-----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, W0URz2tNeLgpN7NMRXCYBmi+m3AgbwFqe2F6k8t1MutRCI6In9XrPHP8ZgPsndMu erXD64eHr1gyMSGGph5nxg== 0000921895-10-001059.txt : 20100702 0000921895-10-001059.hdr.sgml : 20100702 20100702173019 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000921895-10-001059 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20100702 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100702 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RiverSource LaSalle International Real Estate Fund, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001392577 IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-84519 FILM NUMBER: 10937065 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 50606 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CENTER STREET 2: H27/5228 CITY: MINNEAPOLIS STATE: MN ZIP: 55474 BUSINESS PHONE: 612-671-4321 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 50606 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL CENTER STREET 2: H27/5228 CITY: MINNEAPOLIS STATE: MN ZIP: 55474 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: Seligman LaSalle International Real Estate Fund, Inc. DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20070309 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WESTERN INVESTMENT LLC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001286207 IRS NUMBER: 870623442 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7050 S. UNION PARK CENTER, SUITE 590 CITY: MIDVALE STATE: UT ZIP: 84047 BUSINESS PHONE: 801-568-1400 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 7050 S. UNION PARK CENTER, SUITE 590 CITY: MIDVALE STATE: UT ZIP: 84047 SC 13D 1 sc13d06290048_06232010.htm SCHEDULE 13D sc13d06290048_06232010.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D
(Rule 13d-101)

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT
TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO
§ 240.13d-2(a)

(Amendment No.  )1

RiverSource LaSalle International Real Estate Fund, Inc.
(Name of Issuer)

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
(Title of Class of Securities)

76932W102
(CUSIP Number)
 
STEVEN WOLOSKY, ESQ.
OLSHAN GRUNDMAN FROME ROSENZWEIG & WOLOSKY LLP
Park Avenue Tower
65 East 55th Street
New York, New York 10022
(212) 451-2300
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

June 23, 2010
(Date of Event Which Requires Filing of This Statement)

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of §§ 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box ¨.

Note:  Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits.  See § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.


_______________
1              The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
 
 
 

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
WESTERN INVESTMENT LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
OO, WC
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
447,421
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
447,421
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
447,421
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
4.7%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO

 
2

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
ARTHUR D. LIPSON
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
OO
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
447,421
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
447,421
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
447,421
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
4.7%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
3

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
WESTERN INVESTMENT HEDGED PARTNERS L.P.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
185,999
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
185,999
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
185,999
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
2.0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN

 
4

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
WESTERN INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN PARTNERS L.P.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
154,446
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
154,446
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
154,446
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
1.6%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN

 
5

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
WESTERN INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN FUND LTD.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
CAYMAN ISLANDS
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
106,676
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
106,676
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
106,676
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
1.1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
CO

 
6

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
BENCHMARK PLUS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS, L.L.C.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
259,042
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
259,042
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
259,042
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
2.7%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO

 
7

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
BENCHMARK PLUS MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
OO
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
DELAWARE
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
259,042
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
259,042
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
259,042
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
2.7%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO

 
8

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
ROBERT FERGUSON
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
OO
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
259,042
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
259,042
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
259,042
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
2.7%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
9

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
SCOTT FRANZBLAU
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) o
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
OO
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
259,042
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
259,042
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
259,042
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
o
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
2.7%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN

 
10

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
The following constitutes the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (the “Schedule 13D”).
 
Item 1.
Security and Issuer.
 
This statement relates to shares of the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Shares”), of RiverSource LaSalle International Real Estate Fund, Inc. (the “Issuer”).  The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 734 Ameriprise Financial Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55474.
 
Item 2.                                Identity and Background.
 
(a)           This statement is filed by Western Investment LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“WILLC”), Western Investment Hedged Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“WIHP”), Western Investment Total Return Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“WITRP”), Western Investment Total Return Fund Ltd., a Cayman Islands corporation (“WITRL”), Arthur D. Lipson (together with WILLC, WIHP, WITRP and WITRL, the “Western Entities”), Benchmark Plus Institutional Partners, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (“BPIP”), Benchmark Plus Management, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (“BPM”), Scott Franzblau and Robert Ferguson (together with BPIP, BPM and Mr. Franzblau , the “Benchmark Entities”).  Each of the foregoing is referred to as a “Reporting Person” and collectively as the “Reporting Persons.”
 
WILLC provides recommendations from time to time to BPIP with respect to purchases and sales of Shares of the Issuer, pursuant to an oral agreement between WILLC and BPIP.
 
