10-K 1 empire10kbbbb.htm

FORM 10-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006

[ ] 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 0-827

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York 13-6084254

State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization Identification No.)

60 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10165

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 687-8700

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

None

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

$33,000,000 of Participations in LLC Member Interests

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 reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes [ ] No [ X ] .

The aggregate market of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant: Not applicable, but see Items 5 and 10 of this report.

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 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. ___

PART I

 

Item 1. Business.

(a) General

Registrant was originally organized on July 11, 1961 as a general partnership. On October 1, 2001, Registrant converted from a general partnership to a limited liability company under New York law and is now known as Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. The conversion does not change any aspect of the assets and operations of Registrant other than to protect its investors from any future liability to a third party. Through April 16, 2002, Registrant owned the tenant's interest in a master operating leasehold (the "Master Lease") on the Empire State Building (the "Building"), located at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York. On April 17, 2002, Registrant acquired, through a wholly-owned limited liability company (Empire State Land Associates L.L.C.), the fee title to the Building, and the land thereunder (the "Land") (together, the "Real Estate"), at a price of $57,500,000, and obtained a $60,500,000 first mortgage with North Fork Bank (the "Mortgage") to finance the acquisition and certain related costs. The initial term of the Master Lease expired on January 5, 1992. On January 30, 1989, Registrant exercised its first of four 21-year renewal options contained in the Master Lease and extended the Master Lease through January 5, 2013.

Registrant does not operate the Real Estate. It subleases the Real Estate to Empire State Building Company L.L.C. (the "Sublessee") pursuant to a net operating sublease (the "Sublease") with a term and renewal options essentially coextensive with those contained in the Master Lease. On January 30, 1989, Sublessee elected to renew the Sublease for a term commencing January 4, 1992 to January 4, 2013.

Registrant's members are Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. (collectively, the "Agents"), each of whom also acts as an agent for holders of participations in his respective member interest in Registrant (the "Participants").

Sublessee is a New York limited liability company in which Peter L. Malkin is a member and entities for Peter L. Malkin's family members are beneficial owners. All of the members in Registrant hold senior positions at Wien & Malkin LLC (the "Supervisor"), 60 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, which provides supervisory and other services to Registrant and to Sublessee. See Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 hereof for a description of the ongoing services rendered by, and compensation paid to, Supervisor and for a discussion of certain relationships which may pose potential conflicts of interest among Registrant, Sublessee and certain of their respective affiliates.

As of December 31, 2006, the Building was 84% occupied by approximately 695 tenants who engage in various businesses, including the Boy Scouts, the YMCA, the practice of law and accounting, ladies' and men's apparel, and ladies' and men's shoes. Registrant does not maintain a full-time staff. See Item 2 hereof for additional information concerning the Real Estate.

 

(b) The Lease and Sublease

The annual rent payable by Registrant to its subsidiary under the Master Lease is $1,970,000 from January 5, 1992 through January 5, 2013 and $1,723,750 annually during the term of each renewal period thereafter.

Sublessee is required to pay annual basic rent (the "Basic Rent") equal to $6,018,750 from January 1, 1992 through January 4, 2013, and $5,895,625 from January 5, 2013 through the expiration of all renewal terms. See Item 2. Sublessee is also required to pay Registrant additional rent of 50% of Sublessee's net operating profit, as defined in the Sublease, in excess of $1,000,000 for each lease year ending December 31 ("Additional Rent").

Additional Rent income is recognized when earned from the Sublessee, at the close of the year ending December 31; such income is not determinable until the Sublessee, pursuant to the Sublease, provides the Registrant with an audit report from a certified public accountant on the Sublessee's operation of the Real Estate. The Sublease requires that this report be delivered to Registrant annually within 60 days after the end of each such fiscal year. Accordingly, all Additional Rent income and certain supervisory services expense are reflected in the fourth quarter of each year. The Sublease does not provide for the Sublessee to render interim reports to Registrant. See Note 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements filed under Item 8 hereof (the "Notes") regarding Additional Rent payments by Sublessee for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. There was Additional Rent of $18,791,329 for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

(c) Competition

Pursuant to tenant space leases at the Building, the average annual base rental payable to Sublessee is approximately $34 per square foot (exclusive of electricity charges and escalation). The asking rents for the building range from $42 to $52 per square foot.

(d) Tenant Leases

Sublessee operates the Building free from any federal, state or local government restrictions involving rent control or other similar rent regulations which may be imposed upon residential real estate in Manhattan. Any increase or decrease in the amount of rent payable by a tenant is governed by the provisions of the tenant's lease.

 

Item 2. Property.

On April 17, 2002, Registrant acquired, through a wholly owned limited liability company (Empire State Land Associates L.L.C.), the fee title to the Building, and the land thereunder, at a price of $57,500,000, and obtained a $60,500,000 first mortgage with North Fork Bank to finance the acquisition and certain related costs. The Building, erected in 1931 and containing 102 stories, a concourse and a lower lobby, occupies the entire blockfront from 33rd Street to 34th Street on Fifth Avenue. The Building has 72 passenger elevators and 4 freight elevators and is equipped with air conditioning and individual air handling units. The Building is subleased to Sublessee under the Sublease which expires on January 4, 2013 and contains three 21-year renewal options. See Item 1 hereof for a description of the terms of the Lease and Sublease.

The Real Estate was originally carried in the financial statements at a total cost of $60,484,389, consisting of $57,500,000 for the purchase price paid to the seller, $752,022 for acquisition costs, and $2,232,367 representing the unamortized balance of the cost of the Master Lease on the date the Real Estate was acquired. The cost of the Land was estimated to be 35.63% of the total cost of the Real Estate, and the Building, 64.37%. Under the terms of the contract of sale, the deed contains language to avoid the merger of the fee estate and the leasehold, although on a consolidated financial statement basis the Registrant incurred no leasehold rent expense after acquiring the Real Estate.

The mortgage matures on May 1, 2012. Monthly payments under the mortgage are interest only at a fixed annual rate of 6.5% through maturity. Payments commenced on June 1, 2002, except that short-term interest from the closing until April 30, 2002 was due on May 1, 2002. The mortgage may be prepaid at any time after 24 months with the payment of a premium equal to the greater of (a) 1% of the amount prepaid and (b) an amount calculated pursuant to a prepayment formula designed to preserve the bank's yield to maturity. The mortgage loan is secured by a lien on the Real Estate and Registrant's leasehold estate under the Master Lease of the Real Estate.

Restricted cash at December 31, 2006 includes an interest-bearing account held at North Fork Bank pursuant to the terms of the Mortgage, to be used monthly to satisfy a portion ($166,167) of Registrant's mortgage interest obligation. On March 28, 2007, Registrant deposited an additional $2,000,000 into this restricted account under the same conditions and will continue to do so annually hereafter.

The Building is being depreciated on a straight-line basis using an estimated life of 39 years from April 17, 2002. Mortgage financing costs, totaling $1,796,287, are being amortized ratably over the term of the mortgage.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

The Property of Registrant was the subject of the following material litigation:

Wien & Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, a member in Registrant, were engaged in a proceeding with Sublessee's former managing agent, Helmsley-Spear, Inc. commenced in 1997, concerning the management, leasing, and supervision of the property that is subject to the Lease to Sublessee. In this connection, certain costs for legal and professional fees and other expenses have been paid and incurred by Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin, and certain costs for filings to terminate such proceeding may be incurred in the future. Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin have represented that such costs will be recovered only to the extent that (a) a competent tribunal authorizes payment or (b) an investor voluntarily agrees that his or her proportionate share be paid. Accordingly, Registrant's allocable share of such costs is as yet undetermined, and Registrant has not provided for the expense and related liability with respect to such costs in its consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. As a result of the August 29, 2006 settlement agreement which included termination of this proceeding, Registrant will not recognize any gains or losses from this proceeding other than the possible charges for the aforementioned fees and expenses.

