<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 28, 1999
Registration No. 333-67783
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
BERKSHIRE REALTY COMPANY, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE 04-3086485
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
ONE BEACON STREET, SUITE 1550
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
(888) 867-0100
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number Including Area Code,
of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
SCOTT D. SPELFOGEL, ESQ.
BERKSHIRE REALTY COMPANY, INC.
ONE BEACON STREET, SUITE 1550
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02108
(617) 574-8385
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
DAVID E. REDLICK, ESQ.
KENNETH A. HOXSIE, ESQ.
HALE AND DORR LLP
60 STATE STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02109
(617) 526-6000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From
time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ].
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. [X].
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ].
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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 statement 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. [ ].
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 THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
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SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 28, 1999
PROSPECTUS
1,714,396 Shares
BERKSHIRE REALTY COMPANY, INC.
COMMON STOCK
If and to the extent the holders of units of limited partnership
interest in BRI OP Limited Partnership described in this prospectus elect to
exchange their units for stock on a one-for-one basis, Berkshire will offer and
sell shares of common stock with this prospectus. Holders of units who so elect
will become stockholders in Berkshire.
Our shares of common stock are listed for trading on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "BRI." The closing sales price of our common stock as
reported by the New York Stock Exchange on May 27, 1999 was $11.4375 per share.
FOR A DISCUSSION OF RISKS THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE YOU INVEST IN THE
COMMON STOCK SOLD WITH THIS PROSPECTUS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Our principal executive offices are located at One Beacon Street, Suite 1550,
Boston, Massachusetts 02108 and our telephone number is (888) 867-0100.
The date of this prospectus is May __, 1999
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RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common stock involves various risks. You should carefully
consider the following risks and the other information in this prospectus before
deciding to convert your units.
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF EXCHANGE OF UNITS - YOU MAY INCUR TAX IF YOU CONVERT YOUR
UNITS.
If you decide to convert your units, you will be taxed as if you had sold the
units. You will have taxable income equal to the amount of cash you receive or
the value of the stock you receive, as the case may be, plus the amount of any
BRI Partnership liabilities allocable to your units at the time you sell them.
You may recognize more gain or have to pay more tax than the amount of cash or
the value of the stock you receive from the sale. If you sell some or all of the
stock you receive to raise money to pay the tax, the market price of the stock
may have declined from the time when you converted your units.
CHANGE IN INVESTMENT UPON REDEMPTION OF UNITS - IF YOU CONVERT YOUR UNITS, YOU
WILL HAVE A DIFFERENT KIND OF INVESTMENT.
If you convert some or all of your units, BRI Partnership will decide whether
you receive cash or stock. If you receive cash, you will have no interest in
Berkshire or BRI Partnership, except to the extent that you retain units, which
means:
- You will not benefit from any future increases in the value
of Berkshire's stock.
- You will not receive any future distributions from Berkshire
or BRI Partnership.
If you receive stock, you will become a shareholder of Berkshire rather than a
partner in BRI Partnership.
DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITION
WE ACQUIRE NEW PROPERTIES FROM TIME TO TIME, AND THOSE ACQUISITIONS MAY REDUCE
THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
Berkshire regularly considers acquiring additional apartment communities.
Acquisitions involve several risks, including the following:
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- Acquired properties may not perform as well as Berkshire
expected before acquiring them.
- Improvements to the properties may cost more than Berkshire
had estimated.
- The costs of evaluating properties that are not acquired
cannot be recovered.
- Berkshire has acquired properties by issuing units and has had
to agree with the sellers not to sell the properties or
refinance the debt on them for various periods of time. These
restrictions may keep us from taking actions that would
otherwise be in the best interests of the shareholders.
Berkshire may in the future acquire apartment communities for
units and may have to agree to similar restrictions.
WE DEVELOP NEW APARTMENT COMMUNITIES FROM TIME TO TIME, AND THESE ACTIVITIES MAY
REDUCE THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
Berkshire plans to continue developing new apartment communities as
opportunities arise in the future. Development and construction activities
entail a number of risks, including the following:
- We may abandon a project after spending time and money
determining its feasibility.
- Construction costs may exceed the original estimates.
- The revenue from a new project may not be enough to make it
profitable.
- Berkshire may not be able to obtain financing on favorable
terms for development of a property.
- We may not complete construction and lease up on schedule,
resulting in increased costs.
- Berkshire may not be able to obtain, or may be delayed in
obtaining, necessary governmental permits.
- Even successful projects require a substantial portion of
management's time and attention.
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WE ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO SHAREHOLDERS A VOTE REGARDING LIQUIDATION.
Our charter requires the Board of Directors to prepare and submit to
shareholders a proposal to liquidate Berkshire's assets and distribute the net
proceeds to the shareholders. We have filed preliminary proxy materials with the
SEC relating to this proposal. Berkshire will adopt the liquidation proposal
only if shareholders holding a majority of the shares then outstanding approve
it. If Berkshire were liquidated, you might receive proceeds that were less than
the value of the stock at the time you converted your units. Submitting this
proposal to shareholders will cause us to incur costs associated with the
shareholder solicitation regardless of the outcome of the vote.
THE INDUSTRY WE OPERATE IN HAS RISKS THAT MAY CAUSE YOUR INVESTMENT TO DECLINE
IN VALUE.
Owning real estate involves a variety of risks, including the risks described
below:
REALIZING A PROFIT FROM OWNING APARTMENT COMMUNITIES DEPENDS ON MANY FACTORS.
Berkshire invests in apartment communities and therefore is subject to the
various risks generally related to owning and developing real property. The
value of Berkshire's apartment communities and our ability to distribute cash to
shareholders will depend on how well we operate and develop our properties.
These are some of the things that may adversely affect our results:
- Changes in national and local economic conditions, such as
oversupply of apartment units or reduction in demand for
apartment units in our markets.
- The attractiveness of our apartments to tenants.
- Changes in interest rates and the availability, cost and terms
of mortgage financings.
- The ongoing need for capital improvements in our properties,
particularly in older structures.
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- Changes in real estate tax rates and other operating expenses.
- Changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies and changes
in zoning laws.
- Civil unrest, acts of God, including natural disasters which
may result in uninsured losses, acts of war and other factors
beyond our control.
OUR BUSINESS DEPENDS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF FOUR MARKETS.
We have made almost all of our investments in Florida, Texas and the
Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. Therefore, Berkshire's results will
depend to a great extent on the economic conditions in these markets as well as
the market for apartment communities generally.
REGULATIONS MAY CAUSE OUR COSTS TO INCREASE OR LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO INCREASE OUR
REVENUE.
Many federal, state and local zoning, subdivision, planning, building,
environmental and other land use laws and regulations govern real estate. These
laws and regulations may place significant restrictions on our ability to
develop or improve our real estate. Even unintentional violations of these laws
and regulations by us or by our tenants may force us to take corrective action
or pay substantial penalties. In particular, various laws and regulations may
restrict the amount and process by which we may raise rents, as well as our
right to convert a property to other uses, such as condominiums or cooperatives.
WE MAY LOSE SOME OF OUR PROPERTY TO CASUALTIES OR TAKINGS.
Conditions existing on real property may result in injury to people. BRI
Partnership may incur liability as a result of such injuries. Such liability may
be uninsurable in some circumstances or may exceed the limits of insurance
maintained at typical amounts for the type and conditions of the property. In
addition, our properties may suffer loss in value due to causalities such as
fire or hurricanes. These losses may be uninsurable in some circumstances or may
exceed the limits of insurance maintained at typical amounts for the type and
condition of the property. Should an uninsured loss occur, Berkshire could lose
both its investment in and anticipated profits and cash flow from a property.
Real estate may also be taken, in whole or in part, by public authorities for
public purposes in eminent domain proceedings. Awards resulting from such
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proceedings may not adequately compensate Berkshire for the value lost.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SELL OUR ASSETS AT THE OPTIMAL TIME.
Real estate investments are relatively illiquid. Our ability to vary our
portfolio in response to changes in economic and other conditions will therefore
be limited. If we must sell an investment, we may not be able to sell the
investment in the time period we desire or at a price that will recoup or exceed
the amount of our cost for the investment.
OUR EXPENSES MAY INCREASE, RESULTING IN A DECREASE OF THE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO PAY
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS.
BRI Partnership must pay the expenses associated with operating its apartment
communities. These expenses include:
- cleaning
- electricity
- heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- elevator repair and maintenance
insurance and administrative costs
- other general costs associated with security, landscaping,
repairs and maintenance
If these expenses increase, the local rental market may limit the extent to
which we may increase rents to meet these increased operating expenses without
decreasing occupancy rates. If these operating expenses increase faster than
rental rates, our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay
distributions to shareholders could be adversely affected.
WE MAY INCUR COSTS IF WE DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE FAIR HOUSING AMENDMENTS ACT AND
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT.
The Fair Housing Amendments Act imposes requirements related to access by
physically handicapped persons on multifamily properties first occupied after
March 13, 1991 or for which construction permits were obtained after June 15,
1990. If Berkshire does not comply with this statute, we might have to pay fines
to the United States government or damages to private litigants.
All of our properties must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act to
the extent such properties are "public accommodations" or
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"commercial facilities," as defined by this statute. The law requires that
facilities, including leasing offices, open to the general public be made
accessible to people with disabilities. Individual apartment units are not
considered public accommodations for these purposes. Compliance with this
law's requirements could require removal of access barriers and other capital
improvements to the public areas of Berkshire's properties. Noncompliance
could result in imposition of fines by the United States government or an
award of damages to private litigants. If any changes to our properties
subsequently are required that involve material expenditures, our results of
operation, financial condition and ability to make expected distributions to
shareholders could be adversely affected.
OUR JOINT VENTURE PARTNERS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT INTERESTS THAN WE DO, RESULTING IN
A LOSS OF VALUE OF SOME OF OUR PROPERTIES OR AN INABILITY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
FAVORABLE OPPORTUNITIES.
Any of our investments in a joint venture partnership which owns property may
involve risks which would not be present in a direct investment in real estate.
For example, our joint venture partner may experience financial difficulties and
may at any time have economic or business interests or goals which are
inconsistent with our business interests and goals or contrary to our policies
or objectives. Our partner might take actions that would subject the property
owned by the joint venture to liabilities in excess of those contemplated by the
terms of the joint venture agreement. In addition, we might reach an impasse
with our partner since either party may disagree with a proposed transaction
involving the property owned by the joint venture and impede any proposed
action.
FINANCINGS
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE THE REQUIRED PAYMENTS ON OUR DEBT.
As of March 31, 1999, we had approximately $609,663,000 of total debt. Payments
of principal and interest on mortgage borrowings may leave us with insufficient
cash resources to operate our apartment communities or pay distributions
required to be paid in order for us to maintain our qualification as a REIT.
If we cannot make payments on a loan secured by a mortgage, the lender could
foreclose on the property securing the loan. If this happens, Berkshire will
lose the income from the property and any value the property had. Even if a loan
is nonrecourse, the lender might
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have the right to recover deficiencies arising from fraud, environmental
liabilities or other circumstances. Foreclosure could also create taxable
income without producing any cash, thereby reducing our cash available for
distribution and hindering our ability to meet the tax requirements for a
REIT.
In connection with acquiring 39 properties in exchange for units, we agreed to
maintain prescribed levels of nonrecourse debt on these properties. The purpose
of these agreements was to minimize the tax consequences of the acquisitions to
the unit recipients. If we do not maintain the required level of debt, we would
be in default under these agreements and could be liable to the holders of the
units.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO REFINANCE OUR DEBT WHEN IT COMES DUE.
When any of our debt secured by real property comes due, we will have to
refinance the debt or sell the property that secures the debt. If the interest
rate on the new debt is higher than the rate on the old debt, our costs will
increase. Our ability to refinance any of this debt and the terms on which we
might refinance will depend upon economic conditions in general and specifically
on conditions in the capital markets. We cannot guarantee that we could
refinance or repay any of these mortgage loans at maturity.
WE DO NOT HAVE A LIMIT ON HOW MUCH DEBT WE CAN INCUR.
We currently have a policy of incurring debt only if upon such incurrence the
ratio of Berkshire's debt to the value of its assets would be 50% or less.
Although we have adopted this policy, Berkshire's governing documents contain no
limitation on the amount of indebtedness Berkshire may incur. Accordingly, the
Board of Directors could alter or eliminate this policy and would do so, for
example, if it were necessary for Berkshire to continue to qualify as a REIT.
THE INTEREST RATES OF OUR CREDIT FACILITY MAY INCREASE, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A
REDUCTION OF FUNDS AVAILABLE TO PAY DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS.
Outstanding advances under our credit facility bears interest at a variable
rate. As of March 31, 1999, this credit facility had an outstanding balance of
$173,100,000. We may incur additional variable rate indebtedness in the future.
Accordingly, increases in interest rates could increase Berkshire's interest
expense, which could adversely affect Berkshire's results of operations,
financial condition and ability to pay
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expected distributions to shareholders. An increase in interest expense could
also cause us to be in default under our credit facilities.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY - OUR PROPERTIES MAY HAVE ENVIRONMENTAL
CONTAMINATION, WHICH COULD REDUCE THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
Various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations
subject property owners or operators to liability for the costs of removal or
remediation of hazardous or toxic substances on the property. These laws often
impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was
responsible for, the presence of the hazardous or toxic substances. The presence
of, or the failure to properly remediate, such substances may adversely affect
our ability to sell or rent the property or to borrow using the property as
collateral.
Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic
substances may also be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such
substances at a disposal or treatment facility, whether or not such facility is
owned or operated by such person. Third parties may seek recovery from owners or
operators of such properties or persons who arranged for the disposal or
treatment of hazardous or toxic substances. Therefore, owners and operators are
potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as other related
costs, including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property,
related to such facilities.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS - BECAUSE OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS CONTAIN PROVISIONS
THAT MAY INHIBIT A TAKEOVER OF BERKSHIRE, YOU MAY NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO
REALIZE A PREMIUM ON YOUR INVESTMENT.