WILLC has sole voting and investment power over WIHP’s, WITRP’s and WITRL’s security holdings and Mr. Lipson, in his role as the managing member of WILLC, controls WILLC’s voting and investment decisions.  BPM is the managing member of BPIP, and Messrs. Franzblau and Ferguson, in their roles as managing members of BPM, have sole voting and investment control over BPIP’s security holdings.
 
Each of the Reporting Persons is party to that certain Joint Filing Agreement as further described in Item 6.  Accordingly, the Reporting Persons are hereby filing a joint Schedule 13D.
 
(b)           The principal business address of each of WILLC, WIHP, WITRP and Mr. Lipson is 7050 S. Union Park Center, Suite 590, Midvale, Utah 84047.  The principal business address of WITRL is c/o dms Management, P.O. Box 31910, dms House, 20 Genesis Close, Grand Cayman KY1-1208, Cayman Islands.  The officers and directors of WITRL and their principal occupations and business addresses are set forth on Schedule A and incorporated by reference in this Item 2.
 
The principal business address of each of BPIP, BPM, Mr. Franzblau and Mr. Ferguson is 820 A Street, Suite 700, Tacoma, Washington 98402.
 
(c)           The principal business of WILLC is acting as the investment manager of WITRL and the general partner of each of WIHP and WITRP.  The principal occupation of Mr. Lipson is acting as managing member of WILLC.  The principal business of each of WIHP, WITRP and WITRL is acquiring, holding and disposing of investments in various companies.
 
 
11

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
The principal business of BPIP is acquiring, holding and disposing of investments in various companies.  The principal business of BPM is acting as the managing member of BPIP.  The principal occupation of Mr. Ferguson is acting as a managing member of BPM.  The principal occupation of Mr. Franzblau is acting as a managing member of BPM.
 
(d)           No Reporting Person, nor any person listed on Schedule A annexed hereto, has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).
 
(e)           No Reporting Person, nor any person listed on Schedule A annexed hereto, has, during the last five years, been party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
 
(f)           Messrs. Lipson, Ferguson and Franzblau are citizens of the United States of America.
 
Item 3.
Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.
 
The aggregate purchase price of the 447,421 Shares beneficially owned by WILLC is approximately $3,262,699.  The Shares beneficially owned by WILLC consist of 300 Shares that were acquired with WILLC’s working capital, 185,999 Shares that were acquired with WIHP’s working capital, 154,446 Shares that were acquired with WITRP’s working capital and 106,676 Shares that were acquired with WITRL’s working capital.
 
The aggregate purchase price of the 259,042 Shares beneficially owned by BPM is approximately $1,851,619.  The Shares beneficially owned by BPM consist of 259,042 Shares that were acquired with BPIP’s working capital.
 
Item 4.
Purpose of Transaction.
 
The Reporting Persons purchased the Shares based on the Reporting Persons’ belief that the Shares, when purchased, were significantly undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity.  Depending upon overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, and the availability of Shares at prices that would make the purchase of additional Shares desirable, the Reporting Persons may endeavor to increase their position in the Issuer through, among other things, the purchase of Shares on the open market or in private transactions or otherwise, on such terms and at such times as the Reporting Persons may deem advisable.
 
No Reporting Person has any present plan or proposal which would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a) - (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D except as set forth in this Schedule 13D or such as would occur upon completion of any of the actions discussed herein.  The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis and engage in discussions with management, the Board of Directors of the Issuer (the “Board”) and other shareholders of the Issuer concerning the business, operations and future plans of the Issuer.  The Reporting Persons are concerned by, among other things, the persistent discount to net asset value at which the Shares have been trading and believe that the Issuer should take appropriate action to cause the discount to net as set value to be eliminated or reduced to a nominal amount.  The Reporting Persons are also concerned with the Issuer’s general record of poor corporate governance, including its classified board structure and absolute majority voting requirement for the election of directors in particular. The absolute majority voting standard requires that to be elected a nominee receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote.  The Reporting Persons believe that the Board’s failure to institute best practice corporate governance measures is indicative of a board that places management’s interests over those of its shareholders.
 
 
12

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
Depending on various factors including, without limitation, the Issuer’s financial position and investment strategy, the price levels and/or discount to net asset value of the Shares, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, the Reporting Persons may in the future take such actions with respect to their investment in the Issuer as they deem appropriate including, without limitation, making proposals concerning, among other things, changes to the management, the Board, capitalization, ownership structure or operations of the Issuer, purchasing additional Shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the Shares or changing their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in Item 4.
 
