family, retail and industrial properties for The Lightstone Group and has served as its Senior Vice President since its formation in 1985. Prior to that time, Mr. de Vinck was a Manager with numerous real estate management companies, and was the founding president and prior Chairman of the Ramsey Homestead Corp., a not-for-profit senior citizen residential health care facility. Mr. de Vinck is a past New Jersey chapter president for the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), as well as a past Director of the New Jersey Association of Realtors.

 

George R. Whittemore. Mr. Whittemore has served on our Board since July 2005. Mr. Whittemore currently serves as a director of Village Bank & Trust in Richmond, Virginia, and Supertel Hospitality, Inc. in Norfolk, Nebraska. Mr. Whittemore previously served as President and CEO of Supertel Hospitality Trust, Inc. from November 2001 until August 2004 and as Senior Vice President and director of both Anderson & Strudwick, Incorporated, a brokerage firm based in Richmond, Virginia, and Anderson & Strudwick Investment Corporation, from October 1996 until October 2001. Mr. Whittemore has also served as a director, President and Managing Officer of Pioneer Federal Savings Bank and its parent, Pioneer Financial Corporation from September 1982 until August 1994, when these institutions were acquired by a merger with Signet Banking Corporation (now Wachovia Corporation), and as President of Mills Value Adviser, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Mr. Whittemore is a graduate of the University of Richmond.

 

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Executive Officers

 

The following table presents certain information as of March 1, 2006 concerning each of our executive officers and key employees serving in such capacities:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

David Lichtenstein

 

45

 

Chairman of the Board

Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

46

 

President and Chief Executive Officer, Trustee

James F. Hoffman

 

43

 

Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Secretary

Daniel J. Nikitas

 

46

 

Executive Vice President—Leasing

Victoria A. Cory

 

41

 

Senior Vice President—Loan Administration, Real Estate Tax and Due Diligence

Paul G. Del Vecchio

 

41

 

Senior Vice President—Capital Markets

Randel S. Waites

 

45

 

Senior Vice President—Asset Management

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Lichtenstein. Mr. Lichtenstein has served as our Chairman of the Board since July 2005. Mr. Lichtenstein founded both American Shelter Corporation and The Lightstone Group and directs all aspects of the acquisition, financing and management of a diverse portfolio of multi-family, retail and industrial properties located in 24 states and Puerto Rico that is owned by these companies. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers. Mr. Lichtenstein is the Chairman of the board of directors of Prime Retail, Inc. and Park Avenue Bank, New York City, both private companies, and is Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the board of trustees of Lightstone Value Plus Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc.

 

Jeffrey A. Patterson. Jeffrey A. Patterson has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since August 2004 and has served on our Board since February 2005. From October 2003 until August 2004, Mr. Patterson served as our President and Chief Investment Officer. From June 2000 to October 2003, Mr. Patterson served as our Co-President and Chief Investment Officer. From November 1997 to June 2000, Mr. Patterson served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. In his current capacity, Mr. Patterson oversees our strategic direction and performance, including acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures and development oversight. Mr. Patterson is also responsible for the asset management, operations, leasing and marketing activities for our properties. From 1989 to November 1997, Mr. Patterson was Executive Vice President of The Prime Group, Inc., with primary responsibility for the acquisition, financing and redevelopment of office and mixed-use properties. Mr. Patterson was also in charge of the overall operations of The Prime Group, Inc.’s office properties, and has provided real estate advisory services for several major institutional investors. Prior to joining The Prime Group, Inc., Mr. Patterson served as Director of Development in Tishman Speyer Properties’ Chicago office and as a Senior Financial Analyst at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s Real Estate Investment Group. Mr. Patterson is an associate member of the Urban Land Institute and a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts.

 

James F. Hoffman. James F. Hoffman serves as our Executive Vice President—General Counsel and Secretary. Mr. Hoffman obtained his law degree in 1987 from Harvard Law School where he graduated cum laude and obtained his finance degree in 1984 from the University of Illinois where he graduated with Highest Honors. From March 1998 to October 2000, Mr. Hoffman served as our Senior Vice President—General Counsel and Secretary. From November 1997 to March 1998, Mr. Hoffman served as our Vice President and Associate General Counsel. Prior to working for us, Mr. Hoffman served as Assistant General Counsel of our predecessor company, The Prime Group, Inc., from January 1991 to November 1997. Prior to his employment with The Prime Group, Inc., Mr. Hoffman was an associate with the law firm of Mayer, Brown & Platt from September 1987 to January 1991. Mr. Hoffman is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts.

 

 

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Daniel J. Nikitas. Mr. Nikitas has served as our Executive Vice President – Leasing since September 2005. Mr. Nikitas has been in the commercial real estate business in Chicago since 1988. Prior to joining us, Mr. Nikitas was Senior Vice President – Leasing with Shorenstein Realty Services from April 2001 to September 2005, where he oversaw the leasing of approximately 4.0 million square feet of class A office space in the Chicago Central Business District. Prior to that, Mr. Nikitas was the Director of Leasing in Chicago for Trizec Properties from 1998 to March 2001, with responsibility for leasing approximately 6.0 million square feet of class A office space in the Chicago CBD. Mr. Nikitas is also the former President and an advisory board member of the Commercial Real Estate Organization in Chicago, as well as a member of the Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association. Mr. Nikitas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont.

 

Victoria A. Cory. Victoria A. Cory serves as our Senior Vice President—Loan Administration, Real Estate Tax and Due Diligence. From April 2000 to February 2006, Ms. Cory served as our Vice President—Loan Administration, Real Estate Tax and Due Diligence. Prior to joining us, Ms. Cory was the Senior Vice President—Loan Administration for Prime Capital Funding LLC from January 1988 until March 2000.

 

Paul G. Del Vecchio. Paul G. Del Vecchio serves as our Senior Vice President—Capital Markets. From February 2000 to April 2003, Mr. Del Vecchio served as our Vice President—Capital Markets and from November 1998 to February 2000, Mr. Del Vecchio served as our Assistant Vice President—Capital Markets. Prior to joining us, Mr. Del Vecchio was an Assistant Vice President for Prime Capital Funding LLC from October 1997 to August 1998. Mr. Del Vecchio is a licensed real estate broker and a certified public accountant.

Randel S. Waites. Randel S. Waites currently serves as our Senior Vice President—Office Asset Management with overall asset management responsibilities for our office assets. Mr. Waites joined us in October 2000 as our Assistant Controller—CBD and then served as our Portfolio Controller—CBD. From October 2002 to August 2004, Mr. Waites served as our Vice President—Asset Management, Office Properties. Prior to joining us, Mr. Waites held the position of Asset Manager, Financial Analysis at East Lake Management and Development Corporation from December 1999 to October 2000, where he also served as Commercial Property Manager from May 1998 to December 1999. Mr. Waites started his career as an internal auditor and then went into financial analysis with large US corporations. He then developed his own business in Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico where he built and operated a ski lodge and other multiple small businesses in New Mexico and Colorado. Upon returning to Chicago, Mr. Waites took a position as controller for a privately held restaurant franchisee having 15 franchises. Mr. Waites is a certified public accountant.

 

Information Regarding Audit Committee

 

Our Board has established an audit committee. The charter of our audit committee is available on our website at http://www.pgrt.com. From March 9, 2004 until July 1, 2005, the audit committee consisted of Messrs. Douglas Crocker III, Ray D’Ardenne and Daniel Lupiani, each of whom was "independent" within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards. Mr. Crocker was named chairman of the audit committee on March 9, 2004. The Board determined that Mr. Crocker was qualified as an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K. Since July 1, 2005 the audit committee has consisted of Messrs. Sabin, Tominus and Whittemore, each of whom is "independent" within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards. Mr. Whittemore was named chairman of the audit committee on July 1, 2005. The Board determined that Messrs. Whittemore and Sabin are qualified as audit committee financial experts as defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K. For more information regarding Messrs. Whittemore and Sabin’s relevant professional experience, see "–Trustees".

 

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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our officers and trustees, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file reports of the ownership and changes in the ownership (Forms 3, 4 and 5) with the SEC and the NYSE. Officers, trustees and beneficial owners of more than ten percent of our equity securities are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all such forms which they file.

 

Based solely on our review of the copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and the amendments thereto received by it for the year ended December 31, 2004, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 3, 4 or 5 were required to be filed by those persons, to our knowledge, no transactions were reported late during the year ended December 31, 2005.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees, including but not limited to our President and Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive officer), Senior Vice President—Capital Markets (our principal financial officer) and Vice President—Corporate Accounting (our principal accounting officer), and other persons that may perform similar functions from time to time. Our code of ethics is published on our website at www.pgrt.com. In addition our code of ethics is available in print to any shareholder who requests it from our investor relations representative c/o Prime Group Realty Trust, Investor Relations Representative, 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3900, Chicago, Illinois 60601. In the event that any future amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of our code of ethics would otherwise require disclosure under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K, we intend to satisfy that disclosure requirement by posting such amendment or waiver on our website.

 

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth the compensation earned for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 with respect to Mr. Patterson (our President and Chief Executive Officer), Mr. Baron (our Executive Vice President—CBD Office Leasing until his departure on August 12, 2005) and the four other persons who were our most highly compensated executive officers during 2005 (including Mr. Bucheleres who served as our Senior Vice President—CBD Office Lease until his departure in January 2006) (the "Named Executives").

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Compensation

 

Compensation Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted

 

Underlying

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus

 

 

Stock

 

Options/

 

 

Compensation

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary (1)

 

(1)(2)(3)(4)

 

 

Awards

 

SARs(#)(5)

 

 

(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

2005

$

411,750

$

584,457

 

$

0

 

0

 

$

1,374,250

 

President and Chief

 

2004

 

351,533

 

445,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,167

 

Executive Officer

 

2003

 

320,000

 

100,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James F. Hoffman

 

2005

 

226,463

 

320,885

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

381,850

 

Executive Vice President—

 

2004

 

220,000

 

200,000

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

4,992

 

General Counsel and

 

2003

 

220,000

 

100,000

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

5,000

 

Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul G. Del Vecchio

 

2005

 

155,000

 

144,726

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

222,500

 

Senior Vice President—

 

2004

 

155,000

 

85,000

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

2,240

 

Capital Markets

 

2003

 

150,000

 

40,000

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

2,125

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randel S. Waites

 

2005

 

149,259

 

135,334

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

205,404

 

Senior Vice President—

 

2004

 

135,909

 

80,000

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

3,268

 

Office Asset Management

 

2003

 

115,000

 

25,000

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

3,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven R. Baron

 

2005

 

98,663

 

219,891

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

160,250

 

Former Executive Vice

 

2004

 

155,000

 

350,190

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

5,125

 

President—

 

2003

 

155,000

 

148,873

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

5,000

 

CBD Office Leasing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John F. Bucheleres

 

2005

 

150,000

 

603,345

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

77,781

 

Former Senior Vice President—

 

2004

 

150,000

 

126,259

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

1,503

 

CBD Office Leasing

 

2003

 

113,654

 

0

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________

 

(1)

Amounts shown include cash and non-cash compensation or bonuses, as applicable, as reported in the year in which the service was performed, even if such compensation or bonuses, as applicable, were paid or vested in a subsequent year.

 

(2)

Bonus amounts for 2005 include amounts paid to Messrs. Patterson, Hoffman, Del Vecchio and Waites with respect to (i) discretionary cash bonuses related to the Acquisition and (ii) cash bonuses paid in the ordinary course for services performed in 2005. Bonus amounts for 2005 for Messrs. Hoffman, Del Vecchio, Baron and Waites also include pro rata cash bonuses which were paid on the date of the closing of the Acquisition. Further, Messrs. Bucheleres and Baron received leasing commissions of $603,345 and $181,460, in cash.

 

(3)

Bonus amounts for 2004 consist of cash bonuses paid to Messrs. Patterson, Hoffman, Del Vecchio and Waites for services performed in 2004. In addition, in 2004, Messrs. Bucheleres and Baron received leasing commissions of $126,259 and $350,190, respectively, in cash.

 

 

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(4)

Bonus amounts for 2003 consist of cash bonuses paid to Messrs. Patterson, Hoffman, Del Vecchio and Waites for services performed in 2003. In addition, in 2003, Mr. Baron received leasing commissions of $148,873 in cash.

 

(5)

Granted pursuant to our share incentive plan which was terminated on July 1, 2005 as part of the Acquisition.

 

(6)

Includes employer matching to the operating partnership’s 401(k) Plan. The amount shown in 2005 for Messrs. Patterson, Hoffman, Bucheleres, Del Vecchio, Waites and Baron include amounts paid pursuant to the respective Named Executive’s employment or severance agreement as a result of our change-in-control in connection with our acquisition by Lightstone.

 

Employment Agreements

 

On June 1, 2005, Prime Office entered into employment agreements dated as of May 31, 2005 with Jeffrey A. Patterson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and James F. Hoffman, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. On July 1, 2005, in connection with the completion of the Acquisition, we and the Operating Partnership, adopted and assumed the two employment agreements.

 

The new employment agreements, which are based on the same form as the prior employment agreements between us and Messrs. Patterson and Hoffman, provide for initial base salaries of $412,000 and $226,600, respectively, and the opportunity for the executives to earn annual bonus compensation as set forth in the respective employment agreement. Mr. Patterson’s agreement provides for an annual bonus based on increases in the net operating income for our properties, subject to a minimum annual bonus of $500,000 for calendar years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The employment agreements each have a thirty month term and automatically renew for successive one year terms, unless either party gives written notice of termination to the other party. The new employment agreements required us to pay to the executives at the closing of the Acquisition, certain "change of control" payments in accordance with the prior employment agreements between us and the executives.

 

The new employment agreements provide that if either agreement is terminated by (i) us "without cause" (as defined in the agreements), (ii) us in the event of the executive’s "disability" (as defined in the agreements), (iii) the respective executive within specified time periods following the occurrence of a "change of control" and (a) a resulting "diminution event" (as each term is defined in the agreements) or (b) a resulting relocation of the respective executive’s office to a location more than twenty-five miles from its current location, (iv) by the respective executive for "good reason" (as defined in the agreements) or (v) automatically upon the respective executive’s death, the applicable executive shall be entitled to a lump sum termination payment equal to the aggregate base compensation payable to the executive over the remainder of the employment term as in effect immediately prior to the effective date of the termination.

 

The new employment agreements also subject the executives to certain confidentiality obligations and non-solicitation restrictions, and in the case of Mr. Patterson certain non-competition restrictions, all as more fully set forth in the agreements. Mr. Patterson’s agreement also grants him an option for eighteen months after the closing date of the Acquisition to acquire up to 3.5% of the membership interests in Prime Office on substantially the same economic terms as Prime Office’s other initial equity investors.

 

As part of the Acquisition, Messrs. Patterson, Hoffman, Del Vecchio, Waites, Baron and Bucheleres received change-in-control payments pursuant to the terms of the existing employment agreements of Messrs. Patterson and Hoffman and the then existing severance agreements or letters for the benefit of Messrs. Del Vecchio, Waites, Baron and Bucheleres. Further, upon the closing of the Acquisition, the severance agreements were terminated.

 

 

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Option Grants, Exercises and Holdings

 

We did not grant any options to purchase our common shares to the Named Executives during 2005. Further, as of December 31, 2005, the Named Executives did not hold any options to purchase our common shares. As part of the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Patterson was granted an option to acquire up to 3.5% of the membership interests in Prime Office on substantially the same economic terms as Prime Office’s other initial equity investors. See " – Employment Agreements" for more information regarding Mr. Patterson’s employment agreement.

 

Compensation of Trustees

 

We pay our trustees who are not our employees or affiliated with us a fee for their services as trustees. Such persons receive annual compensation of $26,000 plus a fee of $1,000 for attendance at each meeting of the Board and $500 for attendance at each committee meeting. In addition, our trustees receive reimbursement of all travel and lodging expenses related to their attendance at both Board and committee meetings. Members of the audit committee receive an additional $10,000 per year (which is currently being paid to Messrs. Whittemore, Sabin and Tominus), plus an additional $5,000 per year for the chairman of the audit committee (Mr. Whittemore). Mr. Patterson is the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and his annual base compensation is $412,000 per year.

 

Our trustees who resigned in connection with the Acquisition on July 1, 2005 received the compensation referred to above for attendance at each meeting of the Board and each committee meeting and received an annualized portion of the annual compensation for their six months of service in 2005 as members of our Board and its various committees. Further, in 2005, Mr. Douglas Crocker III, the Chairman of our Board until July 1, 2005, received $37,500 in additional compensation for his role as the Board’s lead trustee in connection with the Board’s review of strategic alternatives.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

Our Board is charged with determining compensation for our executive officers. No executive officer of ours served as a (i) member of the compensation committee of another entity in which one of the executive officers of such entity served on our Board or (ii) director of another entity in which one of the executive officers of such entity served on our Board, during the year ended December 31, 2005.

Compensation Report

 

Because only our Series B Shares are listed on the NYSE, we are not required to have a separate compensation committee of the board under applicable NYSE listing requirements. We submit to the full Board for ratification and approval the compensation program for our President and Chief Executive Officer (the "CEO"), except in cases where his compensation has already been set pursuant to the terms of an employment agreement which was previously approved by the Board. In addition, our Board approves our annual budgets and business plan which includes the budgeted accrual for employee compensation for each year.

 

Our compensation philosophy is based on aligning management objectives with those of our shareholder. Accordingly, the employment agreements for both Jeffrey A. Patterson, our CEO, and Daniel J. Nikitas, our Executive Vice President of Leasing, provide that annual bonuses may be earned by each of them based on increases in the net operating income of our properties, and, in the case of our CEO, subject to a minimum annual bonus of $500,000 per year in calendar years 2005 through 2007. In addition, these officers’ employment agreements allow them to acquire membership interests in Prime Office on substantially the same terms as our existing shareholder’s other initial equity investors. Finally, a significant portion of Mr. Nikitas’ compensation is tied to the execution of leases at our properties.

 

 

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We believe that, through the foregoing employment agreements, the financial interests of our key executives are as a whole aligned with the interests of our shareholder. Annual salary increases and bonuses for our other officers and employees are determined based upon a review of their individual performance and the performance of their relevant departments during the year. Throughout 2005, we had employment agreements with certain of our senior executives. See " – Employment Agreements" for more information regarding these employment agreements.

 

Mr. Patterson was named the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer in August, 2004. Mr. Patterson’s annual base salary was $412,000 for calendar year 2005 and pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement was increased by 3% to $424,360 for calendar year 2006. Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Patterson received an annual bonus of $500,000 for 2005.

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

David Lichtenstein

Jeffrey A. Patterson

John M. Sabin

Michael Schurer

Shawn R. Tominus

Bruno de Vinck

George R. Whittemore

 

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Performance Graph

 

The following performance graph compares our performance to the Standard and Poors’ 500 Stock Index (the "S&P 500 Index") and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts’ Equity Index (the "NAREIT Equity Index"). Share price performance for years ended December 31, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the period ending July 1, 2005, the last day our common shares were listed on the NYSE, is not necessarily indicative of future results. All share price performance assumes an initial investment of $100 at the beginning of the period and assumes the reinvestment of any dividends.

 


 

 

12/31/00

 

12/31/01

 

12/31/02

 

12/31/03

 

12/31/04

 

7/01/05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company

$

100.00

$

73.26

$

36.59

$

49.77

$

51.04

$

66.22

NAREIT

 

100.00

 

113.93

 

118.29

 

162.21

 

213.43

 

229.15

S&P 500

 

100.00

 

86.96

 

66.64

 

84.22

 

91.79

 

90.47

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND

MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

 

Principal Security Holders Of The Company

 

As more fully described in "Item 1—Business—Background and General", on July 1, 2005, in connection with the Acquisition, all of our common shares outstanding prior to the transaction were acquired by Prime Office whose principal business address is 326 third Street, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701 and all options to acquire our common shares were cancelled. Prime Office is owned indirectly by David Lichtenstein, the Chairman of our Board.

 

The following table furnishes information, as of March 15, 2006, as to common units of our Operating Partnership, in each case which are beneficially owned by each trustee, each Named Executive and trustees and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the tables, all of such interests are owned directly, and the indicated person or entity has sole voting and investment power.

 

 

 

Number of Common Units of Prime Group

 

Percent of All Common Units

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Realty L.P. Beneficially Owned(1)

 

of Prime Group Realty, L.P.

 

 

 

 

 

David Lichtenstein (2)

 

26,724,872

 

100%

Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

(3)

 

(3)

James F. Hoffman

 

 

John F. Bucheleres

 

 

Paul G. Del Vecchio

 

 

Randel S. Waites

 

 

Steven R. Baron

 

 

John M. Sabin

 

 

Michael Schurer

 

 

Shawn R. Tominus

 

 

Bruno de Vinck

 

 

George R. Whittemore

 

 

Our trustees and executive officers as a group (12 persons)

 

26,724,872

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The ownership of common units of our Operating Partnership presented in this table is derived from the transfer records maintained by the Operating Partnership based on information provided by the limited partners.

(2)

Mr. Lichtenstein controls (i) Prime Office which owns 78.49% of the common units of limited partner interest in the Operating Partnership and 100% of our common shares and (ii) Park Avenue Funding, LLC, which owns 20.6% of the common units of limited partner interest in the Operating Partnership.

(3)

Mr. Patterson has been granted an option to purchase up to 3.5% of the membership interests in Prime Office in the form of common units of limited partner interest or similar units.

Except as described above and except for the option to purchase 1.0% of the membership interests in Prime Office held by Mr. Daniel J. Nikitas, our Executive Vice President—Leasing, none of our trustees or executive officers own any shares of any other class of our equity securities or equity securities of any of our parent or our subsidiaries.

 

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Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

As of December 31, 2005, we do not have any common shares that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under our share incentive plan since our share incentive plan was terminated as a part of the Acquisition on July 1, 2005. The Company has no other compensation plans pursuant to which common shares may be issued.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

In connection with the contribution of certain properties during our initial public offering, we entered into tax indemnification agreements with certain principals affiliated with Mr. Edward S. Hadesman, a former executive officer, and certain principals affiliated with Mr. Stephen J. Nardi, the former Chairman of our Board. These agreements expired upon the closing of the Acquisition. See Note 15 Commitments and Contingencies —Tax Indemnities to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of payments made pursuant to these agreement in 2005.

 

In connection with Mr. Nardi’s resignation as the Chairman of our Board on August 3, 2004, we provided to Mr. Nardi complementary office space in our IBM Plaza property for six months. This six-month term expired in February 2005. We then executed a one-year lease with an affiliate of Mr. Nardi that expired on February 3, 2006. Mr. Nardi has paid rent through the expiration of the term and has vacated the premises.

 

As of December 31, 2004, we had a receivable of approximately $0.9 million from Mr. Nardi and certain of his affiliates, representing rent receivable on our 1051 N. Kirk Road property due under a master lease agreement with us for the period from October 2001 through March 31, 2003. Payments of rent per the agreement are to be deducted from common unit distributions made to Mr. Nardi and his affiliates. Because there were no common unit distributions for this year, no payments were applied to the outstanding balance and rent continued to accrue under the master lease at the rate of approximately $48,000 per month until March 31, 2003, the date on which the master lease expired. The Company recorded an accounts receivable reserve (included in strategic alternative costs) in 2004 for $0.9 million. The receivable relates to a prior master lease obligation with Mr. Nardi, and is payable from future common dividends/distributions. Due to the uncertainty of future dividend/distribution payments as a result of our pursuit of strategic alternatives, a reserve for the full amount of this receivable was established. As a result of the Acquisition, this receivable was written off.

Martha A. Rendino, our Manager–Application Support, is the spouse of Roy P. Rendino, previously our Senior Vice President–Finance and Chief Accounting Officer until July 2005. In 2005, Ms. Rendino was paid $119,480, earned benefits and other compensation of $2,342 and earned bonuses of $19,228. During his employment with us Mr. Rendino was not involved in decisions pertaining to Ms. Rendino’s compensation.

 

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Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Audit And Non-Audit Fees

 

Fees for professional services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm in each of the last two fiscal years, in each of the following categories were:

 

 

 

Grant Thornton LLP

 

 

Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

Total

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees

$

222,000

$

 

$

58,500

$

1,027,425

 

$

280,500

$

1,027,425

Audit-Related

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fees

 

57,500

 

 

 

98,000

 

149,700

 

 

155,500

 

149,700

Tax Fees

 

14,825

 

 

 

334,392

 

293,504

 

 

349,217

 

293,504

All Other Fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

294,325

 

 

 

490,892

 

1,470,629

 

 

785,217

 

1,470,629

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Neither Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm until October 2005, nor Grant Thornton LLP, our independent registered accounting firm from October 2005, provided any financial information systems design and implementation services during 2005 or 2004. Audit-related services generally include fees for 401(k) plan and individual property audits, due diligence, technical consulting and transaction structuring. Tax services generally relate to a review of tax returns prior to filing, tax consultation and transaction structuring.

 

The audit committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all non-audit work performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. Specifically, the audit committee has pre-approved the use of Grant Thornton LLP, and had pre-approved prior to October 5, 2005, Ernst & Young LLP, for detailed, specific types of services within the following categories of non-audit services: certain tax related services (including tax compliance matters, REIT compliance, federal state and local tax audits, private letter rulings, technical tax guidance and corporate acquisition, disposition and partnership tax matters); registration statements and related matters; debt covenant compliance letters; technical accounting guidance; internal control documentation; and SEC comment letters. Further, the audit committee has required management to report to it on an annual basis (or as more frequently as the audit committee may request) the specific engagements of our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the pre-approval policies and procedures. All engagements of either Grant Thornton LLP or Ernst & Young LLP related to the audit-related fees and tax fees disclosed in the table above for 2004 and 2005 were eligible to be approved pursuant to our pre-approval policies, though some engagements were specifically approved by the audit committee prior to the commencement of the engagement.

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) (1) Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

F-2

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004

F-5

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the six months ended December 31, 2005 (successor company), for the six months ended June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-6

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the six months ended December 31, 2005 (successor company), for the six months ended June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-7

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended December 31, 2005 (successor company), for the six months ended June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-8

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-10

 

 

Financial Statement Schedule

 

 

 

The following financial statement schedule is included in Item 15(c)

 

 

 

Schedule III – Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation of Prime Group Realty Trust as of December 31, 2005

F-52

 

 

Financial Statements of Significant Subsidiary

F-57

 

 

 

 

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

 

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(3) Exhibits

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

 

 

2.1

Purchase Agreement dated as of August 2, 2004 by and between CenterPoint Properties Trust and Prime Group Realty, L.P., as filed as exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed August 6, 2004, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

2.2

First Amendment to Purchase Agreement dated as of October 8, 2004 by and between Prime Group Realty, L.P. and CenterPoint Properties Trust, as filed as exhibit 99.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 15, 2004, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

3.1

Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust of Prime Group Realty Trust, as amended by Articles Supplementary to the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust and the First Amendment to Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust.

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Prime Group Realty Trust, as amended by the First Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws and the Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws.

3.3

Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Prime Group Realty, L.P. dated as of July 1, 2005, as filed as exhibit 3.9 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.1

Loan Agreement dated as of March 10, 2003 between Lehman Brothers Bank FSB and 330 N. Wabash Avenue, L.L.C., as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.2

Promissory Note dated as of March 10, 2003 from 330 N. Wabash Avenue, L.L.C. in favor of Lehman Brothers Bank FSB, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.3

Guaranty dated as of March 10, 2003 by Prime Group Realty, L.P. for the benefit of Lehman Brothers Bank FSB, as filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.4

Guaranty dated as of March 10, 2003 by Prime Group Realty, L.P. for the benefit of Lehman Brothers Bank FSB, as filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.5

Guaranty dated as of March 10, 2003 by Prime Group Realty, L.P. for the benefit of Lehman Brothers Bank FSB, as filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.6

Mezzanine Loan Agreement dated as of May 28, 2003 between Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and 330 N. Wabash Mezzanine, L.L.C., as filed as Exhibit 10.15 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.7

Promissory Note dated as of May 28, 2003 from 330 N. Wabash Mezzanine, L.L.C. in favor of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., as filed as Exhibit 10.16 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

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10.8

Guaranty dated as of May 28, 2003 by Prime Group Realty, L.P. for the benefit of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., as filed as Exhibit 10.17 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.9

Guaranty dated as of May 28, 2003 by Prime Group Realty, L.P. for the benefit of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., as filed as Exhibit 10.18 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.10

Guaranty dated as of May 28, 2003 by Prime Group Realty, L.P. for the benefit of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., as filed as Exhibit 10.19 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.11

Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of May 28, 2003 between 330 N. Wabash Avenue, L.L.C. and Lehman Brothers Bank FSB, as filed as Exhibit 10.20 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.12

Omnibus Amendment to Loan Documents dated as of May 28, 2003 between 330 N. Wabash Avenue, L.L.C. and Lehman Brothers Bank FSB, as filed as Exhibit 10.21 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.13

Amendment to Guaranty dated as of May 28, 2003 between Prime Group Realty, L.P. and Lehman Brothers Bank FSB, as filed as Exhibit 10.22 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.14

Termination of $4,000,000 Mortgage Guaranty Note dated as of May 28, 2003 between Prime Group Realty, L.P. and Lehman Brothers Bank FSB, as filed as Exhibit 10.23 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.15

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Dearborn Center, L.L.C. dated as of October 8, 2003 between UST XI Dearborn, Ltd. and Prime Group Realty, L.P., as filed as Exhibit 99.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 23, 2003, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.16

Management and Leasing Agreement dated as of October 8, 2003 by and between Dearborn Center, L.L.C. and Prime Group Realty Services, Inc., as filed as Exhibit 99.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 23, 2003, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.17

Indemnification Agreement dated as of October 8, 2003 by Prime Group Realty, L.P. for the benefit of UST XI Dearborn, Ltd. and Dearborn Center, L.L.C., as filed as Exhibit 99.6 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 23, 2003, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

78

 



 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.18

Existing Tenant Improvements and Citadel Cash Escrow Agreement dated as of October 8, 2003 among Prime Group Realty, L.P., UST XI Dearborn, Ltd., Dearborn Center, L.L.C. and Near North Title Insurance Company, as filed as Exhibit 99.7 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 23, 2003, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.19

Promissory Note dated as of October 1, 2003 from Dearborn Center, L.L.C. to Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen Girozentrale, as filed as Exhibit 99.8 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 23, 2003, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.20

Loan Agreement dated as of October 1, 2003 by and between Dearborn Center, L.L.C. and Landesbank Hessen-Thuringen Girozentrale, as filed as Exhibit 99.9 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 23, 2003, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.21

Environmental Escrow Agreement dated as of October 8, 2004 by and among Prime Group Realty, L.P., CenterPoint Properties Trust and Chicago Title and Trust Company, as filed as exhibit 99.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 15, 2004, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference

10.22

Escrow Agreement dated as of October 8, 2004 by and among CenterPoint Properties Trust and Prime Group Realty, L.P. and Chicago Title and Trust Company, as filed as exhibit 99.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 15, 2004, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.23*

Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated as of October 21, 2004 by and among Prime Group Realty Trust, Prime Group Realty, L.P. and Randel S. Waites, as filed as exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 22, 2004, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.24*

Amended and Restated Severance Agreement dated as of October 21, 2004 by and among Prime Group Realty Trust, Prime Group Realty, L.P. and Paul Del Vecchio, as filed as exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 22, 2004, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.25

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 27, 2004 by and among Prime/Mansur Investment Partners, LLC, Cumberland Blues Merger Sub, LLC, Cumberland Blues, LLC, Prime Group Realty Trust and Prime Group Realty, L.P., as filed as exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 28, 2004, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.26

Termination and Release Agreement dated as of November 9, 2004 by and between The Prime Group, Inc., Prime Group Partners, LLC and Prime Group Realty, LP., as filed as exhibit 10.81 to our Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333-115640) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.27

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 17, 2005 by and among Prime Office Company, LLC, Prime Office Merger Sub LLC, Prime Office Merger Sub I, LLC, Prime Group Realty Trust and Prime Group Realty, L.P., as filed as exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed February 17, 2005, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

79

 



 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.28

Loan Agreement dated as of May 5, 2005 among LaSalle Bank National Association and Continental Towers Associates-I, L.P. and SunAmerica Life Insurance Company, as filed as exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.29

Subordination and Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 5, 2005 between SunAmerica Life Insurance Company and Prime Group Realty, L.P., as filed as exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.30

Environmental Indemnity Agreement dated as of May 5, 2005 by LaSalle Bank National Association, Continental Towers Associates-I, L.P. and Prime Group Realty, L.P. for the benefit of SunAmerica Life Insurance Company, as filed as exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.31

Guaranty of Recourse Obligations dated as of May 5, 2005 by Prime Group Realty, L.P. in favor of SunAmerica Life Insurance Company, as filed as exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.32

Promissory Note dated as of May 5, 2005 from LaSalle Bank National Association and Continental Towers Associates-I, L.P. to SunAmerica Life Insurance Company, as filed as exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.33

Settlement and Release dated as of May 18, 2005 by and among Prime/Mansur Investment Partners, LLC, Cumberland Blues Merger Sub, LLC, Cumberland Blues, LLC, The Prime Group, Inc. Prime Partners, LLC, Prime Group Realty Trust, and Prime Group Realty, L.P., as filed as exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.34

Sale and Purchase Agreement dated as of May 18, 2005 by and between LaSalle-Adams, L.L.C. and Prime/Mansur Investment Partners, LLC, as filed as exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.35

Thistle Interest Option Agreement dated as of by and between Phoenix Office, L.L.C. and Prime/Mansur Investment Partners, LLC, as filed as exhibit 10.8 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.36*

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of May 31, 2005 by and between Prime Office Company, LLC and Jeffrey A. Patterson, as filed as exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

10.37*

Employment Agreement dated as of May 31, 2005 by and between Prime Office Company, LLC and James F. Hoffman, as filed as exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference.

10.38*

Employment Agreement dated as of August 31, 2005 by and between Prime Group Realty Trust, Prime Group Realty, L.P., Prime Office Company, LLC and Daniel J. Nikitas, as filed as exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

80

 



 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.39

Loan Agreement dated as of December 30, 2005 between Prime Dearborn Equities LLC and IPC Investments Holdings Canada Inc. as filed as exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 11, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.40

Investment Agreement dated December 30, 2005 among The Lightstone Group, LLC and IPC Prime Equity, LLC, as filed as exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 11, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.41

First Amendment to Investment Agreement dated as of December 30, 2005 among The Lightstone Group, LLC and IPC Prime Equity, LLC, as filed as exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 11, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.42

Note dated as of December 30, 2005 from Prime Dearborn Equities LLC to IPC Investments Holdings Canada Inc., as filed as exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 11, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.43

Guarantee of Interest and Recourse Obligations dated as of December 30, 2005 between Prime Group Realty, L.P. and IPC Investments Holdings Canada, Inc., as filed as exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 11, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.44

Loan Agreement dated as of January 10, 2006 between PGRT Equity LLC and Citicorp USA, Inc., as filed as filed as exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 18, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.45

Guaranty dated as of January 10, 2006 by David Lichtenstein in favor of Citicorp USA, Inc., as filed as exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 18, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.46

Promissory Note dated as of January 10, 2006 from PGRT Equity LLC in favor of Citicorp USA, Inc., as filed as exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 18, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.47

Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated as of January 10, 2006 by 280 Shuman Blvd., L.L.C. to and for the benefit of Citicorp USA, Inc., as filed as exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 18, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.48

Amended and Restated Tax Indemnity Agreement dated as of January 10, 2006 by and among Prime Group Realty, L.P., Roland E. Casati, Richard A. Heise, CTA General Partner, LLC and Continental Towers, L.L.C., as filed as exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 18, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.49

Assumption, Consent and Modification Agreement dated as of January 10, 2006 by and among Chicago Title Land Trust Company, as trustee under Land Trust Numbers 40935 and 5602, Continental Towers Associates-I, L.P., Continental Towers, L.L.C., SunAmerica Life Insurance Company, Prime Group Realty, L.P. and Prime Group Management, LLC, as filed as exhibit 10.6 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 18, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

81

 



 

 

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

10.50

Assumption Agreement dated as of January 10, 2006 among Prime Group Realty, L.P. Chicago Title Land Trust Company, as trustee under Land Trust Numbers 40935 and 5602, Continental Towers Associates-I, L.P., Continental Towers, L.L.C., Richard A. Heise and Roland E. Casati, as filed as exhibit 10.7 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 18, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

10.51

Co-Ownership Agreement dated as of January 10, 2006 by and among Continental Towers Associates-I, L.P. and Continental Towers, L.L.C., as filed as exhibit 10.8 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed January 18, 2006, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

16.1

Letter dated as of October 6, 2005 from Ernst & Young LLP to the Securities and Exchange, as filed as exhibit 16.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K (filed October 7, 2005, File No. 001-13589) and incorporated herein by reference.

21.1

Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23.1

Consent of Independent Auditors.

 

31.1

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Jeffrey A. Patterson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Registrant.

 

31.2

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Paul G. Del Vecchio, Senior Vice President—Capital Markets of Registrant.

 

32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Jeffrey A. Patterson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Registrant.

 

32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Paul G. Del Vecchio, Senior Vice President—Capital Markets of Registrant.

_____________________

*              Management contracts or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 14(b) of the Report on Form 10-K.

 

82

 



 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 15, 2006.