The August 29, 2006 settlement agreement terminated Helmsley-Spear, Inc. as managing and leasing agent at the property as of August 30, 2006. CB Richard Ellis has been engaged as the new leasing agent, and Sublessee self-manages the property. The $1,834,000 portion of the contract settlement payment funded from Sublessee's reserves has been deducted as an expense in computing Additional Rent income for 2006, so that Registrant has effectively borne one-half of Sublessee's contract settlement payment expense, or $917,000.

In January 1998, Irving Schneider, who is one of the controlling principals of Helmsley-Spear, has no record or beneficial interest in Sublessee and was a Participant in Registrant, brought litigation against Sublessee's supervisor, Wien & Malkin, and member, Peter L. Malkin, claiming misconduct and seeking damages and disqualification from performing services for Sublessee. In March 2002, the court dismissed Mr. Schneider's claims. Although Mr. Schneider thereafter appealed the dismissal, the claim was withdrawn prior to 2006 and is no longer pending.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Participants.

No matters were submitted to the Participants during the period covered by this report.

 

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Security Holder Matters.

Registrant was originally organized as a general partnership pursuant to a partnership agreement dated as of July 11, 1961. On October 1, 2001, Registrant converted from a general partnership to a limited liability company under New York law.

Registrant has not issued any common stock. The securities registered by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, consist of participations in the Members' interests in Registrant (the "Participations") and are not shares of common stock nor their equivalent. The Participations represent each Participant's fractional share in a Member's undivided interest in Registrant and are divided approximately equally among the Members. A full unit of the Participations was offered originally at a purchase price of $10,000; fractional

units were also offered at proportionate purchase prices. Registrant has not repurchased Participations in the past and is not likely to change that policy in the future.

    1. The Participations are neither traded on an established securities market nor are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. Based on Registrant's transfer records, Participations are sold by the holders thereof from time to time in privately negotiated transactions and, in many instances, Registrant is not aware of the prices at which such transactions occur. During the past year there were 179 transfers. In one instance, the indicated purchase price was equal to 10 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In three instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 6.97 times the face amount of the Participation transferred, i.e., $34,833 for a $5,000 Participation. In two instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 5.26 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In one instance, the indicated purchase price was equal to 4.31 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In eleven instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 4 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In three instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 3.9 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In four instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 2.45 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In one instance, the indicated purchase price was equal to 1.5 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In all other cases, no consideration was indicated.

      Tender offers for Participations have been commenced by unrelated third parties during 2006 and early 2007 all of which have expired at the date of this filing, in each case at prices ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 for an original $10,000 Participation. A small number of Participation(s) aggregating less than 0.1% of total Participations were reportedly tendered.

    2. As of December 31, 2006, there were 2,764 holders of Participations of record.

    3. Registrant does not pay dividends. During the year ended December 31, 2006, Registrant made regular monthly distributions of $98.21 for each $10,000 Participation. There was Additional Rent of $18,791,329 for the year ended December 31, 2006 which enabled Registrant to make an additional distribution for each $10,000 Participation of $4,589 on March 5, 2007. See Item 1 hereof. There are no restrictions on Registrant's present or future ability to make distributions; however, the amount of such distributions, particularly distributions of Additional Rent, depends solely on Sublessee's ability to make payments of Basic Rent and Additional Rent to Registrant. See Item 1 hereof. Registrant expects to make monthly distributions in the future so long as it receives the payments provided under the Sublease. See Item 7 hereof.

 

[SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA]

Item 6.

Item 6.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(Unaudited)

The following table presents selected financial data of the Registrant for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2006. This information is unaudited and has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or from audited consolidated financial statements included in Annual Reports on Form 10-K previously filed by the Registrant. This data should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Year ended December 31

 

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Basic rent income

$ 6,018,750

$ 6,018,750

$ 6,018,750

$ 6,018,750

$ 6,018,750

 

Additional rent income

18,791,329

16,324,979

9,469,543

6,802,295

14,476,008

 

Dividend and interest income

339,334

158,209

61,322

70,481

152,081

 

Miscellaneous

978

-

-

-

-

 
 

Total revenues

$25,150,391

$22,501,938

$15,549,615

$12,891,526

$20,646,839

Net income

$18,813,909

$16,308,881

$ 9,761,227

$7,247,765

$15,397,298

Earnings per $10,000

participation unit,

based on 3,300

participation units

outstanding during the year

 

 

 

 

$5,701

 

 

 

 

$ 4,942

 

 

 

 

$ 2,958

 

 

 

 

$ 2,196

 

 

 

 

$ 4,666

Total assets

$81,491,531

$80,063,503

$73,446,834

$72,185,694

$80,521,663

Long-term obligations

$60,500,000

$60,500,000

 

$60,500,000

$60,500,000

$60,500,000

Distributions per $10,000

participation unit, based on

3,300 participation units

outstanding during the year:

 

Income

$5,298

$3,318

$ 2,524

$ 2,196

$ 4,666

 

Return of capital

-0-

-0-

-0-

2,394

3,513

 

Total distributions

$5,298

$3,318

$ 2,524

$ 4,590

$ 8,179

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

Item 6a.

 

The following table presents the Registrant's unaudited operating results for each of the eight fiscal quarters in the period ended December 31, 2006. The information for each of these quarters is unaudited and has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments, which consist only of normal and recurring accruals, have been included to present fairly the unaudited quarterly results. This data should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto of the Registrant included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Three Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

September 30,

December 31,

Consolidated Income Data:

2006

2006

2006

2006

       

Basic rent income

$1,504,687

$1,504,688

$1,504,687

$ 1,504,687

Additional rent income

-

-

-

18,791,329

Dividend and interest income

143,681

64,465

64,433

66,755

Miscellaneous income

-

-

978

-

Total revenues

1,648,368

1,569,153

1,570,098

20,362,771

         

Interest on mortgage

983,125

994,049

1,004,973

1,004,971

Supervisory services

39,854

39,854

39,855

1,006,494

Depreciation of building

249,566

249,566

249,565

249,565

Amortization of financing costs

44,907

44,907

44,907

44,908

Professional fees and miscellaneous

615

(81)

44,605

275

Total expenses

1,318,067

1,328,295

1,383,905

2,306,213

Net income

$ 330,301

$ 240,858

$ 186,193

$ 18,056,558

         

Earnings per $10,000 participation unit, based on 3,300 participation units outstanding during each period

 

 

$ 100

 

 

 

$ 73

 

 

$ 56

 

 

$ 5,472

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Item 6a.

