CAPITAL TRUST
S-1, 1997-10-06
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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<PAGE>
 
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 6, 1997
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                ---------------
 
                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                                ---------------
 
                                 CAPITAL TRUST
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                <C>
           CALIFORNIA                          6159,6162                          94-6181186
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF      (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL             (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
 INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)       CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)            IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                         605 THIRD AVENUE, 26TH FLOOR
                             NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016
                                (212) 655-0220
         (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
             AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                ---------------
 
                                 JOHN R. KLOPP
                   VICE CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                 CAPITAL TRUST
                         605 THIRD AVENUE, 26TH FLOOR
                             NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016
                                (212) 655-0220
           (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                  INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                ---------------
 
                                   COPIES TO
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
              THOMAS E. KRUGER, ESQ.                             KEITH L. KEARNEY, ESQ.
                BATTLE FOWLER LLP                                DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
               75 EAST 55TH STREET                                450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
             NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
                  (212) 856-7000                                     (212) 450-4000
</TABLE>
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after the Registration Statement becomes
effective.
 
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933 check the following box. [_]
 
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
 
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the
same offering. [_]
 
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [_]
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                              PROPOSED       PROPOSED
                                                AMOUNT        MAXIMUM        MAXIMUM       AMOUNT OF
            TITLE OF SECURITIES                 TO BE      OFFERING PRICE   AGGREGATE     REGISTRATION
             TO BE REGISTERED               REGISTERED(1)   PER SHARE(2)  OFFERING PRICE      FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Class A Common Shares of Beneficial
 Interest $1.00 par value.................    9,200,000        $10.31      $94,852,000     $28,743.03
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Includes 1,200,000 shares of Class A Common Shares issuable upon exercise
    of an over-allotment option granted by the Registrant to the Underwriters.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
    pursuant to Rule 457(a) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
  THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION,
ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
  This Registration Statement contains two separate prospectuses. The first
prospectus relates to a public offering in the United States and Canada of an
aggregate of       Class A Common Shares (the "U.S. Offering"). The second
prospectus relates to a concurrent offering outside the United States and
Canada of an aggregate of        Class A Common Shares (the "International
Offering" and, together with the U.S. Offering, the "Offering"). The
prospectuses for each of the U.S. Offering and the International Offering will
be identical with the exception of the alternate front cover page for the
International Offering. Such alternate page appears in this Registration
Statement immediately following the complete prospectus for the U.S. Offering.
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR  +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE     +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PROSPECTUS (Subject To Completion)
Issued October 6, 1997
 
                                8,000,000 Shares
 
                                 Capital Trust
                  CLASS A COMMON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
 
                                  ----------
 
 OF THE  8,000,000 CLASS  A COMMON  SHARES OF  BENEFICIAL INTEREST,  $1.00 PAR
  VALUE, IN  CAPITAL TRUST  BEING OFFERED HEREBY,           SHARES  ARE BEING
   OFFERED  INITIALLY  IN   THE  UNITED  STATES  AND  CANADA   BY  THE  U.S.
    UNDERWRITERS  AND          SHARES ARE  BEING OFFERED INITIALLY  OUTSIDE
     THE UNITED  STATES AND CANADA BY THE INTERNATIONAL  UNDERWRITERS. ALL
      OF  THE CLASS A COMMON SHARES OFFERED HEREBY ARE BEING SOLD  BY THE
        COMPANY. THE CLASS A  COMMON SHARES ARE TRADED  ON THE NEW  YORK
         AND PACIFIC STOCK EXCHANGES UNDER THE SYMBOL "CT." ON OCTOBER
          2, 1997, THE REPORTED LAST SALE PRICE OF THE CLASS A COMMON
           SHARES  ON THE NEW  YORK STOCK  EXCHANGE WAS $10  1/4 PER
            SHARE.
 
                                  ----------
 
 SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
                      CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
                                  ----------
 
THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT  BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY  THE  SECURITIES
 AND  EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR HAS  THE
  SECURITIES AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES COMMISSION
  PASSED   UPON   THE  ACCURACY   OR  ADEQUACY   OF   THIS  PROSPECTUS.   ANY
   REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                  ----------
 
                              PRICE $     A SHARE
 
                                  ----------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 UNDERWRITING
                                       PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND  PROCEEDS TO
                                        PUBLIC  COMMISSIONS(1) COMPANY(2)
                                       -------- -------------- -----------
<S>                                    <C>      <C>            <C>
Per Share.............................   $           $             $
Total(3)..............................  $           $             $
</TABLE>
- -----
  (1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
      liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
      amended.
 
  (2) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at
      $             .
 
  (3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option, exercisable
      within 30 days of the date hereof, to purchase up to an aggregate of
      1,200,000 additional Shares at the price to public less underwriting
      discounts and commissions for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if
      any. If the U.S. Underwriters exercise such option in full, the total
      price to public, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds to
      Company will be $       , $        and $       , respectively. See
      "Underwriters."
 
                                  ----------
 
  The Shares are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by
the Underwriters named herein and subject to approval of certain legal matters
by Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected that
delivery of the Shares will be made on or about             , 1997 at the
offices of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, New York, N.Y., against payment
therefor in immediately available funds.
 
                                  ----------
 
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
 
                                MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
                                                        DEUTSCHE MORGAN GRENFELL
 
       , 1997
<PAGE>
 
                               ----------------
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE CLASS A COMMON
SHARES. SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
OFFERING, AND MAY BID FOR, AND PURCHASE, CLASS A COMMON SHARES IN THE OPEN
MARKET. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITERS."
 
                               ----------------
 
  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY OFFERING MADE HEREBY TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
COMPANY OR ANY UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO
SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITY OTHER THAN THE CLASS A
COMMON SHARES OFFERED HEREBY, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY TO ANY
PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER OR
SOLICITATION OF SUCH PERSON. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
SALE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE
INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR
THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE SUCH DATE.
 
                               ----------------
 
  For investors outside the United States: No action has been or will be taken
in any jurisdiction by the Company or any Underwriter that would permit a
public offering of the Class A Common Shares or possession or distribution of
this Prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required,
other than in the United States. Persons into whose possession this Prospectus
comes are required by the Company and the Underwriters to inform themselves
about and to observe any restrictions as to the offering of the Class A Common
Shares and the distribution of this Prospectus.
 
  In this Prospectus references to "dollars" and "$" are to United States
dollars, and the terms "United States" and "U.S." mean the United States of
America, its states, its territories, its possessions and all areas subject to
its jurisdiction.
                               ----------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   PAGE
                                   ----
<S>                                <C>
Prospectus Summary................   4
Risk Factors...................... 12
Use of Proceeds................... 19
Price Range of Class A Common
 Shares........................... 20
Dividend Policy................... 20
Capitalization.................... 21
Selected Financial Data........... 22
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
 Combined Financial Information... 23
Management's Discussion and
 Analysis of Financial Condition
 and Results of Operations........ 29
Business..........................  35
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PAGE
                                     ----
<S>                                  <C>
Management..........................  45
Principal Shareholders..............  53
Certain Transactions................  56
Description of Capital Shares.......  57
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.....  61
Certain Federal Income Tax
 Consequences to Non-United States
 Holders............................  62
Underwriters........................  65
Legal Matters.......................  68
Experts.............................  68
Additional Information..............  68
Index to Financial Statements....... F-1
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                               ----------------
 
            CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR"
      PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
 
  The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe
harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. The factors discussed under
"Risk Factors," among others, could cause actual results to differ materially
from those contained in forward-looking statements made in this Prospectus,
including, without limitation, in "Business" and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in filings by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), in the
Company's press releases and in oral statements made by authorized officers of
the Company. When used in this Prospectus, the words "estimate," "project,"
"anticipate," "expect," "intend," "believe," and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking statements.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
  The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in
conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements,
including the related notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this Prospectus assumes (i) no
exercise of the U.S. Underwriters' over-allotment option, and (ii) an offering
price of $    per share, which is the last sale price of the class A common
shares of beneficial interest, $1.00 par value, in the Company (the "Class A
Common Shares"), reported on the New York Stock Exchange on October    , 1997
(the "Offering Price"). See "Underwriters." Unless the context otherwise
requires, all references in this Prospectus to the Company include the Company,
its subsidiaries and their respective predecessors. References to the
"Offering" shall refer to the offering of the Class A Common Shares in the
United States and Canada by the U.S. Underwriters and outside the United States
and Canada by the International Underwriters.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  Capital Trust (the "Company") is a recently recapitalized specialty finance
company designed to take advantage of high-yielding lending and investment
opportunities in commercial real estate. The Company makes investments in
various types of income producing commercial real estate and its current
investment program emphasizes senior and junior commercial mortgage loans,
preferred equity investments, and subordinated interests in commercial
mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"). The Company believes that a majority of
the investments to be held in its portfolio for the long-term will be
structured so that the Company's investment is subordinate to third party first
mortgage debt but senior to the real estate owner/operator's equity position.
The Company anticipates that it will invest in a diverse array of real estate-
related assets and enterprises, including real estate operating companies, that
satisfy its investment criteria.
 
  In executing its business plan, the Company believes that it will be able to
utilize the extensive real estate industry contacts and relationships of Equity
Group Investments, Inc. ("EGI"). EGI is a private real estate and corporate
investment firm controlled by Samuel Zell, who serves as chairman of the board
of trustees of the Company. EGI's affiliates include Equity Office Properties
Trust and Equity Residential Properties Trust, the largest U.S. real estate
investment trusts operating in the office and multifamily residential sectors,
respectively. The Company also expects to draw upon the extensive client roster
of the Company's recently acquired real estate investment banking and advisory
services subsidiary, Victor Capital Group, L.P. ("Victor Capital"), for
potential investment opportunities.
 
  The Company believes that the significant recovery in commercial real estate
property values, coupled with fundamental structural changes in the real estate
capital markets (primarily related to the growth in CMBS issuance), has created
significant market-driven opportunities for finance companies specializing in
commercial real estate lending and investing. Such opportunities are expected
to result from the following developments:
 
  .  SCALE AND ROLLOVER: The U.S. commercial mortgage market--a market that
     is comparable in size to the corporate and municipal bond markets--has
     approximately $1 trillion in total mortgage debt outstanding, which debt
     is primarily privately held. In addition, a significant amount of
     commercial mortgage loans held by U.S. financial institutions are
     scheduled to mature in the near future.
 
  .  RAPID GROWTH OF SECURITIZATION: With annual issuance volume of
     approximately $30 billion, the total amount of CMBS currently
     outstanding has grown to over $100 billion from approximately $6 billion
     in 1990. To date, the CMBS market expansion has been fueled in large
     part by "conduits" which originate whole loans primarily for resale to
     financial intermediaries, which in turn package the loans as securities
     for distribution to public and private investors.
 
    The Company believes that as securitized lenders replace traditional
    lenders such as banks and life insurance companies as the primary source
    for commercial real estate finance, borrowers are often constrained by
    relatively inflexible underwriting standards, including lower loan-to-
    value ratios, thereby creating significant demand for mezzanine
    financing (typically between 65% and 90% of total
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
    capitalization). In addition, since many high quality loans may not
    immediately qualify for securitization, due primarily to rating agency
    guidelines, significant opportunities are created for shorter-maturity
    bridge and transition mortgage financings.
 
  .  CONSOLIDATION: As the real estate market continues to evolve, the
     Company expects that consolidation will occur and efficiency will
     increase. Over time, the Company believes that the market leaders in the
     real estate finance sector will be fully integrated finance companies
     capable of originating, underwriting, structuring, managing and
     retaining real estate risk.
 
  The Company believes that it is well positioned to capitalize on the
resultant opportunities which, if carefully underwritten, structured and
monitored, represent attractive investments that pose potentially less risk
than direct equity ownership of real property. Further, the Company believes
that the rapid growth of the CMBS market has given rise to opportunities for
the Company to selectively acquire non-investment grade tranches of such
securities which the Company believes are priced inefficiently in terms of
their risk/reward profile.
 
  The Company pursues investment and lending opportunities designed to
capitalize on inefficiencies in the real estate capital and mortgage markets.
The Company's investment program emphasizes, but is not limited to, the
following general categories of real estate-related assets:
 
  .  MORTGAGE LOANS. The Company pursues opportunities to originate and fund
     mortgage loans to commercial real estate owners and property developers
     ("Mortgage Loans") who require interim financing until permanent
     financing can be obtained. The Company's Mortgage Loans are generally
     not intended to be permanent in nature, but rather are intended to be of
     a relatively short-term duration, with extension options as deemed
     appropriate, and typically require a balloon payment of principal at
     maturity.
 
  .  MEZZANINE LOANS. The Company originates high-yielding loans that are
     subordinate to first lien mortgage loans on commercial real estate and
     are secured either by a second lien mortgage or a pledge of the
     ownership interests in the borrowing property owner. Alternatively, the
     Company's mezzanine loans can take the form of a preferred equity
     investment in the borrower with substantially similar terms
     (collectively, "Mezzanine Loans").
 
  .  SUBORDINATED INTERESTS. The Company pursues rated and unrated
     investments in public and private subordinated interests ("Subordinated
     Interests") in commercial collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs" or
     "CMO Bonds") and other CMBS.
 
  .  OTHER INVESTMENTS. The Company intends to assemble an investment
     portfolio of commercial real estate-related assets meeting the Company's
     target risk/return profile. The Company is not limited in the kinds of
     real estate-related assets in which it can invest and believes that it
     is positioned to expand opportunistically its real estate financing
     business. The Company may pursue investments in, among other assets,
     construction loans, distressed mortgages, foreign real estate-related
     assets, real estate operating companies, including loan origination and
     loan servicing companies, and fee interests in real property ("Other
     Investments"). The Company may also originate and fund permanent
     mortgage loans in which the Company sells the senior tranche, thereby
     creating a mezzanine position.
 
  The Company also provides real estate investment banking, advisory and asset
management services through its Victor Capital subsidiary. Victor Capital
provides services to real estate investors, owners, developers and financial
institutions in connection with mortgage financings, securitizations, joint
ventures, debt and equity investments, mergers and acquisitions, portfolio
evaluations, restructurings and disposition programs. The Company may also
acquire operating businesses that the Company believes would complement Victor
Capital's existing business.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
                    RECAPITALIZATION AND INITIAL INVESTMENTS
 
  Prior to July 1997, the Company operated as a real estate investment trust
("REIT"), originating, acquiring, operating or holding income-producing real
property and mortgage-related investments. On July 15, 1997, as a result of
transactions culminating at the Company's 1997 annual meeting of shareholders
(the "1997 Annual Meeting"), the Company experienced, in addition to a change
in control, a number of other significant changes, including:
 
  .  The investment of $33.0 million in the form of preferred equity capital
     (the "Investment");
 
  .  The appointment of a new management team consisting primarily of
     officers of Victor Capital;
 
  .  The implementation of the Company's new business plan emphasizing high-
     yielding lending and investment opportunities;
 
  .  The acquisition of Victor Capital's real estate investment banking and
     advisory operations (the "Acquisition"); and
 
  .  The election of the Company to terminate its REIT status for federal
     income tax purposes primarily in order to retain earnings and to
     maximize its investment flexibility.
 
  In addition, the Company has entered into a credit agreement, dated as of
September 30, 1997, with a commercial lender, that provides for a three-year
$150 million line of credit ("Credit Facility"); in connection with the Credit
Facility, the Company received an advance of approximately $11.7 million from
the commercial lender prior to execution of the Credit Facility. Such
borrowings, along with cash provided by the Investment and existing cash
resources, were used to fund the Company's initial loans and investments. The
Company believes that the Credit Facility and the proceeds of the Offering will
provide the Company with the capital necessary to expand and diversify its
portfolio of investments and will also enable the Company to compete for and
consummate larger transactions meeting the Company's target risk/return
profile.
 
  To date, the Company has identified, negotiated and funded the loan and
investment transactions set forth below:
 
  .  The purchase of two separate Subordinated Interest investments
     aggregating approximately $65.0 million. The first investment, in the
     amount of approximately $49.5 million, is secured by 20 short-term
     commercial mortgage loans with original maturities ranging from two to
     three years, which loans are secured by properties located throughout
     the United States. The Company is the named special servicer for the
     entire $413 million loan portfolio. The second investment, in the amount
     of approximately $15.6 million, is secured by a note secured by a pledge
     of interests in the partnership that owns the 1.75 million square foot
     office building located at 277 Park Avenue in New York City.
 
  .  The origination, funding and sale of a participation interest in a $35.0
     million subordinated Mortgage Loan. This London Interbank Offered Rate
     ("LIBOR")-based loan is secured by a second mortgage on the 1.1 million
     square foot Chicago Apparel Center located in Chicago, Illinois and a
     $5.0 million mortgage on an adjacent development site.
 
  .  The origination and funding of a $9.8 million Mortgage Loan. This loan
     is LIBOR-based and is primarily secured by an $11.8 million mortgage
     note on a 281,000 square foot office/warehouse facility located in
     Philadelphia and a pledge of other mortgage collateral in the New York
     metropolitan area aggregating $6.7 million.
 
  The Company, which targets investment yields ranging from 400 to 600 basis
points over LIBOR, expects that each of the investments set forth above will
provide yields within that range. The Company intends to employ leverage on its
investments in order to increase its overall return on equity. In the future
the Company may make investments with yields that fall outside of the
investment range set forth above, but that correspond with the level of risk
perceived by the Company to be inherent in such investments.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Class A Common Shares offered by
 the Company:
 
  U.S. Offering(1)................              shares
 
  International Offering(1).......              shares
 
    Total(1).....................     8,000,000 shares
 
Class A Common Shares to be
 outstanding after the
 Offering(1)(2)..................... 17,137,335 shares
 
Use of Proceeds..................... The net proceeds to the Company from the
                                     issuance and sale of the 8,000,000 Class
                                     A Common Shares offered hereby (after
                                     deduction of the underwriting discounts
                                     and commissions and estimated offering
                                     expenses) are estimated to be
                                     approximately $   million. The Company
                                     intends to use the net proceeds to fund
                                     investments and loans made by the Company
                                     and for working capital for ongoing
                                     operations and potential business
                                     acquisitions. Until applied to fund
                                     investment or acquisition opportunities,
                                     the net proceeds may be used to
                                     temporarily reduce the outstanding
                                     borrowings under the Credit Facility.
                                     Pending such uses, the net proceeds will
                                     be invested in short-term investment
                                     grade securities, certificates of deposit
                                     or direct or guaranteed obligations of
                                     the United States government. See "Use of
                                     Proceeds."
 
New York Stock Exchange and Pacific
 Stock Exchange symbol.............. "CT"
- --------
(1) Assumes the over-allotment option is not exercised. See "Underwriters."
 
(2) Based on the number of Class A Common Shares outstanding as of October 3,
    1997. Excludes (i) 12,267,658 Class A Common Shares into which the
    outstanding Class A Preferred Shares are convertible and (ii) an aggregate
    of 2,000,000 Class A Common Shares reserved for issuance under the 1997
    Long-Term Incentive Share Plan (the "Incentive Share Plan") and the 1997
    Non-Employee Trustee Share Plan (the "Trustee Share Plan") including
    657,000 shares as to which share options were then outstanding, none of
    which were exercisable on such date. See "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and
    Capital Resources" and "Description of Capital Shares."
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   BACKGROUND
 
  Prior to July 1997, the Company operated as a REIT under the name "California
Real Estate Investment Trust," originating, acquiring, operating or holding
income-producing real property and mortgage-related investments. On January 3,
1997, CalREIT Investors Limited Partnership ("CRIL"), a partnership controlled
by Samuel Zell, the Company's current chairman of the board of trustees (the
"Board of Trustees" or the "Board"), purchased the 6,959,593 Class A Common
Shares (representing approximately 76% of the then outstanding Class A Common
Shares) then owned by the Company's former parent for an aggregate purchase
price of approximately $20.2 million. Prior to the purchase, EGI, a privately
held investment firm that is controlled by Mr. Zell and engaged in, among other
things, the ownership and management of real estate, and Victor Capital, which
was then privately held by John R. Klopp and Craig M. Hatkoff, current trustees
of the Company, presented to the Company's then incumbent Board of Trustees a
proposed new business plan in which the Company would cease to be a REIT and
instead become a specialty finance company designed primarily to take advantage
of high-yielding mezzanine investment opportunities in commercial real estate.
EGI and Victor Capital also proposed that they provide the Company with a new
management team to implement the business plan and that they invest through an
affiliate a minimum of $30.0 million in a new class of preferred shares to be
issued by the Company. In connection with the foregoing, the Company
subsequently agreed that, concurrently with the consummation of the proposed
preferred equity investment, it would acquire for $5.0 million Victor Capital's
real estate investment banking, advisory and asset management businesses,
including the services of its experienced management and professional team.
 
  On July 15, 1997, upon the approval of the Company's shareholders at the 1997
Annual Meeting, the Company closed on the Investment, which consisted of the
sale, for $33.0 million, of 12,267,658 class A 9.5% preferred shares of
beneficial interest, $1.00 par value, in the Company ("Class A Preferred
Shares") to Veqtor Finance Company, LLC ("Veqtor"), a limited liability company
controlled by Samuel Zell, John R. Klopp and Craig M. Hatkoff. Concurrently
with the Investment, Veqtor purchased the 6,959,593 Class A Common Shares held
by CRIL for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $21.3 million. Veqtor
funded the approximately $54.3 million aggregate purchase price for the Class A
Common Shares and the Class A Preferred Shares with $5.0 million of capital
contributions from its members and $50.0 million of borrowings under 12%
convertible redeemable notes (the "Veqtor Notes") issued to BankAmerica
Investment Corporation, BancBoston Investments, Inc., First Chicago Capital
Corporation and Wells Fargo & Company (collectively, the "Institutional
Investors"). The Institutional Investors may in the future redeem these notes
for preferred interests in Veqtor that, in turn, may be converted into an
aggregate of approximately 34% of the outstanding voting shares of the Company
after completion of the Offering (assuming, among other things, the sale of
8,000,000 Class A Common Shares in the Offering).
 
  As a result of the above transactions, a change in control of the Company
occurred, with Veqtor beneficially owning 19,227,251 (or approximately 90%) of
the outstanding voting shares of the Company. Also on that date, the Company's
shareholders approved the adoption of an amended and restated declaration of
trust (the "Restated Declaration") that, among other things, reclassified the
Company's outstanding common shares as Class A Common Shares and changed the
Company's name to "Capital Trust." The Company immediately commenced full
implementation of its new business plan and thereby elected to terminate its
status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. By not operating as a REIT,
the Company is positioned to respond more quickly to investment opportunities
without the structural limitations inherent in REITs and to expand its
portfolio of invested assets on a more highly leveraged basis than most REITs.
The Company is also able to retain its cash flows generated from operations for
reinvestment, thereby facilitating the Company's growth strategy.
 
  In certain cases, the term Class A Common Shares used herein refers to the
common shares of beneficial interest, $1.00 par value, in the Company,
outstanding prior to the reclassification discussed above. The Company is also
authorized to issue class B common shares of beneficial interest, $1.00 par
value ("Class B Common Shares"), and class B 9.5% cumulative convertible non-
voting preferred shares of beneficial interest, $1.00 par value ("Class B
Preferred Shares"), in the Company. The Class B Common Shares and the Class B
Preferred Shares, none of which are outstanding on the date hereof, are
identical to the Class A Common Shares and the Class A Preferred Shares,
respectively, except that neither the Class B Common Shares nor the Class B
Preferred Shares entitle the holder thereof to voting rights, except as
provided by law.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
 
                       OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE OF THE COMPANY
 
  The following diagram depicts the ownership structure of the Company after
the Offering:
 
 
    [Diagram of the ownership structure of the Company after the Offering]


- --------
(1) Capital Trust Investors Limited Partnership (f/k/a CalREIT Investors
    Limited Partnership ("CTILP")), which is indirectly controlled by Samuel
    Zell, and V2 Holdings LLC ("V2"), a holding company controlled by John R.
    Klopp and Craig M. Hatkoff, are each managing members of, and each owns 50%
    of the common interests in, Veqtor. Messrs. Zell, Klopp and Hatkoff as well
    as Sheli Z. Rosenberg and Gary R. Garrabrant, who also hold indirect
    economic ownership interests in Veqtor, are members of the Board of
    Trustees of the Company.
 
(2) Upon completion of the offering, Veqtor will own Class A Common Shares and
    Class A Preferred Shares representing approximately 65% of the outstanding
    voting shares of the Company (assuming the sale of 8,000,000 Class A Common
    Shares in the Offering). The Institutional Investors hold the Veqtor Notes
    and may in the future redeem these notes for preferred interests in Veqtor
    that, in turn, may be converted into approximately 50% of Veqtor's holdings
    of Class A Common Shares and Class A Preferred Shares.
 
(3) Upon completion of the Offering, the public shareholders will own Class A
    Common Shares representing approximately 35% of the outstanding voting
    shares of the Company (assuming the sale of 8,000,000 Class A Common Shares
    in the Offering).
 
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
 
  Veqtor funded the approximately $54.3 million aggregate purchase price for
the 6,959,593 Class A Common Shares and the 12,267,658 Class A Preferred Shares
(collectively, "Veqtor's Company Shares") that it purchased on July 15, 1997
with $5.0 million of capital contributions from its members and $50.0 million
of borrowings under the Veqtor Notes issued to the Institutional Investors. The
Veqtor Notes earn interest at a rate of 12% per annum, except that interest at
a rate of six percent per annum is accrued and not payable until maturity or
redemption or conversion of the Veqtor Notes as discussed herein. The Veqtor
Notes are convertible by the holders thereof into preferred units in Veqtor
("Veqtor Preferred Units") at the rate of $55.59 per unit from and after the
earlier of July 15, 2000, the dissolution and winding up of the affairs of
Veqtor or the sale of any or all of Veqtor's Company Shares. Upon conversion of
the Veqtor Notes into Veqtor Preferred Units, at any time after six months from
the date of such conversion, the Veqtor Preferred Units are redeemable by the
holders thereof in exchange for a portion of Veqtor's Company Shares. The
Veqtor Preferred Units are also redeemable by the Company in exchange for a
portion of Veqtor's Company Shares at any time after 24 months from their date
of issuance provided all such units are redeemed. Upon such redemption, each
holder of such Veqtor Preferred Units is entitled to receive a specified
portion of Veqtor's Company Shares equal to the ratio of the total number of
Veqtor Preferred Units held by such holder to the sum of (i) the total number
of Veqtor Preferred Units that would be outstanding if all holders of the
Veqtor Notes then outstanding converted their Veqtor Preferred Units at a
conversion price of $55.59 per unit and (ii) the total number of Veqtor Common
Units then outstanding. Upon redemption of the Veqtor Preferred Units, with
respect to holders thereof who are bank holding companies or affiliates thereof
within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the
"BHCA"), Veqtor is required to convert those of Veqtor's Company Shares
allocable to such holders into Class B Common Shares and Class B Preferred
Shares, as the case may be. The Class B Common Shares and the Class B Preferred
Shares are non-voting shares and are convertible, respectively, into Class A
Common Shares and Class A Preferred Shares on a share for share basis upon
certification by the holder thereof that such shareholder either (a) will not,
together with any other person (other than the Company) who previously held
voting shares of the Company held by such shareholder, upon the issuance of
such shares, own more than 4.9% of any class of voting shares of the Company or
(b) is not limited by the BHCA to holding no more than 4.9% of any class or
series of voting shares of the Company. Veqtor can redeem the Veqtor Notes for
cash at par (plus accrued and unpaid interest) at any time after July 15, 2000,
subject to the right of the holders to convert the Veqtor Notes into Veqtor
Preferred Units as discussed above.
 
  Assuming for purposes of demonstration that all of the Veqtor Notes
(including accrued and unpaid interest thereon) were converted on the third
anniversary of their issuance into Veqtor Preferred Units, and such units were
then redeemed for their corresponding specified portion of Veqtor's Company
Shares, and assuming further that at that time all two million shares reserved
for issuance pursuant to the Company's share plans were issued and outstanding,
the holders of the Veqtor Notes would be entitled to receive an aggregate of
3,583,494 Class A Common Shares and 6,316,617 Class A Preferred Shares, which
shares would represent in the aggregate approximately 34% of the shares
outstanding after consummation of the Offering (assuming the sale of 8,000,000
Class A Common Shares in the Offering).
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                    SUMMARY PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The following tables present summary pro forma financial data for the
business of the Company as of and for the six month period ended June 30, 1997,
and for the one year period ended December 31, 1996. The pro forma statement of
operations and balance sheet data has been presented to reflect the results of
the Company's business operations as if the Investment and the Acquisition had
occurred on January 1, 1996 and June 30, 1997, respectively. The as adjusted
balance sheet data is further adjusted to reflect the sale of 8,000,000 Class A
Common Shares in the Offering at an assumed price of $10.25 per share and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom.
 
  The information in these tables is qualified by and should be read in
conjunction with the "Selected Financial Information," "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Unaudited Pro
Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information" and the financial statements of
the Company and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PRO FORMA
                                                                     SIX MONTHS
                                                      PRO FORMA YEAR   ENDED
                                                      ENDED DECEMBER  JUNE 30,
                                                         31, 1996       1997
                                                      -------------- ----------
                                                             (UNAUDITED)
                                                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR
                                                           PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
REVENUES:
Rental income(1)....................................     $ 2,019      $   236
Real estate advisory fees...........................       6,940        2,722
Interest and investment income......................       1,206          785
Net gain on sale....................................       1,332          --
                                                         -------      -------
 Total revenues.....................................      11,497        3,743
                                                         -------      -------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating expenses..................................         685          123
Payroll.............................................       3,833        1,409
Property management.................................          96           15
General and administrative..........................       2,395        1,753
Interest............................................         907          273
Depreciation and amortization.......................         208           94
Valuation reserves(1)...............................       1,743          --
Net loss on Sale of Investments.....................         --           432
                                                         -------      -------
 Total operating expenses...........................       9,867        4,099
                                                         -------      -------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME
 TAXES..............................................       1,630         (356)
Provision for income taxes..........................          46          --
Preferred dividends.................................       3,135        1,568
                                                         -------      -------
NET INCOME LOSS.....................................     $(1,551)     $(1,924)
                                                         =======      =======
PER SHARE INFORMATION:
Net income (loss) per Common Share
 Primary............................................     $ (0.17)     $ (0.21)
 Fully diluted......................................       (0.07)       (0.09)
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding
 Primary............................................       9,137        9,137
 Fully diluted......................................      21,405       21,405
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         JUNE 30, 1997
                                                --------------------------------
                                                HISTORICAL PRO FORMA AS ADJUSTED
                                                ---------- --------- -----------
                                                          (UNAUDITED)
                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                             <C>        <C>       <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets...................................  $68,279   $104,950   $180,780
Total liabilities..............................   44,484     49,155     49,155
Shareholders' equity...........................   23,795     55,795    131,625
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Prior to the 1997 Annual Meeting and the implementation of the Company's
    new business plan, the Company operated as a REIT holding income-producing
    property. As of March 31, 1997, the Company had sold its two then remaining
    commercial rental properties, and since that time, the Company has derived
    no revenue from rental operations. The valuation reserves relate entirely
    to these two commercial properties.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  An investment in the Class A Common Shares involves various risks.
Prospective investors should carefully consider the following information in
conjunction with the other information contained in this Prospectus before
purchasing Class A Common Shares in the Offering.
 
DEPENDENCE ON AVAILABLE INVESTMENTS; COMPETITION
 
  The results of the Company's future operations under the new business plan
will be dependent upon the availability of, as well as management's ability to
identify, complete and realize, real estate investment opportunities. It may
take considerable time for the Company to find and consummate appropriate
investments. In general, the availability of desirable investment
opportunities and the results of the Company's operations will be affected by
the level and volatility of interest rates, by conditions in the financial
markets, and general economic conditions. No assurances can be given that the
Company will be successful in finding and then acquiring economically
desirable assets or that the assets, once acquired, will maintain their
economic desirability.
 
  The Company is engaged in a highly competitive business. The Company will be
competing for investments with many recent entrants into the business,
including numerous public and private real estate investment vehicles,
including financial institutions (such as mortgage banks, pension funds and
real estate investment trusts) and other institutional investors, as well as
individuals. The acquisition of Mortgage Loans, Mezzanine Loans and
Subordinated Interests is often based on competitive bidding. In addition, the
Company's competitors may seek to establish relationships with the financial
institutions and other firms from whom the Company intends to purchase such
assets. Many of the Company's anticipated competitors are significantly larger
than the Company, have established operating histories and procedures, may
have access to greater capital and other resources, may have management
personnel with more experience than the officers of the Company, and may have
other advantages over the Company in conducting certain businesses and
providing certain services.
 
GROWTH DEPENDENT ON LEVERAGE; RISKS FROM USE OF LEVERAGE
 
  The success of the Company's new business plan is dependent upon the
Company's ability to grow its portfolio of invested assets through the use of
leverage. The Company currently intends to significantly leverage its
portfolio primarily through secured and unsecured borrowings. The Company's
ability to obtain the leverage necessary for execution of its business plan
will ultimately depend upon its ability to maintain interest coverage ratios
meeting market underwriting standards which will vary according to lenders'
assessments of the creditworthiness of the Company and the terms of the
borrowings. The failure to obtain leverage at the levels contemplated in the
new business plan would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
ability to execute its business plan.
 
  The percentage of leverage used will vary depending on the Company's
estimate of the stability of the portfolio's cash flow. To the extent that
changes in market conditions cause the cost of such financing to increase
relative to the income that can be derived from the assets acquired, the
Company may reduce the amount of leverage it utilizes. In leveraging its
portfolio, the Company plans not to exceed a debt to equity ratio of 5:1. In
addition, the Company's Credit Facility requires, and other debt obligations
the Company enters into in the future may require, the Company to comply with
a number of financial and other covenants on an ongoing basis. Failure to
comply with such covenants may limit the Company's ability to borrow funds or
may cause a default under its then-existing indebtedness which, in turn, could
force the Company to sell certain of its assets at prices which are
unfavorable to the Company in order to satisfy its debt obligations.
 
  Leverage creates an opportunity for increased net income, but at the same
time creates risks. For example, leveraging magnifies changes in the net worth
of the Company. The Company will leverage assets only when there is an
expectation that it will enhance returns, although there can be no assurance
that the Company's use of leverage will prove to be beneficial. Moreover,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to meet
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
its debt service obligations and, to the extent that it cannot, the Company
risks the loss of some or all of its assets or a financial loss if the Company
is required to liquidate assets at a commercially inopportune time.
 
YIELD ASSESSMENT RISK
 
  Before making any investments, the Company will consider the expected yield
of the investment and the factors that may influence the yield actually
obtained on such investment. These considerations will affect the Company's
decision whether to purchase such an investment and the price offered for such
an investment. Despite management's experience in evaluating potential
investments, no assurances can be given that the Company can make an accurate
assessment of the yield to be produced by an investment. Many factors beyond
the control of the Company are likely to influence the yield on the Company's
investments, including, but not limited to, competitive conditions in the
local real estate market, local and general economic conditions and the
quality of management of the underlying property.
 
INTEREST RATE RISK
 
  The Company's operating results depend in part on the difference between the
interest income earned on its interest-earning assets and the interest expense
incurred in connection with its interest-bearing liabilities. Competition from
other providers of mezzanine capital may lead to a lowering of the interest
rate earned on the Company's interest-earning assets that the Company may not
be able to offset by obtaining lower interest costs on its borrowings. Changes
in the general level of interest rates prevailing in the economy can affect
the spread between the Company's interest-earning assets and interest-bearing
liabilities. Any significant compression of the spreads of interest rates on
interest-earning assets over the interest rates on interest-bearing
liabilities could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In addition,
an increase in interest rates could, among other things, reduce the value of
the Company's Mortgage Loans and other interest-earning assets and its ability
to realize gains from the sale of such assets, and a decrease in interest
rates could reduce the average life of the Company's interest-earning assets.
 
  Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental
monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political
considerations, and other factors beyond the control of the Company. The
Company may employ various hedging strategies to limit the effects of changes
in interest rates on its operations, including engaging in interest rate
swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate exchange contracts. There can be
no assurance that the profitability of the Company will not be adversely
affected during any period as a result of changing interest rates. In
addition, hedging transactions involve certain additional risks such as
counter-party credit risk, legal enforceability of hedging contracts and the
risk that unanticipated and significant changes in interest will cause a
significant loss of basis in the contract. With regard to the loss of basis in
a hedging contract, indices upon which such contracts are priced may be more
or less variable than the indices upon which the hedged loans are priced,
thereby making the hedge less effective. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to adequately protect against the foregoing risks and
that the Company will ultimately realize an economic benefit from any hedging
contract it enters into.
 
NO ASSURANCE OF SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW BUSINESS PLAN; RELIANCE ON
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
 
  The Company is subject to the risks generally associated with the
development and implementation of its new business plan and will need to
develop effective investment and operating policies and strategies in
connection therewith. The Company's real estate finance company operations
have recently commenced under the direction of a new management team that had
never before managed such a real estate finance company, although certain
officers and employees of the management team have significant prior
experience in managing real estate assets, including Mortgage Loans and
Mezzanine Loans. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful
in developing the necessary investment and operating policies or that it will
be able to effectively implement its business plan. The Company is dependent
to a substantial extent on the experience and services of John R. Klopp, vice
chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, and Craig M. Hatkoff,
vice chairman of the Company, to implement the new business plan. The loss of
the services of either of these
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
executive officers, or any others, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's operations and ability to execute its business plan. The Company's
employment agreements with Messrs. Klopp and Hatkoff expire in 2003.
 
MANAGEMENT DISCRETION WITH INVESTMENT POLICY
 
  The Company's new business plan currently emphasizes investments in Mortgage
Loans, Mezzanine Loans and Subordinated Interests. The Company does not have
any policy, and is not subject to any restrictions, limiting the percentage of
total investments in any particular category of investment other than the
limitations discussed under "--Consequences of Not Qualifying for Investment
Company Act Exemption." Subject to the foregoing, the Company's management has
complete discretion as to the relative percentages of the Company's
investments in any specific investment or any investment category. Further,
the Company is not limited in the kinds of real estate-related assets in which
it can invest, and therefore may invest in assets with a riskier profile,
including distressed mortgages and foreign real estate assets. Shareholders
rely on management to select the types of investments to be made by the
Company and to determine the optimum mix of the Company's investments.
 
CONTROL BY VEQTOR; RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
 
  After consummation of the Offering, Veqtor will beneficially own, in the
aggregate, 19,227,251 of the outstanding voting shares of the Company,
including 6,959,593 Class A Common Shares and 12,267,658 Class A Preferred
Shares, which shares, in the aggregate, will represent 65% (63% if the U.S.
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) of the outstanding
voting shares of the Company, and Veqtor will have voting and investment power
with respect to such shares. As a result, Veqtor will retain the ability to
control the election of trustees of the Company and the vote on actions
requiring shareholder approval, including amendments to the Restated
Declaration and mergers or sales of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company, and Veqtor otherwise will continue to be in a position to control
the policies and affairs of the Company. In addition, Veqtor's controlling
ownership of the Company's outstanding shares will continue to have the effect
of precluding the acquisition of the Company by a third party without Veqtor's
consent. Veqtor is controlled by Samuel Zell, the Company's chairman of the
Board of Trustees, Craig M. Hatkoff, a trustee and a vice chairman of the
Company, and John R. Klopp, a trustee and a vice chairman of the Company as
well as its chief executive officer. The Class A Preferred Shares owned by
Veqtor have the protection of certain covenants contained in the Certificate
of Designation for the Class A Preferred Shares and the agreement governing
the Investment, including limitations on the Company's ability to amend the
Restated Declaration, issue additional shares, declare or pay any dividend on
other classes of shares, incur indebtedness or merge, consolidate or sell the
Company's assets. The Company has also agreed to redeem the Class A Preferred
Shares for cash in the event of a "change in control" as defined in the
Certificate of Designation. Such covenants will restrict the Company from
engaging in any significant financing or major transaction without Veqtor's
consent. See "Certain Transactions--Investment Agreement" and "Description of
Capital Shares."
 
GENERAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE
 
  The ultimate performance of the Company's proposed investments under its new
business plan and its existing portfolio of mortgage-backed securities will be
subject to the varying degrees of risk generally incident to the ownership and
operation of the underlying real property. The ultimate value of the Company's
security in the underlying real property depends upon the owners' ability to
operate the real property in a manner sufficient to maintain or increase
revenues in excess of operating expenses and debt service or, in the case of
real property leased to a single lessee, the ability of the lessee to make
rental payments. Revenues may be adversely affected by adverse changes in
national economic conditions, adverse changes in local market conditions due
to changes in general or local economic conditions and neighborhood
characteristics, competition from other properties offering the same or
similar services, changes in interest rates and in the availability, cost and
terms of mortgage funds, the impact of present or future environmental
legislation and compliance with environmental laws, the ongoing need for
capital improvements (particularly in older structures), changes in real
estate tax rates and other operating expenses, adverse changes in governmental
rules and fiscal policies, civil unrest, acts of God, including
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters (which may result in
uninsured losses), acts of war, adverse changes in zoning laws, and other
factors which are beyond the control of the real property owners and the
Company. In the event that any of the properties underlying the Company's
investments experience any of the foregoing events or occurrences, the value
of and return on such investments would be negatively impacted.
 
ILLIQUIDITY OF REAL ESTATE
 
  Real estate investments are relatively illiquid. Such illiquidity limits the
ability of the Company to vary its portfolio of proposed and current
investments in response to changes in economic and other conditions.
Illiquidity may result from the absence of an established market for
investments as well as the legal or contractual restrictions on their resale
by the Company. In addition, illiquidity may result from the decline in value
of a property securing an investment by the Company. No assurances can be
given that the fair market value of any of the real property serving as
security will not decrease in the future leaving the Company's investment
under-collateralized or not collateralized at all. Additionally, since the
Company intends to take subordinated security positions in its mezzanine
investments, a loss in the fair market value of a property securing an
investment would adversely affect the Company before it did a lender in a
first security position. It would be difficult to sell an under-collateralized
investment, and if the Company needed to do so, assuming it were even able to
do so given its typically subordinated lien position, it is likely that such
investment would be sold at a loss.
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LOSSES NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE
 
  The Company intends to ensure that its borrowers maintain comprehensive
insurance on their properties, including liability and fire and extended
coverage, in amounts sufficient to permit the replacement of the properties in
the event of a total loss, subject to applicable deductibles. There are
certain types of losses, however, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as
earthquakes, floods and hurricanes, that may be uninsurable or not
economically insurable. Inflation, changes in building codes and ordinances,
environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it infeasible
to use insurance proceeds to replace a property if it is damaged or destroyed.
Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds received by the property
owner might not be adequate to restore its economic position with respect to
the affected property, which would reduce the property owner's economic
incentive to avoid a default on its loan obligation to the Company or to
preserve the value of the property in which the Company has an interest, as
the case may be.
 
RISK FROM COMMERCIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LENDING ACTIVITIES
 
  The Company may originate or acquire loans secured by existing commercial
real estate, including multifamily residential real estate, some of which may
be loans that are subordinate to first liens on such real estate. Loans that
are subordinate to first liens on real estate are subject to greater risks of
loss than first lien mortgage loans. An overall decline in the real estate
market could adversely affect the value of the property securing the loans
such that the aggregate outstanding balance of the loan made by the Company
and the more senior loan on the property exceed the value of the property. The
Company may, in some cases, address this risk by providing a Mezzanine Loan to
the partnership that owns the property, secured by a partnership interest in
such owner, so that, in the event of a default, the Company can take over the
management of the property and seek to reduce the amount of losses. There can
be no assurance, however, that it will be able to do so.
 
EFFECT OF CHANGES IN ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
 
  The Company's success is dependent upon the general economic conditions in
the geographic areas in which a substantial number of its investments are
located. While the Company has no plans to concentrate its investment activity
in any particular geographic areas, there will be no limitations on the
Company's ability to do so. Adverse changes in national economic conditions or
in the economic conditions of the regions in which the Company conducts
substantial business likely would have an adverse effect on real estate
values, interest rates and, accordingly, the Company's investments.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT QUALIFYING FOR INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT EXEMPTION
 
  The Company intends to invest in Subordinated Interests that may not
constitute Qualifying Interests (as defined herein) within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act"). The Company
intends to limit the amount of such investments in Subordinated Interests that
do not constitute Qualifying Interests ("Non-Qualifying Investments") so as to
maintain the availability of an exemption from required registration as an
investment company under the Investment Company Act. If the Company does not
limit the amount of Non-Qualifying Investments so as to maintain the
availability of the foregoing exemption, or Subordinated Interests believed by
the Company to be Qualifying Interests are determined by the Commission or its
staff to be Non-Qualifying Investments (and the Non-Qualifying Investments
exceed prescribed limitations), the Company could, among other things, be
required either (a) to change the manner in which it conducts its operations
to avoid being required to register as an investment company or (b) to
register as an investment company, either of which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company and the market price for the shares.
Registration as an investment company would result in, among other things, a
significantly reduced ability to utilize leverage in the Company's business
and significantly increased operating expenses. See "Business--Categories of
Investment."
 
LIMITED TRADING MARKET
 
  Although the Company's Class A Common Shares are traded on the New York and
Pacific Stock Exchanges, trading volume is limited and sporadic. There can be
no assurance that an active and liquid trading market will develop following
the Offering. In addition, no predictions can be made as to the effect, if
any, that future sales of Class A Common Shares (or securities convertible
into Class A Common Shares) or the availability of any such securities for
sale will have on the prevailing market price of the Class A Common Shares.
 
RISK FROM OWNERSHIP OF SUBORDINATED INTERESTS IN POOLS OF COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE
LOANS
 
  The Company intends to acquire a significant amount of Subordinated
Interests, including "first loss" unrated, credit support Subordinated
Interests. A first loss security is the most subordinated class of a multi-
class issuance of pass-through or debt securities and is the first to bear the
loss upon a default on the underlying collateral. Such classes are subject to
special risks, including a substantially greater risk of loss of principal and
non-payment of interest than more senior, rated classes. While the market
values of most Subordinated Interest classes tend to react less to
fluctuations in interest rate levels than more senior, rated classes, the
market values of Subordinated Interest classes tend to be more sensitive to
changes in economic conditions than more senior, rated classes. The ratings
assigned to securities by a nationally-recognized rating agency reflect such
agency's assessment of the ability of the issuer to make timely payments of
principal and interest and the nature and quality of the collateral underlying
the obligations. As a result of these and other factors, Subordinated
Interests generally are not actively traded and may not provide holders
thereof with liquidity of investment.
 
  The yield to maturity on Subordinated Interests of the type the Company
intends to acquire will be extremely sensitive to the default and loss
experience of the underlying mortgage loans and the timing of any such
defaults or losses. Because the Subordinated Interests of the type the Company
intends to acquire generally have no credit support, to the extent there are
realized losses on the mortgage loans comprising the mortgage collateral for
such classes, the Company may not recover the full amount or, indeed, any of
its initial investment in such Subordinated Interests. The Company may acquire
non-performing (i.e., defaulted) Subordinated Interests. Such investments
involve risks that the value of the mortgage collateral will decline below the
amount necessary to provide full recovery to senior classes, in which event
the Company's entire investment would be lost.
 
  When the Company acquires a Subordinated Interest, it may not acquire the
right to service the underlying mortgage loans, even those that become
defaulted, although the Company may seek to obtain Special Servicing Rights
(as defined herein) (i.e., rights that permit the Company to make certain
loss-minimizing decisions with
respect to defaulted mortgages such as decisions with respect to the
prosecution of foreclosure proceedings, the
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
workout or modification of the loan provisions and the preservation of the
value of the collateral generally, including property management and
maintenance decisions) with respect to such loans. The servicer of the
mortgage loans is responsible to holders of the senior classes of CMBS, whose
interests may not be the same as those of the holder of the Subordinated
Interest. Accordingly, the underlying mortgage loans may not be serviced in
the same manner as they would be serviced by the Company or in a manner that
is most advantageous to the Company as the holder of the Subordinated
Interest. While Victor Capital has performed many of the functions of a
special servicer, neither Victor Capital nor the Company is currently a rated
special servicer. Although the Company plans to seek to become rated as a
rated special servicer, or acquire a rated special servicer, there can be no
assurance as to when or if the Company will be able to accomplish the
foregoing. Until the Company can act as a rated special servicer, it is
unlikely that it will be able to obtain Special Servicing Rights with respect
to mortgage loans underlying a significant number of Subordinated Interest
investments. See "Business-- Categories of Investment."
 
  The subordination of Subordinated Interests to more senior classes may
adversely affect the yield on the Subordinated Interests even if realized
losses are not ultimately allocated to such classes. On any payment date,
interest and principal are paid on the more senior classes before interest and
principal are paid with respect to the unrated or non-investment grade credit
support classes. Typically, interest deferred on these credit support classes
is payable on subsequent payment dates to the extent funds are available, but
such deferral may not itself bear interest. Such deferral of interest will
affect adversely the yield on the Subordinated Interests.
 
  The yield of the Subordinated Interests also will be affected by the rate
and timing of payments of principal (including prepayments, repurchase,
defaults and liquidations) on the mortgage loans underlying a series of CMBS.
The rate of principal payments may vary significantly over time depending on a
variety of factors such as the level of prevailing mortgage loan interest
rates and economic, demographic, tax, legal and other factors. Prepayments on
the mortgage loans underlying a series of mortgage-backed securities ("MBS")
are generally allocated to the more senior classes of CMBS until those classes
are paid in full or until the end of a lock-out period, typically of five
years or more. Generally, prepayments of principal from the mortgage loans are
not received by the Subordinated Interest holders for a period of at least
five years. As a result, the weighted-average lives of the Subordinated
Interests may be longer than would otherwise be the case. To the extent that
the holder of Subordinated Interests is not paid compensating interest on
interest shortfalls due to prepayments, liquidations or otherwise, the yield
on the Subordinated Interests may be affected adversely.
 