Our charter places restrictions on the accumulation of shares in excess of 9.8%
of the number of outstanding shares of common stock, subject to exceptions
permitted with the approval of the Board of Directors to allow (1) underwritten
offerings, or (2) the sale of equity securities in circumstances where the Board
of Directors determines Berkshire's REIT federal tax status will not be
jeopardized. This ownership limitation may:
- discourage a change in control of Berkshire.
- deter tender offers for the common stock, which offers may be
advantageous to shareholders.
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- limit the opportunity for shareholders to receive a premium
for their shares of common stock that might otherwise exist.
Under Berkshire's charter, the election of directors is staggered such that
approximately one-third of the directors are elected to three-year terms each
year. This provision may discourage a change in control of Berkshire. In
addition, the governing documents require a supermajority vote to amend those
portions of the governing documents which concern:
- the definition of "supermajority".
- the requirements for amending the governing documents.
- the requirements regarding excess share ownership.
- the actions which require a supermajority vote.
- the requirements regarding business combinations.
Additional provisions of the governing documents restrict the shareholders'
ability to nominate candidates for election as directors. In addition, Berkshire
is subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which
restricts business combinations between Berkshire and its shareholders.
Any of the provisions discussed above may have the effect of delaying, deferring
or preventing a transaction or change in control of Berkshire that might involve
a premium price for the shares of common stock or that otherwise might be in the
best interest of our shareholders.
Berkshire has an authorized class of 60,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
Currently Berkshire has approximately 2.7 million shares of its 1997 Series-A
Preferred Stock outstanding. The Board of Directors may issue the remaining 57.3
million shares on such terms and with such rights, preferences and designations
as the Board may determine. Issuance of such preferred stock, depending on its
rights, preferences, and designations, may have the effect of delaying,
deterring, or preventing a change in control of Berkshire.
OUR GOVERNING DOCUMENTS CONTAIN NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE TYPES OF INVESTMENTS WE
MAY MAKE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN A PORTFOLIO
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SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE IN EXISTENCE AT THE TIME YOU ELECT TO
CONVERT YOUR UNITS.
Berkshire's Board of Directors may change its investment policies without a vote
of the shareholders. Consequently, shareholders will have no direct control over
the kinds of investments Berkshire makes.
TAX
WE MAY FAIL TO QUALIFY AS A REIT, WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A REDUCTION OF FUNDS
AVAILABLE TO DISTRIBUTE TO SHAREHOLDERS.
To maintain our status as a REIT, we must continually meet specified criteria
concerning, among other things, our common stock ownership, the nature of our
assets, the sources of our income and the amount of distributions we make to
shareholders.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT, we would not be allowed a deduction for
distributions to shareholders in computing our taxable income and would be taxed
on our income at regular corporate tax rates. If our status as a REIT were
terminated, we might not be able to elect to be treated as a REIT for the
following five-year period. Therefore, if we lose our REIT status, the funds
available for distribution to you would be reduced substantially for each of the
years involved.
BECAUSE THE TAX LAWS REQUIRE US TO DISTRIBUTE MOST OF OUR TAXABLE INCOME, WE MAY
HAVE TO BORROW ADDITIONAL FUNDS OR FORGO OTHER USES OF OUR CAPITAL.
To qualify as a REIT, we generally are required each year to distribute to our
shareholders at least 95% of our taxable income, excluding any net capital gain.
In addition, Berkshire is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the
amount, if any, by which distributions paid by it with respect to any calendar
year are less than the sum of:
- 85% of its ordinary income for that year,
- 95% of its capital gain net income for that year, and
- 100% of its undistributed taxable income from prior years.
We may have to borrow funds on a short-term basis to meet the 95% distribution
requirement and to avoid the nondeductible excise tax. The requirement to
distribute a substantial portion of our net taxable income
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could cause us to distribute amounts that otherwise would be spent on future
acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt. In that event, we
might have to borrow funds or sell assets to fund the costs of such items.
IF BRI PARTNERSHIP FAILS TO QUALIFY AS A PARTNERSHIP, WE WILL HAVE LESS CASH
AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO STOCKHOLDERS.
We have not requested, and do not expect to request, a ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service that BRI Partnership and each of its noncorporate operating
subsidiaries will be classified as partnerships for federal income tax purposes.
If the agency were to successfully challenge the tax status of BRI Partnership
or any noncorporate operating subsidiary as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes, BRI Partnership or the noncorporate subsidiary would be taxed as a
corporation. If that happened, Berkshire would likely cease to qualify as a REIT
for a variety of reasons. Furthermore, the imposition of a corporate income tax
on BRI Partnership would reduce substantially the amount of cash available for
distribution from BRI Partnership to Berkshire and its shareholders.
CHANGES IN TAX LAW MAY AFFECT THE VALUE OF OUR ASSETS AND YOUR INVESTMENT.
The current federal income tax treatment of an investment in Berkshire may be
modified, prospectively or retroactively, by legislative, judicial or
administrative action at any time. In addition to any direct effects which such
changes might have, such changes might also indirectly affect the market value
of all real estate investments and, consequently, our ability to realize our
business objectives.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information in this prospectus may contain forward-looking
statements. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be
forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "may," "anticipates,"
"plans," "expects," "intends," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended
to identify forward-looking statements. When considering such forward-looking
statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary
statements in this prospectus. The risk factors noted in the section titled
"Risk Factors" and other factors noted throughout this prospectus, including
risks and uncertainties, could cause our actual results to differ materially
from those indicated by any forward-looking statement.
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BERKSHIRE REALTY COMPANY, INC.
GENERAL
Berkshire Realty Company, Inc. is a REIT which acquires, renovates,
rehabilitates, develops and operates apartment communities. Founded in 1991 with
15 apartment communities containing approximately 4,200 units, as of May 1,
1999, Berkshire owned 82 apartment communities consisting of 24,387 units
located in Florida, Texas and the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States.
Berkshire is a Delaware corporation, and its shares of common stock, $.01 par
value per share, are listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The
shares of common stock are subject to restrictions on ownership designed to
preserve Berkshire's status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.
This prospectus relates to the possible issuance by Berkshire of up to
1,714,396 shares of common stock, as redemption shares, if and to the extent
that the holders of 1,714,396 units of limited partnership interest in BRI OP
Limited Partnership exchange such units for redemption shares. The units were
issued to unitholders in their capacity as partners in the partnerships listed
below in connection with the acquisition, on November 14, 1997, by BRI
Partnership of the properties listed below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number
of
Partnership Name Property Name OP units
- ---------------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Arborview Associates, LP Arborview 137,129
Calvert's Walk Associates LP Calvert's Walk 64,455
The Estates LP The Estates 116,184
Fairbrook Associates, LP Stratton Meadows 153,672
Henley Associates, LP Rolling Wind 92,459
Ridgeview Chase Associates, LP Ridgeview Chase 213,121
Second Kingswood Common Kingswood Common II 78,811
Associates
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Fourth Rolling Road Associates Courtleigh 147,661
LP
Frederick Road Associates Jamestowne 28,938
Gorn Properties, Inc. Hilltop 24,291
Plainfield Associates Hazelcrest 24,917
Purnell Associates Fairway Ridge 25,528
Rolling Road Associates Heraldry Square 144,422
Second Rolling Road Associates Kingswood Common I 92,391
Third Rolling Road Associates, Coventry 122,878
LP
Williston Associates Williston 32,653
Warren Park Associates Warren Park 167,620
Diamond Ridge Associates, LP Diamond Ridge 47,266
----------------
Total 1,714,396
----------------
----------------
</TABLE>
Pursuant to BRI Partnership's partnership agreement, a unitholder has
the right, exercisable at any time after the first anniversary of the issuance
of units to him or her, to convert all or a portion of the units so issued into
shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis, or cash, as determined by
Berkshire. Upon receipt of a notice that a unitholder is exercising this right,
Berkshire, at the direction of BRI Partnership, will either (1) convert the
tendered units into an equivalent number of shares of common stock, or (2) pay
the unitholder cash for each unit in an amount equal to the market value of a
share of common stock.
Berkshire anticipates that generally BRI Partnership will direct
Berkshire to issue common stock pursuant to this prospectus in exchange for
units rather than paying cash. As a result, Berkshire may from time to time
issue up to 1,714,396 redemption shares upon the acquisition of units for which
unitholders have exercised their conversion rights. Accordingly, Berkshire is
registering the redemption shares to provide unitholders with freely tradable
securities upon conversion.
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The operations of Berkshire are conducted primarily through BRI
Partnership and through their other subsidiaries. As of May 1, 1999, Berkshire
held approximately 79.2% of the units of partnership interest in BRI
Partnership in its capacity as a special limited partner and through its 100%
ownership of Berkshire Apartments, Inc. The remaining approximately 20.8% of
the partnership interests in BRI Partnership was owned by affiliated and
unaffiliated third parties.
Berkshire's property management and development offices are located in
Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, Berkshire operates six regional offices in
Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore and Columbia, Maryland; Greenville, South Carolina;
Dallas and Houston, Texas. At December 31, 1998, Berkshire had approximately
1,000 employees.
Berkshire believes that its real properties are adequately covered by
insurance and that the properties are suitable for their intended use as
apartment communities.
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
Set forth below is information regarding our real estate acquisitions
since January 1, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Apartment Debt Interest Partnership
Date Location Units Total Cost Cash Assumed Rate Units Issued
- ---- -------- ----- ---------- ---- ------- ---- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1/21/98 Dallas, TX 208 $ 6.8 million $ 2.0 million $ 4.0 million 7.875% $ 720,000
2/04/98 Austin, 2,266 $81.2 million $58.9 million $14.3 million 8.510% $ 8.0 million
and San Antonio &
4/09/98 Houston, TX
2/12/98 Baltimore, MD 144 $ 7.3 million -- $ 5.8 million 7.055% $ 1.5 million
2/26/98 Tamarac, FL 232 $ 9.6 million $ 7.8 million -- -- $ 1.8 million
3/14/98 St. Petersburg, 809 $23.0 million $ 2.4 million $14.4 million 7.062% $ 6.2 million
FL
6/18/98 San Antonio, 319 $11.4 million $11.4 million -- -- --
TX
7/08/98 Atlanta, GA 1,076 $59.7 million $19.3 million $40.4 million 8.040 - --
8.600%
1/07/99 Baltimore, MD 264 $25.6 million $25.6 million -- -- --
</TABLE>
-17-
<PAGE>
RECENT DISPOSITIONS
Set forth below is information regarding our real estate dispositions
since January 1, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type of
Date Location Property Sale Price Gain (Loss)
- --------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ---------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1/05/98 Jonesboro, GA retail center $ 9.5 million ($ 10,000)
1/30/98 Fort Myers, FL retail center $ 6.0 million $ 516,000
1/30/98 Spring Valley, NY retail center $ 29.6 million $ 50,000
5/13/98 Dallas, TX parcel of land $ 2.0 million $ 543,000
</TABLE>
There were no material relationships between the entities from whom the
assets were acquired or to whom the assets were sold and Berkshire or any of its
affiliates, any director or officer of Berkshire, or any associate of any such
director or officer.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Berkshire will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of any
redemption shares but will acquire units for which Berkshire is required to
issue redemption shares. With each such acquisition, Berkshire's interest in the
BRI Partnership will increase.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Berkshire is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and in accordance therewith files reports,
proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information filed by
Berkshire pursuant to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act may be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at
Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549 and at the
regional offices of the SEC located at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New
York, New York 10048 and at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of this material may also be obtained from the
Public Reference Section of the SEC at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. Information concerning the operation
of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by telephoning the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, Berkshire is
-18-
<PAGE>
required to file electronic versions of these documents through the SEC's
Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval system. The SEC maintains a
World Wide Web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding registrants that file
electronically with the SEC. The common stock of Berkshire is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, and similar information concerning Berkshire can also be
inspected and copied at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.
Berkshire has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3
under the Securities Act, with respect to the securities offered pursuant to
this prospectus. This prospectus, which is part of the registration statement,
does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement.
For further information concerning Berkshire and the securities offered hereby,
reference is made to the registration statement, which may be examined without
charge at, or copies obtained upon payment of prescribed fees from, the SEC at
the locations listed above. Any statements contained herein concerning the
provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is
qualified in its entirety by such reference.
INCORPORATION OF VARIOUS DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents heretofore filed by Berkshire with the SEC
(File No. 1-10660) are incorporated herein by reference:
(a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1998 as filed on March 19, 1999, as amended by Annual Report
on Form 10-K/A as filed on May 7, 1999;
(b) Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on October 30, 1998;
(c) Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on April 15, 1999;
(d) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed on May 17, 1999; and
(e) the description of the common stock contained in Berkshire's
registration statement on Form 8-A as filed
-19-
<PAGE>
on November 19, 1990, including any amendments or reports
filed for the purpose of updating such description.
All documents filed by Berkshire pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this prospectus and prior
to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all redemption
shares offered hereby have been sold or which deregisters all redemption shares
then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this
prospectus and made a part hereof from the date of the filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other
document subsequently filed with the SEC which also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified
or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
Berkshire will provide without charge to each person to whom this
prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a copy
of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated by reference herein, not
including the exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference in such documents. Requests for such copies should be
directed to: Berkshire Realty Company, Inc., One Beacon Street, Suite 1550,
Boston, Massachusetts 02108, Attention: Investor Communications Department,
telephone (888) 867-0100.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL STOCK OF BERKSHIRE
The authorized capital stock of Berkshire consists of 140,000,000
shares of common stock and 60,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
COMMON STOCK
Subject to such preferential rights as may be granted by the Board of
Directors in connection with the future issuance of preferred stock, holders of
shares of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be
voted on by shareholders and are entitled to receive ratably such dividends as
may be declared in respect of the common stock by the Board of Directors in its
discretion from funds legally available therefor. In the event of the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Berkshire, holders of common stock
are entitled to share
-20-
<PAGE>
ratably in all assets remaining after payment of all debts and other
liabilities and any liquidation preference of the holders of preferred stock.