 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

Title

Date

 

 

 

/s/ Jeffrey A. Patterson

President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee

March 15, 2006

Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Paul G. Del Vecchio

Senior Vice President—Capital Markets

March 15, 2006

Paul G. Del Vecchio

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John A. Los

Vice President Corporate Accounting

March 15, 2006

John A. Los

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Bruno de Vinck

Trustee

March 15, 2006

Bruno de Vinck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ David Lichtenstein

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

March 15, 2006

David Lichtenstein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ John M. Sabin

Trustee

March 15, 2006

John M. Sabin

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael M. Schurer

Trustee

March 15, 2006

Michael M. Schurer

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Shawn R. Tominus

 

 

Shawn R. Tominus

Trustee

March 15, 2006

 

 

 

/s/ George R. Whittemore

 

 

George R. Whittemore

Trustee

March 15, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

83

 

 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a) (1) Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

F-2

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2004

F-5

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the six months ended December 31, 2005 (successor company), for the six months ended June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-6

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the six months ended December 31, 2005 (successor company), for the six months ended June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-7

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended December 31, 2005 (successor company), for the six months ended June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003

F-8

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-10

 

 

Financial Statement Schedule

 

 

 

The following financial statement schedule is included in Item 15(c)

 

 

 

Schedule III – Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation of Prime Group

Realty Trust as of December 31, 2005

F-52

 

 

Financial Statements of Significant Subsidiary

F-57

 

 

 

 

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

 

F-1

 



 

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Trustees

Prime Group Realty Trust

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Prime Group Realty Trust (the ”Company”) as of December 31, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and the period from July 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 (successor company). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Prime Group Realty Trust as of December 31, 2005 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and the period from July 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 (successor company) in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index of financial statements is presented for additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements, and in our opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Prime Group Realty Trust’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 3, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

/s/GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

March 3, 2006

 

F-2

 



 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Trustees and

Shareholders of Prime Group Realty Trust

 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”, that Prime Group Realty Trust maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Prime Group Realty Trust’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Prime Group Realty Trust maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also in our opinion, Prime Group Realty Trust maintained, in all material respects effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

We have also audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2005 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005 (predecessor company) and the period from July 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 (successor company) of Prime Group Realty Trust and our report dated March 3, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

/s/GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

March 3, 2006

 

F-3

 



 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

Board of Trustees

Prime Group Realty Trust

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Prime Group Realty Trust as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of Prime Group Realty Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Prime Group Realty Trust at December 31, 2004, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

/s/Ernst & Young LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

February 21, 2005,

except for Notes 9 and 10, as to which the date is

February 24, 2006

 

F-4

 



 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

Predecessor

 

 

Company

 

 

Company

 

 

December 31

2005

 

 

December 31

2004

 

(dollars in thousands, except share and per

Assets

share amounts)

Real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

$

92,220

 

$

111,770

Building and improvements

 

335,951

 

 

443,066

Tenant improvements

 

43,200

 

 

54,325

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

521

 

 

9,898

 

 

471,892

 

 

619,059

Accumulated depreciation

 

(11,142)

 

 

(94,252)

 

 

460,750

 

 

524,807

In-place lease value, net

 

39,912

 

 

Above-market lease value, net

 

30,638

 

 

Property under development

 

1,501

 

 

1,588

 

 

532,801

 

 

526,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property held for sale

 

 

 

67,133

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

111,197

 

 

26,088

Cash and cash equivalents

 

17,609

 

 

71,731

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,086 and $1,985

at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

Tenant

 

1,915

 

 

593

Deferred rent

 

2,184

 

 

16,809

Other

 

1,724

 

 

2,161

Restricted cash escrows

 

96,654

 

 

40,232

Deferred costs, net

 

5,220

 

 

13,441

Other

 

2,617

 

 

2,780

Total assets

$

771,921

 

$

767,363

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage notes payable

$

452,965

 

$

384,855

Mortgage notes payable related to property held for sale

 

 

 

42,590

Liabilities related to property held for sale

 

 

 

6,188

Accrued interest payable

 

1,796

 

 

1,324

Accrued real estate taxes

 

22,389

 

 

22,458

Accrued tenant improvement allowances

 

11,792

 

 

4,266

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

6,527

 

 

8,695

Liabilities for leases assumed

 

7,618

 

 

9,957

Below-market lease value, net

 

16,195

 

 

Deficit investment in unconsolidated entity

 

 

 

4,087

Dividends payable

 

2,250

 

 

2,250

Other

 

9,136

 

 

16,115

Total liabilities

 

530,668

 

 

502,785

Minority interests:

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Partnership

 

135,851

 

 

19,154

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Shares, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized:

 

 

 

 

 

Series B – Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares, 4,000,000 shares designated, issued and outstanding

 

40

 

 

40

Common Shares, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 236,483 and 23,671,996 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

2

 

 

236

Additional paid-in capital

 

106,239

 

 

381,293

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

2

 

 

(468)

Distributions in excess of earnings

 

(881)

 

 

(135,677)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

105,402

 

 

245,424

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

771,921

 

$

767,363

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-5

 



 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental

$

26,982

 

$

26,676

$

55,163

$

73,669

Tenant reimbursements

 

17,624

 

 

17,580

 

35,564

 

44,032

Other property revenues

 

1,768

 

 

1,929

 

3,513

 

4,090

Services Company revenue

 

2,181

 

 

1,993

 

4,374

 

2,923

Total revenue

 

48,555

 

 

48,178

 

98,614

 

124,714

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operations

 

13,535

 

 

12,769

 

25,028

 

29,298

Real estate taxes

 

11,056

 

 

11,137

 

20,927

 

25,027

Depreciation and amortization

 

20,133

 

 

9,919

 

19,534

 

26,105

General and administrative

 

2,941

 

 

4,767

 

10,426

 

9,681

Services Company operations

 

1,593

 

 

2,469

 

3,768

 

2,582

Provision for asset impairment

 

 

 

 

 

1,948

Severance costs

 

218

 

 

176

 

322

 

701

Strategic alternative costs

 

 

 

10,288

 

2,374

 

485

Total expenses

 

49,476

 

 

51,525

 

82,379

 

95,827

Operating (loss) income

 

(921)

 

 

(3,347)

 

16,235

 

28,887

Loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

(6,998)

 

 

(6,024)

 

(14,878)

 

(2,249)

Interest and other income

 

1,271

 

 

1,325

 

1,617

 

1,296

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense

 

(13,322)

 

 

(12,046)

 

(25,106)

 

(44,423)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(25)

 

 

(1,263)

 

(1,616)

 

(6,906)

Accretion of mortgage note payable

 

927

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before minority interests

 

(19,068)

 

 

(21,355)

 

(23,748)

 

(23,395)

Minority interests

 

23,362

 

 

2,973

 

3,766

 

7,308

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

4,294

 

 

(18,382)

 

(19,982)

 

(16,087)

Discontinued operations, net of minority interests of $(3,229), $1,334, $(1,181) and $(7,367) for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and in 2004 and 2003, respectively

 

28

 

 

(10,263)

 

9,092

 

(19,484)

Income (loss) before (loss) gain on sales of real estate

 

4,322

 

 

(28,645)

 

(10,890)

 

(35,571)

(Loss) gain on sales of real estate, net of minority interests of $225, $(1,179), $64 and $84 for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and in 2004 and 2003, respectively

 

(3)

 

 

9,074

 

(493)

 

(646)

Net income (loss)

 

4,319

 

 

(19,571)

 

(11,383)

 

(36,217)

Net income allocated to preferred shareholders

 

(4,500)

 

 

(4,500)

 

(9,000)

 

(9,000)

Net loss available to common shareholders

$

(181)

 

$

(24,071)

$

(20,383)

$

(45,217)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings available to common shares per weighted-average common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

$

(0.87)

 

$

(0.97)

$

(1.22)

$

(1.25)

Discontinued operations, net of minority interests

 

0.12

 

 

(0.43)

 

0.38

 

(0.97)

(Loss) gain on sales of real estate, net of minority interests

 

(0.01)

 

 

0.38

 

(0.02)

 

(0.03)

Net loss available per weighted-average common share of beneficial interest – basic and diluted

$

(0.76)

 

$

(1.02)

$

(0.86)

$

(2.25)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

4,319

 

$

(19,571)

$

(11,383)

$

(36,217)

Other comprehensive loss – interest rate protection agreements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the year

 

2

 

 

39

 

(145)

 

(63)

Equity in unrealized gains arising during the year – unconsolidated entities

 

 

 

 

 

2,542

Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income – unconsolidated entities

 

 

 

 

2,594

 

612

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

4,321

 

$

(19,532)

$

(8,934)

$

(33,126)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-6

 



 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005,

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2005 AND

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004 AND 2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series B Preferred Shares

 

 

Common

 

Additional

Paid-In

 

Other

Comprehensive

 

(Distributions

in Excess of)

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Capital

 

Loss

 

Retained Earnings

 

Total

 

 

(dollars in thousands, except for share/unit and per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2003

$

40

$

157

$

330,327

$

(6,008)

$

(79,077)

$

245,439

Conversion of 7,980,899 common units to common shares (one for one)

 

 

79

 

50,852

 

 

 

50,931

Amortization of restricted stock awards

 

 

 

94

 

 

 

94

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(36,217)

 

(36,217)

Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

3,091

 

 

3,091

Balance at December 31, 2003

$

40

$

236

$

381,273

$

(2,917)

$

(115,294)

$

263,338

Amortization of restricted stock awards

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

20

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

(11,383)

 

(11,383)

Series B – preferred share dividends declared ($2.25 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

(9,000)

 

(9,000)

Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

2,449

 

 

2,449

Balance at December 31, 2004

$

40

$

236

$

381,293

$

(468)

$

(135,677)

$

245,424

Net loss Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

(19,571)

 

(19,571)

Series B – preferred share dividends declared ($2.25 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,500)

 

(4,500)

Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

39

 

 

39

Balance at June 30, 2005

$

40

$

236

$

381,293

$

(429)

$

(159,748)

$

221,392

Impact of applying push down accounting

 

(40)

 

(236)

 

(381,293)

 

429

 

159,748

 

(221,392)

Opening balance at date of Acquisition – July 1, 2005

 

40

 

2

 

105,539

 

 

 

105,581

Accretion of fair value of preferred stock

 

 

 

700

 

 

(700)

 

Net income Successor Company

 

 

 

 

 

4,319

 

4,319

Series B – preferred share dividends declared ($2.25 per share)

 

 

 

 

 

(4,500)

 

(4,500)

Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

2

Balance at December 31, 2005

$

40

$

2

$

106,239

$

2

$

(881)

$

105,402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-7

 



 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Net income (loss)

$

4,319

 

$

(19,571)

$

(11,383)

$

(36,217)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accretion of mortgage notes payable

 

(927)

 

 

 

 

Amortization of discount on notes payable

 

 

 

 

 

343

Amortization of costs for leases assumed (included in rental revenue)

 

52

 

 

138

 

288

 

2,968

Amortization of above/below-market lease value (included in rental revenue)

 

1,762

 

 

 

 

Amortization of in-place lease value

 

8,956

 

 

 

 

Gain on sales of real estate (loss (gain) of $6, $(709), $(10,287) and $(2,348) for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended 2004 and 2003, respectively, included in discontinued operations)

 

(170)

 

 

(10,558)

 

(5,382)

 

(1,618)

Depreciation and amortization (including discontinued operations)

 

11,193

 

 

12,075

 

29,558

 

42,575

Provision for asset impairment (asset impairments of $15,074 in 2005 and $43,405 in 2003 included in discontinued operations)

 

 

 

15,074

 

 

45,353

Net equity in loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

6,998

 

 

6,024

 

14,878

 

2,249

Minority interests (including discontinued operations and gain on sales of real estate)

 

(33,068)

 

 

(3,173)

 

(2,649)

 

(25)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities (including discontinued operations):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in receivables

 

(2,518)

 

 

545

 

(4,462)

 

(232)

(Decrease) increase in allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(713)

 

 

(186)

 

1,726

 

(1,015)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(51)

 

 

224

 

727

 

(77)

Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable

 

137

 

 

178

 

(65)

 

(5,553)

(Decrease) increase in accrued real estate taxes

 

(1,102)

 

 

685

 

(595)

 

4,631

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

245

 

 

(153)

 

(4,575)

 

5,223

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

 

6,655

 

 

(7,961)

 

4,042

 

(2,194)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

1,768

 

 

(6,659)

 

22,108

 

56,875

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenditures for real estate and equipment

 

(4,612)

 

 

(5,457)

 

(15,950)

 

(104,472)

Proceeds received under environmental indemnification

 

 

 

 

3,100

 

Proceeds from sales of real estate

 

3,063

 

 

10,397

 

134,169

 

430,254

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash escrows (including discontinued operations)

 

(57,637)

 

 

378

 

3,424

 

(13,483)

Leasing costs

 

(3,073)

 

 

(3,360)

 

(7,761)

 

(20,201)

Loan to unconsolidated joint venture

 

 

 

 

(588)

 

Distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures, net

 

3,933

 

 

300

 

219

 

4,634

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(58,326)

 

 

2,258

 

116,613

 

296,732

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-8

 



 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing costs

$

(1,367)

 

$

(1,090)

$

(755)

$

(4,838)

 

Proceeds from mortgage notes payable

 

55,000

 

 

75,000

 

67,000

 

195,000

 

Repayment of mortgage notes payable

 

(1,110)

 

 

(67,096)

 

(159,093)

 

(318,763)

 

Proceeds from construction financing

 

 

 

 

 

97,155

 

Repayment of construction financing

 

 

 

 

 

(305,353)

 

Distributions to minority interests—operating partnership

 

(29,735)

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends paid to Series B – preferred

shareholders

 

(18,000)

 

 

(4,500)

 

(6,750)

 

 

Dividends paid to common shareholder

 

(265)

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

4,523

 

 

2,314

 

(99,598)

 

(336,799)

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(52,035)

 

 

(2,087)

 

39,123

 

16,808

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

69,644

 

 

71,731

 

32,608

 

15,800

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

17,609

 

$

69,644

$

71,731

$

32,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information for net assets sold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate, net

$

48,598

 

$

590

$

156,487

$

435,784

Deferred rent receivable

 

 

 

 

3,426

 

3,222

Deferred costs, net

 

1,716

 

 

 

2,507

 

38,963

Restricted escrows

 

1,548

 

 

 

27,198

 

2,526

Mortgage notes payable assumed by buyer

 

(45,977)

 

 

 

(28,382)

 

Bonds payable assumed by buyer

 

 

 

 

(24,900)

 

Accrued real estate taxes

 

(3,055)

 

 

 

(5,173)

 

(9,644)

Other liabilities and assets, net

 

(2,506)

 

 

 

(6,724)

 

1,908

Net assets

 

324

 

 

590

 

124,439

 

472,759

Equity investment in unconsolidated entity

retained(1)

 

 

 

 

 

(44,123)

Net assets sold

 

324

 

 

590

 

124,439

 

428,636

Proceeds from sales of real estate

 

 

 

10,397

 

134,169

 

430,254

Gain on sales of real estate(2)

$

324

 

$

9,807

$

9,730

$

1,618

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents our 30.0% subordinate common equity in the Dearborn Center joint venture.

 

(2)

Gain on sales of real estate of $0.0 million, 0.7 million, $10.3 million and $2.3 million are included in discontinued operations for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the $10.7 million gain on sales of real estate includes $0.6 million of residual effects related to properties sold in prior years. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the $10.3 million gain on sales of real estate includes $4.3 million of non-cash allocated costs.

 

Supplemental cash flow information for significant non-cash activity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate basis reduction due to the exchange of Operating Partnership common units for common shares

$

 

$

$

$

(24,614)

Deferred leasing cost reduction due to the exchange of Operating Partnership common units for common shares

 

 

 

 

 

(1,272)

Mortgage notes payable reduction through assumption of debt by purchaser of sold properties

 

45,977

 

 

 

28,382

 

Bonds payable reduction through assumption of debt by purchaser of sold property

 

 

 

 

24,900

 

 

$

45,977

 

$

$

53,282

$

(25,886)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information for significant non-cash activity related to Acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate, net

$

30,293

 

$

$

$

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

107,863

 

 

 

 

Deferred rent receivable

 

(18,814)

 

 

 

 

Deferred costs, net

 

(13,363)

 

 

 

 

Mortgage notes payable

 

(10,630)

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

(14,820)

 

 

 

 

Minority interests

 

(202,270)

 

 

 

 

Shareholder equity

 

121,741

 

 

 

 

 

$

 

$

$

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes.

 

F-9

 



 

 

Prime Group Realty Trust

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Formation and Organization of the Company

 

We are a fully-integrated, self-administered, and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”) which owns, manages, leases, develops, and redevelops office and industrial real estate, primarily in the Chicago metropolitan area. Our portfolio of properties consists of 10 office properties, containing an aggregate of 3.8 million net rentable square feet, and one industrial property, containing 0.1 million net rentable square feet. All of our properties are located in the Chicago metropolitan area in prime business locations within established business communities and account for all of our rental revenue and tenant reimbursements revenue. In addition, we own 6.3 acres of developable land. We also have three joint venture interests in office properties containing an aggregate of 2.6 million net rentable square feet.

 

Our three joint venture interests are accounted for as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. These consist of a 50.0% common interest in a joint venture which owns the 945,792 square foot office tower located at 77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois, a 30.0% subordinated common interest in a joint venture which owns the 1,508,068 square foot Citadel Center (formerly known as Bank One Center or Dearborn Center) office building located at 131 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, and a 23.1% common interest in a joint venture that owns a 101,006 square foot office building located in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

We were organized in Maryland on July 21, 1997 as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“the Code”), for federal income tax purposes. On November 17, 1997, we completed our initial public offering and contributed the net proceeds to Prime Group Realty, L.P. (our “Operating Partnership”) in exchange for common and preferred partnership interests.

 

Prior to our acquisition (the “Acquisition”) by an affiliate of The Lightstone Group, LLC (“Lightstone”), we were the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and owned all of the preferred units and 88.5% of the common units of the Operating Partnership then issued (the ”Predecessor Company”) or (the “predecessor company”). Each preferred unit and common unit entitled us to receive distributions from our Operating Partnership. Distributions declared or paid to holders of common shares and preferred shares were based upon such distributions we received with respect to our common units and preferred units.

 

On June 28, 2005, our common shareholders approved the Acquisition by Lightstone and on July 1, 2005, the Acquisition was completed. The Acquisition closed pursuant to the terms of the previously announced agreement and plan of merger dated as of February 17, 2005, among certain affiliates of Lightstone, the Operating Partnership and us. As a result of the Acquisition, each of our common shares and limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership were cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of $7.25 per common share/limited partnership unit, without interest. In connection with the Acquisition, all outstanding options with an exercise price equal to or greater than the sales price of $7.25 per share/unit were cancelled and each outstanding option for a common share with an exercise price less than the sales price were entitled to be exchanged for cash in an amount equal to the difference between $7.25 and the exercise price.

 

F-10

 



 

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Our Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (the “Series B Shares”) remain outstanding after the completion of the Acquisition.

 

As a result of the Acquisition, Prime Office Company LLC (“Prime Office”), a subsidiary of Lightstone, owned 100.0%, or 236,483, common shares and 99.1%, or 26,488,389, of the outstanding common units in the Operating Partnership. Prime Group Realty Trust (the “Company” or “PGRT”) owns 0.9% or 236,483 of the outstanding common units and all of the 4.0 million outstanding preferred units in the Operating Partnership.

 

Accordingly, the financial statements reflect our operations prior to the Acquisition (predecessor company) and after the Acquisition for the six month period ended December 31, 2005 (successor company).

 

Effective on November 16, 2005, Prime Office transferred 5,512,241 common units to Park Avenue Funding, LLC, an affiliate of Lightstone. Subsequent to the transfer, Prime Office owns 78.5%, or 20,976,148, of the outstanding common units in the Operating Partnership, while Park Avenue Funding, LLC owns 20.6% and PGRT owns 0.9%.

 

As a result of the closing on December 30, 2005 of a loan from IPC Investments Holding Canada Inc. (“IPC Lender”) to an affiliate of the Company, an affiliate of IPC Lender, IPC Prime Equity, LLC (“IPC Equity”), owns a 12.6% interest in the cash available for distribution derived from Prime Office’s direct ownership of the common limited partnership units of our Operating Partnership.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Investments in corporations and partnerships in which we do not have a controlling financial interest but do have significant influence or a majority interest are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. These entities are reflected on our consolidated financial statements as investments in unconsolidated entities. To the extent that our recorded share of losses exceeds our investment in an unconsolidated corporation or partnership, we reflect a deficit investment as a liability in our consolidated financial statements.

 

Our consolidated financial statements include our Operating Partnership and the other entities in which we have control or from which we receive all economic benefits. We have significant controlling financial interests in the Continental Towers office building located at 1701 Golf Road in Rolling Meadows, Illinois through our ownership of a second mortgage note secured by this property and we consolidate this property.

 

Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

F-11

 



 

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

We have one primary reportable segment consisting principally of our ongoing ownership and operation of ten office properties and one industrial property located in the Chicago area and leased through operating leases to unrelated third parties. Substantially all depreciation and interest expense reflected in the consolidated financial statements presented herein relate to our ownership of our properties.

 

Accounting for the Acquisition

 

Our Acquisition was at a purchase price of $7.25 per common share/limited partnership unit and was structured in a manner that, after the Acquisition, resulted in Lightstone owning all 236,483 of our common shares and 26,488,389 limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership. As a result of the closing of the Acquisition on July 1, 2005, we were required to revalue our balance sheet to reflect the fair market value of each of our assets and liabilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations.” The total purchase price for the Acquisition was $204.6 million, which included $10.9 million of transaction costs, in addition to the assumption of debt of $435.2 million and the Series B Shares fairly valued at $93.0 million. For accounting purposes, the total purchase price was reduced by the $30.0 million distribution to our common shareholder, which was paid out of acquired cash, made after the Acquisition on July 5, 2005 and was accounted for as a reduction in Prime Office’s investment in us. The purchase price was allocated as follows, using the methods described below:

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Total Purchase Price

$

732,800

Common Share Distribution

 

(30,000)

Net purchase price

$

702,800

 

 

 

Land

$

108,656

Building and improvements

 

357,324

Tenant Improvements

 

36,515

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

506

In-place lease value

 

44,875

Above/below-market lease value

 

15,579

Property under development

 

1,500

Deferred Costs

 

12,805

Investments in unconsolidated entities

 

122,072

Current assets

 

63,817

Other assets

 

2,531

Other liabilities

 

(52,750)

Fair value adjustment to debt

 

(10,630)

Total allocated purchase price

$

702,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

The net assets at the date of the Acquisition, fairly valued as described below, exceeded the cost of the Acquisition resulting in negative goodwill of approximately $50.5 million, which was allocated on a pro rata basis to all of the acquired non-financial, non-current assets. We have refined our methodology of identifying above-market and below-market lease value, which resulted in $11.5 million of additional negative goodwill since our previous disclosure at September 30, 2005.

 

As a result of the Acquisition and the revaluation of our balance sheet because of the Acquisition, the fair value of the real estate acquired by Lightstone is allocated to acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, buildings and tenant improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases for acquired in-place leases, lease in-place value and the value of tenant relationships, based in each case on their fair

 

F-12

 



 

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

values. Purchase accounting was applied to assets and liabilities related to the Acquisition based upon the fair value of interest acquired.

 

The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land, buildings and tenant improvements) is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, based on management’s determination of the relative fair values of these assets. Management determines the as-if-vacant fair value of a property using generally accepted methods. In addition, the fair value of our investment in joint ventures is determined by applying our ownership percentage to the new fair value of the property.

 

In determining the fair value of the identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. The capitalized above-market lease values and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining lease term.

 

The aggregate value of in-place leases is determined by evaluating various factors, including an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, current market conditions and similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal and other related costs. The in-place lease value is amortized to expense over the remaining lease term.

 

The aggregate value of other acquired intangible assets include tenant relationships. Factors considered by management in whether to assign a value to these relationships include: assumptions of probability of lease renewals, investment in tenant improvements, leasing commissions and an approximate time lapse in rental income while a new tenant is located. The value, if assigned to this intangible asset, would be amortized over the average life of the relationship. Management after its review decided to assign no fair value to these relationships based on our current tenant mix.

 

The fair value of the fixed rate long-term debt of the acquired entity was determined by valuing the debt at present value amounts based on market comparisons to similar types of debt instruments having similar maturity.

 

This transaction was accounted for as a purchase, and consequently, results of operations reflect the new basis of accounting from the date of the Acquisition. The current allocation of the purchase price by Lightstone is based upon preliminary estimates and is subject to final resolution of certain contingent liabilities related to certain contingent tax indemnities.

 

F-13

 



 

 

Real Estate

 

Real estate assets, including acquired assets, are stated at cost. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which are as follows:

 

Buildings

40 years weighted average composite life

Building improvements

10 to 30 years

Tenant improvements

Term of related leases

Furniture and equipment

3-10 years

 

Development costs, which include land acquisition costs, construction costs, fees and other costs incurred in developing new properties, are capitalized as incurred. Interest, financing costs, real estate taxes, other direct costs and indirect costs (including certain employee compensation costs and related general and administrative expenses) incurred during development periods are capitalized as a component of the building costs. Subsequent to the one-year period, these costs are fully expensed as incurred. Upon completion of construction, development costs are included in buildings and improvements and are depreciated over the useful lives of the respective properties on a straight-line basis.

 

Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Significant renovations and improvements which improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of” (“SFAS 144”), we record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets during the expected hold period are less than the carrying amounts of those assets.

 

The estimated cash flows used for the impairment analysis and to determine estimated fair value are based on our plans for our respective assets and our views of market and economic conditions. The estimates consider matters such as current and historical rental rates, occupancies for the respective properties and comparable properties, and recent sales data for comparable properties. Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in our plans or views of market and economic conditions could result in the recognition of impairment losses, which, under the applicable accounting guidance, could be substantial. As of December 31, 2005, we believe that no impairments existed. Impairment losses of $15.1 million, $0.0 million and $45.4 million were recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Impairment losses are measured as the difference between carrying value and fair value of assets. For assets held for sale, impairment is measured as the difference between carrying value and fair value, less costs to dispose. Fair value is based on estimated cash flows discounted at a risk-adjusted rate of interest. Property held for future development and property under development are also evaluated for impairment. Impairment is determined for development costs associated with property held for future development and property under development based upon management’s assessment that these costs have no future value.

 

F-14

 



 

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Sales of Real Estate

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 66, “Accounting for Sales of Real Estate”, we recognize gains on sale of real estate using the full accrual method upon sale, provided the sales price is reasonably assured and we are not obligated to perform significant activities after the sale. However, when we agree to assume responsibility for re-leasing sold properties for a period beyond the date of sale and where we use estimates to support our intent to mitigate our net liability, we defer recognition of the gain on sale of real estate until such time as we can more reasonably determine our actual liability with executed subleases.

 

In accordance with SFAS 144, net income and gain (loss) on sales of real estate for properties sold or properties held for sale are reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Operations as “discontinued operations” for all years presented.

 

Property Held for Sale

 

We evaluate held for sale classification of our owned real estate on a quarterly basis. Assets that are classified as held for sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Assets are generally classified as held for sale once we commit to a plan to sell the property and have initiated an active program to market them for sale. The results of operations of these real estate properties are reflected as discontinued operations in all periods reported.

 

On occasion, we will receive unsolicited offers from third parties to buy individual properties. Under these circumstances, we will classify the properties as held for sale when a sales contract is executed with no contingencies and the prospective buyer has funds at risk to ensure performance.

 

Intangible Assets

 

The above-market lease values and below-market lease values are amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining lease term while in-place lease values are amortized to expense over the remaining lease term.

 

F-15

 



 

 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Carrying

Intangible Asset Category

 

 

Amount-Gross

 

Amortization

 

Amount - Net

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

In-place lease value

 

$

48,868

$

(8,956)

$

39,912

Above-market lease value

 

 

34,797

 

(4,159)

 

30,638

Below-market lease value

 

 

(18,632)

 

2,437

 

(16,195)

 

 

$

65,033

$

(10,678)

$

54,355

Actual amortization for the six months ended December 31, 2005 and estimates for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In-Place

 

Above-market

 

Below-market

Year ending December 31

 

 

Lease Value

 

Lease Value

 

Lease Value

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

2005

 

$

8,956

$

4,159

$

(2,437)

2006

 

 

11,484

 

7,215

 

(4,215)

2007

 

 

6,034

 

6,206

 

(3,101)

2008

 

 

3,971

 

5,266

 

(2,485)

2009

 

 

3,040

 

4,811

 

(1,964)

2010

 

 

1,435

 

2,332

 

(1,489)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Equivalents

 

We consider highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

 

Restricted Cash

 

Restricted cash consists primarily of cash held for real estate taxes, insurance and property reserves for maintenance and expansion or tenant improvements as required by certain leases and loan agreements.

 

Deferred Costs

 

Costs incurred in connection with financings, refinancings or debt modifications are capitalized as deferred financing costs and are amortized using the effective interest method over the lives of the related loans. Upon the early extinguishment of debt, remaining deferred financing costs associated with the extinguished debt are fully amortized to interest expense. Leasing commissions, lease assumption costs and other leasing costs directly attributable to tenant leases are capitalized as deferred leasing costs and are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the related lease agreements.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our estimate of the amounts of the recorded accounts receivable at the balance sheet date that will not be recovered from cash receipts in subsequent periods. Our policy is to record a periodic provision for doubtful accounts based on total revenues. We also periodically review specific tenant balances and determine whether an additional allowance is necessary. In recording such a provision, we consider a tenant’s creditworthiness, ability

 

F-16

 



 

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

to pay, probability of collection and consideration of the tenant. The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed periodically based upon our historical experience. As a result, we recorded a provision of $0.1 million, $0.3 million, $1.7 million and $0.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2005, six months ended June 30, 2005 and for years ended 2004 and 2003, respectively. In addition, we had charge off’s of $1.7 million during 2005.

 

Leases Assumed

 

In connection with certain tenant leases, we have assumed the liability for the remaining terms of the tenants’ existing leases in their previous location. We have recorded a liability for the difference between the total remaining costs for leases assumed and the expected benefits from actual and estimated future subleasing of the assumed lease obligations. The related incentive to the lessee has been capitalized as a deferred cost and is being amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the life of the respective lease. The deferred cost and related liability are adjusted prospectively for changes in the estimated benefits from subleases.

 

Rental Revenue

 

Rental revenue is recorded on the straight-line method over the terms of the related lease agreements for new leases and the remaining terms of existing leases for acquired properties. Differences between rental revenue earned and amounts due per the respective lease agreements are credited or charged, as applicable, to deferred rent receivable. Rental payments received prior to their recognition as income are classified as rent received in advance and are included in other liabilities. Lease termination income (included in rental revenue) represents amounts received from tenants in connection with the early termination of their remaining lease obligation reduced by any outstanding tenant receivables (including deferred rent receivable). Unamortized tenant improvements, deferred lease commissions and leasing costs related to terminated leases are recorded as additional depreciation and amortization expense upon lease termination.

 

Interest Rate Protection Agreements

 

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the effects of interest rate changes. We limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives. For interest rate exposures, derivatives are used primarily to align rate movements between interest rates associated with our leasing income and other financial assets with interest rates on related debt and to manage the cost of borrowing obligations. These are principally entered into to comply with requirements under certain of our loan agreements.

 

We have a policy of only entering into derivative contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. When viewed in conjunction with the underlying and offsetting exposure that the derivatives are designed to hedge, we have not sustained a material loss from those instruments nor do we anticipate any material adverse effect on our net income or financial position in the future from the use of derivatives.

 

We require that hedging derivative instruments be effective in reducing the interest rate risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. This effectiveness is essential for qualifying for hedge accounting. Some derivative instruments are associated with the hedge of an anticipated transaction. In those cases, hedge effectiveness criteria also require that it be probable that the underlying transaction occurs. Instruments that meet these hedging criteria are formally designated as hedges at the inception of the derivative contract. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying hedged item ceases to exist, all changes in the fair value of the instrument are

 

F-17

 



 

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

marked-to-market with changes in value included in net income each period until the instrument matures, unless the instrument is redesignated as a hedge of another transaction. Any derivative instrument used for risk management that does not meet the hedging criteria is marked-to-market each period in earnings.

 

To determine the fair values of derivative instruments, we use a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. For the majority of financial instruments including most derivatives, long-term investments and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, replacement cost, and termination cost are used to determine fair value. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.

 

Interest rate hedges that are designated as cash flow hedges, hedge the future cash outflows on debt. Interest rate swaps that convert variable payments to fixed payments, interest rate caps, floors, collars and forwards are cash flow hedges. The unrealized gains/losses in the fair value of these hedges are reported on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to either accumulated other comprehensive income or in earnings, depending on the type of hedging relationship. If the hedging transaction is a cash flow hedge, then the offsetting gains and losses are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Over time, the unrealized gains and losses held in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified to earnings. This reclassification is consistent when the hedged items are also recognized in earnings. Since the time of the Acquisition all of our derivative instruments have been marked to their fair value. We do not foresee any material accumulated other comprehensive income being reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months. If a derivative instrument is terminated or the hedging transaction is no longer determined to be effective, amounts held in accumulated other comprehensive income are reclassified into earnings over the term of the future cash outflows on the related debt.

 

SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” (“SFAS 133”), as amended by SFAS No. 138, “Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 138”), established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. Specifically SFAS 133 requires an entity to recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and to measure those instruments at fair value. Additionally, the fair value adjustments will affect either shareholders’ equity or net income depending on whether the derivative instrument qualifies as a hedge for accounting purposes and, if so, the nature of the hedging activity. The Financial Accounting Standards Board also issued guidance on the accounting for options used as hedges under SFAS 133. Provided certain criteria are met, options can be considered fully effective hedging vehicles, with gains and losses due to changes in market value recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the balance sheet. Any unrealized gains or losses due to changes in market value of options, such as interest rate caps, have been recorded in comprehensive loss.

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the potentially dilutive effect, if any, which would occur if outstanding: (i) common share options were exercised; (ii) limited partner common units in the Operating Partnership were exchanged for common shares; (iii) common share grants were fully-vested and (iv) common share warrants were exercised.

 

F-18

 



 

 

Income Taxes

 

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended (“the Code”). As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent that we distribute at least 90.0% of our REIT taxable income to our shareholders. REITs are subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate tax rates.

 

We account for income taxes payable by Prime Group Realty Services, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and its affiliates (collectively, the “Services Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, a taxable REIT subsidiary, in accordance with SFAS No. 109,”Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). SFAS 109 requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. SFAS 109 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We evaluate quarterly the realizability of our deferred tax assets by assessing the valuation allowance and by adjusting the amount of the allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are our forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax asset. We have used tax-planning strategies to realize or renew net deferred tax assets in order to avoid the potential loss of future tax benefits.

 

The Services Company recorded a tax provision of $0.6 million during 2005 and at December 31, 2005, had a current and deferred tax liability of $96,000 and $81,000, respectively. During 2004, the Services Company recorded a tax provision of $1.1 million and had a current and deferred tax liability of $34,000 and $30,000, respectively. The Services Company paid income taxes in the amount of $0.2 million for the six months ended December 31, 2005, $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, $59,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004 and $0.0 for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

Severance Costs

 

Severance costs of $0.2 million for the six months ended December 31, 2005 and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, primarily related to a reduction of corporate management and support staff. For the year ended December 31, 2004, severance costs of $0.3 million were incurred primarily resulting from the retirement of Mr. Stephen J. Nardi as our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our Board. Severance costs for the year ended December 31, 2003 of $0.7 million resulted from the termination of Mr. Louis G. Conforti, our former Chief Financial Officer.

 

Strategic Alternative Costs

 

Strategic alternative costs of $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005 primarily relate to legal, consulting, and professional fees incurred in connection with previously settled litigation.

 

F-19

 



 

 

2. Asset Impairments

 

We recorded the following provisions for asset impairments:

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating properties (1)

$

 

$

$

$

900

Property under development (2)

 

 

 

 

 

1,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,948

Discontinued operations (3)

 

 

 

15,074

 

 

43,405

 

$

 

$

15,074

$

$

45,353

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

In 2003, we admitted a new 70.0% joint venture partner to the joint venture which owns the Citadel Center office building. We recorded an asset impairment of $0.9 million in 2003 representing the difference between our equity in the property and the equity value determined by the acquisition price paid by our joint venture partner for the 70.0% interest, net of estimated transaction costs.

 

(2)

During 2003 we abandoned or curtailed various development projects and recorded an asset impairment of $1.0 million.

 

(3)

Discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2003 include provisions for asset impairment related to properties held for sale or sold. See Note 9 – Discontinued Operations to these Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these asset impairments.

 

3. Deferred Costs

 

Deferred costs consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Financing costs

$

1,329

$

8,695

Leasing costs

 

3,916

 

17,577

 

 

5,245

 

26,272

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

(25)

 

(12,831)

 

$

5,220

$

13,441

 

 

F-20

 



 

 

4. Mortgage Notes Payable

 

Mortgage Notes Payable consisted of the following:

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Mortgage Notes Payable (1), (2):

 

 

 

 

Mortgage notes payable to various financial institutions, collateralized by various properties, interest at fixed rates ranging from 5.43% to 12.00% per annum, with principal and interest payable monthly on dates ranging from 2006 through March 1, 2011. The weighted average rates at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were 8.31% and 7.02%, respectively

$

182,965

$

232,445

Mortgage notes payable to various financial institutions, collateralized by various properties, interest at variable rates ranging from LIBOR (4.39% at December 31, 2005) plus 143 basis points to LIBOR plus 570 basis points per annum, with interest payable monthly through May 1, 2008. The weighted average rates at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were 6.90% and 5.25%, respectively

 

270,000

 

195,000

Total mortgage notes payable

$

452,965

$

427,445

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

The mortgage notes payable are subject to various operating and financial covenants. In addition, we are required to periodically fund and maintain escrow accounts to make future real estate tax and insurance payments, as well as to fund certain tenant releasing costs and capital expenditures. These are included in restricted cash escrows.

 

(2)

All of our operating real estate assets have been pledged as collateral for our mortgage notes payable.

 

On May 5, 2005, we refinanced the senior loan secured by our Continental Towers office building with a non-amortizing first mortgage of $75.0 million maturing May 1, 2008. In addition, we purchased an interest rate protection agreement, which caps the total interest rate at 8.25%. During the loan refinancing, we received $4.0 million in loan proceeds and $4.9 million was funded into escrow ($3.5 million in leasing escrow and $1.4 million in a tax escrow).

 

On December 9, 2005, the previously announced sale of our 208 South LaSalle Street property to Prime/Mansur Investment Partners, LLC (“Prime/Mansur”), a joint venture controlled by E. Barry Mansur and including Michael W. Reschke, a former Chairman and a former member of our Board, was completed. The $44.0 million sales price included the assumption of the existing $41.9 million first mortgage held on the building and certain agreed upon prorations. After closing prorations and costs, we received approximately $0.5 million in net proceeds from the sale. As a result of the revaluation of our balance sheet to fair value due to the Acquisition, no gain or loss was recorded on this sale.

 

On December 30, 2005, our subsidiary, Prime Dearborn Equity LLC (“Prime Dearborn”) entered into a $55.0 million mezzanine loan agreement. This loan is collateralized with a pledge by Prime Dearborn of its right to distributions from the joint venture Dearborn Center, L.L.C. (the ”Dearborn JV”), and a pledge by our Operating Partnership of its rights to management and leasing fees in connection with the management of the property. This loan contained a 2.0% origination fee, matures April 5, 2010 and has an annual interest rate of 12.0% payable to the extent of available cash flow, with minimum payments of 8.0%

 

F-21

 



 

 

4. Mortgage Notes Payable (continued)

 

the first year of the loan and increasing by 50 basis points each year thereafter, to a maximum of 12.0%. In addition to the repayment of the loan, the lender, IPC Investments Holding Canada Inc. (“IPC Lender”), is entitled to a 12.0% look-back internal rate of return upon the maturity of the loan. An affiliate of IPC Lender, IPC Prime Equity, LLC (“IPC Equity”), received a membership interest in Prime Dearborn from which IPC Equity will be entitled to receive 10.0% of any net sales proceeds in excess of $50.0 million from Prime Dearborn’s interest the Dearborn JV. IPC Equity has also been granted a right of first offer in certain circumstances to purchase Prime Dearborn’s interest in the Dearborn JV in the event Prime Dearborn determines to sell such interest. IPC Equity also received a membership interest in Prime Office. In connection with this membership interest, IPC Equity owns a 12.6% interest in the cash available for distribution derived from Prime Office’s direct ownership of the common limited partnership units of our Operating Partnership. In the event that Prime Dearborn repays all or a portion of the loan before the first anniversary of the loan, IPC Lender shall have the option to use the proceeds of such repayment to purchase up to 33.3% of the membership interests in Prime Office.

 

Interest Rate Protection Agreement. We have entered into the following interest rate cap agreements:

 

 

 

Notional

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

as of

Capped

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

LIBOR

 

Effective

Expiration

Loan Associated with

 

2005

Rate

 

Date

Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IBM Plaza:

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Mortgage/Mezzanine Loans

$

195,000,000

6.6%

 

2/21/03

3/15/06

Continental Towers

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Mortgage

$

75,000,000

6.5%

 

5/04/05

5/01/08

 

No amounts were received under the terms of any interest rate protection agreements in 2005.

 

Amortization of Principal. During 2005, we made payments totaling $2.8 million for amortization of principal for loans on various properties.

 

Other. We have provided guarantees of escrow balances, certain expenses and in some cases principal balances with regard to certain mortgages and notes payable. In addition, as of December 31, 2005, guarantees related to unconsolidated joint ventures totaled $4.3 million.

 

The following represents our future minimum principal payments (excluding extension options) on our mortgage notes payable outstanding at December 31, 2005:

 

Year Ending December 31

 

Amount

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

2006

$

198,048

2007

 

3,162

2008

 

92,371

2009

 

5,162

2010

 

88,818

Thereafter

 

65,404

 

$

452,965

 

 

F-22

 



 

 

Total interest paid on mortgage notes payable, bonds payable and construction financing was $13.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2005 and $14.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and $32.0 million and $78.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. No capitalization of interest occurred in the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004. We capitalized interest expense of $3.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

5. Debt Covenants

 

In order to obtain certain covenant modifications in 2002 related to our original construction and mezzanine loans for Citadel Center, we agreed with the Citadel Center lenders to establish an escrow account (the “Citadel Escrow”) to secure the payment of certain costs associated with the subleasing of the space leased by Citadel Investment Group, L.L.C. (“Citadel”) at the One North Wacker Drive office building (“One North Wacker Drive”) located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. This obligation (the “Citadel Reimbursement Obligation”) was undertaken by us in connection with Citadel’s lease of space in Citadel Center. See Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies to these Consolidated Financial Statements for description of our Citadel Reimbursement Obligation. We also agreed, beginning January 2003, to make monthly escrow payments of $1.0 million per month to an account to be used to pay these costs. We pre-funded $4.0 million of these costs into the escrow which were subsequently applied to the monthly payments for June, July, August and September of 2003.

 

On March 19, 2003, we refinanced the Citadel Center mezzanine loan with the proceeds of a $75.0 million mezzanine loan and $1.5 million of our funds. In conjunction with this refinancing, the construction lender and new mezzanine lender restructured our escrow deposit obligations relating to the Citadel Reimbursement Obligation as follows. Prior to the closing of the mezzanine loan, the construction lender held $12.6 million in escrows relating to the Citadel Center project. At the closing of the new mezzanine loan, all of these funds were deposited into a new account held by the construction lender (the “New Citadel Escrow”). Additionally, we were required to make additional monthly deposits into the New Citadel Escrow in the amount of $0.8 million per month beginning in April 2003 and continuing through and including January 2004. Upon Citadel’s occupancy at Citadel Center in May 2003, the construction lender deposited a $0.5 million leasing commission due and payable to us in connection with the Citadel lease into the New Citadel Escrow. Upon satisfaction of certain conditions contained in the construction and mezzanine loan documents, funds in the New Citadel Escrow were to be used in the future to pay for certain tenant improvement and leasing commission costs associated with the subleasing of the Citadel space at One North Wacker Drive and, after February 1, 2004, to pay for the Citadel Reimbursement Obligation. Simultaneous with the admittance of our joint venture partner to the joint venture which owns Citadel Center, the joint venture closed on a new $270.0 million mortgage loan with a new lender, $247.5 million of which was funded at closing. Immediately prior to closing on the refinancing, the balance in the New Citadel Escrow was approximately $15.2 million. Simultaneous with closing, $2.3 million of the funds in the New Citadel Escrow were released to us leaving a balance of approximately $12.9 million. Subsequent to closing in 2003 and in 2004, $1.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, were released to us as reimbursement for funds we disbursed related to the Citadel Reimbursement Obligation. The balance of the New Citadel Escrow was $8.5 million and $9.5 million at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The financial covenants contained in some of our loan agreements and guarantee agreements with our lenders include minimum ratios for debt service coverage, as well as minimum net worth levels and numerous other financial covenants. As of December 31, 2005, we are in compliance with the requirements of all financial covenants.