NO ASSURANCE OF USE OF LOSS CARRY-FORWARD
 
  The acquisition in January 1997 by CRIL of a 76% interest in the Company
resulted in a change in ownership of the Company under Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the Investment
resulted in another change in ownership of the Company, for purposes of
limitations on the use of the Company's net operating loss and capital loss
Carry-forward ("Loss Carry-forward"). The changes in ownership are expected to
result in a limitation on the amount of Loss Carry-forward that may be used to
offset the taxable income of the Company, if any, in an amount equal to
approximately $1.5 million per year until the earlier of (i) full utilization
thereof (which would occur in 2009 if the Company had sufficient taxable
income in each year to allow full use of the Loss Carry-forward, as limited)
or (ii) the expiration of the Loss Carry-forward in 2011, in accordance with
the provisions of the Code. The actual amount of this limitation may vary,
depending upon the actual data used in the foregoing calculations, which is
made as of the effective date of the change in the Company's ownership. In
addition to this limitation, if the Company does not continue its business
enterprise at all times during the two-year period beginning on the effective
date of the change in ownership, the amount of Loss Carry-forward that may be
used to offset taxable income will be, subject to certain exceptions, reduced
to zero. The net operating loss limitation may also be reduced if the Company
has substantial non-business assets. Although the Company anticipates that it
will comply with the requirements of Section 382 of the Code, there can be no
assurance that it will be able to do so and that the expected Loss Carry-
forward will be available to offset taxable income.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH UNSPECIFIED ACQUISITIONS
 
  The Company has from time to time engaged in and expects to continue
pursuing discussions with respect to possible business acquisitions. While it
has no present commitments or agreements with respect to any material
acquisition, the Company is actively investigating acquisitions of firms
engaged in businesses that the Company believes will complement its existing
business, including firms engaged in commercial loan origination, loan
servicing, mortgage banking, real estate loan and property acquisitions and
real estate investment banking and advisory services similar to or related to
the services provided by the Company. Any decision to pursue acquisition
opportunities will be in the discretion of the Company's management and may be
consummated without prior notice or shareholder approval. In such instances,
shareholders will be relying the Company's management to assess the relative
benefits and risks associated with any such acquisition.
 
RISK OF TAXATION AS A PERSONAL HOLDING COMPANY
 
  As a result of the completion of the Investment, the Company may be deemed a
personal holding company for federal tax purposes under the Code and thereby
subject to additional tax on its undistributed personal holding company
income. Such undistributed personal holding company income is taxed at a rate
of 39.6%. The Company will seek to avail itself of an exception for a lending
or finance company that meets certain tests specified in the Code. Although
the Company will endeavor to meet the requirements for qualification as a
lending or finance company, there can be no assurance that it will be able to
do so. In the event the Company is subject to the foregoing additional taxes,
its after-tax income will be correspondingly reduced.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The net proceeds to the Company from the issuance and sale of the 8,000,000
Class A Common Shares offered hereby, based on an assumed offering price of
$        per share (the reported last sale price for the Class A Common Shares
on the New York Stock Exchange on October   , 1997) and after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, are
estimated to be approximately $      million.
 
  The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund
investments and loans made by the Company and for working capital for ongoing
operations and potential business acquisitions. Until applied to fund
investment or acquisition opportunities, the net proceeds of the Offering may
be used to temporarily reduce the outstanding borrowings under the Credit
Facility.
 
  The Company has from time to time engaged in and expects to continue to
pursue discussions with respect to possible business acquisitions. While it
has no present commitments or agreements with respect to any material
acquisition, the Company is actively investigating acquisitions of firms
engaged in businesses that the Company believes will complement its existing
business, including firms engaged in commercial loan origination, loan
servicing, mortgage banking, real estate loan and property acquisitions and
real estate investment banking and advisory services similar to or related to
the services provided by the Company. No assurance can be given that any such
transactions can be successfully negotiated or completed or that any business
acquired can be efficiently integrated with the Company's ongoing operations.
No assurance can be given that the net proceeds from the Offering will be
sufficient to fund any acquisitions identified by the Company and that the
Company will not need to obtain additional funds through borrowings under the
Credit Facility or through other loans or financing arrangements.
 
  Pending such uses, the net proceeds will be invested in short-term
investment-grade securities, certificates of deposit or direct or guaranteed
obligations of the United States government.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                     PRICE RANGE OF CLASS A COMMON SHARES
 
  The Common Shares are listed for trading on the New York and Pacific Stock
Exchanges under the symbol "CT." The table below sets forth, for the calendar
quarters indicated, the reported high and low sale prices of the Company's
common shares of beneficial interest, par value $1.00 per share (the "Old
Common Shares"), which were reclassified as the Class A Common Shares on July
15, 1997 in connection with the adoption of the Company's Restated
Declaration, as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange based on published
financial sources.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  HIGH    LOW
                                                                 ------- ------
   <S>                                                           <C>     <C>
   1995
   First Quarter................................................ $ 1 7/8 $1 5/8
   Second Quarter...............................................   1 7/8  1 1/2
   Third Quarter................................................   1 7/8  1 1/2
   Fourth Quarter...............................................   1 5/8  1 1/8
   1996
   First Quarter................................................   1 1/2  1 1/8
   Second Quarter...............................................   1 7/8  1 3/8
   Third Quarter................................................   2 3/4  1 5/8
   Fourth Quarter...............................................   2 7/8  1 7/8
   1997
   First Quarter................................................   6 7/8  2 5/8
   Second Quarter...............................................   6 1/8  4 1/2
   Third Quarter (through October 2, 1997)......................  11 3/8  5 3/4
</TABLE>
 
  The last sale price of the Class A Common Shares on October 2, 1997 as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange is set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus. As of October   , 1997, there were approximately     registered
holders of record of the Class A Common Shares.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
  The Company has not paid any dividends on its Class A Common Shares since
1994. The Company does not currently expect to declare or pay dividends on its
Class A Common Shares in the foreseeable future. The policy of the Board of
Trustees will be to reinvest earnings in the Company to the extent that such
earnings are in excess of the dividend requirements on its Class A Preferred
Shares. Pursuant to the Certificate of Designation, unless all accrued
dividends and other amounts then accrued through the end of the last dividend
period and unpaid with respect to the Preferred Shares have been paid in full,
the Company may not declare or pay or set apart for payment any dividends on
the Class A Common Shares or Class B Common Shares. The Certificate of
Designation provides for a semi-annual dividend of $0.1278 per share on the
Class A Preferred Shares based on a dividend rate of 9.5%, amounting to an
aggregate annual dividend of $3,135,000 based on the 12,267,658 shares of
Class A Preferred Shares outstanding on the date hereof. See "Description of
Capital Shares."
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
                                CAPITALIZATION
 
  The following table sets forth (i) certain combined short-term obligations
and the total capitalization of the Company as of June 30, 1997, (ii) such
combined short-term obligations and the total capitalization pro forma for the
Investment and the Acquisition and (iii) such pro forma combined short-term
obligations and total capitalization as further adjusted to give effect to the
sale of the 8,000,000 Class A Common Shares offered hereby at the Offering
Price and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom (after
deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering
expenses). See "Use of Proceeds." The information set forth in the table below
should be read in conjunction with the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined
Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
                                               ----------------------------------
                                                                          AS
                                               HISTORICAL PRO FORMA  ADJUSTED (1)
                                               ---------- ---------  ------------
                                                        (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
   SHORT-TERM DEBT(2)
     Current maturities of long-term notes
      payable................................   $    --   $    640     $    640
                                                --------  --------     --------
     Total short-term debt...................   $    --   $    640     $    640
                                                ========  ========     ========
   LONG-TERM DEBT(3)
     Long-term notes payable.................   $    873  $  4,133     $  4,133
     Repurchase Obligations..................     42,451    42,451       42,451
                                                --------  --------     --------
     Total long-term debt....................     43,324    46,584       46,584
                                                --------  --------     --------
   SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY(4)(5)
     Class A Preferred Shares, $1.00 par
      value--Unlimited authorized, 12,267,658
      issued and outstanding on a pro forma
      basis(6)...............................        --     12,268       12,268
     Class A Common Shares, $1.00 par value--
      Unlimited authorized, 9,137,335 issued
      and outstanding, 17,137,335 issued and
      outstanding on an as adjusted basis....      9,137     9,137       17,137
     Additional paid-in capital..............     55,145    74,877      142,707
     Unrealized holding income on marketable
      securities.............................        135       135          135
     Accumulated deficit.....................    (40,622)  (40,622)     (40,622)
                                                --------  --------     --------
     Total Shareholders' Equity..............     23,795    55,795      131,625
                                                --------  --------     --------
   TOTAL CAPITALIZATION(7)...................   $ 67,119  $102,379     $178,209
                                                ========  ========     ========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Assumes the sale of the 8,000,000 Class A Common Shares offered hereby at
    the Offering Price and the application of the estimated net proceeds
    therefrom (after deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and
    estimated offering expenses) as described in "Use of Proceeds."
(2) Represents the current portion of the five-year, non-interest bearing,
    $5.0 million promissory notes, payable in ten equal semi-annual
    installments of $500,000, issued in connection with the Acquisition (the
    "Acquisition Notes"), net of an unamortized discount of $360,000. See
    "Certain Transactions."
(3) Included on a pro forma basis is the long-term portion of the Acquisition
    Notes, net of an unamortized discount of $740,000.
(4) The Restated Declaration provides that the total number of Common Shares
    and Preferred Shares which may be issued by the Board of Trustees is not
    limited.
(5) In addition to the Class A Common Shares and Class A Preferred Shares
    listed in the table, the Company is authorized to issue an unlimited
    number of Class B Common Shares and Class B Preferred Shares, although no
    shares of either class are currently outstanding. The Class B Common
    Shares and the Class B Preferred Shares are identical to the Class A
    Common Shares and the Class A Preferred Shares respectively, except that
    neither the Class B Common Shares nor the Class B Preferred Shares entitle
    the holders thereof to voting rights, except as provided by law. See
    "Description of Capital Shares."
(6) Each Class A Preferred Share is convertible at the option of the holder
    thereof into one Class A Common Share, subject to adjustment to avoid
    dilution, or one Class B Preferred Share. See "Description of Capital
    Shares."
(7) Total Capitalization includes long-term debt and shareholders' equity.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
  Prior to July 1997, the Company operated as a REIT, originating, acquiring,
operating or holding income-producing real property and mortgage-related
investments. Therefore, the Company's historical financial information as of
and for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 does not
reflect any operating results from its specialty finance or real estate
investment banking operations. The following selected financial data relating
to the Company have been derived from the historical financial statements as
of and for the years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and as
of and for the six months periods ended June 30, 1996 and 1997. None of the
following data reflect the results of the Acquisition and the Investment, both
of which occurred on July 15, 1997 or the Offering as contemplated hereby. For
these reasons, the Company believes that the following information is not
indicative of the Company's current business. The information in these tables
is qualified by and should be read in conjunction with "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" and
the financial statements of the Company and notes thereto included herein and
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      SIX MONTHS
                                                                         ENDED
                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                JUNE 30,
                         ------------------------------------------  -------------
                           1992     1993     1994    1995     1996    1996   1997
                         --------  -------  ------  -------  ------  ------ ------
                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>       <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>    <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
REVENUES:
Rental income........... $  3,641  $ 4,555  $2,593  $ 2,093  $2,019  $1,103 $  236
Interest and investment
 income.................    2,248      924   1,675    1,396   1,136     548    679
Other...................      --       --      519       46     --      --      69
                         --------  -------  ------  -------  ------  ------ ------
   Total revenues.......    5,889    5,479   4,787    3,535   3,155   1,651    984
                         --------  -------  ------  -------  ------  ------ ------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Operating expenses......    1,703    2,177   1,782      592     685     326    123
Property management.....      384      620     252       96      96      56     15
General and
 administrative.........      480      662     813      933   1,503     780  1,126
Interest................    1,388    1,487   1,044      815     547     274    123
Depreciation and
 amortization...........    1,111      847     595      662      64      25     25
                         --------  -------  ------  -------  ------  ------ ------
   Total operating
    expenses............    5,066    5,793   4,486    3,098   2,895   1,461  1,412
                         --------  -------  ------  -------  ------  ------ ------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
 BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY
 GAIN (LOSS)............      823     (314)    301      437     260     190   (428)
                         --------  -------  ------  -------  ------  ------ ------
Gain (loss) due to sale
 and valuation
 adjustments............  (11,102)  (7,797)   (337)  (3,215)   (674)     37   (432)
                         --------  -------  ------  -------  ------  ------ ------
NET INCOME (LOSS).......  (10,279)  (8,111)    (36)  (2,778)   (414)    227   (860)
                         ========  =======  ======  =======  ======  ====== ======
PER SHARE INFORMATION:
Net income (loss) per
 Common Share........... $  (1.13) $ (0.89) $(0.00) $ (0.30) $(0.05) $ 0.02 $(0.09)
Weighted average Common
 Shares outstanding.....    9,137    9,137   9,137    9,137   9,137   9,137  9,137
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                          1992    1993    1994    1995    1996
                                         ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S>                                      <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets............................ $55,477 $42,194 $36,540 $33,532 $30,036
Total liabilities.......................  16,739  13,583   8,855   8,625   5,565
Shareholders' equity....................  38,738  28,611  27,685  24,907  24,471
</TABLE>
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
         UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
assume completion of the Investment and the Acquisition. The as adjusted
unaudited condensed combined balance sheet is further adjusted for the sale of
the 8,000,000 Class A Common Shares offered hereby at the Offering Price and
the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom (after deduction of
underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses). The
pro forma condensed combined financial statements are based on and should be
read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of
the Company and of Victor Capital, for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
the six months ended June 30, 1997 which are included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
  The following pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of June 30, 1997
assume the Investment and the Acquisition and related transactions occurred on
June 30, 1997 and the as adjusted condensed combined balance sheet is further
adjusted to reflect completion of the Offering. The following pro forma
condensed combined statements of income for the year ended December 31, 1996
and the six months ended June 30, 1997 assume the Investment and the
Acquisition and related transactions occurred on January 1, 1996. The
following pro forma and as adjusted condensed combined financial statements
are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily
indicative of the combined operating results or combined financial position
that would have occurred if the Investment, the Acquisition and the Offering
had been consummated on the dates indicated, nor is it indicative of future
combined operating results or combined financial position.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
                   PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
 
                                 JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           THE     VICTOR   PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA     AS
                         COMPANY   CAPITAL ADJUSTMENTS NOTES COMBINED   ADJUSTED
                         --------  ------- ----------- ----- ---------  --------
         ASSETS
         ------
<S>                      <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>   <C>        <C>
Current Assets:
  Notes receivable, net. $  2,650  $  --     $    --         $  2,650   $ 2,650
  Cash and cash
   equivalents..........    2,059     956       (619)   (1)     2,396     2,396
  Marketable securities.   12,696      18     32,000    (2)    44,714   120,544
  Accounts receivable,
   net..................      796     168      2,400    (1)     3,364     3,364
  Deposits and prepaid
   expenses.............      --      154        --               154       154
                         --------  ------    -------         --------   -------
  Total current assets..   18,201   1,296     33,781           53,278   129,108
  Investment in CMBS....   49,524     --         --            49,524    49,524
  Property and
   equipment, net.......      --       93        --                93        93
  Other assets, net.....      554       1        --               555       555
  Excess of purchase
   price over net
   tangible assets
   acquired.............      --      --       1,500    (1)     1,500     1,500
                         --------  ------    -------         --------   -------
  Total Assets.......... $ 68,279  $1,390    $35,281         $104,950   180,780
                         ========  ======    =======         ========   =======
<CAPTION>
    LIABILITIES AND
  SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  --------------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>     <C>         <C>   <C>        <C>
Liabilities:
  Current maturities of
   long-term notes
   payable, net......... $    --   $  --     $   640    (1)  $    640   $   640
  Long-term notes
   payable, net.........      873     --       3,260    (1)     4,133     4,133
  Repurchase
   Obligations..........   42,451     --         --            42,451    42,451
  Accounts payable and
   accrued expenses.....    1,160     371        --             1,531     1,531
  Due to partner........      --      400        --               400       400
  Other liabilities.....      --      --         --               --        --
                         --------  ------    -------         --------   -------
  Total Liabilities.....   44,484     771      3,900           49,155    49,155
                         --------  ------    -------         --------   -------
Shareholders' equity:
  Class A Preferred
   Shares...............      --      --      12,268    (2)    12,268    12,268
  Class A Common Shares.    9,137     --         --             9,137    17,137
  Additional paid-in
   capital..............   55,145     --      19,732    (2)    74,877   142,707
  Unrealized holding
   income on marketable
   securities...........      135     --         --               135       135
  Accumulated earnings
   (deficit)............  (40,622)    619       (619)   (1)   (40,622)  (40,622)
                         --------  ------    -------         --------   -------
  Total Shareholders'
   Equity...............   23,795     619     31,381           55,795   131,625
                         --------  ------    -------         --------   -------
Total Liabilities and
 Shareholders' Equity... $ 68,279  $1,390    $35,281         $104,950   180,780
                         ========  ======    =======         ========   =======
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these pro forma condensed
                         combined financial statements.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
                PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                     FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      THE    VICTOR   PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA
                                    COMPANY  CAPITAL ADJUSTMENTS NOTES COMBINED
                                    -------  ------- ----------- ----- ---------
<S>                                 <C>      <C>     <C>         <C>   <C>
REVENUES:
  Rental income.................... $  236   $  --     $   --           $   236
  Real estate advisory fees........    --     2,722        --             2,722
  Interest and investment income...    748       37        --               785
                                    ------   ------    -------          -------
  Total Revenues...................    984    2,759        --             3,743
                                    ------   ------    -------          -------
EXPENSES:
  Operating expenses...............    123      --         --               123
  Payroll..........................    --       909        500    (1)     1,409
  Victor Capital management fee....    --       439       (439)   (1)       --
  Property management..............     15      --         --                15
  General and administrative.......  1,126      627        --             1,753
  Interest.........................    123      --         150    (2)       273
  Depreciation and amortization....     25       19         50    (2)        94
  Net loss on sale of investments..    432      --         --               432
                                    ------   ------    -------          -------
Total Expenses.....................  1,844    1,994        261            4,099
                                    ------   ------    -------          -------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE
 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES........   (860)     765       (261)            (356)
Provision for income taxes.........    --       --         --     (3)       --
                                    ------   ------    -------          -------
NET INCOME (LOSS).................. $ (860)  $  765    $  (261)         $  (356)
                                    ======   ======    =======          =======
Preferred dividends................    --       --       1,568    (4)     1,568
                                    ------   ------    -------          -------
Net Income (Loss)--Common Shares... $ (860)  $  765    $(1,829)         $(1,924)
                                    ======   ======    =======          =======
Net Income (loss) per Common Share
Primary............................ $(0.09)      NA         NA          $ (0.21)
Fully diluted......................  (0.09)      NA         NA          $ (0.09)

Weighted average Common Shares
 outstanding
Primary............................  9,137      --         --             9,137
Fully diluted......................  9,137      --      12,268    (5)    21,405
</TABLE>
 
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these pro forma condensed
                         combined financial statements.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
                PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            VICTOR   PRO FORMA        PRO FORMA
                                THE COMPANY CAPITAL ADJUSTMENTS NOTES COMBINED
                                ----------- ------- ----------- ----- ---------
<S>                             <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>   <C>
REVENUES:
  Rental income................   $2,019    $  --     $   --           $ 2,019
  Real estate advisory fees....      --      6,940        --             6,940
  Interest and investment
   income......................    1,136        70        --             1,206
  Net gain on sale.............    1,069       263        --             1,332
                                  ------    ------    -------          -------
  Total Revenues...............    4,224     7,273        --            11,497
                                  ------    ------    -------          -------
EXPENSES:
  Operating expenses...........      685       --         --               685
  Payroll......................      --      2,833      1,000    (1)     3,833
  Victor Capital management
   fee.........................      --        861       (861)   (1)       --
  Property management..........       96       --         --                96
  General and administrative...    1,503       892        --             2,395
  Interest.....................      547       --         360    (2)       907
  Depreciation and
   amortization................       64        44        100    (2)       208
  Valuation losses.............    1,743       --         --             1,743
                                  ------    ------    -------          -------
Total Expenses.................    4,638     4,630        599            9,867
                                  ------    ------    -------          -------
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE
 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES....     (414)    2,643       (599)           1,630
Provision for income taxes.....      --        --          46    (3)        46
                                  ------    ------    -------          -------
NET INCOME (LOSS)..............   $ (414)   $2,643    $  (645)         $ 1,584
                                  ======    ======    =======          =======
Preferred dividends............      --        --       3,135    (4)     3,135
                                  ------    ------    -------          -------
Net Income (Loss)--Common
 Shares........................   $ (414)   $2,643    $(3,780)         $(1,551)
                                  ======    ======    =======          =======
Net Income (loss) per Common
 Share
  Primary......................   $(0.05)       NA         NA          $ (0.17)
  Fully diluted................   $(0.05)       NA         NA          $ (0.07)
Weighted average Common Shares
 outstanding
  Primary......................    9,137       --         --             9,137
  Fully diluted................    9,137       --      12,268    (5)    21,405
</TABLE>
 
    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these pro forma condensed
                         combined financial statements.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
          NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
BALANCE SHEET
 
1. ACQUISITION OF VICTOR CAPITAL
 
  Reflects the Acquisition in exchange for the Acquisition Notes. See "Certain
Transactions." The Acquisition Notes have been discounted to $3.9 million
based on an imputed interest rate of 9.5%. Pursuant to the interest purchase
agreement, Victor Capital's assets will approximate its liabilities at the
time of Acquisition.
 
  These events are reflected in the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   Adjustment of Victor Capital net assets to zero:
     Cash and cash equivalents........................................ $ (619)
                                                                       ======
     Accumulated earnings (deficit)................................... $ (619)
                                                                       ======
   Acquisition in exchange for a non-interest bearing note discounted
    at an imputed interest rate of 9.5%:
     Real Estate Advisory Fee Receivable.............................. $2,400
     Excess of purchase price over net tangible assets acquired....... $1,500
                                                                       ------
                                                                       $3,900
                                                                       ======
     Current maturities of long-term notes payable, net............... $  640
     Long-term notes payable, net..................................... $3,260
                                                                       ------
                                                                       $3,900
                                                                       ======
</TABLE>
 
2. CLASS A PREFERRED SHARES
 
  Represents $32.0 million in net proceeds from the issuance of 12,267,658
Class A Preferred Shares, which is assumed to be immediately invested into
marketable securities.
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
1. EMPLOYMENT
 
  Prior to the Acquisition, Victor Capital's owners were compensated pursuant
to a management agreement with Victor Capital's general partner. In connection
with the Acquisition, the owners of Victor Capital entered into employment
agreements with the Company and the management agreement was terminated.
See "Management--Employment Agreements."
 
2. AMORTIZATION OF VICTOR CAPITAL ACQUISITION
 
  The discounted cost of the Acquisition in excess of net tangible assets
acquired, $1.5 million, will be amortized over a fifteen year period. Interest
has been imputed on the non-interest bearing note issued by the Company to
acquire Victor Capital at a rate of 9.5% per annum.
 
3. CORPORATE TAXES
 
  Due to the termination of the Company's REIT status and the Company's
resulting status as a taxable corporate entity, the Company's income will be
taxed at a federal corporate rate of 35% after giving effect to the Company's
estimated available net operating losses of $1.5 million per annum, which have
been adjusted for the change in the Company's ownership.
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
   NOTES TO PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION--(CONTINUED)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
 
4. CLASS A PREFERRED SHARES
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation establishing the
Class A Preferred Shares, a semi-annual dividend of $0.1278 per share is
payable based on a dividend rate of 9.5%. The dividend payable on the
12,267,658 Class A Preferred Shares outstanding on a pro forma basis for the
year ended December 31, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1997 has been
presented.
 
5. DILUTION OF COMMON SHARES
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designation establishing the
Class A Preferred Shares, the holders of the 12,267,658 Class A Preferred
Shares outstanding on a pro forma basis have the right to convert their shares
into Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares of the Company at the
rate of one Class A Common Share or Class B Common Share for each Class A
Preferred Share, subject to adjustment to avoid dilution.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  Prior to July 1997, the Company operated as a REIT, originating, acquiring,
operating or holding income-producing real property and mortgage-related
investments. Since the 1997 Annual Meeting, the Company has pursued a new
strategic direction with a focus on becoming a specialty finance company
designed primarily to take advantage of high-yielding mezzanine and other real
estate asset investment opportunities in commercial real estate. As
contemplated by its new business plan, the Company no longer qualifies for
treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Consequently, the
information set forth below with regard to historical results of operations
for the three years ended December 31, 1996 does not reflect any operating
results from the Company's specialty finance activities or real estate
investment banking services nor the Company's current investment portfolio.
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
  On January 3, 1997, CRIL, an affiliate of EGI and Samuel Zell, purchased
from the Company's former parent 6,959,593 Class A Common Shares (representing
approximately 76% of the then outstanding Class A Common Shares) for an
aggregate purchase price of $20,222,011. Prior to the purchase, which was
approved by the then incumbent Board of Trustees, EGI and Victor Capital
presented to the Company's then incumbent Board of Trustees a proposed new
business plan in which the Company would cease to be a REIT and instead become
a specialty finance company designed primarily to take advantage of high-
yielding mezzanine investment and other real estate asset opportunities in
commercial real estate. EGI and Victor Capital also proposed that they provide
the Company with a new management team to implement the business plan and that
they invest through an affiliate a minimum of $30.0 million in a new class of
preferred shares to be issued by the Company.
 
  The Board of Trustees approved CRIL's purchase of the former parent's Class
A Common Shares, the new business plan and the issuance of a minimum of $30.0
million of Class A Preferred Shares of the Company at $2.69 per share, which
shares are convertible into Class A Common Shares of the Company on a one-for-
one basis. The Board of Trustees considered a number of factors in approving
the foregoing, including the attractiveness of the proposed new business plan,
the significant real estate investment and financing experience of the
proposed new management team and the significant amount of equity capital the
Company would obtain from the proposed preferred share investment. The Board
also considered the terms of previous alternative offers to purchase the
former parent's interest in the Company of which the Board was aware and the
fact that the average price of the Company's Class A Common Shares during the
60 trading days preceding the Board of Trustees meeting at which the proposed
preferred equity investment was approved was $2.38 per share. The Company
subsequently agreed that, concurrently with the consummation of the proposed
preferred equity investment, it would acquire for $5.0 million Victor
Capital's real estate investment banking, advisory and asset management
businesses, including the services of its experienced management team.
 
  At the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting held on July 15, 1997, the Company's
shareholders approved the Investment, pursuant to which the Company would
issue and sell up to approximately $34.0 million of Class A Preferred Shares
to Veqtor, an affiliate of Samuel Zell and the principals of Victor Capital.
The Company's shareholders also approved an amended and restated declaration
of trust of the Company, that, among other things, reclassified the Company's
Old Common Shares as Class A Common Shares and changed the Company's name to
"Capital Trust."
 
  Immediately following the 1997 Annual Meeting, the Investment was
consummated; 12,267,658 Class A Preferred Shares were sold to Veqtor for an
aggregate purchase price of $33,000,000 pursuant to the terms of the preferred
share purchase agreement, dated as of June 16, 1997, by and between the
Company and Veqtor (the "Investment Agreement"). Concurrently with the
foregoing transaction, Veqtor purchased the 6,959,593 Class A Common Shares
held by CRIL for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $21.3 million.
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
As a result of these transactions, Veqtor beneficially owns 19,227,251 (or
approximately 90%) of the outstanding voting shares of the Company. Veqtor
funded the approximately $54.3 million aggregate purchase price for the Class
A Common Shares and Class A Preferred Shares with $5.0 million of capital
contributions from its members and $50.0 million of borrowings under the
Veqtor Notes issued to the Institutional Investors. The Veqtor Notes may in
the future be redeemed for preferred interests in Veqtor that may in turn be
converted into an aggregate of 9,900,111 (or approximately 34%) of the
outstanding voting shares of the Company.
 
  In addition, immediately following the 1997 Annual Meeting, the acquisition
of the real estate services businesses of Victor Capital was consummated and a
new management team was appointed by the Company from among the ranks of
Victor Capital's professional team and elsewhere. The Company thereafter
immediately commenced full implementation of the new business plan under the
direction of its newly elected Board of Trustees and new management team.
 
  As of January 1, 1997, the Company's investment portfolio included two
commercial properties, as well as three mortgage notes secured by real
property, all "held for sale." The Company's real estate portfolio, carried at
a book value of $8,585,000 as of January 1, 1997, included a shopping center
in Sacramento, California and a 60% interest in a mixed-use retail property in
Kirkland, Washington. During the first quarter, these two commercial
properties were sold. The sale of the shopping center closed on February 14,
1997 and the sale of the Company's retail property interest closed on March 3,
1997. The proceeds from these sales were invested in mortgage loans and in
liquid mortgage-backed securities which satisfy REIT asset qualification
requirements. As of the end of the second quarter, the Company had $12,696,000
invested in such securities.
 
  The Company's mortgage note portfolio, carried at an aggregate book value of
$2,650,000 as of June 30, 1997, consists of four loans which bear interest at
an overall effective rate of approximately 8% and are collateralized by
mortgages on real property; approximately $2.1 million of these loans pay
interest on a monthly basis and bear interest at an overall effective rate of
approximately 8.7%.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
COMPARISON OF THE HISTORICAL SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997 TO THE SIX MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
 
  A net loss of $860,000 was reported by the Company for the six months ended
June 30, 1997, a decrease of $1,087,000 from the six months ended June 30,
1996. These changes were primarily the result of losses on the sale of
investments and expenses associated with the 1997 Annual Meeting.
 
  Total Revenues. Total revenues decreased $667,000 to $984,000 for the six
months ended June 30, 1997. This was down from $1,651,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 1996. This decrease is primarily attributable to decreases in
rental revenues due primarily to the sale of properties offset by an increase
in interest revenues.
 
  Rental revenues decreased $867,000 to $236,000 for the six months ended June
30, 1997. This was down from $1,103,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1996. This decrease was primarily the result of the sale of the Company's
remaining properties.
 
  Interest revenues increased $131,000 to $679,000 for the six months ended
June 30, 1997. This was up from $548,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1996. This increase was primarily due to the increase in interest received
from marketable securities and an increase in interest earned on cash
accounts.
 
  Total Expenses. Total expenses decreased $49,000 to $1,412,000 for the six
months ended June 30, 1997. This was down from $1,461,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 1996. This decrease was attributable to decreases in operating
expenses as well as decreases in interest expense offset by increases in
general and administrative expenses, primarily associated with the annual
meeting of shareholders.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
  Interest expense decreased $151,000 to $123,000 for the six months ended
June 30, 1997. This was down from $274,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1996. This decrease primarily resulted from the cessation of interest expense
on the sale of its retail property interest.
 
  General and administrative expenses increased $346,000 to $1,126,000 for the
six months ended June 30, 1997. This was up from $780,000 for the six months
ended June 30, 1996. This increase was due to the net effect of increases and
decreases in various expense categories. The largest increases were generated
by additional trustee fees and consulting fees, the packaging and disposition
of the Company's mortgage notes, and expenses relating to the 1997 Annual
Meeting.
 
  Valuation Losses. Valuation losses decreased to zero for the six months
ended June 30, 1997.
 
  Dispositions. During the first quarter of 1997, the Company sold its
shopping center property. The net loss recognized from the sale of the
shopping center was approximately $34,000. The Company also sold its retail
property interest. The net loss recognized from the sale of the retail
property was approximately $398,000 of which the majority was transfer taxes
and the elimination of unamortized tenant improvements and leasing
commissions.
 
COMPARISON OF THE HISTORICAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, DECEMBER 31, 1995
AND DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
 Results of Operations
 
  Total Revenues. Total revenues were $3,155,000 in 1996, down from $3,535,000
in 1995, which were down from $4,787,000 in 1994. The decrease reported in
1996 was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest revenue as a result
of the liquidation of a portion of the Company's note portfolio and decreased
rental revenues. In 1995, there was a $473,000 reduction in hotel revenue
compared to the prior year as a result of the terms and conditions of the
lease arrangement in place throughout 1995.
 
  Rental revenues at the Company's commercial properties were $2,019,000 in
1996, down from $2,093,000 in 1995, which were down from $2,593,000 in 1994.
The decrease in rental revenues reported in 1996 was attributable primarily to
the absence of rent collected at the two properties that were sold in the
first half of the year. The decrease in rental revenues in 1995 compared to
that collected in 1994 was attributable to the absence of $196,000 in rent
collected in the prior year at a shopping center prior to its sale, as well as
a decrease of $305,000 in rents collected at the two other properties. No
rental revenues were generated by the Company's hotel property in 1996, which
was foreclosed upon after the Company suspended debt service payments.
 
  Interest revenues were $1,136,000 in 1996, down from $1,396,000 in 1995. The
decrease was the result of a lower amount of interest received due to the sale
of certain mortgage notes offset by an increase in interest earned on cash
accounts and marketable securities. Interest revenues in 1995 were down from
1994 interest revenues of $1,675,000. In 1994, the Company recognized an
additional $735,000 in interest revenue on one of its mortgage notes. In
September 1994, this note was modified and $491,000 of accrued interest, the
recognition of which had been deferred, was paid in consideration for
releasing an asset from the pool of properties collateralizing the note. This
event was the primary cause of the decrease in interest revenues in 1995 from
1994.
 
  Total Expenses. Total expenses were $2,895,000 in 1996, down from $3,098,000
in 1995. In 1995, total expenses were down 31% from total expenses of
$4,486,000 in 1994. The reduction in expenses in 1996 was primarily the result
of the downsizing of the Company's portfolio which reduced depreciation,
interest expense and associated property operating expenses. The reduction in
expenses by $1,388,000 in 1995 over those of 1994 resulted from reduced
interest expense and hotel and commercial property operating expenses caused
by the downsizing of the Company's portfolio and the lease agreement with the
hotel management company. In 1996, the hotel, as a function of the operating
lease agreement generated no income or expense to the Company. In 1995, hotel
operating expenses decreased $763,000 from 1994, attributable to the leasing
of the property to a third party hotel management company in mid-year.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
  Interest expense was $547,000 in 1996, down from $815,000 in 1995, which was
down from $1,044,000 in 1994. The decrease in 1996 reflected the disposition
of the hotel property. The decrease in interest expense in 1995 over that of
1994 reflected the sale of a shopping center property and the payoff of the
note on another shopping center property.
 
  The 1996 non-cash depreciation charge was $64,000, a decrease from $662,000
in 1995, which charge increased in 1995 compared to the depreciation charge of
$595,000 in 1994. The decrease in 1996 reflected the sale of two properties
and the disposition of the hotel property. In addition, the Company's two
remaining properties were not depreciated in 1996 because they were being held
for sale. The slight increase in 1995 over that of 1994 resulted from
amortization of certain property-specific expenses.
 
  General and administrative expenses were $1,503,000 in 1996, up
significantly from $933,000 in 1995. General and administrative expenses in
1995 were up from the $813,000 reported in 1994. While the Company was able to
lower a number of office expenses, a net increase in general and
administrative costs occurred in 1996 due primarily to an accelerated
investigation of potential merger or acquisition candidates plus due diligence
costs. The increase in general and administrative expenses in 1995 over those
in 1994 was primarily due to legal and accounting costs which had not been
incurred in the prior year, plus expansion transaction development costs.
 
  Net Loss. The net loss for the Company in 1996 was $414,000, a substantial
decrease over the net loss of $2,778,000 reported in 1995. This improvement
was primarily the result of sales proceeds received by the Company from
property and mortgage note dispositions offset by valuation losses discussed
further below. Net loss in 1995 was up significantly from a net loss of
$36,000 reported in 1994. The increase in net loss in 1995 compared to 1994
was due primarily to a substantial difference in valuation losses charged in
1995 as compared to those charged in 1994.
 
  Operating income was $260,000 in 1996, down from $437,000 in 1995. In 1995,
operating income was up from $301,000 in 1994. The $177,000 decline in
operating income in 1996 was primarily the result of an increase in Company
operating expenses during the year offset by a reduction in depreciation
charges. Operating income in 1995 was $136,000 greater than that reported in
1994, primarily because of lower interest expense and reduced hotel operating
expenses.
 
  Net Gain or Loss on Foreclosure or Sale of Investments. Income before
valuation losses to the Company was $1,329,000 in 1996 as compared to $503,000
in 1995 and $83,000 in 1994. The net gain recognized from the sale of a
property in the first quarter of 1996 was $299,000. There was no gain or loss
upon the foreclosure of the motel property in the first quarter of 1996 as the
net book value of the property was equal to its debt.
 
  During the second quarter of 1996, the Company incurred a net loss of
$164,000 from the sale of a storage facility property. Also during the second
quarter of 1996, the Company sold two of its seven mortgage notes. A gain of
$430,000 was recognized upon the sale of the Company's mortgage note which was
collateralized by a first deed of trust on an office/commercial building in
Phoenix, Arizona; and a gain of $30,000 was recognized upon the sale of the
Company's mortgage note which was collateralized by a second deed of trust on
a commercial building in Pacheco, California. During the third quarter of
1996, the Company sold two more mortgage notes. A gain of $115,000 was
recognized upon the sale of the Company's mortgage note which was
collateralized by a first deed of trust on an office building in Scottsdale,
Arizona; and a gain of $357,000 was recognized upon the sale of the Company's
mortgage note which was collateralized by a second deed of trust on an
office/industrial building in Sunnyvale, California.
 
  In 1995, the Company recognized a deferred gain from the partial principal
payment received on one of its mortgage notes. During the first five months of
1994, the Company's hotel property experienced an average operating loss after
debt service of $107,000 per month. With the execution of a lease with the
hotel management company in 1994, this amount was reduced to approximately
$8,600 per month, the difference between the monthly lease payment of $20,000
and the property's monthly debt service requirement of $28,600. The lease was
renegotiated in June 1995, reducing the monthly lease payments from $20,000 to
approximately $9,000, increasing the loss recorded by the Company. In 1994,
the Company experienced a gain of $114,000
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
on the sale of one property and the recognition of a deferred gain from the
partial principal payment on one of its mortgage notes. This was offset by a
$344,000 loss from the release of and default on two of the Company's mortgage
notes held at that time.
 
  Valuation Losses. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company reported
total valuation losses of $1,743,000. By year end, the Company had reduced the
book value of its Sacramento, California shopping center to $1,215,000 and the
book value of its Kirkland, Washington retail property to $7,370,000. Since
these properties were no longer being held for investment, but rather for
sale, their book value was reduced to more accurately reflect the then current
market value of the assets. The decline in the shopping center's value was the
result of the Company's relatively short lease term on the land underlying the
center, the physical condition of the property and changed market conditions
in the Sacramento area. Disposition efforts on behalf of retail property also
indicated the need to reduce this property's book value as it was no longer
being held for investment purposes but actively marketed for sale. Both
properties were sold in the first quarter of 1997.
 
  In 1995, valuation losses of $3,281,000 resulted from the write down in
value of two commercial properties and five mortgage notes. In 1994, valuation
losses of $119,000 resulted from the write down in value of two commercial
properties. In 1996, 1995 and 1994 there were no extraordinary items.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  At June 30, 1997, the Company had $2,059,000 in cash. The Company's
$8,777,000 mortgage note portfolio is carried at a net book value of
$2,650,000 due primarily to cumulative write downs in valuation. Its
investment in marketable securities, available for sale, had a net book value
at June 30, 1997, of $12,696,000. The primary sources of liquidity for the
Company in the remainder of 1997, which the Company believes will adequately
meet future liquidity and capital resource requirements, will be the net
proceeds from its Investment, the $    million of net proceeds from the
Offering, cash on hand, cash generated from operations, interest payments on
its notes and securities and borrowings under the Credit Facility. The primary
demands on the Company's capital resources will be the funding of investments
contemplated by the Company's new business plan.
 
  The Company experienced a net decrease in cash of $2,639,000 for the six
months ended June 30, 1997, compared to a net decrease in cash of $620,000 for
the six months ended June 30, 1996, a difference of $2,019,000. For the six
months ended June 30, 1997, cash used in operating activities was $131,000,
down $496,000 from cash provided by operations of $365,000 during the same
period in 1996. Cash used in investing activities during this same period
increased by $39,743,000 to $40,690,000, up from $(947,000), primarily the
result of investing in CMBS. Cash provided by financing activities increased
$38,220,000 due primarily from the proceeds of repurchase obligations.
 
  The Company has one outstanding debt obligation of $873,000 in addition to
two outstanding repurchase obligations.
 
  The Company has entered the $150 million Credit Facility. The Credit
Facility has a term of three years and provides for advances to fund lender-
approved mortgage loans and investments made by the Company ("Funded Portfolio
Assets"). In connection with the Credit Facility, the Company received an
advance of approximately $11.7 million prior to execution of the Credit
Facility.
 
  The obligations of the Company under the Credit Facility are to be secured
by pledges of the Funded Portfolio Assets acquired with advances under the
Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility will bear interest at
different specified rates over LIBOR, based upon the amount advanced by the
lender, in its discretion, on an asset-by-asset basis. The Credit Facility
provides for principal reductions of asset-specific borrowings in the event of
asset quality and/or market value deterioration as determined under the
agreement. The Credit Facility contains customary representations and
warranties, covenants and conditions and events of default, including negative
covenants requiring the Company to maintain a minimum GAAP net worth of $50
million, a debt-to-equity ratio of no more than 5:1 and an EBITDA-to-interest
expense ratio of 1.35:1.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
IMPACT OF INFLATION
 
  The Company's operating results depend in part on the difference between the
interest income earned on its interest-earning assets and the interest expense
incurred in connection with its interest-bearing liabilities. Changes in the
general level of interest rates prevailing in the economy in response to
changes in the rate of inflation or otherwise can affect the Company's income
by affecting the spread between the Company's interest-earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities, as well as, among other things, the value of the
Company's interest-earning assets and its ability to realize gains from the
sale of assets and the average life of the Company's interest-earning assets.
Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental
monetary and tax policies, domestic and international economic and political
considerations, and other factors beyond the control of the Company. The
Company may employ various hedging strategies to limit the effects of changes
in interest rates on its operations, including engaging in interest rate
swaps, caps, floors and other interest rate exchange contracts. There can be
no assurance that the Company will be able to adequately protect against the
foregoing risks and that the Company will ultimately realize an economic
benefit from any hedging contract it enters into.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
                                   BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
  Capital Trust is a recently recapitalized specialty finance company designed
to take advantage of high-yielding lending and investment opportunities in
commercial real estate. The Company makes investments in various types of
income producing commercial real estate and its current investment program
emphasizes senior and junior commercial mortgage loans, preferred equity
investments, and subordinated interests in commercial mortgage-backed
securities. The Company believes that a majority of the investments to be held
in its portfolio for the long-term will be structured so that the Company's
investment is subordinate to third party first mortgage debt but senior to the
real estate owner/operator's equity position. The Company anticipates that it
will invest in a diverse array of real estate-related assets and enterprises,
including real estate operating companies, that satisfy its investment
criteria.
 
  In executing its business plan, the Company believes that it will be able to
utilize the extensive real estate industry contacts and relationships of
Equity Group Investments, Inc. EGI is a private real estate and corporate
investment firm controlled by Samuel Zell, who serves as chairman of the Board
of Trustees of the Company. EGI's affiliates include Equity Office Properties
Trust and Equity Residential Properties Trust, the largest U.S. REITs
operating in the office and multifamily residential sectors, respectively. The
Company also expects to draw upon the extensive client roster of the Company's
recently acquired real estate investment banking and advisory services
subsidiary, Victor Capital, for potential investment opportunities.
 
  The Company believes that the significant recovery in commercial real estate
property values, coupled with fundamental structural changes in the real
estate capital markets (primarily related to the growth in CMBS issuance), has
created significant market-driven opportunities for finance companies
specializing in commercial real estate lending and investing. Such
opportunities are expected to result from the following developments:
 
  .  SCALE AND ROLLOVER: The U.S. commercial mortgage market--a market that
     is comparable in size to the corporate and municipal bond markets--has
     approximately $1 trillion in total mortgage debt outstanding, which debt
     is primarily privately held. In addition, a significant amount of
     commercial mortgage loans held by U.S. financial institutions are
     scheduled to mature in the near future.
 
  .  RAPID GROWTH OF SECURITIZATION: With annual issuance volume of
     approximately $30 billion, the total amount of CMBS currently
     outstanding has grown to over $100 billion from approximately $6 billion
     in 1990. To date, the CMBS market expansion has been fueled by
     "conduits" which originate whole loans primarily for resale to financial
     intermediaries, which in turn package the loans as securities for
     distribution to public and private investors.
 
    The Company believes that as securitized lenders replace traditional
    lenders such as banks and life insurance companies as the primary
    source for commercial real estate finance, borrowers are often
    constrained by relatively inflexible underwriting standards, including
    lower loan-to-value ratios, thereby creating significant demand for
    mezzanine financing (typically between 65% and 90% of total
    capitalization). In addition, since many high quality loans may not
    immediately qualify for securitization, due primarily to rating agency
    guidelines, significant opportunities are created for shorter-maturity
    bridge and transition mortgage financings.
 
  .  CONSOLIDATION: As the real estate market continues to evolve, the
     Company expects that consolidation will occur and efficiency will
     increase. Over time, the Company believes that the market leaders in the
     real estate finance sector will be fully integrated finance companies
     capable of originating, underwriting, structuring, managing and
     retaining real estate risk.
 
  The Company believes that it is well positioned to capitalize on the
resultant opportunities which, if carefully underwritten, structured and
monitored, represent attractive investments that pose potentially less risk
than direct equity ownership of real property. Further, the Company believes
that the rapid growth of the CMBS
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
market has given rise to opportunities for the Company to selectively acquire
non-investment grade tranches of such securities which the Company believes
are priced inefficiently in terms of their risk/reward profile.
 
  The Company pursues investment and lending opportunities designed to
capitalize on inefficiencies in the real estate capital and mortgage markets.
The Company's investment program emphasizes, but is not limited to, the
following general categories of real estate-related assets:
 
  .  MORTGAGE LOANS. The Company pursues opportunities to originate and fund
     mortgage loans to commercial real estate owners and property developers
     who require interim financing until permanent financing can be obtained.
     The Company's Mortgage Loans are generally not intended to be permanent
     in nature, but rather are intended to be of a relatively short-term
     duration, with extension options as deemed appropriate, and typically
     require a balloon payment of principal at maturity.
 
  .  MEZZANINE LOANS. The Company originates high-yielding loans that are
     subordinate to first lien mortgage loans on commercial real estate and
     are secured either by a second lien mortgage or a pledge of the
     ownership interests in the borrowing property owner. Alternatively, the
     Company's Mezzanine Loans can take the form of a preferred equity
     investment in the borrower with substantially similar terms.
 
  .  SUBORDINATED INTERESTS. The Company pursues rated and unrated
     investments in public and private subordinated interests in commercial
     CMOs and other CMBS.
 
  .  OTHER INVESTMENTS. The Company intends to assemble an investment
     portfolio of commercial real estate-related assets meeting the Company's
     target risk/return profile. The Company is not limited in the kinds of
     real estate-related assets in which it can invest and believes that it
     is positioned to expand opportunistically its real estate financing
     business. The Company may pursue investments in, among other assets,
     construction loans, distressed mortgages, foreign real estate-related
     assets, real estate operating companies including loan origination and
     loan servicing companies, and fee interests in real property. The
     Company may also originate and fund permanent mortgage loans in which
     the Company sells the senior tranche, thereby creating a mezzanine
     position.
 
  The Company also provides real estate investment banking, advisory and asset
management services through its Victor Capital subsidiary. Victor Capital
provides services to real estate investors, owners, developers and financial
institutions in connection with mortgage financings, securitizations, joint
ventures, debt and equity investments, mergers and acquisitions, portfolio
evaluations, restructurings and disposition programs. The Company may also
acquire operating businesses that the Company believes would complement Victor
Capital's existing business.
 
  Prior to July 1997, the Company operated as a REIT, originating, acquiring,
operating or holding income-producing real property and mortgage-related
investments. On July 15, 1997, as a result of transactions culminating at the
1997 Annual Meeting, the Company experienced, in addition to a change in
control, a number of other significant changes, including:
 
  .  The investment of $33.0 million in the form of preferred equity capital;
 
  .  The appointment of a new management team consisting primarily of
     officers of Victor Capital;
 
  .  The implementation of the Company's new business plan emphasizing high-
     yielding lending and investment opportunities;
 
  .  The acquisition of Victor Capital's real estate investment banking and
     advisory operations; and
 
  .  The election of the Company to terminate its REIT status for federal
     income tax purposes primarily in order to retain earnings and to
     maximize its investment flexibility.
 
  In addition, the Company entered into the Credit Facility with a commercial
lender that provides for a three-year $150 million line of credit; in
connection with the Credit Facility, the Company received an advance of
approximately $11.7 million from the commercial lender prior to execution of
the Credit Facility. Such
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
borrowings, along with cash provided by the Investment and existing cash
resources, were used to fund the Company's initial loans and investments. The
Company believes that the Credit Facility and the proceeds of the Offering
will provide the Company with the capital necessary to expand and diversify
its portfolio of investments and will also enable the Company to compete for
and consummate larger transactions meeting the Company's target risk/return
profile.
 