Holders of common stock have no pre-emptive, subscription, conversion or
redemption rights and have no cumulative voting rights. Matters submitted for
shareholder approval generally require a majority vote of the shares present
and voting thereon; some matters, however, require a supermajority vote. The
outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
GENERAL. The Board of Directors is empowered by Berkshire's charter to
designate and issue from time to time one or more classes or series of preferred
stock without shareholder approval. The Board of Directors may fix the relative
rights, limitations, preferences and privileges of each class or series of
preferred stock so issued. Because the Board of Directors has the power to
establish the preferences and rights of each class or series of preferred stock,
it may afford the holders in any series or class of preferred stock preferences,
powers and rights, voting or otherwise, senior to the rights of holders of
common stock.
SERIES 1997-A PREFERRED STOCK. Berkshire has designated and issued
approximately 2.7 million shares of the Series 1997-A Preferred pursuant to the
authority granted by the charter. As of the date hereof, approximately 2.3
million shares of Series 1997-A Preferred are owned by affiliates of Westbrook
Partners, L.L.C. and the balance is owned by six clients of Morgan Stanley, Dean
Witter, Discover & Co. The outstanding shares of Series 1997-A Preferred are
fully paid and nonassessable. The Certificate of Designation for the Series
1997-A Preferred sets forth the preferences, powers and rights of the holders of
shares of such stock including, but not limited to, the following:
DIVIDENDS
Holders of shares of Series 1997-A Preferred are entitled to receive,
when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available for the payment of dividends, preferential cumulative quarterly cash
dividends equal to the greater of:
- 2.25% of $25.00 per share and
- the dollar amount of the dividend paid per share of common
stock multiplied by the number of shares of
-21-
<PAGE>
common stock into which each share of Series 1997-A Preferred
is then entitled to be converted.
Such dividends accrue whether or not Berkshire has earnings or surplus and are
payable before any dividends or distributions are paid on, or Berkshire makes
any redemptions or purchases of, shares of common stock.
VOTING RIGHTS
Holders of shares of Series 1997-A Preferred are entitled to vote,
together with the holders of common stock as one class, on all matters on which
the holders of common stock are entitled to vote. Each share of Series 1997-A
Preferred is entitled to the number of votes as equal the number of shares of
common stock into which a share of Series 1997-A Preferred is then entitled to
be converted. The affirmative vote of a majority of the Series 1997-A Preferred
is required in order to:
- issue additional shares of Series 1997-A Preferred or increase
the number of authorized shares of Series 1997-A Preferred.
- authorize any reclassification of the Series 1997-A Preferred.
- require the exchange of Series 1997-A Preferred.
- amend, alter or repeal any provisions of the by-laws of
Berkshire in a manner that would adversely affect the holders
of Series 1997-A Preferred.
- amend, alter or repeal any provisions of the charter of
Berkshire, the terms of the Series 1997-A Preferred or any
other pertinent organizational document in a manner that would
adversely affect the rights and preferences of the Series
1997-A Preferred.
In addition, for so long as there are outstanding at least 793,730
shares of Series 1997-A Preferred, the affirmative vote of a majority of the
Series 1997-A Preferred is required for the following actions:
- the transfer by Berkshire of the ownership of any interest in
the general partner of BRI Partnership, the transfer by the
general partner to a third party of the right to exercise
-22-
<PAGE>
all or a portion of its rights as the general partner of BRI
Partnership or the transfer by Berkshire in a single
transaction or series of transactions of assets owned directly
or indirectly by Berkshire having a value in excess of 10% of
the fully-diluted market capitalization of Berkshire within
any 90-day period or 20% of such market capitalization within
any 360-day period.
- Berkshire's termination as a REIT.
- the alteration of Berkshire's business such that real estate
assets owned directly or indirectly by Berkshire are, on a
square foot basis, less than 90% invested in multifamily
residential properties.
Holders of Series 1997-A Preferred are entitled to elect one director
to the Board of Directors of Berkshire. In addition, if four consecutive Series
1997-A Preferred quarterly dividends are in arrears, then the number of
directors of Berkshire will be increased by the smallest number representing a
majority of the number of directors of Berkshire, and the holders of Series
1997-A Preferred will be entitled to elect such number of directors.
MERGERS AND SIMILAR TRANSACTIONS
Upon
- the transfer of substantially all the assets owned directly or
indirectly by Berkshire;
- the merger or consolidation of Berkshire or BRI Partnership
with a third party other than a merger of Berkshire and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire in which the
fully-diluted market capitalization of Berkshire is unchanged;
- any recapitalization of Berkshire, BRI Partnership and
subsidiaries of Berkshire, considered as a whole, in a single
transaction or series of transactions, aggregating 50% or more
of the fully-diluted market capitalization of Berkshire; or
- a change of control of Berkshire or BRI Partnership,
-23-
<PAGE>
holders of Series 1997-A Preferred will be entitled to receive at their option
either (1) out of the assets of Berkshire available for distribution to
shareholders and before any payment to holders of common stock, an amount per
share equal to 115% of the sum of $25.00 and all accrued and unpaid dividends or
(2) common stock on conversion of their Series 1997-A Preferred.
LIQUIDATION
Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Berkshire, holders of
Series 1997-A Preferred will be entitled to receive at their option either:
- out of the assets of Berkshire available for distribution to
shareholders and before any payment to holders of common
stock, an amount per share as set forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent of $25.00, together with accrued
Date of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up and unpaid dividends
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Before September 25, 2002 115%
On or after September 25, 2002 but before 110%
September 25, 2003
On or after September 25, 2003 but before 105%
September 25, 2004
On or after September 25, 2004 100%
</TABLE>
or
- common stock on conversion of their Series 1997-A Preferred.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of
Berkshire occurs as a result of the adoption and implementation of a plan of
liquidation pursuant to rights granted to shareholders in Berkshire's charter,
then holders of Series 1997-A Preferred who voted in favor of the adoption of
that plan will be entitled to receive at their option either:
- an amount per share equal to 100% of the sum of $25.00 and all
accrued and unpaid dividends or
-24-
<PAGE>
- common stock on conversion of their Series 1997-A Preferred.
CONVERSION
Each share of Series 1997-A Preferred is convertible at the option of
the holder beginning September 19, 1998 into 2.0756 shares of common stock,
based on a conversion price of $12.04 per share of common stock.
The conversion price is subject to adjustment in same events.
REDEMPTION
In the event of Berkshire's termination as a REIT, each holder of
Series 1997-A Preferred will have the right to require Berkshire to redeem any
or all of such holder's shares of Series 1997-A Preferred at a redemption price
per share equal to 115% of the sum of $25.00 and all accrued and unpaid
dividends.
PRIORITY
The terms of the Series 1997-A Preferred provide that it will rank
prior to any other series of preferred stock, prior to common stock and prior to
any other class or series of capital stock of Berkshire with respect to the
payment of dividends, the right to redemption and the distribution preference in
the event of a change in ownership or the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up
of Berkshire. Except as otherwise agreed to in the stock purchase agreement
among Berkshire, Westbrook Partners, L.L.C. and Westbrook Berkshire Holdings,
L.L.C., pursuant to which the shares of Series 1997-A Preferred were issued and
sold, holders of Series 1997-A Preferred have no preemptive rights.
CHARTER AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
GENERAL. Shareholders' rights and related matters are governed by the
Delaware General Corporation Law and Berkshire's organizational documents. Some
provisions of the organizational documents, which are summarized below, may make
it more difficult to change the composition of the Board of Directors and may
discourage or make more difficult any attempt by a person or group to obtain
control of Berkshire.
-25-
<PAGE>
VOTING REQUIREMENTS. Holders of shares of common stock of Berkshire and
Series 1997-A Preferred, voting on an as converted basis with the holders of
shares of common stock, by a majority or supermajority vote, may take actions,
including approving amendments to Berkshire's charter. Any such change, if
approved by the holders of the requisite number of shares, would be binding on
all nonconsenting shareholders. Under the organizational documents, a
supermajority vote is required in order to amend those portions of the
organizational documents which concern:
- the definition of "supermajority".
- the requirements for amending the organizational documents.
- the requirements regarding excess share ownership.
- the actions which require a supermajority vote.
- the requirements regarding business combinations.
- the staggering of the terms of the directors.
- the limitation of the liability of directors.
- the perpetual life of Berkshire.
A supermajority vote is defined to mean the vote or consent of shareholders
owning at least 66-2/3% of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled at
the time to vote on the election of directors. Shareholders may not take action
by written consent without a meeting.
SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings may be called, to address specific
matters, by the Chairman of the Board, the President of Berkshire or a majority
of the directors or independent directors. Shareholders may not call a special
meeting.
STAGGERED BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The charter classifies the directors,
concerning the term of their respective directorships, into three classes, one
of which is elected annually.
The provisions for a classified Board, together with related provisions
designed to strengthen the position of the Board by
-26-
<PAGE>
- providing for limitations on the removal of directors and the
filling of vacancies on the Board;
- requiring that shareholder action be taken only at an annual
meeting or a special meeting and limiting the ability of
shareholders to call special meetings;
- prescribing procedures for the advance notice of shareholder
proposals and nominations of directors by the shareholders;
and
- requiring a supermajority vote to effect changes in the
foregoing provisions,
have the overall effect of making it more difficult to acquire and exercise
control of Berkshire and to remove incumbent officers and directors, providing
such officers and directors with enhanced ability to retain their positions.
Such provisions may also limit shareholder participation in some types of
transactions that might be proposed whether or not such transactions were
favored by a majority of shareholders.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
Berkshire's organizational documents affirmatively adopt Section 203 of
the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits interested shareholders
from engaging in a business combination with Berkshire. Specifically, the
organizational documents prohibit any person owning 15% or more of the
outstanding voting shares of Berkshire, excluding persons holding an excess of
15% as a result of an action solely by Berkshire, from engaging in a merger or
consolidation or other specified transaction with Berkshire which would have the
effect of the interested shareholder gaining control of Berkshire for a period
of three years following the time that such shareholder became an interested
shareholder, unless:
- prior to such time, the Board approved either the business
combination or the transaction which resulted in the
shareholder becoming an interested shareholder;
- upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the
shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the interested
shareholder owned at least 85% of the voting shares of
Berkshire then outstanding, excluding shares held
-27-
<PAGE>
by directors who are also officers of Berkshire and employees'
stock plans in which employees do not have the right to
determine confidentially whether shares held by the plan will
be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
- at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is
approved by the Board and authorized by a supermajority vote,
excluding the shares owned by the interested shareholder.
The provisions of the organizational documents concerning business
combinations and the restriction on the transfer of shares which are described
above cannot be changed except by amendment to the organizational documents by a
supermajority vote.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN
Berkshire may adopt a plan intended to force the initiator of a hostile
takeover to negotiate by granting the shareholders rights to buy shares at a
bargain price. Such a plan (1) may have the effect of discouraging changes of
control of Berkshire, and (2) may limit the opportunity of a shareholder to
receive a premium for his or her shares in the event an investor is making
purchases to assemble a block of shares.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE OWNERSHIP AND TRANSFER OF EXCESS SHARES
TAX REQUIREMENTS. For Berkshire to qualify as a REIT under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, not more than 50% of its outstanding shares may be owned
by five or fewer individuals during the last half of the year, and the shares of
common stock must be owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a
taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable
year. Furthermore, Berkshire cannot own, directly or by attribution, 10% or more
of any tenant of a property or a property securing a mortgage loan investment
from which Berkshire is entitled to receive an additional equity return.
EXCESS SHARES. The organizational documents:
- provide that if any person or group of affiliated persons
directly or indirectly acquires ownership, in the aggregate,
of more than 9.8% of the then outstanding shares of capital
stock, such excess shares shall be deprived of voting rights,
-28-
<PAGE>
shall not be included in any quorum count and any dividends
and distributions on such shares shall be paid into an escrow
account payable to the holder of the excess shares at the time
they cease to be excess shares, and
- empower the Board (1) to refuse to permit any transfer of
shares of capital stock that, in its sole discretion, would
jeopardize the status of Berkshire as a REIT and (2) to
repurchase any excess shares to maintain or bring the
ownership of shares into conformity with such 9.8% limit.
The 9.8% limitation on ownership of shares of common stock encompasses shares
held directly or indirectly as a result of options, warrants or other
convertible securities.
Berkshire may require each proposed transferee of shares of capital
stock to deliver a statement or affidavit setting forth the number of shares, if
any, already owned, directly, indirectly or by attribution by such transferee
and may refuse to permit any transfer of shares which would cause an
accumulation of shares that would jeopardize the status of Berkshire as a REIT.
A shareholder who knowingly holds excess shares is required to indemnify
Berkshire for any losses Berkshire may suffer as a result of such holdings.
PURCHASE BY BERKSHIRE. Excess shares shall be deemed to be offered for
sale to Berkshire or its designees. The purchase price will be the average
closing sales price as reported by the New York Stock Exchange during the 30-day
period ending on the business day prior to the purchase date. The organizational
documents further provide that the purchase price may be paid in the form of a
promissory note of Berkshire. However, if the person from whom the excess shares
were purchased sells a like number of his or her remaining shares within 30 days
of the purchase date, then Berkshire shall rescind the purchase of the excess
shares unless counsel to Berkshire is of the opinion that such rescission would
jeopardize Berkshire's tax status as a REIT. In that event, in lieu of
rescission, Berkshire shall make immediate payment for the shares.
EXCEPTIONS. Such provisions do not apply to the acquisition of shares
by an underwriter in a public offering by Berkshire or to any transaction
involving the issuance of shares by Berkshire when its qualification as a REIT
would not be jeopardized.
-29-
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT. The provisions of the organizational documents concerning
excess shares cannot be changed except by amendment of the organizational
documents by a supermajority vote.
DISSOLUTION
Berkshire may be dissolved at any time by supermajority vote and,
otherwise, pursuant to the procedure set forth in the Delaware General
Corporation Law. The charter requires Berkshire's Board of Directors to prepare
and submit to the shareholders on or before December 31, 1998 a proposal to
liquidate Berkshire's assets and distribute the net proceeds of such
liquidation. Berkshire has filed preliminary proxy materials with the SEC
relating to this proposal. The liquidation proposal will become effective only
if approved by shareholders holding a majority of voting shares then
outstanding.