 

F-23

 



 

 

Certain loans contain cross-default provisions whereby a default under the covenants related to one loan agreement would also result in a default under the provisions of one or more other loans. Failure to meet a covenant could result in a requirement for a principal paydown, accelerated maturity, increased interest rate, additional collateral or other changes in terms.

 

6. Leases

 

We have entered into lease agreements with tenants with lease terms ranging from month-to-month to twenty years at lease inception. The leases generally provide for tenants to share in operating expenses and real estate taxes, although some leases only provide for sharing amounts in excess of specified base amounts. Approximately 38.6% and 36.2% of rental revenue for the six months ended December 31, 2005 and the six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and 34.0% and 20.0% of rental revenue for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, was received from five tenants.

 

The total future minimum rentals to be received by us under noncancelable operating leases in effect at December 31, 2005, exclusive of tenant reimbursements and contingent rentals, are as follows:

 

Year Ending December 31

 

Amount

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

2006

$

50,761

2007

 

44,314

2008

 

39,421

2009

 

35,376

2010

 

22,901

Thereafter

 

49,327

 

$

242,100

 

As a part of lease agreements entered into with certain tenants, we assumed those tenants’ leases at their previous locations and subsequently executed subleases for certain of the assumed lease space. See Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies to these Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these obligations.

 

Future minimum rental payments (exclusive of tenant reimbursements) to be paid by us under leases assumed, net of subleases executed through December 31, 2005, are as follows:

 

 

 

Gross

 

Executed

 

Net

Year Ending December 31

 

Amount

 

Subleases

 

Amount

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

2006

$

8,575

$

6,859

$

1,716

2007

 

5,221

 

4,400

 

821

2008

 

5,310

 

4,479

 

831

2009

 

5,098

 

3,928

 

1,170

2010

 

5,226

 

4,042

 

1,184

Thereafter

 

8,987

 

6,988

 

1,999

 

$

38,417

$

30,696

$

7,721

 

 

F-24

 



 

 

6. Leases (continued)

 

We have an operating lease with the joint venture which owns the 77 West Wacker Drive property for our corporate office space. Future minimum lease payments to be paid by us on this operating lease obligation in effect at December 31, 2005 are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Year Ending December 31

 

Amount

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

2006

$

553

2007

 

239

2008

 

230

2009

 

227

2010

 

221

Thereafter

 

1,839

 

$

3,309

 

We also have equipment leases at various other properties.

 

In February 2003, we entered into lease termination agreements with Arthur Andersen LLP (“Arthur Andersen”) whereby Arthur Andersen was released from its remaining lease obligations at two of our properties subsequent to December 31, 2002 in exchange for total termination payments consisting of $32.4 million for the 33 West Monroe Street property lease and $1.1 million for the IBM Plaza property lease. The agreements also provided we could retain previously paid rent for the month of January 2003 which was recorded as rental revenue. In connection with these terminations, we recorded lease termination fee revenue (included in discontinued operations) of $29.7 million in 2003, which represents the termination payments described above less outstanding receivables (including deferred rent receivable) related to these leases.

 

In addition to the above, in May and June 2003, we received real estate tax refunds for prior years taxes on the 33 West Monroe Street property, of which $1.5 million related to the Arthur Andersen space was also included in lease termination fee revenue (included in discontinued operations). As part of the lease termination agreement, Arthur Andersen relinquished its right to these funds. As required by the lender for the 33 West Monroe Street property, the $32.4 million termination payment was deposited into escrow.

 

During 2003, $7.0 million of the escrow was utilized to repay a portion of the principal on the first mortgage loan secured by the 33 West Monroe Street property and $8.1 million was drawn to fund debt service and operating deficits at this property during 2003. The remaining balance of the escrow, together with a portion of the sales proceeds upon sale of the property in April 2004, was utilized to repay the lender.

 

7. Minority Interests

 

We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and own all of the preferred units. Prior to the Acquisition we owned 88.5% of the common units of the Operating Partnership and after the Acquisition we own 0.9% of the common units of the Operating Partnership. Each preferred unit and common unit entitle us to receive distributions from our Operating Partnership. Distributions declared or paid to holders of common shares and preferred shares are based upon such distributions we receive with respect to our common units and preferred units.

 

As a result of the Acquisition, each of our common shares and limited partnership units of the Operating Partnership were cancelled and converted into the right to receive cash in the amount of $7.25 per common share/limited partnership unit, without interest, which resulted in the delisting of

 

F-25

 



 

 

7. Minority Interests (continued)

 

our common shares from the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) effective July 2, 2005. In connection with the Acquisition, all outstanding options with an exercise price greater than the sales price of $7.25 per share/unit were cancelled and each outstanding option for a common share with an exercise price less than the sales price were entitled to be exchanged for cash in an amount equal to the difference between $7.25 and the exercise price. Our Series B Shares remain outstanding after the completion of the Acquisition and continue to be publicly traded on the NYSE.

 

As a result of the Acquisition, subsidiaries of Lightstone, owned 100.0%, or 236,483, of our common shares and 99.1%, or 26,488,389, of the outstanding common units in the Operating Partnership. PGRT owns 0.9%, or 236,483, of the outstanding common units and all of the 4.0 million outstanding preferred units in the Operating Partnership.

 

8. Preferred Shares

 

We are authorized to issue up to 30,000,000 of non-voting preferred shares of beneficial interest in one or more series. On June 5, 1998, we completed the sale of 4,000,000 Series B Shares with a $0.01 par value.

 

Dividends on our Series B Shares are payable quarterly on or about the last day of January, April, July and October of each year, at the rate of 9.0% (equivalent to $2.25 per annum per Series B Share). Our Series B Shares rank senior to our common shares as to the payment of dividends and as to the dividend of assets upon liquidation. Our Series B Shares may be redeemed, at our option, at a redemption price of $25.00 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The redemption price is payable solely out of the proceeds from the sale of other capital shares of beneficial interest of ours.

 

On December 30, 2005, our Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.5625 per share on our Series B Shares for the shareholders of record on January 16, 2006. This dividend was paid on January 31, 2006. Under our declaration of trust, this dividend is deemed to be a quarterly dividend related to the fourth quarter of 2005 dividend period. On February 9, 2006, our Board declared a quarterly dividend on our Series B Shares for the first quarter of 2006 of $0.5625 per share. The quarterly dividend has a record date of March 31, 2006, and a payment date of April 28, 2006. Dividends paid on our Series B Shares have been determined to be a return of capital to shareholders. The holders of our Series B Shares have the right to elect two additional members to our Board if six consecutive quarterly dividends on the Series B Shares are not made. The term of any trustee elected by the holders of Series B Shares will expire whenever the total dividend arrearage in the Series B Shares has been paid and current dividends declared and set apart for payment. Any future distributions in respect of our common shares may not be paid unless all accrued but unpaid preferred share dividends have been or are concurrently satisfied.

 

9. Discontinued Operations

 

SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” (SFAS 144) requires, among other things, that the primary assets and liabilities and the results of operations of properties which have been sold subsequent to January 1, 2002, or are held for disposition subsequent to January 1, 2002, be classified as discontinued operations and segregated in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Balance Sheets. Properties classified as real estate held for disposition generally represent properties that are under contract for sale and are expected to close within the next twelve months.

 

F-26

 



 

 

9. Discontinued Operations (continued)

 

In accordance with the requirements of SFAS 144, we have updated our historical financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, to present the primary assets and liabilities and the net operating results of those properties sold or classified as held for disposition through December 31, 2005 as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The update does not have an impact on net income available to common stockholders. SFAS 144 only results in the reclassification of the operating results of all properties sold or classified as held for disposition through December 31, 2005, within the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the reclassification of the assets and liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets for 2005 and 2004.

 

Below is a summary of the results of operations for our 208 South LaSalle Street property, which we sold in December 2005, and for our properties sold during 2004, which includes our Carol Stream property sold in December 2004, our industrial portfolio, consisting of 29 industrial properties, one office property and three land parcels which we sold in October and November 2004, and our 33 West Monroe Street property, which we sold in April 2004. Also included are the operations of our National City Center property, which we sold in June 2003.

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Rental revenue

$

4,381

 

$

5,550

$

21,098

$

63,310

Tenant reimbursements

 

3,918

 

 

3,807

 

11,483

 

15,154

Other property income

 

150

 

 

164

 

873

 

1,546

Total revenue

 

8,449

 

 

9,521

 

33,454

 

80,010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operations

 

2,504

 

 

2,933

 

11,528

 

16,180

Real estate taxes

 

1,465

 

 

1,309

 

6,706

 

11,552

Depreciation and amortization

 

(9)

 

 

833

 

5,880

 

11,332

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense

 

1,226

 

 

1,661

 

6,826

 

10,251

Amortization of deferred

financing costs(1)

 

 

 

17

 

2,528

 

1,755

Total expenses

 

5,186

 

 

6,753

 

33,468

 

51,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before provisions for asset impairment, net gain on sales of real estate

and minority interests

 

3,263

 

 

2,768

 

(14)

 

28,940

Provisions for asset impairment(2)

 

 

 

(15,074)

 

 

(43,405)

Net (loss) gain on sales of real estate(3)

 

(6)

 

 

709

 

10,287

 

2,348

Minority interests

 

(3,229)

 

 

1,334

 

(1,181)

 

(7,367)

Discontinued operations

$

28

 

$

(10,263)

$

9,092

$

(19,484)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-27

 



 

 

9. Discontinued Operations (continued)

 

(1)

Amortization of deferred financing costs includes the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees of $2.1 million and $1.1 million for the years ended 2004 and 2003, respectively, related to debt that was repaid as the result of the sale of properties.

 

(2)

During the second quarter of 2005, we recorded an asset impairment of $15.1 million related to our 208 South LaSalle Street office property as our anticipated hold period for the property was reduced based upon our decision to pursue a sale. During the fourth quarter of 2003, we recorded an asset impairment of $43.4 million related to our 33 West Monroe Street office property.

 

(3)

See Note 16 – Property Acquisitions, Placed in Service and Dispositions to these Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of these sales.

 

F-28

 



 

 

10. Earnings Per Share

 

The following table sets forth the computation of our basic and diluted net income available per weighted-average common share of beneficial interest for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands,

except per share amounts)

Loss from continuing operations before minority interests

$

(19,068)

 

$

(21,355)

$

(23,748)

$

(23,395)

Minority interests

 

23,362

 

 

2,973

 

3,766

 

7,308

Net income allocated to preferred

shareholders

 

(4,500)

 

 

(4,500)

 

(9,000)

 

(9,000)

Loss before discontinued operations and (loss) gain on sales of real estate

 

(206)

 

 

(22,882)

 

(28,982)

 

(25,087)

Discontinued operations, net of minority interests

 

28

 

 

(10,263)

 

9,092

 

(19,484)

(Loss) gain on sales of real estate, net of minority interests

 

(3)

 

 

9,074

 

(493)

 

(646)

Numerator for earnings per share – loss

available to common shares

$

(181)

 

$

(24,071)

$

(20,383)

$

(45,217)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average common shares

 

236,483

 

 

23,658,579

 

23,671,412

 

20,105,183

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee stock options

 

 

 

 

 

Employee stock grants

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted average common shares and assumed conversions

 

236,483

 

 

23,658,579

 

23,671,412

 

20,105,183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHARES

PER WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

$

(0.87)

 

$

(0.97)

$

(1.22)

$

(1.25)

Discontinued operations, net of minority interests

 

0.12

 

 

(0.43)

 

0.38

 

(0.97)

(Loss) gain on sales of real estate, net of minority interests

 

(0.01)

 

 

0.38

 

(0.02)

 

(0.03)

Net loss available per weighted-average common share of beneficial interest – basic and diluted

$

(0.76)

 

$

(1.02)

$

(0.86)

$

(2.25)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In connection with the Acquisition, all outstanding options with an exercise price greater than the sales price of $7.25 per share/unit were cancelled and each outstanding option for a common share with an exercise price less than the sales price were entitled to be exchanged for cash in an amount equal to the difference between $7.25 and the exercise price. No new options have been granted.

 

For the 2004 earnings per share computation, 1,409,827 of our options during the first and second quarters of 2004, 1,124,983 options during the third quarter of 2004 and 938,883 options during the fourth quarter of 2004 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for periods after their issuance because the conversion would have been antidilutive.

 

F-29

 



 

 

10. Earnings Per Share (continued)

 

For the 2003 earnings per share computation, 1,948,921 of our options during the first quarter of 2003, 1,449,210 options during the second quarter of 2003, 1,319,390 options during the third quarter of 2003 and 1,309,827 options during the fourth quarter of 2003 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for periods after their issuance because the conversion would have been antidilutive.

 

We had nonvested stock grants of 9,375 and 5,898 shares outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.

 

The minority interest in the Operating Partnership had 3,076,586 and 6,604,391 weighted average common units of limited partnership interest outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, of which 3,076,586 and 6,604,391, respectively, could be exchanged for common shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to our 9.9% ownership limitation contained in our charter, or, at our option, cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of a common share at the time of exchange. The common units of limited partnership interest were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the conversion would have been antidilutive.

 

11.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

We have investments in three joint ventures, which we account for using the equity method of accounting. The following is a summary of the investments and the amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements related to these investments which were fairly valued as a result of the Acquisition.

 

In June 2005, the FASB ratified the consensus in EITF Issue No. 04-5, Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights (“EITF 04-5”). To promote consistency in applying this guidance to corporate entities and those entities that hold real estate:

 

 

the EITF amended Issue No. 96-16 Investor’s Accounting for an Investee When the Investor Has a Majority of the Voting Interest but the Minority Interest Shareholder or Shareholders Have Certain Approval or Veto Rights (“EITF 96-16”), and

 

the FASB staff issued FSP No. SOP 78-9-1, Interaction of AICPA Statement Position 78-9 with EITF Issue No 04-5 (“FSP SOP 78-9-1”) which amends AICPA Statement of Position 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures, to reflect the consensus reached in EITF 04-5.

 

EITF 04-5 states that the general partner in a limited partnership is presumed to control that limited partnership. That presumption may be overcome if the limited partners have either (1) the substantive ability, either by a single limited partner or through a simple majority vote, to dissolve (liquidate) the limited partnership or otherwise remove the general partner without cause or (2) substantive participating rights. Substantive participating rights, which are based on the concept discussed in EITF 96-16, provide the limited partners with the ability to effectively participate in significant decisions that would be expected to be made in the ordinary course of the limited partnership’s business and thereby preclude the general partner from exercising unilateral control over the partnership.

 

The effective date for applying the guidance in EITF 04-5 and FSP SOP 78-9-1 is (1) June 29, 2005, for all new limited partnerships and existing limited partnerships for which the partnership agreements are modified, and (2) no later than the beginning of the first reporting period

 

F-30

 



 

 

11. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (continued)

 

in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005, for all other limited partnerships. The effect of initially applying this guidance may be accounted for similarly to a change in accounting principle or by restating the financial statements of prior periods. The amendments to EITF 96-16 are to be applied prospectively to new investment agreements and to investment agreements that are modified after June 29, 2005. Retrospective application is not required for investments in limited partnerships for which the entity is no longer a general partner as of the date that the guidance in EITF 04-5 is adopted.

 

We have applied EITF 04-5 when required for new or amended limited partnerships in our December 31, 2005 financial statements. The impact of adopting EITF 04-5 for our joint venture interests cannot be predicted at this time, however, we anticipate that the adoption will not impact net income, earnings per share or shareholder’s equity. We plan to account for any initial effect of applying the new guidance to all other limited partnerships under the method similar to a change in accounting principle.

 

77 West Wacker Drive. We own a 50.0% common interest in 77 West Wacker Drive, LLC, which owns a 945,792 square foot office building located in Chicago, Illinois. Our joint venture partner has a preferred ownership interest in this property ($66.0 million preferred member’s share with a 9.5% cumulative preferred return). Our interest at December 31, 2005, was $27.2 million (included in investment in unconsolidated entities) and at December 31, 2004 was a deficit investment of $4.1 million (included in deficit investment in unconsolidated entity). At December 31, 2005 we were current with respect to the 9.5% cumulative preferred return.

 

The following table summarizes our share of various items:

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Operations (included in loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures)

$

(1,837)

 

$

855

$

(915)

$

317

Distributions received

 

 

 

300

 

 

4,415

Unrealized gains (included in other comprehensive income)

 

 

 

 

 

2,542

Losses reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

2,594

 

612

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On October 24, 2003, the joint venture refinanced its existing $152.5 million first mortgage loan payable on the property with the proceeds of a new $166.0 million first mortgage loan. The new loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.7% and matures on November 1, 2013. The loan requires monthly payments of interest only for the first two years of the loan term and requires monthly payments of principal and interest thereafter based on a 30-year amortization schedule. As of December 31, 2005, we are in compliance with the requirements of these financial covenants.

 

F-31

 



 

 

11. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (continued)

The new loan required $0.3 million at closing and an additional $0.2 million per year to be deposited into an escrow for maintenance and repairs at the property. In addition, the loan created a rollover reserve account for future leasing costs which the joint venture deposited $8.7 million at closing and is required to deposit an additional $0.1 million per month thereafter; provided, however, in no event will the amount in the rollover reserve be required to exceed $19.7 million. In the event certain tenants do not renew their leases by certain dates or the relevant space is not re-leased, additional escrow deposits will be required. After the joint venture paid its outstanding preferred return to our partner, we and our partner each received a cash distribution of $2.4 million from the joint venture out of loan proceeds.

 

The following tables represent the condensed balance sheets and income statements of 77 West Wacker Drive, LLC on a historical basis:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate, at cost (net):

$

268,146

$

251,387

 

Other assets

 

27,278

 

28,862

 

Total assets

$

295,424

$

280,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage note payable

$

169,870

$

166,000

 

Other liabilities

 

22,821

 

18,745

 

Total members’ capital

 

102,733

 

95,504

 

Total liabilities and members’ capital

$

295,424

$

280,249

 

 

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

$

20,192

 

$

21,972

$

43,345

$

46,828

Total expenses

 

20,731

 

 

17,815

 

40,279

 

41,299

Net (loss) income

$

(539)

 

$

4,157

$

3,066

$

5,529

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Citadel Center. On March 19, 2003, we purchased all of our prior joint venture partner’s ownership interest in the entity that owns Citadel Center which made us the sole owner of the property at that time. We paid $9.2 million for the interest, of which $0.5 million was deposited into an escrow account that was to be released to the joint venture partner upon the satisfaction of certain post-closing obligations of the joint venture partner (and in all events on the first anniversary of the closing date). The joint venture partner had continued to provide certain development services through November 3, 2003, for a monthly fee. As of December 31, 2003, the $0.5 million escrow had been released to the joint venture partner. Simultaneous with this transaction, the joint venture partner repaid us in full a loan previously made by us to them of $1.0 million, plus accrued interest of $0.2 million.

 

On October 8, 2003, we closed on a transaction admitting a new 70.0% joint venture partner to our former subsidiary, Dearborn JV, that owns the Citadel Center. At the closing, our partner made a cash contribution to the venture of $106.4 million (which includes $1.4 million retained by the venture as working capital) in exchange for 70.0% of the membership interests in the venture. We

 

F-32

 



 

 

11. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (continued)

 

retained a 30.0% subordinated common interest in the joint venture. Upon closing, the venture, in turn, distributed $105.0 million to us. Under the terms of the contribution agreement, an additional $9.8 million was paid to us on January 24, 2005 upon the leasing of an additional 40,000 square feet of space in the property over and above the square footage leased in the property as of August 4, 2003.

 

In January 2005, our joint venture executed a lease amendment with Citadel. As a result of this lease amendment, we met the leasing condition stated above and qualified for the receipt of the contingent purchase price of $9.8 million, which was received from the joint venture in January 2005. This amount was recorded as a gain on sale of real estate in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

Our interest in the joint venture at December 31, 2005 and 2004 was an equity investment of $83.9 million and $25.4 million, respectively (included in investment in unconsolidated entities).

 

The following table summarizes our share of various items:

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Operations (included in loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures) (1)

$

(5,193)

 

$

(6,930)

$

(13,668)

$

(2,571)

Contributions made (2)

 

 

 

 

 

600

 

(1)

During the period, distributions to our partner exceeded the joint venture’s net income. As a result, income equal to the distribution was allocated to our partner and we recorded a loss in the amount of the difference between this allocation and the actual net income of the joint venture. The distribution was $5.9 million, $5.7 million, $10.6 million and $2.4 million for the six months ended December 31, 2005, and the six months ended June 30, 2005, and the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

(2)

Per the terms of the joint venture agreement, we and our partner made working capital contributions at closing.

 

Simultaneous with the admittance of our joint venture partner to the joint venture, the joint venture closed on a $270.0 million mortgage loan. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.5% per year, except that $22.5 million of the loan commitment, related to future tenant improvement and other leasing costs at the property, will bear interest at a floating rate of one- or three-month LIBOR plus 1.2% when and as funded. The joint venture will have the right to fix the interest rate on this future funding in $5.0 million increments as funded, at an interest rate equal to the lender’s then-current cost of funds plus 1.2%. On September 30, 2004, the joint venture fixed the rate on the loan at 5.2% and drew down $18.1 million representing the remaining proceeds available under the original loan commitment. Funds not disbursed are invested. These funds are held in an escrow to be utilized for future tenant improvement and leasing costs.

 

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11. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (continued)

 

The loan, having a term of 7 years, requires quarterly interest only payments payable in arrears for the first two years of the loan term and then payments of principal and interest pursuant to a 30-year amortization schedule. The venture paid the lender a 0.5% arrangement fee on the entire loan amount at closing, and is obligated to pay a $50,000 agency fee each year.

 

The loan documents provide that if the debt service coverage ratio of the property (as defined in the loan documents and tested on June 30 and December 31 of each year) falls below 1.1, it is a default under the loan. In addition, beginning on June 30, 2006, in the event the debt service coverage ratio of the property falls below 1.30, then the excess net cash flow from the property will be deposited into an interest bearing escrow account with the lender until the debt service coverage ratio test of 1.30 is met. As of December 31, 2005, we are in compliance with the requirements of these financial covenants.

 

The following tables represent the condensed balance sheets and income statements of Dearborn JV on a historical cost basis:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate, at cost (net):

$

483,689

$

330,012

 

Other assets

 

57,885

 

102,720

 

Total assets

$

541,574

$

432,732

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage note payable

$

271,077

$

270,000

 

Other liabilities

 

59,936

 

32,523

 

Total members’ capital

 

210,561

 

130,209

 

Total liabilities and members’ capital

$

541,574

$

432,732

 

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Total revenue

$

25,082

 

$

25,142

$

45,939

$

9,618

Total expenses

 

24,383

 

 

26,335

 

49,149

 

9,809

Net income (loss)

$

699

 

$

(1,193)

$

(3,210)

$

(191)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thistle Landing. We own a 23.1% common interest in Plumcor Thistle, LLC, (“Plumcor/Thistle JV”) which owns a 101,006 square foot office building located in Phoenix, Arizona, that opened in late 1999. Our interest at December 31, 2005 and 2004 was an equity investment of $0.1 million and $0.7 million (included in investments in unconsolidated entities), respectively. Our share of the venture’s operations was a gain of $29,000 and $43,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2005 and the six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and a loss of $296,000 and a gain of $5,000 in the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, (included in losses from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures). We received no distribution in 2005, except those described below, and received distributions of $0.2 million in each of the years 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

F-34

 



 

 

11. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (continued)

 

On August 29, 2005, we were notified by our joint venture partner of the execution of a sale agreement for three of the four buildings then owned by Plumcor/Thistle JV at Thistle Landing. The sale took place in early November and we received a distribution of $3.9 million relating to our interest on November 7, 2005.

 

We have granted Prime/Mansur an option to purchase our interest in Plumcor/Thistle JV for $4.0 million. On October 26, 2005, Prime/Mansur exercised its option. Concurrent with the exercising of this option, Prime/Mansur made a deposit of $80,000 as earnest money, which is being held by an escrow agent to be applied toward the purchase price. On December 22, 2005, we terminated the purchase and sale agreement relating to the Plumcor/Thistle JV because Prime/Mansur had failed to obtain our joint venture partner’s consent to the transaction by the December 15, 2005 deadline contained in the agreement. Prime/Mansur subsequently sent us a letter disputing our right to terminate the agreement, to which we replied with a letter reaffirming our right to terminate the agreement. On January 31, 2006, Prime/Mansur filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois claiming that our termination of the purchase and sale agreement was not justified. Prime/Mansur is requesting the Court to either grant it specific performance and order us to convey our joint venture interest in Plumcor Thistle or damages in the amount of $5.0 million. We believe we have legitimate defenses to this action and the ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse affect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

In June 2005, the FASB ratified its consensus EITF Issue 04-05, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights” (Issue 04-05). The effective date for Issue 04-05 is June 29, 2005 for all new or modified partnerships and January 1, 2006 for our remaining partnerships for the applicable provisions. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the provisions of EITF 04-05 on our financial position or results of operations.

 

Our joint venture interests described above are considered to be a variable interest in the entity that owns the property, which we believe is a variable interest entity (“VIE”). However, based on our evaluations, we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity, and, therefore, we do not consolidate the VIE. Our maximum exposure as a result of the VIEs is not material.

 

12. Stock Based Compensation

 

Our 1997 Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) permitted the grant of share options, share appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted units and performance units to officers and other key employees and to officers and employees of subsidiaries, the Operating Partnership, the Services Company and other owned partnerships. The Plan also permitted the grant of share options to non-employee trustees.

 

As a result of the Acquisition, the Plan was terminated and all options were either executed or retired.

 

During 2005, 2004 and 2003, 938,883, 217,350 and 947,313 options, respectively, expired or were terminated in connection with the Acquisition in 2005 and, prior to the Acquisition, with employees or executives, who held options, resigning from the Company.

 

The unaudited pro-forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is required by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“Statement 123(R)”) and has been determined as if we had accounted for our options under the fair value method of that statement. The fair value for the options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing

 

F-35

 



 

 

Stock Based Compensation (continued)

 

model with the following weighted average assumptions for 2003: risk-free interest rate of 2.2%; expected dividend yield of 0.0%; volatility factor of the expected market price common shares of 0.310; and a weighted-average expected life of the options of three years for options granted. There were no options granted in 2005 or 2004.

 

We did not recognize any compensation expense in 2005, 2004 and 2003 related to options granted under APB 25. Under the fair value method of Statement 123(R), $0.00 ($0.00 per basic and diluted common share), $20,000 ($0.00 per basic and diluted common share), $40,000, ($0.00 per basic and diluted common share) and $45,000 ($0.00 per basic and diluted common share), would have been recognized as additional compensation expense for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. For purposes of the following pro-forma disclosure, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the vesting period of the options. On this basis, the pro-forma net loss available to common shares was $0.2 million ($0.76 per basic and diluted common shares), $24.1 million ($1.02 per basic and diluted common share), $20.4 million ($0.86 per basic and diluted common share) and $45.3 million ($2.25 per basic and diluted common share), for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The effects on unaudited pro-forma net income and pro-forma earnings per common share for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 of amortizing to expense the estimated fair value of share options are not necessarily representative of the effects on net income to be reported in future years due to the vesting period of the share options, and the potential for issuance of additional share options in future years. For purposes of pro-forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options is amortized to expense over the options’ vesting periods.

 

The Black-Scholes options valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in the opinion of our management, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the options granted under the Plan.

 

The following is a summary of our share option activity, and related information for the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

Shares

Subject to

Option

 

Weighted Average Exercise

Price Per Share

 

(dollars in thousands,

except per share amounts)

Balance at January 1,2003

2,003,546

 

16.09

Additional options granted

100,000

 

5.02

Options canceled

(947,313)

 

15.94

Balance at December 31, 2003

1,156,233

 

15.25

Options canceled

(217,350)

 

15.51

Balance at December 31, 2004

938,883

 

15.19

Balance at June 30, 2005

938,883

 

15.19

Options canceled

(938,883)

 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-36

 



 

 

12. Stock Based Compensation (continued)

 

On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“Statement 123(R)”), which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“Statement 123”). Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” Generally, the approach in Statement 123(R) is similar to the approach described in Statement 123. However, Statement 123(R) required all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative.

 

Statement 123(R) will become effective for us beginning January 1, 2006.

 

Statement 123(R) permits public companies to adopt its requirements using one of two methods:

 

 

1.

A “modified prospective” method in which compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date (a) based on the requirements of Statement 123(R) for all share-based payments granted after the effective date and (b) based on the requirements of Statement 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of Statement 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date.

 

 

2.

A “modified retrospective” method which includes the requirements of the modified prospective method described above, but also permits entities to restate based on the amounts previously recognized under Statement 123 for purposes of pro forma disclosures either (a) all prior periods presented or (b) prior interim periods of the year of adoption.

 

We plan to adopt Statement 123(R) using the modified prospective method. As permitted by Statement 123, we currently account for share-based payments to employees using APB 25’s intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognize no compensation cost for employee stock options. Accordingly, the adoption of Statement 123(Rs)’ fair value method could have an impact on our results of operations, although it will have no impact on our overall financial position. The impact of adoption of Statement 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. However, had we adopted Statement 123(R), the impact of that standard would not have been material to our financial statements.

 

13. Related Party Transactions

 

On March 19, 2002, we entered into an agreement appointing Julien J. Studley, Inc. as our exclusive agent to lease space on our behalf related to the Citadel Reimbursement Obligation. Mr. Jacque M. Ducharme, a former trustee, is the Vice Chairman Western Region and Director of Julien J. Studley, Inc. (“Studley”), a brokerage firm that specializes in representing tenants in leasing transactions. In addition, Studley is from time-to-time engaged by third-party tenants as a tenant broker in connection with the tenants’ search for office space in Chicago. For the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, Studley earned commissions of approximately $0.0 million, $0.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.1 million, respectively, from us in connection with transactions where tenants who had previously engaged Studley leased space from us. We are not involved in the selection of Studley by the third-parties as its broker, and we have been advised by Mr. Ducharme that he did not receive any portion of the commissions in connection with these transactions, other than compensation he may receive based on the general profitability of Studley.

 

F-37

 



 

 

13. Related Party Transactions (continued)

 

In connection with our management of the 77 West Wacker Drive property, we are entitled to receive property management fees and lease commissions for services performed and reimbursement of costs we pay on behalf of 77 LLC. Such amounts are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

 

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

Management fees (1)

$

541

 

$

523

$

1,081

$

1,092

Payroll and other operating costs

 

667

 

 

674

 

1,304

 

1,567

Leasing costs (1)

 

398

 

 

42

 

1,264

 

373

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

We earn a monthly management fee equal to 2.5% of gross rental income calculated on a cash basis and lease commissions for services performed. For financial reporting purposes, 50.0% of these amounts, representing our share of earnings from the joint venture is offset by our equity in earnings from this joint venture.

 

We own a 30.0% subordinated common ownership interest in the Dearborn JV, an unconsolidated joint venture that owns the office property known as Citadel Center located at 131 South Dearborn Street in Chicago, Illinois. In connection with our management of the property, we are entitled to receive property management fees and lease commissions for services performed and reimbursement of costs we pay on behalf of Dearborn JV. Such amounts are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Successor

 

 

 

 

 

Company

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months

 

 

Six months

 

 

 

October 8

 

 

ended

 

 

ended

 

Year ended

 

Through

 

 

December 31

 

 

June 30

 

December 31

 

December

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

Management fees (1)

$

542

 

$

368

$

729

$

148

Payroll and other operating costs

 

375

 

 

374

 

1,259

 

272

Leasing costs (1)

 

 

 

1,623

 

284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

We earn a monthly management fee equal to 2.0% of gross rental income calculated on a cash basis and lease commissions for services performed. For financial reporting purposes, these are offset by our equity in the loss from this joint venture.

 

On August 11, 2004, we made a loan in the amount of $587,771 to Dearborn JV to cover funds required to be paid under Dearborn JV’s redevelopment agreement with the City of Chicago. The City of Chicago determined that Dearborn JV failed to meet certain goals contained in the redevelopment agreement which resulted in the payment of $1.0 million to the City of Chicago. The payment satisfied Dearborn JV’s obligation under the redevelopment agreement. Our loan represented the excess of the payment over that estimated when our joint venture partner was admitted and was required to be made by us pursuant to the joint venture agreement. The interest rate on the loan is 10.0% per annum.

 

In connection with Mr. Nardi’s resignation as the Chairman of our Board, on August 3, 2004, we provided to Mr. Nardi complementary office space in our IBM Plaza property for six months. This six-month term expired in February 2005. We then executed a one-year lease with an affiliate of

 

F-38

 



 

Mr. Nardi that expired on February 3, 2006. Mr. Nardi has paid rent through the expiration of the term and has vacated the premises.

 

14. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“SFAS 107”) and SFAS No. 119, “Disclosure about Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments” require disclosure of the fair value of certain on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate. Fair value is defined by SFAS 107 as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.

 

We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value disclosures for financial instruments.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Escrows, Receivables and Payables

 

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash escrows, tenant accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

 

We maintain our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash escrows at various financial institutions. The combined account balances at each institution periodically exceed FDIC insurance coverage, and as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts on deposit in excess of FDIC insurance coverage. We believe that the risk is not significant.

 

Mortgage and Notes Payable

 

The carrying amount of our variable and fixed rate debt (including accrued interest) approximates fair value based on the current borrowing rate for similar types of debt.

 

15. Commitments and Contingencies

 

Legal. The sale of our 208 South LaSalle Street property to Prime/Mansur closed on December 9, 2005. On October 26, 2005, Prime/Mansur exercised its option to acquire our membership interest in the Plumcor/Thistle JV, and the parties subsequently executed the purchase and sale agreement for the sale. On December 22, 2005, we terminated the purchase and sale agreement relating to the Plumcor/Thistle JV because Prime/Mansur had failed to obtain our joint venture partner’s consent to the transaction by the December 15, 2005 deadline contained in the agreement. Prime/Mansur subsequently sent us a letter disputing our right to terminate the agreement, to which we replied with a letter reaffirming our right to terminate the agreement. On January 31, 2006, Prime/Mansur filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois claiming that our termination of the purchase and sale agreement was not justified. Prime/Mansur is requesting the Court to either grant it specific performance and order us to convey our joint venture interest in Plumcor Thistle or damages in the amount of $5.0 million. We believe we have legitimate defenses to this action and the ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse affect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 

F-39

 



 

 

15. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

 

We are a defendant in various other legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 5 “Accounting for Contingencies,” we record a provision for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Although the outcome of any litigation is uncertain, we believe that such legal actions will not have a material adverse affect our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Environmental. Phase I or similar environmental assessments have been performed by independent environmental consultants on all of our properties. Phase I assessments are intended to discover information regarding, and to evaluate the environmental condition of, the surveyed property and surrounding properties. Phase I assessments generally include a historical review, a public records review, an investigation of the surveyed site and surrounding properties and the preparation and issuance of a written report, but do not include soil sampling or subsurface investigations.

 

During the due diligence process in connection with the sale of certain industrial properties in October 2004, additional environmental contamination, beyond that previously identified by our environmental consultants, was discovered by the purchaser at our East Chicago Enterprise Center and Hammond Enterprise Center facilities. As a result, we agreed to establish a $1.25 million environmental escrow at the closing, in addition to a $3.2 million reserve for use in remediation of the costs. In connection with the sale, the purchaser of these properties agreed to assume the responsibility for the environmental remediation of the property and any costs which may be incurred in excess of the amounts we placed in escrow at the closing. Any excess funds remaining in the $1.25 million escrow after the remediation of the additional environmental contamination will be returned to us. This escrow is included in our restricted cash with a corresponding liability included in other liabilities. At December 31, 2005, this escrow had a balance of $1.25 million plus interest of $27,326.

 

In November 2001, at the request of the Department of the Army of the United States of America (the “DOA”), we granted the DOA a right of entry for environmental assessment and response in connection with our property known as the Atrium located at 280 Shuman Boulevard in Naperville, Illinois. The DOA informed us that the property was located north of a former Nike missile base and that the DOA was investigating whether certain regional contamination of the groundwater by trichloethene (“TCE”) emanated from the base and whether the DOA would be required to restore the environmental integrity of the region under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program for Formerly Used Defense Sites. In December 2001, the results from the tests of the groundwater from the site indicated elevated levels of TCE. It is currently our understanding based on information provided by the DOA and an analysis prepared by its environmental consultants that (i) the source of the TCE contamination did not result from the past or current activities on the Atrium property, (ii) the TCE contamination is a regional problem that is not confined to the Atrium and (iii) the DOA has not yet identified the source of the TCE in the groundwater. Our environmental consultants have advised us that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has issued a Statement of Policy towards owners of property containing contaminated acquifers. According to this policy, it is the EPA’s position that where hazardous substances have come to be located on a property solely as a result of subsurface migration in an aquifer from an offsite source, the EPA will not take enforcement actions against the owner of the property. The groundwater underneath this property is relatively deep, and the property obtains its potable water supply from the City of Naperville and not from a groundwater well. Accordingly, we do not anticipate any material liability because of this TCE contamination.

 

F-40

 



 

 

15. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

 

Our IBM Plaza office property currently contains asbestos in the form of non-friable spray-on insulation located on the decking and beams of the building. We have been informed by our environmental consultants that the asbestos in IBM Plaza is not friable and no remediation of the asbestos is necessary.

 

We believe that our other properties are in compliance in all material respects with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations regarding hazardous or toxic substances. We have not been notified by any governmental authority, and are not otherwise aware, of any material noncompliance, liability or claim relating to hazardous or toxic substances in connection with any of our other properties. None of the environmental assessments of our properties have revealed any environmental liability that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole, nor are we aware of any such material environmental liability. Nonetheless, it is possible that our assessments do not reveal all environmental liabilities or that there are material environmental liabilities of which we are unaware. Moreover, there can be no assurance that (i) future laws, ordinances or regulations will not impose any material environmental liability or (ii) the current environmental condition of our properties will not be affected by tenants, by the condition of land or operations in the vicinity of our properties (such as the presence of underground storage tanks) or by third parties unrelated to us. If compliance with the various laws and regulations, now existing or hereafter adopted, exceeds our budgets for such items, our financial condition could be further adversely affected.

 

Tax Indemnities. Our Operating Partnership entered into tax indemnification agreements with certain principals affiliated with Mr. Stephen J. Nardi, a member of our board of trustees until July 1, 2005 (“NAC Contributors”), and certain principals affiliated with one of our former executive officers (“IBD Contributors”), both of which contributed properties to us during our initial public offering. As a result of the Acquisition by Prime Office all of the outstanding limited partnership interests in our Operating Partnership, as of July 1, 2005 we have no further obligations pursuant to these agreements, except for the $56,000 payment described in the following paragraph. Prior to July 1, 2005, under these agreements, our Operating Partnership was required to indemnify the NAC Contributors and the IBD Contributors for, among other things, the income tax liability that would result from the income or gain which they recognize upon the refinancing or repayment by our Operating Partnership of its liabilities or the sale or other disposition by our Operating Partnership of the properties they contributed. Under the terms of the agreements, our Operating Partnership indemnified the NAC Contributors and the IBD Contributors for certain income tax liabilities based on income or gain which the NAC Contributors and/or the IBD Contributors are required to include in their gross income for federal or state income tax purposes as a result of such an event. This indemnity covered these income taxes, interest and penalties and was required to be made on a “grossed up” basis that effectively results in the NAC Contributors and the IBD Contributors receiving the indemnity payment on a net, after-tax basis.

 

The percentage of the above tax liabilities, which our Operating Partnership was required to indemnify, was 30.0% for the taxable year ending on December 31, 2005, and declined an additional 10.0% each year thereafter until December 31, 2007. Our Operating Partnership was not required to indemnify the NAC Contributors and the IBD Contributors for income or gain realized by them after the taxable year ending December 31, 2007. As a result of the sale of substantially all of our industrial portfolio in 2004, we paid $2.7 million to the NAC Contributors during the second quarter of 2005, which was accrued and classified with gain (loss) on sale of real estate in 2004. In addition, as a result of the sale of vacant land located in Libertyville, Illinois in 2005, we have a liability (included in other liabilities) under this indemnity in the amount of $56,000, payable to the NAC Contributors. As a result of the Acquisition by Lightstone on July 1, 2005, we no longer have any exposure under the tax indemnities with the NAC Contributors and the IBD Contributors, except for the $56,000 due in

 

F-41

 



 

 

15. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

connection with the prior sale by us in 2005 of vacant land in Libertyville, Illinois. Further, any gain generated as a result of the transaction with Lightstone was excluded under the terms of the indemnity agreements.