  To date, the Company has identified, negotiated and funded the loan and
investment transactions set forth below:
 
  .  The purchase of two separate Subordinated Interest investments
     aggregating approximately $65.0 million. The first investment, in the
     amount of approximately $49.5 million, is secured by 20 short-term
     commercial mortgage loans with original maturities ranging from two to
     three years, which loans are secured by properties located throughout
     the United States. The Company is the named special servicer for the
     entire $413 million loan portfolio. The second investment, in the amount
     of approximately $15.6 million, is secured by a note secured by a pledge
     of interests in the partnership that owns the 1.75 million square foot
     office building located at 277 Park Avenue in New York City.
 
  .  The origination, funding and sale of a participation interest in a $35.0
     million subordinated Mortgage Loan. This LIBOR-based loan is secured by
     a second mortgage on the 1.1 million square foot Chicago Apparel Center
     located in Chicago, Illinois and a $5.0 million mortgage on an adjacent
     development site.
 
  .  The origination and funding of a $9.8 million Mortgage Loan. This loan
     is LIBOR-based and is primarily secured by an $11.8 million mortgage
     note on a 281,000 square foot office/warehouse facility located in
     Philadelphia and a pledge of other mortgage collateral in the New York
     metropolitan area aggregating $6.7 million.
 
  The Company, which targets investment yields ranging from 400 to 600 basis
points over LIBOR, expects that each of the investments set forth above will
provide yields within that range. The Company intends to employ leverage on
its investments in order to increase its overall return on equity. In the
future the Company may make investments with yields that fall outside of the
investment range set forth above, but that correspond with the level of risk
perceived by the Company to be inherent in such investments.
 
  The Company believes that the commercial real estate capital markets for
both debt and equity are in the midst of dramatic structural change. Although
the issuance volume of CMBS has grown to $30 billion per annum, the terms and
conditions of securitized debt are driven significantly by rating agency
criteria, resulting in restrictive underwriting parameters and relatively
inflexible transaction structures. At the same time, existing equity owners
are faced with high levels of maturing debt which will need to be refinanced,
and new buyers are seeking greater leverage than is available from securitized
or traditional providers. As a result, the need for mezzanine investment
capital has grown significantly. The Company, through its new business plan,
intends to capitalize on this market opportunity.
 
  Immediately following the Investment and the Acquisition, Victor Capital
became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and Victor Capital's
management and professional team assumed comparable positions with the
Company. The Company's success is dependent upon the abilities of its new
management team who, prior to commencing investment and operating activities
under the new business plan, had never managed a real estate finance company
as is contemplated under the new business plan, although certain members of
the team had significant prior experience in managing real estate assets,
including Mortgage Loans and Mezzanine Loans. Prior to consummating the
Subordinated Interest investments discussed above, no member of the Company's
management team had ever closed on any Subordinated Interest transactions. See
"Risk Factors--No Assurance of Successful Implementation of New Business Plan;
Reliance on Senior Management."
 
  In connection with the new business plan, the Company seeks to generate
returns primarily from investments in (i) Mortgage Loans; (ii) Mezzanine Loans
(in the form of subordinated loans and preferred equity investments); (iii)
Subordinated Interests in CMBS; and (iv) Other Investments. The Company also
earns income
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
from its real estate investment banking and advisory services business. There
can be no assurance that the Company will be able to acquire assets meeting
its investment profile, that the terms or results of such investments will be
beneficial to the Company, or that the Company will achieve its objectives.
Nor can there be any assurances that the Company will earn significant income
from its real estate investment banking and advisory services. See "Risk
Factors."
 
  Other than restrictions which result from the Company's intent to avoid
regulation under the Investment Company Act, the Company is not subject to any
restrictions on the particular percentage of its portfolio invested in any of
the above referenced asset classes, nor is it limited in the kinds of real
estate assets in which it can invest. The Company has no predetermined
limitations or targets for concentration of property type or geographic
location. Instead of adhering to any prescribed limits or targets, the Company
makes acquisition decisions through asset and collateral analysis, evaluating
investment risks on a case-by-case basis. Until appropriate investments are
made, cash available for investment may be invested in readily marketable
securities or in interest-bearing deposit accounts. See "Risk Factors--
Management Discretion with Investment Policy" and "--Consequences of Not
Qualifying for Investment Company Act Exemptions."
 
  To the extent that the Company's assets become concentrated in a few states
or a particular region, the return on an investment in the Company's shares
will become more dependent on the economy of such states or region. The
Company intends to seek to maximize yield through the use of leverage,
consistent with maintaining an acceptable level of risk. Although there may be
limits to the leverage that can be applied to certain of the Company's
investments, the Company presently does not intend to exceed a debt-to-equity
ratio of 5:1.
 
CATEGORIES OF INVESTMENT
 
  The discussion below describes the principal categories of assets currently
emphasized in the Company's new business plan.
 
  Mortgage Loans. The Company actively pursues opportunities to originate and
fund Mortgage Loans to real estate owners and property developers who need
interim financing until permanent financing can be obtained. The Company's
Mortgage Loans generally are not intended to be "permanent" in nature, but
rather, are intended to be of a relatively short-term duration, with extension
options as deemed appropriate, and generally require a balloon payment of
principal and interest at maturity. These types of loans are intended to be
higher-yielding loans with higher interest rates and commitment fees. Property
owners or developers in the market for these types of loans include, but are
not limited to, promoters of pre-formation REITs desiring to acquire
attractive properties to contribute to the REIT before the formation process
is complete, traditional property owners and operators who desire to acquire a
property before it has received a commitment for a long-term mortgage from a
traditional commercial mortgage lender, or a property owner or investor who
has an opportunity to purchase its existing mortgage debt or third party
mortgage debt at a discount; in each instance, the Company's loan would be
secured by a Mortgage Loan. The Company may also originate traditional, long-
term mortgage loans and, in doing so, would compete with traditional
commercial mortgage lenders. In pursuing such a strategy, the Company would
generally intend to sell or refinance the senior portion of the mortgage loan,
individually or in a pool, and retain a Mezzanine Loan. In addition, the
Company believes that, as a result of the recent increase in commercial real
estate securitizations, there are attractive opportunities to originate short-
term bridge loans to owners of mortgaged properties that are temporarily
prevented as a result of timing and structural reasons from securing long-term
mortgage financing through securitization.
 
  Mezzanine Loans. The Company intends to take advantage of opportunities to
provide mezzanine financing on commercial property that is subject to first
lien mortgage debt. The Company believes that there is a growing need for
mezzanine capital (i.e., capital representing the level between 65% and 90% of
property value) as a result of current commercial mortgage lending practices
setting loan-to-value targets as low as 65%. The Company's mezzanine financing
may take the form of subordinated loans, commonly known as second mortgages,
or, in the case of loans originated for securitization, partnership loans
(also known as pledge loans) or preferred equity investments. For example, on
a commercial property subject to a first lien mortgage loan
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
with a principal balance equal to 70% of the value of the property, the
Company could lend the owner of the property (typically a partnership) an
additional 15% to 20% of the value of the property. The Company believes that
as a result of (i) the significant changes in the lending practices of
traditional commercial real estate lenders, primarily relating to more
conservative loan-to-value ratios, and (ii) the significant increase in
securitized lending with strict loan-to-value ratios imposed by the rating
agencies, there will be increasing demand for mezzanine capital by property
owners.
 
  Typically, as security for its debt to the Company, in a Mezzanine Loan, the
owner would pledge to the Company either the property subject to the first
lien (giving the Company a second lien position typically subject to an inter-
creditor agreement) or the limited partnership and/or general partnership
interest in the owner. If the owner's general partnership interest is pledged,
then the Company would be in a position to take over the operation of the
property in the event of a default by the owner. By borrowing against the
additional value in their properties, the property owners obtain an additional
level of liquidity to apply to property improvements or alternative uses.
Mezzanine Loans generally provide the Company with the right to receive a
stated interest rate on the loan balance plus various commitment and/or exit
fees. In certain instances, the Company will negotiate to receive a percentage
of net operating income or gross revenues from the property, payable to the
Company on an ongoing basis, and a percentage of any increase in value of the
property, payable upon maturity or refinancing of the loan, or the Company
will otherwise seek terms to allow the Company to charge an interest rate that
would provide an attractive risk-adjusted return. Alternatively, the Mezzanine
Loans can take the form of a non-voting preferred equity investment in a
single purpose entity borrower with substantially similar terms.
 
  In connection with its mezzanine lending and investing activities, the
Company may elect to pursue strategic alliances with lenders such as
commercial banks and Wall Street conduits who do not have a mezzanine lending
capability and are therefore perceived to be at a competitive disadvantage.
The Company believes that such alliances could accelerate the Company's loan
origination volume, assist in performing underwriting due diligence, and
reduce potential overhead. While the Company intends to seek such alliances,
there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in this regard
or that if the Company creates such an alliance or alliances, that such
alliances will be successful.
 
  Subordinated Interests. The Company acquires rated and unrated Subordinated
Interests in commercial mortgage-backed securities issued in public or private
transactions. CMBS typically are divided into two or more classes, sometimes
called "tranches." The senior classes are higher "rated" securities, which are
rated from low investment grade ("BBB") to higher investment grade ("AA" or
"AAA"). The junior, subordinated classes typically include a lower rated, non-
investment grade "BB" and "B" class, and an unrated, higher-yielding, credit
support class (which generally is required to absorb the first losses on the
underlying mortgage loans). The Company currently invests in the non-
investment grade tranches of Subordinated Interests. The Company may pursue
the acquisition of performing and non-performing (i.e., defaulted)
Subordinated Interests.
 
  CMBS generally are issued either as CMOs or pass-through certificates
("Pass-Through Certificates"). CMO Bonds are debt obligations of special
purpose corporations, owner trusts or other special purpose entities secured
by commercial mortgage loans or CMBS. Pass-Through Certificates evidence
interests in trusts, the primary assets of which are mortgage loans. CMO Bonds
and Pass-Through Certificates may be issued or sponsored by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan
associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, investment banks and other
entities. CMBS are not guaranteed by an entity having the credit status of a
governmental agency or instrumentality and generally are structured with one
or more of the types of credit enhancement described below. In addition, CMBS
may be illiquid. See "Risk Factors--Risk From Ownership of Subordinated
Interests in Pools of Commercial Mortgage Loans."
 
  In most commercial mortgage loan securitizations, a series of CMBS is issued
in multiple classes in order to obtain investment-grade ratings for the senior
classes and thus increase their marketability. Each class of CMBS may be
issued with a specific fixed or variable coupon rate and has a stated maturity
or final scheduled
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
distribution date. Principal prepayments on the mortgage loans comprising the
mortgage collateral (i.e., mortgage pass-through securities or pools of whole
loans securing or backing a series of CMBS) ("Mortgage Collateral") may cause
the CMBS to be retired substantially earlier than their stated maturities or
final scheduled distribution dates, although, with respect to commercial
mortgage loans, there generally are penalties for or limitations on the
ability of the borrower to prepay the loan. Interest is paid or accrued on
CMBS on a periodic basis, typically monthly.
 
  The credit quality of CMBS depends on the credit quality of the underlying
Mortgage Collateral. CMBS are backed generally by a limited number of
commercial or multifamily mortgage loans with larger principal balances than
those of single family mortgage loans. As a result, a loss on a single
mortgage loan underlying a CMBS will have a greater negative effect on the
yield of such CMBS, especially the Subordinated Interests in such CMBS.
 
  Among the factors determining the credit quality of the underlying mortgage
loans will be the ratio of the mortgage loan balances to the value of the
properties securing the mortgage loans, the purpose of the mortgage loans
(e.g., refinancing or new purchase), the amount of the mortgage loans, their
terms and the geographic diversification of the location of the properties,
and the credit-worthiness of tenants. Moreover, the principal of and interest
on the underlying mortgage loans may be allocated among the several classes of
a CMBS in many ways, and the credit quality of a particular class results
primarily from the order and timing of the receipt of cash flow generated from
the underlying mortgage loans. Subordinated Interests carry significant credit
risks. Typically, in a "senior-subordinated" structure, the Subordinated
Interests provide credit protection to the senior classes by absorbing losses
from loan defaults or foreclosures before such losses are allocated to senior
classes. Moreover, typically, as long as the more senior tranches of
securities are outstanding, all prepayments on the mortgage loans generally
are paid to those senior tranches, at least until the end of a lock-out
period, which typically is five years or more. In some instances, particularly
with respect to Subordinated Interests in commercial securitizations, the
holders of Subordinated Interests are not entitled to receive scheduled
payments of principal until the more senior tranches are paid in full or until
the end of a lock-out period. Because of this structuring of the cash flows
from the underlying mortgage loans, Subordinated Interests in a typical
securitization are subject to a substantially greater risk of non-payment than
are those more senior tranches. Accordingly, the Subordinated Interests are
assigned lower credit ratings, or no ratings at all. Neither the Subordinated
Interests nor the underlying mortgage loans are guaranteed by agencies or
instrumentalities of the U.S. government or by other governmental entities and
accordingly are subject, among other things, to credit risks. See "Risk
Factors--Risk from Ownership of Subordinated Interests in Pools of Commercial
Mortgage Loans."
 
  Before acquiring Subordinated Interests, the Company performs certain credit
underwriting and stress testing to attempt to evaluate future performance of
the Mortgage Collateral supporting such CMBS, including (i) a review of the
underwriting criteria used in making mortgage loans comprising the Mortgage
Collateral for the CMBS, (ii) a review of the relative principal amounts of
the loans, their loan-to-value ratios as well as the mortgage loans' purpose
and documentation, (iii) where available, a review of the historical
performance of the loans originated by the particular originator and (iv) some
level of re-underwriting the underlying mortgage loans, as well as selected
site visits.
 
  Many of the Subordinated Interests acquired by the Company may not have been
registered under the Securities Act, but instead initially were sold in
private placements. Because Subordinated Interests acquired in private
placements have not been registered under the Securities Act, they will be
subject to certain restrictions on resale and, accordingly, will have more
limited marketability and liquidity. Although there are some exceptions, most
issuers of multi-class CMBS elect to be treated, for federal income tax
purposes, as REMICS. The Company intends to acquire not only Subordinated
Interests that are treated as regular interests in REMICS, but also those that
are designated as REMIC Residual Interests. Unlike regular interests in
REMICS, REMIC Residual Interests typically generate Excess Inclusion or other
forms of "phantom income" that bear no relationship to the actual economic
income that is generated by a REMIC.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
  Unlike the owner of mortgage loans, the owner of Subordinated Interests in
CMBS ordinarily does not control the servicing of the underlying mortgage
loans. In this regard, the Company attempts to negotiate for the right to cure
any defaults on senior CMBS classes and for the right to acquire such senior
classes in the event of a default or for other similar arrangements. The
Company may also seek to acquire rights to service defaulted mortgage loans,
including rights to control the oversight and management of the resolution of
such mortgage loans by workout or modification of loan provisions,
foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise, and to control
decisions with respect to the preservation of the collateral generally,
including property management and maintenance decisions ("Special Servicing
Rights") with respect to the mortgage loans underlying CMBS in which the
Company owns a Subordinated Interest. Such rights to cure defaults and Special
Servicing Rights may give the Company, for example, some control over the
timing of foreclosures on such mortgage loans and, thus, may enable the
Company to reduce losses on such mortgage loans. No assurances can be made,
however, that the Company will be able to acquire such rights to cure, Special
Servicing Rights or other similar arrangements or that losses on the mortgage
loans will not exceed the Company's expectations. The Company is currently a
special servicer with respect to one of its Subordinated Interest investments,
but is not currently a rated special servicer. The Company plans to seek to
become rated as a special servicer, or acquire a rated special servicer. Until
the Company can act as a rated special servicer, it will be difficult to
obtain Special Servicing Rights with respect to the mortgage loans underlying
Subordinated Interests. Although the Company's strategy is to purchase
Subordinated Interests at a price designed to return the Company's investment
and generate a profit thereon, there can be no assurance that such goal will
be met or, indeed, that the Company's investment in a Subordinated Interest
will be returned in full or at all. See "Risk Factors--Risk of Ownership of
Subordinated Interests in Pools of Commercial Mortgage Loans."
 
  The Company believes that it will not be, and intends to conduct its
operations so as not to become, regulated as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act. The Investment Company Act generally exempts entities
that are "primarily engaged in purchasing or otherwise acquiring mortgages and
other liens on and interests in real estate" ("Qualifying Interests"). The
Company intends to rely on current interpretations by the staff of the
Commission in an effort to qualify for this exemption. To comply with the
foregoing guidance, the Company, among other things, must maintain at least
55% of its assets in Qualifying Interests and also may be required to maintain
an additional 25% in Qualifying Interests or other real estate-related assets.
Generally, the Mortgage Loans and certain of the Mezzanine Loans in which the
Company may invest constitute Qualifying Interests. While Subordinated
Interests generally do not constitute Qualifying Interests, the Company may
seek to structure such investments in a manner where the Company believes such
Subordinated Interests may constitute Qualifying Interests. The Company may
seek, where appropriate, (i) to obtain foreclosure rights or other similar
arrangements (including obtaining Special Servicing Rights before or after
acquiring or becoming a rated special servicer) with respect to the underlying
mortgage loans, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do
so on acceptable terms or (ii) to acquire Subordinated Interests
collateralized by whole pools of mortgage loans. As a result of obtaining such
rights or whole pools of mortgage loans as collateral, the Company believes
that the related Subordinated Interests will constitute Qualifying Interests
for purposes of the Investment Company Act. The Company does not intend,
however, to seek an exemptive order, no-action letter or other form of
interpretive guidance from the Commission or its staff on this position. Any
decision by the Commission or its staff advancing a position with respect to
whether such Subordinated Interests constitute Qualified Interests that
differs from the position taken by the Company could have a material adverse
effect on the Company. See "Risk Factors--Consequences of Not Qualifying for
Investment Company Act Exemption."
 
OTHER INVESTMENTS
 
  The Company may also pursue a variety of complementary businesses and
investments in furtherance of executing its new business plan. Such activities
include, but are not limited to, investments in other classes of mortgage-
backed securities, distressed investing in non-performing and sub-performing
loans and fee owned commercial real property, whole loan acquisition programs,
foreign real estate-related assets, note financings, environmentally hazardous
lending, operating company investing/lending and construction and
rehabilitation
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
lending. Any lending with regard to the foregoing may be on a secured or an
unsecured basis and will be subject to risks similar to those attendant to
investing in Mortgage Loans, Mezzanine Loans and Subordinated Interests. The
Company seeks to maximize yield by managing credit risk through credit
underwriting, although there can be no assurances that the Company will be
successful in this regard. The Company may decide in the future to pursue
business acquisition opportunities that it believes will complement the
Company's operations. See "Risk Factors--Risks Associated with Unspecified
Acquisitions." The Company may continue to hold its portfolio of existing
liquid mortgage-backed securities acquired prior to commencement of the new
business plan or, as appropriate, may sell and reinvest the sale proceeds into
other investments.
 
  Distressed Loans and Real Properties. The Company believes that under
appropriate circumstances, the acquisition of underperforming and otherwise
distressed commercial and multifamily real estate, or the sub-performing or
non-performing loans secured thereby (collectively, "Distressed Investments"),
may present meaningful opportunities for the origination of new mortgage
loans, in connection with the sale of the Distressed Investments, and the
creation of Subordinated Interests thereby. After the acquisition of the
Distressed Investments, the Company's goal will be to improve cash flow or
debt service. After the Company maximizes the value of the Distressed
Investments in its portfolio, it will enjoy improved cash flow and begin to
seek an opportunity to sell the asset with the intention of making a loan to
facilitate such a sale. Although the period during which the Company will hold
Distressed Investments will vary considerably from asset to asset, the Company
believes that most such investments will be held in its portfolio no more than
four years.
 
  Performing Mortgage Loans for Securitization. The Company may purchase
multifamily residential and commercial performing mortgage loans, pool such
loans in a special purpose entity and issue CMBS secured by such mortgage
loans. The Company would expect to retain the equity ownership interest in the
Mortgage Loans, subject to the CMBS debt, thereby creating the economic
equivalent of a Subordinated Interest.
 
  Note Financings. The Company has originated a loan and may originate other
loans secured not by real property, but rather by pledges of mortgage loans
("Note Financings"), whether performing or non-performing. Typically, Note
Financings are made in connection with the acquisition of whole loans, or
portfolios of loans, which are being sold on an opportunistic basis to a third
party investor or to the borrower under such loans. Loan-to-value ratios for
Note Financings are typically more conservative than traditional Mortgage
Loans, due to, among other things, the greater risk in being one step removed
from the collateral (i.e., the Company's security would be a loan which is, in
turn, secured by the underlying real property).
 
  Foreign Real Properties. The Company may acquire or originate Mortgage Loans
secured by real estate located outside of the United States, or the Company
may purchase such real estate. Investing in real estate located in foreign
countries creates risks associated with the uncertainty of foreign laws and
markets and risks related to currency conversion. Although the Company,
through its management team acquired from Victor Capital, has limited
experience in investing in foreign real estate, the Company believes that such
professionals' experience with distressed assets will be helpful in the
management of such assets. The Company may be subject to foreign income tax
with respect to its investments in foreign real estate. However, any foreign
tax credit that otherwise would be available to the Company for U.S. federal
income tax purposes will not flow through to the Company's shareholders.
 
  Real Property with Identified Environmental Problems. The Company may
acquire or originate mortgage loans secured by real estate with identified
environmental problems that may materially impair the value of the property,
or the Company may purchase such real estate. If so, the Company will take
certain steps to limit its liability for such environmental problems, but
there are risks associated with such an investment. Although the Company has
limited experience in investing in real estate with known environmental risks,
the Company believes that the experience of its management team with
distressed assets will be helpful to the management of such assets.
 
  Operating Company Investing/Lending. The Company may, from time to time,
make strategic investments, including preferred or common equity, and/or
loans, including deeply subordinated and convertible loans, in operating
companies which are engaged in similar or competitive businesses to the
Company. Such
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
investments and loans could be made in companies that may have little or no
public disclosure or liquidity. Such investments and loans would likely be
made to enhance the Company's business plan and could include, but may not be
limited to, such companies as special loan servicers, mortgage bankers and
conduit lenders.
 
  Construction and Rehabilitation Lending. The Company may take advantage of
opportunities to provide construction or rehabilitation financing on
commercial property, lending generally 85% to 90% of total project costs, and
taking a first lien mortgage to secure the debt ("Construction Loans").
Alternatively, the Company may make Mezzanine Loans and/or Subordinated
Interest investments in such Construction Loan opportunities. Construction
Loans generally would provide the Company with fees and interest income and
potentially a percentage of net operating income or gross revenues from the
property, payable to the Company on an ongoing basis, and a percentage of any
increase in value of the property, payable upon maturity or refinancing of the
loan, or otherwise would allow the Company to charge an interest rate that
would provide an attractive risk-adjusted return.
 
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
 
  The following describes some of the portfolio management practices that the
Company may employ from time to time to earn income, facilitate portfolio
management (including managing the effect of maturity or interest rate
sensitivity) and mitigate risk (such as the risk of changes in interest
rates). There can be no assurance that the Company will not amend or deviate
from these policies or adopt other policies in the future.
 
  Leverage and Borrowing. The success of the Company's new business plan is
dependent upon the Company's ability to grow its portfolio of invested assets
through the use of leverage. The Company intends to leverage its assets
through the use of, among other things, bank credit facilities including the
Credit Facility, secured and unsecured borrowings, reverse repurchase
agreements and other borrowings, when there is an expectation that such
leverage will benefit the Company; such borrowings may have recourse to the
Company in the form of guarantees or other obligations. If changes in market
conditions cause the cost of such financing to increase relative to the income
that can be derived from investments made with the proceeds thereof, the
Company may reduce the amount of leverage it utilizes. Obtaining the leverage
required to execute the new business plan will require the Company to maintain
interest coverage ratios and other covenants meeting market underwriting
standards. In leveraging its portfolio, the Company plans not to exceed a
debt-to-equity ratio of 5:1. The Company has agreed in the Investment
Agreement that, without the prior written consent of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding Class A Preferred Shares, it will not incur any
indebtedness if the Company's debt-to-equity ratio would exceed 5:1.
 
  Leverage creates an opportunity for increased income, but at the same time
creates special risks. For example, leveraging magnifies changes in the net
worth of the Company. Although the amount owed will be fixed, the Company's
assets may change in value during the time the debt is outstanding. Leverage
will create interest expenses for the Company which can exceed the revenues
from the assets retained. To the extent the revenues derived from assets
acquired with borrowed funds exceed the interest expense the Company will have
to pay, the Company's net income will be greater than if borrowing had not
been used. Conversely, if the revenues from the assets acquired with borrowed
funds are not sufficient to cover the cost of borrowing, the net income of the
Company will be less than if borrowing had not been used. See "Risk Factors--
Growth Dependent on Leverage; Risks from Use of Leverage."
 
  Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Company has entered into a reverse
repurchase agreement and may enter into other such agreements, under which the
Company would sell assets to a third party with the commitment that the
Company repurchase such assets from the purchaser at a fixed price on an
agreed date. Reverse repurchase agreements may be characterized as loans to
the Company from the other party that are secured by the underlying assets.
The repurchase price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed market rate of
interest.
 
  Interest Rate Management Techniques. The Company has engaged in and will
continue to engage in a variety of interest rate management techniques for the
purpose of managing the effective maturity or interest rate
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
of its assets and/or liabilities. These techniques also may be used to attempt
to protect against declines in the market value of the Company's assets
resulting from general trends in debt markets. Any such transaction is subject
to risks, and may limit the potential earnings on the Company's investment in
real estate-related assets. Such techniques may include puts and calls on
securities or indices of securities, Eurodollar futures contracts and options
on such contracts, interest rate swaps (the exchange of fixed rate payments
for floating-rate payments) or other such transactions.
 
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT BANKING, ADVISORY AND ASSET MANAGEMENT BUSINESS
 
  In addition to drawing on the origination, underwriting, structuring,
monitoring, management and collection expertise of Victor Capital's
professionals with regard to the lending and asset acquisition activities
contemplated by the new business plan, the Company continues to provide
through its wholly owned Victor Capital subsidiary the investment banking,
real estate advisory and real estate asset management services previously
provided by Victor Capital. Victor Capital was organized in 1989 as a private
real estate financial services firm providing real estate investment banking,
advisory and asset management services. Victor Capital has served an extensive
roster of institutional investors, financial institutions and owners and
developers of property in connection with the acquisition, financing,
securitization, ownership, management, evaluation and disposition of public
and private commercial real estate. Victor Capital's senior professionals
average 16-years of experience in the real estate financial services industry.
 
  Real Estate Investment Banking and Advisory Services. Victor Capital
provides an array of real estate investment banking and advisory services to a
variety of clients such as financial institutions, including banks and
insurance companies, public and private owners of commercial real estate,
creditor committees and investment funds. In such transactions, Victor Capital
typically negotiates for a retainer and/or a monthly fee plus disbursements;
these fees are typically applied against a success-oriented fee which is based
on achieving the client's goals. While dependent upon the size and complexity
of the transaction, Victor Capital's fees for capital raising assignments are
generally in the range of 0.5% to 3.0% of the total amount of debt and equity
raised. For pure real estate advisory assignments, a fee is typically
negotiated in advance and can take the form of a flat fee or a monthly
retainer. In certain instances, Victor Capital negotiates for the right to
receive a portion of its compensation in-kind, such as the receipt of stock in
a publicly traded company.
 
  Real Estate Asset Management. Victor Capital provides its real estate asset
management services primarily to institutional investors such as public and
private money management firms. Victor Capital's services may include the
identification and acquisition of specific mortgage loans and/or properties
and the management and disposition of these assets. As of the date hereof,
Victor Capital had seven such assignments representing an asset value of
approximately $1 billion and of approximately 7 million square feet.
 
  The real estate services industry is highly competitive and there are
numerous well established competitors possessing substantially greater
financial, marketing, personnel and other resources than Victor Capital.
Victor Capital competes with national, regional and local firms. While many of
these firms do not currently provide all of the services which Victor Capital
provides, there can be no assurance that such firms will not engage in such
activities in the future.
 
PROPERTY
 
  The Company's executive and administrative offices are located in
approximately 18,700 square feet of office space leased at 605 Third Avenue,
26th Floor, New York, New York 10016 and its telephone number is (212) 655-
0220. The lease for such space expires in April 2000. The Company believes
that this office space is suitable for its current operations for the
foreseeable future.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
  As of October 3, 1997, the Company employed 21 professional and six other
full-time employees. The Company considers the relationship with its employees
to be good.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
TRUSTEES AND EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
  The Board of Trustees is currently comprised of seven members. The executive
officers and trustees of the Company, their ages as of September 28, 1997, and
their positions with the Company are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           NAME           AGE             OFFICE OR POSITION HELD
           ----           ---             -----------------------
 <C>                      <C> <S>
 Samuel Zell.............  56 Chairman of the Board of Trustees
 Martin L. Edelman.......  56 Trustee
 Gary R. Garrabrant......  40 Trustee
 Craig M. Hatkoff........  43 Trustee, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the
                               Executive Committee
 John R. Klopp...........  43 Trustee, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive
                               Officer
 Sheli Z. Rosenberg......  55 Trustee
 Lynne B. Sagalyn........  49 Trustee
 Carol J. Eglow..........  37 Managing Director
 Jeremy FitzGerald.......  34 Managing Director
 Marc Holliday...........  31 Managing Director
 Donald J. Meyer.........  47 Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer
 Edward L. Shugrue III...  31 Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and
                               Assistant Secretary
</TABLE>
 
TRUSTEES
 
  The name, principal occupation for the last five years, selected
biographical information and the period of service as a trustee of the Company
of each of the trustees are set forth below.
 
  SAMUEL ZELL has been Chairman of the Board of Trustees since July 15, 1997.
Mr. Zell is chairman of the board of directors of EGI, American Classic
Voyages Co., an owner and operator of cruise lines ("American Classic"),
Anixter International Inc., a provider of integrated network and cabling
systems ("Anixter"), Manufactured Home Communities, Inc., a REIT specializing
in the ownership and management of manufactured home communities ("MHC") and
Jacor Communications, Inc. an owner of radio stations ("Jacor"). He is
chairman of the board of trustees of Equity Residential Properties Trust, a
REIT specializing in the ownership and management of multi-family housing and
of Equity Office Properties Trust, a REIT specializing in the ownership and
management of office buildings. Mr. Zell is also a director of Quality Food
Centers, Inc., an owner and operator of supermarkets ("Quality Food"), Sealy
Corporation, a bedding manufacturer ("Sealy"), Chart House Enterprises, Inc.,
an owner and operator of restaurants, Ramco Energy PLC, an independent oil
company based in the United Kingdom, and TeleTech Holdings, Inc., a provider
of telephone and computer based customer care solutions.
 
  MARTIN L. EDELMAN has been a trustee of the Company since February 4, 1997.
Mr. Edelman has been a director of Chartwell Leisure Inc., a publicly traded
owner and operator of hotel properties ("Chartwell"), since November 1994 and
has been president of Chartwell since January 1996. He has also been a
director of HFS Incorporated and a member of that corporation's executive
committee since November 1993. Mr. Edelman has been of counsel to Battle
Fowler LLP, a New York City law firm that provides services to the Company,
since January 1994 and was a partner with that firm from 1972 through 1993.
Mr. Edelman also serves as a director of Presidio Capital Corp. and G. Soros
Realty, Inc.
 
  GARY R. GARRABRANT has been a trustee of the Company since January 2, 1997.
Mr. Garrabrant was the vice chairman of the Company from February 1997 until
July 15, 1997. Mr. Garrabrant is executive vice president of EGI and managing
partner of EGI Capital Markets, L.L.C. He joined EGI as senior vice president
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
in January 1996. Previously, Mr. Garrabrant was director of Sentinel
Securities Corporation and co-founded Genesis Realty Capital Management, both
based in New York and specialized in real estate securities investment
management. From 1989 to 1994, he was associated with The Bankers Trust
Company. Mr. Garrabrant is a director of Meritage Hospitality Group Inc.
 
  CRAIG M. HATKOFF has been a trustee and a vice chairman of the Company since
July 15, 1997. Mr. Hatkoff is a founder and has been a managing partner of
Victor Capital since 1989. Mr. Hatkoff was a managing director and co-head of
Chemical Realty Corporation, the real estate investment banking arm of
Chemical Banking Corporation from 1982 until 1989. From 1978 to 1982, Mr.
Hatkoff was the head of new product development in Chemical Bank's Real Estate
Division, where he previously served as a loan officer.
 
  JOHN R. KLOPP has been a trustee of the Company since January 2, 1997, the
chief executive officer of the Company since February 1997 and a vice chairman
of the Company since July 15, 1997. Mr. Klopp is a founder and has been a
managing partner of Victor Capital since 1989. Mr. Klopp was a managing
director and co-head of Chemical Realty Corporation from 1982 until 1989. From
1978 to 1982, Mr. Klopp held various positions with Chemical Bank's Real
Estate Division where he was responsible for originating, underwriting and
monitoring portfolios of construction and permanent loans. He is a director of
Metropolis Realty Trust, Inc., a Manhattan office REIT.
 
  SHELI Z. ROSENBERG has been a trustee of the Company since July 15, 1997.
Ms. Rosenberg is the chief executive officer, president and a director of EGI.
She was a principal of the law firm Rosenberg & Liebentritt P.C. from 1980
until September 1997. Ms. Rosenberg is a director of: Jacor; American Classic;
MHC; Sealy; Anixter; Quality Food; and CVS Corporation, a drugstore chain. She
is also a trustee of Equity Residential Properties Trust and of Equity Office
Properties Trust. Ms. Rosenberg was a vice president of First Capital Benefit
Administrators, Inc., which filed a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws
on January 3, 1995, which resulted in its liquidation on November 15, 1995.
 
  LYNNE B. SAGALYN has been a trustee of the Company since July 15, 1997. Dr.
Lynne B. Sagalyn has been a professor and the coordinator of the M.B.A. Real
Estate Program at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business since
1992. From 1991 to 1992, she was a visiting professor at Columbia. From 1987
to 1991, she was an associate professor of Planning and Real Estate
Development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is also on the
faculty of the Weimer School for Advanced Studies in Real Estate and Land
Economics. Dr. Sagalyn is a director of United Dominion Realty Trust (NYSE)
and The Retail Initiative and on an advisory board for Initiatives for a
Competitive Inner City.
 
EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR OFFICERS
 
  The following sets forth the positions with the Company and selected
biographical information for the executive and senior officers of the Company
who are not trustees.
 
  CAROL J. EGLOW has been a managing director of the Company since July 15,
1997. Prior to that time, Ms. Eglow served as a principal of Victor Capital
and had been employed in various positions at such firm since June 1989. She
was previously employed in various positions at Chemical Realty Corporation
and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.
 
  JEREMY FITZGERALD has been a managing director of the Company since July 15,
1997. Prior to that time, Ms. FitzGerald served as a principal of Victor
Capital and had been employed in various positions at such firm since May
1990. She was previously employed in various positions at PaineWebber
Incorporated.
 
  MARC HOLLIDAY has been a managing director of the Company since July 15,
1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Holliday served as a principal of Victor Capital
and had been employed in various positions at such firm since January 1991. He
was previously employed with Westpac Banking Corporation.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
  DONALD J. MEYER has been a managing director and Chief Investment Officer of
the Company since July 15, 1997. From 1979 through July 1997, Mr. Meyer held
various positions at The First National Bank of Chicago ("First Chicago").
From 1989 until 1990, Mr. Meyer served as senior credit officer for real
estate at First Chicago. From 1990 to 1993, Mr. Meyer, at different times, was
the head of the First Chicago's real estate enhancement division and the asset
disposition department. Mr. Meyer was the senior credit officer for product
risk management at First Chicago from 1993 until 1995. From 1995 until 1997,
Mr. Meyer was head of structured investments and managed First Chicago's
investments in non-investment grade tranches of commercial mortgage backed
securities. In 1991, Mr. Meyer became a senior vice president at First
Chicago.
 
  EDWARD L. SHUGRUE III has been the chief financial officer of the Company
since September 30, 1997 and a managing director and assistant secretary of
the Company since July 15, 1997. Prior to that time, Mr. Shugrue served as a
principal of Victor Capital since January 1997. He previously served as
director of real estate for and a vice president of River Bank America from
April 1994 until June 1996 after serving as a vice president of the bank since
January 1992. He was previously employed in various positions at Bear, Stearns
& Co. Inc.
 
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
 
  The Board of Trustees has four standing committees: an executive committee,
an audit committee, a compensation committee and a performance compensation
committee.
 
  Executive Committee: The executive committee is currently comprised of
Messrs. Hatkoff, Garrabrant and Klopp and Ms. Rosenberg, with Mr. Hatkoff
serving as chairman of the executive committee. The executive committee is
authorized to exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Trustees
in the management of the business and affairs of the Company except those
powers reserved, by law or resolution, to the Board of Trustees.
 
  Audit Committee: The audit committee is currently comprised of Mr. Edelman
and Ms. Sagalyn, with Mr. Edelman serving as chairman of the audit committee.
The audit committee makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding
the selection of the Company's independent auditors, reviews the plan, scope
and results of the audit, reviews with the independent auditors and management
the Company's policies and procedures with respect to internal accounting and
financial controls, changes in accounting policy and the scope of the non-
audit services which may be performed by the independent auditors.
 
  Compensation Committee: The compensation committee is currently comprised of
Mss. Rosenberg and Sagalyn and Messrs. Edelman and Klopp, with Ms. Rosenberg
serving as chairman of the compensation committee. The compensation committee
establishes the compensation and benefit arrangements for the officers and the
key employees of the Company and the general policies relating to compensation
and benefit arrangements of other employees of the Company, except to the
extent that power is vested in the performance compensation committee. The
compensation committee also administers the share plans and compensation
programs of the Company.
 
  Performance Compensation Committee: The performance compensation committee
is currently comprised of Mss. Rosenberg and Sagalyn, with Ms. Rosenberg
serving as chairman of the performance compensation committee. The performance
compensation committee establishes awards under and administers the Company's
share plans and compensation programs insofar as they relate to executive
officers of the Company.
 
COMPENSATION OF TRUSTEES
 
  The Company does not intend to pay its trustees any cash fees for their
services as such, but rather intends to compensate non-employee trustees with
an annual award of share units under the Trustee Share Plan (as defined below)
with a value equal to $30,000. The number of share units to be awarded to each
trustee, which will be convertible into an equal number of Class A Common
Shares according to individual schedules set by
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
each trustee, will be determined quarterly in arrears by dividing one-quarter
of the annual retainer amount ($7,500) by the average closing price of the
Class A Common Shares for a specified period in the preceding month. The share
units will be vested when issued. There is no separate compensation for
service on committees of the Board of Trustees. All trustees are also
reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in attending Board and committee
meetings.
 
  The Company entered into a consulting agreement, dated as of July 15, 1997,
with Gary R. Garrabrant, a trustee of the Company. The consulting agreement
has a term of one year and provides for a consulting fee of $150,000. Pursuant
to the agreement, Mr. Garrabrant provides consulting services for the Company
including, strategic planning, identifying and negotiating mergers,
acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances, and advising as to
capital structure matters. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Garrabrant is also
entitled to participate in the Company's Incentive Share Plan, on such basis
as may be determined by the compensation committee of the Company's Board of
Trustees.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  The Company administers a compensation program for the Company's executive
officers that it believes is designed to appropriately compensate and provide
incentives for its executive officers. Executive compensation is comprised of
three elements: annual base salary, annual bonus compensation and long-term
incentive compensation. Long term incentive compensation is currently provided
in the form of grants of share options under the Company's Incentive Share
Plan. The following table sets forth the current annual base salaries of the
chief executive officer and the other executive officers of the Company as
well as the number of options to purchase Class A Common Shares granted to
them on July 15, 1997. The options were granted with an exercise price of
$6.00 per share, which price represented the fair market value of the Class A
Common Shares on the date of grant and vest in equal increments on each of the
first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1997 ANNUAL   NUMBER OF
              NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS            BASE SALARY($)  OPTIONS
              ----------------------------            -------------- ---------
     <S>                                              <C>            <C>
     John R. Klopp..................................     500,000      75,000
      Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
     Craig M. Hatkoff...............................     500,000      75,000
      Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive
      Committee
     Donald J. Meyer................................     300,000      75,000
      Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer
     Edward L. Shugrue III..........................     250,000      50,000
      Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
  The Company is a party to employment agreements with John R. Klopp and Craig
M. Hatkoff. The employment agreements provide for five-year terms of
employment commencing as of July 15, 1997. On the fifth anniversary of the
commencement of the employment agreements, and on each succeeding anniversary,
the terms of the employment agreements shall be automatically extended for one
additional year unless, not later than three months prior to such anniversary
date, either party shall have notified the other that it will not extend the
term of the agreement. The employment agreements provide for base annual
salaries of $500,000, which will be increased each calendar year to reflect
increases in the cost of living and will otherwise be subject to increase in
the discretion of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Klopp and Mr. Hatkoff are also
entitled to annual incentive cash bonuses to be determined by the Board of
Trustees based on individual performance and the profitability of the Company.
Mr. Klopp and Mr. Hatkoff are also participants in the Incentive Share Plan
and other employee benefit plans of the Company.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
  If the employment of Mr. Klopp or Mr. Hatkoff is terminated without cause,
with good reason or following a change of control, as those terms are defined
in the employment agreements, the affected employee would be entitled to (i) a
severance payment equal to the greater of the amount payable to such employee
over the remainder of the term of the employment agreement or an amount equal
to the aggregate base salary and cash incentive bonus paid to the employee
during the previous year; (ii) continued welfare benefits for two years; and
(iii) automatic vesting of all unvested share options such that all of the
employee's share options would become immediately exercisable. Each vested
option will remain exercisable for a period of one year following the
employee's termination. See "--1997 Long-Term Incentive Share Plan." The
employment agreements provide for a non-competition period of one year if Mr.
Klopp or Mr. Hatkoff terminates his employment voluntarily or is terminated
for cause.
 
  The Company is a party to an employment agreement with Donald J. Meyer which
provides for a term of employment for two years. The employment agreement
provides for a base annual salary of $300,000, minimum annual bonuses of
$150,000 at the end of 1997 and 1998, and for participation in the Incentive
Share Plan.
 
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
 
  The Company intends to establish an incentive compensation plan for key
officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. This plan will provide for the
payment of cash bonuses to participating officers after evaluating the
officer's performance and the overall performance of the Company. The chief
executive officer will make recommendations to the compensation committee of
the Board of Trustees, which will make the final determination for the award
of bonuses. The compensation committee will determine such bonuses, if any,
for the chief executive officer.
 
 
1997 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE SHARE PLAN
 
  On May 23, 1997, the Board of Trustees of the Company adopted the 1997 Long-
Term Incentive Share Plan, which became effective upon shareholder approval on
July 15, 1997 at the 1997 Annual Meeting. The purpose of the Incentive Share
Plan is to promote the success of the Company and its subsidiaries by
providing incentives to eligible employees that link their compensation to the
long-term financial success of the Company and its subsidiaries and to growth
in share value. The Incentive Share Plan permits the grant of nonqualified
share option ("NQSO"), incentive share option ("ISO"), restricted share, share
appreciation right ("SAR"), performance unit, performance share and share unit
awards. The Company has reserved an aggregate of 2,000,000 Class A Common
Shares for issuance pursuant to awards under the Incentive Share Plan and the
Trustee Share Plan. The maximum number of shares that may be subject of awards
to any employee during the term of the plan may not exceed 500,000 shares and
the maximum amount payable in cash to any employee with respect to any
performance period pursuant to any performance unit or performance share award
is $1,000,000. As of the date of this prospectus, the Company issued ISOs and
NQSOs pursuant to the Incentive Share Plan to purchase an aggregate of 657,000
Class A Common Shares with an exercise price of $6.00 per share.
 
  The Incentive Share Plan is administered by the compensation committee (the
"Compensation Committee") of the Board of Trustees except that power with
respect to awards to executive officers is vested in the performance
compensation committee which is comprised of members of the compensation
committee (the "Performance Committee" and together with the Compensation
Committee, the "Committees") who qualify as "Non-Employee Directors" for
purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and as "outside directors" for
purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Committees have the authority to
select employees to whom awards may be granted, to determine the type of
awards as well as the number of Class A Common Shares to be covered by each
award, and to determine the terms and conditions of any such awards. The
Committees also have the authority to construe and interpret the plan,
establish, amend or waive rules and regulations for its administration,
accelerate the exercisability of any award, and amend the terms and conditions
of any outstanding option, SAR or other award. Employees of and consultants or
service providers to the Company or any subsidiary, including
officers and non-employee Trustees of the Company or any subsidiary who, in
the opinion of the Committees, contribute significantly to the growth and
profitability of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible for awards
under the Incentive Share Plan.
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
  The Incentive Share Plan has been designed to comply with Section 162(m) of
the Code, which generally denies a tax deduction for annual compensation
exceeding $1,000,000 paid to the chief executive officer and the four other
most highly compensated officers of a public company ("Covered Employees").
Certain types of compensation, including "performance-based compensation," are
generally excluded from this deduction limit. It is contemplated that all
Awards made under the Incentive Share Plan, with the exception of the share
unit awards, will constitute "performance-based compensation" under Section
162(m) of the Code. Share unit awards will count toward the annual $1,000,000
deduction limit.
 
  With respect to options granted under the plan, the purchase price per share
of Class A Common Shares covered by an option shall be determined by the
Committees but may not be less than the fair market value of the underlying
Class A Common Shares on the date of grant. ISOs may only be granted to
employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries. All ISOs must be granted at fair
market value or at 110% of fair market value in the case of grants to 10%
shareholders. No ISOs shall be exercisable more than ten years after their
date of grant and five years after grant in the case of a 10% shareholder.
Payment of an option may be made with cash, with previously owned Class A
Common Shares, by foregoing compensation in accordance with Committee rules or
by a combination of these. SARs may be granted under the plan in lieu of
options, in addition to options, independent of options or as a combination of
the foregoing. A holder of a SAR is entitled upon exercise to receive Class A
Common Shares, or cash or a combination of both, as the Committees may
determine, equal in value on the date of exercise to the amount by which the
fair market value of one Class A Common Share on the date of exercise exceeds
the exercise price fixed by the Committees on the date of grant (which price
shall not be less than 100% if the market price of a Class A Common Share on
the date of grant) multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the
SARs are exercised.
 
  Restricted shares may be granted under the Incentive Share Plan with
performance goals and periods of restriction as the Committees may designate.
The performance goals must be based on the attainment by the Company or one of
its subsidiaries, of certain objective and/or subjective measures, which may
include one or more of the following: total shareholder return, return on
equity, return on capital, earnings per share, cash flow per share, market
share, share price, revenues, costs, net income, cash flow and retained
earnings. Restricted shares entitle the holder thereof to participate as a
shareholder of the Company; however, the holder may not sell, transfer, pledge
or otherwise encumber such shares prior to the time it vests. A holder of
restricted shares forfeits all unpaid accumulated dividends and all shares of
restricted shares that have not vested prior to the date that such holder's
employment with the Company is terminated for any reason. The Incentive Share
Plan authorizes the grant of performance units and performance shares that may
be earned by employees if specified long-term Company goals are achieved over
a period of time selected by the Committees. At the conclusion of the relevant
performance period, the Committees determine the extent to which the specified
performance goals have been met. The Incentive Share Plan also authorizes the
grant of share units which provide for a derivative interest in a Class A
Common Share based on a share equivalent. Grants of share units may be made at
any time and from time to time on terms determined by the Committees. Share
units shall be payable in Class A Common Shares upon the occurrence of certain
trigger events set forth on the participant's election form in his or her
complete discretion. The terms and conditions of the trigger events may vary
by share unit award, by the participant, or both. A participant is entitled to
receive the Class A Common Shares in his or her share unit account to which a
share unit award relates upon the occurrence of the applicable trigger event.
 
  Upon a change in control of the Company, all share-based awards, such as
ISOs, NQSOs, SARs, restricted shares and share units shall vest 100%, and all
performance-based awards, such as performance units and performances shares,
shall immediately be paid out in cash, based upon the extent, as determined by
the Committees, to which the performance goals have been met through the
effective date of the change in control or based upon the assumed achievement
of such goals, whichever is higher. No award granted under the Incentive Share
Plan may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, other than
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Generally, all rights to
any award shall be exercisable only by the participant during his lifetime.
All outstanding awards granted under the plan are forfeited immediately if a
participant is terminated for cause. Upon termination due to death or
disability, all outstanding and vested options and SARs
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
may be exercised within one year but in no event after the expiration date. In
the case of retirement or termination for any other reason, all outstanding
and vested options and SARs may be exercised within three months but in no
event after the expiration date.
 
  The Incentive Share Plan may be amended, altered or discontinued by the
Board of Trustees but except as specifically provided therein, no amendment,
alteration or discontinuance may be made which would in any manner adversely
affect any award theretofore granted under the plan, without the written
consent of the participant. Except as expressly provided in the Incentive
Share Plan, the plan may not be amended without shareholder approval to the
extent such approval is required by law or the rules of a securities exchange
on which the Company's Class A Common Shares are listed.
 
1997 NON-EMPLOYEE TRUSTEE SHARE PLAN
 
  On May 23, 1997, the Board of Trustees of the Company adopted the 1997 Non-
Employee Trustee Share Plan, which became effective upon shareholder approval
on July 15, 1997 at the 1997 Annual Meeting. The purpose of the Trustee Share
Plan is to promote the success of the Company by providing incentives to
Trustees to link their compensation to the long-term financial success of the
Company and to growth in share value. The plan is designed to provide
flexibility to the Company in its ability to attract and retain the services
of Trustees upon whose judgment, interest and special effort the successful
conduct of the Company's operations is largely dependent. The Trustee Share
Plan permits the grant of NQSO, restricted shares, SAR, performance unit,
performance share and share unit awards. The Company has reserved an aggregate
of 2,000,000 Class A Common Shares for issuance pursuant to awards under the
Trustee Share Plan and the Incentive Share Plan. As of the date hereof, the
Company issued NQSOs pursuant to the Trustee Plan to purchase 25,000 Class A
Common Shares to each of Martin L. Edelman and Lynne B. Sagalyn. The Company
intends to grant an award of share units to each of its non-employee trustees.
See "--Compensation of Trustees."
 