Item 5.
Interest in Securities of the Issuer.
 
(a)           The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 9,485,832 Shares outstanding, which is the total number of Shares outstanding as of February 12, 2010, as reported in the Issuer’s Definitive Proxy Statement, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2010.
 
As of the close of business on July 2, 2010, WIHP, WITRP and WITRL beneficially owned 185,999, 154,446 and 106,676 Shares, respectively, constituting approximately 2.0%, 1.6% and 1.1%, respectively, of the Shares outstanding.
 
As the general partner of each of WIHP, WITRP and the investment manager of WITRL, WILLC may be deemed to beneficially own the 447,121 Shares owned in the aggregate by WIHP, WITRP and WITRL, constituting approximately 4.7% of the Shares outstanding, in addition to the 300 Shares it holds directly.
 
As the managing member of WILLC, Mr. Lipson may be deemed to beneficially own the 447,421 Shares beneficially owned by WILLC, constituting approximately 4.7% of the Shares outstanding.
 
As of the close of business on July 2, 2010, BPIP beneficially owned 259,042 Shares, constituting approximately 2.7% of the Shares outstanding.  As the managing member of BPIP, BPM may be deemed to beneficially own the 259,042 Shares owned by BPIP, constituting approximately 2.7% of the Shares outstanding.  As managing members of BPM, each of Messrs. Franzblau and Ferguson may be deemed to beneficially own the 259,042 Shares beneficially owned by BPM, constituting approximately 2.7% of the Shares outstanding.
 
(b)           Each of WILLC and Mr. Lipson is deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the Shares reported as beneficially owned by the Western Entities by virtue of their respective positions as described in Item 2.
 
 
13

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
Each of BPM and Messrs. Franzblau and Ferguson is deemed to have sole voting and dispositive power over the Shares reported as beneficially owned by the Benchmark Entities by virtue of their respective positions as described in Item 2.
 
(c)           Schedule B annexed hereto lists all transactions in securities of the Issuer during the past sixty days by the Reporting Persons.  All of such transactions were effected in the open market, unless otherwise noted.
 
(d)           No person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the Shares.
 
 
(e)
Not applicable.
 
Item 6.
Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.
 
On July 2, 2010, WILLC, WIHP, WITRP, WITRL, BPIP, BPM and Messrs. Lipson, Franzblau and Ferguson entered into a Joint Filing Agreement (the “Joint Filing Agreement”) in which the parties agreed to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D with respect to the securities of the Issuer to the extent required by applicable law. The Joint Filing Agreement is attached as an exhibit hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
The Reporting Persons may, from time to time, enter into and dispose of cash-settled equity swaps or other similar derivative transactions with one or more counterparties that are based upon the value of the Shares, which transactions may be significant in amount. The profit, loss and/or return on such additional contracts may be wholly or partially dependent on the market value of the Shares, the relative value of such shares in comparison to one or more other financial instruments, indexes or securities, a basket or group of securities in which such shares may be included, or a combination of any of the foregoing.  The Reporting Persons may also, from time to time, enter into stock loan agreements with one or more counterparties in the ordinary course of business pursuant to which the Reporting Persons may lend their Share s subject to recall at their discretion.
 
Other than as otherwise described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships among the Reporting Persons, or between the Reporting Persons and any other person, with respect to the securities of the Issuer.
 
Item 7.
Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
 
 
99.1
Joint Filing Agreement by and among Western Investment LLC, Western Investment Hedged Partners L.P., Western Investment Total Return Partners L.P., Western Investment Total Return Fund Ltd., Arthur D. Lipson, Benchmark Plus Institutional Partners, L.L.C., Benchmark Plus Management, L.L.C., Robert Ferguson and Scott Franzblau, dated July 2, 2010.
 
 
14

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
SIGNATURES
 
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Dated: July 2, 2010
WESTERN INVESTMENT LLC
     
 
By:
/s/ Arthur D. Lipson
   
Name:
Arthur D. Lipson
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
WESTERN INVESTMENT HEDGED PARTNERS L.P.
     
 
By:
Western Investment LLC
   
General Partner
     
 
By:
/s/ Arthur D. Lipson
   
Name:
Arthur D. Lipson
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
WESTERN INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN PARTNERS L.P.
     
