BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85 SERIES II
10-K, 2000-03-29
REAL ESTATE
Previous: BERKSHIRE BANCORP INC /DE/, 10KT405, 2000-03-29
Next: PC&J PRESERVATION FUND /OH/, 24F-2NT, 2000-03-29



               UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES  EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999
                          -----------------
                                      OR
[   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
For the transition period from               to
                               -------------    -------------

Commission file number 0-14351
                       -------
                     BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85-SERIES II
                        A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
            ------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           Illinois                                        36-3327917
- -------------------------------                        -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

2355 Waukegan Road
Bannockburn, Illinois                                        60015
- ----------------------------------------              -------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                   (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (847) 267-1600
                                                   --------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None
                                                             ----
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                         Limited Partnership Interests
                         -----------------------------
                               (Title of class)

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

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

                                    PART I

Item 1. Business
- ----------------

Balcor Realty Investors 85-Series II A Real Estate Limited Partnership (the
"Registrant") is a limited partnership formed in 1984 under the laws of the
State of Illinois. The Registrant raised $83,936,000 from sales of Limited
Partnership Interests. The Registrant has retained cash reserves from the sale
of its real estate investments for contingencies which exist or may arise. The
Registrant's operations currently consist of interest income earned on
short-term investments and the payment of administrative expenses.

The Registrant utilized the net offering proceeds to acquire thirteen real
property investments and a minority joint venture interest in one additional
property and has since disposed of all of these investments. The Partnership
Agreement provides that the proceeds of any sale or refinancing of the
Registrant's properties will not be reinvested in new acquisitions.

The Partnership Agreement provides for the dissolution of the Registrant upon
the occurrence of certain events, including the disposition of all its
interests in real estate. The Registrant sold its final real estate investment
in March 1997. The Registrant has retained a portion of the cash from the
property sales to satisfy obligations of the Registrant as well as to establish
a reserve for contingencies. The timing of the termination of the Registrant
and final distribution of cash will depend upon the nature and extent of
liabilities and contingencies which exist or may arise. Such contingencies may
include legal and other fees and costs stemming from litigation involving the
Registrant including, but not limited to, the Bruss and Masri lawsuits
discussed in "Item 3. Legal Proceedings". Due to this litigation, the
Registrant will not be dissolved and reserves will be held by the Registrant
until the conclusion of such contingencies. There can be no assurances as to
the time frame for conclusion of all contingencies.

The Registrant no longer has an ownership interest in any real estate
investment. The General Partner is not aware of any material potential
liability relating to environmental issues or conditions affecting real estate
formerly owned by the Registrant.

The officers and employees of Balcor Partners-XVII, the General Partner of the
Registrant, and its affiliates perform services for the Registrant. The
Registrant currently has no employees engaged in its operations.

Item 2. Properties
- -------------------

As of December 31, 1999, the Registrant did not own any properties.

In the opinion of the General Partner, the Registrant has obtained adequate
insurance coverage for property liability and property damage matters.

See Notes to Financial Statements for other information regarding former real
estate property investments.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
- -------------------------

Bruss et al. vs. Lehman Brothers, Inc., et al.
- ----------------------------------------------

On January 25, 1999, a proposed class action complaint was filed, Dorothy
Bruss, et al. vs. Lehman Brothers, Inc., et al. (Superior Court of New Jersey,
Law Division, Essex County, Docket No. L-000898-99). The Partnership, ten
additional limited partnerships which were sponsored by The Balcor Company
(together with the Partnership, the "Affiliated Partnerships"), The Balcor
Company, American Express Company, Lehman Brothers, Inc., Smith Barney, Inc.,
American Express Financial Corporation, and other affiliated entities and 9
individuals were named defendants in the action. Lead counsel representing the
plaintiffs in this case is the same counsel representing the plaintiffs in each
of the Lenore Klein case (now dismissed) and Raymond Masri case (see attached).
The Bruss complaint raises largely the same issues as those raised in the
Lenore Klein and the Raymond Masri cases.

Upon the defendants' Motion to Dismiss, the Bruss complaint was dismissed
without prejudice on September 24, 1999. An amended complaint was filed on
November 30, 1999. The amended complaint differs from the original complaint
in that 8 of the 9 individual defendants and American Express Company were
deleted as defendants; the amended complaint also deletes 4 counts for breach
of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, conspiracy and violations of the New
Jersey RICO statute and similar statutes of other states. The amended complaint
alleges, common law fraud, equitable fraud, negligent misrepresentation and
violation of certain New Jersey and other similar state statutes relating to
the disclosure of information in the offering of limited partnership interests
in the Affiliated Partnerships, the marketing of interests in the Affiliated
Partnerships and the acquisition of real property for the Affiliated Partner-
ships. The complaint seeks judgement for compensatory damages equal to the
amount invested in the Affiliated Partnerships by the proposed class plus
interest; general damages for injuries arising from the defendants' alleged
actions; equitable relief, including rescission on certain counts; punitive
damages; recovery from the Defendants of all profits received by them as a
result of their alleged actions relating to the Affiliated Partnerships; and
attorneys' fees and other costs.