 

On December 12, 1997, we purchased and amended the mortgage note encumbering the property known as Continental Towers located in Rolling Meadows, Illinois (we currently receive all of the economic benefits from the property and have consolidated the operations).

 

On January 10, 2006, we and certain other parties, including Roland E. Casati (“Casati”) and Richard H. Heise (“Heise”), entered into an Amended and Restated Tax Indemnity Agreement (the ”Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement”) in connection with certain modifications to the ownership structure of Continental Towers (the ”Continental Transaction”), which among other things, reduced the estimated maximum liability of the Operating Partnership in the event of the consummation of a taxable transaction relating to Continental Towers, calculated at current tax rates, from approximately $53.2 million to $14.0 million.

 

In connection with the Continental Transaction, we made a payment to Casati of $4.2 million and Casati released the Operating Partnership from all of its obligations under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement relating to Casati. The Operating Partnership also transferred its interest in the junior mortgage loan (the “Junior Loan”) encumbering Continental Towers to our wholly-owned subsidiary, PGRT Equity LLC (“Prime Equity”). In addition, the fee title ownership of Continental Towers was modified so that the property is now owned as tenants in common by (i) Continental Towers, L.L.C. (“64.0% Owner”), as a co-owner having an undivided 64.0% interest in the property, and (ii) Continental Towers I, L.P. (“36.0% Owner”), as a co-owner having an undivided 36.0% interest in the property. Mr. Heise now owns a 96.7% limited partnership interest in the 36.0% Owner. The remaining ownership interests in 36.0% Owner and all of the ownership interests in 64.0% Owner are now owned by affiliates of Mr. Yochanan Danziger (the “CT General Partner”).

Because our interest in Continental Towers constitutes a significant financial interest in the property, we consolidate the operations of Continental Towers in our financial statements and account for it as an owned property. In addition, a subsidiary of Prime Equity continues to manage Continental Towers pursuant to a management agreement that has a term that expires on December 31, 2012 and cannot be terminated by the owners of Continental Towers prior to that date.

Under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement, the Operating Partnership continues, subject to certain exceptions and conditions contained therein, to indemnify Heise from federal and state income tax payable as a result of any taxable income or gain in his gross income which is caused by a sale, foreclosure or other disposition of Continental Towers or other action by the Operating Partnership or the CT General Partner prior to January 5, 2013. The amount of the potential tax indemnity to Heise under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement, including a gross-up for taxes on any such payment, is estimated to be approximately $14.0 million using current tax rates, which is a reduction of approximately $39.2 million from the estimated maximum liability of $53.2 million to Casati and Heise prior to the execution of the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement.

Under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement and the partnership agreement of the 36.0% Owner, Heise has limited consent rights with respect to transactions relating to Continental Towers which could result in taxable income or gain to Heise. Heise’s consent rights relate to the following actions: (1) sale or disposition of Continental Towers or any portion thereof; (2) refinance or repayment of debt relating to the Continental Towers; (3) amendments to the Junior Loan or the junior lender’s rights thereunder; and (4) any other action which results in or creates the risk of a “Tax Event” with respect to Heise; provided, however, that Heise cannot withhold his consent to any proposed transaction if (i) we obtain a tax opinion from an independent law firm stating that the relevant transaction will not create a tax event; (ii) we obtain an opinion from an

 

F-42

 



 

 

15. Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

independent law firm stating that Heise has a “reasonable basis” for reporting the transaction without including any taxable income or gain and either (x) we have a net worth of at least $100.0 million or (y) we deposit security in the amount of the potential tax payment which would be due Heise, grossed-up for any taxes which would be payable by Heise relating to such payment; or (iii) if we cannot obtain the opinions specified in (i) or (ii) above, we pay the amount of the tax, on a grossed-up basis, to Heise. In the event that our net worth falls below $50.0 million, then Mr. Heise has the right to acquire the general partnership interest in the 36.0% Owner for a price of $1,000.

The Operating Partnership can be released from its obligations under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement in the event of the transfer of Prime Equity’s interest in the Junior Loan to a third-party transferee provided that such transferee or an affiliate assumes our obligations under the Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement and has a net worth in accordance with GAAP of not less than $100.0 million.

Lease Liabilities. As a part of lease agreements entered into with certain tenants, we assumed these tenants’ leases at their previous locations and subsequently executed subleases for certain of the assumed lease space. One of these leases is a lease the Citadel Center joint venture has with Citadel. We have agreed to reimburse the joint venture for its obligation to reimburse Citadel for the financial obligations, consisting of base rent and the pro rata share of operating expenses and real estate taxes, under Citadel’s pre-existing lease (the ”Citadel Reimbursement Obligation”) for 161,488 square feet of space at the One North Wacker Drive office building in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

 

We have executed subleases at One North Wacker Drive for substantially all of the space to partially mitigate our obligation under the Citadel Reimbursement Obligation. As a requirement under one of the subleases for 27,826 square feet, we escrowed a total of $1.1 million with the owner of One North Wacker Drive as security for the payment of the difference between the rental amount payable under the Citadel lease and this sublease. This escrow is being returned to us pro-rata over the life of this sublease, of which $0.3 million has been received through December 31, 2005. The Citadel Reimbursement Obligation includes an estimated remaining nominal gross rental obligation of $66.1 million over the term of the lease. Although we have sold 70.0% of our investment in Citadel Center to a joint venture partner, we have retained 100.0% of this liability. Liabilities for leases assumed at December 31, 2005 and 2004 includes $5.8 million and $6.7 million, respectively, related to the Citadel Reimbursement Obligations, which is our estimate of the remaining gross rental obligation less estimated future sublease recoveries.

 

In connection with another sublease at One North Wacker Drive, we assumed two lease obligations, at two Chicago office buildings owned by third parties, with gross rental obligations of approximately $2.8 million. In July 2003, we paid a lease termination fee of $0.3 million on one of the two leases and subsequently made payments of $0.5 million and $0.8 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively, which reduced our gross rental obligation on the remaining lease to $0.6 million at

December 31, 2005. We intend to attempt to partially mitigate our financial obligations under the remaining lease by subleasing the space.

 

On November 26, 2001, we finalized a lease with a tenant for space in Continental Towers, our office buildings located in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. We have agreed to reimburse the tenant for a portion of the financial obligations consisting of base rent and the pro rata share of operating expenses and real estate taxes under the tenant’s lease for occupancy executed at an office building located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. As of December 31, 2005, this lease has a remaining estimated gross rental obligation of approximately $2.0 million. On February 14, 2003, we re-leased the space to the tenant for the remainder of the lease term of the pre-existing lease subject to the tenant’s option to terminate the lease effective as of any date after February 29, 2004, by providing us with six months prior written notice. We have approximately $1.2 million and $1.7 million in liabilities for leases assumed at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, representing an estimate

 

F-43

 



 

 

 

15.

Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

 

of our net liability related to this obligation which represents the differential between our remaining financial obligation under the pre-existing lease and the expected future rent from the tenant under the new lease.

 

During 1999, we sold ten properties in a single transaction resulting in a deferred gain of $3.1 million. As a condition of the sale, we agreed to assume responsibility for re-leasing two of the properties for a period of five years after the expiration in 2000 and 2001 of the then existing tenant leases. Our remaining nominal gross lease obligation at December 31, 2005 is approximately $1.8 million. During 2002, we re-leased one of the properties and revised our leasing assumptions related to the second property. Correspondingly, the remaining deferred gain was reduced to zero at December 31, 2002 and we recorded a loss on the sale of real estate of $1.3 million in 2002. For the six months ended December 31, 2005, for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, we further revised our leasing assumptions and recorded an additional gain (loss) on the sale of real estate of $(0.2) million, $0.5 million, ($0.2) million and $0.6 million, respectively. At December 31, 2005 and 2004, we have included approximately $0.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively, in liabilities for leases assumed, representing our estimate of the remaining net liability anticipated related to this obligation.

 

F-44

 



 

 

16. Property Acquisitions, Placed in Service and Dispositions

 

The following properties were acquired, placed in service or sold in 2005, 2004 and 2003. The results of their operations are included or excluded in our consolidated statements of operations from their respective transaction dates.

 

Property

Location

 

Sales Price

Month

Sold

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2005 Sales

 

 

 

 

Office:

 

 

 

 

208 S. LaSalle Street (1)

Chicago, IL

$

44,000

December

 

 

 

 

 

Land:

 

 

 

 

Libertyville (2)

Libertyville, IL

$

700

February

 

 

 

 

 

2004 Sales

 

 

 

 

Office:

 

 

 

 

33 West Monroe Street(3)

Chicago, IL

$

69,600

April

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Sale(4):

 

 

 

 

Office:

 

 

 

 

1301 E. Tower Road

Schaumburg, IL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warehouse/distribution

Facilities:

 

 

 

 

425 E. Algonquin Road

Arlington Heights, IL

 

 

 

1455 Sequoia Drive

Aurora, IL

 

 

 

200 S. Mitchell

Addison, IL

 

 

 

11045 Gage Avenue

Franklin Park, IL

 

 

 

4248, 4250 and 4300 Madison

Street

Hillside, IL

 

 

 

4211 Madison Street

Hillside, IL

 

 

 

4160-4190 W. Madison Street

Hillside, IL

 

 

 

342-346 Carol Lane

Elmhurst, IL

 

 

 

200 E. Fullerton Avenue

Carol Stream, IL

 

 

 

555 Kirk Road

St. Charles, IL

 

 

 

370 Carol Lane

Elmhurst, IL

 

 

 

550 Kehoe Blvd.

Carol Stream, IL

 

 

 

1543 Abbott Drive

Wheeling, IL

 

 

 

388 Carol Lane

Elmhurst, IL

 

 

 

343 Carol Lane

Elmhurst, IL

 

 

 

350 Randy Road

Carol Stream, IL

 

 

 

11039 Gage Avenue

Franklin Park, IL

 

 

 

1401 S. Jefferson Street

Chicago, IL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overhead Crane/Manufacturing Facilities:

 

 

 

 

Chicago Enterprise Center

Chicago, IL

 

 

 

13535-A S. Torrence Avenue

 

 

 

 

13535-B S. Torrence Avenue

 

 

 

 

13535-C S. Torrence Avenue

 

 

 

 

13535-D S. Torrence Avenue

 

 

 

 

13535-E S. Torrence Avenue

 

 

 

 

13535-F S. Torrence Avenue

 

 

 

 

13535-G S. Torrence Avenue

 

 

 

 

13535-H S. Torrence Avenue

 

 

 

 

East Chicago Enterprise Center

East Chicago, IN

 

 

 

4407 Railroad Avenue - Building 2

 

 

 

 

4407 Railroad Avenue - Building 3

 

 

 

 

4407 Railroad Avenue - Building 4

 

 

 

 

4635 Railroad Avenue

 

 

 

 

Hammond Enterprise Center

Hammond, IN

 

 

 

4507 Columbia Avenue

 

 

 

 

4527 Columbia Avenue

 

 

 

 

4531 Columbia Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land:

 

 

 

 

Aurora Land

Aurora, IL

 

 

 

DeKalb Land

DeKalb, IL

 

 

 

Batavia Land

Batavia, IL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Portfolio Sale

 

$

125,100

October/

November

 

 

 

 

 

Land:

 

 

 

 

Carol Stream Land(5)

Carol Stream, IL

$

1,200

December

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-45

 



 

 

16. Property Acquisitions, Placed in Service and Dispositions (continued)

 

Property

Location

 

Acquisition Cost/Construction Costs/Sales Price

Month

Acquired/

Sold

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

2003 Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

Land:

 

 

 

 

Aurora Land (6)

Aurora, IL

$

2,400

June

 

 

 

 

 

2003 Sales

 

 

 

 

Land:

 

 

 

 

Aurora Land (7)

Aurora, IL

$

2,800

December

 

 

 

 

 

Office:

 

 

 

 

National City Center (8)

Cleveland, OH

$

80,000

June

70.0% of Common Interest:

 

 

 

 

Citadel Center (9)

Chicago, IL

$

105,000

October

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

We sold this property for a gross sales price of $44.0 million minus certain agreed upon closing prorations, including the assumption of the existing debt of $41.9 million on the property. After closing prorations and costs we received approximately $0.5 million in net proceeds from the sale. During the second quarter of 2005, we had recorded an asset impairment charge of $15.1 million related to this property. As a result of the revaluation of our balance sheet due to the Acquisition (See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting for the Acquisition to these Consolidated Financial Statements), no gain or loss was recorded on this sale.

 

(2)

Net proceeds from the sale of this property were $0.7 million. This property was unencumbered.

 

(3)

We sold this property for a gross sales price of $69.6 million (i) less a credit of $19.4 million, representing the sum of a portion of the amount in our leasing reserve escrow account related to the property and a credit for certain prepaid rent, and (ii) plus or minus other customary prorations. Concurrent with the sale of the property, we used a portion of the proceeds of the sale and approximately $20.0 million of a leasing escrow held by the existing lender to repay the existing first mortgage debt having an outstanding principal balance of $59.3 million, plus accrued interest of $0.2 million. After closing prorations and costs and the repayment in full of the first mortgage loan encumbering the property, we received approximately $8.8 million from the sale. We recorded an asset impairment charge of $43.4 million related to this property in 2003. After reflecting this impairment, we recognized a gain of $0.4 million on this sale.

 

(4)

Net proceeds from the sale of these properties after repayment or buyer assumption of mortgage and bond debt collateralized by the properties, closing costs and a tax indemnity payment obligation were $54.3 million. Included in net proceeds is approximately $9.7 million of restricted cash escrows which were released or credited by the purchaser at closing, offset by $4.4 million of environmental escrows and a rent subsidy escrow for $0.6 million that were funded at closing. In addition, we agreed to fund approximately $0.9 million (included in other liabilities) should two tenants fail to pay the future rent due under their leases for specific periods of time. Subsequent to the sale, we repaid $22.8 million of maturing mezzanine loan financing and anticipate utilizing the remaining proceeds to fund capital improvements and leasing costs and provide to us additional working capital and liquidity. We recognized a gain of $9.5 million on this sale.

 

(5)

Net proceeds from the sale of this property were $1.2 million. We recognized a gain of $0.4 million on this sale.

 

 

F-46

 



 

 

16. Property Acquisitions, Placed in Service and Dispositions (continued)

 

(6)

We purchased this land pursuant to a purchase contract entered into in February 1998 by our Operating Partnership. The 2003 purchase fulfills our obligation under this contract.

 

(7)

We sold this land comprised of 15.0 acres for $2.8 million resulting in a gain of $0.2 million.

 

(8)

We sold this property to an affiliate of our major tenant at the property, National City Corporation. The gross contract price for the sale, including a lease termination fee from an affiliate of the purchaser, was $80.0 million. During the fourth quarter of 2002, we recorded an asset impairment of $22.1 million related to this property (which is included in discontinued operations). After reflecting this impairment, our subsequent sale of this property resulted in a gain of $2.3 million and has been recorded in discontinued operations.

 

(9)

On October 8, 2003, we closed on a transaction admitting a new 70.0% joint venture partner to our former subsidiary (the “Venture”) that owns this office building (the “Property”). Commencing with the transaction, we began accounting for our investment in this joint venture under the equity method of accounting. The new joint venture partner is an affiliate of Estein & Associates USA, Ltd. of Orlando, Florida (together with its affiliates, the “JV Partner”).

 

In prior years, we acquired the first and second mortgage notes encumbering the office property known as 180 North LaSalle Street. We had an option to purchase the equity ownership of the property during the period from January 15, 2004 to February 15, 2004 for a price equal to the greater of the fair market value of the interest or $2.0 million. On January 15, 2004, we acquired fee title to the property in exchange for a payment of $0.1 million to cover certain related expenses.

 

 

 

F-47

 



 

 

17.Interim Financial Information (unaudited)

 

The following is our consolidated quarterly summary of operations for 2005:

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

 

 

Successor Company

 

 

Predecessor Company

 

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

Fourth

 

Third

 

 

Second

 

First

 

 

Total

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

$

96,733

$

24,867

$

23,688

 

$

24,098

$

24,080

Total expenses

 

101,001

 

25,401

 

24,075

 

 

29,347

 

22,178

Operating (loss) income

 

(4,268)

 

(534)

 

(387)

 

 

(5,249)

 

1,902

Loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

(13,022)

 

(4,236)

 

(2,762)

 

 

(2,967)

 

(3,057)

Interest and other income

 

2,596

 

516

 

755

 

 

747

 

578

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense

 

(25,368)

 

(6,793)

 

(6,529)

 

 

(6,102)

 

(5,944)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(1,288)

 

(25)

 

 

 

(1,020)

 

(243)

Accretion of mortgage note payable

 

927

 

446

 

481

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations before minority interests

 

(40,423)

 

(10,626)

 

(8,442)

 

 

(14,591)

 

(6,764)

Minority interests

 

26,335

 

12,763

 

10,599

 

 

1,936

 

1,037

(Loss) income from continuing operations

 

(14,088)

 

2,137

 

2,157

 

 

(12,655)

 

(5,727)

Discontinued operations, net of minority interests in the amount of $(1,827) in the fourth quarter, $(1,402) in the third quarter, $1,536 in the second quarter and $(202) in the first quarter

 

(10,235)

 

16

 

12

 

 

(11,815)

 

1,552

(Loss) gain before gain (loss) on sales of real estate

 

(24,323)

 

2,153

 

2,169

 

 

(24,470)

 

(4,175)

Gain (loss) on sales of real estate, net of minority interest of $193 in the fourth quarter, $32 in the third quarter, $(41) in the second quarter and $(1,138) in the first quarter

 

9,071

 

(2)

 

(1)

 

 

316

 

8,758

Net (loss) income

 

(15,252)

 

2,151

 

2,168

 

 

(24,154)

 

4,583

Net income allocated to preferred shareholders

 

(9,000)

 

(2,250)

 

(2,250)

 

 

(2,250)

 

(2,250)

Net (loss) income available to common shareholders

$

(24,252)

$

(99)

$

(82)

 

$

(26,404)

$

2,333

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings available to common shares per weighted average common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

$

(1.93)

$

(0.48)

$

(0.39)

 

$

(0.63)

$

(0.34)

Discontinued operations, net of minority interests

 

(0.86)

 

0.07

 

0.05

 

 

(0.50)

 

0.07

Gain (loss) on sales of real estate, net of minority interests

 

0.76

 

(0.01)

 

 

 

0.01

 

0.37

Net (loss) income available per weighted-average common share of beneficial interest – basic and diluted

$

(2.03)

$

(0.42)

$

(0.34)

 

$

(1.12)

$

0.10

Weighted average common shares – basic and diluted

 

11,947

 

236

 

236

 

 

23,642

 

23,675

Distributions paid per common share

$

1.1225

$

$

1.1225

 

$

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F-48

 



 

 

The following is our consolidated quarterly summary of operations for 2004:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31 (1)

 

 

 

 

Fourth

 

Third

 

Second

 

First

 

 

Total

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

 

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenue

$

98,614

$

24,379

$

24,322

$

24,629

$

25,284

Total expenses

 

82,379

 

21,121

 

20,369

 

20,221

 

20,668

Operating income

 

16,235

 

3,258

 

3,953

 

4,408

 

4,616

Loss from investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

 

(14,878)

 

(3,581)

 

(3,449)

 

(4,560)

 

(3,288)

Interest and other income

 

1,617

 

75

 

539

 

348

 

655

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expense

 

(25,106)

 

(5,966)

 

(6,418)

 

(6,360)

 

(6,362)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

(1,616)

 

(414)

 

(443)

 

(409)

 

(350)

Loss from continuing operations before minority interests

 

(23,748)

 

(6,628)

 

(5,818)

 

(6,573)

 

(4,729)

Minority interests

 

3,766

 

1,041

 

868

 

1,112

 

745

Loss from continuing operations

 

(19,982)

 

(5,587)

 

(4,950)

 

(5,461)

 

(3,984)

Discontinued operations, net of minority interests in the amount of $(964) in the fourth quarter, $(260) in the third quarter, $(87) in the second quarter and $130 in the first quarter

 

9,092

 

7,412

 

2,118

 

560

 

(998)

(Loss) gain before loss on sales of real estate

 

(10,890)

 

1,825

 

(2,832)

 

(4,901)

 

(4,982)

Loss on sales of real estate, net of minority interest of $53 in the fourth quarter, $2 in the third quarter, $7 in the second quarter and $2 in the first quarter

 

(493)

 

(397)

 

(17)

 

(61)

 

(18)

Net (loss) income

 

(11,383)

 

1,428

 

(2,849)

 

(4,962)

 

(5,000)

Net income allocated to preferred shareholders

 

(9,000)

 

(2,250)

 

(2,250)

 

(2,250)

 

(2,250)

Net loss available to common shareholders

$

(20,383)

$

(822)

$

(5,099)

$

(7,212)

$

(7,250)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings available to common shares per weighted average common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from continuing operations

$

(1.22)

$

(0.32)

$

(0.30)

$

(0.33)

$

(0.26)

Discontinued operations, net of minority interests

 

0.38

 

0.31

 

0.08

 

0.03

 

(0.05)

Loss on sales of real estate, net of minority interests

 

(0.02)

 

(0.02)

 

 

 

Net loss available per weighted-average common share of beneficial interest – basic and diluted

$

(0.86)

$

(0.03)

$

(0.22)

$

(0.30)

$

(0.31)

Weighted average common shares – basic and diluted

 

23,672

 

23,672

 

23,672

 

23,672

 

23,671

Distributions paid per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Reclassifications of information for the year ended December 31, 2004 to reflect SFAS 144 for properties sold during 2004 and 2005 and have been made from continuing operations to discontinued operations.

 

F-49

 



 

 

18. Subsequent Events

 

On December 30, 2005 our Board of Trustees declared a quarterly distribution for the fourth quarter of 2005 of $0.5625 per share on its Series B Shares. The quarterly distribution has a record date of January 16, 2006 and was paid on January 31, 2006.

 

On January 11, 2006, a $55.0 million loan from IPC Lender was funded from escrow to Prime Dearborn. See Note 4 – Mortgage Notes Payable for a further discussion.

 

On January 10, 2006, we and certain other parties, including Casati and Heise, entered into an Amended Tax Indemnity Agreement in connection with certain modifications to the Continental Transaction, which among other things, reduced the estimated maximum liability of the Operating Partnership in the event of the consummation of a taxable transaction relating to Continental Towers, calculated at current tax rates, from approximately $53.2 million to $14.0 million. See Item 15 – Commitments and Contingencies – Tax indemnities for more information.

Prime Equity Citicorp Loan. On January 11, 2006, Prime Equity obtained a loan in the original principal amount of $58.0 million (the “Citicorp Loan”) from Citicorp USA Inc. (“Citicorp”). Simultaneously with the closing of the Citicorp Loan, the Operating Partnership transferred to Prime Equity (i) its interest in the Junior Loan encumbering Continental Towers referred to above, (ii) its 50.0% common membership interest in 77 West Wacker Drive, L.L.C., the owner of 77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago Illinois, (iii) its 100.0% membership interest in 280 Shuman Blvd, L.L.C. (“280 Owner”), the owner of the property known as the Atrium located at 280 Shuman Boulevard in Naperville, Illinois, (iv) its 100.0% membership interest in 800 Jorie Blvd. Mezzanine, L.L.C., the owner of a 49.0% membership interest in 800 Jorie Blvd, L.L.C. and the owner of 800-810 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, Illinois, and (v) its 100.0% membership interest in Prime Group Management, L.L.C. (“Prime Management”), the manager of Continental Towers.

As security for the Citicorp Loan, among other things, (a) the Operating Partnership pledged all of its interests in Prime Equity, (b) Prime Equity pledged all of its interests in the Junior Loan, the membership interests referred to in clause (ii), (iv) and (v) above and its right to receive distributions from all of the property referred to in clauses (i) through (v) above and (c) 280 Owner granted a mortgage to Citicorp on the Atrium property.

The Citicorp Loan is in the original principal amount of $58.0 million. The Citicorp Loan documents provide that if Prime Equity is unable to obtain, within 120 days following the closing of the loan, the necessary consents from the senior mortgage lender on our 180 N. LaSalle Street property, and deliver to Citicorp a pledge and assignment of all of the membership interests in 180 N. LaSalle II, L.L.C., our subsidiary that owns the 180 N. LaSalle Street property (the “180 Pledge”), then Prime Equity must repay not less than $14.0 million of the Citicorp Loan. There can be no assurances that the consent of the 180 N. LaSalle Street senior lender can be obtained in a timely manner, or if it can be obtained, that the terms for obtaining such consent will be favorable to us.

Mr. David Lichtenstein, the principal of The Lightstone Group, our indirect parent, has guaranteed (i) the payment of 50.0% of the principal amount of the Citicorp Loan (reducing to 25.0% on the date that Prime Equity delivers to Citicorp the 180 Pledge or repays $14.0 million of the Citicorp Loan), (ii) the payment of all of the interest on the Citicorp Loan and (iii) the payment of all operating expenses for Continental Towers, Atrium, 77 West Wacker Drive, Jorie Plaza and, if applicable, 180 N. LaSalle Street. In addition, Mr. Lichtenstein’s guaranty covers the full amount of the Citicorp Loan in the event of any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with the loan or in the event of any voluntary bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors or other similar action relating to Prime Equity, us or certain other entities in connection with the Citicorp Loan.

 

F-50

 



 

 

18. Subsequent Events (continued)

The Citicorp Loan has a two (2) year term and payments of interest only are due monthly. It is pre-payable at any time. The loan bears interest as selected by Prime Equity at either the eurodollar rate (as defined in the loan documents) plus 4.3% per year or the Citicorp base rate (as defined in the loan documents) plus 1.5% per year. Simultaneously with the loan closing, Prime Equity acquired an interest rate cap that capped the eurodollar rate at 4.8%, resulting in a capped maximum interest rate of 9.1% per year.

In the event Prime Equity makes distributions to the Operating Partnership other than distributions from the proceeds of the Citicorp Loan, Prime Equity shall pay to Citicorp 20.0% of any such distributions and Citicorp may apply such payments to prepay the loan or hold them in reserve as cash collateral.

The Citicorp Loan has an origination fee of 1.0% ($580,000), and an exit fee of 1.0% ($580,000), if the loan is paid in full within one year of the closing date. Prime Equity was required to establish a $3.0 million leasing reserve account at the closing and is required to deposit an additional $250,000 per month into the account, to be used for tenant improvements costs and leasing commissions. In addition, Prime Equity is also required to maintain a minimum cash balance during the term of the loan, including amounts in the leasing reserve account, of at least $6.0 million.

Prime Equity is also required to maintain a minimum 1.10 debt service coverage ratio as defined in the loan documents. In addition, after the first anniversary of the Citicorp Loan, Prime Equity is required to maintain a loan-to-value ratio for certain of the collateral pledged as security for the loan of 80.0%, as defined in the loan documents.

On February 9, 2006, our Board declared a quarterly dividend on our Series B Shares for the first quarter of 2006 of $0.5625 per share. The quarterly distribution has a record date of March 31, 2006 and a payment date of April 28, 2006.

 

In addition, our Board declared a distribution to the holders of the 26,488,389 common limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership and the 236,483 common shares, in an amount of $2.8438 per unit/share and having a record date of February 9, 2006, and a payment date of February 10, 2006.

 

F-51

 



 

 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

 

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost Capitalized

Subsequent to Acquisition

 

 

Gross Amount Carried at

Close of Period

12/31/05

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encumbrances(1)

 

 

Initial Cost(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings

 

 

 

 

Buildings

 

 

 

 

Building

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Depreciation

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

and

 

 

 

 

at December 31

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

 

Land

 

Improvements

 

Total

 

 

2005(3)

Date of Acquisition

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

280 Shuman Blvd

$

 

$

2,092

$

3,642

 

$

12

$

218

 

$

2,104

$

3,860

$

5,964

 

$

153

Nov. 1997

Continental Towers

 

75,000

 

 

12,166

 

122,980

 

 

449

 

5,953

 

 

12,615

 

128,933

 

141,548

 

 

3,041

Dec. 1997

4343 Commerce Court (4)

 

12,515

 

 

2,370

 

13,572

 

 

8

 

903

 

 

2,378

 

14,475

 

16,853

 

 

305

Nov. 1997

1600-1700 167th St.

 

2,880

 

 

1,271

 

3,561

 

 

(1)

 

1

 

 

1,270

 

3,562

 

4,832

 

 

111

Nov. 1997

800-810 Jorie Blvd

 

25,024

 

 

6,265

 

20,187

 

 

 

 

 

6,265

 

20,187

 

26,452

 

 

589

Aug. 1999

IBM Plaza (5)

 

195,000

 

 

45,582

 

126,397

 

 

(296)

 

3,402

 

 

45,286

 

129,799

 

175,085

 

 

3,715

Dec. 1999

Brush Hill Office Court.

 

8,812

 

 

3,456

 

10,295

 

 

(14)

 

441

 

 

3,442

 

10,736

 

14,178

 

 

362

Dec. 1999

Enterprise Center II

 

6,346

 

 

1,659

 

5,272

 

 

(6)

 

 

 

1,653

 

5,272

 

6,925

 

 

120

Jan. 2000

7100 Madison Avenue

 

4,189

 

 

1,268

 

3,663

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

1,266

 

3,663

 

4,929

 

 

74

Apr. 2000

180 North LaSalle Street

 

64,940

 

 

15,245

 

55,497

 

 

(128)

 

578

 

 

15,117

 

56,075

 

71,192

 

 

2,502

Aug. 2000

1051 N. Kirk Road (4)

 

3,259

 

 

818

 

2,631

 

 

6

 

 

 

824

 

2,631

 

3,455

 

 

65

Nov. 1997

Other Corporate Assets (6)

 

55,000

 

 

 

464

 

 

 

15

 

 

 

479

 

479

 

 

105

 

Total

$

452,965

 

$

92,192

$

368,161

 

$

28

$

11,511

 

$

92,220

$

379,672

$

471,892

 

$

11,142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

SCHEDULE III – REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2005

 

(1)

See Note 4 – Mortgage Notes Payable to these Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our mortgage notes payable.

(2)

As a result of the Acquisition, we were required to revalue our balance sheet to reflect the fair market value of each of our assets and liabilities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations. See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Accounting for the Acquisition to these Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information.

(3)

Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets, which are as follows:

Buildings

40 years weighted average composite life

Building improvements

10 to 30 years

Tenant improvements

Term of related leases

Furniture and equipment

3-10 years

 

(4)

These properties collateralize a mortgage note payable of $15.3 million.

(5)

A pledge of 100.0% of the ownership interest in the entity which owns this property is collateral for two mortgage notes payable totaling $195.0 million with the same lender.

(6)

As collateral for the $55.0 million mortgage note payable, Prime Dearborn has pledged all of its rights to distributions from Dearborn JV to IPC Lender. In addition, we have guaranteed the payment of all interest under the loan and guaranteed all principal payments under the loan upon the occurrence of certain non-recourse carve-out events, including, without limitation, voluntary bankruptcy, fraud, or breach of certain covenants. Prime Group Realty Services Inc., our subsidiary, has also pledged its right to receive certain management and leasing fees in connection with its management of Citadel Center. As additional security for the loan, Prime Dearborn has deposited $458,334, the amount of one month’s prepaid interest on the loan (calculated based on a 10.0% annual interest rate), with IPC Lender which was recorded as other assets in our consolidated balance sheets.

 

The aggregate gross cost of the properties included above, for federal income tax purposes, approximated $404.0 million as of December 31, 2005. We have $1.5 million in property held or under development at December 31, 2005, for which the basis for federal income tax purposes approximated $1.5 million at December 31, 2005. The net tax basis of our investment in unconsolidated real estate joint ventures for federal income tax purposes was $30.3 million at December 31, 2005.

 

The following table reconciles our historical cost for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, beginning of period

$

619,059

$

610,987

$

956,592

Additions

 

18,674

 

8,765

 

21,521

Disposals

 

(2,130)

 

(693)

 

(347,204)

Conversion of common units to common shares

 

 

 

(19,022)

Impact of applying push down purchase accounting

 

(163,711)

 

 

Property impairments recorded during period

 

 

 

(900)

Balance, close of period

$

471,892

$

619,059

$

610,987

 

 

F-53

 



 

 

The following table reconciles the accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of period.

$

94,252

$

77,022

$

58,437

Depreciation and amortization

 

20,911

 

17,881

 

23,856

Disposals

 

(493)

 

(651)

 

(5,271)

Impact of applying push down purchase accounting

 

(102,828)

 

 

Balance, close of period.

$

11,142

$

94,252

$

77,022

 

 

F-54

 



 

 

EXHIBIT 21.1

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

 

DECEMBER 31, 2005

 

The following represents the Prime Group Realty Trust’s (the “Company”) and Prime Group Realty, L.P.’s (the “Operating Partnership”) operating subsidiaries (the Company and the Operating Partnership have a majority interest or control, except in the case of 77 West Wacker Drive, L.L.C. and Dearborn Center, L.L.C. the ownership of which are further described in the footnotes below) and related properties as of December 31, 2005:

 

 

Entity

Property

77 Fitness Center, L.P. (4)

Owner of Health Club at 77 West Wacker Drive

77 West Wacker Drive, L.L.C. (1), (2)

77 West Wacker Drive

77 West Wacker Limited Partnership (3), (4)

Sole member of 330 N. Wabash Avenue, L.L.C. and 99.5% owner of Brush Hill Office Center, L.L.C.

180 N. LaSalle Holdings, L.L.C. (1), (3)

Sole member of 180 N. LaSalle II, L.L.C.

180 N. LaSalle II, L.L.C. (1)

180 N. LaSalle

280 Shuman Blvd., L.L.C. (1)

280 Shuman Blvd. (Atrium)

330 N. Wabash Avenue, L.L.C. (1)

IBM Plaza

330 N. Wabash Mezzanine, L.L.C. (1)

Sole member of 330 N. Wabash Avenue, L.L.C.

800 Jorie Blvd., L.L.C. (1), (3)

800-810 Jorie Blvd.

800 Jorie Blvd. Mezzanine, L.L.C. (1)

Member owning 49.0% of 800 Jorie Blvd., L.L.C.

1051 N. Kirk Road, L.L.C. (1), (3)

1051 N. Kirk Road

1600 167th Street, L.L.C. (1), (3)

1600-1700 167th Street (Narco River Business Center)

2305 Enterprise Drive, L.L.C. (1), (3)

2305 Enterprise Drive

4343 Commerce Court, L.L.C. (1), (3)

4343 Commerce Court (The Olympian Office Center)

7100 Madison, L.L.C. (1)

7100 Madison

Brush Hill Office Center, L.L.C. (1), (3)

Brush Hill Office Center

Dearborn Center, L.L.C. (1), (5)

Bank One Center

LaSalle-Adams, L.L.C. (1), (3)

Former Owner of 208 South LaSalle Street

Libertyville Corporate Office Park, L.L.C. (1)

Owner of Vacant Land adjacent to 80 Pine Meadow Corporate Office Park

Libertyville Corporate Office Park II, L.L.C. (1)

Owner of Vacant Land adjacent to 80 Pine Meadow Corporate Office Park

PGR Finance II, Inc. (6)

Member owning 1% of LaSalle-Adams, L.L.C.

PGR Finance IV, Inc. (6)

Member owning 0.1% of 1600 167th Street., L.L.C.

PGR Finance VIII, Inc. (6)

Limited Partner owning 0.5% of 77 West Wacker Limited Partnership

PGR Finance XIV, Inc. (6)

Member owning 0.1% in both 1051 N. Kirk Road, L.L.C. and 4343 Commerce Court, L.L.C.

 

 

F-55

 



 

 

 

PGR Finance XV, L.L.C. (1)

Member owning 0.5% of Brush Hill Office Center, L.L.C.

PGR Finance XVII, Inc. (6)

Member owning 0.5% of 800 Jorie Blvd., L.L.C.

PGR Finance XXI, L.L.C. (1)

Member owning 0.1% of 2305 Enterprise, L.L.C.

PGR Finance XXII, Inc. (6)

Member owning 1% of 180 N. LaSalle Holdings, L.L.C.

PGRT Equity LLC (1)

Owner of (i) junior loan encumbering Continental Towers, (ii) 50% common interest in 77 West Wacker Drive, L.L.C., (iii) 280 Shuman Blvd., L.L.C., (iv) 800 Jorie Blvd. Mezzanine, L.L.C., and (v) Prime Group Management, L.L.C.

Phoenix Office, L.L.C. (1)

Owner of 23.1% interest in Plumcor/Thistle, L.L.C., owner of a building in Thistle Landing in Phoenix, Arizona

Prime Dearborn Equities LLC (1)

Owner of 30% subordinated joint venture interest in Dearborn Center, L.L.C.

Prime Group Management, L.L.C. (1)

Manager of Continental Towers

Prime Group Realty Services, Inc. (2)

The Services Company, manager of Citadel Center, owner of 100% of PGT Construction Co., PRS Corporate Real Estate Services, Inc., Prime Services Holdings, Inc. and 99.9% of 77 Fitness Center, L.P.

PGT Construction Co. (6)

Subsidiary of Services Company for construction work

Prime Rolling Meadows, L.L.C.(1)

Property adjacent to Continental Towers

PRS Corporate Real Estate Services, Inc. (6)

Brokerage subsidiary of Services Company

Prime Services Holding, Inc. (6)

0.1% owner of 77 Fitness Center, L.P.

 

 

(1)

Delaware Limited liability Company

(2)

PGRT Equity LLC, a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership, owns a 50% common interest, the Operating Partnership manages the property and a third party owns the remaining 50% common interest.

(3)

We own both direct and indirect ownership interest in these entities through wholly owned subsidiaries listed above.

(4)

Illinois Limited Partnership

(5)

PGRT Equity LLC, a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership owns a 30% subordinated common interest, the Operating Partnership manages the property and a third party owns the remaining 70% common interest.

(6)

Delaware Corporation.

(7)

Maryland Corporation.

 

F-56

 



 

 

Dearborn Center, L.L.C.

 

Financial Statements

 

For the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and

for the period from October 8, 2003 through December 31, 2003

(unaudited)

 

 

Contents

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

F-58

 

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

Balance Sheets

F-60

Statements of Operations

F-61

Statements of Members’ Capital

F-62

Statements of Cash Flows

F-63

Notes to Financial Statements

F-64

 

 

 

F-57

 



 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Trustees

Prime Group Realty Trust

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Dearborn Center, L.L.C. as of December 31, 2005, and the related statements of operations, members’ capital and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dearborn Center, L.L.C. at December 31, 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

March 3, 2006

 

F-58

 



 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Trustees

Prime Group Realty Trust

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Dearborn Center, L.L.C. as of December 31, 2004, and the related statements of operations, members’ capital and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dearborn Center, L.L.C. at December 31, 2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

February 21, 2005

 

F-59

 



 

 

Dearborn Center, L.L.C.

 

Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31

 

December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

Assets

 

 

 

(Restated)

Real estate:

 

 

 

 

Land

$

22,621,876

$

22,621,876

Building and improvements

 

281,687,123

 

280,609,888

Tenant improvements

 

68,278,130

 

45,215,227

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

58,489

 

44,320

 

 

372,645,618

 

348,491,311

Accumulated depreciation

 

(29,319,025)

 

(18,479,626)

 

 

343,326,593

 

330,011,685

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

4,067,474

 

14,787,010

Restricted cash escrows

 

18,250,537

 

20,585,320

Receivables net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $293,314 and $36,669 at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively:

 

 

 

 

Tenant

 

9,404,279

 

8,605,602

Deferred rent

 

12,731,890

 

9,003,586

Note

 

11,650,920

 

12,295,833

Deferred costs, net

 

36,260,539

 

37,430,498

Prepaid expenses

 

49,501

 

11,744

Total assets

$

435,741,733

$

432,731,278

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and members’ capital

 

 

 

 

Mortgage note payable

$

269,237,552

$

270,000,000

Accrued interest payable

 

3,624,829

 

3,760,863

Rents received in advance

 

2,036,161

 

2,022,671

Accrued tenant improvement allowances

 

23,344,965

 

514,500

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

1,238,885

 

615,676

Due to affiliate

 

2,962,108

 

10,396,303

Development costs payable

 

876,885

 

876,885

Accrued real estate taxes

 

15,141,221

 

14,310,000

Other

 

72,250

 

25,000

Total liabilities

 

318,534,856

 

302,521,898

Members’ capital

 

117,206,877

 

130,209,380

Total liabilities and members’ capital

$

435,741,733

$

432,731,278

 

See notes to financial statements.

 



 

F-60

 

Dearborn Center, L.L.C.

 

Statements of Operations

 

 

 

 

Years ended

December 31

 

For the period from October 8, 2003 through December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rental

$

30,575,824

$

28,919,989

$

6,461,018

Tenant reimbursements

 

17,065,568

 

15,328,416

 

2,784,867

Other

 

2,191,926

 

1,690,502

 

372,194

Total revenue

 

49,833,318

 

45,938,907

 

9,618,079

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property operations

 

10,015,555

 

8,904,529

 

1,828,783

Real estate taxes

 

13,488,670

 

12,933,879

 

2,265,820

Depreciation

 

10,839,400

 

11,034,729

 

2,174,122

Amortization

 

1,695,925

 

1,894,238

 

288,018

Interest

 

14,928,348

 

14,141,928

 

3,196,531

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

239,535

 

239,412

 

56,154

Total expenses

 

51,207,433

 

49,148,715

 

9,809,428

Net loss

$

(1,374,115)

$

(3,209,808)

$

(191,349)

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

F-61

 



 

 

Dearborn Center, L.L.C.

