FAC REALTY TRUST INC
PRER14A, 1998-06-03
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS
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                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

   
           Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
                     Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 1)
    

Filed by the Registrant |X|         Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o

Check the appropriate box:

|X|  Preliminary Proxy Statement         |_| Confidential, for Use of the 
                                             Commission Only (as permitted by
|_| Definitive Proxy Statement               Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
|_| Definitive Additional Materials
|_| Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12

                             FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

|X|  No fee required.

|_|  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

     1)   Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

     2)   Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

     3)   Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
          pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
          filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

     4)   Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

     5)   Total fee paid:

|_|  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

|_|  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
     0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
     previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
     or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

     1)   Amount Previously Paid:

     2)   Form, Schedule, or Registration Statement No.:

     3)   Filing Party:

     4)   Date Filed:


<PAGE>



__________, 1998


Dear Stockholder:

     On behalf of the Board of Directors,  I cordially  invite you to attend the
Annual  Meeting of  Stockholders  of FAC Realty Trust,  Inc. The meeting will be
held on _________,  1998 at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Homewood  Suites Hotel,
100 Macalyson  Court,  Cary,  North Carolina 27511.  The formal notice and proxy
statement for this meeting are attached to this letter.

     As described in the accompanying  Proxy Statement,  the Company has entered
into a Stock  Purchase  Agreement with  Prometheus  Southeast  Retail,  LLC (the
"Investor"), an affiliate of Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC, providing
for  the  Investor  to  invest  a total  of $200  million  in the  Company  (the
"Transaction").  The Board of Directors believes that the Transaction represents
an opportunity to improve  long-term  stockholder  value by providing  access to
significant  equity  capital at an attractive  cost and strategic  resources not
otherwise  readily  available to it, thereby  improving the Company's ability to
capitalize on opportunities in the retail shopping center sector.

     The Company's  financial advisor,  Donaldson,  Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation,  has  delivered  an opinion to the Board of Directors to the effect
that the  consideration  to be paid to the Company in the Transaction is fair to
the Company  from a financial  point of view. A copy of that opinion is attached
to the accompanying Proxy Statement.

     As  previously  announced,  the Company has agreed to acquire 11  community
shopping  centers totaling  approximately  two million square feet from entities
affiliated with Simon Konover,  who has a national reputation in the real estate
and retail shopping center industries. In connection with this acquisition,  the
Company  has agreed to elect Mr.  Konover to serve as  Chairman  of the Board of
Directors upon  consummation of the Konover  transaction and seeks your approval
to change the Company's name to "Konover Property Trust, Inc."

     At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to approve the following:

     1.   the election of six directors;

     2.   the Transaction;

     3.   the change of the Company's name to "Konover Property Trust, Inc.";

     4.   an amendment to the Company's charter to increase the number of shares
          authorized for issuance;

     5.   an amendment to the Company's  1993 Employee  Stock  Incentive Plan to
          increase  the number of shares of Common  Stock  reserved for issuance
          thereunder; and

     6.   an  amendment  to  the  Company's   1995  Outside   Directors'   Stock
          Compensation  Plan to  increase  the number of shares of Common  Stock
          reserved for issuance thereunder.

     Details of the proposals are set forth in the accompanying Proxy Statement,
which I urge you to read carefully.

     The matters to be  considered  and voted upon at the Annual  Meeting are of
great  importance  to your  investment  and the future  growth  potential of the
Company.  The  Board  of  Directors  has  determined  that the  proposals  being
submitted for approval by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting are in the best
interests of the Company and its  stockholders  and recommends that you vote FOR
approval of the proposals.

     On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,


C. Cammack Morton
President and Chief Executive Officer


<PAGE>



                             FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.
                        11000 Regency Parkway, Suite 300
                           Cary, North Carolina 27511

                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          To Be Held ____________, 1998

     NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 1998 Annual Meeting of  Stockholders of FAC
Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"),  will be held at the
Homewood  Suites Hotel,  100 Macalyson  Court,  Cary,  North Carolina  27511, on
_______, __________, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., for the following purposes:

     1. To elect  six  directors  to serve  until  the 1999  annual  meeting  of
stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified  (Proposal
One);

   
     2. To approve the transaction (the  "Transaction")  contemplated by a Stock
Purchase Agreement between the Company and Prometheus Southeast Retail, LLC (the
"Investor"),  an affiliate of Lazard Freres Real Estate  Investors,  LLC,  which
involves the purchase by the Investor of a  controlling  interest in the Company
(21,052,632  shares  of  Common  Stock)  for $200  million  or $9.50  per  share
(Proposal Two);
    

     3. To amend the Company's  charter to change its name to "Konover  Property
Trust, Inc." (Proposal Three);

     4. To amend the  Company's  charter to  increase  the number of  authorized
shares of capital stock from 75,000,000 to 130,000,000 (Proposal Four);

     5. To amend the Company's  1993 Employee  Stock  Incentive Plan to increase
the number of shares of Common  Stock  reserved  for  issuance  thereunder  from
1,100,000 to 2,800,000 (Proposal Five);

     6. To amend the Company's 1995 Outside  Directors' Stock  Compensation Plan
to  increase  the  number  of  shares  of Common  Stock  reserved  for  issuance
thereunder from 25,000 to 150,000 (Proposal Six); and

     7. To transact such other  business as may properly come before the meeting
and any adjournment thereof.

   
     Only  stockholders  of record at the close of business on May 15, 1998 will
be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
    

                                   By Order of the Board of Directors

                                   Robin W. Malphrus, Esq.
                                   Secretary
Dated:   __________ , 1998

     YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT  NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL YOUR  HOLDINGS MAY BE.
THE PROMPT  RETURN OF PROXIES WILL SAVE THE COMPANY THE EXPENSE OF FURTHER PROXY
SOLICITATION. PLEASE MAIL YOUR PROXY TODAY.


<PAGE>



                             FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.

                                 PROXY STATEMENT

                         ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
                          To Be Held on _________, 1998

     This Proxy  Statement is furnished in connection  with the  solicitation by
the Board of Directors of FAC Realty Trust,  Inc., a Maryland  corporation  (the
"Company"),  of proxies from the holders of the Common Stock for use at the 1998
Annual  Meeting of  Stockholders  to be held at the Homewood  Suites Hotel,  100
Macalyson Court, Cary, North Carolina 27511, on _______, ________, 1998 at 10:00
a.m., and at any adjournments or postponements thereof (the "Annual Meeting").

     At the Annual  Meeting,  the  stockholders  will consider and vote upon the
following matters:

     1.  Election of six  directors  to serve  until the 1999 annual  meeting of
stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified  (Proposal
One);

   
     2. Approval of the transaction (the "Transaction")  contemplated by a Stock
Purchase Agreement between the Company and Prometheus Southeast Retail, LLC (the
"Investor"),  an affiliate of Lazard Freres Real Estate  Investors,  LLC,  which
involves the purchase by the Investor of a  controlling  interest in the Company
(21,052,632  shares  of  Common  Stock)  for $200  million  or $9.50  per  share
(Proposal Two);
    

     3.  Amendment  of the  Company's  charter  to change  its name to  "Konover
Property Trust, Inc." (Proposal Three);

     4. Amendment of the Company's  charter to increase the number of authorized
shares from 75,000,000 to 130,000,000 (Proposal Four);

     5.  Amendment of the 1993  Employee  Stock  Incentive  Plan to increase the
number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder from 1,100,000
to 2,800,000 (Proposal Five);

     6. Amendment of the Company's 1995 Outside  Directors'  Stock  Compensation
Plan to increase  the number of shares of Common  Stock  reserved  for  issuance
thereunder from 25,000 to 150,000 (Proposal Six); and

     7. Such other  business  as may  properly  come  before the meeting and any
adjournment thereof.

   
     This Proxy  Statement  and the  accompanying  form of proxy are first being
sent to stockholders on or about ________, 1998.
    

     This  solicitation  is made on  behalf  of the  Board of  Directors  of the
Company.  Costs of the  solicitation  will be borne by the  Company.  Directors,
officers and  employees of the Company may also  solicit  proxies by  telephone,
telegraph,  fax or personal interview.  The Company has retained the services of
Beacon Hill  Partners,  Inc. for a fee  estimated  at $2,500 plus  out-of-pocket
expenses,  to assist in the solicitation of proxies.  The Company will reimburse
banks,  brokerage  firms and other  custodians,  nominees  and  fiduciaries  for
reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy material to stockholders.

   
     Holders  of  record  of  Common  Stock of the  Company  as of the  close of
business on May 15, 1998 are entitled to receive  notice of, and to vote at, the
Annual  Meeting.  The  outstanding  Common Stock  constitutes  the only class of
securities of the Company entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, and each share
of Common  Stock  entitles  the  holder  thereof  to one  vote.  At the close of
business on May 15, 1998, there were [14,283,566]  shares of Common Stock issued
and outstanding.
    

                                        1

<PAGE>



     Unless  contrary  instructions  are  indicated  on the  proxy,  all  shares
represented by valid proxies  received  pursuant to this  solicitation  (and not
revoked  before  they are  voted)  will be voted at the Annual  Meeting  FOR the
proposals.  With respect to any other business that may properly come before the
Annual Meeting and be submitted to a vote of  stockholders,  proxies received by
the Board of Directors will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the
designated proxy holders.  A stockholder may revoke his or her proxy at any time
before  exercise by delivering to the Secretary of the Company a written  notice
of such revocation,  by filing with the Secretary of the Company a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date, or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

     Proposal  One, the election of the  directors of the Company,  requires the
vote of a plurality  of all of the votes cast at the Annual  Meeting  provided a
quorum is present.  For purposes of the election of directors,  abstentions will
not be  counted as votes cast and will have no effect on the result of the vote,
although they will count toward the presence of a quorum.

   
     Proposal  Two, the approval of the  Transaction,  requires the  affirmative
vote of a majority of the votes cast on the  proposal,  provided  that the total
vote cast on the  proposal  represents  over 50% in  interest  of all  shares of
Common Stock  entitled to vote on the proposal.  The Investor is not entitled to
vote on Proposal  Two. For purposes of the votes on Proposal  Two, an abstention
or a broker  non-vote  (i.e.,  shares  held by a broker  or  nominee  which  are
represented  at the Annual  Meeting  but with  respect  to which such  broker or
nominee is not  empowered to vote on a proposal)  will have the effect of a vote
against  the  proposal,  unless  holders  of more  than 50% in  interest  of all
securities  entitled to vote on the proposal cast votes,  in which event neither
an  abstention  nor a broker  non-vote will have any effect on the result of the
vote.
    

     Proposal Three,  approval of the change of the Company's name, and Proposal
Four,  approval of an increase in the number of shares  authorized for issuance,
each requires the affirmative vote of a majority of all of the votes entitled to
be cast on the matter.  For  purposes of the vote on  Proposals  Three and Four,
abstentions  and broker  nonvotes will have the same effect as votes against the
proposal, although they will count toward the presence of a quorum.

   
     Proposal Five,  approval of an increase in the number of shares  authorized
for issuance  under the  Company's  1993  Employee  Stock  Incentive  Plan,  and
Proposal  Six,  approval of an increase in the number of shares  authorized  for
issuance under the Company's 1995 Outside  Directors' Stock  Compensation  Plan,
each  requires  the  affirmative  vote of a  majority  of the votes  cast on the
proposal,  provided that the total vote cast on the proposal represents over 50%
in interest of all shares of Common Stock entitled to vote on the proposal.  For
purposes  of the votes on  Proposals  Five and Six,  an  abstention  or a broker
non-vote will have the effect of a vote against the proposals, unless holders of
more than 50% in interest of all shares of Common Stock  entitled to vote on the
proposals cast votes, in which event neither an abstention nor a broker non-vote
will have any effect on the result of the vote.
    



                                        2

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
   
PROPOSAL ONE:
         ELECTION OF DIRECTORS....................................................................................6
         Information Regarding Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors..................................7
                  Audit Committee.................................................................................7
                  Executive Compensation Committee................................................................7
                  Nominating Committee............................................................................8
         Compensation of Directors................................................................................8

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.................................................................................9

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION...........................................................................................10
         Employment Agreements...................................................................................14
                  Annual Compensation and Basic Terms............................................................14
                  Long-Term Compensation.........................................................................15
         Change in Control Arrangements..........................................................................15
         Executive Compensation Committee Report.................................................................15
                  Executive Officer Compensation Policies........................................................15
                  Base Salaries..................................................................................16
                  Bonuses  ......................................................................................16
                  Stock Options..................................................................................16
                  Restricted Stock...............................................................................16
                  Chief Executive Officer's Compensation.........................................................17
                  Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code....................................................17
                  Report on Repricing of Options.................................................................17
         Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.............................................18

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP.............................................................................................18

INFORMATION REGARDING INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.............................................................19

PERFORMANCE GRAPH................................................................................................20

PROPOSAL TWO:
         APPROVAL OF THE TRANSACTION
         (WHICH INVOLVES THE SALE OF A CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE COMPANY)......................................20
         Transaction Summary.....................................................................................21
         Information about the Company...........................................................................25
         Information about the Investor..........................................................................26
         Background of the Transaction...........................................................................26
         The Investment..........................................................................................28
         Stockholders Agreement..................................................................................29
                  Management of the Company; Representation on the Board and Certain Board Committees............29
                  Participation Rights...........................................................................30
                  Restrictions on Certain Corporate Actions......................................................31
                  Information Rights.............................................................................31
         Contingent Value Rights.................................................................................31
         Limited Put Option......................................................................................32
         Accounting Treatment....................................................................................33
         Registration Rights Agreement...........................................................................33
         No Solicitation of Competing Transactions...............................................................33
    
</TABLE>
                                                         3

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
   
         Expenses ...............................................................................................34
         Break-Up Fee and Topping Fee............................................................................34
         Conditions to Closing...................................................................................34
         Indemnification Provisions..............................................................................34
         Amendment or Termination of the Transaction Documents...................................................35
         Advantages of the Transaction...........................................................................35
                  Large, Timely Infusion of Capital at Reasonable Cost...........................................35
                  Association with the Investor..................................................................35
                  Improved Future Access to Capital..............................................................36
                  Potential Enhancement of Stockholder Value.....................................................36
         Disadvantages of the Transaction........................................................................36
                  Change of Control of the Company...............................................................36
                  Anti-takeover Effect of the Transaction........................................................37
                  Potential Dilution.............................................................................37
                  Restrictions on Certain Corporate Actions......................................................37
                  Contingent Obligation..........................................................................37
                  Competition with Alexander Haagen Properties, Inc..............................................38
                  Potential Extinguishing of Claims..............................................................38
         Other Consequences of Failure to Approve the Transaction................................................38
                  Possible Inability to Close the Konover Transaction............................................38
                  Payment of Break-up Fee and Possible Topping Fee...............................................38
                  Possible Exercise of the Put Option............................................................38
         Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations...............................................................39
                  No Recognition of Taxable Gain.................................................................39
                  Taxation of the Company as a REIT..............................................................39
                  Possible Impact of the Transaction on Subsequent Sales of Stock by Non-U.S. Stockholders.......40
         Opinion of Financial Advisor............................................................................40
                  Current Capitalization.........................................................................42
                  Stock Trading History..........................................................................42
                  Selected Comparable Company Trading Analysis...................................................42
                  Comparative Transactions Analysis..............................................................43
                  Premiums Paid Analysis.........................................................................43
                  Net Asset Valuation Analysis...................................................................44
                  Accretion / (Dilution) Analysis................................................................44
                  Projected Stockholder Return Analysis..........................................................45
                  Contingent Value Right Analysis................................................................45
         Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements....................................................46
         Recommendation of the Board and Description of its Decision-Making Process..............................46
         Appraisal Rights........................................................................................47
         Required Vote and Related Matters.......................................................................47

PROPOSAL THREE:
         AMENDMENT OF CHARTER TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE COMPANY..................................................47

PROPOSAL FOUR:
         CHARTER AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
         AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK......................................................................48

PROPOSAL FIVE:
         AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S 1993 EMPLOYEE STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN...........................................49
         Reasons for Amendment...................................................................................49
         Summary Plan Description................................................................................49
    
</TABLE>

                                                         4

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
   
                  General  ......................................................................................49
                  Administration.................................................................................49
                  Eligible Employees.............................................................................50
                  Grant of Options...............................................................................50
                  Exercise ......................................................................................50
                  Option Price...................................................................................50
                  Transfer and Termination of Options............................................................50
                  Adjustment of Shares...........................................................................51
                  Termination and Amendment of the Stock Incentive Plan..........................................51
                  Federal Tax Consequences.......................................................................51
         Options Granted to Date.................................................................................52
         Required Vote...........................................................................................52

PROPOSAL SIX:
         AMENDMENT OF THE
         1995 OUTSIDE DIRECTORS' STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN.........................................................52

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE..........................................................53

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE................................................................54

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...........................................................................................54

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1999 ANNUAL MEETING....................................................................54

APPENDIX A        STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

APPENDIX B        STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

APPENDIX C        REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

APPENDIX D        CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHT AGREEMENT

APPENDIX E        DLJ OPINION

APPENDIX F        OPINION OF ALSTON & BIRD LLP
    
</TABLE>

                                        5

<PAGE>



                                  PROPOSAL ONE:
                              ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

   
     The Company's  bylaws authorize the Board of Directors to set the number of
directors at no less than three nor more than  fifteen.  The number of directors
is currently set at seven. Theodore E. Haigler, Jr., presently a director of the
Company,  has advised  the Company  that he will retire from the Board as of the
date of the Annual  Meeting.  Six incumbent  directors  have been  nominated for
re-election   for  one-year  terms  expiring  at  the  1999  annual  meeting  of
stockholders  or until  their  successors  are duly  elected and  qualified.  As
discussed under "Proposal Two," assuming  approval of the Transaction,  the size
of the Board will be increased to nine. The three  vacancies will then be filled
by the Board of  Directors.  The Board is  contractually  obligated  to fill the
vacancies  with three  Investor  Nominees.  Information  regarding  the Investor
Nominees is  included  in the  discussion  of  "Proposal  Two" under the caption
"Stockholders Agreement."
    

     In addition,  Mr.  __________  has agreed to resign from the Board no later
than the final  closing of the  Konover  Transaction  (as defined  herein).  See
"Proposal  Three:  Amendment of Charter to Change the Name of the Company" for a
discussion  of the  Konover  Transaction.  Pursuant  to the terms of the Konover
Transaction,  the  Board of  Directors  will  fill the  vacancy  created  by Mr.
__________'s resignation by electing Simon Konover as Chairman of the Board. For
information about Mr. Konover, see "Proposal Three."

     Unless marked otherwise, proxies received will be voted for the election of
each of the nominees named below.  If any nominee becomes unable or unwilling to
serve before the Annual Meeting,  the shares  represented by proxy will be voted
for a substitute  nominee  designated by the Board of Directors.  Alternatively,
the size of the Board may be reduced accordingly.  The Board of Directors has no
reason to believe that any of the nominees  will be unwilling or unable to serve
if elected as a director.  The nominees  for election at the Annual  Meeting are
set forth below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Name                     Age                   Principal Occupation                 Director Since
        ----                     ---                   --------------------                 --------------
<S>                               <C>    <C>                                                     <C>
C. Cammack Morton                 46     President and Chief Executive Officer of the            1996
                                         Company
Patrick M. Miniutti               50     Executive Vice President and Chief Financial            1996
                                         Officer of the Company
Robert O. Amick                   65     President of The Amick Group                            1993
William D. Eberle                 74     Chairman of Manchester Associates, Ltd.                 1997
J. Richard Futrell, Jr.           67     Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer             1993
                                         of Centura Banks, Inc.
John W. Gildea                    54     Managing Director of Gildea Management                  1996
                                         Company and Advisor for The Network Funds
</TABLE>

     C. Cammack  Morton joined the Company in December  1995 as Chief  Operating
Officer and was elected  President  and a Director  in January  1996.  Effective
January 1, 1997, Mr. Morton became the Company's Chief Executive Officer.  Prior
to his affiliation with the Company,  Mr. Morton served as Managing  Director of
Rothschild Realty, Inc. ("Rothschild") and President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Charter Oak Group,  Ltd.  (the  "Charter  Oak Group"),  a  subsidiary  of
Rothschild  engaged in the development and management of factory outlet centers.
He joined  Rothschild  in 1987 as Vice  President,  was  promoted to Senior Vice
President in 1989 and to Managing  Director in 1991. To resolve certain personal
financial  matters  arising out of a limited  partner  obligation to the general
partner of a real estate  partnership,  Mr.  Morton  filed a petition for relief
under  Chapter 11 of the United  States  Bankruptcy  Code in March  1994.  After
settling with the general  partner,  the  bankruptcy  case was dismissed in June
1994.


                                        6

<PAGE>



     Patrick M. Miniutti joined the Company as Executive Vice  President,  Chief
Financial Officer and Director in August 1996. Prior to his affiliation with the
Company, Mr. Miniutti served for three years as Executive Vice President,  Chief
Financial Officer and Trustee of Crown American Realty Trust, a public REIT that
owns regional shopping malls. Prior thereto,  Mr. Miniutti held senior financial
positions  for a  combined  12 years with New Market  Companies,  Inc.,  Western
Development  Corporation  (predecessor  to The Mills  Corporation)  and Cadillac
Fairview  Corporation  Limited,  which  was  preceded  by ten  years  in  public
accounting,  principally  with national  firms.  Mr. Miniutti is a member of the
American  Institute of Certified  Public  Accountants and a former member of its
Real Estate Accounting Committee, which was responsible for promulgating most of
the real estate accounting rules in practice today.

     Robert O. Amick is the President of The Amick Group, a financial consulting
firm that he founded in 1992.  Mr. Amick served as Vice President and Controller
of J.C.  Penney Co.,  Inc.  from 1982 to 1992 and was a director of J.C.  Penney
Business  Services,  Inc.  from 1985 to 1992.  Mr.  Amick also is a director  of
Protection Mutual Insurance Company and Park P.M. Company.

     William  D.  Eberle  was a founder  of Boise  Cascade  and is  Chairman  of
Manchester Associates, Ltd., a venture capital and international consulting firm
and Of Counsel to the law firm of Kaye, Scholer,  Fierman,  Hays & Handler.  Mr.
Eberle is also  Chairman of the Board of America  Service  Group Inc.,  a health
care services company, Showscan Entertainment,  Inc., a movie-based software and
technology company, and Barry's Jewelry,  Inc., a retail jewelry chain, and is a
director of  Ampco-Pittsburgh  Corp.,  a steel  fabrication  equipment  company,
Fiberboard Corporation, a timber manufacturer,  Mitchell Energy and Development,
a  gas  and  oil  company,   and  Mid-States  PLC,  an  auto  parts  distributor
headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.

     J. Richard Futrell, Jr. is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Centura  Banks,  Inc.,  a position  he held from 1989 to 1993.  He  currently
serves as a member of Centura's board of directors and its executive committee.

     John W. Gildea has been Managing Director of Gildea Management  Company, an
investment  advisory firm, and affiliates  since 1990. From 1986 to 1990, he was
Senior Vice President of Donaldson,  Lufkin & Jenrette  Securities  Corporation.
Mr.  Gildea also has been  President  of Gildea  Investment  Co., an  investment
advisory firm, since 1983. He is a director of America Service Group, Inc., UNC,
Inc., and Barry's Jewelry, Inc.

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS THAT  STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" ALL OF THE
ABOVE-LISTED NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS.

Information Regarding Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

   
     The Board of Directors has an Audit  Committee,  an Executive  Compensation
Committee and a Nominating  Committee.  During the year ended December 31, 1997,
the Board of Directors held ten meetings, the Audit Committee held two meetings,
and the Executive  Compensation  Committee held three  meetings.  The Nominating
Committee was formed in 1998.  Each director  attended at least 75% of the Board
of Directors meetings and assigned committee meetings held during 1997.
    

     Audit  Committee.  The Audit  Committee,  which consists of Messrs.  Eberle
(Chairman), Amick, Futrell, Gildea and Haigler, makes recommendations concerning
the engagement of independent public accountants,  reviews the plans and results
of the  audit  engagement,  approves  professional  services  provided  and fees
charged by the independent public  accountants,  reviews the independence of the
independent  public  accountants  and  determines  the adequacy of the Company's
internal accounting controls.

     Executive Compensation  Committee.  The Executive  Compensation  Committee,
which consists of Messrs. Gildea (Chairman), Amick, Eberle, Futrell and Haigler,
determines  the  compensation  of the  executive  officers and  administers  the
Company's 1993 Employee Stock Incentive Plan and its 1996 Restricted Stock Plan.


                                        7

<PAGE>



     Nominating Committee.  The Nominating  Committee,  which consist of Messrs.
Futrell (Chairman),  Amick, Eberle, Gildea and Haigler,  determines the slate of
nominees for election to the Board of Directors by vote of the stockholders.

Compensation of Directors

     The  Company  pays  an  annual  fee of  $12,000  to  directors  who are not
employees  of the  Company,  plus a fee of $1,000 for each Board of Directors or
assigned  committee  meeting  attended.  The  annual  fee is  payable  in  equal
installments  semi-annually.  Under the Company's 1995 Outside  Directors' Stock
Compensation Plan, as amended by the Board, up to $20,000 of a director's annual
compensation  is paid in shares of Common Stock or options to purchase shares of
Common Stock and the  remainder  paid in cash, at the direction of the director.
Each non-employee director also is reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending
meetings of the Board of  Directors  and assigned  committees.  Employees of the
Company who are directors  receive no additional  compensation for their service
as directors.



                                        8

<PAGE>



                        EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY


     The  following  table sets forth  certain  information  with respect to the
current executive officers of the Company.

          Name                Age                 Position
          ----                ---                 --------
C. Cammack Morton              46      President and Chief Executive Officer
Patrick M. Miniutti            50      Executive Vice President and Chief
                                       Financial Officer
William H. Neville             53      Executive Vice President and Chief
                                       Operating Officer
Christopher G. Gavrelis        44      Executive Vice President - Management
Connell L. Radcliff            43      Senior Vice President - Development
Linda M. Swearingen            33      Senior Vice President - Finance/Investor
                                       Relations
Sona A. Thorburn               32      Vice President and Chief Accounting
                                       Officer

     See the  biographical  information  for Messrs.  Morton and Miniutti  under
"Proposal One: Election of Directors."

     William  H.  Neville,  has served as  Executive  Vice  President  and Chief
Operating Officer since September 1997. Before joining the Company,  Mr. Neville
was Regional  President of Horizon Group Realty, a real estate  investment trust
specializing in outlet centers, from January 1996 to July 1997. Prior to joining
Horizon,  Mr.  Neville  held various  positions  with  Charter Oak  Partners,  a
privately held outlet center  developer,  from January 1993 to December 1995, at
which time he was the President of the company.

     Christopher G. Gavrelis  joined the Company in December 1995. Mr.  Gavrelis
was named Senior Vice  President in January 1996 and promoted to Executive  Vice
President  in January  1998.  Prior to his  affiliation  with the  Company,  Mr.
Gavrelis was Vice  President - Property  Management of the Charter Oak Group for
approximately  four years.  From 1989 to 1991, Mr.  Gavrelis  served as regional
property  manager for  McArthur/Glen  Realty  Corp.  (now HGI Realty,  Inc.),  a
company engaged in the development and operation of factory outlet centers.  Mr.
Gavrelis  is  responsible  for  the  Company's   management  and  administration
activities.

     Connell L.  Radcliff  has served as Senior Vice  President  of  Development
since its organization in April 1993. Mr. Radcliff joined North-South Management
Corporation  (a predecessor  company) as Vice President - Leasing in 1989.  From
1987 to 1989,  Mr.  Radcliff was a real estate  broker for The  Shopping  Center
Group,  a  real  estate   brokerage  firm   specializing   in  national   tenant
representation.  Mr.  Radcliff  is  responsible  for the  Company's  development
activities.

     Linda M.  Swearingen  was  promoted  from Vice  President  to  Senior  Vice
President of  Finance/Investor  Relations in January 1998.  Prior to being named
Vice  President  in May 1996,  Ms.  Swearingen  was  Director of Leasing for the
Company,  a  position  she had held  since  July  1993.  From 1990 to 1993,  Ms.
Swearingen  served as Assistant Vice President - Commercial Real Estate for Bank
One Dayton.

     Sona A. Thorburn has served as Vice President and Chief Accounting  Officer
since joining the Company in 1997.  Prior to joining the Company,  Ms.  Thorburn
was a manager with the accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP,

                                        9

<PAGE>



where  she was  employed  for  eight  years.  At  Ernst &  Young,  Ms.  Thorburn
supervised audits for a variety of clients, including the Company.


                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The  following  table sets forth the  compensation  of the Chief  Executive
Officer and the four most highly  compensated  executive officers other than the
Chief Executive  Officer who were serving as executive  officers at December 31,
1997 (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers").

                           Summary Compensation Table

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Annual                    Long-Term
                                                  Compensation            Compensation Awards
                                            -----------------------   -----------------------------
                                                                      Restricted       Securities       All Other
                                            Salary           Bonus       Stock          Underlying    Compensation
Name and Principal Position        Year       ($)             ($)      Awards($)       Options(#)(10)      ($)
- ---------------------------        ----     -------          -----    ---------      ---------------      ----
<S>                                <C>      <C>             <C>       <C>              <C>               <C>       
C. Cammack Morton                  1997     336,072             (4)     670,538(5)         (11)          33,467(12)
   President and Chief Executive   1996     287,692             (4)   1,019,250(5)     300,000(11)        3,570(13)
     Officer                       1995      11,458(1)          --           --             --               --
Patrick M. Miniutti                1997     230,871             (4)     346,726(6)         (11)          19,000(12)
   Executive Vice President and    1996      70,769(2)          (4)     819,313(6)     200,000(11)       50,000(13)
     Chief Financial Officer                     --             --           --             --               --
William H. Neville                 1997      65,059(3)          (4)     205,800(7)      50,000               --
   Executive Vice President and    1996          --             --           --             --               --
     Chief Operating Officer       1995          --             --           --             --               --
Christopher G. Gavrelis            1997     160,962             (4)      94,163            (11)          11,915(12)
   Executive Vice President -      1996     129,742             (4)     214,750(8)      35,000(11)        1,163(13)
     Management                    1995       5,208(1)          --           --             --               --
Connell L. Radcliff                1997     185,555             (4)     101,138(9)          --           13,712(12)
   Senior Vice President -         1996     181,923             (4)      39,750(9)          --            3,750(13)
     Development                   1995     158,654         41,250           --         18,000            3,332(14)
</TABLE>

(1)  Messrs.  Morton and  Gavrelis  joined the  Company  in  December  1995 and,
     therefore, their salary for 1995 represents only a portion of the year.

(2)  Mr. Miniutti joined the Company in August 1996 and,  therefore,  his salary
     for 1996 represents only a portion of the year.

(3)  Mr. Neville joined the Company in September 1997 and, therefore, his salary
     for 1997 represents only a portion of the year.

(4)  Bonuses for all of the  officers of the Company for 1997 and 1996 were paid
     in the form of shares of restricted  Common Stock  ("Restricted  Stock") or
     options to purchase  Restricted  Stock based on the market  price of Common
     Stock  on the last day of the  applicable  calendar  year.  The  shares  of
     Restricted  Stock paid as bonuses vest all at once ("cliff  vesting") after
     three years. In consideration of the three-year vesting period,  Restricted
     Stock bonus amounts are set at 150% of an equivalent cash bonus  determined
     under the  Company's  MBO Plan.  See  "--Executive  Compensation  Committee
     Report."

(5)  Mr.  Morton  receives a portion of his base  annual  salary,  his  periodic
     increases  in base  annual  salary,  his  annual  bonus  and his  long-term
     incentive  compensation  in the  form of  Restricted  Stock or  options  to
     purchase Restricted Stock, as follows:

     (a)  30,000  shares,  with a value of $198,750  ($6.625  per  share),  were
          granted on March 1, 1997, subject to a one-year cliff vest, as part of
          Mr. Morton's base annual salary;

     (b)  6,000 shares, with a value of $39,750 ($6.625 per share), were granted
          on March 1, 1997,  subject to a three-year  cliff vest, as an increase
          in Mr. Morton's base annual salary;

                                       10

<PAGE>



     (c)  An option to purchase  48,500 shares,  with a value of $338,288 ($7.75
          per share) net of a 10% exercise price, was granted as of December 31,
          1997, subject to a three-year cliff vest, as Mr. Morton's 1997 bonus;

     (d)  18,000  shares,  with a value of $119,250  ($6.625  per  share),  were
          granted as of December 31, 1996,  subject to a three-year  cliff vest,
          as Mr. Morton's 1996 bonus;

     (e)  90,000  shares,  with a value of $900,000  ($10.00  per  share),  were
          granted in 1996 to Mr.  Morton as  long-term  incentive  compensation.
          These  shares were  replaced  with a grant of 150,000  shares,  with a
          value  of  $993,750  ($6.625  per  share),  on March  1,  1997.  These
          restricted shares vest in ten equal  installments  commencing March 1,
          1997.

     (f)  On November  11, 1997,  Mr.  Morton was awarded an  additional  21,000
          shares of  Restricted  Stock,  and each  unvested  share of Restricted
          Stock  then  owned  by Mr.  Morton  was  exchanged  for an  option  to
          repurchase a share of Restricted  Stock at an exercise price of 10% of
          the fair market  value of a share of Common  Stock on the date awarded
          (the "Repurchase Options"). The additional 21,000 shares of Restricted
          Stock were  awarded so that,  after  taking into  account the exercise
          price of the Repurchase Options, the value of such options would equal
          the value of Mr.  Morton's  unvested  Restricted  Shares  prior to the
          exchange. See "-- Executive Compensation Committee Report-- Restricted
          Stock."

     During 1997 the Company  repurchased,  pursuant to  provisions  in its 1996
     Restricted Stock Plan (the "Restricted  Plan"),  7,500 shares of Restricted
     Stock to cover the income tax liability on Restricted  Stock that vested in
     1997. At December 31, 1997, the aggregate  number of Mr. Morton's shares of
     Restricted  Stock and  shares  issuable  upon  exercise  of his  Repurchase
     Options was 266,000 with a value of $1,860,788 ($7.75 per share) net of the
     cost to  exercise.  Dividends or dividend  equivalents  are payable on such
     Restricted  Stock and shares  underlying such  Repurchase  Options with the
     exception of the unvested portion of the 150,000 Repurchase Options granted
     as long-term compensation.

(6)  Mr.  Miniutti  receives a portion of his base annual  salary,  his periodic
     increases  in base  annual  salary,  his  annual  bonus  and his  long-term
     incentive  compensation  in the  form of  Restricted  Stock or  options  to
     repurchase restricted stock, as follows:

     (a)  15,000  shares,  with a value of  $99,375  ($6.625  per  share),  were
          granted on March 1, 1997, subject to a one-year cliff vest, as part of
          Mr. Miniutti's base annual salary;

     (b)  4,500 shares, with a value of $29,813 ($6.625 per share), were granted
          on March 1, 1997,  subject to a three-year  cliff vest, as an increase
          in Mr. Miniutti's base annual salary;

     (c)  An option to purchase  28,500 shares,  with a value of $198,788 ($7.75
          per share) net of a 10% exercise price, was granted as of December 31,
          1997,  subject to a  three-year  cliff vest,  as Mr.  Miniutti's  1997
          bonus;

     (d)  6,500 shares, with a value of $43,063 ($6.625 per share), were granted
          as of December 31, 1996,  subject to a three-year  cliff vest,  as Mr.
          Miniutti's 1996 bonus;

     (e)  90,000  shares,  with a value of $776,250  ($8.625  per  share),  were
          granted in 1996 to Mr. Miniutti as long-term  incentive  compensation.
          These  shares were  replaced  with a grant of 120,000  shares,  with a
          value  of  $795,000  ($6.625  per  share),  on March  1,  1997.  These
          restricted shares vest in ten equal  installments  commencing March 1,
          1997.

     (f)  On November 11, 1997,  Mr.  Miniutti was awarded an additional  15,000
          shares of  Restricted  Stock,  and each  unvested  share of Restricted
          Stock  then  owned by Mr.  Miniutti  was  exchanged  for a  Repurchase
          Option.  The additional 15,000 shares of Restricted Stock were awarded
          so  that,  after  taking  into  account  the  exercise  price  of  the
          Repurchase Options, the value of such options would equal the value of
          Mr. Morton's unvested Restricted Shares prior to the exchange. See "--
          Executive Compensation Committee Report -- Restricted Stock."
 
     During 1997 the Company repurchased, pursuant to its Restricted Plan, 6,000
     shares of Restricted  Stock to cover the income tax liability on Restricted
     Stock that vested in 1997. At December 31, 1997,  the  aggregate  number of
     Mr. Miniutti's shares of Restricted Stock and shares issuable upon exercise
     of his Repurchase Options was 183,500 with a value of $1,283,788 ($7.75 per
     share) net of the cost to exercise.  Dividends or dividend  equivalents are
     payable on such  Restricted  Stock and shares  underlying  such  Repurchase
     Options  with  the  exception  of  the  unvested  portion  of  the  120,000
     Repurchase Options granted as long-term compensation.


                                       11

<PAGE>



(7)  Mr.  Neville  receives  his  annual  bonus  and  his  long-term   incentive
     compensation  in the form of  restricted  stock or an  option  to  purchase
     restricted stock, as follows:

     (a)  An option to purchase 8,000 shares, with a value of $55,800 ($7.75 per
          share) net of a 10%  exercise  price,  was granted as of December  31,
          1997,   subject  to  a  three-year   cliff  vest,  as  Mr.   Neville's
          proportionate 1997 bonus;

     (b)  20,000  shares,  with a value of  $150,000  ($7.50  per  share),  were
          granted on  September 8, 1997 to Mr.  Neville as  long-term  incentive
          compensation. These restricted shares vest in three equal installments
          commencing March 1, 1998.

     (C)  On November  11, 1997,  Mr.  Neville was awarded an  additional  2,250
          shares of  Restricted  Stock,  and each  unvested  share of Restricted
          Stock then owned by Mr. Neville was exchanged for a Repurchase Option.
          The additional  2,250 shares of Restricted Stock were awarded so that,
          after  taking  into  account  the  exercise  price  of the  Repurchase
          Options,  the  value of such  options  would  equal  the  value of Mr.
          Neville's  unvested  Restricted Shares prior to the exchange.  See "--
          Executive Compensation Committee Report -- Restricted Stock."

     At December 31, 1997,  the aggregate  number of shares of Restricted  Stock
     issuable upon exercise of Mr. Neville's  Repurchase Options was 30,250 with
     a value of $211,550 ($7.75 per share) net of the cost to exercise. Dividend
     equivalents  are  payable on all of the  shares  underlying  Mr.  Neville's
     Repurchase Options.

(8)  Mr.  Gavrelis  receives  his  annual  bonus  and  his  long-term  incentive
     compensation  in the  form of  Restricted  Stock  or  options  to  purchase
     Restricted Stock, as follows:

     (a)  An option to purchase  13,500  shares,  with a value of $94,163 ($7.75
          per share) net of a 10% exercise price, was granted as of December 31,
          1997,  subject to a  three-year  cliff vest,  as Mr.  Gavrelis's  1997
          bonus;

     (b)  6,000 shares, with a value of $39,750 ($6.625 per share), were granted
          as of December 31, 1996,  subject to a three-year  cliff vest,  as Mr.
          Gavrelis's 1996 bonus;

     (c)  16,667  shares,  with a value of $175,000  ($10.50  per  share),  were
          granted on February 28, 1996 to Mr.  Gavrelis as  long-term  incentive
          compensation. These restricted shares vest in three equal installments
          commencing January 1, 1997.

     (d)  On November 11, 1997,  Mr.  Gavrelis was awarded an  additional  1,350
          shares of  Restricted  Stock,  and each  unvested  share of Restricted
          Stock then owned by Mr. Gavrelis was exchanged for Repurchase Options.
          The additional  1,350 shares of Restricted Stock were awarded so that,
          after  taking  into  account  the  exercise  price  of the  Repurchase
          Options,  the  value of such  options  would  equal  the  value of Mr.
          Gavrelis'  unvested  Restricted Shares prior to the exchange.  See "--
          Executive Compensation Committee Report -- Restricted Stock."

     During  1997  the  Company  repurchased,  pursuant  to  provisions  in  its
     Restricted  Plan,  2,778 shares of Restricted Stock to cover the income tax
     liability on  Restricted  Stock that vested in 1997.  At December 31, 1997,
     the aggregate number of Mr. Gavrelis' shares of Restricted Stock and shares
     issuable  upon  exercise of  Repurchase  Options was 34,739 with a value of
     $249,086  ($7.75  per  share)  net of the cost to  exercise.  Dividends  or
     dividend  equivalents are payable on all of such  Restricted  Stock and the
     shares underlying Mr. Gavrelis' Repurchase Options.

(9)  Mr. Radcliff  received his annual bonus in the form of Restricted  Stock or
     an option to purchase Restricted Stock, as follows:

     (a)  An option to purchase  14,500 shares,  with a value of $101,138 ($7.75
          per share),  was granted as of December 31, 1997 net of a 10% exercise
          price,  subject to a three-year  cliff vest,  as Mr.  Radcliff's  1997
          bonus;

     (b)  6,000 shares, with a value of $39,750 ($6.625 per share), were granted
          as of December 31, 1996,  subject to a three-year  cliff vest,  as Mr.
          Radcliff's 1996 bonus.

     (C)  On November  11, 1997,  Mr.  Radcliff  was awarded an  additional  700
          shares of  Restricted  Stock,  and each  unvested  share of Restricted
          Stock then owned by Mr. Radcliff was exchanged for Repurchase Options.
          The  additional  700 shares of Restricted  Stock were awarded so that,
          after  taking  into  account  the  exercise  price  of the  Repurchase
          Options,  the  value of such  options  would  equal  the  value of Mr.
          Radcliff's unvested  Restricted Shares prior to the exchange.  See "--
          Executive Compensation Committee Report -- Restricted Stock."

                                                                             
                                       12

<PAGE>



     At December 31, 1997,  the aggregate  number of shares of Restricted  Stock
     issuable upon exercise of Mr. Radcliff's Repurchase Options was 21,200 with
     a value of $148,038 ($7.75 per share) net of the cost to exercise. Dividend
     equivalents  are  payable on all of the shares  underlying  Mr.  Radcliff's
     Repurchase Options.

(10) Excludes options to purchase shares of Restricted Stock, which options have
     an exercise  price equal to 10% of a share's  fair market value on the date
     of grant.  Such options are reported  under the  "Restricted  Stock Awards"
     column of the Summary Compensation Table.

(11) Stock options granted in 1996 were canceled in 1997 and new options for the
     same number of shares were issued in 1997.  See  "--Executive  Compensation
     Committee   Report--Report   on  Repricing   of  Options"  for   additional
     information.

(12) In  1997  Messrs.   Morton,   Miniutti,   Gavrelis  and  Radcliff  received
     distributions from the cancellation of a Split Dollar Insurance Plan in the
     amounts of $29,746, $15,000, $10,000 and $10,000,  respectively, as well as
     matching  contributions to the Company's 401(k) Retirement and Savings Plan
     of $3,721, $4,000, $1,915 and $3,712, respectively.

(13) In  1996  Messrs.   Morton,   Gavrelis  and  Radcliff   received   matching
     contributions  to the  Company's  401(k)  Retirement  and  Savings  Plan of
     $3,570, $1,163 and $3,750, respectively. In addition, in 1996, Mr. Miniutti
     received an allowance for relocation expenses of $50,000.

(14) In 1995 Mr.  Radcliff  received  matching  contributions  to the  Company's
     401(k) Retirement and Savings Plan of $3,332.

     The  following  table  provides  information  regarding  the stock  options
granted during 1997 to the Named Executive Officers:

                      Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year(1)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Individual Grants       
                        -----------------------------------------------------------           Potential Realizable   
                          Number of                                                             Value at Assumed     
                          Securities     Percent of Total                                    Annual Rates of Stock   
                          Underlying     Options Granted                                     Price Appreciation for  
                           Options         to Employees      Exercise                          Option-Term-($)(2)    
                           Granted        in-Fiscal-Year      Price       Expiration        --------------------------
        Name                 (#)               (%)             ($)           Date              5%($)         10%($)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                  <C>           <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>
   
C. Cammack Morton         300,000(3)           46.5          $5.625         4/1/07           1,061,260      2,689,44,
Patrick M. Miniutti       200,000(4)           31.0          $5.625         4/1/07             707,506      1,792,960
William H. Neville         50,000(4)            7.8           $7.50         9/7/07             235,835        597,653
Christopher G. Gavrelis    35,000(4)            5.4          $5.625         4/1/07             123,814        313,768
    
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1)  Excludes Repurchase Options,  which options have an exercise price equal to
     10% of a share's fair market  value on the date of grant.  Such options are
     reported  under  the  "Restricted  Stock  Awards"  column  of  the  Summary
     Compensation Table.

(2)  In accordance with SEC rules, these columns show gains that might exist for
     the respective  options,  assuming the market price of the Company's Common
     Stock  appreciates  from the date of grant  over a period  of ten  years at
     annualized rates of five and ten percent,  respectively.  The actual value,
     if any, on stock option exercises will depend on the future  performance of
     the  Company's  Common  Stock,  as well as the  option  holders'  continued
     employment through the four-year vesting period.  There can be no assurance
     that the value, if any,  ultimately realized by the executive will be at or
     near the values shown above.

(3)  100,000 option shares vested upon grant with the remainder at 25% per year.
     These stock options  represent the  replacement  of option shares issued in
     1996 and canceled in 1997. See "-- Executive  Compensation Committee Report
     -- Report on Repricing of Options" for additional information.

                                                                          
                                       13

<PAGE>



   
(4)  20% vested  upon  grant with the  remainder  at 25% per year.  These  stock
     options  represent  the  replacement  of option  shares  issued in 1996 and
     canceled in 1997. See "-- Executive Compensation  Committee  Report--Report
     on Repricing of Options" for additional information.
    

     The following table sets forth certain information concerning the number of
shares of Common Stock  underlying  options held by each of the Named  Executive
Officers and the value of such options at December 31, 1997:


                        Fiscal Year-End Option Values(1)

                                 Number of                Value of Unexercised
                           Securities Underlying              In-the-money
                            Unexercised Options                Options at
                                 at Fiscal                  Fiscal Year-End
                                Year-End (#)                      ($)

                                Exercisable/                  Exercisable/
Name                         Unexercisable (2)             Unexercisable (3)
- ----                         -----------------             -----------------
C. Cammack Morton             100,000/200,000               212,500/425,000
Patrick Miniutti               40,000/160,000                85,000/340,000
William H. Neville              10,000/40,000                 2,500/10,000
Christopher G. Gavrelis         7,000/28,000                 14,875/59,500
Connell L. Radcliff            43,400/19,850                     --/--

- ---------
(1)  Excludes Repurchase Options,  which options have an exercise price equal to
     10% of a share's fair market  value on the date of grant.  Such options are
     reported  under  the  "Restricted  Stock  Awards"  column  of  the  Summary
     Compensation Table.

(2)  Future  exercisability  is subject to vesting  and the  optionee  remaining
     employed by the Company.

(3)  Value is calculated by subtracting  the exercise price from the fair market
     value of the  securities  underlying  the  option  at fiscal  year-end  and
     multiplying  the results by the number of  in-the-money  options held. Fair
     market  value was based on  closing  market  price of the  Common  Stock at
     December 31, 1997 ($7.75).

Employment Agreements

     Annual  Compensation  and Basic Terms. The Company is a party to employment
agreements with Messrs. Morton,  Miniutti,  Gavrelis and Neville. The agreements
with Messrs.  Morton,  Miniutti and Neville currently  continue through February
29, 2001. The term is automatically  extended for an additional year on March 1,
1999 and each year thereafter, subject to the right of either party to terminate
as of the end of the  then-existing  three-year term by giving written notice at
least 30 days before the March 1 extension date. The agreement with Mr. Gavrelis
continues  through  March  1,  1999.  If  the  employment  of any  executive  is
terminated due to the change of control of the Company,  an additional two years
will be added to the unexpired  term of the respective  agreements.  Pursuant to
their  respective  agreements,  each  executive is required to devote his entire
business time to the Company and is prohibited  from  competing with the Company
for a period of one year following  termination  of  employment.  The employment
agreements  provide  for base annual cash  salaries  as  follows:  Mr.  Morton -
$330,000;  Mr. Miniutti - $225,000;  Mr. Neville - $225,000;  and Mr. Gavrelis -
$170,000.  In addition,  Messrs. Morton and Miniutti receive Restricted Stock as
part of their base annual  compensation,  based on an  equivalent  cash value of
approximately  $200,000 and  $100,000,  respectively.  The number of  restricted
shares  issued  annually  is  adjusted  on March 1st of each  year  based on the
previous year-end market price of the stock. Such Restricted Stock is subject to
a one-year  cliff  vest.  The base  annual  salaries  are  subject  to  periodic
increases based upon the performance of the Company and the executive. Messrs.

                                       14

<PAGE>



   
Morton and  Miniutti  each agreed to take the raises in their base  salaries for
1997 in the form of  Restricted  Stock,  which is subject to a three-year  cliff
vest,  in the  amounts  of 6,000  shares  and  4,500  shares,  respectively.  In
addition,  they have agreed to take all future  raises in the form of Restricted
Stock subject to similar vesting provisions.  If the employment of any executive
is terminated  without  cause (as defined in the  respective  agreements),  such
executive  will be entitled to (i) the greater of the base salary payable to the
executive for the remainder of the then existing  employment  term or one year's
base salary,  (ii) in the case of Messrs.  Morton,  Miniutti  and  Neville,  the
product of the number of years  representing the unexpired term of the agreement
and an amount equal to the average bonus paid to such  executive  over the three
years immediately prior to termination,  and in the case of Mr. Gavrelis,  a pro
rata portion of any  incentive  compensation  or bonus  payable for the years of
termination and (iii) certain other accrued benefits.
    

     Long-Term  Compensation.  As of  March  1,  1997,  in  recognition  of  the
increases in their  responsibilities  and after consultation with an independent
executive  compensation  consultant,  the  Independent  Directors  replaced  the
previous  long-term  incentive plan awards of 90,000 shares of Restricted  Stock
for  Messrs.  Morton and  Miniutti  with  grants of 150,000  shares and  120,000
shares,  respectively.  These grants were issued  pursuant to the Company's 1996
Restricted  Stock  Plan.  These  restricted  shares  vest  in ten  equal  annual
installments  commencing on March 1, 1997,  provided each executive continues to
be employed by the Company.  If the Company (i) does not extend the  executive's
employment  agreement beyond its initial three-year term; or (ii) terminates the
executive without cause (as defined in their respective  employment  agreements)
all unvested shares of restricted stock will become fully vested. The executives
will be entitled to receive dividends on only the vested shares. Mr. Neville was
awarded  20,000  shares of Restricted  Stock,  which vests in three equal annual
installments  commencing March 1, 1998,  provided he continues to be employed by
the Company.  Mr. Gavrelis was awarded 16,667 shares of Restricted Stock,  which
vest in three equal annual  installments  commencing December 14, 1996, provided
that he continues to be employed by the Company.

     In  addition,  the  employment  agreements  for Messrs.  Morton,  Miniutti,
Neville  and  Gavrelis  provide  for the grant of options to  purchase  300,000,
200,000, 50,000 and 35,000 shares of Common Stock, respectively. For information
regarding such options,  see the table  captioned  "Option Grants in Last Fiscal
Year" above and "-- Executive Compensation Committee Report--Report on Repricing
of Options" below.

Change in Control Arrangements

     Under the  employment  agreements,  termination  without cause includes any
termination  resulting from a change in control of the Company.  The term change
in control  generally is defined under the employment  agreements to include the
first to occur of the following: (i) any person or group owns or controls 50% or
more of the  outstanding  Common Stock,  (ii) any person or group who owned less
than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock on the date of the agreement owns 20% or
more of the  outstanding  Common Stock or (iii) the  stockholders of the Company
approve a business  combination that will result in a change in ownership of 20%
or more of the  outstanding  Common  Stock.  Upon the  occurrence of a change in
control of the Company, all non-vested  Restricted Stock will become immediately
vested.

     In addition,  upon the occurrence of a change in control of the Company (as
defined in the Stock  Incentive  Plan),  all  non-vested  stock options  granted
thereunder become  immediately vested and exercisable in full. Change in control
generally is defined under the Stock Incentive Plan to occur at such time as any
person or group beneficially owns at least 25% of the outstanding Common Stock.

     Each of the five executive officers who have employment agreements with the
Company have entered into waivers  providing that the Lazard  Investment and the
Konover  Transaction  will not trigger  any  obligation  under their  employment
agreements except to the extent that such transactions  automatically extend the
term of their employment agreements.

Executive Compensation Committee Report

     Executive  Officer  Compensation  Policies.  The  goals  of  the  Executive
Compensation Committee (the "Committee") with respect to the compensation of the
Company's executive officers are to (i) provide a competitive total


                                       15

<PAGE>



compensation  package that  enables the Company to attract and retain  qualified
executives,  (ii) align the  compensation  of such executives with the Company's
overall  business  strategies  and (iii) provide each  executive  officer with a
significant equity stake in the Company, which serves to align compensation with
the interests of stockholders.  To this end, the Committee  determines executive
compensation  consistent  with a philosophy of compensating  executive  officers
based on their  responsibilities  and the  Company's  performance  in  attaining
financial and non-financial objectives.

   
     The primary components of the Company's executive compensation program are:
(i) base salaries,  (ii)  performance-based  annual bonuses, (iii) stock options
and (iv)  restricted  stock.  The more  senior the  position,  the  greater  the
compensation that varies with performance and the greater the portion that is in
the form of options or restricted stock.
    

     Base Salaries. Base salaries for the Company's Named Executive Officers, as
well as changes in such salaries,  are based upon  recommendations  of the Chief
Executive  Officer,  taking into account such  factors as  competitive  industry
salaries;  a  subjective   assessment  of  the  nature  of  the  position;   the
contribution  and  experience  of the officer;  and the length of the  officer's
service.  Under the Chief  Executive  Officer's  direction,  the Chief Operating
Officer  reviews  all  salary  recommendations  with the  Committee,  which then
approves  or  disapproves  such  recommendations.  The Chief  Executive  Officer
reviews any salary  recommendations  for the Chief  Operating  Officer  with the
Committee.   The  Committee  has  engaged  a  national  executive   compensation
consultant for the purpose of obtaining  comparative  information  and advice on
each of the components of executive  compensation.  The Committee  believes that
the majority of the Company's  executive officers are at or near the average for
base salaries and total compensation as compared to that of the Company's peers.
The Committee would like to increase base salaries to the 75th percentile  level
in the  future.  See  "Employment  Agreements  - Annual  Compensation  and Basic
Terms."