The defendants filed a new Motion to Dismiss on January 31, 2000. The
defendants intend to vigorously contest this action. No class has been
certified as of this date. Management of each of the defendants believes that
it has meritorious defenses to contest the claims.

Raymond Masri vs. Lehman Brothers, Inc., et al.
- -----------------------------------------------

On February 29, 1996, a proposed class action complaint was filed, Raymond
Masri vs. Lehman Brothers, Inc., et al., Case No. 96/103727 (Supreme Court of
the State of New York, County of New York). The Partnership, twelve additional
limited partnerships which were sponsored by The Balcor Company, three limited
partnerships sponsored by the predecessor of Lehman Brothers, Inc., (together
with the Partnership, the "Defendant Partnerships"), Lehman Brothers, Inc. and
Smith Barney, Inc. are defendants. The complaint alleges, among other things,
common law fraud and deceit, negligent misrepresentation and breach of
fiduciary duty relating to the disclosure of information in the offering of
limited partnership interests in the Defendant Partnerships. The complaint
seeks judgment for compensatory damages equal to the amount invested in the
Defendant Partnerships by the proposed class plus interest accrued thereon;
general damages for injuries arising from the defendants' alleged actions;
recovery from the defendants of all profits received by them as a result of

their alleged actions relating to the Defendant Partnerships; exemplary
damages; attorneys' fees and other costs.

The defendants intend to vigorously contest this action. No class has been
certified as of this date. Management of each of the defendants believes they
have meritorious defenses to contest the claims.

No activity occurred on this matter during 1999. Plaintiffs' counsel also
represents the plaintiffs in the Dorothy Bruss matter, which is based on the
same set of facts. Raymond Masri is named as an additional plaintiff in the
Dorothy Bruss matter.

Madison Partnership Liquidity Investors XX, et al. vs. The Balcor Company, et
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
al.
- ---
Sandra Dee vs. The Balcor Company, et al.
- -----------------------------------------

On May 7, 1999, a proposed class action complaint was filed and on May 13, 1999
was served on the defendants, Madison Partnership Liquidity Investors XX, et
al. vs. The Balcor Company, et al. (Circuit Court, Chancery Division, Cook
County, Illinois, Docket No. 99CH 08972). The General Partner of the
Partnership, the general partners of twenty-one additional limited partnerships
which were sponsored by The Balcor Company, The Balcor Company and one
individual are named as defendants in this action. The Partnership and the
twenty-one additional limited partnerships are referred to herein as the
"Affiliated Partnerships". Plaintiffs are entities that initiated tender offers
to purchase units and, in fact, purchased units in eleven of the Affiliated
Partnerships.

On June 1, 1999, a proposed class action complaint was filed and on August 16,
1999 was served on the defendants, Sandra Dee vs. The Balcor Company, et al.
(Circuit Court, Chancery Division, Cook County, Illinois, Docket No. 99CH
08123). This complaint is identical in all material respects to the Madison
Partnership Liquidity Investors XX, et al. vs. The Balcor Company et al.
complaint filed in May 1999. The defendants filed on September 15, 1999 a
motion to consolidate the Dee case with the Madison Partnership case. On
September 20, 1999, the motion was granted and this case was consolidated with
the Madison Partnership case.

The complaints allege breach of fiduciary duties and breach of contract under
the partnership agreements for each of the Affiliated Partnerships. The
complaints seek the winding up of the affairs of the Affiliated Partnerships,
the establishment of a liquidating trust for each of the Affiliated
Partnerships until a resolution of all contingencies occurs, the appointment of
an independent trustee for each such liquidating trust and the distribution of
a portion of the cash reserves to limited partners. The complaints also seek
compensatory damages, punitive and exemplary damages, and costs and expenses in
pursuing the litigation.

The defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaints on July 14, 1999 and on
September 15, 1999. On January 19, 2000 a hearing on the motions was held and
the class allegations in the complaints were struck regarding the Partnership
and ten of the Affiliated Partnerships in which plaintiffs do not own
interests. In all other respects, the motions to dismiss were denied. While the

court directed the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint by February 18,
2000, as of this date they have yet to do so.

The defendants intend to vigorously contest this action. No class has been
certified as of this date.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- -----------------------------------------------------------
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Limited Partners of the Registrant
during 1999.

                                    PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matters
- -------

There has not been an established public market for Limited Partnership
Interests and it is not anticipated that one will develop. For information
regarding distributions, see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital
Resources".