LIMITATION OF DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
Berkshire's charter provides for indemnification of its officers and
directors to the fullest extent permitted by Sections 145 and 102(b)(7) of the
Delaware General Corporation Law and relieves the directors of monetary
liabilities to Berkshire and its shareholders, except for:
- breaches of the duty of loyalty;
- acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
- liability under Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law; and
- any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
In general, Delaware law permits Berkshire to indemnify its officers and
directors so long as they act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed
by them to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of Berkshire. Subject to
the provisions of Sections 145 and 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, Berkshire intends to indemnify its officers and directors against losses,
liabilities and expenses including attorneys' fees, incurred by them that are
related to their being officers or directors of Berkshire.
-30-
<PAGE>
TRANSFER AGENT
The transfer agent and registrar for Berkshire's common stock is
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS AND CONVERSION OF UNITS
GENERAL. Unitholders may require Berkshire to convert all or a portion
of their units. This right to convert must be exercised pursuant to written
notice delivered to Berkshire specifying the units to be converted by such
unitholder. Upon receipt of the notice, Berkshire will, at the direction of BRI
Partnership:
- convert each unit specified in the notice into a share of
common stock subject to specific adjustments in the event of
stock dividends and stock splits; or
- purchase each such unit for cash in an amount equal to the
market value of a share of common stock subject to the same
adjustments.
If the unitholder has registration rights for shares received upon conversion of
units in accordance with a registration rights agreement, the unitholder may
indicate in his or her exercise notice that the conversion of his or her units
into shares will be conditioned upon the effectiveness of the registration of
such shares under the securities laws. The "market value" of the common stock
for purposes of conversion of units for cash will be equal to the average of the
closing trading price of the common stock for the five trading days prior to the
day on which the exercise notice was received by Berkshire.
Berkshire anticipates that it generally will be required to acquire any
units specified in an exercise notice by the issuance of a like number of shares
of common stock. Such an acquisition by Berkshire will be treated as a sale of
the units to Berkshire for federal income tax purposes. Upon the receipt of
redemption shares, a unitholder will have rights as a shareholder of Berkshire,
including the right to receive dividends from the time of such unitholder's
acquisition of the redemption shares.
A unitholder may notify Berkshire of his or her desire to exercise the
right to convert with respect to units that were issued one year or more before
the date of the exercise notice. This right may not be exercised to the extent
delivery of redemption shares would be
-31-
<PAGE>
prohibited under the provisions of Berkshire's organizational documents to
protect Berkshire's qualification as a REIT.
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF CONVERSION
The following discussion summarizes material federal income tax
considerations that may be relevant to a unitholder should he or she exercise
his or her right to redeem units.
TAX TREATMENT OF CONVERSION OF UNITS. If Berkshire purchases units
tendered for conversion, such transaction will be treated as a sale fully
taxable to the unitholder, and the unitholder will be treated as realizing for
tax purposes an amount equal to the sum of the cash or the value of the common
stock received in the exchange plus the amount of any BRI Partnership
liabilities allocable to the converted units at the time of the conversion. The
determination of the amount of gain or loss is discussed more fully below. If
Berkshire elects to redeem a unitholder's units for cash and BRI Partnership
redeems such units for cash that Berkshire contributes to BRI Partnership to
effect such redemption, the redemption likely also would be treated for tax
purposes as a sale of such units to Berkshire in a fully taxable transaction,
although such a result is not certain. In that event, the unitholder would be
treated as realizing an amount equal to the sum of the cash received in the
exchange plus the amount of any BRI Partnership liabilities allocable to the
redeemed units at the time of the redemption. The determination of the amount
and character of gain or loss in the event of such a sale is discussed more
fully below.
If Berkshire does not elect to purchase units tendered for redemption
and BRI Partnership redeems a unitholder's units for cash that is not
contributed by Berkshire to effect the redemption, the tax consequences would be
the same as described in the previous paragraph. However, if BRI Partnership
redeems less than all of a unitholder's units, the unitholder would not be
permitted to recognize any loss occurring on the transaction and would recognize
taxable gain only to the extent that the cash exceeded the unitholder's adjusted
basis in all of its units immediately before the redemption.
If Berkshire contributes cash to BRI Partnership to effect a redemption
and the transaction is treated as the redemption of a unitholder's units by BRI
Partnership rather than a sale of units to Berkshire, the income tax
consequences to the unitholder would be as described in the preceding paragraph.
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<PAGE>
TAX TREATMENT OF DISPOSITION OF UNITS BY A UNITHOLDER GENERALLY. If a
unit is disposed of in a manner that is treated as a sale of the unit, the
determination of gain or loss from the sale or other disposition will be based
on the difference between the amount considered realized for tax purposes and
the adjusted tax basis in such unit computed as set forth below. Upon the sale
of a unit, the "amount realized" will be measured by the sum of the cash and
fair market value of other property, e.g., redemption shares, received plus the
amount of any BRI Partnership liabilities allocable to the units sold. To the
extent that the amount of cash or property received plus the allocable share of
any BRI Partnership liabilities exceeds the limited partner's adjusted tax basis
in the units disposed of, such unitholder will recognize gain. It is possible
that the amount of gain recognized or even the tax liability resulting from such
gain could exceed the amount of cash and/or the value of any other property,
e.g., redemption shares, received upon such disposition.
Except as described below, any gain recognized upon a sale or other
disposition of units will be treated as gain attributable to the sale or
disposition of a capital asset. To the extent, however, that the amount realized
upon the sale of a unit attributable to a unitholder's share of "unrealized
receivables" or "inventory" of BRI Partnership exceeds the basis attributed to
those assets, such excess will be treated as ordinary income. As defined in
Section 751 of the Internal Revenue Code, unrealized receivables generally
include, to the extent not previously included in BRI Partnership income, any
rights to payment for services rendered or to be rendered. Unrealized
receivables also include amounts that would be subject to recapture as ordinary
income if BRI Partnership had sold its assets at their fair market value at the
time of the transfer of a unit. "Inventory" is also defined in Section 751 of
the Internal Revenue Code.
BASIS OF UNITS. In general, a unitholder who acquired his or her units
by contribution of property and/or money to BRI Partnership had an "initial tax
basis" in his units equal to the sum of (1) the amount of money contributed, or
deemed contributed, and (2) his adjusted tax basis in any other property
contributed in exchange for such units, and less the amount of any money
distributed, or deemed distributed, in connection with the acquisition of the
units. The initial tax basis of units acquired by other means would have been
determined under the general rules of the Internal Revenue Code, including the
partnership provisions, governing the determination of tax basis. Other rules,
including the "disguised sale" rules discussed below, also may affect initial
tax basis, and unitholders are urged to consult their own tax
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advisors regarding their initial tax basis. Generally, a unitholder's initial
tax basis in his units is increased by
- such unitholder's share of BRI Partnership taxable and
tax-exempt income; and
- increases in such unitholder's allocable share of liabilities
of BRI Partnership.
Conversely, a unitholder's basis in his units is decreased, but not below zero,
by
- such unitholder's share of BRI Partnership distributions;
- decreases in such unitholder's allocable share of liabilities
of BRI Partnership;
- such unitholder's share of losses of BRI Partnership; and
- such unitholder's share of nondeductible expenditures of BRI
Partnership that are not chargeable to his capital account.
POTENTIAL APPLICATION OF THE DISGUISED SALE REGULATIONS TO A REDEMPTION
OF UNITS. There is a risk that a redemption by BRI Partnership of units issued
in exchange for a contribution of property to BRI Partnership may cause the
original transfer of property to BRI Partnership in exchange for units to be
treated as a disguised sale of property. Section 707(a)(2)(B) of the Internal
Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder generally provide that,
unless one of the prescribed exceptions is applicable, a partner's contribution
of property to a partnership and a simultaneous or subsequent transfer of money
or other consideration, which may include the assumption of or taking subject to
a liability, from the partnership to the partner will be presumed to be a sale,
in whole or in part, of such property by the partner to the partnership.
Further, the Treasury Regulations provide generally that, in the absence of an
applicable exception, if money or other consideration is transferred by a
partnership to a partner within two years of the partner's contribution of
property, the transaction is presumed to be a sale of the contributed property
unless the facts and circumstances clearly establish that the transfer did not
constitute a sale. The Treasury Regulations also provide that if two years have
passed between the transfer of money or other consideration and the contribution
of property, the transaction will be presumed not to be a
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sale unless the facts and circumstances clearly establish that the transfer
constitutes a sale.
Accordingly, if a unit is redeemed by BRI Partnership from a unitholder
who holds units that were issued in exchange for a contribution of property to
BRI Partnership, the Internal Revenue Service could contend that the Treasury
Regulations apply because the unitholder will thus receive cash subsequent to a
previous contribution of property to BRI Partnership. In that event, the
Internal Revenue Service could contend that the contribution was taxable as a
disguised sale under the Treasury Regulations. Any gain recognized thereby will
be eligible for installment reporting under Section 453 of the Internal Revenue
Code if the technical requirements of that section are met. In addition, in such
event, the Treasury Regulations might apply to cause a portion of the proceeds
received by a redeeming unitholder to be characterized as original issue
discount on a deferred obligation which would be taxable as interest income in
accordance with the provisions of Section 1272 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Each unitholder is advised to consult its own tax advisors to determine whether
redemption of his or her units could be subject to the Treasury Regulations
regarding disguised sales.
COMPARISON OF OWNERSHIP OF UNITS AND COMMON STOCK
The nature of an investment in common stock of Berkshire is generally
economically equivalent to an investment in units in BRI Partnership. There are,
however, some differences between ownership of units and ownership of common
stock, some of which may be material to investors. The information below
highlights a number of significant differences between BRI Partnership and
Berkshire relating to, among other things:
- form of organization;
- permitted investments;
- policies and restrictions;
- management structure;
- compensation and fees;
- investor rights; and
- federal income taxation.
These comparisons are intended to assist unitholders in understanding how their
investment will be changed if their units are converted into common stock. This
discussion is summary in nature and does not constitute a complete discussion of
these matters, and investors should
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carefully review the documents incorporated by reference herein, and the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part for additional
important information about Berkshire.
FORM OF ORGANIZATION AND ASSETS OWNED. BRI Partnership is organized as
a Delaware limited partnership. A substantial amount of Berkshire's operations
are conducted through BRI Partnership.
Berkshire is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware.
Berkshire maintains both a special limited partner interest and, through its
wholly owned direct subsidiary, the general partner, a general partner interest
in BRI Partnership, which gives Berkshire an indirect investment in the assets
owned by BRI Partnership. As of May 1, 1999, Berkshire held approximately
79.2% of the partnership interests in BRI Partnership. Such interest may
increase as units are acquired by Berkshire or decrease as additional assets are
acquired in exchange for units in BRI Partnership.
TERM. BRI Partnership has a stated termination date of December 31,
2095, although it may be terminated earlier under specific circumstances, such
as the election by the general partner or the sale of all of its assets.
Berkshire has a perpetual term and, unless the shareholders vote to liquidate
Berkshire's assets and distribute the net proceeds of such liquidation, intends
to continue its operations for an indefinite time period.
PURPOSE AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS. The purpose of BRI Partnership as
stated in its partnership agreement may be summarized as the acquisition, sale,
operation, development, financing, mortgaging and leasing of real estate and
interests in real estate. The partnership agreement requires the business of BRI
Partnership to be conducted in such a manner that will permit Berkshire to be
classified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. BRI Partnership may,
subject to the foregoing limitation, invest or enter into partnerships, joint
ventures or similar arrangements and may own interests in any other entity.
Under its charter, Berkshire may engage in any lawful activity
permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law. Under the partnership
agreement, the general partner of BRI Partnership is responsible for the
management of BRI Partnership's business and affairs and has full and complete
power, authority and discretion to take such action on behalf of BRI Partnership
as it deems necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the purposes of BRI
Partnership. However, the general partner may not do any act in contravention of
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the partnership agreement or applicable law nor may the general partner possess
any BRI Partnership property or assign any rights in such property for other
than BRI Partnership purposes. Berkshire agrees that all of its activities and
business operations will be conducted directly or indirectly through BRI
Partnership.
ADDITIONAL EQUITY. BRI Partnership is authorized to issue units and
other partnership interests to its partners or to other persons for such
consideration and on such terms and conditions as the general partner, in its
sole discretion, may deem appropriate.
The Board of Directors of Berkshire may authorize the issuance of
shares of capital stock of any class, whether now or hereafter authorized, or
securities or rights, convertible into shares of capital stock, for such
consideration as the Board of Directors may deem advisable, subject to such
restrictions or limitations as may be set forth in Berkshire's organizational
documents. The proceeds from the issue of equity capital by Berkshire will be
loaned or contributed to BRI Partnership in exchange for units or other
interests in BRI Partnership.
BORROWING POLICIES. The partnership agreement imposes no restrictions
on BRI Partnership on borrowings, and the general partner has full power and
authority to borrow money on behalf of BRI Partnership.
Berkshire is not restricted under its organizational documents from
incurring borrowings. Berkshire has, however, adopted a policy that limits its
debt to 50% of the value of its assets. The foregoing reflects Berkshire's
general policy over time and is not intended to operate in a manner that
inappropriately restricts Berkshire's ability to raise additional capital,
including additional debt, to implement its planned growth, to pursue attractive
acquisition opportunities that may arise or to otherwise act in a manner that
the Board of Directors believes to be in the best interests of Berkshire and its
shareholders. The Board of Directors, with the assistance of management of
Berkshire, may re-evaluate from time to time its debt and other capitalization
policies in light of then current economic conditions, including the relative
costs of debt and equity capital, the market value of its properties, growth and
acquisition opportunities, and the market value of its equity securities in
relation to Berkshire's view of the market value of its properties, and may
modify its debt policy. Such modification may include increasing or decreasing
its ratio of debt to value or substituting another measuring standard.
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OTHER INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. Other than restrictions precluding
investments by BRI Partnership that would adversely affect the qualification of
Berkshire as a REIT, the partnership agreement imposes no restrictions upon BRI
Partnership's authority to enter into transactions, including, among others,
making investments, lending BRI Partnership funds, or reinvesting BRI
Partnership's cash flow and net sale or refinancing proceeds.
Berkshire's organizational documents do not impose any restrictions
upon the types of investments that may be made by Berkshire.