     Bonuses.  Annual  bonuses are  determined  under a Management By Objectives
(MBO) plan based on Company and individual  performance.  The weighting  between
Company  performance  and  individual  performance is determined on the basis of
position  and  responsibilities.  Performance  targets are  determined  for both
Company  performance  and  individual  performance.  Achieving the targets would
ordinarily result in bonuses ranging from 5% to 60% of base salary, with maximum
bonuses  ranging  from 10% to 70% of base  salary for  performance  achievements
greater  than the  targets.  All  officers of the Company  receive 100% of their
bonus  in the  form  of  restricted  stock  with a  three-year  cliff  vest.  In
consideration  therefor, each officer receives shares equal to 150% of the value
of the  appropriate  cash bonus;  the number of shares is  determined  using the
total bonus amount divided by the stock price at the day of issuance.

     Stock Options.  The Company  established  an Employee Stock  Incentive Plan
(the "Stock Incentive Plan") in 1993 for the purpose of attracting and retaining
the Company's  executive  officers and other  employees.  A maximum of 1,100,000
shares of Common  Stock are  currently  reserved  for  issuance  under the Stock
Incentive Plan (see "Proposal  Five" below relating to the proposed  increase to
2,800,000  shares).  The Stock  Incentive Plan allows for the grant of incentive
and nonqualified  options (within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code) that
are exercisable at a price equal to the closing price of the Common Stock on the
New York Stock  Exchange on the trading day  immediately  preceding  the date of
grant. All of the Company's  executive  officers are eligible to receive options
to purchase  shares of Common Stock granted under the Stock  Incentive Plan. The
Committee  believes that stock option grants are a valuable  motivating tool and
provide a long-term  incentive to  management.  The Committee also believes that
issuing  stock  options to executives  benefits the  Company's  stockholders  by
encouraging  executives to own the  Company's  stock,  thus  aligning  executive
compensation with stockholder interests. Options for 645,000 shares were granted
during 1997. (See "Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year" above.)
   
     Restricted  Stock.  The Company  established  a restricted  stock plan (the
"Restricted  Plan")  in 1996,  reserving  350,000  shares  of  Common  Stock for
issuance  thereunder,  to give  the  Committee  more  flexibility  in  designing
equity-based   compensation   arrangements  to  attract,   motivate  and  retain
executives and other key employees.  Such equity-based  compensation is designed
to align more closely the  financial  interests of  management  with that of the
stockholders.  In 1997 and  1998 , the  Company  reserved  in the  aggregate  an
additional  1,150,000  shares of Common Stock for issuance  under the Restricted
Plan. The Restricted Plan, which is administered by the Committee,  provides for
the grant of  restricted  stock  awards to any new or  existing  employee of the
Company, including executive officers.
    

                                       16

<PAGE>



Awards under the Restricted  Plan  typically will be subject to various  vesting
schedules  ranging from one to ten years from the date of grant.  The Restricted
Plan permits the  Committee to customize  the vesting  schedule by deferring the
commencement date,  lengthening the vesting period and/or  conditioning  vesting
upon the achievement of specified  performance  goals.  During 1997, the Company
granted  248,752  shares of Restricted  Stock,  net of  replacement  shares,  to
officers and other key employees.

     In 1997, the Company amended the Restricted Plan so that officers would not
have to sell their  shares of  Restricted  Stock to meet  their tax  obligations
incurred upon the vesting of such shares. The amendment provides that Restricted
Stock may be awarded to certain  officers  in the form of an option to  purchase
Restricted  Stock at 10% of the market  price of the Common Stock on the date of
grant of the option.  Under the Restricted Plan all of the officers'  previously
unvested  shares of Restricted  Stock as of November 11, 1997 were replaced with
options to purchase such shares.  The options vest on the same  schedules as the
shares of  Restricted  Stock  that they  replaced.  Under the  Restricted  Plan,
holders of options to  purchase  Restricted  Stock will also be entitled to cash
payments  equal to the value of the  dividends  that would have been paid on the
shares  underlying such options.  The executives may exercise the options at any
time after  vesting and within 15 years of the date of grant.  All future grants
to  officers  under  the  Restricted  Plan  will be in the form of an  option to
purchase Restricted Stock.

   
     Chief Executive Officer's  Compensation.  C. Cammack Morton's  compensation
for 1997 as the Company's  President and Chief Executive Officer consisted of an
annual base salary,  pursuant to his above-described  employment  agreement,  of
$568,500  ($238,500  of  which  was  paid in the  form of  options  to  purchase
Restricted  Stock,  subject to one-year and three-year cliff vesting),  which is
subject  to  periodic  increases  to be  determined  by  the  Committee  in  its
discretion based upon the Committee's or the Board's subjective determination of
the  performance  of the Company and Mr.  Morton.  Mr.  Morton's base salary was
increased  effective  March 1, 1997 in  connection  with his being  named  Chief
Executive  Officer of the Company on January 1, 1997.  In  addition,  consistent
with the intent of the bonus plan discussed above, the Committee granted a bonus
to Mr.  Morton for 1997 in the form of an option to  purchase  48,500  shares of
Restricted Stock subject to a three-year cliff vest, which had a market value at
date of grant of $338,288,  net of a 10% exercise  price.  Eighty percent of the
bonus was based on the Company's  exceeding the target increase in FFO for 1997;
the remaining 20% was not based on any specific  criteria but was awarded in the
subjective discretion of the Committee.
    

     Section  162(m) of the Internal  Revenue Code.  The Company does not expect
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), to
affect the  deductibility for federal income tax purposes of the compensation of
the Company's  executive officers in 1997. In the future, the Company intends to
review  periodically  the  applicability  of  Section  162(m)  to the  Company's
compensation  programs,  including  its  potential  impact on stock  options and
Restricted Stock awarded to executive officers,  and, if considered appropriate,
to  develop a policy  with  respect to the  Company's  compliance  with  Section
162(m).

     Report on  Repricing  of  Options.  The  Executive  Compensation  Committee
determined  that the granting of new stock options to certain senior  executives
would  promote its goals of aligning  executive  and  stockholder  interests and
retaining qualified  executives.  However,  due in part to the issuance of stock
options to former  officers,  the  Company  did not have  sufficient  unreserved
options under the Stock  Incentive Plan to grant new stock  options.  Therefore,
the Company requested that certain officers allow their previously granted stock
options,  of which in the aggregate  37% had vested,  to be canceled in exchange
for new options. The executive officers accepted the Company's re-issuance offer
although their  proportion of vested versus unvested stock options  decreased by
28% on average.

                                       17

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             Length of
                                      Number of                                                           Original Option
                                     Securities       Market Price of   Exercise Price                     Term Remaining
                                     Underlying        Stock at Time      at Time of                         at Date of
                                  Options Repriced    of Repricing or    Repricing or     New Exercise      Repricing or
Name                      Date     or Amended (#)      Amendment ($)     Amendment ($)     Price ($)         Amendment
- ----                      ----     --------------      -------------     -------------     ---------         ---------
<S>                       <C>          <C>                 <C>               <C>             <C>              <C>      
C. Cammack Morton         4/97         300,000             5.625             10.25           5.625            8.8 years
Patrick M. Miniutti       4/97         200,000             5.625             8.625           5.625            9.4 years
Christopher G. Gavrelis   4/97          35,000             5.625             10.25           5.625            8.8 years
Michaela M. Twomey        4/97          35,000             5.625             8.875           5.625            9.4 years
Susan M. Crusoe           4/97          25,000             5.625             10.25           5.625            8.8 years
</TABLE>


The  Executive  Compensation  Committee  is pleased to submit this report to the
stockholders.

                            John W. Gildea, Chairman
                                William D. Eberle
                             J. Richard Futrell, Jr.
                                 Robert O. Amick
                            Theodore E. Haigler, Jr.

     The foregoing report should not be deemed  incorporated by reference by any
general  statement  incorporating  by reference  this proxy  statement  into any
filing under the  Securities  Act of 1933, as amended,  or under the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended,  except  to the  extent  that  the  Company
specifically  incorporates this information by reference and shall not otherwise
be deemed filed under such acts.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

     During 1997,  the  following  individuals  (none of whom was or had been an
officer  or  employee  of the  Company)  served  on the  Executive  Compensation
Committee:  Messrs. Gildea, Eberle, Futrell, Amick and Haigler. No member of the
Executive  Compensation  Committee  was  or is an  officer  or  employee  of the
Company.


                              BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

   
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership  of Common  Stock of the Company as of May 15, 1998 by: (a) each Named
Executive  Officer;  (b) each  director;  (c)  current  executive  officers  and
directors  as a group;  and (d) each  person or group  known by the  Company  to
beneficially own more than five percent of the Common Stock. Except as otherwise
described in the notes below, the following  beneficial  owners have sole voting
power and sole  investment  power with respect to all shares of Common Stock set
forth opposite their name.
    


                                         Amount and Nature of         Percent
                                         Beneficial Ownership       of Class (1)
                                         --------------------       ------------
C. Cammack Morton....................          214,715                  1.5%
Patrick M. Miniutti..................          118,400                    *
William H. Neville...................           17,417                    *
Christopher G. Gavrelis..............           19,671                    *



                                       18

<PAGE>



                                         Amount and Nature of         Percent
                                         Beneficial Ownership       of Class (1)
                                         --------------------       ------------
Connell L. Radcliff..................          128,541                    *
Robert O. Amick......................            5,544                    *
William D. Eberle....................            6,095                    *
J. Richard Futrell, Jr...............            5,044                    *
John W. Gildea.......................          886,777(2)                5.9%
Theodore E. Haigler, Jr..............            5,354                    *
All current executive officers and                                      
directors as a group (12)............        1,421,229                   9.1%
Jeffrey B. Citrin....................          807,222(3)                5.4%
Promethus Southeast Retail LLC(4)....        2,350,000                  16.5%
- ----------
   
(1)  An asterisk (*) indicates less than one percent. The total number of shares
     outstanding used in calculating this percentage assumes that (i) no options
     to  purchase  shares of Common  Stock are  exercised,  (ii) no  warrants to
     purchase  shares of  common  stock  are  exercised,  and (iii) no shares of
     Preferred Stock are converted to shares of Common Stock;  provided that the
     following shares of Common Stock are deemed outstanding: (x) those issuable
     within 60 days upon exercise of options or warrants held by the  persons(s)
     shown in this table and (y) those  issuable  upon  conversion  of Preferred
     Stock held by the person(s) shown in this table.
    

(2)  Includes (i) 4,000  shares held by Mr.  Gildea's  spouse as  custodian  for
     their  children as to which Mr. Gildea has sole voting power only and as to
     which he disclaims  beneficial  ownership,  (ii)  111,111  shares of Common
     Stock presently issuable upon conversion of Preferred Stock as to which Mr.
     Gildea has sole voting and dispositive  power,  and (iii) 766,666 shares of
     Common Stock  presently  issuable upon  conversion  of Preferred  Stock and
     warrants owned by Network Fund III, Ltd. ("Network"), with respect to which
     Mr. Gildea has shared  dispositive  power only. Mr. Gildea is a director of
     Network and a Managing Director of Gildea Management Company,  which has an
     investment advisory agreement with Network.

(3)  Includes  547,222 shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding  preferred
     stock and 260,000 shares issuable upon conversion of outstanding  warrants.
     Jeffery B. Citrin possesses only investment control with respect to 272,222
     of such shares.  Mr. Citrin's address is 950 Third Avenue,  17th Floor, New
     York,  New York 10022.  Information  based on  Schedule  13D dated July 22,
     1996.

(4)  As discussed at "Proposal  Two,"  Investor  purchased  2,350,000  shares on
     March  23,  1998  pursuant  to  the  Stock  Purchase   Agreement.   If  the
     Stockholders  approve Proposal Two,  Investor will be obligated to purchase
     an additional  18,602,632 shares of Common Stock. Assuming no other changes
     in the number of  outstanding  shares of Common Stock,  the Investor  would
     then own  62.6% of the  outstanding  shares  of  Common  Stock.  Investor's
     address is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 63rd Floor, New York, New York 10020.



              INFORMATION REGARDING INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has
appointed  the  accounting  firm of Arthur  Andersen LLP ("Arthur  Andersen") to
serve as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December
31,  1998.  Arthur  Andersen has served as  independent  auditors of the Company
since  September  1997 and is considered by management of the Company to be well
qualified.  The  Company has been  advised by that firm that  neither it nor any
member thereof has any financial interest, direct or indirect, in the Company or
any of its subsidiaries

                                       19

<PAGE>



in any  capacity.  Representatives  of Arthur  Andersen  will be  present at the
Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire,
and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

     Effective  September 9, 1997, the Company  retained  Arthur Andersen LLP as
its new  certifying  accountants,  replacing its prior  certifying  accountants,
Ernst & Young LLP ("Ernst & Young").

     Ernst & Young's reports on the Company's  financial  statements  during the
two most recent  fiscal years  contained  no adverse  opinion or  disclaimer  of
opinion,  nor were  qualified  or  modified  as to  uncertainty,  audit scope or
accounting principles.

     During the two most recent fiscal years and all subsequent  interim periods
preceding September 9, 1997, there were no disagreements between the Company and
Ernst & Young on any matter of accounting  principles  or  practices,  financial
statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not
resolved to the  satisfaction of Ernst & Young,  would have caused Ernst & Young
to make reference to the subject matter of disagreement in connection with Ernst
& Young's reports.



                                PERFORMANCE GRAPH

     Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly  percentage  change in
the Company's  cumulative  total return on the Common Stock with the  cumulative
total  return  of a  hypothetical  investment  in  each of the  Standard  Poor's
Composite - 500 Index (the "S&P Index") and the NAREIT  Equity REIT Total Return
Index (the "REIT  Index")  based on the  respective  market  prices of each such
investment on the dates shown below,  assuming an initial  investment of $100 in
the  Common  Stock on June 3,  1993 (the date of the  Company's  initial  public
offering) and the reinvestment of dividends.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
Sources: Compustaf, NAREIT

                       Jun-93      Dec-93       Dec-94       Dec-95      Dec-96       Dec-97
                       ------      ------       ------       ------      ------       ------
<S>                      <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
FAC Realty Trust         100         104           97           68          37           43
S&P 500                  100         105          106          146         180          240
NAREIT Equity RBT        100         101          104          120         163          126
    
</TABLE>


     The stock  price  performance  graph  shall not be deemed  incorporated  by
reference  by any  general  statement  incorporating  by  reference  this  proxy
statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, or amended, or under
the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,  except to the extent that the
Company specifically  incorporates this information by reference,  and shall not
otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.


   
                                  PROPOSAL TWO:
                           APPROVAL OF THE TRANSACTION
       (WHICH INVOLVES THE SALE OF A CONTROLLING INTEREST IN THE COMPANY)

     The  following   discussion   summarizes   all  material   aspects  of  the
Transaction,  as set forth in the Amended and Restated Stock Purchase  Agreement
between the Company and the Investor  dated March 23, 1998 (the "Stock  Purchase
Agreement")  and  the  various  exhibits  thereto,  including  the  Stockholders
Agreement,  the Contingent  Value Right  Agreement and the  Registration  Rights
Agreement (collectively, the "Transaction Documents"). This summary is not
    

                                       20

<PAGE>



   
intended  to be a  complete  description  of the  Transaction  Documents  and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Transaction  Documents,  copies of
which are attached  hereto as appendices and  incorporated  herein by reference.
Capitalized  terms used in this  section but not defined  herein  shall have the
meanings assigned in the Transaction Documents.

Transaction Summary

     As part of the  Transaction,  the  Company  will  issue  from  time to time
approximately 21 million shares of Common Stock to Prometheus  Southeast Retail,
LLC (the "Investor"),  an affiliate of Lazard Freres & Co., for a purchase price
of $200 million ($9.50 per share). The Transaction  involves a change of control
of the Company,  and  shareholders  are urged to consider this carefully,  along
with the other  detriments and the benefits of the Transaction  discussed below.
This summary  presents an overview of the material  aspects of the  Transaction,
which are discussed at greater length in the remainder of this section.


Securities to be Sold...................21,052,632  shares of Common  Stock (the
                                        "Shares").

Aggregate Purchase Price................$200   million,   or  $9.50  per  Share,
                                        assuming   no    payments    under   the
                                        Contingent    Value   Right    Agreement
                                        described below.

The Investor............................Prometheus  Southeast  Retail,  LLC (the
                                        "Investor").  The Investor is indirectly
                                        controlled  by Lazard Freres Real Estate
                                        Investors,  LLC ("LFREI"), a real estate
                                        investment  affiliate of Lazard Freres &
                                        Co.  See  "--   Information   about  the
                                        Investor" below.

Closings

       Initial Purchase................ 2,350,000 Shares for $22,325,000,  which
                                        closed  on March 23,  1998.  But see "--
                                        Limited Put Option" below.

       Second Closing...................8,176,316  Shares  for  $77,675,000,  to
                                        close no later than September 30, 1998

       Subsequent Closings..............10,526,316  Shares for $100 million,  to
                                        close no later than March 30, 2000.

Investor Representation on the Board....Three Investor Nominees would be elected
                                        to a nine-  member  Board  of  Directors
                                        following  stockholder  approval  of the
                                        Transaction.  Additionally, the Investor
                                        would   have   the   right   to  have  a
                                        proportionate  share of its  nominees on
                                        each  of the  Board's  audit  committee,
                                        compensation   committee  and  executive
                                        committee,  as  well  as any  other  key
                                        committees.    See   "--    Stockholders
                                        Agreement--  Management  of the Company;
                                        Representation  on the Board and Certain
                                        Board Committees" below.

Participation Rights....................For so long as the  market  value of the
                                        Shares  owned and the  Shares  yet to be
                                        acquired by the  Investor is $50 million
                                        or more,  the  Investor  would  have the
                                        right to participate in future issuances
                                        of  capital  stock so that the  Investor
                                        may maintain its proportional  ownership
                                        interest in the
    

                                       21

<PAGE>

   
                                        Company.  Issuance of any capital  stock
                                        pursuant to  options,  warrants or other
                                        securities  outstanding  on February 24,
                                        1998 are  excluded  from the  Investor's
                                        participation     right.     See     "--
                                        Stockholders   Agreement   Participation
                                        Rights" below.

Restrictions on Certain
     Corporate Actions..................Approval of the  Transaction  would also
                                        impose  certain   prohibitions   on  the
                                        Company's    operations   unless   prior
                                        approval of over 67% of the directors is
                                        obtained    ("Super-    majority   Board
                                        Approval").  These prohibitions  include
                                        restrictions    on    (i)    significant
                                        acquisitions   and   sales,   (ii)   the
                                        incurrence  of  additional  indebtedness
                                        beyond a stated level, (iii) significant
                                        issuances  of  capital  stock  and other
                                        securities,   (iv)   amendments  to  the
                                        charter  or bylaws of the  Company  in a
                                        manner that would be materially  adverse
                                        to the  Investor,  and (v)  transactions
                                        that would  result in any person,  other
                                        than the Investor, holding more than 15%
                                        of the voting power of the Company. With
                                        three  Investor  Nominees  on the Board,
                                        the  Investor  would be able to  prevent
                                        any  action   requiring   Super-majority
                                        Board  Approval.  See  "--  Stockholders
                                        Agreement  -  Restrictions   on  Certain
                                        Corporate Actions" below.

Contingent Value Rights ("CVRs")........If the  Investor  has  not  doubled  its
                                        investment  (through stock appreciation,
                                        dividends,  or both) by January 1, 2004,
                                        the Company  will pay the  Investor,  in
                                        cash or stock,  an amount  necessary  to
                                        achieve  such  a  return,  subject  to a
                                        maximum  payment of 4,500,000  shares or
                                        the   cash   value   thereof.   See  "--
                                        Contingent Value Rights" below.

Limited Put Option......................If the  stockholders  do not approve the
                                        Transaction  or the Second  Closing does
                                        not  otherwise  occur by  September  30,
                                        1998,  the  Investor  has the right (but
                                        not  the   obligation)  to  require  the
                                        Company to repurchase the Shares sold in
                                        the Initial  Purchase  for the  purchase
                                        price thereof,  plus accrued  dividends.
                                        See "-- Limited Put Option" below.

Expenses................................The   Company    estimates    that   its
                                        out-of-pocket   expenses  in  connection
                                        with the Transaction,  including amounts
                                        paid  or  owed   to  the   Investor   as
                                        reimbursement  of its expenses,  will be
                                        approximately  $3.3  million.   See  "--
                                        Expenses" below.

Break-up Fee and Topping Fee............Provided  that the Investor has complied
                                        with  the   terms  of  the   Transaction
                                        Documents,  the  Company  will  pay  the
                                        Investor  a break-up  fee of  $2,250,000
                                        (the   "Breakup   Fee")  if  the   Stock
                                        Purchase  Agreement is terminated at any
                                        time  prior to the Second  Closing.  The
                                        Breakup Fee, therefore,  will be payable
                                        to the Investor if the  stockholders  do
                                        not   approve   the   Transaction.    In
                                        addition,  if a Competing Transaction is
                                        entered  into by the Company  within one
                                        year  of the  termination  of the  Stock
                                        Purchase Agreement, the Company may have
                                        to pay the Investor a $3 million topping
                                        fee.  See "--  Break-Up  Fee and Topping
                                        Fee" below.
    

                                       22

<PAGE>


   
Conditions to Closing...................Each of the Company's and the Investor's
                                        obligations to effect the Second Closing
                                        and the Subsequent  Closings are subject
                                        to  various  conditions,  including  the
                                        approval   of   Proposal   Two   by  the
                                        Company's stockholders. In addition, the
                                        Investor is not obligated to fund beyond
                                        the Second  Closing  until a significant
                                        portion of the Konover  Transaction  (as
                                        described  under  "Proposal  Three")  is
                                        complete. See "-- Conditions to Closing"
                                        below.

Advantages of the Transaction

         Large, Timely Infusion of
         Capital at a Reasonable Cost...The Transaction  will enable the Company
                                        to accomplish  its financing  objectives
                                        for   1998   and   1999   in  a   single
                                        transaction.  The purchase price is at a
                                        24%  premium  over the  average  closing
                                        price  of the  Common  Stock  for the 30
                                        trading days preceding the  announcement
                                        of the Transaction.  Even if the Company
                                        issues the  maximum  number of shares to
                                        the   Investor   under  the  CVRs,   the
                                        purchase  price  would  represent  a two
                                        percent  premium,  without  taking  into
                                        consideration   the   benefit   to   the
                                        stockholders of the delayed  issuance of
                                        the shares  issued in 2004. In addition,
                                        the  expenses  of  the  Transaction  are
                                        expected   to   be   less   than   in  a
                                        traditional   underwritten  offering  of
                                        capital stock,  and the Company will not
                                        be exposed to the risk of falling  stock
                                        prices  commonly  observed in advance of
                                        such offerings.

         Association with the Investor..The   experience  and  contacts  in  the
                                        industry   of  the   Investor   and  the
                                        Investor  Nominees  should  increase the
                                        Company's acquisition  opportunities and
                                        assist in the overall  implementation of
                                        its business plan.

         Improved Access to Capital.....The  increase  in the  Company's  equity
                                        market   capitalization  and  its  total
                                        capitalization should enable the Company
                                        to access the capital markets at a lower
                                        cost.  In  addition,  as a result of its
                                        participation  rights,  the Investor may
                                        be a significant  buyer in future equity
                                        offerings.   Other  buyers,   especially
                                        large institutional  investors, may find
                                        the Company more  attractive as a result
                                        of its  association  with the  Investor.
                                        The     Investor's     capital    market
                                        capabilities and experience  should also
                                        improve the Company's access to capital.

         Potential Enhancement of
             Stockholder Value..........The  Transaction was not entered into by
                                        the  Company  in  order to  achieve  the
                                        relatively  rapid increase in the market
                                        price of the Common Stock observed after
                                        the  announcement  of  the  Transaction.
                                        Rather,  the Transaction was believed to
                                        be the  best way to  maximize  long-term
                                        stockholder  value.  The capital  raised
                                        from the  Transaction  is expected to be
                                        used to retire existing indebtedness and
                                        to fund future  acquisitions with a view
                                        to increasing funds
    
                                                                               
                                       23

<PAGE>


   
                                        from  operations  and cash available for
                                        distribution over the long-term.

Disadvantages of the Transaction

         Change of Control..............As a  result  of  the  Transaction,  the
                                        Investor  would be entitled to own up to
                                        63% of the Common Stock. The size of the
                                        Investor's interest in the Company,  its
                                        right   to   nominate   three   Investor
                                        Nominees    to   the   Board   and   the
                                        Super-Majority       Board      Approval
                                        requirements will enable the Investor to
                                        control the Company. As a result,  other
                                        stockholders  will have  less  influence
                                        over  the   affairs   of  the   Company.
                                        Moreover,  to the extent the  Investor's
                                        interests differ from those of the other
                                        stockholders,   the  Investor's  control
                                        could cause the Company to take  actions
                                        that are not in the best interest of the
                                        minority stockholders.

         Anti-takeover Effects..........Aspects of the  Transaction may make the
                                        Company  a  less  attractive   take-over
                                        candidate to  unsolicited  buyers of the
                                        Company.  As a result,  the stockholders
                                        are less  likely to enjoy the  potential
                                        benefits of an  unsolicited  purchase of
                                        the  Company,  such as the  receipt of a
                                        premium  for  their   shares  of  Common
                                        Stock.

         Restrictions on Certain
             Corporate Actions..........The   Super-majority    Board   Approval
                                        requirements   grant  the  Investor  the
                                        power  to  prevent  certain  significant
                                        corporate  actions  even if favored by a
                                        majority  of the  Board  or in the  best
                                        interest  of the  stockholders.  See "--
                                        Stockholders  Agreement --  Restrictions
                                        on Certain Corporate Actions" below.

         Contingent Obligation..........The CVRs could  require  the  Company to
                                        issue  up  to  4.5  million   additional
                                        shares  (or the cash value  thereof)  in
                                        the year 2004 so that the Investor  will
                                        realize the agree-upon  return.  See "--
                                        Contingent Value Rights" below.

         Conflicts of Interest..........An  affiliate  of  the  Investor  owns a
                                        controlling interest in Alexander Haagen
                                        Properties, Inc. ("Haagen"). The Company
                                        may compete  with Haagen for tenants and
                                        possible property acquisitions.  If such
                                        a   conflict   arises,    due   to   its
                                        controlling  interest in both companies,
                                        the  Investor  may take actions that are
                                        not  in  the   best   interest   of  the
                                        stockholders  of the Company.  Moreover,
                                        the Transaction Documents do not prevent
                                        the  Investor  or  its  affiliates  from
                                        taking   other   significant   ownership
                                        positions  in potential  competitors  of
                                        the Company.

Consequences of Failing to
Approve the Transaction.................In  addition to  preventing  the Company
                                        from completing the Transaction, failure
                                        to  approve  the  Transaction  would (i)
                                        entitle the  Investor  to  exercise  its
                                        Limited Put Option,  which would require
                                        the Company to return  approximately $22
                                        million to the  Investor in exchange for
                                        2,325,000 Shares;
    

                                       24

<PAGE>

   
                                        (ii)  require the Company to pay a $2.25
                                        million  break-up fee; and (iii) entitle
                                        the sellers in the  Konover  Transaction
                                        to not complete the  transaction  if the
                                        Company  does  not  find  a $75  million
                                        equity   investment  by  year-end.   See
                                        "--Other   Consequences  of  Failure  to
                                        Approve the Transaction" below.

Opinion of Financial Advisor........... DLJ, the  Company's  financial  advisor,
                                        has   provided   an  opinion   that  the
                                        consideration  to  be  received  by  the
                                        Company  in  exchange  for  issuing  the
                                        Shares and the CVRs was,  as of the date
                                        of its  opinion,  fair from a  financial
                                        point  of  view  to  the  Company.  Such
                                        opinion was based upon,  and subject to,
                                        the    assumptions,    limitations   and
                                        qualifications  set forth  therein.  See
                                        "-- Opinion of Financial Advisor" below.

Use of Proceeds.........................The  net   proceeds   from  the  Initial
                                        Purchase  were used  primarily  to repay
                                        loans   totaling    approximately   $8.2
                                        million and to fund certain  acquisition
                                        and  development  activities.   Proceeds
                                        from the Second  Closing are expected to
                                        pay down the Company's  credit  facility
                                        with Nomura,  which has an interest rate
                                        of LIBOR  plus 2 1/4%.  As of March  31,
                                        1998,   the   Company  had  $62  million
                                        outstanding  under the credit  facility.
                                        The   remaining    proceeds   from   the
                                        Transaction  are  expected to be used to
                                        fund the  acquisition and development of
                                        additional   community  shopping  center
                                        properties.

Appraisal Rights........................Stockholders  have no  appraisal  rights
                                        with respect to the Transaction.

Required Vote...........................Approval of the Transaction requires the
                                        affirmative  vote of a  majority  of the
                                        votes  cast  on the  proposal,  provided
                                        that the total vote cast on the proposal
                                        represents  over 50% in  interest of all
                                        shares of Common  Stock  entitled  to be
                                        voted on the  proposal.  The Investor is
                                        not entitled to vote on the proposal.
    

Information about the Company

   
     The Company is a self-administered  and self-managed real estate investment
trust  ("REIT")  engaged in the  ownership,  management,  leasing,  acquisition,
development and operation of retail shopping centers. The Company's revenues are
primarily  derived  under real estate leases with  national,  regional and local
retailing  companies.  The  Company  owns,  operates  or has under  contract  to
purchase 62 retail shopping centers in 22 states, totaling more than 8.5 million
square feet. See "Proposal Three: Amendment of Charter to Change the Name of the
Company" for a discussion of 11 shopping centers under contract to purchase from
entities affiliated with Konover & Associates South.
    

     Substantially  all  of the  Company's  assets  (or  the  economic  benefits
thereof)  are  held  by,  and  the  Company  conducts  substantially  all of its
operations  through,  FAC Properties,  L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the
"Operating Partnership").  The Company controls the Operating Partnership as its
sole general partner.  Currently, the Company directly or indirectly owns 96% of
the interests (the "Units") in the Operating Partnership.


                                       25

<PAGE>



     Other than  Units held by the  Company,  each Unit may be  redeemed  by the
holder  thereof  for the cash  value of one  share of  Common  Stock  or, at the
Company's  option,  one share (subject to certain  adjustments) of Common Stock.
Following  the  initial  issuance  of Units to third  parties,  with  each  such
exchange, the number of Units owned by the Company and, therefore, the Company's
percentage interest in the Operating Partnership, will increase.

     The Company is incorporated in Maryland.  Its executive offices are located
at 11000  Regency  Parkway,  Suite 300,  Cary,  North  Carolina  27511,  and its
telephone number is (919) 462-8787.

Information about the Investor

   
     The Investor's sole member is LF Strategic  Realty Investor II, L.P., whose
general partner is Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC ("LFREI").  LFREI is
a real estate  investment  affiliate of Lazard Freres & Co. and manages  several
realty investment funds including the Investor.

     Established in 1848, Lazard Freres & Co., LLC is a private investment bank,
with  extensive  experience  in  principal   investments,   real  estate,  asset
management,  mergers and acquisitions and corporate  finance.  Operating through
affiliated entities in six countries  throughout the world, Lazard Freres & Co.,
LLC advises  numerous  corporations,  financial  institutions and governments on
strategic  and  financial  transactions.  Lazard Freres & Co., LLC also provides
investment   management  services  to  institutional  and  individual  investors
worldwide, managing more than $53 billion of capital.

     Since  its  inception,  LFREI  and its  affiliates  have  acquired  sizable
investment stakes in a select group of leading real estate operating  companies,
including  Alexander Haagen Properties,  Inc.;  American Apartment  Communities;
RF&P Corporation (renamed Commonwealth Atlantic Properties); Dermody Properties;
Bell Atlantic  Properties  (renamed Atlantic  American  Properties  Trust),  ARV
Assisted  Living,  Inc.; the Fortress  Group;  Kapson Senior  Quarters;  and The
Rubenstein Company.

     The Real Estate Investment  Banking Group at Lazard Freres & Co., LLC is in
the business of advising real estate companies on the process of recapitalizing,
restructuring  and expanding their companies and  portfolios.  Selected  clients
include  Corporate  Property  Investors,  Mobil  Corp.,  Olympia  & York  (World
Financial Properties), Prudential Insurance Company, Rockefeller Group, Rodamco,
N.V. and Wright Runstad Company.
    

Background of the Transaction

     The Company  believes that commercial real estate in the United States will
increasingly  be held  by  publicly  traded  REITs  that  are  fully  integrated
operating  companies.  It is  the  Company's  view  that,  as  the  real  estate
securitization  process  continues,  the  success  of a  REIT  will  be  largely
dependent on its ability to access  capital  markets  consistently  on favorable
terms and that this access will  depend upon the REIT's  asset size,  management
experience, performance history and operational sophistication.

     Since the  appointment of Mr. Morton as President of the Company in January
1996,  management has sought to improve the Company's operating  performance and
financial  structure  and to reverse the Company's  negative  stock price trend.
These efforts,  in part,  focused on strengthening the Company's  management and
resulted in the addition of several new senior executive officers, including Mr.
Miniutti as Chief  Financial  Officer in August 1996,  and, more  recently,  Mr.
Neville, as Chief Operating Officer in September 1997.

     Beginning in February 1996,  management began to look at various  financing
options  and  strategic  alliances.  Given the drop in the Common  Stock  price,
management  determined  that  public  equity  financing  alternatives  were  not
attractive.  In 1996 the  Company  secured  $20  million of private  equity from
Gildea  Management  Company  and  Blackacre  Bridge  Capital,  L.L.C.  and hired
Prudential  Securities,  Inc.  ("Prudential") to assist the Company in exploring
strategic alliance opportunities.  Over a period of 12 months, with Prudential's
assistance,  the  Company  analyzed  various  options and had  discussions  with
several existing REITs, primarily owners of retail outlet properties,  regarding
possible

                                       26

<PAGE>



strategic  alliances.  None of these discussions led to viable opportunities due
to a variety of factors,  including concerns over the Company's product mix, the
Company's belief that diversification into other forms of retail real estate was
in its best interest and an unwillingness of these potential partners to place a
value on the  Company  commensurate  with  what  management  believed  to be the
Company's inherent value.

     Soon after Mr.  Miniutti  joined the  Company  in August  1996,  management
explored strategic options with contacts of Mr. Miniutti. Through these meetings
it  became  clear  that  the  best  strategy  for the  Company  to  improve  its
operational  and financial  position was to move forward  aggressively  with its
diversification  strategy.  This strategy involved targeting the acquisition and
development of community  shopping centers.  Management also engaged  Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ") in May 1997 to help the Company
continue to explore strategic  opportunities.  From February 1997 until November
1997,  the  Company  had  various  discussions  with REITs and other  companies,
primarily  diversified  portfolio  REITs and  REITs  specializing  in  community
centers,  regarding possible alliances. These discussions led to the exchange of
information  pursuant to confidentiality  agreements with two such REITs. Again,
because of valuation and product mix issues, no viable opportunities were found.

   
     As part of its  diversification  strategy,  beginning in August  1997,  the
Company  undertook to reorganize itself into an umbrella  partnership  structure
(an "UPREIT")  that would  increase its  flexibility in acquiring and developing
community shopping center  portfolios.  See " -- Information about the Company "
above.  As a result of this  strategy,  the Company  entered into  agreements to
acquire  two  community  center  portfolios  through  its new UPREIT  structure,
including  its  agreement  to  acquire  nine  community  shopping  centers  from
affiliates of Messrs.  Rodwell and Kane (the  "Rodwell/Kane  Acquisition").  The
Company began discussions  regarding the Konover Transaction in late 1997, which
ultimately resulted in an executed definitive agreement in February 1998.

     Contemporaneous  with the decision to adopt an UPREIT structure,  the Board
directed  management to focus on obtaining a private strategic equity investment
in order to better capitalize the Company.  In particular,  the Board desired an
active  investor  with  experience  in the industry and  knowledge of attractive
acquisition  opportunities.  The Company had discussions with numerous potential
investors,   including  real  estate  investment  funds,   regarding  an  equity
investment in the Company. No potential investor pursued  discussions  regarding
an investment in Common Stock. Two potential  investors,  however,  expressed an
interest in a preferred stock  investment of $25 to $50 million.  Such investors
sought preferred stock that was convertible  after three years into Common Stock
with a moving conversion ratio that would essentially guarantee a return between
15% and 18%.  Discussions  with such investors never advanced to an offer by any
party in large part because,  shortly after such discussions  began, the Company
began  negotiations  with officers of LFREI in early  December 1997  regarding a
transaction  on terms that the Board  believed to be superior to those sought by
the potential  preferred stock investors.  The transaction under discussion with
LFREI was preferred, primarily because of its significantly greater size and its
limitation on possible future payments by the Company if the proposed investment
did not produce the desired return for the Investor.  See "--  Contingent  Value
Rights,"  "--  Advantages  of the  Transaction"  and  "--  Disadvantages  of the
Transaction" below.

    
         After  extensive  discussions,  on December  24, the Board of Directors
agreed with LFREI to enter into a letter of intent  regarding  a potential  $200
million  Common Stock  investment,  subject to due diligence and  negotiation of
mutually  acceptable terms. The letter of intent provided that the Company could
not solicit  offers from or provide  information  to any person  relating to the
sale of  capital  stock  by the  Company  or a  merger  or  similar  significant
transaction until January 31, 1998.
   
     Representatives  of LFREI and the Company met several times  throughout the
months of January and February  1998 to discuss the  transaction.  In January of
1998, the Company  requested  that DLJ provide a fairness  opinion in connection
with the financial aspects of the transaction. On February 6, 1998, the Board of
Directors met by telephone to discuss the transaction.  Representatives from DLJ
and  outside  counsel to the  Company  participated  in the  meeting.  The Board
discussed the structure and instructed  management to continue the negotiations.
Another  Board  meeting was held on February  9, 1998,  and was  attended by all
Board  members  in  person.   At  that  meeting,   management   summarized   the
negotiations,  and  presentations  were made by the Company's  outside  counsel,
Alston & Bird LLP, special Maryland counsel,  Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll,
LLP, and by DLJ. The Board instructed management to continue to
    

                                       27

<PAGE>



   
negotiate the final terms of the agreement and to seek  modifications  regarding
certain  protections  for the Company's  existing  stockholders  in the event of
future  merger or sale  transactions  that might be  instituted  by LFREI and to
negotiate  a  lower  break-up  fee  if  the  stockholders   rejected  the  LFREI
transaction without any competing bids being made.  Management continued to meet
with  LFREI  and its  representatives  over the next  several  days and  reached
agreement  with LFREI,  including the requested  changes to the break-up fee and
the stockholder protection provisions.

     On February 19, 1998, the Board met again,  at which time DLJ presented its
conclusions (and distributed  written materials) relating to the fairness of the
transaction to the Company from a financial  point of view. The Board also heard
from management as to its conclusions  regarding the transaction and the results
of  its  continued  negotiations  with  LFREI.   Management  believed  that  the
transaction  provided the Company and its stockholders with the best opportunity
for growth for several reasons,  including (i) an attractive stock price,  which
was  approximately  a 25% premium to the  30-trading  day average  closing stock
price of $7.60 as of the date of the Board meeting;  (ii) the positive effect on
the Company's capital structure of a significant  equity  investment,  and (iii)
the benefit of having LFREI as a strategic  partner given  LFREI's  expertise in
real estate  finance and capital  markets.  The Board believed that the proposed
transaction  was in the best  interest of the Company  regardless  of whether it
improved the likelihood of reaching  agreement on the Konover  Transaction.  See
"Proposal  Three" for a discussion of the Konover  Transaction.  Upon additional
discussions,  the Board  approved  entering  into the  transaction,  subject  to
completion of written  documentation.  On February 24, 1998, the parties reached
agreement on and executed the final documents.

     On March 23, 1998,  the Company and the  Investor  entered into the Amended
and Restated Stock Purchase  Agreement and sold 2,350,000 shares of Common Stock
to the Investor at $9.50 per share (the  "Initial  Purchase"),  for an aggregate
purchase  price  of  $22,325,000.  The  amendment  primarily  addressed  certain
indemnification   obligations   with  respect  to  the  Company's  status  as  a
"domestically  controlled" REIT (described below) and clarified other provisions
of the original agreement.
    

The Investment

     Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell an
aggregate  of  21,052,632  shares of Common  Stock to the Investor at a price of
$9.50 per share, for an aggregate  purchase price of $200 million.  The purchase
price per share was determined as a result of arm's-length  negotiations between
the Company and the  Investor.  On March 23, 1998,  the Company  sold  2,350,000
shares to the  Investor  at $9.50 per share  (the  "Initial  Purchase"),  for an
aggregate  purchase  price of  $22,325,000.  As of the Record Date, the Investor
owned approximately 16.5% of the outstanding Common Stock.

   
     If the  stockholders  do not approve the  Transaction or the Second Closing
(as defined  below) does not occur by September  30, 1998,  the Investor has the
right to require  the  Company to  repurchase  the  shares  sold in the  Initial
Purchase for the purchase price thereof, plus accrued dividends. See "-- Limited
Put Option"  below.  As a result of such  Limited  Put  Option,  the Company has
accounted  for the Initial  Purchase as  "temporary  equity." See  "--Accounting
Treatment" below.
    

     Subject to stockholder approval, the Stock Purchase Agreement provides that
the Company sell 18,702,632  additional shares of Common Stock from time to time
to the  Investor at a price of $9.50 per share,  in exchange  for  approximately
$177  million (the  "Remaining  Equity  Commitment").  Of the  Remaining  Equity
Commitment,  the Company would sell 8,176,316  shares by September 30, 1998 (the
"Second Closing"), with the remaining 10,526,316 shares to be sold in subsequent
closings (the "Subsequent Closings") by March 30, 2000. If the Investor acquired
all of the shares  represented by the Remaining Equity  Commitment (and assuming
no other change in the number of  outstanding  shares),  the Investor  would own
approximately  63% of the  outstanding  Common  Stock  (59% on a  fully  diluted
basis).

   
     The net proceeds  from the Initial  Purchase  were used to repay a (i) $5.7
million  loan due on March 23, 1998 at a rate of prime plus 2 1/4% and (ii) $2.5
million outstanding under a line of credit with interest at prime plus 1/2%. The
remaining  proceeds  were  used  primarily  to  fund  certain   acquisition  and
development activities. Proceeds from the
    

                                       28

<PAGE>



   
Second Closing are expected to pay down the Company credit facility with Nomura,
which has an  interest  rate of LIBOR  plus 2 1/4%.  As of March 31,  1998,  the
Company had $62 million  outstanding  under the credit  facility.  The remaining
proceeds from the  Transaction  are expected to be used to fund the  acquisition
and development of additional  community shopping center properties primarily in
the southeastern  United States.  There can be no assurance,  however,  that the
Company will be able to use the funds for such purposes.
    

Stockholders Agreement

     Concurrently  with the  execution  of the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  the
Investor and the Company entered into the Stockholders  Agreement,  which grants
certain rights to and imposes certain  restrictions on the Investor with respect
to the shares purchased by it pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement.  Many of
these rights  terminate  when the value of the Common Stock held by the Investor
plus the dollar amount yet to be purchased under the Stock Purchase Agreement is
less  than  $10  million  (the  "Final  Threshold   Date").   These  rights  and
restrictions include the following:

   
     Management  of the Company;  Representation  on the Board and Certain Board
Committees.  Under the Stockholders Agreement, the three Investor Nominees would
be elected to a nine-member Board as soon as practicable  following  stockholder
approval of the Transaction. Two of the Investor Nominees would be chosen at the
sole  discretion  of  Investor;  the third  would be subject to the  "reasonable
approval" of the Company.  Although the Stockholders  Agreement does not specify
the meaning of "reasonable  approval",  the Company believes it could reasonably
withhold its approval if the Investor  Nominee was affiliated  with a competitor
of the Company or if the nominee did not comply with the  requirements  for such
nominees  contained in the  Stockholders  Agreement,  which  include  reasonable
experience in business, financial and real estate matters and no conviction of a
felony.  The Investor has indicated  that two of the Investor  Nominees would be
Arthur P. Solomon and Murry N. Gunty.
    

     Mr.  Solomon,  [age],  is a managing  director of Lazard Freres & Co. and a
senior  principal of LFREI.  Mr.  Solomon  joined Lazard Freres & Co. in 1988 to
oversee all of its real estate  investment  and advisory  activities.  His prior
experience in the real estate industry  includes  positions as managing director
and head of real estate at Drexel Burnham  Lambert;  chief executive  officer of
Krupp  Companies,  a national real estate and financial  services  company;  and
executive vice  president and chief  financial  officer of The Federal  National
Mortgage  Association.  Prior to that,  Mr. Solomon was a professor of economics
and urban studies at MIT and  concurrently  headed the Harvard-MIT  Joint Center
for Urban  Policy.  Mr.  Solomon  holds a BA from Brown  University,  an MA from
Trinity  College,  and a Ph.D.  in economics  from Harvard  University.  He is a
trustee of the Urban Land Institute,  and a member of the International  Council
of Shopping Centers and Pension Real Estate Association.

     Mr.  Gunty,  31,  is a  principal  of  LFREI  and a  senior  member  of its
investment team. He joined Lazard Freres & Co. in 1995 from J.E. Robert Company,
where he directed the firm's  investments in REITs,  commercial  mortgage-backed
securities  and other  corporate real estate  opportunities.  Prior to that, Mr.
Gunty worked at Trammell  Crow  Ventures,  the $3 billion  (assets)  real estate
investment  affiliate  of  Trammell  Crow  Company,  and at  Blackstone  Capital
Partners,  a $1 billion leveraged buyout fund. He received his A.B. from Harvard
College, and his MBA from the Harvard Business School.

   
     At each  annual or special  meeting of  stockholders  of the  Company  with
respect to which any class of  directors is to be elected,  the  Investor  would
have the right (but not the  obligation)  to nominate  directors.  The number of
Investor  Nominees  the  Investor is entitled to  nominate  will  decrease  with
certain  reductions in the combined  value of (i) the Shares  purchased and (ii)
the amount  still owed under the Stock  Purchase  Agreement  (collectively,  the
"Commitment Value"), as set forth below:
    

       


                                       29

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
Commitment Value                                           Number of Investor Nominees
- -----------------------------------------------------      -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>
$50 million or more                                        Three or proportional one-third share of the Board if
(the date this threshold is no longer met, the             Board size over nine
"Preliminary Threshold Date")

$25 million to $50 million                                 Two or proportional  two-ninths share of the Board if
(the date this  threshold  is no longer met,  the          Board size over nine
"Second  Threshold Date") 

$10 million to $25 million                                 One or proportional  one-ninth share of the Board if 
(the date this threshold is no longer met, the "Final      Board size over nine 
Threshold Date")

Less than $10 million                                      None
    

</TABLE>



   
     If the Investor's right to nominate directors to the Board is reduced,  the
Investor would cause the applicable number of its nominees to resign immediately
(regardless  of the remaining  term) from the Board.  In addition,  in the event
that the Board did not include the  requisite  number of directors  nominated by
the  Investor,  the  Company  would be  subject to  certain  limitations  on its
operations  unless it receives the prior written  consent of the  Investor.  See
"--Disadvantages  of  the  Transaction  --  Restrictions  on  Certain  Corporate
Actions."
    

     In  addition,  the  Company has  amended  its bylaws to (i)  establish  the
executive  committee,  which has been delegated  authority to the maximum extent
permitted  by law,  and (ii)  provide  that for so long as the  Investor has the
right to nominate  directors to the Board,  the Investor has the right to have a
proportionate  share of its  nominees  on each of the Board's  audit  committee,
compensation  committee  and  executive  committee,  as  well as any  other  key
committees  (the "Key  Committees"),  to be comprised as follows:  (A) until the
Preliminary Threshold Date, at least one-third of such members shall be Investor
Nominees,  (B) until the Second  Threshold  Date,  at least  two-ninths  of such
members shall be Investor  Nominees,  and (C) until the Final Threshold Date, at
least  one-ninth of such members  shall be Investor  Nominees.  However,  in the
event that any such Investor  Nominee to a Key Committee  would  compromise such
committee's  ability to qualify as independent or disinterested under applicable
law, the Investor  Nominee would not be appointed to the Key  Committee.  To the
extent  practicable,  any Key Committee on which an Investor Nominee did not sit
would  consider only those items that prevent the Investor  Nominee from serving
on such Key Committee.  Assuming  stockholder  approval of the  Transaction,  at
least one Investor  Nominee would serve as a member of the board of directors of
each subsidiary of the Company until the Final Threshold Date.
       

   
     Participation  Rights. As part of the Transaction,  the Company has granted
certain participation rights (the "Participation  Rights") to the Investor.  The
Stock Purchase Agreement provides that until the Preliminary  Threshold Date, in
the event that the Company  issues or sells shares of capital  stock  (including
any security  convertible  into or redeemable for securities of capital stock of
the Company or any of its  subsidiaries),  the  Investor  would be entitled to a
participation  right to purchase or subscribe  for that  proportion of the total
number of securities to be issued equal to the Investor's proportionate holdings
of Common Stock outstanding (assuming the purchase of 21,052,632 shares pursuant
to the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement).  The  Investor  has no right,  however,  to
participate in the issuance by the Company of any of its capital stock issued to
any of the  Company's  subsidiaries  or pursuant  to options,  warrants or other
securities  outstanding  on  the  date  of the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement.  The
Participating  Rights  would also enable the  Investor to purchase  one share of
Common  Stock for each Unit issued  (other than to the  Company);  such  shares,
however,  would be required to be voted in the same manner and proportion as the
votes cast by other  stockholders of the Company.  All purchases pursuant to the
Participation  Rights  would be at the same  price  and on the  same  terms  and
conditions as are  applicable to other  purchasers of the  additional  shares of
capital stock of the Company (except that the price to the Investor to make such
purchase would be net of an amount equal to 50% of any  underwriting,  placement
agent or similar fee associated  with such purchase paid in connection with such
purchase).
    

                                       30

<PAGE>



   
     Restrictions on Certain  Corporate  Actions.  Until the date (the "Approval
Rights  Termination  Date")  on which  the  Investor  owns (or is  obligated  to
purchase)  less than 15% of the value of all Common  Stock and Units  (excluding
Units held by the Company), the Company would be subject to certain prohibitions
on its  operations  unless the prior  approval of over 67% of the  directors  is
first obtained,  including  restrictions relating to: (i) the acquisition of any
business or assets  having an aggregate  purchase  price in excess of 25% of the
Company's  total  asset  value  or  total  market   capitalization  (the  "Total
Enterprise  Value") or the  acquisition of an aggregate of businesses and assets
having an aggregate  purchase price in excess of the 50% of the Total Enterprise
Value during a fiscal year;  (ii) the sale or disposition of any assets or stock
during any fiscal year having an  aggregate  value in excess of 25% of the Total
Enterprise Value; (iii) the incurrence of additional  indebtedness such that the
ratio of the Company's total  indebtedness to the Total Enterprise Value exceeds
65%;  (iv)  issuances of capital  stock or options,  rights or warrants or other
commitments to purchase or other  securities  convertible  into shares of Common
Stock,  including  Units,  in  excess  of 50% of all  shares  of  capital  stock
outstanding, on a fully diluted basis; (v) the amendment of any provision of the
Articles of Incorporation or the bylaws of the Company in a manner that would be
materially adverse to the Investor (the Stockholders  Agreement does not specify
who determines such material adversity);  (vi) the commencement of any voluntary
case in  bankruptcy,  the consent to the entry of an order for relief against it
in an involuntary  case, the consent to the  appointment of a custodian of it or
for all or substantially  all of its property,  or a general  assignment for the
benefit of its creditors;  (vii) the consummation of any transaction (including,
without  limitation,  any merger or consolidation)  the result of which would be
that any person, other than the Investor,  became the beneficial owner, directly
or indirectly, of stock having more than 15% of the voting power of the Company;
(viii) taking certain  actions with, or for the benefit of, any of the Company's
affiliates; and (ix) termination of the federal income tax status of the Company
as a REIT.

     Information  Rights.  Until the Final  Threshold  Date, the Company has the
obligation to provide to the Investor (i) the financial statements and operating
and management information provided to the Company's senior management, and (ii)
copies of all other  information  distributed  by the Company to the Board,  any
equity  investor  of the  Company  or any of the  Company's  partners  in  joint
ventures.
    

Contingent Value Rights

   
     If the stockholders  approve the  Transaction,  the Investor would have the
right,  pursuant to the Contingent Value Right Agreement,  to receive on January
1, 2004 payment of an aggregate amount equal to the lesser of (a)(i) the greater
of (A)  $19.00  multiplied  by the  number of shares of Common  Stock  purchased
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement less all dividends paid with respect to
such Shares or (B) the dollar  amount that allows the  Investor to realize a 15%
internal rate of return on the price paid for the shares  purchased  pursuant to
the Stock Purchase Agreement on a compounded, annualized basis (inclusive of all
dividends  paid with  respect to such shares) less (ii) the fair market value of
the number of shares of Common Stock  purchased  pursuant to the Stock  Purchase
Agreement  and (b)  4,500,000  multiplied by the fair market value on such date.
Such payment may be paid,  at the election of the Company,  in cash or shares of
Common Stock (based on the average of their last reported sales price for the 30
consecutive calendar days (the "Fair Market Value") before January 1, 2004).
    

     Such contingent value rights ("CVRs") expire upon completion of an offer to
purchase as described in the paragraph  below or upon the Investor's  refusal to
accept such offer.  The CVRs also terminate if, during the three months prior to
January 1, 2004, the fair market value of the Purchased Shares equals or exceeds
(A) $21.00  multiplied by the number of Purchased  Shares less (B) the aggregate
amount of cash  dividends  paid on the  Purchased  Shares  following the Initial
Purchase.

   
     At any  time  prior  to  December  31,  2003,  the  Company  could  make an
irrevocable  offer to  purchase  from the  Investor  all shares of Common  Stock
acquired  pursuant  to the  Transaction.  The per share offer price would be the
greater of (A) $19.00 less all dividends paid with respect to such share and (B)
the dollar  amount that allows the  Investor to realize a 15%  internal  rate of
return  on the  price  paid for such  share on a  compounded,  annualized  basis
(inclusive of all dividends paid with respect to such shares).  The total amount
paid  hereunder  is  referred  to  herein  as the "$19  Amount"  or the "15% IRR
Amount."
    


                                       31

<PAGE>



   
     Essentially,  the $19.00  Amount and the 15% IRR Amount both  represent the
amount  that would have to be paid to the  Investor on January 1, 2004 for it to
have  doubled  its $200  million  investment.  If the  Investor  has doubled its
investment by that date (taking into account stock  appreciation and dividends),
there will be no payment  under the CVRs.  If the Investor has not realized this
return,  the Company is obligated to pay the  difference up to the  then-current
value of a share of Common Stock multiplied by 4.5 million.  Therefore,  under a
"worst-case  scenario,"  the  Company's  obligation  under  the CVRs is to issue
another  4,500,000 shares of Common Stock to the Investor on January 1, 2004 or,
at the Company's election, to pay the cash value thereof.