Three Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

September 30,

December 31,

Consolidated Income Data:

2005

2005

2005

2005

Basic rent income

$1,504,687

$1,504,688

$1,504,688

$1,504,687

Additional rent income

-

-

-

16,324,979

Dividend and interest income

52,695

28,920

33,506

43,088

Total revenues

1,557,382

1,533,608

1,538,194

17,872,754

         

Interest on mortgage

983,125

994,048

1,004,973

1,004,971

Supervisory services

39,854

39,854

39,855

907,645

Depreciation of building

249,566

249,566

249,566

249,564

Amortization of financing costs

44,907

44,907

44,907

44,908

Professional fees and miscellaneous

660

345

(360)

195

Total expenses

1,318,112

1,328,721

1,338,941

2,207,283

Net income

$ 239,270

$ 204,887

$ 199,253

$15,665,471

         

Earnings per $10,000 participation unit, based on 3,300 participation units outstanding during each period

 

 

$ 73

 

 

$ 62

 

 

$ 60

 

 

$ 4,747

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward Looking Statements

Readers of this discussion are advised that the discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Registrant (including related notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain statements in this discussion may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect Registrant's current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of Registrant, and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Registrant has tried, wherever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" or words of similar meaning.

Although Registrant believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic and business conditions, which will, among other things, affect demand for rental space, the availability of prospective tenants, lease rents and the availability of financing; adverse changes in Registrant's real estate market, including, among other things, competition with other real estate owners, risks of real estate development and acquisitions; governmental actions and initiatives; and environmental/safety requirements.

 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued disclosure guidance for "Critical Accounting Policies." The SEC defines Critical Accounting guidance for Critical Accounting Policies as those that require the application of management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.

Registrant's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon Registrant's consolidated financial statements, the preparation of which takes into account estimates based on judgments and assumptions that affect certain amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. The accounting policies and estimates used and outlined in Note 2 to Registrant's consolidated financial statements, which are presented elsewhere in this annual report, have been applied consistently as at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004. Registrant believes that the following accounting policies or estimates require the application of management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments:

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets: Registrant periodically assesses the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their

 

 

carrying amount may not be recoverable. When Registrant determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may be impaired, the measurement of any impairment is based on a projected discounted cash flows method determined by Registrant's management. While Resistrant believes its discounted cash flow methods are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such cash flows may significantly affect the measurement of impairment.

Revenue Recognition: Basic Rent and Additional Rent, which is based on the Sublessee's annual net income as defined in the Sublease, are recognized when earned. Before Registrant can recognize revenue, it is required to assess, among other things, its collectibility. If Registrant incorrectly determines the collectability of revenue, its net income and assets could be overstated.

 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

At the time of its organization, Registrant acquired the Master Lease of the Property subject to the Sublease. Basic Rent received by Registrant was used to pay annual rent due under the Master Lease and the Basic Payment and a portion of the additional payment to Supervisor; and the balance of such Basic Rent was distributed to the Participants. Currently, Basic Rent received by Registrant is used to pay the Basic Payment and a portion of the additional payment to Supervisor and a portion of debt service on the new mortgage; and the balance of such Basic Rent is distributed to the Participants. Additional Rent and any interest and dividends accumulated thereon are distributed to the Participants after the additional payment to Supervisor. Pursuant to the Sublease, Sublessee has assumed responsibility for the condition, operation, repair, maintenance and management of the Property. Registrant is not required to maintain liquid assets to defray any operating expenses of the Property.

The supervisory services provided to Registrant by Supervisor include, but are not limited to, providing or coordinating counsel services to Registrant, maintaining all of its entity and Participant records, performing physical inspections of the Building, reviewing insurance coverage, conducting annual supervisory review meetings, receipt of monthly rent from Sublessee, payment of monthly and additional distributions to the Participants, payment of all other disbursements, confirmation of the payment of real estate taxes, active review of financial statements submitted to Registrant by Sublessee and financial statements audited by and tax information prepared by Registrant's independent registered public accounting firm, and distribution of related materials to the Participants. Supervisor also prepares quarterly, annual and other periodic filings with the SEC and applicable state authorities.

Registrant pays Supervisor for other services at hourly rates.

Registrant's results of operations are affected primarily by the amount of rent payable to it under the Sublease. The amount of Additional Rent payable to Registrant is affected by the New York City economy and real estate rental and tourist attraction markets, which are difficult for management to forecast.

As compared with the prior year, a decrease in Additional Rent earned in any year reduces the distributions made to the Participants in the following year and the expenditure for supervisory services. Reductions in the amount of Additional Rent paid to Registrant in the future will not have any other impact on Registrant. See paragraph 1 of Item 7 hereof and Notes 2 and 3 of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The following summarizes the material factors affecting Registrant's results of operations for the three preceding years:

(a) Total revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005. Such increase was the result of an increase in Additional Rent received by Registrant in 2006 and an increase in dividend and interest income earned as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005. Total revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2005 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2004. Such increase was the result of an increase in Additional Rent in the year 2005 and an increase in dividend and interest income earned as compared with the year ended December 31, 2004. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(b) Total expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005. Such increase is the result of an increase in the additional payment to Supervisor and an increase in professional fees and miscellaneous expenses as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005. Total expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2005 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2004. Such increase is the net result of a decrease in interest expense on the mortgage and a decrease in professional fees and an increase in the additional payment to Supervisor as compared with the year ended December 31, 2004.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Registrant's liquidity has not significantly changed for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005. Registrant may from time to time set aside cash for contingent liabilities.

No amortization payments are due under the Mortgage to reduce the outstanding

principal balance prior to maturity. Furthermore, Registrant does not maintain any reserve to cover the principal payment of such Mortgage indebtedness at maturity. Therefore, repayment of the Mortgage will depend on Registrant's ability to arrange a refinancing. If the Real Estate continues to generate an annual net profit in future years comparable to that in past years, and if current real estate trends continue in the geographic area in which the Real Estate is located, Registrant anticipates that the value of the Real Estate would be sufficient to cover the Mortgage balance at maturity.

Registrant anticipates that funds for working capital for the Real Estate will be provided from rental payments received by Sublessee, which entity is required to make payments of Basic Rent and Additional Rent under the Sublease and, to the extent necessary, from additional capital investment by the Members of the Sublessee and/or external financing. Registrant has no requirement to maintain substantial reserves to defray any operating expenses of the Real Estate.

Inflation

Inflationary trends in the economy do not directly impact Registrant's operations. As noted above, Registrant does not actively engage in the operation of the Real Estate. Inflation may impact the operations of the Sublessee. The Sublessee is required to pay the Basic Rent regardless of the results of its operations. Inflation and other operating factors affect the amount of Additional Rent payable by the Sublessee, which is based on the Sublessee's net operating profit.

 

Other Information

The Sublessee is to maintain the Building as a high-class office building as required by the terms of the Sublease.

Based on Sublessee's review of the need for upgrades and improvements to the Real Estate, Sublessee had incurred improvement costs of approximately $6,235,000 during 2006. Sublessee is currently reviewing the cost of all projects budgeted in 2007 and thereafter.

The Sublessee anticipates that the costs of improvements or debt service on funds borrowed for improvements will reduce Additional Rent during the year 2007 but should have no effect on the payment of Basic Rent.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The consolidated financial statements of the Registrant as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 and the financial statements of the Sublessee as of and for the year ended December 31, 2006 are included in this annual report immediately following Exhibit 32.2 or will be included by amendment.

Item 9. Disagreements on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

Not applicable.

 

Item 9a. Controls and Procedures.