As of December 31, 1999, the number of record holders of Limited Partnership
Interests of the Registrant was 7,442.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data
- -------------------------------
                                        Year ended December 31,
                 ------------------------------------------------------------
                     1999       1998        1997        1996        1995
                 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Total income       $94,074    $109,223    $662,720   $13,494,868 $13,107,902
(Loss) income
 before gain on
 sales of properties
 and extra-
 ordinary items    (84,874)   (100,003)    (79,115)    1,876,971  (1,479,430)
Net (loss) income  (84,874)   (100,003)  4,491,057    27,848,238  (1,479,430)
Net (loss) income
  per Limited
  Partnership
  Interest-Basic
    and Diluted      (1.01)      (1.19)      45.84        328.46      (17.45)
Total assets     1,919,889   1,957,071   2,435,003    18,507,810  51,038,768
Mortgage notes
    payable           None        None        None     7,249,433  53,469,385
Distributions per
  Limited Partner-
  ship Interest (A)   None        4.81      150.00          None        None

(A) These amounts represent distributions of original capital.

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

Operations
- ----------

Summary of Operations
- ---------------------

The operations of Balcor Realty Investors 85-Series II A Real Estate Limited
Partnership (the "Partnership") in 1999 and 1998 consisted primarily of

administrative expenses which were partially offset by interest income earned
on short-term investments. Primarily as a result of lower administrative
expenses in 1999, the Partnership's net loss decreased during 1999 as compared
to 1998. The Partnership sold its remaining property in 1997 and recognized a
gain in connection with the sale. As a result, the Partnership recognized net
income during 1997 as compared to a net loss during 1998. Further discussion of
the Partnership's operations is summarized below.

1999 Compared to 1998
- ---------------------

As a result of lower interest rates in 1999 and higher average cash balances in
1998 prior to a distribution to Limited Partners in January 1998, interest
income on short-term investments decreased during 1999 as compared to 1998.

Primarily due to a decrease in accounting, investor processing and data
processing fees, administrative expenses decreased during 1999 as compared to
1998.

1998 Compared to 1997
- ---------------------

The Partnership sold the Steeplechase Apartments in 1997 and recognized a gain
of $4,992,080. As a result of the sale, rental and service income, interest
expense on mortgage note payable, depreciation, amortization of deferred
expenses, property operating expenses and property management fees ceased
during 1997.

Higher average cash balances were available for investment during 1997 due to
proceeds received in connection with the sales of the Partnership's properties
during the latter part of 1996 and the first quarter of 1997 prior to
distribution to Limited Partners in 1997. As a result, interest income on
short-term investments decreased during 1998 as compared to 1997.

The Partnership recognized other income in 1997 primarily in connection with
partial refunds of prior years' insurance premiums relating to the
Partnership's properties.

As a result of the sale of Steeplechase Apartments in 1997, real estate tax
expense ceased in 1997. However, the estimate of 1996 real estate taxes for the
Steeplechase Apartments was higher than the actual expense incurred, resulting
in the Partnership recognizing income during 1997.

During 1998, the Partnership incurred lower accounting, portfolio management
and professional fees and bank charges. This was the primary reason
administrative expenses decreased during 1998 as compared to 1997. This
decrease was partially offset by an increase in accrued legal fees during 1998
in connection with the class action litigation.

In connection with the 1997 sale of the Steeplechase Apartments, the
Partnership paid $289,537 in prepayment penalties and wrote-off the remaining
unamortized deferred expenses of $132,371. These amounts were recognized as an
extraordinary item and classified as debt extinguishment expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------

The cash position of the Partnership decreased by approximately $38,000 as of
December 31, 1999 as compared to December 31, 1998 due to cash used in
operating activities for the payment of administrative expenses, which was
partially offset by interest income earned on short-term investments.

The Partnership Agreement provides for the dissolution of the Partnership upon
the occurrence of certain events, including the disposition of all its
interests in real estate. The Partnership sold its final real estate investment
in March 1997. The Partnership has retained a portion of the cash from the
property sales to satisfy obligations of the Partnership as well as to
establish a reserve for contingencies. The timing of the termination of the
Partnership and final distribution of cash will depend upon the nature and
extent of liabilities and contingencies which exist or may arise. Such
contingencies may include legal and other fees and costs stemming from
litigation involving the Partnership including, but not limited to, the Bruss
and Masri lawsuits discussed in "Item 3. Legal Proceedings". Due to this
litigation, the Partnership will not be dissolved and reserves will be held by
the Partnership until the conclusion of such contingencies. There can be no
assurances as to the time frame for conclusion of all contingencies.

The Partnership made distributions from Net Cash Proceeds in 1998 and 1997
totaling $4.81 and $150.00 per Limited Partnership Interest, respectively. The
Partnership did not make any distributions to Limited Partners in 1999. See
Statements of Partners' Capital for additional information.

Limited Partners have received cumulative distributions of Net Cash Proceeds of
$154.81 per $1,000 Interest, as well as certain tax benefits. No additional
distributions are anticipated to be made prior to the termination of the
Partnership. However, after paying final partnership expenses, any remaining
cash reserves will be distributed. Limited Partners will not recover a
substantial portion of their original investment.

The Partnership believes that its key vendors were Year 2000 compliant with
respect to the Partnership's operations as of December 31, 1999 and that there
was no material effect on the business, financial position or results of
operations of the Partnership related to Year 2000 issues.

Certain statements in this report constitute "forward looking statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These
statements may include statements regarding income or losses as well as
assumptions relating to the foregoing.