MANAGEMENT CONTROL. All management powers over the business and affairs
of BRI Partnership are vested in the general partner, and no limited partner of
BRI Partnership has any right to participate in or exercise control or
management power over the business and affairs of BRI Partnership. The general
partner may not be removed by the limited partners, other than by Berkshire as
special limited partner, with or without cause.
The Board of Directors has exclusive control over Berkshire's business
and affairs subject only to the restrictions set forth in its organizational
documents. The Board of Directors is divided into three classes. At each annual
meeting of the shareholders, the successors of the class of directors whose
terms expire at that meeting will be elected. The policies adopted by the Board
of Directors may be altered or eliminated without advice of the shareholders.
Accordingly, except for their vote in the elections of directors, shareholders
have no control over the day-to-day business policies of Berkshire.
MANAGEMENT LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION. The partnership agreement
generally provides that the general partner will incur no liability to BRI
Partnership or any limited partner for losses sustained or liabilities incurred
as a result of any act or omission if the general partner or its affiliates,
directors, officers, shareholders and such other persons acting in its or their
behalf acted in good faith and in the belief that such conduct was in, or not
opposed to, the best interests of BRI Partnership. The partnership agreement
also provides for indemnification of the general partner, Berkshire, the
directors, officers and shareholders of the general partner and Berkshire, and
such other persons acting on its or their behalf, against expenses, judgments,
fines and amounts paid in settlement arising from any threatened, pending or
completed actions, suits or proceedings that relate to the operations of BRI
Partnership in which such person may be involved.
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Berkshire's organizational documents provide limitations on the
liability of Berkshire's directors and officers for monetary damages to
Berkshire. The organizational documents obligate Berkshire to indemnify its
directors and officers, and permit Berkshire to indemnify its employees and
other agents, against liabilities incurred in connection with their service in
such capacities. These provisions could reduce the legal remedies available to
Berkshire and the shareholders against these individuals.
Berkshire's by-laws require it to indemnify its officers, directors and
other parties to the fullest extent permitted from time to time by Delaware law.
The Delaware General Corporation Law permits a corporation to indemnify any
present or former director, officer, employee or agent who has been successful
on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding or
in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, to which he or she was made a
party by reason of his or her service in that capacity, against reasonable
expenses incurred by him or her in connection therewith provided it is
established that:
- he or she acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she
reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best
interests of Berkshire; or
- in the case of a criminal proceeding, he or she had no
reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was
unlawful.
The Delaware General Corporation Law also permits Berkshire to provide
indemnification and advance expenses to a present or former director or officer
who served as a predecessor of Berkshire in such capacity, and to any employer
or agent of Berkshire or a predecessor of Berkshire. Berkshire has purchased
director and officer liability insurance for the purpose of providing a source
of funds to help pay for any indemnification expenses it may incur. Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling Berkshire pursuant to
the foregoing provisions, Berkshire has been informed that in the opinion of the
SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and is therefore unenforceable.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. The general partner has exclusive management
power over the business and affairs of BRI Partnership, and the partnership
agreement makes no provision for the removal of
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the general partner by the limited partners other than the special limited
partner.
The organizational documents of Berkshire and Delaware law contain a
number of provisions that may have the effect of delaying or discouraging an
unsolicited proposal for the acquisition of Berkshire or the removal of
incumbent management.
VOTING RIGHTS. Under the partnership agreement, the limited partners do
not have voting rights relating to the operation and management of BRI
Partnership except in connection with various amendments to the partnership
agreement.
Shareholders of Berkshire have the right to vote, among other things,
on a merger or sale of substantially all of the assets of Berkshire, amendments
to the charter and dissolution of Berkshire. Berkshire is managed and controlled
by a Board of Directors consisting of three classes having staggered terms of
office. Each class is to be elected by the shareholders at annual meetings of
Berkshire. Each share of common stock has one vote, and the charter permits the
Board of Directors to classify and issue preferred stock in one or more series
having voting power which may differ from that of the common stock.
AMENDMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OR BERKSHIRE'S CHARTER.
Amendments to the partnership agreement may be proposed by the general partner
and generally require approval of limited partners, including the special
limited partner, holding a majority of the outstanding limited partner
interests. Amendments that would, among other things, reduce any limited
partner's interest in BRI Partnership or his, her or its share of distributions,
create any obligations or impair any right of a limited partner must be approved
by the general partner, and each limited partner that would be adversely
affected by any such amendment.
Amendments to Berkshire's charter, its term, changes to its capital
stock provisions, changes to the powers of the Board of Directors, removal of a
director, the excess shares and REIT qualification provisions, the business
combinations provision, shareholder action, the staggered board, limitation on
liability, standards for evaluation of tender, merger and purchase offers, and
amendment of the by-laws must be approved by the Board of Directors and by
affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of all votes
entitled to be cast on the matter. Other matters require an affirmative vote by
a majority of the shareholders.
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VOTE REQUIRED TO DISSOLVE BRI PARTNERSHIP OR BERKSHIRE. Under Delaware
limited partnership law, BRI Partnership may be dissolved, other than in
accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement, only upon the written
consent of all of the partners, the withdrawal of the general partner without
replacement or judicial decree. Under Delaware corporation law, the Board of
Directors must obtain the approval of holders of not less than a majority of all
outstanding shares of capital stock of Berkshire in order to dissolve Berkshire.
VOTE REQUIRED TO SELL ASSETS OR MERGE. Under the partnership agreement,
the limited partners of BRI Partnership do not have voting rights with respect
to the sale, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all
of its assets, including by way of merger or consolidation or other combination
of BRI Partnership.
Under Delaware law and Berkshire's charter, the sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of Berkshire or any merger or consolidation or
dissolution requires the approval of the Board of Directors and the affirmative
vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. No
approval of the shareholders is required for the sale of less than all or
substantially all of Berkshire's assets.
COMPENSATION, FEES AND DISTRIBUTIONS. The general partner does not
receive any compensation for its services as general partner of BRI Partnership.
As a partner in BRI Partnership, however, the general partner and Berkshire have
the same right to allocations and distributions as other partners of BRI
Partnership. In addition, BRI Partnership will reimburse the general partner and
Berkshire for all expenses incurred relating to the ownership and operation of,
or for the benefit of, BRI Partnership.
The directors and officers of Berkshire receive compensation for their
services.
LIABILITY OF INVESTORS. Under the partnership agreement and applicable
Delaware law, limited partners generally are not liable for the debts and
obligations of BRI Partnership unless they are also a general partner or
participate in the control of the business.
Under Delaware law, shareholders generally are not liable for the debts
or obligations of Berkshire.
NATURE OF INVESTMENT. The units constitute equity interests entitling
holders thereof to their pro rata share of cash distributions
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made to the limited partners of BRI Partnership. Berkshire and the general
partner are entitled to receive their respective pro rata shares of
distributions made by BRI Partnership with respect to their interests in BRI
Partnership.
Shares of common stock constitute equity interests in Berkshire. Each
shareholder will be entitled to his pro rata share of any dividends or
distributions paid with respect to common stock. The dividends payable to the
shareholders are not fixed in amount and are paid only if, when and as declared
by the Board of Directors.
POTENTIAL DILUTION OF RIGHTS. The general partner is authorized, in its
sole discretion and without limited partner approval, to cause BRI Partnership
to issue additional limited partnership interests and other equity securities
for any partnership purpose at any time to the limited partners or to other
persons on terms established by the general partner.
The Board of Directors of Berkshire may issue, in its discretion,
additional shares of common stock and has the authority to issue from the
authorized capital stock a variety of other equity securities of Berkshire with
such powers, preferences and rights as the Board of Directors may designate at
the time. The issuance of additional shares of common stock or other similar
equity securities may result in the dilution of interests of the shareholders.
LIQUIDITY. Except for transfers to affiliates or pledges to
institutional lenders, the unitholders may not transfer or pledge units without
the consent of the general partner, which may be withheld in its sole and
absolute discretion.
The common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The breadth
and strength of this market will depend, among other things, upon the number of
shares outstanding, Berkshire's financial results and prospects, the general
interest in Berkshire's real estate investments and Berkshire's dividend yield
compared to that of other debt and equity securities.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
The registration of the redemption shares pursuant to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part will discharge Berkshire's
obligations with respect to such redemption shares to the unitholders under the
terms of a series of substantially identical registration rights agreements
which Berkshire entered into in
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connection with the issuance of the units. The following summary does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
registration rights agreements.
REGISTRATION OF REDEMPTION SHARES. Under the registration rights
agreements, Berkshire is required to file, during the period commencing two
weeks before November 24, 1998 and ending two weeks after November 24, 1998, a
shelf registration statement covering the redemption shares and to use its best
efforts to have such shelf registration declared effective by the SEC on or
prior to 90 days after the date of filing. Berkshire is required to use its best
efforts to keep the shelf registration effective until all the redemption shares
have been sold pursuant to its terms. Berkshire will not be required to maintain
the effectiveness of the shelf registration with respect to any redemption
shares which:
- have ceased to be outstanding;
- have been transferred and (1) Berkshire has delivered a new
certificate or other evidence of ownership not bearing the
restrictive legend set forth on the certificate issued in
connection with the initial issuance of the redemption shares
or other legend of similar import and (2) in the reasonable
opinion of counsel to Berkshire, the subsequent disposition of
such shares would not require registration or qualification
under the Securities Act;
- have been sold pursuant to either the shelf registration or
rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act; or
- are capable of being sold pursuant to rule 144.
EXPENSES AND INDEMNIFICATION. Pursuant to the terms of the registration
rights agreements, Berkshire has agreed to pay all expenses incurred in the
registration of the redemption shares other than selling commissions and
discounts, brokerage fees and transfer taxes or any legal, accounting and other
expenses incurred by the unitholders thereunder. Berkshire also has agreed to
indemnify the unitholders under the shelf registration and its officers,
directors and other affiliated persons and any person who controls a unitholder
against any and all losses, claims, damages and expenses arising under the
securities laws in connection with the registration statement or this
prospectus, except for liabilities from information provided by the unitholder.
In addition, the unitholders have agreed to indemnify Berkshire and its
directors,
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officers and any person who controls Berkshire against all losses,
claims, damages and expenses arising under the securities laws insofar as
such loss, claim, damage or expense relates to written information or
affidavit furnished to Berkshire by the unitholders for use in the shelf
registration or prospectus or an amendment or supplement thereto. Berkshire
is not required to indemnify the unitholders for the failure by the
unitholders to deliver or cause to be delivered the prospectus or any
amendment or supplement hereto to any purchaser from the unitholders of
shares covered by the shelf registration after Berkshire has furnished the
unitholders with a sufficient number of copies of the prospectus.
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
AND CONSEQUENCES
The following discussion summarizes the material federal income tax
considerations and consequences relating to a holder of common stock. The
following discussion, which is not exhaustive of all possible tax
considerations, does not give a detailed description of any state, local, or
foreign tax considerations. Nor does it discuss all of the aspects of federal
income taxation that may be relevant to a prospective shareholder in light of
his or her particular circumstances or shareholders subject to special treatment
under the federal income tax law. Shareholders subject to special treatment
include insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, financial institutions or
broker-dealers, foreign corporations and persons who are not citizens or
residents of the United States. The information in this section is based on the
Internal Revenue Code, including the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief Act of
1997 and the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998,
current, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations thereunder, the legislative
history of the Internal Revenue Code, court decisions and current administrative
interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service, all as of the
date hereof. The current administrative interpretations and practices of the
Internal Revenue Service include its practices and policies as endorsed in
private letter rulings, which are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service
except with respect to the taxpayer that receives such a ruling. No assurance
can be given that future legislation, Treasury Regulations, court decisions and
administrative interpretations will not significantly change current law or
adversely affect existing interpretations of current law. Any such change could
apply retroactively to transactions preceding the date of the change. Berkshire
has not requested and does not plan to request any rulings from the Internal
Revenue Service concerning the tax treatment of Berkshire or BRI Partnership.
Thus, no assurance can be provided that the statements set forth herein, which
do not bind the
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Internal Revenue Service or the courts, will not be challenged by the
Internal Revenue Service or will be sustained by a court if so challenged.
EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF COMMON STOCK IS ADVISED TO CONSULT HIS OR
HER TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OR HER OF THE ACQUISITION,
OWNERSHIP AND SALE OF THE SECURITIES, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL,
FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH ACQUISITION, OWNERSHIP AND SALE AND
OF POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
TAXATION OF BERKSHIRE
Berkshire has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through
860 of the Internal Revenue Code commencing with its taxable year ended December
31, 1991. Berkshire believes that it has been organized and operated in a manner
so as to qualify as a REIT, and Berkshire intends to continue to operate in such
a manner. So long as Berkshire qualifies for taxation as a REIT, it generally
will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on net income that it
distributes currently to shareholders. However, Berkshire will be subject to
federal income tax in specific circumstances, including the following:
First, Berkshire will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any
undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains.
Second, under specific circumstances, Berkshire may be subject to the
"alternative minimum tax" on its items of tax preference.
Third, if Berkshire has
- net income from the sale or other disposition of "foreclosure
property" is held primarily for sale to customers in the
ordinary course of business. Generally, foreclosure property
includes property acquired by foreclosure or otherwise on
default of a lease or a loan secured by the property; or
- other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, it will
be subject to tax at the highest corporate rate on such
income.
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Fourth, if Berkshire has net income from prohibited transactions such
income will be subject to a 100% tax. Generally, prohibited transactions include
some sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property,
held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.
Fifth, if Berkshire should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or
the 95% gross income test both set forth in Section 856 of the Internal Revenue
Code, and has nonetheless maintained its qualification as a REIT because other
statutory requirements have been met, it will be subject to a 100% tax on the
net income attributable to the greater of the amount by which Berkshire fails
the 75% or 95% gross income test.
Sixth, if Berkshire should fail to distribute during each calendar year
at least the sum of
- 85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year;
- 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for such year; and
- any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, it would
be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required
distribution over the amounts actually distributed.