    1. Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The person who functions in the capacity of Registrant's chief executive officer and Registrant's chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of Registrant's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of December 31, 2006, the end of the period covered by this report, has concluded that as of that date that Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that material information relating to Registrant would be made known to him by others within those entities on a timely basis.

    2. Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There were no changes in Registrant's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, the Registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant.

Registrant has no directors or officers or any other centralization of management. There is no specific term of office for any Agent. The table below sets forth as to each Member as of December 31, 2006 the following: name, age, nature of any family relationship with any other Agent, business experience during the past five years and principal occupation and employment during such period, including the name and principal business of any corporation or any organization in which such occupation and employment was carried on and the date such individual became an Agent:

 

 

 

Name

 

 

Age

Nature of Family Relationship

 

Business Experience

Principal Occupation and Employment

Date Individual became an agent

Peter L. Malkin

73

Father of Anthony E. Malkin

Real Estate Supervision

Senior Member and Chairman, Wien & Malkin LLC

1961

Anthony E. Malkin

44

Son of Peter L. Malkin

Real Estate Supervision and Management

President,

Wien & Malkin LLC, and W&M Properties, L.L.C.

2001

Thomas N. Keltner, Jr.

60

None

Real Estate Supervision

Member,

Wien & Malkin LLC

1998

As stated above, all three Members who are acting as Agents for Participants hold senior positions at Supervisor. See Items 1, 11, 12 and 13 hereof for a description of the services rendered by, and the compensation paid to, Supervisor and for a discussion of certain relationships which may pose actual or potential conflicts of interest among Registrant, Sublessee and certain of their respective affiliates.

The names of entities which have a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or are subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of that Act and in which any Member is a director, member or general partner are as follows:

Peter L. Malkin is a member in 250 West 57th St. Associates L.L.C. and 60 East 42nd St. Associates L.L.C.

Anthony E. Malkin is a member in 250 West 57th St. Associates L.L.C. and 60 East 42nd St. Associates L.L.C.

Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. is a member in 60 East 42nd St. Associates L.L.C.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

As stated in Item 10 hereof, Registrant has no directors or officers or any other centralization of management.

Registrant's organizational documents do not provide for a board of directors or officers. As described in the Report, Registrant is a limited liability company which is supervised by Wien & Malkin LLC. No remuneration was paid during the current fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 by Registrant to any of the Agents as such. Registrant pays Supervisor, for supervisory services and disbursements, fees of $159,417 per annum. Supervisor also receives an additional payment equal to 6% of Additional Rent and dividend income distributed by Registrant to the Participants. Pursuant to such arrangements described herein, Registrant incurred supervisory fees during 2006 totaling $1,126,057 (consisting of $159,417 as an annual basic fee for supervisory services and $966,640 as an additional payment). For tax purposes, such additional payment is recognized as a profits interest and the Supervisor is treated as a partner, all without modifying each Participant's distributive share of reportable income and cash distributions. See Item 7 hereof. As noted in Items 1 and 10 of this report, all of the Agents hold senior positions at Supervisor.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

and Management.

    1. Registrant has no voting securities. See Item 5 hereof. At December 31, 2006, no person owned of record or was known by Registrant to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Participations.

    2. At December 31, 2006, the Members (see Item 10 hereof) beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, the following Participations:

       

       

     

    Title of Class

    Name & Address of Benefical Owners

    Amount of Beneficial Ownership

    Percent of Class

    Participations in Member Interest

    Anthony E. Malkin

    60 East 42nd Street

    New York, N.Y. 10165

     

    $23,333

     

    .07071%

    Thomas N. Keltner, Jr.

    60 East 42nd Street

    New York, N.Y. 10165

     

    $6,667

     

    .02020%

     

     

    At such date, certain of the Members (or their respective spouses) held additional Participations as follows:

    Peter L. Malkin owned of record as trustee or co-trustee but not beneficially, $516,667 of Participations. Mr. Malkin disclaims any beneficial ownership of such Participations.

    Entities for the benefit of members of Peter L. Malkin's family owned of record and beneficially $675,691 of Participations. Peter L. Malkin disclaims any beneficial ownership of such Participations, except that related family trusts and entities are required to complete scheduled payments to Peter L. Malkin.

    Anthony E. Malkin owned of record as trustee or co-trustee but not beneficially, $35,833 of Participations. Anthony E. Malkin disclaims any beneficial ownership of such Participations.

  1. Not applicable.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

(a) As stated in Item 1 hereof, Mr. Peter L. Malkin, Mr. Anthony E. Malkin and Mr. Keltner are the three Members in Registrant and also act as agents for the Participants in their respective member interests. Peter L. Malkin is also a member in Sublessee. As a consequence of one of the three Members being a member in Sublessee, and all of the Members holding senior positions at Supervisor (which supervises Registrant and Sublessee), certain actual and potential conflicts of interest may arise with respect to the management and administration of the business of Registrant. However, under the respective participating agreements pursuant to which the Members act as agents for the Participants, certain transactions require the prior consent from Participants owning a specified interest under the agreement in order for the Agents to act on their behalf. Such transactions, among others, include modifications and extensions of the Sublease or Mortgage, or a sale or other disposition of the Property or substantially all of Registrant's assets.

Reference is made to Items 1 and 2 hereof for a description of the terms of the Sublease between Registrant and Sublessee. The respective interests of the Members in Registrant and in Sublessee arise solely from ownership of their respective Participations in Registrant and, in the case of Peter L. Malkin, his family entities' ownership of member interests in Sublessee. The Members as such receive no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis with all other Participants in Registrant or members in Sublessee. However, all of the Members hold senior positions at Supervisor (which supervises Registrant and Sublessee) and, by reason of their position at Supervisor, may receive income attributable to supervisory or other remuneration paid by Registrant to Supervisor and Sublessee. See Item 11 hereof for a description of the remuneration arrangements between Registrant and Supervisor relating to supervisory services provided by Supervisor.

Reference is also made to Items 1 and 10 hereof for a description of the relationship between Registrant and Supervisor, of which all of the Agents are among the Members. The respective interest of the Members in any remuneration paid by Registrant to Supervisor arise solely from such member's interest in Supervisor. See Item 11 hereof for a description of the remuneration arrangements between Registrant and Supervisor relating to supervisory services provided by Supervisor.

(b) Reference is made to Paragraph (a) above.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) Not applicable.

 

 

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The fees paid by Registrant and Wien & Malkin LLC, the Supervisor of Registrant, to J.H. Cohn LLP for professional services for the years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 were as follows:

Fee Category

2006

2005

Audit Fees

$50,800

$46,250

Audit-Related Fees

4,200

9,500

Tax Fees

6,000

6,000

All Other Fees

0

0

     

Total Fees

$61,000

$61,750

 

Audit Fees. Consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of Registrant's consolidated financial statements and review of the interim financial statements included in quarterly 10-Q reports.

Audit-Related Fees. Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of Registrant's consolidated financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees." In 2006, these services include accounting consultation, review of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements as they pertain to Registrant, and other audit-related services.

Tax Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and preparation of tax returns.

POLICY ON AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL OF AUDIT SERVICES

AND PERMISSIBLE NON-AUDIT SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Registrant has no audit committee as such. Registrant's policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent public accountants. These services may include audit services, audit related services, tax services and other services. For audit services, the independent auditor provides an engagement letter in advance of the services outlining the scope of the audit and related audit fees. If agreed by Registrant, this engagement letter is formally accepted by Registrant.