     The following table shows the amount of the Company's  obligation under the
CVRs at various  stock price  levels and  aggregate  dividend  amounts  (through
January 1, 2004) with respect to the shares purchased by the Investor:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Cumulative
 Dividends per
 Share through                                       Contingent Value Right Payment Amount
January 1, 2004                                                 ($ in millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>
   $10.00           0          0         0           0          0          0           0          0         0           0          0
    $9.00        21.0          0         0           0          0          0           0          0         0           0          0
    $8.00        40.5       21.0         0           0          0          0           0          0         0           0          0
    $7.00        40.5       42.0      21.0           0          0          0           0          0         0           0          0
    $6.00        40.5       45.0      42.0        21.0          0          0           0          0         0           0          0
    $5.00        40.5       45.0      49.5        42.0       21.0          0           0          0         0           0          0
    $4.00        40.5       45.0      49.5        54.0       42.0       21.0           0          0         0           0          0
    $3.00        40.5       45.0      49.5        54.0       58.5       42.0        21.0          0         0           0          0
    $2.00        40.5       45.0      49.5        54.0       58.5       63.0        42.0       21.0         0           0          0
    $1.00        40.5       45.0      49.5        54.0       58.5       63.0        63.0       42.0      21.0           0          0
    $0.00        40.5       45.0      49.5        54.0       58.5       63.0        67.5       63.0      42.0        21.0          0
                --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                $9.00     $10.00    $11.00      $12.00     $13.00     $14.00      $15.00     $16.00    $17.00      $18.00     $19.00
</TABLE>

                Fair Market Value per Share as of January 1, 2004

The Company's  greatest  possible  liability  under the CVRs  (4,500,000  shares
valued at $71.2 million) would arise only if the Company paid no dividends while
its stock price rose to $15.82 per share by January 1, 2004.

Limited Put Option

     In the event that the Second  Closing does not occur by September  30, 1998
or the Stock Purchase Agreement is terminated prior to the Second Closing (other
than as a  result  of the  Investor's  material  breach  of the  Stock  Purchase
Agreement),  the Investor has an option  under the Stock  Purchase  Agreement to
require that the Company  repurchase  the shares of Common Stock acquired in the
Initial  Purchase at a price equal to the purchase price thereof,  together with
any accrued  dividends  (the "Put  Option").  The Put Option  must be  exercised
within two months after the earlier to occur of the date that the Company  fails
to  receive  stockholder  approval,  the date the Stock  Purchase  Agreement  is
terminated prior to the Second Closing and August 31, 1998. The Company does not
have the right to require the Investor to exercise the Put Option. Therefore, in
the event that stockholder approval of the Transaction is not obtained and the
    

                                       32

<PAGE>



   
Investor does not exercise the Put Option,  the shares of Common Stock issued to
the Investor in the Initial Purchase will remain outstanding.

Accounting Treatment

     The $22,325,000  received in connection with the Initial  Purchase has been
accounted for by the Company as "temporary  equity" to reflect the fact that, on
account of the  Limited  Put  Option,  such funds may have to be returned to the
Investor if the Second Closing does not occur by September 30, 1998.

     Upon receipt  thereof,  the Company will account for the  Remaining  Equity
Commitment ($177 million) as stockholders' equity.  Although, as a result of the
CVRs,  the Company  could have to pay the Investor (in shares or cash) up to the
fair market  value of 4,500,000  shares of Common  Stock on January 1, 2004,  no
accounting  for  the  CVRs  will  be made  until  the  amount  due,  if any,  is
determinable.  When such amount is  determined,  it will be accounted for in the
same  manner  as  a  cash  or  stock  dividend,   depending  upon  the  form  of
consideration the Company chooses to satisfy the CVR obligation.
    

Registration Rights Agreement

     Concurrently  with  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  the  Company  and the
Investor entered into the Registration  Rights Agreement,  pursuant to which the
Company is obligated to file up to four demand registration  statements (no more
than two of which may be requested in any two-year  period) under the Securities
Act for the resale by the Investor of all or a portion of the Company securities
acquired in the Transaction.

     The right to a demand registration is further limited in that (i) it may be
invoked in each  instance  only with respect to a number of shares having a fair
market  value equal or greater  than $10  million,  and (ii) the Company has the
right from time to time to  require  the  Investor  not to sell under the demand
registration  statement or to postpone or suspend the  effectiveness  thereof in
certain  circumstances.  The Investor also will have the right,  with respect to
most  registrations  of Common  Stock by the  Company  for its own  account,  to
require the Company to include its Company securities in such registration.  The
Registration  Rights Agreement  provides that the Company will pay the expenses,
other than underwriting discounts and fees, relating to the demand registrations
requested by the Investor.

No Solicitation of Competing Transactions

     Unless and until the Stock  Purchase  Agreement is terminated in accordance
with its terms, the Company may not initiate, solicit or encourage any inquiries
involving (i) the acquisition of 15% or more of the Company's equity  securities
(excluding  Units)  by any  person or group or (ii) the  merger,  consolidation,
liquidation  or other  action  out of the  ordinary  course of  business  of the
Company (a "Competing Transaction"). The Company must notify the Investor of all
of the relevant  details  relating to all inquiries that the Company may receive
relating to any such matters;  provided,  that the Transaction  Documents do not
prohibit the Board from complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange
Act with regard to a tender or exchange  offer or prohibit the Board from taking
such other actions as may be required to comply with its fiduciary  obligations.
If the Board  determines  with the advice of counsel that failure to do so could
be held to violate its fiduciary duties, it may provide  information in response
to an unsolicited  proposal.  If the Company receives a bona fide proposal for a
Competing  Transaction  that the Board  determines in good faith (based upon the
advice of a nationally  recognized  financial advisor) may provide greater value
to the Company and its stockholders than the Transaction,  the Company may enter
into  negotiations  with respect to such  proposal.  The Company must notify the
Investor of any such superior  proposal not less than two business days prior to
entering into a definitive  agreement  with respect to a Competing  Transaction;
provided,  however,  that in no event may the  Company  enter into a  definitive
agreement with respect to a Competing  Transaction  less than five business days
after the  Company's  initial  notification  to the  Investor  of an  inquiry or
proposal relating to a Competing  Transaction.  Within the  two-business-day  or
five-business-day period referred to above, the Investor may propose an improved
transaction.


                                       33

<PAGE>



   
Expenses

     Whether or not the Transaction is  consummated,  the Company will reimburse
the Investor  for its expenses in  connection  with the  Transaction,  including
out-of-pocket  expenses of monitoring  the Company and of performing  its duties
under the Transaction  Documents.  The company has already paid $1.25 million of
the Investor's expenses and expects that future payments will be under $100,000.
Based on  estimates  provided  by the  Company's  service  providers  and  prior
dealings with them, the Company  anticipates that its out-of-pocket  expenses in
connection with the Transaction will be approximately $3.3 million, although the
Company  has not  negotiated  caps on the charges of its  service  providers  in
connection with the  Transaction.  This $3.3 million  estimate  assumes that the
Company  makes no  additional  payments  to DLJ,  which  has  indicated  that it
believes  it is  entitled  to an  additional  $3.9  million  advisory  fee.  See
"--Opinion of Financial Advisor" below.

Break-Up Fee and Topping Fee

     Provided  that the  Investor  is not in  material  default  under the Stock
Purchase  Agreement,  has not breached any of its representations and warranties
in any  material  respect,  and  has  satisfied  in all  material  respects  its
covenants relating to the Initial Purchase,  the Company will pay the Investor a
break-up  fee of  $2,250,000  (the  "Breakup  Fee") in the event  that the Stock
Purchase  Agreement is terminated at any time prior to the Second  Closing.  The
Breakup Fee,  therefore,  will be payable to the Investor if the stockholders do
not approve the Transaction.  In addition,  in the event that the Company learns
of a Competing  Transaction  prior to the date of the Annual  Meeting and enters
into the  Competing  Transaction  within  one year of the  date  that the  Stock
Purchase Agreement is terminated,  the Company will pay the Investor  $3,000,000
(the "Topping Fee").  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Topping Fee is payable
to the Investor and the Investor  profits on the sale of the shares purchased in
the Initial  Purchase in  connection  with the Competing  Transaction,  then the
Investor must pay the Company the amount by which such profit,  the Break-up Fee
and the Topping Fee exceed $7,750,000.
    

Conditions to Closing

   
     Each of the Company's and the  Investor's  obligations to effect the Second
Closing and the Subsequent Closings are subject to various mutual and unilateral
conditions,  including,  without  limitation,  the  following:  (i)  stockholder
approval of the Transaction;  (ii) the continued qualification of the Company as
a REIT for  federal  income  tax  purposes;  (iii) the  receipt of an opinion of
counsel to the effect that the Company is a  "domestically  controlled"  REIT as
discussed  below at  "--Certain  Federal  Income Tax  Considerations";  (iv) the
continuing  correctness  of the  representations  and  warranties  in the  Stock
Purchase  Agreement,   (v)  the  receipt  of  any  consents  necessary  for  the
Transaction,  and (vi) various  other  customary  conditions.  In addition,  the
Investor  is not  obligated  to fund more than $100  million of the  Transaction
unless a significant portion of the Konover Transaction is consummated.
    

Indemnification Provisions

   
     The Stock Purchase  Agreement  provides that each party shall indemnify the
other for  breaches  of its  representations  and  warranties  or the failure to
perform its covenants under the Agreement. Such indemnification  obligations are
generally  not triggered  until the  indemnified  party has incurred  losses and
expenses of $500,000.  If the Investor does not receive an opinion of counsel to
the effect that the Company is a "domestically  controlled"  REIT and the Second
Closing occurs,  the Company has agreed to increase the  indemnification  amount
relating  to losses  arising  from any  failure to  qualify  as a  "domestically
controlled" REIT by a percentage equal to the Investor's ownership percentage.
    


                                       34

<PAGE>



Amendment or Termination of the Transaction Documents

   
     Although the Board  reserves the right to amend the provisions of the Stock
Purchase Agreement without approval of the stockholders,  either before or after
approval by the stockholders of the Transaction,  the Company intends to solicit
further  approval of the stockholders in the event that any such amendment would
change  the  Transaction  in a manner  that would be  materially  adverse to the
stockholders.  The Board also reserves the right to terminate the Stock Purchase
Agreement without obtaining further approval of the stockholders. The Board does
not anticipate either the material amendment of the terms of, or the termination
of, the Stock Purchase Agreement.

Advantages of the Transaction

     The Company  believes that the Transaction,  if consummated,  represents an
opportunity to improve long-term stockholder value by providing the Company with
access  to  significant  equity  capital  at an  attractive  cost and  strategic
resources not otherwise readily available to it, thereby improving the Company's
ability to capitalize on community  shopping center  acquisition and development
opportunities. In particular, the Company believes that the Transaction may have
a number of beneficial  effects on the Company and its  stockholders,  including
the following:

     Large,  Timely  Infusion of Capital at Reasonable  Cost. The Transaction is
expected to enable the Company to accomplish  its financing  objectives for 1998
and 1999 in a single  transaction on more  favorable  terms than might have been
available  in the public  markets.  The  purchase  price to be  received  in the
Transaction  represents a 24% premium over the  30-trading  day average  closing
price ($7.68) prior to  announcement  of the  Transaction.  Because the purchase
price  for the  Common  Stock to be  acquired  by the  Investor  is  fixed,  the
Transaction  protects  the  Company  against the risks of a decline in the stock
market as a whole and the market for REIT stocks in particular. In addition, the
Company will not pay any underwriting  discount or commission in connection with
the  sales to the  Investor  and  expects  that its  out-of-pocket  expenses  in
connection  with such sales  (estimated at $3.3  million) will be  substantially
less than the costs it would have incurred in selling a similar number of shares
in one or more firm  commitment  underwritings.  Moreover,  the  Company  is not
exposed  to the risk of a decline  in the  market  price of its  shares  that is
commonly  observed in advance of such offerings.  Additionally,  the Transaction
will enable  management to focus on managing the Company's  existing  properties
and acquiring and developing additional properties rather than being required to
divert management time and attention to the process of raising capital.

     The 24% premium calculation does not take into account the possible payment
(in shares or cash) that may be due under the Contingent  Value Right Agreement.
Assuming the issuance of the maximum  number of shares  issuable under the CVRs,
the  purchase  price per share would  still  exceed the  30-trading  day average
closing  price prior to the  announcement  of the  Transaction  by two  percent;
moreover, such two percent-calculation does not take into account the benefit to
the other stockholders of enjoying the Investor's full capital  contribution for
a four to five-year  period before  suffering any  additional  dilution of their
interest in the Company.

     Although  the  premium  to be  paid  for  the  shares  to be  sold  in  the
Transaction  is less than that paid in the merger and  acquisition  transactions
reviewed by the Company's financial advisor,  DLJ noted that typical REIT merger
and  acquisition  transactions  do not  involve  significant  control  premiums,
probably  due to the  stable  net  asset  value of the  underlying  real  estate
properties. Of the comparable investments in publicly traded REITs identified by
DLJ, the mean premium was 5%. See  "--Opinion  of Financial  Advisor -- Premiums
Paid Analysis" and " -- Comparable Transactions Analysis."

     Association with the Investor.  As described under "--Information about the
Investor," LFREI, which controls the Investor, and its affiliate,  Lazard Freres
& Co., LLC, have extensive  experience and contacts in the real estate industry.
Moreover,  as  described  under  "Stockholders  Agreement,"  the named  Investor
Nominees are experienced, well-connected and accomplished real estate investment
managers.  The Company  believes  that it will  benefit  significantly  from its
association  with the  Investor,  as well as the  Investor  Nominees,  and their
market knowledge, operating experience and capital market capabilities.
    


                                       35

<PAGE>



   
     Improved Future Access to Capital.  The Company  believes that, as a result
of the  Transaction,  it will have greater  access to the capital  markets and a
lower cost of capital  because  the  Transaction  will (i)  increase  its equity
market  capitalization and total  capitalization;  (ii) establish an association
with a highly  regarded  institutional  investor,  the  Investor,  which  should
enhance the Company's  access and  attractiveness  to significant  institutional
investors;  and (iii) through the  participation  rights granted to the Investor
under the Stockholders  Agreement,  provide a potential buyer (the Investor) for
substantial portions of future offerings by the Company of its equity securities
or debt securities convertible into equity. Moreover, because of its substantial
investment in the Company, the Investor will have significant incentives to make
available  to the  Company its  resources,  experience  and advice on  accessing
capital  markets and to assist the Company in achieving a lower cost of capital.
The Company  believes that improved access to the capital markets should enhance
its ability to grow and increase stockholder value.
    

     Potential Enhancement of Stockholder Value. The Transaction will not result
in any direct return to  stockholders of cash or other  consideration.  However,
the Company believes that the Transaction offers  stockholders an opportunity to
realize  long-term  value.  The Company  intends to use a portion of the capital
raised in the Transaction to reduce its outstanding debt level. In addition, the
Company's strategic plan calls for the application of the significant capital to
be raised in the Transaction to expand the Company for the purpose of increasing
the Company's asset base and cash flow in a controlled but  significant  fashion
over a relatively short period of time.  Management's  goal is to increase funds
from operations and cash available for distribution to stockholders  through the
strategic  deployment of the capital and other resources to be made available to
the Company through its affiliation with the Investor.

     It should be noted,  however,  that there is no assurance  that the Company
will realize all or any of the potential  benefits  described  above,  which are
forward-looking  statements that are subject to numerous risks and  uncertainty.
The  realization of the potential  benefits  described  above will depend upon a
number  of  factors,  many of which  are  outside  the  control  of  management,
including  the  following:   the  availability  of  attractive  acquisition  and
development opportunities; the Company's continuing ability to identify, perform
due diligence with respect to, acquire and manage  effectively a large number of
retail shopping center  properties;  the state of the capital markets  generally
and prevailing interest rates;  uncertainty  concerning the Company's ability to
refinance its  indebtedness  at favorable  interest rates as it becomes due; and
risks relating to the ownership of real estate generally, including the risks of
bankruptcy, insolvency or the downturn in business of or failure to renew leases
by the Company's tenants, potential liability for unknown environmental matters,
and the risk of uninsured losses.

   
     For a discussion  of how the factors  listed above  influenced  the Board's
determination  that the  Transaction  is in the best interest of the Company and
its  stockholders,  see  "--Recommendation  of the Board and  Description of its
Decision-Making Process."

Disadvantages of the Transaction
    

     The Company  believes  that the  Transaction,  if  consummated,  could have
certain  adverse  effects on the Company  and its  stockholders,  including  the
following:

   
     Change of Control of the Company.  The Investor would be entitled to own up
to 63% of the Company's  Common Stock (59% on a fully diluted basis),  and would
be the largest single  stockholder  of the Company.  The Investor would have the
right to nominate up to three  directors of the  Company's  Board.  The Investor
would have a substantial  influence  over the affairs of the Company as a result
of the Transaction.  The Investor would be in a position to control the election
of the  Board or the  outcome  of any  corporate  transaction  or  other  matter
submitted to the  stockholders  for approval  (assuming no other  changes in the
number of outstanding  shares of Common Stock).  This concentration of ownership
in one stockholder could be disadvantageous to other  stockholders.  As a result
of the  Transaction,  the  other  stockholders  of the  Company  will  have less
influence  over the  affairs  of the  Company.  In  addition,  to the extent the
interests  of the  other  stockholders  differ  from that of the  Investor,  the
Investor's  control of the Company may result in the Company taking actions that
are not in the best interest of the minority stockholders.
    


                                       36

<PAGE>



     The Company has limited the ability of the Investor to cause the Company to
consolidate  or merge with another  entity for a period of five years unless all
stockholders  receive the same  consideration  received  by the  Investor in the
merger.   Moreover,   if  the   Investor   transfers   more   than  50%  of  the
then-outstanding  shares  of Common  Stock to a single  person  or  entity,  the
purchaser  would  be  subject  to the  same  limitation  until  the  end of such
five-year period.

   
     Anti-takeover Effect of the Transaction.  The Investor's  acquisition of up
to 63% of the  outstanding  Common Stock (59% on a fully diluted  basis) and the
director  nomination,  voting and other rights granted to the Investor under the
Stockholders Agreement and the Contingent Value Right Agreement,  in addition to
the provisions requiring 67% Board approval of certain actions, may make it more
difficult for other  stockholders to challenge the Company's  director nominees,
elect their own nominees as directors,  or remove incumbent  directors,  and may
render the Company a less attractive target for an unsolicited acquisition by an
outsider.  In addition,  under the Company's  charter, a merger or consolidation
requires the  affirmative  approval of over 50% of the shares  entitled to vote.
Accordingly,  the Investor would have sufficient  voting power to block any such
transaction  both as a  significant  stockholder  of the Company and through the
Board membership of the Investor Nominees.  To the extent the Transaction causes
the Company to be a less attractive take-over candidate to unsolicited buyers of
the  Company,  the  stockholders  would be less  likely to enjoy  the  potential
benefits of an  unsolicited  purchase of the  Company,  such as the receipt of a
premium for their shares of Common Stock.
    

     Prior to execution of the  Transaction  Documents,  the Company's  Board of
Directors waived the application of the Maryland  Business  Combination  Statute
with respect to all aspects of the  Transaction and amended its bylaws to exempt
the Transaction from the Control Share Acquisition  Statute.  As a result,  such
statutes impose no restrictions on the voting of the Investor's shares or on its
ability to enter into a business  combination  with the Company.  See "--Certain
Federal Income Tax  Considerations"  for a discussion of the waiver by the Board
of the limit on ownership of Common Stock in the Company's  charter with respect
to the Transaction.

     Potential  Dilution.  Although  the  Company  generally  has the ability to
control the timing of the Subsequent Closings and any additional  investments by
the  Investor,  if the proceeds from sales of securities to the Investor are not
invested in a timely or  accretive  manner,  there would be dilution of earnings
per share and funds from  operations per share to the existing  stockholders  of
the Company. The Company does not intend to change its acquisition criteria, and
it  may  temporarily  have  excess  cash  on its  balance  sheet  if  sufficient
acquisitions  are not  completed  between the Second  Closing and March 30, 2000
(unless the Company and the Investor agree to extend such dates).

   
     Restrictions  on  Certain  Corporate   Actions.   From  such  time  as  the
stockholders approve the Transaction until the Approval Rights Termination Date,
Super-majority  Board Approval will be a prerequisite for (i) the acquisition of
any business or assets  having an aggregate  purchase  price in excess of 25% of
the Total  Enterprise Value or the acquisition of an aggregate of businesses and
assets  having  an  aggregate  purchase  price in excess of the 50% of the Total
Enterprise  Value  during a fiscal  year;  (ii) the sale or  disposition  of any
assets or stock  during any fiscal year having an  aggregate  value in excess of
25%  of  the  Total  Enterprise  Value;   (iii)  the  incurrence  of  additional
indebtedness  such that the ratio of the  Company's  total  indebtedness  to the
Total  Enterprise Value exceeds 65%, (iv) issuances of Company Stock or options,
rights  or  warrants  or other  commitments  to  purchase  or  other  securities
convertible into shares of Common Stock, including, without limitation, Units in
excess of 50% of all shares of Company  Stock  outstanding,  on a fully  diluted
basis,  and (v) termination of the federal income tax status of the Company as a
REIT. This  requirement,  along with the Investor's rights with respect to Board
representation,  will enable the Investor to prevent the actions  listed even if
otherwise in the best interest of the stockholder.

     Contingent  Obligation.  Under the Contingent  Value Right  Agreement,  the
Company  could be  obligated  to pay the  Investor (in shares of common stock or
cash) up to the then-current value of 4,500,000 shares as of January 1, 2004. As
explained  under "-- Contingent  Value Rights" above, no payment will be made if
the Investor has essentially  doubled its $200 million  investment  (measured by
stock  appreciation  and aggregate  dividend  payments) by the year 2004. If the
Investor has not realized such a return,  the Company will pay in shares or cash
an amount necessary for the Investor to achieve the agreed-upon  return,  but in
no event  will the  payment  exceed  the  value  of the 4.5  million-share  cap.
Assuming  the  issuance  of the  maximum  number of shares  under the CVRs,  the
purchase price for the shares would still
    

                                       37

<PAGE>



   
exceed the 30-trading day average closing price of a share of Common Stock prior
to the  announcement of the  Transaction.  The value of those 4,500,000  shares,
however,  will vary with the stock price. As discussed  above, the maximum value
of the CVR payment is $71.2 million, but this obligation could only arise if the
Company  paid no  dividends  while its stock  price  rose to $15.82 per share by
January 1, 2004. See "-- Contingent Value Rights."

     Competition  with  Alexander  Haagen  Properties,  Inc.  The  Company  will
continue  to compete  with  other  REITs,  real  estate  partnerships  and other
investors in real estate. One potential competitor, Alexander Haagen Properties,
Inc. ("Haagan"),  owns unenclosed shopping centers in the western United States.
An affiliate of the Investor  currently  owns a  controlling  interest in Haagen
and,  due to the  similarities  between  Haagen's  business  and  the  Company's
business, the companies may be in competition for tenants and potential property
acquisitions in certain markets.  As a result,  the Investor may have a conflict
of interest due to its controlling interest in the two competing  companies.  If
such a conflict  arises,  the Investor may be motivated to take actions that are
not in the best interest of the stockholders of the Company.  Moreover, there is
no limitation in the Transaction  Documents on the Investor's or its affiliates'
ability to make investments in other competitors of the Company.
    

     Potential  Extinguishing  of Claims.  Approval  of the  Transaction  by the
stockholders  will  constitute  approval  of  all of the  various  terms  of the
Transaction  set  forth  in  the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  the  Stockholders
Agreement,  the Contingent  Value Right  Agreement and the  Registration  Rights
Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated  thereby  and will  result in the
election of three new directors to the Board.

     Such  approval  also may  serve to  extinguish  potential  claims,  if any,
regarding  any  conduct  of  members  of  the  Board  in  connection   with  the
Transaction,  including  potential claims,  if any,  alleging  violations of the
Board's  duties  to  stockholders.   Under  Maryland  law,  the  fully  informed
stockholder  approval of a transaction may, in certain  circumstances,  serve to
extinguish certain related fiduciary duty claims against directors.

   
     For a discussion  of how the factors  listed above  influenced  the Board's
determination  that the  Transaction  is in the best interest of the Company and
its  stockholders,  see  "--Recommendation  of the Board and  Description of its
Decision-Making Process."

Other Consequences of Failure to Approve the Transaction

     Possible   Inability  to  Close  the  Konover   Transaction.   The  Konover
Transaction,  which is discussed under "Proposal Three" may fail to close unless
the  stockholders  approve  the  Transaction.  One  of  the  conditions  to  the
obligations  of the seller in the Konover  Transaction  is the Company's  having
obtained a $75 million equity  investment in 1998 on terms not less favorable to
the  Company  than  those in the  Lazard  Investment.  Failure  to  approve  the
Transaction,  therefore,  could  cause  the  Company  to be  unable to close the
Konover  Transaction if (i) the closing condition is not waived by the seller or
(ii) the Company cannot find a $75 million equity investor on terms as favorable
as those in the Transaction.

     Payment  of  Break-up  Fee  and  Possible   Topping  Fee.  Another  adverse
consequence of the failure of the stockholders to approve the Transaction is the
required  $2,250,000 Break-up Fee that would be required upon the termination of
the Stock Purchase Agreement.  In addition, if the Company learns of a Competing
Transaction  prior  to the date of the  Annual  Meeting  and  enters  into  such
Competing  Transaction  within one year of the termination of the Stock Purchase
Agreement, the Investor would be entitled to a $3 million topping fee.

     Possible  Exercise  of the Put Option.  Failure to approve the  Transaction
would also trigger the Investor's Put Option,  as described  above at "--Limited
Put Option." The Investor's exercise of the Put Option would require the Company
to repurchase the shares of Common Stock  acquired in the Initial  Purchase at a
price equal to the purchase price thereof ($22,325,000). The exercise of the Put
Option is at the  Investor's  election,  therefore,  the  Investor  may remain a
significant  holder  of  the  Company's  shares  of  Common  Stock  even  if the
stockholders do not approve the Transaction.
    


                                       38

<PAGE>



Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations

   
     The  following  discussion  summarizes  the  material  federal  income  tax
considerations  resulting  from  the  Transaction  that may be  relevant  to the
Company and the Company's current stockholders. This discussion does not address
the federal income tax considerations resulting from the Transaction that may be
relevant  to the  Investor  or its  investors,  and does not  address the state,
local, or foreign tax considerations  resulting from the Transaction that may be
relevant to the Company,  the  Investor,  or their  respective  investors.  This
discussion  is based on the  current  provisions  of the  Code,  the  applicable
Treasury  regulations  promulgated  thereunder,  administrative  rulings,  court
decisions, certain factual assumptions related to the ownership and operation of
the Company,  and certain  representations made by the Company and the Investor.
No assurance can be given that the legal authorities on which this discussion is
based will not change, perhaps  retroactively,  that the factual assumptions and
representations underlying this discussion will continue to be accurate, or that
there will not be a change in the future in the  circumstances of the Company or
the Investor that would affect this discussion.
    

     No  Recognition  of Taxable  Gain.  The Company  believes  that neither the
Company nor any of the Company's  current  stockholders  will recognize  taxable
gain as a result of the Transaction.

     Taxation of the Company as a REIT. The Company made an election to be taxed
as a REIT under  sections 856 through 860 of the Code,  effective  for its short
taxable year ended December 31, 1993. The Company believes that, commencing with
such taxable year, it has been organized and has operated in such a manner as to
qualify  for  taxation  as a REIT  under the Code,  and the  Company  intends to
continue  to  operate in such a manner.  Qualification  and  taxation  as a REIT
depends upon the Company's ability to meet on a continuing basis (through actual
annual operating results,  distribution levels and diversity of share ownership)
the  various  qualification  tests  imposed  under  the  Code.  Accordingly,  no
assurance  can be given  that the  Company  has  operated  in a manner  so as to
qualify, or will operate in a manner so as to continue to qualify, as a REIT.

   
     To  qualify  as a REIT  under the  Code,  not more than 50% in value of the
outstanding  capital  stock of the Company may be owned,  directly or indirectly
through  the  application  of  certain  attribution  rules,  by  five  or  fewer
individuals during the last half of each taxable year. The Investor would not be
treated as an individual for purposes of this REIT qualification  test. In order
to protect the Company's tax status as a REIT, the Company's  charter limits the
ownership of its capital stock to no more than 9.8% by any person or entity (the
"Ownership  Limit") unless the Board of Directors  exempts such person or entity
from the  Ownership  Limit.  Based upon the opinion of Alston & Bird LLP and the
representations  made by the  Investor,  the Board of Directors has exempted the
Investor from the Ownership Limit with respect to the Initial  Purchase.  A copy
of this  opinion is included as  Appendix F to this Proxy  Statement.  The Board
expects  to  grant  similar  exemptions  prior  to  the  Second  Closing  or any
Subsequent Closing upon the receipt of an updated opinion. The Company will seek
an update of this opinion (based on updated representations from the Company and
the Investor) prior to the Second Closing or any Subsequent Closing.

     If the representations  made by the Investor are not accurate,  the Company
believes it will still  qualify as a REIT because its charter  provides (and the
Investor has agreed) that, to the extent necessary,  the Investor's shares would
be deemed  "Excess  Stock." Shares of Excess Stock are shares that are deemed to
have been  transferred  to the  Company as trustee of a trust for the benefit of
the future  recipient of the shares.  If the Investor's  shares become shares of
Excess  Stock,  the Company  would have the right,  for a period of 90 days,  to
purchase the Excess Stock from the Investor for the lessor of (i) the price paid
for such shares by the Investor and (ii) the  then-current  market price. If the
Company did not exercise its purchase  right,  the Investor  would  generally be
permitted  to  designate  the  beneficiaries  of the trust  provided  it did not
receive consideration for making such designation in excess of the price it paid
for such shares.  Upon such a  designation,  the shares of Excess Stock would be
exchanged  for  shares of Common  Stock to be held  directly  by the  designated
beneficiary. While the Excess Stock is held in trust, it is not entitled to vote
and, except upon liquidation,  it is not entitled to participate in dividends or
other distributions.

     The Excess  Stock  provisions  of the charter are  intended to preserve the
Company's  tax status as a REIT in the event the ownership of Common Stock would
otherwise jeopardize such status. However, such charter provisions are
    

                                       39

<PAGE>



   
untested and no assurance  can be given that they will protect the Company's tax
status  as a REIT.  If the  Company  were to  fail to  qualify  as a REIT in any
taxable year,  the Company would be subject to federal income tax (including any
applicable  alternative  minimum tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate
rates.  Moreover,  unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions,
the Company  also would be  disqualified  from  treatment as a REIT for the four
taxable  years  following  the year during  which  qualification  is lost.  This
treatment would reduce the net earnings of the Company  available for investment
or  distribution  to  stockholders  of the Company because of the additional tax
liability to the Company for the years involved.  In addition,  distributions to
stockholders of the Company would no longer be required to be made.
    

     Possible Impact of the Transaction on Subsequent Sales of Stock by Non-U.S.
Stockholders.  Generally, a sale of stock in the Company by a "Non-U.S.  Holder"
will not be subject to United States  taxation  under the Foreign  Investment in
Real Property Tax Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA")  unless such stock constitutes a United
States real property  interest  ("USRPI").  As used herein,  the term  "Non-U.S.
Holder"  means a holder of shares of Common Stock who is not (for United  States
federal  income tax  purposes)  (i) a citizen or resident of the United  States,
(ii) a  corporation,  partnership,  or other entity  created or organized in the
United  States or under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof or
the  District  of  Columbia,  (iii) an estate  the income of which is subject to
United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust,
if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over
the  administration  of the trust and one or more United States persons have the
authority  to control  all  substantial  decisions  of the  trust.  Stock in the
Company will not constitute a USRPI if the Company is a "domestically controlled
REIT,"  defined  generally  as a REIT in which,  at all times during a specified
testing  period,  less  than 50% in  value of its  stock  was held  directly  or
indirectly  by Non-U.S.  Holders.  In the event that,  either at the time of the
Transaction or at any time  thereafter,  direct or indirect  stockholders of the
Company (including owners of interests in the Investor) who are Non-U.S. Holders
own collectively 50% or more, in value, of the outstanding  capital stock of the
Company, the Company would cease to be a domestically controlled REIT.

     If the  Company  does not  qualify as a  domestically  controlled  REIT,  a
Non-U.S.  Holder's  sale of stock in the  Company  generally  still  will not be
subject  to United  States  tax  under  FIRPTA,  provided  that (i) the stock is
"regularly  traded"  (as  defined  by  applicable  Treasury  regulations)  on an
established  securities market, and (ii) the selling Non-U.S.  Holder held 5% or
less of the Company's  outstanding stock at all times during a specified testing
period.  The Company presently  believes the Common Stock would be considered to
be "regularly traded" for this purpose.

     If gain on the sale of stock in the Company were subject to taxation  under
FIRPTA,  a Non-U.S.  Holder  would be subject to the same  treatment as a United
States stockholder with respect to such gain (subject to applicable  alternative
minimum tax and a special  alternative  minimum  tax in the case of  nonresident
alien individuals,  and the purchaser of the stock could be required to withhold
10% of the  purchase  price  and  remit  such  amount  to the  Internal  Revenue
Service).

Opinion of Financial Advisor

     In January of 1998,  the  Company  advised DLJ that it had  negotiated  and
entered into a letter of intent regarding the Transaction and requested that DLJ
render an  opinion as to the  fairness,  from a  financial  point of view to the
Company,  of the  consideration  to be paid  and  received  by the  Company,  in
aggregate,  pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement,  Stockholders
Agreement   and   Contingent   Value   Rights   Agreement   (collectively,   the
"Agreements").  Except  for  services  necessary  to enable  DLJ to  render  its
opinion,  DLJ was not requested to perform any other services  pertaining to the
Transaction,  and did not  make any  recommendation  to the  Company's  Board of
Directors  as to the amount or type of  consideration  to be paid or received as
provided for in the  Agreements,  which  consideration  was  determined  through
arms-length negotiations between the Company and the Investor.

   
     The Company  retained DLJ to act as its advisor based upon DLJ's experience
in the  valuation of  businesses  and  securities  in  connection  with mergers,
acquisitions,  underwritings,  sales and  distributions  of listed and  unlisted
securities,  private  placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes
especially with respect to REITs and other real estate  companies and because of
DLJ's familiarity with the Company and its operations.
    

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<PAGE>



   
     On February 19, 1998, DLJ delivered its oral opinion to the Company's Board
of Directors  that the  consideration  to be received by the Company in exchange
for issuing the Company Common Stock and Contingent Value Rights pursuant to the
Stock Purchase Agreement was in aggregate,  fair to the Company from a financial
point of view.  On March 31,  1998 DLJ  delivered  its  written  opinion  to the
Company's Board of Directors (the "DLJ Opinion"),  to the effect that, as of the
date of such opinion, based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations and
qualifications  set forth in such opinion,  the  consideration to be received by
the Company in exchange  for issuing  the Company  Common  Stock and  Contingent
Value Rights pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement was, in aggregate, fair to
the Company from a financial point of view.

     A COPY OF THE DLJ OPINION IS ATTACHED  HERETO AS APPENDIX E. THE  COMPANY'S
STOCKHOLDERS  ARE URGED TO READ THE DLJ OPINION IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR  ASSUMPTIONS
MADE, PROCEDURES FOLLOWED,  OTHER MATTERS CONSIDERED AND LIMITS OF THE REVIEW BY
DLJ.

     The DLJ  Opinion  is  directed  to the  Company's  Board of  Directors  and
addresses only the fairness,  from a financial point of view to the Company,  of
the  consideration  to be received  by the  Company in exchange  for issuing the
Company Common Stock and Contingent  Value Rights pursuant to the Stock Purchase
Agreement.  The DLJ Opinion was rendered to the Company's Board of Directors for
its  consideration in determining  whether to approve the  Transaction.  The DLJ
Opinion does not address the relative  merits of the  Transaction  and the other
business  strategies  considered by the Company's Board of Directors nor does it
address the  decision by the  Company's  Board of  Directors to proceed with the
Transaction.  DLJ was not requested to, and did not, solicit the interest of any
other party in engaging in a transaction alternative to the Transaction. The DLJ
Opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of Company as to
how any such stockholder should vote on the Transaction.

     In arriving at its opinion, DLJ reviewed the drafts dated February 24, 1998
of the  Agreements  and the exhibits  thereto.  In issuing the DLJ Opinion,  DLJ
assumed,  with the consent of the Company's  management,  that the drafts of the
Agreements  would  conform in all material  respects to such  documents  when in
final form. (Such drafts did not materially differ from the Amended and Restated
Stock Purchase Agreement entered into on March 23, 1998.) DLJ reviewed financial
and other  information  that was publicly  available or furnished by the Company
including information provided during discussions with the Company's management.
Included in the  information  provided  during  discussions  with the  Company's
management  were certain  financial  projections of the Company  prepared by the
management  of the Company.  In addition,  DLJ compared  certain  financial  and
securities data of the Company with various other companies whose securities are
traded in public  markets,  reviewed  the  historical  stock  prices and trading
volumes of the  Company's  Common  Stock,  reviewed  prices and premiums paid in
certain other transactions and conducted such other financial studies,  analyses
and  investigations  as  appropriate  for  purposes  of  the  DLJ  Opinion.   No
restrictions or limitations were imposed by the Company upon DLJ with respect to
the  investigation  made or  procedures  followed  by DLJ in  rendering  the DLJ
Opinion,  except for restrictions  imposed under the December 24, 1997 letter of
intent with LFREI and except that, as noted above, DLJ was not requested to, and
did not,  solicit the  interest of any other party in engaging in a  transaction
alternative to the Transaction.
    

     In  rendering  its  opinion,  DLJ relied upon and assumed the  accuracy and
completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to
it from public sources,  that was provided to it by the Company or the Company's
representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by it. In particular, DLJ relied
upon the estimates of the  management of the Company of the financial  impact of
the  Transaction  on the  Company.  With  respect to the  financial  projections
supplied  to it, DLJ  assumed  that they were  reasonably  prepared on the basis
reflecting  the  best  currently   available  estimates  and  judgments  of  the
management of the Company as to the future  operating and financial  performance
of the Company.  In particular,  DLJ assumed that the pro forma  adjustments and
projections made for certain pending property  acquisitions  accurately  reflect
the future financial performance of such acquisitions. In addition, DLJ assumed,
at the  direction of the  Company's  management,  that the  Transaction  was not
contingent upon the closing of any property acquisitions. DLJ did not express an
opinion as to the fairness of any consideration paid for any pending or recently
completed  property  acquisitions.  DLJ did not make,  and does not  assume  any
responsibility for making, any independent appraisal or evaluation of any assets
or  liabilities  or  for  making  any  independent  verification  of  any of the
information provided or reviewed.

                                       41

<PAGE>



   
     The DLJ Opinion is  necessarily  based on economic,  market,  financial and
other  conditions as they existed on, and on the  information  made available to
DLJ as of,  the date of the  opinion.  It should be  understood  that,  although
subsequent  developments  may  affect  the DLJ  Opinion,  DLJ  does not have any
obligation to update,  revise or reaffirm the opinion.  DLJ does not express any
opinion in the DLJ Opinion as to the price at which the  Company's  Common Stock
will actually trade at any time.
    

     The following is a summary of the presentation made by DLJ to the Company's
Board of Directors at its February 19, 1998 board meeting in connection with the
preparation of the DLJ Opinion.

   
     Current  Capitalization.  DLJ reviewed certain trading  information for the
Company  and,  on the  basis  thereof,  calculated  its  market  capitalization,
dividend yield,  debt-to-total market capitalization ratio and trading multiples
based on a closing price for the Company's  Common Stock on February 11, 1998 of
$7.88.  For this purpose,  DLJ defined "total market  capitalization"  as market
value  of  the  Company's   common  equity,   pro  forma  for  certain   pending
acquisitions,  on a fully diluted basis (including  Operating  Partnership Units
and convertible securities),  plus total debt less cash. DLJ based its financial
analysis of the Company on estimates of 1997 and 1998 FFO per share of $1.15 and
$1.25,  respectively,  based on publicly available estimates of future financial
results  published by First Call, a data service that  monitors and  publishes a
compilation  of  earnings  estimates  produced  by  selected  research  analysts
regarding companies of interest to institutional investors.  With respect to the
Company,  DLJ calculated a total market  capitalization  of $475.6  million,  an
annual dividend yield of 0.0%, a debt-to-total  market  capitalization  ratio of
69.9% and share price to FFO per share  multiples  of 6.8x and 6.3x for 1997 and
1998 respectively.

     Stock Trading  History.  DLJ reviewed the history of trading prices and the
historical total returns (comprised of cumulative dividends and changes in stock
price) of the Company's Common Stock for the 12-month period ending February 12,
1998 in relation  to the  Standard & Poor's 500 Index,  an index of  Comparative
Factory Outlet Companies and an index of Comparative  Community Center Companies
(as defined below). The comparisons to the indices of Comparative Factory Outlet
Companies and Comparative Community Center Companies was utilized to compare the
total returns of the Company's Common Stock to the total common stock returns of
similar public REITs,  while the Standard & Poor's 500 Index was used to compare
the total  returns of the  Company's  Common  Stock to the total  returns of the
overall stock market.  DLJ noted that the Company  outperformed both comparative
company  indices and the overall stock market during the 12-month  period ending
February 12, 1998.  DLJ also  analyzed the  historical  distribution  of trading
prices of the  Company's  Common Stock for the period from  February 11, 1997 to
February 11, 1998. DLJ noted that the shares traded at prices ranging from $5.25
per share to $8.44 per share over such  period.  DLJ found that none of the 11.3
million shares traded during this period  (representing  the equivalent of 92.4%
of the 12.2 million outstanding shares of Company Common Stock) traded at prices
greater than the Transaction Price of $9.50 per share.

     Selected  Comparable  Company Trading  Analysis.  Using publicly  available
information and estimates of future financial  results  published by First Call,
DLJ compared selected  historical and projected  financial,  operating and stock
market  performance  data of the  Company to the  corresponding  data of certain
publicly  traded  companies  that DLJ deemed to be  reasonably  comparable  (the
"Comparative  Community Center  Companies" and the  "Comparative  Factory Outlet
Companies"). The Comparative Community Center Companies represented public REITs
focused  primarily on the management and ownership of community  shopping center
properties. The Comparative Community Center Companies consisted of Excel Realty
Trust Inc.,  Federal  Realty  Investment  Trust,  IRT Property Co., Kimco Realty
Corporation, Kranzco Realty Trust, Mark Centers Trust, New Plan Realty Trust and
Regency Realty Corporation. The Comparative Factory Outlet Companies represented
public REITs focused on the management and ownership of factory outlet  shopping
centers.  The  Comparative  Factory  Outlet  Companies  consisted of Chelsea GCA
Realty,  Inc., Horizon Group, Inc., Prime Retail, Inc. and Tanger Factory Outlet
Centers. The Comparative  Community Center Companies and the Comparative Factory
Outlet Companies were selected  principally based on the consistency of property
types owned with those owned by the Company.  The two periods  selected were the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998. In calculating  the FFO multiples of the
Comparative  Community  Center  Companies  and the  Comparative  Factory  Outlet
Companies,  DLJ  used  median  First  Call FFO  estimates  or DLJ  Research  FFO
estimates  and closing  stock prices as of February 11, 1998.  DLJ observed that
(i) the FFO multiples for the Comparative Community Center Companies
    

                                       42

<PAGE>



   
for the year ended  December 31, 1997 ranged from 7.7x to 14.8x,  with a mean of
11.9x,  the FFO multiples for the Comparative  Factory Outlet  Companies for the
same  period  ranged  from 8.0x to 12.3x,  with a mean of 10.3x and (ii) the FFO
multiples  for the  Comparative  Community  Center  Companies for the year ended
December  31,  1998  ranged  from 7.3x to 13.5x,  with a mean of 10.9x,  the FFO
multiples  for the  Comparative  Factory  Outlet  Companies  for the same period
ranged from 7.4x to 10.9x, with a mean of 9.2x. Per share values for the Company
were computed by multiplying  the Company's  projected FFO per share by the low,
high and mean FFO multiples for the Comparative  Community  Center Companies and
the Comparative  Factory Outlet  Companies for the years ended December 31, 1997
and 1998.  The values  produced by this  method  ranged from $8.86 to $17.02 per
share for the year  ended  December  31,  1997 and $9.13 to $16.86  for the year
ended December 31, 1998. DLJ noted that the Transaction Price of $9.50 per share
is at the low end of the  valuation  ranges  produced by this method.  DLJ noted
that the  range of  implied  values  reflect,  among  other  factors,  the lower
leverage  and  higher  anticipated  FFO  per  share  growth  of the  comparative
companies and that the implied share prices indicated by this methodology  using
estimates of the  Company's  FFO per share on a leverage  neutral basis would be
significantly  lower.  None of the companies  utilized in the above analysis for
comparative  purposes is, of course,  identical to the Company.  Accordingly,  a
complete analysis of the results of the foregoing calculations cannot be limited
to a quantitative review of such results and involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in the financial and operating  characteristics
of the  comparative  companies  and other  factors  that could affect the public
trading value of the  comparative  companies as well as that of the Company.  In
addition,  the  multiples of common stock price to projected  1997 FFO per share
and  projected  1998 FFO per share for the  comparative  companies  are based on
projections   prepared  by  research  analysts  using  only  publicly  available
information. Accordingly, such estimates may or may not prove to be accurate.

     Comparative Transactions Analysis. DLJ reviewed the financial terms, to the
extent  publicly  available,  of six comparable  investments in publicly  traded
REITs (the  "Selected  Transactions").  DLJ  calculated the premiums over market
price  one  day  prior  to the  announcement  date  and  30  days  prior  to the
announcement  date for the Selected  Transactions  and applied those premiums to
the closing price of the Company Common Stock of $7.88 on February 11, 1998. The
Selected Transactions included the following transactions:  (i) Security Capital
U.S. Realty's investment in Carr Realty Corporation,  (ii) Security Capital U.S.
Realty's  investment  in Storage  USA,  Inc.,  (iii)  Lazard  Freres Real Estate
Investors' investment in Alexander Haagen Properties, (iv) Security Capital U.S.
Realty's  investment in Regency Realty  Corporation,  (v)  Tiger/Westbrook  Real
Estate Fund, L.P.'s investment in Essex Property Trust and (vi) Security Capital
U.S.  Realty's  investment  in Prime  Retail,  Inc.  DLJ noted that the Selected
Transactions  were  effected at prices  compared to the market price one trading
day prior to the public announcement of the transactions ranging from a discount
of 7.8% to a premium of 10.3% (with a mean premium of 0.8%) and prices  compared
to the market price thirty trading days prior to the public  announcement of the
transactions  ranging from a discount of 0.6% to a premium of 11.7% (with a mean
premium of 5.4%).  DLJ observed  that the  indicated  range of premiums from the
Comparative  Transactions  was less  than the  20.6%  premium  indicated  by the
Transaction  Price of $9.50 per share over the  unaffected  closing price of the
Company's  Common Stock of $7.88 on February 11, 1998.  DLJ also  calculated the
implied per share value for the Company by applying the mean premium one day and
30 days prior to the  announcement  of the Selected  Transactions to the closing
price of the Company's  Common Stock of $7.88 on February 11, 1998. DLJ observed
that the range of per share  values  produced  by this method was $7.94 to $8.31
per share and that the Transaction  Price of $9.50 per share was above the range
of per share values produced by this method.
    

     Premiums  Paid  Analysis.  DLJ  compared the 20.6%  premium  implied by the
Transaction  Price of $9.50 per share over the  unaffected  closing price of the
Company's  Common  Stock of $7.88 on  February  11,  1998,  with the  percentage
premium of the offer price over the trading  prices one day and seven days prior
to  the  announcement   date  of   approximately   450  merger  and  acquisition
transactions  involving public company targets with total market capitalizations
less  than  $750  million.   The  transactions   analyzed  consisted  of  recent
stock-for-stock and cash-for-stock  merger or acquisition  transactions in which
the target company was a domestic non-financial,  publicly traded company and in
which more than 50% of the target company's stock was acquired. The transactions
involve companies not necessarily directly comparable to the Company. The median
premiums for the  stock-for-stock  transactions over the trading prices, one day
and  seven  days  prior  to  the  announcement   dates  were  34.6%  and  40.5%,
respectively,  and the median premiums for all the transactions over the trading
prices,  one day and seven days prior to the  announcement  dates were 30.1% and
35.2%, respectively.  DLJ applied the median premiums from all of the merger and
acquisition

                                       43

<PAGE>




transactions  as well as the  median  premiums  from all of the  stock-for-stock
merger and acquisition  transactions and applied them to the unaffected  closing
price of the Company's Common Stock on February 11, 1998 of $7.88 to arrive at a
range of implied per share  values.  Based on this  analysis,  DLJ arrived at an
implied value range of $10.06 to $10.74 per share.  Based on this analysis,  the
implied premium of 20.4% and the Transaction Price of $9.50 per share were below
the range of premiums and range of implied stock prices  indicated by the merger
transactions  analyzed. DLJ noted that the lower comparative premium paid in the
Transaction may be a result of the stable net asset value of the underlying real
estate  properties and the lack of significant  control premiums paid in typical
REIT  merger  and  acquisition  transactions.  In  addition,  DLJ noted that the
Company's Common Stock has lower price volatility than the overall market.
   
     Net Asset Valuation Analysis.  DLJ performed a net asset valuation analysis
of the Company's operating community center and factory outlet center properties
by subtracting outstanding debt from the gross estimated value of the properties
including,  at  the  direction  of the  Company's  management,  certain  pending
acquisitions.  The gross estimated value for the Company's  community center and
factory outlet operating assets was estimated by capitalizing 1998 net operating
income for such  properties,  including an adjustment for market rate management
fees, using a range of capitalization  rates. The range of capitalization  rates
applied was based on industry surveys published by certain independent  research
firms.  DLJ  applied  capitalization  rates  ranging  from 9.5% to 11.5% for the
community  center  properties  and 10.0% to 12.0% for the factory  outlet center
properties.  In  applying  the  range of  capitalization  rates,  DLJ took  into
consideration  current  market  conditions,  property  characteristics  and  the
projected  financial  performance  of the assets.  The net asset  valuation  was
further adjusted for construction in progress.  DLJ adjusted the debt and common
share  equivalents  used in the net  asset  valuation  analysis  for  debt to be
assumed and Units to be issued for certain pending  property  acquisitions.  The
net asset  valuation  analysis  produced a range of  estimated  equity  value of
approximately  $128.3 million to $221.4 million, or $7.06 to $12.19 per share of
Common  Stock.  DLJ observed that the  Transaction  Price of $9.50 per share was
within the range of value estimates produced by this method.

     Accretion / (Dilution) Analysis. DLJ performed an analysis of the effect of
the  Transaction  on the  Company's  FFO per share  for 1998 and 1999,  based on
projections and other information supplied by the Company's management. The base
case projections  (i.e.,  projections  assuming no Transaction)  prepared by the
Company's  management were based on: (i) 1998 budgeted net operating  income for
the Company's owned properties and certain acquisitions, increasing four percent
annually,  (ii) interest expense and principal  payments of existing debt terms,
(iii)  completion of identified  acquisitions,  proposed  developments and joint
ventures at budgeted  costs and annual  returns on cost of 10.5% to 15.0%,  (iv)
dividend policy of paying minimum  allowable  dividend under REIT  requirements,
(v) $100 million of new common  equity at future  implied  stock prices over the
next 18 months with net proceeds used to pay down debt to a targeted  stabilized
debt-to-market  capitalization  ratio of 45% to 50%,  and (vi)  excess cash flow
(defined as revenues less operating expenses, capital expenditures, debt service
and stock  dividends)  used to pay down debt.  The Company  based its  projected
annual  returns on information  obtained  during its  negotiations,  analysis of
similar  acquisition  and joint  venture  opportunities,  and an analysis of the
terms of comparable  market  transactions.  The base case projections  indicated
annual FFO per share of $1.25 in 1998 and $1.26 in 1999 and forward 12-month FFO
multiples of 7.7x in 1998 and 8.0x in 1999. DLJ adjusted the projected base case
results of the Company to give effect to the Transaction,  including among other
things,  a more aggressive  acquisition  and development  program and a targeted
stabilized  debt-to-market  capitalization  ratio of 30% to 35%,  to  arrive  at
projected  FFO per share for the  Company  pro  forma for the  Transaction.  The
projections  pro forma for the  Transaction  indicated  annual  FFO per share of
$1.15 in 1998 and $1.30 in 1999.  DLJ then  compared the resulting FFO per share
pro forma for the  Transaction  to the Company's  base case FFO per share.  This
analysis indicated that the pro forma impact of the Transaction would be FFO per
share  dilutive in 1998 and FFO per share  accretive in 1999.  DLJ observed that
the  Transaction  would  significantly  reduce  the  Company's  debt  to  market
capitalization  ratio in comparison to the stand alone base case scenario (44.1%
vs.  60.8%  in 1998  and  35.3%  vs.  48.9% in  1999).  Based  on the  Company's
assumption that the lower leverage post-Transaction would result in an expansion
of the Company's  FFO multiple to 9.2x in 1998 and 9.6x in 1999,  DLJ noted that
the implied  year-end share prices pro forma for the Transaction  were, based on
this analysis,  projected to be higher than the base case estimated share prices
in both 1998 and 1999. DLJ observed that the Transaction  would be beneficial to
the  Company  with  respect to FFO per share  accretion  in 1998 and share price
accretion and leverage in 1998 and 1999.
    


                                       44

<PAGE>



   
     Discounted Dividend Analysis. The discounted dividend valuation assumes, as
a basic  premise,  that the value of a share of common stock of a company can be
determined  with  reference to the present value of the  projected  dividends to
common  stockholders  over an  investment  period plus the present  value of the
future stock price at the end of such investment  period. DLJ used the base case
projections and other information supplied by the Company to estimate the future
quarterly  common  dividends for the Company (based on the  assumption  that the
Company will continue to pay the minimum  allowable common dividends for REITs).
The present value of common dividends for the five year period beginning January
1, 1998 through  December 31, 2002,  inclusive,  was  calculated  using discount
rates  ranging  from  12.5% to 22.5%,  based on equity  return  requirements  of
private equity investors in similar real estate transactions.
    