Seventh, if Berkshire acquires or has acquired any asset from a C
corporation in a transaction in which the basis of such asset in the acquiror's
hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset, or any other asset,
in the hands of the C corporation and the acquiror recognizes gain on the
disposition of such asset during the 10-year period beginning on the date on
which such asset was acquired by it, then, pursuant to anticipated Treasury
Regulations not yet promulgated, Berkshire will be subject to tax at the highest
regular corporate rate applicable to the extent of such asset's "built-in gain."
For this purpose, built-in gain is equal to the excess of (a) the fair market
value of such asset at the time of the acquisition by Berkshire over (b) the
adjusted basis in such asset, determined at the time of such acquisition. The
results described above with respect to the recognition of built-in gain assume
that Berkshire will make an election pursuant to Notice 88-19 with respect to
any such acquisition.
REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION. The Internal Revenue Code defines a
REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
(1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
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(2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable
shares of stock, or by transferable certificates of beneficial
interest;
(3) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for
Sections 856 through 859 of the Internal Revenue Code;
(4) that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance
company subject to provisions of the Internal Revenue Code;
(5) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more
persons;
(6) that during the last half of each taxable year not more than
50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned,
directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals. For this
purpose, "individuals" includes specific types of entities, as
set forth in the Internal Revenue Code; and
(7) that meets other tests, described below, regarding the nature
of its income and assets.
The Internal Revenue Code provides that conditions (1) through (4), inclusive,
must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met
during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a
proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months.
Berkshire's organizational documents contain restrictions regarding the
transfer of its capital stock that are intended to assist Berkshire in
continuing to satisfy the stock ownership requirements described in conditions
(5) and (6). Moreover, pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, for
Berkshire's taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 1998, if Berkshire
complies with regulatory rules pursuant to which it is required to send annual
letters to holders of its capital stock requesting information regarding the
actual ownership of the capital stock, and Berkshire does not know, or
exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, whether it failed to meet
condition (6) above, Berkshire will be treated as having met the requirement.
INCOME TESTS. In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, Berkshire
must satisfy gross income requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code,
which are applied on an annual basis. First, at least 75% of Berkshire's gross
income, excluding gross income from
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prohibited transactions, for each taxable year must be derived directly or
indirectly from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real
property, including "rents from real property" and, in all circumstances,
interest, or from specific types of temporary investments, all as set forth in
the Internal Revenue Code. Second, at least 95% of Berkshire's gross income,
excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, for each taxable year must
be derived from the same items which qualify under the 75% income test, and from
dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or
securities, or from any combination of the foregoing.
RENT
Rents received by Berkshire will qualify as rents from real property in
satisfying the gross income requirements described above only if each of the
following conditions are met:
- The amount of rent must not be based in whole or in part on
the income or profits of any person. However, an amount
received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the
term "rents from real property" solely by reason of being
based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or
sales.
- The Internal Revenue Code provides that rents received from a
tenant will not qualify as rents from real property if such
rent is received from a "related party tenant." For this
purpose, a tenant is a related party tenant if Berkshire, or
an owner of 10% or more of Berkshire, directly or
constructively owns 10% or more of such tenant.
- If rent attributable to personal property, leased in
connection with a lease of real property, is greater than 15%
of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion
of rent attributable to such personal property will not
qualify as rents from real property.
- For rents to qualify as rents from real property, Berkshire
generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish
or render services to tenants, other than through an
"independent contractor" that is adequately compensated and
from whom Berkshire derives no revenue. The "independent
contractor" requirement, however, does not apply to the extent
the services provided by Berkshire are
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"usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the
rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise
considered "rendered to the occupant."
SERVICES
Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, for Berkshire's taxable
years commencing on or after January 1, 1998, rents received generally will
qualify as rents from real property even if Berkshire were to provide services
that are not permissible services so long as the amount received for such
services meets a DE MINIMIS standard. The amount received for "impermissible
services" with respect to a property, or, if services are not available to all
tenants, possibly with respect to the tenants to whom they are available, cannot
exceed 1% of all amounts received, directly or indirectly, by Berkshire with
respect to such property, or, if services are not available to all tenants,
possibly with respect to the tenants to whom they are available. In computing
any such amounts, the amount that Berkshire would be deemed to have received for
performing "impermissible services" will be the greater of the actual amount so
received or 150% of the direct cost to Berkshire of providing those services.
Berkshire provides services with respect to the properties through BRI
Partnership, which is not an "independent contractor." However, Berkshire
believes that all of such services are considered usually or customarily
rendered in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only, so that the
provision of such services do not jeopardize the qualification of rent from the
properties as rents from real property. In the case of any services that are not
"usual and customary" under the foregoing rules, Berkshire intends to employ
independent contractors to provide such services.
RELIEF PROVISIONS
If Berkshire fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross
income tests for any taxable year, it may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for
such year if it is entitled to relief under provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances
Berkshire would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. Even if
these relief provisions were to apply, however, a 100% tax would be imposed with
respect to the "excess net income" attributable to the failure to satisfy the
75% and 95% gross income tests.
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ASSET TESTS. Berkshire, at the close of each quarter of its taxable
year, must also satisfy three tests relating to the nature of its assets:
- at least 75% of the value of Berkshire's total assets must be
represented by real estate assets including (1) its allocable
share of real estate assets held by partnerships in which
Berkshire has an interest and (2) stock or debt instruments
purchased with the proceeds of a stock offering or long-term,
at least five years, debt offering of Berkshire and held for
not more than one year following the receipt by Berkshire of
such proceeds, as well as cash, cash items and government
securities;
- not more than 25% of Berkshire's total assets may be
represented by securities other than those in the 75% asset
class; and
- of the investments included in the 25% asset class, the value
of any one issuer's securities other than an interest in a
partnership or shares of a "qualified REIT subsidiary" or
another REIT owned by Berkshire may not exceed 5% of the value
of Berkshire's total assets, and Berkshire may not own more
than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding voting securities
other than an interest in a partnership or securities of a
qualified REIT subsidiary or another REIT.
After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter,
Berkshire will not lose its status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset
tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values.
If the failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of
securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by
disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of
that quarter. Berkshire intends to maintain adequate records of the value of its
assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests and plans to take such other
action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure
any noncompliance. However, there can be no assurance that such other action
will always be successful.
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS. Berkshire, in order to qualify as a
REIT, is required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to
its shareholders in an amount at least equal to
- the sum of (1) 95% of Berkshire's "REIT taxable income",
computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction
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and Berkshire's net capital gain, and (2) 95% of the net
income, after tax, if any, from foreclosure property, minus
- the amount of non-cash income items as set forth in the
Internal Revenue Code.
In addition, if Berkshire disposes of any assets with built-in gain during the
10-year period beginning on the date Berkshire acquired that asset, Berkshire
will be required, pursuant to Treasury Regulations which have not yet been
promulgated, to distribute at least 95% of the amount, if any, equal to (1) the
built-in gain recognized on the disposition of such asset reduced by (2) any
taxes owed by Berkshire with respect to such built-in gain. Such distributions
must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following
taxable year if declared before Berkshire timely files its tax return for such
year and if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment date after such
declaration.
FAILURE TO DISTRIBUTE
To the extent that Berkshire does not distribute all of its net capital
gain or distributes at least 95%, but less than 100%, of its REIT taxable
income, as adjusted, it will be subject to tax thereon at regular ordinary and
capital gain corporate tax rates. Berkshire may elect to require the
shareholders to include Berkshire's undistributed net capital gains in their
income by designating, in a written notice to shareholders, those amounts as
undistributed capital gains in respect of its shareholders' shares. If Berkshire
makes such an election, the shareholders will:
- include in their income as capital gains their proportionate
share of such undistributed capital gains and
- be deemed to have paid their proportionate share of the tax
paid by Berkshire on such undistributed capital gains and
thereby receive a credit or refund for such amount.
A shareholder will increase the basis in its common stock by the difference
between the amount of capital gain included in its income and the amount of the
tax that Berkshire is deemed to have paid on the shareholder's behalf. The
earnings and profits of Berkshire will be adjusted appropriately.
In addition, if Berkshire should fail to distribute, during each
calendar year, at least the sum of:
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- 85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year;
- 95% of its REIT capital gain income for such year; and
- any undistributed taxable income from prior periods,
Berkshire would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required
distribution over the sum of amounts actually distributed during the calendar
year by the REIT and the amount, if any, on which the REIT paid income tax for
such year.
COMPLYING WITH REQUIREMENT
Berkshire intends to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy
its annual distribution requirements. It is expected that Berkshire's REIT
taxable income will be less than its cash flow due to the allowance of
depreciation and other non-cash charges in computing REIT taxable income.
Accordingly, Berkshire anticipates that it will generally have sufficient cash
or liquid assets to enable it to satisfy the distribution requirements described
above. It is possible, however, that Berkshire, from time to time, may not have
sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements
due to timing differences between:
- the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible
expenses and
- the inclusion of such income and deduction of such expenses in
arriving at taxable income of Berkshire, or due to the need to
make nondeductible payments, such as principal payments on any
indebtedness it may have.
If such circumstances occur, in order to meet the distribution requirements,
Berkshire may find it necessary to arrange for short-term, or possibly
long-term, borrowings or to pay dividends in the form of taxable stock
dividends.
Under circumstances set forth in the Internal Revenue Code, Berkshire
may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirement for a year
by paying "deficiency dividends" to shareholders in a later year, which
deficiency dividends may be included in Berkshire's deduction for dividends paid
for the earlier year. Thus, Berkshire may be able to avoid being taxed on
amounts distributed as deficiency dividends; however, Berkshire will be required
to pay interest
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based upon the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.
FAILURE OF BERKSHIRE TO QUALIFY AS A REIT. For any taxable year that
Berkshire fails to qualify as a REIT, Berkshire would be taxed at the usual
corporate rates on all of its taxable income. Those taxes would reduce the
amount of cash available to Berkshire for distribution to its shareholders.
Distributions to shareholders in any year in which Berkshire fails to qualify as
a REIT will not be deductible and will not be required to be made. In addition,
if Berkshire fails to qualify as a REIT, all distributions to shareholders will
be taxed as ordinary income, to the extent of Berkshire's current and
accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to limitations imposed by the Internal
Revenue Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received
deduction with respect to such distribution.
Unless relief provisions set forth in the Internal Revenue Code apply,
Berkshire's election to be treated as a REIT will terminate automatically if
Berkshire fails to meet the qualification requirements described above and
Berkshire will not be eligible to elect REIT status again until the fifth
taxable year that begins after the first year for which Berkshire's election was
terminated or revoked. If Berkshire loses its REIT status, but later qualifies
and elects to be taxed as a REIT again, Berkshire may face significant adverse
tax consequences.
TAXATION OF UNITED STATES SHAREHOLDERS
As used herein, the term "United States shareholder" means a holder of
shares of common stock who, for United States federal income tax purposes:
- is a citizen or resident of the United States;
- is a corporation, partnership, or other entity created or
organized in or under the laws of the United States or any
political subdivision thereof;
- is an estate the income of which is subject to United States
federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
- is a trust the administration of which is subject to the
primary supervision of a United States court and which has one
or more United States persons who have the authority to
control all substantial decisions of the trust.
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Notwithstanding the above, to the extent provided in regulations, trusts in
existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as United States persons prior to such
date that elect to continue to be treated as United States persons, shall also
be considered United States shareholders.
DISTRIBUTIONS BY BERKSHIRE. As long as Berkshire qualifies as a REIT,
distributions made to Berkshire's taxable United States shareholders and not
designated as capital gain dividends generally will be taxable to such
shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of Berkshire's current or
accumulated earnings and profits. For purposes of determining whether
distributions on shares of common stock are out of current or accumulated
earnings and profits, the earnings and profits of Berkshire will be allocated
first to shares of preferred stock and second to shares of common stock. There
can be no assurance that Berkshire will have sufficient earnings and profits to
cover distributions on any shares of preferred stock. Such distributions will
not be eligible for the dividends received deductions in the case of United
States shareholders that are corporations. Dividends declared during the last
quarter of a calendar year and actually paid during January of the immediately
following calendar year generally are treated as if received by the United
States shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year during which they were
declared.
CAPITAL GAIN DIVIDENDS
To the extent that distributions designated by Berkshire as capital
gain dividends do not exceed Berkshire's actual net capital gain for the taxable
year, such distributions generally will be taxed as gain from the sale or
exchange of a capital asset held for more than one year without regard to the
period for which the shareholder has held its stock. Corporate United States
shareholders however, may be required to treat up to 20% of capital gain
dividends attributable to sales of depreciable real property by Berkshire as
ordinary income.
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OPERATING AND CAPITAL LOSSES
United States shareholders may not include in their individual income
tax returns any net operating losses or capital losses of Berkshire. Instead,
such losses would be carried over by Berkshire for potential offset against
future income subject to limitations set forth in the Internal Revenue Code.
Distributions made by Berkshire and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a
holder of common stock will not be treated as passive activity income, and, as a
result, holders of common stock generally will not be able to apply any "passive
losses" against such income or gain. Future regulations may require that United
States shareholders take into account, for purposes of computing their
individual alternative minimum tax liability, tax preference items of Berkshire
identified in those regulations.
DISTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF EARNINGS AND PROFITS
Distributions in excess of current or accumulated earnings and profits
will not be taxable to a United States shareholder to the extent that they do
not exceed the adjusted basis of the shareholder's shares of common stock, but
rather will reduce the adjusted basis of such shares of common stock. To the
extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a United States
shareholder's shares of common stock, they will be included in income as capital
gains, assuming the shares of common stock are a capital asset in the hands of
the United States shareholder.
ELECTION TO INCLUDE CAPITAL GAIN IN INCOME
Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, for Berkshire's taxable
years commencing on or after January 1, 1998, Berkshire may elect to require the
holders of common stock to include Berkshire's undistributed net long-term
capital gains in their income. If Berkshire makes such an election, the holders
of common stock will (1) include in their income as long-term capital gains
their proportionate share of such undistributed capital gains and (2) be deemed
to have paid their proportionate share of the tax paid by Berkshire on such
undistributed capital gains and thereby receive a credit or refund for such
amount. A holder of common stock will increase the basis in its common stock by
the difference between the amount of capital gain included in its income and the
amount of the tax it is deemed to have paid. The earnings and profits of
Berkshire will be adjusted appropriately. With respect to such long-term capital
gain of a taxable domestic shareholder that is an individual or an estate or
trust, the Internal Revenue Service has
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authority to issue regulations that could apply the special tax rate applicable
to sales of depreciable real property by an individual or an estate or trust to
the portion of the long-term capital gains of an individual or an estate or
trust attributable to deductions for depreciation taken with respect to
depreciable real property.