For all services, Registrant's supervisory management staff submits from time to time to the Agents of Registrant for approval services that it recommends the Registrant engage the independent auditor to provide. In addition, the Agents of Registrant pre-approve specific non-audit services that the independent auditor is authorized to provide. All fee proposals for those non-audit services must be pre-approved in writing by a senior executive of the Supervisor. The Agents of Registrant are informed routinely by the independent auditor pursuant to this pre-approved process.

 

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) Financial Statements

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

The consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule of the Registrant and the financial statements of the Sublessee required in this annual report are listed in the respective indexes to those financial statements and financial statement schedule of the Registrant and the Sublessee included immediately following Exhibit 32.2 or to be included by amendment.

(3) Exhibits: See Exhibit Index.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

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

The individual signing this report on behalf of Registrant is Attorney-in-Fact for Registrant and each of the Members in Registrant, pursuant to Powers of Attorney, dated October 13, 2003 (collectively, the "Power").

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(Registrant)

 

 

By /s/ Mark Labell

Mark Labell, Attorney-in-Fact

 

Date: May 17, 2007

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following person as Attorney-in-Fact for each of the Members in Registrant, pursuant to the Power, on behalf of Registrant and as a Member in Registrant on the date indicated.

 

By /s/ Mark Labell

Mark Labell, Attorney-in-Fact*

 

Date: May 17, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________

* Mr. Labell supervises accounting functions for Registrant.

EXHIBIT INDEX

Number Document Page*

3 (a)

Registrant's Partnership Agreement dated July 11, 1961, filed as Exhibit No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as amended (the "Registration Statement") by letter dated August 8, 1962 and assigned File No. 2-18741, is incorporated by reference as an exhibit hereto.

3 (b)

Amended Business Certificate of Registrant Filed with the Clerk of New York County on August 7, 1998 reflecting a change in the Partners of Registrant which was filed as Exhibit 3(b) to Registrant's 10-Q-A for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 and is incorporated by reference as an exhibit hereto.

3 (c)

Registrant's Consent and Operating

Agreement dated as of September 30, 2001

3 (d)

Certificate of Conversion of Registrant

to a limited liability company dated October 1, 2001 filed with the New York Secretary of State on October 3, 2001.

4

Registrant's form of Participating Agreement, filed as Exhibit No. 6 to the Registration Statement by letter dated August 8, 1962 and assigned File No. 2-18741, is incorporated by reference as an exhibit hereto.

24

Powers of Attorney dated October 13, 2003 between the Partners of Registrant and Mark Labell which was filed as Exhibit 24 to Registrant's 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference.

31.1

Certification of Mark Labell, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

31.2

Certification of Mark Labell, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.1

Certification of Mark Labell, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.2

Certification of Mark Labell, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

* Page references are based on sequential numbering system.

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Mark Labell, certify that:

    1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.;

    2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

    3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

    4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) 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)) for the registrant and we have:

    1. 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 report is being prepared;

    2. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

    3. disclosed in this 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

    1. The registrant's other certifying officers 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):

    1. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,

    2. summarize and report financial information; and

    3. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

Date: May 17, 2007

 

 

By /s/ Mark Labell

Name: Mark Labell

Title: Senior Vice President, Finance Wien & Malkin LLC, Supervisor of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Mark Labell, certify that:

    1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.;

    2. Based on my knowledge, this 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 report;

    3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this 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 report;

    4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) 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)) for the registrant and we have:

    1. 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 report is being prepared;

    2. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

    3. disclosed in this 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

    1. The registrant's other certifying officers 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):

    1. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably

likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

    1. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

Date: May 17, 2007

 

 

By /s/ Mark Labell

Name: Mark Labell

Title: Senior Member of Financial/Accounting Staff of Wien & Malkin LLC, Supervisor of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

 

Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350 as adopted

Pursuant to Section 906

of Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002

The undersigned, Mark Labell, is signing this Chief Executive Officer certification as Senior Vice President, Finance of Wien & Malkin LLC, the Supervisor * of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Registrant") to certify that:

    1. the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for the period ended December 31, 2006 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.78m or 78o(d)); and

    2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Registrant.

Dated: May 17, 2007

By /s/ Mark Labell

Mark Labell

Senior Vice President, Finance

Wien & Malkin LLC, Supervisor

 

 

 

*Registrant's organizational documents do not provide for a Chief Executive Officer or other officer with equivalent rights and duties. As described in the Report, Registrant is a limited liability company which is supervised by Wien & Malkin LLC. Accordingly, this Chief Executive Officer certification is being signed by a senior executive of Registrant's supervisor.

Exhibit 32.2

 

Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350 as adopted

Pursuant to Section 906

of Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002

The undersigned, Mark Labell, is signing this Chief Financial Officer certification as a senior member of the financial/accounting staff of Wien & Malkin LLC, the Supervisor* of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Registrant"), to certify that:

    1. the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for the period ended December 31, 2006 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.78m or 78o(d)); and

    2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Registrant.

Dated: May 17, 2007

By /s/ Mark Labell

Mark Labell

Senior Vice President, Finance

Wien & Malkin LLC, Supervisor

 

 

 

 

*Registrant's organizational documents do not provide for a Chief Financial Officer or other officer with equivalent rights and duties. As described in the Report, Registrant is a limited liability company which is supervised by Wien & Malkin LLC. Accordingly, this Chief Financial Officer certification is being signed by a senior member of the financial/accounting staff of Registrant's supervisor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

 

Report of J.H. Cohn LLP -- Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

SCHEDULE III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2006

All other schedules are omitted as the information is not required, is not material or is otherwise provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Participants in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

(a Limited Liability Company)

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Associates") as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, members' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, and the supporting financial statement schedule, Schedule III- real estate and accumulated depreciation, also included in this Form 10-K. These consolidated financial statements and the schedule are the responsibility of Associates' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and its results of operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

 

 

/s/J.H.Cohn LLP

 

New York, N. Y.

March 7, 2007

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

A S S E T S

 

December 31,

 

2006

2005

Assets:

   

Real estate:

   
 

Building:

   
 

Empire State Building, located at

350 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y.

$38,933,801

$38,933,801

 

Less: Accumulated depreciation

4,701,257

3,702,994

 

34,232,544

35,230,807

 

 

Land Land

21,550,588

21,550,588

 

TOTAL REAL ESTATE

55,783,132

56,781,395

Cash and cash equivalents:

   
 

JPMorgan Chase Bank

540,469

538,221

 

Distribution account held by Wien & Malkin LLC

324,111

324,111

 

Fidelity U.S. Treasury Income Portfolio

21,481,882

19,021,513

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

22,346,462

19,883,845

     

Restricted cash re: mortgage interest

885,458

851,683

Additional rent due from Empire State

   
 

Building Company L.L.C., a related party

1,291,329

1,324,979

Receivable from participants - NYS estimated tax

231,915

91,437

62,893

Accounts receivable

2,700

-

 

Mortgage financing costs

1,796,287

1,796,287

Less: accumulated amortization

845,752

666,123

 

MORTGAGE REFINANCING COSTS, NET

950,535

1,130,164

       

TOTAL ASSETS

$81,491,531

$80,063,503

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY

Liabilities:

 

First mortgage payable

$60,500,000

$60,500,000

 

Accrued interest payable

338,632

338,632

 

Prepaid rent

501,564

501,564

 