The forward-looking statements made by the Partnership are subject to known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of the Partnership to differ from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the
forward-looking statements.

Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
- -------------------------------------------------------------------

The supplemental financial information specified by Item 305 of Regulation S-K
is not applicable.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
- ---------------------------------------------------


See Index to Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

The supplemental financial information specified by Item 302 of Regulation S-K
is not applicable.

The net effect of the differences between the financial statements and the tax
returns is summarized as follows:

                            December 31, 1999         December 31, 1998
                         -----------------------  -------------------------
                           Financial       Tax      Financial        Tax
                          Statements     Returns   Statements      Returns
                         -----------    --------  -----------      --------

Total assets              $1,919,889 $10,854,939   $1,957,071   $10,892,121
Partners' capital:
   General Partner              None        None         None          None
   Limited Partners        1,791,121  10,725,666    1,875,995    10,810,540
Net (loss) income:
   General Partner              None        None         None          None
   Limited Partners          (84,874)    (84,874)    (100,003)     (106,013)
   Per Limited Part-
     nership Interest       (1.01)(A)      (1.01)    (1.19)(A)        (1.26)

(A) Amount represents basic and diluted net loss per Limited Partnership
Interest.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Disclosure
- --------------------

There have been no changes in or disagreements with accountants on any matter
of accounting principles, practices or financial statement disclosure.

                                   PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
- -----------------------------------------------------------

(a) Neither the Registrant nor Balcor Partners-XVII, its General Partner, has a
Board of Directors.

(b, c & e) The names, ages and business experiences of the executive officers
and significant employees of the General Partner of the Registrant are as
follows:

               TITLE                             OFFICERS

Chairman, President and Chief                Thomas E. Meador
   Executive Office
Senior Managing Director, Chief              Jayne A. Kosik
   Financial Officer, Treasurer
   and Assistant Secretary


Thomas E. Meador (age 52) joined Balcor in July 1979. He is Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer and has responsibility for all ongoing day-to-day
activities at Balcor. He is a member of the board of directors of The Balcor
Company. He is also Senior Vice President of American Express Company and is
responsible for its real estate operations worldwide. Prior to joining Balcor,
Mr. Meador was employed at the Harris Trust and Savings Bank in the commercial
real estate division where he was involved in various lending activities. Mr.
Meador received his M.B.A. degree from the Indiana University Graduate School
of Business.

Mr. Meador is on the Board of Directors of AMLI Commercial Properties Trust, a
private real estate investment trust that owns office and industrial buildings
in the Chicago, Illinois area. Mr. Meador was elected to the Board of AMLI
Commercial Properties Trust in August 1998.

Jayne A. Kosik (age 42) joined Balcor in August 1982 and, as Chief Financial
Officer, is responsible for Balcor's financial, human resources and treasury
functions. Ms. Kosik is also a member of the board of directors of The Balcor
Company. From June 1989 until October 1996, Ms. Kosik had supervisory
responsibility for accounting functions relating to Balcor's public and private
partnerships. She is also Treasurer and a Senior Managing Director of The
Balcor Company. Ms. Kosik is a Certified Public Accountant.

(d) There is no family relationship between any of the foregoing officers.

(e) None of the foregoing officers or employees are currently involved in any
material legal proceedings nor were any such proceedings terminated during the
fourth quarter of 1999 except that Mr. Meador is named, in his capacity as an
officer of Balcor, as a defendant in the Madison/Dee lawsuit described in "Item
3. Legal Proceedings".

Item 11. Executive Compensation
- -------------------------------

The Registrant has not paid and does not propose to pay any remuneration to the
executive officers and directors of the General Partner. The executive officers

receive compensation from The Balcor Company (but not from the Registrant) for
services performed for various affiliated entities, which may include services
performed for the Registrant. However, the General Partner believes that any
such compensation attributable to services performed for the Registrant is
immaterial to the Registrant. See Note 8 of Notes to Financial Statements for
information relating to transactions with affiliates.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) No person owns of record or is known by the Registrant to own beneficially
more than 5% of the outstanding Limited Partnership Interests of the
Registrant.

(b) Balcor Partners-XVII and its officers and partners own as a group the
following Limited Partnership Interests of the Registrant:

                                  Amount
                               Beneficially
Title of Class                    Owned               Percent of Class
- --------------                ---------------         ----------------
Limited Partnership
     Interest                 10 Interests              Less than 1%


Relatives of the officers and affiliates of the partners of the General Partner
owned 986 additional Interests as of December 31, 1999.

In addition, Balcor LP Corp., an affiliate of the General Partner, holds title
to 153 Limited Partnership Interests in the Partnership due exclusively to
instances in which Limited Partners abandoned title to their Limited
Partnership Interests. Balcor LP Corp. is a nominee holder only of such
Interests and has disclaimed any economic or beneficial ownership in said
Interests. All distributions of cash payable with respect to such Interests
held by Balcor LP Corp. are returned to the Partnership for distribution to
other Limited Partners in accordance with the Partnership Agreement.