SALES OF SHARES. In general, a United States shareholder will realize
capital gain or loss on the disposition of shares of common stock equal to the
difference between (1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any
property received on such disposition and (2) the shareholder's adjusted basis
of such shares of common stock. In the case of a taxable United States
shareholder who is an individual or an estate or trust, such gain or loss will
be long-term capital gain or loss, subject to a 20% tax rate, if such shares
have been held for more than one year. In the case of a taxable United States
shareholder that is as corporation, such gain or loss will be long-term capital
gain or loss if such shares have been held for more than one year. Loss upon a
sale or exchange of shares of common stock by a shareholder who has held such
shares of common stock for six months or less, after applying holding period
rules set forth in the Internal Revenue Code, will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of distributions from Berkshire required to be
treated by such shareholder as long-term capital gain.
TAXPAYER RELIEF ACT OF 1997 CHANGES TO CAPITAL GAIN TAXATION. The
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and
Reform Act of 1998 changed significantly the taxation of capital gains by
taxpayers who are individuals, estates, or trusts. On November 10, 1997, the
Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 97-64, which provides generally that
Berkshire may classify portions of its designated capital-gain dividend as:
- a 20% rate gain distribution, which would be taxed as
long-term capital gain in the 20% group;
- an unrecaptured Section 1250 gain distribution, which would be
taxed as long-term capital gain in the 25% group; or
- a 28% rate gain distribution, which rate was repealed by the
Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998.
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Notice 97-64 provides that a REIT must determine the maximum amounts that it may
designate as 20% and 25% rate capital gain dividends by performing the
computation required by the Internal Revenue Code as if the REIT were an
individual whose ordinary income were subject to a marginal tax rate of at least
28%. Notice 97-64 further provides that designations made by the REIT will only
be effective to the extent that they comply with Revenue Ruling 89-81, which
requires that distributions made to different classes of shares be composed
proportionately of dividends of a particular type.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. Berkshire will report to its domestic shareholders
and the Internal Revenue Service the amount of dividends paid during each
calendar year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any, with respect thereto.
Under the backup withholding rules, a shareholder may be subject to backup
withholding at the rate of 31% with respect to dividends paid unless such holder
(a) is a corporation or comes within as other exempt category and, when
required, demonstrates this fact, or (b) provides a taxpayer identification
number and certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding. Amounts
withheld as backup withholding will be creditable against the stockholder's
income tax liability. In addition, Berkshire may be required to withhold a
portion of capital gain distributions made to any shareholders who fail to
certify their non-foreign status to Berkshire.
TAXATION OF TAX-EXEMPT SHAREHOLDERS. As a general rule, amounts
distributed to a tax-exempt entity by a corporation do not constitute "unrelated
business taxable income", and thus distributions by Berkshire to a stockholder
that is a tax-exempt entity generally should not constitute unrelated business
taxable income, provided that the tax-exempt entity has not financed the
acquisition of its shares of common stock with "acquisition indebtedness" within
the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code and the shares of common stock are not
otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business of the tax-exempt entity.
However, distributions by a REIT to a tax-exempt employee's pension trust that
owns more than 10% of the REIT will be treated as unrelated business taxable
income in an amount equal to the percentage of gross income of the REIT that is
derived from an unrelated trade or business, determined as if the REIT were a
pension trust, divided by the gross income of the REIT for the year in which the
dividends are paid. This rule only applies, however, if:
- the percentage of gross income of the REIT that is derived
from an unrelated trade or business for the year in which the
dividends are paid is at least 5%;
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- the REIT qualifies as a REIT only because the pension trust is
not treated as a single individual for purposes of the
"five-or-fewer rule" set forth in the REIT qualification
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; and
- (1) one pension trust owns more than 25 percent of the value
of the REIT or, (2) a group of pension trusts individually
holding more than 10 percent of the value of the REIT
collectively own more than 50 percent of the value of the
REIT.
Berkshire currently does not expect that this rule will apply.
TAXATION OF NON-UNITED STATES SHAREHOLDERS
The rules governing United States federal income taxation of non-United
States shareholders are complex, and the following discussion is intended only
as a summary of such rules. Prospective non-United States shareholders should
consult with their tax advisors to determine the impact of United States
federal, state, and local income tax laws on an investment in Berkshire,
including any reporting requirements, as well as the tax treatment of such an
investment under their home country laws including any reporting requirements.
DISTRIBUTIONS BY BERKSHIRE. Distributions to a non-United States
shareholder that are not attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by
Berkshire of United States real property interests and not designated by
Berkshire as capital gain dividends will generally be subject to tax as ordinary
income to the extent of Berkshire's current or accumulated earnings and profits
as determined for United States federal income tax purposes. Such distributions
will generally be subject to a withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount
of the distribution, unless reduced by an applicable tax treaty or unless such
dividends are treated as effectively connected with a United States trade or
business. If the amount distributed exceeds a non-United States shareholder's
allocable share of such earnings and profits, the excess will be treated as a
tax-free return of capital to the extent of such non-United States shareholder's
adjusted basis in the common stock. To the extent that such distributions exceed
the adjusted basis of a non-United States shareholder's common stock, such
distributions will generally be subject to tax if such non-United States
shareholder would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or
disposition of its common stock, as described below.
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WITHHOLDING
For withholding tax purposes, Berkshire currently is required to treat
all distributions as if made out of its current or accumulated earnings and
profits and thus intends to withhold at the rate of 30%, or a reduced treaty
rate if applicable, on the amount of any distribution, other than distributions
designated as capital gain dividends, made to a non-United States shareholder.
Under regulations generally effective for distributions on or after January 1,
1999, Berkshire would not be required to withhold at the 30% rate on
distributions it reasonably estimates to be in excess of Berkshire's current and
accumulated earnings and profits. If it cannot be determined at the time a
distribution is made whether such distribution will be in excess of current and
accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to
withholding at the rate applicable to ordinary dividends.
As a result of a legislative change made by the Small Business Job
Protection Act of 1996, under current law, it appears that Berkshire will be
required to withhold 10% of any distribution to a non-United States shareholder
in excess of Berkshire's current and accumulated earnings and profits.
Consequently, although Berkshire intends to withhold at a rate of 30% on the
entire amount of any distribution to a non-United States shareholder, or lower
applicable treaty rate, to the extent Berkshire does not do so, any portion of
such a distribution not subject to withholding at a rate of 30%, or lower
applicable treaty rate, will be subject to withholding at a rate of 10%.
However, the non-United States shareholder may seek a refund of such amounts
from the Internal Revenue Service if it subsequently determined that such
distribution was, in fact, in excess of current or accumulated earnings and
profits of Berkshire, and the amount withheld exceeded the non-United States
shareholder's United States tax liability, if any, with respect to the
distribution.
CAPITAL GAIN DIVIDENDS
Distributions to a non-United States shareholder that are designated by
Berkshire at the time of distribution as capital gain dividends, other than
those arising from the disposition of a United States real property interest,
generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxation, unless
(1) the investment in the common stock is effectively connected with the
non-United States shareholder's United States trade or business, in which case
the non-United States shareholder will be subject to the same treatment as
United States shareholders with respect to such gain, except that a shareholder
that is
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a foreign corporation may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax,
or (2) the non-United States shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who
is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and
other specific requirements are met, in which case the nonresident alien
individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gains.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN REAL PROPERTY TAX ACT
Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, distributions to
a non-United States shareholder that are attributable to gain from sales or
exchanges by Berkshire of United States real property interests, whether or not
designated as a capital gain dividend, will be taxed to a non-United States
shareholder at the normal capital gains rates applicable to domestic
shareholders, subject to a special alternative minimum tax in the case of
nonresident alien individuals. Also, distributions subject to Foreign Investment
in Real Property Tax Act may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands
of a non-United States shareholder that is a corporation and that is not
entitled to treaty relief or exemption. Promulgated pursuant to the Foreign
Investment in Real Property Tax Act, Berkshire is required by applicable Foreign
Investment in Real Property Tax Act Treasury Regulations to withhold 35% of any
such distribution that is or could be designated by Berkshire as a capital gain
dividend. That amount is creditable against the non-United States shareholder's
United States Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act liability.
Amounts designated by Berkshire pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of
1997 as undistributed capital gains in respect of shares of common stock would
be treated with respect to non-United States shareholders in the manner outlined
in the preceding paragraph for actual distributions by Berkshire of capital gain
dividends. Under that approach, the non-United States shareholders would be able
to offset as a credit against their United States federal income tax liability
resulting therefrom their proportionate share of the tax paid by Berkshire on
such undistributed capital gains, and to receive from the Internal Revenue
Service a refund to the extent their proportionate share of such tax paid by
Berkshire were to exceed their actual United States federal income tax
liability.
SALE OF COMMON STOCK. Gain recognized by a non-United States
shareholder upon a sale of its common stock generally will not be subject to tax
under Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act if Berkshire is a
"domestically controlled REIT," which is defined generally
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as a REIT in which at all times during a specified testing period less than 50%
in value of its shares were held directly or indirectly by non-United States
persons. Because only a minority of the shareholders are expected to be
non-United States shareholders, Berkshire expects to qualify as a domestically
controlled REIT. Accordingly, a non-United States shareholder generally should
not be subject to United States tax on gains recognized upon disposition of the
common stock, provided that such gain is not effectively connected with the
conduct of a United States trade or business and, in the case of an individual
shareholder, such holder is not present in the United States for 183 days or
more during the year of sale.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX AND INFORMATION REPORTING. Backup withholding
tax, which generally is a withholding tax imposed at a rate of 31% on payments
to persons that fail to furnish required information under the United States
information reporting rules, and information reporting generally will not apply
to distributions paid to non-United States shareholders outside the United
States that are treated as:
- dividends subject to the 30%, or lower treaty rate,
withholding tax discussed above;
- capital gains dividends; or
- distributions attributable to gain from the sale or exchange
by Berkshire of United States real property interests.
As a general matter, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply
to a payment of the proceeds of a sale of common stock by or through a foreign
office of a foreign broker. Information reporting, but not backup withholding,
will apply, however, to a payment of the proceeds of a sale of common stock by a
foreign office of a broker that:
- is a United States person;
- derives 50% or more of its gross income for specific periods
from the conduct of a trade or business in the United States;
or
- is a "controlled foreign corporation" for United States tax
purposes, unless the broker has documentary evidence in its
records that the holder is a non-United States shareholder and
other conditions are met, or the shareholder otherwise
establishes an exemption. A
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controlled foreign corporation is generally a foreign
corporation controlled by United States shareholders.
Payment to or through a United States office of a broker of the proceeds of a
sale of common stock is subject to both backup withholding and information
reporting unless the shareholder certifies under penalty of perjury that the
shareholder is a non-United States shareholder, or otherwise establishes an
exemption. A non-United States shareholder may obtain a refund of any amounts
withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for
refund with the Internal Revenue Service.
The United States Treasury Department has recently finalized
regulations regarding the withholding and information reporting rules discussed
above. In general, these regulations do not alter the substantive withholding
and information reporting requirements but unify certification procedures and
forms and clarify and modify reliance standards. These regulations generally are
effective for payments made after December 31, 1999, subject to transition
rules. A non-United States shareholder should consult its advisor regarding the
effect of the new Treasury Regulations.
RECENT LEGISLATION
As described above, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and the Internal
Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 also contain several
changes to the taxation of capital gains of individuals, trusts and estates. In
addition, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 contains several changes to the REIT
qualification requirements and to the taxation of REITs.
CAPITAL GAIN RATES. As a result of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and
the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998, individuals,
trusts and estates that hold investments for more than 12 months generally are
taxed at a maximum long-term capital gain rate of 20% on gain from the sale
or exchange of those investments. However, a maximum rate of 25% applies for
"unrecaptured section 1250 gain" for individuals, trusts and estates and special
rules exist for "qualified 5-year gain" and other special types of gain. The
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 directed the Internal Revenue Service to prescribe
regulations on how the new capital gain rates will apply to sales of capital
assets by "pass-through entities," including REITs, and to sales of interests in
pass-through entities. Currently, no such regulations have been promulgated or
proposed. Shareholders are urged to consult with
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<PAGE>
their tax advisors with respect to the new rules contained in the Taxpayer
Relief Act of 1997 and the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform
Act of 1998.
REIT PROVISIONS. In addition to the provisions discussed above, the
Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 contained a number of technical provisions that
either (1) reduce the risk that Berkshire will inadvertently cease to qualify as
a REIT, or (2) provide additional flexibility with which Berkshire can meet the
REIT qualification requirements. These provisions are effective for Berkshire's
taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 1998.
RECENT TAX PROPOSAL
Current legislative proposals under consideration by Congress include a
proposal to amend the REIT asset tests with respect to non-qualified REIT
subsidiaries. The proposal would require a REIT to own no more than 10% of the
vote OR value of the outstanding stock of any non-qualified REIT subsidiary.
Existing non-qualified REIT subsidiaries would be grandfathered, and therefore
subject to the existing 5% asset test and 10% voting securities test both as set
forth above, except that such grandfathered status would terminate if the
non-qualified REIT subsidiary engaged in a new trade or business or acquired
substantial new assets on or after the effective date of the proposal. The
proposal, if enacted, could materially impede Berkshire's ability to engage in
other activities through non-qualified REIT subsidiaries without jeopardizing
Berkshire's REIT status.