  The Trustee Share Plan is administered by the Board of Trustees which, among
other things, has the authority to select trustees to whom awards may be
granted, to determine the type of awards as well as the number of Class A
Common Shares to be covered by each award and to determine the terms and
conditions of any such awards. The Board of Trustees also has the authority to
construe and interpret the plan, establish, amend or waive rules and
regulations for its administration, accelerate the exercisability of any award
and amend the terms and conditions of any outstanding award. Only trustees of
the Company who are not, and who have not been at any time within the
preceding three years, employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries are
eligible to participate in the Trustee Share Plan. Shares available under the
Trustee Share Plan can be divided among the various types of awards and among
the participants as the Compensation Committee determines.
 
  The purchase price per Class A Common Share covered by a NQSO granted under
the Trustee Share Plan shall be determined by the Board of Trustees. Payment
of a NQSO may be made with cash, with previously owned Class A Common Shares,
by foregoing compensation in accordance with Board rules or by a combination
of these. SARs may be granted under the plan in lieu of NQSOs, in addition to
NQSOs, independent of NQSOs or as a combination of the foregoing. A holder of
a SAR is entitled upon exercise to receive Class A Common Shares, or cash or a
combination of both, as the Board of Trustees may determine, equal in value on
the date of exercise to the amount by which the fair market value of one Class
A Common Share on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price fixed by the
Board on the date of grant (which price shall not be less than 100% of the
market price of a Class A Common Share on the date of grant) multiplied by the
number of shares in respect of which the SARs are exercised.
 
  Restricted shares may be granted under the Trustee Share Plan with
performance goals and periods of restriction as the Board of Trustees may
designate. The performance goals may be objectively based on measures such as
total shareholder return, return on equity, return on capital, earnings per
share, cash flow per share, market share, share price, revenues, costs, net
income, cash flow and retained earnings, or subjectively based. The Trustee
Share Plan authorizes the Board to grant performance units and performance
shares which may be
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
earned if specified long-term Company goals are achieved over a period of time
selected by the Board. Prior to the grant of performance units or performance
shares, the Board of Trustees may establish the performance goals (from among
the performance measures described above relating to restricted shares) that
must be satisfied before a payout of such awards is made. At the conclusion of
the relevant performance period, the Board of Trustees will determine the
extent to which the specified performance goals have been met. The Trustee
Share Plan also authorizes the grant of share units at any time and from time
to time on such terms as shall be determined by the Board of Trustees. Share
units shall be payable in Class A Common Shares upon the occurrence of certain
trigger events set forth on the participant's election form in his or her
complete discretion. The terms and conditions of the trigger events may vary
by share unit award, by the participant, or both. A participant is entitled to
receive the Class A Common Shares in his or her share unit account to which a
share unit award relates upon the occurrence of the applicable trigger event.
 
  Upon a change in control of the Company, all NQSOs, SARs, share units and
restricted shares shall vest 100% and all performance units and performance
shares shall immediately be paid out in cash, based upon the extent, as
determined by the Board of Trustees, to which the performance goals have been
met through the effective date of the change in control or based upon the
assumed achievement of such goals, whichever is higher. Generally, no award
under the Trustee Share Plan may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or
hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution
and all rights to any award shall be exercisable only by the participant
during his or her lifetime. NQSOs may, in the Board's discretion, be
transferrable to members of the optionee's immediate family, a trust
established for the benefit of one or more such family members or a
partnership in which such family members are the only partners. The optionee
may not receive any consideration for such transfers. All outstanding awards
granted under the plan will be forfeited immediately if the trustee is
removed. Upon death or disability, all outstanding and vested NQSOs and SARs
may be exercised within one year but in no event after the expiration date. If
a trustee retires or terminates service for any other reason, all outstanding
and vested NQSOs and SARs may be exercised within three months but in no event
after the expiration date.
 
  The Trustee Share Plan may be amended, altered or discontinued by the Board
of Trustees, but except as specifically provided therein, no amendment,
alteration or discontinuance may be made which would in any manner adversely
affect any award theretofore granted without the written consent of the
participant. Except as expressly provided in the Trustee Share Plan, the plan
may not be amended without shareholder approval to the extent such approval is
required by law or the rules of a securities exchange on which the Company's
Class A Common Shares are listed.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
                            PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
 
  The following table sets forth as of October 3, 1997 certain information
with respect to the beneficial ownership of Class A Common Shares and Class A
Preferred Shares, and the voting power possessed thereby (based on 9,137,335
Class A Common Shares and 12,267,658 Class A Preferred Shares outstanding on
that date), by (i) each person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner
of more than 5% of each of the outstanding Class A Common Shares and the
Class A Preferred Shares, (ii) each trustee and named executive officer of the
Company who is a beneficial owner of any Class A Common Shares and (iii) all
trustees and executive officers of the Company as a group, and as adjusted at
that date to reflect the sale of the Class A Common Shares offered hereby
(assuming the sale of 8,000,000 Class A Common Shares in the Offering). Such
information (other than with respect to trustees and officers of the Company)
is based on a review of statements filed with the Commission pursuant to
Sections 13(d), 13(f) and 13(g) of the Exchange Act with respect to the
Company's Class A Common Shares.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            CLASS A COMMON SHARES                      CLASS A PREFERRED SHARES
                                    ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
                                    AMOUNT AND NATURE     AMOUNT AND NATURE      AMOUNT AND NATURE   AMOUNT AND NATURE
                                      OF BENEFICIAL         OF BENEFICIAL          OF BENEFICIAL       OF BENEFICIAL     PERCENT 
                                    OWNERSHIP(1) PRIOR    OWNERSHIP(1) AFTER    OWNERSHIP(1) PRIOR  OWNERSHIP(1) AFTER  OF TOTAL 
                                     TO THE OFFERING         THE OFFERING         TO THE OFFERING      THE OFFERING      VOTING 
                                    --------------------- --------------------- ------------------- -------------------   POWER  
   FIVE PERCENT SHAREHOLDERS,                    PERCENT               PERCENT             PERCENT             PERCENT  AFTER THE
TRUSTEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS      NUMBER      OF CLASS  NUMBER      OF CLASS   NUMBER   OF CLASS   NUMBER   OF CLASS  CLOSING
- -------------------------------     ---------    -------- ---------    -------- ---------- -------- ---------- -------- ---------
   <S>                              <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>      <C>
   Veqtor Finance
    Company LLC(2) ...              6,959,593(3)   76.2%  6,959,593(3)   40.6%  12,267,658   100%   12,267,658   100%       65%
    c/o Capital
    Trust(3)
    605 Third Avenue,
    26th Floor
    New York, New York
    10016
   Martin L. Edelman..                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   Gary R. Garrabrant.                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   Craig M. Hatkoff...                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   John R. Klopp(3)...                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   Sheli Z. Rosenberg.                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   Lynne B. Sagalyn...                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   Samuel Zell(3).....                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   Donald J. Meyer....                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   Edward L. Shugrue
    III...............                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
   All executive
    officers and
    trustees as a
    group (9 persons).                    --        --          --        --           --    --            --    --        --
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) The number of shares owned are those beneficially owned, as determined
    under the rules of the Commission, and such information is not necessarily
    indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such
    rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which a person has
    sole or shared voting power or investment power and any shares which the
    person has the right to acquire within 60 days through the exercise of any
    option, warrant or right, through conversion of any security or pursuant
    to the automatic termination of a power of attorney or revocation of a
    trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement.
 
(2) CTILP and V2 are the sole managing members of Veqtor. The general partner
    of CTILP is SZ Investments LLC, the managing member of which is Zell
    General Partnership, Inc. ("Zell GP"). The sole stockholder of Zell GP is
    the Samuel Zell Revocable Trust (the "Zell Trust"). Mr. Samuel Zell serves
    as the trustee of the Zell Trust. Messrs. John R. Klopp and Craig M.
    Hatkoff are the sole members of V2.
 
(3) John R. Klopp, Craig M. Hatkoff and Samuel Zell collectively will
    indirectly control the affairs of Veqtor. Each of Messrs. Hatkoff, Klopp
    and Zell disclaim beneficial ownership of the Common Shares and Preferred
    Shares owned by Veqtor.
 
(4) Messrs. Zell, Klopp, Hatkoff and Garrabrant and Ms. Rosenberg hold
    indirect economic ownership interests in Veqtor equal to approximately
    34.2%, 25%, 25%, 4.5% and 4.5%, respectively.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
BUY/SELL AGREEMENT
 
  Veqtor, CTILP, V2 and Messrs. Klopp and Hatkoff are parties to an agreement,
dated July 15, 1997, that contains buy/sell provisions pursuant to which (i)
one member of Veqtor may purchase from or sell to the other member its
interests in Veqtor or (ii) one member of V2 or CTILP may purchase the other
V2 member's interest in V2 (the "Buy/Sell Agreement"). Pursuant to the
agreement, from and after July 15, 2000, either CTILP or V2 as the initiating
party (the "Initiating Party") may initiate the buy/sell process by notifying
(the "Buy/Sell Notice") the other party (the "Responding Party") of its desire
either to sell for cash all of its Veqtor Common Units to the Responding Party
or to purchase for cash all of the Veqtor Common Units owned by the Responding
Party, in each case, at the per unit price specified by the Initiating Party
(the "Specified Price"). Upon receipt of the Buy/Sell Notice, the Responding
Party must within 150 days elect either to sell its common interest units in
Veqtor ("Veqtor Common Units") to the Initiating Party or purchase the
Initiating Party's Veqtor Common Units at the Specified Price. If the
Responding Party fails to respond to the Buy/Sell Notice, it shall be deemed
to have elected to sell its Veqtor Common Units at the Specified Price.
 
  The Buy/Sell Agreement provides that upon the termination of employment with
the Company of either John R. Klopp or Craig M. Hatkoff (including through
death or disability) other than by voluntary termination (the "Termination
Event") (the "Departing Person"), whomever of Messrs. Klopp or Hatkoff has not
been the subject of the Termination Event (the "Remaining Person") shall have
the right to purchase all of the interests in V2 then held by the Departing
Person for cash at their fair market value as defined in the Buy/Sell
Agreement ("Fair Market Value"). If the Remaining Person does not purchase the
Departing Person's interest in V2, the Buy/Sell Agreement provides that CTILP
shall have the right to purchase for cash from V2 50% of the Veqtor Common
Units then held by V2 at their fair market value, upon which purchase V2 shall
distribute to the Departing Person (or his estate or representative) an amount
equal to the net proceeds of such sale reduced by 50% of V2's aggregate
liabilities in full redemption of the interest in V2 then held by the
Departing Person (or his estate or representative). If CTILP does not elect to
purchase the Veqtor Common Units held by V2 pursuant to the foregoing, (i)
Veqtor must distribute to V2 50% of its assets that V2 would be entitled to
receive in a liquidation of Veqtor (whereupon V2's economic interest in Veqtor
shall be correspondingly reduced) and (ii) V2 must distribute to the Departing
Person 50% of such assets reduced by 50% of V2's aggregate liabilities in full
redemption of the Departing Person's interest in V2.
 
  Pursuant to the Buy/Sell Agreement, upon the voluntary termination of
employment with the Company of either of Messrs. Klopp or Hatkoff (the
"Voluntarily Departing Person"), CTILP shall have the right to purchase from
V2 50% of the Veqtor Common Units then held by V2 for cash at their fair
market value, upon which purchase V2 shall distribute to the Voluntarily
Departing Individual an amount equal to the net proceeds of such sale reduced
by 50% of V2's aggregate liabilities in full redemption of the interest in V2
then held by the Voluntarily Departing Individual. If CTILP does not purchase
the Veqtor Common Units pursuant to the foregoing, the agreement provides that
whomever of Messrs. Klopp or Hatkoff is not the Voluntarily Departing
Individual (the "Voluntarily Remaining Member") shall have the right to
purchase all of the interest in V2 then held by the Voluntarily Departing
Individual for cash at its Fair Market Value. If the Voluntarily Remaining
Member does not purchase from the Voluntarily Departing Individual all of the
interest in V2 then held by the Voluntarily Departing Individual for cash at
its Fair Market Value pursuant to the foregoing, (i) Veqtor must distribute to
V2 50% of its assets that V2 would be entitled to receive in a liquidation of
Veqtor (whereupon V2's economic interest in Veqtor shall be correspondingly
reduced) and (ii) V2 must distribute to the Voluntarily Departing Person 50%
of such assets reduced by 50% of V2's aggregate liabilities in full redemption
of the Voluntarily Departing Person's interest in V2.
 
  Pursuant to the Buy/Sell Agreement, upon the termination of employment with
the Company of both Messrs. Klopp and Hatkoff, within any 30 day period, for
any or no reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, including, without
limitation, by reason of death or disability, CTILP shall have the right to
purchase from V2 all of the Veqtor Common Units then held by V2 for cash at
their Fair Market Value. If CTILP does not purchase the Veqtor Common Units
pursuant to the foregoing, Veqtor shall distribute to V2 100% of its assets
that V2 would be entitled to receive in a liquidation of Veqtor in full
redemption of 100% of the Veqtor Common Units then held by V2.
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
  Pursuant to the Buy/Sell Agreement, upon the termination of employment with
the Company of either of Messrs. Klopp or Hatkoff for any or no reason,
whether voluntary or involuntary, including, without limitation, by reason of
his death or disability, following by more than 30 days the prior termination
of employment with the Company of the other individual for any or no reason,
whether voluntary or involuntary, including, without limitation, by reason of
his death or disability, CTILP shall have the right to purchase from V2 all of
the Veqtor Common Units then held by V2 for cash at their Fair Market Value.
If CTILP does not purchase the Veqtor Common Units pursuant to the foregoing,
Veqtor shall distribute to V2 100% of its assets that V2 would be entitled to
receive in a liquidation of Veqtor in full redemption of 100% of the Veqtor
Common Units then held by V2.
 
  The Buy/Sell Agreement prohibits the transfer of Veqtor Common Units and
interests in V2 except to permitted transferees as defined in the agreement or
pursuant to right of first refusal provision contained in the agreement. The
Buy/Sell Agreement contains provisions governing the management of Veqtor.
Pursuant to such provisions, in the event that V2 and CTILP do not hold the
same number of Veqtor Common Units, then, notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the operating agreement governing Veqtor (the "Veqtor Operating
Agreement"), all matters to be determined by V2 and CTILP as the managing
members of Veqtor shall be determined as between V2 and CTILP by an
affirmative vote of a majority of the Veqtor Common Units then held by V2 and
CTILP, and V2 and CTILP shall be bound to act on such matter as managing
members in the manner determined by such vote. The agreement provides that no
permitted transferee or other third party transferee shall be entitled to be
appointed, or otherwise act as, a managing member of Veqtor.
 
  The Buy/Sell Agreement provides that notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the Veqtor Operating Agreement, as long as V2 and CTILP hold the
same number of Veqtor Common Units, each shall be entitled to direct the
nomination of an equal number of trustees/directors of the Company, and if
Veqtor shall be entitled to nominate an odd number of trustees/directors, V2
and CTILP shall jointly select one of the trustee/director nominees. If V2 and
CTILP do not hold the same number of Veqtor Common Units, then,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Veqtor Operating Agreement, V2
and CTILP each shall be entitled to direct the nomination of a number of
trustees/directors equal to their relative percentage holdings of Veqtor
Common Units multiplied by the total number of trustees/directors which Veqtor
is then entitled to nominate (rounded to the nearest whole number).
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
                             CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
INTEREST PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
  In connection with the Acquisition, the Company entered into an interest
purchase agreement, dated as of June 16, 1997, with John R. Klopp, Craig M.
Hatkoff and Valentine Wildove & Company, Inc., pursuant to which the Company
acquired interests in Victor Capital and certain of its affiliated entities
for a purchase price of $5 million. The purchase price under the interest
purchase agreement is payable by the delivery by the Company to the sellers of
the non-interest bearing Acquisition Notes. The Acquisition Notes provide for
ten semi-annual principal amortization payments in equal installments. Mr.
Klopp and Mr. Hatkoff, each of whom is a trustee of the Company, each received
an Acquisition Note in the principal amount of $2,162,500. Valentine Wildove &
Company, Inc., in which Messrs. Klopp and Hatkoff are each 50% owners,
received $675,000 in principal amount of the Acquisition Notes.
 
  The interest purchase agreement provides that the sellers will indemnify the
Company for all damages as a result of any breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant or agreement of the sellers contained in the interest
purchase agreement.
 
INVESTMENT AGREEMENT
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement, on July 15, 1997, the
Company sold 12,267,658 Class A Preferred Shares to Veqtor for an aggregate
purchase price of $33 million. The Investment Agreement provides that the
Company will not amend the Restated Declaration unless (i) the Company has
given Veqtor no less than 15 days prior notice of such change and (ii) the
Board of Trustees has reasonably determined that the amendment does not
contravene or violate the provisions of the Investment Agreement or the terms
of the Class A Preferred Shares or Class B Preferred Shares, if any. The
Company has agreed that, so long as any Class A Preferred Shares or Class B
Preferred Shares remain outstanding, without the affirmative vote of the
holders of more than 50% of the Class A Preferred Shares and Class B Preferred
Shares then outstanding, voting as a single class the Company will not incur
any indebtedness if the Company's debt to equity ratio would exceed 5:1.
 
  The Company has also agreed in the Investment Agreement only to issue shares
that are Junior Shares and only to issue Class B Preferred Shares upon the
conversion of any Class A Preferred Shares. "Junior Shares" are defined as
common shares and any other class or series of shares of the Company now or
hereafter authorized, issued or outstanding which are subject, under the terms
of the Restated Declaration, to the following restrictions and limitations:
(i) no dividend or distribution can be declared or paid on the shares of such
class or series unless all accrued dividends and other amounts then due with
respect to the Class A Preferred Shares and Class B Preferred Shares shall
have been paid in full; (ii) in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the Company, either voluntary or involuntary, the holders of
Class A Preferred Shares and Class B Preferred Shares shall be entitled to
receive out of the assets of the Company available for distribution to
shareholders, the liquidation preference with respect to the Class A Preferred
Shares and Class B Preferred Shares and any accrued and unpaid dividends
thereon before any payment shall be made or any assets distributed to the
holders of such other class or series of shares of the Company; and (iii)
shares of such class or series are not required to be redeemed under any
circumstances, either at the option of the Company or of any holder thereof,
unless all of the outstanding Class A Preferred Shares and Class B Preferred
Shares have theretofore been redeemed or converted.
 
  The Investment Agreement provides for certain registration rights whereby
Veqtor and the other holders of the Company's registrable securities as
defined in the agreement will have the right to request that the Company
prepare and file up to three registration statements under the Securities Act
covering all or any portion of the shares of the Company held by Veqtor and
the other holders from time to time. In addition, if the Company proposes to
file a registration statement at any time, the Company has agreed to use its
best efforts, upon Veqtor's and the other holders' request, to cause any
shares held by Veqtor and the other holders to be included in such
registration. In connection with any securities registration, Veqtor and the
other holders, respectively, have agreed to pay all underwriting discounts and
selling commissions on the shares registered on behalf of Veqtor and the other
holders. All other costs of registration are to be paid by the Company.
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
  As a result of the Investment and its purchase of the Class A Common Shares
from CRIL, Veqtor holds an aggregate of 19,227,251 of the Company's
outstanding shares, representing approximately 90% of the total number of
outstanding shares of the Company before the Offering and approximately 65% of
the total number of shares of the Company after completion of the Offering
(assuming the sale of 8,000,000 Class A Common Shares in the Offering).
Certain members of the Company's Board of Trustees, including Messrs. Zell,
Klopp, Hatkoff and Garrabrant and Ms. Rosenberg, hold indirect economic
ownership interests in Veqtor equal to approximately 34.2%, 25%, 25%, 4.5% and
4.5%, respectively.
 
SHARING AGREEMENT
 
  Pursuant to an oral agreement with The Peregrine Real Estate Trust (the
"Former Parent"), costs for certain general administrative services, including
executive services (including the services of Mr. Morrow), accounting
services, treasury services, financial reporting and internal bookkeeping
services, shareholder relations, and directors' and officers' insurance were
shared with the Former Parent. The shared costs were allocated to the Company
and the Former Parent based upon their respective asset values (real property
and notes receivable), subject to annual negotiation. Pursuant to this
agreement, approximately $435,000 and $258,000 was paid or accrued as a
payable to the Former Parent in 1995 and 1996, respectively. As of December
31, 1996, the Company owed the Former Parent approximately $31,000 pursuant to
the cost sharing agreement. The agreement was terminated on January 7, 1997
and all amounts owed thereunder were paid.
 
RELATIONSHIPS WITH MR. EDELMAN
 
  Mr. Edelman is of counsel to Battle Fowler LLP, a New York City law firm
that is representing the Company in various matters relating to the sale of
the Class A Common Shares offered hereby and has represented the Company and
certain affiliates thereof, including Victor Capital, in the past with respect
to various legal matters. The Company expects to continue to engage Battle
Fowler LLP after the closing of the Offering.
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL SHARES
 
  Pursuant to the Restated Declaration, the authorized capital shares of the
Company consist of an unlimited number of preferred shares of beneficial
interest in the Company and common shares of beneficial interest in the
Company issuable in classes or series, comprised of (i) Class A Preferred
Shares, (ii) Class B Preferred Shares, (iii) Class A Common Shares, and (iv)
Class B Common Shares. As of October 3, 1997, there were 12,267,658 Class A
Preferred Shares issued and outstanding, no Class B Preferred Shares issued
and outstanding, 9,137,335 Class A Common Shares issued and outstanding and no
Class B Common Shares issued and outstanding. The Certificate of Designation
has currently fixed the number of authorized Class A Preferred Shares and the
Class B Preferred Shares at 12,639,405 each. The Restated Declaration permits
the Board of Trustees to authorize and issue additional shares of beneficial
interest in the Company and to establish additional classes or series of
preferred shares of beneficial interest and common shares of beneficial
interest from time to time, including additional Class A Preferred Shares,
Class B Preferred Shares, Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares. The
Certificate of Designation and Investment Agreement, however, provide that the
approval of the holders of the preferred shares is required in order to
authorize, create or issue any class or series of capital shares of the
Company other than "Junior Shares" (see "--Preferred Shares--Voting Rights"),
or to issue any Class B Preferred Shares other than upon the conversion of any
Class A Preferred Shares.
 
  The following summary description of the capital shares of the Company is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Designation and
the Restated Declaration, a copy of each of which is incorporated by reference
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a
part.
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
COMMON SHARES
 
  Except as described below or as required by law, all Class A Common Shares
and Class B Common Shares are identical and entitled to the same voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights. Holders of Class A Common Shares and
Class B Common Shares are not entitled to preferences, appraisals or
preemptive rights of any kind. No shareholder may demand that the Company
redeem his or her Class A Common Shares or Class B Common Shares.
 
  Dividends. Holders of record of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common
Shares on the record date fixed by the Company's Board of Trustees are
entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Trustees
out of funds legally available for such purpose, subject to the rights of the
holders of any series of preferred shares. No dividends may be declared or
paid in cash or property on any share of any class of Class A Common Shares
and Class B Common Shares, however, unless simultaneously the same dividend is
declared or paid on each share of the other classes of Class A Common Shares
and Class B Common Shares except that if dividends are declared that are
payable in common shares, such dividends shall be payable at the same rate on
each class or series of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares and
shall be payable only in Class A Common Shares to holders of Class A Common
Shares and in Class B Common Shares to holders of Class B Common Shares.
 
  Liquidation Rights. In the event of the liquidation of the Company and the
distribution of its assets, after the payment in full or the setting apart for
payment to all creditors of the Company of the amounts to which they shall be
entitled and subject to such preferential amounts, if any, to which the
holders of preferred shares at the time outstanding shall be entitled, the
remaining assets of the Company available for payment and distribution to
holders of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares shall, subject to
any participating or similar rights of preferred shares at the time
outstanding, be distributed ratably, in accordance with the number of Class A
Common Shares and Class B Common Shares held by each such holder, among the
holders of Class A Common Shares and Class B Common Shares at the time
outstanding.
 
  Voting Rights. The Class B Common Shares do not have voting rights and are
not counted in determining the presence of a quorum for the transaction of
business at any meeting of the shareholders.
 
  Except as otherwise provided by law and subject to the special voting rights
of any outstanding preferred shares, the approval of all matters brought
before the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority in voting power of the voting shares (including the Class A Common
Shares) that are present in person or represented by proxy and voting as a
single class.
 
  Conversion Rights. Each Class A Common Share is convertible at the option of
the holder thereof at any time and from time to time into one fully paid and
nonassessable Class B Common Share and, subject to delivery of the
certification described below, each Class B Common Share is convertible at the
option of the holder thereof at any time and from time to time into one fully
paid and nonassessable Class A Common Share. If Class B Common Shares are to
be converted into Class A Common Shares, the holder of the Class B Common
Shares must certify to the Company that the shareholder either (a) will not,
together with any other person (other than the Company) who previously held
voting shares of the Company now held by the shareholder, upon the issuance of
such Class A Common Shares, own more than 4.9% of any class of voting shares
of the Company or (b) is not limited by the BHCA to holding no more than 4.9%
of any class or series of voting shares of the Company.
 
PREFERRED SHARES
 
  General. The Restated Declaration permits the Board of Trustees to issue
preferred shares in one or more classes or series, with such rights, powers,
preferences, privileges and restrictions as shall be stated and expressed in
the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue thereof adopted by the
Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to: (i) the distinctive
designation of such class or series and the number of preferred shares of such
class or series authorized; (ii) the dividends payable with respect to such
class or series, the rate or basis for
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
determining such dividends, and conditions and dates upon which such dividends
shall be payable, the preferences, if any, of such dividends over, or the
relation of such dividends to, the dividends payable on any other class or
series of securities of the Company, whether such dividends shall be
noncumulative or cumulative, and, if cumulative, the date or dates from which
such dividends shall be cumulative; (iii) whether preferred shares of such
class or series shall be redeemable at the option of the Company or upon the
happening of a specified event, and, if redeemable, whether for cash, property
or rights, including securities of the Company, as well as the times, prices
or rates and any adjustment and other terms and conditions of such redemption;
(iv) the terms and amount of any sinking, retirement or purchase fund provided
for the purchase or redemption of preferred shares of such class or series;
(v) whether or not preferred shares of such class or series shall be
convertible into or exchangeable for other securities of the Company, at the
option of the Company or of the holder of such preferred shares or both, or
upon the happening of a specified event, and, if provision be made for such
conversion or exchange, the terms, prices, rates, adjustments and any other
terms and conditions thereof; (vi) the extent, if any, to which the holders of
the preferred shares of such class or series shall be entitled to vote with
respect to the election of Trustees or on other issues, including without
limitation the extent, if any, to which such holders shall be entitled, voting
as a class or series or jointly with other classes or series, to elect one or
more Trustees upon the happening of a specified event or otherwise, or
entitled to multiple votes per preferred share; (vii) the restrictions, if
any, on the issue or reissue of preferred shares of such class or series or
any other classes or series; (viii) the extent, if any, to which the holders
of the preferred shares of such class or series shall be entitled to
preemptive rights; (ix) the rights of the holders of the preferred shares of
such class or series upon the termination of the Company or any distribution
of its assets, including without limitation any preferential amount payable
upon such preferred shares or any other rights of holders of such preferred
shares in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company or the distribution of its assets; and (x) the terms of any other
provisions to be applicable to such preferred shares and such other powers,
preferences, rights, limitations or restrictions as the Board of Trustees
shall determine.
 
  In connection with the Investment, the Board of Trustees adopted a
resolution which is set forth in the Certificate of Designation providing for
the creation of two classes of the Company's preferred shares, consisting of
12,639,405 Class A Preferred Shares and 12,639,405 Class B Preferred Shares.
In connection with the closing of the Investment, Veqtor purchased from the
Company 12,267,658 Class A Preferred Shares for an aggregate purchase price of
approximately $33 million.
 
  Except as described below or as required by law, both classes of preferred
shares are identical and entitled to the same voting, dividend, liquidation
and other rights.
 
  Dividends. Holders of the preferred shares are entitled to receive, when and
as declared by the Board of Trustees, out of funds legally available therefor,
cash dividends per share at the rate of 9.5% per annum on a per share price of
$2.69. Such dividends shall accrue (whether or not declared) and, to the
extent not paid for any dividend period, will be cumulative. Dividends on the
preferred shares are payable, when and as declared, semi-annually, in arrears,
on December 26 and June 25 of each year commencing December 26, 1997. No
dividends may be declared or paid in cash or property on any preferred share
unless simultaneously the same dividend is declared or paid on both classes of
preferred shares except that if dividends are declared that are payable in
common shares or preferred shares, such dividends shall be payable at the same
rate on the preferred shares and shall be payable only in Class A Common
Shares and Class A Preferred Shares to holders of Class A Preferred Shares and
in Class B Common Shares and Class B Preferred Shares to holders of Class B
Preferred Shares. The Certificate of Designation provides that, unless all
dividends and other amounts then accrued with respect to the preferred shares
are paid in full, the Company may not declare or pay or set apart for payment
any dividends or make any other distributions on, or make any payment on
account of the purchase, redemption, exchange or other retirement of, any
other shares of the Company (other than payment in or in exchange for Junior
Shares (as defined above)).
 
  Liquidation Preference. In the event of the liquidation of the Company and
the distribution of its assets, the holders of the preferred shares are
entitled to receive out of assets of the Company available for distribution to
shareholders, an amount per share equal to $2.69 plus the amount of all
dividends per share accrued and
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
unpaid thereon through the date of final distribution to shareholders, whether
or not declared, before any payment shall be made or any assets distributed to
the holders of any other class or series of shares of the Company.
 
  Voting Rights. The Class A Preferred Shares are entitled to vote together
with the holders of the Class A Common Shares as a single class on all matters
submitted to a vote of shareholders. Each Class A Preferred Share entitles the
holder thereof to a number of votes per share equal to the number of Class A
Common Shares into which such Class A Preferred Share is then convertible.
Except as described below, the Class B Preferred Shares do not have voting
rights and are not counted in determining the presence of a quorum for the
transaction of business at a shareholders' meeting.
 
  The holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares, voting
together as a single class, but voting together as a separate class from the
common shares, have, with certain limited exceptions, the right to approve any
merger, consolidation or transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of
the Company.
 
  In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, but voting
together as a separate class from the common shares, is required in order to
amend, alter or repeal any provision of the Certificate of Designation;
authorize, create or issue any class or series of capital shares of the
Company (other than Junior Shares); and incur any indebtedness if the
Company's debt to equity ratio would exceed 5:1.
 
  Conversion Right. Each Class A Preferred Share is convertible at the option
of the holder thereof at any time and from time to time in whole or in part
into an equal number of Class B Preferred Shares, or into a number of Class A
Common Shares equal to the ratio of (x) $2.69 plus an amount equal to all
dividends per share accrued and unpaid thereon as of the date of such
conversion to (y) the Conversion Price in effect as of the date of such
conversion. Each Class B Preferred Share is convertible at the option of the
holder thereof at any time and from time to time in whole or in part into an
equal number of Class A Preferred Shares or into a number of Class B Common
Shares equal to the ratio of (x) $2.69 plus an amount equal to all dividends
per share accrued and unpaid thereon as of the date of such conversion to (y)
the Conversion Price in effect as of the date of such conversion. If Class B
Preferred Shares are to be converted into Class A Preferred Shares, the holder
of the Class B Preferred Shares must certify to the Company that the
shareholder either (a) will not, together with any other person (other than
the Company) who previously held voting shares of the Company now held by the
shareholder, upon the issuance of such Class A Preferred Shares, own more than
4.9% of any class of voting shares of the Company or (b) is not limited by the
BHCA to holding no more than 4.9% of any class or series of voting shares of
the Company. Initially, the "Conversion Price" will be equal to $2.69, but the
Conversion Price will be adjusted to provide the holders of the Class A
Preferred Shares with customary anti-dilution protection, including protection
for the issuance of additional shares at a price less than $2.69 per share.
 
  If Class B Preferred Shares are to be converted into Class A Preferred
Shares, in connection with any conversion, the shareholder must certify to the
Company that the shareholder either (a) will not, together with any other
person (other than the Company) who previously held voting shares of the
Company now held by the shareholder, upon the issuance of such Class A
Preferred Shares, own more than 4.9% of any class of voting shares of the
Company or (b) is not limited by the BHCA to holding no more than 4.9% of any
class or series of voting shares of the Company.
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
  Upon consummation of the Offering, the Company will have outstanding an
aggregate of 17,137,335 Class A Common Shares (based on the number of Class A
Common Shares outstanding as of October 3, 1997), assuming no exercise of
outstanding options. Of the total number of outstanding Class A Common Shares,
the 8,000,000 Class A Common Shares sold in the Offering, together with the
outstanding Class A Common Shares currently held by the public shareholders,
will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the
Securities Act, unless purchased by "affiliates" of the Company, as that term
is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act (which sales would be subject
to certain volume limitations and other restrictions described below). In
addition, Veqtor holds 6,959,593 Class A Common Shares and 12,267,658 Class A
Preferred Shares that are convertible into an equal number of Class A Common
Shares, all of which are eligible for resale in the public market, subject to
certain volume and other restrictions under Rule 144 and the "lock-up"
discussed below.
 
  In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person, including a
person who may be deemed an "affiliate" of the Company, who has held
restricted shares for at least one year may sell such shares, subject to
certain volume limitations and other restrictions, without registering them
under the Act. The Company, its trustees and executive officers and affiliates
and Veqtor have agreed that during the period ending one year after the date
of this Prospectus, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, they will not, subject to certain
exceptions, (1) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any
option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose
of, directly or indirectly, any Class A Common Shares or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Class A Common Shares or
(2) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in
whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Class A
Common Shares, whether any such transaction described in clause (1) or (2)
above is to be settled by delivery of Class A Common Shares or such other
securities, in cash or otherwise. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply
to (i) the sale to the Underwriters of any Class A Common Shares pursuant to
this Offering, (ii) shares to be issued pursuant to the Company's Incentive
Share Plan or its Trustee Share Plan or (iii) shares to be issued upon
conversion of outstanding Class A Preferred Shares. In addition, the Company's
trustees and executive officers and affiliates and Veqtor have agreed that
during the period commencing on the date hereof and ending one year after the
date of this Prospectus, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, they will not make any demand
for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any Class A
Common Shares or any security convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable
for Class A Common Shares. Rule 144 generally also permits sales of restricted
shares, without any volume limitations, by a person who has not been an
"affiliate" of the Company for at least three months preceding the sale of
such shares and who has held those restricted shares for at least two years.
Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement, Veqtor and the other
holders of the Company's registrable securities as defined in the Investment
Agreement (or their assignees) will be entitled to certain demand registration
rights with respect to the shares held by it. In addition to these demand
registration rights, Veqtor and other holders of the Company's registrable
securities (or their assignees) will be, subject to certain limitations,
entitled to register their shares in connection with future registration
statements prepared by the Company to register the Company's equity
securities. See "Certain Transactions--Investment Agreement."
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
                          CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX
                   CONSEQUENCES TO NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
GENERAL
 
  The following is a general discussion of certain United States federal
income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common
Shares by a holder who is not a United States person (a "Non-U.S. Holder").
For this purpose, the term "United States person" is defined as any person who
is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation or a partnership
or other entity created or organized in the United States or under the laws of
the United States or of any state, or an estate or trust whose income is
includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes
regardless of source. This discussion does not address all aspects of United
States federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with foreign, state
and local consequences that may be relevant to such Non-U.S. Holders in light
of their personal circumstances, or to certain types of Non-U.S. Holders which
may be subject to special treatment under United States federal income tax
laws (for example, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial
institutions or broker-dealers). Furthermore, this discussion is based on
provisions of the Code, existing and proposed regulations promulgated
thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, as of the
date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive
effect. Each prospective purchaser of Common Shares is advised to consult a
tax advisor with respect to current and possible future tax consequences of
acquiring, holding and disposing of Common Shares as well as any tax
consequences that may arise under the laws of any U.S. state, municipality or
other taxing jurisdiction.
 
  An individual may, subject to certain exceptions, be deemed to be a resident
alien (as opposed to a non-resident alien) by virtue of being present in the
United States for at least 31 days in the calendar year and for an aggregate
of at least 183 days during the three-year period ending in the current
calendar year (counting for such purposes all of the days present in the
current year, one-third of the days present in the immediately preceding year,
and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding year). Resident
aliens are subject to U.S. federal tax as if they were U.S. citizens.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
  The Company has not paid cash dividends on its Class A Common Shares since
1994 and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common Shares in
the foreseeable future. It is the current policy of the Board to reinvest
earnings in the Company to the extent that such earnings are in excess of
dividend requirements on its Class A Preferred Shares. The payment of any cash
dividends in the future will depend upon the Company's earnings, financial
condition and capital needs and on other factors deemed relevant by the Board.
See "Dividend Policy." In the event, however, that dividends are paid on
shares of Class A Common Shares, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of Common
Shares will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a
30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax
treaty, unless the dividends are effectively connected with the conduct of a
trade or business of the Non-U.S. Holder within the United States and the Non-
U.S. Holder provides the payor with proper documentation or, if a tax treaty
applies, the dividends are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of
the Non-U.S. Holder. In order to claim the benefit of an applicable tax treaty
rate, a Non-U.S. Holder may be required to file with the Company or its
dividend paying agent a reduced treaty rate certificate. Dividends that are
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the
United States or, if a tax treaty applies, are attributable to such a United
States permanent establishment, are subject to United States federal income
tax on a net income basis (that is, after allowance for applicable deductions)
at applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Any such effectively
connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may, under certain
circumstances, be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate
or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
 
  Under current United States Treasury regulations, dividends paid to an
address outside the United States are presumed to be paid to a resident of
such country for purposes of the withholding discussed above (unless the
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
payor has knowledge to the contrary) and, under the current interpretation of
United States Treasury regulations, for purposes of determining the
applicability of a tax treaty rate. Under proposed United States Treasury
regulations not currently in effect, however, a Non-U.S. Holder of Class A
Common Shares who wishes to claim the benefit of an applicable treaty rate
would be required to satisfy applicable certification and other requirements.
 
  A Non-U.S. Holder of Class A Common Shares eligible for a reduced rate of
United States withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a
refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for
refund with the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
 
GAIN ON DISPOSITION OF CLASS A COMMON SHARES
 
  A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal
income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of
Class A Common Shares unless (i)(a) the gain is effectively connected with a
trade or business of the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States or (b) if a
treaty applies, the gain is attributable to a United States permanent
establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder, (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder
who is an individual and holds the Class A Common Shares as a capital asset,
such holder is present in the United States for 183 or more days in the
taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other conditions are
met, (iii) the Company is or has been a "U.S. real property holding
corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes within the
preceding five years, or (iv) the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax pursuant
to certain provisions of the Code applicable to expatriates. The Company
believes that it is a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for United
States federal income tax purposes. An exception from United States taxation
as a result of this status may be available for persons who have not owned
beneficially more than 5% of a class of shares regularly traded on an
established securities market.
 
  A Non-U.S. holder that falls under clause (iii) will generally be taxed on
the net gain derived from a sale at the United States federal income tax rates
generally applicable to U.S. persons. The tax with respect to such
transactions is collected by means of a withholding mechanism.
 
  If an individual Non-U.S. Holder falls under clause (i) above, such
individual generally will be taxed on the net gain derived from a sale in a
manner similar to a United States person. If an individual Non-U.S. Holder
falls under clause (ii) above, such individual generally will be subject to a
flat 30% tax on the gain derived from a sale, which may be offset by certain
United States capital losses (notwithstanding the fact that such individual is
not considered a resident of the United States). Thus, Non-U.S. Holders who
have spent (or expect to spend) 183 days or more in the United States in the
taxable year in which they contemplate a sale of Class A Common Shares are
urged to consult their tax advisors as to the tax consequences of such sale.
 
  If a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation falls under clause (i) above, it
generally will be taxed on its net gain at the United States federal income
tax rates generally applicable to U.S. corporations and, in addition, will be
subject to the branch profits tax equal to 30% of its "effectively connected
earnings and profits" within the meaning of the Code for the taxable year, as
adjusted for certain items, unless it qualifies for a lower rate under an
applicable income tax treaty.
 
FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
 
  Class A Common Shares held by an individual Non-U.S. Holder at the time of
death (or, in certain cases, transferred prior to the Non-U.S. Holder's death)
will be included in such holder's gross estate for United States federal
estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides
otherwise.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
 
  The Company must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the
amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to
such dividends. These information reporting requirements apply even if
withholding was not required because the dividends were effectively connected
with a trade or
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
business in the United States of the Non-U.S. Holder or withholding was
reduced by an applicable income tax treaty. Copies of the information returns
reporting such dividends and withholding may be made available to the tax
authorities in the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder resides or is
established under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or
agreement.
 
  United States backup withholding (which generally is a withholding tax
imposed at the rate of 31% on certain payments to persons that fail to furnish
certain information under the United States information reporting
requirements) generally will not apply to dividends paid to Non-U.S. Holders
outside the United States that are either subject to the 30% withholding
discussed above or that are not so subject because a tax treaty applies that
reduces such 30% withholding. In that regard, under United States Treasury
regulations, backup withholding will not apply to dividends paid on Class A
Common Shares to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address outside the United States
unless the payor has knowledge that the payee is a United States person.
Backup withholding and information reporting generally will apply to dividends
paid to addresses inside the United States on Class A Common Shares to
beneficial owners that are not "exempt recipients" and that fail to provide in
the manner required certain identifying information.
 
  In general, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to a
payment of the proceeds of a sale of Class A Common Shares by or through a
foreign office of a broker. If, however, such broker is, for United States
federal income tax purposes, a U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation,
or a foreign person that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain
periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, such
payments will not be subject to backup withholding but will be subject to
information reporting, unless (i) such broker has documentary evidence in its
records that the beneficial owner is a Non-U.S. Holder and certain other
conditions are met, or (ii) the beneficial owner otherwise establishes an
exemption. There are proposed Treasury Regulations which would, if adopted,
alter the foregoing rules in certain respects. Among other things, the
proposed Regulations would provide certain presumptions under which a Non-U.S.
Holder would be subject to back-up withholding and information reporting.
 
  Payment by a United States office of a broker of the proceeds of a sale of
Class A Common Shares is subject to both backup withholding and information
reporting unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury
that it is a Non-U.S. Holder, or otherwise establishes an exemption. Any
amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a
refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability
provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITERS
 
  Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated the date hereof (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the U.S.
Underwriters named below for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc.
are acting as U.S. Representatives, and the International Underwriters named
below for whom Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited, Merrill Lynch
International Limited and Morgan Grenfell & Co. Limited are acting as
International Representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and the
Company has agreed to sell to them, severally, the respective number of Class
A Common Shares set forth opposite the names of such Underwriters below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       NUMBER OF
     NAME                                                               SHARES
     ----                                                              ---------
     <S>                                                               <C>
     U.S. Underwriters:
       Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated..............................
       Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
        Incorporated..................................................
       Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Inc. .................................
                                                                       ---------
       Subtotal.......................................................
                                                                       ---------
     International Underwriters:
       Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited.....................
       Merrill Lynch International Limited............................
       Morgan Grenfell & Co. Limited..................................
                                                                       ---------
       Subtotal.......................................................
                                                                       ---------
         Total........................................................ 8,000,000
                                                                       =========
</TABLE>
 
  The U.S. Underwriters and the International Underwriters, and the U.S.
Representatives and the International Representatives, are collectively
referred to as the "Underwriters" and the "Representatives," respectively. The
Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the Class A Common Shares
offered hereby are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their
counsel and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated to
take and pay for all of the Class A Common Shares offered hereby (other than
those covered by the U.S. Underwriters' over-allotment option described below)
if any such shares are taken. Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and
International Underwriters, each U.S. Underwriter has represented and agreed
that, with certain exceptions: (i) it is not purchasing any Shares (as defined
herein) for the account of anyone other than a United States or Canadian
Person (as defined herein) and (ii) it has not offered or sold, and will not
offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any Shares or distribute any prospectus
relating to the Shares outside the United States or Canada or to anyone other
than a United States or Canadian Person.
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has represented and agreed that, with certain
exceptions: (i) it is not purchasing any Shares for the account of any United
States or Canadian Person and (ii) it has not offered or sold, and will not
offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any Shares or distribute any prospectus
relating to the Shares in the United States or Canada or to any United States
or Canadian Person. With respect to any Underwriter that is a U.S. Underwriter
and an International Underwriter, the foregoing representations and agreements
(i) made by it in its capacity as a U.S. Underwriter apply only to it in its
capacity as a U.S. Underwriter and (ii) made by it in its capacity as
an International Underwriter apply only to it in its capacity as an
International Underwriter. The foregoing
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
limitations do not apply to stabilization transactions or to certain other
transactions specified in the Agreement between U.S. and International
Underwriters. As used herein, "United States or Canadian Person" means any
national or resident of the United States or Canada, or any corporation,
pension, profit-sharing or other trust or other entity organized under the
laws of the United States or Canada or of any political subdivision thereof
(other than a branch located outside the United States and Canada of any
United States or Canadian Person), and includes any United States or Canadian
branch of a person who is otherwise not a United States or Canadian Person.
All Class A Common Shares to be purchased by the Underwriters under the
Underwriting Agreement are referred to herein as the "Shares."
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, sales
may be made between the U.S. Underwriters and International Underwriters of
any number of Shares as may be mutually agreed. The per share price of any
Shares so sold shall be the public offering price set forth on the cover page
hereof, in United States dollars, less an amount not greater than the per
share amount of the concession to dealers set forth below.
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
U.S. Underwriter has represented that it has not offered or sold, and has
agreed not to offer or sell, any Shares, directly or indirectly, in any
province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of
any province or territory of Canada in contravention of the securities laws
thereof and has represented that any offer or sale of Shares in Canada will be
made only pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus
in the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made.
Each U.S. Underwriter has further agreed to send to any dealer who purchases
from it any of the Shares a notice stating in substance that, by purchasing
such Shares, such dealer represents and agrees that it has not offered or
sold, and will not offer or sell, directly or indirectly, any of such Shares
in any province or territory of Canada or to, or for the benefit of, any
resident of any province or territory of Canada in contravention of the
securities laws thereof and that any offer or sale of Shares in Canada will be
made only pursuant to an exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus
in the province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made,
and that such dealer will deliver to any other dealer to whom it sells any of
such Shares a notice containing substantially the same statement as is
contained in this sentence.
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has represented and agreed that (i) it has not
offered or sold and, prior to the date six months after the closing date for
the sale of the Shares to the International Underwriters, will not offer or
sell, any Shares to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose
ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing
of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their businesses or
otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an
offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Public
Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) it has complied and will comply
with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986 with respect
to anything done by it in relation to the Shares in, from or otherwise
involving the United Kingdom; and (iii) it has only issued or passed on and
will only issue or pass on in the United Kingdom any document received by it
in connection with the offering of the Shares to a person who is of a kind
described in Article 11(3) of the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment
Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order 1996 or is a person to whom such document
may otherwise lawfully be issued or passed on.
 
  Pursuant to the Agreement between U.S. and International Underwriters, each
International Underwriter has further represented that it has not offered or
sold, and has agreed not to offer or sell, directly or indirectly, in Japan or
to or for the account of any resident thereof, any of the Shares acquired in
connection with the distribution contemplated hereby, except for offers or
sales to Japanese International Underwriters or dealers and except pursuant to
any exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Law and otherwise in compliance with applicable provisions of
Japanese law. Each International Underwriter has further agreed to send to any
dealer who purchases from it any of the Shares a notice stating in substance
that, by purchasing such Shares, such dealer represents and agrees that it has
not offered or sold, and will not offer or sell, any of such Shares, directly
or indirectly, in Japan or to or for the account of any resident thereof
except for offers or sales to Japanese International Underwriters or dealers
and except pursuant to any exemption from the
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
registration requirements of the Securities and Exchange Law and otherwise in
compliance with applicable provisions of Japanese law, and that such dealer
will send to any other dealer to whom it sells any of such Shares a notice
containing substantially the same statement as is contained in this sentence.
 
  The Underwriters initially propose to offer part of the Shares directly to
the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof and
part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess
of $   a share under the public offering price. Any Underwriter may allow, and
such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $   a share to other
Underwriters or to certain other dealers. After the initial offering of the
Shares, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be
varied by the Representatives.
 
  The Company has granted to the U.S. Underwriters an option, exercisable for
30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate of
1,200,000 additional Class A Common Shares at the public offering price set
forth on the cover page hereof, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
The U.S. Underwriters may exercise such option solely for the purpose of
covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the
Class A Common Shares offered hereby. To the extent such option is exercised,
each U.S. Underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to
purchase approximately the same percentage of such additional Class A Common
Shares as the number set forth next to such U.S. Underwriter's name in the
preceding table bears to the total number of Class A Common Shares set forth
next to the names of all U.S. Underwriters in the preceding table.
 
  The Class A Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and
Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol "CT."
 
  Each of the Company and its trustees, executive officers and affiliates and
Veqtor has agreed that, without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated on behalf of the Underwriters, it will not, during the period
ending one year after the date of this Prospectus, (i) offer, pledge, sell,
contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option
or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or
otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Class A Common
Shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Class A Common Shares or (ii) enter into any swap or other arrangement that
transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of
ownership of the Class A Common Shares, whether any such transaction described
in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Class A Common
Shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. The restrictions
described in this paragraph do not apply to (x) the sale of the Shares to the
Underwriters, (y) shares to be issued pursuant to the Company's Incentive
Share Plan or its Trustee Share Plan or (z) shares to be issued upon
conversion of outstanding Class A Preferred Shares.
 