(c) The Registrant is not aware of any arrangements, the operation of which may
result in a change of control of the Registrant.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- -------------------------------------------------------

(a & b) See Note 4 of Notes to Financial Statements for information relating to
the Partnership Agreement and the allocation of distributions and profits and
losses.

See Note 8 of Notes to Financial Statements for information relating to
transactions with affiliates.

(c) No management person is indebted to the Registrant.

(d) The Registrant has no outstanding agreements with any promoters.

                                    PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule, and Reports on Form 8-K
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------

(a)
(1 & 2) See Index to Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.

(3) Exhibits:

(3) The Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership
set forth as Exhibit 3 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form S-11 dated March 12, 1985 (Registration No. 2-95000) is
incorporated herein by reference.

(4) Subscription Agreement set forth as Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 dated March 12, 1985
(Registration No. 2-95000) and Form of Confirmation regarding Interests in the
Registrant set forth as Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant's Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 1992 are incorporated herein by reference.

(27) Financial Data Schedule of the Registrant for 1999 is attached hereto.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K: No Reports were filed on Form 8-K during the quarter
ended December 31, 1999.

(c) Exhibits: See Item 14(a)(3) above.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of l934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                              BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85-SERIES II
                              A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                              By:  /s/Jayne A. Kosik
                                   --------------------------------
                                      Jayne A. Kosik
                                      Senior Managing Director and Chief
                                      Financial Officer (Principal
                                      Accounting and Financial Officer)
                                      of Balcor Partners-XVII, the
                                      General Partner

Date: March 28, 2000
      --------------

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

    Signature                    Title                          Date
- --------------------     -----------------------------     --------------

                         President and Chief Executive
                         Officer (Principal Executive
                         Officer) of Balcor Partners-XVII,
                         the General Partner
/s/Thomas E. Meador                                         March 28, 2000
- -------------------                                         --------------
   Thomas E. Meador

                         Senior Managing Director and Chief
                         Financial Officer (Principal
                         Accounting and Financial Officer)
                         of Balcor Partners XVII, the General
                         Partner

/s/Jayne A. Kosik                                           March 28, 2000
- -----------------                                           --------------
   Jayne A. Kosik

                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Accountants

Financial Statements:

Balance Sheets, December 31, 1999 and 1998

Statements of Partners' Capital, for the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997

Statements of Income and Expenses, for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998
and 1997

Statements of Cash Flows, for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997


Notes to Financial Statements

Financial Statement Schedules are omitted for the reason that they are
inapplicable or equivalent information has been included elsewhere herein.

                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Partners of
Balcor Realty Investors 85-Series II

A Real Estate Limited Partnership:

In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements of
partners' capital, of income and expenses and of cash flows present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Balcor Realty
Investors 85-Series II A Real Estate Limited Partnership (An Illinois Limited
Partnership, the "Partnership") at December 31, 1999 and 1998, and the results
of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Partnership's management; our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We
conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States, which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the
opinion expressed above.

As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, the partnership agreement
provides for the dissolution of the Partnership upon the occurrence of certain
events, including the disposition of all its interests in real estate. The
Partnership no longer has an ownership interest in any real estate investment.
As described in Note 12, the Partnership has contingencies related to
litigation. Upon resolution of the litigation contingency matters, the
Partnership intends to cease operations and dissolve.


PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 28, 2000

                    BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85 - SERIES II
                       A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       (An Illinois Limited Partnership)

                                BALANCE SHEETS
                          December 31, 1999 and 1998


                                    ASSETS

                                                 1999             1998
                                            -------------   -------------
Cash and cash equivalents                   $  1,910,661    $  1,948,772
Accounts and accrued interest
  receivable                                       9,228           8,299
                                            -------------   -------------
                                            $  1,919,889    $  1,957,071
                                            =============   =============


                       LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

Accounts payable                            $     96,776    $     59,820
Due to affiliates                                 31,992          21,256
                                            -------------   -------------
    Total liabilities                            128,768          81,076
                                            -------------   -------------

Commitments and contingencies

Limited Partners' capital (83,936
  Interests issued and outstanding)            1,791,121       1,875,995
General Partner's capital                           None            None
                                            -------------   -------------
    Total partners' capital                    1,791,121       1,875,995
                                            -------------   -------------
                                            $  1,919,889    $  1,957,071
                                            =============   =============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                    BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85 - SERIES II
                       A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       (An Illinois Limited Partnership)

                        STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
             for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997


                                   Partners' Capital (Deficit) Accounts
                              --------------------------------------------
                                                 General        Limited
                                   Total         Partner       Partners
                              -------------- -------------- --------------

Balance at December 31, 1996  $  10,478,803  $    (643,026) $  11,121,829

Cash distributions
  to Limited Partners (A)       (12,590,400)                  (12,590,400)
Net income for the year
  ended December 31, 1997         4,491,057        643,026      3,848,031
                              -------------- -------------- --------------
Balance at December 31, 1997      2,379,460            None     2,379,460

