Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties

3 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties [Abstract]

Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties

I. Net Gain on Disposition of Partial Interests in Rental Properties

The net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties is comprised of the following:

	Three Months Ended April 30,
	2012		2011
	(in thousands)
New York Retail Joint Venture	$	—	$	9,561
	$	—	$	9,561

New York Retail Joint Venture

On March 29, 2011, the Company entered into joint venture agreements with an outside partner, an affiliated entity of Madison International Realty LLC. The outside partner invested in and received a 49% equity interest in 15 mature retail properties located in the New York City metropolitan area, 14 of which were formerly wholly-owned by the Company and one retail property that was owned 75% by the Company.

For its 49% equity interests, the outside partner invested cash and assumed debt of $244,952,000, representing 49% of the nonrecourse mortgage debt on the 15 properties. As of January 31, 2012, the Company received proceeds of $178,286,000, primarily in the form of a loan. Based on the net amount of cash received, the outside partner’s minimum initial investment requirement of 20% was not met. As such, the transaction did not qualify for full gain recognition under accounting guidance related to real estate sales. Therefore, the installment method of gain recognition was applied, resulting in a net gain on disposition of partial interest in rental properties of $9,561,000 during the three months ended April 30, 2011. As of April 30, 2012, the remaining gain of $114,465,000 continues to be deferred and is included in accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities. Transaction costs totaling $11,776,000, of which $5,779,000 relating to participation payments made to the ground lessors of two of the properties in accordance with the respective ground lease agreements did not qualify for deferral and were included in the calculation of the net gain on disposition of partial interests in rental properties recorded during the three months ended April 30, 2011. The 15 properties are adequately capitalized and do not contain the characteristics of a VIE. Based on this and the substantive participating rights held by the outside partner with regards to the properties, the Company concluded it appropriate to deconsolidate the entity and account for it under the equity method of accounting.