 

Statements of Members’ Capital

 

 

 

 

 

UST

 

Prime

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Members’ capital at October 8, 2003

$

101,239,465

$

43,442,255

$

144,681,720

Net income (loss)

 

2,431,183

 

(2,622,532)

 

(191,349)

Contribution

 

1,400,000

 

600,000

 

2,000,000

Distributions

 

(2,431,183)

 

 

(2,431,183)

Members’ capital at December 31, 2003

 

102,639,465

 

41,419,723

 

144,059,188

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

10,640,000

 

(13,849,808)

 

(3,209,808)

Distributions

 

(10,640,000)

 

 

(10,640,000)

Members’ capital at December 31, 2004

 

102,639,465

 

27,569,915

 

130,209,380

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

11,620,000

 

(12,994,115)

 

(1,374,115)

Distributions

 

(11,628,388)

 

 

(11,628,388)

Members’ capital at December 31, 2005

$

102,631,077

$

14,575,800

$

117,206,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to financial statements.

 

F-62

 



 

 

Dearborn Center, L.L.C.

 

Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

Years ended

December 31

 

For the period from October 8, 2003 through December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(1,374,115)

$

(3,209,808)

$

(191,349)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

12,774,860

 

13,168,379

 

2,518,294

Amortization of costs for leases assumed (included in

rental revenue)

 

1,908,275

 

1,950,175

 

477,635

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tenant receivables

 

(798,677)

 

(6,151,721)

 

(1,540,244)

Deferred rent receivable

 

(3,728,304)

 

(4,628,538)

 

(1,153,192)

Accrued interest on note receivable

 

644,913

 

(962,875)

 

(206,714)

Prepaid expenses

 

(37,757)

 

(6,645)

 

(5,101)

Accrued interest payable

 

(136,034)

 

301,088

 

3,196,531

Rents received in advance

 

13,490

 

710,056

 

(700,154)

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

623,209

 

158,903

 

216,203

Due to affiliate

 

(7,434,195)

 

10,106,095

 

458,622

Accrued real estate taxes

 

831,221

 

9,225,961

 

2,285,056

Other liabilities

 

47,250

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

3,334,136

 

20,661,070

 

5,355,587

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to real estate

 

(24,154,307)

 

(7,345,733)

 

(2,015,435)

Increase (decrease) in accrued tenant improvement allowances

 

22,830,465

 

(13,112,879)

 

(574,408)

Leasing costs

 

(2,673,777)

 

(1,214,186)

 

(31,726)

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash escrows

 

2,334,783

 

(1,052,546)

 

2,595,774

Increase in note receivable

 

 

(587,771)

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,662,836)

 

(23,313,115)

 

(25,795)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions from member

 

 

 

2,000,000

Distributions to member

 

(11,628,388)

 

(10,640,000)

 

(2,431,183)

Additional proceeds from mortgage note payable

 

 

22,500,000

 

Repayment of mortgage note payable

 

(762,448)

 

 

Financing costs

 

 

(4,825)

 

(371)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

(12,390,836)

 

11,855,175

 

(431,554)

Net change in cash

 

(10,719,536)

 

9,203,130

 

4,898,238

Cash at beginning of period

 

14,787,010

 

5,583,880

 

685,642

Cash at end of period

$

4,067,474

$

14,787,010

$

5,583,880

See notes to financial statements.

 

F-63

 



 

 

Dearborn Center, L.L.C.

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Formation and Organization of the Company

 

Dearborn Center, L.L.C. (the Company) is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed on September 27, 2000, to develop, own, lease, and operate a 37-story office building containing approximately 1.5 million square feet located in downtown Chicago, Illinois (the Property).

 

On October 8, 2003 (the Transaction Date), Prime Group Realty, L.P. (Prime), the prior sole member of the Company, sold 70.0% of its interest in the Company to UST XI Dearborn, Ltd. (UST), a limited partnership organized under the laws of Florida. At the closing UST paid Prime $105,000,000 and made a cash contribution to the Company of $1,400,000 as working capital. Prime correspondingly made a $600,000 cash contribution to the Company. UST’s opening capital balance represents an allocation of 70.0% of Prime’s historical capital balance. The Company’s organizational documents were amended and restated to reflect the admission of UST. For reporting purposes, no adjustments have been made to the carrying values of the Company’s assets and liabilities as a result of the sales transaction in accordance with the practices of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Under the terms of the Contribution Agreement between Prime and UST, an additional purchase price payment in the amount of $9,800,000 was to be made by UST (the Leasing Earnout) and distributed to Prime upon the Company’s lease of an additional 40,000 square feet of space in the Property over and above the square footage leased in the Property as of August 4, 2003. This payment, reflected as a component of due to affiliate at December 31, 2004, was made in December 2004 and distributed to Prime on January 24, 2005, upon achieving the Leasing Earnout. To appropriately reflect the transaction, the payment, previously reported as a capital contribution, has been reclassified as a liability at December 31, 2004.

 

UST is the administrative member of the Company and Prime has approval rights over major decisions. At closing, Prime received a credit to its invested capital account (as defined in the Contribution Agreement) in the Company in the amount of $45,600,000, representing 30.0% of the total invested capital of the Company, and UST received a credit to its invested capital account of $106,400,000, representing 70.0% of the total invested capital of the Company. Prime also received a credit to its invested capital account, upon the satisfaction of the Leasing Earnout, of an additional $4,200,000. While these values have been utilized for purposes of tracking balances pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, these balances have not been reflected in these statements as noted above.

 

In connection with the admittance of UST as a partner in the Company, Prime deposited $19,908,658 with an escrow agent, which is to be used to fund: (a) the payment of completion costs for the core and shell of the Property (which Prime and UST acknowledge were $5,670,959 as of the closing date), (b) the costs related to tenant improvements and allowances with respect

 

F-64

 



 

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

to existing leases at the Property (which Prime and UST acknowledge were $14,201,787 as of the closing date) and (c) the payment of any outstanding lease commissions with respect to existing leases of the Property (which Prime and UST acknowledge were $35,912 as of the closing date). The balances in this escrow account at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were $1,356,239 and $1,500,946, respectively. In addition to this escrow, Prime conveyed another escrow to the Company in the amount of $1,356,942 related to completion costs for the core and shell of the Property incurred prior to the closing date. The balances in this escrow at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were $920,516 and $925,175, respectively.

 

UST is entitled to receive out of available annual cash flow (Distributable Cash), a 10.0% non-cumulative preferred return on its invested capital, after which Prime is entitled to receive a 10.0% non-cumulative, non-compounded return on its invested capital. Any remaining Distributable Cash after repayment of all amounts then due and payable pursuant to the loan documents and other expenses and liabilities of the Company then due and payable after establishment of such reserves as UST may reasonably determine for specific anticipated purposes will be distributed 50.0% to Prime and 50% to UST.

 

To the extent the Company’s earnings exceed UST’s return in any year, Prime will record 100.0% of the excess up to its 10.0% return on invested capital. Thereafter, earnings will be allocated 50.0% to Prime and 50.0% to UST. To the extent the Company’s earnings are less than the amount distributable to UST, a corresponding loss will be allocated to Prime to the extent of any difference.

 

In accordance with the Limited Liability Company Agreement, the Company has perpetual existence unless sooner dissolved upon the occurrence of a defined termination

event. No member can transfer its interest in any part of the Company without obtaining the prior written consent of the other member unless the transfer is made to an affiliate or Prime transfers or sells its membership interests in connection with any merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale, liquidation or other similar transaction.

 

Presentation

 

The financial statements and disclosures for the period from October 8, 2003 to December 31, 2003 are unaudited.

 

Real Estate

 

Real estate is carried at its historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Significant renovations and improvements, which improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life.

 

F-65

 



 

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets, which are as follows:

 

Buildings

Weighted average composite life of 40 years

Building improvements

15 to 30 years

Tenant improvements

Term of related leases

 

The City of Chicago, (“City”) has provided tax increment financing assistance for the Property pursuant to which the Company is entitled to receive from the City up to $10,000,000 in tax increment assistance, subject to the satisfaction of certain requirements. The obligation of the City is evidenced by a promissory note in the maximum principal amount of $10,000,000 (which was subject to reduction if certain requirements were not satisfied). Interest on the note accrues at the rate of 9.5% per year. Under the agreement with the City, payments of the tax increment assistance are to be made each January 1 from 50.0% of the incremental real estate taxes attributable to the Property. The promissory note matures on December 31, 2008, and, to the extent any portion of the note remains unpaid as of the maturity date, the Company is required to forego such amounts. The Company initially recorded a note receivable in the amount of $9,412,228, which was net of a reserve for amounts anticipated due to the City for failure to meet certain of the requirements.

 

On August 11, 2004, payments were made to the City comprised of $587,771 from the Company and $447,845 from Prime. The payment by the Company was funded by a loan Prime made to the Company in the amount of $587,771. The loan bears interest at 10.0% per year and will be paid upon the retirement of the note receivable from the City. The total of $1,035,616 represented the Company’s obligation under its redevelopment agreement with the City. The City issued a Certificate of Completion in regards to the Property and acknowledged the amount of the note receivable, which included principal of $10,000,000 and interest through August 11, 2004 of $1,929,028.

 

The balances of the note receivable at December 31, 2005 and 2004 includes accrued interest of $1,650,920 and $2,295,833, respectively.

 

Deferred Charges

 

Costs incurred in connection with financings are capitalized as deferred financing costs and are amortized on the effective interest method to interest expense over the terms of the related loan. Leasing commissions and other leasing costs directly attributable to tenant leases are capitalized as deferred leasing costs and are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the related lease agreements.

 

Restricted Escrows

 

The carrying amount of the restricted cash escrows reported in the balance sheet approximates their fair value.

 

F-66

 

 



 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Rental Revenue

 

Rental revenue is recorded on the straight-line method over the terms of the related lease agreements. Differences between rental revenue earned and amounts due per the respective lease agreements are credited or charged, as applicable, to deferred rent receivable. Rental payments received prior to their recognition as income are classified as rent received in advance.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company is taxed as a partnership, and accordingly, no federal or state income taxes are payable by the Company. The members’ respective share of the Company’s taxable income or loss is includable on the respective tax returns of the members.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

2. Deferred Costs

 

Deferred costs consist of the following:

 

 

 

December 31

 

 

2005

 

2004

Financing costs

$

7,377,041

$

7,377,041

Leasing commissions

 

15,884,349

 

13,422,418

Leasing costs

 

8,640,489

 

8,428,643

Lease assumption costs

 

20,507,230

 

20,507,230

 

 

52,409,109

 

49,735,332

Less: Accumulated amortization

 

(16,148,570)

 

(12,304,834)

 

$

36,260,539

$

37,430,498

 

3. Mortgage Note Payable

 

In connection with the admittance of UST as a member in the Company, the Company simultaneously closed on a $270,000,000 mortgage loan with a financial institution (the Loan), a portion of which was used to repay in full the existing construction loan and mezzanine loan encumbering the Property, and $22,500,000 of which was funded post-closing to pay for tenant improvement costs and other leasing costs under subsequent and future leases at the Property (the TI Amount).

 

F-67

 



 

 

3. Mortgage Note Payable (continued)

 

The Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.47% per year, except that the TI Amount, when and as funded, bore interest at a floating rate of one or three month LIBOR plus 1.20%, as defined. The Company had the right to fix the interest rate on the TI Amount, as funded, in $5,000,000 increments, at an interest rate equal to the lender’s then-current cost of funds plus 1.20%. On September 30, 2004, the Company fixed the rate on the loan for the TI amount at 5.18% and drew down $18,772,291 representing the remaining proceeds available under the original loan commitment.

 

This advance of the TI Amount was disbursed into an interest-bearing escrow account (with interest payable monthly to the Company) with future tenant improvement costs and leasing commissions of the Property payable out of the escrow. The balances in this escrow at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were $15,973,781 and $18,159,200, respectively.

 

The Loan requires interest only payments quarterly in arrears for the first two years of the loan term and payments of principal and interest pursuant to a 30-year amortization schedule thereafter. The Loan has a term of seven years. The Company is obligated to pay a $50,000 agency fee to the lender each year.

 

The Loan documents provide that if the debt service coverage ratio of the Property (as defined in the loan documents and tested on June 30 and December 31 of each year) falls below 1.1, it is a default under the Loan. In addition, beginning on June 30, 2006, in the event the debt service coverage ratio of the Property falls below 1.30, then the excess net cash flow from the Property will be deposited in an interest bearing escrow account with the lender until the debt service coverage ratio test of 1.30 is met. The debt service coverage ratios were 1.24 and 1.21 at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

The following represents the Company’s future minimum principal payments due on its mortgage note payable outstanding at December 31, 2005:

 

Year ending December 31

 

 

2006

$

3,656,545

2007

 

3,861,373

2008

 

3,998,047

2009

 

4,263,968

2010

 

253,457,619

 

$

269,237,552

 

 

F-68

 



 

 

4. Related Party Transactions

 

In connection with operating the Property, Prime is entitled to receive fees for services performed and reimbursement for costs paid on behalf of the Company. Amounts incurred for these services for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the period October 8, 2003 through October 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

Management fee (a)

$

909,480

$

728,776

$

148,522

Payroll and other operating costs (b)

 

748,479

 

1,258,929

 

272,368

Leasing commissions

 

1,622,525

 

283,541

 

 

 

(a)

Management fee equal to 2% of the monthly gross revenues calculated on a cash basis (included in property operations expense).

 

 

(b)

Reimbursement for payroll and other operating costs paid on behalf of the Company.

 

UST also receives a monthly administrative fee of $50,000, which totaled $600,000, $600,000 and $138,710 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the period ended December 31, 2003, respectively.

 

The length of the lease terms range up to 15 and 40 years at lease inception for office and retail tenants, respectively. The leases generally provide for tenants to share in increases in operating expenses and real estate taxes in excess of specified base amounts.

 

5.

Leases

 

The total future minimum rental to be received under noncancelable operating leases executed at December 31, 2005, exclusive of tenant reimbursements and contingent rentals, are as follows:

 

Year ending December 31

 

 

2006

$

29,836,658

2007

 

30,638,447

2008

 

36,571,479

2009

 

37,563,494

2010

 

38,535,903

Thereafter

 

275,407,020

 

$

448,553,001

 

 

The Property was approximately 73.1% leased at December 31, 2005, of which three tenants lease approximately 67.8% and represent approximately 95.2% and 96.6% of rental and tenant reimbursements revenue, excluding amortization of lease assumption costs for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

 

F-69

 



 

 

6. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

 

SFAS No. 107, Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and SFAS No. 119, Disclosure About Derivative Financial Instruments and Fair Value of Financial Instruments, require disclosure of the fair value of certain on- and off-balance-sheet financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate. Fair value is defined by SFAS No. 107 as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties other than in a forced or liquidation sale.

 

The Company used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value disclosures for financial instruments.

 

The carrying amount of cash and restricted cash escrows reported in the balance sheets approximates their fair value.

 

The Company maintains its cash and restricted cash escrows at various financial institutions. The combined account balances at each institution periodically exceed FDIC insurance coverage, and as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts on deposit in excess of FDIC insurance coverage. The Company believes that the risk is not significant.

 

The carrying values of the Company’s tenant receivables and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short maturities of such instruments. The carrying value of the Company’s note receivable approximates its fair value based on the expected amount to be received from the City. The carrying amount of mortgage note payable (including accrued interest) approximates fair value based on the current borrowing rate for similar types of debt.

 

7.

Subsequent Events

 

On January 25, 2006, the Company received a $6,078,798 payment from the City of which $4,361,905 was applied towards the note receivable and $1,716,893 was applied towards the accrued interest on the note receivable.

 

 

 

F-70

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT 3.1

 

ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT

OF

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

Prime Group Realty Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the “Trust”), certifies as follows:

FIRST: the Trust desires to amend and restate its Declaration of Trust as currently in effect as hereinafter provided.

SECOND: the following provisions are all the provisions of the Declaration of Trust as currently in effect.

1.

The Trust.

1.1.         Name. The name of the trust (the “Trust”) is Prime Group Realty Trust. So far as may be practicable, the business of the Trust shall be conducted and transacted under that name. Under circumstances in which the Trustees determine that the use of the name “Prime Group Realty Trust” is not practicable, they may use any other designation or name for the Trust.

1.2.         Formation. The Trust is a real estate investment trust (a “REIT”) within the meaning under Title 8 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (the “Maryland REIT law”). The Trust shall not be deemed to be a general partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, joint stock company or a corporation (but nothing herein shall preclude the Trust from being treated for tax purposes as an association under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)).

1.3.         Purposes and Powers. The Trust is organized as a real estate investment trust under the Maryland REIT law for the purpose of engaging in any activity permitted to real estate investment trusts generally by the Maryland REIT law and shall have all further powers consistent with law and appropriate to attain its purposes, including, without limitation or obligation, engaging in business as a REIT under the Code.

1.4.        Resident Agent and Principal Office. The name and address of the Trust’s initial resident agent in the State of Maryland is The Corporation Trust Inc., 32 South Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, which is a resident of the State of Maryland. The address of the Trust’s principal office is 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3900, Chicago, Illinois 60601. The Trust may have such other offices and places of business within or outside the State of Maryland as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine.

1.5.        Definitions. For purposes of this Declaration of Trust, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

 

 



 

 

“Beneficial Ownership” shall mean ownership of Equity Shares or options to acquire Equity Shares by a Person who would be treated as an owner of such Equity Shares under Section 542(a)(2) of the Code either directly or constructively through the application of Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of the Code but without regard to Section 856(h)(3) of the Code. The terms “Beneficial Owner,” “Beneficially Owns,” “Beneficially Own” and “Beneficially Owned” shall have the correlative meanings.

“Beneficiary” shall mean a beneficiary of the Trust as determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.8 hereof.

“Business Day” shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in New York City, New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

“Call Date” shall mean the date specified in the notice to holders required under Section 3.3.3(d) hereof as the Call Date.

“Change of Control” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.4(a) hereof.

“Closing Date of the Initial Public Offering” shall mean the time and date of payment for and delivery of Common Shares issued pursuant to the Initial Public Offering, excluding the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the over-allotment option granted in connection with the Initial Public Offering.

“Common Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

“Constituent Person” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.4(e) hereof.

“Constructive Ownership” shall mean ownership of Equity Shares or options to acquire Equity Shares by a Person who would be treated as an owner of such Equity Shares either directly or indirectly through the application of Section 318 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code. The terms “Constructive Owner,” “Constructively Owns,” “Constructively Own” and “Constructively Owned” shall have correlative meanings.

“Conversion Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.4(a) hereof.

“Conversion Price” shall mean the conversion price per Common Share for which the Convertible Preferred Shares are convertible, as such Conversion Price may be adjusted pursuant to Section 3.3.4 hereof. The initial conversion price shall be $20.00.

“Convertible Preferred Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

“Current Market Price” of publicly traded Common Shares or any other class of shares of beneficial interest or other security of the Trust or any other issuer for any day shall mean the last reported sales price, regular way on such day, or, if no sale takes place on such day, the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices on such day, regular way, in either case as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or, if such security is not listed or

 

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admitted for trading on the NYSE, on the principal national securities exchange on which such security is listed or admitted for trading or, if not listed or admitted for trading on any national securities exchange, on the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) or, if such security is not quoted on such National Market System, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day in the over-the-counter market as reported by NASDAQ or, if bid and asked prices for such security on such day shall not have been reported through NASDAQ, the average of the bid and asked prices on such day as furnished by any NYSE member firm regularly making a market in such security selected for such purpose by the Board of Trustees.

“Dividend Payment Date” shall mean (i) for any Dividend Period with respect to which the Trust pays a dividend on the Common Shares, the date on which such dividend is paid, or (ii) for any Dividend Period with respect to which the Trust does not pay a dividend on the Common Shares, a date to be set by the Board of Trustees, which date shall not be later than the 45th calendar day after the end of the applicable Dividend Period.

“Dividend Periods” shall mean quarterly dividend periods commencing on January 1, April 1, July I and October 1 of each year and ending on and including the day preceding the first day of the next succeeding Dividend Period with respect to any Convertible Preferred Shares (other than the initial Dividend Period, which shall commence on the Issue Date for such Convertible Preferred Shares and end on and include the last day of the calendar quarter immediately following such Issue Date, and other than the Dividend Period during which any Convertible Preferred Shares shall be redeemed pursuant to Section 3.3.3 hereof or converted pursuant to Section 3.3.4 hereof, which shall end on and include the Call Date with respect to the Convertible Preferred Shares being redeemed).

“Equity Shares” shall mean any of the Common Shares, the Preferred Shares or the Convertible Preferred Shares, or any combination thereof, that have been issued and are outstanding. The term “Equity Shares” shall include all of the Common Shares, the Preferred Shares and the Convertible Preferred Shares that are held as Excess Shares in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.2 hereof.

“Excess Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2 hereof.

“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

“Expiration Time” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.4(d)(iv) hereof.

“Fair Market Value” shall mean (except in Section 3.3.3(e) hereof) as of any day the average of the daily Current Market Prices of a Common Share on the five (5) consecutive Trading Days selected by the Trust commencing not more than 20 Trading Days before, and ending not later than, the earlier of the day in question and the day before the “ex date,” with respect to the issuance or distribution requiring such computation. The term “ex date,” when used with respect to any issuance or distribution, means the first day on which the Common Shares trade regular way, without the right to receive such issuance or distribution, on the exchange or in the market, as the case may be, used to determine that day’s Current Market Price.

 

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“Fully Junior Shares” shall mean the Common Shares and any other class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust now or hereafter issued and outstanding over which the Convertible Preferred Shares have preference or priority in both (i) the payment of dividends and (ii) the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust.

“Funds from Operations” shall mean net income (loss) (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) excluding gains (or losses) from debt restructuring, and distributions in excess of earnings allocated to other Operating Partnership interests or minority interests (as reflected in the financial statements of the Trust) plus depreciation/amortization of assets unique to the real estate industry, all computed in a manner consistent with the revised definition of Funds From Operations adopted by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, in its White Paper dated March 1995, as such definitions may be modified from time to time, as determined by the Trust in good faith.

“Initial Public Offering” shall mean the sale of Common Shares pursuant to the Trust’s first effective registration statement for such Common Shares filed under the Securities Act.

“Issue Date” shall mean the date on which the Convertible Preferred Shares are issued.

“Issue Price” shall be $20.00.

“Junior Shares” shall mean the Common Shares and any other class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust now or hereafter issued and outstanding over which the Convertible Preferred Shares have preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust.

“Market Price” on any date shall mean the average of the Closing Price for the five (5) consecutive Trading Days ending on such date. The “Closing Price” on any date shall mean the last sale price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, in either case as reported on the NYSE or, if the Equity Shares are not listed or admitted for trading on the NYSE, on the principal national securities exchange on which the Equity Shares are listed or admitted for trading or, if not listed or admitted for trading on any national securities exchange, on NASDAQ or, if the Equity Shares are not quoted on such National Market System, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day in the over-the-counter market as reported by NASDAQ or, if bid and asked prices for the Equity Shares on such day shall not have been reported through NASDAQ, the average of the bid and asked prices on such day as furnished by any NYSE member firm regularly making a market in the Equity Shares selected for such purpose by the Board of Trustees.

“Non-Electing Share” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.4(e) hereof.

“Operating Partnership” shall mean Prime Group Realty, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

 

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“Ownership Limit” shall initially mean 9.9%, in number of shares or value, of the outstanding Equity Shares. The number and value of shares of the outstanding Equity Shares of the Trust shall be determined by the Trustees in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes hereof.

“Parity Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.7(b) hereof.

“Permitted Transferee” shall mean any Person designated as a Permitted Transferee in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.8(e) hereof.

“Person” shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, estate, trust, a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company or other entity and also includes a “group” as that term is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity or group; but does not include an underwriter which participated in any public offering registered under the Securities Act of any shares of the Trust for a period of 90 days following the purchase by such underwriter of the Equity Shares; provided, that the restrictions contained in Section 4.1 hereof will not be violated following the distribution by such underwriter of such shares.

“Preferred Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

“Prohibited Transferee” shall mean, with respect to any purported Transfer, any Person who, but for the provisions of Section 4.1 hereof, would own record title to Equity Shares.

“Purchased Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.4(d)(iv) hereof.

“REIT Termination Event” shall mean the earliest to occur of:

(i)           the filing of a federal income tax return by the Trust for any taxable year on which the Trust does not elect to be taxed as a real estate investment trust;

(ii)  the approval by the shareholders of the Trust of a proposal for the Trust to cease to qualify as a real estate investment trust;

(iii)  a determination by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, based on the advice of counsel, that the Trust has ceased to qualify as a real estate investment trust; or

(iv)  a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code that the Trust has ceased to qualify as a real estate investment trust.

“Restriction Termination Date” shall mean the first day on which the Board of Trustees of the Trust determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Trust to attempt to, or continue to, qualify as a REIT.

 

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“Securities” and “Security” shall have the meanings set forth in Section 3.3.4(d)(iii) hereof.

“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“Set apart for payment” shall be deemed to include, without any action other than the following, the recording by the Trust in its accounting ledgers of any accounting or bookkeeping entry which indicates, pursuant to a declaration of dividends or other distribution by the Board of Trustees, the allocation of funds to be so paid on any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust; provided, however, that if any funds for any class or series of Junior Shares or any class or series of shares of beneficial interest ranking on a parity with the Convertible Preferred Shares as to the payment of dividends are placed in a separate account of the Trust or delivered to a disbursing, paying or other similar agent, then “set apart for payment” with respect to the Convertible Preferred Shares shall mean placing such funds in a separate account or delivering such funds to a disbursing, paying or other similar agent.

“Share Trust” shall mean any separate trust created pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof and administered in accordance with the terms of Section 4.8 hereof, for the exclusive benefit of any Beneficiary.

“Share Trustee” shall mean any person or entity unaffiliated with both the Trust and any Prohibited Transferee, such Share Trustee to be designated by the Trust to act as trustee of any Share Trust, or any successor trustee thereof.

“Trading Day” shall mean any day on which the securities in question are traded on the NYSE, or if such securities are not listed or admitted for trading on the NYSE, on the principal national securities exchange on which such securities are listed or admitted, or if not listed or admitted for trading on any national securities exchange, on the National Market System of NASDAQ, or if such securities are not quoted on such National Market System, in the securities market in which the securities are traded.

“Transaction” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.4(e) hereof.

“Transfer” shall mean any sale, transfer, gift, assignment, devise or other disposition of Equity Shares (including (i) the granting of any option or entering into any agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition of Equity Shares or (ii) the sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for Equity Shares), whether by operation of law or otherwise. The terms “Transfers” and “Transferred” shall have the correlative meanings.

“Transfer Agent” shall mean the Trust, or such other agent or agents of the Trust as may be designated by the Board of Trustees or their designee as the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Convertible Preferred Shares.

“Voting Preferred Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.6 hereof.

 

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“Weighted Average Trading Price” shall mean, for any period, the number obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products, for each sale of Common Shares on each Trading Day in such period, of (a) the sale price per Common Share and (b) the number of Common Shares sold by (ii) the total number of Common Shares sold during such period.

2.

Board of Trustees.

 

2.1.

Powers.

 

(a)          Subject to the limitations herein or in the Bylaws of the Company (the “Bylaws”), (i) the business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees and (ii) the Board of Trustees shall have full, exclusive and absolute power, control and authority over the property of the Trust and over the business of the Trust. The Board of Trustees may take any actions as in its sole judgment and discretion are necessary or desirable to conduct the business of the Trust. This Declaration of Trust shall be construed with a presumption in favor of the grant of power and authority to the Board of Trustees. Any construction of this Declaration of Trust or determination made in good faith by the Board of Trustees concerning its powers and authority hereunder shall be conclusive. The enumeration and definition of particular powers of the Board of Trustees included in this Declaration of Trust or in the Bylaws shall in no way be construed or deemed by inference or otherwise in any manner to exclude or limit the powers conferred upon the Board of Trustees under the general laws of the State of Maryland or any other applicable laws.

(b)          Except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, the Board of Trustees, without any action by the shareholders of the Trust, shall have and may exercise, on behalf of the Trust, without limitation, the power to adopt, amend and repeal Bylaws; to elect officers in the manner prescribed in the Bylaws; to solicit proxies from holders of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust; and to do any other acts and deliver any other documents necessary or appropriate to the foregoing powers.

(c)          It is intended that the Board of Trustees will ensure that the Trust satisfies the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, including, but not limited to, the ownership of outstanding shares of its beneficial interest, the nature of its assets, the sources of its income and the amount and timing of its distributions to its shareholders. The Board of Trustees shall take no action to disqualify the Trust as a REIT or to otherwise revoke the Trust’s election to be taxed as a REIT without the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the shares of beneficial interest entitled to vote on such matter at a meeting of the shareholders.

 

2.2.

Classification and Number.

(a)          The Trustees of the Trust (the “Trustees”) shall be classified, with respect to the terms for which they severally hold office, into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, one class (“Class I”) to hold office initially for a term expiring at the first annual meeting of shareholders, another class (“Class II”) to hold office initially for a term expiring at the second annual meeting of shareholders and another class (“Class III”) to hold office initially for a term expiring at the third annual meeting of shareholders, with the Trustees of each class to hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of

 

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shareholders, the successors to the class of Trustees whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders held in the third year following the year of their election. Shareholder votes to elect Trustees shall be conducted in the manner provided in the Bylaws.

(b)          The number of Trustees shall be seven (7), which number may be increased or decreased pursuant to the Bylaws and increased pursuant to Section 3.3.8 hereof, but shall not be less than three (3). The name and class of the Trustees serving at the time of adoption of this amendment and restatement and who shall serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified are:

Name

Class

Michael W. Reschke

Class I

 

Richard S. Curto

Class II

 

Stephen J. Nardi

Class III

 

James R. Thompson

Class III

 

Christopher J. Nassetta

Class II

 

Thomas J. Saylak

Class III

 

Jacque M. Ducharme

Class I

 

It shall not be necessary to list in this Declaration of Trust the names of any Trustees hereinafter elected.

(c)          If a vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall occur or be created (whether arising through death, retirement, resignation or removal or through an increase in the number of Trustees), the vacancy shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Trustees, at any regular meeting or any special meeting called for that purpose, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Trustees may exist.

2.3.        Resignation or Removal. Any Trustee may resign by written notice to the Board, effective upon execution and delivery to the Trust of such written notice or upon any future date specified in the notice. Subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Shares to elect one or more Trustees, a Trustee may be removed at any time, with cause only, at a meeting of the shareholders, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the shares of beneficial interest then outstanding and entitled to vote generally in the election of Trustees.

2.4.         Performance of Duties as a Trustee. A Trustee shall perform his or her duties as a Trustee: (i) in good faith, (ii) in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interest of the Trust and (iii) with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. In performing his or her duties, a Trustee is entitled to rely on any

 

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information, opinion, report or statement, including any financial statement or other financial data, prepared or presented by, (i) an officer or employee of the Trust whom the Trustee reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented, (ii) a lawyer, certified public accountant or other person, as to matters which the Trustee reasonably believes to be within the person’s professional competence, or (iii) a committee of the Board of Trustees on which the Trustee does not serve, as to matters within its designated authority, if the Trustee reasonably believes the committee to merit confidence.

3.

Shares of Beneficial Interest.

3.1.         Authorized Shares and Par Value. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided into shares (the “Shares”). The total number of shares of beneficial interest which the Trust has authority to issue is 195,000,000 shares, consisting of (i) 30,000,000 preferred shares having a par value of $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Shares”), amounting to an aggregate par value of $300,000, of which 2,000,000 shares shall be designated as 7.0% Series A Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (the “Convertible Preferred Shares”), (ii) 65,000,000 excess shares having a par value of $0.01 per share (the “Excess Shares”), amounting to an aggregate par value of $650,000, and (iii) 100,000,000 common shares of beneficial interest having a par value of $0.01 per share (the “Common Shares”), amounting to an aggregate par value of $1,000,000. The aggregate par value of all the shares that the Trust shall have authority to issue is $1,950,000. In addition, the Trustees may amend this Declaration of Trust to create and authorize from time to time additional types, series or classes of securities or to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of any class that the Trust is authorized to issue, without any action of the shareholders of the Trust.

 

3.2.

Common Shares.

(a)          Voting Rights. Subject to the voting rights of the Convertible Preferred Shares, any additional Preferred Shares and the Excess Shares, holders of Common Shares shall be entitled to vote on all matters (for which holders of Common Shares shall be entitled to vote thereon) at all meetings of the shareholders of the Trust and shall be entitled to one vote for each Common Share entitled to vote at such meeting. Holders of Common Shares may not engage in cumulative voting in the election of Trustees.

(b)          Rights Upon Liquidation. Subject to the preferential rights upon liquidation of the Convertible Preferred Shares, any additional Preferred Shares and the Excess Shares, holders of Common Shares shall be entitled to share ratably in the assets of the Trust legally available for distribution to the shareholders in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Trust after payment of, or adequate provision for, all known debts and liabilities of the Trust.

(c)          General Nature of Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares shall have no conversion, sinking fund, redemption, exchange, preference, appraisal (except as provided by Maryland law) or preemptive rights.

 

3.3.

Convertible Preferred Shares.

 

3.3.1.

Dividends.

 

 

 

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(a)          Subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any Preferred Shares that rank senior in the payment of dividends to the Convertible Preferred Shares, the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential dividends payable in cash in an amount per share equal to the greater of (i) (x) an annual rate equal to the product of the Issue Price multiplied by 0.07 for Dividend Periods ending before November 17, 1998 and (y) an annual rate equal to the product of the Issue Price multiplied by 0.075 for Dividend Periods ending after November 17, 1998 or (ii) the regular cash dividends (determined on each Dividend Payment Date) on the Common Shares, or portion thereof, into which a Convertible Preferred Share is convertible. The dividends referred to in clause (ii) of the preceding sentence shall equal the number of Common Shares, or portion thereof, into which a Convertible Preferred Share will be convertible on or after the Conversion Date, multiplied by the most current quarterly dividend on a Common Share on or before the applicable Dividend Payment Date. If the Trust pays a regular cash dividend on the Common Shares with respect to a Dividend Period after the date on which the Dividend Payment Date is declared pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition of Dividend Payment Date and the dividend calculated pursuant to clause (ii) of this paragraph (a) with respect to such Dividend Period is greater than the dividend previously declared on the Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to such Dividend Period, the Trust shall pay an additional dividend to the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares on the date on which the dividend on the Common Shares is paid, in an amount equal to the difference between (y) the dividend calculated pursuant to clause (ii) of this paragraph (a) and (z) the amount of dividends previously declared on the Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to such Dividend Period. The dividends shall begin to accrue and shall be fully cumulative from the first day of the applicable Dividend Period, whether or not in any Dividend Period or Periods there shall be funds of the Trust legally available for the payment of such dividends, and shall be payable quarterly, when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees, in arrears on Dividend Payment Dates. Each such dividend shall be payable in arrears to the holders of record of Convertible Preferred Shares as they appear in the records of the Trust at the close of business on such record dates, not less than 10 nor more than 50 days preceding such Dividend Payment Dates thereof, as shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Accrued and unpaid dividends for any past Dividend Periods may be declared and paid at any time and for such interim periods, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment Date, to holders of record on such date, not less than 10 nor more than 50 days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Any dividend payment made on Convertible Preferred Shares shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to Convertible Preferred Shares which remains payable.

(b)          The amount of dividends referred to in clause (i) of Section 3.3.1(a) payable for each full Dividend Period on the Convertible Preferred Shares, other than the Dividend Period commencing October 1, 1998, shall be computed by dividing the annual dividend rate by four. For the Dividend Period commencing October 1, 1998, the amount of dividends through November 17, 1998 on the Convertible Preferred Shares shall be computed by dividing Issue Price times 0.07 by 365 and multiplying the result by the number of days from October 1, 1998 through November 17, 1998 and dividends from November 18, 1998 through December 31, 1998 on the Convertible Preferred Shares shall be computed by dividing the Issue Price times 0.075 by 365 and multiplying the result by the number of days from November 18, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The initial Dividend Period for the Convertible Preferred

 

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Shares will include a partial dividend for the period from the Issue Date until the last day of the calendar quarter immediately following such Issue Date. The amount of dividends payable for such period, or any other period shorter than a full Dividend Period, on the Convertible Preferred Shares shall be computed by dividing the number of days in such period by 365 and multiplying the result by the product of the annual dividend rate multiplied by the Issue Price. Holders of Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to any dividends, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of cumulative dividends, as herein provided, on the Convertible Preferred Shares. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Convertible Preferred Shares which may be in arrears.

(c)          So long as any Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, no dividends, except as described in the immediately following sentence, shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any class or series of Parity Shares for any period unless full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Convertible Preferred Shares for all Dividend Periods terminating on or prior to the dividend payment date on such class or series of Parity Shares. When dividends are not paid in full or a sum sufficient for such payment is not set apart, as aforesaid, all dividends declared upon Convertible Preferred Shares and all dividends declared upon any other class or series of Parity Shares shall be declared ratably in proportion to the respective amounts of dividends accumulated and unpaid on the Convertible Preferred Shares and accumulated and unpaid on such Parity Shares.

(d)          So long as any Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, no dividends (other than dividends or distributions paid solely in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Fully Junior Shares) shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment or other distribution shall be declared or made or set apart for payment upon Junior Shares, nor shall any Junior Shares be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired (other than a redemption, purchase or other acquisition of Common Shares made for purposes of an employee incentive or benefit plan of the Trust or any subsidiary) for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any Junior Shares) by the Trust, directly or indirectly (except by conversion into or exchange for Fully Junior Shares), unless in each case (i) the full cumulative dividends on all outstanding Convertible Preferred Shares and any other Parity Shares of the Trust shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment for all past Dividend Periods with respect to the Convertible Preferred Shares and all past dividend periods with respect to such Parity Shares and (ii) sufficient funds shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and set apart for the payment of the dividend for the current Dividend Period with respect to the Convertible Preferred Shares and the current dividend period with respect to such Parity Shares.

(e)          No distributions on Convertible Preferred Shares shall be declared by the Board of Trustees or paid or set apart for payment by the Trust at such time as the terms and provisions of any agreement of the Trust, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provides that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or if such declaration or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law.

 

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3.3.2.

Liquidation Preference.

(a)          In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, whether voluntary or involuntary, subject to the prior preferences and other rights of any series of shares of beneficial interest ranking senior to the Convertible Preferred Shares upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, before any payment or distribution of the assets of the Trust (whether capital or surplus) shall be made to or set apart for the holders of Junior Shares, the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive twenty dollars ($20.00) (the “Liquidation Preference”) per Convertible Preferred Share plus an amount equal to all dividends (whether or not earned or declared) accrued and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders; but such holders shall not be entitled to any further payment; provided, that the dividend payable with respect to the Dividend Period containing the date of final distribution shall be equal to the greater of (i) the dividend provided in Section 3.3.1(a)(i) hereof or (ii) the dividend determined pursuant to Section 3.3.1(a)(ii) hereof for the preceding Dividend Period. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the assets of the Trust, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares shall be insufficient to pay in full the preferential amount aforesaid and liquidating payments on any other shares of any class or series of Parity Shares, then such assets, or the proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares and any such other Parity Shares ratably in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such Convertible Preferred Shares and any such other Parity Shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. For the purposes of this Section 3.3.2, (i) a consolidation or merger of the Trust with one or more corporations, real estate investment trusts or other entities, (ii) a sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the Trust’s property or business or (iii) a statutory share exchange shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, of the Trust.

(b)          Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series or class or classes of shares of beneficial interest ranking on a parity with or prior to the Convertible Preferred Shares upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, after payment shall have been made in full to the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares, as provided in this Section 3.3.2, the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares shall have no other claim to the remaining assets of the Trust and any other series or class or classes of Junior Shares shall, subject to the respective terms and provisions (if any) applying thereto, be entitled to receive any and all assets remaining to be paid or distributed, and the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to share therein.

 

3.3.3.

Redemption at the Option of the Trust.

(a)          Except as provided in Section 3.3.3(e) below, the Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be redeemable by the Trust prior to November 17, 2007. On and after November 17, 2007, the Trust, at its option, may redeem the Convertible Preferred Shares, in whole at any time or from time to time in part out of funds legally available therefor at a redemption price payable in cash equal to 100% of the Liquidation Preference per Convertible Preferred Share (plus all accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends as provided below).

 

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(b)          Upon any redemption of Convertible Preferred Shares pursuant to this Section 3.3.3, the Trust shall pay all accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, thereon to the Call Date, without interest. If the Call Date falls after a dividend payment record date and prior to the corresponding Dividend Payment Date, then each holder of Convertible Preferred Shares at the close of business on such dividend payment record date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding any redemption of such shares before such Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided above, the Trust shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on Convertible Preferred Shares called for redemption.