 
By:
Western Investment LLC
   
General Partner
     
 
By:
/s/ Arthur D. Lipson   
   
Name:
Arthur D. Lipson
   
Title:
Managing Member

 
WESTERN INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN FUND LTD.
     
 
By:
Western Investment LLC
   
Investment Manager
     
 
By:
/s/ Arthur D. Lipson   
   
Name:
Arthur D. Lipson
   
Title:
Managing Member
 
 
  /s/ Arthur D. Lipson   
 
ARTHUR D. LIPSON
 
 
15

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
 
BENCHMARK PLUS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS, L.L.C.
     
 
By:
Benchmark Plus Management, L.L.C.
   
Managing Member
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert Ferguson
   
Name:
Robert Ferguson
   
Title:
Managing Member
     
 
By:
/s/ Scott Franzblau
   
Name:
Scott Franzblau
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
BENCHMARK PLUS MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert Ferguson
   
Name:
Robert Ferguson
   
Title:
Managing Member
     
 
By:
/s/ Scott Franzblau
   
Name:
Scott Franzblau
   
Title:
Managing Member

 
  /s/ Robert Ferguson
 
ROBERT FERGUSON

 
  s/ Scott Franzblau
 
SCOTT FRANZBLAU
 
 
16

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102

SCHEDULE A
 
Directors and Officers of Western Investment Total Return Fund Ltd.

Name and Position
 
Principal Occupation
 
Principal Business Address
 
Citizenship
             
Don M. Seymour
Director
 
Businessperson
dms Management Ltd.
 
dms Management
P.O. Box 31910
dms House, 20 Genesis Close, Grand Cayman KY1-1208, Cayman Islands
 
Cayman Islands
             
David Bree
Director
 
Businessperson
dms Management Ltd.
 
dms Management
P.O. Box 31910
dms House, 20 Genesis Close, Grand Cayman KY1-1208, Cayman Islands
 
Cayman Islands
             
J.D. Clark & Co.
Secretary
 
Trust Company
 
2225 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, Utah 84401
 
United States
 
 
 

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
SCHEDULE B
 
Transactions in the Shares During the Past 60 Days
 
Date of
Purchase
Shares of Common Stock
Purchased
Price Per
Share ($)

WESTERN INVESTMENT HEDGED PARTNERS L.P.
 
5/3/2010
2,300
 
7.8511
5/5/2010
600
 
7.3885
5/5/2010
800
 
7.4188
5/6/2010
3,300
 
7.1005
5/7/2010
800
 
6.9488
5/10/2010
5,300
 
7.3839
5/10/2010
17,700
 
7.3875
5/11/2010
9,800
 
7.4302
5/12/2010
3,400
 
7.5188
5/13/2010
10,300
 
7.5822
5/14/2010
1,500
 
7.4485
5/17/2010
800
 
7.2521
5/19/2010
1,100
 
7.0304
5/20/2010
200
 
6.7785
5/21/2010
14,200
 
6.8614
5/24/2010
1,100
 
6.8531
5/25/2010
3,700
 
6.6348
5/26/2010
700
 
6.6085
5/27/2010
800
 
6.9552
5/28/2010
600
 
6.9630
6/1/2010
12,800
 
6.9775
6/2/2010
8,600
 
7.0364
6/3/2010
300
 
7.1385
6/4/2010
1,800
 
6.9925
 
 
 

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
6/7/2010
3,200
 
6.8761
6/10/2010
1,800
 
6.9654
6/11/2010
400
 
7.0856
6/14/2010
4,600
 
7.1447
6/15/2010
2,900
 
7.2374
6/17/2010
99
 
7.2585
7/1/2010
11,600
 
6.9508
7/2/2010 11,900   6.9711
 
WESTERN INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN PARTNERS L.P.
 
5/3/2010
2,300
 
7.8511
5/5/2010
700
 
7.3885
5/5/2010
700
 
7.4196
5/6/2010
3,300
 
7.1005
5/7/2010
800
 
6.9488
5/10/2010
5,100
 
7.3840
5/10/2010
17,200
 
7.3875
5/11/2010
9,800
 
7.4302
5/12/2010
3,400
 
7.5188
5/13/2010
10,300
 
7.5822
5/14/2010
1,500
 
7.4485
5/17/2010
800
 
7.2521
5/19/2010
1,100
 
7.0304
5/20/2010
200
 
6.7785
5/21/2010
14,200
 
6.8614
5/24/2010
1,100
 
6.8531
5/25/2010
3,700
 
6.6348
5/26/2010
700
 
6.6085
6/14/2010
4,600
 
7.1447
6/15/2010
3,000
 
7.2374
7/1/2010
11,600
 
6.9504
7/2/2010 11,870   6.9711
 
 
 

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
WESTERN INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN FUND LTD.
 