Accrued supervisory services, to a related party

966,640

867,791

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

62,306,836

62,207,987

Commitments and contingencies

Members' equity

19,184,695

17,855,516

   

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY

$81,491,531

$80,063,503

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

   

Year ended December 31,

 

2006

2005

2004

Revenues:

     
 

Rent income, from a related party

$24,810,079

$22,343,729

$15,488,293

 

Dividend and interest income

339,334

158,209

61,322

Miscellaneous income

978

-

-

Total revenues

25,150,391

22,501,938

15,549,615

       

Expenses:

     
 

Interest on mortgage

3,987,118

3,987,118

3,998,042

 

Supervisory services, to a related party

1,126,057

1,027,208

610,069

 

Depreciation of building

998,262

998,262

998,264

 

Amortization of financing costs

179,629

179,629

179,628

 

Fees and miscellaneous, including amounts paid to a related party

45,416

840

2,385

Total expenses

6,336,482

6,193,057

5,788,388

 

NET INCOME

$18,813,909

$16,308,881

$9,761,227

Earnings per $10,000 participation unit, based

on 3,300 participation units outstanding

during each year

 

$5,701

 

$4,942

 

$2,958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' EQUITY

 

         
 

Members'

Share of

 

Members'

 

Equity'

Net Income

 

Equity

 

January 1,

For Year

Distributions

December 31,

Year Ended December 31, 2004:

       

Anthony E. Malkin Group

$3,687,900

3,253,742

2,776,247

4,165,395

         

Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. Group

3,687,899

3,253,742

2,776,247

4,165,394

         

Peter L. Malkin Group

3,687,897

3,253,743

2,776,248

4,165,392

TOTALS

$11,063,696

$ 9,761,227

$8,328,742

$12,496,181

 

Year Ended December 31, 2005:

       

Anthony E. Malkin Group

$ 4,165,395

5,436,293

3,649,849

$5,951,839

         

Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. Group

4,165,394

5,436,294

3,649,849

5,951,839

         

Peter L. Malkin Group

4,165,392

5,436,294

3,649,848

5,951,838

TOTALS

$12,496,181

16,308,881

10,949,546

$17,855,516

 

Year Ended December 31, 2006:

       

Anthony E. Malkin Group

$5,951,839

$6,271,303

$5,828,243

$6,394,899

         

Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. Group

5,951,839

6,271,303

5,828,243

6,394,899

         

Peter L. Malkin Group

5,951,838

6,271,303

5,828,244

6,394,897

TOTALS

$17,855,516

$18,813,909

$17,484,730

$19,184,695

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

2006

2005

2004

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

Net income

$18,813,909

$16,308,881

$ 9,761,227

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

cash provided by operating activities:

 

Amortization of financing costs

179,629

179,629

179,628

 

Depreciation of building

998,262

998,262

998,264

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

     
 

Additional rent due from Empire State

Building Company L.L.C., a related party

33,650

(605,436)

82,752

 

Accounts receivable

(2,700)

-

-

 

Accrued interest payable

-

338,632

(338,632)

Prepaid rent

-

501,564

-

Accrued supervisory services, to a related party

98,849

417,138

167,286

Net cash provided by operating activities

20,121,599

18,138,670

10,850,525

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     
 

Change in receivable from participants

(140,477)

(28,544)

195,349

 

Change in restricted cash

(33,775)

(342,010)

355,719

 

Distributions to participants

(17,484,730)

(10,949,546)

(8,328,742)

 

Net cash used in financing activities

(17,658,982)

(11,320,100)

(7,777,674)

       

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

2,462,617

6,818,570

3,072,851

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

19,883,845

13,065,275

9,992,424

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,

END OF YEAR

$22,346,462

$19,883,845

$13,065,275

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid during the year for interest

$3,987,118

$3,648,486

$4,336,674

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Business Activity and Purchase of Real Estate

Through April 16, 2002, Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Associates") owned the tenant's interest in a master operating leasehold (the "Master Lease") on the Empire State Building (the "Building"), located at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York. On April 17, 2002 Associates acquired, through a wholly-owned limited liability company, the fee title to the Building and to the land thereunder (the "Land"), (together, the "Real Estate"). Associates subleases the property to Empire State Building Company L.L.C. ("Sublessee"). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. and, effective April 17, 2002, its wholly-owned limited liability company, Empire State Land Associates L.L.C. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Associates operated as a general partnership, Empire State Building Associates, until October 1, 2001, when it converted to a limited liability company and changed to its current name. Ownership percentages in Associates were unchanged by the conversion. Associates continues to be treated as a partnership for tax purposes, and the partnership's income tax basis of its assets and liabilities carried over to the limited liability company.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include investments in money market funds and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less when acquired.

b. Restricted cash Restricted cash at December 31, 2006 includes a money market account held at North Fork Bank pursuant to the terms of the mortgage, to be used monthly to satisfy a portion of the mortgage interest obligation.

c. Real Estate and depreciation

The Real Estate was originally carried in the financial statements at a total cost of $60,484,389, consisting of $57,500,000 for the purchase price, $752,022 for acquisition costs and $2,232,367 representing the unamortized balance of the cost of the Master Lease on the date the Real Estate was acquired. The cost of the Land was estimated to be 35.63% of the total cost of the Real Estate, and the Building 64.37%. Under the terms of the contract of sale, the deed contains language to avoid the merger of the fee estate and the leasehold, although on a consolidated financial statement basis, Associates incurred no leasehold rent expense after acquiring the Real Estate.

The Building is being depreciated on a straight-line basis using an estimated life of 39 years from April 17, 2002.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

  1. Mortgage Financing Costs and Amortization

    Mortgage financing costs, totaling $1,796,287, are being amortized ratably over the life of the mortgage.

    Amortization expense amounts to $179,628 for each of the next five years subsequent to December 31, 2006.

  2. Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

    Associates periodically assesses the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. When Associates determines that the carrying value of long-lived assets may be impaired, the measurement of any impairment is based on a projected cash flows method.

  3. Revenue Recognition

Basic rental income, as defined in a long-term lease, is a fixed minimum annual amount that Associates records ratably over the year. Additional rent is based on 50% of the net operating profit of the Sublessee, as defined, in excess of $1,000,000 for each lease year ending December 31st and is recorded by Associates when such amounts become determinable, at the end of each calendar year.

  1. Use of Estimates:

In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

3. Related Party Transactions - Rent Income

Associates does not operate the Building (See Note 1). It subleases the Building to the Sublessee, a related party (See Note 4), pursuant to a net operating sublease dated December 27, 1961, as modified February 15, 1965. The sublease provides for the same initial term and renewal options as the leasehold, less one day. In January 1989, the Sublessee exercised its option to renew the sublease for the first renewal period from January 4, 1992 to January 4, 2013. The annual minimum basic rent during the remainder of the Sublessee's first renewal term is $6,018,750. The sublease provides for three successive renewal options of twenty-one years each, at an annual basic rent of $5,895,625 throughout all subsequent renewal terms.