  In order to facilitate the offering of the Class A Common Shares, the
Underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the price of the Class A Common Shares. Specifically, the Underwriters
may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a short position in
the Class A Common Shares for their own account. In addition, to cover over-
allotments or to stabilize the price of the Class A Common Shares, the
Underwriters may bid for, and purchase, Class A Common Shares in the open
market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions
allowed to an Underwriter or a dealer for distributing the Class A Common
Shares in the offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed
Class A Common Shares in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in
stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize
or maintain the market price of the Class A Common Shares above independent
market levels. The Underwriters are not required to engage in these
activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
 
  From time to time, certain of the Underwriters and their affiliates have
provided, and continue to provide, investment and commercial banking services
to the Company and certain of its affiliates.
 
  The Company and the Underwriters have agreed to indemnify each other against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity, authorization and issuance of the Class A Common Shares
offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Greenberg Glusker Fields
Claman & Machtinger LLP. Certain other matters in connection with the Offering
will be passed upon for the Company by Battle Fowler LLP. Martin L. Edelman,
who is a trustee of the Company, is also of counsel to Battle Fowler LLP.
Certain legal matters for the Underwriters will be passed upon by Davis Polk &
Wardwell.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated financial statements and schedules of the Company as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the three years ended December 31, 1996,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus and Registration Statement, have been
audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent auditors, as set forth in
their reports thereon appearing elsewhere herein and in the Registration
Statement and are included in reliance upon such reports, given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The combined financial statements of Victor Capital Group, L.P. (a Delaware
limited partnership) and affiliates as of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996
and 1995 and for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996, appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement, have been reviewed or audited by David
Berdon & Co. LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon
appearing elsewhere herein and in the Registration Statement and are included
in reliance upon such reports, given upon the authority of such firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the
Company can be inspected without charge at the office of the Commission at the
Public Reference Section located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549 and at the regional offices of the Commission located at Seven World
Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and copies thereof may be
obtained from the Commission upon payment of the prescribed fees. The
Commission also maintains a site on the World Wide Web, the address of which
is http://www.sec.gov, that contains reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding issuers, such as the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning the Company can also be inspected at the offices of the
New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, N.Y. 10005, on which the
Company's Class A Common Shares are traded.
 
  The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (of which this Prospectus is a part) under the Securities Act with respect
to the Class A Common Shares offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
and schedules thereto. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the
contents of any contract or other documents referred to are not necessarily
complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract
or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such
statement being qualified in all respect by such reference and the exhibits
and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to the Company and
the Class A Common Shares offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement and such exhibits and schedules, which can be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities and web site described above.
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
CAPITAL TRUST
 Report of Independent Accountants........................................  F-2
 Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995.............  F-3
 Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
  1994....................................................................  F-4
 Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1996,
  1995 and 1994...........................................................  F-5
 Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
  1994....................................................................  F-6
 Notes to Financial Statements............................................  F-7
 Condensed Balance Sheet (unaudited) as of June 30, 1997.................. F-16
 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Six Months Ended
  June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1996......................................... F-17
 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Six Months Ended
  June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1996......................................... F-18
 Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)...................... F-19
VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
 Independent Auditor's Report............................................. F-23
 Independent Accountants Report........................................... F-24
 Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and June 30,
  1997.................................................................... F-25
 Combined Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
  and 1994 and the six months ended June 30, 1997......................... F-26
 Combined Statements of Changes in Partners' and Members' Capital
  (Deficiency) for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and
  the six months ended June 30, 1997...................................... F-27
 Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Years ended December 31, 1996,
  1995 and 1994 and the six months ended June 30, 1997.................... F-28
 Notes to Combined Financial Statements................................... F-30
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Trustees of California
Real Estate Investment Trust:
 
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of California
Real Estate Investment Trust and Subsidiary (the "Trust") as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash
flows, and changes in shareholders' equity for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996. In connection with our audits of the
consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the financial
statement schedules as listed in the accompanying index. These financial
statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the
Trust's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of California
Real Estate Investment Trust and Subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, in our opinion, the
financial statements schedules referred to above, when considered in relation
to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all
material respects, the information required to be included therein.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
San Francisco, California
February 14, 1997
 
 
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. is a member of Coopers & Lybrand International, a
Swiss limited liability association.
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1996          1995
                                                    ------------  ------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>
                      ASSETS
                      ------
Investments, Generally Held for Sale:
  Rental properties, less accumulated depreciation
   of $0 and $2,777,000 in 1996 and 1995,
   respectively, and valuation allowances of $0 and
   $6,898,000 in 1996 and 1995, respectively....... $  8,585,000  $ 17,215,000
  Notes receivable, net of valuation allowances and
   deferred gains of $6,127,000 and $9,151,000 in
   1996 and 1995, respectively.....................    1,576,000    10,502,000
  Marketable securities available-for-sale.........   14,115,000           --
                                                    ------------  ------------
                                                      24,276,000    27,717,000
Cash...............................................    4,698,000     4,778,000
Receivables, net of allowance of $1,001,000 and
 $700,000 in 1996 and 1995, respectively...........      707,000       680,000
Other assets, net of valuation allowance of $0 and
 $310,000 in 1996 and 1995 respectively............      355,000       357,000
                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total Assets................................... $ 30,036,000  $ 33,532,000
                                                    ============  ============
       LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
       ------------------------------------
Liabilities:
  Long-term notes payable, collateralized by deeds
   of trust on rental properties................... $  5,169,000  $  8,335,000
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses............      326,000       209,000
  Other liabilities................................       70,000        81,000
                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total Liabilities..............................    5,565,000     8,625,000
Commitments (Note 10)
Shareholders' Equity:
  Shares of beneficial interest, par value $1.00 a
   share; unlimited authorization, 9,137,000 and
   9,137,000 shares outstanding in 1996 and 1995,
   respectively....................................    9,137,000     9,137,000
  Additional paid-in capital.......................   55,118,000    55,118,000
Unrealized holding loss on marketable securities...      (22,000)          --
Accumulated deficit................................  (39,762,000)  (39,348,000)
                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total Shareholders' Equity.....................   24,471,000    24,907,000
                                                    ------------  ------------
      Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity... $ 30,036,000  $ 33,532,000
                                                    ============  ============
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1996        1995         1994
                                            ----------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Rent....................................  $2,019,000  $ 2,093,000  $2,593,000
  Interest................................   1,136,000    1,396,000   1,675,000
  Hotel...................................         --        46,000     519,000
                                            ----------  -----------  ----------
                                             3,155,000    3,535,000   4,787,000
                                            ----------  -----------  ----------
Expenses:
  Operating expenses......................     685,000      584,000   1,011,000
  Hotel operating expenses................         --         8,000     771,000
  Property management.....................      96,000       96,000     252,000
  Depreciation and amortization...........      64,000      662,000     595,000
  Interest................................     547,000      815,000   1,044,000
  General and administrative..............   1,503,000      933,000     813,000
                                            ----------  -----------  ----------
                                             2,895,000    3,098,000   4,486,000
                                            ----------  -----------  ----------
Income before gain (loss) on foreclosure
 or sale of investments and valuation
 losses...................................     260,000      437,000     301,000
Net gain (loss) on foreclosure or sale of
 investments..............................   1,069,000       66,000    (218,000)
                                            ----------  -----------  ----------
  Income before valuation losses..........   1,329,000      503,000      83,000
Valuation losses..........................   1,743,000    3,281,000     119,000
                                            ----------  -----------  ----------
  Net Loss................................    (414,000)  (2,778,000)    (36,000)
                                            ==========  ===========  ==========
Net loss per share of beneficial interest.  $     (.05) $     (0.30) $    (0.00)
                                            ==========  ===========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              SHARES OF                                  UNREALIZED
                         BENEFICIAL INTEREST  ADDITIONAL                HOLDING LOSS     TOTAL
                         --------------------   PAID-IN   ACCUMULATED   ON MARKETABLE SHAREHOLDERS
                          NUMBER     AMOUNT     CAPITAL     DEFICIT      SECURITIES      EQUITY
                         --------- ---------- ----------- ------------  ------------- ------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
Balance at January 1,
 1994................... 9,125,000 $9,125,000 $55,106,000 $(35,620,000)   $    --     $28,611,000
Net loss................       --         --          --       (36,000)        --         (36,000)
Proceeds from shares
 issued.................    12,000     12,000      12,000          --          --          24,000
Distributions...........       --         --          --      (914,000)        --        (914,000)
                         --------- ---------- ----------- ------------                -----------
Balance at December 31,
 1994................... 9,137,000  9,137,000  55,118,000  (36,570,000)        --      27,685,000
                         --------- ---------- ----------- ------------                -----------
Net loss................       --         --          --    (2,778,000)        --      (2,778,000)
                         --------- ---------- ----------- ------------                -----------
Balance at December 31,
 1995................... 9,137,000  9,137,000  55,118,000  (39,348,000)        --      24,907,000
                         --------- ---------- ----------- ------------                -----------
Unrealized holding loss
 on marketable
 securities.............       --         --          --           --      (22,000)       (22,000)
Net loss................       --         --          --      (414,000)        --        (414,000)
                         --------- ---------- ----------- ------------    --------    -----------
Balance at December 31,
 1996................... 9,137,000 $9,137,000 $55,118,000 $(39,762,000)   $(22,000)   $24,471,000
                         ========= ========== =========== ============    ========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1996         1995         1994
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net (loss)............................ $   (414,000) $(2,778,000) $  (36,000)
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
  Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to
   net cash provided by operating
   activities:
    Depreciation and amortization.......       64,000      662,000     595,000
    (Gain) loss on foreclosure or sale
     of investments.....................   (1,069,000)     (66,000)    218,000
    Valuation losses....................    1,743,000    3,281,000     119,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
  (Increase) decrease in receivables....      (38,000)     294,000     107,000
  (Increase) decrease in other assets...      (61,000)    (282,000)     82,000
  Increase (decrease) in accounts
   payable and accrued expenses.........      226,000      166,000     (45,000)
  Increase (decrease) in other
   liabilities..........................       (2,000)      11,000    (106,000)
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
      Total adjustments to net (loss)...      863,000    4,066,000     970,000
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
    Net cash provided by operating
     activities.........................      449,000    1,288,000     934,000
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Payments related to sales of rental
   properties...........................          --           --     (100,000)
  Proceeds from sale of assets..........   13,796,000          --          --
  Improvements to rental properties.....     (146,000)    (321,000)   (106,000)
  Collections on notes receivable.......       35,000      850,000     346,000
  Purchase of marketable securities.....  (15,849,000)         --          --
  Principal collection of marketable
   securities...........................    1,712,000          --          --
  Increase in notes receivable..........          --           --     (175,000)
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
    Net cash (used in) provided by
     investing activities...............     (452,000)     529,000     (35,000)
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Principal payments on long-term notes
   payable..............................      (77,000)    (405,000)    (94,000)
  Distributions paid....................          --           --     (890,000)
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
    Net cash used in financing
     activities.........................      (77,000)    (405,000)   (984,000)
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
    Net (decrease) increase in cash.....      (80,000)   1,412,000     (85,000)
Cash, beginning of year.................    4,778,000    3,366,000   3,451,000
                                         ------------  -----------  ----------
Cash, end of year....................... $  4,698,000  $ 4,778,000  $3,366,000
                                         ============  ===========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                AND SUBSIDIARY
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
 Organization
 
  Capital Trust (f/k/a California Real Estate Investment Trust (the "Company"
or "CalREIT") was organized under the laws of the State of California pursuant
to a Declaration of Trust dated September 15, 1966.
 
  The Trust became a partner of Totem Square, L. P. ("Totem"), a Washington
Limited Partnership in which the Company owns a 59% interest, on November 30,
1990. The Trust also formed CalREIT Totem Square, Inc. ("Cal-CORP") to act as
general partner of Totem. Cal-CORP has a 1% interest in Totem, and Totem
Square Associates, an unrelated party, has the remaining 40%.
 
  In 1994, the Company operated as a subsidiary of The Peregrine Real Estate
Trust ("Peregrine"), which then held 76% of the Company's outstanding Shares
of Beneficial Interest. In April 1994, Peregrine replaced the CalREIT Board of
Trustees with a slate of its own Trustees. In 1995, the Board was expanded
from three to five Trustees, two of whom were independent. In 1996, the Board
of Trustees was comprised of two independent Trustees, one Trustee who
concurrently served on the Board of Trustees of Peregrine, a former officer of
the Company, and the then Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
 
  On January 3, 1997, Peregrine sold its entire 76%-ownership interest in the
Company to CalREIT Investors Limited Partnership, an entity controlled by
Samuel Zell. Simultaneous with the closing of this Transaction, the Board of
Trustees was expanded to seven members; one Trustee, who also served on the
Peregrine Board of Trustees, resigned; and three additional Trustees,
nominated by CRIL, were appointed to the Board.
 
  At the end of 1996, the Company owned two commercial properties, Fulton
Square Shopping Center and Totem Square located in Sacramento, California and
Kirkland, Washington, respectively. The Trust also owned a mortgage note
portfolio of three notes encompassing approximately $7.7 million in loans,
with an aggregate book value of approximately $1.6 million. These loans bear
interest at an overall effective rate of approximately 8%. They are
collateralized by mortgages on real property. Most of the investments in the
three loans were originated by the Company in connection with the disposition
of Trust properties prior to 1996. Additionally, at December 31, 1996, the
Company had approximately $14 million invested in liquid mortgage-backed
securities.
 
 Principles of Consolidation
 
  For 1996, 1995 and 1994, the consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company, Cal-CORP and Totem.
 
 Rental Properties
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, rental properties are carried at cost, net of
accumulated depreciation and less a valuation allowance for possible
investment losses. The Trust's valuation allowance for possible investment
losses represents the excess of the carrying value of individual properties
over their appraised or estimated fair value less estimated selling costs. At
December 31, 1996 all rental properties are classified as held for sale and
valued at net estimated sales price.
 
  The additions to the valuation allowance for possible investment losses are
recorded after consideration of various external factors, particularly
overbuilding in real estate markets which has a negative impact on achievable
rental rates. A gain or loss will be recorded to the extent that the amounts
ultimately realized from property sales differ from those currently estimated.
In the event economic conditions for real estate continue to decline,
additional valuation losses may be recognized in the near term.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  When applicable, the allowance for depreciation and amortization has been
calculated under the straight-line method, based upon the estimated useful
lives of the properties which lives range from 30 to 40 years. Expenditures
for maintenance, repairs and improvements which do not materially prolong the
normal useful life of an asset are charged to operations as incurred.
 
  Real estate acquired by cancellation of indebtedness or foreclosure is
recorded at fair market value at the date of acquisition but not in excess of
the unpaid balance of the related loan plus costs of securing title to and
possession of the property.
 
 Other Assets
 
  The Trust amortizes leasing commissions on a straight-line basis over the
lives of the leases to which they relate. Financing costs are amortized over
the lives of the loans or other financial instruments to which they relate.
 
 Income Taxes
 
  The Trust has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust and as
such, is not taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed
to shareholders, provided that at least 95% of its real estate trust taxable
income is distributed and that the Company meets certain other REIT
requirements. Due to federal and California tax net operating loss
carryforwards ("NOLs"), the Company does not have taxable income for the year
ended December 31, 1996. The Trust has federal and California NOLs as of
December 31, 1996 of approximately $17,631,000 and $5,194,000, respectively.
Such NOLs expire through 2011 for federal and 2001 for California. The Trust
also has a federal and California capital loss carryover of approximately
$1,567,000 that can be used to offset future capital gain.
 
  Due to the transaction and the prior year ownership change related to the
Peregrine bankruptcy, NOLs are limited for both federal and California to
approximately $1,500,000 annually. Any unused portion of such annual
limitation can be carried forward to future periods.
 
 Cash
 
  The Trust invests its cash in demand deposits with banks with strong credit
ratings. Bank balances in excess of federally insured amounts totaled
$4,301,000 and $4,577,000 as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
Trust has not experienced any losses on these deposits.
 
 Sales of Real Estate
 
  The Trust complies with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 66, "Accounting for Sales of Real Estate." Accordingly, the
recognition of gains on certain transactions are deferred until such
transactions have complied with the criteria for full profit recognition under
the Statement. The Trust had deferred gains of $239,000 and $1,103,000 at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
 Interest Income Recognition
 
  The Trust recognizes interest income on notes receivable when it is
estimated that the fair value of the collateral related to the note is
adequate.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
 Risks and Uncertainties
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Impairment of Loan
 
  Effective January 1, 1995 CalREIT adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors of Impairment of a Loan," as
amended ("SFAS 114"). In accordance with SFAS 114, CalREIT considers loans
where it is probable they will be unable to collect all amounts contractually
due, as being impaired. Where an impairment is indicated, a valuation
writedown is measured based upon the excess of the loan amount over the fair
value of the collateral of the loan less costs to sell. Interest income from
impaired loans is recognized to the extent cash is received.
 
 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
  In 1995, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS 121"),
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets
to Be Disposed Of" was issued. This statement requires that companies review
long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an
asset may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its
estimated undiscounted net cash flow before interest, the company must
recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between its carrying
amount and its current value. After an impairment is recognized, the reduced
carrying amount of the asset shall be accounted for as its new cost. For a
depreciable asset, the new cost shall be depreciated over the asset's
remaining useful life. Long-lived assets to be disposed of shall be reported
at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. In 1996, the
Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 121. Generally, fair values are
estimated using undiscounted cash flow, direct capitalization and market
comparison analyses.
 
 Net Loss Per Share
 
  Net loss per share of beneficial interest is based upon the weighted-average
number of shares of beneficial interest outstanding. Shares of beneficial
interest equivalents were anti-dilutive for the three years ended December 31,
1996. The weighted average number of shares of beneficial interest and
earnings per share of beneficial interest are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1996       1995       1994
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------
   <S>                                        <C>        <C>        <C>
   Weighted average shares of beneficial
    interest................................. 9,137,335  9,137,335  9,130,961
                                              =========  =========  =========
   Loss per share of beneficial interest..... $    (.05) $   (0.30) $   (0.00)
</TABLE>
 
 Reclassifications
 
  Certain reclassifications have been made in the presentation of the 1995 and
1994 financial statements to conform to the 1996 presentation.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
2. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
 
  Until April 14, 1994, administrative services were provided to the Company
by B & B Property Investment, Development and Management Company, Inc. ("B &
B"). B & B's compensation consisted of an advisory fee based on the real
estate investments and real estate commissions in connection with purchases,
sales and leasing of Trust properties as well as a reimbursement of certain
expenses incurred in performing services for the Company. Until April 14,
1994, property management responsibilities of the Company were assigned to
B & B Property Investment, Inc. ("B & B Property"). The compensation for
property management services was computed at 5% of the gross receipts of each
property managed and each note receivable serviced. Compensation to B & B and
B & B Property was $156,000 during 1994. Certain disputes between the Company,
B & B and B & B Property arising from the Company's termination of B & B's and
B & B Property's advisory and management agreements were settled in May 1994
for $60,000. Prior to 1994, the Company entered into a management agreement
with North Main Street Company ("North Main"), a company owned by the
President and Chairman of the Board of the Company's former advisor, B & B, to
manage the Company's hotel. Pursuant to that agreement, the Company incurred
management fees of $16,000 in 1994. The Trust also terminated that agreement
with North Main in 1994 and leased the hotel property to an unrelated third
party, a professional hotel management company which operated lodging
facilities nationwide. No payments were made to B & B or B & B Property in
1995 or 1996.
 
  The Trust is self-administered. However, during 1996 and 1995 it shared
certain personnel and other costs with Peregrine, its majority interest
shareholder. The Trust reimbursed Peregrine pursuant to a cost allocation
agreement based on each Trust's respective asset values (real property and
notes receivable) that was subject to annual negotiation. During 1996 and
1995, reimbursable costs charged to the Company by Peregrine approximated
$258,000 and $435,000, respectively. The 1995 amount was partially offset
against $202,000 (net of valuation allowances of $141,000) which was recorded
as due from Peregrine at December 31, 1994.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had $31,000 and $45,000,
respectively, due to Peregrine pursuant to the cost allocation agreement. The
cost allocation agreement between the Company and Peregrine was terminated on
January 7, 1997.
 
3. RENTAL PROPERTIES:
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company's rental property portfolio at
cost included a retail and mixed-use retail property carried at $8,585,000 and
$13,018,000 respectively; industrial buildings, carried at $0 and $7,395,000
respectively; and a hotel property carried at $0 and $6,477,000, respectively.
 
  The Trust's hotel property, with a carrying value of $3,182,000 at December
31, 1995, was returned to the lender through foreclosure proceedings in
February 1996. No gain or loss was recorded on the foreclosure of the Casa
Grande Motor Inn.
 
4. INVESTMENT IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had $14,115,000 and $0,
respectively, invested in mortgage-backed securities classified as "available-
for-sale."
 
  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," ("SFAS 115") issued in May 1993
requires that at the date of acquisition and at each reporting date, debt and
equity securities be classified as "held-to-maturity," "trading" or "available
for sale." Investments in debt securities in which the Company has the
positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
required to be classified as "held-to-maturity." "Held-to-maturity" securities
are required to be stated at cost and adjusted for amortization of premiums
and discounts to maturity in the statement of financial position. Investments
in debt and equity securities that are not classified as "held-to-maturity"
and equity securities that have readily determinable fair values are to be
classified as "trading" or "available-for-sale" and are measured at fair value
in the statement of financial position. Securities that are bought and held
principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as
"trading." Unrealized holding gains and losses for "trading" securities are
included in earnings.
 
  Investments that are not classified as "held-to-maturity" or "trading"
securities are classified as "available-for-sale." Unrealized holding gains
and losses for "available-for-sale" securities are excluded from earnings and
reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized.
 
  In accordance with SFAS 115, the Company determines the appropriate
classification at the time of purchase and Representative-evaluates such
designation at each balance sheet date.
 
  At December 31, 1996, the Company's "available-for-sale" securities
consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      UNREALIZED
                                                     ------------ ESTIMATED
                                              COST   GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE
                                             ------- ----- ------ ----------
   <S>                                       <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>
   Federal National Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    7.783%, due April 1, 2024............... $ 2,879        $(34)  $ 2,845
   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    7.625%, due June 1, 2024................ $   967        $(10)  $   957
   Federal National Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    7.292%, due April 1, 2025............... $   732        $ (4)  $   728
   Federal National Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    6.144%, due May 1, 2026................. $ 3,260        $ (5)  $ 3,255
   Federal National Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    6.116%, due June 1, 2026................ $ 6,299  $31    --    $ 6,330
                                             -------  ---   ----   -------
                                             $14,137  $31   $(53)  $14,115
                                             =======  ===   ====   =======
</TABLE>
 
  The maturity dates above are not necessarily indicative of expected
maturities as principal is often prepaid on such instruments.
 
5. NOTES RECEIVABLE:
 
  In order to facilitate sales of real estate, the Company has accepted
partial payment in the form of notes receivable collateralized by deeds of
trust. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had long-term notes
receivable, collateralized by deeds of trust (before valuation allowances and
deferred gains) of $7,703,000 and $19,653,000, respectively. The notes are
collateralized by real estate properties in California and Arizona.
 
  The notes bear interest at rates ranging from 7.63% to 9.5% as of December
31, 1996. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the overall effective rate was
approximately 8%.
 
6. VALUATION ALLOWANCES:
 
  Based on a review of its investments, the Company has provided for valuation
allowances as set forth below. Adverse economic factors, particularly
overbuilt real estate markets which caused a decline in lease renewal
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
rates, were the primary causes of these valuation losses. If such adverse
economic factors continue, additional valuation loss provisions may be
required in the near term.
 
  As of December 31, 1996, the Company was in the process of monetizing its
assets and accordingly, wrote down such assets to current market value, less
estimated selling costs, the accounting treatment required when investments
are held for sale.
 
  Analysis of changes in the allowance for possible losses on real estate
investments, notes receivable, and rents and interest receivable for 1996,
1995 and 1994 follow:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1996         1995        1994
                                          -----------  ----------  -----------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>         <C>
RENTAL PROPERTIES
Allowance for valuation losses on rental
 property investments:
  Beginning balance.....................  $ 6,898,000  $5,863,000  $ 8,674,000
  Provision for valuation losses........    1,743,000   1,035,000       69,000
  Amounts charged against allowance for
   valuation losses.....................   (8,641,000)        --    (2,880,000)
                                          -----------  ----------  -----------
    Ending balance......................  $       --   $6,898,000  $ 5,863,000
                                          ===========  ==========  ===========
NOTES RECEIVABLE
Allowance for valuation losses and
 deferred gains on notes receivable:
  Beginning balance.....................  $ 9,151,000  $7,182,000  $ 7,442,000
  Provision for valuation losses........          --    2,246,000          --
  Deferred gains on notes and other,
   net..................................          --      (66,000)     (12,000)
  Amounts charged against allowance for
   valuation losses.....................   (3,024,000)   (211,000)    (248,000)
                                          -----------  ----------  -----------
    Ending balance......................  $ 6,127,000  $9,151,000  $ 7,182,000
                                          ===========  ==========  ===========
RENTS AND INTEREST RECEIVABLE
Allowance for bad debt losses on rents
 and interest receivable:
  Beginning balance.....................  $   700,000  $  323,000  $   233,000
  Provision for losses..................      501,000     873,000      183,000
  Amounts charged against allowance for
   losses...............................     (200,000)   (496,000)     (93,000)
                                          -----------  ----------  -----------
    Ending balance......................  $ 1,001,000  $  700,000  $   323,000
                                          ===========  ==========  ===========
</TABLE>
 
  In addition, the Company had established an allowance for valuation losses
on other assets in the amount of $0.00 and $310,000 at December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
 
7. LONG-TERM NOTES PAYABLE:
 
  As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had long-term notes payable
(Notes) of $5,169,000 and $8,335,000 respectively, most of which were
collateralized by deeds of trust on rental properties with an aggregate net
book value of $8,585,000 and $11,181,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. These Notes are due in installments extending to the year 2014
with interest rates ranging from 8% to 10.75%. At December 31, 1996 none of
the Notes were delinquent. At December 31, 1995, $3,089,000 of such Notes,
bearing interest at a default rate of 18% and secured by the Casa Grande Motor
Inn (which was foreclosed upon in February 1996) were delinquent. As of
December 31, 1996, contractually scheduled principal payments during each of
the next five years were $4,291,000, $39,000, $43,000, $38,000 and $41,000,
respectively, and $718,000 thereafter. The Note on the Totem Square Shopping
Center of $4,256,000 is due May 1, 1997.
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
8. DISTRIBUTIONS:
 
  There were no distributions paid in 1996 or 1995. Cash distributions were
made per share of beneficial interest in 1994 and were classified for Federal
income tax purposes as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1996   1995   1994
                                                            -----  -----  -----
     <S>                                                    <C>    <C>    <C>
     Ordinary income.......................................   -- %   -- %   -- %
     Capital gains income..................................   -- %   -- %   -- %
     Return of capital.....................................   -- %   -- %   100%
                                                            -----  -----  -----
                                                              -- %   -- %   100%
                                                            =====  =====  =====
     Total distributions per share......................... $0.00  $0.00  $0.10
                                                            =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
9. SHARE OPTION PLANS:
 
  In November of 1995, the Board of Trustees approved two share option plans
(the "Plans"). The Plans provided that if they were not approved by the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company within one year
after their adoption, they would automatically terminate. The Plans were not
approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Company
within one year after their adoption and automatically terminated in November
1996. At December 31, 1996 there were no share options outstanding.
 
10. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
 
  In connection with the sale of property, the Company entered into various
non-cash transactions as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1996      1995     1994
                                                -----------  ----- -----------
<S>                                             <C>          <C>   <C>
Sales price.................................... $13,853,000  $ --  $ 4,423,000
Notes receivable...............................         --     --          --
Notes payable assumed by buyer and other
 liabilities applied to sales price............     (57,000)   --   (4,523,000)
                                                -----------  ----- -----------
Cash received (paid)........................... $13,796,000    --  $  (100,000)
                                                ===========  ===== ===========
Cost of property sold.......................... $19,321,000  $ --  $ 8,084,000
                                                ===========  ===== ===========
</TABLE>
 
  In 1996, with respect to its hotel property, the Company allowed foreclosure
on a note payable secured by a deed of trust. The amount of $3,089,000
represents the value of the note payable relieved in connection with this
foreclosure and is aggregated in the 1996 sales price category above.
 
  Distributions were made as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1996  1995    1994
                                                           ----- ----- --------
     <S>                                                   <C>   <C>   <C>
     Total distributions.................................. $ --  $ --  $914,000
     Distributions reinvested.............................   --    --   (24,000)
                                                           ----- ----- --------
     Distributions paid in cash........................... $ --  $ --  $890,000
                                                           ===== ===== ========
</TABLE>
 
  Interest paid on the Company's outstanding debt for 1996, 1995, and 1994 was
$550,000, $730,000 and $1,121,000, respectively.
 
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
11. COMMITMENTS:
 
  During 1995, the Company entered into a three year, non-cancelable operating
lease for office facilities in San Francisco, California. Rent expense under
the operating lease was $40,000 in 1996. At December 31, 1996 future minimum
lease payments under the lease are $50,000, with $40,000 due in 1997 and
$10,000 in 1998.
 
12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
 
  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 ("SFAS 107") requires
disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or
not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate
that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values
are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.
Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including
the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the
derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to
independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate
settlement of the instrument. SFAS 107 excludes certain financial instruments
and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements.
Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the
underlying value of the Company.
 
  The estimated fair value of the Company's marketable securities is set forth
in Note 4. The estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments,
other than marketable securities, including cash, notes receivable, rents and
other receivables and long-term notes payable, at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
is approximately the same as their carrying amounts.
 
13. MINORITY INTEREST:
 
  The Trust has a 60% ownership interest in Totem, its subsidiary. Totem's net
losses have exhausted the minority shareholder's equity interest. On the
consolidated statement of operations, no minority interest in the subsidiary's
net loss is recorded for 1996, 1995 or 1994. In the event that future income
is generated from the subsidiary, the Company will have first rights to the
income to the extent of the minority shareholder's accumulated deficit in the
subsidiary.
 
  Furthermore, the Company has a note receivable from Totem, which note is
eliminated in consolidation, in the amount of $3,336,000. Pursuant to the
terms of that note, it is likely that CalREIT will be entitled to all future
income from Totem.
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
         CAPITAL TRUST (F/K/A CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST)
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
14. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                QUARTER ENDED
                                -----------------------------------------------
                                 MARCH 31    JUNE 30   SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
                                ----------  ---------  ------------ -----------
<S>                             <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>
1996
Revenues......................  $  871,000  $ 780,000   $  771,000  $   733,000
Gain on foreclosure or sale of
 investments, net.............     299,000    297,000      517,000      (44,000)
Net income (loss).............     440,000   (213,000)    (514,000)    (127,000)
Net income (loss) per share...        0.05      (0.02)       (0.06)       (0.02)
1995
Revenues......................  $  879,000  $ 836,000   $  942,000  $   878,000
Gain on foreclosure or sale of
 investments, net.............      66,000        --           --           --
Net income (loss).............     242,000     44,000      100,000   (3,164,000)
Net income (loss) per share...        0.03       0.00         0.01        (0.34)
1994
Revenues......................  $1,131,000  $ 780,000   $1,353,000  $ 1,523,000
Gain (loss) on foreclosure or
 sale of investments, net.....         --     114,000     (344,000)      12,000
Net income (loss).............      (1,000)  (328,000)     341,000      (48,000)
Net income (loss) per share...       (0.00)     (0.04)        0.04        (0.00)
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
 
                         CAPITAL TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   JUNE 30,
                                                                     1997
                                                                 ------------
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                              <C>
                             ASSETS
Investment, Held to Maturity:
  Investment in CMBS............................................ $ 49,524,000
Investments, Held for Sale:
  Rental properties.............................................          --
  Notes receivable net of valuation allowances and deferred
   gains of $6,127,000 at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996...    2,650,000
  Marketable securities available-for-sale......................   12,696,000
Cash............................................................    2,059,000
Receivables, net of allowance of $1,250,000 and $1,001,000 at
 June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively..............      796,000
Other assets....................................................      554,000
                                                                 ------------
    Total Assets................................................ $ 68,279,000
                                                                 ============
              LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Notes payable, collateralized by deeds of trust on rental
   properties................................................... $    873,000
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses.........................    1,160,000
  Other liabilities.............................................          --
  Repurchase Obligations........................................   42,451,000
                                                                 ------------
    Total Liabilities...........................................   44,484,000
                                                                 ------------
Shareholders' Equity:
  Class A Common Shares of beneficial interest, par value $1.00
   a share; unlimited authorization, 9,137,000 shares
   outstanding at June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996...........    9,137,000
  Additional paid-in capital....................................   55,145,000
  Unrealized holding income (loss) on marketable................      135,000
  Accumulated deficit...........................................  (40,622,000)
                                                                 ------------
    Total Shareholders' Equity..................................   23,795,000
                                                                 ------------
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity.................. $ 68,279,000
                                                                 ============
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
 
                         CAPITAL TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                              JUNE 30,
                                                        ----------------------
                                                           1997        1996
                                                        ----------  ----------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>
Revenues:
  Rent................................................. $  236,000  $1,103,000
  Interest.............................................    679,000     548,000
  Other................................................     69,000         --
                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                           984,000   1,651,000
                                                        ----------  ----------
Expenses:
  Operating expenses...................................    123,000     326,000
  Property management..................................     15,000      56,000
  Depreciation and amortization........................     25,000      25,000
  Interest.............................................    123,000     274,000
  General and administrative...........................  1,126,000     780,000
                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                         1,412,000   1,461,000
                                                        ----------  ----------
  Income (loss) before gain (loss) on foreclosure or
   sale of investments and valuation losses............   (428,000)    190,000
  Gain (loss) on sale of investments...................   (432,000)    596,000
                                                        ----------  ----------
    Income (loss) before valuation (losses)............   (860,000)    786,000
Valuation (losses).....................................        --     (559,000)
                                                        ----------  ----------
    Net (loss) income.................................. $ (860,000) $  227,000
                                                        ==========  ==========
Net (loss) income per share of beneficial interest..... $    (0.09) $     0.02
                                                        ==========  ==========
</TABLE>
 
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
 
                         CAPITAL TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                            JUNE 30,
                                                    --------------------------
                                                        1997          1996
                                                    ------------  ------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net (loss) income................................ $   (860,000) $    227,000
  Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net
   cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization..................       25,000        25,000
    Loss (gain) on foreclosure or sale of
     investments...................................      432,000      (596,000)
    Valuation losses...............................          --        559,000
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
    (Increase) in receivables, net.................      (89,000)       (4,000)
    (Increase) Decrease in other assets............     (403,000)       12,000
    (Decrease) increase in accounts payable and
     accrued expenses..............................      834,000        12,000
    (Decrease) increase in other liabilities.......      (70,000)      130,000
                                                    ------------  ------------
    Total adjustments to net income................      729,000       138,000
                                                    ------------  ------------
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating
     activities....................................     (131,000)      365,000
                                                    ------------  ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from sale of investments................    7,306,000    11,142,000
  Purchase of CMBS.................................  (49,524,000)          --
  Purchase of marketable securities................          --    (11,993,000)
  Improvements to rental properties................      (64,000)     (118,000)
  Principal collections on notes receivable........       16,000        22,000
  Principal collection on marketable securities....    1,576,000           --
                                                    ------------  ------------
    Net cash used in investing activities..........  (40,690,000)     (947,000)
                                                    ------------  ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Principal payments on long-term notes payable....   (4,296,000)      (38,000)
  Proceeds from repurchase obligation..............   42,451,000           --
  Additional paid-in capital.......................       27,000           --
                                                    ------------  ------------
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing
     activities....................................   38,182,000       (38,000)
                                                    ------------  ------------
    Net decrease in cash...........................   (2,639,000)     (620,000)
Cash, beginning of period..........................    4,698,000     4,778,000
                                                    ------------  ------------
Cash, end of period................................ $  2,059,000  $  4,158,000
                                                    ============  ============
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
 
                        CAPITAL TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
 Organization
 
  Capital Trust (f/k/a California Real Estate Investment Trust) (the
"Company") was organized under the laws of the State of California pursuant to
a Declaration of Trust dated September 15, 1966. On July 15, 1997, a change of
control of the Company occurred. This change of control followed the purchase
on January 3, 1997 by CalREIT Investors Limited Partnership ("CRIL"), an
affiliate of Equity Group Investments, Inc. ("EGI") and Samuel Zell, of the
6,959,593 Class A Common Shares (representing approximately 76% of the
outstanding Class A Common Shares) then owned by the Company's former parent.
Prior to the purchase which was approved by the then incumbent Board of
Trustees, EGI and Victor Capital Group, L.P. ("VCG") presented to the
Company's then incumbent Board of Trustees a proposed new business plan in
which the Company would cease to be a REIT and instead become a specialty
finance company designed primarily to take advantage of high-yielding
"mezzanine" investment opportunities in commercial real estate. EGI and VCG
also proposed that they provide the Company with a new management team to
implement the business plan and that they invest through an affiliate a
minimum of $30 million in a new class of preferred shares to be issued by the
Company. In connection with the foregoing, the Company subsequently agreed
that, concurrently with the consummation of the proposed preferred equity
investment, it would acquire for $5.0 million VCG's real estate investment
banking, advisory and asset management businesses, including the services of
its experienced management team.
 
  On July 15, 1997, the proposed preferred share investment was consummated;
12,267,658 class A 9.5% cumulative convertible preferred shares, $1.00 par
value, of beneficial interest in the Company ("Class A Preferred Shares") were
sold to Veqtor Finance Company, LLC ("Veqtor"), an affiliate of Samuel Zell
and the principals of VCG for an aggregate purchase price of $33,000,000 (the
"Preferred Share Investment"). Concurrently with the foregoing transaction,
Veqtor purchased from CRIL the 6,959,593 Class A Common Shares held by it for
an aggregate purchase price of approximately $21.3 million. As a result of
these transactions, Veqtor beneficially owns 19,227,251 or approximately 90%
of the outstanding voting shares of the Company.
 
  In addition, on July 15, 1997, the Company consummated the acquisition of
the real estate services businesses of VCG. A new management team was
appointed by the Company from among the ranks of VCG's professional team and
elsewhere. Thereafter, the Company immediately commenced full implementation
of the new business plan under the direction of its newly elected Board of
Trustees and its new management team.
 
  As of March 31, 1997, the Company had sold its two remaining commercial
rental properties, Fulton Square Shopping Center and Totem Square in
Sacramento, California and in Kirkland, Washington, respectively. At the end
of the second quarter, the Company owned a mortgage note portfolio of four
notes encompassing approximately $8,777,000 in loans with an aggregate book
value of approximately $2,650,000. These loans bear interest at an overall
effective rate of approximately 8%; approximately $2.1 million (book value) of
these loans pay interest on a monthly basis and bear interest at an overall
effective rate of approximately 8.7%. They are collateralized by mortgages on
real property. Three of the investments in the four loans were originated by
the Company in connection with the disposition of Company properties prior to
1996. The remaining note, in the face amount of approximately $1,090,000, was
made in conjunction with the sale of Fulton Square Shopping Center in February
1997.
 
  Additionally, as of June 30, 1997 the Company had approximately $12,696,000
invested in liquid mortgage-backed securities.
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
                        CAPITAL TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  The accompanying financial statements are unaudited; however, they have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and in conjunction with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do
not include all of the disclosures required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management,
all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring matters) necessary for
a fair presentation of the financial statements for these interim periods have
been included. The results for the interim period ended June 30, 1997, are not
necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for the full fiscal year.
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the December 31,
1996, audited financial statements and notes thereto, included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. The accompanying unaudited consolidated
financial statements of Capital Trust include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries.
 
 Share-Based Compensation
 
  As of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 there were no share options
outstanding nor share option plans in place. The Company's Board of Trustees
adopted, subject to shareholder approval which was obtained on July 15, 1997,
two share option plans pursuant to which options to purchase an aggregate of
two million Class A Common Shares may be issued to employees and trustees of
the Company.
 
2. INVESTMENT IN CMBS AND RELATED REPURCHASE OBLIGATIONS:
 
  On June 30, 1997, the Company completed an approximately $49.3 million
investment in a junior, subordinated class of commercial mortgage-backed
securities ("CMBS"). The CMBS investment, which is secured by 20 short-term
commercial mortgage loans with original maturities ranging from two to three
years, was structured to provided an effective yield of a specified number of
basis points over LIBOR based on specified base case modeling assumptions. The
purchase price was financed in part pursuant to a reverse repurchase
agreement. Pursuant to the reverse repurchase agreement, the Company posted
25% of the purchase price (approximately $12.3 million) from available cash
sources as maintenance margin and received an extension of credit from the
counter party for the remaining 75% balance (approximately $36.9 million). In
connection with the foregoing, the Company entered into a separate repurchase
agreement in the approximate amount of $5.6 million secured by certain of its
FNMA securities.
 
3. INVESTMENTS IN NOTES RECEIVABLE:
 
  As of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, the Company had long-term notes
receivable, collateralized by deeds of trust (before valuation allowances and
deferred gains) of $8,777,000 and $7,703,000, respectively. The notes are
collateralized by real estate properties in California and Arizona. In
conjunction with the Company's plan to monetize assets, its mortgage note
investments are classified for accounting purposes as "held for sale." The
notes bear interest at rates ranging from 7.63% to 9.5% as of June 30, 1997.
For the quarter ended June 30, 1997 the overall effective rate was
approximately 8%; approximately $2.1 million (book value) of these loans pay
interest on a monthly basis and bear interest at an overall effective rate of
approximately 8.7%.
 
                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
                        CAPITAL TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
4. INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
 
  At June 30, 1997, the Company's "available-for-sale" securities consisted of
the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      UNREALIZED
                                                     ------------ ESTIMATED
                                              COST   GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE
                                             ------- ----- ------ ----------
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                       <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>
   Federal National Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    7.931%, due April 1, 2024............... $ 2,535 $ 13  $ --    $ 2,548
   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    7.666%, due June 1, 2024................     870    4    --        874
   Federal National Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    7.359%, due April 1, 2025...............     582    4    --        586
   Federal National Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    6.82%, due May 1, 2026..................   2,936   13    --      2,949
   Federal National Mortgage Association,
    adjustable rate interest currently at
    6.869%, due June 1, 2026................   5,638  101    --      5,739
                                             ------- ----  -----   -------
                                             $12,561 $135  $ --    $12,696
                                             ======= ====  =====   =======
</TABLE>
 
  The maturity dates above are not necessarily indicative of expected
maturities as principal is often prepaid on such instruments.
 
5. NOTE PAYABLES:
 
  The Company has one note payable to John Alden Life Insurance Company ("John
Alden") with an interest rate of 9.50% per annum. Principal and interest are
payable monthly until August 7, 2017 when the entire unpaid principal balance
and any unpaid interest are due. John Alden has the right to call the entire
note due and payable upon ninety days prior written notice.
 
6. INCOME TAXES:
 
  The Company has heretofore elected to be taxed as a real estate investment
trust and as such, is not taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is
distributed to shareholders, provided that at least 95% of its real estate
trust taxable income is distributed and that the Company meets certain other
REIT requirements. Immediately following the Preferred Share Investment, the
Company will no longer be operated as a REIT and will therefore be subject to
federal income taxes.
 
  The Company has federal and California net operating loss carryforwards
("NOLs") as of December 31, 1996 of approximately $17,631,000 and $5,194,000,
respectively. The Company also had a federal and California capital loss
carryover of approximately $1,567,000 that can be used to offset future
capital gain. Due to CRIL's purchase of the 6,959,593 Class A Common Shares
from the Company's former parent in January 1997 and the prior year ownership
change related to the former parent's bankruptcy, NOLs are limited for both
federal and California to approximately $1,500,000 annually. Any unused
portion of such annual limitation can be carried forward to future periods.
 
7. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
 
  Pursuant to an oral agreement with the Company's former parent, costs for
certain general administrative services, including executive services,
accounting services, treasury services, financial reporting and internal
bookkeeping services, shareholder relations, and directors' and officers'
insurance were shared with the former
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
                        CAPITAL TRUST AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
parent. The shared costs were allocated to the Company and the former parent
based upon their respective asset values (real property and notes receivable),
subject to annual negotiation. At June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, the
Company had $9,000, and $31,000, respectively due to the Company's former
parent pursuant to the cost allocation arrangement. The cost allocation
arrangement between the Company and the former parent was terminated on
January 7, 1997.
 
8. STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
 
  In connection with the sale and foreclosure of properties, notes receivable,
and property, plant and equipment the Company entered into various non-cash
transactions as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE SIX
                                                               MONTHS ENDED
                                                             ------------------
                                                             JUNE 30,  JUNE 30,
                                                               1997      1966
                                                             --------  --------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                                       <C>       <C>
   Sales price less selling costs........................... $ 8,396   $11,199
   Liabilities applied to sales price.......................     --        (57)
   Amount due from buyer....................................  (1,090)      --
                                                             -------   -------
   Net cash received........................................ $ 7,306   $11,142
                                                             =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
  Cash paid for interest during the three month periods ended June 30, 1997
and 1996, was $24,000 and $137,000, respectively. Cash paid for interest
during the six month periods ended June 30, 1997, and June 30, 1996, was
$123,000 and $274,000, respectively.
 
9. PER SHARE DATA:
 
  Per share data is for the three month and six month periods ended June 30,
1997, and June 30, 1996, based on the weighted average number of shares of
beneficial interest outstanding during each period. The weighted average
number of shares used in the computation was 9,137,000.
 
10. GAIN (LOSS) ON FORECLOSURE OR SALE OF INVESTMENTS:
 
  Components of the gain (loss) on foreclosure or sale of investments for the
three and six months ended June 30, 1997, and June 30, 1996, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FOR THE THREE   FOR THE SIX
                                                 MONTHS ENDED   MONTHS ENDED
                                                   JUNE 30,       JUNE 30,
                                                 -------------  --------------
                                                  1997   1996    1997    1996
                                                 ------ ------  ------  ------
                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
   <S>                                           <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
   Sale of Bekins property......................  $ --   $(164) $  --   $ (164)
   Sale of pavilions at Mesa Note...............    --     430     --      430
   Sale of Spacesaver Mini-Storage Note.........    --      30     --       30
   Sale of Van..................................    --       1     --        1
   Sale of Redfield property....................    --     --      --      299
   Recognition of deferred gains................    --     --      --      --
   Sale of Fulton Square........................    --     --      (34)    --
   Sale of Totem Square.........................    --     --     (398)    --
                                                 ------ ------  ------  ------
                                                    --  $  297  $ (432) $  596
                                                 ====== ======  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-22
<PAGE>
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Partners and Members of
 Victor Capital Group, L.P.
 (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
 and Affiliates
 
  We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Victor Capital
Group, L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership) and Affiliates as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related combined statements of income, changes in
partners' and members' capital (deficiency) and stockholder's equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These
combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined
financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the combined
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 combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Victor Capital
Group, L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership) and Affiliates as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, and the combined results of their operations and their cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          David Berdon & Co. LLP
 
                                          Certified Public Accountants
 
New York, New York
March 10, 1997
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
                        INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT
 
To the Partners and Members of
 Victor Capital Group, L.P.
 (A Delaware Limited Partnership)
 and Affiliates
 
  We have reviewed the accompanying combined balance sheet of Victor Capital
Group, L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership) and Affiliates as of June 30,
1997 and the related combined statements of income, changes in partners' and
members' capital (deficiency), and stockholder's equity, and cash flows for
the six months ended June 30, 1997. These combined financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management.
 
  We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim
financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures
to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial
and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial
statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
 
  Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to the accompanying combined financial statements for them to
be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          David Berdon & Co. LLP
 
                                          Certified Public Accountants
 
New York, New York
July 16, 1997
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
                           VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                        (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                 AND AFFILIATES
 
                            COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                             ---------------------  JUNE 30,
                                                1996       1995       1997
                                             ---------- ---------- -----------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                          <C>        <C>        <C>
                   ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents (Note 2(c))..... $1,056,048 $1,258,429 $  955,785
  Investment in available for sale
   securities (Note 2(d))...................      8,400      8,400     17,719
  Investment in unregistered securities
   (Note 2(e))..............................        --     124,250        --
  Accounts receivable (Note 2(i))...........    563,602    900,000    115,884
  Prepaid local business taxes..............        --         --      18,361
  Expense reimbursement receivable..........     30,294     85,727     52,580
  Deposits..................................        --         --     100,000
  Due from partner (Note 4).................     24,000    159,000        --
  Sundry....................................     16,701      5,405     35,575
                                             ---------- ---------- ----------
    TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS....................  1,699,045  2,541,211  1,295,904
DEFERRED COSTS (Note 2(j))                      106,110        --         --
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT--NET (Notes 2(g) and
 3).........................................     90,071    107,840     93,529
SECURITY DEPOSITS...........................      3,220      3,110        640
                                             ---------- ---------- ----------
    TOTAL ASSETS............................ $1,898,446 $2,652,161 $1,390,073
                                             ========== ========== ==========
   LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS'
   CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY), AND STOCKHOLDER'S
              EQUITY (NOTE 11)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
   (Note 8).................................. $  173,511 $   78,979 $  350,393
  Bonuses payable--discretionary (Note 5)....  1,441,500  1,206,000        --
  Accrued local business taxes...............     27,845     48,869     14,912
  Unearned revenue (Note 2(b))...............     19,739        --       5,942
  Due to partners (Note 6)...................        --         --     400,000
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
    TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES................  1,662,595  1,333,848    771,247
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY),
 AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY ...................    235,851  1,318,313    618,826
                                              ---------- ---------- ----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS'
 CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY), AND STOCKHOLDER'S
 EQUITY...................................... $1,898,446 $2,652,161 $1,390,073
                                              ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes to combined financial statements are an integral part of
                               these statements.
 