5/10/2010
5,100
 
7.3840
5/10/2010
17,200
 
7.3875
5/11/2010
9,800
 
7.4302
5/12/2010
3,500
 
7.5188
5/13/2010
10,200
 
7.5822
5/14/2010
1,600
 
7.4485
5/17/2010
900
 
7.2521
5/19/2010
1,000
 
7.0304
5/20/2010
100
 
6.7785
5/21/2010
14,300
 
6.8614
5/24/2010
1,157
 
6.8531
5/25/2010
3,611
 
6.6348
5/26/2010
600
 
6.6085
5/27/2010
702
 
6.9552
5/28/2010
500
 
6.9630
6/1/2010
12,854
 
6.9775
6/2/2010
8,700
 
7.0364
6/3/2010
300
 
7.1385
6/4/2010
1,700
 
6.9925
6/7/2010
3,152
 
6.8761
6/10/2010
1,800
 
6.9654
6/11/2010
300
 
7.0856
6/14/2010
4,600
 
7.1447
6/15/2010
2,900
 
7.2374
 
 
 

 
CUSIP NO. 76932W102
 
BENCHMARK PLUS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS, L.L.C.
 
6/18/2010
3,500
 
7.2734
6/18/2010
20,100*
 
7.2555
6/21/2010
6,600
 
7.3095
6/21/2010
20,100*
 
7.2855
6/22/2010
22,860
 
7.2816
6/23/2010
22,352
 
7.1978
6/24/2010
40,022
 
7.1613
6/25/2010
28,300
 
7.1629
6/28/2010
2,100
 
7.1826
6/28/2010
8,200
 
7.1712
6/29/2010
17,108
 
7.0559
6/29/2010
13,000
 
7.0208
6/30/2010
29,800
 
7.0250
7/1/2010
25,000
 
6.9508
 

 
_______________ 
* Shares were acquired in a cross-trade with Western Investment Institutional Partners LLC.
EX-99.1 2 ex991to13d06290048_06232010.htm JOINT FILING AGREEMENT ex991to13d06290048_06232010.htm
Exhibit 99.1
 
JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
 
In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the persons named below agree to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of a Statement on Schedule 13D, dated July 2, 2010 (including amendments thereto), with respect to the securities of RiverSource LaSalle International Real Estate Fund, Inc.  This Joint Filing Agreement shall be filed as an Exhibit to such Statement.
 
Dated: July 2, 2010
WESTERN INVESTMENT LLC
     
 
By:
/s/ Arthur D. Lipson
   
Name:
Arthur D. Lipson
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
WESTERN INVESTMENT HEDGED PARTNERS L.P.
     
 
By:
Western Investment LLC
   
General Partner
     
 
By:
/s/ Arthur D. Lipson
   
Name:
Arthur D. Lipson
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
WESTERN INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN PARTNERS L.P.
     
 
By:
Western Investment LLC
   
General Partner
     
 
By:
/s/ Arthur D. Lipson   
   
Name:
Arthur D. Lipson
   
Title:
Managing Member

 
WESTERN INVESTMENT TOTAL RETURN FUND LTD.
     
 
By:
Western Investment LLC
   
Investment Manager
     
 
By:
/s/ Arthur D. Lipson   
   
Name:
Arthur D. Lipson
   
Title:
Managing Member
 
 
  /s/ Arthur D. Lipson   
 
ARTHUR D. LIPSON
 
 
 

 
 
 
BENCHMARK PLUS INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS, L.L.C.
     
 
By:
Benchmark Plus Management, L.L.C.
   
Managing Member
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert Ferguson
   
Name:
Robert Ferguson
   
Title:
Managing Member
     
 
By:
/s/ Scott Franzblau
   
Name:
Scott Franzblau
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
BENCHMARK PLUS MANAGEMENT, L.L.C.
     
 
By:
/s/ Robert Ferguson
   
Name:
Robert Ferguson
   
Title:
Managing Member
     
 
By:
/s/ Scott Franzblau
   
Name:
Scott Franzblau
   
Title:
Managing Member

 
  /s/ Robert Ferguson
 
ROBERT FERGUSON

 
  s/ Scott Franzblau
 
SCOTT FRANZBLAU
 
 
 
 
 
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