     DLJ  estimated  the terminal  common stock value as of December 31, 2002 by
applying  FFO  multiples of 7.5x to 9.5x to  estimated  2002 FFO per share.  DLJ
discounted  the range of  terminal  values  back to January 1, 1998 at  discount
rates ranging from 12.5% to 22.5%,  the same discount  rates used in calculating
the present  value of common  dividends.  DLJ then added  together  the range of
present  values of the  dividends  and the range of present  values of  terminal
common  stock  value to  arrive at a  discounted  cash  flow  valuation  for the
Company's equity. DLJ observed that the Transaction Price of $9.50 per share was
within the implied  per share  value  range of $6.07 to $12.08  produced by this
method.

       

   
     Projected  Stockholder  Return  Analysis.  DLJ performed an analysis of the
effect  of  the  Transaction  on  the  Company's  projected   annualized  common
stockholder  returns for the five-year period beginning  January 1, 1998 through
December 31, 2002,  based on the base case  projections  and the projections pro
forma for the  Transaction  prepared by the Company's  management.  For the base
case  scenario,  assuming  internal  growth rates  ranging from 3.0% to 5.0% and
stabilized  FFO  multiples  ranging from 7.5x to 9.5x,  DLJ  observed  projected
five-year  annualized  common  stockholder  returns ranging from 14% to 25%. Pro
forma for the Transaction,  assuming  internal growth rates ranging from 3.0% to
5.0% and  stabilized  FFO  multiples  ranging  from  8.0x to  12.0x,  DLJ  noted
projected  five-year  annualized common stockholder  returns ranging from 22% to
38%.  DLJ noted that  holders of the  Company's  Common  Stock are  projected to
receive higher  five-year  annualized  common  stockholder  returns assuming the
Transaction is completed than in the base case scenario.
    

     Contingent  Value  Right  Analysis.   DLJ  performed  an  analysis  of  the
contingent value right which, under the terms of the Agreements, will be "in the
money" if the  annualized  return to the Investor from the  Transaction  through
January 1, 2004,  excluding the  contingent  value right,  is less than 15%. DLJ
analyzed the projected  annualized return to the Investor based on the financial
projections pro forma for the Transaction prepared by the Company's  management.
DLJ performed a sensitivity  analysis of the projected  annualized returns based
on annual  net  operating  income  growth  rates  ranging  from 1.0% to 5.0% and
stabilized FFO multiples ranging from 7.0x to 12.0x. DLJ noted that based on the
sensitivity  analysis  of  Company  management  projections  pro  forma  for the
Transaction,  the  contingent  value right will not be "in the money" unless the
Company has very low internal growth or minimal multiple expansion.

     The summary  set forth above does not purport to be a complete  description
of the analyses  performed by DLJ, but describes,  in summary form, the material
elements of the  presentation by DLJ to the Company's Board on February 19, 1997
in connection  with its  preparation  of the DLJ Opinion.  The  preparation of a
fairness opinion involves various  determinations as to the most appropriate and
relevant  methods of financial  analysis and the application of these methods to
the  particular  circumstances  and,  therefore,  such an opinion is not readily
susceptible to summary  description.  Each of the analyses  conducted by DLJ was
carried out in order to provide a different  perspective on the  Transaction and
add to the total mix of information available.  DLJ did not form a conclusion as
to whether any individual analysis, considered in isolation, supported or failed
to support an opinion as to fairness from a financial point of view.  Rather, in
reaching its conclusion,  DLJ considered the results of the analyses in light of
each  other and  ultimately  reached  its  opinion  based on the  results of all
analyses taken as a whole.  DLJ did not place  particular  reliance or weight on
any individual  analysis,  but instead  concluded that its analyses,  taken as a
whole,  supported its determination.  Accordingly,  notwithstanding the separate
factors summarized above, DLJ believes that its analyses must be considered as a
whole and that selecting  portions of its analysis and the factors considered by
it, without considering all analyses and factors,  could create an incomplete or
misleading view of the evaluation process underlying its opinion.

                                       45

<PAGE>



In  performing  its  analyses,  DLJ made  numerous  assumptions  with respect to
industry performance,  business,  economic,  market and financial conditions and
other matters,  including the absence of any material changes in the real estate
markets  in which  the  Company  conducts  business,  U.S.  economic  conditions
generally  and the  financial  markets and mergers and  acquisitions  markets in
particular.  The analyses  performed by DLJ are not  necessarily  indicative  of
actual  values  or  future  results,  which  may be  significantly  more or less
favorable than suggested by such analyses.

   
     The Company has paid DLJ $700,000 for its services in rendering its opinion
and has agreed to reimburse DLJ for reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses pursuant
to the  engagement  letter  dated May 23,  1997.  The Company has also agreed to
indemnify  DLJ,  its  affiliates  and  their  respective  directors,   officers,
employees, agents and controlling persons against certain liabilities, including
liabilities  under federal  securities laws.  Although the Company believes that
DLJ is not entitled to any additional fees or  consideration  in connection with
the Transaction, DLJ has notified the Company that it believes it is entitled to
additional fees totaling $3.9 million,  including "success based" advisory fees,
under the terms of its engagement letter with the Company dated May 23, 1997. As
of the date hereof, there has been no resolution of the disagreement.

     DLJ may actively  trade the  securities  of the Company for its own account
and for the accounts of its customers and, accordingly, DLJ may at any time hold
long or short positions in such securities.  Other than the current  engagement,
DLJ has not been paid for providing  investment  banking or advisory services to
the Company over the past five years.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     This  proxy  statement  contains   forward-looking   statements.   This  is
especially true with respect to the description of the base case projections and
the projections  pro forma for the Transaction  under the caption "-- Opinion of
Financial  Advisor."  Throughout this proxy  statement,  words such as "expect,"
"should,"  "will,"  "anticipate,"  "project,"  and "assume" and words of similar
meaning indicate a forward-looking  statement.  These forward-looking statements
are based on numerous assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate.  Factors that
could cause these  forward-looking  statements to be inaccurate include, but are
not limited to, greater than expected development of retail shopping centers, an
unanticipated  downturn in the national or southeastern  economy,  an unforeseen
weakening of the financial  condition of the Company's tenants,  and the failure
to close pending acquisitions, such as the Konnover Transaction. As a result, no
assurances can be made regarding the  realization of any of the  forward-looking
statements set forth in this proxy statement.

Recommendation of the Board and Description of its Decision-Making Process

     The Board of Directors of the Company has approved the  Transaction and has
determined  that the Transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders.  The Board recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" approval of the
Transaction.

     The Board  believes that the  Transaction  is in the best  interests of the
Company and its  stockholders  because it represents an  opportunity  to improve
long-term  stockholder value by providing the Company with access to significant
equity  capital at an  attractive  cost and  strategic  resources  not otherwise
readily  available to it, thereby  enhancing the Company's ability to capitalize
on  community  shopping  center  opportunities.  The  Board  concluded  that the
Transaction  was more likely to maximize  long-term  stockholder  value than any
other known alternative. See "-- Advantages of the Transaction" above.

     As discussed above under "-- Background of the  Transaction,"  the Board of
Directors  met  several  times to  discuss  the merits of the  Transactions  and
explore the other options available to the Company.  In making their decision to
enter into the  Transaction,  the Board compared the benefits of the Transaction
with the  detriments.  DLJ's opinion as to the fairness of the  Transaction  and
each of the  factors  described  above  at "--  Advantages  of the  Transaction"
influenced the Board to conclude that the  Transaction  was in the best interest
of the Company and its stockholders. Each
    

                                       46

<PAGE>



   
of the factors described above at "--  Disadvantages of the Transaction"  caused
the Board to question whether the Transaction was, in fact, in the best interest
of the Company and its stockholders.

     After due discussion of such potential  benefits and adverse  effects,  the
Board concluded that the potential  beneficial  effects outweighed the potential
adverse effects. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection
with its  evaluation of the beneficial  and adverse  effects,  the Board did not
find it practical to quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative weights to
the specific factors considered in reaching its determination.

Appraisal Rights

     Under  Maryland  law,  the  stockholders  of the Company  have no appraisal
rights with respect to the Transaction.
    

Required Vote and Related Matters

     Proposal  Two, the approval of the  Transaction,  requires the  affirmative
vote of a majority of the votes cast on the  proposal,  provided  that the total
vote cast on the  proposal  represents  over 50% in  interest  of all  shares of
Common Stock  entitled to vote on the proposal.  The Investor is not entitled to
vote on Proposal Two. For purposes of the vote on Proposal Two, an abstention or
a  broker  non-vote  (i.e.,  shares  held  by a  broker  or  nominee  which  are
represented  at the Annual  Meeting  but with  respect  to which such  broker or
nominee is not  empowered to vote on a proposal)  will have the effect of a vote
against  the  proposal,  unless  holders  of more  than 50% in  interest  of all
securities  entitled to vote on the proposal cast votes,  in which event neither
an  abstention  nor a broker  non-vote will have any effect on the result of the
vote.

     Approval of the  Transaction by the requisite vote of the  stockholders  of
the Company is a condition to consummation  of the  Transaction  (except for the
Initial Purchase by the Investor of 2,350,000 shares on March 23, 1998).

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  THAT  STOCKHOLDERS  VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL
TWO.


                                 PROPOSAL THREE:
             AMENDMENT OF CHARTER TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE COMPANY

   
     The Company has entered  into  definitive  agreements  with  affiliates  of
Konover & Associates South, a privately held real estate  development firm based
in Boca  Raton,  Florida,  to acquire 11  community  shopping  centers  totaling
approximately 2.0 million square feet, as well as certain affiliated  management
and leasing  contracts (the "Konover  Transaction").  The shopping centers to be
acquired (the "Konover  Centers") are located in the Company's target markets of
Florida, North Carolina,  Alabama, Virginia and Georgia and are anchored by such
tenants as Winn-Dixie,  Kroger, Eckerd Drug Store, Home Depot and Food Lion. The
purchase price for the Konover Transaction consists of approximately $24 million
in equity, plus the assumption of approximately $76 million in debt. At closing,
$17 million of the equity will be paid, at the seller's election, in the form of
Units and/or cash.  The remaining $7 million in equity will be paid in cash over
a three-year period with interest at 7.75% per annum.
    

     As discussed above under "Proposal One: Election of Directors," the Company
has agreed to elect Mr.  Konover as Chairman of the Board of  Directors no later
than the final closing of the Konover  Transaction.  The Konover  Transaction is
expected to be closed shortly after the Annual Meeting, assuming satisfaction of
closing conditions.

     Simon  Konover,  76,  is  the  founder  of  Konover  &  Associates,  a $500
million-plus real estate enterprise located in West Hartford,  Connecticut.  The
organization includes shopping centers, office buildings, hotels and residential
communities.  The shopping  center  portfolio  includes  over 100 centers and 11
million square feet. In the mid-1960s,

                                       47

<PAGE>



Mr.  Konover began  developing  retail centers in south Florida and in late 1989
founded Konover & Associates South, located in Boca Raton, Florida.

     Neither  the  acquisition  of the Konover  Centers nor the  election of Mr.
Konover to the Chairman of the Board requires the approval of the  stockholders.
Assuming  satisfaction  of the  conditions  to  closing  (including  the  Lazard
Investment or an equity  investment of at least $75 million on terms at least as
favorable to the Company as the Lazard Investment), the Company will acquire the
Konover  Centers and elect Mr. Konover as Chairman,  to serve until the election
of directors at the 1999 annual meeting of the stockholders.

   
     The Board of Directors believes that the Konover Transaction and, even more
importantly, the addition of Simon Konover as Chairman of the Board will greatly
enhance the Company's ability to reach its long-term objectives. Mr. Konover has
a national  reputation in the real estate and retail shopping center industries.
The Board of  Directors  believes  that the Company can maximize the benefits of
the Konover  Transaction by changing its name to "Konover Property Trust,  Inc."
and its NYSE-assigned stock symbol to "KPT."
    

     The  Board of  Directors  is  seeking  stockholder  approval  to amend  the
Company's  charter to change its name to "Konover  Property Trust,  Inc." In the
event  stockholder  approval of the proposed charter  amendment is not obtained,
the Company is  contractually  obligated under the agreements with Konover to do
business under a name substantially similar to "Konover/FAC."

     If the name change is  approved,  the Company  will file a  certificate  of
amendment  to its charter as soon as  practicable  after the  completion  of the
Konover  Transaction.  As amended,  Article  FIRST of the Charter  would read as
follows: "The name of the Corporation is Konover Property Trust, Inc."

   
     Proposal  Three,  approval of change of the  Company's  name,  requires the
affirmative  vote of a majority  of all of the votes  entitled to be cast on the
matter.  For  purposes of the Vote on  Proposal  Three,  abstentions  and broker
non-votes will have the same effect as votes against the proposal, although they
will count toward the presence of a quorum.
    

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  THAT  STOCKHOLDERS  VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL
THREE.


                                 PROPOSAL FOUR:
                  CHARTER AMENDMENT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF
                       AUTHORIZED SHARES OF CAPITAL STOCK

     The Company's  charter  currently  authorizes  75,000,000 shares of capital
stock,  consisting of 45,000,000  shares of Common  Stock,  5,000,000  shares of
preferred  stock,  par value  $25.00  per share  (the  "Preferred  Stock"),  and
25,000,000  shares  of excess  stock,  par value  $.01 per  share  (the  "Excess
Stock").  The Board of Directors recommends amending the charter to increase the
number of  authorized  shares of capital  stock to  130,000,000,  consisting  of
100,000,000  shares of Common  Stock,  5,000,000  shares of Preferred  Stock and
25,000,000  shares of Excess Stock.  The charter would  continue to provide that
the Board of Directors could reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock.

   
     Although   the  Company  only  has   14,277,452   shares  of  Common  Stock
outstanding,  approximately  28,000,000  additional  shares of Common  Stock are
issuable in connection  with (i) the Lazard  Investment,  (ii) the redemption of
outstanding Units and Units to be issued in the Konover  Transaction,  (iii) the
possible  conversion of the  outstanding  Preferred  Stock into shares of Common
Stock,  (iv) the  exercise of  existing  stock  options and (v) the  exercise of
outstanding warrants.
    

     The Board of Directors  believes that the proposed increase is desirable so
that the Company  will have more  flexibility  to issue  shares of Common  Stock
without the expense and delay of a special stockholders' meeting in

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<PAGE>



connection with acquisitions involving Common Stock or Units, equity financings,
incentive  compensation  of directors  and  employees,  and for other  corporate
purposes for which the issuance of Common Stock may be advisable.

     The  increase in  authorized  capital  stock  would not have any  immediate
effect on the rights of existing  stockholders.  However, the Board of Directors
would have the  authority to issue  authorized  Common Stock  without  requiring
future  stockholder  approval  of such  issuances,  except as may be required by
applicable law or stock exchange regulations. (For example, stockholder approval
is required in connection with the Lazard Investment because of the rules of the
New York Stock  Exchange.) To the extent that additional  authorized  shares are
issued in the future, they would decrease the existing stockholders'  percentage
equity ownership and, depending upon the price at which they were issued,  could
be dilutive to the  existing  stockholders.  The holders of Common Stock have no
preemptive rights.

   
     Proposal Four,  approval of an increase in the number of shares  authorized
for issuance,  requires the  affirmative  vote of a majority of all of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter.  For  purposes of the vote on Proposal  Four,
abstentions and broker  non-votes will have the same effect as votes against the
proposal, although they will count toward the presence of a quorum.
    

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  THAT  STOCKHOLDERS  VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL
FOUR.


                                 PROPOSAL FIVE:
          AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S 1993 EMPLOYEE STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

Reasons for Amendment

     The Board of Directors proposes that the stockholders  approve an amendment
(the "Stock Plan Amendment") to the Company's 1993 Amended and Restated Employee
Stock  Incentive  Plan (the "Stock  Incentive  Plan") to increase  the number of
shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance thereunder (the "Plan Shares") from
1,100,000 to 2,800,000.  The Plan was previously  amended by the stockholders at
the 1996 annual  meeting to increase  the number of Plan Shares from  525,000 to
1,100,000. As of March 1, 1998, options to purchase 906,050 Plan Shares had been
granted under the Stock Incentive Plan, inclusive of options to purchase 190,800
Plan Shares issued to certain former officers of the Company.  Although disputed
by such former  officers,  the Company  believes  the  exercise  period for such
options has expired.  For a discussion of the repricing of options  issued under
the plan, see "Executive Compensation  --Executive Compensation Committee Report
on Executive  Compensation -- Report on Repricing of Options." The policy of the
Board is to not issue  options that would cause the total number of  outstanding
options to exceed 7% of the then  outstanding  shares of Common Stock. The Board
of Directors  believes  that it is in the best  interests of the Company and its
stockholders  to approve  the Stock  Plan  Amendment  to enable  the  Company to
continue to grant options in the future to secure and retain the services of key
employees.  Moreover,  the Board of Directors believes the additional  financial
incentive inherent in new or additional  ownership of shares of the Common Stock
by its key employees is beneficial to the Company.

Summary Plan Description

   
     General.  Stock options  intended to qualify as "incentive  stock  options"
within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, and the  regulations  promulgated
thereunder,  as well as  "nonqualified  stock options," may be granted under the
Stock Incentive Plan.  Unless specified to the contrary,  the terms "option" and
"stock option," when used in this summary  description,  refer to both incentive
stock options and  nonqualified  stock options.  The Stock Plan Amendment  would
increase the aggregate  number of Plan Shares to 2,800,000.  The Stock Incentive
Plan expires on March 30, 2003.  Any stock option  outstanding at the expiration
date will remain outstanding until it has either expired or been exercised.
    

     Administration.  The Stock  Incentive Plan is administered by the Executive
Compensation  Committee (the  "Committee").  The Committee has full authority to
determine and designate employees eligible to receive option grants

                                       49

<PAGE>



and to determine  the nature and terms of such grants.  The  interpretation  and
construction by the Committee of any provision of the Stock Incentive Plan or of
any stock option granted under it and the  administration of the Stock Incentive
Plan by the Committee is final.

     Eligible Employees.  The Committee selects the key employees of the Company
who will be granted  options under the Stock  Incentive  Plan.  The  approximate
number of  employees of the Company  currently  eligible to  participate  in the
Stock Incentive Plan is 13.

     Grant of  Options.  Subject to certain  limitations  explained  below,  the
Committee  may grant stock  options from time to time during the period that the
Stock Incentive Plan is in effect to such key employees of the Company as in the
opinion of the  Committee  will best  further the  interests  of the Company and
achieve the  purposes of the Stock  Incentive  Plan.  No option  under the Stock
Incentive Plan will be granted to any individual  who, at the time of grant,  is
not an  employee  of the  Company  (or has  agreed to become an  employee).  The
Committee may not grant  incentive stock options to an employee if the aggregate
fair market value (determined at the time the incentive stock option is granted)
of shares of Common  Stock with  respect to which  incentive  stock  options are
exercisable  for the first time by such employee during any calendar year (under
all option plans of the Company) will exceed $100,000.

     Exercise. Stock options, to the extent vested, may be exercised in whole or
in part upon payment of the exercise price of the shares to be acquired. Payment
shall be made in cash or,  at the  discretion  of the  Committee,  in  shares of
Common Stock  previously  acquired by the optionee,  or in a combination of cash
and such shares.  The fair market  value of shares of Common  Stock  tendered on
exercise of the stock option shall be determined on the date of exercise.

     Stock  options  may also be  exercised  in whole  or in part by  giving  an
irrevocable  written  notice of exercise to the Company.  The date on which such
notice is  received  by the  Company  shall be the date of exercise of the stock
option,  provided  that within five business days of delivery of such notice the
funds to pay for the  exercise of such option are  delivered to the Company by a
broker acting on behalf of the optionee  either in  connection  with the sale of
the shares  underlying  such stock option or in connection  with the making of a
margin loan to the  optionee  to enable  payment of the  exercise  price of such
stock option.

   
     Option  Price.  The option  price per share of Common Stock to be paid upon
the  exercise of an option will not be less than the fair market value per share
at the time the option is granted.  Such fair  market  value will be the closing
sale price per share of Common  Stock (or in the event there are no sales,  then
the average of the opening  bid and asked  prices per share of Common  Stock) on
the New York Stock  Exchange on the last trading day preceding the date on which
the option is granted.
    

     Transfer and  Termination  of Options.  An option may not be transferred by
the  optionee  other than by will or the laws of descent  and  distribution.  An
option may be exercised  during the optionee's  lifetime only by the optionee or
his duly authorized legal  representative  if the optionee is unable to exercise
his  option as a result  of the  optionee's  disability,  but only if and to the
extent  permitted by Section 422 of the Code, and, after his death,  only by the
administrator  or executor of the optionee's  estate.  If an optionee leaves the
Company's  employment  voluntarily or is released by the Company for "cause" (as
that term is  defined  in the Stock  Incentive  Plan),  options  granted to that
optionee  terminate  on the  effective  date of  termination  of the  optionee's
employment.  An uninterrupted transfer of an optionee's employment to or between
the Company  and/or any parent or subsidiary  corporation  of the Company is not
deemed to be a termination of employment.

     If an optionee becomes permanently and totally disabled (within the meaning
of Section  22(e)(3) of the Code)  while  employed  by the  Company,  any option
granted to such optionee will be  exercisable  only for the one year  succeeding
cessation  of  employment  due to such  disability.  If an  optionee  dies while
employed by the Company,  an option granted to such optionee will be exercisable
by his administrator or executor for one year after the optionee's death. If the
optionee is  terminated  by the Company  without  "cause," any  incentive  stock
options held by an optionee

                                       50

<PAGE>



must be exercised  within three months of the date of such  termination  and any
other  options  granted  to the  optionee  must be  exercised  within  one  year
following such termination.

   
     Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  no  option  may be  exercised  after  the
expiration of the option  period.  Upon the occurrence of a change in control of
the Company (as defined in the Stock Incentive  Plan), all stock options granted
under the Stock  Incentive  Plan become  immediately  vested and  exercisable in
full.  The Company has  obtained  waivers from the current  participants  in the
Stock Incentive Plan to the effect that the  Transaction  will not result in the
acceleration of the vesting of the participants' stock options under the plan.
    

     Adjustment of Shares.  The Committee will  automatically  adjust the number
and kind of shares, both in the aggregate and as to each optionee, available for
and subject to options and the option  price  payable upon  exercise  thereof to
prevent dilution or enlargement of option rights in the event of a change in the
number or kind of outstanding shares of the Company by reason of capitalization,
merger, consolidation,  reorganization, stock split, stock dividend, combination
of shares or any other change in the  corporate  structure or shares of stock of
the Company.

     Termination  and  Amendment  of the Stock  Incentive  Plan.  Options may be
granted under the Stock Incentive Plan at any time until and including March 30,
2003,  on which date the Stock  Incentive  Plan will expire except as to options
then  outstanding.  Options  outstanding at the time will remain in effect until
they have been exercised or have expired.

     The Board of Directors may alter,  amend or revoke the Stock Incentive Plan
in whole or in part at any time;  provided,  however,  that in no event, without
the  approval  of the  stockholders,  may any  action of the Board of  Directors
result in: (i)  materially  amending,  modifying  or  altering  the  eligibility
requirements  provided in the Stock Incentive Plan; (ii) materially  increasing,
except as provided in the Stock  Incentive Plan, the maximum number of shares of
Common Stock that may be made subject to grants under the Stock  Incentive Plan;
(iii)  materially  increasing the benefits  accruing to  participants  under the
Stock Incentive Plan; or (iv) reducing the minimum option price requirements.

     Federal Tax  Consequences.  The  following is a summary only of the general
tax  principles  applicable to the Stock  Incentive Plan under federal law as in
effect on the date of this Proxy Statement.

     There  are no tax  consequences  to  the  optionee  upon  the  grant  of an
incentive stock option  pursuant to the Stock  Incentive Plan.  There are no tax
consequences to the optionee upon exercise of an incentive stock option,  except
that the  amount by which  the fair  market  value of the  shares at the time of
exercise  exceeds the option  exercise price is a tax  preference  item possibly
giving rise to  alternative  minimum tax. If the shares of Common Stock acquired
are not  disposed  of within two years  from the date the option was  granted or
within  one year  after the shares are  transferred  to the  optionee,  any gain
realized upon the subsequent  disposition of the shares will be characterized as
capital gain and any loss will be  characterized  as long-term  capital loss. If
all requirements other than the above-described  holding period requirements are
met, a  "disqualifying  disposition"  occurs and gain in an amount  equal to the
fair  market  value of the  shares  on the date of  exercise  minus  the  option
exercise  price  (except for  certain  "wash"  sales,  gifts or sales to related
persons),  is taxed as  ordinary  income and the  Company  will be entitled to a
corresponding  deduction in an amount equal to the optionee's ordinary income at
that time. The gain in excess of this amount,  if any, will be  characterized as
capital gain if the optionee  held the shares for more than one year.  There are
no tax  consequences  to the Company upon the grant of an incentive stock option
nor upon the  exercise of an  incentive  stock  option  unless a  "disqualifying
disposition" occurs.

     There  are  no tax  consequences  to  the  optionee  upon  the  grant  of a
nonqualified option pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan. Upon the exercise of a
nonqualified  stock option,  taxable  ordinary  income will be recognized by the
holder in an amount  equal to the excess of the fair market  value of the shares
purchased as the time of such  exercise over the  aggregate  option  price.  The
Company will be entitled to a corresponding  federal income tax deduction.  Upon
any  subsequent  sale of the shares,  the optionee  will  generally  recognize a
taxable  capital  gain or loss based upon the  difference  between the per share
fair market value at the time of exercise and the per share selling price at the
time of the subsequent sale of the shares.

                                       51

<PAGE>



Options Granted to Date

   
     The following  table shows the aggregate  number of Plan Shares  subject to
options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan through the Record Date as to (a)
each named executive officer;  (b) all current executive officers as a group and
(c) all other employees as a group. As of May 29, 1998, the closing price of the
Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was 8 5/8 per share.
    


                                                       Options Received
Name and Position                                        to Date (#)
- -----------------                                        -----------
C. Cammack Morton
       President and Chief Executive Officer               300,000
Patrick M. Miniutti
       Executive Vice President and Chief
       Financial Officer                                   200,000
William H. Neville
       Executive Vice President and Chief
       Operating Officer                                    50,000
Christopher G. Gavrelis
      Executive Vice President - Management                 35,000
Connell L. Radcliff
      Senior Vice President - Development                   63,250
All current executive officers as a
group (7)......................................            693,250
All employees as a group (200) ................            758,250

Required Vote

     Proposal Five requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast
on the proposal,  provided  that the total vote cast on the proposal  represents
over 50% in  interest  of all  shares of common  stock  entitled  to vote on the
proposal.  For purposes of the vote on Proposal  Five, an abstention or a broker
non-vote will have the effect of a vote against the proposals, unless holders of
more than 50%  interest  of all shares of common  stock  entitled to vote on the
proposal cast votes,  in which event neither an abstention nor a broker non-vote
will have any effect on the result of the vote.

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  RECOMMENDS  THAT  STOCKHOLDERS  VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL
FIVE.


                                  PROPOSAL SIX:
                                AMENDMENT OF THE
                 1995 OUTSIDE DIRECTORS' STOCK COMPENSATION PLAN

     The  Board  of  Directors  recommends  that  the  stockholders  approve  an
amendment to the Company's 1995 Outside  Directors' Stock Compensation Plan (the
"Directors'  Plan") to  increase  the shares of Common  Stock  authorized  to be
issued under the Directors' Plan from 25,000 to 150,000. The Directors' Plan was
adopted in 1995 by the Company to provide an incentive of increased Common Stock
ownership to the members of the Board of Directors of

                                       52

<PAGE>



the  Company  who are not  officers  or  employees  of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries ("Outside  Directors").  The Directors' Plan is administered by the
executive compensation  committee.  Information regarding the Directors' Plan is
set forth below.

     Outside Directors receive an annual retainer fee of $12,000 that is paid in
equal  semi-annual  installments (the "Retainer Fee") plus a fee of $1,000 (plus
out-of-pocket expenses) for attendance in person at each meeting of the Board of
Directors or a committee  (the "Meeting  Fee").  Outside  Directors may elect to
receive all or a portion of their  Retainer  Fee and  Meeting  Fees in shares of
Common Stock or options to purchase  Common  Stock  issued under the  Directors'
Plan in lieu of a cash  payment.  If an  Outside  Director  elects to  receive a
portion of his Retainer Fee or Meeting Fee in shares of Common Stock, the number
of shares of Common Stock awarded to Outside Directors in lieu of a cash payment
will be based on the price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on
the business day immediately  preceding the relevant payment date. If an Outside
Director  elects to receive a portion  of his  Retainer  Fee or  Meeting  Fee in
options to purchase  shares of Common Stock,  the number of options awarded will
vary with the exercise  price such that the  difference  between the fair market
value of the shares  underlying the options and the aggregate  exercise price of
the  options  equals  such  portion  of the cash  director  fees  foregone.  The
executive  compensation committee may also grant discretionary awards of options
to purchase Common Stock to Outside  Directors.  In no event,  however,  may the
total  number of shares and options  granted to an Outside  Director in any year
exceed 5,000,  including  shares and options issued as Retainer Fees and Meeting
Fees.

     The exercise price for each option issued under the Directors' Plan will be
not less than the fair  market  value of a share of Common  Stock on the date of
grant,  except that options  received in lieu of cash  Retainer  Fees or Meeting
Fees will have an exercise  price of not less than such fair market  value minus
the amount of such fees that the director elected to forego.

     As of March 1,  1998,  11,376  shares  of Common  Stock had been  issued or
reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding  options under the Directors'
Plan. The proposed amendment to the Directors' Plan would increase the number of
shares of Common Stock  authorized to be issued under the  Directors'  Plan from
25,000 to 150,000.  The Board of Directors  believes  this increase is necessary
because  each current  Outside  Director has elected to receive up to $20,000 of
their  Retainer Fee and Meeting Fees in shares of Common Stock in lieu of a cash
payment. Moreover, the Board of Directors believes that the additional financial
incentive  inherent in new or additional  ownership of shares of Common Stock by
its directors is beneficial to the Company.

     Proposal Six requires the affirmative  vote of a majority of the votes cast
on the proposal,  provided  that the total vote cast on the proposal  represents
over 50% in  interest  of all  shares of Common  Stock  entitled  to vote on the
proposal.  For proposes of the vote on Proposal  Six, an  abstention or a broker
non-vote will have the effect of a vote against the proposals, unless holders of
more than 50% in interest of all shares of Common Stock  entitled to vote on the
proposal cast votes,  in which event neither an abstention nor a broker non-vote
will have any effect on the result of the vote.

     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL
SIX.


             SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

     Each  director  and  officer of the  Company is  required  to file with the
Securities and Exchange  Commission,  by a specified date, reports regarding his
or her  transactions  involving  the Company's  Common  Stock.  To the Company's
knowledge,  based solely on the information furnished to the Company and written
representations  that no other  reports  were  required,  during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1997, all such filing requirements were complied with, except
that the exchange of unvested shares of Restricted Stock for Repurchase  Options
described   at   "Executive   Compensation--Executive   Compensation   Committee
Report--Restricted  Stock"  was  reported  late  by  Messrs.  Morton,  Miniutti,
Neville, Gavrelis and Radcliff and Ms. Thorburn.


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<PAGE>



   
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

     The following  documents filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange
Act are  incorporated  herein by reference:  (1) the Company's  Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1997 as amended on Form 10-K/A
filed on June 3, 1998; (2) the Company's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended March 31, 1998; (3) the Company's  Current Report on Form
8-K dated  March 23,  1998 as amended on Form 8- K/A filed on June 3, 1998;  (4)
the Company's  Current  Report on Form 8-K dated June 3, 1998; and (5) all other
documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a),  13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Proxy Statement and prior to the
Special Meeting.

     Any  statement  contained  in a  document  all or a  portion  of  which  is
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to
be modified or  superseded  for  purposes of this Proxy  Statement to the extent
that a statement  contained herein or in any  subsequently  filed document which
also  is or is  deemed  to be  incorporated  by  reference  herein  modifies  or
supersedes  such  statement.  Any  statement so modified  shall not be deemed to
constitute  a part  of this  Proxy  Statement  except  as so  modified,  and any
statement so  superseded  shall not be deemed to  constitute  part of this Proxy
Statement.

     The Company  undertakes to provide  without charge to each person to whom a
copy of this Proxy  Statement has been  delivered,  upon request,  a copy of the
Company's annual report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and the
financial  statement  schedules,  and  any  or  all  other  documents  that  are
incorporated  herein  by  reference,  other  than  exhibits  to such  documents.
Requests  for such copies  should be directed to the Company,  at its  principal
executive offices,  Attention:  Linda Swearingen,  11000 Regency Parkway,  Suite
300, Cary, North Carolina 27511; telephone number (919) 462-8787.
    


                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     The Board of Directors  knows of no other business to be brought before the
Annual Meeting.  If, however, any other business should properly come before the
Annual Meeting,  including  matters incident to the Annual Meeting,  the persons
named in the accompanying  proxy will vote proxies as they deem appropriate with
respect to such matters.


                  STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 1999 ANNUAL MEETING

     Any  stockholder  proposals  intended to be presented at the Company's 1999
Annual Meeting of Stockholders  must be received by the Company at 11000 Regency
Parkway,  Suite 300, Cary,  North Carolina  27511,  on or before  __________ for
inclusion in the Company's  proxy  statement  and form of proxy  relating to the
1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

                                         By Order of the Board of Directors



                                         ROBIN W. MALPHRUS, ESQ.
                                         Secretary

Dated: ______, 1998

                                       54


<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX A

                                                                [EXECUTION COPY]














                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                            STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT


                                 by and between


                             FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.

                                       and

                         PROMETHEUS SOUTHEAST RETAIL LLC


                                   dated as of

                                 March 23, 1998




<PAGE>



         THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this
"Agreement"), dated as of March 23, 1998, is made by and between FAC Realty
Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company") and Prometheus Southeast
Retail LLC ("Buyer"), an affiliate of Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company ("LFREI").


                                    RECITALS:

         WHEREAS, the Company and Buyer entered into that certain stock purchase
agreement, dated as of February 24, 1998 (the "First Agreement");

         WHEREAS, the Company and Buyer desire to amend and restate in its
entirety the First Agreement as set forth herein;

         WHEREAS, the First Agreement, as amended and restated as set forth
herein shall be referred to as the "Agreement";

         WHEREAS, Buyer wishes to purchase from the Company, and the Company
wishes to sell to Buyer, (i) an aggregate of 21,052,632 shares of the Company's
common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Company Common Stock"), at a
purchase price of $9.50 per share and (ii) contingent value rights (the
"Contingent Value Rights") of the Company as further described in the Contingent
Value Right Agreement (as defined herein); and

         WHEREAS, the Company and Buyer believe that the combination in a
strategic alliance of the leadership, expertise and experience in retail
development and operations of the Company and the proven investment and capital
markets expertise and access to capital of Buyer and its affiliates will
significantly enhance the Company's ability to pursue its growth and operating
strategies;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties
hereto hereby agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE 1

                                   DEFINITIONS

         As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
respective meanings:

         Section 1.1 "Action" shall mean any action, suit, arbitration, inquiry,
proceeding or investigation by or before any Government Authority.

         Section 1.2 "ADA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(e).





<PAGE>



         Section 1.3 "Affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Rule
12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and as in effect on the date hereof.

         Section 1.4 "Agreement" shall mean this Stock Purchase Agreement as
amended and restated, together with all schedules and exhibits referenced
herein.

         Section 1.5 "Army Corps of Engineers" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.11(d).

         Section 1.6 "Benefit Arrangements" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.13(h).

         Section 1.7 "Blue Sky Laws" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.4(e).

         Section 1.8 "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

         Section 1.9 "Break-up Fee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
9.3(b).

         Section 1.10 "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a
Sunday or a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed.

         Section 1.11 "Buyer" shall have the meaning set forth in the first
paragraph hereof.

         Section 1.12 "Capital Expenditure Budget and Schedule" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 3.11(i).

         Section 1.13 "CERCLA" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.12(e).

         Section 1.14 "Claim" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.12(g)(i).

         Section 1.15 "Closing" shall mean the consummation of any Stock
Purchase.

         Section 1.16 "Closing Date" shall mean, with respect to the
consummation of any Stock Purchase, the date on which the conditions set forth
herein with respect thereto shall be satisfied or duly waived, or if the Company
and Buyer mutually agree on a different date, the date upon which they have
mutually agreed.

         Section 1.17 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, and any successor thereto, including all of the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

         Section 1.18 "Commitment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.7.

         Section 1.19 "Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the first
paragraph hereof.



                                        2
                                                                                

<PAGE>



         Section 1.20 "Company Charter" shall mean the Amended and Restated
Articles of Incorporation of FAC Realty Trust, Inc. and any amendment or
supplement thereto, as in effect on the date hereof.

         Section 1.21 "Company Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in
the second paragraph hereof.

         Section 1.22 "Company Environmental Reports" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.12(f).

         Section 1.23 "Company Excess Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.3(a).

         Section 1.24 "Company Leases" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.11(f).

         Section 1.25 "Company Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.13(b).

         Section 1.26 "Company Preferred Stock" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.3(a).

         Section 1.27 "Company Properties" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.11(a).

         Section 1.28 "Company Registration Statement" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3.5(a).

         Section 1.29 "Company Reports" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.5(a).

         Section 1.30 "Company Stock" shall mean, collectively, the Company
Common Stock and any other shares of capital stock of the Company.

         Section 1.31 "Company Stock Equivalents" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 5.3(e).

         Section 1.32 "Competing Transaction" shall mean (i) any acquisition in
any manner, directly or indirectly (including through any option, right to
acquire or other beneficial ownership), of more than 15% of the equity
securities, on a Fully Diluted basis, of the Company by a single person or a
group of related persons, or assets representing a material portion of the
assets of the Company, other than any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement or (ii) any merger, consolidation, sale of assets, share exchange,
recapitalization, other business combination, liquidation, or other action out
of the ordinary course of business of the Company (it being understood that
acquisitions of real property in exchange for OP Units is in the ordinary course
of business), other than any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

         Section 1.33 "Contingent Value Rights" shall have the meaning set forth
in the first paragraph of the recitals hereto.



                                        3

<PAGE>



         Section 1.34 "Contingent Value Right Agreement" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 2.6(a).

         Section 1.35 "Controlled Group Liability" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.13(h).

         Section 1.36 "Debt Instruments" shall mean all notes, loan agreements,
mortgages, deeds of trust or similar instruments which evidence or secure any
indebtedness owing by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

         Section 1.37 "Development Budget and Schedule" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 3.11(j).

         Section 1.38 "Development Properties" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.11(j).

         Section 1.39 "Employee Benefit Plans" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.13(h).

         Section 1.40 "Employees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.13(h).

         Section 1.41 "Employment Agreements" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.13(a).

         Section 1.42 "Environmental Claim" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.12(g)(ii).

         Section 1.43 "Environmental Laws" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.12(g)(iii).

         Section 1.44 "Environmental Permits" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.12(a).

         Section 1.45 "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor thereto.

         Section 1.46 "ERISA Affiliates" shall mean any entity which is under
"common control" with the Company, within the meaning of Section 4001(b)(1) of
ERISA.

         Section 1.47 "Exchange Act" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.4(e).

         Section 1.48 "Fair Market Value" shall have the meaning given to it in
the Stockholders Agreement.

         Section 1.49 "Final Schedules" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.7.

         Section 1.50 "Fully Diluted" shall mean, with respect to the Company
Stock, the total number of outstanding shares of Company Stock (for such
purposes, treating as outstanding Company Stock all options or warrants to
purchase and securities convertible into (or exchangeable


                                        4

<PAGE>



or redeemable for) Company Stock including, without limitation, OP Units),
outstanding as of the relevant measurement date, assuming exercise, conversion,
exchange or redemption of such other securities.

         Section 1.51 "GAAP" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(b).

         Section 1.52 "Governing Documents" shall mean this Agreement, the
Registration Rights Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement and the Contingent
Value Right Agreement.

         Section 1.53 "Government Authority" shall mean any government or state
(or any subdivision thereof) of or in the United States, or any agency,
authority, bureau, commission, department or similar body or instrumentality
thereof, or any governmental court or tribunal.

         Section 1.54 "Ground Leases" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.11(k).

         Section 1.55 "Indemnified Party" shall mean Buyer or the Company, as
the context may require.

         Section 1.56 "Initial Closing" shall mean the first Closing, which
shall occur on the Target Date.

         Section 1.57 "Initial Number of Shares" shall mean the number of shares
of Company Common Stock equal to 19.9% of the aggregate number of outstanding
shares of Company Common Stock on the date of the Initial Closing (prior to the
issuance of the Initial Number of Shares of Company Common Stock).

         Section 1.58 "Initial Public Offering" shall mean the initial public
offering of the common stock of FAC Realty, Inc.

         Section 1.59 "Insurance Policies" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.16.

         Section 1.60 "Investor" shall have the meaning giving to it in the
Stockholders Agreement.

         Section 1.61 "Investor Nominee" shall have the meaning given to such
term in the Stockholders Agreement.

         Section 1.62 "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.

         Section 1.63      "Kane" shall mean Kane Realty Corporation.

         Section 1.64 "Kane and Konover Properties" shall mean the properties to
be purchased after the date hereof by the Company pursuant to the Kane Purchase
Agreement and the Konover Purchase Agreement.



                                        5

<PAGE>



         Section 1.65 "Kane and Konover Schedules" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 5.8.

         Section 1.66 "Kane Purchase Agreement" shall mean, collectively, those
certain Exchange Option Agreements, Master Agreements and other related
documents by and among FAC Realty Trust, Inc., FAC Properties, L.P., Carolina
FAC L.P., Roy O. Rodwell, Carolyn E. Martin, John M. Kane, Clifford Clark, Mark
E. Pitney, Atlantic Realty LLC, Effell Pembroke, LLC, Park Place FAC LLC and
Atlantic RealVest LLC relating to the acquisition by FAC Properties, L.P. of the
partnership or other ownership interests in the entities which own title to
and/or the shopping center real properties and improvements located at (i)
Celebration, Raleigh, NC, (ii) Shoreside, Kitty Hawk, NC, (iii) Stanton,
Greenville, NC, (iv) Parkwest, Durham, NC, (v) Brookneal, Brookneal, VA, and
(vi) Keysville, Keysville, VA.

         Section 1.67 "Konover" shall mean Konover Associates South, Inc.

         Section 1.68 "Konover Purchase Agreement" shall mean that certain
Master Agreement and other related documents by and among FAC Realty Trust,
Inc., FAC Properties, L.P. and the owners of the properties and interests listed
therein relating to the acquisition by FAC Properties, L.P. of the title to the
shopping center real properties and improvements located at (i) Mobile Festival
Centre, Mobile, AL, (ii) The Plaza Shopping Center, Davie, FL, (iii) Square One
Plaza, Stuart, FL, (iv) Durham Festival Centre, Durham, NC, (v) Hollywood
Festival Centre, Hollywood, FL, (vi) Lenoir Festival Centre, Lenoir, NC, (vii)
Oakland Park Festival Centre, Oakland Park, FL, (viii) Tampa Festival Centre,
Tampa, FL, (ix) Food Lion Plaza, Petersburg, VA and (x) South Cobb Festival
Centre, Smyrna, GA, and of certain management and leasing agreements of Konover
Management South.

         Section 1.69 "Kick Out Properties" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.8.

         Section 1.70 "Liabilities" shall mean, as to any person, all debts,
adverse claims, liabilities and obligations, direct, indirect, absolute or
contingent of such person, whether known or unknown, accrued, vested or
otherwise, whether in contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise and whether
or not actually reflected, or required by GAAP to be reflected, in such person's
or entity's balance sheets or other books and records, including without
limitation (i) obligations arising from non-compliance with any law, rule or
regulation (including Environmental Laws) of any Government Authority or imposed
(including, without limitation, under any Environmental Laws or in connection
with Environmental Claims) by any court or any arbitrator of any kind, (ii) all
indebtedness or liability of such person for borrowed money, or for the purchase
price of property or services (including trade obligations), (iii) all
obligations of such person as lessee under leases, capital or other, (iv)
liabilities of such person in respect of plans covered by Title IV of ERISA, or
otherwise arising in respect of plans for Employees or former Employees or their
respective families or beneficiaries, (v) reimbursement obligations of such
person in respect of letters of credit, (vi) all obligations of such person
arising under acceptance facilities, (vii) all liabilities of other persons or
entities, directly or indirectly, guaranteed, endorsed (other than for
collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business) or discounted with
recourse by such person or with respect to which the person in question


                                        6

<PAGE>



is otherwise directly or indirectly liable, (viii) all obligations secured by
any Lien on property of such person, whether or not the obligations have been
assumed, and (ix) all other items which have been, or in accordance with GAAP
would be, included in determining total liabilities on the liability side of the
balance sheet.

         Section 1.71 "LFREI" shall have the meaning set forth in the first
paragraph hereof.

         Section 1.72 "Liens" shall mean all liens, mortgages, deeds of trust,
deeds to secure debt, security interests, pledges, claims, charges, easements
and other encumbrances of any nature whatsoever.

         Section 1.73 "Loss and Expenses" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 8.2(a).

         Section 1.74 "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean a material adverse
effect on the financial condition, results of operations, business or prospects
of the Company and its Subsidiaries (to the extent of the Company's interests
therein) taken as a whole.

         Section 1.75 "Material Company Leases" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.11(f).

         Section 1.76 "Materials of Environmental Concern" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 3.12(g)(iv).

         Section 1.77 "19.9% Sale Transaction" shall mean the sale by Investor
of the Initial Number of Shares to a person in connection with a Competing
Transaction entered into on any date on or prior to the one year anniversary of
the date this Agreement is terminated.

         Section 1.78 "19.9% Sale Transaction Profit" shall mean, on any date,
the dollar amount equal to (i) the Initial Number of Shares MULTIPLIED BY the
price per share actually paid in cash by another person for the shares of
Company Common Stock pursuant to a 19.9% Sale Transaction, LESS (ii) $9.50
MULTIPLIED BY the Initial Number of Shares.

         Section 1.79 "1998 and 1999 Preliminary Capital Expenditure Budgets and
Schedules" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.11(i).

         Section 1.80 "OP Units" shall mean the limited partnership interests in
FAC Properties, L.P.

         Section 1.81 "Other Filings" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.1(b).

         Section 1.82 "Pension Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.13(h).

         Section 1.83 "Per Share Purchase Price" shall mean the price of $9.50
per share for the Company Common Stock.


                                        7

<PAGE>



         Section 1.84 "Permitted Liens" shall mean (i) Liens (other than Liens
imposed under ERISA or any Environmental Law or in connection with any
Environmental Claim) for taxes or other assessments or charges of Government
Authorities that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings, in each case, with respect to which adequate
reserves are being maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries to the extent
required by GAAP, (ii) statutory Liens of landlords, carriers, warehousemen,
mechanics, materialmen and other Liens (other than Liens imposed under ERISA or
any Environmental Law or in connection with any Environmental Claim) imposed by
law and created in the ordinary course of business for amounts not yet overdue
or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, in each
case, with respect to which adequate reserves or other appropriate provisions
are being maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries to the extent required
by GAAP and which, to the extent same do not relate to work or materials
provided for in the Capital Expenditure Budget and Schedule, the 1998 and 1999
Preliminary Capital Expenditure Budgets and Schedules or the Development Budget
and Schedule, do not exceed $300,000 in the aggregate (excluding from such
calculation, any amounts disclosed in writing by the Company to Buyer which (a)
are fully covered by insurance held by the Company under which the Company
reasonably expects full recovery of such amounts, or (b) for which an adequate
escrow has been established and is, at the relevant time, maintained), (iii) the
Company Leases and any leases entered into after December 31, 1997 in the
ordinary course of business on commercially reasonable terms, (iv) easements,
rights-of-way, covenants, restrictions and other similar matters which are
customary and typical for properties similar to the Company Properties and which
do not (x) interfere materially with the ordinary conduct of any Company
Property or the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole or (y)
detract materially from the value or usefulness of the Company Properties to
which they apply, (v) the Liens which were granted by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries to lenders pursuant to credit agreements in existence on the date
hereof which are described in either Schedule 3.9(c) or the Company Reports,
(vi) the other Liens, if any, described in Schedule 1.84, and (vii) such
imperfections of title and encumbrances, if any, as would not, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

         Section 1.85 "person" shall mean any individual, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated
organization, other form of business or legal entity or Government Authority.

         Section 1.86 "Pro Forma Balance Sheet" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.5(c).

         Section 1.87 "Projects" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.11(j).

         Section 1.88 "Property Restrictions" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.11(a).

         Section 1.89 "Proxy Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.1(b).

         Section 1.90 "Purchase Price" shall mean the Per Share Purchase Price
multiplied by the number of shares of Company Common Stock to be purchased and
sold at a particular Closing.



                                        8

<PAGE>



         Section 1.91 "Purchased Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1.

         Section 1.92 "Registration Rights Agreement" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 2.6(a).

         Section 1.93 "Regulatory Filings" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.4(e).

         Section 1.94 "Repurchase Payment" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.9(a).

         Section 1.95 "REIT" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8(b).

         Section 1.96 "Release" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.12(g)(v).

         Section 1.97 "Remaining Equity Ownership" shall mean, for any person
and on any date, the sum of (i) product of (A) the number of shares of Company
Stock held by such person and (B) the Fair Market Value of the Company Stock on
such date and (ii) the product of (A) the number of OP Units held by such person
and (B) the Fair Market Value of the OP Units on such date.

         Section 1.98 "Rent Roll" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
3.11(f).

         Section 1.99 "SEC" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.5(a).

         Section 1.100 "Second Closing" shall mean the Closing as soon as
practicable following Stockholder Approval.

         Section 1.101 "Securities" means the Purchased Shares and the
Contingent Value Rights.

         Section 1.102 "Securities Act" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.4(e).

         Section 1.103 "Securities Laws" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.5(a).

         Section 1.104 "Stock Purchase" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1.

         Section 1.105 "Stockholder Approval" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 7.2(b).

         Section 1.106 "Stockholders Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.6(a).

         Section 1.107 "Subsequent Closing" shall mean each Closing of a
Subsequent Purchase.

         Section 1.108 "Subsequent Purchase Price" shall mean the Per Share
Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Purchased Shares purchased by Buyer
in a Subsequent Purchase.

         Section 1.109 "Subsequent Purchases" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.5(a).



                                       9

<PAGE>



         Section 1.110 "Subsidiaries" shall mean with respect to any person, any
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, business
trust or other entity, of which such person, directly or indirectly, owns or
controls 50% or more of the securities or other interests entitled to vote in
the election of directors or others performing similar functions with respect to
such corporation or other organization, or to otherwise control such
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, business
trust or other entity.

         Section 1.111 "Target Date" shall mean any date within forty five days
of February 24, 1998, provided, the "Target Date" may, at the sole discretion of
the Company, mean any date within seventy five days of February 24, 1998.

         Section 1.112 "Tax" means any federal, state, local, or foreign income,
gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp,
occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental (including taxes under
Section 59A of the Code), customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits,
withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, real
property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added,
alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax of any kind whatsoever,
including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto, whether disputed or not.
The term "Tax" also includes any amounts payable pursuant to any tax sharing
agreement to which any relevant entity is liable as a successor or pursuant to
contract.

         Section 1.113 "Tax Return" means any return, declaration, report, claim
for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any
schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

         Section 1.114 "Title Policies" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.11(a).

         Section 1.115 "Topping Fee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
9.3(b).

         Section 1.116 "Total Equity Commitment" shall mean the amount of
$200,000,000.00.

         Section 1.117 "Total Enterprise Value" shall mean, on any date, the
greater of (A) total asset value of the Company (as measured in accordance with
GAAP) and (B) total market capitalization of the Company (based on the Fair
Market Value of the outstanding Common Stock and OP Units and the outstanding
indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries).

         Section 1.118 "Transaction Documents" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 7.1(e).

         Section 1.119 "Updated Schedules" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 5.7.

         Section 1.120 "Welfare Plans" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.13(h).




                                       10
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                                    ARTICLE 2

                      PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES; CLOSING

         Section 2.1 Purchase and Sale. Subject to the terms and conditions
hereof, from time to time after the date hereof, at the Closings, the Company
will sell, convey, assign, transfer, and deliver, and Buyer will purchase and
acquire from the Company, up to an aggregate of 21,052,632 shares of Company
Common Stock (the "Purchased Shares"). Each Closing at which Buyer purchases any
Purchased Shares is herein referred to as a "Stock Purchase."

         Section 2.2 Consideration. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof,
at each Closing, Buyer shall deliver to the Company the Purchase Price with
respect to the number of shares of Company Common Stock to be purchased and sold
at such Closing by wire transfer of immediately available funds in U.S. dollars
to the account or accounts specified by the Company.

         Section 2.3 Initial Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions
hereof, at the Initial Closing, at which time the applicable conditions set
forth in Sections 7.1, 7.3 and 7.4 shall have been satisfied or duly waived,
Buyer will purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company will sell,
convey, assign, transfer and deliver to Buyer, the Initial Number of Shares of
Company Common Stock, and Buyer will pay to the Company the Purchase Price for
such shares of Company Common Stock. Concurrently with the Initial Closing, the
Buyer shall be issued the Contingent Value Rights which shall vest in the
amounts, and on the terms, set forth in the Contingent Value Right Agreement.

         Section 2.4 Second Closing. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof,
on or before September 30, 1998, at which time the applicable conditions set
forth in Sections 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 shall have been satisfied or duly waived,
Buyer will purchase and acquire from the Company, and the Company will sell,
convey, assign, transfer and deliver to Buyer, a number of shares of Company
Common Stock equal to the difference between 10,526,316 shares of Company Common
Stock and the Initial Number of Shares, and Buyer will pay to the Company the
Purchase Price for such shares of Company Common Stock.

         Section 2.5  Subsequent Purchases and Sales.

                  (a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, following the
Second Closing, the Company shall have the right to require, subject to
satisfaction or waiver of the applicable conditions set forth in Sections 7.3
and 7.4, Buyer to purchase from the Company from time to time at one or more
Subsequent Closings, an aggregate of 10,526,316 Purchased Shares (each referred
to as a "Subsequent Purchase" and, together, the "Subsequent Purchases").
Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Closing of any Subsequent
Purchase shall occur as soon as possible following the date on which the
applicable conditions set forth in Section 7.3 and 7.4 shall have been satisfied
or duly waived.



                                       11
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (b) At least 20 Business Days prior to a Subsequent Purchase,
the Company shall notify (which notice shall be in writing and irrevocable)
Buyer of the anticipated date of the Subsequent Closing and the number of
Purchased Shares the Company is requiring Buyer to purchase, which shall not be
fewer than 1,052,631 Purchased Shares (except the final Subsequent Purchase).