TAX ASPECTS OF BERKSHIRE'S OWNERSHIP OF INTERESTS IN BRI PARTNERSHIP
GENERAL. A significant portion of Berkshire's investments will be held
indirectly through BRI Partnership. In general, partnerships are pass-through
entities that are not subject to federal income tax. Rather, partners are
allocated their proportionate shares of the items of income, gain, loss,
deduction and credit of a partnership, and are potentially subject to tax on
those items, without regard to whether the partners receive a distribution from
the partnership. In the case of a REIT which is a partner in a partnership,
Treasury Regulations provide that for purposes of applying the REIT gross income
and gross asset tests, the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share of
the assets of the partnership and will be deemed to be entitled to the income of
the partnership attributable to that share, in each case based on its "capital
interest" in the partnership. In addition, the character of the gross income
and assets of the partnership shall retain the same character in the
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<PAGE>
hands of the REIT for purposes of Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code which
includes the gross income and asset tests described above. Berkshire will have
indirect control of BRI Partnership and intends to operate it consistent with
the requirements for qualification as a REIT. Berkshire will include in its
income its proportionate share of the foregoing partnership items for purposes
of the various REIT income tests and will take into account its distributive
share of partnership items in the computation of its REIT taxable income.
Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests, Berkshire will include its
proportionate share of assets held through BRI Partnership.
ENTITY CLASSIFICATION. If BRI Partnership were treated as an
association, the entity would be taxable as a corporation and therefore would be
subject to an entity level tax on its income. In such a situation, the character
of Berkshire's assets and items of gross income would change and would preclude
Berkshire from qualifying as a REIT. The same result could occur if any
subsidiary partnership failed to qualify for treatment as a partnership.
Prior to January 1, 1997, an organization formed as a partnership or a
limited liability company was treated as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes rather than as a corporation only if it had no more than two of the
four corporate characteristics that the Treasury Regulations in effect at that
time used to distinguish a partnership from a corporation for tax purposes.
These four characteristics were:
- continuity of life,
- centralization of management,
- limited liability and
- free transferability of interests.
Under final Treasury Regulations that became effective January 1, 1997,
the four factor test has been eliminated and an entity formed as a partnership
or as a limited liability company will be taxed as a partnership for federal
income tax purposes unless it specifically elects otherwise. The Treasury
Regulations provide that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge the
classification of an existing partnership or limited liability company for tax
periods prior to January 1, 1997 so long as:
- the entity had a reasonable basis for its claimed
classification;
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<PAGE>
- the entity and all its members recognized the federal
income tax consequences of any changes in the
entity's classification within the 60 months prior to
January 1, 1997; and
- neither the entity nor any member of the entity had
been notified in writing on or before May 8, 1996,
that the classification of the entity was under
examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
Berkshire believes that BRI Partnership will be treated as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes, and not as an association taxable
as a corporation.
PARTNERSHIP ALLOCATIONS. Although a partnership agreement will
generally determine the allocation of income and loss among partners, those
allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes if they do not comply with the
provisions of Section 704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code and the related
Treasury Regulations. Generally, those provisions require that partnership
allocations reflect the economic arrangement of the partners. The allocations of
taxable income and loss provided for in the partnership agreement are intended
to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code
and the related Treasury Regulations. If an allocation is not recognized for
federal income tax purposes, the item subject to the allocation will be
reallocated in accordance with the partners' interests in the partnership, which
will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances
relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to that item.
TAX ALLOCATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTIES. Pursuant to Section
704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, income, gain, loss and deduction
attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a
partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership, must be allocated in
a manner so that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from,
respectively, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the
property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or
unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market
value of contributed property at the time of contribution and the adjusted tax
basis of the property at that time. This difference is referred to generally as
the "book-tax difference." These allocations are solely for federal income tax
purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal
arrangements among the partners. Similar
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<PAGE>
rules can apply in the case of appreciated or depreciated properties held by a
partnership at the time of new contributions to the partnership.
In general, the partners of BRI Partnership who contributed assets will
be allocated differing depreciation deductions than if they had retained the
contributed property. In addition, on the disposition of any contributed asset
that has a Book-Tax Difference, the income or loss attributable to the book-tax
difference generally will be allocated to the contributing partner. These
allocations will tend to eliminate the book-tax difference over the life of BRI
Partnership. However, the special allocation rules of Section 704(c) do not
always entirely eliminate the book-tax difference on an annual basis or with
respect to a specific taxable transaction such as a sale. Thus, the carryover
basis of the contributed assets in the hands of BRI Partnership may cause
Berkshire to be allocated lower depreciation and other deductions, and possibly
an amount of taxable income in the event of a sale of the contributed assets in
excess of the economic or book income allocated to it as a result of that sale.
Such an allocation might cause Berkshire to recognize taxable income in excess
of cash proceeds, which might affect adversely Berkshire's ability to comply
with the REIT distribution requirements.
Treasury Regulations under Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of accounting for book-tax
differences, including the "traditional method" or the election of other methods
that would permit any distortions caused by a book-tax difference to be entirely
rectified on an annual basis or with respect to a specific taxable transaction
such as a sale. BRI Partnership and Berkshire will determine with respect to
each contribution to BRI Partnership which method to use.
STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
The tax treatment of Berkshire and the shareholders in states having
taxing jurisdiction over them may differ from the federal income tax treatment.
Accordingly, no discussion of state taxation of Berkshire and the shareholders
is provided nor is any representation made as to the tax status of Berkshire in
such states. All investors should consult their tax advisors as to the treatment
of Berkshire under the respective state tax laws applicable to them.
Any financial statements and schedules hereafter incorporated by
reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part that
have been audited and are the subject of a report by independent accountants
will be so incorporated by reference in reliance upon such
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<PAGE>
reports and upon the authority of such firms as experts in accounting and
auditing to the extent covered by consents filed with the SEC.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Berkshire will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of any
redemption shares but will acquire units converted into redemption shares.
Berkshire will pay substantially all the expenses incurred by Berkshire by
incident to the offering. Berkshire estimates that these expenses will be
approximately $36,000.
The unitholders and any agents, dealers or underwriters that
participate with the unitholders in the resale of the shares of common stock may
be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, in
which case any commissions received by such agents, dealers or underwriters and
any profit on the resale of the shares of common stock purchased by them may be
deemed underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.
EXPERTS
The combined statements of revenue over various operating expenses of
the Intercapital and Cooper Portfolios for the year ended December 31, 1997
included in the Current Report on Form 8-K of Berkshire, dated October 30, 1998,
incorporated herein by reference, and the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule of Berkshire and its subsidiaries, included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A of Berkshire for the year ended December 31, 1998,
incorporated herein by reference, have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are included and
incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of such firm, which reports are
given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Any financial statements and schedules hereafter incorporated by
reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part that
have been audited and are the subject of a report by independent accountants
will be so incorporated by reference in reliance upon such reports and upon the
authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing to the extent
covered by consents filed with the SEC.
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<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the shares offered hereby will be passed upon for
Berkshire by Hale and Dorr LLP, a limited liability partnership including
professional corporations, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
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<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or any other individual to give
any information, or to make any representations, other than those contained in
this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or
representations. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered
hereby and only in the jurisdictions and under circumstances where it is lawful
to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its
date.
-----------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<S> <C>
Risk Factors....................................................................................4
Forward-looking Statements.....................................................................14
Berkshire Realty Company, Inc..................................................................15
Use of Proceeds................................................................................18
Available Information..........................................................................18
Incorporation of Various Documents by Reference................................................19
Description of the Capital Stock of Berkshire..................................................20
Description of Units and Conversion of Units...................................................31
Registration Rights............................................................................42
Material Federal Income Tax Considerations and Consequences....................................44
Plan of Distribution...........................................................................67
Experts........................................................................................67
Legal Matters..................................................................................68
</TABLE>
1,714,396 Shares
BERKSHIRE REALTY
COMPANY, INC.
Common Stock
-----------------------
PROSPECTUS
May __, 1999
-----------------------
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Registration fee to the SEC............................................. $ 4,528.00
Printing expense........................................................ 2,000.00
Accounting fees and expenses............................................ 2,500.00
Legal fees and expenses................................................. 25,000.00
Miscellaneous expenses.................................................. 1,972.00
--------------
Total.......................................................... $36,000.00
</TABLE>
All fees and expenses are estimates except for the registration fee to
the SEC.
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Berkshire's Charter provides for indemnification of
Berkshire's officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by Sections
145 and 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law and relieves the
directors of monetary liabilities to Berkshire and its shareholders, except for:
- breaches of the duty of loyalty;
- acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
- liability under Section 174 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law; and
- any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
In general, Delaware law permits Berkshire to indemnify its officers and
directors so long as they act in good faith and in a manner reasonably believed
by them to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of Berkshire. Subject to
the provisions of Sections 145 and 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation
Law, Berkshire intends to indemnify its officers and directors against losses,
liabilities and expenses, including
II-1
<PAGE>
attorneys' fees incurred by them that are related to their being officers or
directors of Berkshire.
Berkshire has purchased director and officer liability
insurance for the purpose of providing a source of funds to help pay for any
indemnification expenses it may incur.
II-2
<PAGE>
Item 16. Exhibits.
Exhibit Numbers Description
--------------------- -----------------------------------------------
4.1(1) Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.
4.2(2) By-Laws, as amended.
5.1* Opinion regarding legality.
8.1* Opinion regarding various tax matters.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent
Accountants
23.2* Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP, included in Exhibit
5.1 hereto.
24.1* Power of Attorney, included on signature page
hereto.
99.1* Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated as
of November 14, 1997, by and among Berkshire
Realty Company, Inc., Berkshire Apartments,
Inc. and several limited partners of BRI OP
Limited Partnership.
--------------
* Previously filed.
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 filed
with the registrant's registration statement on Form
S-4 (File No. 33-37592), Exhibit 3.11 filed with the
registrant's post-effective amendment no. 1 to the
registration statement on Form S-4 (File No.
33-37592) and Exhibit 4.1 filed with the registrant's
amendment no. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A,
dated October 14, 1997.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(ii)
filed with the registrant's amendment no. 1 to
Current Report on Form 8-K/A, dated October 14, 1997.
Item 17. Undertakings.
(A) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(a) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)
(3) of the Securities Act;
(b) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the registration
Statement or most recent post-effective amendment
II-3
<PAGE>
thereof which, individually, or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set
forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, any increase or decrease in the volume
of securities offered if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered and any deviation from the low or high of
the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected
in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission
pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
changes in volume and price represent no more than a
20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
Fee" table in the registration statement; and
(c) to include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in
the registration statement or any material change to
such information in the registration statement.
Provided, however, that paragraphs (A)(1)(a) and (A)(1)(b) do not apply if the
registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and the information
required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the
registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment 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 remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated
by reference in the registration statement shall
II-4
<PAGE>
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.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, the registrant has
been advised that in the opinion of the SEC, 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 the registrant for expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer
or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding, is asserted by such director, 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
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment No. 3 to
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 28, 1999.
BERKSHIRE REALTY COMPANY, INC.
By: /s/ Marianne Pritchard
-----------------------------------------------
Marianne Pritchard, Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of
Berkshire Realty Company, Inc.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Amendment No.
3 to registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
II-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Douglas Krupp* Chairman of the May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
Douglas Krupp Board and Director
of Berkshire Realty
Company, Inc.
/s/ David F. Marshall* President, Chief May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
David F. Marshall Executive Officer
and Director of
Berkshire Realty Company, Inc.
(Principal Executive
Officer)
/s/ Marianne Pritchard Executive Vice May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
Marianne Pritchard President and Chief
Financial Officer of
Berkshire Realty
Company, Inc.
(Principal Financial
Officer)
/s/ Kenneth J. Richard* Senior Vice May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
Kenneth J. Richard President and Chief
Accounting Officer
of Berkshire Realty
Company, Inc.
(Principal
Accounting Officer)
/s/ Terrance R. Ahern* Director of Berkshire May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
Terrance R. Ahern Realty Company,
Inc.
/s/ David M. deWilde* Director of Berkshire May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
David M. deWilde Realty Company,
Inc.
/s/ J. Paul Finnegan* Director of Berkshire May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
J. Paul Finnegan Realty Company,
Inc.
/s/ Charles N. Goldberg* Director of Berkshire May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
Charles N. Goldberg Realty Company,
Inc.
/s/ Paul D. Kazilionis* Director of Berkshire May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
Paul D. Kazilionis Realty Company,
Inc.
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ E. Robert Roskind* Director of Berkshire May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
E. Robert Roskind Realty Company,
Inc.
/s/ Arthur P. Solomon* Director of Berkshire May 28, 1999
- -------------------------------------
Arthur P. Solomon Realty Company,
Inc
</TABLE>
*By: /s/Marianne Pritchard
- -------------------------------------
Marianne Pritchard
Attorney-In-Fact
II-7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
The following exhibits are filed as part of this registration statement on Form
S-3.
Exhibit Numbers Description
- --------------------- -----------------------------------------------
4.1(1) Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.
4.2(2) By-Laws, as amended.
5.1* Opinion regarding legality.
8.1* Opinion regarding various tax matters.
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent
Accountants
23.2* Consent of Hale and Dorr LLP, included in Exhibit 5.1
hereto.
24.1* Power of Attorney, included on signature page hereto.
99.1* Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of
November 17, 1997, by and among Berkshire Realty
Company, Inc., Berkshire Apartments, Inc. and
several limited partners of BRI OP Limited Partnership
- ---------------
* Previously filed.
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 filed with the
registrant's registration statement on Form S-4 (File No.
33-37592), Exhibit 3.11 filed with the registrant's
post-effective amendment no. 1 to the registration statement
on Form S-4 (File No. 33-37592) and Exhibit 4.1 filed with the
registrant's amendment no. 1 to current report on Form 8-K/A,
dated October 14, 1997.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) filed with
the registrant's amendment no. 1 to current report on Form
8-K/A, dated October 14, 1997.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 3 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-67783) of
our reports dated (i) January 25, 1999, except for Note W, for which the date is
March 5, 1999, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedule of Berkshire Realty Company, Inc. and Subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1998, (ii) August 28, 1998 on our audit of the statement of
revenue over certain operating expenses of the Intercapital Portfolio for the
year ended December 31, 1997, and (iii) September 11, 1998 on our audit of the
statement of revenue over certain operating expenses of the Cooper Portfolio for
the year ended December 31, 1997. We also consent to the reference to our firm
under the caption "Experts".
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
May 28, 1999