Additional rent through all renewal terms under the sublease is payable in an amount equal to 50% of the Sublessee's annual net income, as defined, in excess of $1,000,000. For 2006, 2005 and 2004, Sublessee reported net operating profit of $38,582,657; $33,649,958 and $19,939,086, respectively. Therefore, rent income was comprised as follows:

 

For the years ended December 31,

 

2006

2005

2004

Minimum net basic rent

$ 6,018,750

$ 6,018,750

$ 6,018,750

Additional rent earned

18,791,329

16,324,979

9,469,543

 

$24,810,079

$22,343,729

$15,488,293

  1. Related Party Transactions - Supervisory and Other Services

Supervisory and other services are provided to Associates by its supervisor, Wien & Malkin LLC ("Wien & Malkin" or the "Supervisor"), a related party. Beneficial interests in Associates are held directly or indirectly by one or more persons at Wien & Malkin and/or their family members.

Wien & Malkin LLC, a limited liability company, succeeded Wien & Malkin LLP, a limited liability partnership, on November 30, 2006 without any change in duties, responsibilities, staffing, operation, rights or compensation to it as Supervisor.

Basic fees for supervisory services are $159,417 per annum. Wien & Malkin receives an additional payment equal to 6% of additional rent income received by Associates. Fees for supervisory services (including disbursements and cost of regular accounting services) during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, totaled $1,126,057, $1,027,208 and $610,069, respectively. For tax purposes, such additional payment is recognized as a profits interest and the Supervisor is treated as a partner, all without modifying each Participant's distributive share of reportable income and cash distributions. Distributions in respect of Wien & Malkin's profits interest totaled $966,640, $867,791 and $450,652 for 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

 

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

  1. First Mortgage Payable

To finance the acquisition of the fee title to the Real Estate (Note 1) and certain related costs, Associates obtained a $60,500,000 first mortgage with North Fork Bank.

The mortgage matures on May 1, 2012. Monthly payments under the mortgage are interest only at a fixed annual rate of 6.5% through maturity. Payments commenced on June 1, 2002, except that short-term interest from the closing until April 30, 2002 was due on May 1, 2002. The mortgage may be prepaid at any time after 24 months with the payment of a premium equal to the greater of (a) 1% of the amount prepaid and (b) an amount calculated pursuant to a prepayment formula designed to preserve the bank's yield to maturity. The mortgage is secured by a lien on the Real Estate and Associates' leasehold estate under the Master Lease of the Real Estate.

The estimated fair value of Associates' mortgage debt, based on available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies was the carrying value at December 31, 2006 and was estimated to be $61,282,000 at December 31, 2005.

  1. Number of Participants

There were approximately 2,764, 2,759 and 2,675 participants in the participating groups at December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

  1. Determination of Distributions to Participants

    Distributions to participants during each year generally reflect the excess of the current year's minimum annual rent income, plus additional rent income and dividend income earned in the prior year, over the cash expenses and mortgage requirements of the current year, adjusted for those cash reserves management judges to be suitable under the circumstances.

  2. Distributions and Amount of Income per $10,000 Participation Unit

Distributions per $10,000 participation unit during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, based on 3,300 participation units outstanding during each year, consisted of the following:

 

Year ended December 31

 

2006

2005

2004

 

Income

$5,298

$3,318

$2,524

 

Return of capital

0

-0-

-0-

 

TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS

$5,298

$3,318

$2,524

         

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

  1. Distributions and Amount of Income per $10,000 Participation Unit (continued)

    Net income is computed without regard to income tax expense since Associates does not itself pay a tax on its income; instead, any such taxes are paid by the participants in their individual capacities.

     

  2. Related Party Transactions - Fees

The accompanying statements of income reflect fees paid or owed to Wien & Malkin, a related party (See Note 4), as follows:

 

2006

2005

2004

Payments made or accrued

$ -

$ -

$ 1,696

     

 

  1. Contingencies

    Wien & Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, a member in Associates, were engaged in a proceeding with Sublessee's former managing agent, Helmsley-Spear, Inc. commenced in 1997, concerning the management, leasing, and supervision of the property that is subject to the Lease to Sublessee. In this connection, certain costs for legal and professional fees and other expenses have been paid and incurred by Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin, and certain costs for filings to terminate such proceeding may be incurred in the future. Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin have represented that such costs will be recovered only to the extent that (a) a competent tribunal authorizes payment or (b) an investor voluntarily agrees that his or her proportionate share be paid. Accordingly, Associates' allocable share of such costs is as yet undetermined, and Associates has not provided for the expense and related liability with respect to such costs in these consolidated financial statements. As a result of the August 29, 2006 settlement agreement which included termination of this proceeding, Associates will not recognize any gains or losses from this proceeding other than the possible charges for the aforementioned fees and expenses.

    The August 29, 2006 settlement agreement terminated Helmsley-Spear, Inc. as managing and leasing agent at the property as of August 30, 2006. CB Richard Ellis has been engaged as the new leasing agent, and Sublessee will self-manage the property. The $1,834,000 portion of the contract settlement payment funded from Sublessee's reserves has been deducted as an expense in computing additional rent income for 2006, so that Associates has effectively borne one-half of Sublessee's contract settlement payment expense, or $917,000.

    In January 1998, Irving Schneider, who is one of the controlling principals of Helmsley-Spear, has no record or beneficial interest in Sublessee and was a participant in Associates, brought litigation against Sublessee's supervisor, Wien & Malkin, and member, Peter L. Malkin, claiming misconduct and seeking

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (A Limited Liability Company)

    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    (Continued)

     

    1. Contingencies (concluded)

    damages and disqualification from performing services for Sublessee. In March 2002, the court dismissed Mr. Schneider's claims. Although Mr. Schneider thereafter appealed the dismissal, the claim was withdrawn prior to 2006 and is no longer pending.

     

  2. Concentration of Credit Risk

Associates maintains cash balances in two banks and in two money market funds (Fidelity U.S. Treasury Income Portfolio and North Fork Bank) and a distribution account held by Wien & Malkin. The balance in each bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $100,000, and at December 31, 2006 there was an uninsured balance of approximately $1,225,927. The cash balances in the Fidelity U.S. Treasury Income Portfolio and the distribution account held by Wien & Malkin are not insured. The funds held in the distribution account were paid to the participants on January 1, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE III

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

December 31, 2006

Column

A Description                                                   Land and building situated

                                                                       at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.

B Encumbrances -                                          North Fork Bank

Balance at December 31, 2006                         $60,500,000

C Initial cost to company

Land and building                                             $60,484,389

D Cost capitalized subsequent to acquisition           None

E Gross amount at which carried at

close of period (See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financials Statements)

Land                                                               $21,550,588

Building                                                            38,933,801

Total                                                               $60,484,389 (a)

F Accumulated depreciation                               $ 4,701,257 (b)

G Date of construction                                      1931

H Date acquired                                             April 17, 2002

I Life on which depreciation of building in

latest income statements is computed                    39 years

  1. Gross amount of real estate

Balance at January 1, 2006           $60,484,389

Purchase of real estate:

F/Y/E 12/31/06 -

Balance at December 31, 2006          $60,484,389

The costs for federal income tax purposes are the same

as for financial statement purposes.