Cash distribution
  to Limited Partners (A)          (403,462)                     (403,462)
Net loss for the year
  ended December 31, 1998          (100,003)                     (100,003)
                              -------------- -------------- --------------
Balance at December 31, 1998      1,875,995            None     1,875,995

Net loss for the year
  ended December 31, 1999           (84,874)                      (84,874)
                              -------------- -------------- --------------
Balance at December 31, 1999  $   1,791,121            None $   1,791,121
                              ============== ============== ==============


(A)  Summary of distributions per Limited Partnership Interest:


                                   1999           1998           1997
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
            First Quarter              None  $        4.81  $      110.00
            Second Quarter             None           None          14.00
            Third Quarter              None           None          26.00
            Fourth Quarter             None           None           None


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                    BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85 - SERIES II
                       A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       (An Illinois Limited Partnership)

                       STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND EXPENSES
             for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997


                                   1999           1998           1997
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Income:
  Rental and service                                        $     438,523
  Interest on short-term
    investments                $     94,074  $     109,223        190,124
  Other                                                            34,073
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Total income                         94,074        109,223        662,720
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Expenses:
  Interest on mortgage note
    payable                                                       167,177
  Depreciation                                                     51,564
  Amortization of deferred
    expenses                                                        7,943
  Property operating                                              220,161
  Real estate taxes                                               (19,829)
  Property management fees                                         24,335
  Administrative                    178,948        209,226        290,484
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Total expenses                      178,948        209,226        741,835
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Loss before gain
  on sale of property
  and extraordinary item            (84,874)      (100,003)       (79,115)

Gain on sale of property                                        4,992,080
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
(Loss) income before
 extraordinary item                 (84,874)      (100,003)     4,912,965
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Extraordinary item:
  Debt extinguishment
    expense                                                      (421,908)
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Net (loss) income              $    (84,874) $    (100,003) $   4,491,057
                               ============= ============== ==============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                    BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85 - SERIES II
                       A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       (An Illinois Limited Partnership)

                       STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND EXPENSES
             for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
                                   (Continued)

                                   1999           1998           1997
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
(Loss) income before
  extraordinary item
  allocated to General Partner         None           None  $     703,434
                               ============= ============== ==============
(Loss) income before
  extraordinary item
  allocated to Limited
  Partners                     $    (84,874) $    (100,003) $   4,209,531
                               ============= ============== ==============
(Loss) income before
  extraordinary item per
  Limited Partnership
  Interest (83,936 Interests
  issued and outstanding) -
  Basic and Diluted            $      (1.01) $       (1.19) $       50.15
                               ============= ============== ==============
Extraordinary item allocated
  to General Partner                   None           None  $     (60,408)
                               ============= ============== ==============
Extraordinary item allocated
  to Limited Partners                  None           None  $    (361,500)
                               ============= ============== ==============
Extraordinary item per
  Limited Partnership
  Interest (83,936 issued
  and outstanding) - Basic
  and Diluted                          None           None  $       (4.31)
                               ============= ============== ==============
Net (loss) income allocated
  to General Partner                   None           None  $     643,026
                               ============= ============== ==============
Net (loss) income allocated
  to Limited Partners          $    (84,874) $    (100,003) $   3,848,031
                               ============= ============== ==============
Net (loss) income per
  Limited Partnership
  Interest (83,936 issued
  and outstanding) - Basic
  and Diluted                  $      (1.01) $       (1.19) $       45.84
                               ============= ============== ==============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                    BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85 - SERIES II
                       A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       (An Illinois Limited Partnership)

                           STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
             for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997


                                   1999           1998           1997
Operating activities:          ------------- -------------- --------------
  Net (loss) income            $    (84,874) $    (100,003) $   4,491,057
  Adjustments to reconcile
    net (loss) income to
    net cash used in
    operating activities:
      Gain on sale of
        property                                               (4,992,080)
      Debt extinguishment
        expense                                                   132,371
      Depreciation of
        property                                                   51,564
      Amortization of
        deferred expenses                                           7,943
      Net change in:
        Escrow deposits                                            82,469
        Accounts and accrued
          interest receivable          (929)         8,535        515,531
        Prepaid expenses                                           19,833
        Accounts payable             36,956         38,959       (613,020)
        Due to affiliates            10,736        (13,426)       (80,252)
        Security deposits                                         (30,759)
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
  Net cash used in operating
    activities                      (38,111)       (65,935)      (415,343)
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Investing activities:
  Proceeds from sale of
    property                                                   10,400,000
  Payment of selling costs                                       (184,415)
                                                            --------------
  Net cash provided by
    investing activities                                       10,215,585
                                                            --------------
Financing activities:
  Distributions to Limited
    Partners                                      (403,462)   (12,590,400)
  Repayment of mortgage note
    payable                                                    (7,238,418)
  Principal payments on
    mortgage note payable                                         (11,015)
                                             -------------- --------------

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                    BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85 - SERIES II
                       A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       (An Illinois Limited Partnership)

                           STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
             for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997
                                  (Continued)