(c)          If full cumulative dividends on the Convertible Preferred Shares and any other class or series of Parity Shares have not been declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment, the Convertible Preferred Shares may not be redeemed under this Section 3.3.3 in part and the Trust may not purchase or acquire Convertible Preferred Shares, otherwise than pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of Convertible Preferred Shares.

(d)          Notice of the redemption of any Convertible Preferred Shares under this Section 3.3.3 (other than paragraph (e)) shall be mailed by first-class mail to each holder of record of Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed at the address of each such holder as shown on the Trust’s records, not less than 30 nor more than 90 days prior to the Call Date. Neither the failure to mail any notice required by this paragraph (d), nor any defect therein or in the mailing thereof, to any particular holder, shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the validity of the proceedings for redemption with respect to the other holders. Each such mailed notice shall state, as appropriate: (1) the Call Date; (2) the number of Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed and, if fewer than all the shares held by such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such shares to be redeemed from such holder; (3) the redemption price; (4) the place or places at which certificates for such shares are to be surrendered; (5) the then-current Conversion Price; and (6) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed shall cease to accrue on such Call Date except as otherwise provided herein. Notice having been mailed as aforesaid, from and after the Call Date (unless the Trust shall fail to make available an amount of cash necessary to effect such redemption), (i) except as otherwise provided herein, dividends on the Convertible Preferred Shares so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, (ii) such shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and (iii) all rights of the holders thereof as holders of Convertible Preferred Shares shall cease (except the rights to convert and to receive the cash payable upon such redemption, without interest thereon, upon surrender and endorsement of their certificates if so required and to receive any dividends payable thereon). The Trust’s obligation to provide cash in accordance with the preceding sentence shall be deemed fulfilled if, on or before the Call Date, the Trust shall deposit with a bank or trust company (which may be an affiliate of the Trust) that has an office in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, and that has, or is an affiliate of a bank or trust company that has, capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, necessary for such redemption, in trust, with irrevocable instructions that such cash be applied to the redemption of the Convertible Preferred Shares so called for redemption. No interest shall accrue for the benefit of the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed on any cash so set aside by the Trust. Subject to applicable escheat laws, any such cash unclaimed at the end of two years from the Call Date shall revert to the general funds of the

 

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Trust, after which reversion the holders of such shares so called for redemption shall look only to the general funds of the Trust for the payment of such cash.

As promptly as practicable after the surrender in accordance with such notice of the certificates for any such shares so redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Trust shall so require and if the notice shall so state), such shares shall be exchanged for any cash (without interest thereon) for which such shares have been redeemed. If fewer than all the outstanding Convertible Preferred Shares are to be redeemed, shares to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trust from outstanding Convertible Preferred Shares not previously called for redemption pro rata (as nearly as may be), by lot or by any other method determined by the Trust in its sole discretion to be equitable. If fewer than all the Convertible Preferred Shares represented by any certificate are redeemed, then new certificates representing the unredeemed shares shall be issued without cost to the holder thereof.

(e)          Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, beginning on June 17, 1998 and ending on September 17, 1998, the Trust, at its option, may redeem all, but not less than all, of the Convertible Preferred Shares at a premium (the “Special Redemption Price”) calculated to result in a total internal rate of return to the holder (including the receipt of dividends and calculated on an annual compounded basis as if the holder had owned the shares since the Issue Date) of 20.0%. The Special Redemption Price may be paid, at the Trust’s option, in any combination of (i) cash and (ii) Common Shares valued at Fair Market Value; provided, that the cash portion of the Special Redemption Price shall equal at least 75% of the Special Redemption Price. For purposes of this Section 3.3.3(e), Fair Market Value shall mean the Weighted Average Trading Price for the Common Shares for the 20 Trading Days preceding the date of the special redemption (the “Special Redemption Call Date”).

Notice of the redemption of any Convertible Preferred Shares under this Section 3.3.3(e) shall be mailed by first-class mail to each holder of record of Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed at the address of each such holder as shown on the Trust’s records, not less than 30 nor more than 90 days prior to the Special Redemption Call Date. Neither the failure to mail any notice required by this paragraph (e), nor any defect therein or in the mailing thereof, to any particular holder, shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the validity of the proceedings for redemption with respect to the other holders. Each such mailed notice shall state, as appropriate: (1) the Special Redemption Call Date; (2) the Special Redemption Price (including the amount of the Special Redemption Price consisting of cash and the amount of the Special Redemption Price consisting of Common Shares, together with calculations supporting the determination of the number Common Shares constituting a portion of the Special Redemption Price); (3) the place or places at which certificates for such shares are to be surrendered; and (4) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed shall cease to accrue on such Call Date except as otherwise provided herein. Notice having been mailed as aforesaid, from and after the Special Redemption Call Date (unless the Trust shall fail to make available an amount of cash necessary to effect such redemption), (i) except as otherwise provided herein, dividends on the Convertible Preferred Shares so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, (ii) such shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and (iii) all rights of the holders thereof as holders of Convertible Preferred Shares shall cease (except the right to receive the Special Redemption Price, without interest thereon, upon surrender and endorsement of their certificates if so required). The Trust’s obligation to provide cash and Common Shares in accordance with

 

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the preceding sentence shall be deemed fulfilled if, on or before the Special Redemption Call Date, the Trust shall deposit with a bank or trust company (which may be an affiliate of the Trust) that has an office in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, and that has, or is an affiliate of a bank or trust company that has, capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, necessary for such redemption, in trust, with irrevocable instructions that such cash and/or Common Shares be applied to the redemption of the Convertible Preferred Shares so called for redemption. No interest shall accrue for the benefit of the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed on any cash so set aside by the Trust. Subject to applicable escheat laws, any such cash or Common Shares unclaimed at the end of two years from the Special Redemption Call Date shall revert to the general funds of the Trust, after which reversion the holders of such shares so called for redemption shall look only to the general funds of the Trust for the payment of such cash or Common Shares.

As promptly as practicable after the surrender in accordance with such notice of the certificates for any such shares so redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Trust shall so require and if the notice shall so state), such shares shall be exchanged for any cash (without interest thereon) and Common Shares for which such shares have been redeemed.

3.3.4.     Conversion. Holders of Convertible Preferred Shares shall have the right to convert all or a portion of such shares into Common Shares, as follows:

(a)          Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of this Section 3.3.4, a holder of Convertible Preferred Shares shall have the right, at his or her option, upon the earliest to occur of (i) September 17, 1998, (ii) the first day on which a Change of Control occurs, (iii) the occurrence of a REIT Termination Event or (iv) such date as determined by the Trust (the “Conversion Date”), to convert all or any portion of such shares (or such shares as determined by the Trust if pursuant to clause (iv) above) into the number of fully paid and non-assessable Common Shares obtained by dividing the aggregate Liquidation Preference of such shares (inclusive of accrued but unpaid dividends) by the Conversion Price (as in effect at the time and on the date provided for in the last paragraph of paragraph (b) of this Section 3.3.4) by surrendering such shares to be converted, such surrender to be made in the manner provided in paragraph (b) of this Section 3.3.4; provided, however, that the right to convert shares called for redemption pursuant to Section 3.3.3 hereof shall terminate at the close of business on the fifth Business Day prior to the Call Date fixed for such redemption, unless the Trust shall default in making payment of the cash payable upon such redemption under Section 3.3.3.

“Change of Control” means each occurrence of any of the following: (i) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any individual or entity or group (as such term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) of beneficial ownership (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, except that such individual or entity shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all shares that any such individual or entity has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after passage of time) of more than 25% of the Trust’s outstanding shares of beneficial interest with voting power, under ordinary circumstances, to elect Trustees of the Trust; (ii) other than with respect to the election, resignation or replacement of any trustee designated, appointed or elected by the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares

 

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(each a “Preferred Trustee”), during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Trustees (together with any new trustees whose election by such Board of Trustees or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Trust was approved by a vote of 66-2/3% of the Trustees (excluding Preferred Trustees) then still in office who were either Trustees at the beginning of such period, or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Trustees then in office; and (iii) (A) the Trust consolidating with or merging into another entity or conveying, transferring or leasing all or substantially all of its assets (including, but not limited to, real property investments) to any individual or entity or (B) any corporation consolidating with or merging into the Trust, which in either event (A) or (B) is pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding voting shares of beneficial interest of the Trust are reclassified or changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property; provided, however, that the events described in clause (iii) above shall not be deemed to be a Change of Control (a) if the sole purpose of such event is that the Trust is seeking to change its domicile or to change its form of organization from a trust to a corporation or (b) if the holders of the exchanged securities of the Trust immediately after such transaction beneficially own at least a majority of the securities of the merged or consolidated entity normally entitled to vote in elections of trustees.

(b)          In order to exercise the conversion right, the holder of each Convertible Preferred Share to be converted shall surrender the certificate representing such share, duly endorsed or assigned to the Trust or in blank, at the office of the Transfer Agent, accompanied by written notice to the Trust that the holder thereof irrevocably elects to convert such Convertible Preferred Shares. Unless the shares issuable on conversion are to be issued in the same name as the name in which such Convertible Preferred Share is registered, each share surrendered for conversion shall be accompanied by instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Trust, duly executed by the holder or such holder’s duly authorized attorney and an amount sufficient to pay any transfer or similar tax (or evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Trust demonstrating that such taxes have been paid).

Holders of Convertible Preferred Shares at the close of business on a dividend payment record date shall be entitled to receive the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the conversion thereof following such dividend payment record date and prior to such Dividend Payment Date. However, Convertible Preferred Shares surrendered for conversion during the period between the close of business on any dividend payment record date and the opening of business on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date (except shares converted after the issuance of notice of redemption with respect to a Call Date during such period, such Convertible Preferred Shares being entitled to such dividend on the Dividend Payment Date) must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the dividend payable on such shares on such Dividend Payment Date. A holder of Convertible Preferred Shares on a dividend payment record date who (or whose transferee) tenders any such shares for conversion into Common Shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date will receive the dividend payable by the Trust on such Convertible Preferred Shares on such date, and the converting holder need not include payment of the amount of such dividend upon surrender of Convertible Preferred Shares for conversion. Except as provided

 

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above, the Trust shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on converted shares or for dividends on the Common Shares issued upon such conversion.

As promptly as practicable after the surrender of certificates for Convertible Preferred Shares as aforesaid, the Trust shall issue and shall deliver at such office to such holder, or on his or her written order, a certificate or certificates for the number of full Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of such shares in accordance with provisions of this Section 3.3.4, and any fractional interest in respect of a Common Share arising upon such conversion shall be settled as provided in paragraph (c) of this Section 3.3.4.

Each conversion shall be deemed to have been effected immediately prior to the close of business on the date on which the certificates for Convertible Preferred Shares shall have been surrendered and such notice shall have been received by the Trust as aforesaid (and if applicable, payment of an amount equal to the dividend payable on such shares shall have been received by the Trust as described above), and the person or persons in whose name or names any certificate or certificates for Common Shares shall be issuable upon such conversion shall be deemed to have become the holder or holders of record of the shares represented thereby at such time on such date and such conversion shall be at the Conversion Price in effect at such time on such date unless the share transfer books of the Trust shall be closed on that date, in which event such person or persons shall be deemed to have become such holder or holders of record at the close of business on the next succeeding day on which such share transfer books are open, but such conversion shall be at the Conversion Price in effect on the date on which such shares shall have been surrendered and such notice received by the Trust.

(c)          No fractional shares or scrip representing fractions of Common Shares shall be issued upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares. Instead of any fractional interest in a Common Share that would otherwise be deliverable upon the conversion of a Convertible Preferred Share, the Trust shall pay to the holder of such share an amount in cash based upon the Current Market Price of the Common Shares on the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of conversion. If more than one share shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same holder, the number of full Common Shares issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate number of Convertible Preferred Shares so surrendered.

 

(d)

The Conversion Price shall be adjusted from time to time as follows:

(i)  If the Trust shall after the Issue Date (A) pay a dividend or make a distribution on its capital shares in Common Shares, (B) subdivide its outstanding Common Shares into a greater number of shares, (C) combine its outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of shares or (D) issue any shares of beneficial interest by reclassification of its Common Shares, the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the day following the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution or at the opening of business on the Business Day next following the day on which

 

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such subdivision, combination or reclassification becomes effective, as the case may be, shall be adjusted so that the holder of any Convertible Preferred Share thereafter surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive the number of Common Shares that such holder would have owned or have been entitled to receive after the happening of any of the events described above as if such Convertible Preferred Shares had been converted immediately prior to the record date in the case of a dividend or distribution or the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or reclassification. An adjustment made pursuant to this subparagraph (i) shall become effective immediately after the opening of business on the Business Day next following the record date (except as provided in paragraph (h) below) in the case of a dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the opening of business on the Business Day next following the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or reclassification.

(ii)  If the Trust shall issue after the Issue Date rights, options or warrants to all holders of Common Shares entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 days after the record date mentioned below) to subscribe for or purchase Common Shares at a price per share less than 94% (100% if a stand-by underwriter is used and charges the Trust a commission) of the Fair Market Value per Common Share on the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such rights, options or warrants, then the Conversion Price in effect at the opening of business on the Business Day next following such record date shall be adjusted to equal the price determined by multiplying (A) the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the opening of business on the Business Day next following the date fixed for such determination by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum of (x) the number of Common Shares outstanding on the close of business on the date fixed for such determination and (y) the number of shares that the aggregate proceeds to the Trust from the exercise of such rights, options or warrants for Common Shares would purchase at 94% of such Fair Market Value (or 100% in the case of a stand-by underwriting), and the denominator of which shall be the sum of (x) the number of Common Shares outstanding on the close of business on the date fixed for such determination and (y) the number of additional Common Shares offered for subscription or purchase pursuant to such rights, options or warrants. Such adjustment shall become effective immediately after the opening of business on the day next following such record date (except as provided in paragraph (h) below). In determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders of Common Shares to subscribe for or purchase Common Shares at less than 94% of such Fair Market Value (or 100% in the case of a stand-by underwriting), there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Trust upon issuance and upon exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board of Trustees.

(iii)  If the Trust shall distribute to all holders of its Common Shares any securities of the Trust (other than Common Shares) or evidence of its indebtedness or assets (excluding cumulative cash dividends or distributions paid

 

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with respect to the Common Shares after December 31, 1996 which are not in excess of the following: the sum of (A) the Trust’s cumulative undistributed Funds from Operations at December 31, 1996, plus (B) the cumulative amount of Funds from Operations, as determined by the Board of Trustees, after December 31, 1996, minus (C) the cumulative amount of dividends accrued or paid in respect of the Convertible Preferred Shares or any other class or series of preferred shares of beneficial interest of the Trust after the Issue Date) or rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any of its securities (excluding those rights, options and warrants issued to all holders of Common Shares entitling them for a period expiring within 45 days after the record date referred to in subparagraph (ii) above to subscribe for or purchase Common Shares, which rights and warrants are referred to in and treated under subparagraph (ii) above) (any of the foregoing being hereinafter in this subparagraph (iii) collectively called the “Securities” and individually a “Security”), then in each such case the Conversion Price shall be adjusted so that it shall equal the price determined by multiplying (x) the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution by (y) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Fair Market Value per Common Share on the record date mentioned below less the then fair market value (as determined by the Board of Trustees, whose determination shall be conclusive), of the portion of the Securities or assets or evidences of indebtedness so distributed or of such rights, options or warrants applicable to one Common Share, and the denominator of which shall be the Fair Market Value per Common Share on the record date mentioned below. Such adjustment shall become effective immediately at the opening of business on the Business Day next following (except as provided in paragraph (h) below) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution. For the purposes of this subparagraph (iii), the distribution of a Security, which is distributed not only to the holders of the Common Shares on the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to such distribution of such Security, but also is distributed with each Common Share delivered to a Person converting a Convertible Preferred Share after such determination date, shall not require an adjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to this subparagraph (iii); provided, that on the date, if any, on which a person converting a Convertible Preferred Share would no longer be entitled to receive such Security with a Common Share (other than as a result of the termination of all such Securities), a distribution of such Securities shall be deemed to have occurred and the Conversion Price shall be adjusted as provided in this subparagraph (iii) (and such day shall be deemed to be “the date fixed for the determination of the shareholders entitled to receive such distribution” and “the record date” within the meaning of the two preceding sentences).

(iv)  In case a tender or exchange offer (which term shall not include open market repurchases by the Trust) made by the Trust or any subsidiary of the Trust for all or any portion of the Common Shares shall expire and such tender or exchange offer shall involve the payment by the Trust or such subsidiary of consideration per Common Share having a fair market value (as determined in

 

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good faith by the Board of Trustees, whose determination shall be conclusive and described in a resolution of the Board of Trustees), at the last time (the “Expiration Time”) tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, that exceeds the Current Market Price per Common Share on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Time, the Conversion Price shall be reduced so that the same shall equal the price determined by multiplying the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Conversion Price reduction contemplated by this subparagraph (iv) by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding (including any tendered or exchanged shares) at the Expiration Time, multiplied by the Current Market Price per Common Share on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Time, and the denominator shall be the sum of (A) the fair market value (determined as aforesaid) of the aggregate consideration payable to shareholders based upon the acceptance (up to any maximum specified in the terms of the tender or exchange offer) of all shares validly tendered or exchanged and not withdrawn as of the Expiration Time (the shares deemed so accepted, up to any maximum, being referred to as the “Purchased Shares”) and (B) the product of the number of Common Shares outstanding (less any Purchased Shares) at the Expiration Time and the Current Market Price per Common Share on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Time, such reduction to become effective immediately prior to the opening of business on the day following the Expiration Time.

(v)  No adjustment in the Conversion Price shall be required unless such adjustment would require a cumulative increase or decrease of at least 1% in such price; provided, however, that any adjustments that by reason of this subparagraph (v) are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment until made; and provided, further, that any adjustment shall be required and made in accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.3.4 (other than this subparagraph (v)) not later than such time as may be required in order to preserve the tax-free nature of a distribution to the holders of Common Shares. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 3.3.4, the Trust shall not be required to make any adjustment of the Conversion Price for the issuance of any Common Shares pursuant to any plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on securities of the Trust and the investment of additional optional amounts in Common Shares under such plan. All calculations under this Section 3.3.4 shall be made to the nearest cent (with $0.005 being rounded upward) or to the nearest one-tenth of a share (with 0.05 of a share being rounded upward), as the case may be. Anything in this paragraph (d) to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trust shall be entitled, to the extent permitted by law, to make such reductions in the Conversion Price, in addition to those required by this paragraph (d), as it in its discretion shall determine to be advisable in order that any share dividends, subdivision of shares, reclassification or combination of shares, distribution of rights or warrants to purchase shares or securities, or distribution of other assets (other than cash dividends) hereafter made by the Trust to its shareholders shall not be taxable.

 

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(e)          If the Trust shall be a party to any transaction (including, without limitation, a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, self tender offer for all or substantially all of its Common Shares, sale of all or substantially all of the Trust’s assets or recapitalization of the Common Shares and excluding any transaction as to which subparagraph (d)(i) of this Section 3.3.4 applies) (each of the foregoing being referred to herein as a “Transaction”), in each case as a result of which all or substantially all of the Common Shares are converted into the right to receive shares, securities or other property (including cash or any combination thereof), each Convertible Preferred Share which is not redeemed or converted into the right to receive shares, securities or other property prior to such Transaction shall thereafter be convertible into the kind and amount of shares, securities and other property (including cash or any combination thereof) receivable upon the consummation of such Transaction by a holder of that number of Common Shares into which one Convertible Preferred Share was convertible immediately prior to such Transaction, assuming such holder of Common Shares (i) is not a Person with which the Trust consolidated or into which the Trust merged or which merged into the Trust or to which such sale or transfer was made, as the case may be (“Constituent Person”), or an affiliate of a Constituent Person and (ii) failed to exercise his rights of election, if any, as to the kind or amount of shares, securities and other property (including cash) receivable upon such Transaction (provided that if the kind or amount of shares, securities and other property (including cash) receivable upon such Transaction is not the same for each Common Share held immediately prior to such Transaction by other than a Constituent Person or an affiliate thereof and in respect of which such rights of election shall not have been exercised (“Non-Electing Share”), then for the purpose of this paragraph (e) the kind and amount of shares, securities and other property (including cash) receivable upon such Transaction by each Non-Electing Share shall be deemed to be the kind and amount so receivable per share by a plurality of the Non-Electing Shares). The Trust shall not be a party to any Transaction unless the terms of such Transaction are consistent with the provisions of this paragraph (e), and it shall not consent or agree to the occurrence of any Transaction until the Trust has entered into an agreement with the successor or purchasing entity, as the case may be, for the benefit of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares that will contain provisions enabling the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares that remain outstanding after such Transaction to convert into the consideration received by holders of Common Shares at the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such Transaction. The provisions of this paragraph (e) shall similarly apply to successive Transactions.

 

(f)

If:

(i)  the Trust shall declare a dividend (or any other distribution) on its Common Shares (other than cash dividends or distributions paid with respect to the Common Shares after December 31, 1996 not in excess of the sum of the Trust’s cumulative undistributed Funds from Operations at December 31, 1996, plus the cumulative amount of Funds from Operations, as determined by the Board of Trustees, after December 31, 1996, minus the cumulative amount of dividends accrued or paid in respect of the Convertible Preferred Shares or any other class or series of preferred shares of beneficial interest of the Trust after the Issue Date);

 

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(ii)  the Trust shall authorize the granting to all holders of Common Shares of rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any shares of any class or any other rights, options or warrants;

(iii)  there shall be any reclassification of the Common Shares (other than an event to which subparagraph (d)(i) of this Section 3.3.4 applies) or any consolidation or merger to which the Trust is a party (other than a merger in which the Trust is the surviving entity) and for which approval of any shareholders of the Trust is required, or a statutory share exchange, or a self tender offer by the Trust for all or substantially all of its outstanding Common Shares or the sale or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust as an entirety; or

(iv)  there shall occur the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust;

then the Trust shall cause to be filed with the Transfer Agent and shall cause to be mailed to the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares at their addresses as shown on the records of the Trust, as promptly as possible, but at least 10 days prior to the applicable date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (A) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution or granting of rights, options or warrants, or, if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Shares of record to be entitled to such dividend, distribution or rights, options or warrants are to be determined or (B) the date on which such reclassification, consolidation, merger, statutory share exchange, sale, transfer, liquidation, dissolution or winding up is expected to become effective, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Shares of record shall be entitled to exchange their Common Shares for securities or other property, if any, deliverable upon such reclassification, consolidation, merger, statutory share exchange, sale, transfer, liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Failure to give or receive such notice or any defect therein shall not affect the legality or validity of the proceedings described in this Section 3.3.4.

(g)          Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted as herein provided, the Trust shall promptly file with the Transfer Agent an officer’s certificate setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment which certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the correctness of such adjustment absent manifest error. Promptly after delivery of such certificate, the Trust shall prepare a notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Price setting forth the adjusted Conversion Price and the effective date of such adjustment and shall mail such notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Price to the holder of each Convertible Preferred Share at such holder’s last address as shown on the records of the Trust.

(h)          In any case in which paragraph (d) of this Section 3.3.4 provides that an adjustment shall become effective on the day next following the record date for an event, the Trust may defer until the occurrence of such event (A) issuing to the holder of any Convertible Preferred Share converted after such record date and before the occurrence of

 

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such event the additional Common Shares issuable upon such conversion by reason of the adjustment required by such event over and above the Common Shares issuable upon such conversion before giving effect to such adjustment and (B) paying to such holder any amount of cash in lieu of any fraction pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 3.3.4.

(i)           There shall be no adjustment of the Conversion Price in case of the issuance of any shares of beneficial interest of the Trust in a reorganization, acquisition or other similar transaction except as specifically set forth in this Section 3.3.4. If any action or transaction would require adjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to more than one paragraph of this Section 3.3.4, only one adjustment shall be made and such adjustment shall be the amount of adjustment that has the highest absolute value.

(j)           If the Trust shall take any action affecting the Common Shares, other than action described in this Section 3.3.4, that in the opinion of the Board of Trustees would materially and adversely affect the conversion rights of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares, the Conversion Price for the Convertible Preferred Shares may be adjusted, to the extent permitted by law, in such manner, if any, and at such time, as the Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion, may determine to be equitable in the circumstances.

(k)          The Trust covenants that it will at all times reserve and keep available, free from preemptive rights, out of the aggregate of its authorized but unissued Common Shares, for the purpose of effecting conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares, the full number of Common Shares deliverable upon the conversion of all outstanding Convertible Preferred Shares not theretofore converted. For purposes of this paragraph (k), the number of Common Shares that shall be deliverable upon the conversion of all outstanding Convertible Preferred Shares shall be computed as if at the time of computation all such outstanding shares were held by a single holder.

The Trust covenants that any Common Shares issued upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Before taking any action that would cause an adjustment reducing the Conversion Price below the then-par value of the Common Shares deliverable upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares, the Trust will take any action that, in the opinion of its counsel, may be necessary in order that the Trust may validly and legally issue fully paid and (subject to any customary qualification based upon the nature of a real estate investment trust) non-assessable Common Shares at such adjusted Conversion Price.

The Trust shall endeavor to list the Common Shares required to be delivered upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares, prior to such delivery, upon each national securities exchange, if any, upon which the outstanding Common Shares are listed at the time of such delivery.

The Trust shall endeavor to comply with all federal and state securities laws and regulations thereunder in connection with the issuance of any securities that the Trust shall be obligated to deliver upon conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares. The certificates evidencing such securities shall bear such legends restricting transfer

 

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thereof in the absence of registration under applicable securities laws or an exemption therefrom as the Trust may in good faith deem appropriate.

(l)           The Trust will pay any and all documentary stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes payable in respect of the issue or delivery of Common Shares or other securities or property on conversion of the Convertible Preferred Shares pursuant hereto; provided, however, that the Trust shall not be required to pay any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issue or delivery of Common Shares or other securities or property in a name other than that of the holder of the Convertible Preferred Shares to be converted, and no such issue or delivery shall be made unless and until the person requesting such issue or delivery has paid to the Trust the amount of any such tax or established, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trust, that such tax has been paid.

3.3.5.     Fixed Charge Coverage; Limitation on Issuance of Additional Preferred Shares and Indebtedness.

(a)          Without the written consent of the holders of 66-2/3% of the issued and outstanding Convertible Preferred Shares, none of the Trust, the Operating Partnership or any of their subsidiaries may issue any additional preferred securities of any such entity or incur any indebtedness (other than trade payables or accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business) if, immediately following such issuance and after giving effect to such issuance and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, such entity would be reasonably expected to not satisfy one or both of the following ratios for the fiscal quarter immediately preceding such issuance:

(i)           Total Debt and liquidation value of non-convertible preferred shares of beneficial interest to Total Market Capitalization of less than .65 to 1.0 as of the end of the applicable fiscal quarter, or

(ii)  Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Fixed Charges of at least 1.4 to 1.0 for the applicable fiscal quarter.

(b)          In the event that the Trust fails to satisfy one or both of the ratios in Section 3.3.5(a)(i) and (ii) above for two consecutive quarters, the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares shall have the right to require that the Trust, to the extent that the Trust shall have funds legally available therefor, repurchase any or all of each holder’s Convertible Preferred Shares at a repurchase price payable in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the Liquidation Preference thereof, plus accrued and unpaid dividends whether or not declared, if any (the “Repurchase Payment”), to the date of repurchase or the date payment is made available (the “Repurchase Date”), pursuant to the offer described in paragraph (c) below (the “Repurchase Offer”).

(c)          Within 15 days following the second consecutive quarter that the Trust fails to satisfy one or both of the ratios in Section 3.3.5(a)(i) and (ii) above, the Trust shall mail by first class mail or overnight courier a notice to all holders of Convertible Preferred Shares stating (i) that the Trust failed to satisfy one or both of the tests (naming the test(s) failed), (ii) that the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares have the right to require the Trust to repurchase

 

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any or all Convertible Preferred Shares then held by such holder in cash, (iii) the date of repurchase (which shall be a Business Day, no earlier than 120 days and no later than 150 days from the date such notice is mailed, or such later date as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act), (iv) the repurchase price for the repurchase and (v) the instructions determined by the Trust, consistent with this paragraph (c), that the holder must follow in order to have its Convertible Preferred Shares repurchased.

(d)          On the Repurchase Date, the Trust will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment Convertible Preferred Shares or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Repurchase Offer and promptly mail by first class mail or overnight courier or by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the holder of Convertible Preferred Shares, as directed by such holder, payment in an amount equal to the Repurchase Payment in respect of all Convertible Preferred Shares or portions thereof so tendered.

(e)          Notwithstanding anything else herein, to the extent they are applicable to any Repurchase Offer, the Trust will comply with any federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations and all time periods and requirements shall be adjusted accordingly.

(f)           “Total Debt” means the sum of (without duplication) any indebtedness, whether or not contingent, in respect of borrowed money or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures, or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof) or representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property (including pursuant to capital leases), except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable, if and to the extent such indebtedness would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such entity prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), and also includes, to the extent not otherwise included, the guarantee of items which would be included within this definition.

(g)          “Total Market Capitalization” means the sum of: (a) the Fair Market Value of the outstanding Common Shares, assuming (i) the full exchange of outstanding partnership units (in each case not held by the Trust) of the Operating Partnership for Common Shares and (ii) the conversion of the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Shares into Common Shares; (b) the aggregate liquidation value of any outstanding preferred shares of beneficial interest other than the Convertible Preferred Shares; and (c) the Total Debt of the Trust.

(h)          “Consolidated EBITDA” for any period means the consolidated net income of the Trust (before extraordinary income or gains) as reported in the Trust’s financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission increased by the sum of the following (without duplication):

 

a.

all income and state franchise taxes paid or accrued according to GAAP for such period (other than income taxes attributable to extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring gains or losses except to the extent that such gains were not included in Consolidated EBITDA),

 

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b.

all interest expense paid or accrued in accordance with GAAP for such period (including financing fees and amortization of deferred financing fees and amortization of original issue discount),

 

c.

depreciation and depletion reflected in such reported net income,

 

d.

amortization reflected in such reported net income, including, without limitation, amortization of capitalized debt issuance costs (only to the extent that such amounts have not been previously included in the amount of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (b) above), goodwill, other intangibles and management fees, and

 

e.

any other non-cash charges or discretionary prepayment penalties, to the extent deducted from consolidated net income (including, but not limited to, income allocated to minority interests).

 

(i)

“Consolidated Fixed Charges” for any period means the sum of:

 

a.

all interest expense paid or accrued in accordance with GAAP for such period (including financing fees and amortization of deferred financing fees and amortization of original issue discount),

 

b.

preferred shares of beneficial interest dividend requirements for such period, whether or not declared or paid, and

 

c.

regularly scheduled amortization of principal during such period (other than any balloon payments at maturity).

(j)           Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 3.3.5, in no event shall the Trust be required to repurchase any Convertible Preferred Shares at any time that such repurchase is prohibited by this Declaration of Trust or the Trust’s debt instruments.

3.3.6.     Shares To Be Retired. All Convertible Preferred Shares which shall have been issued and reacquired in any manner by the Trust shall be restored to the status of authorized but unissued preferred shares of beneficial interest, without distinction as to class or series, and subject to applicable limitations set forth in this Declaration of Trust may thereafter be reissued as shares of any series of preferred shares of beneficial interest.

3.3.7.     Ranking. Any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust shall be deemed to rank:

(a)          prior to the Convertible Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if the holders of such class or series shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in preference or priority to the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares;

 

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(b)          on a parity with the Convertible Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether or not the dividend rates, dividend payment dates or redemption or liquidation prices per share thereof shall be different from those of the Convertible Preferred Shares, if the holders of such class or series and the Convertible Preferred Shares shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends and of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up in proportion to their respective amounts of accrued and unpaid dividends per share or liquidation preferences, without preference or priority one over the other (“Parity Shares”);

(c)          junior to the Convertible Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if such class or series shall be Junior Shares; and

(d)          junior to the Convertible Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if such class or series shall be Fully Junior Shares.

3.3.8.     Voting Rights. If and whenever (i) two consecutive quarterly dividends payable on the Convertible Preferred Shares or any series or class of Parity Shares shall be in arrears (which shall, with respect to any such quarterly dividend, mean that any such dividend has not been paid in full), whether or not earned or declared, or (ii) for two consecutive quarterly dividend periods the Trust fails to pay dividends on the Common Shares in an amount per share at least equal to $0.3375 (subject to adjustment consistent with any adjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to Section 3.3.4(d) hereof) the number of Trustees then constituting the Board of Trustees shall be increased by one (unless the then current Board of Trustees consists of more than 10 Trustees in which case it shall be increased by two) and the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares, together with the holders of shares of every other series of Parity Shares (any such other series, the “Voting Preferred Shares”), voting as a single class regardless of series, shall be entitled to elect the one or two additional Trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees at any annual meeting of shareholders or special meeting held in place thereof, or at a special meeting of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares called as hereinafter provided. Whenever all arrears in dividends on the Convertible Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares then outstanding shall have been paid and dividends thereon for the current quarterly dividend period shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, or the Trust has paid dividends on the Common Shares in an amount per share at least equal to $0.3375 (subject to adjustment consistent with any adjustment of the Conversion Price pursuant to Section 3.3.4(d)) for two consecutive quarters, then the right of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares to elect such additional Trustee(s) shall cease (but subject always to the same provision for the vesting of such voting rights in the case of any similar future arrearage in quarterly dividends), and the terms of office of all persons elected as Trustee(s) by the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares shall forthwith terminate and the number of the Board of Trustees shall be reduced accordingly. At any time after such voting power shall have been so vested in the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares, the Secretary of the Trust may, and upon the written request of any holder of Convertible Preferred Shares (addressed to the Secretary at the principal office of the Trust) shall, call a special meeting of the

 

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holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares and of the Voting Preferred Shares for the election of the Trustee(s) to be elected by them as herein provided, such call to be made by notice similar to that provided in the Bylaws for a special meeting of the shareholders or as required by law. If any such special meeting required to be called as above provided shall not be called by the Secretary within 20 days after receipt of any such request, then any holder of Convertible Preferred Shares may call such meeting, upon the notice above provided, and for that purpose shall have access to the records of the Trust. The Trustee(s) elected at any such special meeting shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or special meeting held in lieu thereof if such office shall not have previously terminated as above provided. If any vacancy shall occur among the Trustee(s) elected by the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares, a successor shall be elected by the Board of Trustees, upon the nomination of the then-remaining Trustee elected by the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares or, if there is no such remaining Trustee, upon the nomination of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the Convertible Preferred Shares and the Voting Preferred Shares, to serve until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or special meeting held in place thereof if such office shall not have previously terminated as provided above.

So long as any Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of shareholders required by law or by this Declaration of Trust, the affirmative vote of at least 66-2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for the purpose, shall be necessary for effecting or validating:

Any amendment, alteration or repeal of any of the provisions of this Declaration of Trust that materially and adversely affects the voting powers, rights or preferences of the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares; provided, however, that the amendment of the provisions of this Declaration of Trust so as to authorize or create, or to increase the authorized amount of, any Fully Junior Shares, Junior Shares that are not senior in any respect to the Convertible Preferred Shares or any Parity Shares shall not be deemed to materially adversely affect the voting powers, rights or preferences of the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares; or

A share exchange that affects the Convertible Preferred Shares, a consolidation with, or merger of the Trust into, another entity, or a consolidation with, or merger of another entity into, the Trust, unless in each such case each Convertible Preferred Share (i) shall remain outstanding without a material and adverse change to its terms and rights or (ii) shall be converted into or exchanged for convertible preferred shares of the surviving entity having preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and term or conditions of redemption thereof identical to that of a Convertible Preferred Share (except for changes that do not materially and adversely affect the holders of the Convertible Preferred Shares);

provided, however, that no such vote of the holders of Convertible Preferred Shares shall be required if, at or prior to the time when such amendment, alteration or repeal is to take effect, or when the issuance of any such prior shares or convertible security is to be made, as the case may be, provision is made for the redemption of all Convertible Preferred Shares at the time outstanding to the extent such redemption is authorized by Section 3.3.3 hereof.

 

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For purposes of the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.3.8, each Convertible Preferred Share shall have one (1) vote per share, except that when any other series of Preferred Shares shall have the right to vote with the Convertible Preferred Shares as a single class on any matter, then the Convertible Preferred Shares and such other series shall have with respect to such matters one (1) vote per $20.00 (or less pursuant to Section 3.3.2(a) hereof) of the stated liquidation preference. Except as otherwise required by applicable law or as set forth herein, the Convertible Preferred Shares shall not have any relative, participating, optional or other special voting rights and powers other than as set forth herein, and the consent of the holders thereof shall not be required for the taking of any Trust action.

3.3.9.     Record Holders. The Trust and the Transfer Agent may deem and treat the record holder of any Convertible Preferred Shares as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and neither the Trust nor the Transfer Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

3.4.         Additional Preferred Shares. The Trustees shall have power from time to time to classify or reclassify unissued additional Preferred Shares in one or more series and to establish for each series the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, distribution limitations, qualifications and redemption terms and conditions, and to set or change the number of shares in each series, and, in such event, the Trust shall file for record with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland (the “SDAT”) articles supplementary to this Declaration of Trust in substance and form as prescribed by Maryland law.

3.5.         Authorization by Board of Share Issuance. The Board of Trustees may authorize the issuance from time to time of Shares of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible into Shares of any class or series, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration (whether in cash, property, past or future services, obligation for future payment or otherwise) as the Board of Trustees may deem advisable (or without consideration in the case of a Share split or Share dividend), subject to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth herein or in the Bylaws, and all Shares so issued will be fully paid and non-assessable. Notwithstanding any other provision herein, no determination shall be made by the Board of Trustees nor shall any transaction be entered into by the Trust which would cause any Shares or other beneficial interest in the Trust not to constitute “transferable shares” or “transferable certificates of beneficial interest” under Section 856(a)(2) of the Code or which would cause any distribution to constitute a preferential dividend as described in Section 562(c) of the Code.

3.6.        Dividends and Distributions. Subject to the dividend rights and the preferential rights upon liquidation of the Convertible Preferred Shares, any additional Preferred Shares and the Excess Shares, holders of Common Shares will participate equally in dividends payable to holders of Common Shares when and as authorized and declared by the Board of Trustees and in net assets available for distribution to holders of Common Shares upon liquidation or dissolution. The Board of Trustees may from time to time authorize and declare to shareholders such dividends or distributions, in cash or other assets of the Trust or in securities of the Trust or from any other source as the Board of Trustees in its discretion shall determine. The Board of Trustees shall endeavor to declare and pay such dividends and distributions as shall be necessary for the Trust to qualify as a REIT under the Code; however, shareholders shall have no right to any

 

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dividend or distribution unless and until authorized and declared by the Board of Trustees. The exercise of the powers and rights of the Board of Trustees pursuant to this Section 3.6 shall be subject to the provisions of any class or series of Shares at the time outstanding.

3.7.         General Nature of Shares. All Shares shall be personal property entitling the shareholders only to those rights provided in this Declaration of Trust. The shareholders shall have no interest in the property of the Trust and shall have no right to compel any partition, division, dividend or distribution of the Trust or of the property of the Trust. The death of a shareholder shall not terminate the Trust. The Trust is entitled to treat as shareholders only those persons in whose names Shares are registered as holders of Shares on the beneficial interest ledger of the Trust.

3.8.         Fractional Shares. The Trust may, without the consent or approval of any shareholder, issue fractional Shares, eliminate a fraction of a Share by rounding up or down to a full Share, arrange for the disposition of a fraction of a Share by the person entitled to it, or pay cash for the fair value of a fraction of a Share.

3.9.        Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. All shareholders are subject to the provisions of this Declaration of Trust and the Bylaws.

4.

Restrictions on Transfer, Acquisition and Redemption of Equity Shares; Exchange for Excess Shares.

 

4.1.

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.

(a)          Except as provided in Section 4.6 hereof, from and after the Closing Date of the Initial Public Offering and prior to the Restriction Termination Date, no Person shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Equity Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit.

(b)         Except as provided in Section 4.6 hereof, from and after the Closing Date of the Initial Public Offering and prior to the Restriction Termination Date, any Transfer that, if effective, would result in any Person Beneficially Owning or Constructively Owning Equity Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit shall be void ab initio as to the Transfer of such Equity Shares which would be otherwise Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned by such Person in excess of the Ownership Limit, and such Person shall acquire no rights in such Equity Shares.

(c)          Except as provided in Section 4.6 hereof, from and after the Closing Date of the Initial Public Offering and prior to the Restriction Termination Date, any Transfer that, if effective, would result in the Equity Shares being Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned by less than 100 Persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution) shall be void ab initio as to the Transfer of such shares of Equity Shares which would be otherwise Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned by the transferee, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Equity Shares; provided, however, that this Section 4.1(c) shall not apply to the Transfer of Equity Shares from the Trust to the underwriters of the Initial Public Offering.