                  (c) If fewer than 3,508,772 of the Purchased Shares shall have
been issued and sold at all Subsequent Closings prior to six months after the
Second Closing, then Buyer shall, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the
applicable conditions set forth in Sections 7.3 and 7.4, make a Subsequent
Purchase of the number of Purchased Shares equal to 3,508,772 less the number of
Purchased Shares purchased after the Second Closing but prior to such date, from
the Company (and the Company shall sell to Buyer such number of shares) on or
before the date six months after the date of the Second Closing, or as soon
thereafter as all conditions to the parties' obligations to effect the
Subsequent Purchase hereunder shall have been satisfied or waived.

                  (d) If fewer than 7,017,544 of the Purchased Shares shall have
been issued and sold at all Subsequent Closings prior to twelve months after the
Second Closing, then Buyer shall, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the
applicable conditions set forth in Sections 7.3 and 7.4, make a Subsequent
Purchase of the number of Purchased Shares equal to 7,017,544 less the number of
Purchased Shares purchased after the Second Closing but prior to such date, from
the Company (and the Company shall sell to Buyer such number of shares) on or
before the date twelve months after the date of Second Closing, or as soon
thereafter as all conditions to the parties' obligations to effect the
Subsequent Purchase hereunder shall have been satisfied or waived.

                  (e) If fewer than all Purchased Shares shall have been issued
and sold at any and all Closings on or before eighteen months after the Second
Closing, then Buyer shall, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the
applicable conditions set forth in Sections 7.3 and 7.4, make a Subsequent
Purchase of all such remaining shares from the Company (and the Company shall
sell to Buyer such number of shares) on or before eighteen months after the
Second Closing, or as soon thereafter as all conditions to Buyer's obligation to
effect the Subsequent Purchase hereunder shall have been satisfied or waived.

                  (f) If the condition set forth in Section 7.3(e) is not
satisfied (which determination shall be made by Buyer, based upon the written
advice of Buyer's counsel, and the cause of such determination is not cured by
the Company prior to the relevant Closing) or waived at any time when a Closing
would otherwise occur, the relevant Closing will be effected as to the number of
Purchased Shares, if any, as will not result in such condition failing to be
satisfied, and Buyer shall acquire any remaining Purchased Shares as soon
thereafter as such condition to Buyer's obligation to effect the Subsequent
Purchase shall have been, as determined in Buyer's sole discretion, satisfied or
waived.



                                       12


<PAGE>



         Section 2.6  Additional Agreements and Closing Deliveries.

                  (a) On February 24, 1998, the Company and Buyer entered into a
registration rights agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A
(the "Registration Rights Agreement"), a stockholders agreement substantially in
the form attached as Exhibit B (the "Stockholders Agreement") and a contingent
value right agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C (the
"Contingent Value Right Agreement").

                  (b) In addition to the other things required to be done
hereby, at each Closing, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to
Buyer the following: (i) certificates representing the number of shares of
Company Common Stock to be issued and delivered at such Closing, free and clear
of all Liens, with all necessary share transfer and other documentary stamps
attached, (ii) a certificate, dated the relevant Closing Date and validly
executed on behalf of the Company, as contemplated by Section 7.1(a), as to the
Initial Closing only, by Section 7.2(a), as to the Second Closing only, and by
Section 7.3(a) as to other Subsequent Closings, (iii) evidence or copies of any
consents, approvals, orders, qualifications or waivers required pursuant to
Section 7.1(c), as to the Initial Closing only, and pursuant to Section 7.2(c),
as to the Second Closing, (iv) all certificates and other instruments and
documents required by this Agreement to be delivered by the Company to Buyer at
or prior to each Closing, and (v) such other instruments reasonably requested by
Buyer, as may be necessary or appropriate to confirm or carry out the provisions
of this Agreement.

                  (c) In addition to the delivery of the Purchase Price and the
other things required to be done hereby, at each Closing, Buyer shall deliver,
or cause to be delivered, to the Company the following: (i) a certificate, dated
the relevant Closing Date and validly executed by Buyer, as contemplated by
Section 7.4(a), (ii) if not previously delivered to the Company, all other
certificates, documents, instruments and writings required pursuant hereto to be
delivered by or on behalf of Buyer at or before each Closing, and (iii) such
other instruments reasonably requested by the Company, as may be necessary or
appropriate to confirm or carry out the provisions of this Agreement.

         Section 2.7 Time and Place of Closings. Each Closing shall take place
at 9:00 a.m. New York City time on the relevant Closing Date at Latham &
Watkins, 885 Third Avenue, Suite 1000, New York, New York or at such other place
and time as the Company and Buyer shall mutually agree.

         Section 2.8 Right to Assign. Buyer may assign its rights and delegate
its obligations created hereby to purchase Company Common Stock in accordance
with the provisions of Section 10.5.

         Section 2.9  Limited Put Option.

                  (a) In the event that the Second Closing does not occur by
September 30, 1998 or this Agreement is terminated at any time prior to the
Second Closing (other than as a result of Buyer's material breach of any of its
obligations hereunder), Buyer will have the right to require the Company to
repurchase all or any part of the Initial Number of Shares pursuant to the terms


                                       13
                                                                                

<PAGE>



described below at a price in cash equal to the Purchase Price thereof plus
accrued but unpaid dividends, if any, thereon to the date of purchase (the
"Repurchase Payment"). On any date within two months after the earlier to occur
of (i) the date that the Company fails to receive Stockholder Approval, (ii)
August 31, 1998 and (iii) the date this Agreement is terminated prior to the
Second Closing, Buyer may, at its sole option, exercise such right to cause the
Company to repurchase all or any part of the Initial Number of Shares by
surrendering to the Company the certificates for the shares it is causing the
Company to repurchase.

                  (b) If Buyer chooses to cause the Company to repurchase some
or all of the Initial Number of Shares, the Company will pay Buyer the
Repurchase Payment within six months after the date on which Buyer exercises its
rights pursuant to Section 2.9(a) of this Agreement.


                                    ARTICLE 3

                  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY

         The Company hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

         Section 3.1  Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries.

                  (a) The Company is a corporation duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland. The
Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, operate, lease
and encumber its properties and carry on its business as now conducted, and to
enter into this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Contingent
Value Right Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder and thereunder.

                  (b) Each of the Subsidiaries of the Company is a corporation,
partnership or limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or
organization, and has the corporate, partnership or limited liability company
power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its business as it is
now being conducted.

                  (c) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified
to do business and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the ownership
of its property or the conduct of its business requires such qualification,
except for any failures to be so qualified or to be in good standing as would
not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a
Material Adverse Effect.

                  (d) Schedule 3.1(d) sets forth the name of each Subsidiary of
the Company (whether owned, directly or indirectly, through one or more
intermediaries). All of the outstanding shares of capital stock of, or other
equity interest in, each of the Subsidiaries owned by the Company are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and are owned,
directly or


                                       14
                                                                                

<PAGE>



indirectly, by the Company free and clear of all Liens, except as set forth in
Schedule 3.1(d). The following information for each Subsidiary is set forth in
Schedule 3.1(d), if applicable: (i) its name and jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization, (ii) the type of and percentage interest held by the Company in
the Subsidiary and the names of and percentage interest held by the other
interest holders, if any, in the Subsidiary, and (iii) any loans from the
Company to, or priority payments due to the Company from, the Subsidiary, and
the rate of return thereon. Except as contemplated hereby and as set forth on
Schedule 3.1(d), there are no existing options, warrants, calls, subscriptions,
convertible securities or other rights, agreements or commitments which obligate
the Company or any of the Subsidiaries to issue, transfer or sell any shares of
capital stock or equity interests in any of the Subsidiaries.

         Section 3.2  Authority Relative to Agreements; Approvals.

                  (a) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement,
the Registration Rights Agreement, the Contingent Value Right Agreement and the
Stockholders Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of the Company, subject only to the approval of the
issuance of Company Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement and the Company
Charter by the Company's stockholders. This Agreement, the Registration Rights
Agreement, the Contingent Value Right Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement
have been duly executed and delivered by the Company for itself and constitute
the valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against
the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to creditors' rights or
general principles of equity.

                  (b) The Board has, as of the date hereof, approved this
Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement, the
Contingent Value Right Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby, and the Board has determined to recommend that the stockholders of the
Company vote in favor of and approve the issuance of Company Common Stock
pursuant to this Agreement, subject to the fiduciary duty provisions of Section
5.4.

                  (c) The shares of Company Common Stock to be acquired pursuant
to this Agreement have been duly authorized and reserved for issuance, and upon
issuance will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not
subject to any preemptive or similar rights.

                  (d) The issue and sale of the shares of Company Common Stock
hereunder will not give any stockholder of the Company the right to demand
payment for its shares under Maryland law or give rise to any preemptive or
similar rights.

         Section 3.3  Capital Stock.

                  (a) The authorized capital stock of the Company as of the date
hereof consists of 45,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, 25,000,000 shares
of excess stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Company Excess Stock"), and
5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $25.00 per share (the "Company
Preferred Stock"). As of the date hereof, there are 12,298,891 shares of


                                       15
                                                                                

<PAGE>



Company Common Stock issued and outstanding; to the Company's knowledge, no
shares of Company Excess Stock issued and outstanding; and the shares of Company
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as described in the most recent Company
Report. All such issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid, nonassessable and free of preemptive or
similar rights. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.3(a), the Company has no
outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of which
have the right to vote (or which are convertible into or exercisable for
securities the holders of which have the right to vote) with the stockholders of
the Company on any matter. As of the date hereof, except as set forth in
Schedule 3.3(a) to this Agreement, there are no existing options, warrants,
calls, subscriptions, convertible securities, or other rights, agreements or
commitments which obligate the Company to issue, transfer or sell any shares of
capital stock or other equity interests of the Company.

                  (b) Except for interests in the Subsidiaries of the Company
and except as set forth in Schedule 3.3(b), neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries owns directly or indirectly any interest or investment (whether
equity or debt) in any corporation, partnership, limited liability company,
joint venture, business, trust or entity (other than investments in short-term
investment securities).

         Section 3.4 No Conflicts; No Defaults; Required Filings and Consents.
Neither the execution and delivery by the Company hereof nor the consummation by
the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms
hereof, will:

                  (a) conflict with or result in a breach of any provisions of
the Company Charter or by-laws of the Company;

                  (b) result in a breach or violation of, a default under, or
the triggering of any payment or other obligations pursuant to, or, except as
set forth in Schedule 3.9(g), accelerate vesting under, any compensation plan or
any grant or award made under any of the foregoing;

                  (c) violate or conflict with in any material respect any
material statute, regulation, judgment, order, writ, decree or injunction
applicable to the Company or its Subsidiaries;

                  (d) subject to the Company obtaining the third party consents
set forth in Schedule 3.4(d)-A (with respect to the Initial Closing), Schedule
3.4(d)-B (with respect to the Second Closing) and Schedule 3.4(d)-C (with
respect to each Subsequent Closing), violate or conflict with or result in a
breach of any provision of, or constitute a default (or any event which, with
notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) under, or result in
the termination or in a right of termination or cancellation of, or accelerate
the performance required by, or result in the creation of any material Lien upon
any of the properties of the Company or its Subsidiaries under, or result in
being declared void, voidable or without further binding effect, any of the
terms, conditions or provisions of any material note, bond, mortgage, indenture
or deed of trust or any material license, franchise, permit, lease, contract,
agreement or other instrument, commitment or obligation to which the Company or
its Subsidiaries is a party, or by which the Company or its Subsidiaries or any
of their properties is bound or affected; or


                                       16
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (e) require any material consent, approval or authorization
of, or declaration, filing or registration with, any Government Authority, other
than any filings required under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), or state securities laws ("Blue Sky Laws") (collectively, the
"Regulatory Filings"), and any material filings required to be made with the
Secretary of State of Maryland or any national securities exchange on which the
Company Common Stock is listed.

         Section 3.5 SEC and Other Documents; Financial Statements; Undisclosed
Liabilities.

                  (a) The Company has delivered or made available to Buyer the
registration statement of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") in connection with the Initial Public Offering, and all
exhibits, amendments and supplements thereto (collectively, the "Company
Registration Statement"), and each registration statement, report, proxy
statement or information statement and all exhibits thereto prepared by it or
relating to its properties since the effective date of the Company Registration
Statement up through the date hereof, each of which are set forth in Schedule
3.5(a) and are in the form (including exhibits and any amendments thereto) filed
with the SEC (collectively, the "Company Reports"). Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.5(a), the Company Reports were filed with the SEC in a timely manner
and constitute all forms, reports and documents required to be filed by the
Company under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder (the "Securities Laws"). As of their respective dates,
the Company Reports (i) complied as to form in all material respects with the
applicable requirements of the Securities Laws and (ii) did not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to
be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. There is no
unresolved violation asserted by any Government Authority with respect to any of
the Company Reports.

                  (b) Each of the balance sheets included in or incorporated by
reference into the Company Reports (including the related notes and schedules)
fairly presented the financial position of the entity or entities to which it
relates as of its date and each of the statements of operations, stockholders'
equity (deficit) and cash flows included in or incorporated by reference into
the Company Reports (including any related notes and schedules) fairly presented
the results of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit) or cash flows, as the
case may be, of the entity or entities to which it relates for the periods set
forth therein, in each case in accordance with United States generally accepted
accounting principles ("GAAP") consistently applied during the periods involved,
except as may be noted therein and except, in the case of the unaudited
statements, normal recurring year-end adjustments which would not, individually
or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse
Effect.

                  (c) The Company has delivered to Buyer a balance sheet, dated
as of January 1, 1998, adjusted to give effect to the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, the Kane Purchase Agreement and the Konover Purchase
Agreement as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 1998 (the "Pro
Forma Balance Sheet"). The Pro Forma Balance Sheet is based on the consolidated
balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 which
the


                                       17
                                                                                

<PAGE>



Company believes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided, that the
columns labeled "Kane" and "Konover" on the Pro Forma Balance Sheet are based on
the terms of the Kane Purchase Agreement and the Konover Purchase Agreement,
respectively, and, where applicable, financial statements prepared by management
of Kane and Konover, respectively. The Pro Forma Balance Sheet fairly presents
the pro forma financial position of the Company as of its date in accordance
with GAAP consistently applied.

                  (d) Except as and to the extent set forth in the Company
Reports and the Company's financial statements filed with the SEC or in any
Schedule hereto, none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any
Liabilities (nor do there exist any circumstances) that would, individually or
in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

         Section 3.6  Litigation; Compliance With Law.

                  (a) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.6, there are no Actions
pending or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened against the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or which question the validity
hereof or any action taken or to be taken in connection herewith. Except as
disclosed in Schedule 3.6(a), there are no continuing orders, injunctions or
decrees of any Government Authority to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of its properties or assets are bound.

                  (b) None of the Company or its Subsidiaries is in violation of
any statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, decree or injunction of any
Government Authority or any body having jurisdiction over them or any of their
respective properties which, if enforced, would, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

         Section 3.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Except as disclosed
in the Company Reports filed with the SEC prior to the date hereof or in
Schedule 3.7, since November 15, 1997 the Company and each of its Subsidiaries
has conducted its business only in the ordinary course and has acquired real
estate and entered into financing arrangements in connection therewith only in
the ordinary course of such business, and there has not been (a) any change,
circumstance or event that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect, (b) any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or
other distribution with respect to the Company Common Stock, except in
accordance with Section 5.3, (c) any material commitment, contractual
obligation, borrowing, capital expenditure or transaction (each, a "Commitment")
entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (d) any material
change in the Company's accounting principles, practices or methods.

         Section 3.8 Tax Matters; REIT and Partnership Status.

                  (a) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has timely filed
with the appropriate taxing authority all Tax Returns required to be filed by it
or has timely requested extensions and any such request has been granted and has
not expired. Each such Tax Return is


                                       18
                                                                                

<PAGE>



complete and accurate in all respects. All Taxes shown as owed by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries on any Tax Return have been paid or accrued, except for
Taxes being contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been
taken. The Company and each of its Subsidiaries has properly accrued all Taxes
for such periods subsequent to the periods covered by such Tax Returns as
required by GAAP. None of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has executed or
filed with the IRS or any other taxing authority any agreement now in effect
extending the period for assessment or collection of any Tax. Except as set
forth in Schedule 3.8(a), none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is
being audited or examined by any taxing authority with respect to any Tax or is
a party to any pending action or proceedings by any taxing authority for
assessment or collection of any Tax, and no claim for assessment or collection
of any Tax has been asserted against it. True and complete copies of all
federal, state and local income or franchise Tax Returns filed by the Company
and each of its Subsidiaries for 1995 and 1996 and all written communications
relating thereto have been delivered to Buyer or made available to
representatives of Buyer prior to the date hereof. No claim has been made in
writing or, to the Company's knowledge, otherwise by an authority in a
jurisdiction where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not file Tax
Returns that it is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction. Except as
set forth in Schedule 3.8(a), there is no dispute or claim concerning any Tax
liability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (i) claimed or raised by
any taxing authority in writing or (ii) as to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries has knowledge. As of the date hereof, the Company is a domestically
controlled REIT within the meaning of Section 897(h)(4)(B) of the Code. To the
Company's knowledge, except as set forth in Schedule 3.8(a), no person or entity
which would be treated as an "individual" for purposes of Section 542(a)(2) of
the Code (as modified by Section 856(h) of the Code) owns or would be considered
to own (taking into account the constructive ownership rules of Section 544 of
the Code, as modified by Section 856(h) of the Code) in excess of 9.8% of the
value of the outstanding equity interests in the Company. Except as contemplated
by this Agreement or as set forth in Schedule 3.8(a), the Board has not exempted
any person from the Ownership Limit or otherwise waived any of the provisions of
Article IV of the Company Charter (as all capitalized terms used in this
sentence are defined in the Company Charter). The Ownership Limit (as such term
is defined in the Company Charter) has not been modified. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.8(a), each ownership interest that the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries has in an entity formed as a partnership (or which files federal
income tax returns as a partnership) qualifies, and since the date of its
formation qualified, to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax
purposes or as a "qualified REIT subsidiary" within the meaning of Section
856(i)(2) of the Code.

                  (b) The Company (i) intends in its federal income tax return
for the tax year that will end on December 31, 1997 to be taxed as a real estate
investment trust within the meaning of Section 856 of the Code ("REIT") and has
complied (or will comply) with all applicable provisions of the Code relating to
a REIT, for 1997, (ii) has operated, and intends to continue to operate, in such
a manner as to qualify as a REIT for 1997, (iii) has not taken or omitted to
take any action which would reasonably be expected to result in a challenge to
its status as a REIT, and, to the Company's knowledge, no such challenge is
pending or threatened, and (iv) to the Company's knowledge, and assuming the
accuracy of Buyer's representations in Sections 4.8 and 4.10 (disregarding the
qualification relating to Buyer's knowledge and assuming no exceptions are set
forth in Schedule


                                       19
                                                                                

<PAGE>



4.10-B), will not be rendered unable to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax
purposes as a consequence of the transactions contemplated hereby.

                  (c) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(c), any amount or
other entitlement that could be received (whether in cash or property or the
vesting of property) as a result of any of the transactions contemplated hereby
by any person who is a "disqualified individual" (as such term is defined in
proposed Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1) with respect to the Company or
any of its Affiliates would not be characterized as an "excess parachute
payment" (as such term is defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code).

                  (d) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.8(d), the disallowance
of a deduction under Section 162(m) of the Code for employee remuneration will
not apply to any amount paid or payable by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries under any contract, stock plan, program, arrangement or
understanding currently in effect.

                  (e) The Company was eligible to and did validly elect to be
taxed as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for calendar year 1993 and all
subsequent taxable periods and was in compliance with the Code and all
applicable rules and regulations of the Code necessary to permit it to be taxed
as a REIT for all such periods. Each Subsidiary of the Company organized as a
partnership (and any other Subsidiary that files Tax Returns as a partnership
for federal income tax purposes) was and continues to be classified as a
partnership for federal income tax purposes or as a "qualified REIT subsidiary"
within the meaning of Section 856(i)(2) of the Code.

         Section 3.9  Compliance with Agreements; Material Agreements.

                  (a) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in
default under or in violation of any provision of the Company Charter, the
by-laws of the Company (or equivalent documents) or any partnership agreement,
operating agreement, joint venture agreement or any other organization or
formation documents to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party.

                  (b) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have filed all
material reports, registrations and statements, together with any amendments
required to be made with respect thereto, that they were required to file with
any Government Authority and all other material reports and statements required
to be filed by them, including any report or statement required to be filed
pursuant to the laws, rules or regulations of the United States, and have paid
all fees or assessments due and payable in connection therewith, except for such
failures to file or pay which would not, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set
forth on Schedule 3.9(b), there is no unresolved violation asserted by any
regulatory agency with respect to any report or statement relating to an
examination of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries which, if resolved in a
manner unfavorable to the Company or such Subsidiary, would, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.



                                       20
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (c) The Company Reports or Schedule 3.9(c) set forth (i) a
description of all material indebtedness of the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries, whether unsecured, or secured or collateralized by mortgages,
deeds of trust or other security interests in the Company Properties or any
other assets of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, or otherwise and (ii)
each Commitment entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
(including any guarantees of any third party's debt or any obligations in
respect of letters of credit issued for the Company's or any of its Subsidiary's
account) which may result in total payments or liabilities in excess of
$300,000, excluding Commitments made in the ordinary course of business with a
maturity of less than one year or that are terminable on 30 days or less notice.
True and complete copies of the documents relating to the foregoing have been
delivered or made available to Buyer prior to the date hereof. Neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is in default, and, to the Company's
knowledge, no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice or the lapse
of time or both, would constitute a material default, under any of the documents
described in clause (i) or (ii) of this paragraph or in respect of any payment
obligations thereunder. All joint venture and partnership agreements to which
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party as of the date hereof are set
forth in Schedule 3.1(d), all of which are in full force and effect as against
the Company or such Subsidiary and, to the Company's knowledge, as against the
other parties thereto, and none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is in
default, and, to the Company's knowledge, no event has occurred which, with the
giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a default, with
respect to any obligations thereunder. To the Company's knowledge, the other
parties to such agreements are not in breach of any of their respective
obligations thereunder. To the Company's knowledge, no event has occurred nor is
the Company aware of the existence of any facts with respect to the Company's
Subsidiaries (including with respect to the partnership agreements for the
Company's Subsidiaries that are partnerships and operating agreements for the
Company's Subsidiaries that are limited liability companies) that would,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect.

                  (d) Except as disclosed in the Company Reports, Schedule
3.9(d) sets forth a complete and accurate list of all material agreements
entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof
relating to the development or construction of, additions or expansions to, or
management or leasing services for retail shopping centers or other real
properties which are currently in effect and under which the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries currently has, or expects to incur, obligations in excess of
$300,000. True and complete copies of such agreements will be made available to
Buyer.

                  (e) Except as disclosed in the Company Reports and except for
(i) agreements made in the ordinary course of business with a maturity of one
year or less or that are terminable on 30 days or less notice, (ii) agreements
the breach or non-fulfillment of which would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and
(iii) agreements under which the Company's total benefit or obligations do not
exceed $300,000, Schedule 3.9(e) sets forth a complete and accurate list of all
material agreements entered into by the Company as of the date hereof,
including, without limitation, material Debt Instruments. Each agreement set
forth in Schedule 3.9(e) is in full force and effect as against the Company and,
to the Company's knowledge, as against the other parties thereto, no payments,
if any, thereunder are


                                       21
                                                                                

<PAGE>



delinquent, the Company is not in default, in any material respect, thereunder,
and no notice of default thereunder has been sent or received by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries. To the Company's knowledge, no event has occurred
which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default, in any
material respect, by the Company under any agreement set forth in Schedule
3.9(e). To the Company's knowledge, the other parties to such agreements are not
in breach of their respective obligations thereunder, except as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect. True and complete copies of each such agreement have been made
available to Buyer prior to the date hereof.

                  (f) Schedule 3.9(f) sets forth a complete and accurate list of
all agreements and policies of the Company in effect on the date hereof relating
to transactions with affiliates and potential conflicts of interest. Each
agreement or arrangement set forth in Schedule 3.9(f) is in full force and
effect, and the Company, each of its Subsidiaries, and, to the Company's
knowledge, the other parties thereto are in compliance with such agreements and
policies, or such compliance has been waived by the Board as set forth in
Schedule 3.9(f). True and complete copies of each such agreement or arrangement
were made available to Buyer.

                  (g) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.9(g), there are no
change of control or similar provisions in any employment, severance, stock
option, stock incentive, Company Plans or similar agreement or arrangement which
would be triggered by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Schedule
3.9(g) identifies the obligations to employees (including any payment or other
obligation, forgiveness of debt, other release from obligations, or acceleration
of vesting) which are created, accelerated or triggered by the execution,
delivery or performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         Section 3.10 Financial Records; Company Charter and By-laws; Corporate
Records.

                  (a) The books of account and other financial records of the
Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in all material respects true and
complete, have been maintained in accordance with good business practices, and
are accurately reflected in all material respects in the financial statements
included in the Company Reports.

                  (b) The Company has previously delivered or made available to
Buyer true and complete copies of the Company Charter and the by-laws of the
Company, as amended to date, and the charter, by-laws, organizational documents,
partnership agreements and joint venture agreements of its Subsidiaries, and all
amendments thereto. All such documents are listed in Schedule 3.10(b).

                  (c) The minute books and other records of corporate or
partnership proceedings of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have been
made available to Buyer and its representatives and contain in all material
respects accurate records of all meetings and accurately reflect in all material
respects all other corporate actions of the stockholders and directors and any
committees of the Board and the board of directors of its Subsidiaries which are
corporations and all material actions of the partners of its Subsidiaries which
are partnerships, except for


                                       22
                                                                                

<PAGE>



documentation of discussions relating to or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby or matters related hereto.

         Section 3.11  Properties.

                  (a) Schedule 3.11(a) sets forth a complete and accurate list
and the address of all real property owned or leased by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries or otherwise used by the Company or its Subsidiaries in the
conduct of their business or operations (collectively, and together with the
land at each address referenced in Schedule 3.11(a) and all buildings,
structures and other improvements and fixtures located on or under such land and
all easements, rights and other appurtenances to such land, the "Company
Properties"). The Company and each of its Subsidiaries own insurable fee simple
title (or, if so indicated in Schedule 3.11(a), leasehold title) to each of the
Company Properties, free and clear of any Liens, title defects, contractual
restrictions or covenants, laws, ordinances or regulations affecting use or
occupancy (including zoning regulations and building codes) or reservations of
interests in title (collectively, "Property Restrictions"), except for (i)
Permitted Liens and (ii) Property Restrictions imposed or promulgated by law or
by any Government Authority which are customary and typical for similar
properties. None of the matters described in clauses (i) and (ii) of the
immediately preceding sentence materially interferes with, materially impairs,
or is violated by, the existence of any building or other structure or
improvement which constitutes a part of, or the present use, occupancy or
operation of, the Company Properties taken as a whole, and such matters do not,
individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. American Land
Title Association policies of title insurance (or marked title insurance
commitments having the same force and effect as title insurance policies or
binding irrevocable escrow instructions to issue such title insurance policies
or endorsements to existing title insurance policies) have been issued by
national title insurance companies insuring the fee simple or leasehold, as
applicable, title of the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, to each of
the Company Properties in, to the Company's knowledge, sufficient amounts to
avoid co-insurance statutes, subject only to the matters set forth therein (the
"Title Policies"), and, to the Company's knowledge, the Title Policies are valid
and in full force and effect and no claim has been made under any such policy.
The Company will make available to Buyer true and complete copies of all such
policies and of the most recent surveys of the Company Properties, and true and
complete copies of all material exceptions referenced in such policies and the
most recent title reports for and surveys (to the extent not previously
delivered or made available to Buyer) of each of the Company Properties
available to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for inspection by Buyer or
its representatives within five Business Days of Buyer's request therefor.

                  (b) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(b), and except for
matters which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or to materially and adversely affect
the use or occupancy of the applicable Company Property, to the Company's
knowledge, there are no (i) certificates, permits or licenses that are currently
required (including building permits and certificates of occupancy for tenant
spaces) from any Government Authority having jurisdiction over any Company
Property or agreements, easements or other rights which are necessary to permit
the lawful use, occupancy or operation of the existing buildings, structures or
other improvements which constitute a part of any of the Company Properties or
to


                                       23
                                                                                

<PAGE>



permit the lawful use and operation of utility service to any Company Property
or of any existing driveways, roads or other means of egress and ingress to and
from any of the Company Properties that have not been obtained or that are not
in full force and effect, or any pending modification or cancellation of any of
same, or (ii) violations by any Company Property of any federal, state or
municipal law, ordinance, order, regulation or requirement, including any
applicable zoning law or building code, as a result of the use or occupancy of
such Company Property or otherwise. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(b), the
Company has no knowledge of any uninsured physical damage to any Company
Property in excess of $300,000 in the aggregate. To the Company's knowledge,
except for repairs identified in the Capital Expenditure Budget and Schedule or
in any engineering or structural report reviewed by Buyer or its consultants,
each Company Property, (i) is in good operating condition and repair and is
structurally sound and free of defects, with no material alterations or repairs
being required thereto under applicable law or insurance company requirements,
and (ii) consists of sufficient land, parking areas, driveways and other
improvements and lawful means of access and utility service and capacity to
permit the use thereof in the manner and for the purposes to which it is
presently devoted, except, in each such case, to the extent that failure to meet
such standards would not materially and adversely affect the use or occupancy of
the applicable Company Property. The Company will make available to Buyer true
and complete copies of all engineering reports, inspection reports, maintenance
plans and other documents relating to the condition of any Company Property
prepared for or by the Company since the Initial Public Offering.

                  (c) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(c), there is no (i)
condemnation, eminent domain or rezoning proceeding pending or, to the Company's
knowledge, threatened with respect to any of the Company Properties, (ii) road
widening or change of grade of any road adjacent to any Company Property
currently underway or that, to the Company's knowledge, has been proposed, (iii)
proposed change in the assessed valuation of any Company Property other than
customarily scheduled revaluations, (iv) special assessment that has been made
or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened against any Company Property, or (v)
Company Property subject to any so-called "impact fee" or to any agreement with
any Government Authority to pay for sewer extensions, oversizing utilities,
lighting or like expenses or charges for work or services by such Government
Authority, except, in the case of each of the foregoing, to the extent that same
would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect or to materially and adversely affect the use or
occupancy of the applicable Company Property.

                  (d) Each of the Company Properties is an independent unit
which does not rely on any facilities located on any property not included in
such Company Property to fulfill any municipal or governmental requirement or
for the furnishing to such Company Property of any essential building systems or
utilities, other than facilities the benefit of which inures to the Company
Properties pursuant to one or more valid easements or parking agreements. Each
of the Company Properties is served by public water and sanitary or septic
systems and all other utilities, and each of the Company Properties has lawful
access to public roads, in all cases sufficient for the current use and
occupancy of each Company Property. To the Company's knowledge or as set forth
in the surveys, all parcels of land included in each Company Property that
purport to be contiguous are contiguous and are not separated by strips or
gores. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(d) or


                                       24
                                                                                

<PAGE>



any surveys or Environmental Reports relating to any Company Property prepared
for or by the Company since the Initial Public Offering, no portion of any
Company Property includes any wetlands or vegetation or species protected by any
applicable laws or, in event that such surveys or Environmental Reports disclose
the existence of such wetlands or protected vegetation or species, such items
would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on the use or occupancy of the applicable Company
Property. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.11(d) or the Title Policies or
surveys, none of the Company Properties lies in any 100-year flood plain area,
as established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the "Army Corps of
Engineers"). With respect to the improvements on each Company Property which lie
in a flood plain area, if any, the Company or its Subsidiaries carry and
presently maintain in full force and effect flood insurance in connection with
such Company Properties as required by applicable law and as accurately
described in Schedule 3.11(d). The improvements on each Company Property comply
in all material respects with all applicable building codes and other relevant
laws and regulations. No improvements constituting a part of any Company
Property encroach on real property not constituting a part of such Company
Property or such encroachments would not, individually or in the aggregate, have
a Material Adverse Effect or materially and adversely affect the use or
occupancy of the applicable Company Property.

                  (e) Schedule 3.11(e) contains a complete and accurate list of
each survey, study or report prepared by or for the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries since the Initial Public Offering, in connection with any Company
Property's compliance or non-compliance with the requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act (the "ADA"), other than routine correspondence or
memoranda. Except for matters addressed in the Capital Expenditure Budget and
Schedule, no Company Property fails to comply with the requirements of the ADA
except for such non-compliance as the Company believes will not, individually or
in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (f) The Company has provided to Buyer an accurate rent roll
for each Company Property as of February 19, 1998 (the "Rent Roll"), which
accurately describes each lease of space in each Company Property (collectively,
the "Company Leases"). The Company has delivered to Buyer profiles of the
Company Leases (the "Lease Profiles"), which have been prepared in the ordinary
course of business. The Company will make available to Buyer a true and complete
copy of each Company Lease, including all amendments and modifications thereto.
With respect to each Company Lease for premises larger than 10,000 square feet
of rentable space (collectively, the "Material Company Leases"), except as set
forth in Schedule 3.11(f), (i) each of the Material Company Leases is valid and
subsisting and in full force and effect as against the Company or the
Subsidiary, as applicable, and, to the Company's knowledge, as against the
tenant, and the information on the Rent Roll with respect to the Material
Company Leases is accurate, (ii) except as otherwise set forth on the Rent Roll,
the tenant under each of the Material Company Leases is in actual possession of
the premises leased thereunder, (iii) except as otherwise set forth on the Rent
Roll, no tenant under any Material Company Lease is more than 30 days in arrears
in the payment of rent, (iv) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
received any written notice from any tenant under any Material Company Lease of
its intention to vacate, (v) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
collected payment of rent under any Material Company Lease (other than


                                       25
                                                                                

<PAGE>



security deposits) accruing for a period which is more than one month in
advance, (vi) no notice of default has been sent or received by the landlord
under any Material Company Lease which remains uncured as of the date hereof, no
default has occurred under any Material Company Lease by the landlord thereunder
and, to the Company's knowledge, no default has occurred under any Material
Company Lease by the tenant thereunder and, to the Company's knowledge, no event
has occurred and is continuing which, with notice or lapse of time or both,
would constitute a default under any Material Company Lease, (vii) except as
disclosed on the Lease Profiles or Schedule 3.11(f), no tenant under any of the
Material Company Leases has any purchase options or kick-out rights or is
entitled to any concessions, allowances, abatements, setoffs, rebates or
refunds, (viii) none of the Material Company Leases and none of the rents or
other amounts payable thereunder has been mortgaged, assigned, pledged or
encumbered by any party thereto or otherwise, except in connection with
financing secured by the applicable Company Property which is described in
Schedule 3.9(c) or the Company Reports, (ix) (A) as of the date hereof, except
as set forth in Schedule 3.11(f), no brokerage or leasing commission or other
compensation is due or payable to any person with respect to or on account of
any of the Material Company Leases or any extensions or renewals thereof
incurred after the date hereof, and (B) any brokerage or leasing commission or
other compensation due or payable to any person with respect to or on account of
any of the Material Company Leases or any extensions or renewals thereof have
been incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company consistent with
past practice and market terms, (x) no space occupied under any Material Company
Lease in any Company Property is occupied by a tenant not paying base and/or
percentage rent, (xi) no tenant under any of the Material Company Leases has
asserted any claim in writing or, to the Company's knowledge, orally, which is
likely to affect the collection of rent from such tenant, (xii) other than as
would be customary or consistent with commercially reasonable retail leasing
business practices, no tenant under any of the Material Company Leases has any
right to remove material improvements or fixtures that have at any time been
affixed to the premises leased thereunder, (xiii) each tenant under the Material
Company Leases is required thereunder to maintain or to cause to be maintained,
at its cost and expense, public liability and property damage insurance with
liability limits in amounts at least equal to that maintained by commercially
prudent owners of properties similar to the Company Property to which such
Material Company Lease relates, or in the alternative, consistent with
commercially reasonable prudent retail leasing business practices, tenants may
self-insure or the Company may provide such coverage to tenants and (xiv) the
landlord under each Material Company Lease has fulfilled all of its obligations
thereunder in respect of tenant improvements and capital expenditures consistent
with commercially reasonable prudent retail leasing business practices. Other
than the tenants identified in the Rent Roll and parties to easement agreements
which constitute Permitted Liens, no third party has any right to occupy or use
any portion of any Company Property. Budgets for all material tenant
improvements and similar material work required to be made by the lessor under
each of the Material Company Leases is incorporated in Schedule 3.11(i).

                  (g) Schedule 3.11(g) sets forth a complete and accurate list
of all material commitments, letters of intent or similar written understandings
made or entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the date
hereof (x) to lease any space larger than 10,000 rentable square feet at any of
the Company Properties, (y) to sell, mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any Company
Property or Properties, which, individually or in the aggregate, are material,
or to


                                       26
                                                                                

<PAGE>



otherwise enter into a material transaction in respect of the ownership or
financing of any Company Property, or (z) to purchase or to acquire an option,
right of first refusal or similar right in respect of any real property, which,
individually or in the aggregate, are material, which, in any such case, has not
yet been reduced to a written lease or contract, and sets forth with respect to
each such commitment, letter of intent or other understanding the principal
terms thereof. The Company will make available to Buyer a true and complete copy
of each such commitment, letter of intent or other understanding. Schedule
3.11(g) also sets forth a complete and accurate list of all agreements to
purchase real property to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a
party.

                  (h) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(h), none of the
Company Properties is subject to any outstanding purchase options nor has the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries entered into any outstanding contracts with
others for the (i) lease or sublease of space in excess of 10,000 square feet of
rentable space in any Company Property; or (ii) sale, mortgage, pledge,
hypothecation or other transfer of all or any part of any Company Property, and
no person has any right or option to acquire, or right of first refusal with
respect to, the Company's or any of its Subsidiaries' interest in any Company
Property or any part thereof. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(h) or
3.11(g), none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any outstanding
options or rights of first refusal or has entered into any outstanding contracts
with others for the purchase of any real property.

                  (i) Schedule 3.11(i) sets forth the Company's or any of its
Subsidiary's capital expenditure budget and schedule for each Company Property,
which describes the capital expenditures which the Company or such Subsidiary
has budgeted for such Company Property for the period running through December
31, 1997 (the "Capital Expenditure Budget and Schedule"), and the Company's or
any of its Subsidiary's preliminary capital expenditure budget and schedule for
each Company Property, which describes the capital expenditures which the
Company or such Subsidiary has budgeted for such Company Property for the period
commencing January 1, 1998 and running through December 31, 1999 (the "1998 and
1999 Preliminary Capital Expenditure Budgets and Schedules"). Each of the
Capital Expenditure Budget and the 1998 and 1999 Preliminary Capital Expenditure
Budgets and Schedules also describes other capital expenditures as are
necessary, to the Company's knowledge, in order to bring the applicable Company
Property into material compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, codes,
health and safety regulations and insurance requirements (including in respect
of fire sprinklers, compliance with the ADA (except to the extent that (x) a
tenant under any Company Lease is contractually responsible and liable for such
ADA compliance under its Company Lease or (y) with respect to shopping center
properties, any work required to cause such compliance is not material and the
related expenditures are, in the aggregate with all other such expenditures,
less than $300,000), and asbestos containing material) or which the Company
otherwise plans or expects to make in order to cure or remedy any construction,
electrical, mechanical or other defects, to renovate, rehabilitate or modernize
such Company Property, or otherwise, excluding, however, any tenant improvements
required to be made under any Company Lease. To the Company's knowledge, the
costs and time schedules for 1998 and 1999 set forth in the 1998 and 1999
Preliminary Capital Expenditure Budgets and Schedules are reasonable estimates
and projections based upon information available to the Company at the time that
the 1998 and 1999 Preliminary Capital Expenditure Budgets and Schedules were
prepared, and, nothing has come to the attention of the Company since such time
which would indicate that the


                                                       27
                                                                                

<PAGE>



1998 and 1999 Preliminary Capital Expenditure Budgets and Schedules are
inaccurate or misleading in any material respect. Except as set forth in
Schedule 3.11(i), there are no outstanding or, to the Company's knowledge,
threatened requirements by any insurance company which has issued an insurance
policy covering any Company Property, or by any board of fire underwriters or
other body exercising similar functions, requiring any repairs or alterations to
be made to any Company Property that would, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (j) Schedule 3.11(j) contains a list of each Company Property
which consists of or includes undeveloped land or which is in the process of
being developed or redeveloped (collectively, the "Development Properties") and
a brief description of the development or redevelopment intended by the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries to be carried out or completed thereon (collectively,
the "Projects"), including any budget and development schedule therefor prepared
by or for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Development
Budget and Schedule"). Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.11(j), each Development
Property is zoned for the lawful development or redevelopment thereon of the
applicable Project, and the Company or its Subsidiaries have obtained all
permits, licenses, consents and authorizations required for the lawful
development or redevelopment thereon of such Project, except only for such
failure to meet the foregoing standards as would not, individually or in the
aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as
set forth in Schedule 3.11(j), all of the existing improvements or structures
located on any of the Development Properties comply in all material respects
with all applicable building codes, laws, rules or regulations. Except as set
forth in Schedule 3.11(j), to the Company's knowledge, there are no material
impediments to or constraints on the development or redevelopment of any Project
in all material respects within the time frame and for the cost set forth in the
Development Budget and Schedule applicable thereto. Except as disclosed in
Schedule 3.11(j), each Development Property consists of sufficient land, parking
areas, driveways and other improvements, and lawful means of access and utility
and service and capacity to permit the development and operation of the Project
as intended to be carried out or completed thereon. Except as set forth on
Schedule 3.11(j), the Development Properties are free and clear of any Property
Restrictions, encroachments or other matters (including, any condemnation,
eminent domain or rezoning proceedings (proposed or threatened), special
assessments, taxes or so-called "impact fees") which would individually, or in
the aggregate, be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
development of the related Development Property. In the case of each Project the
development of which has commenced, to the Company's knowledge, the costs and
expenses incurred in connection with such Project and the progress thereof are,
except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(j), consistent and in compliance in all
material respects with the Development Budget and Schedule applicable thereto.
The Company will make available to Buyer all feasibility studies, soil tests,
due diligence reports and other studies, tests or reports performed by or for
the Company at any time since the Initial Public Offering, which relate to the
Development Properties or the Projects.

                  (k) The ground leases underlying the leased Company Properties
referenced in Schedule 3.11(a) (collectively, the "Ground Leases") are
accurately described in Schedule 3.11(k). Each of the Ground Leases is valid,
binding and in full force and effect as against the Subsidiary and, to the
Company's knowledge, as against the other party thereto. Except as indicated in
Schedule


                                                       28
                                                                                

<PAGE>



3.11(k) and except for any Company Leases and Permitted Liens affecting the
same, none of the Ground Leases is subject to any mortgage, pledge, Lien,
sublease, assignment, license or other agreement granting to any third party any
interest therein, collateral or otherwise, or any right to the use or occupancy
of any premises leased thereunder. True and complete copies of the Ground Leases
(including all amendments, modifications and supplements thereto) have been
delivered to Buyer prior to the date hereof. To the Company's knowledge, except
as set forth in Schedule 3.11(k), there is no pending or threatened proceeding
which is reasonably likely to interfere with the quiet enjoyment of the tenant
under any of the Ground Leases. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.11(k), as of
the last day of the month preceding the date hereof and as of the last day of
the month preceding the date of the Initial Closing, no payments under any
Ground Lease are delinquent and no notice of default under any Ground Lease has
been sent or received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. There does not
exist under any of the Ground Leases any default, and, to the Company's
knowledge, no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both,
would constitute such a default.

                  (l) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries have good and
sufficient title to all the personal and non-real properties and assets
reflected in their books and records as being owned by them (including those
reflected in the balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1997, except as since sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary
course of business), free and clear of all Liens, except for Permitted Liens
which are not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                  (m) The Company has provided to Buyer historical operating
expense information (the "Historical Expense Information") for each of the last
three years, which has been prepared in the ordinary course of business. The
Historical Expense Information is accurate in all material respects.

                  (n) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.11(n), neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to any material third-party
property management or leasing agreements pursuant to which the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries receives a fee or other compensation from a third party for
managing or leasing real property.

         Section 3.12  Environmental Matters.

                  (a) To the Company's knowledge, each of the Company and its
Subsidiaries has obtained, and now maintains as currently valid and effective,
all permits, certificates of financial responsibility and other governmental
authorizations required to be obtained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
under the Environmental Laws (the "Environmental Permits") in connection with
the operation of its businesses and properties. Except as disclosed in the
Company Environmental Reports or the Company Reports, each of the Company and
its Subsidiaries and each Company Property is and has been in compliance with
all terms and conditions of the Environmental Permits and all Environmental
Laws, except only to an extent which would not, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. The
Company has no


                                                       29
                                                                                

<PAGE>



knowledge of any circumstances or conditions that may prevent or interfere with
such compliance in the future.

                  (b) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has provided or
made available to Buyer all formal written communications (whether from a
Government Authority, citizens' group, employee or other person), which the
Company has received regarding (x) alleged or suspected noncompliance of any of
the Company Properties with any Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits or
(y) alleged or suspected Liability of the Company or its Subsidiaries under any
Environmental Law, which noncompliance or Liability would, individually or in
the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (c) To the Company's knowledge, there are no liens or
encumbrances on any of the Company Properties which arose pursuant to or in
connection with any Environmental Law or Environmental Claim and, to the
Company's knowledge, no government actions have been taken or threatened to be
taken or are in process which are reasonably likely to subject any Company
Property to such liens or other encumbrances.

                  (d) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12(d) or in the Company
Reports (none of which matters would, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect), or set forth in the
Company Environmental Reports, no Environmental Claims have been asserted or, to
the Company's knowledge, threatened that, individually or in the aggregate, may
result in liabilities exceeding $300,000 with respect to the operations or the
businesses of the Company or its Subsidiaries, or with respect to the Company
Properties. To the Company's knowledge, except as set forth on the Company
Environmental Reports or in the Company Reports, no circumstances, past or
present actions, conditions, events or incidents exist with respect to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the Company Properties that would
reasonably be expected to result in the assertion of any Environmental Claims
that, individually or in the aggregate, may result in liabilities exceeding
$300,000, in any such case, against (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,
or (ii) to the Company's knowledge, any person whose liability for any
Environmental Claims the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has or may have
retained or assumed either contractually or by operation of law.

                  (e) Except as disclosed in Schedule 3.12(e) (none of which
matters would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect), or set forth in the Company Environmental Reports or
the Company Reports, (i) none of the Company or its Subsidiaries has been
notified or anticipates being notified of potential responsibility in connection
with any site that has been placed on, or proposed to be placed on, the National
Priorities List or its state or foreign equivalents pursuant to the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"),
42 U.S.C. ss. 9601 et seq., or analogous state laws, (ii) no Materials of
Environmental Concern are present on, in or under any Company Property in a
manner or condition that is reasonably likely to give rise to Environmental
Claims which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect, (iii) none of the Company or its
Subsidiaries has Released or arranged for the Release of any Materials of
Environmental Concern at any location to an extent or in a manner which would


                                                       30
                                                                                

<PAGE>



reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (iv) no
underground storage tanks, surface impoundments, disposal areas, pits, ponds,
lagoons, open trenches or disused industrial equipment is present at any Company
Property in a manner or condition that is reasonably likely to give rise to one
or more Environmental Claims which, individually or in the aggregate, would
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (v) no
transformers, capacitors or other equipment containing fluid with more than 50
parts per million polychlorinated biphenyls are present at any Company Property
in a manner or condition that is reasonably likely to give rise to one or more
Environmental Claims which, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably
be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, except for any such
transformers, capacitors or other equipment owned by any utility company, and
(vi) to the Company's knowledge, no friable asbestos and no friable
asbestos-containing material is present at any Company Property and, to the
Company's knowledge, no Employee, agent, contractor or subcontractor of the
Company or its Subsidiaries or any other person is now or has in the past been
exposed to friable asbestos at any Company Property, except, in the case of each
of the matters set forth in this subpart (vi), for such matters as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

                  (f) Schedule 3.12(f) contains a list of each environmental
report, audit, summary, or similar document prepared for or by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or otherwise in the possession of any of them with
respect to the environmental condition of any Company Property (collectively,
the "Company Environmental Reports"). The Company has previously delivered or
made available to Buyer true and complete copies of each Company Environmental
Report. None of the matters disclosed by the Company Environmental Reports
would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect. The Company has no knowledge of any facts or circumstances
relating to the environmental condition of any property owned, leased or
otherwise held by the Company that is not a Company Property that are reasonably
likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (g) For purposes hereof, the terms listed below shall have the
following meanings:

                  (i) "Claim" shall mean all actions, causes of action, suits,
         judgments, executions, claims, Liabilities and demands whatsoever, in
         law or equity.

                  (ii) "Environmental Claim" shall mean any Claim investigation
         or notice by any person alleging potential liability (including
         potential liability for investigatory costs, cleanup costs,
         governmental response costs, natural resources damages, property
         damages, personal injuries or fatalities, or penalties) arising out of,
         based on or resulting from (A) the presence, generation,
         transportation, treatment, use, storage, disposal or Release of
         Materials of Environmental Concern or the threatened Release of
         Materials of Environmental Concern at any location, or (B) activities
         or conditions forming the basis of any violation, or alleged violation
         of, or liability or alleged liability under, any Environmental Law.

                  (iii) "Environmental Laws" shall mean federal, state, and
         local laws, ordinances, common law, orders, statutes, and regulations
         relating to the pollution or protection of the


                                                       31
                                                                                

<PAGE>



         environment or of flora or fauna or their habitat or of human health
         and safety, or to the cleanup or restoration of the environment,
         including, without limitation, CERCLA, the Toxic Substances Control
         Act, as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as
         amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, the
         Clean Water Act, as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended,
         the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Occupational Safety and Health Act,
         as amended, and all analogous laws promulgated or issued by any state
         or other Government Authority.

                  (iv) "Materials of Environmental Concern" shall mean all
         chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances,
         petroleum or any fraction thereof, petroleum products and hazardous
         substances or solid or hazardous wastes as now defined and regulated
         under any Environmental Laws.

                  (v) "Release" shall mean any release, spill, emission,
         leaking, pumping, injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal,
         leaching or migration.

         Section 3.13  Employees and Employee Benefit Plans.

                  (a) Schedule 3.13(a) sets forth a complete and accurate list
of all employment agreements (the "Employment Agreements") between the Company
or any of its Subsidiaries and any employees of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries. Except for the employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries who
are parties to such Employment Agreements, all of the employees of the Company
and each of its Subsidiaries are employed on an at-will basis (except for
restrictions or limitations on the at-will basis of such employees imposed by
law or equity or general principles of law or equity), other than such employees
party to Employment Agreements that are not, in the aggregate, material to the
Company.

                  (b) The Company Reports or Schedule 3.13(b) set forth a
complete and accurate list of all material Employee Benefit Plans and all
material Benefit Arrangements which cover Employees of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries with respect to their employment relationship with the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries (the "Company Plans"). With respect to each Company
Plan, the Company has made available to Buyer true and complete copies of: (i)
the plans and related trust documents and all amendments thereto, (ii) the most
recent summary plan descriptions, if any, and the most recent annual report, if
any, (iii) the most recent actuarial valuation (to the extent applicable), and
(iv) the most recent determination letter issued by the IRS with respect to any
Company Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code.

                  (c) With respect to each Company Plan, (i) the Company and
each of its Subsidiaries is, and has been since the date of adoption of each
Company Plan, in compliance in all material respects with the terms of each such
Company Plan and with the requirements prescribed by all applicable statutes,
orders or governmental rules or regulations, (ii) the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries has contributed to each Pension Plan included in the Company Plans
not less than the amounts accrued for such plan for all plan periods for which
payment is due, and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
any funding commitment or other accrued liabilities except


                                                       32
                                                                                

<PAGE>



as set forth on Schedule 3.13(c) or as reserved for in the financial statements
in or incorporated by reference into the Company Reports, and in the case of
each of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), except for such matters as would not,
individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect.

                  (d) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(d), none of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries has made any commitment to establish any new
Employee Benefit Plan or Benefit Arrangement, to modify any Employee Benefit
Plan or Benefit Arrangement, or to increase benefits or compensation of
Employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (except for normal increases
in compensation consistent with past practices), and, to the Company's
knowledge, no intention to do so has been communicated to Employees of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

                  (e) Except as set forth on Schedule 3.13(e), there are no
pending or, to the Company's knowledge, anticipated government audits or claims
(excluding claims for benefits incurred in the ordinary course of Company Plan
activities) against or otherwise involving any of the Company Plans or any
fiduciaries thereof with respect to their duties to the Company Plans and no
suit, action or other litigation (excluding claims for benefits incurred in the
ordinary course of Company Plan activities) has been brought against or with
respect to any such Company Plans.

                  (f) Neither the Company nor any of the ERISA Affiliates has,
at any time after September 25, 1980, contributed to, or been required to
contribute to, any "multiemployer plan" (as defined in Sections 3(37) and
4001(a)(3) of ERISA).

                  (g) Except as required by the continuation coverage
requirements of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code or
requirements of state law and regulations and except as set forth on Schedule
3.13(g), the Company and its Subsidiaries do not maintain or contribute to any
plan or arrangement which provides or has any liability to provide life
insurance, medical or other employee welfare benefits described in Section 3(1)
of ERISA to any Employee or former Employee following his retirement or
termination of employment and, to the Company's knowledge, the Company and its
Subsidiaries have never represented, promised or contracted (whether in oral or
written form) to any Employee or former Employee that such benefits would be
provided.

                  (h) For purposes hereof, "Employee Benefit Plans" means each
and all "employee benefit plans" as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA maintained
or contributed to by the Company or a Subsidiary or in which the Company or a
Subsidiary participates or participated and which provides benefits to
Employees, including (i) any such plans that are "employee welfare benefit
plans" as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA, including retiree medical and life
insurance plans ("Welfare Plans"), and (ii) any such plans that constitute
"employee pension benefit plans" as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA ("Pension
Plans"). "Benefit Arrangements" means life and health insurance,
hospitalization, savings, bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation,
holiday, vacation, severance pay, sick pay, sick leave, disability, tuition
refund, service award, company car, scholarship, relocation, patent award,
fringe benefit, individual employment, consultancy or severance contracts and
other polices or practices of the Company or a Subsidiary providing


                                                       33
                                                                                

<PAGE>



employee or executive compensation or benefits to Employees maintained or
contributed to by the Company or a Subsidiary, other than Employee Benefit
Plans. "Employees" mean all current employees, former employees and retired
employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including employees on
disability, layoff or leave status. "Controlled Group Liability" means any and
all liabilities (other than such liabilities that arise solely out of, or relate
solely to, the Company Plans) of the ERISA Affiliates (other than the Company
and its Subsidiaries) under (i) Title IV of ERISA, (ii) Section 302 of ERISA,
(iii) Sections 412 and 4971 of the Code, (iv) the continuation coverage
requirements of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code, and
(v) corresponding or similar provisions of foreign laws or regulations.