(b) Accumulated depreciation

Balance at January 1, 2006                                 $3,702,995

Depreciation:

F/Y/E 12/31/06                                                       998,262

Balance at December 31, 2006                            $4,701,257

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING AND OBSERVATORY

COMPARATIVE COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

YEARS ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2006

AND

DECEMBER 31, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:

New York, NY

March 20, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

60 East 42nd Street

New York, NY 10165

We have audited the accompanying Comparative Combined Statement of Income of Empire State Building and Observatory for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 for the purpose of determining "Net Operating Profit" and "Overage Rent" as those terms are defined in Section 2.05 of Agreement of Sublease dated December 27, 1961. During the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, the entire building, with the exception of the Observatory, was operated by Empire State Building Company L.L.C. and the Observatory was operated by Empire State Building, Inc. The Combined Statement of Income is the responsibility of the management of Empire State Building Company L.L.C. and Empire State Building, Inc. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Combined Statement of Income based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Combined Statement of Income is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statement. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Combined Statement of Income. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the accompanying Comparative Combined Statement of Income of Empire State Building and Observatory presents fairly, in all material respects, the Net Operating Profit and Overage Rent for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, in conformity with Section 2.05 of the aforementioned Agreement dated December 27, 1961.

 

/s/ McGrath Doyle & Phair, CPA

New York, NY

March 20, 2007

 

Empire State Building and Observatory

COMPARATIVE COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Increase

2006

2005

(Decrease)

INCOME

Rent, including electricity

$ 80,253,242

$ 75,374,001

$ 4,879,241

Observatory admissions

50,487,048

43,840,177

6,646,871

Other observatory income

5,629,119

5,900,237

(271,118)

Antenna rent

12,725,936

12,110,519

615,417

Insurance proceeds

164,572

-

164,572

Lease cancellation

122,016

42,269

79,747

Other

2,016,452

2,070,980

(54,528)

Total income

151,398,385

139,338,183

12,060,202

OPERATING EXPENSES

Rent

6,018,750

6,018,751

(1)

Real estate taxes

22,708,091

23,271,606

(563,515)

Wages, contract cleaning and protection service

15,328,820

15,114,363

214,457

Electricity

13,348,837

11,216,946

2,131,891

Tenants' and building alterations, repairs and supplies

18,842,905

16,473,941

2,368,964

Management fees and leasing commissions

2,235,212

4,394,083

(2,158,871)

Observatory:

Wages

4,722,644

3,878,246

844,398

Contracted labor

2,258,466

2,059,808

198,658

Advertising and public relations

573,372

430,529

142,843

Payroll taxes and other labor cost

1,935,805

1,537,842

397,963

Other taxes and expenses

1,011,335

1,180,783

(169,448)

Steam

2,387,507

2,975,179

(587,672)

Professional fees (Note 1)

3,490,270

2,293,434

1,196,836

Payroll taxes and other labor costs

5,060,686

4,621,429

439,257

Insurance

8,580,948

8,562,337

18,611

Water and sewer

208,630

159,046

49,584

Rubbish removal

91,892

54,942

36,950

Advertising

878,226

792,558

85,668

Telephone

94,063

88,367

5,696

Sprinkler alarm service

179,636

65,882

113,754

Directory service

43,601

11,064

32,537

Paging and other intercommunication

134,441

128,959

5,482

Dues

37,440

42,476

(5,036)

Lease cancellation fee

300,000

-

300,000

Settlement of litigation (net of $1,222,000 contribution

from a member)

1,834,000

-

1,834,000

Other expenses

510,151

315,654

194,497

Total expenses before overage rent

112,815,728

105,688,225

7,127,503

NET OPERATING PROFIT

$ 38,582,657

$ 33,649,958

$ 4,932,699

OVERAGE RENT, 50% OF NET OPERATING PROFIT

IN EXCESS OF $1,000,000

$ 18,791,329

$ 16,324,979

$ 1,966,350

Empire State Building and Observatory

NOTES TO COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

NOTE

1. Professional fees in 2006 and 2005 include payments to Wien & Malkin LLC aggregating $584,259 and $551,436, respectively, including supervisory fees of $270,000 in each year. A member in Wien & Malkin LLC is a member in Company.

2. Litigation

(a) Company, and numerous other New York City Building owners, are defendants in an action entitled Stanislawa Staniszek v. A.C.&S. Inc., et al., which is part of the New York City Asbestos Litigation pending before the New York State Supreme Court.

It is alleged that plaintiff, now deceased, suffered from mesothelioma and other related conditions as a result of being exposed to asbestos and asbestos-related products while employed as a project supervisor at various locations, including the Empire State Building.

While a Note of Issue was filed in this matter over three years ago, placing the case on the Court's trial calendar, the matter has since been removed from any trial cluster assigned by the Court and no new trial date has been set.

Company is awaiting further activity in the case by plaintiff's counsel.

3. Contingent Liabilities

Wien & Malkin LLC and Peter L. Malkin, a member in Company, have been engaged in a proceeding with Helmsley-Spear, Inc. commenced in 1997, concerning the management, leasing and supervision of Company's property in which Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin have sought an order removing Helmsley-Spear. In this connection, certain costs for legal and professional fees and other expenses have been paid and incurred by Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin and certain costs for filings to terminate such proceedings may be incurred in the future. Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin have represented that such costs will be recovered only to the extent that ( a ) a competent tribunal authorizes payment by Company or ( b ) an investor voluntarily agrees that his or her proportionate share be paid. Accordingly, Company's allocable share of such costs is as yet undetermined and Company has not provided for the expense and related liability with respect to such costs in these financial statements.

The original action was commenced in June 1997 and was referred to arbitration. The March 30, 2001 decision of the Arbitrators, which was confirmed by the court, (i) reaffirmed the right of the investors to vote to terminate Helmsley-Spear without cause, (ii) dismissed Helmsley-Spear's claims against Wien & Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, and (iii) rejected the termination of Helmsley-Spear for cause. The parts of the decision under appeal were initially affirmed by the Appellate Division, and the New York Court of Appeals declined to review such ruling. On October 6, 2003, the United States Supreme Court granted Wien & Malkin's petition, vacated the judgment of the Appellate Division and remanded the case to the New York court for further consideration of the issues raised by Wien & Malkin's appeal.

 

 

Empire State Building and Observatory

NOTES TO COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

NOTE

3. Contingent Liabilities (Continued)

On October 14, 2004, the Appellate Division issued a unanimous decision reversing the Arbitrators. The Appellate Division decided (i) that there was a covert assignment without Company's knowledge or consent and (ii) that the corporation controlled by Irving Schneider and now named "Helmsley-Spear," which has represented itself to be Company's managing agent since September 1997, in fact never received a valid assignment to become Company's managing agent. Company's previously authorized managing agent, the original corporation named "Helmsley-Spear," was owned by Harry B. Helmsley and is no longer active. On February 21, 2006, the Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Appellate Division and reinstated the decision of the Arbitrators, including items (i), (ii) and (iii) in the preceding paragraph. On July 21, 2006, Wien & Malkin filed a certiorari petition seeking review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which it later withdrew as part of an August 29, 2006 settlement agreement terminating claims broadly by exchange of general releases between Helmsley-Spear, Irving Schneider, and their related parties on the one hand, and Leona M. Helmsley, Peter L. Malkin, Wien & Malkin, various property owners supervised by Wien & Malkin, and their related parties, on the other.

In January 1998, Irving Schneider, who is one of the controlling principals of Helmsley-Spear and has no record or beneficial interest in Company, brought litigation against Company's supervisor, Wien & Malkin, and member, Peter L. Malkin, claiming misconduct and seeking damages and disqualification from performing services for Company. In March 2002, the court dismissed Mr. Schneider's claims. Although Mr. Schneider thereafter appealed this dismissal, the claim was withdrawn prior to 2006 and is no longer pending.