                                   1999           1998           1997
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
 Cash used in financing
    activities                               $    (403,462) $ (19,839,833)
                                             -------------- --------------
Net change in cash and cash
  equivalents                  $    (38,111)      (469,397)   (10,039,591)
Cash and cash equivalents at
  beginning of year               1,948,772      2,418,169     12,457,760
                               ------------- -------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at
  end of year                  $  1,910,661  $   1,948,772  $   2,418,169
                               ============= ============== ==============

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

                     BALCOR REALTY INVESTORS 85-SERIES II
                       A REAL ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       (An Illinois Limited Partnership)

                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Nature of the Partnership's Business:

Balcor Realty Investors 85-Series II A Real Estate Limited Partnership (the
"Partnership") has retained cash reserves from the sale of its real estate
investments for contingencies which exist or may arise. The Partnership's
operations currently consist of interest income earned on short-term
investments and the payment of administrative expenses.

2. Partnership Termination:

The Partnership Agreement provides for the dissolution of the Partnership upon
the occurrence of certain events, including the disposition of all its
interests in real estate. The Partnership sold its final real estate investment
in March 1997. The Partnership has retained a portion of the cash from the
property sales to satisfy obligations of the Partnership as well as to
establish a reserve for contingencies. The timing of the termination of the
Partnership and final distribution of cash will depend upon the nature and
extent of liabilities and contingencies which exist or may arise. Such
contingencies may include legal and other fees and costs stemming from
litigation involving the Partnership including, but not limited to, the Bruss
and Masri lawsuits discussed in Note 12 of Notes to the Financial Statements.
Due to this litigation, the Partnership will not be dissolved and reserves will
be held by the Partnership until the conclusion of such contingencies. There
can be no assurances as to the time frame for conclusion of all contingencies.

3. Accounting Policies:

(a) The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires the General Partner 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 vary from those estimates.

(b) Depreciation expense was computed using the straight-line method. Rates
used in the determination of depreciation were based upon the following
estimated useful lives:

               Buildings and improvements          30 years
               Furniture and fixtures               5 years

Maintenance and repairs were charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for
improvements were charged to the related asset account.

As properties were sold, the related costs and accumulated depreciation were
removed from the respective accounts. Any gain or loss on disposition was
recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

(c) The Partnership recorded its investments in real estate at the lower of
cost or fair value, and periodically assessed, but not less than on an annual
basis, possible impairment to the value of its properties. The General Partner
estimated the fair value of its properties based on the current sales price
less estimated closing costs. The General Partner determined that no impairment
in value had occurred prior to the sales of the properties. The General Partner
considered the method referred to above to result in a reasonable measurement
of a property's fair value, unless other factors affecting the property's value
indicated otherwise.

(d) Deferred expenses consisted of financing fees which were amortized over the
terms of the respective loan agreements. Upon sale, any remaining unamortized
balance was recognized as debt extinguishment expense and classified as an
extraordinary item.

(e) The Partnership calculates the fair value of its financial instruments
based on estimates using present value techniques. The Partnership includes
this additional information in the notes to the financial statements when the
fair value is different than the carrying value of those financial instruments.
When the fair value reasonably approximates the carrying value, no additional
disclosure is made.

(f) Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles.

(g) In order for the capital account balances to appropriately reflect the
partners' remaining economic interests in the Partnership, the income (loss)
allocations have been adjusted.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents include all unrestricted, highly liquid
investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash is held or
invested in one financial institution.

(i) The Partnership is not liable for Federal income taxes and each Partner
recognizes his proportionate share of the Partnership income or loss in his tax
return; therefore, no provision for income taxes is made in the financial
statements of the Partnership.

(j) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, No. 128, "Earnings per Share"
was adopted by the Partnership effective for the year-ended December 31, 1997.

Since the Partnership has no dilutive securities, there is no difference
between basic and diluted net income (loss) per Limited Partnership Interest.

4. Partnership Agreement:

The Partnership was organized in October 1984. The Partnership Agreement
provides for Balcor Partners-XVII to be the General Partner and for the
admission of Limited Partners through the sale of up to 84,000 Limited
Partnership Interests at $1,000 per Interest, 83,936 of which were sold through
August 22, 1985, the termination date of the offering.

The Partnership Agreement provides that the General Partner will be allocated
1% and the Limited Partners will be allocated 99% of the profits and losses
from operations. In order for the capital account balances to appropriately
reflect the partners' remaining economic interests in the Partnership, the
income (loss) allocations have been adjusted.

One hundred percent of Net Cash Receipts available for distribution was
distributed to the holders of Interests in proportion to their participating
percentages as of the record date for such distributions. Under certain
circumstances, the General Partner would have participated in the Net Cash
Proceeds from the sale or refinancing of Partnership properties. Since the
required subordination levels were not met, the General Partner has not
received any distributions of Net Cash Receipts or Net Cash Proceeds during the
lifetime of the Partnership.

5. Mortgage Note Payable:

During 1997, the Partnership incurred and paid interest expense on the mortgage
note payable of $167,177.