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
 
                           VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                        (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                 AND AFFILIATES
 
                         COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             --------------------------------  SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                1996       1995       1994      JUNE 30, 1997
                             ---------- ---------- ----------  ----------------
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
INCOME:
  Fees earned (Notes 2(b),
   (c), (e) and 8).......... $6,940,036 $5,981,219 $5,159,157     $2,722,217
  Investment income.........     70,126     23,627     31,174         15,253
  Gain on sale of
   securities...............        --         518      3,263         21,532
  Sublease income (Note 9)..        --      24,030     41,167            --
  Gain on surrender of
   unregistered securities
   (Note 2(e))..............    262,585        --         --             --
  Gain (loss) on disposal of
   property and equipment...        --       2,521     (2,884)           --
                             ---------- ---------- ----------     ----------
    TOTAL INCOME............  7,272,747  6,031,915  5,231,877      2,759,002
EXPENSES:
  Employee salaries......... $1,164,897 $1,294,416 $1,265,384     $  761,820
  Discretionary employee
   bonuses (Note 5).........  1,441,500  1,206,000  1,247,000            --
  Payroll taxes.............    103,504    101,013    100,122         70,098
  Employee benefits.........    123,146    112,420     96,004         77,253
  Management fees (Note 8)..    860,573    836,560    821,000        438,943
  Rent expense (Note 9).....    292,309    261,917    125,143        131,871
  Telephone.................     61,439     62,139     39,259         32,857
  Insurance.................     15,828     30,927     36,594         12,723
  Stationery, printing and
   supplies.................     31,483     46,960     26,663         27,438
  Local travel and
   transportation...........      7,531      8,532     12,711          3,296
  Postage...................      7,702      7,775      3,317          5,571
  Travel and entertainment..     49,147     76,364     51,535         28,907
  Messenger/courier.........      2,909      2,987      2,764          2,784
  Payments to
   subcontractors...........     40,450    168,553    325,434         28,296
  Public relations..........     24,010     25,236     25,122         12,013
  Dues and subscriptions....     10,623     11,814     12,257          4,556
  Education.................        --         --         --          13,185
  Miscellaneous.............     33,614     34,785     29,343         41,748
  Contributions.............     29,315      8,545      6,575         16,100
  Professional fees.........     67,804     79,647    119,259        181,104
  Local business taxes......    143,642     97,620     21,462         47,531
  Recruiting................        --         --         --          34,000
  Advertising...............     52,076     33,151      9,117            --
  Bad debt expense..........        --         --       8,581            --
  Information system
   expense..................     22,299     31,832     16,189          3,205
  Depreciation..............     44,004     49,638     43,529         19,047
  Interest expense (Note 7).        --      30,852     64,459            --
                             ---------- ---------- ----------     ----------
    TOTAL EXPENSES..........  4,629,805  4,619,683  4,508,823      1,994,346
                             ---------- ---------- ----------     ----------
NET INCOME BEFORE
 EXTRAORDINARY
 ITEM ......................  2,642,942  1,412,232    723,054        764,656
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM--Gain on
 extinguishment of debt
 (Note 7)...................        --     181,319        --             --
                             ---------- ---------- ----------     ----------
NET INCOME.................. $2,642,942 $1,593,551 $  723,054     $  764,656
                             ========== ========== ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
 
The accompanying notes to combined financial statements are an integral part of
                               these statements.
 
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
 
                           VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                        (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                 AND AFFILIATES
 
 COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY),
                            AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994 AND
                       THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY), AND STOCKHOLDER'S
 EQUITY--JANUARY 1, 1994.......................................... $   888,172
Net income for the year ended December 31, 1994...................     723,054
Distributions to partners and members during 1994.................  (1,833,309)
                                                                   -----------
PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY), AND STOCKHOLDER'S
 EQUITY--DECEMBER 31, 1994........................................    (222,083)
Capital contributions during 1995.................................     282,883
Net income for the year ended December 31, 1995...................   1,593,551
Distributions to partners and members during 1995 (Note 1)........    (336,038)
                                                                   -----------
PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL, AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY--
 DECEMBER 31, 1995................................................   1,318,313
Net income for the year ended December 31, 1996...................   2,642,942
Distributions to partners and members during 1996 (Notes 1 and
 2(e))............................................................  (3,725,404)
                                                                   -----------
PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY), AND STOCKHOLDER'S
 EQUITY--DECEMBER 31, 1996........................................     235,851
Net income for the six months ended June 30, 1997 (Unaudited).....     764,656
Distributions to partners and members during the six months ended
 June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)........................................    (391,000)
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities (Unaudited)......       9,319
                                                                   -----------
PARTNERS' AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIENCY), AND STOCKHOLDER'S     $   618,826
 EQUITY--JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)................................ ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
The accompanying notes to combined financial statements are an integral part of
                               these statements.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
 
                           VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP) AND AFFILIATES
 
                       COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             ---------------------------------  SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                1996        1995       1994      JUNE 30, 1997
                             ----------  ----------  ---------  ----------------
<S>                          <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
 ACTIVITIES:                                                      (UNAUDITED)
  Net income...............  $2,642,942  $1,593,551  $ 723,054    $   764,656
                             ----------  ----------  ---------    -----------
  Adjustments to reconcile
   net income to net cash
   provided by (used in)
   operating activities:
    (Gain) on sale of
     securities............         --         (518)    (3,263)           --
    Extraordinary (gain) on
     extinguishment of
     debt..................         --     (181,319)       --             --
    (Gain) on disposition
     of security...........    (262,585)        --         --             --
    (Gain) loss on disposal
     of property and
     equipment.............         --       (2,521)     2,884            --
    Deferred rent..........         --          --    (114,381)           --
    Bad debt expense.......         --          --       8,581            --
    Depreciation...........      44,004      49,638     43,529         19,047
    Unregistered securities
     received for services
     rendered..............    (750,000)   (124,250)       --             --
    Proceeds from the sale
     of trading securities.         --       60,920     11,463            --
  Changes in assets and
   liabilities:
    (Increase) decrease in:
    Accounts receivable....     336,398    (333,000)  (199,625)       447,718
    Expense reimbursement
     receivable............      55,433      21,884    (50,538)       (22,286)
    Deposits...............         --          --         --        (100,000)
    Prepaid local business
     taxes.................         --       12,691    (12,691)       (18,361)
    Sundry.................     (11,296)     (5,405)    11,036        (18,874)
    Security deposits......        (110)     11,590    (12,313)         2,580
  (Decrease) increase in:
    Accounts payable and
     accrued liabilities...      94,532       8,372     (1,681)       176,882
    Bonuses payable--
     discretionary.........     235,500     284,000    922,000     (1,441,500)
    Accrued local business
     taxes.................     (21,024)     48,869        --         (12,933)
    Unearned revenue.......      19,739         --         --         (13,797)
    Accrued interest due to
     affiliate.............         --       30,852      4,402            --
                             ----------  ----------  ---------    -----------
      Total adjustments....    (259,409)   (118,197)   609,403       (981,524)
                             ----------  ----------  ---------    -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED
 IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES..   2,383,533   1,475,354  1,332,457       (216,868)
                             ----------  ----------  ---------    -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
 ACTIVITIES:
  Employee loans
   receivable..............         --       30,000    (30,000)           --
  Due from partner.........     135,000    (159,000)       --          24,000
  Deferred costs...........    (106,110)        --         --         106,110
  Purchase of property and
   equipment...............     (26,235)    (42,365)   (77,524)       (22,505)
  Proceeds from the sale of
   securities..............     386,835         --         --             --
  Proceeds from disposal of
   property and equipment..         --        4,256        --             --
                             ----------  ----------  ---------    -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED
 IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES..     389,490    (167,109)  (107,524)       107,605
                             ----------  ----------  ---------    -----------
Subtotal (carried forward).   2,773,023   1,308,245  1,224,933       (109,263)
</TABLE>
 
                                             (Table continued on following page)
 
The accompanying notes to combined financial statements are an integral part of
                               these statements.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
 
                           VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                        (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                 AND AFFILIATES
 
                 COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                         ------------------------------------  SIX MONTHS ENDED
                            1996         1995        1994       JUNE 30, 1997
                         -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------------
<S>                      <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
Subtotal (brought
 forward)............... $ 2,773,023  $1,308,245  $ 1,224,933    $  (109,263)
                         -----------  ----------  -----------    -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM
 FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Contributions from
   partners.............         --      282,883          --             --
  Distributions to
   partners and members.  (2,975,404)   (336,038)  (1,833,309)      (391,000)
  Payment of note
   payable due
   affiliate............         --     (500,000)         --             --
  Increase in note
   payable due
   affiliate............         --          --       60,0057            --
  Due to partners.......         --          --           --         400,000
                         -----------  ----------  -----------    -----------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY
 (USED IN) FINANCING
 ACTIVITIES.............  (2,975,404)   (553,155)  (1,773,252)         9,000
                         -----------  ----------  -----------    -----------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE)
 IN CASH AND CASH
 EQUIVALENTS............    (202,381)    755,090     (548,319)      (100,263)
CASH AND CASH
 EQUIVALENTS--BEGINNING
 OF PERIOD..............   1,258,429     503,339    1,051,658      1,056,048
                         -----------  ----------  -----------    -----------
CASH AND CASH
 EQUIVALENTS--END OF
 PERIOD................. $ 1,056,048  $1,258,429  $   503,339    $   955,785
                         ===========  ==========  ===========    ===========
NONCASH FINANCING
 ACTIVITIES:
  Unregistered
   securities
   distributed to
   partners............. $   750,000  $      --   $       --     $       --
                         ===========  ==========  ===========    ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
 OF CASH FLOW
 INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the
   period for interest.. $       --   $    2,214  $       --     $       --
                         ===========  ==========  ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
 
  The accompanying notes to combined financial statements are an integral
  part of these statements.
 
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
 
                          VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                       (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                AND AFFILIATES
 
                    NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  (INFORMATION AT JUNE 30, 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION
 
  Victor Capital Group, L.P. (the "Partnership") was organized as a Delaware
Limited Partnership on February 17, 1989. The purposes of the Partnership are,
among other things, to earn fee income from services rendered in connection
with equity and debt investments in real property and interests therein, to
invest in real estate partnerships, and to acquire, hold and otherwise deal
with equity and debt investments in real property of all kinds. The sole
general partner of the Partnership is Valentine Wildove & Company, Inc.
("Valentine Wildove"), which currently has a 15% ownership interest. The
limited partners are John R. Klopp and Craig M. Hatkoff, who presently have
ownership interests of 42.5% each.
 
  In June 1995, the Partnership entered into an agreement with a former
limited partner, Windsor Investors Corporation ("Windsor Investors"), whereby
Valentine Wildove was assigned Windsor Investors' 4.9% limited partnership
interest and all related rights thereto, in exchange for the Partnership's
payment in respect of a $500,000 promissory note (the "Note") due to Windsor
Investors (see Note 7).
 
  The allocations among the partners of profits and losses are governed by the
Partnership Agreement. The Partnership Agreement provides, among other things,
that any losses of the Partnership are allocated to the partners in accordance
with the partners' percentage interests, provided the allocation would not
cause a negative balance in the partners' capital account. In this case,
losses are allocated to those partners with positive capital account balances
in proportion to such balances. If no partner has a positive capital account
balance, all losses are allocated to the general partner. Net profits of the
Partnership are to be allocated: first, pro rata among the partners in
proportion to the amount of cumulative net losses allocated to each partner
since the amendment and restatement of the Partnership Agreement, until such
losses have been reduced to zero; second, pro rata among the partners in
proportion to the amount that cumulative cash distributions (as defined)
exceed cumulative net profits; and third, to the extent cumulative net profits
exceed cumulative cash distributions, to the partners in the same manner as
distributable cash (as defined).
 
  Commencing June 14, 1995, Partnership profits were allocated on a pro rata
basis in accordance with the current partner percentage interests described
above due to the termination of Windsor Investors limited partnership interest
as of June 13, 1995.
 
  As of December 1, 1995, the partners entered into an agreement which
provides for the payment of additional distributions to the general partner,
Valentine Wildove & Company, Inc. For 1996 and 1995, distributions made in
accordance with this agreement amounted to $1,011,014 and $53,155,
respectively. For the six months (unaudited) ended June 30, 1997, the
Partnership did not make any additional distributions to Valentine Wildove &
Company, Inc.
 
  VCG Montreal Management, Inc. is owned entirely by the Partnership. Victor
Asset Management Partners, L.L.C., VP Metropolis Services, L.L.C. and 970
Management, LLC are related to Victor Capital Group, L.P. through common
ownership as members John R. Klopp and Craig M. Hatkoff each own a fifty-
percent interest in all three limited liability companies. All of these
entities and VCG Montreal Management, Inc. are collectively referred to herein
as the "Affiliates." Each affiliate was organized for the purpose of providing
asset management and advisory services relating to various mortgage pools
and/or real estate properties. VCG Montreal Management, Inc. was also
organized to hold a marginal interest in a Canadian real estate venture.
Victor Asset Management Partners, L.L.C. was organized under New York State
law in 1995. VP Metropolis Services, L.L.C. was organized in 1994 in the State
of New Jersey, 970 Management, LLC was organized in New York State during 1996
and VCG Montreal Management, Inc. was organized in New York State during 1997.
 
  Profits, losses and distributions relating to each of the limited liability
companies are allocated to each of the owners on a pro rata basis in
accordance with their ownership percentage.
 
 
                                     F-30
<PAGE>
 
                          VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                       (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                AND AFFILIATES
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                  (INFORMATION AT JUNE 30, 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 (a) Principles of Combination
 
  The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of
Victor Capital Group, L.P. (A Delaware Limited Partnership), its wholly-owned
subsidiary VCG Montreal Management, Inc., Victor Asset Management Partners,
L.L.C., VP Metropolis Services, L.L.C. and 970 Management, LLC, all of which
are related through common ownership. All significant intercompany accounts
and transactions have been eliminated.
 
 (b) Revenue Recognition
 
  Fees from professional advisory services are recorded as services are
rendered and exclude expenses incurred on behalf of and charged to clients.
Fees from mortgage placement services and asset management and advisory
services are recognized when earned.
 
 (c) Credit Risk and Concentrations
 
  The Partnership and Affiliates have a significant amount of cash on deposit
in two financial institutions.
 
  In 1996, the Partnership and Affiliates conducted 30 engagements on behalf
of 23 clients. Revenue earned during 1996 included approximately $2,823,000
from a multi-phase assignment on behalf of two related clients which comprised
approximately 41% of the total annual revenue. In 1995, the Partnership and
Affiliates conducted approximately 40 engagements on behalf of 19 clients.
Revenue earned during 1995 included approximately $1,174,000 from one client,
which comprised approximately 20% of revenues earned during the year ended
December 31, 1995. In 1994, the Partnership and Affiliates conducted
approximately 26 engagements on behalf of 16 clients. Revenue earned during
the year ended December 31, 1994 included approximately $3,115,000 from two
clients and accounted for approximately 60% of annual revenues earned.
 
  Revenues earned during the six months (unaudited) ended June 30, 1997
included approximately $1,535,000 from four clients and accounted for
approximately 56% of total revenue for the period.
 
 (d) Investment in Available for Sale Securities
 
  As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, investments in available for
sale securities are stated at their market values. As of June 30, 1997
(unaudited), the securities continue to be carried at their market values.
 
 (e) Investment in Unregistered Securities
 
  During 1995, the Partnership received cash and unregistered securities in
connection with an engagement to provide financial advisory services. At the
time the services were rendered the fair market value of the securities was
determined to be $124,250. The combined financial statements for 1995 reflect
this amount as investment in unregistered securities and fees earned. During
1996, pursuant to a plan of merger between the issuer of the unregistered
securities and other parties, the securities were surrendered in exchange for
cash of $386,835 resulting in a gain of $262,585.
 
  In 1996, the Partnership also received unregistered securities and cash in
exchange for services rendered. These securities were unrelated to those
received in 1995. All of the shares received by the Partnership were
 
                                     F-31
<PAGE>
 
                          VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                       (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                AND AFFILIATES
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                  (INFORMATION AT JUNE 30, 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
distributed simultaneously to the partners. The fair market value of these
securities was determined to be $750,000 and accordingly, the combined
financial statements for 1996 reflect this amount as distributions to partners
and fee income.
 
 (f) Income Taxes
 
  The Partnership and those affiliates which are limited liability companies
are not subject to federal or state income taxes. No provision has been made
in the accompanying combined financial statements for such taxes, which may be
payable by the individual partners. The Partnership and certain limited
liability company affiliates are subject to New York City Unincorporated
Business taxes which taxes are reflected in local business taxes on the
combined statements of income.
 
  VCG Montreal Management, Inc. is subject to federal and state corporate
taxes. For the six months (unaudited) ended June 30, 1997, the corporation did
not incur any tax liabilities and, therefore, no provision for such taxes have
been made in the accompanying combined statements of income.
 
 (g) Property and Equipment
 
  Property and equipment are stated at cost and are being depreciated under
the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which
range from 5 to 7 years.
 
 (h) Cash Equivalents
 
  All liquid assets with a maturity of three months or less are considered
cash equivalents.
 
 (i) Accounts Receivable
 
  The entities have written off all accounts deemed to be uncollectible at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 and do not anticipate any additional losses.
Accounts receivable deemed uncollectible at June 30, 1997 (unaudited) were
also written off.
 
 (j) Deferred Costs
 
  As of December 31, 1996, the Partnership was involved in negotiations
relating to a new business venture. During 1996, the Partnership capitalized
$106,110 of various professional and consulting expenses relating to the
venture. As of December 31, 1996, these costs remain unamortized. In April
1997, pursuant to an agreement among the parties, $53,647 has been determined
to be an expense of the Partnership and, accordingly, is reflected as
professional fees in the combined statement of income for the six months
(unaudited) ended June 30, 1997. The remaining balance of $52,463, which was
accrued as of December 31, 1996, is to be paid by various parties of the
venture, and accordingly, has been transferred to the respective parties at
June 30, 1997.
 
 (k) Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Presentation
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and June 30, 1997 and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the
three years ended December 31, 1996 and the six months ended June 30, 1997.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                     F-32
<PAGE>
 
                          VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                       (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                AND AFFILIATES
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                  (INFORMATION AT JUNE 30, 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
 
NOTE 3--PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
  Property and equipment--at cost, consists of the following at December 31,
1996 and 1995 and June 30, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   DECEMBER 31
                                               --------------------
                                                                      JUNE 30,
                                                 1996       1995        1997
                                               ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
   <S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
   Furniture and fixtures..................... $  80,328  $  79,630   $  80,328
   Office, telephone and computer equipment...   236,961    211,424     259,466
                                               ---------  ---------   ---------
      Total...................................   317,289    291,054     339,794
   Less, accumulated depreciation.............  (227,218)  (183,214)   (246,265)
                                               ---------  ---------   ---------
                                               $  90,071  $ 107,840   $  93,529
                                               =========  =========   =========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4--DUE FROM PARTNER
 
  Due from partner represents amounts due from Valentine Wildove & Company,
Inc. relating to short term noninterest-bearing advances made by the
Partnership.
 
NOTE 5--BONUSES PAYABLE--DISCRETIONARY
 
  Bonuses payable as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 represent additional year
end compensation for Partnership employees. These amounts were determined by
the management of the Partnership and were authorized at management's
discretion.
 
NOTE 6--DUE TO PARTNERS
 
  As of June 30, 1997 (unaudited), $400,000 was due to partners. The entire
amount represents short-term noninterest-bearing loans made to the
Partnership. In July 1997, this balance was repaid.
 
NOTE 7--NOTE PAYABLE
 
  Pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement, a $500,000 promissory
note was issued on May 1, 1991 to Windsor Investors in settlement of a
reduction in its ownership interest in the Partnership (see Note 1).
 
  The note, which was due and payable on May 1, 2001, was considered fully
repaid in June 1995, pursuant to a Stipulation of Settlement Agreement
executed in the State of New York, which required the Partnership to make a
$500,000 payment. Interest accrued at a rate of 11% per annum, and was due
annually on May 1 for the preceding calendar year. Interest payments and
principal prepayments were payable only to the extent of 12.5% of net cash
flow, as defined, and 100% of net cash from capital events, as defined. For
1995 and 1994, interest expense attributable to the note amounted to $30,852
and $64,459, respectively. Unpaid accrued interest had been added to the
principal balance of the note in accordance with the note agreement and
amounted to $181,319 as of the settlement date. At the time of extinguishment
of this debt the Partnership recognized an extraordinary gain of $181,319
which is reflected in the accompanying combined financial statements.
 
                                     F-33
<PAGE>
 
                          VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                       (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                AND AFFILIATES
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                  (INFORMATION AT JUNE 30, 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
 
NOTE 8--RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
  The Partnership is managed by its general partner, Valentine Wildove, a
corporation owned entirely by John R. Klopp and Craig M. Hatkoff. In
accordance with the Partnership Agreement, management fees charged by
Valentine Wildove for 1996, 1995 and 1994 amounted to $860,573, $836,560 and
$821,000, respectively. Management fees charged for the six months (unaudited)
ended June 30, 1997 amounted to $438,943, of which $214,943 remains unpaid at
June 30, 1997 and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on
the combined balance sheet.
 
  Fees earned in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, include $737,350, $373,523
and $28,272 from affiliates of certain partners. Fees earned for the six
months (unaudited) ended June 30, 1997 include $660,930 earned by the
affiliates for asset management services rendered to businesses in which
certain partners of Victor Capital Group, L.P. have minimal ownership
interests.
 
NOTE 9--COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  The Partnership is committed under an operating lease for office space with
an affiliate of Windsor Investors expiring on December 31, 1997. The lease
requires annual fixed minimum lease payments, plus additional amounts for real
estate taxes, operating expenses and electricity. Charges for rent for 1996,
1995 and 1994 amounted to approximately $216,000, $209,000 and $216,000,
respectively. Charges for rent for the six months (unaudited) ended June 30,
1997 amounted to approximately $108,000.
 
  Effective January 1994, the Partnership exercised its option to terminate an
amended office lease with the affiliate of Windsor Investors. The amended
lease provided for a rent abatement and for the forgiveness of deferred rent
incurred by the Partnership under a prior lease agreement. As of the date the
amended lease was terminated, the deferred rent and rent abatements were being
amortized on a straight-line basis through the life of the amended lease. As
of the termination date of this lease, the remaining unamortized balances
relating to deferred rent and rent abatements amounted to $43,229 and $71,152,
respectively, which were recognized as a reduction of rent expense in 1994.
 
  The Partnership entered into an agreement to sublease a portion of its
office space to a nonaffiliated company. The sublease commenced in April 1994
and terminated on April 30, 1995. The agreement provided for annual fixed rent
in the amount of $54,000 payable in equal monthly installments plus additional
monthly charges for certain services provided by the sublessor. Sublease
income earned by the Partnership for 1995 and 1994 amounted to $24,030 and
$41,167, respectively.
 
  VP Metropolis Services, L.L.C. manages and administers an asset portfolio in
which certain partners of the Partnership have less than a 1% collective
interest. As part of its fee arrangement, VP Metropolis Services, L.L.C. is
entitled to a resolution fee which is contingent upon the occurrence of
specified events as defined in the agreement. Management contends that the
possibility of the occurrence of the specified events is more likely not to
occur based upon their knowledge of the asset portfolio and its history and
accordingly have not recognized these fees, $11,450 in 1996, $311,000 in 1995
and $37,000 in 1994, as income. For the six months (unaudited) ended June 30,
1997, VP Metropolis Services, L.L.C. was not entitled to any resolution fees.
 
  In connection with the sale of the members' interest in VP Metropolis
Services, L.L.C. (See Note 11), the rights to the contingent resolution fees
noted above were assigned to an affiliated entity owned by John R. Klopp and
Craig M. Hatkoff.
 
 
                                     F-34
<PAGE>
 
                          VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.
                       (A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
                                AND AFFILIATES
 
              NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
                  (INFORMATION AT JUNE 30, 1997 IS UNAUDITED)
 
  Management is committed to a key employee, which will allow the individual
to share in a percentage of certain future contingent revenues that the
Partnership may earn upon the successful outcome of certain specified
projects.
 
  As of December 31, 1996, the Partnership has guaranteed to an employee a
minimum bonus amounting to $100,000 relating to the 1997 calendar year. As of
June 30, 1997 (unaudited), $50,000 has been paid.
 
NOTE 10--EMPLOYEE PENSION PLAN
 
  The Partnership maintains a Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension
Plan (SARSEP) which is considered a qualified defined contribution plan under
Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan was adopted during 1995 and
is available to all employees of the Partnership who meet certain defined
eligibility requirements. Contributions to the plan are made entirely by the
employees through annual salary reductions. Employee contributions for each
participating employee in the plan are limited to a percentage of annual
compensation paid by the Partnership not to exceed $9,500 for tax year 1996
and 1997. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the six
months (unaudited) ended June 30, 1997, the Partnership did not incur any
administrative costs directly associated with the plan.
 
NOTE 11--SALE OF INTEREST
 
  On July 15, 1997, John R. Klopp, Craig M. Hatkoff and Valentine Vildove &
Company, Inc. sold their entire ownership interests in the Partnership and its
Affiliates to Capital Trust (f/k/a California Real Estate Investment Trust)
for a total purchase price of $5,000,000, evidenced by notes payable.
 
                                     F-35
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR  +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE     +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                        [ALTERNATE INTERNATIONAL COVER]
 
PROSPECTUS (Subject To Completion)
Issued October 6, 1997
 
                                8,000,000 Shares
 
                                 Capital Trust
                  CLASS A COMMON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
 
                                  ----------
 
 OF THE  8,000,000 CLASS  A COMMON  SHARES OF  BENEFICIAL INTEREST,  $1.00 PAR
  VALUE, IN  CAPITAL TRUST  BEING OFFERED HEREBY,           SHARES  ARE BEING
   OFFERED  INITIALLY   OUTSIDE  THE  UNITED   STATES  AND  CANADA   BY  THE
    INTERNATIONAL  UNDERWRITERS  AND            SHARES  ARE  BEING  OFFERED
     INITIALLY IN  THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA BY  THE U.S. UNDERWRITERS.
      ALL  OF THE CLASS A COMMON SHARES OFFERED HEREBY ARE BEING  SOLD BY
        THE COMPANY. THE  CLASS A COMMON  SHARES ARE TRADED  ON THE  NEW
         YORK AND  PACIFIC STOCK EXCHANGES  UNDER THE  SYMBOL "CT." ON
          OCTOBER 2, 1997, THE REPORTED  LAST SALE PRICE OF THE CLASS
           ACOMMON  SHARES ON THE  NEW YORK  STOCK EXCHANGE  WAS $10
            1/4 PER SHARE.
 
                                  ----------
 
 SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
                      CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
                                  ----------
 
THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT  BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED BY  THE  SECURITIES
 AND  EXCHANGE COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR HAS  THE
  SECURITIES AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES COMMISSION
  PASSED   UPON   THE  ACCURACY   OR  ADEQUACY   OF   THIS  PROSPECTUS.   ANY
   REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                  ----------
 
                              PRICE $     A SHARE
 
                                  ----------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 UNDERWRITING
                                       PRICE TO DISCOUNTS AND  PROCEEDS TO
                                        PUBLIC  COMMISSIONS(1) COMPANY(2)
                                       -------- -------------- -----------
<S>                                    <C>      <C>            <C>
Per Share.............................   $           $             $
Total(3)..............................  $           $             $
</TABLE>
- -----
  (1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
      liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
      amended.
 
  (2 )Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at
      $             .
 
  (3) The Company has granted the U.S. Underwriters an option, exercisable
      within 30 days of the date hereof, to purchase up to an aggregate of
      1,200,000 additional Shares at the price to public less underwriting
      discounts and commissions for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if
      any. If the U.S. Underwriters exercise such option in full, the total
      price to public, underwriting discounts and commissions and proceeds to
      Company will be $       , $        and $       , respectively. See
      "Underwriters."
 
                                  ----------
 
  The Shares are offered, subject to prior sale, when, as and if accepted by
the Underwriters named herein and subject to approval of certain legal matters
by Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel for the Underwriters. It is expected that
delivery of the Shares will be made on or about             , 1997 at the
offices of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, New York, N.Y., against payment
therefor in immediately available funds.
 
                                  ----------
 
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
 
              MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
 
                                                        DEUTSCHE MORGAN GRENFELL
 
       , 1997
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
  The expenses payable by Registrant in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the securities being registered (other than underwriting
discounts or commissions) are estimated as follows:
 
<TABLE>
   <S>                                                                  <C>
   Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filing fee............... $28,743
   National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") filing
    fee................................................................ $ 9,985
   NYSE listing fee....................................................    *
   Blue sky filing fees and expenses (including counsel fees).......... $10,000
   Accounting fees and expenses........................................    *
   Legal fees and expenses.............................................    *
   Printing and engraving expenses.....................................    *
   Transfer agent and registrar fees...................................    *
   Miscellaneous expenses..............................................    *
                                                                        -------
     Total............................................................. $  *
                                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
- --------
* To be filed by amendment.
 
  All expenses other than the SEC filing fee, NASD filing fee and NYSE listing
fee have been estimated for purposes of this filing. All expenses will be paid
by the Company.
 
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
 
  The Registrant is a California trust.
 
  Section 2.1. of the Registrant's by-laws provides that no Trustee, officer,
employee or agent of the Company shall be liable to the Company or to any
other Person for any act or omission which he or she reasonably believes is in
the best interests of the Company, except for his or her own willful
misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty or his
or her failure to act in good faith or in the best interests of the Company.
 
  The Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Company shall be deemed
to be acting as Trustees, officers, employees or agents of the Company and not
in their own individual capacities when incurring any debts, liabilities or
obligations or when taking or omitting any other action on behalf of, or in
connection with, the Company. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the
contrary, no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Company shall be
liable for any debt, claim, demand, judgment, decree, liability or obligation
of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise of, against or with respect to the
Company arising out of any action taken or omitted for or on behalf of the
Company, and the Company shall be solely liable therefor and recourse shall be
solely to the assets of the Company for the payment or performance thereof.
 
  In Section 2.2 of the Registrant's by-laws, the Company agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless any Person made a party to any action, suit or proceeding or
against whom a claim or liability is asserted by reason of the fact that he,
she, his or her testator or intestate was or is a Trustee, officer, employee
or agent of the Company or active in such capacity on behalf of the Company
against judgments, fines, amounts paid on account thereof (whether in
settlement or otherwise) and reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees,
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense of such
action, suit or proceeding or in connection with any appeal therein, whether
or not such suit or action proceeds to judgment or is settled or otherwise
brought to a conclusion. Notwithstanding the above, no Person shall be so
indemnified or reimbursed for any claim, obligation or liability which shall
have been adjudicated to have arisen out of or been based upon such Person's
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty
or for his or her failure to act in good faith in the reasonable belief that
his or her action was in the best interests of the Company. Any Person seeking
indemnification under this Section 2.2 shall give prompt notice to the Company
of the claim, alleged liability, action, suit or proceeding; provided, that
the failure to give such notice shall not relieve the Company of its
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
obligations under this Section 2.2, except to the extent that such failure to
give notice prejudices the Company. Such rights of indemnification and
reimbursement shall be satisfied solely out of the assets of the Company.
 
  Section 2.2 states that the rights accruing to any Person shall not exclude
any other right to which he or she may be lawfully entitled, nor shall
anything contained herein restrict the right of the Company to indemnify or
reimburse such Person in any proper case even though not specifically provided
for herein, nor shall anything contained herein restrict such rights of a
Trustee to contribution as may be available under applicable law. In addition,
the Board shall make advance payments for expenses incurred in defending any
proceeding in advance of its final disposition in connection with
indemnification under Section 2.2 provided that the indemnified Person agrees
in writing to reimburse the Company in the event it is subsequently determined
that he or she is not entitled to such indemnification.
 
  The Company shall have the power to enter into individual indemnification
agreements with any Person entitled to be indemnified under Section 2.2,
without approval thereof by the Shareholders, provided that the substantive
provisions of any such agreement shall not be inconsistent in any material
respect with the provisions of this Section 2.2 at the time such agreement is
entered into. The terms of any such agreement need not be identical to the
terms of any other such agreement and any such agreement which has been
entered into may subsequently be amended or changed by mutual agreement of the
parties thereto, without approval thereof by the Shareholders, so long as at
the time such agreement is entered into or amended or changed, as the case may
be, its substantive provisions are not inconsistent in any material respect
with the provisions of Section 2.2.
 
  The Company shall have the power to use the assets of the Company to
establish arrangements for funding its indemnification obligations under
Section 2.2, including but not limited to depositing assets in trust funds,
obtaining bank letters of credit in favor of indemnified Persons or entities,
establishing specific reserve accounts and otherwise funding special self-
insurance arrangements for these purposes.
 
  ARTICLE FOURTEENTH of the Registrant's amended and restated declaration of
trust reads as follows:
 
    "The Company may, to the full extent permitted by law, cause the Company
  to limit the liability of and indemnify any and all Trustees, officers,
  employees or agents from and against any and all expenses, liabilities or
  other matters both as to action in his or her official capacity on behalf
  of the Company and as to action in another capacity while holding such
  office, and shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be a Trustee,
  officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
  executors, and administrators of such Person, as provided in any By-Law
  adopted by a majority of the Board.
 
    All Persons dealing with or having any claim against the Trustees or any
  officer, agent or employee of the Company shall look only to the Company
  for the payment of any debt, claim, obligation or damage, or of any money
  or other thing that might become due or payable in any way, whether founded
  upon contract, tort or otherwise, and no Shareholder shall be personally or
  individually liable therefor. Each Shareholder shall be entitled to pro
  rata indemnity from the Company's assets if, contrary to the provisions
  hereof, such Shareholder is held to any personal liability for any debt,
  claim, obligation or damage, or of any money or other thing that might
  become due or payable in any way, whether founded upon contract, tort or
  otherwise, of the Company.
 
    The Board shall maintain liability insurance for the protection of the
  Company and those connected therewith, and cause any premiums therefor to
  be paid from Company assets."
 
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
 
  In the three years preceding the filing of this Registration Statement, the
Company has issued the following securities without registration under the
Securities Act:
 
    1. On July 15, 1997, pursuant to the terms of the preferred share
  purchase agreement, dated as of June 16, 1997, by and between the Company
  and Veqtor Finance Company, LLC ("Veqtor"), the Company issued 12,267,658
  class A 9.5% cumulative convertible preferred shares of beneficial
  interest, $1.00 par value, in the Company, to Veqtor in exchange for
  $33,000,000 in cash.
 
    2. On July 15, 1997, the Company granted options to purchase 657,000
  Class A Common Shares to certain trustees, officers and employees pursuant
  to the Trustee Share Plan and the Incentive Share Plan.
 
  The issuance of securities described in paragraph No. 1 was not subject to
the registration requirements of Section 5 of the Securities Act because they
were exempt from registration under Section 4(2) thereof for transactions by
an issuer not involving any public offering. The issuance of securities
described in paragraph No. 2 was not subject to the registration requirements
of Section 5 of the Securities Act because the grant of the options did not
involve an offer or sale under Section 2(a)(3) thereof.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
  (a) Exhibits:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
 -------                               -----------
 <C>     <S>
  *1.1   Form of Underwriting Agreement.
   2.1   Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 16, 1997, by and between
          John R. Klopp, Craig M. Hatkoff, and Valentine Wildove & Company,
          Inc. and the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's
          Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 30, 1997 and is incorporated
          herein by reference).
   3.1   Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated July 15, 1997 (filed
          as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed
          on July 15, 1997 and is incorporated herein by reference).
   3.2   By-Laws of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's
          Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 1997 and is incorporated
          herein by reference).
   4.1   Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Class A 9.5%
          Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares and the Class B 9.5%
          Cumulative Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Shares (filed as Exhibit
          4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15,
          1997 and is incorporated herein by reference).
  *5.1   Opinion of Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP regarding
          legality of securities being registered.
  10.1   Preferred Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 16, 1997, by and
          between the Registrant and Veqtor Finance Company, LLC (filed as
          Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
          July 30, 1997 and is incorporated herein by reference).
  10.2   Non-Negotiable Notes of the Registrant payable to John R. Klopp, Craig
          M. Hatkoff and Valentine Wildove & Company, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
          10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 30,
          1997 and is incorporated herein by reference).
  10.3   1997 Long-Term Incentive Share Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit 10.1
          to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 1997
          and is incorporated herein by reference).
  10.4   1997 Non-Employee Trustee Share Plan, as amended (filed as Exhibit
          10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15,
          1997 and is incorporated herein by reference).
  10.5   Employment Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1997, by and between the
          Registrant and John Klopp.
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                               DESCRIPTION
 -------                              -----------
 <C>     <S>
   10.6  Employment Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1997, by and between the
          Registrant and Craig M. Hatkoff.
   10.7  Consulting Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1997, by and between the
          Registrant and Gary R. Garrabrant.
   10.8  Sublease, dated as of July 29, 1997, between New York Job Development
          Authority, and Victor Capital Group, L.P.
  *11.1  Computation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share.
  *12.1  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  *12.2  Computation of Pro Forma Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  *21.1  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
   23.1  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., San Francisco, California
   23.2  Consent of David Berdon & Co. LLP, New York, New York
  *23.3  Consent of Battle Fowler LLP (included in and incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 5.1 hereto).
   24.1  Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages of this
          Registration Statement).
</TABLE>
- --------
*To filed by amendment.
 
  (b) Financial Statement Schedules
 
  All schedules are omitted as inapplicable or because the required
information is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions described above in Item 14, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will,
unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
 
  The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
    (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of
  1933, the information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of
  this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
  form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
  (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
  Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
    (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
  of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
  shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
  securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
  time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    (3) To provide to the Underwriters at the closing specified in the
  Underwriting Agreement certificates in such denominations and registered in
  such names as required by the Underwriters to permit prompt delivery to
  each purchaser.
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York,
State of New York on October 6, 1997.
 
                                          CAPITAL TRUST
                                          (Registrant)
 
                                                     /s/ John R. Klopp
                                          By: _________________________________
                                             Name: John R. Klopp
                                             Title: Vice Chairman and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer
 
  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints each of John R. Klopp and Gary R. Garrabrant,
or any of them, each acting alone, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and
agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for such person and
in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, in connection with
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, including, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, to sign the Registration Statement in the name and on behalf of the
Registrant or on behalf of the undersigned as a trustee or officer of the
Registrant, and any and all amendments or supplements to the Registration
Statement, including any and all stickers and post-effective amendments to the
Registration Statement, and to sign any and all additional registration
statements relating to the same offering of securities as the Registration
Statement that are filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and any applicable securities exchange or securities self-regulatory body,
granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, each acting alone, full power
and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes or
substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE
             ---------                           -----                    ----
 
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
          /s/ Samuel Zell            Chairman of the Board of       October 6, 1997
____________________________________  Trustees
            Samuel Zell
 
         /s/ John R. Klopp           Vice Chairman, Chief           October 6, 1997
____________________________________  Executive Officer and
           John R. Klopp              Trustee (Principal
                                      Executive Officer)
 
     /s/ Edward L. Shugrue III       Managing Director and Chief    October 6, 1997
____________________________________  Financial Officer
       Edward L. Shugrue III          (Principal Financial and
                                      Accounting Officer)
 
        /s/ Craig M. Hatkoff         Vice Chairman and Trustee      October 6, 1997
____________________________________
          Craig M. Hatkoff
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE
             ---------                           -----                    ----
 
<S>                                  <C>                           <C>
       /s/ Gary R. Garrabrant        Trustee                        October 6, 1997
____________________________________
         Gary R. Garrabrant
 
       /s/ Sheli Z. Rosenberg        Trustee                        October 6, 1997
____________________________________
         Sheli Z. Rosenberg
 
       /s/  Lynne B. Sagalyn         Trustee                        October 6, 1997
____________________________________
          Lynne B. Sagalyn
 
       /s/ Martin L. Edelman         Trustee                        October 6, 1997
____________________________________
         Martin L. Edelman
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                            DESCRIPTION                             PAGE
 -------                           -----------                             ----
 <C>     <S>                                                               <C>
   *1.1  Form of Underwriting Agreement.
    2.1  Interest Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 16, 1997, by and
          between John R. Klopp, Craig M. Hatkoff, and Valentine Wildove
          & Company, Inc. and the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to
          the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 30,
          1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
    3.1  Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated July 15, 1997
          (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on
          Form 8-K filed on July 15, 1997 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
    3.2  By-Laws of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the
          Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 1997
          and incorporated herein by reference).
    4.1  Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of the Class
          A 9.5% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares and the Class B
          9.5% Cumulative Convertible Non-Voting Preferred Shares (filed
          as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
          filed on July 15, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
   *5.1  Opinion of Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger LLP
          regarding legality of securities being registered.
   10.1  Preferred Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 16, 1997,
          by and between the Registrant and Veqtor Finance Company, LLC
          (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on
          Form 8-K filed on July 30, 1997 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
   10.2  Non-Negotiable Notes of the Registrant payable to John R.
          Klopp, Craig M. Hatkoff and Valentine Wildove & Company, Inc.
          (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on
          Form 8-K filed on July 30, 1997 and incorporated herein by
          reference).
   10.3  1997 Long-Term Incentive Share Plan, as amended (filed as
          Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
          filed on July 15, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
   10.4  1997 Non-Employee Trustee Share Plan, as amended (filed as
          Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K
          filed on July 15, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
   10.5  Employment Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1997, by and between
          the Registrant and John Klopp.
   10.6  Employment Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1997, by and between
          the Registrant and Craig M. Hatkoff.
   10.7  Consulting Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1997, by and between
          the Registrant and Gary R. Garrabrant.
   10.8  Sublease, dated as of July 29, 1997, between New York Job
          Development Authority, and Victor Capital Group, L.P.
  *11.1  Computation of Earnings (Loss) Per Share.
  *12.1  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  *12.2  Computation of Pro Forma Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
  *21.1  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
   23.1  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., San Francisco, California.
   23.2  Consent of David Berdon & Co. LLP, New York, New York
  *23.3  Consent of Battle Fowler LLP (included in and incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 5.1 hereto).
   24.1  Power of Attorney (included in the signature pages of this
          Registration Statement).
</TABLE>
- --------
*To filed by amendment.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.5


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this 15th day of July, 1997, by and between California Real Estate Investment
Trust, a trust organized under the laws of the State of California and
established under a Declaration of Trust dated September 15, 1966, as amended
from time to time (such trust and any successors thereto being hereinafter
referred to as "Capital Trust") and John Klopp (the "Executive"). Capitalized
terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in Part Five hereof.

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, Capital Trust desires to employ the Executive as the Vice
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Trust; and

         WHEREAS, the Executive desires to be employed by Capital Trust at the
salary and benefits provided for herein; and

         WHEREAS, the Executive acknowledges and understands that during the
course of his employment, the Executive will develop certain strategic business
relationships and become familiar with certain confidential information of
Capital Trust which are exceptionally valuable to Capital Trust and vital to the
success of Capital Trust's business; and

         WHEREAS, Capital Trust and the Executive desire to protect such
business relationships and such confidential information from use to the
detriment of Capital Trust or disclosure to third parties.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto acknowledge
and agree as follows:

                                      TERMS
                                    PART ONE
                          NATURE AND TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

         1.01 Employment. Capital Trust hereby agrees to employ the Executive,
and the Executive hereby accepts such employment, as the Vice Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Trust.

         1.02 Term of Employment. The term of the Executive's employment
hereunder shall be for a period of five years beginning on the date of this
Agreement (the "Original Term").


  
<PAGE>
 
         1.03 Term Extension. Immediately as of the expiration of the Original
Term and each Renewal Period, this Agreement will automatically renew and extend
for successive one year periods (the "Renewal Periods"), unless Capital Trust or
Executive shall have delivered to the other written notice of non-renewal at
least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Original Term or the
applicable Renewal Period, in which case the Original Term or the applicable
Renewal Period shall expire effective as of the last day of the Original Term or
the applicable Renewal Period, as the case may be. The period during which
Executive shall be employed by Capital Trust hereunder shall be referred to
herein as the "Employment Period." Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, the Original Term and the Renewal Periods are each subject to
termination pursuant to Part Four below.

         1.04 Duties. The duties of the Executive shall be as determined by the
Board of Trustees of Capital Trust (the "Board") consistent with the Executive's
title and position with the Company, and the Executive shall report to the Board
and shall be subject to the Board's direction and control. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Executive shall manage the business of Capital
Trust on a day-to-day basis and shall report to and advise the Board regarding
the management and operation of Capital Trust's business. The Executive agrees
to devote his full business time attention and energies to the diligent
performance of his duties hereunder and will not, during the Employment Period,
engage in, accept employment from or provide services to any other person, firm,
corporation, governmental agency or other entity; provided, however, that
subject to Section 3.04 hereof, Executive may (a) devote a reasonable amount of
time to civic activities, (b) maintain not more than three outside board
positions with companies which do not compete with Capital Trust and serve on
the board of directors of a cooperative apartment in which Executive lives, in
each case subject to the prior consent of the Board, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, and (c) manage his own investments, provided that such
activities do not conflict with or detract from the Executive's diligent
performance of Executive's duties hereunder.

                                    PART TWO

                            COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

         2.01 Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive
a base salary at the rate of $500,000 dollars per annum (the "Base Salary"),
payable in regular installments in accordance with Capital Trust's general
payroll practices for salaried employees. During the Employment Period, the Base
Salary shall be increased as of each anniversary of the date of this Agreement
by a percentage amount not less than any percentage increase in the Consumer
Price Index and may be further increased at the discretion of the Board.

         2.02 Bonus. In addition to his Base Salary, Executive may receive
during the Employment Period, as determined annually at the discretion of the
Board, an annual incentive


  
                                       -2-
<PAGE>
 
cash bonus based upon Executive's performance and the profitability of Capital
Trust during such period.

         2.03 Benefits. During the Term of this Agreement, Capital Trust agrees
to provide to Executive such benefits as are provided to other employees of
Capital Trust from time to time, including but not limited to, any health,
disability, life, deferred compensation, profit-sharing, pension, or other
employee benefit policies, programs or plans which Capital Trust provides to its
employees (collectively, the "Employee Benefits"), all at levels determined by
the Board and commensurate with the Executive's position.

         2.04 Expenses. During the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall
be reimbursed by Capital Trust for all ordinary and necessary out-of-pocket
expenses for travel, lodging, meals, entertainment expenses, or any other
similar reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services for
Capital Trust in accordance with the policies established by the Board.

         2.05 Vacations. The Executive shall be entitled to a paid vacation of
four (4) weeks during each twelve month period during the Employment Period,
provided., however, that the Executive's vacation shall be in accordance with
policies established by the Board.

         2.06 Life Insurance. During the Employment Period, provided the
Executive passes any necessary health examination and such coverage is
purchasable at commercially reasonable rates, Capital Trust shall provide the
Executive with term life insurance coverage providing a death benefit equal to
not less than $1,500,000, the beneficiary of which shall be designated by the
Executive. Capital Trust agrees to pay all of the premiums required to provide
the aforesaid term life insurance coverage to the Executive.

         2.07 Disability Insurance. During the Employment Period, provided the
Executive passes any necessary health examination and such coverage is
purchasable at commercially reasonable rates, Capital Trust shall provide the
Executive with disability insurance coverage equal to sixty percent (60%) of his
Base Salary.

         2.08 Share Plan, Executive shall participate in Capital Trust's Share
Plan at a level determined by the Board and commensurate with his position.

         2.09 Matching Compensation Level. As long as Executive and Craig
Hatkoff ("Hatkoff") are both employed by Capital Trust, the aggregate
compensation payable by Capital Trust to Executive for any period (including the
granting of any equity awards under the Share Plan) shall be equal to the
aggregate compensation payable by Capital Trust to Hatkoff for the same period
(including the granting of any equity awards under the Share Plan); it being
understood that, if Hatkoff's employment is terminated for any reason, any cash
amounts payable to Hatkoff, and any accelerated vesting of any grants under the
Share Plan, as

  
                                       -3-
<PAGE>
 
a result of the termination of Hatkoff's employment shall not be deemed
compensation payable by Capital Trust to Hatkoff subject to the "equal payment"
requirement of this Section 2.09.

         2.10 Withholding. Any amounts payable to the Executive hereunder shall
be paid to the Executive subject to all applicable taxes required to be withheld
by the Company pursuant to federal, state or local law. The Executive or his
beneficiary, if applicable, shall be solely responsible for all taxes imposed on
the Executive or his beneficiary by reason of his receipt of any amount of
compensation or benefits payable to the Executive hereunder.

                                   PART THREE

                    CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND COMPETITION

         3.01 Definition of Confidential Information. For the purposes of this
Agreement, the term "Confidential Information" shall mean all information and
all documents and other tangible items which record information which is
non-public, confidential or proprietary in nature with respect to Capital Trust
or its customers, clients or investors and shall include, but shall not be
limited to: (a) all information, which at the time or times concerned is
protectible as a trade secret under applicable law; (b) business and investment
plans and strategies; (c) marketing plans and strategies; and (d) proprietary
software and business records. Capital Trust and the Executive acknowledge and
agree that the Confidential Information is extremely valuable to Capital Trust
and the information referred to in subparagraphs (b) through (d) inclusive of
this Section 3.01 is especially sensitive and valuable.