                  (i) To the Company's knowledge, with respect to each Company
Plan that is subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 or 4971
of the Code: (i) there does not exist any accumulated funding deficiency within
the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, whether or not
waived, (ii) the fair market value of the assets of such plan equals or exceeds
the actuarial present value of all accrued benefits under such plan, on a
termination basis, (iii) no reportable event within the meaning of Section
4043(c) of ERISA has occurred, with respect to which notice has not been waived,
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not
result in the occurrence of any such reportable event, and (iv) all premiums due
to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation have been timely paid in full.

                  (j) There does not now exist, nor do any circumstances exist
that could result in, any Controlled Group Liability that would be a liability
of the Company following the Closing. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in any
transaction described in Section 4069 or Section 4204 of ERISA.

                  (k) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
Kane Purchase Agreement, the Konover Purchase Agreement nor the consummation of
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will (either alone or in
conjunction with any other event) result in, cause the accelerated vesting or
delivery of, or increase the amount or value of, any payment or benefit to any
employee of the Company, except as set forth in Schedule 3.13(k) or any
automatic extension of the term of any Employment Agreement.

                  (l) To the Company's knowledge, neither the Company nor any of
its Subsidiaries nor any plan fiduciary of any Company Plan has engaged in any
transaction in violation of Sections 404 or 406 of ERISA or any "prohibited
transaction," as defined in Section 4975(c)(1) of the Code, for which no
exemption exists under Section 408 of ERISA or Section 4975(c)(2) or (d) of the
Code, or has otherwise violated the provisions of Part 4 of Title I, Subtitle B
of ERISA. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has knowingly participated in a
violation of Part 4 of Title I, Subtitle B of ERISA by any plan fiduciary of any
Company Plan and has not been assessed any civil penalty under Section 502(l) of
ERISA.

                  (m) Schedule 3.13 (m) sets forth a complete and accurate list
of all amounts paid annually pursuant to short-term or long-term disability
benefits under any Company Plan and the number of Employees receiving such
payments, as well as any Employees, to the Company's


                                                       34
                                                                                

<PAGE>



knowledge, who are participating in, or may become eligible to participate in,
any Company Plan who are suffering from serious illness or disease.

         Section 3.14 Labor Matters. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14, none
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party to, or bound by, any
collective bargaining agreement, contract or other agreement or understanding
with a labor union or labor union organization. Except for the matters set forth
in Schedule 3.14 (none of which matters would, individually or in the aggregate,
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect), there is no unfair
labor practice or labor arbitration proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of
the Company, threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. To the
knowledge of the Company, there are no organizational efforts with respect to
the formation of a collective bargaining unit presently being made or threatened
involving employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

         Section 3.15 Affiliate Transactions. Schedule 3.15 sets forth a
complete and accurate list of all transactions, series of related transactions
or currently proposed transactions or series of related transactions entered
into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since January 1, 1997 which are
of the type required to be disclosed by the Company pursuant to Item 404 of
Regulation S-K of the Securities Laws that are not otherwise disclosed in the
Company Reports. A true and complete copy of all agreements or contracts
relating to any such transaction will be made available to Buyer prior to the
date hereof.

         Section 3.16 Insurance. The Company maintains insurance policies,
including liability policies, covering the assets, business, equipment,
properties, operations, employees, officers and directors of the Company and
each of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the "Insurance Policies"), which are of
a type and in amounts customarily carried by persons conducting businesses
similar to those of the Company. There is no material claim by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries pending under any of the material Insurance Policies as
to which coverage has been questioned, denied or disputed by the underwriters of
such policies.

         Section 3.17 Proxy Statement. The Proxy Statement and all of the
information included or incorporated by reference therein (other than any
information supplied or to be supplied by Buyer for inclusion or incorporation
by reference therein) will not, as of the date such Proxy Statement is first
mailed to the stockholders of the Company and as of the time of the meeting of
the stockholders of the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading. The Proxy Statement will comply as to form in all material respects
with the provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
promulgated by the SEC thereunder.

         Section 3.18 Vote Required. The affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority (including Buyer and its Controlled Affiliates (as defined in the
Stockholders Agreement) for purposes of determining a quorum, but not for
purposes of determining a majority) of the outstanding shares of Company Common
Stock entitled to vote hereon and duly present in person or by proxy at a
meeting duly called to vote hereon (and with each share of Company Common Stock
entitled to one vote per


                                                       35
                                                                                

<PAGE>



share) is the only vote of the holders of any class or series of Company Stock
necessary to approve this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the
Contingent Value Right Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

         Section 3.19 Brokers or Finders. Except as set forth in Schedule 3.19,
no agent, broker, investment banker or other firm or person, including any of
the foregoing that is an Affiliate of the Company, is or will be entitled to any
broker's or finder's fee or any other commission or similar fee from the Company
in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby
for which Buyer or any of its Affiliates will be responsible.

         Section 3.20 Maryland Takeover Law. The terms of Sections 3-602 and
3-702 of the Maryland General Corporation Law will not apply to Buyer, any Stock
Purchase or any other transaction contemplated hereby. The resolutions in the
form of Exhibit D hereto have been adopted by the Company and have not been
rescinded and revoked.

         Section 3.21 Kane and Konover Properties. The Company hereby makes the
same representations and warranties with respect to the Kane and Konover
Properties as are made by the sellers under the Kane Purchase Agreement and the
Konover Purchase Agreement to the Company, subject to the knowledge and other
qualifications expressly set forth therein (i.e., for the purpose of this
Section 3.21, the Company's knowledge shall be limited to the knowledge, without
further inquiry, of the individuals named in the Kane Purchase Agreement and the
Konover Purchase Agreement).

         Section 3.22 Knowledge Defined. As used herein, the phrase "to the
Company's knowledge" (or words of similar import) means the actual knowledge of
C. Cammack Morton, Patrick M. Miniutti, William H. Neville, Linda M. Swearingen
and Michaela M. Twomey after due inquiry of persons likely to have knowledge of
any relevant facts or circumstances and includes any facts, matters or
circumstances set forth in any written notice from any Government Authority or
any other material written notice received by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, and also including any matter of which Buyer informs the Company
in writing.

         Section 3.23 Accuracy of Information Furnished. To the Company's
knowledge, no representation or warranty by the Company contained in this
Agreement or the exhibits, schedules, lists or other documents delivered to
Buyer by the Company and referred to herein, and no statement contained in any
certificate furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Company pursuant
hereto, or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, contains or
will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit to
state any material fact that is necessary to make the statements contained
herein or therein not misleading.




                                                       36
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                                    ARTICLE 4

                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

         Buyer hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

         Section 4.1 Organization. Buyer is a limited liability company duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware. Buyer has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, operate,
lease and encumber its properties and to carry on its business as now conducted,
and to enter into this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the
Contingent Value Right Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement and to perform
its obligations hereunder and thereunder.

         Section 4.2 Due Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Contingent Value Right
Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement have been duly and validly authorized
by all necessary corporate action on the part of Buyer. This Agreement, the
Registration Rights Agreement, the Contingent Value Right Agreement and the
Stockholders Agreement have been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and
constitute the valid and legally binding obligations of Buyer, enforceable
against Buyer in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating to creditors' rights or
general principles of equity.

         Section 4.3 Conflicting Agreements and Other Matters. Neither the
execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation by Buyer of the
transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms hereof, will
conflict with, result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of,
constitute a default under, result in the creation of any mortgage, security
interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind upon any of the properties or
assets of Buyer pursuant to, or require any consent, approval or other action by
or any notice to or filing with any Government Authority pursuant to, the
organizational documents or agreements of Buyer or any agreement, instrument,
order, judgment, decree, statute, law, rule or regulation by which Buyer is
bound, except for filings after any Closing under Section 13(d) or Section 16 of
the Exchange Act.

         Section 4.4 Acquisition for Investment; Sophistication; Source of
Funds.

                  (a) Buyer is acquiring the Securities for its own account for
the purpose of investment and not with a view to or for sale in connection with
any distribution thereof, and Buyer has no present intention or plan to effect
any distribution of shares of Company Common Stock, provided that the
disposition of Company Common Stock owned by Buyer shall at all times be and
remain within its control, subject to the provisions of this Agreement and the
Registration Rights Agreement. The certificate(s) representing the Securities
shall bear a prominent legend with respect to the restrictions on transfer under
the Securities Act and under applicable state securities laws. Prior to any
proposed transfer of the Securities, unless such transfer is made pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act, Buyer will deliver to
the Company an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance
to the Company, to the effect that the


                                                       37
                                                                                

<PAGE>



Securities may be sold or otherwise transferred without registration under the
Securities Act. The Company will remove the legend relating to Securities Act
restrictions from any Securities at any time two years after issuance if Buyer
delivers to the Company an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory in form
and substance to the Company, to the effect that such Securities are no longer
subject to transfer restrictions under the Securities Act. Upon original
issuance thereof, and until such time as the same shall have been registered
under the Securities Act or sold pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated thereunder (or
any similar rule or regulation), each stock certificate for the Securities shall
bear any restricted securities legend required pursuant to the Stockholders
Agreement, unless such legend is no longer required thereunder. Buyer is able to
bear the economic risk of the acquisition of Company Common Stock pursuant
hereto and can afford to sustain a total loss on such investment, and has such
knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable of
evaluating the merits and risks of the proposed investment.

                  (b) Buyer is an "accredited investor" as such term is defined
in Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

                  (c) Buyer has previously delivered to the Company an audited
balance sheet for Buyer as of December 31, 1996, which was certified by an
officer of Buyer and which fairly presented the financial position of Buyer as
of its date in accordance with GAAP. Such balance sheet discloses either on its
face or by footnote, all material liabilities of Buyer required to be disclosed
under GAAP. The Company agrees to keep such information confidential to the same
extent that Buyer is obligated to keep information confidential pursuant to
Section 5.2(b).

         Section 4.5 Resources. Buyer has requisite cash, cash equivalents,
equity commitments or other sources of financing available to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         Section 4.6 Proxy Statement. None of the information supplied or to be
supplied by Buyer for inclusion or incorporation by reference in the Proxy
Statement will, as of the date the Proxy Statement is first mailed to the
stockholders of the Company and as of the time of the meeting of the
stockholders of the Company in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not
misleading.

         Section 4.7 Brokers or Finders. No agent, broker, investment banker or
other firm or person, including any of the foregoing that is an Affiliate of
Buyer is or will be entitled to any broker's or finder's fee or any other
commission or similar fee from Buyer in connection with this Agreement or any of
the transactions contemplated hereby for which the Company or any of its
Affiliates will be responsible.

         Section 4.8 REIT Qualification Matters. To Buyer's knowledge, no person
who would be treated as an "individual" for purposes of Section 542(a)(2) of the
Code (as modified by Section 856(h) of the Code) and who owns, directly or
indirectly, equity interests in Buyer will own actually or beneficially
(determined through the application of the constructive ownership rules of
Section


                                                       38
                                                                                

<PAGE>



544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of the Code), in excess of
9.8% of the value of the outstanding equity interests in Company as of the date
of the applicable Closing.

         Section 4.9 Investment Company Matters. Buyer is not, and after giving
effect to the purchase of Company Common Stock contemplated hereby will not be,
an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an "investment company", as
such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

         Section 4.10 Ownership of Tenants. To Buyer's knowledge and except as
set forth in Schedule 4.10-B, Buyer does not own, as of the date of the
applicable Closing, actually or constructively (determined through the
application of the constructive ownership rules of Section 318 of the Code, as
modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code), any stock, securities, or other
ownership interest in any of the tenants of the Company, as set forth in
Schedule 4.10-A. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Section 4.10
shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Company Charter. The Company
shall advise Buyer within a reasonable period of time before any Closing of any
material changes to Schedule 4.10-A. The Company may update Schedule 4.10- A
from time to time, and Buyer agrees to promptly notify the Company, to its
knowledge, as to its actual and constructive ownership (determined through the
application of the constructive ownership rules of Section 318 of the Code, as
modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code) of any additional tenants of the
Company, as may be set forth on such updated schedule.


                                    ARTICLE 5

                         COVENANTS RELATING TO CLOSINGS

         Section 5.1  Taking of Necessary Action.

                  (a) Each party hereto agrees to use its commercially
reasonable best efforts promptly to take or cause to be taken all action and
promptly to do or cause to be done all things necessary, proper or advisable
under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement,
the Contingent Value Right Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement, subject to
the terms and conditions hereof and thereof, including all actions and things
necessary to cause all conditions precedent set forth in Article 7 to be
satisfied. Each party acknowledges that the Company's stockholders' meeting at
which the stockholders will vote on, among other things, the transactions
contemplated hereby is anticipated to occur on May 12, 1998.

                  (b) As promptly as practicable after the date hereof (it being
understood that the relevant stockholders' meeting is anticipated to occur on
May 12, 1998), the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC a preliminary
proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") by which the Company's stockholders will
be asked to approve, among other things, the issuance of shares of Company
Common Stock contemplated hereby. The Proxy Statement as initially filed with
the SEC, as it may be amended and refiled with the SEC and as it may be mailed
to the Company's


                                                       39
                                                                                

<PAGE>



stockholders, shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer.
The Company shall use its reasonable efforts to respond to any comments of the
SEC, and to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to the Company's stockholders
at the earliest practicable time. As promptly as practicable after the date
hereof, the Company shall prepare and file any other filings required of the
Company or its Subsidiaries under the Exchange Act, the Securities Act or any
other federal, state or local laws relating to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, and state takeover laws (the "Other Filings").
The Company and Buyer will notify each other promptly of the receipt of any
comments from the SEC or its staff and of any request by the SEC or its staff or
any other government officials for amendments or supplements to the Proxy
Statement or any Other Filing or for additional information and will supply each
other with copies of all correspondence between each of them or any of their
respective representatives, on the one hand, and the SEC or its staff or any
other government officials, on the other hand, with respect to the Proxy
Statement or any Other Filing. The Proxy Statement and any Other Filing shall
comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law. Buyer
shall provide the Company all information about Buyer required to be included or
incorporated by reference in the Proxy Statement or any Other Filing and shall
otherwise cooperate with the Company in taking the actions described in this
paragraph. Whenever any event occurs which is required to be set forth in an
amendment or supplement to the Proxy Statement or any Other Filing, the Company
or Buyer, as the case may be, shall promptly inform the other party of such
occurrence and cooperate in filing with the SEC or its staff or any other
government officials, and/or mailing to stockholders of the Company, such
amendment or supplement. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.4, the Proxy
Statement shall include the recommendation of the Board that the stockholders of
the Company vote in favor of and approve the issuance of Company Common Stock
pursuant to this Agreement.

                  (c) The Company shall call a meeting of its stockholders to be
held as promptly as practicable for the purpose of voting upon the transactions
(including the issuance of Company Common Stock) contemplated hereby; provided
that should a quorum not be obtained at such meeting of the stockholders, the
meeting of the stockholders shall be postponed or adjourned in order to permit
additional time for soliciting and obtaining additional proxies or votes.

                  (d) The Company shall use its commercially reasonable best
efforts to obtain the consents set forth in each of Schedules 3.4(d)-A, 3.4(d)-B
and 3.4(d)-C.

         Section 5.2  Public Announcements; Confidentiality.

                  (a) Subject to each party's disclosure obligations imposed by
law and any stock exchange or similar rules and the confidentiality provisions
contained in Section 5.2(b), the Company and Buyer will cooperate with each
other in the development and distribution of all news releases and other public
information disclosures with respect to this Agreement, the Registration Rights
Agreement, the Contingent Value Right Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement and
any of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. If a party is required
by law or any stock exchange or similar rule to issue a news release or other
public announcement, it shall advise the other party in advance thereof and use
reasonable best efforts to cause a mutually agreeable release or announcement to
be issued.


                                                       40
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (b) Buyer agrees that all information provided to Buyer or any
of its representatives pursuant to this Agreement shall be kept confidential,
and Buyer shall not (x) disclose such information to any persons other than the
directors, officers, employees, financial advisors, investors, lenders, legal
advisors, accountants, consultants and affiliates of Buyer who reasonably need
to have access to the confidential information and who are advised of the
confidential nature of such information or (y) use such information in a manner
which would be detrimental to the Company; provided, however, the foregoing
obligation of Buyer shall not (i) relate to any information that (1) is or
becomes generally available other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by
Buyer or by persons to whom Buyer has made such information available, (2) is or
becomes available to Buyer on a non-confidential basis from a third party that
is not, to Buyer's knowledge, bound by any other confidentiality agreement with
the Company, or (ii) prohibit disclosure of any information if required by law,
rule, regulation, court order or other legal or governmental process.

         Section 5.3 Conduct of the Business. Except for transactions
contemplated hereby, during the period from the date hereof to the sooner to
occur of (A) the date on which the Investor Nominees (as defined in the
Stockholders Agreement) first become members of the Board, and (B) if the
Stockholder Approval vote fails, the date of the stockholder meeting at which
the Stockholder Approval failed, each of the Company and each of its
Subsidiaries, except as otherwise consented to or approved by Buyer in writing
or as permitted or required hereby, (x) has conducted and will conduct the
business and has engaged and will engage in transactions only in the ordinary
course consistent with past practice, and (y) will not:

                  (a) acquire, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase of
         stock or assets or other business combination, (i) in a single
         transaction or group of related transactions, any business or assets
         having an aggregate purchase price in excess of twenty-five percent
         (25%) of Total Enterprise Value as measured at the beginning of the
         fiscal year in which such acquisition is consummated, or (ii) during
         any one fiscal year, businesses or assets having an aggregate purchase
         price in excess of fifty percent (50%) of Total Enterprise Value as
         measured at the beginning of such fiscal year;

                  (b) sell or dispose of any assets, whether by merger,
         consolidation, sale of stock or assets or other business combination,
         during any one fiscal year, having an aggregate value in excess of
         twenty-five percent (25%) of Total Enterprise Value as measured at the
         beginning of such fiscal year;

                  (c) directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume,
         guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable,
         contingently or otherwise, with respect to, any indebtedness if, after
         giving pro forma effect to such indebtedness, the Company's ratio of
         (i) total indebtedness to (ii) Total Enterprise Value, expressed as a
         percentage, would be greater than 65%;

                  (d) make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise
         dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property
         or assets from, or enter into or make or


                                                       41
                                                                                

<PAGE>



         amend any contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or
         guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any of its Affiliates;

                  (e) issue Company Stock or options, rights or warrants or
         other commitments to purchase or securities convertible into (or
         exchangeable or redeemable for) shares of Company Stock, including,
         without limitation, OP Units (such options, rights, warrants, other
         commitments or securities, "Company Stock Equivalents"); provided,
         however, Buyer's consent shall not be required for any issuance of
         Company Stock or Company Stock Equivalents as long as the sum of (i)
         all shares of Company Stock issued by the Company during the applicable
         fiscal year and (ii) shares of Company Stock into which Company Stock
         Equivalents issued by the Company and each of its Subsidiaries during
         the applicable fiscal year are convertible, does not exceed fifty
         percent (50%) of all shares of Company Stock outstanding, on a Fully
         Diluted basis, on the first day of such fiscal year; provided, further,
         that in connection with any issuance by the Company of Company Stock or
         issuance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any Company Stock
         Equivalents, Investor shall be entitled, to the extent so provided in
         Section 4.1 of the Stockholders Agreement, to a participation right on
         the terms set forth in Section 4.1 of the Stockholders Agreement.
         Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 5.3(e), (i) Company
         Stock issued to the Company or a wholly owned Subsidiary thereof and
         (ii) Company Stock and Company Stock Equivalents issued to directors or
         employees of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company in connection
         with any employee benefit plan approved by the shareholders of the
         Company, shall not be subject to Buyer's consent;

                  (f) change or amend any provision of the Company Charter or
         the by-laws of the Company in a manner that would be materially adverse
         to Investor;

                  (g) pursuant to or within the meaning of any bankruptcy law:
         (i) commence a voluntary case, (ii) consent to the entry of an order
         for relief against it in an involuntary case, (iii) consent to the
         appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its
         property, (iv) make a general assignment for the benefit of its
         creditors;

                  (h) in the case of the Company, (1) terminate its eligibility
         for treatment as a real estate investment trust, as defined in the
         Code, or (2) take any action or fail to take any action which would
         reasonably be expected to, alone or in conjunction with any other
         factors, result in the loss of such eligibility, unless in the case of
         a failure to take action, such action is initiated within thirty days
         and such action is completed within the period required under the Code
         in order to maintain such eligibility; or

                  (i) subject to the right of the Company to terminate this
         Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(iii) hereof, allow the
         consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any
         merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" (as
         defined above), other than Buyer, becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
         such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange
         Act), directly or indirectly, of stock having more than 15% of the
         voting power of the Company.


                                                       42
                                                                                

<PAGE>



         Section 5.4 No Solicitation of Transactions. Unless and until this
Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, neither the Company nor
its Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, through any officer, director,
agent or otherwise, initiate, solicit or knowingly encourage (including by way
of furnishing non-public information or assistance), or take any other action to
facilitate knowingly, any inquiries or the making of any proposal that
constitutes, or may reasonably be expected to lead to, any Competing
Transaction, or enter into or maintain or continue discussions or negotiate with
any person or entity in furtherance of such inquiries or to obtain a Competing
Transaction, or agree to or endorse any Competing Transaction, or authorize or
knowingly permit any of the officers, directors or employees of such party or
any of its Subsidiaries or any investment banker, financial advisor, attorney,
accountant or other representative retained by such party or any of such party's
Subsidiaries to take any such action, and the Company shall notify Buyer orally
(within one Business Day) and in writing (as promptly as practicable) of all of
the relevant details relating to all inquiries and proposals which any officer
or director of the Company may receive relating to any of such matters and if
such inquiry or proposal is in writing, the Company shall deliver to Buyer a
copy of such inquiry or proposal; provided, however, that nothing contained in
this Section shall prohibit the Board from complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated
under the Exchange Act with regard to a tender or exchange offer or prohibit the
Board from taking such other actions as may be required to comply with its
fiduciary obligations. If the Board determines with the advice of counsel that
failure to do so could be held to violate its fiduciary duties, it may provide
information in response to an unsolicited proposal. If the Company receives a
bona fide proposal for a Competing Transaction that the Board determines in good
faith (based on the advice of a nationally recognized financial advisor) may
provide greater value to the Company and its stockholders than this Agreement,
it may enter into negotiations with respect to such proposal. The Company will
notify Buyer of any such superior proposal not less than two Business Days prior
to entering into any definitive agreement with respect to a Competing
Transaction; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company enter into a
definitive agreement with respect to a Competing Transaction less than five
Business Days after the Company's initial notification to Buyer of an inquiry or
proposal relating to a Competing Transaction. Within the two-Business-Day or
five- Business-Day period referred to above, Buyer may propose an improved
transaction.

         Section 5.5 Information and Access. From the date hereof until the date
on which the Remaining Equity Ownership of Buyer shall be less than
$10,000,000.00, (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries shall afford to Buyer and
Buyer's accountants, counsel and other representatives full and reasonable
access during normal business hours (and at such other times as the parties may
mutually agree) to its properties, books, contracts, commitments, records and
personnel and, during such period, shall furnish promptly to Buyer (1) a copy of
each report, schedule and other document filed or received by it pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Laws, and (2) all other information concerning
their businesses, personnel and the Company Properties as Buyer may reasonably
request, and (ii) without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Buyer shall
have the right to (1) conduct or cause to be conducted an environmental,
physical, structural, electrical, mechanical and other inspection and review of
any Company Properties, for which inspection Buyer will and hereby does
indemnify and hold the Company harmless from any and all damages whatsoever
caused by such inspection, or (2) request that the Company update any existing
reports, reviews or inspections thereof, in which case the Company shall
promptly so update its reports, reviews and inspections and


                                                       43
                                                                                

<PAGE>



cause them to be certified to Buyer by the firm or person who prepared such
report or conducted such review or inspection. Buyer shall pay the expenses of
any outside professional employed by Buyer in connection with Buyer's exercise
of its rights under this Section 5.5. Buyer and its accountants, counsel and
other representatives shall, in the exercise of the rights described in this
Section, not unduly interfere with the operation of the businesses of the
Company or its Subsidiaries.

         Section 5.6 Notification of Certain Matters. Each of Buyer and the
Company shall use its good faith efforts to notify the other party in writing of
its discovery of any matter that would render any of such party's or the other
party's representations and warranties contained herein untrue or incorrect in
any material respect, but the failure of either party to so notify the other
party shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement.

         Section 5.7 Delivery of Final Schedules and the Purchase Agreements.
The Company and Buyer acknowledge that, as of the date hereof, not all of the
Schedules referred to in this Agreement have been completed and that the final
Kane Purchase Agreement and the final Konover Purchase Agreement have not been
delivered to Buyer. The Company shall deliver to Buyer within ten Business Days
of the date hereof final Schedules to this Agreement (the "Final Schedules") and
the final Kane Purchase Agreement and the final Konover Purchase Agreement (to
be attached hereto as Exhibits E and F). Following the delivery of the Final
Schedules, if Buyer does not exercise its right to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to 9.1(b)(iv), Buyer shall be deemed to have accepted the Final
Schedules. The Company will provide updates to the Schedules within five (5)
Business Days prior to each Closing to reflect new acquisitions or other
material matters (other than the acquisition of the Kane and Konover Properties,
which is governed by Section 5.8 below) arising since completion of the Final
Schedules (the "Updated Schedules"). Except as provided in Section 9.1(b)(vi)
with respect to the Kane and Konover Properties, information relating to new
acquisitions approved by the Board and set forth on Updated Schedules shall not
constitute a failure of a condition to closing as set forth in Article 7, except
to the extent that such new information would result in a Material Adverse
Effect on the Company. Following delivery of any Updated Schedules, if Buyer
does not elect to terminate this Agreement pursuant to 9.1(b)(v) and consummates
the applicable Closing, Buyer shall be deemed to have accepted such Updated
Schedules (and shall not be permitted to seek indemnification for
representations and warranties that were true and correct when made but are
rendered untrue as a result of new information set forth in such Updated
Schedules relating to events occurring since the date Buyer was deemed to have
accepted the Final Schedules).

         Section 5.8 Delivery of Konover and Kane Schedules. For purposes of
this Agreement, all properties acquired under the Kane Purchase Agreement as of
the date hereof have been included in the Final Schedules to the same extent and
with the same force and effect as all other properties currently owned by the
Company. With respect to the Kane and Konover Properties, the Company shall
make, on the date of the Second Closing, all representations and warranties set
forth herein with respect to the Kane and Konover Properties as if the Company
owned such Kane and Konover Properties as of the date of the Second Closing,
such that the Company shall be deemed as of the Second Closing to (a) own all of
the real and personal property, (b) have assumed any contracts, other
agreements, liabilities or other obligations related to such real and personal
property and (c)


                                                       44
                                                                                

<PAGE>



own any entities, if applicable, to be transferred to the Company or an
Affiliate thereof pursuant to the Kane Purchase Agreement and the Konover
Purchase Agreement. Fifteen (15) Business Days prior to the date of the Second
Closing, the Company shall provide Buyer with schedules (the "Kane and Konover
Schedules") relating to all representations and warranties with respect to the
Kane and Konover Properties to be made on the date of the Second Closing
pursuant to this Section 5.8. The parties hereto agree that the Company may
elect prior to the Second Closing to not acquire up to an aggregate of three
properties (the "Kick Out Properties") pursuant to the terms of the Kane
Purchase Agreement and/or the Konover Purchase Agreement, as applicable, if the
Company is released from its obligations to purchase such properties under the
terms of the Kane Purchase Agreement or the Konover Purchase Agreement, as
applicable, and in such case, if the Company has elected not to purchase such
properties: (i) any representations and warranties made pursuant to this Section
5.8 shall be deemed not to include any representations and warranties with
respect to the Kick Out Properties, (ii) the Company shall not have breached its
representations and warranties hereunder to the extent it does not close on the
Kick Out Properties and (iii) the failure to close on the Kick Out Properties
shall not by itself constitute a Material Adverse Effect or a failure of a
closing condition under Article 7 hereof (it being understood that if, prior to
the Second Closing, the Company elects not to acquire four or more of the Kane
and Konover Properties, such failure will constitute a Material Adverse Effect
and the failure of a closing condition under Article 7 hereof, and it being
further understood that the failure of the Company to acquire the Kane and
Konover Properties other than the Kick Out Properties, if any, will constitute a
Material Adverse Effect and the failure of a closing condition under Article 7
hereof as to all Subsequent Closings after the Second Closing).

                                    ARTICLE 6

                          CERTAIN ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

         Section 6.1 Resale. Buyer acknowledges and agrees that the Company
Common Stock that Buyer will acquire in any Stock Purchase will not be
registered under the Securities Act and may only be sold or otherwise disposed
of in one or more transactions registered under the Securities Act and, where
applicable, relevant state securities laws or as to which an exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act and, where applicable, such
state securities laws is available, and Buyer agrees that the certificates
representing such Company Common Stock shall bear a legend to that effect and a
legend as to its status as restricted securities.

         Section 6.2 REIT Compliance. Buyer will make available to the Company
information known to Buyer regarding the ownership of interests in Buyer as
requested by the Company and reasonably necessary for the Company to review the
accuracy of the representations set forth in Sections 4.8 and 4.10.

         Section 6.3 REIT Status. From and after the date hereof and so long as
Buyer owns 10% or more of the outstanding Company Common Stock unless the
Directors on the Board nominated by the Buyer consent to doing otherwise, the
Company will elect to be taxed as a REIT in its federal income tax returns, will
comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of the Code relating to a
REIT, and will not take any action or fail to take any action which would
reasonably be expected


                                                       45
                                                                                

<PAGE>



to, alone or in conjunction with any other factors, result in the loss of its
status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

         Section 6.4 Ownership of Assets. From and after the date hereof and as
long as Buyer or an Affiliate thereof owns any Company Common Stock, the Company
shall not own, directly or indirectly, 20% or more of its assets, in the
aggregate, through Persons that are not Subsidiaries.


                                    ARTICLE 7

                             CONDITIONS TO CLOSINGS

         Section 7.1 Conditions of Purchase at Initial Closing. The obligation
of Buyer to purchase and pay for the Purchased Shares at the Initial Closing is
subject to satisfaction or waiver of each of the following conditions precedent:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. The
representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall have been
true and correct in all respects on and as of the date hereof, and shall be true
and correct in all respects on and as of the date of the Initial Closing
(including, without limitation, the Schedules hereto), with the same effect as
though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date
of the Initial Closing (except for representations and warranties that speak as
of a specific date or time other than the date of the Initial Closing (which
need only be true and correct in all respects as of such date or time)), other
than, in all such cases, such failures to be true and/or correct as would not in
the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
provided, however, that if any of the representations and warranties is already
qualified in any respect by materiality or as to Material Adverse Effect for
purposes of this Section 7.1(a) such materiality or Material Adverse Effect
qualification will be in all respects ignored (but subject to the overall
standard as to Material Adverse Effect set forth immediately prior to this
proviso). The covenants and agreements of the Company to be performed on or
before the date of the Initial Closing in accordance with this Agreement shall
have been duly performed in all respects. The Company shall have delivered to
Buyer at the Initial Closing a certificate of an appropriate officer in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer dated the date of the Initial Closing
to such effect.

                  In making any determination as to Material Adverse Effect
under this Section 7.1(a), the matters set forth in such Section shall be
aggregated and considered together.

                  (b) No Material Adverse Change. Since the date hereof, there
shall not have been any change, circumstance or event which has had or would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (c) Consents. The Company shall have obtained the consents set
forth in Schedule 3.4(d)-A.



                                                       46
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (d) Ownership Limit Waiver. Buyer's ownership of up to the
Initial Number of Shares shall have been exempted on a continuing basis subject
to continuing validity of the representations and warranties of the Buyer in
Article 4 hereof (disregarding the qualification in Sections 4.8 and 4.10
relating to Buyer's knowledge and assuming no exceptions are set forth in
Schedule 4.10-B) and provided such exemption does not otherwise jeopardize the
Company's tax status as a REIT, from the ownership limit provisions of Article
IV of the Company Charter and the Board shall have taken such action provided
for under Article IV of the Company Charter to grant such exemption to Buyer.
For purposes of this paragraph (d), references to Buyer, shall also be deemed to
be references to any person who would be an Investor within the meaning of the
Stockholders Agreement, provided such person has made the representations and
warranties of the Buyer in Article 4 hereof.

                  (e) Employment Agreements. Waivers in connection with each
Employment Agreement shall have been entered into to the extent necessary to
provide (i) that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Kane
Purchase Agreement and the Konover Purchase Agreement (together with this
Agreement and the Kane Purchase Agreement, the "Transaction Documents") will not
trigger any actual or contingent obligation under such Employment Agreement
(including any payment or other obligation, forgiveness of debt, other release
from obligation or acceleration of vesting of restricted stock, stock options or
other awards, but excluding any automatic extension of the term of any
Employment Agreement); and (ii) that the transactions contemplated by the
Transaction Documents will not be taken into account in determining whether any
subsequent transaction or event will trigger any such obligation.

                  (f) Restricted Stock Plan. Waivers in connection with The
Factory Stores of America, Inc. 1996 Restricted Stock Plan (the "Restricted
Stock Plan") and any award agreements thereunder shall have been entered into to
the extent necessary to provide (i) that the transactions contemplated by the
Transaction Documents will not trigger, directly or indirectly, the acceleration
of vesting of any restricted stock granted under the Restricted Stock Plan; and
(ii) that the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents will not be
taken into account in determining whether any subsequent transaction or event
will trigger any such acceleration of vesting.

                  (g) Stock Option Plan. Waivers in connection with The Factory
Stores of America, Inc. Amended and Restated 1993 Employee Stock Incentive Plan
(the "Stock Incentive Plan") and any award agreements thereunder shall have been
entered into to the extent necessary to provide (i) that the transactions
contemplated by the Transaction Documents will not result in the acceleration of
vesting of any stock options granted under the Stock Incentive Plan; and (ii)
that the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents will not be
taken into account in determining whether any subsequent transaction or event
will trigger any such acceleration of vesting.

                  (h) Title Policies. The Company shall deliver updates of all
Title Policies dated the date of the Initial Closing, in form and substance
consistent in all material respects with the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 3.11(a) of this Agreement.


                                                       47
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (i) NYSE Approval. On or prior to the date of the Initial
Closing, the New York Stock Exchange shall have approved, with respect to
Buyer's ownership of up to the Initial Number of Shares at the Initial Closing,
this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement,
the Contingent Value Right Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby.

         Section 7.2 Conditions to Purchase at Second Closing. The obligations
of Buyer to purchase and pay for the Purchased Shares at the Second Closing are
subject to satisfaction or waiver of each of the following conditions precedent:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. The
representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall have been
true and correct in all respects on and as of the date hereof, and shall be true
and correct in all respects on and as of the date of the Second Closing
(including, without limitation, the Schedules hereto), with the same effect as
though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date
of the Second Closing (except for representations and warranties that speak as
of a specific date or time other than the date of the Second Closing (which need
only be true and correct in all respects as of such date or time)), other than,
in all such cases, such failures to be true and/or correct as would not in the
aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided,
however, that if any of the representations and warranties is already qualified
in any respect by materiality or as to Material Adverse Effect for purposes of
this Section 7.2(a) such materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualification
will be in all respects ignored (but subject to the overall standard as to
Material Adverse Effect set forth immediately prior to this proviso). The
covenants and agreements of the Company to be performed on or before the date of
the Second Closing in accordance with this Agreement shall have been duly
performed in all respects. The Company shall have delivered to Buyer at the
Second Closing a certificate of an appropriate officer in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Buyer dated the date of the Second Closing to such
effect.

                  (b) Stockholder Approval. The issuance of Company Common Stock
pursuant to this Agreement, the election of three Investor Nominees to the Board
and the amendment of the Company Charter as set forth in Section 3.4 of the
Stockholders Agreement shall have been approved by the majority vote of the
Company's stockholders other than Buyer (the "Stockholder Approval").

                  (c) Consents. The Company shall have obtained the consents set
forth in Schedule 3.4(d)-B.

                  (d) Estoppel Certificates. The Company shall have delivered
estoppel certificates for 50% of the tenants at the properties listed on
Schedule 7.2(d), in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer.

                  (e) Title Policies. The Company shall deliver updates of all
Title Policies with respect to the Kane and Konover Properties.



                                                       48
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (f) NYSE Approval. On or prior to the date of the Second
Closing, the New York Stock Exchange shall have approved this Agreement, the
Registration Rights Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement, the Contingent Value
Right Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

                  (g) Opinion of Counsel. Buyer shall have received an opinion
of Alston & Bird LLP, substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto, that (i)
commencing with the Company's taxable year ending December 31, 1993, the Company
has been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualifications as a
REIT and its proposed method of operation, as described in certain
representations of the Company, will enable the Company to meet the requirements
for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and (ii) to the extent
the Company has met qualifications as a REIT, it has been a "domestically
controlled" REIT.

                  (h) Filing of Tax Return. The Buyer and each of its
Subsidiaries shall have filed with the appropriate taxing authority all Tax
Returns required to be filed by it for the year ended December 31, 1997.


         Section 7.3 Conditions of Purchase at All Closings. The obligations of
Buyer to purchase and pay for the Purchased Shares at each Closing (including
the Initial Closing, the Second Closing and any Subsequent Closing, except where
otherwise indicated) are subject to satisfaction or waiver of each of the
following conditions precedent:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. The
representations and warranties of the Company contained herein shall have been
true and correct in all respects on and as of the date hereof, and shall be true
and correct in all respects on and as of the relevant Closing Date (including,
without limitation, the Schedules hereto), with the same effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of such Closing Date
(except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date or
time other than such Closing Date (which need only be true and correct in all
respects as of such date or time)), other than, in all such cases, such failures
to be true and/or correct as would not in the aggregate reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect; provided, however, that if any of the
representations and warranties is already qualified in any respect by
materiality or as to Material Adverse Effect for purposes of this Section 7.3(a)
such materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualification will be in all
respects ignored (but subject to the overall standard as to Material Adverse
Effect set forth immediately prior to this proviso). The covenants and
agreements of the Company to be performed on or before the relevant Closing Date
in accordance with this Agreement shall have been duly performed in all
respects. The Company shall have delivered to Buyer at the relevant Closing a
certificate of an appropriate officer in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Buyer dated the relevant Closing Date to such effect.

                  (b) No Material Adverse Change. Since the date of the
immediately preceding Closing, there shall not have been any change,
circumstance or event which has had or would reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.


                                                       49
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (c) No Material Breach. The Company shall be in compliance in
all material respects with its covenants and other obligations under this
Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement, the Contingent Value Right Agreement and
the Registration Rights Agreement. The Company shall have satisfied the
conditions of (i) Section 7.1(a) at the Initial Closing, (ii) Section 7.2(a) at
the Second Closing, and (iii) Section 7.3(a) at all Closings.

                  (d) No Injunction. There shall not be in effect any final
order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which
enjoins or prohibits consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
there shall be no pending Actions which would reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the ability of the Company to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby or to issue the Purchased Shares.

                  (e) REIT Status. The Company shall have elected to be taxed as
a REIT in its most recent federal income tax return, and shall be in compliance
with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including the Code, necessary
to permit it to be taxed as a REIT, unless the Investor Nominees (as defined in
the Stockholders Agreement) shall have consented to changing such election. The
Company shall not have taken any action or have failed to take any action which
would reasonably be expected to, alone or in conjunction with any other factors,
result in the loss of its status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes,
unless the Investor Nominees (as defined in the Stockholders Agreement) shall
have consented to taking or omitting to take such action.

                  (f) Domestically Controlled REIT. To the Company's knowledge,
the Company is, and after giving effect to the relevant Closing will be, a
"domestically-controlled" REIT within the meaning of Section 897(h)(4)(B) of the
Code.

                  (g) Asset Test. The Board shall have determined that the
Company satisfied the "5% asset test" of Section 856(c)(5) of the Code, or such
successor provision as may be applicable, for the most recently ended calendar
quarter as required by the Code.

                  (h) Consents. On each Closing other than the Initial Closing
and the Second Closing, the Company shall have obtained the consents, if
required, set forth in Schedule 3.4(d)-C.

                  (i) Opinion of Counsel. On or prior to the date of each
Closing, the Company shall have delivered to Buyer the opinions of Alston & Bird
LLP, counsel for the Company, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to
Buyer.

         Section 7.4 Conditions of Sale. The obligation of the Company to issue
and sell any Purchased Shares at any Closing (including the Initial Closing, the
Second Closing and each Subsequent Closing, except where otherwise indicated
below) is subject to satisfaction or waiver of each of the following conditions
precedent:

                  (a) Representations and Warranties; Covenants. The
representations and warranties of Buyer contained herein shall have been true
and correct in all respects on and as of the date hereof, and shall be true and
correct in all respects on and as of the relevant Closing Date with


                                                       50
                                                                                

<PAGE>



the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on
and as of the relevant Closing Date (except for representations and warranties
that speak as of a specific date or time other than such Closing Date (which
need only be true and correct in all respects as of such date or time)), other
than, in all such cases, such failures to be true and/or correct as would not in
the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company or Buyer's ability to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby;
provided, however, that if any of the representations and warranties is already
qualified in any respect by materiality or as to Material Adverse Effect for
purposes of this Section 7.4(a) such materiality or Material Adverse Effect
qualification will be in all respects ignored (but subject to the overall
standard as to Material Adverse Effect set forth immediately prior to this
proviso). The covenants and agreements of Buyer to be performed on or before the
relevant Closing Date in accordance with this Agreement shall have been duly
performed in all respects, other than (except for Buyer's obligation to pay the
relevant Purchase Price at the relevant Closing as to which the proviso set
forth in this other-than clause shall not apply) for such failures to have been
performed as would not in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company's or Buyer's ability to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby; provided, however, that if any such covenant
or agreement is already qualified in any respect by materiality or as to
Material Adverse Effect for purposes of determining whether this condition has
been satisfied, such materiality or Material Adverse Effect qualification will
be in all respects ignored and such covenant or agreement shall have been
performed in all respects without regard to such qualification (but subject to
the overall exception as to Material Adverse Effect set forth immediately prior
to this proviso). Buyer shall have delivered to the Company at the relevant
Closing a certificate of an appropriate officer in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Company dated the relevant Closing Date to such effect.

                  (b) Stockholder Approval. Except in the case of the Initial
Closing, the issuance of the Company Common Stock pursuant to this Agreement
shall have received Stockholder Approval.

                  (c) No Injunction. There shall not be in effect any final
order, decree or injunction of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction which
enjoins or prohibits consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
there shall be no pending Actions which would reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby or to acquire the Purchased Shares.

                  (d) Consents. The Company shall have obtained the consents set
forth in Schedule 3.4(d)-A in the case of the Initial Closing, in Schedule
3.4(d)-B in the case of the Second Closing, and in Schedule 3.4(d)-C in the case
of each other Subsequent Closing.




                                                       51
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                                    ARTICLE 8

                            SURVIVAL; INDEMNIFICATION

         Section 8.1 Survival. Other than the representations contained in
Sections 4.8 and 4.10 (which shall survive for as long as the Buyer owns
Purchased Shares), the representations contained in Sections 3.2 and 3.3(a)
(which shall survive indefinitely), the representations contained in Section
3.12 (which shall survive until the sixth anniversary of the date of the Initial
Closing) and the representations contained in 3.8 and 3.13 (which shall survive
for a period equal to the applicable statute of limitations for any taxes or
penalties imposed and payable in breach of such representations and warranties),
all representations, warranties and (except as provided by the last sentence of
this Section 8.1) covenants and agreements of the parties contained herein,
including indemnity or indemnification agreements contained herein, or in any
Schedule or Exhibit hereto, or any certificate, document or other instrument
delivered in connection herewith shall survive the Initial Closing, the Second
Closing, any Subsequent Closing and the termination of this Agreement pursuant
to Section 9.1 hereof (notwithstanding the exercise of Buyer's put option
pursuant to Section 2.9 hereof) until the twelve month anniversary of the latest
of the Initial Closing, the Second Closing, any Subsequent Closing and the
termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1 hereof; provided, however,
that there shall be no termination with respect to any representation and
warranty as to which either (a) a bona fide claim has been asserted prior to
such date or (b) the Company had actual knowledge of any breach thereof prior to
any Closing Date. No Action or proceeding may be brought with respect to any of
the representations and warranties, or any of the covenants or agreements which
survive until such twelve month anniversary, unless written notice thereof,
setting forth in reasonable detail the claimed misrepresentation or breach of
warranty or breach of covenant or agreement, shall have been delivered to the
party alleged to have breached such representation or warranty or such covenant
or agreement prior to such twelve month anniversary; provided, however, that, if
Buyer shall have complied with this Section 8.1, the damages for breach by the
Company of any of the representations and warranties, or any of the covenants or
agreements which survive until such twelve month anniversary, shall be measured
with respect to all of Buyer's purchases of Company Common Stock hereunder and
not with respect only to Buyer's purchases hereunder made prior to such twelve
month anniversary, but such measurement shall not in any event include any
shares of Company Stock that Buyer may have purchased other than from the
Company. Those covenants or agreements that contemplate or may involve actions
to be taken or obligations in effect after the Initial Closing shall survive in
accordance with their terms.

         Section 8.2  Indemnification by Buyer or the Company.

                  (a) Subject to Section 8.1, from and after any Closing Date,
Buyer shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its Affiliates and its
Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers, employees,
stockholders, partners, members and representatives, and their respective
successors and assigns, from and against any and all damages, claims, losses,
expenses, costs, obligations, and liabilities, including liabilities for all
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses (including attorney and expert fees and
expenses incurred to enforce the terms of this


                                                       52
                                                                                

<PAGE>



Agreement) (collectively, "Loss and Expenses") suffered, directly or indirectly,
by the Company by reason of, or arising out of, (i) any breach as of the date
made or deemed made or required to be true of any representation or warranty
made by Buyer in or pursuant to this Agreement, or (ii) any failure by Buyer to
perform or fulfill any of its covenants or agreements set forth herein.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no
event shall Loss and Expenses include a party's incidental or consequential
damages.

                  (b) Subject to Section 8.1, from and after any Closing Date,
the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Buyer, its Affiliates and its
Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers, employees,
stockholders, partners, members and representatives, and their respective
successors and assigns (each, an "Indemnified Party"), from and against any and
all Loss and Expenses, suffered, directly or indirectly, by Buyer by reason of,
or arising out of, (i) any breach as of the date made or deemed made or required
to be true of any representation or warranty made by the Company in or pursuant
to this Agreement and any statements made in any certificate delivered pursuant
to this Agreement, or (ii) any failure by the Company to perform or fulfill any
of its covenants or agreements set forth herein. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall Loss and Expenses
include a party's incidental or consequential damages. Separate and apart from
the Company's obligation to indemnify Buyer pursuant to the terms of this
Section 8.2(b), the Company shall purchase on Buyer's behalf insurance against
Environmental Liabilities in the amount of $2,000,000 annually per each
occurrence and $10,000,000 per annum (exclusive of legal defense costs) of
coverage, and shall pay any deductible applicable thereto, and shall maintain
such insurance on Buyer's behalf for a period of seven years. For purposes
hereof, "Environmental Liabilities" shall include any liability, loss cost or
expense arising under Environmental Laws or from Environmental Claims,
including, without limitation, costs of investigation, cleanup, remedial or
response action, the costs associated with posting financial assurances for the
completion of response, remedial or corrective actions, the preparation of any
closure or other necessary or required plans or analyses, or other reports or
analyses submitted to or prepared by regulating agencies, including the cost of
health assessments, epidemiological studies and the like, retention of engineers
and other expert consultants, legal counsel, capital improvements, operation and
maintenance testing counsel, capital improvements, operation and maintenance
testing and monitoring costs, power and utility costs and pumping taxes or fees,
and administrative costs incurred by governmental agencies.

                  (c) In the event that (i) the closing condition set forth in
Section 7.2(g)(ii) hereof is not satisfied and, notwithstanding the failure of
such closing condition, the Second Closing has occurred, (ii) Buyer has not
exercised its put option pursuant to Section 2.9 hereof and (iii) the Company
indemnifies an Indemnified Party pursuant to the terms of Section 8.2(b) hereof
in connection with the failure of the Company to qualify as a "domestically
controlled REIT" (any payments payable under clause (iii) upon occurrence of the
events set forth in clauses (i) - (iii), the "Indemnified Taxes"), the Company
will be obligated to pay to such Indemnified Party, in addition to any
Indemnified Taxes, an additional amount equal to the sum of (i) the product of
(A) the amount of the Indemnified Taxes and (B) a fraction, the numerator of
which equals the percentage of the outstanding Company Common Stock owned by
Investor as of the date such indemnification arises (expressed as a percentage)
(the "Investor Ownership Percentage") and the denominator of which


                                                       53
                                                                                

<PAGE>



equals the difference between the number one (1) and the Investor Ownership
Percentage and (ii) any Taxes imposed on such Indemnified Party in connection
with the receipt of payments pursuant to this Section 8.2(c) (including any
amounts paid under this clause (ii)). For the avoidance of doubt, this in the
event the closing condition set forth in Section 7.2(g)(ii) hereof is satisfied,
this Section 8.2(c) shall not be applicable.

                  (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) neither Buyer nor the
Company shall be responsible for any Loss and Expenses as provided by paragraphs
(a) and (b) (except with respect to the Indemnified Taxes and any amounts
payable pursuant to Section 8.2(c) hereof, which shall not be subject to any
minimum threshold), respectively, of this Section 8.2 until the cumulative
aggregate amount of such Loss and Expenses suffered by Buyer or the Company, as
the case may be, exceeds $500,000, in which case Buyer or the Company, as the
case may be, shall then be liable for all such Loss and Expenses, and (ii) the
cumulative aggregate indemnity obligation of each of Buyer and the Company under
this Section 8.2 shall in no event exceed the actual aggregate amount paid by
Buyer for the shares of Company Common Stock and the Contingent Value Rights
purchased by it from the Company pursuant to this Agreement. Except with respect
to third-party claims being defended in good faith or claims for indemnification
with respect to which there exists a good faith dispute, the indemnifying party
shall satisfy its obligations hereunder within 30 days of receipt of a notice of
claim under this Article 8.

         Section 8.3 Third-Party Claims. If a claim by a third party is made
against an Indemnified Party and if such Indemnified Party intends to seek
indemnity with respect thereto under this Article, such Indemnified Party shall
promptly notify the indemnifying party in writing of such claims setting forth
such claims in reasonable detail; provided, however, the foregoing
notwithstanding, the failure of any Indemnified Party to give any notice
required to be given hereunder shall not affect such Indemnified Party's right
to indemnification hereunder except to the extent the indemnifying party from
whom such indemnity is sought shall have been prejudiced in its ability to
defend the claim or action for which such indemnification is sought by reason of
such failure. The indemnifying party shall have 20 days after receipt of such
notice to undertake, through counsel of its own choosing and at its own expense,
the settlement or defense thereof, and the Indemnified Party shall cooperate
with it in connection therewith; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party
may participate in such settlement or defense through counsel chosen by such
Indemnified Party, provided that the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be
borne by such Indemnified Party. The Indemnified Party shall not pay or settle
any claim which the indemnifying party is contesting. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to pay or settle any such
claim, provided that in such event it shall waive any right to indemnity
therefor by the indemnifying party. If the indemnifying party does not notify
the Indemnified Party within 20 days after the receipt of the Indemnified
Party's notice of a claim of indemnity hereunder that it elects to undertake the
defense thereof, the Indemnified Party shall have the right to contest, settle
or compromise the claim but shall not thereby waive any right to indemnity
therefor pursuant to this Agreement.




                                                       54


<PAGE>



                                    ARTICLE 9

                                   TERMINATION

         Section 9.1 Termination. (a) This Agreement may be terminated prior to
the Initial Closing by:

                  (i) the mutual consent of the Company and Buyer at any time;

                  (ii) Buyer at any time (if it is not in breach of any of its
         material obligations hereunder) in the event of a breach or failure by
         the Company that is material in the context of the transactions
         contemplated hereby of any representation, warranty, covenant or
         agreement by the Company contained herein which has not been, or cannot
         be, cured within 30 Business Days after written notice of such breach
         is given to the Company;

                  (iii) the Company at any time (if it is not in breach of any
         of its material obligations hereunder) in the event of a breach or
         failure by Buyer that is material in the context of the transactions
         contemplated hereby of any representation, warranty, covenant or
         agreement by Buyer contained herein which has not been, or cannot be,
         cured within 30 Business Days after written notice of such breach is
         given to Buyer; or

                  (iv) either the Company or Buyer at any time, if the Initial
         Closing shall not occur on a Target Date, unless the failure of such
         occurrence shall be due to the failure of the party seeking to
         terminate this Agreement to perform or observe any material covenant or
         agreement set forth herein required to be performed or observed by such
         party on or before the date of the Initial Closing.

                  (b)      This Agreement may be terminated at any time by:

                  (i) either the Company or Buyer, in the event that the
         stockholders of the Company vote upon and fail to approve the issuance
         of Company Common Stock contemplated hereby (it being understood that
         the Initial Closing shall have occurred prior to the date of the
         meeting of holders of shares of Company Stock to so approve);

                  (ii) Buyer, (1) if the Board shall have withdrawn, modified or
         failed to make or refrained from making its recommendation that the
         stockholders of the Company approve the issuance of Company Common
         Stock pursuant to this Agreement as provided for in Section 3.2(b) and
         Section 5.1(b) or (2) if the Board at any time refuses to reaffirm, at
         Buyer's request, such recommendation and its determination to make such
         recommendation to the stockholders of the Company, except, in each
         case, as permitted by Section 5.4, or (3) if no meeting at which the
         stockholders of the Company are asked to vote upon the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement shall have duly occurred on or prior to
         August 31, 1998;



                                                       55
                                                                                

<PAGE>



                  (iii) the Company, if the Board in compliance with Section 5.4
         hereof determines in good faith to terminate in favor of a Competing
         Transaction, subject to the Company's obligation to pay Buyer certain
         fees pursuant to Section 9.3 hereof;

                  (iv) Buyer on or before five Business Days following the date
         on which the Final Schedules, the Kane Purchase Agreement (with
         completed schedules) and the Konover Purchase Agreement (with completed
         schedules) have been delivered by the Company to Buyer if Buyer, in its
         sole discretion, believes that the Final Schedules, the Kane Purchase
         Agreement or the Konover Purchase Agreement disclose facts that are
         material and adversely affect the Company;

                  (v) Buyer on or before five Business Days following the date
         any Updated Schedules have been delivered by the Company to Buyer if
         Buyer, in its sole discretion, believes that the Updated Schedules
         disclose facts that are material and adversely affect the Company;

                  (vi) Buyer on or before five Business Days following the date
         on which the Kane and Konover Schedules have been delivered by the
         Company to Buyer, if Buyer reasonably believes that the Kane and
         Konover Schedules disclose facts that have a material adverse effect on
         the value of the Kane and Konover Properties to the Company; or

                  (vii) Buyer if the Second Closing does not occur by September
         30, 1998 (other than as a result of a material breach by Buyer of its
         obligations under this Agreement).

         Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no
provision of this Agreement shall be construed to permit the Company to prevent
Buyer from purchasing the Initial Number of Shares (other than if the Company
terminates this Agreement prior to the date of the Initial Closing pursuant to
Section 9.1(a)(iii)).

         Section 9.2 Procedure and Effect of Termination. In the event of
termination of this Agreement by either or both of the Company and Buyer
pursuant to Section 9.1, written notice thereof shall forthwith be given by the
terminating party to the other party hereto, and this Agreement shall thereupon
terminate and become void and have no effect, and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be abandoned without further action by the parties hereto (other
than the right of Buyer to purchase the Initial Number of Shares as set forth in
the last paragraph of Section 9.1 of this Agreement), except that the provisions
of Sections 5.2 (Public Announcements; Confidentiality), 9.3 (Expenses), 10.2
(Governing Law), and 10.4 (Notices), and, in the event of any termination
following any Closing hereunder, the provisions of Article 8 (Survival;
Indemnification), and any related definitional, interpretive or other provisions
necessary for the logical interpretation of such provisions, shall survive the
termination of this Agreement; provided, however, that such termination shall
not relieve any party hereto of any liability for any breach of this Agreement.



                                                       56
                                                                                

<PAGE>



         Section 9.3  Expenses.

                  (a) Whether or not any Stock Purchase is consummated, all
reasonable out-of-pocket legal and other costs and expenses incurred by Buyer in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
reimbursed by the Company as of the date hereof (by wire transfer of same day
funds); provided that Buyer shall not have breached any of its representations
and warranties in any material respect. In addition, the Company shall promptly
reimburse Buyer for all reasonable out-of-pocket legal and other costs and
expenses incurred after the date hereof in connection with Buyer (i) monitoring
the Company and the performance of the Purchased Shares and (ii) performing its
duties under each of the Governing Documents.

                  (b) At any time prior to the Initial Closing or, if the
Initial Closing has occurred, at any time prior to the Second Closing, if this
Agreement is terminated, the Company shall pay Buyer a fee in the amount of
$2,250,000 (the "Break-up Fee"); provided, that Buyer is not in material default
under this Agreement, that Buyer has not breached any of its representations and
warranties in any material respect, and that Buyer has satisfied in all material
respects its covenants relating to the Initial Closing and contemplated by the
terms hereof to be performed at or prior to the time of the Company's
stockholders' meeting. In addition, in the event the Board, prior to the
stockholders meeting referenced in Section 5.1(b) of this Agreement, is
contacted by another person regarding a Competing Transaction or has information
relating to a Competing Transaction to be proposed by another person, and the
Company enters into a Competing Transaction with such person or any Affiliate of
such person on or prior to the one year anniversary of the date this Agreement
is terminated, the Company shall pay Buyer an additional fee in the amount of
$3,000,000 (the "Topping Fee"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event a
Topping Fee is paid to Buyer and the amount of cash received by Buyer pursuant
to (i) the Break-up Fee PLUS (ii) the Topping Fee PLUS (iii) the 19.9% Sale
Transaction Profit exceeds $7,750,000, Buyer shall refund to the Company the
amount of such excess within thirty days.


                                   ARTICLE 10

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 10.1 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement,
and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by
each party hereto and delivered to the other party. Copies of executed
counterparts transmitted by telecopy, telefax or other electronic transmission
service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this
Section, provided receipt of copies of such counterparts is confirmed.

         Section 10.2 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REFERENCE
TO THE CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.



                                                       57
                                                                                

<PAGE>



         Section 10.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including agreements
incorporated herein) and the Schedules and Exhibits hereto contain the entire
agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
there are no agreements, understandings, representations or warranties between
the parties other than those set forth or referred to herein. This Agreement is
not intended to confer upon any person not a party hereto (and their successors
and assigns) any rights or remedies hereunder.

         Section 10.4 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder
shall be sufficiently given for all purposes hereunder if in writing and
delivered personally, sent by documented overnight delivery service or, to the
extent receipt is confirmed, telecopy, telefax or other electronic transmission
service to the appropriate address or number as set forth below. Notices to the
Company shall be addressed to:

                  FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
                  11000 Regency Parkway, 3rd fl.
                  East Tower
                  Cary, NC 27511
                  Attention:  C. Cammack Morton
                  Telecopy:   (919) 462-8799

                  with a copy to:

                  Alston & Bird LLP
                  310 UCS Plaza
                  3605 Glenwood Ave.
                  P.O. Drawer 31107
                  Raleigh, North Carolina  27622-1107
                  Attention:        Brad S. Markoff, Esq.
                  Telecopy:         (919) 881-3175


or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as the
Company may designate by written notice to Buyer. Notices to Buyer shall be
addressed to:

                  Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC
                  Thirty Rockefeller Plaza, 63rd Floor
                  New York, NY 10020
                  Attention:  Arthur P. Solomon and Murry N. Gunty
                  Telecopy Number:  (212) 632-6052


                                                       58
                                                                                

<PAGE>




                  with a copy to:

                  Latham & Watkins
                  885 Third Avenue
                  New York, NY 10022
                  Attention:  R. Ronald Hopkinson, Esq.
                  Telecopy Number: (212) 751-4864

         Section 10.5 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors. Except as specifically provided hereby, Buyer shall not be permitted
to assign any of its rights hereunder to any third party, other than to one or
more Affiliates of LFREI, a majority of the voting power and the economic
interests of which are Beneficially Owned (as that term is defined in the
Stockholders Agreement) by LFREI, provided that such Affiliates make the
representations set forth in Article 4 hereof and agree to be bound hereby and
by the Stockholders Agreement, and provided that Buyer shall remain liable
hereunder, and provided that any bona fide financial institution to which Buyer
or any permitted transferee has Transferred (as that term is used in the
Stockholders Agreement) (including upon foreclosure of a pledge) shares of
Company Stock for the purpose of securing bona fide indebtedness of Buyer or
such permitted transferee and which has agreed to be bound by this Agreement and
the Stockholders Agreement shall also be entitled to enforce the rights of Buyer
hereunder.

         Section 10.6 Headings. The Section, Article and other headings
contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and
will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. All references
to Sections or Articles contained herein mean Sections or Articles of this
Agreement unless otherwise stated.

         Section 10.7 Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified
or amended except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed by the party
against whom enforcement of any such modification or amendment is sought. Either
party hereto may, only by an instrument in writing, waive compliance by the
other party hereto with any term or provision hereof on the part of such other
party hereto to be performed or complied with. The waiver by any party hereto of
a breach of any term or provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of
any subsequent breach.

         Section 10.8  Interpretation; Absence of Presumption.

                  (a) For the purposes hereof, (i) words in the singular shall
be held to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be
held to include the other gender as the context requires, (ii) the terms
"hereof", "herein", and "herewith" and words of similar import shall, unless
otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole (including
all of the Schedules and Exhibits hereto) and not to any particular provision of
this Agreement, and Article, Section, paragraph, Exhibit and Schedule references
are to the Articles, Sections, paragraphs, Exhibits and Schedules to this
Agreement unless otherwise specified, (iii) the word "including" and words of
similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean "including, without
limitation," unless the


                                                       59
                                                                                

<PAGE>



context otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified, (iv) the word "or"
shall not be exclusive, and (v) provisions shall apply, when appropriate, to
successive events and transactions.

                  (b) This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any
presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party
drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.

         Section 10.9 Severability. Any provision hereof which is invalid or
unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions hereof.

         Section 10.10 Further Assurances. The Company and Buyer agree that,
from time to time, whether before, at or after any Closing Date, each of them
will execute and deliver such further instruments of conveyance and transfer and
take such other action as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and intents
hereof.

         Section 10.11 Specific Performance. Buyer and the Company each
acknowledge that, in view of the uniqueness of the parties hereto, the parties
hereto would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages in the event
that this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its terms, and
therefore agree that the parties hereto shall be entitled to specific
enforcement of the terms hereof in addition to any other remedy to which the
parties hereto may be entitled at law or in equity.

         Section 10.12 Interpretation of Schedules. Any matter set forth on any
Schedule shall be deemed to be referred to on all other Schedules to which such
matter logically relates and where such reference would be appropriate and can
reasonably be inferred from the matters disclosed on the first Schedule as if
set forth on such other Schedules.

                            [signature page follows]


                                                       60
                                                                                

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by
the parties hereto.

                             PROMETHEUS SOUTHEAST RETAIL LLC

                             By: LF Strategic Realty Investor II, L.P.,
                                 its sole member


                             By: Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC,
                                 its general partner


                                      By: ________________________
                                          Name: ___________________________
                                          Title: __________________________


                             FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.


                             By: ________________________
                                 Name: C. Cammack Morton
                                 Title: Chief Executive Officer



<PAGE>
                                                                     APPENDIX B

     -----------------------------------------------------------------------





                             STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

                                 by and between

                         PROMETHEUS SOUTHEAST RETAIL LLC

                                       and

                             FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.


                                   dated as of

                                February 24, 1998




     -----------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>



                  THIS STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of
February 24, 1998 is made by and between Prometheus Southeast Retail LLC
("Buyer"), an affiliate of Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC ("LFREI"),
and FAC Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"). Capitalized
terms not otherwise defined herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the
Stock Purchase Agreement (as hereinafter defined).


                                    RECITALS:

                  WHEREAS, the Company and Buyer have entered into a Stock
Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the "Stock Purchase
Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company has agreed to sell, and Buyer has
agreed to purchase, certain shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
of the Company (the "Company Common Stock"), together with Contingent Value
Rights, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein;

                  WHEREAS, it is a condition to the transactions contemplated by
the Stock Purchase Agreement and the parties believe it to be in their best
interests that they enter into this Agreement and provide for certain rights and
restrictions with respect to the investment by Investor (as hereinafter defined)
in the Company and the corporate governance of the Company;

                  WHEREAS, the Company and Buyer believe that the combination in
a strategic partnership of the leadership, expertise and experience in retail
development and operations of the Company and the investment and capital markets
expertise and access to capital of Buyer and its Affiliates will significantly
enhance the Company's ability to pursue its growth and operating strategies; and

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
covenants and agreements contained herein and for good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:


                                    ARTICLE 1

                                   DEFINITIONS

                  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following respective meanings:

                  Section 1.1 "Affiliate" shall have the meaning ascribed
thereto in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the 1934 Act, and as in effect on the
date hereof.



                                        2

<PAGE>



                  Section 1.2 "Aggregate Purchase Price" shall mean, on any
date, the amount equal to the aggregate consideration paid by Buyer on and prior
to such date in connection with the purchase of the Purchased Shares pursuant to
the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                  Section 1.3 "Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in
the first paragraph hereof.

                  Section 1.4 "Approval Rights Termination Date" shall mean the
first date on which the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of (i) the sum of (A)
the remaining Investment of Investor (and any transferee or assignee of Investor
or any group of transferees or assignees) on such date and (B) the remaining
Commitment to Invest of Investor (or any transferee or assignee of Investor or
group of transferees or assignees) on such date to (ii) the sum of (A) the Fair
Market Value of all Company Stock outstanding, as measured on such date, and (B)
the Fair Market Value of all OP Units outstanding, as measured on such date, is
less than 15%.

                  Section 1.5 "Beneficially Own" shall mean, with respect to any
security, having direct or indirect (including through any Subsidiary or
Affiliate) "beneficial ownership" of such security, as determined pursuant to
Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act, including pursuant to any agreement, arrangement
or understanding, whether or not in writing; provided, however, that all of the
shares of Company Common Stock which Buyer has agreed to purchase under the
Stock Purchase Agreement but which have not yet been purchased shall be deemed
to be Beneficially Owned by Investor until the Remaining Equity Ownership is
zero.

                  Section 1.6 "Board" shall mean the board of directors of the
Company.

                  Section 1.7 "Buyer" shall have the meaning set forth in the
first paragraph hereof.

                  Section 1.8 "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, and any successor thereto, including all of the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  Section 1.9 "Commitment to Invest" shall mean, for any person
and on any date, the product of (A) the number of shares of Company Common Stock
such person is committed to purchase from the Company under the Stock Purchase
Agreement on or after such date and (B) the Fair Market Value of the Company
Common Stock on such date.

                  Section 1.10 "Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the
first paragraph hereof.

                  Section 1.11 "Company Charter" shall have the meaning set
forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                  Section 1.12 "Company Common Stock" shall have the meaning set
forth in the second paragraph hereof.



                                        3

<PAGE>



                  Section 1.13 "Company Stock" shall mean, collectively, the
Company Common Stock and other shares of capital stock of the Company.

                  Section 1.14 "Company Stock Equivalents" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 3.2(e).

                  Section 1.15 "Control" shall mean with respect to any person,
the power to direct the management and policies of such person, directly or
indirectly, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise. "Controlled" shall have a correlative meaning.

                  Section 1.16 "Declaration Date" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.3(b).

                  Section 1.17 "Director" shall mean a member of the Board.

                  Section 1.18 "Eligible Securities" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.3.

                  Section 1.19 "Executive Committee" shall mean the five-member
executive committee of the Board.

                  Section 1.20 "Exercise Notice" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 4.1(c).

                  Section 1.21 "Fair Market Value" shall mean, with respect to
Company Stock on any day, the average of the last reported sales price for such
Company Stock for 60 consecutive calendar days before such date, and, with
respect to OP Units on any day, the average of the last reported sales price for
Company Common Stock for 60 consecutive calendar days before such date. In the
event the "Fair Market Value" for such Company Stock or OP Units cannot be
determined as aforesaid, the "Fair Market Value" for such Company Stock or OP
Units, as applicable, shall be determined by the Independent Directors of the
Company as they, in good faith, consider appropriate. Such determination may be
challenged in good faith by the Investor, and any dispute shall be resolved at
the Company's cost, by an investment banking firm of recognized national
standing selected by the Company and acceptable to Investor and shall be made in
good faith and be conclusive absent manifest error.

                  Section 1.22 "15% IRR Amount" shall mean, on any day, an
aggregate dollar amount that allows Buyer to realize a 15% internal rate of
return on the Aggregate Purchase Price paid by Buyer as of such date, on a
compounded, annualized basis (inclusive of all cash dividends paid to Buyer with
respect to the Purchased Shares (not including any special fees, expenses or
other consideration payable to Investor, but not to all other stockholders of
the Company)).

                  Section 1.23 "Final Threshold Date" shall mean the first date
on which the sum of (A) the remaining Investment of Investor (and any transferee
or assignee of Investor or any group of transferees or assignees) on such date
and (B) the remaining Commitment to Invest of Investor (or any transferee or
assignee of Investor or group of transferees or assignees) on such date, is less
than $10,000,000.00.


                                        4

<PAGE>



                  Section 1.24 "Fully Diluted" shall mean, with respect to the
Company Stock, the total number of outstanding shares of Company Stock (for such
purposes, treating as outstanding Company Stock all options or warrants to
purchase and securities convertible into (or exchangeable or redeemable for)
Company Stock, including, without limitation, OP Units), outstanding as of the
relevant measurement date, assuming exercise, conversion, exchange or redemption
of such other securities.

                  Section 1.25 "Government Authority" shall mean any government
or state (or any subdivision thereof) of or in the United States, or any agency,
authority, bureau, commission, department or similar body or instrumentality
thereof, or any governmental court or tribunal.

                  Section 1.26 "Group" shall mean a "group" as such term is used
in Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act.

                  Section 1.27 "Independent Directors" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 2.1(d).

                  Section 1.28 "Initial Investor Nominees" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

                  Section 1.29 "Investment" shall mean, for any person and on
any date, the sum of (i) product of (A) the number of shares of Company Stock
held by such person and (B) the Fair Market Value of the Company Stock on such
date and (ii) the product of (A) the number of OP Units held by such person and
(B) the Fair Market Value of the OP Units on such date.

                  Section 1.30 "Investor" shall mean Buyer, and shall also
include any Affiliate of LFREI, a majority or more of the voting power and
economic interests of which is Beneficially Owned by LFREI, or, for purposes
only of the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, any bona fide
financial institution to which any Investor has transferred (including upon
foreclosure of a pledge) shares of Company Stock for the purpose of securing
bona fide indebtedness of any Investor and which has agreed to be bound by this
Agreement.

                  Section 1.31 "Investor Nominees" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 2.1(a).

                  Section 1.32 "Key Committees" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.2(a).

                  Section 1.33 "1933 Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended.

                  Section 1.34 "1934 Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended. Section 1.35 "Offer Period" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.3(a).

                  Section 1.36 "Offer Price" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.3.



                                       5

<PAGE>



                  Section 1.37 "Offer to Purchase" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.3.

                  Section 1.38 "Participation Notice" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 4.1(c).

                  Section 1.39 "Person" shall mean any individual, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated
organization, other form of business or legal entity or Government Authority.

                  Section 1.40 "Preliminary Threshold Date" shall mean the first
date on which the sum of (A) the remaining Investment of Investor (and any
transferee or assignee of Investor or any group of transferees or assignees) on
such date and (B) the remaining Commitment to Invest of Investor (or any
transferee or assignee of Investor or group of transferees or assignees) on such
date, is less than $50,000,000.00.

                  Section 1.41 "Purchase Date" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.3(a).

                  Section 1.42 "Purchased Shares" shall have the meaning set
forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                  Section 1.43 "Registrable Securities" shall have the meaning
set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

                  Section 1.44 "Registration Rights Agreement" shall mean the
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the
Company and Buyer.

                  Section 1.45 "Securities Filings" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 3.1(a)(iii).

                  Section 1.46 "Stockholder Approval" shall have the meaning set
forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                  Section 1.47 "Stockholder Approval Date" shall mean the date
on which a duly called and held meeting of shareholders of the Company is held
at which meeting (i) a quorum is present and (ii) Stockholder Approval is
obtained.

                  Section 1.48 "Stock Purchase Agreement" shall have the meaning
set forth in the second paragraph hereof.

                  Section 1.49 "Supermajority Board Approval" shall have the
meaning set forth in Section 3.2.

                  Section 1.50 "Second Threshold Date" shall mean the first date
on which the sum of (A) the remaining Investment of Investor (and any transferee
or assignee of Investor or any group


                                        6

<PAGE>



of transferees or assignees) on such date and (B) the remaining Commitment to
Invest of Investor (or any transferee or assignee of Investor or group of
transferees or assignees) on such date, is less than $25,000,000.00.

                  Section 1.51 "Total Enterprise Value" shall have the meaning
given to it in the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                  Section 1.52 "Transfer Agent" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 3.3(c).


                                    ARTICLE 2

                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                  Section 2.1  Members of the Board

                  (a) From and after the Stockholder Approval Date, if any, and
         until the Preliminary Threshold Date, the Company and Investor shall
         take all actions necessary to cause the Board to be structured to
         consist of no less than nine members, of which three members will be
         designees of Investor (the "Investor Nominees"), two of which shall be
         chosen at the sole discretion of Investor (the "Initial Investor
         Nominees") and one of which shall be subject to the reasonable approval
         of the Company, and the Company and Investor will take all actions
         necessary to cause such nominees to become members of the Board as soon
         as practicable after the Stockholder Approval Date. If necessary to
         effectuate the placement of the Investor Nominees on the Board, the
         Company shall solicit the resignations of the appropriate number of
         Directors to the extent necessary to permit the Investor Nominees to
         serve. The Initial Investor Nominees are expected to be Art Solomon and
         Murry Gunty; provided, that Investor may at any time appoint any other
         person, subject to the provisions of Section 2.1(d) of this Agreement,
         as an Initial Investor Nominee without the consent of the Company. At
         any time before the Preliminary Threshold Date, if the total size of
         the Board is increased, the number of Investor Nominees shall also be
         increased such that at least one-third of the members of the Board
         shall be Investor Nominees.

                  (b) From and after the Preliminary Threshold Date and until
         the Second Threshold Date, the Company and Investor shall take all
         actions necessary to cause the Board to be structured to consist of no
         less than nine members, of which at least two members will be Investor
         Nominees, and the Company and Investor will take all actions necessary
         to cause such nominees to become, or continue to be, members of the
         Board as soon as practicable after the Preliminary Threshold Date. At
         any time before the Second Threshold Date, if the total size of the
         Board is increased, the number of Investor Nominees shall also be
         increased such that at least two-ninths of the members of the Board
         shall be Investor Nominees.

                  (c) From and after the Second Threshold Date and until the
         Final Threshold Date, the Company and Investor shall take all actions
         necessary to cause the Board to be structured


                                        7

<PAGE>



         to consist of no less than nine members, of which at least one member
         will be an Investor Nominee, and the Company and Investor will take all
         actions necessary to cause such nominee(s) to become, or continue to
         be, member(s) of the Board as soon as practicable after the Second
         Threshold Date. At any time before the Final Threshold Date, if the
         total size of the Board is increased, the number of Investor Nominees
         shall also be increased such that at least one-ninth of the members of
         the Board shall be Investor Nominees.

                  (d) Investor will not name any person as an Investor Nominee
         if (i) such person is not reasonably experienced in business, financial
         or real estate matters, (ii) such person has been convicted of, or has
         pled nolo contendere to, a felony, (iii) the election of such person
         would violate any law, or (iv) any event required to be disclosed
         pursuant to Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K of the 1934 Act has occurred
         with respect to such person. Investor shall use its reasonable efforts
         to afford the independent directors of the Company (the "Independent
         Directors") a reasonable opportunity to meet any individual that
         Investor is considering naming as an Investor Nominee.

                  (e) The Company will support the nomination of and the
         election of each Investor Nominee to the Board, and the Company will
         exercise all authority under applicable law to cause each Investor
         Nominee to be elected to the Board. Without limiting the generality of
         the foregoing, with respect to each meeting of shareholders of the
         Company at which Directors are to be elected, the Company shall use its
         reasonable efforts to solicit from the shareholders of the Company
         eligible to vote in the election of Directors proxies in favor of each
         Investor Nominee.

                  Section 2.2  Committee Representation; Subsidiary Boards

                  (a) The Company shall amend its by-laws to (i) establish the
         Executive Committee, which shall be delegated the authority to the
         maximum extent permitted by law to approve any matter permissible under
         law for authorization by an executive committee, and (ii) provide that
         each of the Executive Committee, the compensation committee, the audit
         committee, any special committee(s) of the Board, and any other
         committees which shall be charged with exercising substantial authority
         on behalf of the Board (other than any committee charged with the
         approval of the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase
         Agreement or this Agreement, or any committee charged with evaluating
         any Competing Transaction) (the foregoing, the "Key Committees") shall
         (A) until the Preliminary Threshold Date, be comprised of members, at
         least one-third of whom are Investor Nominees, (B) until the Second
         Threshold Date, be comprised of members, at least two- ninths of whom
         are Investor Nominees, and (C) until the Final Threshold Date, be
         comprised of members, at least one-ninth of whom are Investor Nominees.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if none of the Directors who
         are Investor Nominees would be considered "independent" of the Company,
         "disinterested," "non-employee directors" and "outside directors" (i)
         for purposes of any applicable rule of the New York Stock Exchange or
         any other securities exchange or other self-regulating organization
         (such


                                        8

<PAGE>



         as the National Association of Securities Dealers) requiring that
         members of the audit committee of the Board be independent of the
         Company, (ii) for purposes of any law or regulation that requires, in
         order to obtain or maintain favorable tax, securities, corporate law or
         other material legal benefits with respect to any plan or arrangement
         for employee compensation or benefits, that the members of the
         committee of the Board charged with responsibility for such plan or
         arrangement be "independent" of the Company, "disinterested,"
         "non-employee directors" or "outside directors," or (iii) for purposes
         of any special committee formed in connection with any transaction or
         potential transaction involving the Company and any of Investor, its
         Affiliates or any Group of which Investor is a member or such other
         transaction or potential transaction which would involve an actual or
         potential conflict of interest on the part of the Directors who are
         Investor Nominees, then a Director who is an Investor Nominee shall not
         be required to be appointed to any such committee; provided, however,
         that the committees of the Board shall be organized such that, to the
         extent practicable, the only items to be considered by a Key Committee
         on which no Director who is an Investor Nominee may serve will be those
         items which prevent the Director who is an Investor Nominee from
         serving on such Key Committee. Any members of any Key Committee who are
         Investor Nominees shall, in the event of any vacancy in such
         membership, be replaced by a Director who is an Investor Nominee
         elected by a majority of the Directors who are Investor Nominees.

                  (b) Until the Final Threshold Date, at least one Director who
         is an Investor Nominee shall serve as a member of the board of
         directors or comparable governing body of each Subsidiary of the
         Company, if any, that is a corporation or other person with a board of
         directors or board of trustees.

                  Section 2.3 Vacancies. In the event that any Investor Nominee
shall cease to serve as a Director for any reason other than the fact that
Investor no longer has a right to nominate a Director, the vacancy resulting
thereby shall be filled by an Investor Nominee designated by Investor; provided,
however, that any Investor Nominee so designated shall satisfy the qualification
requirements set forth in Section 2.1(b).


                                    ARTICLE 3

                         COVENANTS; TRANSFER PROVISIONS

                  Section 3.1  Operating Statements; Public Company Status

                  (a) From and after the date of this Agreement until the Final
         Threshold Date, if any, the Company will:

                           (i) deliver to Investor, as soon as practicable after
                  the end of each month or other reporting period, any operating
                  and financial statements and management reports (x) of the
                  Company, and (y) of each Subsidiary of the Company not


                                        9

<PAGE>



                  consolidated with the Company, which are regularly provided to
                  the senior management of the Company, each as, at and for the
                  end of such month or other reporting period, and such other
                  statements or reports as are reasonably requested by Investor,
                  all in such form as are prepared by the Company for internal
                  use by management (including, as applicable, by e-mail);

                           (ii) deliver to Investor copies of all other
                  information distributed by the Company to the Board, any other
                  equity investor in the Company or any of the Company's
                  partners in joint ventures;

                           (iii) deliver to Investor, as promptly as practicable
                  following filing, a copy of each report, schedule or other
                  document filed by the Company pursuant to the requirements of
                  any federal or state securities laws (collectively, the
                  "Securities Filings"); and

                           (iv) continue to comply in all material respects with
                  the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the 1934
                  Act.

                  (b) Until the Final Threshold Date, the Company and Investor
         will afford one another a reasonable opportunity to review any
         Securities Filing, any other filing with a Government Authority and any
         press release or similar public announcement which refers to, describes
         or mentions such other party or any Affiliate of such other party prior
         to the time that such filing is filed with or sent to the applicable
         Government Authority or such announcement is disseminated.

                  Section 3.2 Conduct of Actions. From and after the Stockholder
Approval Date until the Approval Rights Termination Date, if any,
notwithstanding the fact that a vote of the Board or the Executive Committee may
not be required under applicable law, the Company shall not, and shall not
permit any of its Subsidiaries without the affirmative vote of over sixty-seven
percent (67%) of all of the Directors ("Supermajority Board Approval") to:

                  (a) acquire, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase of
         stock or assets or other business combination, (i) in a single
         transaction or group of related transactions, any business or assets
         having an aggregate purchase price in excess of twenty-five percent
         (25%) of Total Enterprise Value as measured at the beginning of the
         fiscal year in which such acquisition is consummated, or (ii) during
         any one fiscal year, businesses or assets having an aggregate purchase
         price in excess of fifty percent (50%) of Total Enterprise Value as
         measured at the beginning of such fiscal year;

                  (b) sell or dispose of any assets, whether by merger,
         consolidation, sale of stock or assets or other business combination,
         during any one fiscal year, having an aggregate value in excess of
         twenty-five percent (25%) of Total Enterprise Value as measured at the
         beginning of such fiscal year;



                                       10

<PAGE>



                  (c) directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume,
         guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable,
         contingently or otherwise, with respect to, any indebtedness if, after
         giving pro forma effect to such indebtedness, the Company's ratio of
         (i) total indebtedness to (ii) Total Enterprise Value, expressed as a
         percentage, would be greater than 65%;

                  (d) make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise
         dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property
         or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any contract, agreement,
         understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of,
         any of its Affiliates;

                  (e) issue Company Stock or options, rights or warrants or
         other commitments to purchase or securities convertible into (or
         exchangeable or redeemable for) shares of Company Stock, including,
         without limitation, OP Units (such options, rights, warrants, other
         commitments or securities, "Company Stock Equivalents"); provided,
         however, that Supermajority Board Approval shall not be required for
         any issuance of Company Stock or Company Stock Equivalents as long as
         the sum of (i) all shares of Company Stock issued by the Company during
         the applicable fiscal year and (ii) shares of Company Stock into which
         Company Stock Equivalents issued by the Company and each of its
         Subsidiaries during the applicable fiscal year are convertible, does
         not exceed fifty percent (50%) of all shares of Company Stock
         outstanding, on a Fully Diluted basis, on the first day of such fiscal
         year; provided, further, that in connection with any issuance by the
         Company of Company Stock or issuance by the Company or any of its
         Subsidiaries of any Company Stock Equivalents, Investor shall be
         entitled, to the extent so provided in Section 4.1 of this Agreement,
         to a participation right on the terms set forth in Section 4.1 of this
         Agreement. Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 3.2(e),
         (i) Company Stock issued to the Company or a wholly owned Subsidiary
         thereof and (ii) Company Stock and Company Stock Equivalents issued to
         directors or employees of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company in
         connection with any employee benefit plan approved by the shareholders
         of the Company, shall not be subject to Supermajority Board Approval;

                  (f) change or amend any provision of the Company Charter or
         the by-laws of the Company in a manner that would be materially adverse
         to Investor;

                  (g) pursuant to or within the meaning of any bankruptcy law:
         (i) commence a voluntary case, (ii) consent to the entry of an order
         for relief against it in an involuntary case, (iii) consent to the
         appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its
         property, (iv) make a general assignment for the benefit of its
         creditors;

                  (h) in the case of the Company, (1) terminate its eligibility
         for treatment as a real estate investment trust, as defined in the
         Code, or (2) take any action or fail to take any action which would
         reasonably be expected to, alone or in conjunction with any other
         factors, result in the loss of such eligibility, unless in the case of
         a failure to take action, such action is


                                       11

<PAGE>



         initiated within thirty days and such action is completed within the
         period required under the Code in order to maintain such eligibility;
         or

                  (i) subject to the right of the Company to terminate the Stock
         Purchase Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, allow the
         consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any
         merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any "person" (as
         defined above), other than Buyer, becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
         such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange
         Act), directly or indirectly, of stock having more than 15% of the
         voting power of the Company.

                  Section 3.3 Offer to Purchase. At any time prior to December
31, 2003 (after completion of the purchase of all of the Purchased Shares
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement), the Company may make an irrevocable
offer to purchase (the "Offer to Purchase") to all holders of shares of Company
Common Stock that are Registrable Securities (such shares, "Eligible
Securities") all (and not less than all) outstanding shares of Eligible
Securities at a per share offer price (the "Offer Price") in cash equal to (i)
the greater of (A) $19.00 MULTIPLIED BY the number of outstanding shares of
Purchased Shares on such date LESS the aggregate amount of cash dividends paid
(not including any special fees, expenses or other consideration payable to
Investor, but not to all other stockholders of the Company) on the Purchased
Shares between the date of the Initial Closing and such date and (B) the 15% IRR
Amount on such date, DIVIDED BY (ii) the number of outstanding shares of
Purchased Shares on such date. In making an Offer to Purchase, the Company shall
follow the procedures set forth below:

                  (a) The Offer to Purchase shall remain open for a period of 20
         Business Days following its commencement and no longer, except to the
         extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the "Offer
         Period"). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the
         Offer Period (the "Purchase Date"), the Company shall purchase all
         shares of Eligible Securities tendered in response to the Offer to
         Purchase. Payment for any Eligible Securities so purchased shall be
         made in the same manner as dividends are paid.

                  (b) If the Purchase Date is on or after the date on which
         dividends are declared (the "Declaration Date"), any accrued or unpaid
         dividends shall be paid to the person in whose name the applicable
         Eligible Security is registered at the close of business on the
         Declaration Date, and no additional dividends shall be payable to
         holders of Eligible Securities pursuant to the Offer to Purchase.

                  (c) Upon the commencement of an Offer to Purchase, the
         Company, within five days of such commencement, shall send, by first
         class mail, a notice to the transfer agent for Company Common Stock
         (the "Transfer Agent") and each holder of Eligible Securities. The
         notice shall contain all instructions and material necessary to enable
         such holders to tender Eligible Securities pursuant to the Offer to
         Purchase. The Offer to Purchase shall be made to all holders of
         Eligible Securities. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the
         Offer to Purchase, shall state:



                                       12

<PAGE>



                           (i) that the Offer to Purchase is being made pursuant
                  to Section 3.3 hereof and the length of time the Offer to
                  Purchase shall remain open;

                           (ii)     the Offer Price and the Purchase Date;

                           (iii) that any Eligible Securities not tendered shall
                  remain outstanding;

                           (iv) that, unless the Company fails to make the
                  applicable payment, any Eligible Securities tendered will
                  cease to be outstanding;

                           (v) that holders of Eligible Securities electing to
                  have any shares purchased shall be required to surrender such
                  shares, with a validly executed certificate of transfer, or
                  transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Company or the
                  Transfer Agent at the address specified in the notice at least
                  three days before the Purchase Date; and

                           (vi) that holders of Eligible Securities shall be
                  entitled to withdraw their election if the Company or the
                  Transfer Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than
                  the expiration of the Offer Period, a telegram, telex,
                  facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the
                  holder, the number of shares the holder delivered for purchase
                  and a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election
                  to have such shares purchased.

                  For the avoidance of doubt, neither Investor nor any of its
assignees are required to accept an Offer to Purchase. The provisions governing
an Offer to Purchase are set forth in this Agreement for the purpose of
clarifying the terms of the Contingent Value Right Agreement.

                  Section 3.4 Amendment of Documents. The Company shall take all
actions necessary to amend the Company Charter and the Company's by-laws in
order to give effect to Article 2 and Section 3.2 of this Agreement. Such
amendments to the Company Charter and the Company's by-laws shall be in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer and otherwise consistent with the
terms of this Agreement.

                  Section 3.5 Voting. On any matter that requires a vote of the
stockholders of the Company under the Company's Charter or by-laws or under any
applicable law, Buyer shall vote any Company Common Stock acquired by it
pursuant to Section 4.1(b) hereof pro rata based on the votes of the other
stockholders of the Company.

                  Section 3.6 Mergers. For a period of five years following the
date of the Initial Closing, Buyer shall not take any action to cause the
Company to consolidate or merge with or into another person if, pursuant to the
terms of such consolidation or merger, the stockholders of the Company (other
than Buyer) shall receive consideration in a form, or in an amount, different
from Buyer. In addition, if on any date Buyer shall, in one or a series of
related transactions, transfer a number of shares of Company Common Stock
greater than 50% of the aggregate number of shares


                                       13

<PAGE>



of Company Common Stock outstanding on such date to a person (other than an
Affiliate of Buyer) and such person's Affiliates, such person shall be subject
to the limitations set forth in this Section 3.6 as if such person were a party
to this Agreement.


                                    ARTICLE 4

                              PARTICIPATION RIGHTS

                  Section 4.1 (a) Right to Participate. From and after the date
hereof until the Preliminary Threshold Date, if any, Investor shall be entitled
to a participation right to purchase or subscribe for up to that number of
additional shares of capital stock (including as "capital stock" for purposes of
this Section, any security, option, warrant, call, commitment, subscription,
right to purchase or other agreement of any character that is convertible into
or exchangeable or redeemable for shares of capital stock of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, OP Units (and all references
in this Section to capital stock shall, as appropriate, be deemed to be
references to any such securities), and also including additional shares of
capital stock to be issued pursuant to the conversion, exchange or redemption of
any security, option, warrant, call, commitment, subscription, right to purchase
or other agreement of any character that is convertible into or exchangeable or
redeemable for shares of capital stock, including, without limitation, OP Units,
as if the price at which such additional shares of capital stock is issued
pursuant to any such conversion, exchange or redemption were the market price on
the date of such issuance) to be issued or sold by the Company which represents
the same proportion of the total number of shares of capital stock to be issued
or sold by the Company (including the shares of capital stock to be issued to
Investor upon exercise of its participation rights hereunder; it being
understood and agreed that the Company will accordingly be required to either
increase the number of shares of capital stock to be issued or sold so that
Investor may purchase additional shares to maintain its proportionate interest,
or to reduce the number of shares of capital stock to be issued or sold to
Persons other than Investor) as is represented by the number of shares of
Company Stock and OP Units owned by Investor prior to such sale or issuance (and
including for this purpose any shares of Company Common Stock to be acquired
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, but not yet issued) relative to the
number of shares of Company Stock and OP Units outstanding prior to such sale or
issuance (and including for this purpose any shares of Company Common Stock to
be acquired pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, but not yet issued);
provided, however, that the provisions of this Section shall not apply to the
issuance or sale by the Company of any of its capital stock issued to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or pursuant to options, rights or warrants or
other commitments or securities in effect or outstanding on the date of the
Stock Purchase Agreement (including, without limitation, any options issued or
to be issued pursuant to the Employment Agreements).

                  (b) Issuance of OP Units. Upon exercise of its participation
rights under this Section 4.1 by Buyer in connection with the issuance by the
Company of OP Units, Buyer shall have the right to purchase, and, upon such
exercise, the Company will be required to issue to Buyer, the number of shares
of Company Common Stock equal to the number of OP Units Buyer is entitled to
purchase under Section 4.1(a) hereof. Such shares of Company Common Stock shall
be issued by


                                       14

<PAGE>



the Company in lieu of such number of OP Units Buyer would otherwise be entitled
to purchase under Section 4.1(a) hereof.

                  (c) Notice. In the event the Company proposes to issue or sell
any shares of capital stock in a transaction giving rise to the participation
rights provided for in this Section, the Company shall send a written notice
(the "Participation Notice") to Investor setting forth the number of shares of
such capital stock of the Company that the Company proposes to sell or issue,
the price (before any commission or discount) at which such shares are proposed
to be issued (or, in the case of an underwritten or privately placed offering in
which the price is not known at the time the Participation Notice is given, the
method of determining such price and an estimate thereof), and all other
relevant information as to such proposed transaction as may be necessary for
Investor to determine whether or not to exercise the rights granted in this
Section. At any time within 20 days after its receipt of the Participation
Notice, Investor may exercise its participation rights to purchase or subscribe
for shares of such shares of capital stock, as provided for in this Section, by
so informing the Company in writing (an "Exercise Notice"). Each Exercise Notice
shall state the percentage of the proposed sale or issuance that the Investor
elects to purchase. Each Exercise Notice shall be irrevocable, subject to the
conditions to the closing of the transaction giving rise to the participation
right provided for in this Section.

                  (d) Abandonment of Sale or Issuance. The Company shall have
the right, in its sole discretion, at all times prior to consummation of any
proposed sale or issuance giving rise to the participation right granted by this
Section, to abandon, rescind, annul, withdraw or otherwise terminate such sale
or issuance, whereupon all participation rights in respect of such proposed sale
or issuance pursuant to this Section shall become null and void, and the Company
shall have no liability or obligation to Investor or any Affiliate thereof who
has acquired shares of Company Stock pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement or
from Investor with respect thereto by virtue of such abandonment, rescission,
annulment, withdrawal or termination.

                  (e) Terms of Sale. The purchase or subscription by Investor or
an Affiliate thereof, as the case may be, pursuant to this Section shall be on
the same price and other terms and conditions, including the date of sale or
issuance, as are applicable to the purchasers or subscribers of the additional
shares of capital stock of the Company whose purchases or subscriptions give
rise to the participation rights (except that the price to Investor to make such
purchase or subscription shall be net of an amount equal to fifty percent (50%)
of any underwriting, placement agent or similar fee associated with such
purchase or subscription paid or to be paid in connection with such purchase or
subscription), which price and other terms and conditions shall be substantially
as stated in the relevant Participation Notice (which standard shall be
satisfied if the price, in the case of a negotiated transaction, is not greater
than 110% of the estimated price set forth in the relevant Participation Notice
or, in the case of an underwritten or privately placed offering, is not greater
than the greater of (i) 110% of the estimated price set forth in the relevant
Participation Notice, and (ii) the most recent closing price on or prior to the
date of the pricing of the offering); provided, however, that in the event the
purchases or subscriptions giving rise to the participation rights are effected
by an offering of securities registered under the 1933 Act and in which offering
it is not


                                       15

<PAGE>



legally permissible for the securities to be purchased by Investor to be
included, such securities to be purchased by Investor will be purchased in a
concurrent private placement.

                  (f) Timing of Sale. If, with respect to any Participation
Notice, Investor fails to deliver an Exercise Notice within the requisite time
period, the Company shall have 120 days after the expiration of the time in
which the Exercise Notice is required to be delivered in which to sell not more
than 110% of the number of shares of capital stock of the Company described in
the Participation Notice (plus, in the event such shares are to be sold in an
underwritten public offering, an additional number of shares of capital stock of
the Company, not in excess of 15% of 110% of the number of shares of capital
stock of the Company described in the Participation Notice, in respect of any
underwriters overallotment option) and not less than 90% of the number of shares
of capital stock of the Company described in the Participation Notice at a price
of not less than 90% of the estimated price set forth in the Participation
Notice. If, at the end of 120 days following the expiration of the time in which
the Exercise Notice is required to be delivered, the Company has not completed
the sale or issuance of capital stock of the Company in accordance with the
terms described in the Participation Notice (or at a price which is at least 90%
of the estimated price set forth in the Participation Notice), or in the event
of any contemplated sale or issuance within such 120-day period but outside such
price parameters, the Company shall again be obligated to comply with the
provisions of this Section with respect to, and provide the opportunity to
participate in, any proposed sale or issuance of shares of capital stock of the
Company; provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, if the price at
which such capital stock is to be sold in an underwritten offering (or a
privately placed offering in which the price is not less than 97% of the most
recent closing price at the time of the pricing of the offering) is not at least
90% of the estimated price set forth in the Participation Notice, the Company
may inform Investor of such fact and Investor shall be entitled to elect, by
written notice delivered within five Business Days following such notice from
the Company, to participate in such offering in accordance with the provisions
of this Section.


                                    ARTICLE 5

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

                  Section 5.1 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in
one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same
agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been
signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other party. Copies of
executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy, telefax or other electronic
transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for
purposes of this Section, provided receipt of copies of such counterparts is
confirmed.

                  Section 5.2 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND WITHOUT
REFERENCE TO THE CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.



                                       16

<PAGE>



                  Section 5.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including
agreements incorporated herein) and the Schedules and Exhibits hereto contain
the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof and there are no agreements, understandings, representations or
warranties between the parties other than those set forth or referred to herein.
This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person not a party hereto (and
their successors and assigns) any rights or remedies hereunder.

                  Section 5.4 Expenses. All legal and other costs and expenses
incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby shall be paid as set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement. Without
limiting the foregoing, the Company shall pay all costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the solicitation of votes of shareholders of the Company to
approve the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement.

                  Section 5.5 Notices. All notices and other communications
hereunder shall be sufficiently given for all purposes hereunder if in writing
and delivered personally, sent by documented overnight delivery service or, to
the extent receipt is confirmed, telecopy, telefax or other electronic
transmission service to the appropriate address or number as set forth below.
Notices to the Company shall be addressed to:

                           FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
                           11000 Regency Parkway, 3rd fl.
                           East Tower
                           Cary, NC 27511
                           Attention:  C. Cammack Morton
                           Telecopy:   (919) 462-8799

         with a copy to:

                           Alston & Bird LLP
                           310 UCS Plaza
                           3605 Glenwood Ave.
                           P.O. Drawer 31107
                           Raleigh, North Carolina  27622-1107
                           Attention:       Brad S. Markoff, Esq.
                           Telecopy:        (919) 881-3175

or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as the
Company may designate by written notice to Investor. Notices to Buyer or
Investor shall be addressed to:



                                       17

<PAGE>



                           Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC
                           30 Rockefeller Plaza, 63rd Floor
                           New York, NY  10020
                           Attention:  Murry Gunty
                           Telecopy:   (212) 632-6060

         with a copy to:

                           Latham & Watkins
                           885 Third Ave, Suite 10000
                           New York, NY  10022
                           Attention:  R. Ronald Hopkinson, Esq.
                           Telecopy:   (212) 751-4864

                  Section 5.6 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective
successors. Neither party shall be permitted to assign any of its rights
hereunder to any third party without the prior written consent of the other
party, except that any Investor may, without such consent, assign its rights
hereunder, in whole or in part, to the same extent as Buyer is permitted to
assign its rights under the Stock Purchase Agreement, provided that such person
agrees to be bound by this Agreement.

                  Section 5.7 Headings. The Section, Article and other headings
contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and
will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. All references
to Sections or Articles contained herein mean Sections or Articles of this
Agreement unless otherwise stated.

                  Section 5.8 Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may not be
modified or amended except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed by
the party against whom enforcement of any such modification or amendment is
sought. Any party hereto may, only by an instrument in writing, waive compliance
by another party hereto with any term or provision hereof on the part of such
other party hereto to be performed or complied with. The waiver by any party
hereto of a breach of any term or provision hereof shall not be construed as a
waiver of any subsequent breach.

                  Section 5.9  Interpretation; Absence of Presumption

                  (a) For the purposes hereof, (i) words in the singular shall
         be held to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender
         shall be held to include the other gender as the context requires, (ii)
         the terms "hereof", "herein", and "herewith" and words of similar
         import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this
         Agreement as a whole (including all of the Schedules and Exhibits
         hereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and
         Article, Section, paragraph, Schedule and Exhibit references are to the
         Articles, Sections, paragraphs, Schedules and Exhibits to this
         Agreement unless otherwise specified, (iii) the word "including" and
         words of similar import when used in this


                                       18

<PAGE>



         Agreement shall mean "including, without limitation," unless the
         context otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified, (iv) the word
         "or" shall not be exclusive, and (v) provisions shall apply, when
         appropriate, to successive events and transactions.

                  (b) This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any
         presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against
         the party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.

                  Section 5.10 Severability. Any provision hereof which is
invalid or unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity
or unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions
hereof.

                  Section 5.11 Further Assurances. The Company and Investor
agree that, from time to time, each of them will, and will cause their
respective Affiliates to, execute and deliver such further instruments and take
such other action as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and intents
hereof.

                  Section 5.12 Specific Performance. The Company and Investor
each acknowledge that, in view of the uniqueness of arrangements contemplated by
this Agreement, the parties hereto would not have an adequate remedy at law for
money damages in the event that this Agreement were not performed in accordance
with its terms, and therefore agree that the parties hereto shall be entitled to
specific enforcement of the terms hereof in addition to any other remedy to
which the parties hereto may be entitled at law or in equity.

                  Section 5.13 Investor Breach. In the event Investor shall have
breached (i) its obligation to effect a purchase of Company Common Stock
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement which breach is neither cured nor
desisted from within 30 days of receipt of written notice of such breach, or
(ii) any of its obligations under this Agreement which breach is neither cured
nor desisted from within 30 days of receipt of written notice of such breach and
which would reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the Company,
the Company shall no longer be required to perform any of its obligations
hereunder.

                  Section 5.14 Confidentiality. Buyer and Investor agree that
all information provided to any of them or any of their representatives pursuant
to this Agreement shall be kept confidential, and such parties shall not (x)
disclose such information to any persons other than the directors, officers,
employees, financial advisors, legal advisors, accountants, consultants and
affiliates of such parties who reasonably need to have access to the
confidential information and who are advised of the confidential nature of such
information or (y) use such information in a manner which would be detrimental
to the Company; provided, however, the foregoing obligation of such parties
shall not (a) relate to any information that (i) is or becomes generally
available other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by such parties or
by persons to whom such parties have made such information available, (ii) is or
becomes available to such parties on a non-confidential basis from a third party
that is not, to such parties' knowledge, bound by any other confidentiality
agreement


                                       19

<PAGE>



with the Company, or (b) prohibit disclosure of any information if required by
law, rule, regulation, court order or other legal or governmental process.

                  Section 5.15 Public Releases and Announcements. The Company
agrees that until a Termination Event, it shall endeavor to provide to Investor
advance copies of, or, in the case of oral announcements, advance notice of, any
public release or announcement concerning the Company to be issued, released or
made by the Company or any of its Affiliates, in each case, if possible, at
least one Business Day prior to such release or announcement.

                  Section 5.16 Termination. In the event the Stockholder
Approval Date does not occur prior to August 31, 1998, this Agreement shall
terminate.

                            [Signature Page Follows]



                                       20

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by
the parties hereto.

                            PROMETHEUS SOUTHEAST RETAIL LLC

                            By: LF Strategic Realty Investor II, L.P.,
                                its sole member


                            By: Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC,
                                its general partner


                                     By: ________________________
                                         Name: ___________________________
                                         Title: __________________________


                            FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.


                            By: ________________________
                                Name: C. Cammack Morton
                                Title: Chief Executive Officer




<PAGE>

                                                                     APPENDIX C
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------





                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                 by and between

                             FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.

                                       and

                         PROMETHEUS SOUTHEAST RETAIL LLC

                                   dated as of

                                February 24, 1998




     -----------------------------------------------------------------------












<PAGE>



                  REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of
February 24, 1998, by and between FAC Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation
(the "Company") and Prometheus Southeast Retail LLC ("Buyer"), an affiliate of
Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC ("LFREI"). Capitalized terms not
otherwise defined herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the Stock Purchase
Agreement (as herein after defined).

                  WHEREAS, the Company and Buyer have entered into a Stock
Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the "Stock Purchase
Agreement"), that provides for the purchase by Buyer and sale by the Company to
Buyer of shares of Company Common Stock and Contingent Value Rights; and

                  WHEREAS, in order to induce Buyer to enter into the Stock
Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide the registration rights
set forth herein;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:

                  Section 1. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms
shall have the following meanings:

                  (a) "Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the first
         paragraph hereof.

                  (b) "Buyer" shall mean Buyer, and shall also include any
         Affiliate of LFREI, a majority or more of the voting power and of the
         economic interests of which is Beneficially Owned by LFREI.

                  (c) "Commencement Date" shall mean the date of the Initial
         Closing.

                  (d) "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange
         Commission, and any successor thereto.

                  (e) "Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the first
         paragraph hereof.

                  (f) "Company Registration Expenses" shall mean the fees and
         disbursements of counsel and independent public accountants for the
         Company incurred in connection with the Company's performance of or
         compliance with this Agreement, including the expenses of any special
         audits or "cold comfort" letters required by or incident to such
         performance and compliance, and any premiums and other costs of
         policies of insurance obtained by the Company against liabilities
         arising out of the sale of any securities.

                  (g) "Contingent Value Right Agreement" means that certain
         Contingent Value Right Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between
         the Company and Buyer.

                  (h) "Demand Registration" shall have the meaning set forth in
         Section 2(a).


<PAGE>



                  (i) "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of
         1934, as amended, and any successor thereto, and the rules and
         regulations thereunder.

                  (j) "NASD" shall mean the National Association of Securities
         Dealers, Inc.

                  (k) "Registrable Securities" shall mean (i) any and all shares
         of Company Common Stock acquired by Buyer pursuant to the Stock
         Purchase Agreement, (ii) any and all securities acquired by Buyer
         pursuant to Section 4.2 of the Stockholders Agreement, (iii) any and
         all shares of Company Common Stock issued, if any, by the Company
         pursuant to its payment obligations under the Contingent Value Right
         Agreement, and (iv) any securities issued or issuable with respect to
         any Company Common Stock or other securities referred to in clause (i),
         (ii) or (iii) by way of conversion, exchange, stock dividend or stock
         split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization,
         merger, consolidation or other reorganization or otherwise. As to any
         particular Registrable Securities, once issued such securities shall
         cease to be Registrable Securities when (A) a registration statement
         with respect to the sale of such securities shall have become effective
         under the Securities Act and such securities shall have been disposed
         of in accordance with such registration statement, (B) such securities
         shall have been sold in accordance with Rule 144 (or any successor
         provision) under the Securities Act or (C) such securities are eligible
         to be resold pursuant to Rule 144(k).

                  (l) "Registration Expenses" shall mean all registration,
         filing and stock exchange or NASD fees, all fees and expenses of
         complying with securities or blue sky laws, all printing expenses,
         messenger and delivery expenses, any fees and disbursements of any
         separate counsel retained by Buyer, and transfer taxes, if any, and any
         premiums and other costs of policies of insurance obtained by Buyer
         against liabilities arising out of the public offering of securities,
         including Company Registration expenses, but specifically excludes any
         fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by sellers of
         securities who are not the issuers of such securities and all
         underwriting discounts and commissions.

                  (m) "Registration Suspension Period" shall have the meaning
         set forth in Section 2(b).

                  (n) "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as
         amended, and any successor thereto, and the rules and regulations
         thereunder.

                  (o) "Stock Purchase Agreement" shall have the meaning set
         forth in the second paragraph hereof.

                  (p) "Suspension Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in
         Section 2(b).

                  (q) "Underwritten/Placed Offering" shall mean a sale of
         securities of the Company to an underwriter or underwriters for
         reoffering to the public or on behalf of a person other than the
         Company through an agent for sale to the public.