(d)          Except as provided in Section 4.6 hereof, from and after the Closing Date of the Initial Public Offering and prior to the Restriction Termination Date, any Transfer that, if

 

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effective, would result in the Trust being “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code shall be void ab initio as to the Transfer of the shares of Equity Shares which would cause the Trust to be “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code or any successor statute, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Equity Shares.

 

4.2

Conversion to Excess Shares and Transfer to Share Trust.

(a)          If, notwithstanding the other provisions contained in this Section 4, at any time from and after the Closing Date of the Initial Public Offering and prior to the Restriction Termination Date, there is a purported Transfer, change in the capital structure of the Trust or other event such that any Person would Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Equity Shares in excess of the applicable Ownership Limit, then, subject to Section 4.6 and Section 4.7 hereof, such Equity Shares in excess of such Ownership Limit (rounded up to the nearest whole share) shall be automatically converted into an equal number of “Excess Shares” and, in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4, be transferred automatically, by operation of law, to a Share Trust to be held in accordance with this Section 4. Such conversion and transfer shall be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date of the purported Transfer, change in capital structure of the Trust or other event.

(b)          If, notwithstanding the other provisions contained in this Section 4, at any time from and after the Closing Date of the Initial Public Offering and prior to the Restriction Termination Date, there is a purported Transfer, change in the capital structure of the Trust or other event which, if effective, would (i) result in the Equity Shares being Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned by fewer than 100 Persons (determined without reference to rules of attribution) or (ii) cause the Trust to become “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code or any successor statute, then such number of Equity Shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) being transferred which would cause the Trust to be “closely held” within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code or any successor statute shall be automatically converted into an equal number of “Excess Shares” and, in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4, be transferred automatically, by operation of law, to a Share Trust to be held in accordance with this Section 4. Such conversion and transfer shall be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date of the purported Transfer, change in capital structure or other event.

4.3.        Remedies For Breach. If the Trustees or their designee shall at any time determine in good faith that a Transfer has taken place in violation of Section 4.1 hereof, or that a Person intends to acquire or has attempted to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of any Shares of the Trust in violation of Section 4.1, the Trustees or their designee shall take such action as they deem advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such Transfer, including, but not limited to, refusing to give effect to such Transfer on the books of the Trust, directing the Trust’s transfer agent and/or registrar to refuse to give effect to such Transfer on the books of the Trust or instituting proceedings to enjoin such Transfer; provided, however, that any Transfer or attempted Transfer in violation of Section 4.1 shall automatically result in the conversion and transfer described in Sections 4.2(a) and 4.2(b) hereof irrespective of any action (or non-action) by the Trustees or their designee.

 

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4.4.         Notice to Trust of Restricted Transfer. Any Person who acquires or attempts to acquire shares in violation of Section 4.1 hereof, or any Person who is a transferee such that Excess Shares result under Section 4.2 hereof, shall immediately give the Trust written notice of such event and shall provide to the Trust such other information as the Trust may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Transfer or attempted Transfer on the Trust’s status as a REIT.

4.5.        Owners Required to Provide Information for Trust. From and after the Closing Date of the Initial Public Offering and prior to the Restriction Termination Date:

(a)          Every Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner of more than 5.0% (or such lower percentage as required pursuant to regulations under the Code) of the number or value of outstanding Equity Shares of the Trust shall, within 30 days after January 1 of each year, give a written statement or affidavit to the Trust stating the name and address of such Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner, the number of Equity Shares Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned and a description of how such Equity Shares are held. Each such Beneficial Owner shall provide to the Trust such additional information as the Trust may reasonably request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership on the Trust’s status as a REIT or to ensure compliance with the Ownership Limit.

(b)          Each Person who is a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner of Equity Shares and each Person (including the shareholder of record) who is holding Equity Shares for a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner shall provide to the Trust a written statement or affidavit stating such information as the Trust may reasonably request in order to determine the Trust’s status as a REIT or to ensure compliance with the Ownership Limit.

4.6.         Exceptions to Ownership Limit. The Ownership Limit shall not apply to the acquisition of Equity Shares by an underwriter that participates in a public offering of such shares for a period of 90 days following the purchase by such underwriter of such shares; provided, that the restrictions contained in Section 4.1 hereof will not be violated following the distribution by such underwriter of such shares. In addition, the Board of Trustees, upon receipt of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to it, in each case to the effect that the restrictions contained in Section 4.1 hereof will not be violated and that REIT status will not otherwise be lost, and upon such other conditions as the Trustees may direct, may in its discretion exempt a Person from, or provide such Person with a limited exception to, the Ownership Limit if such Person is not an individual for purposes of Section 542(a)(2) of the Code; provided, however, that (i) the Board of Trustees must obtain such representations and undertakings from such Person as are reasonably necessary to ascertain that no individual’s Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Equity Shares will violate the Ownership Limit, (ii) such Person agrees that any exemption or exception provided pursuant to this Section 4.6 shall only apply to such Person and that any subsequent Transfer by such Person which would cause any violation or attempted violation of the Ownership Limit with respect to any other Person pursuant to Section 4.1 shall cause the revocation of the exemption or exception and any resulting Excess Shares will be transferred to the Share Trust pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof and (iii) such Person agrees that the acquisition of the Equity Shares that is the subject of the exemption or exception does not and will not cause the Trust to actually or

 

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Constructively Own more than a certain percentage interest (within the meaning of Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code and as determined by the Board of Trustees but in no event more than 9.9%) in any tenant of the Trust’s real property determined without regard to any other interests in any such tenant which the Company may actually or Constructively Own, provided that this clause (iii) shall not apply if such ownership would not cause the Trust to fail the income tests set forth in Section 856(c) of the Code for any taxable year.

4.7.         Settlements on a National Securities Exchange. Notwithstanding any provision contained herein to the contrary, nothing in this Section 4 shall preclude the settlement of any transaction entered into through the facilities of the NYSE. The fact that the settlement occurs shall not negate the effect of any other provision of this Section 4, and any transferee in such a transaction and the Shares so transferred shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this Section 4.

 

4.8.

Excess Shares and Share Trust.

(a)          Share Trust. Any Equity Shares transferred to a Share Trust and converted into Excess Shares pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof shall be held for the exclusive benefit of the Beneficiary. The Trust shall name a Beneficiary of each Share Trust within five days after discovery of the existence thereof. Any conversion of Equity Shares into Excess Shares and transfer to a Share Trust pursuant to Section 4.2 shall be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date of the purported Transfer, change in capital structure or other event that results in the transfer to the Share Trust. Excess Shares shall remain issued and outstanding shares of the Trust and shall be entitled to the same rights and privileges on identical terms and conditions as are all other issued and outstanding Equity Shares of the same class and series as the class and series from which such Excess Shares were converted. When transferred to a Permitted Transferee in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.8(e) hereof, such Excess Shares shall be automatically converted into shares of the class and series from which they were converted into Excess Shares.

(b)          Dividend Rights. The Share Trustee shall be entitled to receive all dividends and distributions with respect to Excess Shares as may be declared by the Board of Trustees on the Equity Shares from which such Excess Shares were converted and shall hold such dividends or distributions in trust for the benefit of the Beneficiary. The Prohibited Transferee with respect to Excess Shares shall repay to the Share Trust the amount of any dividends or distributions received by it that (i) are attributable to any Equity Shares converted into Excess Shares and (ii) the record date for which was on or after the date that such shares became Excess Shares. The Trust shall take all measures that it determines reasonably necessary to recover the amount of any such dividend or distribution paid to a Prohibited Transferee, including, if necessary, withholding any portion of future dividends or distributions payable on Equity Shares purported to be Beneficially Owned or Constructively Owned by the Person who, but for the provisions of Section 4.1 hereof, would Constructively Own or Beneficially Own the Excess Shares; and, as soon as reasonably practicable following the Trust’s receipt or withholding thereof, shall pay over to the Share Trust for the benefit of the Beneficiary the dividends so received or withheld, as the case may be.

 

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(c)          Rights Upon Liquidation for Excess Shares. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of, or any other distribution of all or substantially all of the assets of, the Trust, each holder of Excess Shares shall be entitled to receive, ratably with each other holder of Equity Shares of the same class and series as the class and series from which such Excess Shares were converted, that portion of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to the holders of such class and series of Equity Shares. The Share Trust shall distribute to the Prohibited Transferee the amounts received upon such liquidation, dissolution, winding up or distribution; provided, however, that the Prohibited Transferee shall not be entitled to receive amounts pursuant to this Section 4.8(c) in excess of, (i) in the case of a purported Transfer in which the Prohibited Transferee gave value for Equity Shares and which Transfer resulted in the transfer of the shares to the Share Trust, the price per share, if any, such Prohibited Transferee paid for the Equity Shares and, (ii) in the case of a purported Transfer in which the Prohibited Transfer did not give value for such shares (e.g., if the shares were received through a gift or devise) and which purported Transfer resulted in the transfer of shares to the Share Trust, the price per share equal to the Market Price on the date of such purported Transfer. Any remaining amount in such Share Trust shall be distributed to the Beneficiary.

(d)          Voting Rights for Excess Shares. The Share Trustee shall be entitled to vote all Excess Shares, which Excess Shares shall have the same voting rights as the Equity Shares of the class and series from which such Excess Shares were converted. Any vote by a Prohibited Transferee as a holder of Equity Shares prior to the discovery by the Trust that the Equity Shares are Excess Shares shall, subject to applicable law, be rescinded and shall be void ab initio with respect to such Excess Shares and the Prohibited Transferee shall be deemed to have given, as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date of the purported Transfer that results in the transfer to the Share Trust of Equity Shares under Section 4.2 hereof, an irrevocable proxy to the Share Trustee, coupled with an interest, to vote the Excess Shares in the manner in which the Share Trustee, in its sole and absolute discretion, desires.

(e)          Designation of Permitted Transferee. The Share Trustee shall have the exclusive and absolute right, at any time after the 90-day period referred to in Section 4.8(g) hereof, to designate a Permitted Transferee of any and all Excess Shares. In an orderly fashion so as not to materially adversely affect the Market Price of the Excess Shares, the Share Trustee shall designate any Person as Permitted Transferee; provided, however, that (i) the Permitted Transferee so designated purchases for valuable consideration (whether in a public or private sale), at a price as set forth in Section 4.8(g), the Excess Shares and (ii) the Permitted Transferee so designated may acquire such Excess Shares without such acquisition resulting in a transfer to a Share Trust and the redesignation of such Equity Shares so acquired as Excess Shares under Section 4.2 hereof. Upon the designation by the Share Trustee of a Permitted Transferee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 4.8(e), (i) the Share Trustee shall, upon receipt of consideration therefor, cause to be transferred to the Permitted Transferee that number of Excess Shares acquired by the Permitted Transferee, (ii) the Share Trustee shall cause to be recorded on the books of the Trust that the Permitted Transferee is the holder of record of such number of Equity Shares, (iii) such number of Excess Shares shall be automatically converted into an equal number of Equity Shares of the class and series from which such Excess Shares were converted and (iv) the Share Trustee shall distribute to the Beneficiary any and all amounts held with respect to the Excess Shares after making the payment to the Prohibited Transferee pursuant to Section 4.8(f) hereof.

 

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(f)           Compensation to Record Holder of Equity Shares that Become Excess Shares. Any Prohibited Transferee shall be entitled (following discovery of the Excess Shares and subsequent designation of the Permitted Transferee in accordance with Section 4.8(e) hereof or following the acceptance of the offer to purchase such shares in accordance with Section 4.8(g) hereof) to receive from the Share Trustee following the sale or other disposition of such Excess Shares the lesser of (i) in the case of (a) a purported Transfer in which the Prohibited Transferee gave value for Equity Shares and which Transfer resulted in the transfer of the shares to the Share Trust, the price per share such Prohibited Transferee paid for the Equity Shares or (b) a Transfer in which the Prohibited Transferee did not give value for such shares (e.g., if the shares were received through a gift or devise) and which Transfer resulted in the transfer of shares to the Share Trust, the Market Price on the date of such Transfer and (ii) the price per share received by the Share Trustee from the sale or other disposition of such Excess Shares in accordance with Section 4.8(e) or 4.8(g). Any amounts received by the Share Trustee in respect of such Excess Shares and in excess of such amounts to be paid the Prohibited Transferee pursuant to this Section 4.8(f) shall be distributed to the Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.8(e). Each Beneficiary and Prohibited Transferee waive any and all claims that they may have against the Share Trustee and the Share Trust arising out of the disposition of Excess Shares, except for claims arising out of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of, or any failure to make payments in accordance with this Section 4.8 by, such Share Trustee or the Trust.

(g)          Purchase Right in Excess Shares. Excess Shares shall be deemed to have been offered for sale by the Share Trustee to the Trust, or its designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price per share in the transaction that created such Excess Shares (or, in the case of devise or gift, the Market Price at the time of such devise or gift) and (ii) the Market Price on the date the Trust, or its designee, accepts such offer. The Trust shall have the right to accept such offer for a period of 90 days after the later of (i) the date of the purported Transfer which resulted in such Excess Shares and (ii) the date the Trust determines in good faith that a Transfer resulting in Excess Shares has occurred, if the Trust does not receive a notice of such Transfer pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof.

4.9. Remedies Not Limited. Other than with respect to Section 4.7 hereof, nothing contained in this Section 4 shall limit the authority of the Trustees to take such other action as they deem necessary or advisable to protect the Trust and the interest of the shareholders by preservation of the Trust’s status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the Ownership Limit.

4.10. Ambiguities. In the case of an ambiguity in the application of any of the provisions of this Section 4, the Trustees shall have the power to determine the application of the provisions of this Section 4 with respect to any situation based on the facts known to the Trustees.

4.11. Legend.

Each certificate for Common Shares, Preferred Shares and Convertible Preferred Shares shall bear the following legend:

“The Equity Shares represented by this certificate are subject to restrictions on transfer for the purpose of the Trust’s maintenance

 

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of its status as a real estate investment trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Subject to certain further restrictions, no Person may (i) Beneficially or Constructively Own Equity Shares in excess of 9.9% of the number of shares or value of outstanding Equity Shares, (ii) Beneficially or Constructively Own Equity Shares that would result in the Equity Shares being Beneficially or Constructively Owned by fewer than 100 Persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution) or (iii) Beneficially or Constructively Own Equity Shares that would result in the Trust being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code, unless the conditions of Section 4.6 of the Trust’s Declaration of Trust are satisfied. Any Person who attempts to Beneficially or Constructively Own Equity Shares in excess of the above limitations must immediately notify the Trust in writing of such proposed or attempted Transfer. If any restrictions described above are violated, the Equity Shares represented hereby will be converted automatically into Excess Shares which will be transferred automatically, by operation of law, to a Share Trust to be held for the exclusive benefit of a Beneficiary to be named by the Trust. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, attempted Transfers in violation of the restrictions described above may be void ab initio. All capitalized terms in this legend have the meanings defined in the Trust’s Declaration of Trust, as the same may be further amended from time to time, a copy of which, including the restrictions on Transfer, will be sent without charge to each shareholder who so requests. Such requests must be made to the Secretary of the Trust at its principal office.”

4.13. Severability. If any provision of this Section 4 or any application of any such provision is determined to be void, invalid or unenforceable by any court having jurisdiction over the issue, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected and other applications of such provision shall be affected only to the extent necessary to comply with the determination of such court.

5.

Shareholders.

5.1.        Meetings. There shall be an annual meeting of the shareholders, to be held on proper notice at such time (after the delivery of the annual report) and convenient location as shall be determined by or in the manner prescribed in the Bylaws, for the election of the Trustees, if required, and for the transaction of any other business within the powers of the Trust. Except as otherwise provided in this Declaration of Trust, special meetings of shareholders may be called in the manner provided in the Bylaws. If there are no Trustees, the officers of the Trust shall promptly call a special meeting of the shareholders entitled to vote for the election of successor Trustees. Any meeting may be adjourned and reconvened as the Trustees determine or as provided in the Bylaws.

 

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5.2.         Voting Rights. Subject to the provisions of any class or series of Shares then outstanding, the shareholders shall be entitled to vote only on the following matters: (a) termination of REIT status as provided in Section 2.1(c) hereof; (b) election of Trustees as provided in Section 2.2(a) hereof and the removal of Trustees as provided in Section 2.3 hereof; (c) amendment of this Declaration of Trust as provided in Section 7 hereof; (d) termination of the Trust as provided in Section 9.2 hereof; (e) merger or consolidation of the Trust, or the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the property of the Trust, as provided in Section 8 hereof; (f) any matter for which a vote of shareholders is required by a national securities exchange on which the Shares are traded; and (g) such other matters with respect to which a vote of the shareholders is required by applicable law or the Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution declaring that a proposed action is advisable and directing that the matter be submitted to the shareholders for approval or ratification. Except with respect to the foregoing matters, no action taken by the shareholders at any meeting shall in any way bind the Board of Trustees.

5.3.         Preemptive and Appraisal Rights. Except as may be provided by the Board of Trustees in setting the terms of any class or series of Shares pursuant to Section 3.5 hereof, no holder of Shares shall, as such holder: (a) have any preemptive or preferential right to purchase or subscribe for any additional Shares or any other security of the Trust which it may issue or sell or (b) except as expressly required by Maryland law, have any right to require the Trust to pay it the fair value of its Shares in an appraisal or similar proceeding.

6.

Liability Limitation and Indemnification.

6.1.         Limitation of Shareholder Liability. No shareholder shall be personally liable for any debt, claim, demand, judgment or obligation of any kind of, against or with respect to the Trust by reason of its being a shareholder, nor shall any shareholder be subject to any personal liability whatsoever, in tort, contract or otherwise, to any Person in connection with the property of the Trust or the affairs of the Trust.

6.2.         Limitation of Trustee and Officer Liability. To the maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation of the liability of trustees and officers of a real estate investment trust, no Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be liable to the Trust or to any shareholder for money damages. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Section 6.2, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of this Declaration of Trust inconsistent with this Section 6.2, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sentence with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption. In the absence of any Maryland statute limiting the liability of trustees and officers of a Maryland real estate investment trust for money damages in a suit by or on behalf of the Trust or by any shareholder, no Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be liable to the Trust or to any shareholder for money damages except to the extent that (i) the Trustee or officer actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services, in which case the liability shall not exceed the amount of the benefit or profit in money, property or services actually received; or (ii) a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the Trustee or officer is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the Trustee’s or officer’s action or failure to act was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding.

 

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6.3.         Express Exculpatory Clauses in Instruments. Neither the shareholders nor the Trustees, officers, employees or agents of the Trust shall be liable under any written instrument creating an obligation of the Trust, and all Persons shall look solely to the property of the Trust for the payment of any claim under or for the performance of that instrument. The omission of the foregoing exculpatory language from any instrument shall not affect the validity or enforceability of such instrument and shall not render any shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee or agent liable thereunder to any third party, nor shall the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust be liable to anyone for such omission.

6.4.        Indemnification and Advancement for Expenses. The Trust shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law, as applicable from time to time, all persons who at any time were or are trustees or officers of the Trust for any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) relating to any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity as a trustee or an officer. The Trust shall pay or reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred by a present or former trustee or officer of the Trust in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) in which the present or former trustee or officer is a party, in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding, to the fullest extent permitted by, and in accordance with the applicable requirements of, Maryland law, as applicable from time to time. The Trust may indemnify any other persons permitted but not required to be indemnified by Maryland law, as applicable from time to time, if and to the extent indemnification is authorized and determined to be appropriate, in each case in accordance with applicable law, by the Board of Trustees, the majority of the shareholders of the Trust entitled to vote thereon or special legal counsel appointed by the Board of Trustees. No amendment of this Declaration of Trust or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate any of the benefits provided to trustees and officers under this Section 6.4 in respect of any act or omission that occurred prior to such amendment or repeal.

7.

Amendments.

7.1.         General. The Trust reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to this Declaration of Trust, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in this Declaration of Trust, of any Shares. All rights and powers conferred by this Declaration of Trust on shareholders, Trustees and officers are granted subject to this reservation. All references to this Declaration of Trust shall include all amendments thereto.

7.2.        By Trustees. The Trustees by a two-thirds vote may amend this Declaration of Trust from time to time, in the manner provided by Maryland REIT law, without any action by the shareholders, to qualify as a REIT under the Code or under Maryland REIT law.

7.3.        By Shareholders. Other than amendments pursuant to Section 3.1 or Section 7.2 hereof, any amendment to this Declaration of Trust shall be valid only if approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, except that any amendment to Section 2.1(c), 2.2(a) or 2.3 or this Section 7.3 of this Declaration of Trust shall be valid only if approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

 

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8.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of the Property of the Trust.

Subject to the provisions of any class or series of Shares at the time outstanding, the Trust may (a) merge with or into another entity, (b) consolidate with one or more other entities into a new entity or (c) sell, lease, exchange or otherwise transfer all or substantially all of the property of the Trust. Any such action must be approved by the Board of Trustees and, after notice to all shareholders entitled to vote on the matter, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.

9.

Duration and Termination of Trust.

9.1.        Duration of Trust. The Trust shall continue perpetually unless terminated pursuant to Section 9.2 hereof or pursuant to any applicable provision of Maryland REIT law.

 

9.2.

Termination of Trust.

(a)          Subject to the provisions of any class or series of Shares at the time outstanding, the Trust may be terminated at any meeting of shareholders called for that purpose by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. Upon the termination of the Trust:

(i)           The Trust shall carry on no business except for the purpose of winding up its affairs;

(ii)          The Trustees shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the Trust and all of the powers of the Trustees under this Declaration of Trust shall continue, including the powers to fulfill or discharge the Trust’s contracts, collect its assets, sell, convey, assign, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining property of the Trust to one or more Persons at public or private sale for consideration which may consist in whole or in part of cash, securities or other property of any kind, discharge or pay its liabilities and do all other acts appropriate to liquidate its business; and

(iii)  After paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining property of the Trust, in cash or in kind or partly each, among the shareholders according to their respective rights, so that after payment in full or the setting apart for payment of such preferential amounts, if any, to which the holders of any Shares (other than Common Shares) at the time outstanding shall be entitled, the remaining property of the Trust available for payment and distribution to shareholders shall, subject to any participating or similar rights of Shares (other than Common Shares) at the time outstanding, be distributed ratably among the holders of Common Shares at the time outstanding.

(b)          After termination of the Trust, the liquidation of its business and the distribution to the shareholders as herein provided, a majority of the Trustees shall execute and file with the Trust’s records a document certifying that the Trust has been duly terminated, and thereupon the Trustees shall be discharged from all liabilities and duties hereunder, and the rights and interests of all shareholders shall cease.

 

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10.

Miscellaneous.

10.1. Governing Law. The rights of all parties and the validity, construction and effect of every provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be subject to and construed according to the laws of the State of Maryland without regard to conflicts of laws provisions thereof.

10.2   Reliance by Third Parties. Any certificate shall be final and conclusive as to any Person dealing with the Trust if executed by an individual who, according to the records of the Trust or of any recording office in which this Declaration of Trust may be recorded, appears to be the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Trust or a Trustee, and if certifying to: (a) the number or identity of Trustees, officers of the Trust or shareholders; (b) the due authorization of the execution of any document; (c) the action or vote taken, and the existence of a quorum, at a meeting of the Board of Trustees or shareholders; (d) a copy of this Declaration of Trust or of the Bylaws as a true and complete copy as then in force; (e) an amendment to this Declaration of Trust; (f) the termination of the Trust; or (g) the existence of any fact which relates to the affairs of the Trust. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other Person shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction purporting to be made on behalf of the Trust by the Trustees or by any officer, employee or agent of the Trust.

10.3. Severability.

(a)          The provisions of this Declaration of Trust are severable, and if the Board of Trustees shall determine, with the advice of counsel, that any one or more of such provisions (the “Conflicting Provisions”) are in conflict with the REIT provisions of the Code, the Maryland REIT law or other applicable federal or state laws, the Conflicting Provisions shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this Declaration of Trust, even without any amendment of this Declaration of Trust pursuant to Section 7 hereof; provided, however, that such determination by the Board of Trustees shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions of this Declaration of Trust or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination. No Trustee shall be liable for making or failing to make such a determination.

(b)          If any provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such holding shall not in any manner affect or render invalid or unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of this Declaration of Trust in any jurisdiction.

10.4. Construction. In this Declaration of Trust, unless the context otherwise requires, words used in the singular or in the plural include both the plural and singular and words denoting any gender include all genders. The title and headings of different parts are inserted for convenience and shall not affect the meaning, construction or effect of this Declaration of Trust.

10.5. Recordation. This Declaration of Trust and any amendment hereto shall be filed for record with the SDAT and may also be filed or recorded in such other places as the Trustees deem appropriate, but failure to file for record this Declaration of Trust or any amendment hereto in any office other than in the State of Maryland shall not affect or impair the validity or effectiveness of this Declaration of Trust or any amendment hereto. A restated Declaration of

 

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Trust shall, upon filing, be conclusive evidence of all amendments contained therein and may thereafter be referred to in lieu of the original Declaration of Trust and the various amendments thereto.

THIRD:  the amendment and restatement of the Declaration of Trust was approved and advised by the Board of Trustees and approved by the sole shareholder of the Trust in accordance with the Maryland REIT law.

[signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, these Articles of Amendment and Restatement have been signed on this 14th day of November, 1997, by the undersigned President of the Trust who acknowledges that these Articles of Amendment and Restatement are the act of the Trust and that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set forth herein are true in all material respects and that the statement is made under the penalties for perjury.

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

By:/s/ Richard S. Curto

[Seal]

 

Name: Richard S. Curto

 

 

Title: President

 

 

 

ATTEST:

By: /s/ Robert J. Rudnik

Name:

Robert J. Rudnik

Title: Secretary

 

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PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

Articles Supplementary

Classifying and Designating a Series of

Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest as

9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable

Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest and

Fixing Distribution and Other Preferences

and Rights of Such Series

 

Prime Group Realty Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the “Trust”), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland pursuant to section 8-203(b) of the Annotated Code of Maryland that:

FIRST: Pursuant to authority granted to the Board of Trustees of the Trust by the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust (the “Declaration”), the Board of Trustees has designated and classified 4,600,000 unissued preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share, as 9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share, and authorizing the issuance thereof.

SECOND: The following is a description of the 9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, including the preferences and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption thereof:

Section 1.          Number of Shares and Designation. This class of preferred shares of beneficial interest shall be designated as “9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest” and the number of shares which shall constitute such series shall be 4,600,000 shares which number may be decreased (but not below the aggregate number thereof then outstanding and/or which have been reserved for issuance) from time to time by the Board of Trustees.

Section 2.          Definitions. For purposes of the Series B Preferred Shares (as hereinafter defined), the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

Board of Trustees” shall mean the Board of Trustees of the Trust or any committee authorized by such Board of Trustees to perform any of its responsibilities with respect to the Series B Preferred Shares.

Business Day” shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in New York City, New York are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

 

 



 

 

Common Shares” shall mean the Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share, of the Trust.

Operating Partnership” shall mean Prime Group Realty, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Series A Preferred Shares” shall mean the Trust’s outstanding 7% Series A Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share.

Series B Call Date” shall mean the date specified in the notice to holders required under Section 5(d) as the Series B Call Date.

Series B Dividend Payment Date” shall mean (i) the thirty-first day of each January with respect to the Series B Dividend Period commencing on October 1 of the then immediately preceding year, (ii) the thirtieth day of each April with respect to the Series B Dividend Period commencing on January 1 of such year, (ii) the thirty-first day of each July with respect to the Series B Dividend Period commencing on April 1 of such year and (iv) the thirty-first day of each October with respect to the Series B Dividend Period commencing on July 1 of such year.

Series B Dividend Periods” shall mean quarterly dividend periods commencing on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year and ending on and including the day preceding the first day of the next succeeding Series B Dividend Period with respect to any Series B Preferred Shares (other than the initial Series B Dividend Period, which shall commence on the Series B Issue Date and end on and include the last day of the calendar quarter immediately following such Series B Issue Date, and other than the Series B Dividend Period during which any Series B Preferred Shares shall be redeemed pursuant to Section 5, which shall end on and include the Series B Call Date with respect to the Series B Preferred Shares being redeemed).

Series B Fully Junior Shares” shall mean the Common Shares, the Series A Preferred Shares and any other class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust now or hereafter issued and outstanding over which the Series B Preferred Shares have preference or priority in both (i) the payment of dividends and (ii) the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust.

Series B Issue Date” shall mean the date on which the Series B Preferred Shares are issued.

Series B Junior Shares” shall mean the Common Shares, the Series A Preferred Shares and any other class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust now or hereafter issued and outstanding over which the Series B Preferred Shares have preference or priority in the payment of dividends or in the distribution of assets on any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust.

 

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Series B Parity Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(b).

Series B Preferred Shares” shall mean the Trust’s 9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share.

Series B Voting Preferred Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.

Set apart for payment” shall be deemed to include, without any other action, the recording by the Trust in its accounting ledgers of any accounting or bookkeeping entry which indicates, pursuant to a declaration of dividends or other distribution by the Board of Trustees, the allocation of funds to be so paid on any series or class of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust; provided, however, that if any funds for any class or series of Series B Junior Shares or any class or series of shares of beneficial interest ranking on a parity with the Series B Preferred Shares as to the payment of dividends are placed in a separate account of the Trust or delivered to a disbursing, paying or other similar agent, then “set apart for payment” with respect to the Series B Preferred Shares shall mean placing such funds in a separate account or delivering such funds to a disbursing, paying or other similar agent.

Transfer Agent” shall mean the Trust, or such other agent or agents of the Trust as may be designated by the Board of Trustees or their designee as the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Series B Preferred Shares.

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Declaration.

 

Section 3.

Dividends.

(a)          Subject to the preferential rights of the holders of any Preferred Shares that rank senior in the payment of dividends to the Series B Preferred Shares, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, cumulative preferential dividends payable in cash in an amount per share equal to an annual rate of 9% of the per share liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred Shares (equivalent to $2.25 per Series B Preferred Share). The dividends shall begin to accrue and shall be fully cumulative from the first day of the applicable Series B Dividend Period, whether or not in any Series B Dividend Period or Periods there shall be funds of the Trust legally available for the payment of such dividends and whether or not such dividends are authorized by the Board of Trustees, and shall be payable quarterly, when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees, in arrears on Series B Dividend Payment Dates. Each such dividend shall be payable in arrears to the holders of record of Series B Preferred Shares as they appear in the records of the Trust at the close of business on such record date, not less than 10 nor more than 50 days preceding such Series B Dividend Payment Dates thereof, as shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Accrued and unpaid dividends for any past Series B Dividend Periods may be declared and paid at any time and for such interim periods, without reference to any regular Series B Dividend Payment Date, to holders of record on such date, not less than 10 nor more than 50 days

 

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preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Trustees. Any dividend payment made on Series B Preferred Shares shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to Series B Preferred Shares which remains payable.

(b)          The initial Series B Dividend Period for the Series B Preferred Shares will include a partial dividend for the period from the Series B Issue Date until the last day of the calendar quarter immediately following such Series B Issue Date. The amount of dividends payable for such period, or any other period shorter than a full Series B Dividend Period, on the Series B Preferred Shares shall be computed by dividing the number of days in such period by 365 and multiplying the result by the product of the annual dividend rate (i.e., 9%) multiplied by the liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred Shares (i.e., $25.00 per Series B Preferred Share). The aggregate amount of dividends payable in respect of the Series B Preferred Shares for each full Series B Dividend Period shall be computed by dividing (x) the product of the annual dividend rate multiplied by the liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred Shares by (y) four (4). Holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to any dividends, whether payable in cash, property or shares, in excess of cumulative dividends, as herein provided, on the Series B Preferred Shares. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on the Series B Preferred Shares which may be in arrears.

(c)          So long as any Series B Preferred Shares are outstanding, no dividends, except as described in the immediately following sentence, shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any class or series of Series B Parity Shares for any period unless full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the Series B Preferred Shares for all Series B Dividend Periods terminating on or prior to the dividend payment date on such class or series of Series B Parity Shares. When dividends are not paid in full or a sum sufficient for such payment is not set apart, as aforesaid, all dividends declared upon Series B Preferred Shares and all dividends declared upon any other class or series of Series B Parity Shares shall be declared ratably in proportion to the respective amounts of dividends accumulated and unpaid on the Series B Preferred Shares and accumulated and unpaid on such Series B Parity Shares.

(d)          So long as any Series B Preferred Shares are outstanding, no dividends (other than dividends or distributions paid solely in shares of, or options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase shares of, Series B Fully Junior Shares) shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment or any other distribution shall be declared or made or set apart for payment upon Series B Junior Shares, nor shall any Series B Junior Shares be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired (other than a redemption, purchase or other acquisition of Common Shares made for purposes of an employee incentive or benefit plan of the Trust or any subsidiary) for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any Series B Junior Shares) by the Trust, directly or indirectly (except by conversion into or exchange for Series B Fully Junior Shares), unless in each case (i) the full cumulative dividends on all outstanding Series B Preferred Shares and any other Series B Parity Shares of the Trust

 

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shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment for all past Series B Dividend Periods with respect to the Series B Preferred Shares and all past dividend periods with respect to such Series B Parity Shares and (ii) sufficient funds shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and set apart for the payment of the dividend for the then current Series B Dividend Period with respect to the Series B Preferred Shares and the then current dividend period with respect to such Series B Parity Shares.

(e)          No distributions on Series B Preferred Shares shall be declared by the Board of Trustees or paid or set apart for payment by the Trust at such time as the terms and provisions of any agreement of the Trust, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provides that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or if such declaration or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law.

 

Section 4.

Liquidation Preference.

(a)          In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, whether voluntary or involuntary, subject to the prior preferences and other rights of any series of shares of beneficial interest ranking senior to the Series B Preferred Shares upon liquidation, distribution or winding up of the Trust, before any payment or distribution of the assets of the Trust (whether capital or surplus) shall be made to or set apart for the holders of Series B Junior Shares, the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) (the “Liquidation Preference”) per Series B Preferred Share plus an amount equal to all dividends (whether or not earned or declared) accrued and unpaid thereon to the date of final distribution to such holders; but such holders shall not be entitled to any further payment. If, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the assets of the Trust, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares shall be insufficient to pay in full the preferential amount aforesaid and liquidating payments on any other shares of any class or series of Series B Parity Shares, then such assets, or the proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among the holders of Series B Preferred Shares and any such other Series B Parity Shares ratably in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such Series B Preferred Shares and any such other Series B Parity Shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. For the purposes of this Section 4, (i) a consolidation or merger of the Trust with one or more corporations, real estate investment trusts or other entities, (ii) a sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the Trust’s property or business or (iii) a statutory share exchange shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up, voluntary or involuntary, of the Trust.

(b)          Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series or class or classes of shares of beneficial interest ranking on a parity with or prior to the Series B Preferred Shares upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, after payment shall have been made in full to the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares, as provided in this Section 4, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall have no other claim to the remaining assets of the Trust

 

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and any other series or class or classes of Series B Junior Shares shall, subject to the respective terms and provisions (if any) applying thereto, be entitled to receive any and all assets remaining to be paid or distributed, and the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to share therein.

 

Section 5.

Redemption at the Option of the Trust.

(a)          The Series B Preferred Shares shall not be redeemable by the Trust prior to June 5, 2003. On and after June 5, 2003, the Trust, at its option, may redeem the Series B Preferred Shares, in whole at any time or from time to time in part out of funds legally available therefor at a redemption price payable in cash equal to 100% of the Liquidation Preference per Series B Preferred Share (plus all accumulated, accrued and unpaid dividends as provided below). The redemption price of the Series B Preferred Shares (other than any portion thereof consisting of accrued and unpaid dividends) shall be paid solely from the proceeds of the issuance and sale by the Trust of other capital shares of beneficial interest of the Trust and not from any other source. For purposes of the preceding sentence, “capital shares of beneficial interest” means any equity securities (including Common Shares and Preferred Shares), shares, interests, participations or other ownership interests (however designated) and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities) or options to purchase any of the foregoing.

(b)          Upon any redemption of Series B Preferred Shares pursuant to this Section 5, the Trust shall pay all accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, thereon to the Series B Call Date, without interest, except that if the Series B Call Date falls after a dividend payment record date and prior to the corresponding Series B Dividend Payment Date, then each holder of Series B Preferred Shares at the close of business on such dividend payment record date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding Series B Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding any redemption of such shares before such Series B Dividend Payment Date. Except as provided above, the Trust shall make no payment or allowance for unpaid dividends, whether or not in arrears, on Series B Preferred Shares called for redemption.

(c)          If full cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred Shares and any other class or series of Series B Parity Shares of the Trust have not been declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment, the Series B Preferred Shares may not be redeemed under this Section 5 in part and the Trust may not purchase or acquire Series B Preferred Shares, otherwise than pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of Series B Preferred Shares.

(d)          Notice of the redemption of any Series B Preferred Shares under this Section 5 shall be mailed by first-class mail to each holder of record of Series B Preferred Shares to be redeemed at the address of each such holder as shown on the Trust’s records, not less than 30 nor more than 90 days prior to the Series B Call Date. Neither the failure to mail any notice required by this paragraph (d), nor any defect therein or in the mailing thereof, to any particular holder, shall affect the sufficiency of the notice or the validity of the proceedings for redemption with respect to the other holders. Each such mailed notice

 

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shall state, as appropriate: (1) the Series B Call Date; (2) the number of Series B Preferred Shares to be redeemed and, if fewer than all the shares held by such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such shares to be redeemed from such holder; (3) the redemption price; (4) the place or places at which certificates for such shares are to be surrendered; and (5) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed shall cease to accrue on such Series B Call Date except as otherwise provided herein. Notice having been mailed as aforesaid, from and after the Series B Call Date (unless the Trust shall fail to make available an amount of cash necessary to effect such redemption), (i) except as otherwise provided herein, dividends on the Series B Preferred Shares so called for redemption shall cease to accrue, (ii) such shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding, and (iii) all rights of the holders thereof as holders of Series B Preferred Shares of the Trust shall cease (except the right to receive the cash payable upon such redemption, without interest thereon, upon surrender and endorsement of their certificates if so required and to receive any dividends payable thereon). The Trust’s obligation to provide cash in accordance with the preceding sentence shall be deemed fulfilled if, on or before the Series B Call Date, the Trust shall deposit with a bank or trust company (which may be an affiliate of the Trust) that has an office in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, and that has, or is an affiliate of a bank or trust company that has, capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 cash, necessary for such redemption, in trust, with irrevocable instructions that such cash be applied to the redemption of the Series B Preferred Shares so called for redemption. No interest shall accrue for the benefit of the holders of Series B Preferred Shares to be redeemed on any cash so set aside by the Trust. Subject to applicable escheat laws, any such cash unclaimed at the end of two years from the Series B Call Date shall revert to the general funds of the Trust, after which reversion the holders of such shares so called for redemption shall look only to the general funds of the Trust for the payment of such cash.

As promptly as practicable after the surrender in accordance with such notice of the certificates for any such shares so redeemed (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Trust shall so require and if the notice shall so state), such shares shall be exchanged for any cash (without interest thereon) for which such shares have been redeemed. If fewer than all the outstanding Series B Preferred Shares are to be redeemed, shares to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trust from outstanding Series B Preferred Shares not previously called for redemption pro rata (as nearly as may be), by lot or by any other method determined by the Trust in its sole discretion to be equitable. If fewer than all the Series B Preferred Shares represented by any certificate are redeemed, then new certificates representing the unredeemed shares shall be issued without cost to the holder thereof.

Section 6.          Ranking. Any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust shall be deemed to rank:

(a)          prior to the Series B Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if the holders of such class or series shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in preference or priority to the holders of Series B Preferred Shares;

 

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(b)          on a parity with the Series B Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether or not the dividend rates, dividend payment dates or redemption or liquidation prices per share thereof shall be different from those of the Series B Preferred Shares, if the holders of such class or series and the Series B Preferred Shares shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends and of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up in proportion to their respective amounts of accrued and unpaid dividends per share or liquidation preferences, without preference or priority one over the other (“Series B Parity Shares”);

(c)          junior to the Series B Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if such class or series (which includes the Series A Preferred Shares) shall be Series B Junior Shares; and

(d)          junior to the Series B Preferred Shares, as to the payment of dividends and as to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, if such class or series (which includes the Series A Preferred Shares) shall be Series B Fully Junior Shares.