         3.02 Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information. The Executive will not
during, or for a period of two (2) years after termination of the Executive's
employment for any or no reason, in any form or manner, directly or indirectly,
divulge, disclose or communicate to any person, entity, firm, corporation or any
other third party, or utilize for the Employee's personal benefit of for the
benefit of any person, entity, firm or corporation (other than Capital Trust),
any Confidential Information.

         3.03 Delivery Upon Termination. Upon termination of the Executive's
employment with Capital Trust for any or no reason, the Executive will promptly
deliver to Capital Trust all correspondence, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks,
reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents
or media concerning Capital Trust and/or which contains Confidential
Information.

         3.04 Covenant-Not-To-Compete. The Executive will not during the
Employment Period, and, in the event the Executive's employment is terminated by
Capital Trust for Cause or by Executive voluntarily other than for Good Reason,
for a period of one (1) year following termination of the Executive's
employment, in any form or manner, directly or indirectly, on his own behalf or
in combination with others, engage in or become interested in (as an individual,
partner, member, stockholder, director, officer, principal, agent, independent

 
                                       -4-
<PAGE>
 
contractor, employee, trustee, or in any other relation or capacity whatsoever,
except as a holder of securities of a corporation whose securities are publicly
traded and which is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, and then only to the extent of owning not more than five
percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding securities of such corporation) any
business which is competitive with the business of Capital Trust or any Capital
Trust Affiliate, as conducted or proposed to be conducted as of the date of
termination of Executive's employment.

         3.05 Restriction Against Employing Capital Trust Employees. The
Executive will not, for a period of (1) one year after termination of
Executive's employment for any or no reason, directly or indirectly, whether
individually, as a director, stockholder, partner, member, owner, employee or
agent of any business, or in any other capacity or solicit for employment or
engagement, any person who is employed or otherwise engaged by Capital Trust on,
or within 180 days prior to, such termination of Executive.

         3.06 Continuing Obligation. The obligations, duties and liabilities of
the Executive pursuant to Part Three of this Agreement are continuing, absolute
and unconditional and shall remain in full force and effect as provided therein
despite any termination of the Executive's employment with Capital Trust for any
or no reason, including, but not limited to, the expiration of the Employment
Period.

         3.07 Executive Acknowledgment/Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges
and agrees that the covenants set forth in Part Three hereof are reasonable and
necessary for the protection of Capital Trust's business interests, that such
covenants will not result in undue economic hardship to Executive, that
irreparable injury will result to Capital Trust if Executive breaches any of the
terms of said covenants, and that in the event of Executive's actual or
threatened breach of any such covenants, Capital Trust will have no adequate
remedy at law. Executive accordingly agrees that in the event of any actual or
threatened breach by him of any of said covenants, Capital Trust shall be
entitled to immediate injunctive and other equitable relief, without bond and
without the necessity of showing any actual monetary damages. If, in any action
by Capital Trust against the Executive to enforce the provisions of this Part
Three, there shall be a final judicial finding that the Executive has committed
a material breach of this Part Three, the Executive shall reimburse Capital
Trust for its reasonable costs and expenses in such action (including court
costs and reasonable attorney's fees). If, in any action by Capital Trust
against the Executive to enforce the provisions of this Part Three, there shall
be a final judicial finding that the Executive has not committed a material
breach of this Part Three, Capital Trust shall reimburse the Executive for his
reasonable costs and expenses in defending such action (including court costs
and reasonable attorney's fees). If in any such action there is no judicial
finding on the issue of a material breach by the Executive of this Part Three,
neither party shall be obligated to reimburse the other for costs and expenses
relating to the action. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting Capital
Trust from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or
threatened breach, including the recovery of any damages which it is able to
prove.

  
                                       -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART FOUR

                                   TERMINATION

         4.01 Termination upon Written Notice. Either Capital Trust or the
Executive may terminate the Executive's employment as provided in Subparagraphs
(a) and (b) below during the Employment Period by delivery to the other party of
a written notice (the "Termination Notice") indicating the date Executive's
employment is terminated (the "Termination Date").

         (a) If Capital Trust terminates the Executive's employment other than
for Cause or Disability or if Executive terminates his employment with Capital
Trust for Good Reason and such termination takes place within 90 days of the
later of (i) the latest occurrence of events or omissions comprising Good Reason
and (ii) the discovery by Executive of the grounds for Good Reason, Capital
Trust and Executive shall have the rights and obligations provided in this
Section 4.01 (a). Capital Trust shall be required to pay to the Executive: (i)
the Executive's Base Salary and incentive cash bonus, if any, accrued up to the
Termination Date, and (ii) upon execution and delivery by Executive of the form
of Release attached hereto as Exhibit A, and the expiration of the seven day
revocation period provided in said Release without revocation of said Release by
Executive, a severance payment equal to the greater of (A) the Base Salary
payable to Executive over the remainder of the Employment Period had Executive
not been so terminated and (B) the amount of the Base Salary as of the
Termination Date for one (1) full calendar year (the "Severance"). The Severance
shall be payable over a period of time equal to the greater of (A) the remainder
of the Employment Period had Executive not been so terminated and (B) one (1)
year, in either case, beginning on the Termination Date and in regular
installments in accordance with Capital Trust's general payroll practices for
salaried employees. Furthermore, Capital Trust shall be required to maintain for
the Executive and his spouse and children under the age of 21 medical insurance
coverage to which the Executive and his spouse and children under the age of 21
were entitled immediately preceding the date of the Executive's termination
until the earlier of (x) the two (2) year period expiring on the second
anniversary of the Termination Date or (y) such time as Executive shall obtain
employment or other engagement offering comparable or better medical insurance
coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, all
unvested options granted to the Executive under the Share Plan will
automatically vest and become immediately exercisable for the total number of
shares purchasable thereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the
Share Plan, such options will expire on the earlier of (i) the expiration date
of such options under the Share Plan and (ii) one year from the Termination
Date. Except as set forth in this Section 4.01 (a), Executive shall not be
entitled to receive any other severance, benefits or compensation of any kind
whatsoever.

         (b) If the Executive terminates his employment voluntarily other than
for Good Reason, Capital Trust and Executive shall have the rights and
obligations provided in this Section 4.01 (b). Executive shall be entitled to
receive only his Base Salary accrued through the Termination Date as set forth
in the Termination Notice, and except as set forth in this

 
                                       -6-
<PAGE>
 
Section 4.01 (b), Executive shall not be entitled to receive any other
severance, benefits or compensation of any kind whatsoever. In addition,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, all unvested options
granted to the Executive under the Share Plan will be forfeited. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, vested options granted to the
Executive under the Share Plan will expire on the earlier of (i) the expiration
date of such options and (ii) the date ninety (90) days following the
Termination Date.

         4.02 Termination Upon Death. Upon the Executive's death during the
Employment Period, Capital Trust and Executive shall have the rights and
obligations provided in this Section 4.02. This Agreement shall terminate,
except that the Executive's legal representatives shall be entitled to receive
(a) the Executive's Base Salary, accrued up to the date of the Executive's
death, and (b) any death benefits payable under the life insurance policy
maintained for the Executive's benefit referred to in Section 2.06 hereof.
Capital Trust shall continue the medical insurance coverage for the benefit of
Executive's spouse and children under the age of 21 to which they were entitled
immediately preceding the date of the Executive's death for one year from the
date of Executive's death. Upon Executive's death, all unvested options granted
to the Executive under the Share Plan will be forfeited. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, vested options granted to the
Executive under the Share Plan will expire on the earlier of (i) the expiration
date of such options and (ii) the first anniversary of termination of
employment. Except as set forth in this Section 4.02, Executive shall not be
entitled to receive any other severance, benefits or compensation of any kind
whatsoever.

         4.03 Termination Upon Disability. If, during the Employment Period, in
the reasonable opinion of the Board, the Executive becomes physically or
mentally disabled, whether totally or partially, so that the Executive is unable
substantially to perform his duties hereunder (a) for a period of ninety (90)
consecutive days or (b) for shorter periods aggregating one hundred and eighty
(180) days during any three hundred and sixty (360) day period, Capital Trust
may at any time thereafter terminate the Executive's employment under this
Agreement. In the event of such termination, Capital Trust and Executive shall
have the rights and obligations provided in this Section 4.03. Executive shall
be entitled to continue to receive his Base Salary until commencement of
payments under Executive's disability insurance policy. Capital Trust shall
continue the medical insurance coverage for the benefit of Executive and his
spouse and children under the age of 21 for a period of one year following such
termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, all
unvested options under the Share Plan will be forfeited without any payment or
other consideration to the Executive. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in the Share Plan, vested options under the Share Plan will expire on (i) the
earlier of the expiration date of such options and the first anniversary of the
termination of employment. Except as set forth in this Section 4.03, Executive
shall not be entitled to receive any other severance, benefits or compensation
of any kind whatsoever.


  
                                       -7-
<PAGE>
 
         4.04 Termination for Cause. Capital Trust has the right, at any time
during the Employment Period, exercisable by serving notice, effective in
accordance with its terms, to terminate the Executive's employment under this
Agreement for "Cause". If such right is exercised, Capital Trust and Executive
shall have the rights and obligations provided in this Section 4.04. Capital
Trust's obligation to the Executive shall be limited to the payment and/or
satisfaction of unpaid Base Salary accrued up to the effective date specified in
Capital Trust's notice of termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in the Share Plan, all unvested options under the Share Plan will be forfeited
without any payment or other consideration to the Executive. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, vested options under the Share Plan
will expire on the earlier of (a) the expiration date of such options and (b)
the date 90 days following the date of termination of employment. Except as set
forth in this Section 4.04, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any other
severance, benefits or compensation of any kind whatsoever.

         4.05 Sole Remedy. The amounts payable to the Executive, if any, under
the applicable provisions of this Part Four in connection with the termination
of the Executive's employment, voluntarily or involuntarily, for any or no
reason, shall be the only remedy, legal or equitable, available to the Executive
in connection with such termination (but not for claims or causes of action not
directly related to such termination, even if arising at the time of
termination), and such amounts shall constitute liquidated damages.

                                    PART FIVE

                               CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

         5.01 Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following
terms have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:

         (a) "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any Person that
directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control
with such Person. For purposes of this definition, "control" shall mean the
power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management of policies of a
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise.

         (b) "Cause" shall mean:

                  (i)      fraud, embezzlement or conviction of a felony;

                  (ii)     misappropriation of any money, proprietary
                           information or other assets or properties of Capital
                           Trust or any affiliate of Capital Trust other than
                           (A) an isolated, insubstantial and unintentional
                           misappropriation which is promptly remedied by the
                           Executive after receipt of notice thereof given

  
                                       -8-
<PAGE>
 
                           by Capital Trust or (B) any good faith dispute
                           regarding reimbursement of expenses or other similar
                           good faith dispute;

                  (iii)    willful and material breach by the Executive of the
                           terms of this Agreement;

                  (iv)     any other verifiable misconduct of Executive 
                           materially and adversely affecting the reputation of
                           Capital Trust; or

                  (v)      the Transfer by Executive other than a Permitted
                           Transfer, as defined in, and in accordance with the
                           provisions of that certain Rights Agreement by and
                           among, Veqtor, V2 Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited
                           liability company ("V2"), SZ Investments, LLC, a
                           Delaware limited liability company ("SZ"), Executive
                           and Hatkoff of even date herewith.

                  (c) "Change in Control" shall mean:

                           (i) a merger or acquisition involving Capital Trust
                  in which 50% or more of Capital Trust's voting stock
                  outstanding after the merger or acquisition is held by holders
                  different from those who held Capital Trust's voting stock
                  immediately prior to such merger or acquisition;

                           (ii) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all
                  or substantially all of the assets of Capital Trust in
                  liquidation or dissolution of Capital Trust;

                           (iii) a transfer of all or substantially all of
                  Capital Trust's assets pursuant to a partnership or joint
                  venture agreement or similar arrangement where Capital Trust's
                  resulting interest is or becomes less than 50%;

                           (iv) on or after the date hereof, a change in
                  ownership of Capital Trust through an action or series of
                  transactions, such that any person is or becomes the
                  beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of
                  Capital Trust's voting stock; or

                           (v) the composition of the Board changes such that,
                  without the prior written approval of each of the Board
                  designees of SZ and V2, such designees cease to comprise a
                  majority of the Board.

                  (d) "Consumer Price Index" shall mean Index-U.S. City Average
         (CPI-U) (Base Year 1987 = 100) as reported by the Bureau of Labor
         Statistics, United States Department of Labor for the preceding
         twelve-month period ended the immediately prior December 31, or if the
         1987 average shall no longer be used as an index of 100, an adjustment
         shall be made in such revised index which would have been obtained if
         the Consumer Price Index has not been so revised or if said average was
         still in use. In


                                       -9-
<PAGE>
 
         the event such index is no longer reported, such similar index of the
         cost of living as reported by any other United Stated government agency
         or if no government agency shall at such time publish such an index, a
         comparable index published by a major bank or other financial
         institution or by a university or recognized financial publication.

                  (e) "Good Reason" shall mean:

                           (i) the assignment to the Executive of any duties
                  inconsistent in any respect with the Executive's position
                  (including status, offices, titles and reporting
                  requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as
                  contemplated by Section 1.04 or any other action by Capital
                  Trust which results in a material diminution of such position,
                  authority, duties or responsibilities, including hiring by
                  Capital Trust of an executive to whom Executive reports or who
                  does not report to Executive or Hatkoff, but excluding for
                  this purpose an isolated, insubstantial or inadvertent action
                  not taken in bad faith and which is remedied by Capital Trust
                  promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the
                  Executive;

                           (ii) Capital Trust's requiring the Executive, without
                  executives' consent, to be based at any office or location
                  outside of a 40 mile radius of Midtown Manhattan, New York,
                  New York;

                           (iii) a willful and material breach of this Agreement
                  by Capital Trust; or

                           (iv) a Change in Control of Capital Trust following
                  which the acquirer is for any reason not bound by any material
                  term of this Agreement to the same extent as Capital Trust
                  immediately prior to such Change in Control.

                  (f) "Person" means any individual, corporation, association,
         partnership, limited liability company, estate, trust and any other
         entity or organization, governmental or otherwise.

                  (g) "Share Plan" means Capital Trust's 1997 Long-Term
         Incentive Share Plan, and any successor plan thereto.

                  (h) "Transfer" means any direct or indirect transfer,
         donation, sale, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, grant of security
         interest in or other disposal or attempted disposal of all or any
         portion of a security.

                  (i) "Veqtor" means Veqtor Finance Company, LLC, a Delaware 
         limited liability company.



  
                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART SIX

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         6.01 Indemnification. The Executive shall be entitled in respect of all
acts or omissions by Executive occurring at any time during the Employment
Period to the benefit of the indemnification provisions contained in the Capital
Trust Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust in the form adopted and approved
by the shareholders of Capital Trust at the annual meeting of shareholders of
Capital Trust next succeeding the date of this Agreement and the bylaws of
Capital Trust in effect on the date hereof (not including any amendments or
additions that limit or narrow, but including any that add to or broaden, the
protection afforded to the Executive by those provisions), to the extent not
prohibited by applicable law.


         6.02 Assignment. The Executive and Capital Trust acknowledge and agree
that the covenants, terms and provisions contained in this Agreement constitute
a personal employment contract and the rights of the parties thereunder cannot
be transferred, sold, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, excepting that (a) the
Executive's rights pursuant to Section 4.02 or 4.03 may be transferred by will
or operation of law and the Executive's Employee Benefits may be assigned or
transferred in accordance with such policies, programs, plans or Capital Trust
practices; and (b) the rights and obligations of Capital Trust under this
Agreement may be assigned or transferred by operation of law pursuant to a
merger, consolidation, share exchange, sale of substantially all of Capital
Trust's assets, or other reorganization described in Section 368 of the Code, or
through liquidation, dissolution or otherwise, whether or not Capital Trust is
the continuing entity, provided that the assignee or transferee is the successor
to all or substantially all of the assets of Capital Trust and such assignee or
transferee assumes the rights and duties of Capital Trust, if any, as contained
in this Agreement, either contractually or as a matter of law.

         6.03 Capacity. The Executive hereby represents and warrants that, in
entering into this Agreement, he is not in violation of any contract or
agreement, whether written or oral, with any other person, firm, partnership,
corporation, or other entity to which he is a party or by which he is bound and
will not violate or interfere with the rights of any other person, firm,
partnership, corporation or other entity. In the event that such a violation or
interference does occur, or is alleged to occur, notwithstanding the
representation and warranty made hereunder, the Executive shall indemnify
Capital Trust from and against any and all manner of expenses and liabilities
incurred by Capital Trust or any affiliated company of Capital Trust in
connection with such violation or interference or alleged violation or
interference.

         6.04 Severability. If any phrase, clause or provision of this Agreement
is declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
phrase, clause or provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement, but
will not affect any other provisions of this Agreement, which shall otherwise
remain in full force and effect. If any restriction or

 
                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
limitation in this Agreement is deemed to be unreasonable, onerous and unduly
restrictive by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not be stricken in
its entirety and held totally void and unenforceable, but shall remain effective
to the maximum extent permissible within reasonable bounds.

         6.05 Notices. Any notice, request or other communication required to be
given pursuant to the provisions hereof shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to have been given when delivered in person or five (5) days after being
deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered, postage pre-paid,
return receipt requested and addressed to the party at its or his last known
addresses. The address of any party may be changed by notice in writing to the
other parties duly served in accordance herewith.

         6.06 Waiver. The waiver by Capital Trust or the Executive of any breach
of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute the
waiver of any other breach of the same or any other term or condition hereof.

         6.07 Governing Law. This Agreement and the enforcement thereof shall be
governed and controlled in all respects by the laws of the State of New York
(applicable to agreements to be performed wholly within such state).


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date first hereinabove written.

                                CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST


                                By:  /s/ Craig M. Hatkoff
                                    ------------------------------------------
                                Title:
                                    ------------------------------------------



                                EXECUTIVE:

                                     /s/ John Klopp
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                     JOHN KLOPP








  
                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit A
                                     RELEASE

         1. Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement made as of _______
__, 1997, between California Real Estate Investment Trust, a trust organized
under the laws of the State of California and established under a Declaration of
Trust dated September 15, 1966, as amended from time to time (such trust and any
successors thereto being hereinafter referred to as "Capital Trust"), and the
undersigned (the "Agreement"), and in consideration of the payments made to me
and other benefits to be received by me pursuant thereto, I, John Klopp, being
of lawful age, do hereby release, and forever discharge, Capital Trust and its
trustees, directors, officers, shareholders, subsidiaries, agents, and
employees, from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, or demands for
general, special or punitive damages, attorney's fees, expenses, or other
compensation, which in any way relate to or arise out of my employment with
Capital Trust or any of its subsidiaries or the termination of such employment
(but not for actions, causes of action, claims or demands not directly related
to such employment or termination of employment, even if arising at the time of
termination), which I may now or hereafter have under any federal, state or
local law, regulation or order, including without limitation, under the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, through and including the date of
this Release; provided, however, that this Release shall not release Capital
Trust's obligations with respect to (a) payment of the severance payments and
compliance with the other provisions of Section 4.01(a) of the Agreement, (b)
Executive's rights under the Share Plan and any grants to Executive thereunder
(as the terms of such grants have been modified by the provisions of Section
4.01(a) of the Agreement) and (c) paragraph 2 of this Release.

         2. Capital Trust agrees that, from and after the date hereof, if asked
about the undersigned's separation from Capital Trust, except as otherwise
required by applicable law, Capital Trust will not make any public statement
regarding such separation other than that the undersigned has left Capital Trust
to pursue other interests. From and after the date hereof, Capital Trust will
not intentionally make any defamatory or disparaging statements about the
undersigned or the undersigned's performance for Capital Trust. For purposes of
this paragraph 2 only, Capital Trust shall mean only Samuel Zell, Sheli Z.
Rosenberg, Gary R. Garrabrant (as long as the foregoing persons are still
directly or indirectly affiliated with Capital Trust) and any persons then
holding the position of trustee or director of Capital Trust, and shall
specifically exclude Craig Hatkoff.

         3. I agree that, from and after the date hereof, if asked about my
separation from Capital Trust, except as otherwise required by applicable law, I
will not make any public statement regarding such separation other than that I
have left Capital Trust to pursue other interests. From and after the date
hereof, I will not intentionally make any defamatory or disparaging statements
about Capital Trust, its subsidiaries or their products, services, trustees,
directors, officers, shareholders, employees, agents, customers or business
relationships.



 
                                       A-1
<PAGE>
 
         4. I further state that I have read this Release and the Agreement
referred to herein, that I know the contents of both and that I have executed
the same as my own free act.

         WITNESS my hand this ___ day of _________ __, ____.


                                                     __________________________
                                                     John Klopp


AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED
THIS ____ DAY OF ___________, ____

CAPITAL TRUST

By:________________________________

  
                                       A-2

<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT 10.6

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of
this 15th day of July, 1997, by and between California Real Estate Investment
Trust, a trust organized under the laws of the State of California and
established under a Declaration of Trust dated September 15, 1966, as amended
from time to time (such trust and any successors thereto being hereinafter
referred to as "Capital Trust") and Craig Hatkoff (the "Executive"). Capitalized
terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in Part Five hereof.

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, Capital Trust desires to employ the Executive as the Vice
Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Capital Trust;
and

          WHEREAS, the Executive desires to be employed by Capital Trust at the
salary and benefits provided for herein; and

         WHEREAS, the Executive acknowledges and understands that during the
course of his employment, the Executive will develop certain strategic business
relationships and become familiar with certain confidential information of
Capital Trust which are exceptionally valuable to Capital Trust and vital to the
success of Capital Trust's business; and

         WHEREAS, Capital Trust and the Executive desire to protect such
business relationships and such confidential information from use to the
detriment of Capital Trust or disclosure to third parties.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto acknowledge
and agree as follows:

                                      TERMS

                                    PART ONE

                          NATURE AND TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

         1.01 Employment. Capital Trust hereby agrees to employ the Executive,
and the Executive hereby accepts such employment, as the Vice Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Trust.

         1.02 Term of Employment. The term of the Executive's employment
hereunder shall be for a period of five years beginning on the date of this
Agreement (the "Original Term").


 
<PAGE>
 
         1.03 Term Extension. Immediately as of the expiration of the Original
Term and each Renewal Period, this Agreement will automatically renew and extend
for successive one year periods (the "Renewal Periods"), unless Capital Trust or
Executive shall have delivered to the other written notice of non-renewal at
least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Original Term or the
applicable Renewal Period, in which case the Original Term or the applicable
Renewal Period shall expire effective as of the last day of the Original Term or
the applicable Renewal Period, as the case may be. The period during which
Executive shall be employed by Capital Trust hereunder shall be referred to
herein as the "Employment Period." Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
contained herein, the Original Term and the Renewal Periods are each subject to
termination pursuant to Part Four below.

         1.04 Duties. The duties of the Executive shall be as determined by the
Board of Trustees of Capital Trust (the "Board") consistent with the Executive's
title and position with the Company, and the Executive shall report to the Board
and shall be subject to the Board's direction and control. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Executive shall manage the business of Capital
Trust on a day-to-day basis and shall report to and advise the Board regarding
the management and operation of Capital Trust's business. The Executive agrees
to devote his full business time attention and energies to the diligent
performance of his duties hereunder and will not, during the Employment Period,
engage in, accept employment from or provide services to any other person, firm,
corporation, governmental agency or other entity; provided, however, that
subject to Section 3.04 hereof, Executive may (a) devote a reasonable amount of
time to civic activities, (b) maintain not more than three outside board
positions with companies which do not compete with Capital Trust and serve on
the board of directors of a cooperative apartment in which Executive lives, in
each case subject to the prior consent of the Board, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, and (c) manage his own investments, provided that such
activities do not conflict with or detract from the Executive's diligent
performance of Executive's duties hereunder.

                                    PART TWO

                            COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

         2.01 Salary. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall receive
a base salary at the rate of$500,000 dollars per annum (the "Base Salary"),
payable in regular installments in accordance with Capital Trust's general
payroll practices for salaried employees. During the Employment Period, the Base
Salary shall be increased as of each anniversary of the date of this Agreement
by a percentage amount not less than any percentage increase in the Consumer
Price Index and may be further increased at the discretion of the Board.

          2.02  Bonus. In addition to his Base Salary, Executive may receive
during the Employment Period, as determined annually at the discretion of the
Board, an annual incentive

  
                                       -2-
<PAGE>
 
cash bonus based upon Executive's performance and the profitability of Capital
Trust during such period.

         2.03 Benefits. During the Term of this Agreement, Capital Trust agrees
to provide to Executive such benefits as are provided to other employees of
Capital Trust from time to time, including but not limited to, any health,
disability, life, deferred compensation, profit-sharing, pension, or other
employee benefit policies, programs or plans which Capital Trust provides to its
employees (collectively, the "Employee Benefits"), all at levels determined by
the Board and commensurate with the Executive's position.

         2.04 Expenses. During the Term of this Agreement, the Executive shall
be reimbursed by Capital Trust for all ordinary and necessary out-of-pocket
expenses for travel, lodging, meals, entertainment expenses, or any other
similar reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in performing services for
Capital Trust in accordance with the policies established by the Board.

         2.05 Vacations. The Executive shall be entitled to a paid vacation of
four (4) weeks during each twelve month period during the Employment Period,
provided, however, that the Executive's vacation shall be in accordance with
policies established by the Board.

         2.06 Life Insurance. During the Employment Period, provided the
Executive passes any necessary health examination and such coverage is
purchasable at commercially reasonable rates, Capital Trust shall provide the
Executive with term life insurance coverage providing a death benefit equal to
not less than $1,500,000, the beneficiary of which shall be designated by the
Executive. Capital Trust agrees to pay all of the premiums required to provide
the aforesaid term life insurance coverage to the Executive.

         2.07 Disability Insurance. During the Employment Period, provided the
Executive passes any necessary health examination and such coverage is
purchasable at commercially reasonable rates, Capital Trust shall provide the
Executive with disability insurance coverage equal to sixty percent (60%) of his
Base Salary.

         2.08 Share Plan. Executive shall participate in Capital Trust's Share
Plan at a level determined by the Board and commensurate with his position.

         2.09 Matching Compensation Level. As long as Executive and Craig
Hatkoff ("Hatkoff") are both employed by Capital Trust, the aggregate
compensation payable by Capital Trust to Executive for any period (including the
granting of any equity awards under the Share Plan) shall be equal to the
aggregate compensation payable by Capital Trust to Hatkoff for the same period
(including the granting of any equity awards under the Share Plan); it being
understood that, if Hatkoff's employment is terminated for any reason, any cash
amounts payable to Hatkoff, and any accelerated vesting of any grants under the
Share Plan, as

 
                                       -3-
<PAGE>
 
a result of the termination of Hatkoff's employment, shall not be deemed
compensation payable by Capital Trust to Hatkoff subject to the "equal payment"
requirement of this Section 2.09.

         2.10 Withholding. Any amounts payable to the Executive hereunder shall
be paid to the Executive subject to all applicable taxes required to be withheld
by the Company pursuant to federal, state or local law. The Executive or his
beneficiary, if applicable, shall be solely responsible for all taxes imposed on
the Executive or his beneficiary by reason of his receipt of any amount of
compensation or benefits payable to the Executive hereunder.

                                   PART THREE

                    CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND COMPETITION

         3.01 Definition of Confidential Information. For the purposes of this
Agreement, the term "Confidential Information" shall mean all information and
all documents and other tangible items which record information which is
non-public, confidential or proprietary in nature with respect to Capital Trust
or its customers, clients or investors and shall include, but shall not be
limited to: (a) all information, which at the time or times concerned is
protectible as a trade secret under applicable law; (b) business and investment
plans and strategies; (c) marketing plans and strategies; and (d) proprietary
software and business records. Capital Trust and the Executive acknowledge and
agree that the Confidential Information is extremely valuable to Capital Trust
and the information referred to in subparagraphs (b) through (d) inclusive of
this Section 3.01 is especially sensitive and valuable.

         3.02 Non-Disclosure of Confidential Information. The Executive will not
during, or for a period of two (2) years after termination of the Executive's
employment for any or no reason, in any form or manner, directly or indirectly,
divulge, disclose or communicate to any person, entity, firm, corporation or any
other third party, or utilize for the Employee's personal benefit of for the
benefit of any person, entity, firm or corporation (other than Capital Trust),
any Confidential Information.

         3.03 Delivery Upon Termination. Upon termination of the Executive's
employment with CapitalTrust for any or no reason, the Executive will promptly
deliver to Capital Trust all correspondence, manuals, letters, notes, notebooks,
reports, programs, plans, proposals, financial documents, or any other documents
or media concerning Capital Trust and/or which contains Confidential
Information.

         3.04 Covenant-Not-To-Compete. The Executive will not during the
Employment Period, and, in the event the Executive's employment is terminated by
Capital Trust for Cause or by Executive voluntarily other than for Good Reason,
for a period of one (1) year following termination of the Executive's
employment, in any form or manner, directly or indirectly, on his own behalf or
in combination with others, engage in or become interested in (as an individual,
partner, member, stockholder, director, officer, principal, agent, independent

 
                                       -4-
<PAGE>
 
contractor, employee, trustee, or in any other relation or capacity whatsoever,
except as a holder of securities of a corporation whose securities are publicly
traded and which is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, and then only to the extent of owning not more than five
percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding securities of such corporation) any
business which is competitive with the business of Capital Trust or any Capital
Trust Affiliate, as conducted or proposed to be conducted as of the date of
termination of Executive's employment.

         3.05 Restriction Against Employing Capital Trust Employees. The
Executive will not, for a period of (1) one year after termination of
Executive's employment for any or no reason, directly or indirectly, whether
individually, as a director, stockholder, partner, member, owner, employee or
agent of any business, or in any other capacity or solicit for employment or
engagement, any person who is employed or otherwise engaged by Capital Trust on,
or within 180 days prior to, such termination of Executive.

         3.06 Continuing Obligation. The obligations, duties and liabilities of
the Executive pursuant to Part Three of this Agreement are continuing, absolute
and unconditional and shall remain in full force and effect as provided therein
despite any termination of the Executive's employment with Capital Trust for any
or no reason, including, but not limited to, the expiration of the Employment
Period.

         3.07 Executive Acknowledgment/Injunctive Relief. Executive acknowledges
and agrees that the covenants set forth in Part Three hereof are reasonable and
necessary for the protection of Capital Trust's business interests, that such
covenants will not result in undue economic hardship to Executive, that
irreparable injury will result to Capital Trust if Executive breaches any of the
terms of said covenants, and that in the event of Executive's actual or
threatened breach of any such covenants, Capital Trust will have no adequate
remedy at law. Executive accordingly agrees that in the event of any actual or
threatened breach by him of any of said covenants, Capital Trust shall be
entitled to immediate injunctive and other equitable relief, without bond and
without the necessity of showing any actual monetary damages. If, in any action
by Capital Trust against the Executive to enforce the provisions of this Part
Three, there shall be a final judicial finding that the Executive has committed
a material breach of this Part Three, the Executive shall reimburse Capital
Trust for its reasonable costs and expenses in such action (including court
costs and reasonable attorney's fees). If, in any action by Capital Trust
against the Executive to enforce the provisions of this Part Three, there shall
be a final judicial finding that the Executive has not committed a material
breach of this Part Three, Capital Trust shall reimburse the Executive for his
reasonable costs and expenses in defending such action (including court costs
and reasonable attorney's fees). If in any such action there is no judicial
finding on the issue of a material breach by the Executive of this Part Three,
neither party shall be obligated to reimburse the other for costs and expenses
relating to the action. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting Capital
Trust from pursuing any other remedies available to it for such breach or
threatened breach, including the recovery of any damages which it is able to
prove.


                                       -5-
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART FOUR

                                   TERMINATION

         4.01 Termination upon Written Notice. Either Capital Trust or the
Executive may terminate the Executive's employment as provided in Subparagraphs
(a) and (b) below during the Employment Period by delivery to the other party of
a written notice (the "Termination Notice") indicating the date Executive's
employment is terminated (the "Termination Date").

                  (a) If Capital Trust terminates the Executive's employment
         other than for Cause or Disability or if Executive terminates his
         employment with Capital Trust for Good Reason and such termination
         takes place within 90 days of the later of (i) the latest occurrence of
         events or omissions comprising Good Reason and (ii) the discovery by
         Executive of the grounds for Good Reason, Capital Trust and Executive
         shall have the rights and obligations provided in this Section 4.01(a).
         Capital Trust shall be required to pay to the Executive: (i) the
         Executive's Base Salary and incentive cash bonus, if any, accrued up to
         the Termination Date, and (ii) upon execution and delivery by Executive
         of the form of Release attached hereto as Exhibit A, and the expiration
         of the seven day revocation period provided in said Release without
         revocation of said Release by Executive, a severance payment equal to
         the greater of (A) the Base Salary payable to Executive over the
         remainder of the Employment Period had Executive not been so terminated
         and (B) the amount of the Base Salary as of the Termination Date for
         one (1) full calendar year (the "Severance"). The Severance shall be
         payable over a period of time equal to the greater of (A) the remainder
         of the Employment Period had Executive not been so terminated and (B)
         one (1) year, in either case, beginning on the Termination Date and in
         regular installments in accordance with Capital Trust's general payroll
         practices for salaried employees. Furthermore, Capital Trust shall be
         required to maintain for the Executive and his spouse and children
         under the age of 21 medical insurance coverage to which the Executive
         and his spouse and children under the age of 21 were entitled
         immediately preceding the date of the Executive's termination until the
         earlier of (x) the two (2) year period expiring on the second
         anniversary of the Termination Date or (y) such time as Executive shall
         obtain employment or other engagement offering comparable or better
         medical insurance coverage. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
         the Share Plan, all unvested options granted to the Executive under the
         Share Plan will automatically vest and become immediately exercisable
         for the total number of shares purchasable thereunder. Notwithstanding
         anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, such options will expire on
         the earlier of (i) the expiration date of such options under the Share
         Plan and (ii) one year from the Termination Date. Except as set forth
         in this Section 4.01(a), Executive shall not be entitled to receive any
         other severance, benefits or compensation of any kind whatsoever.

 
                                       -6-
<PAGE>
 
                  (b) If the Executive terminates his employment voluntarily
         other than for Good Reason, Capital Trust and Executive shall have the
         rights and obligations provided in this Section 4.01(b). Executive
         shall be entitled to receive only his Base Salary accrued through the
         Termination Date as set forth in the Termination Notice, and except as
         set forth in this Section 4.01(b), Executive shall not be entitled to
         receive any other severance, benefits or compensation of any kind
         whatsoever. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in
         the Share Plan, all unvested options granted to the Executive under the
         Share Plan will be forfeited. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
         in the Share Plan, vested options granted to the Executive under the
         Share Plan will expire on the earlier of (i) the expiration date of
         such options and (ii) the date ninety (90) days following the
         Termination Date.

         4.02 Termination Upon Death. Upon the Executive's death during the
Employment Period, CapitalTrust and Executive shall have the rights and
obligations provided in this Section 4.02. This Agreement shall terminate,
except that the Executive's legal representatives shall be entitled to receive
(a) the Executive's Base Salary, accrued up to the date of the Executive's
death, and (b) any death benefits payable under the life insurance policy
maintained for the Executive's benefit referred to in Section 2.06 hereof.
Capital Trust shall continue the medical insurance coverage for the benefit of
Executive's spouse and children under the age of 21 to which they were entitled
immediately preceding the date of the Executive's death for one year from the
date of Executive's death. Upon Executive's death, all unvested options granted
to the Executive under the Share Plan will be forfeited. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, vested options granted to the
Executive under the Share Plan will expire on the earlier of (i) the expiration
date of such options and (ii) the first anniversary of termination of
employment. Except as set forth in this Section 4.02, Executive shall not be
entitled to receive any other severance, benefits or compensation of any kind
whatsoever.

         4.03 Termination Upon Disability. If, during the Employment Period, in
the reasonable opinion of the Board, the Executive becomes physically or
mentally disabled, whether totally or partially, so that the Executive is unable
substantially to perform his duties hereunder (a) for a period of ninety (90)
consecutive days or (b) for shorter periods aggregating one hundred and eighty
(180) days during any three hundred and sixty (360) day period, Capital Trust
may at any time thereafter terminate the Executive's employment under this
Agreement. In the event of such termination, Capital Trust and Executive shall
have the rights and obligations provided in this Section 4.03. Executive shall
be entitled to continue to receive his Base Salary until commencement of
payments under Executive's disability insurance policy. Capital Trust shall
continue the medical insurance coverage for the benefit of Executive and his
spouse and children under the age of 21 for a period of one year following such
termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, all
unvested options under the Share Plan will be forfeited without any payment or
other consideration to the Executive. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in the Share Plan, vested options under the Share Plan will expire on (i) the
earlier of the expiration date of such

  
                                       -7-
<PAGE>
 
options and the first anniversary of the termination of employment. Except as
set forth in this Section 4.03, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any
other severance, benefits or compensation of any kind whatsoever.

         4.04 Termination for Cause. Capital Trust has the right, at any time
during the Employment Period, exercisable by serving notice, effective in
accordance with its terms, to terminate the Executive's employment under this
Agreement for"Cause". If such right is exercised, Capital Trust and Executive
shall have the rights and obligations provided in this Section 4.04. Capital
Trust's obligation to the Executive shall be limited to the payment and/or
satisfaction of unpaid Base Salary accrued up to the effective date specified in
Capital Trust's notice of termination. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in the Share Plan, all unvested options under the Share Plan will be forfeited
without any payment or other consideration to the Executive. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in the Share Plan, vested options under the Share Plan
will expire on the earlier of (a) the expiration date of such options and (b)
the date 90 days following the date of termination of employment. Except as set
forth in this Section 4.04, Executive shall not be entitled to receive any other
severance, benefits or compensation of any kind whatsoever.

         4.05 Sole Remedy. The amounts payable to the Executive, if any, under
the applicable provisions of this Part Four in connection with the termination
of the Executive's employment, voluntarily or involuntarily, for any or no
reason, shall be the only remedy, legal or equitable, available to the Executive
in connection with such termination (but not for claims or causes of action not
directly related to such termination, even if arising at the time of
termination), and such amounts shall constitute liquidated damages.


                                    PART FIVE

                               CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

          5.01   Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following
terms have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:

                  (a) "Affiliate" shall mean (i) with respect to any Person, any
         Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is
         under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition,
         "control" shall mean the power to direct, or cause the direction of,
         the management of policies of a Person, whether through the ownership
         of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

                  (b) "Cause" shall mean:

                           (i)  fraud, embezzlement or conviction of a felony;


 
                                       -8-
<PAGE>
 
                           (ii) misappropriation of any money, proprietary
                                information or other assets or properties of
                                Capital Trust or any affiliate of Capital Trust
                                other than (A) an isolated, insubstantial and
                                unintentional misappropriation which is promptly
                                remedied by the Executive after receipt of
                                notice thereof given by Capital Trust or (B) any
                                good faith dispute regarding reimbursement of
                                expenses or other similar good faith dispute;

                          (iii) willful and material breach by the Executive of
                                the terms of this Agreement;

                           (iv) any other verifiable misconduct of Executive
                                materially and adversely affecting the
                                reputation of Capital Trust; or

                           (v)  the Transfer by Executive other than a Permitted
                                Transfer, as defined in, and in accordance with
                                the provisions of that certain Rights Agreement
                                by and among, Veqtor, V2 Holdings, LLC, a
                                Delaware limited liability company ("V2"), SZ
                                Investments, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
                                company ("SZ"), Executive and Hatkoff of even
                                date herewith.

                  (c) "Change in Control" shall mean:

                           (i)  a merger or acquisition involving Capital Trust
                                in which 50% or more of Capital Trust's voting
                                stock outstanding after the merger or
                                acquisition is held by holders different from
                                those who held Capital Trust's voting stock
                                immediately prior to such merger or acquisition;

                          (ii)  the sale, transfer or other disposition of all
                                or substantially all of the assets of Capital
                                Trust in liquidation or dissolution of Capital
                                Trust;

                         (iii)  a transfer of all or substantially all of
                                Capital Trust's assets pursuant to a partnership
                                or joint venture agreement or similar
                                arrangement where Capital Trust's resulting
                                interest is or becomes less than 50%;

                          (iv)  on or after the date hereof, a change in
                                ownership of Capital Trust through an action or
                                series of transactions, such that any person is
                                or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or
                                indirectly, of 50% or more of Capital Trust's
                                voting stock; or


  
                                       -9-
<PAGE>
 
                         (v)    the composition of the Board changes such that
                                without the prior written approval of each of
                                the Board designees of SZ and V2, such designees
                                cease to comprise a majority of the Board.

                  (d) "Consumer Price Index" shall mean Index-U.S. City Average
         (CPI-U) (Base Year 1987 = 100) as reported by the Bureau of Labor
         Statistics, United States Department of Labor for the preceding
         twelve-month period ended the immediately prior December 31, or if the
         1987 average shall no longer be used as an index of 100, an adjustment
         shall be made in such revised index which would have been obtained if
         the Consumer Price Index has not been so revised or if said average was
         still in use. In the event such index is no longer reported, such
         similar index of the cost of living as reported by any other United
         Stated government agency or if no government agency shall at such time
         publish such an index, a comparable index published by a major bank or
         other financial institution or by a university or recognized financial
         publication.

                  (e) "Good Reason" shall mean:

                           (i)  the assignment to the Executive of any duties
                                inconsistent in any respect with the Executive's
                                position (including status, offices, titles and
                                reporting requirements), authority, duties or
                                responsibilities as contemplated by Section 1.04
                                or any other action by Capital Trust which
                                results in a material diminution of such
                                position, authority, duties or responsibilities,
                                including hiring by Capital Trust of an
                                executive to whom Executive reports or who does
                                not report to Executive or Hatkoff, but
                                excluding for this purpose an isolated,
                                insubstantial or inadvertent action not taken in
                                bad faith and which is remedied by Capital Trust
                                promptly after receipt of notice thereof given
                                by the Executive;

                         (ii)   Capital Trust's requiring the Executive, without
                                Executive's consent, to be based at any office
                                or location outside of a 40 mile radius of
                                Midtown Manhattan, New York, New York;

                         (iii)  a willful and material breach of this Agreement
                                by Capital Trust; or

                         (iv)   a Change in Control of Capital Trust following
                                which the acquirer is for any reason not bound
                                by any material term of this Agreement to the
                                same extent as Capital Trust immediately prior
                                to such Change in Control.


 
                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
                  (f) "Person" means any individual, corporation, association,
         partnership, limited liability company, estate, trust and any other
         entity or organization, governmental or otherwise.

                  (g) "Share Plan" means Capital Trust's 1997 Long-Term
         Incentive Share Plan, and any successor plan thereto.

                  (h) "Transfer" means any direct or indirect transfer,
         donation, sale, assignment, pledge, hypothecation, grant of security
         interest in or other disposal or attempted disposal of all or any
         portion of a security.

                  (i)  "Veqtor" means Veqtor Finance Company, LLC, a Delaware 
         limited liability company.

                                    PART SIX

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         6.01 Indemnification. The Executive shall be entitled in respect of all
acts or omissions by Executive occurring at any time during the Employment
Period to the benefit of the indemnification provisions contained in the Capital
Trust Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust in the form adopted and approved
by the shareholders of Capital Trust at the annual meeting of shareholders of
Capital Trust next succeeding the date of this Agreement and the bylaws of
Capital Trust in effect on the date hereof (not including any amendments or
additions that limit or narrow, but including any that add to or broaden, the
protection afforded to the Executive by those provisions), to the extent not
prohibited by applicable law.

         6.02 Assignment. The Executive and Capital Trust acknowledge and agree
that the covenants, terms and provisions contained in this Agreement constitute
a personal employment contract and the rights of the parties thereunder cannot
be transferred, sold, assigned, pledged or hypothecated, excepting that (a) the
Executive's rights pursuant to Section 4.02 or 4.03 may be transferred by will
or operation of law and the Executive's Employee Benefits may be assigned or
transferred in accordance with such policies, programs, plans or Capital Trust
practices; and (b) the rights and obligations of Capital Trust under this
Agreement may be assigned or transferred by operation of law pursuant to a
merger, consolidation, share exchange, sale of substantially all of Capital
Trust's assets, or other reorganization described in Section 368 of the Code, or
through liquidation, dissolution or otherwise, whether or not Capital Trust is
the continuing entity, provided that the assignee or transferee is the successor
to all or substantially all of the assets of Capital Trust and such assignee or
transferee assumes the rights and duties of Capital Trust, if any, as contained
in this Agreement, either contractually or as a matter of law.


  
                                      -11-
<PAGE>
 
         6.03 Capacity. The Executive hereby represents and warrants that, in
entering into thisAgreement, he is not in violation of any contract or
agreement, whether written or oral, with any other person, firm, partnership,
corporation, or other entity to which he is a party or by which he is bound and
will not violate or interfere with the rights of any other person, firm,
partnership, corporation or other entity. In the event that such a violation or
interference does occur, or is alleged to occur, notwithstanding the
representation and warranty made hereunder, the Executive shall indemnify
Capital Trust from and against any and all manner of expenses and liabilities
incurred by Capital Trust or any affiliated company of Capital Trust in
connection with such violation or interference or alleged violation or
interference.

         6.04 Severability. If any phrase, clause or provision of this Agreement
is declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such
phrase, clause or provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement, but
will not affect any other provisions of this Agreement, which shall otherwise
remain in full force and effect. If any restriction or limitation in this
Agreement is deemed to be unreasonable, onerous and unduly restrictive by a
court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not be stricken in its entirety and
held totally void and unenforceable, but shall remain effective to the maximum
extent permissible within reasonable bounds.

         6.05 Notices. Any notice, request or other communication required to be
given pursuant to the provisions hereof shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to have been given when delivered in person or five (5) days after being
deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered, postage pre-paid,
return receipt requested and addressed to the party at its or his last known
addresses. The address of any party may be changed by notice in writing to the
other parties duly served in accordance herewith.

         6.06 Waiver. The waiver by Capital Trust or the Executive of any breach
of any term or condition of this Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute the
waiver of any other breach of the same or any other term or condition hereof.

         6.07 Governing Law. This Agreement and the enforcement thereof shall be
governed and controlled in all respects by the laws of the State of New York
(applicable to agreements to be performed wholly within such state).



  
                                      -12-
<PAGE>
 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date first hereinabove written.

                                       CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
                                         TRUST



                                       By:  /s/JOHN R. KLOPP
                                            ------------------------------------
                                       Title:
                                             -----------------------------------
                                              


                                       EXECUTIVE:



                                             /s/CRAIG HATKOFF
                                             -----------------------------------



 
                                      -13-
<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit A
                                     RELEASE

         1. Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement made as of
_________ __, 1997, between California Real Estate Investment Trust, a trust
organized under the laws of the State of California and established under a
Declaration of Trust dated September 15, 1966, as amended from time to time
(such trust and any successors thereto being hereinafter referred to as "Capital
Trust"), and the undersigned (the "Agreement"), and in consideration of the
payments made to me and other benefits to be received by me pursuant thereto, I,
Craig Hatkoff, being of lawful age, do hereby release, and forever discharge,
Capital Trust and its trustees, directors, officers, shareholders, subsidiaries,
agents, and employees, from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, or
demands for general, special or punitive damages, attorney's fees, expenses, or
other compensation, which in any way relate to or arise out of my employment
with Capital Trust or any of its subsidiaries or the termination of such
employment (but not for actions, causes of action, claims or demands not
directly related to such employment or termination of employment, even if
arising at the time of termination), which I may now or hereafter have under any
federal, state or local law, regulation or order, including without limitation,
under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, as amended, through and
including the date of this Release; provided, however, that this Release shall
not release Capital Trust's obligations with respect to (a) payment of the
severance payments and compliance with the other provisions of Section 4.01(a)
of the Agreement, (b) Executive's rights under the Share Plan and any grants to
Executive thereunder (as the terms of such grants have been modified by the
provisions of section 4.01(a) of the Agreement) and (c) paragraph 2 of this
Release.

         2. Capital Trust agrees that, from and after the date hereof, if asked
about the undersigned's separation from Capital Trust, except as otherwise
required by applicable law, Capital Trust will not make any public statement
regarding such separation other than that the undersigned has left Capital Trust
to pursue other interests. From and after the date hereof, Capital Trust will
not intentionally make any defamatory or disparaging statements about the
undersigned or the undersigned's performance for Capital Trust. For purposes of
this paragraph 2 only, Capital Trust shall mean only Samuel Zell, Sheli Z.
Rosenberg, Gary R. Garrabrant (as long as the foregoing persons are still
directly or indirectly affiliated with Capital Trust) and any persons then
holding the position of trustee or director of Capital Trust, and shall
specifically exclude Craig Hatkoff.

         3. I agree that, from and after the date hereof, if asked about my
separation from Capital Trust, except as otherwise required by applicable law, I
will not make any public statement regarding such separation other than that I
have left Capital Trust to pursue other interests. From and after the date
hereof, I will not intentionally make any defamatory or disparaging statements
about Capital Trust, its subsidiaries or their products, services, trustees,
directors, officers, shareholders, employees, agents, customers or business
relationships.

 
                                       A-1
<PAGE>
 
         4. I further state that I have read this Release and the Agreement
referred to herein, that I know the contents of both and that I have executed
the same as my own free act.

WITNESS my hand this __ day of ____________, ____.



                                                     __________________________
                                                     Craig Hatkoff
AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED
THIS_________DAY OF __________, _______

CAPITAL TRUST

By:_____________________________




 
                                       A-2

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.7

         CONSULTING AGREEMENT, dated July 15, 1997, among Capital Trust, a
California business trust (the "Company"), and Gary R. Garrabrant (the
"Consultant").

                              Preliminary statement

         The Company wishes to engage the services of the Consultant as a
consultant and the Consultant wishes to serve the Company as a consultant, on
the terms set forth below.

         Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows.

1.       Engagement of the Consultant.

         (a)      The Company hereby agrees to engage the Consultant, and the
                  Consultant hereby agrees to serve, as a consultant to the
                  Company on the terms and conditions set forth herein during
                  the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on July
                  15, 1998.

         (b)      This Agreement may be terminated by the Company in the event
                  that for a period of 60 consecutive days Consultant is unable
                  by reason of illness or other inability or unwilling to
                  perform services as required hereunder in which case the fees
                  specified in section 4 shall be prorated to the date of
                  termination. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in
                  the event of the death of the Consultant.

2.       Duties of the Consultant. The Consultant will provide such consulting
         services as the Company requests, including strategic planning,
         identifying and negotiating mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and
         strategic alliances, and advising as to capital structure.

3.       Time commitment of the Consultant. The Consultant will make his
         services available to the Company when and as needed by the Company,
         subject to:

         a.       receipt by the Consultant of reasonable advance notice from
                  the Company of the need for the Consultant's services,

         b.       Consultant's bona fide prior commitments, and

         c.       the requirement that the Consultant not be required to spend
                  in excess of 15 hours per week providing consulting services
                  hereunder during the term of this agreement.

4.       Compensation. The Consultant shall receive a consulting fee of $150,000
         for his services during the term of this agreement, payable in equal
         monthly installments during the term of this agreement.

                  
 
<PAGE>
 
5.       Participation in the Company's Incentive Share Plan. The Consultant
         shall be entitled to participate in the Company's Incentive Share Plan
         on such basis as may be determined by the Compensation Committee of the
         board of trustees of the Company.

6.       No trustee liability. The Consultant agrees that the trustees of the
         Company shall have no personal liability to the Consultant under this
         agreement and that any obligation of the Company hereunder shall be
         satisfied solely from the assets of the Company.

7.       Independent Contractor. The parties agree that Consultant is an
         independent contractor and that any persons whom Consultant may employ
         to assist Consultant shall be deemed to be Consultant's employees in
         all respects. Consultant agrees that Consultant is not an employee of
         the Company and shall not be entitled to any benefits afforded by the
         Company to its employees or employees of its affiliates by reason of
         the services performed under this Agreement, other than as provided in
         section 5 with respect to the Company's Incentive Share Plan. The
         Company will not deduct from the consulting fees paid under this
         Agreement any taxes, payments for unemployment compensation, social
         security or other expenses unless required to do so by law and
         Consultant will be responsible for payment of all such taxes and
         expenses.

8.       Miscellaneous. No provision of this agreement may be modified, waived
         or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed
         in writing, and is signed by the Consultant and the Company. No waiver
         by any party hereto at any time of any breach by any other party hereto
         of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this agreement to
         be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or
         dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
         subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise,
         express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been
         made by any party which are not set forth expressly in this agreement.
         The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this
         agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York,
         without regard to its principles of conflict of laws. This Agreement is
         for the personal services of Consultant. Consultant's rights and
         obligations hereunder may not be assigned by Consultant without the
         prior written consent of the Company.

9.       Counterparts. This agreement may be executed in one or more
         counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all
         of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

10.      Headings. The headings contained herein are for reference purposes only
         and shall not in any way affect the meaning or interpretation of this
         agreement.

                                       2
 
<PAGE>
 
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement on the
date first above written.

                                         CAPITAL TRUST


                                       By:  /s/JOHN R. KLOPP
                                            ------------------------------------




                                       By:  /s/GARY R. GARRABRANT
                                            ------------------------------------

                                                    THE CONSULTANT

                                       3
  

<PAGE>
                                                                EXHIBIT 10.8
 
                             AGREEMENT OF SUBLEASE


                                    between


                     THE NEW YORK JOB DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY


                                                                Sublessor


                                      and


                           VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.


                                                                Sublessee



                               Premises:            
                               --------             
                               605 Third Avenue     
                               New York, New York   
                               Entire 26th Floor     
<PAGE>
 
                            TABLE OF CONTENTS
                            -----------------

Article                                                         PAGE
- -------                                                         ---- 


     1. Demised Premises........................................  1

     2. Term....................................................  2

     3. Rent....................................................  4

     4. Use.....................................................  6

     5. Master Lease............................................  7

     6. Services...............................................  10

     7. Electricity............................................  11

     8. Alteration and Repairs.................................  12

     9. Insurance..............................................  13

    10. Assignment, Subletting and Encumbrances................  14
 
    11. Indemnification........................................  17

    12. Time Limits............................................  19

    13. Remedies Cumulative....................................  20
 
    14. Quiet Enjoyment........................................  20
 
    15. Release of Sublessor...................................  20
 
    16. Surrender of Premises..................................  21
 
    17. Estoppel Certificates..................................  22
 
    18. Security...............................................  22
 
    19. Notices................................................  25
 
    20. Landlord's Consent Required............................  26
 
    21. Broker.................................................  26
 
    22. Waiver of Rights to Jury and Counterclaim..............  27
 
    23. Miscellaneous..........................................  27
 
    24. Underlying Lease Compliance............................  29
 
        Exhibit "A" - Initial Work
<PAGE>
 
                                    SUBLEASE

     SUBLEASE, dated as of July 29, 1997, between NEW YORK JOB DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY, a New York public benefit corporation ("Sublessor"), having an office
c/o Empire State Development at 633 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017 and
VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P., a New York partnership ("Sublessee"), having an
office at 885 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, by Agreement of Lease ("Master Lease"), dated as of December 7,
1984, between Fisher 40th & Third Company and Hawaiian Realty, Inc.
("Landlord"), as landlord, and Sublessor, as tenant, Landlord leased to
Sublessor the 26th floor (the "Master Premises") in accordance with the terms of
the Master Lease, of the building ("Building") located at 605 Third Avenue, New
York, New York, a true and complete copy of which Master Lease (with certain
financial terms omitted) has been delivered to Sublessee; and

     WHEREAS, Sublessor desires to sublet to Sublessee, and Sublessee desires to
hire from Sublessor, the premises demised under the Master Lease upon the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter
provided, Sublessor and Sublessee hereby agree as follows:

     1.   DEMISED PREMISES.
          ---------------- 

     1.1 Sublessor hereby sublets to Sublessee, and Sublessee hereby sublets and
hires from Sublessor, the premises ("Premises") comprising the twenty-sixth
(26th) floor of the Building, for the sublease term hereinafter stated and for
the Fixed Rent and Additional Rent (both as hereinafter

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
defined) hereinafter reserved, subject to all of the terms and provisions
hereinafter provided or incorporated in this Sublease by reference.

     1.2  Sublessee agrees to accept the Premises broom clean and vacant, on the
Commencement Date (as hereinafter defined) in its "as-is" condition on the date
thereof.

     1.3  Any and all alterations to, work to be performed in or materials to be
supplied for the Premises shall be made, performed and supplied at the sole cost
and expense of Sublessee and in conformance with all applicable of the terms and
provisions of this Sublease and the Master Lease.

     2.   TERM.
          ---- 

     2.1  The term ("Term") of this Sublease shall commence on the date (the
"Commencement Date") which is the later of (i) the date Sublessor shall have
obtained Landlord's written consent to this Sublease in accordance with the
provisions of Article 15 and a copy of such consent has been delivered to
Sublessee and (ii) the date Sublessor delivers possession of the Premises to
Sublessee in accordance with the terms of this Sublease (the "Availability
Date"), and unless earlier terminated as herein provided, shall expire on April
29, 2000 (the "Expiration Date").  Sublessor and Sublessee agree to confirm the
actual Commencement Date in writing; however, the failure to so confirm shall
have no effect on the Commencement Date.

     2.2  If the term of the Master Lease is terminated for any reason prior to
the Expiration Date (subject to the provisions of Sections 5.1 and 2.4 hereof),
this Sublease shall thereupon be terminated ipso facto without any liability of
Sublessor to Sublessee by reason of such early termination.  Except as otherwise
expressly provided in this Sublease with respect to those 

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
obligations of Sublessee and Sublessor which by their nature or under the
circumstances can only be, or under the provisions of this Sublease may be,
performed after the termination of this Sublease, the Term and estate granted
hereby shall end at noon on the date of termination of this Sublease as if such
date were the Expiration Date, and neither party shall have any further
obligation or liability to the other after such termination. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, (i) any liability of Sublessee to make any payment under this
Sublease, whether of Fixed Rent, Additional Rent (both as hereinafter defined)
or otherwise, which shall have accrued prior to the expiration or sooner
termination of this Sublease, shall survive the expiration or sooner termination
of this Sublease.

     2.3  Sublessee waives the right to recover any damages which may result 
from Sublessor's failure to deliver possession of the Premises on the
Commencement Date, except if due to a willful act or omission of Sublessor or
its agents. If Sublessor shall be unable to deliver possession of the Premises
on such scheduled date, and provided Sublessee is not responsible for such
inability to give possession, the Rent reserved and guaranteed to be paid herein
shall not commence until Sublessor shall be able to so deliver possession of the
Premises to Sublessee, and no such failure to deliver possession on such
scheduled date shall in any way affect the validity of this Sublease or the
obligations of Sublessee hereunder or give rise to any claim for damages by
Sublessee or claim for rescission of this Sublease, nor shall the same in any
way be construed to extend the Term. Sublessor shall deliver possession, of the
Premises to Sublessee no later than (10) days after it has obtained the consent
of Landlord hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Sublessor is
unable to deliver possession of the Premises to Sublessee within thirty (30)
days after it has obtained the consent of Landlord hereto due to a ministerial
error, Sublessee shall not be deemed to 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
have waived its rights to recover any damages pursuant to the terms of this
Section 2.3, and Sublessee shall have the right to terminate this Sublease.

     2.4  The parties agree that this Article 2 constitutes an express provision
as to the time at which Sublessor shall deliver possession of the Premises to
Sublessee, and Sublessee hereby waives any rights to rescind this Sublease which
Sublessee might otherwise have pursuant to Section 223-a of the Real Property
Law of the State of New York or any other law of like import now or hereafter in
force.

     3.   RENT.
          ---- 

     3.1  The rent ("Rent") reserved for the Term shall consist of the
following:

     (i)   annual fixed rent ("Fixed Rent") at the rate of Three Hundred 
           Seventy-Three Thousand Nine Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($373,900.00)
           per annum for the period commencing on the Commencement Date and
           ending on the day immediately preceding the first anniversary of the
           Commencement Date, payable in equal monthly installments of
           $31,158.33 each.

     (ii)  Fixed rent at the rate of Three Hundred Ninety-Two Thousand Five
           Hundred Ninety-Five and 00/100 ($392,595.00) per annum for the period
           commencing on the first anniversary of the Commencement Date and
           ending on the day immediately preceding the second anniversary of the
           Commencement Date in equal monthly installments of $32,716.25 each.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     (iii) Fixed rent at the rate of Four Hundred Eleven Thousand Two Hundred
           Ninety and 00/100 ($411,290.00) per annum for the period commencing
           on the second anniversary of the Commencement Date and ending on the
           Expiration Date in equal monthly installments of $34,274.17 each.

     The installments of Fixed Rent and Additional Rent for the calendar
month in which the Commencement Date occurs, prorated as appropriate if the
Commencement Date does not occur on the first day of the month, shall be payable
on the Commencement Date.  Subsequent installments of Fixed Rent and Additional
Rent shall be payable on the first day of each subsequent month of the Term; and

     (iv)  additional rent ("Additional Rent") in the amount of $51,411.25 per
           annum for the entire term of this sublease in equal monthly
           installments of $4,284.27 shall be paid to Sublessor for the
           provision of electricity to the Premises. Sublessor shall have the
           same remedies with respect to any default by Sublessee in the payment
           of Additional Rent as are provided in this Sublease, the Master Lease
           or applicable law with respect to any nonpayment of rent.

     (v)   Notwithstanding anything contained in this Sublease to the contrary,
           Sublessee shall not be responsible for the payment of Fixed Rent for
           the three (3) month period commencing on the Commencement Date and
           ending three (3) months thereafter.

     3.2   The Fixed Rent and, except as otherwise specifically 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
provided in this Sublease including without limitation Section 3.1(v) above, the
Additional Rent, shall be paid by Sublessee to Sublessor at the office of
Sublessor set forth above or such other place as Sublessor may designate in
writing, without prior notice or demand therefor without any abatement,
deduction or setoff. The Fixed Rent and Additional Rent for any month of the
term of this Sublease which does not begin or end on the first or last day of a
calendar month shall be prorated on a daily basis.


     3.3  Sublessee shall pay all Rent when due, in lawful money of the
United States which shall be legal tender for the payment of all debts, public
and private, at the time of payment.  All sums due and payable as Rent shall
from and after the date which is ten (10) days after the due date bear interest
at the lesser of (i) two (2%) percent above the alternate base rate or the
equivalent thereof charged by Citibank, N.A. (or any successor thereto) or (ii)
the maximum legal rate of interest permitted from time to time under law to be
charged, provided, however, that no further interest shall be payable upon such
interest.  All interest accrued under this subsection as hereinabove provided
shall be deemed to be Additional Rent payable hereunder and due at such time or
times as the Rent with respect to which such interest shall have accrued shall
be payable under this Sublease.

     4.   USE.
          --- 

     4.1  Sublessee may occupy and use the Premises only for general and
executive offices and uses incidental thereto, and for no other purpose,
provided that any use of the Premises shall in all respects be only as permitted
under the terms and provisions of this Sublease and the Master Lease, including
the rules and regulations under the Master Lease, and any and all laws,
statutes, ordinances, orders, regulations and requirements of all 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
federal, state and local governmental, public or quasipublic authorities,
whether now or hereafter in effect, which may be applicable to or in any way
affect the Building or the Premises or any part thereof (collectively, "Legal
Requirements").

     4.2  Sublessee shall not, without the prior consent of Sublessor and
Landlord, knowingly do or permit anything to be done which may result in a
violation of the terms of this Sublease or the Master Lease or which may make
Sublessor liable for any damages, claims, fines, penalties, costs or expenses
thereunder.

     5.   MASTER LEASE.
          ------------ 

     5.1  This Sublease and all of Sublessee's rights hereunder are and
shall remain in all respects subject and subordinate to (i) all of the terms and
provisions of the Master Lease, a copy of which (except for the rent and certain
other financial provisions) has been delivered to Sublessee, (ii) any and all
amendments of the Master Lease or supplemental agreements relating thereto
hereafter made between Landlord and Sublessor (copies of which Sublessor agrees
to deliver to Sublessee except for the rent and certain other financial
provisions which may be contained therein), provided, however Sublessor shall
not enter into any such amendments or supplemental agreements that shall (1)
materially adversely affect Sublessee's rights hereunder, (2) increase
Sublessee's obligations hereunder other than in an immaterial way, (3) decrease
the size of the Premises, or (4) shorten the term hereof and (iii) any and all
matters to which the tenancy of Sublessor, as tenant under the Master Lease, is
or may be subordinate. Sublessee shall in no case have any rights under this
Sublease greater than Sublessor's rights as tenant under the Master Lease. The
foregoing provisions shall be self-operative and no

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
further instrument of subordination shall be necessary to effectuate such
provisions unless required by Landlord, in which event Sublessee shall, upon
demand by Landlord at any time and from time to time, execute, acknowledge and
deliver and Landlord any and all instruments that Landlord may deem reasonably
necessary or proper to confirm such subordination of this Sublease, and the
rights of Sublessee hereunder. Sublessee hereby appoints Sublessor its attorney
in fact, coupled with an interest, for the purpose of executing any such
instrument of subordination if Sublessee shall fail to execute, acknowledge
and/or deliver any such instrument of subordination within ten (10) business
days after Landlord's or Sublessor's demand therefor.

     5.2  Sublessee acknowledges that in the event of a (i) termination of
the Master Lease, or (ii) re-entry or dispossess by Landlord under the Master
Lease, Landlord shall, take over all of the right, title and interest of
Sublessor hereunder and Sublessee agrees that it shall, attorn to Landlord
pursuant to the then executory provisions of this Sublease, except that Landlord
shall not (i) be liable for any previous act or omission of Sublessor under this
Sublease, (ii) be subject to any offset not expressly provided in this Sublease,
which theretofore accrued to the Sublessee against Sublessor, or (iii) be bound
by any previous modification of this Sublease (which is made without Landlord's
consent) or by any previous prepayment of more than one month's rent.

     5.3  Sublessee shall observe and perform for the benefit of Landlord
and Sublessor, each and every term, covenant, condition and agreement of the
Master Lease which Sublessor is required to observe or perform with respect to
the Premises as tenant under the Master Lease, except for the covenants of
Sublessor to pay Landlord the "fixed annual rent" (as such term is defined in
the Master Lease).  Except as otherwise specifically provided in 

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
this Sublease, all of the terms, covenants, conditions and agreements which
Landlord or Sublessor are required to observe or perform with respect to the
Premises as parties to the Master Lease are hereby incorporated herein by
reference and deemed to constitute terms, covenants, conditions and agreements
which Sublessor and Sublessee are required to observe or perform under this
Sublease as if set forth herein at length, with the exception of those articles
and provisions of the Master Lease which are solely applicable to Landlord or
Sublessor and could not reasonably be interpreted as conferring a benefit or an
obligation upon Sublessee including without limitation Articles 1,4,5, Section
7.02, 7.03, 7.04, 7.05, 7.06. Sublessor may exercise all of the rights, powers,
privileges and remedies reserved to Landlord under the Master Lease to the same
extent as if fully set forth herein at length, including, without limitation,
all releases from liability to Landlord thereunder except as may be provided
otherwise herein, and all rights and remedies arising out of or with respect to
any default by Sublessee in the payment of Rent hereunder or the observance or
performance of the terms, covenants, conditions and agreements of this Sublease
(including these portions of the Master Lease that are incorporated herein). In
the event of any inconsistency between the terms of this Sublease and the Master
Lease, the terms of this Sublease all govern.

     5.4  The consent of Landlord shall be required in connection with any
act which requires the consent of Landlord pursuant to the terms of the Master
Lease, notwithstanding that a particular provision herein may not require
Sublessor's consent or states that only Sublessor's consent is required.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
     6.   SERVICES.
          -------- 

     6.1  Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Sublease,
Sublessee shall be entitled during the Term to receive all services, utilities,
repairs and facilities which Landlord is required to provide insofar as such
services, utilities, repairs and facilities pertain to the Premises.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Sublease, Sublessor shall have
no liability of any nature whatsoever to Sublessee as a consequence of the
failure or delay on the part of Landlord in performing any or all of its
obligations under the Master Lease, unless such failure or delay is caused by
Sublessor, and under no circumstances shall Sublessee have any right to require
or obtain the performance by Sublessor of any obligations of Landlord under the
Master Lease or otherwise.  Sublessee's obligations under this Sublease shall
not be impaired, nor shall the performance thereof be excused, because of any
failure or delay on the part of Landlord in performing its obligations under the
Master Lease.

     6.2  If at any time during the Term Landlord shall default in any of
its obligations to furnish facilities, services or utilities or to make repairs
to the Premises, then, upon Sublessor's receipt of a written notice from
Sublessee specifying such default, Sublessor shall, at Sublessee's sole cost and
expense, use its reasonable efforts to enforce its rights under the Master
Lease, including, but not limited to giving notices, claims and demands to
Landlord to cause Landlord to cure such default.  Any action or proceeding
instituted by Sublessor against Landlord to enforce such rights shall be
conducted at the expense of Sublessee.  If, after written request from
Sublessee, Sublessor shall fail or refuse to take appropriate action for the
enforcement of Sublessor's rights against Landlord with respect to the Premises,
Sublessee shall have the right to take such action in its own name, and for such
purpose and only to such 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
extent, all of the rights of Sublessor under the Master Lease (including
Sublessor's arbitration rights, if any) are hereby conferred upon and
conditionally assigned to Sublessee and Sublessee hereby is subrogated to such
rights to the extent that the same shall apply to the Premises. If any such
action against Landlord in Sublessee's name shall be barred by reason of lack of
privity, non-assignability or otherwise, Sublessee may take such action in
Sublessor's name provided Sublessee has obtained the prior written consent of
Sublessor, Sublessor not to unreasonably withhold, condition or delay said
consent, and that copies of all papers and notices of all proceedings shall be
promptly given to Sublessor so that Sublessor may be kept fully informed in
respect thereof. In connection with the foregoing, Sublessee shall indemnify and
hold Sublessor harmless from and against any and all loss, cost, damage, expense
or liability (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney's fees and
disbursements) incurred by Sublessor by reason of any action by Sublessee
against Landlord to the extent Sublessor's actions or failures to act are not
involved in the subject matter of the dispute, such indemnity shall survive the
Expiration Date or sooner termination of this Sublease.

     7.   ELECTRICITY.
          ----------- 

     7.1  Intentionally Omitted.
          --------------------- 

     7.2  Sublessee acknowledges that (i) Sublessor is not responsible for
providing or installing any equipment necessary for Sublessee's electrical
requirements, and (ii) Sublessor shall have no liability to Sublessee for any
loss, damage or expense which Sublessee may sustain or incur by reason of any
change, failure, inadequacy or defect in the supply or character of the
electrical energy furnished to the Premises 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
or if the quantity or character of the electrical energy is no longer available
or suitable for Sublessee's requirements.

     8.   ALTERATION AND REPAIRS.
          ---------------------- 

     8.1  Sublessee shall make no alterations, installations, additions or
improvements, including Sublessee's initial leasehold improvements
(collectively, "Alterations") in or about the Premises without the prior written
consent of Sublessor and Landlord in each instance, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld by Sublessor provided any required consent of Landlord
shall have first been obtained.  Sublessor consents to the performance by
Sublessee of the Initial work set forth on the plans annexed hereto as Exhibit
A.  Any Alterations consented to by Sublessor shall be performed by Sublessee,
at its sole cost and expense, and in compliance with the following requirements:

    (a)  Sublessee, at its sole expense, shall comply with all of the provisions
of this Sublease and the Master Lease pertaining to the making of Alterations,
including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the provisions
requiring the prior written consent of Landlord before any Alterations may be
made in or about the Premises;

     (b)  Sublessee shall furnish Sublessor with certificates of insurance in 
the same manner as provided in the Master Lease as to coverage and insurer (who
shall be licensed to do business in the State of New York), including, but not
limited to, liability, property damage, and worker's compensation insurance to
protect Sublessor, Landlord, their agents, employees, successors and assigns and
Sublessee during the period of the performance of such Alteration;

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
    (c)   All such Alterations shall be performed in a good and workmanlike 
manner and in compliance with all Legal Requirements and with all requirements
of any insurance policies affecting the Premises or the Building and so as to
cause as little interference as possible with Sublessor's or its sublessees'
use, occupancy and enjoyment of the premises of which the Premises are a part;
and

     (d)  Sublessee, at its sole expense, shall obtain all municipal and other
governmental licenses, permits, authorizations, approvals and certificates
required in connection with such Alteration.

     8.2  Sublessor shall have no obligations whatsoever to make any repairs 
or Alterations in the Premises to any systems serving the Premises or to any
equipment, fixtures or furnishing in the Premises, or to restore the Premises in
the event of a fire or other casualty therein or to perform any other duty with
respect to the Premises which Landlord is required to perform pursuant to
certain obligations which Landlord has to Sublessor under the Master Lease.
Sublessee shall look solely to Landlord for the making of any and all repairs in
the Premises and the performance of all such other work and responsibilities and
only to the extent required by the terms of the Master Lease.

     9.   INSURANCE.
          --------- 

     9.1  Sublessee, at Sublessee's sole expense, shall maintain for the
benefit of Sublessee, Sublessor and Landlord such policies of insurance required
by the Master Lease or reasonably satisfactory to Sublessor as to coverage and
insurer (who shall be licensed to do business in the State of New York),
provided that such insurance shall at a minimum include 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
comprehensive general liability insurance, in an amount of not less than
$2,000,000, protecting and indemnifying Sublessor, Landlord and Sublessee
against any and all claims and liabilities for injury or damage to persons or
property or for the loss of time or of property occurring upon, in or about the
Premises, and the public portions of the Building, caused by or resulting from
or in connection with any act or omission of Sublessee, Sublessee's employees,
agents or invitees. Sublessee shall furnish to Sublessor certificates of
insurance evidencing such coverage prior to the Commencement Date.

     9.2  Nothing contained in this Sublease shall relieve Sublessee or
Sublessor from any liability as a result of damage from fire or other casualty,
but each party shall look first to any property insurance in its favor before
making any claim against the other party for recovery for loss or damage
resulting from fire or other casualty.  To the extent that such insurance is in
force and collectible and to the extent permitted by law, Sublessor and
Sublessee each hereby releases and waives all right to recovery against the
other or anyone claiming through or under the other by way of subrogation or
otherwise.  The foregoing release and waiver shall be in force only if the
insurance policies of Sublessor and Sublessee provide that such release or
waiver does not invalidate the insurance; each party agrees to use its best
efforts to include such a provision in its applicable insurance policies.  If
the inclusion of said provision would involve an additional expense, either
party, at its sole expense, may require such provision to be inserted in the
other's policy.

     10.  ASSIGNMENT, SUBLETTING AND ENCUMBRANCES.
          --------------------------------------- 

     10.1 Except as otherwise provided herein, Sublessee, shall not

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
sublease, mortgage, pledge or otherwise encumber all or any part of the
Premises, assign this Sublease (by operation of law or otherwise) or permit the
Premises to be used or occupied by anyone other than Sublessee, without the
prior written approval of Sublessor and Landlord in each instance, which
approval from Landlord shall be granted or withheld in Landlord's discretion in
accordance with the terms of the Master Lease, and from Sublessor shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.  If Sublessor consents to an assignment of
this Sublease or a subletting of the Premises, no such assignment or subletting
shall be or be deemed to be effective until the following conditions have been
met:

     (i)   Landlord shall have consented in writing to such assignment or 
           subletting;

     (ii)  in the case of an assignment, the assignee shall have assumed in
           writing, directly for the benefit of Sublessor, all of the
           obligations of Sublessee hereunder and Sublessor shall have been
           furnished with a duplicate original of the agreement of assignment
           and assumption, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
           Sublessor; and

     (iii) in the case of a subletting, Sublessor shall have been furnished with
           a duplicate original of the sublease prior to the commencement of the
           term of such sublease, which sublease shall be in form and substance
           reasonably satisfactory to Sublessor, and shall be subject and
           subordinate to all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this
           Sublease and the Master Lease and shall restrict 

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
           the right of the subtenant thereunder to assign such sublease or
           further sublet its subleased premises without Sublessor's prior
           consent.

           Notwithstanding Sublessor's consent to any such assignment or
subletting, the provisions of this subsection shall be applicable to each and
every subsequent assignment or subletting, and Sublessee shall not be released
from any of its obligations or liabilities hereunder.

     10.2  The provisions of Section 10.1 hereof shall not apply to 
transactions with a corporation into or with which Sublessee is merged or
consolidated or with an entity to which substantially all of Sublessee's assets
are transferred or, if Sublessee is a partnership, with a successor partnership,
nor shall the provisions of Section 10.1 apply to transactions with an entity
which controls or is controlled by Sublessee or is under common control with
Sublessee.  In furtherance of the provisions of this paragraph 10.2, the parties
understand and agree that Sublessee shall have the right to assign this Sublease
to Capital Trust without the consent of Sublessor or Landlord.

     10.3  If this Sublease be assigned or if the Premises or any part
thereof be further sublet or occupied by anybody other than Sublessee, Sublessor
may, after default by Sublessee, collect rent from the assignee, subtenant or
occupant, and, if Sublessor does so, it shall apply the net amount collected to
the Fixed Rent, Additional Rent and other charges herein reserved, but no such
assignment, subletting, occupancy or collection shall be deemed a waiver of
Sublessee's covenants under this Article 10, or the acceptance by Sublessor of
the assignee, subtenant or occupant as tenant hereunder or a release of
Sublessee from the further performance by 

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
Sublessee of any of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Sublease on the
part of Sublessee to be performed hereunder.

     10.4  Sublessee shall pay on demand the third-party costs and expenses
reasonably incurred by Sublessor and Landlord, including, without limitation,
reasonable architect, engineer and attorneys' fees and disbursements in
connection with any proposed or actual assignment of this Sublease or subletting
of the Premises or any part thereof and the review and/or preparation of
documents in connection therewith.

     10.5  If, with respect to any subletting permitted hereunder, other
than by a sublease contemplated by Section 10.2 hereof, the rents received by
Sublessee under a sublease shall exceed the rents reserved hereunder that are
allocable to the premises sublet, the excess shall be applied by Sublessee to
reasonable brokerage commissions, reasonable legal fees and reasonable
advertising expenses, incurred by Sublessee in connection with and allocable to
the subletting and fifty (50%) percent of any balance of such excess shall be
paid by Sublessee to Sublessor as and when received.

      11.  Indemnification
           ---------------

      11.1 Sublessor, Landlord, their respective employees, agents, 
contractors, licensees and invitees, shall not be liable to Sublessee,
its employees, agents, contractors, licensees or invitees (except if due to an
act or omission of Sublessor, Landlord, their respective employees, agents,
contractors, licensees and invitees, and Sublessee shall indemnify and hold
harmless Sublessor and Landlord and their respective employees, contractors,
licensees or invitees for any and all loss, cost, 

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
liability, claim, damage and expense, including, without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and court costs,
penalties and fines incurred in connection with or arising from any injury to
Sublessee or any other person or for any damage to, or loss (by theft or
otherwise) of, any of the property of Sublessee and/or any other person, (i)
irrespective of the cause of such injury, damage or loss if occurring in or
about the Premises, and (ii) to the extent caused by the acts, omissions or
negligence of Sublessee, its employees, agents, contractors, licensees, or
invitees, if occurring in or about the Building.

     11.2  Sublessee shall indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor and
Landlord, and their respective employees, agents, contractors, licensees and
invitees, from and against any and all loss, cost, liability, claims, damage and
expenses, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
attorneys' fees and expenses and court costs, penalties and fines, incurred in
connection with or arising from (i) any default by Sublessee in the observance
or performance of, or compliance with, any of the terms, covenants or conditions
of this Sublease or the Master Lease on Sublessee's part to be observed,
performed or complied with, (ii) the use or occupancy or manner of use or
occupancy of the Premises by Sublessee or any person claiming through or under
Sublessee or the exercise by Sublessee or any person claiming through or under
Sublessee of any rights granted to Sublessee hereunder, including, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, those rights provided under Article 6
above, (iii) any acts, omissions or negligence of Sublessee or any person
claiming through or under Sublessee, or the employees, agents, contractors,
licensees or invitees of Sublessee (other than Sublessor, its employees, agents
and contractors) or any such person, in or about the Premises or the Building
either prior to, during, or after the termination of this Sublease, or (iv) the
condition of 

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
the Premises for which Sublessee is liable. If any action or proceeding shall be
brought against Sublessor or Landlord by reason of any such claim, Sublessee,
upon notice from Sublessor or Landlord, shall resist and defend such action or
proceeding and employ counsel therefor reasonably satisfactory to Sublessor and
Landlord. Sublessee shall pay to Sublessor on demand all sums which may be owing
to Sublessor and Landlord by reason of the provisions of this subsection.
Sublessee's obligations under this subsection shall survive the Expiration Date
or other termination of this Sublease.

     12.   TIME LIMITS.
           ----------- 

     12.1  Except with respect to actions to be taken by Sublessee for which
shorter time limits are specifically set forth in this Sublease, which time
limits shall control for the purposes of this Sublease, the time limits provided
in those portions of the Master Lease that are incorporated herein for the
giving or making of any Notice (as hereinafter defined) by the tenant thereunder
to Landlord, the holder of any leasehold mortgage or any other party, or for the
performance of any act, condition or covenant by the tenant thereunder, or for
the exercise of any right, remedy or option by the tenant thereunder, are
changed for the purpose of incorporation into this Sublease, by shortening the
same in each instance by (i) fifteen (15) days with respect to all such periods
of sixty (60) or more days, (ii) seven (7) days with respect to all such periods
of thirty (30) or more days but less than sixty (60) days, (iii) five (5) days
with respect to all such periods of twenty (20) or more but less than thirty
(30) days and (iv) three (3) days with respect to all such periods of less than
twenty (20) days, provided, however, that in no event shall any such period be
shortened to less than five (5) days, so that any Notice may be given or made,
or any

                                       19
<PAGE>
 
act, condition or covenant performed, or option hereunder exercised, by
Sublessor within the time limit relating thereto contained in the Master Lease.

     13.   REMEDIES CUMULATIVE.
           ------------------- 

     13.1  Each right and remedy of Sublessor under this Sublease shall be
cumulative and be in addition to every other right and remedy of Sublessor under
this Sublease and now or hereafter existing at law or in equity, by statute or
otherwise.

     14.   QUIET ENJOYMENT.
           --------------- 

     14.1  Sublessor covenants that, as long as Sublessee shall pay the
Fixed Rent and Additional Rent and all other amounts due hereunder, within
applicable notice and cure periods and shall duly observe, perform, and comply,
within applicable notice and cure periods with all of the terms, covenants and
conditions of this Sublease on its part to be observed, performed or complied
with, Sublessee shall, subject to all of the terms of the Master Lease and this
Sublease, peaceably have, hold and enjoy the Premises during the Term without
molestation or hindrance by Sublessor, except as otherwise provided in Section
5.2 hereof.

     15.   RELEASE OF SUBLESSOR.
           -------------------- 

     15.1  The term "Sublessor", as used in this Sublease shall be limited
to mean and include only the owner or owners at the time in question of the
tenant's interest under the Master Lease, and in the event of any transfer or
transfers of the tenant's interest in the Master Lease,

                                       20
<PAGE>
 
Sublessor herein named (and in case of any subsequent transfer or conveyance,
the then transferor of the tenant's interest in the Master Lease, provided the
transferee has assumed same) shall be automatically freed and relieved from and
after the date of such transfer of all liability with respect to the performance
of any covenants or obligations on the part of Sublessor contained in this
Sublease thereafter to be performed.

     16.   SURRENDER OF PREMISES.
           --------------------- 

     16.1  Sublessee shall, no later than the termination of this Sublease
and in accordance with all of the terms of this Sublease, vacate and surrender
to Sublessor the Premises, together with all Alterations, in good order,
condition and repair, reasonable wear and tear excepted and loss by fire or
other casualty excepted.  Sublessee's obligation to observe or perform this
covenant shall survive the termination of this Sublease.  Notwithstanding
anything contained herein or in Section 8.04 of the Master Lease to the
contrary, Sublessee shall only be responsible for the removal of the alterations
Sublessee makes to the Premises and shall not be required to remove any
alterations made by Sublessor.

     16.2  Sublessee expressly waives, for itself and for any person
claiming through or under Sublessee, any rights which Sublessee or any such
person may have under the provisions of Section 2201 of the New York Civil
Practice Law and Rules and any successor law of like import then in force in
connection with any holdover summary proceedings which Sublessor may institute
to enforce the foregoing provisions of this Article 16.

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
     17.   ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES.
           --------------------- 

     17.1  At any time and from time to time within ten (10) days after a
written request from Sublessor, Sublessee shall execute, acknowledge and deliver
to the Sublessor a written statement certifying (i) that this Sublease has not
been modified and is in full force and effect or, if there has been a
modification of this Sublease, that this Sublease is in full force and effect as
modified, and stating such modifications, (ii) the dates to which the Fixed
Rent, Additional Rent and other charges hereunder have been paid, (iii) that to
the best of Sublessee's knowledge, no defaults exist under this Sublease or, if
any defaults do exist, specifying the nature of each such default and (iv) as to
such other matters pertaining to the terms of this Sublease as Sublessor may
reasonably request.

     18.   SECURITY.
           -------- 

     18.1  (a) Simultaneously with the delivery to Sublessee of Landlord's 
written consent to this Sublease as set forth in Section 20.1 hereof, Sublessee
shall deposit with Sublessor the sum of $106,327.80 ("Security Deposit") as
security for the faithful performance and observance by Sublessee of all of the
terms, covenants and conditions of this Sublease on Sublessee's part to be
performed and observed. Sublessor may use, apply or retain the whole or any part
of the Security Deposit to the extent required for the payment of any Rent and
any other sums as to which Sublessee may be in default hereunder beyond the
expiration of applicable grace and notice periods and for any sum which
Sublessor may expend or may be required to expend by reason of Sublessee's
default beyond the expiration of applicable grace and notice periods in respect
of any of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Sublease, including,
without limiting the 

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
generality of the foregoing, any and all damages and deficiencies in the
reletting of the Premises, whether such damages or deficiencies shall accrue
before or after summary proceedings or other re-entry by Sublessor. In the event
that Sublessee shall fully and faithfully comply with all of the terms,
provisions, covenants and conditions of this Sublease, the Security Deposit, or
so much thereof as shall not have been applied by Sublessor as aforesaid,
together with accrued interest thereon, shall be returned to Sublessee promptly
following the Expiration Date or date of earlier termination and delivery of the
entire possession of the Premises to Sublessor. In the event of an assignment by
Sublessor of its interest under the Master Lease, Sublessor shall have the right
to transfer the Security Deposit to the assignee and Sublessor shall, upon
assignee's agreement to the terms contained herein, thereupon be released by
Sublessee from all liability for the return of such Security Deposit. In such
event, Sublessee shall look solely to its new landlord for the return of said
Security Deposit. The foregoing provisions shall apply to every transfer or
assignment made of the Security Deposit to a new landlord. Sublessee further
covenants that it will not assign or encumber or attempt to assign or encumber
the Security Deposit and that neither Sublessor nor its successors and assigns
shall be bound by any such assignment, encumbrance, attempted assignment or
attempted encumbrance. The Security Deposit shall be increased annually so that
it shall always be equal to three months' Fixed Rent at the then current rate.

           (b) The Security Deposit shall be placed by Sublessor in an interest
bearing account. Interest that accrues thereon shall belong to Sublessee.
Provided Sublessee is not in default hereunder and Sublessee supplies Landlord
with its Tax I.D. Number, interest, less a one percent (1%) administration fee,
shall be paid to Sublessee once annually. The 

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
obligation to pay any taxes, whether income or otherwise, related to or
affecting any interest earned on the Security Deposit shall be the sole
responsibility of Sublessee and Sublessee hereby agrees to pay same. Sublessee
represents that its Tax I.D. Number is ###-##-####.

     18.2  Sublessee shall have the right, either (i) in lieu of the funds
required to be deposited with Sublessor pursuant to this Article 18 or (ii) at
any time thereafter in substitution for such funds, to deposit and maintain with
Sublessor as the security deposit referred to in this Article 18, an irrevocable
commercial letter of credit in the aggregate amount of $106,327.80, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Sublessor, and issued by a member bank of
the New York Clearing House Association, payable upon the presentation by
Sublessor to such bank in New York City of a sightdraft, along with a certified
statement that Sublessee is in default beyond applicable notice and cure periods
and that Sublessor is therefor entitled to draw on the Letter of Credit pursuant
to the terms of the Lease, which letter of credit shall provide (i) for the
continuance of such credit for the period of at least one (1) year from the date
the same is issued.  Sublessee will renew or replace the Letter of Credit at
least 20 days prior to its expiration or Sublessor can draw on the Letter of
Credit and hold the draw as security pursuant to this Article 18.  Each letter
of credit to be deposited and maintained with Sublessor (or the proceeds
thereof) shall be held by Sublessor as security for the faithful performance and
observance by Sublessee of the terms, provisions and conditions of this
Sublease, and in the event that (x) any default occurs under this Sublease and
continues beyond the expiration of applicable notice and cure periods, or (y)
Sublessor transfers its right, title and interest under this Sublease to a third
party and the bank issuing such letter of credit does not consent to the
transfer of such letter of credit to such third party and Sublessee does 

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
not provide a replacement Letter of Credit prior to such transfer, or (z) notice
is given by the bank issuing such letter of credit that it does not intend to
renew the same, as above provided and Sublessee does not provide a replacement
Letter of Credit, then, in any such event, Sublessor may draw on such letter of
credit, and the proceeds of such letter of credit shall then be held and applied
as security (and be replenished, if necessary) as provided in Section 18.1. In
the event that Sublessee shall fully and faithfully comply with all of the
terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Sublease, the Security
Deposit, or so much thereof as shall not have been applied by Sublessor as
aforesaid, shall be returned to Sublessee promptly following the Expiration Date
or date of earlier termination and delivery of the entire possession of the
Premises to Sublessor.

     19.   NOTICES.
           ------- 

     19.1  All notices, consents, approvals or other communications
(collectively, a "Notice") required to be given under this Sublease or pursuant
to law shall be in writing and, unless otherwise required by law, shall be given
by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
addressed:

           (a) if to Sublessor, at Sublessor's address set forth in this 
Sublease or at such other address as Sublessor may designate by Notice to
Sublessee and with copies to (x) Sublessor, at 633 Third Avenue, New York, New
York 10017, Attn.: Chief Financial Officer, and (y) to the address set forth
above, Attn.: General Counsel, or

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
           (b) if to Sublessee, at Sublessee's address set forth in this 
Sublease, or at such other address as Sublessee may designate by notice to
Sublessor and with copies to


           Either party may designate a new address to which Notices may be sent
by Notice to the other party.  Any Notice given pursuant hereto shall be deemed
to have been received on the third day after the mailing thereof if mailed in
accordance with the terms hereof.

     20.   LANDLORD'S CONSENT REQUIRED.
           --------------------------- 

     20.1  This Sublease shall be of no force or effect unless and until
Sublessor shall have obtained Landlord's written consent to this Sublease and
delivered to Sublessee an executed copy of such consent.  In the event Landlord
shall notify Sublessor that it will not consent to this Sublease, then Sublessor
will promptly notify Sublessee of such fact.  In the event that Sublessor has
not obtained the consent from Landlord on or prior to July 31, 1997 Sublessee
shall have the right to terminate this Sublease.

     21.   BROKER.
           ------ 

     21.1  Sublessee and Sublessor represent and warrant to each other that
they have not dealt with any broker in connection with this Sublease other than
Insignia/Edward S. Gordon Company, Inc. (the "Broker") and that no broker or
person other than the Broker had any part or was instrumental in any way in
bringing about this transaction. Sublessee and

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
Sublessor shall indemnify and hold each other harmless from and against any and
all loss, claims, liabilities, damages and expenses, including, without
limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses and court costs, arising out
of or in connection with any breach or alleged breach of the above
representations or any claim by any person or entity other than Broker for
brokerage commissions or other compensation in connection with the consummation
of this Sublease. The provisions of this Article shall survive the expiration or
sooner termination of this Sublease. Sublessor shall pay the Broker any
brokerage commission due the Broker pursuant to a separate agreement in
connection with this Sublease, if any.


     22.   Waiver of Rights to Jury and Counterclaim.
           ----------------------------------------- 

     22.1  Sublessor and Sublessee each hereby waive trial by jury in any
action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties against the
other on any matters whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this
Sublease, the relationship of Sublessor and Sublessee, Sublessee's use or
occupancy of the Premises, and/or any claim of injury or damage, or for the
enforcement of any remedy under any statute, emergency or otherwise.  Sublessor
and Sublessee further agree that in the event Sublessor commences any summary
proceeding for non-payment of Rent, Sublessee will not interpose any
counterclaim of whatever nature or description in any such proceeding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sublessee shall be permitted to bring a separate
claim in another action.

     23.   Miscellaneous.
           ------------- 

     23.1  This Sublease shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York.

                                       27
<PAGE>
 
     23.2  The section headings in this Sublease and the table of contents
are inserted only as a matter of convenience for reference and are not to be
given any effect in construing this Sublease.

     23.3  If any of the provisions of this Sublease or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or
unenforceable, the remainder of this Sublease, or the application of such
provision or provisions to persons or circumstances other than those as to whom
or which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and
every provision of this Sublease shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest
extent permitted by law.

     23.4  All of the terms and provisions of this Sublease shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and, subject to the
provisions of Article 10 hereof, their respective successors and assigns.

     23.5  Sublessor has made no representations, warranties or covenants to
or with Sublessee with respect to the subject matter of this Sublease except as
expressly provided herein and all prior negotiations and agreements relating
thereto are merged into this Sublease.  This Sublease may not be amended or
terminated, in whole or in part, nor may any of the provisions be waived, except
by a written instrument executed by the party against whom enforcement of such
amendment, termination or waiver is sought and unless the same is permitted
under the terms and provisions of the Master Lease.

     23.6  Unless specifically provided herein, all capitalized terms used
in this Sublease which are defined in the Master Lease shall be deemed to have
the respective meanings set forth therein.

                                       28
<PAGE>
 
     23.7  The submission by Sublessor to Sublessee of this Sublease in
draft form shall be deemed submitted solely for Sublessee's consideration and
not for acceptance and execution.  Such submission shall have no binding force
and effect, shall not constitute an option for the leasing of the Premises, and
shall not confer any rights or impose any obligation upon either party.  The
submission by Sublessor of this Sublease for execution by Sublessee and the
actual execution and delivery by Sublessee to Sublessor shall similarly have no
binding force and effect unless and until Sublessor and Sublessee shall have
executed this Sublease and a counterpart thereof shall have been delivered to
Sublessee.  In consideration of Sublessor's administrative expense in
considering this Sublease and the terms of Sublessee's proposed tenancy
hereunder and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which are hereby acknowledged, Sublessee's submission to Sublessor of this
Sublease, duly executed by Sublessee, shall constitute an irrevocable offer for
the leasing of the Premises, to continue for ten (10) business days from and
after receipt by Sublessor of this Sublease duly executed by Sublessee.

     23.8  Sublessor shall cause Sublessee's name to be listed in the
elevator as the occupant of the 26th floor and Sublessor shall cause to be
provided the requisite number of listings in the Building Directory as may be
authorized by Landlord.

     24.   UNDERLYING LEASE COMPLIANCE.
           --------------------------- 

     24.1  Sublessor represents and warrants to Sublessee that (a) the
Master Lease is in full force and effect; (b) to the best knowledge of
Sublessor, no event has occurred which with the passage of time or giving of
notice, or both, shall ripen into a default under the Master Lease; (a) 

                                       29
<PAGE>
 
there are presently no offsets or defenses existing against the enforcement of
the Master Lease and (b) Sublessor holds title to the entire tenant's interest
under the Master Lease; (c) there is no leasehold financing affecting the
Premises.

     24.2  Sublessor covenants and agrees that it will not do or cause to be
done or suffer or permit any act or thing to be done which may or could cause
the Master Lease or the rights of Sublessor as tenant thereunder to be
cancelled, terminated, forfeited or prejudiced, unless Sublessor is prevented
from complying with the terms of this subparagraph due to any action or inaction
of Sublessee.  Sublessor further covenants and agrees that it will not
terminate, cancel or surrender the Master Lease without Subtenant's prior
written consent which consent shall be determined in Sublessee's sole
discretion.  Sublessor further covenants and agrees to (i) duly perform and
observe all of the terms, provisions and conditions of the Master Lease on its
part to observe and perform to the extent that such terms are not provided in
this Sublease to be observed by Sublessee; and (ii) pay to Landlord all fixed
annual rent, additional rent and other charges that may become due and payable
by Sublessor pursuant to the Master Lease, as and when such amounts become due
and payable thereunder.  If Sublessor shall fail to observe any of such terms
and/or fail to pay any such amounts to Landlord as and when such amounts shall
be due and payable then, in such event, Sublessee may, but shall not be
obligated to, expend such sums as may be necessary to observe or perform such
terms, provisions and conditions and/or pay such rent, additional rent and other
charges to Landlord for the account of Sublessor, and any amount so paid shall
become immediately due and payable to Sublessee from Sublessor upon demand, and
if not so paid by Sublessor, Sublessee shall have the right to offset such
amounts plus interest against future fixed and additional rent payments

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
hereunder, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein.


     25.   The parties agree that the trustees of Capital Trust shall have no 
personal liability hereunder to Sublessor or Landlord and any obligation of
Capital Trust hereunder to Sublessor or Landlord shall be satisfied solely from
the assets of Capital Trust.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Sublessor and Sublessee have executed this Sublease as
of the day and year first above written.

                              Sublessor
                              NEW YORK JOB DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY


                              By:    /s/ Garry P. Ryan
                                    -------------------------------
                                    Name:  Garry P. Ryan
                                    Title: Controller


                              as Sublessee

                              CAPITAL TRUST


                              By:    /s/ John R. Klopp
                                    -------------------------------
                                    Name: John R. Klopp
                                    Title: Chief Executive Officer


                                       31
<PAGE>
 
                             ASSIGNMENT OF SUBLEASE



          This Sublease is hereby assigned from Victor Capital Group, L.P. (the
"Assignor") to Capital Trust (the "Assignee").

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Assignor has duly executed this Assignment of
Sublease.



Dated:    July 29, 1997

                              Assignor:

                              VICTOR CAPITAL GROUP, L.P.

                              By:   Valentine Wildove & Company, Inc.
                                    General Partner


                              By:    /s/ John R. Klopp
                                    ------------------

                                       

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We consent to the inclusion in the registration statement of Capital Trust
(f/k/a California Real Estate Investment Trust) on Form S-1 (File No.     ),
of our report dated February 14, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules of Capital Trust
(f/k/a/ California Real Estate Investment Trust) and its subsidiary as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994. We also consent to the references to our firm under the caption
"Experts."
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
San Francisco, California
October 2, 1997

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 23.2
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
  We hereby consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "EXPERTS"
in the Prospectus forming part of this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of
Capital Trust and to the incorporation of our reports, dated March 10, 1997
and July 16, 1997 on the financial statements of Victor Capital Group, L.P. (A
Delaware Limited Partnership) and Affiliates, as of June 30, 1997, December
31, 1996 and 1995 and for the six months ended June 30, 1997 and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996.
 
                                          DAVID BERDON & CO. LLP
                                          CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
New York, New York
October 2, 1997


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