                                        2

<PAGE>



                  Section 2.  Demand Registration

                  (a) Obligation to File. At any time following the Commencement
         Date, promptly upon the written request of Buyer, the Company will use
         its best efforts to file with the Commission a registration statement
         under the Securities Act for the offering of all of the Registrable
         Securities which Buyer requests to be registered (the "Demand
         Registration"). The Demand Registration shall be on an appropriate form
         and the Demand Registration and any form of prospectus included therein
         shall reflect such plan of distribution or method of sale as Buyer
         notifies the Company, including the sale of some or all of the
         Registrable Securities in a public offering or, if requested by Buyer,
         subject to receipt by the Company of such information (including
         information relating to purchasers) as the Company reasonably may
         require, (i) in a transaction constituting an offering outside the
         United States which is exempt from the registration requirements of the
         Securities Act in which the seller undertakes to effect registration
         after the completion of such offering in order to permit such shares to
         be freely tradeable in the United States, (ii) in a transaction
         constituting a private placement under Section 4(2) of the Securities
         Act in connection with which the seller undertakes to effect a
         registration after the conclusion of such placement to permit such
         shares to be freely tradeable by the purchasers thereof, or (iii) in a
         transaction under Rule 144A of the Securities Act in connection with
         which the seller undertakes to effect a registration after the
         conclusion of such transaction to permit such shares to be freely
         tradeable by the purchasers thereof. The Company shall use its best
         efforts to cause the Demand Registration to be declared effective by
         the Commission within 60 days from the date of receipt of the written
         request, and, upon the request of Buyer, keep the Demand Registration
         effective for up to 90 days, unless the distribution of securities
         registered thereunder has been earlier completed; provided, however,
         that if such Demand Registration will require the Company to prepare or
         file audited financial statements with respect to any fiscal year by a
         date prior to the date on which the Company would otherwise be required
         to prepare and file such audited financial statements, then Buyer must
         notify the Company at least 30 days in advance of the date upon which
         such audited financial statements will be required to be filed. During
         the period during which the Demand Registration is effective, the
         Company shall supplement or make amendments to the Demand Registration,
         if required by the Securities Act or if reasonably requested by Buyer
         or an underwriter of Registrable Securities, including to reflect any
         specific plan of distribution or method of sale, and shall use its best
         efforts to have such supplements and amendments declared effective, if
         required, as soon as practicable after filing.

                  (b) Black-Out Periods of Buyer. Notwithstanding anything
         herein to the contrary, (i) the Company shall have the right from time
         to time to require Buyer not to sell under the Demand Registration or
         to suspend the effectiveness thereof during the period starting with
         the date 30 days prior to the Company's good faith estimate, as
         certified in writing by an executive officer of the Company to Buyer,
         of the proposed date of filing of a registration statement or a
         preliminary prospectus supplement relating to an existing shelf
         registration statement, in either case, pertaining to an underwritten
         public offering of equity securities of the Company for the account of
         the Company, and ending on the date 75 days following the effective
         date of such registration statement or the date of filing of the final

                                        3

<PAGE>



         prospectus supplement, and (ii) the Company shall be entitled to
         require Buyer not to sell under the Demand Registration or to suspend
         the effectiveness thereof (but not for a period exceeding 75 days in
         any calendar year), if the Company determines, in its good faith
         judgment, that such offering or continued effectiveness would interfere
         with any material financing, acquisition, disposition, corporate
         reorganization or other material transaction involving the Company or
         any of its subsidiaries or public disclosure thereof would be required
         prior to the time such disclosure might otherwise be required, or when
         the Company is in possession of material information that it deems
         advisable not to disclose in a registration statement.

                  Once any registration statement filed pursuant to this Section
         2 or in which Registrable Securities are included pursuant to Section 3
         has been declared effective, any period during which the Company fails
         to keep such registration statement effective and usable for resale of
         Registrable Securities for the period required by Section 4(b) shall be
         referred to as a "Registration Suspension Period." A Registration
         Suspension Period shall commence on and include the date that the
         Company gives written notice to Buyer of its determination that such
         registration statement is no longer effective or usable for resale of
         Registrable Securities (the "Suspension Notice") to and including the
         date when the Company notifies Buyer that the use of the prospectus
         included in such registration statement may be resumed for the
         disposition of Registrable Securities.

                  (c) Number of Demand Registrations. The Company shall be
         obligated to effect, under this Section 2, only four Demand
         Registrations (no more than two of which may be requested in any
         two-year period). A Demand Registration shall not be deemed to have
         been effected, nor shall it be sufficient to reduce the number of
         Demand Registrations available to Buyer under this Section 2, if such
         registration cannot be used by Buyer for more than 60 days as a result
         of any stop order, injunction or other order of the Commission or other
         Government Authority for any reason other than an act or omission of
         Buyer and all the Registerable Securities registered thereunder are not
         sold.

                  (d) Size of Demand Registration. The Company shall not be
         required to effect a Demand Registration of less than a fair market
         value, based on the closing market price on the trading day immediately
         prior to the date of notice (as reported in the Wall Street Journal),
         of $10,000,000, except that if the fair market value, based on the
         closing market price on the trading day immediately prior to the date
         of notice (as reported in the Wall Street Journal), of the Registrable
         Securities outstanding is less than $10,000,000, then the Company shall
         be required to effect a Demand Registration of all of the remaining
         Registrable Securities outstanding.

                  (e) Notice. The Company shall give Buyer prompt notice in the
         event that the Company has suspended sales of Registrable Securities
         under Section 2(b).

                  (f) Expenses. All Registration Expenses incurred in connection
         with the Demand Registrations which may be requested under this Section
         2 shall be borne by the Company, with Buyer only paying underwriting
         fees and discounts.

                                        4

<PAGE>



                  (g) Selection of Underwriters. Any and all underwriters or
         other agents involved in any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to
         a registration statement contemplated by this Section 2 shall include
         such underwriter(s) or other agent(s) as selected by Buyer and approved
         of by the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld;
         provided that any Affiliate of Buyer shall in all events be approved by
         the Company.

                  Section 3.  Incidental Registrations

                  (a) Notification and Inclusion. If the Company proposes to
         register any of its common equity securities under the Securities Act
         (other than a registration relating solely to the sale of securities to
         participants in a dividend reinvestment plan, a registration on Form
         S-4 relating to a business combination or similar transaction permitted
         to be registered on such Form S-4, a registration on Form S-8 relating
         solely to the sale of securities to participants in a stock or employee
         benefit plan, a registration permitted under Rule 462 under the
         Securities Act registering additional securities of the same class as
         were included in an earlier registration statement for the same
         offering, and declared effective, or a shelf registration statement
         under the Securities Act covering common equity securities with an
         aggregate offering price of less than $50.0 million), whether or not
         for sale for its own account, the Company shall, at each such time
         after the Commencement Date until Buyer no longer holds Registerable
         Securities, promptly give written notice of such registration to Buyer.
         Upon the written request of Buyer given within 10 days after receipt of
         such notice by Buyer, the Company shall seek to include in such
         proposed registration such Registrable Securities as Buyer shall
         request be so included and shall use its reasonable best efforts to
         cause a registration statement covering all of the Registrable
         Securities that Buyer has requested to be registered to become
         effective under the Securities Act. The Company shall be under no
         obligation to complete any offering of securities it proposes to make
         under this Section 3 and shall incur no liability to Buyer for its
         failure to do so. If, at any time after giving written notice of its
         intention to register any securities and prior to the effective date of
         the registration statement filed in connection with such registration,
         the Company shall determine for any reason not to register or to delay
         registration of such securities, the Company may, at its election, give
         written notice of such determination to Buyer and, thereupon, (i) in
         the case of a determination not to register, the Company shall be
         relieved of its obligation to register any Registrable Securities in
         connection with such registration (but not from its obligation to pay
         the Registration Expenses incurred in connection therewith) and (ii) in
         the case of a determination to delay registering, the Company shall be
         permitted to delay registering any Registrable Securities for the same
         period as the delay in registering such other securities.

                  (b) Cut-back Provisions. If a registration pursuant to this
         Section 3 involves an Underwritten/Placed Offering of the securities so
         being registered, whether or not solely for sale for the account of the
         Company, which securities are to be distributed by or through one or
         more underwriters of recognized standing under underwriting terms
         customary for such transaction, and the underwriter or the managing
         underwriter, as the case may be, of such Underwritten/Placed Offering
         shall inform the Company of its belief that the amount of securities
         requested to be included in such registration or offering exceeds the
         amount which

                                        5

<PAGE>



         can be sold in (or during the time of) such offering without delaying
         or jeopardizing the success of the offering (including the price per
         share of the securities to be sold), then the Company will include in
         such registration (i) first, all the securities of the Company which
         the Company proposes to sell for its own account or the account of
         others (other than Buyer) requesting inclusion in such registration
         pursuant to rights to registration on request, and (ii) second, to the
         extent of the amount which the Company is so advised can be sold in (or
         during the time of) such offering, Registrable Securities and other
         securities requested to be included in such registration, pro rata
         among Buyer and others exercising incidental registration rights, on
         the basis of the shares of Company Common Stock owned by all such
         persons.

                  (c) Expenses. The Company shall bear and pay all Company
         Registration Expenses incurred in connection with any registration of
         Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 3 for Buyer, and all
         Registration Expenses incurred in connection with any registration of
         any securities for the Company's own account referred to in the first
         sentence of Section 3(a), and Buyer shall bear and pay all underwriting
         fees and discounts incurred in connection with any registration of
         Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 3 for Buyer.

                  (d) Duration of Effectiveness. At the request of Buyer, the
         Company shall, subject to Section 2(b), use its reasonable best efforts
         to keep any registration statement for which Registrable Securities are
         included under this Section 3 effective and usable for up to 90 days
         (subject to extension for the length of any Registration Suspension
         Period), unless the distribution of securities registered thereunder
         has been earlier completed; provided, however, that in no event will
         the Company be required to prepare or file audited financial statements
         with respect to any fiscal year by a date prior to the date on which
         the Company would be so required to prepare and file such audited
         financial statements if such registration statement were no longer
         effective and usable.

                  Section 4. Registration Procedures. In connection with the
filing of any registration statement as provided in Section 2 or 3, the Company
shall use its reasonable best efforts to, as expeditiously as reasonably
practicable:

                  (a) prepare and file with the Commission the requisite
         registration statement (including a prospectus therein) to effect such
         registration and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such
         registration statement to become effective, provided that before filing
         such registration statement or any amendments or supplements thereto,
         the Company will furnish to the counsel selected by Buyer copies of all
         such documents proposed to be filed, which documents will be subject to
         the review of such counsel before any such filing is made, and the
         Company will comply with any reasonable request made by such counsel to
         make changes in any information contained in such documents relating to
         Buyer;

                  (b) prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and
         supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in
         connection therewith as may be necessary to maintain the effectiveness
         of such registration and to comply with the

                                        6

<PAGE>



         provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all
         securities covered by such registration statement until the earlier of
         such time as all of such securities have been disposed of and the date
         which is 90 days after the date of initial effectiveness of such
         registration statement;

                  (c) furnish to Buyer such number of conformed copies of such
         registration statement and of each such amendment and supplement
         thereto (in each case including all exhibits), such number of copies of
         the prospectus contained in such registration statements (including
         each complete prospectus and any summary prospectus) and any other
         prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the Securities Act, in conformity
         with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents,
         including documents incorporated by reference, as Buyer may reasonably
         request;

                  (d) register or qualify all Registrable Securities under such
         other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as Buyer shall
         reasonably request, to keep such registration or qualification in
         effect for so long as such registration statement remains in effect,
         and take any other action which may be reasonably necessary or
         advisable to enable Buyer to consummate the disposition in such
         jurisdictions of the securities owned by Buyer, except that the Company
         shall not for any such purpose be required to qualify generally to do
         business as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it would
         not but for the requirements of this paragraph be obligated to be so
         qualified, or to consent to general service of process in any such
         jurisdiction, or to subject the Company to any material tax in any such
         jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

                  (e) cause all Registrable Securities covered by such
         registration statement to be registered with or approved by such other
         Government Authority as may be reasonably necessary to enable Buyer to
         consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

                  (f) furnish to Buyer a signed counterpart, addressed to Buyer
         (and the underwriters, if any), of

                           (i) an opinion of counsel for the Company, dated the
                  effective date of such registration statement (and, if such
                  registration includes an underwritten public offering, dated
                  the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement),
                  reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Buyer, and

                           (ii) to the extent permitted by then applicable rules
                  of professional conduct, a "comfort" letter, dated the
                  effective date of such registration statement (and, if such
                  registration includes an underwritten public offering, dated
                  the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement),
                  signed by the independent public accountants who have
                  certified the Company's financial statements included in such
                  registration statement, covering substantially the same
                  matters with respect to such registration statement (and the
                  prospectus included therein) and, in the case of the
                  accountants' letter, with respect to events subsequent to the
                  date of such financial statements, all as are customarily
                  covered in opinions of issuer's counsel and in

                                        7

<PAGE>



                  accountants' letters delivered to the underwriters in
                  underwritten public offerings of securities;

                  (g) immediately notify Buyer at any time when the Company
         becomes aware that a prospectus relating thereto is required to be
         delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a
         result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement,
         as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or
         omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
         necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of
         the circumstances under which they were made, and at the request of
         Buyer promptly prepare and furnish to Buyer a reasonable number of
         copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus as may be
         necessary so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such
         securities, such prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of a
         material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
         therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in
         the light of the circumstances under which they were made;

                  (h) comply or continue to comply in all material respects with
         the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and with all applicable rules
         and regulations of the Commission, and make available to its security
         holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement
         covering the period of at least 12 months, but not more than 18 months,
         beginning with the first full calendar month after the effective date
         of such registration statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy
         the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act, and not file any
         amendment or supplement to such registration statement or prospectus to
         which Buyer shall have reasonably objected on the grounds that such
         amendment or supplement does not comply in all material respects with
         the requirements of the Securities Act, having been furnished with a
         copy thereof at least five Business Days prior to the filing thereof;

                  (i) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable
         Securities covered by such registration statement not later than the
         effective date of such registration statement; and

                  (j) list all Company Common Stock covered by such registration
         statement on any securities exchange on which any of the Company Common
         Stock is then listed.

Buyer shall furnish in writing to the Company such information regarding Buyer
(and any of its affiliates), the Registrable Securities to be sold, the intended
method of distribution of such Registrable Securities, and such other
information requested by the Company as is necessary for inclusion in the
registration statement relating to such offering pursuant to the Securities Act
and the rules of the Commission thereunder. Such writing shall expressly state
that it is being furnished to the Company for use in the preparation of a
registration statement, preliminary prospectus, supplementary prospectus, final
prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, as the case may be.

         Buyer agrees by acquisition of the Registrable Securities that upon
receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind
described in paragraph (g) of this Section 4, Buyer will forthwith discontinue
its disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the

                                        8

<PAGE>



registration statement relating to such Registrable Securities until Buyer's
receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by
paragraph (g) of this Section 4.

                  Section 5. Requested Underwritten Offerings. If requested by
the underwriters for any underwritten offerings by Buyer, under a registration
requested pursuant to Section 2(a), the Company will enter into a customary
underwriting agreement with such underwriters for such offering, to contain such
representations and warranties by the Company and such other terms as are
customarily contained in agreements of this type, including indemnities to the
effect and to the extent provided in Section 7. Buyer shall be a party to such
underwriting agreement and may, at its option, require that any or all of the
conditions precedent to the obligations of such underwriters under such
underwriting agreement be conditions precedent to the obligations of Buyer.
Buyer shall not be required to make any representations or warranties to or
agreement with the Company or the underwriters other than representations,
warranties or agreements regarding Buyer and Buyer's intended method of
distribution and any other representation or warranty required by law.

                  Section 6. Preparation; Reasonable Investigation. In
connection with the preparation and filing of the registration statement under
the Securities Act, the Company will give Buyer, its underwriters, if any, and
their respective counsel, the opportunity to participate in the preparation of
such registration statement, each prospectus included therein or filed with the
Commission, and each amendment thereof or supplement thereto, and will give each
of them such access to its books and records and such opportunities to discuss
the business of the Company with its officers, its counsel and the independent
public accountants who have certified its financial statements as shall be
necessary, in the opinion of Buyer's and such underwriters' respective counsel,
to conduct a reasonable investigation within the meaning of the Securities Act.

                  Section 7.  Indemnification

                  (a) Indemnification by the Company. In the event of any
         registration of any Registrable Securities of the Company under the
         Securities Act, the Company will, and hereby does, indemnify and hold
         harmless (i) Buyer and each other person who participates as an
         underwriter in the offering or sale of such securities, (ii) each
         person, if any, who controls (within the meaning of Section 15 of the
         Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) Buyer or any another
         person referenced in clause (i) above (any of the persons referred to
         in this clause (ii) being hereinafter referred to as a "controlling
         person") and (iii) the respective officers, directors, partners,
         employees, representatives and agents of Buyer or any controlling
         person (any person referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) may
         hereinafter be referred to as a "Buyer Indemnitee"), against any
         losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which any
         Buyer Indemnitee may become subject under the Securities Act or
         otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or
         actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect
         thereof) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged
         untrue statement of any material fact contained in the registration
         statement under which such Registrable Securities were registered under
         the Securities Act, any preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or
         summary prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement
         thereto, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a
         material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the

                                        9

<PAGE>



         statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
         made, not misleading, and the Company will reimburse such Buyer
         Indemnitee for any reasonable legal or any other expenses reasonably
         incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such
         loss, claim, liability, action or proceedings; provided, however, that
         the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any
         such loss, claim, damage, liability (or action or proceeding in respect
         thereof) or expense arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement
         or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in
         such registration statement, any such preliminary prospectus, final
         prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement in reliance
         upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
         Company by a Buyer Indemnitee specifically stating that it is for use
         in the preparation thereof; and provided, further, that the Company
         shall not be liable to any person who participates as an underwriter in
         the offering or sale of Registrable Securities or any other person, if
         any, who controls such underwriter within the meaning of the Securities
         Act in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage,
         liability (or action or proceeding in respect thereof) or expense
         arises out of such person's failure to send or give a copy of the final
         prospectus or supplement to the persons asserting an untrue statement
         or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission at or prior
         to the written confirmation of the sale of Registrable Securities to
         such person if such statement or omission was corrected in such final
         prospectus or supplement. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and
         effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any
         Buyer Indemnitee and shall survive the transfer of such securities by
         Buyer.

                  (b) Indemnification by Buyer. The Buyer will, and hereby does,
         indemnify and hold harmless (in the same manner and to the same extent
         as set forth in paragraph (a) of this Section 7) the Company, each
         director of the Company, each officer of the Company and each other
         person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the
         Securities Act, and each other person who participates as an
         underwriter in the offering or sale of such securities and each other
         person who controls any such underwriter within the meaning of the
         Securities Act, with respect to any untrue statement or alleged untrue
         statement of a material fact in or omission or alleged omission to
         state a material fact from such registration statement, any preliminary
         prospectus, final prospectus or summary prospectus contained therein,
         or any amendment or supplement thereto, if such untrue statement or
         alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in
         reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to
         the Company by Buyer specifically stating that it is for use in the
         preparation of such registration statement, preliminary prospectus,
         final prospectus, summary prospectus, amendment or supplement. Such
         indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any
         investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or any such director,
         officer, or controlling person and shall survive the transfer of such
         securities by Buyer.

                  (c) Notices of Claims, etc. Promptly after receipt by an
         indemnified party of notice of the commencement of any action or
         proceeding involving a claim referred to in the preceding paragraphs of
         this Section 7, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect
         thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party, give written
         notice to the latter of the commencement of such action; provided,
         however, that the failure of any indemnified party

                                       10

<PAGE>



         to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the indemnifying
         party of its obligations under the preceding paragraphs of this Section
         7, except to the extent that the indemnifying party is actually
         prejudiced by such failure to give notice. In case any such action is
         brought against an indemnified party, unless in such indemnified
         party's reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such
         indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist in respect of such
         claim, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in and
         to assume the defense thereof, jointly with any other indemnifying
         party similarly notified to the extent that it may wish, with counsel
         reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party, and after notice
         from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election
         so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be
         liable to the indemnified party for any legal or other expenses
         subsequently incurred by the latter in connection with the defense
         thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.

                  (d) Other Indemnification. Indemnification similar to that
         specified in the preceding paragraphs of this Section 7 (with
         appropriate modifications) shall be given by the Company and Buyer with
         respect to any required registration or other qualification of
         securities under any federal or state law or regulation of Governmental
         Authority other than the Securities Act.

                  (e) Indemnification Payments. The indemnification required by
         this Section 7 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof
         during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills
         are received or expense, loss, damage or liability is incurred.

                  (f) Contribution. If, for any reason, the foregoing indemnity
         is unavailable, or is insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified
         party, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid
         or payable by the indemnified party as a result of the expense, loss,
         damage or liability, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to
         reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand
         and the indemnified party on the other (determined by reference to,
         among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
         material fact or omission relates to information supplied by the
         indemnifying party or the indemnified party and the parties' relative
         intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
         prevent such untrue statement or omission), or (ii) if the allocation
         provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law or
         provides a lesser sum to the indemnified party than the amount
         hereinafter calculated, in the proportion as is appropriate to reflect
         not only the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the
         indemnified party, but also the relative benefits received by the
         indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the
         other, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. No
         indemnified party guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the
         meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to
         contribution from any indemnifying party who was not guilty of such
         fraudulent misrepresentation.

                  Section 8. Covenants Relating to Rule 144. The Company will
file in a timely manner (taking into account any extensions granted by the
Commission), information, documents and reports in compliance with the Exchange
Act and will, at its expense, forthwith upon the request

                                       11

<PAGE>



of Buyer, deliver to Buyer a certificate, signed by the Company's principal
financial officer, stating (a) the Company's name, address and telephone number
(including area code), (b) the Company's Internal Revenue Service identification
number, (c) the Company's Commission file number, (d) the number of shares of
Company Common Stock and the number of shares of Company Preferred Stock
outstanding as shown by the most recent report or statement published by the
Company, and (e) whether the Company has filed the reports required to be filed
under the Exchange Act for a period of at least 90 days prior to the date of
such certificate and in addition has filed the most recent annual report
required to be filed thereunder. If at any time the Company is not required to
file reports in compliance with either Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, the Company will, at its expense, forthwith upon the written
request of Buyer, make available adequate current public information with
respect to the Company within the meaning of paragraph (c)(2) of Rule 144 of the
General Rules and Regulations promulgated under the Securities Act.

                  Section 9.  Miscellaneous

                  (a) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
         more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same
         agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts
         have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other
         party. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy, telefax
         or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original
         executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 9(a), provided
         receipt of copies of such counterparts is confirmed.

                  (b) Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
         CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT
         REFERENCE TO THE CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

                  (c) Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including agreements
         incorporated herein) contains the entire agreement between the parties
         with respect to the subject matter hereof and there are no agreements
         or understandings between the parties other than those set forth or
         referred to herein. This Agreement is not intended to confer upon any
         person not a party hereto (and their successors and assigns) any rights
         or remedies hereunder.

                  (d) Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder
         shall be sufficiently given for all purposes hereunder if in writing
         and delivered personally, sent by documented overnight delivery service
         or, to the extent receipt is confirmed, telecopy, telefax or other
         electronic transmission service to the appropriate address or number as
         set forth below.
         Notices to the Company shall be addressed to:

                  FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
                  11000 Regency Parkway, 3rd Fl.
                  East Tower
                  Cary, NC  27511
                  Attention:        C. Cammack Morton
                  Telecopy:         (919) 462-8799


                                       12

<PAGE>



                  with a copy to:

                  Alston & Bird LLP
                  310 UCS Plaza
                  3605 Glenwood Ave.
                  P.O. Drawer 31107
                  Raleigh, North Carolina  27622-1107
                  Attention:        Brad S. Markoff, Esq.
                  Telecopy:         (919) 881-3175

or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as the
Company may designate by written notice to Buyer. Notices to Buyer shall be
addressed to:

                  Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC
                  30 Rockefeller Plaza, 63rd Floor
                  New York, NY 10020
                  Attention:  Murry Gunty
                  Telecopy:   (212) 632-6060

                  with a copy to:

                  Latham & Watkins
                  885 Third Avenue, Suite 1000
                  New York, NY 10022
                  Attention:        R. Ronald Hopkinson, Esq.
                  Telecopy:         (212) 751-4864

                  (e) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding
         upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their
         respective successors. Neither party shall be permitted to assign any
         of its rights hereunder to any third party, except that if Buyer
         transfers any or all Registrable Securities to another person, such
         transferee shall be considered an intended beneficiary hereof and may
         exercise all rights of Buyer hereunder (provided that any transferee
         that holds less than 50% of all outstanding Registrable Securities
         shall not be entitled to request a Demand Registration pursuant to
         Section 2 hereof).

                  (f) Headings. The Section and other headings contained in this
         Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not
         affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. All references
         to Sections or other headings contained herein mean Sections or other
         headings of this Agreement unless otherwise stated.

                  (g) Amendments and Waivers. This Agreement may not be modified
         or amended except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed by
         the party against whom enforcement of any such modification or
         amendment is sought. Either party hereto may, only by an instrument in
         writing, waive compliance by the other party hereto with any term

                                       13

<PAGE>



         or provision hereof on the part of such other party hereto to be
         performed or complied with. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach
         of any term or provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of
         any subsequent breach.

                  (h) Interpretation; Absence of Presumption. For the purposes
         hereof, (i) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural
         and vice versa and words of one gender shall be held to include the
         other gender as the context requires, (ii) the terms "hereof",
         "herein", and "herewith" and words of similar import shall, unless
         otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole
         and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section,
         paragraph or other references are to the Sections, paragraphs, or other
         references to this Agreement unless otherwise specified, (iii) the word
         "including" and words of similar import when used in this Agreement
         shall mean "including, without limitation," unless the context
         otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified, (iv) the word "or"
         shall not be exclusive, and (v) provisions shall apply, when
         appropriate, to successive events and transactions.

                  This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any
         presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against
         the party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.

                  (i) Severability. Any provision hereof which is invalid or
         unenforceable shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or
         unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions
         hereof.

                            [Signature Page Follows]

                                       14

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by
the parties hereto.

                             PROMETHEUS SOUTHEAST RETAIL LLC

                             By: LF Strategic Realty Investor II, L.P.,
                                 its sole member


                             By: Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC,
                                 its general partner


                                      By: ________________________
                                          Name: ___________________________
                                          Title: __________________________


                             FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.


                             By: ________________________
                                 Name: C. Cammack Morton
                                 Title: Chief Executive Officer




<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX D


                        CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHT AGREEMENT


                  THIS CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHT AGREEMENT, dated as of February
24, 1998 (this "Agreement"), is made by and between Prometheus Southeast Retail
LLC ("Buyer"), an affiliate of Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC, and FAC
Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "Company"). Capitalized terms
not otherwise defined herein have the meaning ascribed to them in the Stock
Purchase Agreement (as hereinafter defined):


                                    RECITALS:

                  WHEREAS, the Company and Buyer have entered into a Stock
Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the "Stock Purchase
Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company has agreed to sell, and Buyer has
agreed to purchase, certain shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
of the Company (the "Company Common Stock"), upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth therein; and

                  WHEREAS, it is a condition to the transactions contemplated by
the Stock Purchase Agreement and the parties believe it to be in their best
interests that they enter into this Agreement and provide for certain contingent
value rights for the benefit of Buyer;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
covenants and agreements contained herein and for good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:


                                   SECTION 1.

                                   DEFINITIONS

                  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following respective meanings:

Section 1.1 - Adjustment Number

         "Adjustment Number" shall mean the number equal to (i) the Make-Whole
Amount DIVIDED BY (ii) the Fair Market Value on the Determination Date.





<PAGE>



Section 1.2 - Affiliate

         "Affiliate" with respect to any entity, shall mean a person or entity
directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with,
such entity, where "control" has the meaning given such term under Rule 405 of
the Securities Act of 1933.

Section 1.3 - Approval Rights Termination Date

         "Approval Rights Termination Date" shall have the meaning given to it
in the Stockholders Agreement.

Section 1.4 - Board

         "Board" shall mean the board of directors of the Company.

Section 1.5 - Board Member Default

         "Board Member Default" shall mean (i) on any day prior to the
Preliminary Threshold Date, the failure of at least one-third of the members of
the Board to consist of Investor Nominees, (ii) on any day prior to the Second
Threshold Date, the failure of at least two-ninths of the members of the Board
to consist of Investor Nominees, and (iii) on any day prior to the Final
Threshold Date, the failure of at least one-ninth of the members of the Board to
consist of Investor Nominees.

Section 1.6 - Contingent Value Right.

         "Contingent Value Right" shall mean the right granted under this
Agreement to receive the payments set forth in Section 2.2 hereof, subject to
the limitations and conditions provided in this Agreement.

Section 1.7 - Default Date

         "Default Date" shall have the meaning given to it in Section 4.2.

Section 1.8 - Determination Date

         "Determination Date" shall mean January 1, 2004.

Section 1.9 - Fair Market Value

         "Fair Market Value" shall have the meaning given to it in the
Stockholders Agreement.

Section 1.10 - 15% IRR Amount


                                        2

<PAGE>



         "15% IRR Amount" shall have the meaning given to it in the Stockholders
Agreement.

Section 1.11 - Final Threshold Date

         "Final Threshold Date" shall have the meaning given to it in the
Stockholders Agreement.

Section 1.12 - Investment Value

         "Investment Value" shall mean the amount equal to (i) the number of
Purchased Shares MULTIPLIED BY (ii) the Fair Market Value on the Determination
Date.

Section 1.13 - Investor Nominee

         "Investor Nominee" shall have the meaning given to it in the
Stockholders Agreement.

Section 1.14 - Make-Whole Amount

         "Make-Whole Amount" shall mean, on the Determination Date, a dollar
amount, never less than 0, equal to the lesser of (a) (i) the greater of (A) the
15% IRR Amount on the Determination Date or (B) the $19.00 Amount on the
Determination Date LESS (ii) the Investment Value on the Determination Date and
(b) 4,500,000 MULTIPLIED BY the Fair Market Value on the Determination Date.

Section 1.15 - $19.00 Amount

         "$19.00 Amount" shall mean, on any day, the amount equal to (i) $19.00
MULTIPLIED BY the number of Purchased Shares on such date LESS (ii) the
aggregate amount of cash dividends paid (not including any special fees,
expenses or other consideration payable to Investor, but not to all stockholders
of the Company) on the Purchased Shares between the date of the Initial Closing
and such date.

Section 1.16 - Offer to Purchase

         "Offer to Purchase" shall have the meaning given to it in the
Stockholders Agreement.

Section 1.17 - Payment Date

         "Payment Date" shall have the meaning given to it in Section 2.2(b).



                                        3

<PAGE>



Section 1.18 - Preliminary Threshold Date

         "Preliminary Threshold Date" shall have the meaning given to it in the
Stockholders Agreement.

Section 1.19 - Purchased Shares

         "Purchased Shares" shall have the meaning given to it in the Stock
Purchase Agreement.

Section 1.20 - Second Threshold Date

         "Second Threshold Date" shall have the meaning given to it in the
Stockholders Agreement.

Section 1.21 - Stockholders Agreement

         "Stockholders Agreement" shall mean that certain Stockholders
Agreement, dated the date hereof, by and between Buyer and the Company.

Section 1.22 - Termination Event

         "Termination Event" shall mean the occurrence of (i) the completion of
an Offer to Purchase, (ii) the notification by Buyer to the Company that it will
not accept the Offer to Purchase, (iii) a date, on or after September 1, 2003,
but prior to December 31, 2003, on which the amount equal to (A) the Fair Market
Value on such date MULTIPLIED BY (B) the number of Purchased Shares equals or
exceeds the amount equal to (A) $21.00 MULTIPLIED BY the number of Purchased
Shares on such date LESS (B) the aggregate amount of cash dividends paid (not
including any special fees, expenses or other consideration payable to Investor,
but not to all other stockholders of the Company) on the Purchased Shares
between the date of the Initial Closing and the Determination Date, (iv) the
failure to secure Stockholder Approval by August 31, 1998 and (v) the date
immediately following the Payment Date.

Section 1.23 - Total Enterprise Value

         "Total Enterprise Value" shall have the meaning given to it in the
Stockholders Agreement.




                                        4

<PAGE>



                                   SECTION 2.

                        GRANT OF CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS

Section 2.1 - Grant of Contingent Value Rights

         In consideration of the investment by Buyer in the Company pursuant to
the Stock Purchase Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, on
the date hereof the Company grants to Buyer, subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in this Agreement, the Contingent Value Rights.

Section 2.2 - Determination and Method of Payment

         (a) Subject to the provisions herein, the Contingent Value Rights shall
entitle Buyer to receive payment of an aggregate amount equal to the Make-Whole
Amount.

         (b) The Make-Whole Amount shall be paid within ten days after the
Determination Date (the "Payment Date"), at the election of the Company, either
(i) in cash or (ii) in shares of Company Common Stock. In the event the Company
elects to satisfy its payment obligations under this Agreement in shares of
Company Common Stock, the Company shall issue to Buyer such number of shares of
Company Common Stock equal to the Adjustment Number.


                                    SECTION 3

                    REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS

Section 3.1 - Representations and Warranties

         The Company represents and warrants to Buyer that:

         (a) the Company has full corporate power and authority to issue, sell
and deliver the Contingent Value Rights to Buyer as provided in this Agreement
and the Stock Purchase Agreement and to carry out all the terms and provisions
to be performed by the Company herein and therein;

         (b) the Contingent Value Rights have been duly authorized by the
Company for issuance to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement and the Stock Purchase
Agreement; and

         (c) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Stock Purchase
Agreement by the Company, the issuance of the Contingent Value Rights to Buyer
pursuant to this Agreement and the Stock Purchase Agreement and the performance
of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement and the Stock Purchase
Agreement do not: (i) violate any federal or Maryland statute,


                                        5

<PAGE>



rule or regulation applicable to the Company, (ii) violate the provisions of the
Company's Charter or by-laws, (iii) result in the breach of or a default under
this Agreement, the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement,
the Stockholders Agreement or any other material agreement to which the Company
is a party or any court order which would materially impair the ability of Buyer
to receive the benefits of the Contingent Value Rights or (iv) require any
consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations, declarations or filings by
the Company under any federal or Maryland statute, rule or regulation applicable
to the Company which would materially impair the ability of Buyer to receive the
benefits of the Contingent Value Rights.

Section 3.2 - Covenants

         The Company covenants and agrees with Buyer that, from the date hereof
until the occurrence of a Termination Event, it will not enter into any
indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, sale/leaseback agreement, loan agreement or
other similar financing agreement or instrument or other agreement or instrument
by which the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of the property or assets
of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries would be bound that would materially
impair the ability of the Company to fulfill its obligations under this
Agreement.


                                    SECTION 4

                                   TERMINATION

Section 4.1 - Termination

         Following a Termination Event, all Contingent Value Rights and this
Agreement shall terminate.


                                    SECTION 5

                                 APPROVAL RIGHTS

Section 5.1 - Approval Rights

         From and after the Stockholder Approval Date until the Approval Rights
Termination Date, in the event a Board Member Default occurs, the Company shall
not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries, without the written consent
of Buyer (or any transferee of Buyer that succeeds Buyer in its rights and
obligations under the Stockholders Agreement), to:

         (a) acquire, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase of stock or
assets or other business combination, (i) in a single transaction or group of
related transactions, any business or


                                        6

<PAGE>



assets having an aggregate purchase price in excess of twenty-five percent (25%)
of Total Enterprise Value as measured at the beginning of the fiscal year in
which such acquisition is consummated, or (ii) during any one fiscal year,
businesses or assets having an aggregate purchase price in excess of fifty
percent (50%) of Total Enterprise Value as measured at the beginning of such
fiscal year;

         (b) sell or dispose of any assets, whether by merger, consolidation,
sale of stock or assets or other business combination, during any one fiscal
year, having an aggregate value in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) of Total
Enterprise Value as measured at the beginning of such fiscal year;

         (c) directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or
otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with
respect to, any indebtedness if, after giving pro forma effect to such
indebtedness, the Company's ratio of (i) total indebtedness to (ii) Total
Enterprise Value, expressed as a percentage, would be greater than 65%;

         (d) make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose
of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from,
or enter into or make or amend any contract, agreement, understanding, loan,
advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any of its Affiliates;

         (e) issue Company Stock or options, rights or warrants or other
commitments to purchase or securities convertible into (or exchangeable or
redeemable for) shares of Company Stock, including, without limitation, OP Units
(such options, rights, warrants, other commitments or securities, "Company Stock
Equivalents"); provided, however, that Buyer's consent shall not be required for
any issuance of Company Stock or Company Stock Equivalents as long as the sum of
(i) all shares of Company Stock issued by the Company during the applicable
fiscal year and (ii) shares of Company Stock into which Company Stock
Equivalents issued by the Company and each of its Subsidiaries during the
applicable fiscal year are convertible, does not exceed fifty percent (50%) of
all shares of Company Stock outstanding, on a Fully Diluted basis, on the first
day of such fiscal year; provided, further, that in connection with any issuance
by the Company of Company Stock or issuance by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries of any Company Stock Equivalents, Investor shall be entitled, to
the extent so provided in Section 4.1 of the Stockholders Agreement, to a
participation right on the terms set forth in Section 4.1 of the Stockholders
Agreement. Notwithstanding the first sentence of this Section 5.1(e), (i)
Company Stock issued to the Company or a wholly owned Subsidiary thereof and
(ii) Company Stock and Company Stock Equivalents issued to directors or
employees of the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company in connection with any
employee benefit plan approved by the shareholders of the Company, shall not be
subject to the consent of Buyer;

         (f) change or amend any provision of the Company Charter or the by-laws
of the Company in a manner that would be materially adverse to Investor;



                                        7

<PAGE>



         (g) pursuant to or within the meaning of any bankruptcy law: (i)
commence a voluntary case, (ii) consent to the entry of an order for relief
against it in an involuntary case, (iii) consent to the appointment of a
custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, (iv) make a
general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;

         (h) in the case of the Company, (1) terminate its eligibility for
treatment as a real estate investment trust, as defined in the Code, or (2) take
any action or fail to take any action which would reasonably be expected to,
alone or in conjunction with any other factors, result in the loss of such
eligibility, unless in the case of a failure to take action, such action is
initiated within thirty days and such action is completed within the period
required under the Code in order to maintain such eligibility; or

         (i) subject to the right of the Company to terminate the Stock Purchase
Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(b)(iii) thereof, allow the consummation of any
transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the
result of which is that any "person" (as defined above), other than Buyer,
becomes the "beneficial owner" (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 and Rule
13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of stock having more than
15% of the voting power of the Company.


                                    SECTION 6

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

Section 6.1 - Date of Effectiveness

         This Agreement shall be effective upon the date of the Initial Closing.

Section 6.2 - Notices

         All notices and other communications hereunder shall be sufficiently
given for all purposes hereunder if in writing and delivered personally, sent by
documented overnight delivery service or, to the extent receipt is confirmed,
telecopy, telefax or other electronic transmission service to the appropriate
address or number as set forth below. Notices to the Company shall be addressed
to:

                           FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
                           11000 Regency Parkway, 3rd fl.
                           East Tower
                           Cary, NC 27511
                           Attention:  C. Cammack Morton
                           Telecopy:   (919) 462-8799



                                        8

<PAGE>



         with a copy to:

                           Alston & Bird LLP
                           310 UCS Plaza
                           3605 Glenwood Ave.
                           P.O. Drawer 31107
                           Raleigh, North Carolina  27622-1107
                           Attention:       Brad S. Markoff, Esq.
                           Telecopy:        (919) 881-3175

or at such other address and to the attention of such other person as the
Company may designate by written notice to Investor. Notices to Buyer or
Investor shall be addressed to:

                           Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC
                           30 Rockefeller Plaza, 63rd Floor
                           New York, NY  10020
                           Attention:  Murry Gunty
                           Telecopy:   (212) 632-6060

         with a copy to:

                           Latham & Watkins
                           885 Third Ave, Suite 10000
                           New York, NY  10022
                           Attention:  R. Ronald Hopkinson, Esq.
                           Telecopy:   (212) 751-4864

Section 6.3 - Severability

         Any provision hereof which is invalid or unenforceable shall be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability, without
affecting in any way the remaining provisions hereof.

Section 6.4 - Amendments and Waivers

         This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument
or instruments in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any
such modification or amendment is sought. Any party hereto may, only by an
instrument in writing, waive compliance by another party hereto with any term or
provision hereof on the part of such other party hereto to be performed or
complied with. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any term or
provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

Section 6.5 - Counterparts


                                        9

<PAGE>



         This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of
which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective
when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and
delivered to the other party. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by
telecopy, telefax or other electronic transmission service shall be considered
original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section, provided receipt of
copies of such counterparts is confirmed.

Section 6.6 - Assignment

         This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors. The Company shall not be
permitted to assign any of its rights hereunder to any third party without the
prior written consent of Buyer. Buyer may, upon written notice to the Company,
assign all, or a portion, of its rights hereunder to any third party without the
prior consent of the Company.

Section 6.7 - Headings

         The Section and other headings contained in this Agreement are inserted
for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. All references to Sections contained herein
mean Sections of this Agreement unless otherwise stated.

Section 6.8 - Governing Law

         THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REFERENCE
TO THE CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

Section 6.9 - Entire Agreement

         This Agreement (including agreements incorporated herein) contain the
entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and there are no agreements, understandings, representations or warranties
between the parties other than those set forth or referred to herein. This
Agreement is not intended to confer upon any person not a party hereto (and
their successors and assigns) any rights or remedies hereunder.

Section 6.10 - Expenses

         All legal and other costs and expenses incurred in connection with this
Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid as set forth in
the Stock Purchase Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company shall
pay all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of votes
of shareholders of the Company to approve the transactions contemplated by the
Stock Purchase Agreement.


                                       10

<PAGE>



Section 6.11 -  Interpretation; Absence of Presumption

         (a) For the purposes hereof, (i) words in the singular shall be held to
include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be held to
include the other gender as the context requires, (ii) the terms "hereof",
"herein", and "herewith" and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise
stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any
particular provision of this Agreement, (iii) the word "including" and words of
similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean "including, without
limitation," unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise
specified, (iv) the word "or" shall not be exclusive, and (v) provisions shall
apply, when appropriate, to successive events and transactions.

         (b) This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption
or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting or
causing any instrument to be drafted.

                            [signature page follows]


                                       11

<PAGE>


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by
the parties hereto.

                              PROMETHEUS SOUTHEAST RETAIL LLC

                              By: LF Strategic Realty Investor II, L.P.,
                                  its sole member


                              By: Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC,
                                  its general partner


                                       By: ________________________
                                           Name: ___________________________
                                           Title: __________________________


                              FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.


                              By: ________________________
                                  Name: C. Cammack Morton
                                  Title: Chief Executive Officer




<PAGE>




   
                                                                      APPENDIX E

                          Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
               Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation
           277 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10172 - (212) 892-3000

Robert I. Brody
Managing Director
Investment Banking
(212) 892-6846
                                                     March 31, 1998


Board of Directors
FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
11000 Regency Parkway, Suite 300
Cary, NC 27511

Dear Sirs:

     You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view to FAC Realty Trust (the "Company") of the  consideration to be received by
the Company pursuant to the terms of the draft Stock Purchase  Agreement,  dated
as of  February  24,  1998 (the  "Agreement"),  by and  between  the Company and
Prometheus Southeast Realty LLC (the "Investor"),  an affiliate of Lazard Freres
Real Estate Investors,  LLC, pursuant to which, among other things, the Investor
will invest up to $200 million in the Company (the  "Transaction") by purchasing
from the Company (i) an aggregate of 21,052,632  shares of the Company's  common
stock,  par  value  $0.01  per  share  (the  "Company  Common  Stock")  and (ii)
contingent  value  rights  (the  "Contingent  Value  Rights")  of the Company as
described in the draft Contingent Value Rights Agreement dated February 10, 1998
by and between  the  Company and the  Investor  (the  "Contingent  Value  Rights
Agreement").

     In  arriving at our  opinion,  we have  reviewed  the drafts of each of the
Stock Purchase Agreement,  Stockholders  Agreement dated as of February 24, 1998
by and between  the  Company  and the  Investor,  and  Contingent  Value  Rights
Agreement and the exhibits  thereto.  We also have reviewed  financial and other
information  that was  publicly  available  or  furnished  to us by the  Company
including information provided during discussions with the Company's management.
Included in the  information  provided  during  discussions  with the  Company's
management  were  certain  financial  projections  of the Company for the period
beginning  January  1,  1998  and  ending  December  31,  2002  prepared  by the
management of the Company.  In addition,  we have compared certain financial and
securities data of the Company with various other companies whose securities are
traded in public  markets,  reviewed  the  historical  stock  prices and trading
volumes of the  Company  Common  Stock,  reviewed  prices and  premiums  paid in
certain other transactions and conducted such other financial studies,  analyses
and investigations as we deemed appropriate for purposes of this opinion. We are
not  requested  to,  nor did we,  solicit  the  interest  of any other  party in
engaging in a transaction alternative to the Transaction.

     In rendering our opinion,  we have relied upon and assumed the accuracy and
completeness of all of the financial and other information that was available to
us  from  public  sources,  that  was  provided  to us by  the  Company  or  its
representatives,  or that was otherwise  reviewed by us. In particular,  we have
relied upon the  estimates  of the  management  of the Company of the  financial
impact  of the  Transaction  on  the  Company.  With  respect  to the  financial
projections  supplied  to us, we have  assumed  that  they have been  reasonably
prepared on the basis  reflecting  the best  currently  available  estimates and
judgments  of the  management  of the  Company  as to the future  operating  and
financial  performance of the Company.  In particular,  we assumed the pro forma
adjustments  and  projections  made for certain  pending  property  acquisitions
accurately  reflect the future financial  performance of such  acquisitions.  We
have not made, and do not assume any  responsibility  for making any independent
appraisal  or  evaluation  of  any  assets  or  liabilities  or for  making  any
independent verification of any of the information reviewed by us.
    


<PAGE>



FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
March 31, 1998
Page 2

   
     We have assumed,  with your consent,  that the drafts of the Stock Purchase
Agreement, Stockholders Agreement and Contingent Value Rights Agreement which we
reviewed will conform in all material  respects to those documents when in final
form. We have also assumed, at management's direction, that the Agreement is not
contingent on the closing of any pending property acquisitions.

     Our opinion is necessarily based on economic,  market,  financial and other
conditions as they exist on, and on the information  made available to us as of,
the date of this  letter.  It should be  understood  that,  although  subsequent
developments  may affect this opinion,  we do not have any obligation to update,
revise or reaffirm  this  opinion.  We are  expressing  no opinion  herein as to
fairness  of any  consideration  paid  for any  pending  or  recently  completed
property  acquisitions.  Our opinion does not address the relative merits of the
Transaction and the other business  strategies being considered by the Company's
Board of Directors, nor does it address the Board's decision to proceed with the
Transaction. Our opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder
as to how such stockholder should vote on the proposed transaction.

     Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ"), as part of its
investment banking services, is regularly engaged in the valuation of businesses
and securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions, underwriting, sales and
distributions  of  listed  and  unlisted   securities,   private  placement  and
valuations  for  corporate  and other  purposes.  DLJ has  performed  investment
banking and other services for the Company in the past and has been  compensated
for such services.

     Based upon the foregoing and such other factors as we deem relevant, we are
of the opinion that the  consideration to be received by the Company in exchange
for issuing the Company Common Stock and Contingent Value Rights pursuant to the
Agreement is fair to the Company from a financial point of view.

                                         Very truly yours,

                                         Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
                                         Securities Corporation


                                         By:      /s/ Robert I. Brody
                                                  -----------------------------
                                                  Robert I. Brody
                                                  Managing Director
    


<PAGE>

   
                                                                      APPENDIX F
                                 ALSTON&BIRD LLP

                          601 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                           North Building, 11th Floor
                           Washington, D.C. 20004-2601

                                  202-508-3300
                                Fax: 202-508-3333
                                 www.alston.com



James E. Croker, Jr.           Direct Dial: 202-508-3309           E-mail:
                                                              [email protected]

                                    March 23, 1998

Board of Directors
FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
11000 Regency Parkway, Suite 300
Cary, North Carolina  27511

Gentlemen:

     You have  requested  our  opinion  in  connection  with the  purchase  (the
"Initial  Purchase")  by Prometheus  Southeast  Retail LLC (the  "Investor")  of
2,350,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of FAC Realty Trust,
Inc.  (the  "Company")  pursuant  to the  Amended and  Restated  Stock  Purchase
Agreement  between the Company and the Investor  dated as of March 23, 1998 (the
"Agreement").  In  this  connection,  we have  reviewed  the  Agreement  and the
Company's  charter.  We have  made  such  legal  and  factual  examinations  and
inquiries  as we have  deemed  necessary  or  appropriate  for  purposes of this
opinion.  We have relied upon  representations of the Company and its affiliates
and certain  officers  thereof  regarding the ownership of the Company.  We have
also relied upon the letter from the Investor to the Company  attached hereto as
Exhibit A.

     Based upon and subject to the  foregoing  and the further  limitations  and
qualifications  hereinafter  expressed,  it is  our  opinion  that  the  Initial
Purchase  will  not  cause  the  Company  to fail to  qualify  as a real  estate
investment trust as defined in section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.

     This opinion letter is delivered solely for your benefit in connection with
the Initial  Purchase  and may not be used or relied upon by any other person or
for any other purpose  without our prior written  consent in each instance.  Our
opinion  expressed  herein  is as of  the  date  hereof,  and  we  undertake  no
obligation to advise you of any changes in  applicable  law or any other matters
that may come to our attention after the date hereof that may affect our opinion
expressed herein.

                                                     Very truly yours,

                                                     /s/ ALSTON & BIRD LLP

                                                     ALSTON & BIRD LLP



   One Atlantic Center        1211 East Morehead Street    3605 Glenwood Avenue 
1201 West Peachtree Street        P. O. Drawer 34009        P. O. Drawer 31107  
  Atlanta, GA 30309-3424       Charlotte, NC 28234-4009   Raleigh, NC 27622-1107
       404-881-7000                  704-331-6000              919-420-2200     
    Fax: 404-881-7777             Fax: 704-334-2014         Fax: 919-881-3175   
    

<PAGE>



   



                                                     March 23, 1998



FAC Realty Trust, Inc.
11000 Regency Parkway, Suite 300
Cary, North Carolina 27511
Attn:    C. Cammack Morton

         Re:      Waiver of charter-imposed ownership limitations

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     In  connection  with the purchase  (the  "Initial  Purchase") by Prometheus
Southeast  Realty LLC (the  "Buyer") of 2,350,000  shares of common stock of FAC
Realty  Trust,  Inc.  (the  "Company")  on the date  hereof,  we hereby make the
representations,  undertakings  and agreements  called for by Section A(4)(i) of
Article IV of the Company's  charter in order that the Board of Directors of the
Company  may (with  respect to the Initial  Purchase)  exempt the Buyer from the
restrictions  set  forth in  Section  A(4)(b)(i)  of the  Company's  charter  on
ownership  of Equity  Stock in excess of the Equity  Stock  Ownership  Limit and
ownership  of Common Stock in excess of the Common Stock  Ownership  Limit.  All
capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meanings set
forth in the Company's charter.


                          PROMETHEUS SOUTHEAST RETAIL LLC

                          By:      LF Strategic Realty Investor II, L.P.

                          By:      Lazard Freres Real Estate Investors, LLC,
                                   its general partner

                                   By:      /s/ Murry N. Gunty
                                            --------------------------------
                                            Name:    Murry N. Gunty
                                            Title:   Principal
    

                                       F-2

<PAGE>

   

                                    APPENDIX


                             FAC REALTY TRUST, INC.
                                      PROXY
                                       for
              Annual Meeting of Stockholders, _______________, 1998

                THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     The undersigned  hereby appoints C. Cammack Morton and Patrick M. Miniutti,
or any of them, with full power of  substitution,  the attorney and proxy of the
undersigned,  to appear  and to vote all of the  shares  of common  stock of FAC
Realty Trust,  Inc. (the "Company")  which the undersigned  would be entitled to
vote if personally  present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company
to be held at the Homewood Suites Hotel, 100 Macalyson Court, Cary, NC 27511, on
_____,  ______,  1998, at 10:00 a.m., and any  adjournment  thereof.  Receipt of
copies of the Annual Report to Stockholders, the Notice of the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders   and  the  Proxy   Statement   dated  _______,   1998,  is  hereby
acknowledged.

     This Proxy will be voted in accordance with the instructions marked herein,
and in  accordance  with the  recommendation  of the  Board of  Directors  if no
instructions  to the  contrary  are  marked  herein.  If any other  business  is
transacted at the Annual Meeting  (including  matters incident to the conduct of
the  Annual  Meeting),  this Proxy  will be voted in the  discretion  of, and in
accordance  with,  the best  judgment  of the  proxies  (no  other  business  is
currently known).

     1.  Election of six  directors  to serve  until the 1999 annual  meeting or
until their successors are duly elected and qualified (Proposal One);

Nominees:         C. Cammack Morton, Patrick M. Miniutti, Robert O. Amick,
                  William D. Eberle, J. Richard Futrell, Jr. and John W. Gildea.

       |_| FOR ALL                        |_| WITHHOLD AUTHORITY AS TO ALL
          (except as noted below)

(Instruction:  To withhold authority to vote for any individual  nominee,  print
the nominee's name for which authority is withheld below.)



     2. Approval of the transaction (the "Transaction")  contemplated by a Stock
Purchase Agreement between the Company and Prometheus Southeast Retail, LLC (the
"Investor"),  an affiliate of Lazard Freres Real Estate  Investors,  LLC,  which
involves the purchase by the Investor of a  controlling  interest in the Company
(21,052,632  shares  of  Common  Stock)  for $200  million  or $9.50  per  share
(Proposal Two);

                     |_| FOR       |_| AGAINST      |_| ABSTAIN
    


<PAGE>

   

     3.  Amendment  of the  Company's  charter  to change  its name to  "Konover
Property Trust, Inc." (Proposal Three);

                     |_| FOR       |_| AGAINST      |_| ABSTAIN

     4. Amendment of the Company's  charter to increase the number of authorized
shares from 75,000,000 to 130,000,000 (Proposal Four);

                     |_| FOR       |_| AGAINST      |_| ABSTAIN

     5.  Amendment  of the  Company's  1993  Employee  Stock  Incentive  Plan to
increase the number of shares of Common Stock  reserved for issuance  thereunder
from 1,100,000 to 2,800,000 (Proposal Five); and

                     |_| FOR       |_| AGAINST      |_| ABSTAIN

     6. Amendment of the Company's 1995 Outside  Directors'  Stock Award Plan to
increase the number of shares of Common Stock  reserved for issuance  thereunder
from 25,000 to 150,000 (Proposal Six).

                     |_| FOR       |_| AGAINST      |_| ABSTAIN


Note:  Please date and sign  exactly as the name  appears on this  proxy.  Joint
owners  should  each sign.  If the  signer is a  corporation,  please  sign full
corporate name by a duly authorized officer.  Executors,  trustees,  etc. should
give full title as such.


                                            Dated:



                                            Signature


                                            Signature

                                            Please  mark  boxes in blue or black
                                            ink.  Please return  promptly in the
                                            enclosed  envelope which requires no
                                            postage if mailed in the U.S.A.


PLEASE  MARK,  DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY  IN THE  ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE SO AS TO ENSURE A QUORUM AT THE MEETING.  THIS IS IMPORTANT WHETHER YOU
OWN FEW OR MANY SHARES. DELAY IN RETURNING YOUR PROXY MAY SUBJECT THE COMPANY TO
ADDITIONAL EXPENSE.
    



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