Section 7.          Voting. If and whenever six consecutive quarterly dividends payable on the Series B Preferred Shares or any series or class of Series B Parity Shares having similar voting rights shall be in arrears (which shall, with respect to any such quarterly dividend, mean that any such dividend has not been paid in full), whether or not earned or declared, the Board of Trustees of the Trust shall amend the Bylaws of the Trust (unless the Bylaws had then been previously amended to increase the number of trustees then constituting the Board of Trustees pursuant to this Section 7) in order that the number of trustees then constituting the Board of Trustees shall be increased by two and the holders of Series B Preferred Shares, together with the holders of shares of every other series of Series B Parity Shares (any such other series, the “Series B Voting Preferred Shares”), voting as a single class regardless of series, shall be entitled to elect the two additional trustees to serve on the Board of Trustees at any annual meeting of shareholders or special meeting held in place thereof, or at a special meeting of the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares and the Series B Voting Preferred Shares called as hereinafter provided. Whenever all arrears in dividends on the Series B Preferred Shares and the Series B Voting Preferred Shares then outstanding shall have been paid and dividends thereon for the current quarterly dividend period shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment, then the right of the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares and the Series B Voting Preferred Shares to elect such additional trustees shall cease (but subject always to the same provision for the vesting of such voting rights in the case of any similar future arrearage in quarterly dividends), and the terms of office of all persons elected as trustees by the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares and the Series B Voting Preferred Shares shall, notwithstanding the assignment of such trustees to any class pursuant to Section 2.2(a) of the Declaration, forthwith terminate and the number of the Board of Trustees shall be reduced accordingly. At any time after such voting power shall have been so vested in the holders of Series B Preferred Shares and the Series B Voting Preferred Shares, the Secretary of the Trust may, and upon the written request of any holder of Series B Preferred Shares (addressed to the Secretary at the principal office of the Trust) shall, call a special meeting of the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares and of the Series B Voting Preferred Shares for the election of the trustees to be elected by them as herein provided, such call to be made by notice similar to that provided in the Bylaws of the Trust for a special meeting of the shareholders or as required by law. If any such special meeting required to

 

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be called as above provided shall not be called by the Secretary within 20 days after receipt of any such request, then any holder of Series B Preferred Shares may call such meeting, upon the notice above provided, and for that purpose shall have access to the records of the Trust. The trustees elected at any such special meeting shall, notwithstanding the assignment of such Trustees to any class pursuant to Section 2.2(a) of the Declaration, hold office until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or special meeting held in lieu thereof if such office shall not have previously terminated as above provided. If any vacancy shall occur among the trustees elected by the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares and the Series B Voting Preferred Shares, a successor shall be elected by the Board of Trustees, upon the nomination of the then-remaining trustee elected by the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares and the Series B Voting Preferred Shares or the successor of such remaining trustee, to serve until the next annual meeting of the shareholders or special meeting held in place thereof if such office shall not have previously terminated as provided above.

So long as any Series B Preferred Shares are outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of shareholders required by law or by the Declaration, the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares given in person or by proxy shall be necessary for effecting or validating:

(a)          Any amendment, alteration or repeal of any of the provisions of the Declaration or these Articles Supplementary that materially and adversely affects the voting powers, rights or preferences of the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares; provided, however, that the amendment of the provisions of the Declaration so as to authorize or create or to increase the authorized amount of, any Series B Fully Junior Shares, Series B Junior Shares that are not senior in any respect to the Series B Preferred Shares or any Series B Parity Shares shall not be deemed to materially adversely affect the voting powers, rights or preferences of the holders of Series B Preferred Shares; or

(b)          A share exchange that affects the Series B Preferred Shares, a consolidation with or merger of the Trust into another entity, or a consolidation with or merger of another entity into the Trust, unless in each such case each Series B Preferred Share (i) shall remain outstanding without a material and adverse change to its terms and rights or (ii) shall be converted into or exchanged for cumulative redeemable preferred shares of the surviving entity having preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and term or conditions of redemption thereof identical to that of a Series B Preferred Share (except for changes that do not materially and adversely affect the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares);

provided, however, that no such vote of the holders of Series B Preferred Shares shall be required if, at or prior to the time when such amendment, alteration or repeal is to take effect, or when the issuance of any such prior shares or convertible security is to be made, as the case may be, provision is made for the redemption of all Series B Preferred Shares at the time outstanding to the extent such redemption is authorized by Section 5 of these Articles Supplementary.

For purposes of the foregoing provisions of this Section 8, each Series B Preferred Share shall have one (1) vote per share, except that when any other series of Preferred Shares shall have the right to vote with the Series B Preferred Shares as a single class on any matter, then the

 

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Series B Preferred Shares and such other series shall have with respect to such matters one (1) vote per $25.00 of stated liquidation preference. Except as otherwise required by applicable law or as expressly set forth herein, the Series B Preferred Shares shall not have any voting rights, and the consent of the holders thereof shall not be required for the taking of any Trust action.

Section 8.           No Conversion. The Series B Preferred Shares are not convertible into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Trust, except into Excess Shares in connection with maintaining the ability of the Trust to qualify as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes.

Section 9.           Record Holders. The Trust and the Transfer Agent may deem and treat the record holder of any Series B Preferred Shares as the true and lawful owner thereof for all purposes, and neither the Trust nor the Transfer Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

THIRD: The classification of authorized but unissued shares of beneficial interests as set forth in these Articles Supplementary to be the act of the Trust does not increase the authorized capital of the Trust or the aggregate par value thereof.

FOURTH. These Articles Supplementary have been approved by the majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust in the manner prescribed by the Declaration and Maryland law.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Trust, acknowledges these Articles Supplementary to be the act of the Trust and, as to all matters or facts required to be verified under oath, acknowledges that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set forth herein are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the penalties of perjury. These Articles Supplementary have been executed under seal in the name of the Trust by its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and attested by its Secretary this 1st day of June, 1998.

[SEAL]

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

By: /s/ William M. Karnes

 

William M. Karnes,

 

Executive Vice President

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

Attest:

By: /s/James F. Hoffman

James F. Hoffman,

Secretary

 

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PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

ARTICLES SUPPLEMENTARY

Prime Group Realty Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the “Trust”), hereby certifies to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland pursuant to Section 8-203(b) of Title 8 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland that:

FIRST: Under a power set forth in Section 3.5 of the declaration of trust of the Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”), the Board of Trustees of the Trust by resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board of Trustees held on December 17, 1998, reclassified 600,000 unissued shares of the Trust’s 9% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share, as authorized but unissued preferred shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share.

SECOND: The reclassification of authorized but unissued shares of beneficial interest as set forth in these Articles Supplementary does not increase the authorized capital of the Trust or the aggregate par value thereof.

THIRD: These Articles Supplementary have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust in the manner prescribed by the Declaration of Trust and Maryland law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Trust has caused these Articles Supplementary to be executed in its name and on its behalf on this 29th day of December, 1998, by its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and to be attested by its Secretary, and the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Trust acknowledges that these Articles Supplementary are the act of the Trust and that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief and under penalties for perjury, all matters and facts set forth herein with respect to authorization and approval are true in all material respects.

 

ATTEST:

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

 

 

 

_/s/ JAMES F. HOFFMAN__________

By: /s/_WILLIAM M. KARNES___(SEAL)

James F. Hoffman

William M. Karnes

Secretary

Executive Vice President and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

FIRST AMENDMENT

TO

AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST

OF

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST  

 

Prime Group Realty Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the “Trust”), certifies as follows:

FIRST: the Trust desires to amend its declaration of trust as currently in effect as hereinafter provided.

SECOND: Section 2.2 of the declaration of trust is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

Number.

(a)          Each of the Trustees of the Trust (the “Trustees”) shall hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified. Shareholder votes to elect Trustees shall be conducted in the manner provided in the Bylaws.

(b)          The number of Trustees shall be seven (7), which number may be increased or decreased pursuant to the Bylaws and increased pursuant to Section 3.3.8 hereof, but shall not be less than three (3).

THIRD: Section 2.3 of the declaration of trust is deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

 

Resignation or Removal. Any Trustee may resign by written or oral notice to the Board, effective upon delivery to the Trust of such notice or upon any future date specified in such notice. Subject to the rights of the holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Shares to elect one or more Trustees, a Trustee may be removed at any time, with or without cause, at a meeting of shareholders, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the shares of beneficial interest then outstanding and entitled to vote generally in the election of Trustees.

 

FOURTH: the amendment to the declaration of trust was approved and advised by the Board of Trustees and approved by the sole common shareholder of the Trust in accordance with Maryland REIT law.

 

[signature page follows]

 



 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust has been signed on this 1st day of July, 2005, by the undersigned President and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust who acknowledges that this First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust is the act of the Trust and that, to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set forth herein are true in all material respects and that the statement is made under the penalties for perjury.

 

 

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

 

 

 

 

 

By:       /s/ JEFFREY A. PATTERSON

 

Name: Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

ATTEST:

 

By:       /s/ JAMES F. HOFFMAN                  

Name: James F. Hoffman

Title: Executive Vice President - General Counsel

and Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

EX-3 4 exhibit3_2.htm EXHIBIT 3.2

EXHIBIT 3.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST

a Maryland real estate investment trust

ARTICLE I

Offices and Fiscal Year

Section 1.1.       Registered Office. Prime Group Realty Trust (the “Trust”) shall maintain a registered office in the State of Maryland as required by law.

Section 1.2.       Principal Office. The Trust also has a principal office located at 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3900, Chicago, Illinois 60601, telephone number 312/917-1500.

Section 1.3.      Other Offices. The Trust may also have offices other than its principal office at such other places both within and without the State of Maryland as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine or as the business of the Trust may require.

Section 1.4.       Fiscal and Taxable Years. The fiscal and taxable years of the Trust shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

ARTICLE II

Meetings of Shareholders

Section 2.1.       Place. All meetings of shareholders shall be held at the principal office of the Trust or at such other place within the United States as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.

Section 2.2.       Annual Meetings. An annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of Trustees and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Trust shall be held each year beginning with the year 1998, after the delivery of the annual report referred to in Section 2.14 of this Article II, at a convenient location and on proper notice, on a date and at the time set by the Trustees. Failure to hold an annual meeting does not invalidate the Trust’s existence or affect any otherwise valid acts of the Trust.

Section 2.3.       Special Meetings. The chairman of the Board of Trustees, the president or the Board of Trustees may call special meetings of the shareholders. Special meetings of shareholders shall also be called by the secretary upon the written request of the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such request shall state the purpose of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at such

 



 

meeting. The secretary shall inform such shareholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing notice of the meeting and, upon payment by such shareholders to the Trust of such costs, the secretary shall give notice to each shareholder entitled to notice of the meeting. Each special meeting shall be held upon such date and at such time and place either within or without the State of Maryland as shall be designated by the person or persons calling such special meeting at least ten (10) days prior to the special meeting.

Section 2.4.       Notice of Meeting. Not less than ten (10) nor more than ninety (90) days before such meeting of shareholders, the secretary shall give to each shareholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each shareholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting, written or printed notice stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, either by mail or by presenting it to such shareholder personally or by leaving it at its residence or usual place of business. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder at its post office address which appears in the records of the Trust, with postage thereon prepaid.

Section 2.5.       Scope of Notice. Any business of the Trust may be transacted at an annual meeting of shareholders without being specifically designated in such notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of shareholders except as specifically designated in the notice.

Section 2.6.      Organization. Meetings of shareholders shall be presided over by the chairman of the Board of Trustees, if any, or in his or her absence one of the following officers present shall conduct the meeting in the order stated: the president; the vice presidents in their order of rank and seniority; or a chairman chosen by the shareholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes which all shareholders present in person or by proxy are entitled to cast. The secretary, or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary, or in the absence of both the secretary and assistant secretaries, a person appointed by the chairman, shall act as secretary.

Section 2.7.       Quorum. Unless otherwise provided by law or the Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Declaration of Trust of the Trust (the “Declaration of Trust”), at each meeting of shareholders, the presence in person or representation by proxy of the holders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of a quorum, the shareholders so present and represented may, by vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of the Trust so present and represented, adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall attend, and Section 2.8 of these Bylaws shall apply to each such adjournment.

Section 2.8.      Adjournments. Any meeting of shareholders, annual or special, may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and notice need not be given of any such adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Trust may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each shareholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

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Section 2.9.       Voting. Subject to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, a plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a Trustee. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before the meeting, unless more than a majority of the votes cast is required herein or by statute or by the Declaration of Trust. Unless otherwise provided in the Declaration of Trust, each share shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of shareholders. Shareholders will have no right to cumulative voting for the election of Trustees.

Section 2.10.    Proxies. A shareholder may cast the votes entitled to be cast due to the shares owned of record by him or her either in person or by a proxy, executed in writing by the shareholder or by his or her duly authorized agent. Such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Trust before or at the time of the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after eleven (11) months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.

Section 2.11.     Fixing Date for Determination of Shareholders of Record. In order that the Trust may determine the shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or any adjournment thereof or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of Common Shares or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Trustees may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be (i) more than ninety (90) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting nor (ii) more than ninety (90) days prior to any other action. If no record date is fixed: (a) the record date for determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held; and (b) the record date for determining shareholders for any other purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Trustees adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of shareholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Trustees may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

Section 2.12.       Voting of Shares by Certain Holders. Any shares registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president, a vice president, a general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such shares pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing board of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of the partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such shares. Any trustee or other fiduciary may vote shares registered in his name as such fiduciary, either in person or by proxy.

Shares of the Trust directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.

 

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The Trustees may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a shareholder may certify in writing to the Trust that any shares registered in the name of the shareholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the shareholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of shareholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date or closing of the share transfer books, the time after the record date or closing of the share transfer books within which the certification must be received by the Trust; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Trustees consider necessary or desirable. On receipt of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the shareholder of record of the specified shares in place of the shareholder who makes the certification.

Notwithstanding any other provision contained in the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (or any successor statute) shall not apply to any acquisition by any person of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust. This Section 2.12 may be repealed, in whole or in part, at any time.

Section 2.13.       Inspectors. At any meeting of shareholders, the chairman of the meeting may, or upon the request of any shareholder shall, appoint one or more persons as inspectors for such meetings. Such inspectors shall ascertain and report the number of shares represented at the meeting based upon their determination of the validity and effect of proxies, count all votes, report the results and perform such other acts as are proper to conduct the election and voting with impartiality and fairness to all the shareholders.

Each report of an inspector shall be in writing and signed by him or her, or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

 

Section 2.14.

Reports to Shareholders.

(a)          The Trustees shall submit to the shareholders at or before the annual meeting of shareholders a report of the business and operations of the Trust during such fiscal year, containing a balance sheet and a statement of income and surplus of the Trust, accompanied by the certification of an independent certified public accountant, and such further information as the Trustees may determine is required pursuant to any law or regulation to which the Trust is subject. Within the earlier of twenty (20) days after the annual meeting of shareholders or one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of the fiscal year of the Trust, the Trustees shall place the annual report on file at the principal office of the Trust and with any governmental agencies as may be required by law and as the Trustees may deem appropriate.

(b)          Not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each of the first three (3) quarterly periods of each fiscal year, the Trustees shall deliver or cause to be delivered an interim report to the shareholders containing unaudited financial statements for such quarter and for the period from the beginning of the fiscal year to the end of such quarter, and such further

 

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information as the Trustees may determine is required pursuant to any law or regulation to which the Trust is subject.

Section 2.15.       List of Shareholders Entitled to Vote. The Secretary shall make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each shareholder and the number of Common Shares registered in the name of each shareholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any Shareholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any shareholder who is present.

 

Section 2.16.

Nominations and Shareholder Business.

 

(a)

Annual Meetings of Shareholders.

 

(1)          Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Trustees and the proposal of business to be considered by the shareholders may be made at an annual meeting of shareholders (i) pursuant to the Trust’s notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Trustees or (iii) by any shareholder of the Trust who was a shareholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.16 and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.16.

(2)          For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 2.16, the shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Trust and such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by shareholders. To be timely, a shareholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than the close of business on the 60th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than thirty (30) days or delayed by more than sixty (60) days from such anniversary date or if the Trust has not previously held an annual meeting, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Trust. In no event shall the public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting to a later date or time commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder’s notice as described above. Such shareholder’s notice shall set forth (i) as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a Trustee all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of Trustees, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving

 

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as a Trustee if elected); (ii) as to any other business that the shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such shareholder and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (iii) as to the shareholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made: (x) the name and address of such shareholder as they appear on the Trust’s books; (y) the name and address of such beneficial owner; and (z) the number of each class of Common Shares of the Trust which are owned beneficially and of record by such shareholder and such beneficial owner.

(3)          Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (a)(2) of this Section 2.16 to the contrary, in the event that the number of Trustees to be elected to the Board of Trustees is increased and there is no public announcement by the Trust naming all of the nominees for Trustee or specifying the size of the increased Board of Trustees at least seventy (70) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a shareholder’s notice required by this Section 2.16 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it is delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Trust.

(b)          Special Meeting of Shareholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of shareholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Trust’s notice of meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Trustees may be made at a special meeting of shareholders at which Trustees are to be elected (i) pursuant to the Trust’s notice of the meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees or (iii) provided that the Board of Trustees has determined that Trustees shall be elected at such special meeting, by any shareholder of the Trust who was a shareholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 2.16 and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.16. In the event the Trust calls a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing one or more Trustees to the Board of Trustees, any such shareholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position as specified in the Trust’s notice of meeting, if the shareholder’s notice containing the information required by paragraph (a)(2) of this Section 2.16 shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal office of the Trust not earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Trustees to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting to a later date or time commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder’s notice as described above.

 

(c)

General.

(1)          Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.16 shall be eligible to serve as Trustees and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of shareholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with procedures set forth in this Section 2.16. The chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business

 

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proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.16 and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with this Section 2.16, to declare that such nomination or proposal shall be disregarded.

(2)          For purposes of this Section 2.16, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones New Service, Associated Press or comparable news service or in a document publicly filed by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

(3)          Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.16, a shareholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.16. Nothing in this Section 2.16 shall be deemed to affect any rights of shareholder to request inclusion of proposals in, nor any of the rights of the Trust to omit a proposal from, the Trust’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.

Section 2.17.       Informal Action By Shareholders. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth such action, is signed by each shareholder entitled to vote on the matter and any other shareholder entitled to notice of a meeting of shareholders (but not to vote thereat) has waived in writing any right to dissent from such action, and such consent and waiver are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the shareholders.

Section 2.18.       Voting By Ballot. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any shareholder shall demand that voting be by ballot.

ARTICLE III

Board of Trustees

Section 3.1.     Powers; Qualifications. Unless otherwise provided by law or the Declaration of Trust, the business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Unless otherwise provided by the Declaration of Trust, Trustees need not be shareholders. A Trustee shall be an individual at least 21 years of age who is not under legal disability.

Section 3.2.       Annual and Regular Meetings. An annual meeting of the Trustees shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of shareholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessary. The Trustees may provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within or without the State of Maryland, for the holding of regular meetings of the Trustees without other notice than such resolution.

Section 3.3        Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Trustees may be called by or at the request of the chairman or chief executive officer or by one-half or more of the Trustees then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Trustees may fix any

 

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place, either within or without the State of Maryland, as the place for holding any special meeting of the Trustees called by them.

Section 3.4.      Notice. Notice of any special meeting shall be given by written notice delivered personally, transmitted by facsimile, telegraphed or mailed to each Trustee at his or her business or residence address or by telephone or facsimile transmission. Personally delivered, facsimile transmitted or telegraphed notices shall be given at least two (2) days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be given at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. Notice by mail shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. If given by telegram, such notice shall be deemed to be given when the telegram is delivered to the telegraph company. Telephone notice shall be deemed given when the Trustee is personally given notice in a telephone call to which such Trustee personally is a party. Facsimile transmission shall be deemed given upon receipt by the sender of confirmation indicating receipt of the transaction. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Trustees need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

Section 3.5.      Quorum; Vote Required for Action. A majority of the entire Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Trustees; provided, that if less than a majority of such Trustees are present at said meeting, a majority of the Trustees present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice; and provided further, that if pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws the vote of a majority of a particular group of Trustees is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority of such group.

The Trustees present at a meeting which has been duly called and convened may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough Trustees to leave less than a quorum.

 

Section 3.6.

Voting.

(a)          The action of the majority of the Trustees present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Trustees, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable statute.

Section 3.7.       Telephonic Meetings Permitted. The Board of Trustees may participate in a meeting of the Board of Trustees through use of conference telephone or similar communication equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation in the meeting pursuant to this Bylaw shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

Section 3.8.       Informal Action by Trustees. Unless otherwise provided by the Declaration of Trust, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Trustees may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Trustees consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Trustees.

 

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Section 3.9.        Vacancies. If for any reason any or all of the Trustees cease to be Trustees, such event shall not terminate the Trust or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining Trustees hereunder (even if fewer than two Trustees remain). Any vacancy (including a vacancy created by an increase in the number of Trustees) shall be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by a majority of the remaining Trustees. Any individual so elected as Trustee shall hold office for the unexpired term of the Trustee he or she is replacing.

Section 3.10.       Compensation of Trustees. Unless otherwise provided by the Declaration of Trust, the Board of Trustees shall have the authority to fix the compensation of Trustees. Such compensation may, by resolution of the Trustees, include a fixed sum of cash and/or shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (or options to acquire shares) per year and/or per visit to real property owned or to be acquired by the Trust and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as Trustees. Trustees may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Trustees or of any committee thereof; and for their expenses, if any, in connection with each property visit and any other service or activity performed or engaged in as Trustees; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Trustees form serving the Trust in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

Section 3.11.      Removal of Trustees. The shareholders may, at any time, remove any Trustee in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust.

Section 3.12.       Loss of Deposits. No Trustee shall be liable for any loss which may occur by reason of the failure of a bank, trust company, savings and loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or shares have been deposited.

Section 3.13.       Surety Bond. Unless required by law, no Trustee shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.

Section 3.14.       Reliance. Each Trustee, officer, employee and agent of the Trust shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Trust, be fully justified and protected with regard to any act or failure to act in reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Trust, upon an opinion of counsel or upon reports made to the Trust by any of its officers or employees or by the adviser, accountants, appraisers or other experts or consultants selected by the Trustees or officers of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a Trustee.

Section 3.15.       Number and Classification. The number of Trustees of the Trust shall initially be seven (7). The Trustees shall be classified, with respect to the terms for which they severally hold office, into separate classes in the manner prescribed in the Declaration of Trust. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members, the Board of Trustees may increase or decrease the number of Trustees; provided, that the number thereof shall not be fewer than three (3) nor more than thirteen (13); and provided further, that the tenure of office of a Trustee shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of Trustees.

ARTICLE IV

 

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Committees

Section 4.1.       Number, Tenure and Vacancies. The Board of Trustees may, by resolution passed by a majority of the Trustees in office, appoint from among its members committees comprised of two (2) or more Trustees. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special meetings of the Board of Trustees. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Trustees shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to fill all vacancies, to designate alternative members to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.

Section 4.2.      Power of Committees. The Board of Trustees may delegate to any committee designated under Section 4.1 hereof any of the powers and authority of the Board of Trustees in the management of the business and affairs of the Trust. No such committee, however, shall have power or authority in reference to (i) amending the Declaration of Trust or the Bylaws; (ii) approving any merger or share exchange which does not require shareholder approval; (iii) recommending to the shareholders any action which requires shareholder approval; and (iv) declaring a dividend or a distribution with respect to shares.

Section 4.3.      Meetings. In the absence of any member of any such committee, the members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint another Trustee to act in the place of such absent member.

One-third, but not less than two (2), of the members of any committee shall be present in person at any meeting of such committee in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting, and the act of the majority present shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Trustees may designate a chairman of any committee, and such chairman or any two members of any committee may fix the time and place of its meetings unless the Board shall otherwise provide. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any committee, the members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another Trustee to act at the meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified members; provided, however, that in the event of the absence or disqualification of an Independent Trustee, such appointee shall be an Independent Trustee.

Each committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings and shall report the same to the Board of Trustees at the meeting next succeeding, and any action by the committees shall be subject to revision and alteration by the Board of Trustees; provided that no rights of third persons shall be affected by any such revision or alteration.

Section 4.4.     Telephone Meetings. Members of a committee of the Trustees may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

Section 4.5.       Informal Action by Committees. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Trustees may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing to such action is signed by each member of the committee and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.

 

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ARTICLE V

Officers

Section 5.1        General Provisions. The officers of the Trust may consist of a chairman of the board, one or more chief operating officers, one or more chief executive officers, one or more presidents, one or more vice presidents, a chief financial officer, a treasurer, one or more assistant treasurers, a secretary, and one or more assistant secretaries. In addition, the Trustees may from time to time appoint such other officers with such powers and duties as they shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Trust shall be elected annually by the Trustees at the first meeting of the Trustees held after each annual meeting of shareholders. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. In their discretion, the Trustees may leave unfilled any office except that of president and secretary. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Trust and such officer or agent.

Section 5.2.      Removal and Resignation. Any officer or agent of the Trust may be removed by a majority of the members of the Board of Trustees if in their judgment the best interests of the Trust would be served thereby, but any such removal shall be without prejudice to the contractual rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Trust may resign at any time by giving written notice of his or her resignation to the Trustees, the chairman of the board, the president or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect at any time subsequent to the time specified therein or, if the time when it shall become effective is not specified therein, immediately upon its receipt. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make such resignation effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation.

Section 5.3.       Vacancies. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Trustees for the balance of the term.

Section 5.4.       Chairman of the Board. The chairman of the board shall supervise and direct the chief executive officer and the president, subject to the control of the board of trustees. The chairman of the board shall preside over the meetings of the Trustees and of the shareholders at which he or she shall be present and shall in general oversee all of the business and affairs of the Trust. The chairman shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Trustees. The chairman of the board may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Trustees or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Trust or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed.

Section 5.5.      Chief Executive Officer. The Trustees may designate a chief executive officer from among the elected officers. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Trust, as determined by the Trustees, and for the management of the business affairs of the Trust. The chief executive officer shall report directly to the chairman of the board. In the absence of the chairman of the board, the chief

 

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executive officer shall preside over the meetings of the Trustees and of the shareholders at which he or she shall be present.

Section 5.6.       Chief Operating Officer. The Trustees may designate one or more chief operating officers from among the elected officers. Said officer will have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Trustees.

Section 5.7.      Chief Financial Officer. The Trustees may designate a chief financial officer from among the elected officers. Said officer will have such responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Trustees or the chief executive officer.

Section 5.8.      President. In the absence of the chairman of the board and the chief executive officer, the president shall preside over the meetings of the Trustees and of the shareholders at which he or she shall be present. The president shall report directly to the chairman of the board or, if so directed by the Trustees or the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer. In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the Trustees, the president shall be the chief executive officer and shall be ex officio a member of all committees that may, from time to time, be constituted by the Trustees. The president may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Trustees or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Trust or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Trustees from time to time. The position of president may be held by one or more persons, each of whom may be referred to as a president, co-president and/or as a member of the Office of the President created by the Board. Any and all such persons holding such position are authorized to use the titles president, co-president and Office of the President interchangeably. Where more than one person holds the position of president of the Trust, any action that is required or desired to be taken by the president of the Trust, pursuant to these Bylaws or otherwise, may be taken by any one of the persons holding that position, except to the extent otherwise provided by the Board.

Section 5.9.      Vice Presidents. In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there by more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president. Such vice president also shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the president or by the Trustees. The Trustees may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.

Section 5.10.      Controller. The controller shall have the custody of the funds and securities of the Trust and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Trust and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Trust in such depositories as may be designated by the Trustees. The controller shall disburse the funds of the Trust as may be ordered by the Trustees, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the chief executive officer and Trustees, at the regular meetings of the Trustees or whenever they may require it, an account of all his or her transactions as controller and of the financial condition of the Trust. If required by the Trustees,

 

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he or she shall give the Trust a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Trustees for the faithful performance of the duties of his or her office and for the restoration of the Trust, in case of his or her death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, all books, papers, vouchers, moneys and other property of whatever kind in his or her possession or under his or her control belonging to the Trust. Such controller also shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the president, the chief financial officer or the Trustees.

Section 5.11.    Secretary. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the shareholders, the Trustees and committees of the Trustees in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; (c) be custodian of the trust records and of the seal of the Trust; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each shareholder which shall be furnished to the Secretary by such shareholder; (e) have general charge of the share transfer books of the Trust; and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the chief executive officer, the president or by the Trustees.

Section 5.12.     Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Controllers. The assistant secretaries, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or by the controller, respectively, or by the president and assistant controllers or the Trustees. The assistant controllers shall, if required by the Trustees, give bonds for the faithful performance of their duties in such sums and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Trustees.

Section 5.13.      Compensation. The salaries of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Trustees and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he or she is also a Trustee.

ARTICLE VI

Contracts, Loans, Checks and Deposits

Section 6.1.       Contracts. The Trustees may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Trust and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document executed by one or more of the Trustees or by an authorized person shall be deemed valid and binding upon the Trustees and upon the Trust when so authorized or ratified by action of the Trustees.

Section 6.2.       Checks and Drafts. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Trust shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Trust and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Trustees.

Section 6.3.       Deposits. All funds of the Trust not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Trust in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Trustees may designate.

 

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ARTICLE VII

Shares of Beneficial Interest

Section 7.1.     Certificates. Every shareholder shall be entitled to a certificate or certificates which shall represent and certify the number of shares of each class of beneficial interest held by such shareholder in the Trust. Each certificate shall be signed by or in the name of the Trust by the chairman and the president or a vice president and countersigned by the secretary or an assistant secretary or the treasurer or an assistant treasurer and may be sealed with the seal, if any, of the Trust. The signatures may be either manual or facsimile. Certificates shall be consecutively numbered; and if the Trust shall, from time to time, issue several classes of shares, each class may have its own number series. A certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it is still an officer when it is issued. Each certificate representing shares which are restricted as to their transferability or voting powers, which are preferred or limited as to their dividends or as to their allocable portion of the assets upon liquidation or which are redeemable at the option of the Trust, shall have a statement of such restriction, limitation, preference or redemption provision, or a summary thereof, plainly stated on the certificate. In lieu of such statement or summary, the Trust may set forth upon the face or back of the certificate a statement that the Trust will furnish to any shareholder, upon request and without charge, a full statement of such information.

Section 7.2.       Transfers. Certificates shall be treated as negotiable, and title thereto and to the shares they represent shall be transferred by delivery thereof to the same extent as those of a Maryland stock corporation. No transfers of shares of the Trust shall be made if (i) void ab initio pursuant to any provision of the Declaration of Trust or (ii) the Board of Trustees, pursuant to any provision of the Declaration of Trust, shall have refused to permit the transfer of such shares. Permitted transfers of shares of the Trust shall be made on the share records of the Trust only upon the instruction of the registered holder thereof, or by its attorney thereunto authorized by power of attorney duly executed and filed with the Secretary or with a transfer agent or transfer clerk, and upon surrender of the certificate or certificates, if issued, for such shares properly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed share transfer power and the payment of all taxes thereon. Upon surrender to the Trust or the transfer agent of the Trust of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, as to any transfers not prohibited by any provision of the Declaration of Trust or by action of the Board of Trustees thereunder, it shall be the duty of the Trust to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.

Section 7.3.      Replacement Certificate. Any officer designated by the Trustees may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate previously issued by the Trust alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing the issuance of a new certificate, the officer designated by the Trustees may, in his or her own discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or the owner’s legal representative to advertise the same in such manner as he or she shall require and/or to give bond, with sufficient surety, to the Trust to indemnify it against any loss or claim which may arise as a result of the issuance of a new certificate.

 

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Section 7.4.       Closing of Transfer Books or Fixing of Record Date. The Trustees may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to made a determination of shareholders for any other purpose. Such date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than ninety (90) days and, in the case of a meeting of shareholders not less than ten (10) days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of shareholders of record is to be held or taken.

In lieu of fixing a record date, the Trustees may provide that the share transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not longer than twenty (20) days. If the share transfer books are closed for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten (10) days before the date of such meeting.

If no record date is fixed and the share transfer books are not closed for the determination of shareholders, (a) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall be at the close of business on the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed or the 30th day before the meeting, whichever is the closer date to the meeting; and (b) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any other rights shall be the close of business on the day on which the resolution of the Trustees, declaring the dividend or allotment of rights is adopted.

When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this Section 7.4, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof, except when (i) the determination has been made through the closing of the transfer books and the stated period of closing has expired or (ii) the meeting is adjourned to a date more than one hundred and twenty (120) days after the record date fixed for the original meeting, in either of which case a new record shall be determined as set forth herein.

Section 7.5.      Share Ledger. The Trust shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate share ledger containing the name and address of each shareholder and the number of shareholders of each class held by such shareholder.

Section 7.6.       Fractional Shares; Issuance of Units. Trustees may issue fractional shares or provide for the issuance of scrip, all on such terms and under such conditions as they may determine. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, the Trustees may issue units consisting of different securities of the Trust. Any security issued in a unit shall have the same characteristics as any identical securities issued by the Trust, except that the Trustees may provide that for a specified period securities of the Trust issued in such unit may be transferred on the books of the Trust only in such unit.

ARTICLE VIII

 

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Dividends

Section 8.1.       Authorization and Declaration. Dividends upon the shares of the Trust may be declared by the Trustees, subject to the provisions of law and the Declaration of Trust. Dividends may be paid in cash, property or shares of the Trust, subject to the provisions of law and the Declaration of Trust.

Section 8.2.       Contingencies. Before payment of any dividends, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Trust available for dividends such sum or sums as the Trustees may from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as the reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Trust or for such other purpose as the Trustees shall determine to be in the best interest of the Trust, and the Trustees may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

ARTICLE IX

Miscellaneous

Section 9.1. Right to Indemnification. The Trust shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by Maryland law, as applicable from time to time, all persons who at any time were or are trustees or officers of the Trust for any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) relating to any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity as a trustee or an officer. The Trust shall pay or reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred by a present or former trustee or officer of the Trust in connection with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) in which the present or former trustee or officer is a party, in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding, to the fullest extent permitted by, and in accordance with the applicable requirements of, Maryland law, as applicable from time to time. The Trust may indemnify any other persons permitted but not required to be indemnified by Maryland law, as applicable from time to time, if and to the extent indemnification is authorized and determined to be appropriate, in each case in accordance with applicable law, by the Board of Trustees, the majority of the shareholders of the Trust entitled to vote thereon or special legal counsel appointed by the Board of Trustees. No amendment of this amendment and restatement or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate any of the benefits provided to trustees and officers under this Section 9.1 in respect of any act or omission that occurred prior to such amendment or repeal.

Section 9.2.       Non-Exclusivity of Rights under this Article. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Declaration of Trust, Bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested Trustees or otherwise.

Section 9.3.      Insurance. The Trust may, but shall not be required to, purchase and maintain insurance on its own behalf or on behalf of any person who is or was a Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust, or is or was serving at the request of the Trust as a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another Trust, partnership, joint venture, trust or other

 

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enterprise against any expense, liability or loss asserted against him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such person against such expense, liability or loss under Maryland law.

 

Section 9.4.

Seal.

(a)          The Trust may have a seal which shall have the name of the Trust inscribed thereon and shall be in such form as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees. The Trustees may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.

(b)          Whenever the Trust is required to place its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word “(SEAL)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Trust.

Section 9.5.       Waiver of Notice. Whenever notice is required to be given by law, the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, a written waiver thereof, signed by the person entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Unless otherwise provided by the Declaration of Trust, neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the shareholders, Trustees or members of a committee of Trustees need be specified in any written waiver of notice.

Section 9.6.      Books and Records. The books and records of the Trust may be kept within or without the State of Maryland at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Trustees. Any records maintained by the Trust in the regular course of its business, including its share ledger, books of account and minute books, may be kept on, or be in the form of, punch cards, magnetic tape, photographs, microphotographs or any other information storage device provided that the records so kept can be converted into clearly legible form within a reasonable time. The Trust shall so convert any records so kept upon the request of any person entitled to inspect the same.

Section 9.7.      Amendment of Bylaws. The Board of Trustees shall have the exclusive power to amend or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to adopt new Bylaws; provided, however, that any amendment or repeal of this Section 9.7, Section 3.11 hereof or Section 3.15 hereof shall require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the shareholders entitled to vote thereon. All references to the Declaration of Trust shall include any amendments thereto.

 

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FIRST AMENDMENT

TO

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST  

 

Pursuant to a duly adopted resolution of the Board of Trustees of Prime Group Realty Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the “Trust”), the Trust’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) were amended as of July 1, 2005 as follows:

1.            By deleting the last sentence of Section 3.9 of the Bylaws.

 



 

 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT

TO

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

OF

PRIME GROUP REALTY TRUST  

 

Pursuant to a duly adopted resolution of the Board of Trustees of Prime Group Realty Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust (the “Trust”) (and the approval of the Trust’s sole common shareholder with respect to the amendments set forth below to Sections 3.15 and 9.7 of the Trust’s Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”)), the Bylaws were amended as of July 1, 2005 as follows:

 

1.

By substituting the following for Section 1.2 of the Bylaws:

Principal Office. The Trust also has a principal office located at 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 3900, Chicago, Illinois 60601, telephone number 312/917-1300.

 

2.

By substituting the following for Section 3.4 of the Bylaws:

Notice. Notice of any special meeting shall be given by written notice delivered personally, transmitted by facsimile, telegraphed or mailed to each Trustee at his or her business or residence address or by telephone, facsimile transmission, interactive technology, including by not limited to electronic transmission, electronic mail, Internet usage or remote communication, or as otherwise may be permitted in accordance with these Bylaws. Personally delivered, facsimile transmitted or telegraphed notices shall be given at least two (2) days prior to the meeting. Telephone or interactive technology notices shall be given at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. Notice by mail shall be given at least five (5) days prior to the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. If given by telegram, such notice shall be deemed to be given when the telegram is delivered to the telegraph company. Telephone notice shall be deemed given when the Trustee is personally given notice in a telephone call to which such Trustee personally is a party. Facsimile transmission shall be deemed given upon receipt by the sender of confirmation indicating receipt of the transaction. Interactive technology notices shall be deemed given upon delivery by the sender if delivered to the electronic address provided by the Trustee and on file with the Secretary. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Trustees need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.

 

 



 

 

 

3.

By substituting the following for Section 3.9 of the Bylaws:

Vacancies. If for any reason any or all of the Trustees cease to be Trustees, such event shall not terminate the Trust or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining Trustees hereunder (even if fewer than two Trustees remain). Any vacancy (including a vacancy created by an increase in the number of Trustees) shall be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of shareholders duly called, subject to the rights granted pursuant to Section 3.3.8 of the Declaration of Trust. Any individual so elected as Trustee shall hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualifies.

 

4.

By substituting the following for Section 3.15 of the Bylaws:

Number. The number of Trustees of the Trust shall be seven (7). Each Trustee shall hold office until the next succeeding annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at a meeting of shareholders duly called, the number of Trustees may be increased or decreased; provided, that the number thereof shall not be fewer than three (3) nor more than thirteen (13); provided further, that the tenure of office of a Trustee shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of Trustees; and provided further, that any limitation on the number of Trustees contained herein shall be subject to the rights granted pursuant to Section 3.3.8 of the Declaration of Trust.

 

 

5.

By substituting the following for Section 9.7 of the Bylaws:

 

Amendment of Bylaws. The common shareholders, by affirmative vote of a majority of all votes entitled to be cast, shall have the exclusive power to amend or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to adopt new Bylaws. All references in these Bylaws to the Declaration of Trust shall be deemed to include any amendments thereto.

 

 

 

- 20 -

 

 

 

EX-23 5 exhibit_231.htm EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We have issued our reports dated March 3, 2006, accompanying the consolidated financial statements and schedules, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the financial statements of Dearborn Center, L.L.C. included in the Annual Report of Prime Group Realty Trust on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statement of Prime Group Realty Trust on Form S-8 (File No. 33-67940).

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

Chicago, Illinois

March 13, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

EX-31 6 exhibit31-1.htm EXHIBIT 31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

I, Jeffrey A. Patterson, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Prime Group Realty Trust;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

 

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

b)

designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

 

d)

disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: March 15, 2006

 

 

/s/ Jeffrey A. Patterson                                

 

Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

EX-31 7 exhibit31-2.htm EXHIBIT 31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

I, Paul G. Del Vecchio, certify that:

 

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Prime Group Realty Trust;

 

 

2.

Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

 

 

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

 

 

4.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:

 

 

a)

designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

 

 

b)

designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

c)

evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

   

 

d)

disclosed in this annual report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

 

 

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

a)

all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

   

 

b)

any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: March 15, 2006

 

/s/ Paul G. Del Vecchio

Paul G. Del Vecchio

Senior Vice President—Capital Markets

 

 

 

 

 

EX-32 8 exhibit_321.htm EXHIBIT 32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

Certification Pursuant To

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Prime Group Realty Trust (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Jeffrey A. Patterson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material aspects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

/s/ Jeffrey A. Patterson

 

 

Jeffrey A. Patterson

President and Chief Executive Officer

March 15, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

EX-32 9 exhibit_32-2.htm EXHIBIT 32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

Certification Pursuant To

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 Of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

In connection with the Annual Report of Prime Group Realty Trust (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Paul G. Del Vecchio, Senior Vice President—Capital Markets of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

(1)   The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

(2)   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material aspects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

/s/ Paul G. Del Vecchio

 

 

Paul G. Del Vecchio

Senior Vice President—Capital Markets

March 15, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

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