6. Management Agreements:

The Partnership's properties were managed by a third-party management company
prior to the sale of the properties. These management agreements provided for
annual fees of 5% of gross operating receipts.

7. Tax Accounting:

The Partnership keeps its books in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code,
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and existing interpretations
thereof. The accompanying financial statements, which are prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, differed in prior
years from the tax returns due to the different treatment of various items as
specified in the Internal Revenue Code. The net loss for 1999 in the financial
statements is equal to the tax loss of the Partnership for the same period.

8. Transactions with Affiliates:

Fees and expenses paid and payable by the Partnership to affiliates are:

                            Year Ended       Year Ended       Year Ended
                             12/31/99         12/31/98         12/31/97
                          --------------   --------------   --------------
                           Paid  Payable    Paid  Payable    Paid  Payable
                          ------ --------  ------ -------   ------ -------
Reimbursement of expenses
  to the General Partner
  at cost:
   Accounting             $7,726   $7,023  $ 8,804  $4,519  $31,951 $11,118
   Data processing         4,798    8,658    2,224     872    2,104    None
   Legal                   3,445    4,450    5,990   3,215   18,964   4,640
   Portfolio management   11,690   11,861   24,059  12,650   64,905  15,838
   Other                    None     None    3,086    None   21,301   3,086

Subject to the provisions of the partnership agreement, the Partnership has
agreed to advance the legal fees incurred by the General Partner in defending
the Madison Partnership lawsuit discussed in Note 12 of Notes to Financial
Statements.

9. Property Sale:

In March 1997, the Partnership sold the Steeplechase Apartments in an all cash
sale for $10,400,000. From the proceeds of the sale, the Partnership paid
$7,238,418 to the third party mortgage holder in full satisfaction of the first
mortgage loan, and paid $184,415 in selling costs and $289,537 in prepayment
penalties. The basis of the property was $5,223,505, which is net of
accumulated depreciation of $3,489,894. For financial statement purposes, the
Partnership recognized a gain of $4,992,080 from the sale of this property.

10. Extraordinary Item:

In connection with the sale of the Steeplechase Apartments in 1997, the
Partnership paid $289,537 in prepayment penalties and wrote off the remaining
unamortized deferred expenses related to the property of $132,371. These
amounts were recognized as an extraordinary item and classified as debt
extinguishment expense.

11. Other Income:

The Partnership recognized other income of $34,073 during 1997 primarily in
connection with partial refunds of prior years' insurance premiums relating to
the Partnership's properties.

12. Contingencies:

(a) The Partnership is currently involved in two related lawsuits, Masri vs.
Lehman Brothers, Inc., et al. and Bruss, et al. vs. Lehman Brothers, Inc., et
al., whereby the Partnership and certain affiliates have been named as
defendants alleging substantially similar claims involving certain state
securities and common law violations with regard to the property acquisition
process of the Partnership, and to the adequacy and accuracy of disclosures of
information concerning, as well as marketing efforts related to, the offering
of the Limited Partnership Interests of the Partnership. The defendants
continue to vigorously contest these actions. A plaintiff class has not been
certified in either action. With respect to the Masri case, no determinations
upon any significant issues have been made. The Bruss complaint was filed on
January 25, 1999. On September 24, 1999, the court granted the defendants'
motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a cause of action. The
plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on November 30, 1999. The defendants have
filed a motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a cause of action.
The defendents continue to vigorously contest these actions. The Partnership
believes it has meritorious defenses to contest the claims. It is not
determinable at this time how the outcome of either action will impact the
remaining cash reserves of the Partnership.

(b) In May 1999, a lawsuit was filed, Madison Partnership Liquidity Investors
XX, et al. vs. The Balcor Company, et al. whereby the General Partner and
certain affiliates have been named as defendants. The plaintiffs are entities
that initiated tender offers to purchase and, in fact, purchased units in
eleven affiliated partnerships. The complaint alleges breach of fiduciary
duties and breach of contract under the partnership agreement and seeks the
winding up of the affairs of the Partnership, the establishment of a
liquidating trust, the appointment of an independent trustee for the trust and
the distribution of a portion of the cash reserves to limited partners. On June
1, 1999, a second lawsuit was filed and was served on August 16, 1999, Sandra
Dee vs. The Balcor Company, et al. The Dee complaint is virtually identical to
the Madison Partnership complaint and on September 20, 1999 was consolidated
into the Madison Partnership case. On January 19, 2000, a hearing was held on
the defendants' motion to dismiss the complaint; at the hearing the class
allegations were struck regarding eleven of the partnerships, including the
Partnership. The defendants intend to vigorously contest these actions. It is
not determinable at this time how the outcome of these actions will impact the
remaining cash reserves of the Partnership.


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000

<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                            1911
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                        9
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                  1920
<PP&E>                                               0
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                    1920
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                              129
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                             0
<OTHER-SE>                                        1791
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                      1920
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                    94
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                   179
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                   (85)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                               (85)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                      (85)
<EPS-BASIC>                                   (1.01)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.01)


</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission