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Registration No. 33-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Maryland 6513 36-3877868
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (IRS Employer
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
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Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 466-1300
(Address, including ZIP Code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Douglas Crocker II
President and Chief Executive Officer
Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60606
(312) 466-1300
(Name, address, including ZIP Code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
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Alan S. Pearce, Esq.
Errol R. Halperin, Esq. Steven G. Scheinfeld, Esq.
Hal M. Brown, Esq. Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn
Rudnick & Wolfe & Berman, LLP
203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1800 1290 Avenue of the Americas
Chicago, Illinois 60601 New York, New York 10104-0053
(312) 368-4000 (212) 541-2000
(312) 236-7516 (telecopier) (212) 541-4630 (telecopier)
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as
practicable after the Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [_]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed Proposed
maximum maximum
Title of each class of Amount to be offering price aggregate Amount of
securities to be registered registered/(1)/ per unit /(2)/ offering price/(2)/ registration fee
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Common Shares, par value $.01 per share.. 13,095,727 $46.20 $605,022,587.40 $183,341
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(1) Represents the estimated maximum number of shares to be issued in exchange
for all of the issued and outstanding common shares of beneficial interest
of Wellsford Residential Property Trust pursuant to a plan of merger.
(2) Pursuant to Rule 457(f), the filing fee has been computed based on the
market value of the common shares of beneficial interest of Wellsford
Residential Property Trust to be exchanged in the merger, computed pursuant
to Rule 457(c) using the average of the high and low prices ($28.875) of
such common shares as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on April 1,
1997.
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
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EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
(Pursuant to Item 501(b) of Regulation S-K)
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Item Location in Proxy Statement/Prospectus
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1. Forepart of Registration Statement and Outside
Front Cover Page of Prospectus..................... Facing Page; Cross Reference Sheet;
Outside Front Cover Page of Proxy
Statement/Prospectus
2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Prospectus......................................... Table of Contents; Available
Information
3. Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges, and Other Information..................... Summary
4. Terms of the Transaction........................... Summary; The Meetings of
Shareholders; The Merger; The
Contribution and Distribution;
Comparison of Rights of Shareholders
5. Pro Forma Financial Information.................... Unaudited Pro Forma Financial
Statements of the Surviving Trust
6. Material Contacts with the Company Being
Acquired........................................... The Merger
7. Additional Information Required for Reoffering
by Persons and Parties Deemed to be
Underwriters....................................... Not Applicable
8. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel............. Summary - Interests of Certain
Persons; Interests of Certain Persons in
the Merger and Distribution
9. Disclosure of Commission Position on
Indemnification for Securities Act
Liabilities........................................ Not Applicable
10. Information with Respect to S-3
Registrants........................................ Information Incorporated by Reference
11. Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference.......................................... Not Applicable
12. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
Registrants........................................ Information Incorporated by Reference
13. Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference.......................................... Information Incorporated by Reference
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Item Location in Proxy Statement/Prospectus
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14. Information with Respect to Registrants Other
than S-3 or S-2 Registrants........................ Not Applicable
15. Information with Respect to S-3 Companies.......... Information Incorporated by Reference
16. Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
Companies.......................................... Information Incorporated by Reference
17. Information with Respect to Companies Other
than S-2 or S-3 Companies.......................... Not Applicable
18. Information if Proxies, Consents or
Authorizations Are to be Solicited................. Information Incorporated by Reference;
Outside Front Cover Page of Proxy
Statement/Prospectus; Summary;
Meetings of Shareholders; The Merger
19. Information if Proxies, Consents or
Authorizations Are Not to be Solicited, or in an
Exchange Offer..................................... Not Applicable
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REVISED PRELIMINARY COPY
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
Two North Riverside Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60606
April 16, 1997
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of shareholders of
Equity Residential Properties Trust ("EQR") to be held at One North Franklin,
Chicago, Illinois, on May 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time (the "EQR Special
Meeting").
At the EQR Special Meeting, you will be asked to approve the acquisition of
the multifamily property business of Wellsford Residential Property Trust, a
Maryland real estate investment trust ("Wellsford"), by EQR through the tax-free
merger of EQR and Wellsford (the "Merger"). In the Merger, each outstanding
common share of beneficial interest of Wellsford ("Wellsford Common") will be
converted into .625 of a common share of beneficial interest of the surviving
trust ("Survivor Common"). Each outstanding common share of beneficial interest
of EQR ("EQR Common") will be converted into one share of Survivor Common.
Details of the proposed Merger and information regarding EQR and Wellsford
are contained in the attached Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information
Statement, which you are encouraged to read carefully. Special note should be
taken of the risk factors relating to the proposed Merger, which are discussed
beginning on page 41 of the attached Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and which include the following
risks:
. The surviving trust is subject to the risks normally associated with
debt or preferred equity financings, including the risk that the surviving
trust's cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal,
interest and distributions.
. A substantial portion of the surviving trust's debt was issued pursuant
to indentures which restrict the amount of indebtedness (including acquisition
financing) that the surviving trust may incur.
. Immediately following consummation of the Merger, the surviving trust
will own properties and bonds collateralized by properties that are subject to
restrictive covenants or deed restrictions.
. Risks associated with (a) a potential change in the relative stock
prices of EQR Common and Wellsford Common prior to the effective time of the
Merger, and (b) a possible reduction in the market price of Survivor Common
following the Merger.
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. Shareholders of Wellsford and shareholders of EQR are not entitled to
dissenting shareholders' appraisal rights under Maryland law.
. EQR and Wellsford are large enterprises with operations in a number of
different states. There can be no assurance that costs or other factors
associated with the integration of the two companies would not adversely affect
future combined results of operations or the benefits of expected cost savings.
Your Board of Trustees believes that the proposed acquisition of Wellsford
by EQR will benefit EQR by making the resulting company better equipped to meet
competitive challenges by increasing its diversification and improving its
access to capital. The surviving trust in the Merger will be one of the largest
publicly traded real estate investment trusts ("REIT") (based on the aggregate
market value of its outstanding equity capitalization).
EQR, one of the largest publicly traded REITs (based on the aggregate
market value of its outstanding equity capitalization), is a self-administered
and self-managed equity REIT. EQR was organized as a Maryland real estate
investment trust in March 1993 and commenced operations as a publicly traded
company on August 18, 1993 upon completion of its initial public offering. EQR
was formed to continue the multifamily property business objectives and
acquisition strategies of certain affiliated entities controlled by Mr. Samuel
Zell, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of EQR. These entities had been engaged
in the acquisition, ownership and operation of multifamily properties since
1969. EQR's senior executives average over 23 years of experience in the
multifamily property business.
Your Board of Trustees has carefully reviewed and considered the terms and
conditions of the Merger and has received and considered the written opinion of
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ("J.P. Morgan") dated January 16, 1997 to the effect
that, as of the date of such opinion and based upon and subject to certain
matters stated therein, the consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with
the Merger was fair to EQR from a financial point of view. A copy of the
written opinion of J.P. Morgan is included as Appendix C to the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and should be read carefully in its
entirety. Your Board of Trustees has approved the Merger and believes the
Merger is in the best interests of EQR and its shareholders, and recommends that
all shareholders vote FOR approval of the Merger.
The Merger requires the affirmative vote of EQR shareholders owning two-
thirds of the outstanding shares of EQR Common. Accordingly, whether or not you
plan to attend the EQR Special Meeting, please complete, sign and date the
accompanying proxy card and return it in the enclosed prepaid envelope. You may
revoke your proxy in the manner described in the accompanying Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement at any time before it has been voted
at the EQR Special Meeting. If you attend the EQR Special Meeting, you may vote
in person even if you have previously returned your proxy card. Your prompt
cooperation will be greatly appreciated. This solicitation is made on behalf of
the Board of Trustees of EQR.
Sincerely,
Douglas Crocker II,
Chief Executive Officer, President and Trustee
<PAGE>
REVISED PRELIMINARY COPY
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
610 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10020
April 16, 1997
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of shareholders of
Wellsford Residential Property Trust ("Wellsford") to be held at The Princeton
Club, 15 West 43rd Street, New York, New York, on May 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m.,
local time (the "Wellsford Special Meeting").
At the Wellsford Special Meeting, you will be asked to approve the
acquisition of the multifamily property business of Wellsford by Equity
Residential Properties Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust ("EQR"),
through the tax-free merger of EQR and Wellsford (the "Merger"). In the Merger,
each outstanding common share of beneficial interest of Wellsford ("Wellsford
Common") will be converted into .625 of a common share of beneficial interest of
the surviving trust ("Survivor Common").
Immediately prior to the Merger, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver
of all conditions thereto, Wellsford will contribute certain of its assets to
its subsidiary (the "Contribution"), Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. ("WRP
Newco"), and distribute to its common shareholders, on a pro rata basis, all of
the shares it owns in WRP Newco (the "Distribution"). Details of the proposed
Merger and Distribution and information regarding EQR, Wellsford and WRP Newco
are contained in the attached Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information
Statement, which you are encouraged to read carefully. Special note should be
taken of risk factors relating to the proposed Merger, which are discussed
beginning on page 41 of the attached Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and include the following risks:
. Conflicts of interest due to the fact that certain members of the Board
of Trustees and management of Wellsford have certain interests that arise in
connection with the Merger and the Contribution and Distribution that are in
addition to the interests of shareholders of Wellsford generally.
. The surviving trust is subject to the risks normally associated with
debt or preferred equity financings, including the risk that the surviving
trust's cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal,
interest and distributions.
. A substantial portion of the surviving trust's debt was issued pursuant
to indentures which restrict the amount of indebtedness (including acquisition
financing) that the surviving trust may incur.
<PAGE>
. Immediately following consummation of the Merger, the surviving trust
will own properties and bonds collateralized by properties that are subject to
restrictive covenants or deed restrictions.
. Risks associated with (a) a potential change in the relative stock
prices of common shares of beneficial interest of EQR and Wellsford Common prior
to the effective time of the Merger, and (b) a possible reduction in the market
price of Survivor Common following the Merger.
. Shareholders of Wellsford and shareholders of EQR are not entitled to
dissenting shareholders' appraisal rights under Maryland law.
. The obligation to pay a substantial break-up fee and/or break-up
expenses under certain circumstances may adversely affect the ability of
Wellsford to engage in another transaction in the event the Merger is not
consummated.
. Upon consummation of the Merger, holders of shares of Wellsford Common
will own approximately 17% of the Survivor Common and will not have separate
approval rights with respect to any actions or decisions of the surviving trust.
. After the Merger, the distributions payable with respect to Survivor
Common are expected to be less than the distributions payable with respect to
Wellsford Common.
. EQR and Wellsford are large enterprises with operations in a number of
different states. There can be no assurance that costs or other factors
associated with the integration of the two companies would not adversely affect
future combined results of operations or the benefits of expected costs savings.
. Ownership of interests in WRP Newco may also involve significant risks.
At the Wellsford Special Meeting you will be asked to approve (i) the
Merger, including the adoption of an amended and restated declaration of trust
for the surviving trust (excluding the Additional Provisions, as defined below)
and (ii) certain modifications to the amended and restated declaration of trust
of the surviving trust (the "Additional Provisions"), to conform substantially
the declaration of trust for the surviving trust to the declaration of trust of
EQR. In order to satisfy the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, you
will also be asked to approve (i) the issuance (the "Additional Share Offering")
by WRP Newco of up to 12,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per
share, of WRP Newco and (ii) the adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management
Incentive Plan.
Your Board of Trustees has carefully reviewed and considered the terms and
conditions of the Merger and Distribution and has received and considered the
written opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill
Lynch") dated January 16, 1997 to the
<PAGE>
effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and subject to
certain matters stated therein, the proposed consideration to be received by the
holders of shares of Wellsford Common pursuant to the Merger and the
Distribution, was fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view. A
copy of the written opinion of Merrill Lynch dated January 16, 1997 is included
as Appendix D to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and
should be read carefully in its entirety.
Your Board of Trustees has approved the Merger, the Contribution and the
Distribution and believes they are in the best interests of Wellsford and its
shareholders, and recommends that all shareholders vote FOR approval of the
Merger, including the adoption of an amended and restated declaration of trust
for the surviving trust. Shareholders are not being asked to approve the
Contribution or the Distribution, which are not subject to shareholder approval.
However, approval of the Merger will, in effect, constitute approval of the
Contribution and Distribution. Your Board of Trustees also recommends that all
shareholders vote FOR the Additional Provisions, and your Board of Trustees and
the Board of Directors of WRP Newco recommend that all shareholders vote FOR the
Additional Share Offering and FOR the adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management
Incentive Plan.
The Merger requires the affirmative vote of Wellsford shareholders owning a
majority of the outstanding Wellsford Common. The approval of the Additional
Provisions requires the affirmative vote of Wellsford shareholders owning two-
thirds of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common. The approval of the
Additional Share Offering and the adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management
Incentive Plan each require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common voting, provided that the total
votes cast represent over 50% of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common.
Accordingly, whether or not you plan to attend the Wellsford Special Meeting,
please complete, sign and date the accompanying proxy card and return it in the
enclosed prepaid envelope. You may revoke your proxy in the manner described in
the accompanying Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement at any
time before it has been voted at the Wellsford Special Meeting. If you attend
the Wellsford Special Meeting, you may vote in person even if you have
previously returned your proxy card. Your prompt cooperation will be greatly
appreciated. This solicitation is made on behalf of the Board of Trustees of
Wellsford.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey H. Lynford, Chairman
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EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of shareholders ("EQR Special
Meeting") of Equity Residential Properties Trust, a Maryland real estate
investment trust ("EQR"), will be held at One North Franklin, Chicago, Illinois,
on May 28, 1997 at 10:00 a.m., local time, to consider and vote on a proposal to
approve the merger of EQR into Wellsford Residential Property Trust, a Maryland
real estate investment trust ("Wellsford"), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of
Merger entered into by EQR and Wellsford on January 16, 1997.
Only holders of record of common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par
value per share, of EQR at the close of business on April 14, 1997 will be
entitled to vote at the EQR Special Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
Bruce C. Strohm
Secretary
Chicago, Illinois
April 16, 1997
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PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN YOUR EQR PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED, SELF-
ADDRESSED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES
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WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting of shareholders
("Wellsford Special Meeting") of Wellsford Residential Property Trust, a
Maryland real estate investment trust ("Wellsford"), will be held at The
Princeton Club, 15 West 43rd Street, New York, New York, on May 28, 1997 at
10:00 a.m., local time, to consider and vote on the following proposals:
(i) the approval of the merger (the "Merger") of Equity Residential
Properties Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust ("EQR"),
into Wellsford, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger entered
into by Wellsford and EQR on January 16, 1997, including the
adoption of an amended and restated declaration of trust for the
surviving trust (excluding the modifications set forth in proposal
(ii) below);
(ii) the approval of modifications to certain sections, including
Sections 2.3, 6.6, 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 of, and the addition of a new
Article VII to, the amended and restated declaration of trust of the
surviving trust;
(iii) the issuance by Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. ("WRP Newco"), a
subsidiary of Wellsford, shares of which are to be distributed to
the common shareholders of Wellsford, pro rata, immediately prior to
the Merger, of up to 12,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par
value per share, of WRP Newco, to satisfy the requirements of the
New York Stock Exchange; and
(iv) the adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan, to
satisfy the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
Only holders of record of common shares of beneficial interest, $.01
par value per share, of Wellsford at the close of business on April 14, 1997
will be entitled to vote at the Wellsford Special Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Trustees,
Jeffrey H. Lynford
Secretary
New York, New York
April 16, 1997
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PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN YOUR WELLSFORD PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED,
SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED
STATES
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<PAGE>
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
and
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
------
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
PROSPECTUS
------
WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC.
INFORMATION STATEMENT
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement is being
furnished to the shareholders of Equity Residential Properties Trust, a Maryland
real estate investment trust ("EQR"), in connection with the solicitation of
proxies on behalf of the Board of Trustees of EQR ("EQR Board of Trustees") for
use at a special meeting of the holders of common shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value per share, of EQR ("EQR Common") to be held on May 28, 1997 and
at any adjournment or postponement thereof ("EQR Special Meeting"). At the EQR
Special Meeting, holders of EQR Common ("EQR Common Shareholders") will be asked
to approve the acquisition of the multifamily property business of Wellsford
Residential Property Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust
("Wellsford"), by approving the merger of EQR and Wellsford (the "Merger")
pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of January 16, 1997 by and
between EQR and Wellsford (the "Merger Agreement"). A copy of the Merger
Agreement is attached hereto as Appendix A. The surviving trust in the Merger
("Surviving Trust") will be one of the largest publicly traded real estate
investment trusts ("REIT") (based on the aggregate market value of its
outstanding equity capitalization), and will be a self-administered and self-
managed equity REIT. The Surviving Trust intends to continue the multifamily
property business objectives and acquisition strategies of EQR. The name of the
Surviving Trust will be Equity Residential Properties Trust.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement also is being
furnished to the shareholders of Wellsford in connection with the solicitation
of proxies on behalf of the
<PAGE>
Board of Trustees of Wellsford ("Wellsford Board of Trustees") for use at a
special meeting ("Wellsford Special Meeting" and, together with the EQR Special
Meeting, the "Meetings of Shareholders") of the holders of common shares of
beneficial interest, $.01 par value per share, of Wellsford ("Wellsford Common")
to be held on May 28, 1997 and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. At
the Wellsford Special Meeting, holders of Wellsford Common ("Wellsford Common
Shareholders") will be asked to approve (i) the Merger, including the adoption
of an amended and restated declaration of trust for the Surviving Trust
(excluding the Additional Provisions, as defined below), (ii) modifications to
certain sections, including Sections 2.3, 6.6, 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 of, and the
addition of a new Article VII to, the amended and restated declaration of trust
of the Surviving Trust (the "Additional Provisions") as described more fully in
"Proposal Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions" below, (iii) the
issuance by Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. ("WRP Newco"), a subsidiary of
Wellsford, shares of which are to be distributed to the Wellsford Common
Shareholders, pro rata, immediately prior to the Merger, of up to 12,000,000
shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of WRP Newco ("WRP Newco
Common"), to satisfy the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")
(the "Additional Share Offering"), and (iv) the adoption of WRP Newco's 1997
Management Incentive Plan, to satisfy the requirements of the NYSE.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement also is
being furnished to the shareholders of Wellsford to provide them with
information regarding WRP Newco. Immediately prior to the Merger, Wellsford
will contribute certain of its assets to WRP Newco, WRP Newco will assume
certain liabilities of Wellsford, and Wellsford will distribute to the Wellsford
Common Shareholders, pro rata, all of the outstanding shares of WRP Newco Common
owned by Wellsford (the "Distribution"). In addition, an affiliate of EQR will
enter into certain financial and business arrangements with WRP Newco, as
described herein.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement also
relates to the common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value per share,
of the Surviving Trust issuable upon consummation of the Merger. On
_____________, 1997, the last reported sales price of a share of EQR Common, on
the NYSE was $________. On __________, 1997, the last reported sales price of a
share of Wellsford Common on the NYSE was $__________.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and the
forms of proxy are first being mailed to all of EQR Common Shareholders and
Wellsford Common Shareholders on or about April 16, 1997.
See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 41 for a discussion of certain
factors which should be considered by shareholders of EQR and Wellsford.
___________
THE SECURITIES TO WHICH THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS/
INFORMATION STATEMENT RELATE HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR
DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
<PAGE>
OR BY ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY
OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/
PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT.ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement is April
16, 1997.
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
EQR has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"),
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") covering the
common shares of beneficial interest and preferred shares of beneficial interest
of the Surviving Trust to be issued in connection with the Merger. As
permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission, this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement omits certain information, exhibits
and undertakings contained in the Registration Statement. For further
information pertaining to the securities offered hereby, reference is made to
the Registration Statement, including the exhibits filed as a part thereof.
EQR and Wellsford are subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, file reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. WRP Newco has filed a registration statement on Form 10 and, as of
the date of the Distribution, WRP Newco will also be subject to the
informational requirements of the Exchange Act. Reports, proxy statements and
other information filed by EQR, Wellsford and WRP Newco can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; and at its Regional Offices located
at Suite 1400, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and Seven World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can
be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission
maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission. The address of the Commission's Web site is: http://www.sec.gov. The
EQR Common and preferred shares of beneficial interest of EQR ("EQR Preferred"
and, collectively, "EQR Shares") and the Wellsford Common and preferred shares
of beneficial interest of Wellsford ("Wellsford Preferred" and, collectively,
"Wellsford Shares") are currently listed on the NYSE and such reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning EQR and Wellsford can be inspected
at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. WRP Newco
has applied for listing of the WRP Newco Common on the NYSE.
All information contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement with respect to Wellsford and WRP
Newco has been supplied by Wellsford, and all information with respect to EQR
and ERP Operating Limited Partnership, an Illinois limited partnership ("ERP
Operating Partnership"), has been supplied by EQR.
No person is authorized to give any information or to make any
representation not contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/
Information Statement, or incorporated in it by reference, and, if given or
made, such information or representation should not be relied upon as having
been authorized. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement
does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase,
the
<PAGE>
securities offered by this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information
Statement, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction where or from any
person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer, or solicitation of an offer,
or proxy solicitation. Neither the delivery of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement nor any distribution of the
securities offered pursuant to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information
Statement shall, under any circumstances, create an implication that there has
been no change in the affairs of EQR, Wellsford or WRP Newco since the date of
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
All documents that are incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement but which are not delivered herewith
are available without charge (other than exhibits to such documents which are
not specifically incorporated by reference therein) upon request from, in the
case of documents relating to EQR, Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 400,
Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Cynthia McHugh, telephone (312) 474-1300,
and, in the case of documents relating to Wellsford, 610 Fifth Avenue, New York,
New York 10020, Attention: Kim Ezzy, telephone (212) 333-2300. In order to
insure timely delivery of the documents, any request should be made by May 16,
1997.
<PAGE>
INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
IN THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT
The following documents filed with the Commission by EQR or by
Wellsford pursuant to the Exchange Act are hereby incorporated in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement by reference:
1. EQR's current report on Form 8-K dated May 23, 1996, as amended.
2. EQR's current report on Form 8- K dated November 15, 1996, as
amended.
3. EQR's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996, as amended by Form 10-K/A filed on April 3, 1997.
4. EQR's current report on Form 8-K dated January 16, 1997.
5. EQR's current report on Form 8-K dated March 12, 1997.
6. EQR's current report on Form 8- K dated March 17, 1997.
7. EQR's current report on Form 8-K dated March 19, 1997.
8. EQR's current report on Form 8-K dated March 20, 1997.
9. EQR's current report on Form 8-K dated March 24, 1997.
10. The information prescribed by Items 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of Form
S-11 contained in EQR's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No.
33-80420) dated July 20, 1994, as amended.
11. The description of EQR Common contained in EQR's Registration
Statement on Form 8-A, as amended, dated August 10, 1993.
12. The description of EQR's 9-3/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per
share, contained in EQR's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, as
amended, dated May 17, 1995.
13. The description of Depositary Shares each representing a 1/10
fractional interest in EQR's 9-1/8% Series B Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value
$.01 per share, contained in EQR's Registration Statement on Form
8-A dated October 23, 1995.
<PAGE>
14. The description of Depositary Shares each representing a 1/10
fractional interest in EQR's 9-1/8% Series C Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value
$.01 per share, contained in EQR's Registration Statement on Form
8-A dated September 10, 1996.
15. Wellsford's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.
16. Wellsford's current report on Form 8-K, dated January 16, 1997.
17. Wellsford's current report on Form 8-K, dated February 3, 1997.
18. The description of Wellsford Common contained in Wellsford's
Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated November 10, 1992 and
the information thereby incorporated by reference contained in
Wellsford's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 33-52406),
as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto dated November 3, 1992,
under the heading "Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest."
19. The description of Wellsford's Series A Convertible Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share,
contained in Wellsford's Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No.
33-69868) dated October 1, 1993 and in Amendments Nos. 1 and 2
thereto dated October 22, 1993 and November 4, 1993,
respectively, under the heading "Description of Series A
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares."
20. The description of Wellsford's Series B Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per
share, contained in Wellsford's Registration Statement on Form 8-
A dated September 5, 1995, under the heading "Description of
Registrant's Securities to be Registered."
21. All documents subsequently filed by EQR or Wellsford pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to
the date of the meetings of shareholders.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated by
reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be
modified or superseded for purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/
Information Statement to the extent that a statement contained in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement or in any other subsequently
filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
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JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SUMMARY..................................................................... 1
Surviving Trust Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data.... 17
Equity Residential Properties Trust Summary Historical and Combined
Financial Data..................................................... 20
Wellsford Residential Property Trust Summary Historical Financial Data. 23
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST SUMMARY HISTORICAL
FINANCIAL DATA......................................................... 25
Comparative Per Share Data............................................. 26
Comparative Share Prices............................................... 28
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc......................................... 31
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor) Summary Unaudited Pro
Forma Combined Financial Data...................................... 38
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor) Summary Unaudited
Combined Financial Data............................................ 39
RISK FACTORS................................................................ 41
Conflicts of Interest.................................................. 41
Adverse Consequences of Debt Financing................................. 42
Restrictions on Indebtedness of the Surviving Trust.................... 42
Other Restrictive Covenants............................................ 43
Potential Change in Relative Stock Prices.............................. 43
Risks to Wellsford Common Shareholders................................. 43
No Appraisal Rights under Maryland Law................................. 44
Potential Adverse Effects of Combining the Companies................... 44
General Real Estate Investment Considerations ; Changes in Laws........ 44
Potential Environmental Liability Affecting the Surviving Trust........ 45
Consequences of Failure to Qualify as a REIT........................... 46
Dependence on Key Personnel............................................ 47
Distribution Requirements Potentially Increasing Indebtedness of the
Surviving Trust.................................................... 47
9.8% Ownership Limit................................................... 47
Limits on Changes in Control........................................... 48
Control and Influence by Significant Shareholders of EQR............... 49
Exemptions for Mr. Zell and Others from Maryland Business
Combination Law which Tend to Inhibit Takeovers.................... 50
Tax Termination of ERP Operating Partnership........................... 50
WRP NEWCO RISK FACTORS...................................................... 51
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General Risks...................................................................... 51
Nature of Investments Made by WRP Newco May Involve High Risk;
Illiquidity of Real Estate Investments...................................... 51
Difficulty of Locating Suitable Investments; Competition........................... 52
Risks of Acquisition, Development, Construction and Renovation Activities.......... 52
Vacancies at Existing Properties; Dependence on Rental Income from Real
Property.................................................................... 53
Operating Risks.................................................................... 54
Adverse Consequences of Debt Financing............................................. 54
Lack of Control and Other Risks of Equity Investments in and with Third
Parties..................................................................... 55
Risks of Investments in Debt Instruments........................................... 56
Risks of Investments in Mortgage Loans............................................. 56
Risk of Loss on Investments in Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities............... 57
Limitations on Remedies............................................................ 57
Third-Party Bankruptcy Risks...................................................... 58
No Prior Operating History......................................................... 58
Risks of Uninsured Loss............................................................ 58
Potential Environmental Liability Related to the Properties........................ 59
Dependence on Key Personnel........................................................ 59
Tax Consequences of the Distribution............................................... 60
Changes in Policies Without Stockholder Approval................................... 60
Absence of Public Market; Risk of Changes in Share Price........................... 60
Costs of Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Similar
Laws........................................................................ 61
Noncompliance with Other Laws...................................................... 61
Effect on Common Stock Price of Shares Available for Future Sale................... 61
Hedging Policies/Risks............................................................. 62
Anti-Takeover Effect Resulting From a Staggered Board/Ability of Newco to
Issue Preferred Shares/and Certain Provisions of Maryland Law............... 62
THE MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS............................................................ 63
EQR................................................................................ 63
Wellsford.......................................................................... 64
THE MERGER.............................................................................. 66
Terms of the Merger................................................................ 66
Background of the Merger........................................................... 66
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the EQR Board of Trustees................ 72
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Wellsford Board of Trustees.......... 74
Opinion of Financial Advisor - EQR................................................. 77
Opinion of Financial Advisor - Wellsford........................................... 84
Effective Time of the Merger....................................................... 92
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Representations and Warranties; Conditions to the Merger................................... 92
Appraisal Rights........................................................................... 94
Regulatory Matters......................................................................... 94
Termination Provisions..................................................................... 94
Termination Fee and Expenses............................................................... 95
No Solicitation of Other Transactions...................................................... 96
Conversion of Shares....................................................................... 96
Appointment of Exchange Agent.............................................................. 98
Exchange of Certificates................................................................... 98
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger..................................................... 98
Waiver and Amendment....................................................................... 102
Stock Exchange Listing..................................................................... 102
Anticipated Accounting Treatment........................................................... 102
Shares Available for Resale................................................................ 102
Contribution of Assets of Wellsford to ERP Operating Partnership........................... 103
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................................... 103
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER AND DISTRIBUTION..................................... 118
Benefits of Key Executives................................................................. 118
Agreements with the Surviving Trust and ERP Operating Partnership.......................... 121
Agreements with WRP Newco.................................................................. 122
SURVIVING TRUST SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED
FINANCIAL DATA...................................................................... 124
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST SELECTED HISTORICAL AND
COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA............................................................. 127
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST SELECTED HISTORICAL
FINANCIAL DATA...................................................................... 130
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE SURVIVING
TRUST............................................................................... 133
POLICIES OF THE SURVIVING TRUST WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN
ACTIVITIES.......................................................................... 141
Business Objectives and Operating Strategies........................................ 141
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Acquisition Strategies.............................................. 142
Disposition Strategies.............................................. 142
Investment Policies................................................. 142
Financing Policies.................................................. 143
Lending Policies.................................................... 144
Policies with Respect to Other Activities........................... 145
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE SURVIVING TRUST AFTER THE
MERGER.............................................................. 145
Trustees and Executive Officers..................................... 145
Committees of the Board of Trustees................................. 149
Compensation of Trustees............................................ 150
Consulting Agreements............................................... 150
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS..................................... 150
Authorized and Issued Shares........................................ 151
Amendment to Declaration and Bylaws................................. 152
Special Meetings.................................................... 152
Boards of Trustees.................................................. 153
Mergers, Consolidations, and Sale of Substantially all Assets....... 154
Restrictions on the Ownership, Transfer or Issuance of Shares....... 155
PROPOSAL REGARDING ADDITIONAL DECLARATION OF TRUST
PROVISIONS........................................................... 158
THE CONTRIBUTION AND DISTRIBUTION........................................ 161
Background of and Reasons for the Distribution...................... 161
Manner of Effecting the Contribution and Distribution............... 161
Listing and Trading of WRP Newco Common............................. 162
Conditions; Termination............................................. 163
Contribution and Distribution Agreement............................. 163
Tax Consequences of the Distribution................................ 164
WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC........................................... 167
General............................................................. 167
Lines of Businesses................................................. 167
Initial Capital and Financing....................................... 169
Management.......................................................... 170
Wellsford Acquisitions.............................................. 170
Wellsford Management and Development Practices...................... 170
Wellsford Equity and Debt Financing................................. 171
Wellsford Return to Shareholders.................................... 171
WRP NEWCO PRO FORMA CAPITALIZATION....................................... 171
WRP NEWCO DIVIDEND POLICY................................................ 172
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WRP NEWCO'S BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES..................................... 172
Wellsford Commercial Properties.......................................... 173
Wellsford High Yield Investment Portfolio........................... 176
Wellsford Property Development...................................... 177
CERTAIN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN WRP NEWCO AND ERP OPERATING
PARTNERSHIP......................................................... 180
Common Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement................. 180
Registration Rights Agreement....................................... 182
Agreement Regarding Palomino Park................................... 183
Credit Enhancement Agreement........................................ 187
POLICIES WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF WRP NEWCO................. 188
Investment Policies................................................. 188
Financing Policies.................................................. 189
Policies with Respect to Other Activities........................... 189
MANAGEMENT OF WRP NEWCO.................................................. 189
Directors and Executive Officers.................................... 189
Key Employee........................................................ 192
Compensation of Directors........................................... 192
Board Committees.................................................... 193
Executive Compensation.............................................. 193
Employment Agreements............................................... 194
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation......... 195
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS OF WRP NEWCO...................................... 195
WRP NEWCO'S CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS......................................... 197
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF WELLSFORD REAL
PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR)...................................... 198
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS........................................... 199
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WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR) COMBINED
BALANCE SHEETS....................................................... 200
WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR) COMBINED
INCOME STATEMENT..................................................... 201
WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR) COMBINED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW.............................................. 202
WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR) PRO FORMA
COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT............................................ 208
WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR) PRO FORMA
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET............................................... 211
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF WRP NEWCO................................. 214
General.............................................................. 214
Common Stock......................................................... 215
Preferred Stock...................................................... 215
Classification or Reclassification of Common Stock or Preferred Stock 216
Power to Issue Additional Shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock. 216
Class A Common Stock................................................. 216
Series A 8% Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock................... 218
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF WRP NEWCO'S
CHARTER AND BYLAWS................................................... 223
Classification of the Board of Directors............................. 223
Removal of Directors................................................. 224
Business Combinations................................................ 224
Amendment to the Charter and Bylaws.................................. 225
Merger, Consolidation, Sale of Assets................................ 225
Dissolution of WRP Newco............................................. 225
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business.............. 225
Meetings of Stockholders............................................. 226
Limitation of Liability and Indemnification.......................... 227
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE WRP NEWCO ADDITIONAL SHARE OFFERING................... 228
PROPOSAL TO APPROVE WRP NEWCO'S 1997 MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE
PLAN................................................................. 229
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LEGAL MATTERS............................................................ 235
EXPERTS.................................................................. 236
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS.................................................... 236
APPENDIX A AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER............................... A-1
APPENDIX B ARTICLES OF MERGER......................................... B-1
APPENDIX C OPINION OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC...................... C-1
APPENDIX D OPINION OF MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER &
SMITH INCORPORATED......................................... D-1
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<PAGE>
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in the Summary and under captions "Risk Factors," "WRP
Newco Risk Factors," "The Merger - Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the
EQR Board of Trustees" "- Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the
Wellsford Board of Trustees," "-Opinion of Financial Advisor - EQR"
and "-Opinion of Financial Advisor - Wellsford" and elsewhere in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). Such forward-looking statements involve known and
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of EQR, Wellsford or WRP Newco or industry
results to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business
conditions, which will, among other things, affect demand for multifamily
properties, availability and credit worthiness of prospective tenants, lease
rents and the availability of financing; adverse changes in the real estate
markets including, among other things, competition with other companies, risks
of real estate development and acquisition; governmental actions and
initiatives; environmental/safety requirements; ability to achieve anticipated
cost savings and operating efficiencies from the Merger; and other changes and
factors referenced in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information
Statement and the documents incorporated herein by reference. With respect to
WRP Newco, such factors may also include: difficulty of locating suitable
investments; illiquidity of real estate investments; risks regarding the
Palomino Park development; limited control of entities in which investments are
made; risks of investments in debt instruments, including reduction in the value
of collateral and the inability to enforce remedies; risks of highly leveraged
transactions; dependence on key personnel; and lack of prior operating history.
See "Risk Factors" and "WRP Newco Risk Factors."
SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement. Reference is made
to, and this summary is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed
information and financial statements contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement, the Appendices hereto and the
documents incorporated by reference herein.
Certain capitalized terms used in this summary are defined elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement. As used in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement, except where the context
requires otherwise, "EQR" means Equity Residential Properties Trust, a Maryland
real estate investment trust and its subsidiaries; "ERP Operating Partnership"
means ERP Operating Limited Partnership, an Illinois limited partnership of
which EQR is the general partner, and its subsidiaries; "Wellsford" means
Wellsford Residential Property Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust,
and its
<PAGE>
subsidiaries; and "WRP Newco" means Wellsford Real Properties, Inc., a
Maryland corporation, and its subsidiaries.
As used in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement,
"Surviving Trust" means the surviving Maryland real estate investment trust in
the Merger. The name of the Surviving Trust will be Equity Residential
Properties Trust.
Parties to the Merger
EQR. EQR, one of the largest publicly traded REITs (based on the aggregate
market value of its outstanding equity capitalization), is a self-administered
and self-managed equity REIT. EQR was organized in March 1993 and commenced
operations as a publicly traded company on August 18, 1993 upon the completion
of its initial public offering (the "IPO"). EQR was formed to continue the
multifamily property business objectives and acquisition strategies of certain
affiliated entities controlled by Mr. Samuel Zell, Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of EQR. These entities had been engaged in the acquisition, ownership
and operation of multifamily properties since 1969. EQR's senior executives
average over 23 years of experience in the multifamily property business.
EQR is the largest publicly traded REIT owner of multifamily properties
(based on the number of apartment units owned and total revenues earned). As of
March 31, 1997, EQR owned or had interests in a portfolio of 250 multifamily
properties containing 75,100 apartment units and managed 12,804 additional units
owned by affiliated entities. As of March 31, 1997, the 250 properties EQR owned
or had interests in had an average occupancy rate of approximately 94%. These
properties are located in the following 31 states: Arizona, Arkansas,
California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington.
All of EQR's interests in its properties are held directly or indirectly
by, and substantially all of its operations relating to the properties are
conducted through, ERP Operating Partnership. EQR controls ERP Operating
Partnership as the sole general partner and, as of March 31, 1997, owned
approximately 88% of ERP Operating Partnership's outstanding partnership
interests (excluding preference units) ("OP Units"), which may be exchanged by
the holders thereof for either shares of EQR Common, on a one-for-one basis or,
at EQR's option, the cash equivalent thereof.
EQR's corporate headquarters and executive offices are located at Two North
Riverside Plaza, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60606, and its telephone number is
(312) 474-1300. In addition, EQR has regional operations centers in Chicago,
Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Tampa, Florida
and Bethesda, Maryland, and area offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Las Vegas, Nevada;
Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; San Antonio and
2
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Houston, Texas; Irvine, California; Ypsilanti, Michigan; Raleigh, North
Carolina; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Wellsford. Wellsford is a publicly traded, self-administered and self-
managed equity REIT, formed in 1992, which owns and operates multifamily
properties located in the Western, Southwestern and Pacific regions of the
United States. As of December 31, 1996, Wellsford owned 72 properties
containing 19,004 apartment units. Wellsford's average occupancy rate on March
24, 1997 was approximately 95.3%. Wellsford's properties are located in the
following states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah
and Washington.
Wellsford's corporate headquarters and executive offices are located at 610
Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10020, and its telephone number is (212) 333-
2300. In addition, Wellsford has operating headquarters in Denver, Colorado and
area offices in Dallas, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma; Phoenix, Arizona; and Tacoma, Washington.
Terms of the Merger
The Merger Agreement provides that, upon satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth therein, EQR will be merged into Wellsford. The name of
the Surviving Trust will be Equity Residential Properties Trust. The EQR Board
of Trustees and Wellsford Board of Trustees have each approved the Merger as set
forth in the Merger Agreement. Upon consummation of the Merger (the "Effective
Time"), each outstanding share of Wellsford Common will be converted into .625
(the "Exchange Ratio") of a common share of beneficial interest, $.01 par value
per share, of the Surviving Trust ("Survivor Common"). At the Effective Time,
each outstanding share of EQR Common will be converted into one share of
Survivor Common. At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of Wellsford
Preferred and EQR Preferred will be converted into one preferred share of the
Surviving Trust ("Survivor Preferred") having the same preferences and other
terms as the preferred shares previously outstanding of the same series;
provided, however, the conversion ratio for Wellsford's Series A Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, .01 par value per share
("Wellsford Series A") will be adjusted in accordance with its terms. See "The
Merger - Terms of the Merger." At the Effective Time, approximately 3.2% of
Survivor Common will be owned by affiliates of the Surviving Trust (assuming
that no outstanding options are exercised and no OP Units are exchanged for
shares of EQR Common).
The Distribution of WRP Newco Common
Immediately prior to the Merger, Wellsford will contribute certain of its
assets, including an 80% interest in phases I and II of, and in options to
acquire and develop phases III, IV and V of, a 182-acre five-phase development
project located in Denver, Colorado ("Palomino Park"), a $17.8 million mortgage
receivable (the "Sonterra Loan"), on a 344-unit multifamily property located in
Tucson, Arizona ("Sonterra"), an option to purchase Sonterra and
3
<PAGE>
approximately $18 million of cash to WRP Newco and WRP Newco will assume certain
obligations of Wellsford (the "Contribution"). Immediately after the
Contribution and immediately prior to the Merger, Wellsford will distribute to
the holders of Wellsford Common all the outstanding shares of WRP Newco Common
owned by Wellsford as a distribution subject to income tax under Section 301 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Pursuant to the
Distribution, the holders of Wellsford Common will receive one share of WRP
Newco Common for each four shares of Wellsford Common owned by such holder. Cash
will be paid in lieu of fractional shares. The Contribution and the Distribution
are not subject to approval by the shareholders of Wellsford.
No shares of WRP Newco Common will be distributed to EQR Common
Shareholders. EQR Common Shareholders will participate indirectly in WRP Newco
through the interests of ERP Operating Partnership in WRP Newco as described
under "Certain Agreements between WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership."
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[Chart to be inserted depicting pre-Merger EQR & Wellsford]
5
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[Chart to be inserted depicting Surviving Trust & WRP Newco]
6
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[Map to be inserted depicting property interests of Surviving Trust]
7
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Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Boards of Trustees
The EQR Board of Trustees believes that the Merger, including the
consideration to be paid by EQR, is fair and in the best interests of EQR and
its shareholders. The EQR Trustees who voted on the Merger unanimously approved
the Merger and unanimously recommend that the EQR Common Shareholders vote FOR
the Merger. The EQR Board of Trustees considered certain potentially negative
factors which could arise from the Merger. These included (i) the significant
costs involved in connection with consummating the Merger, (ii) the substantial
management time and effort required to effectuate the Merger and integrate the
businesses of EQR and Wellsford, (iii) the increase in the total debt of the
Surviving Trust from the total debt of EQR, (iv) the possible adverse effects
upon the market for shares of EQR Common and upon EQR's ability to raise capital
and issue equity in both the public and private markets which might result if
the Merger were not consummated, and (v) the risk that the anticipated benefits
of the Merger might not be fully realized. The favorable factors the EQR Board
of Trustees considered in reaching the foregoing conclusions were the beliefs
that (i) the Merger would solidify EQR's leadership position in the multifamily
property industry and the Surviving Trust will be one of the largest publicly
traded REITs (based on the aggregate market value of its outstanding equity
capitalization), (ii) the Merger would increase operating efficiencies through
economies of scale, (iii) the Merger would provide greater access to the public
equity and debt markets, (iv) the Surviving Trust would be a larger and
financially stronger company, which would make it easier to combine with other
entities, (v) the combination of the Wellsford properties with those of EQR
would expand the geographic focus of EQR's operations in the Southwest, Western
and Pacific regions of the United States, and (vi) the Merger could be
effectuated through the issuance of shares of equity to shareholders in the
Merger rather than through the use of cash or a separate public offering of
equity or debt securities. The EQR Board of Trustees also received the written
opinion, dated January 16, 1997, of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ("J.P. Morgan")
to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to certain
matters stated therein, the consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with
the Merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to EQR. See "The Merger--
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the EQR Board of Trustees" and
"Opinion of Financial Advisors--EQR."
The Wellsford Board of Trustees believes that the Merger and
Distribution are fair to, and in the best interests of, Wellsford and its
shareholders. By unanimous vote, the Wellsford Board of Trustees approved the
Merger, the Distribution and the transactions contemplated thereby, and
unanimously recommend that the Wellsford Common Shareholders vote FOR the
Merger. Although Wellsford Common Shareholders are not being asked to approve
the Distribution, approval of the Merger will, in effect, constitute approval of
the Distribution. The Board of Trustees reached its decision after careful
consideration of a wide variety of factors, including certain potentially
negative factors. These negative factors consisted of the following: (i) the
risk that the anticipated benefits of the Merger might not be fully realized;
(ii) the significant costs aggregating approximately $23.5 involved in
connection with consummating the
8
<PAGE>
Merger; (iii) the substantial management time and effort required to effectuate
the Merger; (iv) the possibility that Wellsford may be required, if the Merger
Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, to pay EQR a Break-Up Fee
(as defined herein) of $14.0 million and to reimburse EQR Break-Up Expenses (as
defined herein) of up to $2.5 million; and (v) after the Merger, the
distributions payable with respect to the Survivor Common is expected to be
approximately 19.5% less than the distributions payable with respect to the
Wellsford Common based upon the current annualized distributions per share of
EQR Common and Wellsford Common.
In making its determination with respect to the Merger and the
Distribution, the Wellsford Board of Trustees also considered, among other
things, the following advantages: (i) the Merger would afford shareholders a
significant participation in a much larger and more geographically diversified
REIT with greater potential for long-term appreciation and improved access to
capital markets, (ii) the Merger was the best alternative reasonably available
to Wellsford Common Shareholders, providing the greatest feasibility and
potential to maximize shareholder value, (iii) the Merger offered anticipated
cost savings and operating efficiencies to the Surviving Trust, including the
anticipated reduction of overhead expenses by approximately $4.1 million per
year, (iv) the market capitalization of the Surviving Trust is expected to be
approximately $4 billion greater than the then-current market capitalization of
Wellsford, (v) the Exchange Ratio fairly reflected the relative contributions of
both companies to the combined entity, and (vi) the Merger would be tax-free.
The Wellsford Board of Trustees received further confirmation of its decision in
the form of the written opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"), dated January 16, 1997, to the effect that, as
of such date and based upon certain assumptions and considerations, the
consideration to be received by Wellsford Common Shareholders pursuant to the
Merger and the Distribution was fair to such shareholders from a financial point
of view. See "The Merger - Reasons for the Merger" and "Opinion of Financial
Advisor - Wellsford."
Opinions of Financial Advisors
EQR. At the meeting of the Board of Trustees of EQR on January 15, 1997,
J.P. Morgan rendered its oral opinion to the Board of Trustees of EQR that, as
of such date, the consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with the
proposed Merger was fair from a financial point of view to EQR. J.P. Morgan has
confirmed its January 15, 1997 oral opinion by delivering its written opinion to
the Board of Trustees of EQR, dated January 16, 1997, that as of such date, the
consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with the proposed Merger was fair
from a financial point of view to EQR. No limitations were imposed by EQR's
Board of Trustees upon J.P. Morgan with respect to the investigations made or
procedures followed by it in rendering its opinions. See "The Merger -Opinion of
Financial Advisor - EQR."
Wellsford. At the meeting of the Board of Trustees of Wellsford on January
16, 1997, Merrill Lynch rendered its oral opinion to the Board of Trustees of
Wellsford, and subsequently
9
<PAGE>
on such date Merrill Lynch delivered its written opinion, that, as of such date
and based upon the assumptions made, matters considered and limits of review, as
set forth in such opinion, the proposed consideration to be received by the
holders of Wellsford Common pursuant to the Merger and the Distribution was fair
to such shareholders from a financial point of view. No limitations were imposed
by Wellsford's Board of Trustees upon Merrill Lynch with respect to the
investigations made or procedures followed by it in rendering its opinions. See
"The Merger - Opinion of Financial Advisor - Wellsford."
Risk Factors
In considering whether to approve the Merger, the shareholders of EQR
and Wellsford voting on the Merger should consider, in addition to the other
information in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement, the
matters discussed under "Risk Factors." Such matters include:
. Adverse consequences normally associated with debt or preferred equity
financing, including the risk that the Surviving Trust's cash flow
will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and
interest.
. Risks associated with the potential change in the relative share
prices of EQR Common and Wellsford Common prior to the time the Merger
becomes effective.
. Possible payment of liquidated damages and expenses: the Merger
Agreement provides for a "Break-Up Fee" of $14 million (the "Break-Up
Fee") plus "Break-Up Expenses" of up to $2.5 million (the "Break-Up
Expenses") payable by Wellsford to EQR if the Merger Agreement is
terminated by either EQR or Wellsford under certain circumstances and,
within one year thereafter, Wellsford enters into an agreement
regarding an "Acquisition Proposal," as defined herein, which is
consummated. If the Merger Agreement is terminated by either EQR or
Wellsford under certain other circumstances, either EQR or Wellsford
will be required to pay the other party's Break-Up Expenses of up to
$2.5 million. See "The Merger-Termination Provisions."
. Possible conflicts of interest due to the fact that certain members of
management of Wellsford, pursuant to existing agreements, have certain
interests that arise in connection with the Merger and the
Distribution that are in addition to the interests of shareholders of
Wellsford generally.
. Shareholders of EQR and Wellsford do not have appraisal rights in
connection with the Merger under Maryland law.
10
<PAGE>
Interests of Certain Persons
In considering whether to approve the Merger, shareholders should be aware
that certain members of the management of Wellsford and the Wellsford Board of
Trustees have certain interests that arise in connection with the Merger and the
Distribution that are in addition to the interests of shareholders of Wellsford
generally. The Board of Trustees considered these interests and deliberated upon
any resulting conflicts of interest unanimously concluding that the advantages
of the Merger and Distribution and the benefits thereof to the shareholders
outweighed any conflicts of interest. These additional interests arise under
existing agreements with, and annual compensation awards from, Wellsford, which
were approved by Wellsford's independent trustees in prior years, and proposed
agreements with WRP Newco and the Surviving Trust relating to, among other
things, severance payments to be made to certain executive officers (but not
Jeffrey H. Lynford, Chairman of the Board, and Edward Lowenthal, President and
Chief Executive Officer), the forgiveness of loans made to certain executive
officers incurred to acquire shares of Wellsford Common, the issuance of
additional shares of Wellsford Common to certain executive officers, the
acceleration of vesting of restricted share grants issued to certain executive
officers (but not Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal), payments to be made to certain
executive officers to satisfy income and excise tax obligations resulting from
certain monies and other benefits to be paid to them in connection with the
Merger and the issuance of WRP Newco stock options to certain executive officers
and trustees of Wellsford in replacement of certain existing Wellsford share
options and reload options granted in connection with the exercise of vested
Wellsford options. In addition, upon completion of the Merger, WRP Newco will
enter into employment agreements with Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal for
approximately five and one-half years and employment agreements with Gregory F.
Hughes, Chief Financial Officer of Wellsford, and David M. Strong, a Vice
President of Wellsford, for two years. WRP Newco will also assume the existing
split dollar life insurance arrangements between Wellsford and Messrs. Lynford
and Lowenthal. See "Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger and
Distribution."
Further, upon completion of the Merger, Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will
each enter into a five-year consulting agreement with ERP Operating Partnership
and will be appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Surviving Trust for a
three-year term. In addition, Donald D. MacKenzie, Executive Vice President-
Director of Operations of Wellsford, will be a Senior Vice President of the
Surviving Trust upon completion of the Merger. The Surviving Trust will
indemnify each trustee and officer of Wellsford for all actions on or prior to
the Effective Time to the same extent such individuals were indemnified by
Wellsford prior to the Effective Time.
Effective Time of the Contribution and the Distribution
As stated in "The Contribution and Distribution," the Contribution and the
Distribution will take place immediately prior to the Merger.
11
<PAGE>
Effective Time of the Merger and Closing Date
The closing ("Closing") of the Merger will take place at 10:00 a.m. on
the date to be specified by EQR and Wellsford, which will be no later than the
third business day after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
the Merger Agreement (the "Closing Date"), at the offices of Rudnick & Wolfe,
203 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601, unless another date or place
is agreed to in writing by the parties. The Merger will become effective at the
time the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the
"Department") accepts for record the Articles of Merger (the "Articles"), or at
such time as EQR and Wellsford will agree should be specified in the Articles
(not to exceed 30 days after the Articles are accepted for record by the
Department). It is currently anticipated that the Merger will be effective on
or about May 30, 1997.
Conditions to the Merger
The obligations of EQR and Wellsford to consummate the Merger are subject
to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, among others,
(i) obtaining the requisite approval of the shareholders of EQR and shareholders
of Wellsford, (ii) the absence of any material adverse change in the financial
condition, business or operations of Wellsford or EQR, (iii) the receipt of
certain legal opinions, including opinions with respect to the tax consequences
of the Merger, (iv) the receipt of all material consents, authorizations, orders
and approvals of governmental agencies and third parties, (v) the consummation
of certain transactions by and between EQR, ERP Operating Partnership and WRP
Newco, (vi) the execution of certain agreements between each of Wellsford and
EQR and their respective affiliates, and (vii) the consummation of the
Contribution and the Distribution. EQR and Wellsford each have the right to
waive any conditions to their respective obligations to consummate the Merger.
See "The Merger - Conditions of the Merger."
Appraisal Rights
Shareholders of Wellsford and shareholders of EQR are not entitled to
dissenting shareholders' appraisal rights under Maryland law. Maryland law does
not provide appraisal rights to shareholders of a REIT in connection with a
merger if their shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the
NYSE, on the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote on such
merger. All of the shares of EQR and Wellsford outstanding on the record date
for determining the shareholders entitled to vote on the Merger were listed on
the NYSE.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
Tax Consequences of Merger. The Merger is intended to qualify as a tax-free
reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). For a more detailed discussion of certain U.S. Federal
income tax consequences of the
12
<PAGE>
Merger and certain other matters related thereto, see "The Merger -- Certain
Federal Income Tax Consequences."
Tax Consequences of Distribution. To the extent the fair market value of
the shares of WRP Newco Common distributed in the Distribution to Wellsford
Common Shareholders exceeds Wellsford's tax basis in such shares, gain will be
recognized by Wellsford. Assuming Wellsford qualifies as a REIT and has a
dividends paid deduction for distributions to its shareholders at least equal to
its REIT taxable income (as computed before taking into account the dividends
paid deduction), no REIT level tax will be incurred on account of the
Distribution.
The distribution of shares of WRP Newco Common will, however, be taxable to
Wellsford Common Shareholders to the same extent as any other distribution made
by Wellsford to the Wellsford Common Shareholders. Thus, so long as Wellsford
qualifies for taxation as a REIT, distributions with respect to its shares,
including the Distribution, made out of current or accumulated earnings and
profits allocable thereto (and not designated as capital gain dividends) will be
includible by the Wellsford Common Shareholders as ordinary income for Federal
income tax purposes. For a more detailed discussion, see "Tax Consequences of
the Distribution."
Termination
The Merger Agreement provides that it may be terminated in a number of
circumstances at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after
the approval of the Merger by the shareholders of EQR and shareholders of
Wellsford. See "The Merger - Termination Provisions."
Termination Fees
Depending on the reason for the Merger Agreement's termination, Wellsford
may be required to pay EQR either the Break-Up Fee and Break-Up Expenses or
Break-Up Expenses, or EQR may be required to pay Wellsford the Break-Up
Expenses. See "The Merger - Termination Fees and Expenses."
Anticipated Accounting Treatment
The Merger will be treated as a purchase in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 16.
No Solicitation of Other Transactions
Wellsford has agreed that it (and its subsidiaries) will not, and will use
its best efforts to not permit its officers, trustees, employees, agents or
financial advisors to, initiate, solicit or encourage, directly or indirectly,
any inquiries or the making or implementation of any proposal
13
<PAGE>
or offer (including, without limitation, any proposal or offer to its
shareholders) with respect to a merger, acquisition, tender offer, exchange
offer, consolidation, sale of assets or similar transactions involving all or
any significant portion of the assets or any equity securities of, it or any of
its subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement. The Merger Agreement does not, however, prohibit Wellsford from
entering into discussions with respect to an unsolicited proposal if the Board
of Trustees of Wellsford determines that such action is required by its duties
to its shareholders imposed by law.
EQR has agreed that if it enters into negotiations with another entity
having a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act regarding
the acquisition of such entity (whether effected through a merger,
consolidation, share exchange, tender offer or other form), then at least three
business days prior to executing any definitive agreement with such entity with
respect to such acquisition or making a tender offer for the shares or other
ownership interests of such entity, EQR will notify Wellsford of such
transaction and consult with Wellsford with respect thereto, it being
understood, however, that Wellsford will have no approval rights with respect
thereto.
Conversion of Shares; Exchange of Certificates
Each share of Wellsford Common outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be converted into .625 share of validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable Survivor Common. Each share of EQR Common outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into one share of
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Survivor Common. Each share of EQR
Preferred and Wellsford Preferred outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time will continue as one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of
Survivor Preferred, with all the preferences, rights and powers that each share
previously had as shares issued by EQR or Wellsford, as the case may be, and
will rank pari passu with each other outstanding Survivor Preferred; provided,
however, that the conversion ratio relating to the Wellsford Series A will be
adjusted in accordance with its terms.
All shares of Wellsford Common, when converted pursuant to the Merger, will
no longer be outstanding and will automatically be canceled and retired and each
holder of a certificate representing Wellsford Common will cease to have any
rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive shares of Survivor
Common, and cash in lieu of any fractional shares of Survivor Common, as well as
any distributions declared with respect thereto with a record date after the
Effective Time. At the Effective Time, each certificate representing outstanding
shares of Wellsford Preferred will cease to have any rights with respect to such
shares, except the right to receive a certificate of the Surviving Trust
representing an equal number of Survivor Preferred. Wellsford Common
Shareholders should not tender their certificates for Wellsford Common with
their proxy. As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, Boston
EquiServe LLP, an affiliate of First National Bank of Boston, as the exchange
agent ("Exchange Agent"), will mail to the shareholders of Wellsford transmittal
materials for use in exchanging certificates evidencing Wellsford Shares for
certificates evidencing shares of the Survivor
14
<PAGE>
Common or Survivor Preferred ("Survivor Shares"). See "The Merger - Exchange of
Certificates."
At the Effective Time, each certificate evidencing outstanding shares of
EQR Common and EQR Preferred will, without any action by the holders thereof,
thereafter represent the same number of shares of Survivor Common and Survivor
Preferred, as the case may be.
Management of the Surviving Trust
The Surviving Trust will initially have twelve trustees. The Board of
Trustees of the Surviving Trust will be made up of the current trustees of EQR,
Jeffrey H. Lynford, the Chairman of the Wellsford Board of Trustees, and Edward
Lowenthal, a Trustee and the President of Wellsford. The Board of Trustees of
the Surviving Trust will be divided into three equally numbered classes serving
staggered three-year terms. One class will serve as trustees until the 1997
annual meeting of shareholders, one class will serve as trustees until the 1998
annual meeting of shareholders, and one class will serve as trustees until the
1999 annual meeting of shareholders.
Senior management of the Surviving Trust will be drawn from the present
management of EQR. As a condition to the consummation of the Merger, Jeffrey H.
Lynford and Edward Lowenthal will enter into consulting agreements with ERP
Operating Partnership. In addition, Donald MacKenzie, Executive Vice President-
Director of Operations of Wellsford, will be a Senior Vice President of the
Surviving Trust upon completion of the Merger. See "The Merger -Interests of
Certain Persons in the Merger and Distribution."
After the Merger, management and control of ERP Operating Partnership will
be vested in the Surviving Trust, which will serve as its sole general partner.
The Merger Agreement also contains provisions relating to, among other
things, employee benefits and indemnification and liability coverage of former
trustees and officers of Wellsford after the Merger. See "The Merger -Interests
of Certain Persons in the Merger and Distribution."
The Meetings of Shareholders
EQR
The EQR Special Meeting has been called to consider and vote on the
approval of the Merger. The EQR Special Meeting will be held on May 28, 1997 at
10:00 a.m., local time, at One North Franklin, Chicago, Illinois. Only holders
of record of EQR Common at the close of business on April 14, 1997 will be
entitled to vote at the EQR Special Meeting. Each holder of EQR Common is
entitled to one vote per share on the Merger as proposed in the notice of the
EQR Special Meeting. EQR had outstanding 53,713,158 shares of EQR Common as of
the
15
<PAGE>
close of business on April 1, 1997, of which 1,022,666 shares (or approximately
1.9% of the outstanding shares of EQR Common) (excluding 681,534 shares where
beneficial ownership is disclaimed) were owned beneficially by the officers and
trustees of EQR, and such persons have indicated their intention to vote such
shares in favor of each of the proposals. Approval of the Merger requires the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the holders of the outstanding shares of EQR
Common.
Wellsford
The Wellsford Special Meeting has been called to consider and vote on the
approval of the Merger, including the adoption of an amended and restated
declaration of trust of the Surviving Trust, the approval of the Additional
Provisions, the approval of the Additional Share Offering and the adoption of
WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan. See "--Proposal Regarding Additional
Declaration of Trust Provisions," "--Proposals Regarding WRP Newco," "Proposal
Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions," "Proposal to Approve WRP
Newco Additional Share Offering" and "Proposal to Approve WRP Newco's 1997
Management Incentive Plan." The Wellsford Special Meeting will be held on May
28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at The Princeton Club, 15 West 43rd Street,
New York, New York. Only holders of record of Wellsford Common at the close of
business on April 14, 1997 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Wellsford Special Meeting. Each holder of Wellsford Common is entitled to one
vote per share as proposed in the notice of the Wellsford Special Meeting.
Wellsford had outstanding 17,233,153 shares of Wellsford Common as of the close
of business on March 19, 1997, of which 599,828 shares (or approximately 3.5% of
the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common) (excludes 29,727 shares where
beneficial ownership is disclaimed) were owned beneficially by the officers and
trustees of Wellsford, and such persons have indicated their intention to vote
such shares in favor of the proposals. Approval of the Merger requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Wellsford Common Shareholders. Approval of
the Additional Provisions requires the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
holders of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common. Approval of the
Additional Share Offering and adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive
Plan require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Wellsford Common voting, provided that the total votes
cast represent over 50% of the holders of the outstanding shares of Wellsford
Common. Wellsford Common Shareholders may revoke their proxies at any time prior
to the voting thereof by giving written notice of such revocation to Wellsford,
by executing and delivering a proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the
Wellsford Special Meeting and voting in person.
16
<PAGE>
Surviving Trust Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Data
The following tables set forth the summary unaudited pro forma combined
financial data for the Surviving Trust as a combined entity, giving effect to
the Merger as if it had occurred on the dates indicated herein, after giving
effect to the pro forma adjustments described in the notes to the unaudited pro
forma financial statements included elsewhere in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
The summary unaudited pro forma combined operating data are presented as if
the Merger had been consummated at the beginning of the period presented.
The summary unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet data is presented as
if the Merger had occurred on December 31, 1996. The Merger has been accounted
for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with the Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 16. In the opinion of management, all significant
adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of the Merger have been made.
The summary pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction
with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the respective historical audited
financial statements and notes thereto of EQR and Wellsford incorporated by
reference into this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and
the unaudited pro forma financial statements and notes thereto included
elsewhere in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
The summary unaudited pro forma operating and balance sheet data are
presented for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of
what the actual combined results of EQR and Wellsford would have been for the
period and dates presented. Nor does such data purport to represent the results
of future periods.
17
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
---------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING DATA: Pro Forma
Year Ended
December 31, 1996
------------------------
REVENUES: (Amount in thousands
except per share data)
<S> <C>
Rental income $578,820
Fee and asset management 6,749
Interest income-investment in mortgage notes 12,819
Interest and other income 11,061
--------
Total revenues 609,449
--------
EXPENSES:
Property and maintenance 167,526
Real estate taxes and insurance 54,010
Property management 21,506
Fee and asset management 3,837
Depreciation 124,211
Interest:
Expense incurred 103,538
Amortization of deferred financing costs 4,242
General and administrative 10,353
--------
Total Expenses 489,223
--------
Income before gain on disposition of properties and (loss) on joint venture communities 120,226
Gain on disposition of properties 22,336
(Loss) on joint venture communities (58)
--------
Income before extraordinary item and allocation to Minority Interests 142,504
Extraordinary Item:
Write-off of unamortized cost on refinanced debt (3,512)
--------
Income before allocation to Minority Interests 138,992
Income allocated to Minority Interests (15,706)
--------
Net income 123,286
Preferred distributions 41,563
--------
Net income available for Common Shares $ 81,723
========
Net income per weighted average Common Share outstanding $1.53
========
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding 53,317
========
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
=================
December 31, 1996
-----------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
(at end of period)
<S> <C>
Real estate, after accumulated depreciation $3,708,310
==========
Total assets $3,968,482
==========
Total debt $1,576,869
==========
Minority Interests $ 190,793
==========
Shareholders' Equity $2,048,133
==========
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
Equity Residential Properties Trust Summary Historical and Combined Financial
Data
The following tables set forth summary historical and combined financial
data for EQR. The summary historical combined financial data for each of the
years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are derived from the
audited financial statements of EQR as reported in its Annual Reports on Form
10-K. The summary historical financial data should be read in conjunction with,
and is qualified in its entirety by, the historical and combined financial
statements and notes thereto of EQR incorporated by reference into this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
20
<PAGE>
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
REVENUES
Rental income $ 454,412 $ 373,919 $ 220,727 $104,388 $ 86,597
Fee and asset management 6,749 7,030 4,739 4,651 4,215
Interest income-investment
in mortgage notes 12,819 4,862 -- -- --
Interest and other income 4,405 4,573 5,568 3,031 2,161
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Total revenues 478,385 390,384 231,034 112,070 92,973
----------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
EXPENSES
Property and maintenance 127,172 112,186 66,534 35,324 30,680
Real estate taxes and insurance 44,128 37,002 23,028 11,403 10,274
Property management 17,512 15,213 10,249 4,938 2,912
Property management-non-recurring -- -- 879 -- --
Fee and asset management 3,837 3,837 2,056 2,242 2,403
Depreciation 93,253 72,410 37,273 15,384 13,442
Interest:
Expense incurred 81,351 78,375 37,044 26,042 31,926
Amortization of deferred financing
costs 4,242 3,444 1,930 3,322 2,702
Refinancing costs -- -- -- 3,284 --
General and administrative 9,857 8,129 6,053 1,994 1,915
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Total expenses 381,352 330,646 185,046 103,933 96,254
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
</TABLE>
21
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income (loss) before gain on disposition
of properties, extraordinary items and
allocation to Minority Interests 97,033 59,738 45,988 8,137 (3,281)
Gain on disposition of properties 22,402 21,617 -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary items and
allocation to Minority Interests 119,435 81,355 45,988 8,137 (3,281)
Extraordinary Items:
Write-off of unamortized costs on
refinanced debt (3,512) -- -- -- --
Gain on early extinguishment of debt -- 2,000 -- -- --
Gain on discharge of indebtedness -- -- -- 1,792 18,203
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Income (loss) before allocation to
Minority Interests 115,923 83,355 45,988 9,929 14,922
Income allocated to Minority Interests (14,299) (15,636) (11,570) (3,834) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ------- ---------
Net income (loss) 101,624 67,719 34,418 6,095 14,922
Preferred distributions (29,015) (10,109) -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Net income (loss) available for Common Shares $ 72,609 $ 57,610 $ 34,418 $ 6,095 $ 14,922
========== ========== ========== ======== =========
Net income per weighted average
Common Share outstanding $ 1.70 $ 1.68 $ 1.34 $ .42 --
Weighted average Common Shares
outstanding 42,586 34,358 25,621 14,601 --
BALANCE SHEET DATA
(at end of period):
Real estate, before accumulated
depreciation $2,983,510 $2,186,636 $1,963,476 $634,577 $ 358,212
Real estate, after accumulated
depreciation $2,681,998 $1,969,453 $1,770,735 $478,210 $ 218,825
Total assets $2,986,127 $2,141,260 $1,847,685 $535,914 $ 238,878
Total debt $1,254,274 $1,002,219 $ 994,746 $278,642 $ 343,282
Minority Interests $ 150,637 $ 168,963 $ 177,438 $ 83,159 $ --
Shareholders' Equity (Net Deficit) $1,458,830 $ 884,517 $ 609,936 $146,485 $(122,094)
</TABLE>
22
<PAGE>
Wellsford Residential Property Trust Summary Historical Financial Data
The following tables set forth summary historical financial data for
Wellsford. The summary historical financial data for each of the years ended
December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are derived from the audited
financial statements of Wellsford as reported in its Annual Reports on Form
10-K. The summary historical financial data should be read in conjunction with,
and is qualified in its entirety by, the historical financial statements and
notes thereto of Wellsford incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement. Certain reclassifications have been
made to Wellsford's historical financial data to conform to EQR's presentation.
23
<PAGE>
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
Historical (000s except per share data)
--------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 131,821 $ 131,232 $ 82,794 $ 42,007 $ 26,229
Expenses (109,035) (113,712) (73,299) (34,816) (26,991)
Gain (loss) on sale of
investment
communities (66) (819) -- 882 --
Loss on joint venture
communities (58) (279) -- -- --
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item $ 22,662 $ 16,422 $ 9,495 $ 8,073 $ (762)
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Net income (loss) $ 22,662 $ 10,869 $ 9,495 $ 8,073 $ (762)
Preferred dividends (12,548) (8,973) (7,000) (972) --
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)
available for
common
shareholders $ 10,114 $ 1,896 $ 2,495 $ 7,101 $ (762)
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Net income (loss) per
common share $ 0.59 $ 0.11 $ 0.25 $ 0.91 $ (0.34)
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Weighted average
number of common
shares outstanding 17,057 16,938 10,070 7,813 2,273
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
24
<PAGE>
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
Historical (000s except share data)
--------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real Estate assets
before
accumulated
depreciation $795,580 $736,399 $747,519 $301,389 $156,568
Real estate assets
after accumulated
depreciation 711,614 677,908 712,742 282,224 143,787
Total Assets 756,289 729,638 745,754 322,400 165,963
Mortgages Payable 82,731 77,137 208,858 24,203 17,155
Convertible note
payable -- -- -- 46,070 55,358
Unsecured credit
facility 18,075 -- 140,000 -- --
Senior unsecured
notes 248,496 223,307 -- -- --
Shareholders' equity 376,686 398,359 371,655 239,775 89,986
Cash dividends
declared per
Series A preferred
share $1.75 $1.75 $1.75 $0.24 $ --
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Cash dividends
declared per
Series B preferred
share $2.41 $0.86 $ -- $ -- $ --
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Cash dividends
declared per
common share $1.94 $1.92 $1.80 $1.68 $0.16
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
25
<PAGE>
Comparative Per Share Data
The following summary presents selected comparative unaudited per share
information for EQR and Wellsford on an historical basis and EQR and Wellsford
on a pro forma combined basis assuming the combination had been effective
throughout the periods presented. Wellsford pro forma equivalent per share
amounts are presented with respect to pro forma information. Such per share
amounts allow comparison of historical information with respect to the value of
one share of Wellsford Common to the corresponding information with respect to
the projected value of one share of Survivor Common as a result of the Merger by
multiplying the pro forma amounts by the Exchange Ratio of .625 to 1.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
December 31,
1996
------------
<S> <C>
Net Income Per Common Share
EQR $ 1.70
Wellsford .59
Surviving Trust pro forma combined(A) 1.53
Wellsford pro forma equivalent (B) .96
Cash Distributions Declared Per Common Share
EQR $ 2.40
Wellsford 1.94
Surviving Trust pro forma combined(A) 2.40
Wellsford pro forma equivalent (B) 1.50
Shareholders' Equity Per Common Share
EQR $28.52
Wellsford 22.03
Surviving Trust pro forma combined(A) 33.10
Wellsford pro forma equivalent (B) 20.69
- -----------------------
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE>
(A) The pro forma combined Net Income Per Common Share and Cash Distributions
Declared Per Common Share data for the Surviving Trust has been prepared
assuming that in the Merger each share of Wellsford Common is converted into
.625 of a share of Survivor Common resulting in total weighted average
outstanding shares of Survivor Common of 53,317,000 for the year ended December
31, 1996. For the Shareholder's Equity Per Common Share data, total outstanding
shares of Survivor Common was 61,886,000 for the year ended December 31,
1996.
(B) The Wellsford pro forma equivalent is determined by multiplying the
Exchange Ratio (.625) by the Surviving Trust pro forma combined per share
amounts so that the per share amounts are equated to the comparative values for
each share of Wellsford Common.
27
<PAGE>
Comparative Share Prices
EQR
The EQR Common has been traded on the NYSE under the symbol "EQR" since
August 11, 1993. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sales
prices per share of EQR Common reported on the NYSE, as well as the quarterly
distributions declared per share of EQR Common, from January 1, 1995 through
April 1, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High Low Distributions
------- ------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1995
- ----
First Quarter........................... 29 1/8 25 5/8 .53
Second Quarter.......................... 29 3/4 24 7/8 .53
Third Quarter........................... 31 3/4 27 3/4 .53
Fourth Quarter.......................... 31 7/8 28 .59
1996
- ----
First Quarter........................... 33 3/4 28 1/4 .59
Second Quarter.......................... 33 1/2 30 7/8 .59
Third Quarter........................... 36 1/8 32 7/8 .59
Fourth Quarter.......................... 43 3/8 35 5/8 .625
1997
- ----
First Quarter........................... 45 39 3/4 .625(1)
Second Quarter (through April 1, 1997).. 44 1/2 44 1/8 N/A
- ----------------
</TABLE>
(1) The first quarter distribution will be paid on April 11, 1997 to
shareholders of record as of March 28, 1997 and represents an annual
distribution rate of $2.50 per share.
On April 1, 1997, the last reported sale price of a share of EQR Common on
the NYSE was 44 3/8 per share. On January 16, 1997, the last full trading day
prior to the pubic announcement of the Merger, the last reported sale price of a
share of EQR Common on the NYSE was 43 3/8. As of April 1, 1997, EQR's transfer
agent reported 561 record holders of EQR Common and, as of December 1996, The
Depository Trust Company held EQR Common on behalf of approximately 18,400
beneficial owners.
28
<PAGE>
Wellsford
The Wellsford Common has been traded on the NYSE under the symbol "WRP"
since November 20, 1992. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and
low sales prices per share of Wellsford Common reported on the NYSE, as well as
the quarterly distributions declared per share of Wellsford Common from January
1, 1995 through April 1, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High Low Distributions
---- --- -------------
1995
- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
First Quarter............................ 21 3/4 19 1/4 $ .48
Second Quarter........................... 22 3/4 20 .48
Third Quarter............................ 22 3/4 21 1/8 .48
Fourth Quarter........................... 23 1/8 19 5/8 .48
1996
- ----
First Quarter............................ 24 1/4 21 3/8 .485
Second Quarter........................... 22 7/8 20 1/2 .485
Third Quarter............................ 23 1/8 20 3/4 .485
Fourth Quarter........................... 25 21 1/2 .485
1997
- ----
First Quarter............................ 31 3/4 24 1/8 .485
Second Quarter (through April 1, 1997)... 29 1/8 28 5/8 N/A
- ----------------------
</TABLE>
On April 1, 1997, the last reported sale price of a share of Wellsford
Common on the NYSE was 29 1/8 per share. On January 16, 1997, the last full
trading day prior to the pubic announcement of the Merger, the last reported
sale price of a share of Wellsford Common on the NYSE was 25 3/4. As of April 1,
1997, Wellsford's transfer agent reported 629 record holders of Wellsford Common
and, as of April 1, 1997, The Depository Trust Company held Wellsford Common on
behalf of approximately 13,500 beneficial owners.
BECAUSE THE EXCHANGE RATIO IS FIXED AND THE MARKET PRICE OF EQR COMMON IS
SUBJECT TO FLUCTUATION, THE MARKET VALUE OF THE SURVIVOR COMMON THAT HOLDERS OF
WELLSFORD COMMON WILL RECEIVE IN THE MERGER MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE PRIOR TO
AND FOLLOWING THE MERGER. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET
QUOTATIONS FOR EQR COMMON AND WELLSFORD COMMON.
29
<PAGE>
Proposal Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions
The Wellsford Common Shareholders are being asked to separately approve the
Additional Provisions to the Wellsford Declaration to further conform the
Wellsford Declaration to the terms of the EQR Declaration and to update the
Surviving Trust Declaration to reflect the current approaches in the REIT
industry regarding share ownership restrictions necessary to maintain REIT
status.
Removal of Trustees. Section 2.3 of the Wellsford Declaration currently
provides for the removal of Trustees, with or without cause, by the affirmative
vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the Wellsford Shares then
outstanding and entitled to vote on the election of trustees.
Restrictions on Transfer and Ownership of Shares. In order to maintain its
status as a REIT under the Code and Title 8, Section 6.6 of the Wellsford
Declaration currently imposes a number of restrictions on the transfer and
ownership of Wellsford Shares. See "Comparison of Rights of Shareholders -
Restrictions on the Ownership, Transfer or Issuance of Shares." Since the
adoption of the Wellsford Declaration in 1992, the comparable section of the
declarations of other REITs has evolved into a more detailed provision relating
to the applicable ownership limits and compliance with the Code.
Amendment to Declaration. Section 9.1 of the Wellsford Declaration currently
provides for its amendment by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less
than a majority of the Wellsford Shares outstanding and entitled to vote
thereon, except that amendments related to the removal of trustees, the
restrictions on the ownership of Wellsford Shares, the reorganization of
Wellsford and the merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially of
Wellsford's property must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of
two-thirds of the Wellsford's Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote on
the matter. In addition, the Wellsford Board of Trustees may, by a two-thirds
vote, amend the Wellsford Declaration in order to enable Wellsford to qualify
and remain qualified as a REIT under the Code and Title 8.
Mergers, Consolidation, or Sale of Trust Property. Section 9.2 of the Wellsford
Declaration currently states that, upon the affirmative vote of the holders of
not less than two-thirds of the Wellsford Shares then outstanding and entitled
to vote thereon, the trustees of Wellsford may reorganize Wellsford by creating
a separate entity into which Wellsford will merge or sell its assets. In
addition, Section 9.3 of the Wellsford Declaration currently provides that if
Wellsford is not the surviving entity in a merger or consolidation, or in the
event of a sale of all or substantially all of Wellsford's property, that
transaction must be approved by two-thirds of the Wellsford Shares then
outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. In all other cases, such a merger or
consolidation need only be approved by a majority of the Wellsford Shares then
outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. For a more detailed description of the
Additional Provisions, see "Proposal Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust
Provisions."
30
<PAGE>
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc.
WRP Newco seeks to identify, create and realize value, through direct and
indirect investments in real estate. WRP Newco's management will seek
opportunistic real estate investments which may include the direct acquisition,
rehabilitation, development, financing and management of real properties or
participation in these activities through the purchase of debt and equity
securities of entities engaged in such real estate businesses. Management will
concentrate its efforts on defining and building focused operating businesses
with recurring sources of income. Value creation will be measured in terms of
increased earnings and growth in net asset value per share over time.
WRP Newco believes that while liquidity in general has returned to the real
estate markets and that the supply and demand of many real estate asset classes
are in relative equilibrium, there are specific opportunities which continue to
exist because of inefficiencies. These opportunities could result from
transactional complexity, time-consuming regulatory approvals, or diminished
competition because of the magnitude of the required capital commitment or the
prospect of no immediate cash flow. WRP Newco currently does not intend to
qualify as a REIT which will give WRP Newco significant flexibility to respond
quickly to these opportunities without the structural limitations inherent in
REITs and enable it to be more highly leveraged than REITs generally are. By
not operating as a REIT which requires mandatory cash distributions, WRP Newco
has the ability and intends initially to retain its internally generated cash
flow for reinvestment. Also, unlike investors in opportunity funds that are
structured as private partnerships, WRP Newco's shareholders are expected to
have enhanced liquidity through their ability to sell or margin their stock and
benefit economically because the business of WRP Newco will be conducted without
the payment of acquisition and disposition fees to general partners. WRP Newco
also hopes to attract a broader range of investors because there will be no
stipulated investment minimum.
WRP Newco's management will include Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward
Lowenthal, Chairman and President, respectively, who were co-founders of, and
served in the same capacities at, Wellsford. WRP Newco believes that their over
50 years of combined experience in real estate, capital markets and public
company operations, their knowledge, credibility, and business relationships,
and their demonstrated track record of recognizing and profiting from emerging
real estate trends will help WRP Newco to accomplish its business objectives.
Initially, WRP Newco will focus on three distinct aspects of the real
estate business. They are (i) acquiring commercial and office buildings at or
below replacement cost and owning, operating and/or reselling such properties,
(ii) investing in a variety of debt instruments and (iii) engaging in selective
property development. As opportunities emerge, WRP Newco may in the future
expand its real estate-related businesses and activities.
WRP Newco Risk Factors
31
<PAGE>
In addition to general investment and real estate risks and those factors
set forth elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information
Statement under "WRP Newco Risk Factors," in connection with WRP Newco's future
business activities, Wellsford Common Shareholders should be aware of, among
other things, the following factors:
. Nature of investments may involve high risk.
. Illiquidity of WRP Newco's real estate investments.
. Competition in identifying and making investments and attracting
tenants.
. Risks of excessive costs and delays associated with the acquisition,
development, construction and renovation of properties.
. Risks of vacancies at existing properties.
. Lack of control and other risks associated with equity investments in
and with third parties.
. Lack of limitation on the amount of debt that may be incurred and
risks of highly leveraged investments.
. Risks associated with debt instruments held by WRP Newco, including
the possibility that borrowers may not be able to make payments when due, that
the value of collateral may be less than amounts owed and that interest rates
charged may be less than WRP Newco's cost of funds.
. Risks associated with investments in mortgage loans and junior
mortgages, including lack of control over the collateral and any foreclosure
procedures.
. Risks associated with investments in commercial mortgage-backed
securities, resulting, in part, from the fact that the process of rating and
servicing such securities is difficult and existing credit support is
inadequate.
. WRP Newco is a newly-formed entity without any prior operating
history.
. Risks of uninsured loss of WRP Newco's properties.
. Potential liability for unknown or future environmental liabilities.
. WRP Newco is dependent primarily upon the efforts of its Chairman of
the Board and President and Chief Executive Officer.
32
<PAGE>
. Tax consequences of the Distribution.
. The ability of WRP Newco's Board of Directors to amend or revise WRP
Newco's investment and other policies without a vote of stockholders.
. The lack of a prior market for shares of WRP Newco Common.
. The potential antitakeover effect of certain provisions of WRP Newco's
Charter and Maryland law.
Management
During the 11-year period prior to the mailing of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement, Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal,
together with other members of their team, succeeded in accomplishing the
following:
. Researched and identified multifamily properties in the Southwestern
United States as an opportunity for above-market returns with modest
risk.
. Identified, evaluated and negotiated the acquisition of over 21,000
high-quality multifamily units in eight states.
. Executed the initial public offering of Wellsford, raising
$100 million in equity.
. Subsequently raised approximately $335 million in five offerings of
common, convertible preferred and perpetual preferred stock of
Wellsford, as well as $250 million in three offerings of senior
unsecured debt of Wellsford.
. Obtained an investment grade rating for Wellsford's senior unsecured
debt and subsequently obtained a rating increase to BBB by Standard &
Poor's Rating Services, Inc. and Duff & Phelps, Inc.
. Obtained a $150 million unsecured line of credit for Wellsford from a
consortium of domestic and foreign banks.
. Consummated one of the first public REIT mergers when Wellsford
acquired Holly Residential Property Trust.
. Created a fully-integrated internal property management
operation for Wellsford.
. Structured the Merger with EQR in a transaction that valued Wellsford
at approximately $1 billion.
33
<PAGE>
Further, assuming the consummation of the Merger, investors who bought
their Wellsford Common at the initial public offering in November, 1992, would
have received a 22.8% average annual return on their investment over four and
one-half years, based upon the April 1, 1997 closing market price of a share of
EQR Common on the NYSE. This return was the result of not only the quality of
the portfolio of communities acquired, but also the corporate and real estate
management skills of the officers and employees of Wellsford and Wellsford's
benefitting from senior management's reputation and global network of industry
relationships built over the years.
Lines of Business
Initially, WRP Newco will focus on three distinct aspects of the real
estate business. As opportunities emerge, WRP Newco may in the future expand
its real estate-related businesses and activities.
Commercial Properties. WRP Newco will seek to acquire commercial and
office properties at or below replacement cost and operate and/or resell the
properties after renovation, redevelopment and/or repositioning. WRP Newco
believes that appropriate well-located commercial properties which are currently
underperforming can be acquired on advantageous terms and repositioned with the
expectation of achieving greater market returns.
High Yield Debt Investments. WRP Newco will make loans that constitute, or
will invest in a wide variety of, senior, junior or otherwise subordinated debt
instruments, which may be unsecured or secured by liens on real estate,
interests therein or the economic benefits
thereof. These investments may include debt that is acquired at a discount,
mezzanine financing, commercial mortgage-backed securities, secured and
unsecured lines of credit, distressed loans, and loans previously made by
foreign and other financial institutions.
Property Development. WRP Newco will engage in selective development
activities as opportunities arise. Initially, WRP Newco will continue the
development of Palomino Park, its five-phase residential community begun by
Wellsford, taking advantage of the fixed-price purchase options for the land
underlying such residential community secured by Wellsford two years ago. This
development may be retained for investment and operated by WRP Newco, sold, or
converted to condominium ownership. Certain development activities may be
conducted in joint ventures with local developers who may bear the substantial
portion of the economic risks associated with the construction, development and
initial rent-up of properties.
WRP Newco may in the future make equity investments in entities owned by
third parties and which engage in real estate-related businesses and activities.
Some of the entities in which WRP Newco may invest may be start-up companies or
companies in need of additional capital. WRP Newco may also manage and lease
properties owned by it or in which it has an equity or debt investment.
34
<PAGE>
Initial Capital and Financing
Upon the completion of the Distribution and the consummation of the Merger,
WRP Newco will initially have assets with a book value of approximately $113
million and a net worth of approximately $51 million, including proceeds of $3.5
million from the acquisition by ERP Operating Partnership of WRP Newco's Class A
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("WRP Newco Class A Common"), and expects
to have available the following additional sources of capital, financing and
credit support:
. $25 million pursuant to the commitment of ERP Operating
Partnership to acquire up to 1,000,000 shares of the Series A 8%
Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock ("WRP Newco Series A Preferred") at
the request of WRP Newco and subject to certain limited conditions.
. $50 million under a two-year line of credit as to which The First
National Bank of Boston (the "Bank of Boston") and Morgan Guaranty Trust
Company of New York ("Morgan Guaranty") have issued a commitment. The line
of credit will bear interest at LIBOR plus 175 basis points.
. Approximately $81.6 million in construction financing and credit
enhancement with respect to Palomino Park.
See "Certain Agreements Between WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership."
Initial Investments
WRP Newco's initial investments will consist primarily of the following:
. Six office buildings located in Northern New Jersey containing
approximately 940,400 gross square feet on an aggregate of approximately 245
acres purchased for an aggregate price of approximately $47.6 million or
approximately $50.00 per square foot. WRP Newco currently contemplates making
an aggregate of approximately $13.7 million in renovations to such properties.
The office properties contain undeveloped parcels for expansion. WRP Newco
believes that, based on available demographic information, Northern New Jersey
is a market in which opportunistic investments can currently be made.
. $20 million of an $80 million subordinated mezzanine loan to the owner
of the approximately 1.74 million square foot, 52-story Class A office building
at 277 Park Avenue, New York City, secured primarily by the ownership interests
in the owning entity (the "277 Park Loan"). The 277 Park Loan will be due in
April, 2007 and will bear interest at the rate of approximately 11.75% per
annum.
35
<PAGE>
. A $17.8 million mortgage loan on (the "Sonterra Loan") and option (the
"Sonterra Option") to purchase for approximately $20.5 million through December,
1997 and for $21 million during 1998, a 344-unit, newly constructed residential
apartment project located in Tucson, Arizona known as "Sonterra at Williams
Centre. " The Sonterra Loan was originated in July 1996, is due on July 1, 1999
and bears interest at the rate of 9% percent per annum.
. An approximate 80% interest in Phases I and II of, and in options to
acquire and develop Phases III, IV and V of, a 1,880-unit multifamily
development known as "Palomino Park," located on 182 acres, of which 65 acres
have been developed, in South East Denver, Colorado. Palomino Park is being
constructed around a centrally located 24-acre park and has a 29,000-square-foot
recreation center. Phase I, which is to consist of 456 units, is approximately
60% completed and construction on Phase II which is to consist of 304 units is
expected to begin in April, 1997. As of the date hereof, an aggregate of
approximately $21.3 million has been invested in Palomino Park, including,
without limitation, acquisition, development, construction, financing and
carrying costs. ERP Operating Partnership will have an approximate 20% interest
in Palomino Park.
Certain Agreements Between WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership
. Common Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement - Provides for the
purchase by ERP Operating Partnership of (i) $3.5 million of WRP Newco Class A
Common and (ii) $25 million of WRP Newco Series A Preferred as requested by WRP
Newco over a 3-year period. ERP Operating Partnership is entitled to elect a
nominee to the WRP Newco Board of Directors for a minimum of two years. For ten
years after the Effective Time, WRP Newco has the right to direct the voting of
all shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred, WRP Newco Class A Common and WRP
Newco Common owned by ERP Operating Partnership or any of its affiliates on most
matters. See "Certain Agreements Between WRP Newco and ERP Operating
Partnership--Common Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement."
. Registration Rights Agreement - Provides for registration rights at WRP
Newco's expense with respect to shares of WRP Newco Class A Common, WRP Newco
Series A Preferred and WRP Newco Common held by ERP Operating Partnership. See
"Certain Agreements Between WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership --
Registration Rights Agreement."
. Sonterra Option Agreement - Provides ERP Operating Partnership with a
right of first offer to acquire the Sonterra Option and a right to acquire the
Sonterra Option if WRP Newco does not exercise it. If WRP Newco acquires
Sonterra, ERP Operating Partnership will have a "Right of First/Last Offer" for
the property.
. Agreement Regarding Palomino Park - Governs the relationship between WRP
Newco and ERP Operating Partnership as 80% and 20% shareholders, respectively,
of the entity
36
<PAGE>
controlling Palomino Park, including certain rights of first offer and put/call
rights with respect to each other's shares. ERP Operating Partnership has also
agreed to be a stand-by purchaser of Phase I if the construction loan thereon is
not paid, and to be similarly obligated with respect to Phase II. See "Certain
Agreements Between WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership -- Agreement
Regarding Palomino Park."
. Credit Enhancement Agreement - Provides for ERP Operating Partnership to
make its own credit available for a period of eight years in the form of a
guaranty of WRP Newco's obligations to repay the bonds issued to finance the
park and certain infrastructure within Palomino Park. See "Certain Agreements
Between WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership -- Credit Enhancement
Agreement."
37
<PAGE>
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor) Summary Unaudited Pro Forma
Combined Financial Data
The following tables set forth the summary unaudited pro forma combined
financial data for Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor) as a combined
entity, giving effect to the Merger, Contribution and Distribution as if they
had occurred on the dates indicated herein, after giving effect to the pro forma
adjustments described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma combined financial
statements included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/
Information Statement.
The summary unaudited pro forma combined operating data are presented as if
the Merger, Contribution and Distribution had been consummated on January 1,
1996. In addition to the Merger, Contribution and Distribution, the pro forma
combined operating data gives effect to certain material events which occurred
between January 1, 1996 and March 31, 1997 as if they had occurred on January 1,
1996. See the notes to the unaudited Pro Forma Combined Income Statement for the
year ended December 31, 1996 included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
The summary unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet data are presented
as if the Merger, Contribution and Distribution had occurred on December 31,
1996. In addition to the Merger, Contribution and Distribution, the pro forma
combined balance sheet data gives effect to certain material events which
occurred between October 1, 1996 and March 31, 1997 as if they had occurred on
December 31, 1996. See the notes to the unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance
Sheet at December 31, 1996 included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement. In the opinion of management, all
necessary adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of the Merger,
Contribution and Distribution have been made.
The summary unaudited pro forma financial data should be read in
conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the respective historical
financial statements and notes thereto of Wellsford and Wellsford Real
Properties, Inc. (Predecessor) incorporated by reference into, and included in,
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement, respectively.
The summary unaudited pro forma operating and balance sheet data are
presented for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of
what the actual combined results of Wellsford Real Properties, Inc.
(Predecessor) would have been for the period and as of the date presented; nor
does such data purport to represent the results of future periods.
38
<PAGE>
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor)
Summary Unaudited Combined Financial Data
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma Historical
Year Year
Ended Ended
December 31, December 31,
1996 1996
---- ----
(Unaudited)
(In thousands except per share data)
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Revenues:
Rental income $3,632
Other income 250
Interest income 3,952 $757
--------------------------
7,834 757
--------------------------
Expenses:
Property operating and maintenance 852
Real estate taxes 428
Interest 1,550
General and administrative 1,750
Depreciation 510
Property management 181
--------------------------
5,271 0
--------------------------
Income before income taxes 2,563 757
Provision for income taxes 1,047
Net income $1,516 $757
=========================
Net income per common share $0.31
Weighted average common shares outstanding 4,900
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma Historical Historical
December 31, December 31, December 31,
1996 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Real estate $68,906 $21,306 $7,955
Mortgage notes and interest receivable $37,934 $17,934 $0
Total assets $113,192 $44,760 $18,369
Total debt $59,755 $14,755 $14,755
Total equity $51,109 $30,005 $3,614
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE>
Proposals Regarding WRP Newco
In order to satisfy the requirements of the NYSE, Wellsford Common
Shareholders will be asked to approve the Additional Share Offering and the
adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan.
The Additional Share Offering would dilute the equity of existing
stockholders if the purchase price for the Additional Shares is less than the
book value of WRP Newco Common on the date of the Distribution. On the other
hand, the Board of Trustees of Wellsford and the Board of Directors of WRP Newco
believe that the Additional Share Offering will provide more capital available
for investment, enhance WRP Newco's capital structure and increase the liquidity
of WRP Newco Common. See "Proposal to Approve WRP Newco Additional Share
Offering."
The issuance of shares of WRP Newco Common pursuant to WRP Newco's 1997
Management Incentive Plan could be dilutive to existing stockholders or could
adversely affect prevailing market prices. On the other hand, the Board of
Trustees of Wellsford and the Board of Directors of WRP Newco believe that WRP
Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan will enable WRP Newco to attract and
retain personnel and will align the interests of management with those of WRP
Newco's stockholders. See "Proposal to Approve WRP Newco's 1997 Management
Incentive Plan."
40
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
In considering whether to approve the Merger, the shareholders of EQR and
Wellsford should consider, in addition to the other information in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement, the matters described in this
section.
Conflicts of Interest
In considering whether to approve the Merger, shareholders should be aware
that certain members of the management of Wellsford and the Wellsford Board of
Trustees have certain interests that arise in connection with the Merger and the
Contribution and Distribution that are in addition to the interests of
shareholders of Wellsford generally. These interests arise under existing
agreements with, and annual compensation awards from, Wellsford, which were
approved by Wellsford's independent trustees in previous years, and proposed
agreements with WRP Newco and the Surviving Trust relating to, among other
things, (i) severance payments to be made to Messrs. Kelley, MacKenzie, Hughes
and Strong, executive officers of Wellsford, in the amounts of $1,149,563,
$764,070, $692,440 and $585,000, respectively, approximately $240,051, $391,062,
$347,583 and $260,250 of which (assuming receipt of an annual bonus each year
equal to the average annual bonus received for the prior three fiscal years,
which bonuses are not guaranteed), respectively, will be received under existing
employment agreements if the Merger does not take place, (ii) the forgiveness of
approximately $1.5 million, $1.5 million, $281,000, $1.1 million, $1.1 million
and $369,000 of loans made to Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal , Kelley, MacKenzie,
Hughes and Strong to acquire shares of Wellsford Common, approximately $659,000,
$659,000, $125,000, $503,000, $503,000 and $181,000 of which, respectively, will
be forgiven over the remaining terms of the loans if the Merger does not take
place, (iii) the issuance of 22,346 shares of Wellsford Common to each of
Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal and Kelley, which will not be issued if the Merger is
not approved, (iv) the acceleration of vesting of 2,843 restricted shares issued
to each of Messrs. MacKenzie and Hughes, which will not be accelerated if the
Merger is not consummated, but would vest in subsequent years if Wellsford
satisfied certain performance criteria, (v) payments of $2.6 million, $2.4
million, $420,000, $1.0 million, $1.1 million and $500,000 to be made on behalf
of Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal, Kelley, MacKenzie, Hughes and Strong,
respectively, to satisfy income and excise tax obligations resulting from
certain monies and other benefits to be paid to them in connection with the
Merger, subject to adjustment to the extent the actual value of Wellsford Common
at the Effective Time is greater or less than $27.50, which amounts will not be
paid if the Merger is not consummated and (vi) the issuance of WRP Newco stock
options to certain executive officers and trustees of Wellsford in replacement
of certain existing Wellsford share options and reload options granted in
connection with the exercise of vested Wellsford share options, which
replacement options will not be issued if the Merger is not consummated. See
"Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger and Distribution--Benefits of Key
Executives." In addition, upon completion of the Merger, WRP Newco will enter
into employment agreements with Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal for approximately
five and one-half years at annual base salaries of $275,000 and employment
agreements with Messrs. Hughes
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and Strong for two years at annual base salaries of $175,000 and $125,000,
respectively. WRP Newco will also assume the existing split dollar life
insurance arrangements between Wellsford and Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal.
Further, upon completion of the Merger, Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will
each enter into a five-year consulting agreement with ERP Operating Partnership
for annual compensation of $200,000 and will be appointed to the Board of
Trustees of the Surviving Trust for a three year term. In addition, Mr.
MacKenzie, Executive Vice President-Director of Operations of Wellsford, will be
a Senior Vice President of the Surviving Trust upon completion of the Merger at
an initial salary of $175,000 per annum. The Surviving Trust will indemnify each
trustee and officer of Wellsford for all actions on or prior to the Effective
Time to the same extent such individuals were indemnified by Wellsford prior to
the Effective Time. See "Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger and
Distribution."
Adverse Consequences of Debt Financing and Preferred Shares
The Surviving Trust is subject to the risks normally associated with debt
or preferred equity financing, including the risk that the Surviving Trust's
cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal, interest
and distributions, the risk that existing indebtedness may not be refinanced or
that the terms of such refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of
current indebtedness and the risk that necessary capital expenditures for such
purposes as renovations and other improvements may not be financed on favorable
terms or at all. If the Surviving Trust were unable to refinance its
indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, the Surviving Trust might be forced
to dispose of one or more of the properties on disadvantageous terms, which
might result in losses to the Surviving Trust and might adversely affect the
cash available for distributions to shareholders. If interest rates or other
factors at the time of the refinancing result in higher interest rates upon
refinancing, the Surviving Trust's interest expense would increase, which would
affect the Surviving Trust's ability to make distributions to its shareholders.
Furthermore, if a property is mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and
the Surviving Trust is unable to meet mortgage payments, the mortgagee could
foreclose upon the property, appoint a receiver and receive an assignment of
rents and leases or pursue other remedies, all with a consequent loss of income
and asset value to the Surviving Trust. Foreclosures could also create taxable
income without accompanying cash proceeds, thereby hindering the Surviving
Trust's ability to meet the REIT distribution requirements of the Code.
Restrictions on Indebtedness of the Surviving Trust
A substantial portion of the Surviving Trust's debt was issued pursuant to
five different indentures which restrict the amount of indebtedness (including
acquisition financing) the Surviving Trust may incur. Accordingly, in the event
that the Surviving Trust is unable to raise additional equity or borrow money
because of the debt restrictions in the indentures, the Surviving Trust's
ability to acquire additional properties may be limited. If the Surviving Trust
is unable to acquire additional properties, its ability to increase the
distributions with respect to
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Surviving Common will be limited to management's ability to increase funds from
operations, and thereby cash available for distributions, from the existing
properties in the Surviving Trust's portfolio at such time.
Other Restrictive Covenants
Immediately following consummation of the Merger, the Surviving Trust will
own properties that are subject to restrictive covenants or deed restrictions
relating to current or previous tax-exempt bond financing and owns the bonds
collateralized by additional properties. The Surviving Trust will retain an
independent outside consultant to monitor compliance with the restrictive
covenants and deed restrictions that affect these properties. The bond
compliance requirements may have the effect of limiting the Surviving Trust's
income from certain of these properties in the event the Surviving Trust is
required to lower its rental rates to attract low or moderate income tenants, or
eligible/qualified tenants.
Potential Change in Relative Stock Prices
In considering whether to approve the Merger, shareholders of Wellsford and
EQR should consider the risks associated with (a) a potential change in the
relative stock prices of EQR Common and Wellsford Common prior to the Effective
Time, and (b) a possible reduction in the market price of Survivor Common
following the Merger, due to future sales of shares of Survivor Common or the
availability of such shares for future sales, government regulatory action, tax
laws, interest rates and market conditions in general.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of Survivor Common or the
perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market
prices for shares of Survivor Common.
Risks to Wellsford Common Shareholders
Termination Payments if Merger Fails to Occur. The Merger Agreement
provides for a Break-Up Fee payable by Wellsford of $14 million plus Break-Up
Expenses of up to $2.5 million if the Merger Agreement is terminated by either
EQR or Wellsford under certain circumstances and, within one year after such
termination, Wellsford enters into an agreement regarding an "Acquisition
Proposal" (as hereinafter defined), which is consummated. In addition, if the
Merger Agreement is terminated for certain reasons, EQR or Wellsford will be
required to pay the other party's Break-Up Expenses of up to $2.5 million. See
"The Merger -- Termination Fee and Expenses."
The obligation to pay the Break-Up Fee and/or Break-Up Expenses may
adversely affect the ability of Wellsford to engage in another transaction in
the event the Merger is not consummated.
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Reduction in Ownership and Voting. Upon consummation of the Merger,
Wellsford Common Shareholders will own approximately 17% of the Survivor Common
and will not have separate approval rights with respect to any actions or
decisions of the Surviving Trust.
Reduction in Distributions. After the Merger, the distributions payable
with respect to Survivor Common are expected to be less than the distributions
payable with respect to Wellsford Common. Based upon the current annualized
distributions per share of EQR Common and Wellsford Common, the distributions
payable with respect to the Survivor Common would be approximately 19.5% less
than the distributions payable with respect to Wellsford Common.
No Appraisal Rights under Maryland Law
Shareholders of Wellsford and shareholders of EQR are not entitled to
dissenting shareholders' appraisal rights under Maryland law. Maryland law does
not provide appraisal rights to shareholders of a REIT in connection with a
merger if their shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as the
NYSE, on the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote on such
merger. All of the shares of EQR and Wellsford outstanding on the record date
for determining the shareholders entitled to vote on the Merger were listed on
the NYSE.
Potential Adverse Effects of Combining the Companies
EQR and Wellsford are large enterprises with operations in a number of
different states. There can be no assurance that costs or other factors
associated with the integration of the two companies would not adversely affect
future combined results of operations or the benefits of expected costs savings.
General Real Estate Investment Considerations; Changes in Laws
General. Real property investments are subject to varying degrees of risk
and are relatively illiquid. Income from real property investments and the
Surviving Trust's resulting ability to make expected distributions to
shareholders may be adversely affected by the general economic climate, local
conditions such as oversupply of apartment units or a reduction in demand for
apartment units in the area, the attractiveness of the properties owned by the
Surviving Trust to tenants, zoning or other regulatory restrictions, the ability
of the Surviving Trust to provide adequate maintenance and insurance, and
increased operating costs (including insurance premiums and real estate taxes).
The Surviving Trust's income would also be adversely affected if tenants were
unable to pay rent or the Surviving Trust were unable to rent apartment units on
favorable terms. If the Surviving Trust were unable to promptly relet units or
renew the leases for a significant number of apartment units, or if the rental
rates upon such renewal or reletting were significantly lower than expected
rates, then the Surviving Trust's funds from operations and ability to make
expected distributions to shareholders may be
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adversely affected. In addition, certain expenditures associated with each
equity investment (such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs) generally
are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the
investment. Furthermore, real estate investments are relatively illiquid and,
therefore, will tend to limit the ability of the Surviving Trust to vary its
portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions.
Changes in Laws. Increases in real estate taxes, income taxes and service
or other taxes generally are not passed through to tenants under existing leases
and may adversely affect the Surviving Trust's funds from operations and its
ability to make distributions to shareholders. Similarly, changes in laws
increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on
properties or increasing the restrictions on discharges or other conditions may
result in significant unanticipated expenditures, which would adversely affect
the Surviving Trust's funds from operations and its ability to make
distributions to shareholders.
Potential Environmental Liability Affecting the Surviving Trust
Under various Federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and
regulations, an owner of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or
remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on such property. These
laws often impose environmental liability without regard to whether the owner
knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic
substances. The presence of such substances, or the failure properly to
remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or
rent the property or to borrow using the property as collateral. Persons who
arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also
be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at a
disposal or treatment facility, whether or not such facility is owned or
operated by such person. Certain laws impose liability for release of asbestos-
containing materials ("ACMs") into the air and third parties may seek recovery
from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with
ACMs. In connection with the ownership (direct or indirect), operation,
management and development of real properties, the Surviving Trust may be
considered an owner or operator of such properties or as having arranged for the
disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances and, therefore,
potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as for certain
other related costs, including governmental fines and injuries to persons and
property.
All of EQR's properties have been the subject of a Phase I and, in certain
cases, a supplemental environmental assessment completed by qualified
independent environmental consultant companies. All of the environmental
assessments were conducted within the last five years and were obtained prior to
the acquisition by EQR of each of the properties. These environmental
assessments have not revealed, nor is EQR aware of, any environmental liability
that EQR's management believes would have a material adverse effect on the
Surviving Trust's business, results of operations, financial condition or
liquidity.
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All of Wellsford's properties have been the subject of a Phase I or similar
environmental assessment completed by qualified independent environmental
consultant companies. Of these environmental assessments, 16 were conducted
during the period from 1989 through 1991 and 63 were conducted during the period
from 1992 through the present. These environmental assessments have not
revealed, nor is Wellsford aware of, any environmental liability that
Wellsford's management believes would have a material adverse effect on the
Surviving Trust's business, results of operations, financial condition or
liquidity.
No assurance can be given that existing environmental assessments with
respect to any EQR or Wellsford properties reveal all environmental liabilities,
that any prior owner of a property did not create any material environmental
condition not known to EQR or Wellsford, or that a material environmental
condition does not otherwise exist as to any one or more properties of EQR or
Wellsford.
Consequences of Failure to Qualify as a REIT
Taxation as a Corporation. The Surviving Trust intends to operate in a
manner so as to qualify as a REIT under the Code. However, no assurance can be
given that the Surviving Trust was organized and will be able to operate in a
manner so as to qualify or remain so qualified. Qualifications as a REIT
involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements (some on an annual and
quarterly basis) established under highly technical and complex Code provisions
for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and
involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not
entirely within the Surviving Trust's control.
If the Surviving Trust were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable
year, the Surviving Trust would be subject to Federal income tax (including any
applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at corporate rates.
Moreover, unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, the
Surviving Trust 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 Surviving Trust available for
investment or distribution to shareholders because of the additional tax
liability to the Surviving Trust for the years involved. In addition,
distributions to shareholders would no longer be required to be made. See
"Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Other Tax Liabilities. Even if the Surviving Trust qualifies as a REIT, it
will be subject to certain Federal, state and local taxes on its income and
property. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Other Tax Considerations--
State and Local Taxes." In addition, the Surviving Trust's management
operations, which will be conducted through Equity Residential Properties
Management Limited Partnership , Equity Residential Properties Management
Limited Partnership II and Equity Residential Properties Management Limited
Partnership III (collectively, the "Management Partnerships") generally will be
subject to Federal income tax at regular corporate rates. See "Federal Income
Tax Considerations."
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Consequences of Failure to Qualify as Partnerships. The Surviving Trust
intends that ERP Operating Partnership, the Management Partnerships and each of
the other partnership and limited liability company subsidiaries will be
organized as partnerships and will qualify for treatment as such under the Code.
If any of such subsidiaries fails to qualify for such treatment under the Code,
the Surviving Trust would cease to qualify as a REIT, and such subsidiary would
be subject to Federal income tax (including any alternative minimum tax) on its
income at corporate rates. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Each of EQR and Wellsford believes it has operated in a manner so as to
qualify as a REIT under the Code for all taxable years ending on or before
December 31, 1996 and for the period beginning January 1, 1997 and ending on the
date hereof.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The Surviving Trust will be dependent on the efforts of its executive
officers. While the Surviving Trust believes that it could find replacements for
these key personnel, the loss of their services may have a temporary adverse
effect on the operations of the Surviving Trust. None of these officers has
entered or will enter into employment agreements with the Surviving Trust.
Distribution Requirements Potentially Increasing Indebtedness of the Surviving
Trust
The Surviving Trust may be required from time to time, under certain
circumstances, to accrue as income for tax purposes interest and rent earned but
not yet received. In such event, or upon the repayment by the Surviving Trust of
principal on debt, the Surviving Trust could have taxable income without
sufficient cash to enable the Surviving Trust to meet the distribution
requirements of a REIT. Accordingly, the Surviving Trust could be required to
borrow funds or liquidate investments on adverse terms in order to meet such
distribution requirements. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."
9.8% Ownership Limit; Inapplicability to Mr. Zell and Others
In order to maintain its qualification as a REIT under the Code, not more
than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the
Surviving Trust may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer
individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities). Certain
beneficial owners (the "Zell Holders") affiliated with Mr. Zell and Equity
Properties Management Corp. ("EPMC") (i.e., beneficiaries of trusts established
for the benefit of Mr. Zell and his family and trusts established for the
benefit of the family of Mr. Robert Lurie, a deceased partner of Mr. Zell (the
"Lurie Family Trusts")) and certain entities controlled by Starwood Capital
Partners L.P. and its affiliates which contributed 23 of the properties to EQR
at the time of EQR's initial public offering (the "IPO") (the "Starwood Original
Owners") (through their potential ownership rights of EQR Common) together
constitute four individuals for purposes of this test and, under the Internal
Revenue Service's (the "Service") rules applicable to determining percentages of
ownership, will be deemed to own approximately 10%
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of the value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Surviving
Trust. Due to such concentration of ownership of the Surviving Trust, ownership
of more than 9.8% of the lesser of the number or value of the outstanding shares
of beneficial interest of the Surviving Trust by any single shareholder has been
restricted, with certain exceptions, for the purpose of maintaining the
Surviving Trust's qualification as a REIT under the Code. The Surviving Trust's
Board of Trustees, upon receipt of a ruling from the Service, an opinion of
counsel or other evidence satisfactory to the Board of Trustees and upon such
other conditions as the Board of Trustees may direct, may also exempt a proposed
transferee from this restriction. See "Comparison of Right of Shareholders --
Restrictions on Ownership, Transfer and Issuance of Shares." Additionally, the
Surviving Trust's Declaration of Trust will allow certain transfers of such
Survivor Common without the transferees being subject to the 9.8% ownership
limit, provided such transfers do not result in an increased concentration in
the ownership of the Surviving Trust. Finally, if the Additional Provisions are
approved by the Wellsford Common Shareholders, such restrictions in the
Surviving Trust's Declaration of Trust will be reduced to 5%. See "Proposal
Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions."
Limits on Changes in Control
Ownership Limit. The 9.8% ownership limit, as well as the ability of the
Surviving Trust to issue additional Survivor Common or other shares of
beneficial interest (which may have rights and preferences senior to the
Survivor Common), may discourage a change of control of the Surviving Trust and
may also (i) deter tender offers for the Survivor Common, which offers may be
advantageous to shareholders, and (ii) limit the opportunity for shareholders to
receive a premium for their Survivor Common that might otherwise exist if an
investor were attempting to assemble a block of Survivor Common in excess of
9.8% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Surviving Trust or
otherwise effect a change of control of the Surviving Trust. If the Additional
Provisions are approved by the Wellsford Common Shareholders, such restrictions
in the Surviving Trust's Declaration of Trust will be reduced to 5%. See
"Proposal Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions."
Staggered Board. The Board of Trustees of the Surviving Trust will be
divided into three classes of trustees. The terms of the classes will expire in
1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. As the term of each class expires, trustees
for that class will be elected for a three-year term and the trustees in the
other two classes will continue in office. The staggered terms for trustees may
impede the shareholders' ability to change control of the Surviving Trust even
if a change in control were in the shareholders' interest.
Preferred Shares. The Surviving Trust's Declaration will authorize the
Board of Trustees to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of Survivor Preferred and to
establish the preferences and rights (including the right to vote and the right
to convert into Survivor Common) of any Survivor Preferred issued. The power to
issue Survivor Preferred could have the effect of delaying or preventing a
change in control of the Surviving Trust even if a change in control
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were in the shareholders' interest. There are additional limitations on
ownership regarding each outstanding series of EQR Preferred and Wellsford
Preferred.
Maryland Business Combination Law. Under the Maryland General Corporation
Law, as amended ("MGCL"), certain "business combinations" (including a merger,
consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or
issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland real
estate investment trust and any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the
voting power of the trust's shares of beneficial interest or an affiliate of the
trust who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question,
was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the trust's
shares of beneficial interest (an "Interested Shareholder"), or an affiliate of
such Interested Shareholder, are prohibited for five years after the most recent
date on which the Interested Shareholder becomes an Interested Shareholder.
Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of
trustees of such trust and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80%
of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of
beneficial interest of the trust and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be
cast by holders of voting shares of beneficial interest of the trust other than
shares held by the Interested Shareholder with whom (or with whose affiliate)
the business combination is to be effected (unless, among other conditions, the
holders of the common shares of the trust receive a minimum price (as defined in
the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the
same form as previously paid by the Interested Shareholder for its common
shares). Such provisions could have the effect of inhibiting a change in control
even if a change in control were in the shareholders' interest.
Control and Influence by Significant Shareholders of EQR
As of December 31, 1996, the Zell Holders held certain OP Units issued at
the time of the IPO ("Original OP Units") to certain affiliates of Mr. Zell
which contributed 33 of the properties to EQR at the time of the IPO (the "Zell
Original Owners"), EPMC and other affiliates of Mr. Zell owned in the aggregate
approximately 7.92% of the shares of EQR Common (assuming that all of the
partnership interests in ERP Operating Partnership are exchanged for EQR
Common), and the Starwood Original Owners owned in the aggregate approximately
3.47% of the shares of EQR Common (assuming that all of the partnership
interests in ERP Operating Partnership are exchanged for EQR Common). The
Starwood Original Owners, together with the Zell Original Owners, will be
referred to as the "Original Owners." As of December 31, 1996, EQR had options
outstanding to purchase approximately 2.33 million shares of EQR Common which it
has granted to certain officers, employees and trustees of EQR and consultants
to EQR, some of whom are affiliated with Mr. Zell, representing in the aggregate
approximately 3.80% of the EQR Common (assuming that all such options are
exercised for EQR Common and all of the outstanding partnership interests in ERP
Operating Partnership are exchanged for EQR Common). Further, the consent of
affiliates of Mr. Zell who are Zell Holders and of the Starwood Original Owners
is required for certain amendments to ERP Operating Partnership's partnership
agreement. Accordingly, Mr. Zell and
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the Starwood Original Owners may continue to have substantial influence over the
Surviving Trust, which influence might not be consistent with the interests of
other shareholders, and on the outcome of any matters submitted to the Surviving
Trust's shareholders for approval. In addition, although there is no current
agreement, understanding or arrangement for these shareholders to act together
on any matter, these shareholders would be in a position to exercise significant
influence over the affairs of the Surviving Trust if they were to act together
in the future.
Exemptions for Mr. Zell and Others from Maryland Business Combination Law which
Tend to Inhibit Takeovers
As permitted by the MGCL, the Surviving Trust will exempt any business
combination involving Mr. Zell, the Zell Holders, EPMC and their respective
affiliates and associates, present or future, or any other person acting in
concert or as a group with any of the foregoing persons and, consequently, the
five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements will not apply to
a business combination between any of them and the Surviving Trust. As a result,
Mr. Zell, the Zell Holders, EPMC, any present or future affiliate or associate
of theirs or any other person acting in concert or as a group with any of the
foregoing persons may be able to enter into business combinations with the
Surviving Trust, which may not be in the best interest of the shareholders,
without compliance by the Surviving Trust with the super-majority vote
requirements and other provisions of the MGCL.
Tax Termination of ERP Operating Partnership
In connection with the Merger, more than 50% of the total interest in ERP
Operating Partnership's capital and profits will be exchanged. Therefore, the
Merger will result in the termination of ERP Operating Partnership for federal
income tax purposes. Under existing Treasury Regulations under the Code, a
partnership termination causes a deemed distribution of all of the assets of ERP
Operating Partnership to the partners of ERP Operating Partnership (including
the Surviving Trust) followed by a deemed re-contribution of such assets by such
partners to a newly formed partnership. See "The Merger - Federal Income Tax
Consequences - Tax Termination of ERP Operating Partnership." Such deemed
distribution and re-contribution is not expected to cause gain recognition to
the Surviving Trust because the amount of cash deemed distributed to the
Surviving Trust as a result of the deemed liquidation (including any deemed
distribution occurring under Code Section 752 as a result of a shifting of
liabilities among the partners of the ERP Operating Partnership) is not expected
to exceed the Surviving Trusts's adjusted basis in the ERP Operating
Partnership. Moreover, because the taxable years of both the ERP Operating
Partnership and the Surviving Trust end on the same date, the closing of the ERP
Operating Partnership's taxable year should have no adverse tax consequences to
the Surviving Trust. However, the termination of the ERP Operating Partnership
will cause the assets of the ERP Operating Partnership to be depreciated as if
they were newly acquired by the ERP Operating Partnership, possibly resulting in
lower annual depreciation deductions to the Surviving Trust for federal income
tax purposes. In addition, the deemed re-contribution of the
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assets to the ERP Operating Partnership could result in a reallocation of the
built-in gain attributable to the properties owned by the ERP Operating
Partnership. See "Tax Aspects of Surviving Trusts Investment in Partnerships --
Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties."
WRP NEWCO RISK FACTORS
Ownership of WRP Newco Common involves the following material risks:
General Risks
If the properties of WRP Newco, of those entities in which it invests or of
those entities to which it will lend (collectively, the "WRP Newco Properties")
do not generate revenue sufficient to meet operating expenses, including debt
service and capital expenditures, the financial condition and results of
operations of WRP Newco may be adversely affected. WRP Newco's financial
condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by a number of
factors, including international and domestic general economic climate and local
real estate conditions (such as oversupply of or reduced demand for space and
changes in market rental rates); the perceptions of prospective tenants of the
safety, convenience and attractiveness of WRP Newco Properties; the ability of
the owner to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance; energy and
supply shortages; the ability to collect on a timely basis all rent from tenants
and interest from borrowers; the expense of periodically renovating, repairing
and reletting spaces; and increasing operating costs (including real estate
taxes and utilities) which may not be passed through to tenants. Certain
significant expenditures associated with investments in real estate (such as
mortgage payments, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs) are
generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in rental revenues
from the investment. If a WRP Newco Property is mortgaged to secure the payment
of indebtedness and if WRP Newco or the entity in which WRP Newco invests or to
which it lends is unable to meet its mortgage payments, a loss could be
sustained as a result of foreclosure on the property or the exercise of other
remedies by the mortgagee. In addition, real estate values and income from
properties are also affected by such factors as compliance with laws, including
tax laws, interest rate levels and the availability of financing.
Nature of Investments Made by WRP Newco May Involve High Risk; Illiquidity of
Real Estate Investments
WRP Newco may make investments in real estate-related assets and businesses
which have experienced severe financial difficulties, which difficulties may
never be overcome. Since WRP Newco may only make a limited number of investments
and since many of the investments may involve a high degree of risk, poor
performance by one of the investments could severely affect the financial
condition and results of operations of WRP Newco.
Equity and debt investments in real estate may be relatively illiquid.
Such illiquidity limits the ability of WRP Newco to modify its portfolio in
response to changes in economic or
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other conditions. Illiquidity may result from the absence of an established
market for the investments as well as legal or contractual restrictions on their
resale by WRP Newco.
Difficulty of Locating Suitable Investments; Competition
Identifying, completing and realizing on real estate investments has from
time to time been highly competitive, and involves a high degree of uncertainty.
WRP Newco will be competing for investments with many public and private real
estate investment vehicles, including financial institutions (such as mortgage
banks, pension funds and real estate investment trusts) and other institutional
investors, as well as individuals. There can be no assurance that WRP Newco will
be able to locate and complete investments which satisfy WRP Newco's rate of
return objective or realize upon their value or that it will be able to fully
invest its available capital.
Many of those with whom WRP Newco will compete for investments and its
services are far larger than WRP Newco, may have greater financial resources
than WRP Newco and may have management personnel with more experience than the
officers of WRP Newco.
Risks of Acquisition, Development, Construction and Renovation Activities
Acquisition. WRP Newco intends to acquire existing properties to the extent
that they can be acquired on advantageous terms and meet WRP Newco's investment
criteria. Acquisitions of properties entail general investment risks associated
with any real estate investment, including the risk that investments will fail
to perform as expected, that estimates of the cost of improvements to bring an
acquired property up to standards established for the intended market position
may prove inaccurate and the occupancy rates and rents achieved may be less than
anticipated.
Development, Construction and Renovation. WRP Newco also intends to pursue
the selective development, construction and renovation of commercial and
residential properties for its own account or the account of entities in which
it owns an equity interest as opportunities arise. Risks associated with WRP
Newco's development, construction and renovation activities include the risks
that: WRP Newco may abandon development opportunities after expending resources
to determine feasibility; construction and renovation costs of a project may
exceed original estimates; occupancy rates and rents at a newly completed
property may not be sufficient to make the property profitable; and development,
construction, renovation and lease-up may not be completed on schedule
(including risks beyond the control of WRP Newco, such as weather or labor
conditions or material shortages) resulting in increased debt service expense
and construction costs. Development, construction and renovation activities are
also subject to risks relating to the inability to obtain, or delays in
obtaining, all necessary zoning, land-use, building, occupancy and other
required governmental permits and authorizations. These risks could result in
substantial unanticipated delays or expenses and, under certain circumstances,
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could prevent completion of development, construction and renovation activities
once undertaken, any of which could adversely affect the financial condition and
results of operations of WRP Newco. Properties under development or acquired for
development may generate little or no cash flow from the date of acquisition
through the date of completion of development and may experience operating
deficits after the date of completion. In addition, new development and
renovation activities, regardless of whether or not they are ultimately
successful, typically require a substantial portion of management's time and
attention.
WRP Newco may elect not to exercise its option to purchase the land
underlying Phases III, IV and/or V of Palomino Park, in some cases after having
expended money and time to determine the feasibility of developing such Phase.
In addition, WRP Newco may elect, after having acquired the land underlying one
or more of the Phases and paid the purchase price therefor, not to commence
construction, or to delay construction, because of local occupancy rates or
rents, excessive construction or renovation costs, lack of satisfactory
financing or for any other reason.
Any properties developed or renovated by WRP Newco will be subject to the
risks associated with the ownership and operation of real estate described
elsewhere in this section entitled "WRP Newco Risk Factors."
Vacancies at Existing Properties; Dependence on Rental Income from Real Property
WRP Newco currently owns four commercial office properties consisting of
five buildings, all of which are vacant. A fifth commercial office property to
be acquired by WRP Newco is approximately 85% rented. The failure of WRP Newco
to lease these properties in a timely manner and on economically favorable
terms may have a material adverse effect on WRP Newco.
WRP Newco's cash flow, results of operations and value of its assets would
be adversely affected if a significant number of tenants of the WRP Newco
Properties failed to meet their lease obligations or if WRP Newco or the owner
of a WRP Newco Property were unable to lease a significant amount of space on
economically favorable terms. In the event of a default by a lessee, the owner
may experience delays in enforcing its rights as lessor and may incur
substantial costs in protecting its investment. The bankruptcy or insolvency of
a major tenant may have an adverse effect on a property. At any time, a tenant
may also seek protection under the bankruptcy laws, which could result in
rejection and termination of such tenant's lease and thereby cause a reduction
in the cash flow of the property. If a tenant rejects its lease, the owner's
claim for breach of the lease would (absent collateral securing the claim) be
treated as a general unsecured claim. Generally, the amount of the claim would
be capped at the amount owed for unpaid pre-petition lease payments unrelated to
the rejection, plus the greater of one year's lease payments or 15% of the
remaining lease payments payable under the lease (but not to exceed the amount
of three years' lease payments). No assurance can be given that the WRP Newco
Properties will not experience significant tenant defaults in the future.
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Operating Risks
The WRP Newco Properties are subject to operating risks common to the
particular property type, any and all of which may adversely affect occupancy or
rental rates. Such properties are subject to increases in operating expenses
such as cleaning; electricity; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning;
elevator repair and maintenance; insurance and administrative costs; and other
general costs associated with security, landscaping, repairs and maintenance.
While commercial tenants are often obligated to pay a portion of these
escalating costs, there can be no assurance that they will agree to pay such
costs or that the portion that they agree to pay will fully cover such costs. If
operating expenses increase, the local rental market may limit the extent to
which rents may be increased to meet increased expenses without decreasing
occupancy rates. To the extent rents cannot be increased or costs controlled,
the cash flow of WRP Newco and its financial condition may be adversely
affected.
Adverse Consequences of Debt Financing
Leverage. Some of the WRP Newco real estate equity investments may utilize
a leveraged capital structure, in which case a third party lender would be
entitled to cash flow generated by such investments prior to WRP Newco receiving
a return. As a result of such leverage, WRP Newco would be subject to the risks
normally associated with debt financing, including the risk that cash flow from
operations and investments will be insufficient to meet required payments of
principal and interest, the risk that existing debt (which in most cases will
not have been fully amortized at maturity) will not be able to be refinanced or
that the terms of such refinancings will not be as favorable to WRP Newco and
the risk that necessary capital expenditures for such purposes as renovations
and other improvements will not be able to be financed on favorable terms or at
all. While such leverage may increase returns or the funds available for
investment by WRP Newco, it also will increase the risk of loss on a leveraged
investment. If WRP Newco defaults on secured indebtedness, the lender may
foreclose and WRP Newco could lose its entire investment in the security for
such loan. Because WRP Newco may engage in portfolio financings where several
investments are cross-collateralized, multiple investments may be subject to the
risk of loss. As a result, WRP Newco could lose its interests in performing
investments in the event such investments are cross-collateralized with poorly
performing or nonperforming investments. In addition, recourse debt, which WRP
Newco reserves the right to obtain, may subject other assets of WRP Newco to
risk of loss.
Existing Debt Maturities; Foreclosures. WRP Newco anticipates that only a
portion of the principal of WRP Newco's indebtedness outstanding from time to
time will be repaid prior to maturity. However, WRP Newco may not have
sufficient funds to repay such indebtedness at maturity; it may therefore be
necessary for WRP Newco to refinance debt through additional debt financing or
equity offerings. If WRP Newco is unable to refinance this indebtedness on
acceptable terms, WRP Newco may be forced to dispose of properties upon
disadvantageous
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terms, which could result in losses to WRP Newco and adversely affect the amount
of cash available for further investment.
Risk of Rising Interest Rates. WRP Newco may incur indebtedness in the
future that also bears interest at a variable rate or may be required to
refinance its debt at higher rates. Outstanding advances under WRP Newco's
proposed credit facility will bear interest at a variable rate. Accordingly,
increases in interest rates could increase WRP Newco's interest expense and
adversely effect the financial condition and results of operations of WRP Newco.
Covenants. Various credit facilities or other debt obligations may require
WRP Newco to comply with a number of customary financial and other covenants on
an ongoing basis. Failure to comply with such covenants may limit WRP Newco's
ability to borrow funds or may cause a default under its then-existing
indebtedness.
No Limitation on Debt. The organizational documents of WRP Newco do not
contain any limitation on the amount of indebtedness WRP Newco may incur.
Accordingly, WRP Newco could become highly leveraged, resulting in an increase
in debt service that could increase the risk of default on WRP Newco's
indebtedness.
Lack of Control and Other Risks of Equity Investments in and with Third Parties
WRP Newco may invest in shares or other equity interests of REITs or other
entities that invest in real estate assets. In such cases, WRP Newco will be
relying on the assets, investments and management of the REIT or other entity in
which it is investing. Such entities and their properties will be subject to the
other risks affecting the ownership and operation of real estate set forth in
this section entitled "WRP Newco Risk Factors."
WRP Newco may also co-invest with third parties through partnerships, joint
ventures or other entities, acquiring non-controlling interests in or sharing
responsibility for managing the affairs of a property, partnership, joint
venture or other entity and, therefore, will not be in a position to exercise
sole decision-making authority regarding the property, partnership, joint
venture or other entity.
Investments in partnerships, joint ventures, or other entities may, under
certain circumstances, involve risks not present were a third party not
involved, including the possibility that WRP Newco's partners or co-venturers
might become bankrupt or otherwise fail to fund their share of required capital
contributions, that such partners or co-venturers might at any time have
economic or other business interests or goals which are inconsistent with the
business interests or goals of WRP Newco, and that such partners or co-venturers
may be in a position to take action contrary to the instructions or the requests
of WRP Newco and contrary to WRP Newco's policies or objectives. Such
investments may also have the potential risk of impasse on decisions, such as a
sale, because neither WRP Newco nor the partner or co-venturer would
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have full control over the partnership or joint venture. Consequently, actions
by such partner or co-venturer might result in subjecting properties owned by
the partnership or joint venture to additional risk. In addition, WRP Newco may
in certain circumstances be liable for the actions of its third-party partners
or co-venturers.
Risks of Investments in Debt Instruments
WRP Newco intends to originate debt investments and may acquire performing
or nonperforming debt investments. In general, debt instruments carry the risk
that borrowers may not be able to make debt service payments or to pay principal
when due, the risk that the value of any collateral may be less than the amounts
owed, the risk that interest rates payable on the debt instruments may be lower
than WRP Newco's cost of funds, and the risk that the collateral may be
mismanaged or otherwise decline in value during periods in which WRP Newco is
seeking to obtain control of the underlying real estate. WRP Newco is also
dependent on the ability of the borrowers to operate successfully their
properties. Such borrowers and their properties will be subject to the other
risks affecting the ownership and operation of real estate set forth in this
section entitled "WRP Newco Risk Factors." Some of the loans may be structured
so that all or a substantial portion of the principal will not be paid until
maturity, which increases the risk of default at that time.
It is anticipated that a substantial portion of the debt in which WRP Newco
invests will not be rated by any nationally-recognized rating agency. Generally,
the value of unrated classes is more subject to fluctuation due to economic
conditions than rated classes. WRP Newco's acquisition of credit supported
classes of securitizations (which generally are expected to be first loss
classes) which are unrated at the time of acquisition and which have lower
ratings may increase the risk of nonpayment or of a significant delay in
payments on these classes. Should rated assets be downgraded, it may adversely
affect their value and may adversely affect the financial condition and results
of operations of WRP Newco.
Risks of Investments in Mortgage Loans
To the extent WRP Newco invests in mortgage loans, such mortgage loans may
or may not be recourse obligations of the borrower and generally will not be
insured or guaranteed by governmental agencies or otherwise. In the event of a
default under such obligations, WRP Newco may have to foreclose its mortgage or
protect its investment by acquiring title to a property and thereafter making
substantial improvements or repairs in order to maximize the property's
investment potential. Borrowers may contest enforcement of foreclosure or other
remedies, seek bankruptcy protection against such enforcement and/or bring
claims for lender liability in response to actions to enforce mortgage
obligations. Relatively high "loan-to-value" ratios and declines in the value of
the property may prevent WRP Newco from realizing an amount equal to its
mortgage loan upon foreclosure.
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WRP Newco may participate in loans originated by other financing
institutions. As a participant, WRP Newco may not have the sole authority to
declare a default under the mortgage or to control the property or any
foreclosure.
Any investments in junior mortgage loans which are subordinate to liens of
senior mortgages would involve additional risks, including the lack of control
over the collateral and any related foreclosure proceeding. In the event of a
default on a senior mortgage, WRP Newco may make payments to prevent foreclosure
on the senior mortgage without necessarily improving WRP Newco's position with
respect to the subject real property. In such event, WRP Newco would be entitled
to share in the proceeds only after satisfaction of the amounts due to the
holder of the senior mortgage.
Risk of Loss on Investments in Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
Many of the risks of investing in commercial mortgage-backed securities
("CMBS") reflect the risks of investing directly in the real estate securing the
underlying mortgage loans. This may be especially true in the case of
commercial mortgage securities secured by, or evidencing an interest in, a
single commercial mortgage loan or a relatively small or less diverse pool of
commercial mortgage loans. See "--Mortgage Loans."
The risks of investing in commercial mortgage securities include risks that
the existing credit support will prove to be inadequate, either because of
unanticipated levels of losses or, if such credit support is provided by a third
party, because of difficulties experienced by such provider. Delays or
difficulties encountered in servicing commercial mortgage securities may cause
greater losses and, therefore, greater resort to credit support than was
originally anticipated, and may cause a rating agency to downgrade a security.
WRP Newco may acquire subordinated tranches of CMBS issuances. In general,
subordinated tranches of CMBS are entitled to receive repayment of principal
only after all principal payments have been made on more senior tranches and
also have subordinated rights as to receipt of interest distributions. In
addition, an active secondary market for such subordinated securities is not as
well developed as the market for certain other mortgage-backed securities.
Accordingly, such subordinated CMBS may have limited marketability and there can
be no assurance that a more efficient secondary market will develop.
Limitations on Remedies
Although WRP Newco will have certain contractual remedies upon the default
by borrowers under certain debt instruments, such as foreclosing on the
underlying real estate or collecting rents generated therefrom, certain legal
requirements (including the risks of lender liability) may limit the ability of
WRP Newco to effectively exercise such remedies.
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The right of a mortgage lender to convert its loan position into an equity
interest may be limited or prevented by certain common law or statutory
prohibitions.
Third-Party Bankruptcy Risks
Investments made in assets operating in workout modes or under Chapter 11
of the Bankruptcy Code could be subordinated or disallowed, and WRP Newco could
be liable to third parties in such circumstances. Furthermore, distributions
made to WRP Newco in respect of such investments could be recovered if any such
distribution is found to be a fraudulent conveyance or preferential payment.
Bankruptcy laws, including the automatic stay imposed upon the filing of a
bankruptcy petition, may delay the ability of WRP Newco to realize on collateral
for loan positions held by it or may adversely affect the priority of such loans
through doctrines such as equitable subordination or may result in a restructure
of the debt through principles such as the "cramdown" provisions of the
bankruptcy laws.
No Prior Operating History
It should be noted that WRP Newco is a newly formed entity with no prior
operating history and that its properties and assets have only been recently
acquired.
Risks of Uninsured Loss
WRP Newco will carry comprehensive liability, fire, extended coverage and
rental loss insurance with respect to all of the properties that it owns, with
policy specifications, insured limits and deductibles customarily carried for
similar properties. There are, however, certain types of losses (such as losses
arising from acts of war or relating to pollution) that are not generally
insured because they are either uninsurable or not economically insurable.
Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, WRP Newco
could lose its capital invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future
revenue from such property and would continue to be obligated on any mortgage
indebtedness or other obligations related to the property. Any such loss would
adversely affect the financial condition and results of operations of WRP Newco.
With respect to those properties in which WRP Newco holds an interest
through a mortgage, as well as those properties owned by entities to whom WRP
Newco makes unsecured loans, the borrowers will most likely be obligated to
maintain insurance on such properties and to arrange for WRP Newco to be covered
as a named insured on such policies. The face amount and scope of such
insurance coverage may be less comprehensive than WRP Newco would carry if it
held the fee interest in such property. Accordingly in such circumstances, or
in the event that the borrowers fail to maintain required coverage, uninsured or
underinsured losses may occur, which could have an adverse impact on WRP Newco's
cash flow or financial condition.
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Potential Environmental Liability Related to the Properties
Under various Federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an
owner or operator of real estate is liable for the costs of removal or
remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on or in such property.
These laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the owner or
operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or
toxic substances. The cost of any required remediation and the owners's
liability therefor as to any property is generally not limited under such
enactments and could exceed the value of the property and/or the aggregate
assets of the owner. The presence of such substances, or the failure to properly
remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or
rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral. Persons who
arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also
be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at a
disposal or treatment facility, whether or not such facility is owned or
operated by such person. Certain environmental laws govern the removal,
encapsulation or disturbance of ACMs when such materials are in poor condition,
or in the event of renovation or demolition. Such laws impose liability for
release of ACMs into the air and third parties may seek recovery from owners or
operators of real properties for personal injury associated with ACMs. In this
regard, it should be noted that the main headquarters building at the American
Cyanamid Office Complex contains ACM's. Upon acquisition of the property, WRP
Newco intends to proceed with the removal of ACM's in such building. The
operation and subsequent removal of certain underground storage tanks are also
regulated by federal and state laws. In connection with the ownership (direct or
indirect), operation, management and development of real properties, WRP Newco
may be considered an owner or operator of such properties or as having arranged
for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances, and, therefore,
potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other
related costs, including governmental fines and injuries to persons and
property.
The properties described in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement that are owned or to be acquired by
WRP Newco have had recent Phase I or similar environmental audits (which
involved general inspections without soil sampling, ground water analysis or
radon testing, and for the Properties constructed in 1978 or earlier, survey
inspections to ascertain the existence of ACMs were conducted) completed by
independent environmental consultant companies. These environmental audits have
not revealed any environmental liability that would have a material adverse
effect on WRP Newco's business.
Dependence on Key Personnel
WRP Newco is dependent primarily on the efforts of Jeffrey H. Lynford,
Chairman of the Board, and Edward Lowenthal, President, and the loss of either
of their services could have an adverse effect on the operations of WRP Newco.
Mr. Lynford and Mr. Lowenthal have each entered into employment agreements with
WRP Newco having a term of approximately five years. WRP Newco intends to retain
the services of individuals with expertise and experience
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in certain activities to be conducted by WRP Newco, and the loss of the services
of any of these individuals could also have an adverse effect on the operations
of WRP Newco.
Tax Consequences of the Distribution
To the extent the fair market value of the shares of WRP Newco Common
distributed in the Distribution to Wellsford Common Shareholders exceeds
Wellsford's tax basis in such shares, gain will be recognized by Wellsford.
Assuming Wellsford qualifies as a REIT and has a dividends paid deduction for
distributions to its shareholders at least equal to its REIT taxable income (as
computed before taking into account the dividends paid deduction), no REIT level
tax will be incurred on account of the Distribution.
The distribution of WRP Newco Common will, however, be taxable to Wellsford
Common Shareholders to the same extent as any other distribution made by
Wellsford to its shareholders. Management of Wellsford estimates that
approximately 50% of the value of the shares of WRP Newco Common received in the
Distribution will be taxable as ordinary income. Because this estimate is based,
in part, on future events, there can be no assurance as to the portion of the
value of the Distribution that will be taxable as ordinary income. The remainder
of the value of the shares of WRP Newco Common received in the Distribution will
either constitute a return of capital (reducing basis in the shares of Wellsford
Common that converted in the Merger into Survivor Common) or capital gain. For a
more detailed explanation, see "The Contribution and Distribution -- Tax
Consequences of the Distribution."
Changes in Policies Without Stockholder Approval
The investment, financing, borrowing and distribution policies of WRP Newco
and its policies with respect to all other activities, growth, debt,
capitalization and operations, will be determined by the WRP Newco Board of
Directors. Although it has no present intention to do so, the Board of Directors
may amend or revise these policies at any time and from time to time at its
discretion without a vote of the stockholders of WRP Newco. A change in these
policies could adversely affect WRP Newco's financial condition, results of
operations and the market price of WRP Newco Common. See "Policies with Respect
to Certain Activities of WRP Newco."
Absence of Public Market; Risk of Changes in Share Price
Prior to the Distribution, there will be no public market for WRP Newco
Common, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market for WRP
Newco Common will develop following the Distribution or, if developed, that any
such market will be sustained. In the absence of a public trading market, an
investor may be unable to liquidate his investment in WRP Newco. The initial
valuation of the WRP Newco Common may not be indicative of the market price of
the Newco Common after the Distribution. The prices at which WRP Newco Common
trades will be determined by the marketplace and may be influenced by many
factors,
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including, among others, the depth and liquidity of the market for WRP Newco
Common, investor perception of WRP Newco and its businesses, WRP Newco's
dividend policy, interest rates and general economic and market conditions.
Prices at which WRP Newco Common may trade after the Distribution cannot be
predicted.
Costs of Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Similar Laws
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1980 (the "ADA"), places of
public accommodations and commercial facilities are required to meet certain
federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Compliance
with ADA requirements could require both structural and non-structural changes
to the properties in which WRP Newco invests and noncompliance could result in
imposition of fines by the United States government or an award of damages to
private litigants. Although management of WRP Newco believes that its properties
are substantially in compliance with present requirements of the ADA, WRP Newco
may incur additional costs of compliance in the future. A number of additional
Federal, state and local laws exist which impose further burdens or restrictions
on owners with respect to access by disabled persons and may require
modifications to properties in which WRP Newco invests, or restrict certain
further renovations thereof, with respect to access by disabled persons. Final
regulations under the ADA have not yet been promulgated and the ultimate amount
of the cost of compliance with the ADA or other such laws is not currently
ascertainable. While such costs are not expected to have a material effect on
WRP Newco, they could be substantial. If required changes involve greater
expense than WRP Newco currently anticipates, WRP Newco's financial condition
and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Noncompliance with Other Laws
Real estate properties are also subject to various Federal, state and local
regulatory requirements, such as state and local fire and life safety
requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the
imposition of fines by governmental authorities or awards of damages to private
litigants. WRP Newco believes that its properties are currently in material
compliance with all such regulatory requirements. However, there can be no
assurance that these requirements will not be changed or that new requirements
will not be imposed which would require significant unanticipated expenditures
by WRP Newco and could have an adverse effect on WRP Newco's results of
operations.
Effect on Common Stock Price of Shares Available for Future Sale
Sales of a substantial number of shares of WRP Newco Common, or the
perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market
prices of the WRP Newco Common. Up to 12,000,000 shares of WRP Newco Common may
be issued pursuant to the Additional Share Offering and purchasers of the
Additional Shares may be able to sell such shares in the public market
immediately after purchase. In addition, 1,750,000 shares of WRP Newco Common
have been reserved for issuance pursuant to WRP Newco's 1997 Management
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Incentive Plan, and, when issued, these shares will be available for sale in the
public markets from time to time pursuant to exemptions from registration
requirements or upon registration. No prediction can be made about the effect
that future sales of WRP Newco Common will have on the market prices of WRP
Newco Common.
Hedging Policies/Risks
In connection with the financing of certain real estate investments, WRP
Newco may employ hedging techniques designed to protect WRP Newco against
adverse movements in currency and/or interest rates. While such transactions may
reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves may entail certain other
risks. Thus, while WRP Newco may benefit from the use of these hedging
mechanisms, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices, or
currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for WRP Newco
than if it had not entered into such hedging transactions.
Anti-Takeover Effect Resulting From a Staggered Board/Ability of Newco to Issue
Preferred Shares/and Certain Provisions of Maryland Law
WRP Newco's Board of Directors is divided into three classes. The initial
terms of the first, second and third classes will expire in 1998, 1999 and 2000,
respectively. Beginning in 1998, directors for each class will be chosen for a
three-year term upon the expiration of their then current term, and each year
one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders. The staggered terms
for directors may limit the stockholders' ability to change control of Newco
even if a change of control were in the interests of stockholders.
WRP Newco's Charter (the "WRP Newco Charter") authorizes the Board of
Directors to establish one or more series of preferred shares and to determine,
with respect to any series of preferred shares, the preferences and other terms
of such series. Although the Board of Directors has no intention at the present
time, it could issue a series of preferred shares that could, depending on the
terms of such series, impede or prevent a merger, tender offer or other
transaction that some, or a majority, of WRP Newco's shareholders might believe
to be in their best interest or in which shareholders might receive a premium
for their shares over the then current market price of such shares.
Under the MGCL, certain "business combinations" (including certain
issuances of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and an Interested
Stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which
the Interested Stockholder became an Interested Stockholder. Thereafter, any
such business combination must be approved by two supermajority stockholder
votes. The directors of WRP Newco have exempted from the Maryland statute any
business combinations with Jeffrey H. Lynford or Edward Lowenthal or any of
their affiliates or any other person acting in concert or as a group with any of
such persons and, consequently, the five-year prohibition and the supermajority
vote requirements will not apply to business
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combinations between such persons and WRP Newco. See "Certain Provisions of
Maryland Law and of WRP Newco Charter and Bylaws."
The provisions of the MGCL described above and the exemptions granted may
discourage a third party from making an acquisition proposal for WRP Newco and
may inhibit a change in control under circumstances that could otherwise give
the holders of the WRP Newco Common the opportunity to realize a premium over
then-prevailing market prices.
It should also be noted that for ten years after the Closing Date, WRP
Newco has the right to direct the voting of all shares of WRP Newco Series A
Preferred, WRP Newco Class A Common and WRP Newco Common owned by ERP Operating
Partnership or any of its affiliates, except as to the election of the director
to be designated by ERP Operating Partnership or any matter relating to the
rights, preferences and privileges of WRP Newco Series A Preferred or WRP Newco
Class A Common. Such voting right may hinder a change in control.
THE MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
EQR
The EQR Special Meeting has been called by the EQR Board of Trustees for
the purpose of approving the Merger. The EQR Special Meeting will be held on May
28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at One North Franklin, Chicago, Illinois.
Only shareholders of record of EQR Common at the close of business on April 14,
1997 will be entitled to vote at the EQR Special Meeting. EQR had outstanding
53,713,158 shares of EQR Common as of the close of business on April 1, 1997, of
which 1,022,666 shares (or approximately 1.9% of the outstanding) shares of EQR
Common (excludes 681,534 shares where beneficial ownership is disclaimed) were
owned beneficially by the officers and trustees of EQR, and such persons have
indicated their intention to vote such shares in favor of the Merger. No EQR
Shares other than EQR Common are entitled to vote on the Merger. Each holder of
EQR Common is entitled to one vote per share on the Merger. If the accompanying
proxy form is signed and returned, the shares represented thereby will be voted
in accordance with any direction on the proxy form, or in the absence of a
direction, they will be voted FOR the Merger. The shareholder may revoke the
proxy at any time prior to the voting thereof by giving written notice of such
revocation to EQR, by executing and delivering a proxy bearing a later date, or
by attending the EQR Special Meeting and voting in person.
The expenses of the solicitation of EQR Common Shareholders will be paid by
EQR. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited by trustees,
officers, or regular employees of EQR in person, by telecopy or by telephone.
Arrangements will also be made with brokerage firms and other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation material to the beneficial
owners of the shares of EQR Common held of record by such persons, and EQR will
reimburse such brokerage firms, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection therewith. EQR
has retained MacKenzie
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Partners to assist in the solicitation of proxies. The fee of such firm is
estimated to be $6000, plus reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs and expenses.
The presence at the EQR Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of EQR Common is necessary to
constitute a quorum under Maryland law and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of
EQR (the "EQR Bylaws"). Votes cast by proxy or in person at the meeting will be
tabulated by election inspectors appointed for the meeting and will determine
whether or not a quorum is present. The election inspectors will treat
abstentions and "broker non-votes" (i.e., proxies of brokers who have limited
authority to vote on specified proposals) as shares that are present and
entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the
meeting. Under Maryland law, EQR's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust
(the "EQR Declaration") and the EQR Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the holders
of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of EQR Common is required to approve the
Merger.
EQR Common Shareholders may mark the accompanying EQR proxy to vote their
shares FOR or AGAINST, or to ABSTAIN with respect to, the Merger. Abstentions
and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote against approval of the
Merger.
The EQR Trustees who voted on the Merger unanimously recommend that EQR
Common Shareholders vote FOR the Merger.
Pursuant to the EQR Bylaws, no business may be transacted at the EQR
Special Meeting except that referred to in the accompanying notice of the EQR
Special Meeting.
Wellsford
The Wellsford Special Meeting has been called by the Wellsford Board of
Trustees for the purpose of approving the Merger, including the adoption of an
amended and restated declaration of trust of the Surviving Trust, the Additional
Provisions, the Additional Share Offering by WRP Newco and the adoption of WRP
Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan. The Wellsford Special Meeting will be
held on May 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at The Princeton Club, 15 West
43rd Street, New York, New York . Only shareholders of record of Wellsford
Common at the close of business on April 14, 1997 will be entitled to vote at
the Wellsford Special Meeting. Wellsford had outstanding 17,233,153 shares of
Wellsford Common as of the close of business on March 19, 1997, of which 599,828
shares (or approximately 3.5% of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common
(excludes 29,727 shares where beneficial ownership is disclaimed)) were owned
beneficially by the officers and trustees of Wellsford, and such persons have
indicated their intention to vote such shares in favor of the Merger, including
the adoption of an amended and restated declaration of trust of the Surviving
Trust, the Additional Provisions, the Additional Share Offering and the adoption
of WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan. No Wellsford Shares other than
Wellsford Common are entitled to vote on the matters set forth in the notice of
the Wellsford Special Meeting. Each holder of
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Wellsford Common is entitled to one vote per share on the matters set forth in
the notice of the Wellsford Special Meeting. If the accompanying proxy form is
signed and returned, the shares represented thereby will be voted in accordance
with any direction on the proxy form, or in the absence of a direction, they
will be voted FOR the Merger, including adoption of the amended and restated
declaration of trust of the Surviving Trust, the Additional Provisions, the
Additional Share Offering by WRP Newco and the adoption of WRP Newco's 1997
Management Incentive Plan. The shareholder may revoke the proxy at any time
prior to the voting thereof by giving written notice of such revocation to
Wellsford, by executing and delivering a proxy bearing a later date, or by
attending the Wellsford Special Meeting and voting in person.
The expenses of the solicitation of Wellsford Common Shareholders will be
paid by Wellsford. In addition to the use of the mail, proxies may be solicited
by trustees, officers, or regular employees of Wellsford in person, by telecopy
or by telephone. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage firms and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward solicitation material to the
beneficial owners of the shares of Wellsford Common held of record by such
persons, and Wellsford will reimburse such brokerage firms, custodians, nominees
and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in
connection therewith. Wellsford has retained MacKenzie Partners to assist in the
solicitation of proxies. The fee of such firm is estimated to be $7,500, plus
reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs and expenses.
The presence at the Wellsford Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, of
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common is
necessary to constitute a quorum under Maryland law and Wellsford's Bylaws (the
"Wellsford Bylaws"). Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Wellsford Special
Meeting will be tabulated by election inspectors appointed for the meeting who
will determine whether or not a quorum is present. The election inspectors will
treat abstentions and "broker non-votes" (i.e., proxies of brokers who have
limited authority to vote on specified proposals) as shares that are present and
entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the
meeting. Under Maryland law, Wellsford's Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust (the "Wellsford Declaration") and the Wellsford Bylaws, the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common
is required to approve the Merger. The affirmative vote of the holders of two-
thirds of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common is required to approve the
Additional Provisions. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
votes cast by holders of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Common (provided
that the total votes cast represent over 50% of the outstanding shares of
Wellsford Common) is required to approve the Additional Share Offering and the
adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan.
Wellsford Common Shareholders may mark the accompanying Wellsford proxy to
vote their shares FOR or AGAINST, or to ABSTAIN from voting with respect, to the
Merger, the Additional Provisions, the Additional Share Offering and WRP Newco's
1997 Management Incentive Plan. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted
in determining the presence of a quorum and will have the effect of a vote
against approval of the Merger and the Additional Provisions. An abstention and
a broker non-vote will have no effect on the proposal to approve
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the Additional Share Offering and adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management
Incentive Plan so long as the total votes cast represent over 50% of the
outstanding shares of Wellsford Common.
The Wellsford Board of Trustees unanimously recommends that Wellsford
Common Shareholders vote FOR the Merger, the Additional Provisions, the
Additional Share Offering and WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan. The
WRP Newco Board of Directors unanimously recommends that Wellsford Common
Shareholders vote FOR the Additional Share Offering and WRP Newco's 1997
Management Incentive Plan.
The Wellsford Bylaws provide that no business will be transacted at the
Wellsford Special Meeting except that referred to in the accompanying notice of
the Wellsford Special Meeting.
THE MERGER
The description of the Merger contained in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Merger Agreement, the full text of which is attached as
Appendix A, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Terms of the Merger
The Merger Agreement provides that, upon satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth therein, EQR will be merged into Wellsford. The name of the
Surviving Trust will be Equity Residential Properties Trust. At the Effective
Time, each outstanding share of Wellsford Common will be converted into .625 of
a share of Survivor Common. At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of EQR
Common will be converted into one share of Survivor Common. At the Effective
Time, each share of Wellsford Preferred and EQR Preferred will be converted into
one share of Survivor Preferred, having the same preferences and other terms as
the Wellsford Preferred or EQR Preferred previously outstanding of the same
series; provided, however, that the conversion ratio for the Wellsford Series A
will be adjusted in accordance with its terms. No fractional shares of Survivor
Common will be issued in connection with the Merger. In lieu thereof, holders of
Wellsford Common will receive a cash payment equal to the average closing price
of EQR Common on the NYSE for the five trading days immediately preceding the
Effective Time, multiplied by the fraction of the shares of Survivor Common to
which the holder would be entitled under the Merger Agreement.
Background of the Merger
Since 1993, Douglas Crocker, the President and Chief Executive Officer of
EQR and Jeffrey H. Lynford, the Chairman of the Board of Wellsford and Edward
Lowenthal, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wellsford, have had a
personal relationship arising out of their participation in the multifamily
property business. At various times during 1994 and 1995 Mr.
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Crocker, Mr. Lynford and Mr. Lowenthal have discussed the general status of the
multifamily property industry. Messrs. Crocker, Lynford and Lowenthal presumed
that the multifamily property industry would be the subject of combinations of
existing companies in the future, and separately considered whether their
respective companies should explore a combination with other companies.
On September 16, 1996, a regular quarterly Wellsford board meeting was held
at which Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal reported on their discussions with
investment banking firms and other publicly traded REITs regarding possible
strategic combinations. They indicated that these discussions related primarily
to possible transactions in which Wellsford would acquire another entity or be
the survivor in a merger. The Board of Trustees of Wellsford authorized
management to engage in discussions regarding possible strategic business
combinations.
On September 24, 1996, Messrs. Crocker, Lynford and Lowenthal met to
discuss the multifamily property industry and real estate market in general and
whether combining the property portfolios of EQR and Wellsford made sense for
both companies and their shareholders. The parties expressed a general interest
in exploring the possibility of a combination of the companies.
On October 19, 1996, Messrs. Crocker and Lynford had a meeting at which
they specifically discussed each company's interest in pursuing merger
discussions. During such meeting, Mr. Crocker and Mr. Lynford considered
whether a merger would be in the best interests of both companies and their
shareholders. Among the issues considered were whether a merger would combine
the talents of their respective companies, reduce corporate overhead by
eliminating redundancies and create a larger company which might be attractive
to institutional investors and increase access to public equity and debt
markets. Mr. Crocker and Mr. Lynford discussed various exchange ratios for
Wellsford Common as well as possible funds from operations and adjusted funds
from operations ratios. Concluding that a merger might be in the best interests
of both companies and their shareholders, Mr. Crocker and Mr. Lynford decided to
pursue merger discussions.
On October 24, 1996, Mr. Crocker and Mr. Lowenthal met at the National
Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") Convention in Dallas,
Texas. Mr. Crocker and Mr. Lowenthal discussed revised numbers with respect to
funds from operations and adjusted funds from operations in connection with
possible exchange ratios. Mr. Crocker discussed the fact that he would like to
reach agreement on these numbers in order to further pursue a merger
transaction. Mr. Crocker and Mr. Lowenthal agreed to have each company's
internal accountants discuss exchange ratios and evaluations.
On November 13, 1996, Mr. Crocker, Mr. Lowenthal, Gregory F. Hughes, Chief
Financial Officer of Wellsford, David H. Lee, Senior Vice President - Capital
Markets of EQR, Gerald A. Spector, Executive Vice President of EQR, and David J.
Neithercut, Chief Financial Officer of EQR, met. Mr. Lowenthal presented the
exchange ratio as a topic for discussion.
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The parties exchanged views on relative assets and exchange values, but
disagreements remained regarding the method of valuation, the exchange ratio and
other material issues.
On November 27, 1996, Mr. Crocker met with Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal and
Hughes at Wellsford's corporate offices. The parties again discussed valuation
and determined that EQR was not willing to value the development assets of
Wellsford on a going concern basis in the same manner as the other Wellsford
assets. The parties alternatively discussed the formation of a new Wellsford
subsidiary to be spun off to the common shareholders of Wellsford funded
primarily with the Wellsford development assets. The parties agreed that Mr.
Crocker would serve as a director on the proposed subsidiary's board of
directors and Messrs. Lowenthal and Lynford would serve as trustees on the EQR
Board of Trustees. The parties also discussed estimated financial results of
EQR for year-end 1997 and various employment issues, such as possible retention
of as many Wellsford employees as possible to meet EQR's staffing needs.
On December 9, 1996, a regular quarterly Wellsford board meeting was held
at which members of management of Wellsford and its legal counsel were present.
At such meeting, Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal reported on the discussions they
had with other publicly traded REITs regarding possible business combination
transactions. They indicated that the only ongoing discussions at such time
were with EQR, and they reported the status and substance of these discussions,
including those relating to a possible spin-off of certain of Wellsford's
assets, and the nature and results of management's initial due diligence review
of the business and financial condition of EQR.
On December 12, 1996, Mr. Crocker, Mr. Lowenthal, Mr. Lynford, Mr. Hughes
and attorneys from EQR's legal staff, as well as representatives of Rudnick &
Wolfe, special counsel for EQR, and Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman
LLP, special counsel for Wellsford, met to discuss the structure of a possible
merger transaction, the formation of the proposed subsidiary and the specific
assets to be transferred to the proposed subsidiary, and the possible pricing
matrix for the Wellsford Common. General terms were discussed. The tentative
Exchange Ratio was determined by establishing relative values for the EQR Common
and Wellsford Common. The value for EQR Common was based on the then market
value of the EQR Common. No one specific valuation method was utilized in
connection with the determination of the value of the Wellsford Common. The
value for Wellsford Common was negotiated based upon, among other things, the
market price for Wellsford Common and each party's evaluation of the value of
Wellsford's assets, the funds from operations generated from such assets, the
estimated financial results of Wellsford for 1997, the cost savings anticipated
from the Merger, the costs associated with the Merger, including employee
severance and retention costs, and the estimated value of the assets to be
distributed to the Wellsford Common Shareholders in the form of WRP Newco
Common. With respect to the Wellsford Preferred, it was determined to value
such shares based upon their liquidation value because the distribution rates on
Wellsford Preferred were established as a percentage of their respective
liquidation values. It was tentatively agreed, subject to satisfactory
resolution of other material issues and completion of due diligence, that the
exchange ratio would be determined based upon a value
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of $27.50 per share for the Wellsford Common and $40.00 per share for the EQR
Common, subject to adjustment in the event of a decline in the market price of
EQR Common. In addition, it was tentatively agreed, subject to the additional
study of the relevant assets and completion of due diligence, that the assets to
be contributed to the new subsidiary would have an initial book value of at
least $2.50 per share. Although discussions were still ongoing, EQR and
Wellsford requested their legal counsel to prepare a draft of a merger agreement
and other related documents so that management of the companies could focus on
the issues that required resolution.
On December 20, 1996, Mr. Crocker and Mr. Lowenthal had a telephone call to
discuss certain open issues regarding the possible merger transaction. The costs
in connection with the possible merger transaction were discussed in detail.
On December 26, 1996, Messrs. Crocker, Lowenthal and Hughes discussed by
telephone concerns regarding the capitalization of the proposed subsidiary upon
consummation of the possible merger. Mr. Crocker suggested that EQR purchase
$3.5 million in shares of common stock of the proposed subsidiary plus an
additional 10% interest in Palomino Park.
From December 26, 1996 through January 9, 1997, the management of EQR and
Wellsford had a number of discussions regarding various business issues.
On January 9, 1997, a special EQR board meeting was held at which members
of management, representatives of EQR's financial and legal advisors were
present in person or by conference telephone call. At such meeting, the trustees
were informed of the status of discussions with Wellsford's management and the
reasons that a combination with Wellsford would be beneficial. In addition, the
trustees discussed with management and EQR's legal advisors, the current
operations of EQR and Wellsford, the form of consideration payable in the
proposed transaction, the valuation methodologies to be utilized by J.P. Morgan
for purposes of its opinion (see "The Merger-Opinion of EQR Financial Advisor"),
potential synergies expected by management to result from the proposed
transaction, certain governance, tax and due diligence matters and the time
table for completion of the transaction. The EQR Board of Trustees also reviewed
the tentative terms of the proposed merger between EQR and Wellsford.
Mr. Crocker provided the EQR Board of Trustees with a discussion of the
background and events leading up to the meeting with respect to the proposed
merger with Wellsford. Mr. Crocker then set forth the reasons he believed a
possible business combination with Wellsford would be appropriate for EQR. The
reasons discussed were (i) the combined entity would be the second largest
publicly-traded REIT in the United States and the largest REIT focusing
primarily on multifamily properties, with 317 properties, consisting of 90,873
apartment units; (ii) the combined market capitalization, would be approximately
$5 billion and would not significantly alter EQR's existing Debt to Total Market
Capitalization Ratio; and (iii) the merger would improve access to the public
debt and equity markets to support EQR's continued growth. Mr. Crocker also
noted that Mr. Lowenthal and Mr. Lynford would be
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added to the EQR Board of Trustees, assuming approval of the Merger by the
shareholders of each company.
EQR's legal counsel presented and explained the terms of the Merger
Agreement to the EQR Board of Trustees including closing conditions, termination
rights and liquidated damages and expense reimbursement provisions, and advised
the EQR Board of Trustees of their fiduciary obligations. A discussion followed
concerning the proposed merger.
The EQR Board of Trustees discussed the advantages and disadvantages to EQR
of the Merger, including the factors raised by Mr. Crocker. The principle
negative factor that the EQR Board of Trustees considered was the significant
costs involved in connection with consummating the Merger and the substantial
management time and effort required to effectuate the Merger and integrate the
businesses of EQR and Wellsford. The EQR Board of Trustees did not believe that
this factor was sufficient to outweigh the advantages of the Merger,
particularly in light of the lower payout ratio of the Surviving Trust based
upon funds from operations, and the similar Debt to Total Market Capitalization
Ratio of the Surviving Trust, as compared with the current ratio for EQR.
From January 12, 1997 through January 16, 1997, representatives of
management of EQR and Wellsford and their respective counsel met in Chicago to
discuss and resolve the remaining open business and legal issues.
On January 15, 1997, a special meeting of the EQR Board of Trustees was
held. Representatives of J.P. Morgan made a detailed presentation regarding the
proposed merger with Wellsford. J.P. Morgan's presentation included a discussion
of (i) the fairness from a financial point of view to EQR of the consideration
to be paid by EQR in the proposed merger; (ii) a summary of the financial terms
of the proposed merger; (iii) a valuation analysis; and (iv) a discussion of the
impact of the proposed merger on EQR. Also included in J.P. Morgan's oral
presentation of its fairness opinion were (i) an outline of J.P. Morgan's
fairness opinion process; (ii) a pro forma merger analysis; (iii) a fully loaded
share price analysis; (iv) a public trading multiples analysis; (v) a selected
transactions analysis; (vi) a share trading history analysis; (vii) an
historical exchange ratio analysis; (viii) a net asset value analysis; and (ix)
a WRP Newco analysis. See "- Opinion of Financial Advisor -- EQR."
Following such presentations, and after extensive discussion, the Board of
Trustees of EQR concluded that the advantages of the Merger outweighed the
potential risks and the EQR Trustees who voted on the Merger unanimously
approved the Merger Agreement and the related agreements contemplated thereby,
and authorized EQR management to enter into such agreements. J.P. Morgan
rendered its oral opinion to the effect that, as of that date and subject to the
assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limits of its
review, the consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with the Merger was
fair, from a financial point of view, to EQR. J.P. Morgan's written opinion
confirming its oral opinion was delivered on January 16, 1997.
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On January 16, 1997, a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of
Wellsford was held at which members of management, representatives of Merrill
Lynch and legal counsel were present. At such meeting, the Wellsford Board of
Trustees was updated on the status of discussions with EQR regarding the
potential merger transaction between Wellsford and EQR. Mr. Lynford reviewed
with the Board of Trustees (i) the background of the proposed merger and spin-
off transaction, (ii) the current status of Wellsford's financial and business
plans without the proposed merger, including the feasibility of improving the
profitability of Wellsford's existing property portfolio and raising additional
capital and acquiring new properties, (iii) pertinent due diligence findings
with respect to EQR, with particular emphasis on the current operations and
properties of EQR and (iv) the potential benefits as well as the risks of the
proposed merger transaction as described below under "- Reasons for the Merger;
Recommendation of the Wellsford Board of Trustees."
Wellsford's legal counsel made a presentation to the Wellsford Board of
Trustees in which it explained the material terms of the proposed merger and
spin-off transaction and agreements related thereto, briefed the Board of
Trustees on certain legal issues raised by the proposed merger transaction and
advised the Board of Trustees of its fiduciary duties in connection with such
transaction.
Merrill Lynch presented its financial analysis of the merger transaction,
which included: (i) an overview of the proposed transaction setting forth, among
other things, a summary of the key transaction terms and a description of the
Distribution, (ii) an analysis of the stock trading history of each of Wellsford
Common and EQR Common, (iii) valuation analyses of Wellsford, EQR and WRP Newco,
(iv) a comparison of each of Wellsford and EQR with selected publicly traded
companies, (v) a comparison of the proposed financial terms of the Merger with
the financial terms of other relevant mergers and acquisitions and (vi) a pro
forma merger analysis. Merrill Lynch concluded its presentation by orally
advising the Wellsford Board of Trustees that as of that date, based upon the
facts and circumstances as they existed at that time, and subject to certain
assumptions, factors and limitations, the proposed consideration to be received
by the holders of Wellsford Common, pursuant to the Merger and Distribution, was
fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view.
Following such presentations, and after extensive discussion of the
advantages and disadvantages of the proposed merger transaction as described
under "- Reasons for the Merger; Recommendations of the Wellsford Board of
Trustees," the Board of Trustees of Wellsford concluded that the advantages of
the Merger and Distribution outweighed the potential risks, and unanimously
approved the merger transaction, the spin-off, the Merger Agreement and all
transactions contemplated thereby.
EQR and Wellsford did not believe that the Merger or the Contribution and
Distribution would have a material adverse effect on the results of operations,
liquidity or capital resources of the Surviving Trust and believed that the
advantages of such transactions outweighed the disadvantages.
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The Merger Agreement was executed on January 16, 1997.
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the EQR Board of Trustees
The EQR Board of Trustees believes that the Merger, including the
consideration, is fair and in the best interests of EQR and its shareholders.
Accordingly, the EQR Trustees who voted on the Merger unanimously approved the
Merger and unanimously recommend approval of the Merger by the shareholders of
EQR. In reaching this determination, the EQR Board of Trustees consulted with
EQR management, as well as its financial advisors, J.P. Morgan, legal counsel
and accountants, and considered a number of factors. The material factors that
the EQR Board of Trustees considered in approving the Merger and unanimously
recommending approval of the Merger are that:
(i) The EQR Board of Trustees believes that the Merger would solidify
EQR's leadership position in the multifamily property industry. The EQR Board of
Trustees viewed this as favorable because the combined entity would own and
operate 317 multifamily properties consisting of 90,873 apartment units; would
have funds from operations on a pro forma basis for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 of approximately $155.4 million and would have a combined
market capitalization, as of September 30, 1996, of approximately $5.0 billion
with an initial Debt to Total Market Capitalization Ratio of approximately 31%.
(ii) The EQR Board of Trustees believes that the Merger would increase
operating efficiency through economies of scales, which the EQR Board of
Trustees viewed as favorable as the combined entity would realize significant
savings in overhead and expenses (such savings are estimated to be approximately
$3.7 million per annum).
(iii) The EQR Board of Trustees believes that the Merger would provide
greater access to the public equity and debt markets. The Debt to Total Market
Capitalization Ratio for EQR as of September 30, 1996 was approximately 31.5%,
while the ratio on a pro forma basis of the Surviving Trust as of the same date
would be approximately 31%. The EQR Board of Trustees viewed this favorably
because of management's belief, based in part on discussions with advisors,
investment banking firms and lenders, that it would provide EQR Common
Shareholders with enhanced liquidity and make the Survivor Common a more
attractive investment for institutional investors.
(iv) The EQR Board of Trustees believes that the Surviving Trust would be
a larger and financially stronger company, which would make it easier to combine
with other public or private entities. The EQR Board of Trustees viewed this as
favorable because it would provide another efficient and attractive means of
growth.
(v) The EQR Board of Trustees believes that the combination of the
Wellsford properties (approximately 19,000 units) with those of EQR will expand
the geographic focus of EQR's ownership and operation of properties and enhance
EQR's operations in the Southwest,
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Western and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. The EQR Board of
Trustees viewed this as favorable because it would limit the impact that adverse
economic or real estate conditions in a particular region may have on EQR as a
whole and provide EQR the opportunity for additional expansion in these regions.
(vi) The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 on a pro forma basis illustrated the effects of
the Merger. On a pro forma basis funds from operations for the Surviving Trust
are $155.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 instead of
$113.3 million for EQR on a historical basis. The EQR Board of Trustees viewed
this as favorable because it would most likely increase the Surviving Trust's
funds from operations available for distribution to shareholders and holders of
OP Units. Funds from operations available for distribution is not the same as
cash available for distribution as it does not reflect cash required for capital
expenditures and principal repayments on debt.
(vii) The Merger could be effectuated through the issuance of new equity
valued at $464 million (based upon a market price of $43.375 per share of EQR
Common on January 16, 1997), rather than through the use of cash or a public
offering of equity or debt securities, which the EQR Board of Trustees viewed as
favorable.
(viii) J.P. Morgan delivered an oral opinion on January 15, 1997 to the
effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to certain matters
stated therein, the consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with the
Merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to EQR. The EQR Board of
Trustees viewed such opinion as favorable not only because of the conclusion
reached by J.P. Morgan, but also because such conclusion was consistent with the
opinion of EQR's management.
(ix) The EQR Board of Trustees believes the terms of the Merger Agreement
to be fair to EQR.
(x) Under generally accepted accounting principles, the Merger will be
accounted for as a purchase, and for federal income tax purposes the Merger will
be a tax-free transaction, which the EQR Board of Trustees viewed as favorable
because, with certain possible exceptions, no gain or loss will be recognized by
EQR, Wellsford or a shareholder of Wellsford who receives shares of Survivor
Common for shares of Wellsford Common exchanged therefor (except with respect to
any cash received in lieu of a fractional interest in a share of EQR Common).
The EQR Board of Trustees also considered certain potentially negative
factors which could arise from the Merger. These included, among others, the
significant costs involved in connection with consummating the Merger and the
substantial management time and effort required to effectuate the Merger and
integrate the businesses of EQR and Wellsford. The EQR Board of Trustees
considered that the Merger would increase the debt of the Surviving Trust.
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The Surviving Trust will assume all of Wellsford's outstanding debt of
approximately $330 million. The EQR Board of Trustees recognized this increase
could adversely affect the ability of the Surviving Trust to obtain debt
financing for additional growth and would subject EQR to the risks of higher
leverage. Overall, however, the EQR Board of Trustees concluded that the
increase in debt would be within EQR's policies with respect to the incurrence
of debt. In addition, the EQR Board of Trustees considered the possible adverse
effects upon the market for EQR Common Shares and upon EQR's ability to raise
capital and issue equity in both the public and private markets which might
result if the Merger were not consummated. Finally, the EQR Board of Trustees
considered the risk that the anticipated benefits of the Merger might not be
fully realized. The EQR Board of Trustees did not believe that the negative
factors were sufficient, either individually or collectively, to outweigh the
advantages of the Merger.
The EQR Board of Trustees viewed as adequate the conditions to the closing
in the Merger Agreement, including the condition that no change in the financial
condition, business or operations of Wellsford will have occurred that would
have a material adverse effect, other than a change which affects EQR and
Wellsford in a substantially similar manner.
In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its
evaluation of the Merger, the EQR Board of Trustees did not find it practicable
to, and did not, quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative weight to the
specific factors considered in reaching its determination.
The EQR Board of Trustees view the indemnification provisions relating to
Wellsford trustees and officers as a continuing responsibility and approved of
the continuation of the indemnification of the Wellsford trustees and officers
as part of the negotiated transaction.
The EQR Board of Trustees believes that the proposed transaction is fair to
and in the best interests of EQR and its shareholders. The EQR Trustees who
voted on the Merger unanimously approved the Merger, and unanimously recommend
that the shareholders of EQR vote FOR the Merger.
In the event the Merger is not consummated for any reason, EQR will
continue to pursue its business objectives.
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Wellsford Board of Trustees
At a special meeting of the Wellsford Board of Trustees held on January 16,
1997, members of Wellsford management, representatives of Merrill Lynch and
legal counsel made presentations concerning the business and prospects of
Wellsford and EQR. As part of its deliberations, the Wellsford Board of Trustees
considered, among other factors, the age, condition and geographic
diversification of EQR's assets, the depth and experience of its management and
its credit rating and analyzed its capital structure, funds from operations and
Debt to Total Market Capitalization Ratio, as well
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as its future prospects and opportunities for growth as a combined company with
Wellsford. The Wellsford Board of Trustees also reviewed the terms of the Merger
Agreement and the Contribution and Distribution Agreement with Wellsford's
management and Wellsford's financial and legal advisors. By unanimous vote, the
Wellsford Board of Trustees determined that the Merger and the Distribution were
fair to, and in the best interests of, Wellsford and its shareholders, approved
and adopted the Merger Agreement, the Contribution and Distribution Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby, and resolved to recommend that
Wellsford's shareholders approve the Merger. Although Wellsford Common
Shareholders are not being asked to approve the Distribution, approval of the
Merger will, in effect, constitute approval of the Distribution.
The Wellsford Board of Trustees believes that the Merger offers Wellsford's
shareholders an opportunity to take advantage of the general trend in the real
estate industry towards consolidation, by affording shareholders a significant
participation in a much larger and more geographically diversified REIT with
greater potential for long-term appreciation and improved access to capital
markets.
In making its determination with respect to the Merger and the
Distribution, the Wellsford Board of Trustees also considered, among other
things, that:
(i) the Merger represents the alternative which has the greatest
feasibility and offers the greatest potential to maximize shareholder
value. In this regard, the Board considered the discussions management
conducted with investment banking firms and other publicly traded REITs
regarding possible strategic combinations, as well as EQR's size, financial
resources, geographic diversification and credit rating and the expertise
and experience of EQR's management;
(ii) after management's discussions with other parties regarding
possible strategic business combinations, the Merger was the best
alternative reasonably available to Wellsford's shareholders. The Board
believed that after management's discussions with investment banking firms
and other publicly traded REITs, there were no other prospective purchasers
that had both the financial ability to complete the transaction and would
be willing to pay an aggregate consideration greater than that to be paid
by EQR in the Merger. Other possible strategic business combinations,
including potential acquisitions of other companies, were rejected for many
reasons, including the lack of management depth and experience, age and
condition of the applicable assets, lack of geographic diversification,
insufficient credit rating, insufficient cost savings and size of the other
company;
(iii) the anticipated cost savings and operating efficiencies
available to the Surviving Trust from the Merger, particularly from a
reduction of general and administrative overhead expenses, the costs of
capital, bulk purchasing, advertising and property management;
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(iv) the terms of the Merger Agreement, which the Wellsford Board of
Trustees viewed as favorable because it believed them to be fair to
Wellsford and its shareholders and because the terms were reached through
extensive arms-length negotiations. In this regard, the Wellsford Board of
Trustees noted that the Exchange Ratio fairly reflected the relative
contributions of both companies to the combined entity and represented an
attractive opportunity for shareholders to continue their investment and
maintain their receipt of quarterly dividends, but with significantly
expanded geographic diversification;
(v) the Surviving Trust will have significantly greater market
capitalization which could increase the liquidity of Survivor Common after
the Merger. In this regard, the Board noted that the market capitalization
of the Surviving Trust is expected to be approximately $4 billion greater
than the then current market capitalization of Wellsford and the Surviving
Trust would have approximately 60,000,000 shares of Survivor Common
outstanding after the Merger;
(vi) the Distribution will enable shareholders to participate in an
opportunity to maximize the value of the Contributed Assets (as defined
herein) because EQR did not wish to acquire the Contributed Assets for a
price that Wellsford considered to be adequate value for such assets;
(vii) the structure of the Merger, particularly the fact that the
Merger, as a "stock-for-stock" transaction, rather than a "cash-for-stock"
transaction, will provide an opportunity for Wellsford's shareholders to
participate in any future appreciation of the Surviving Trust;
(viii) the tax-free nature of the Merger; and
(ix) the opinion, analyses and presentations of Merrill Lynch,
including the opinion that the proposed consideration to be received by
Wellsford Common Shareholders pursuant to the Merger and the Distribution
was fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view, which
supported the conclusions reached by the Board after its own deliberations
and analyses.
The Wellsford Board of Trustees also considered certain potentially
negative factors in its deliberations concerning the Merger, including, among
others:
(i) the risk that the anticipated benefits of the Merger might not be
fully realized;
(ii) the significant costs involved in connection with consummating
the Merger;
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(iii) the substantial management time and effort required to
effectuate the Merger;
(iv) the possibility that Wellsford may be required, if the Merger
Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, to pay EQR a Break-Up
Fee of $14.0 million and to reimburse EQR Break-Up Expenses of up to $2.5
million; and
(v) that the dividend rate payable with respect to the EQR Common is
less than the dividend rate payable with respect to the Wellsford Common.
In addition to the above factors, the Board of Trustees was mindful of and
evaluated the actual and potential conflicts of interest. In view of the wide
variety of factors considered by the Wellsford Board of Trustees, the Board of
Trustees did not quantify or otherwise attempt to assign relative weights to the
specific factors considered in making its determination. However, after due
consideration of their fiduciary obligations, in the unanimous view of the
Wellsford Board of Trustees, the potential conflicts of interest and potentially
negative factors considered by it were not sufficient, either individually or
collectively, to outweigh the positive factors considered by it in its
deliberations relating to the Merger.
Opinion of Financial Advisor - EQR
At the meeting of the Board of Trustees of EQR on January 15, 1997, J.P.
Morgan rendered its oral opinion to the Board of Trustees of EQR that, as of
such date, the consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with the proposed
Merger was fair from a financial point of view to EQR. J.P. Morgan has confirmed
its January 15, 1997 oral opinion by delivering its written opinion to the Board
of Trustees of EQR, dated January 16, 1997, that, as of such date, the
consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with the proposed Merger was fair
from a financial point of view to EQR. J.P. Morgan has not been requested to,
and will not, update its opinion prior to the Closing. No limitations were
imposed by EQR's Board of Trustees upon J.P. Morgan with respect to the
investigations made or procedures followed by it in rendering its opinions.
The full text of the written opinion of J.P. Morgan dated January 16, 1997,
which sets forth the assumptions made, matters considered and limits on the
review undertaken, is attached as Appendix C to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and is incorporated herein by
reference. EQR Common Shareholders are urged to read the opinion in its
entirety. J.P. Morgan's written opinion is addressed to the Board of Trustees of
EQR, is directed only to the consideration to be paid in connection with the
Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of EQR as to
how such shareholder should vote at the EQR Special Meeting. The summary of the
opinion of J.P. Morgan set forth in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/
Information Statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text
of such opinion. In the opinion of EQR, no events or significant changes in
information have occurred that would alter the opinion of J.P. Morgan. However,
if such an event or
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change does occur, including, without limitation, an amendment to the Merger
Agreement or Contribution and Distribution Agreement which materially affects
the financial terms of either of such agreements, a revised fairness opinion
will be requested.
In arriving at its opinion, J.P. Morgan reviewed, among other things, the
Merger Agreement; the audited financial statements of EQR and Wellsford for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, and the unaudited financial statements of
EQR and Wellsford for the nine months ended September 30, 1996; current and
historical market prices of the EQR Common and Wellsford Common; certain
publicly available information concerning the business of Wellsford and of
certain other companies engaged in businesses comparable to those of Wellsford,
and the reported market prices for certain other companies' securities deemed
comparable; publicly available terms of certain transactions involving companies
comparable to Wellsford and the consideration received for such companies; the
terms of other business combinations deemed relevant by J.P. Morgan; certain
internal financial analyses and estimates of budgeted 1997 funds from operations
and net operating income prepared by EQR and Wellsford and their respective
managements; and certain agreements with respect to outstanding indebtedness or
obligations of EQR and Wellsford. J.P. Morgan also held discussions with certain
members of the management of EQR and Wellsford with respect to certain aspects
of the Merger, and the past and current business operations of EQR and
Wellsford, the financial condition and future prospects and operations of EQR
and Wellsford, and certain other matters believed necessary or appropriate to
J.P. Morgan's inquiry. In addition, J.P. Morgan reviewed such other financial
studies and analyses and considered such other information as it deemed
appropriate for the purposes of its opinion.
J.P. Morgan relied upon and assumed, without independent verification, the
accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly available or that
was furnished to it by EQR and Wellsford or otherwise reviewed by J.P. Morgan,
and J.P. Morgan has not assumed any responsibility or liability therefor. J.P.
Morgan has not conducted any valuation or appraisal of any assets or
liabilities, nor have any valuations or appraisals been provided to J.P. Morgan.
In relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to J.P. Morgan, J.P.
Morgan has assumed that they have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions
reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments by management as
to the expected future results of operations and financial condition of EQR and
Wellsford to which such analyses or forecasts relate. J.P. Morgan has also
assumed that the Merger will have the tax consequences described in discussions
with, and materials furnished to J.P. Morgan by, representatives of EQR, and
that the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will be
consummated as described in the Merger Agreement.
The projections utilized by J.P. Morgan in connection with its opinion were
derived by calculating the average of the 1997 projections for both EQR and
Wellsford, as projected by the REIT equity analyst community, of (i) total
rental revenues, (ii) net operating income, (iii) earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), (iv) FFO and (v) FFO per share
(as provided by First Call, an online data service available to subscribers
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which compiles earnings estimates by research analysts). This resulted in
projected 1997 total rental revenues, net operating income, EBITDA, FFO and FFO
per share of approximately $554.1 million, $337.8 million, $340.4 million,
$202.5 million and $3.43 per share, respectively, for EQR, and approximately
$138.0 million, $78.8 million, $77.7 million, $38.5 million and $2.25 per share,
respectively, for Wellsford.
No representation or warranty was made by any party with respect to these
projections. Financial projections are subject to contingencies beyond
management's control and realization of the projections depends on numerous
factors, including among other things, the cost of integrating the companies,
the completion of pending developments, the actual cost in relation to such
projects and decisions by management to modify business plans to address
changing needs and a changing operating environment. All material events and
circumstances cannot be predicted and unanticipated events and circumstances are
likely to occur. Accordingly, there may be differences between the projected
results of operations and the actual results of operations of the respective
companies, and such differences could be material. In the event that the
financial projections prove to be materially different, the conclusions reached
in the opinion of J.P. Morgan could be materially affected.
J.P. Morgan's opinions are based on economic, market and other conditions
as in effect on, and the information made available to J.P. Morgan as of, the
date of such opinions. Subsequent developments may affect the written opinion
dated January 16, 1997, and J.P. Morgan does not have any obligation to update,
revise, or reaffirm such opinion. J.P. Morgan expressed no opinion as to the
price at which the EQR Common or Wellsford Common will trade at any future time.
In accordance with customary investment banking practice, J.P. Morgan
employed generally accepted valuation methods in reaching its opinion. The
following is a summary of the material financial analyses utilized by J.P.
Morgan in connection with providing its opinion.
Pro Forma Merger Analysis. J.P. Morgan analyzed the effect of the Merger
on, among other things, the estimated First Call funds from operations ("FFO")
per share of EQR Common for the year ended December 31, 1997. In doing so, J.P.
Morgan combined the average of various equity analyst estimated 1997 operating
results for Wellsford and EQR and assumed certain savings in accounting and
general and administrative expenses per estimates provided by the management of
EQR. J.P. Morgan observed a total projected post-Merger incremental accretion of
4.4% to EQR's First Call 1997 FFO estimate of $3.43 per share. The analysis
assumed the January 8, 1997 closing price of $42.50 per share for EQR Common in
calculating the purchase price for Wellsford Common.
J.P. Morgan also analyzed the effect of the Merger on EQR's 1997 pro forma
equity market capitalization, total market capitalization, leverage ratios and
dividend payout ratio. In this regard, J.P. Morgan noted that the pro forma
equity market capitalization for EQR would be approximately $2.96 billion,
assuming a share price of $42.50 (EQR's closing share price on
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January 8, 1997) and 69,702,788 shares of EQR Common outstanding after
completion of the Merger, and a total post-Merger pro forma market
capitalization of approximately $5.27 billion. J.P. Morgan further noted that
(i) EQR's Debt to Total Market Capitalization Ratio would increase slightly,
upon completion of the Merger, from 32.2% prior to the Merger to 33.3% after the
assumption of Wellsford's outstanding debt plus the incremental debt incurred
from the payment of certain transaction costs, and (ii) the ratio of debt plus
perpetual preferred stock to total market capitalization also increases slightly
from 41.3% to 41.9% after accounting for the assumption and re-issuance of
Wellsford Preferred by EQR.
J.P. Morgan also noted that EQR's management intends to retain its current
dividend of $2.50 per common share for the combined company.
Fully-Loaded Share Price. J.P. Morgan calculated the fully-loaded share
price being paid by EQR for Wellsford Common. The fully-loaded share price
adjusts the implied share price of $26.56 (calculated as the January 8, 1997
closing price of $42.50 per share for EQR Common multiplied by the .625 exchange
ratio) for certain additional amounts being paid by EQR, including payments to
key executives of Wellsford in compensation, benefits, payments, accelerations,
share options and share appreciation rights. These additional payments are more
particularly described in the Merger Agreement. J.P. Morgan calculated that
these additional amounts create a fully-loaded price of up to $28.05 per share
of Wellsford Common. Based on the fully-loaded share price, J.P. Morgan
calculated a range of FFO multiples from a high of 13.0x (excluding synergies
and accounting) to a low of 9.6x (including synergies and accounting).
Public Trading Multiples Analysis. Using publicly available information,
J.P. Morgan compared selected financial and stock market data of Wellsford with
similar data for selected publicly traded companies (each, a "Comparable
Company" and, collectively, the "Comparable Companies") engaged in businesses
which J.P. Morgan judged to be analogous to that of Wellsford's. The companies
selected by J.P. Morgan were Security Capital Pacific Trust, United Dominion
Realty Trust, Post Properties, Inc., Avalon Properties, Inc., Merry Land &
Investment Company, Inc., Security Capital Atlantic, Inc., Gables Residential
Trust, Camden Property Trust, Irvine Apartment Communities, Evans Withycombe
Residential, Inc., Oasis Residential, Inc. and Smith Residential Realty. These
companies were selected, among other reasons, because of their specialization in
the multifamily REIT sector.
For each Comparable Company, publicly available financial performance data
through the twelve months ended September 30, 1996 was measured. J.P. Morgan
calculated the multiples of current stock price, as of January 8, 1997, to
analysts estimates for 1997 First Call FFO for each of the Comparable Companies
to determine the 1997 FFO trading multiples. J.P. Morgan's calculations
resulted in a range of 1997 FFO multiples from 10.1x to 13.9x (excluding the
highest and lowest). These multiples were then applied to Wellsford's First
Call 1997 FFO per share estimate (less $0.09 per share associated with the
Sonterra Loan contributed to WRP
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Newco), yielding a range of implied trading values for Wellsford's common stock
of approximately $21.88 to $29.98 per share. J.P. Morgan also observed that the
Comparable Companies had a range of debt to total market capitalization of 27.7%
to 44.5%.
Selected Transaction Analysis. Using publicly available information, J.P.
Morgan examined selected transactions with respect to purchase price per share
to calculate FFO transaction multiples. Specifically, J.P. Morgan reviewed the
following six transactions (collectively, the "Transaction Comparables") that it
deemed relevant: Camden Property Trust/Paragon Group (pending): (J.P. Morgan's
estimate of the transaction multiple was based upon the announced exchange ratio
multiplied by the January 8, 1997 closing price for Camden's common stock,
divided by the 1997 First Call estimate of FFO for Paragon), United Dominion
Realty Trust/South West Property Trust, Inc., BRE Properties/California REIT,
Mid-America Apartment Communities/America First REIT, Inc., and Wellsford
Residential Property Trust/Holly Residential Properties, Inc. J.P. Morgan
observed a range of transaction multiples from 8.3x to 11.2x First Call FFO of
the acquired companies. This range was then applied to Wellsford's First Call
1997 FFO per share, as adjusted for the Sonterra Loan, resulting in a range of
equity values for Wellsford's common stock of between $17.91 and $24.17 per
share. J.P. Morgan noted that this range was below both the implied and fully-
loaded prices for Wellsford Common.
J.P. Morgan concluded that the multifamily REIT Transaction Comparables
were imperfect comparisons to the Merger and therefore did not provide a fully
meaningful test of the exchange ratio or the purchase price per share for
Wellsford Common. In arriving at this conclusion J.P. Morgan reviewed the FFO
multiples for the Transaction Comparables universe and compared them to both the
average First Call FFO trading multiple for the acquired multifamily REITs and
to the average trading FFO multiple for the Comparable Companies, corresponding
to the period from July 8, 1994 to January 8, 1997 during which the transactions
took place. J.P. Morgan observed that the average FFO trading multiple for the
acquired multifamily REITs was significantly below that of the Comparable
Companies and that the four most comparable of the acquired multifamily REITs
were purchased at a discount to the average FFO trading multiple for the
Comparable Companies for the corresponding time period. Based on this analysis,
J.P. Morgan discounted the relevance of the multifamily REIT Transaction
Comparables as a measure of the multiple for Wellsford's purchase price.
J.P. Morgan also noted that when certain other transactions from other REIT
sectors were included in the transaction analysis, the range of FFO multiples
became 8.2x to 13.4x, resulting in a range of $17.80 to $28.88 per share for
Wellsford's common stock. These additional transactions were Highwoods
Properties Inc./Crocker Realty, Simon Property Group, Inc./DeBartolo Realty
Corporation, Horizon Outlet Centers, Inc./McArthur/Glen Realty Corporation, and
Omega Healthcare Investors/Health Equity Properties, Inc.
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Share Trading History Analysis. Based on publicly available information,
J.P. Morgan reviewed the history of trading prices for Wellsford Common and EQR
Common for the 52-week period ending January 8, 1997 and compared the 52-week
high/low range of $25.00 to $20.75 per share for Wellsford Common to both the
implied purchase price per share of $26.56 (calculated as the product of the
January 8, 1997 closing price for EQR Common times the exchange ratio of .625)
and the fully-loaded price per share of $28.05. J.P. Morgan noted that the
implied price for Wellsford Common was at a premium to the 52-week high.
Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis. J.P. Morgan reviewed the historical
exchange ratio of the daily closing price per share of Wellsford Common to the
daily closing price per share of EQR Common for the period from January 9, 1996
to January 8, 1997. To compensate in the value of Wellsford's share price for
the loss of income resulting from the contribution of the Sonterra Loan to WRP
Newco, J.P. Morgan calculated the First Call 1996 FFO multiple for each of
Wellsford's daily closing prices beginning August 1, 1996 (the commencement date
of the mortgage loan). Adjusting Wellsford's First Call 1996 FFO downwards by
$0.09, J.P. Morgan multiplied the above FFO multiple times the adjusted First
Call 1996 FFO to arrive at an adjusted Wellsford share price for each closing
price from August 1, 1996 to January 8, 1997. This adjusted share price was
then used in the calculation of the historical exchange ratios. The exchange
ratios of the daily closing prices of one share of Wellsford Common, as adjusted
for the Sonterra Loan, to one share of EQR Common on January 9, 1996 and on
January 8, 1997, were 0.777 and 0.575, respectively. J.P. Morgan noted a one-
year low to high range (adjusted for the Sonterra mortgage) of between 0.569 and
0.780; an average one-year unadjusted exchange ratio of 0.662 versus an adjusted
ratio of 0.658; an average six-month unadjusted exchange ratio of 0.626 versus
an adjusted ratio of 0.623; and an average one-month unadjusted exchange ratio
of 0.583 versus an adjusted ratio of 0.579. In addition, such analysis implied
a one-year historical share price range for Wellsford of $24.18 to $33.15, as
calculated by multiplying EQR Common's January 8, 1997 closing price of $42.50
by the 52-week low and high values for the exchange ratios, respectively.
Net Asset Value Analysis. Using the publicly available unaudited results
for each company for the period ending September 30, 1996, J.P. Morgan
calculated the Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share for both Wellsford Common and
EQR Common. In so doing, J.P. Morgan applied a range of capitalization rates
from 8.5% to 9.5% to projections by Wellsford and EQR for the stabilized 1997
net operating income ("NOI") of the properties, calculated as the average of the
estimated 1997 NOI for each company as projected by the REIT analyst community,
including projected acquisitions related NOI, in order to calculate a gross real
estate value, to which was added the gross value of other assets, excluding the
Wellsford assets to be contributed to WRP Newco, less each company's respective
outstanding debt and liabilities, to arrive at an equity NAV. The equity NAV
per share was then calculated by dividing the equity NAV by the number of common
shares outstanding for each company. This analysis indicated an NAV exchange
ratio range for the two companies of between 0.470 to 0.742, and an implied
range
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for the price of Wellsford Common of $19.96 to $31.54 per share, assuming a
January 8, 1997 closing price of $42.50 per share for EQR Common.
WRP Newco Analysis. As a part of its opinion, J.P. Morgan reviewed the
terms of EQR's investments in and commitments to WRP Newco. These include the
following items: an agreement by EQR to invest $3.5 million in WRP Newco Common
at the time of the Merger in return for receiving an approximately 7.5% interest
in WRP Newco; a commitment to purchase up to $25 million of preferred stock with
an 8.0% dividend and 8.0% conversion premium; a 20.0% interest in the Palomino
Park development (10.0% received through the purchase of Wellsford, and an
additional 10.0% purchased for $1.5 million in cash); credit enhancement for
$14.8 million in bonds outstanding on Palomino Park; and a two-part standby
purchase obligation for Palomino Park Phases I and II. J.P. Morgan noted that
EQR is to be compensated at competitive market based rates for its investments
in WRP Newco.
The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description
of the analyses or data presented by J.P. Morgan. The preparation of a fairness
opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial
analysis or summary description. J.P. Morgan believes that the summary set
forth above and their analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting
portions thereof, without considering all of its analyses, could create an
incomplete view of the processes underlying its analyses and opinion. J.P.
Morgan based its analyses on assumptions that it deemed reasonable, including
assumptions concerning general business and economic conditions and industry-
specific factors. The other principal assumptions upon which J.P. Morgan based
its analyses are set forth above under the description of each such analysis.
J.P. Morgan's analyses are not necessarily indicative of actual values or actual
future results that might be achieved, which values may be higher or lower than
those indicated. Moreover, J.P. Morgan's analyses are not and do not purport to
be appraisals or otherwise reflective of the prices at which businesses actually
could be bought or sold.
As a part of its investment banking business, J.P. Morgan and its
affiliates are continually engaged in the valuation of businesses and their
securities in connection with Mergers and acquisitions, investments for passive
and control purposes, negotiated underwritings, secondary distributions of
listed and unlisted securities, private placements, and valuations for estate,
corporate and other purposes. J.P. Morgan was selected to deliver an opinion to
EQR's Board of Trustees with respect to the Merger on the basis of such
experience and its familiarity with EQR.
For the delivery of its opinion, J.P. Morgan received a fee of $600,000
from EQR. In addition, EQR reimbursed J.P. Morgan for its reasonable expenses
incurred in connection with its services, including the fees and disbursements
of counsel, and agreed to indemnify J.P. Morgan against certain liabilities,
including liabilities arising under the Federal securities laws.
J.P. Morgan and its affiliates (including Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York) maintain banking and other business relationships with EQR and its
affiliates pursuant to which
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J.P. Morgan has received an aggregate of approximately $490,000 in fees over the
past two years, and with Wellsford and its affiliates pursuant to which J.P.
Morgan has received an aggregate of approximately $638,000 in fees over the past
two years. In the ordinary course of their businesses, affiliates of J.P. Morgan
may actively trade the debt and equity securities of EQR or Wellsford for their
own accounts or for the accounts of customers and, accordingly, they may at any
time hold long or short positions in such securities.
Opinion of Financial Advisor - Wellsford
Wellsford. At the meeting of the Board of Trustees of Wellsford on January
16, 1997, Merrill Lynch rendered its oral opinion to the Wellsford Board of
Trustees, and subsequently on such date Merrill Lynch delivered its written
opinion (the "Merrill Lynch Opinion"), to the effect that, as of such date and
based upon the assumptions made, matters considered and limits of review, the
proposed consideration to be received by Wellsford Common Shareholders pursuant
to the Merger and the Distribution was fair to such shareholders from a
financial point of view. Merrill Lynch has not been requested to, and will not,
update its opinion prior to Closing. No limitations were imposed by Wellsford's
Board of Trustees upon Merrill Lynch with respect to the investigations made or
procedures followed by it in rendering its opinion.
A copy of the Merrill Lynch Opinion which sets forth the assumptions made,
matters considered and certain limitations on the scope of review undertaken by
Merrill Lynch, is attached hereto as Appendix D and is incorporated by reference
herein. The description of the written opinion set forth herein is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the full text of the written opinion. Shareholders
of Wellsford are urged to read such opinion in its entirety. In the opinion of
Wellsford, no events or significant changes in information have occurred that
would alter the opinion of Merrill Lynch. However, if such an event or change
does occur, including, without limitation, an amendment to the Merger Agreement
or Contribution and Distribution Agreement which materially affects the
financial terms of either of such agreements, a revised fairness opinion will be
requested.
THE MERRILL LYNCH OPINION IS ADDRESSED TO THE WELLSFORD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
AND ADDRESSES ONLY THE FAIRNESS FROM A FINANCIAL POINT OF VIEW OF THE PROPOSED
CONSIDERATION TO BE RECEIVED BY WELLSFORD COMMON SHAREHOLDERS PURSUANT TO THE
MERGER AND THE DISTRIBUTION AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, NOR SHOULD IT BE CONSTRUED
AS, A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY WELLSFORD COMMON SHAREHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH
SHAREHOLDER SHOULD VOTE AT THE WELLSFORD SPECIAL MEETING. THE PROPOSED
CONSIDERATION TO BE RECEIVED BY WELLSFORD COMMON SHAREHOLDERS PURSUANT TO THE
MERGER AND THE DISTRIBUTION WAS DETERMINED ON THE BASIS OF NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN
WELLSFORD AND EQR AND WAS APPROVED BY THE WELLSFORD BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
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In connection with the preparation of the Merrill Lynch Opinion, Merrill
Lynch, among other things: (i) reviewed Wellsford's Annual Report on Form 10-K
and related financial information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995
and Wellsford's Reports on Form 10-Q and the related unaudited financial
information for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and
September 30, 1996; (ii) reviewed EQR's Annual Report on Form 10-K and related
financial information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and EQR's
Reports on Form 10-Q and the related unaudited financial information for the
quarterly periods ended March 31, 1996, June 30, 1996 and September 30, 1996;
(iii) reviewed certain information, including certain financial forecasts and
assumptions, relating to the business, earnings, cash flow, assets and prospects
of (A) Wellsford and WRP Newco and (B) EQR, furnished to it by Wellsford and
EQR, respectively; (iv) reviewed estimates of prospective synergies resulting
from the Merger prepared by the managements of Wellsford and EQR and discussed
such estimates with the managements of both companies; (v) conducted discussions
with members of senior management of Wellsford and EQR concerning the respective
businesses and prospects of (A) Wellsford and WRP Newco and (B) EQR; (vi)
reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for Wellsford Common
and EQR Common and compared them with that of certain companies which Merrill
Lynch deemed to be reasonably similar to Wellsford and EQR, respectively; (vii)
compared the results of operations of Wellsford and EQR with that of certain
companies which Merrill Lynch deemed to be reasonably similar to Wellsford and
EQR, respectively; (viii) compared the proposed financial terms of the Merger
with the financial terms of certain other mergers and acquisitions which Merrill
Lynch deemed to be relevant; (ix) considered the pro forma effect of the Merger
on the combined entity's capitalization ratios and earnings, cash flow and book
value per share; (x) reviewed the Merger Agreement; (xi) reviewed the financial
terms of the Contribution and Distribution as set forth in the Merger Agreement
and the forms of Contribution and Distribution Agreement and Stock Purchase
Agreement attached as exhibits thereto; and (xii) reviewed such other financial
studies and analyses and performed such other investigations and took into
account such other matters as Merrill Lynch deemed necessary, including its
assessment of general economic, market and monetary conditions.
In preparing the Merrill Lynch Opinion, Merrill Lynch relied on the
accuracy and completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made
available to it by Wellsford and EQR, and did not independently verify such
information or undertake an independent appraisal or evaluation of the assets or
liabilities of Wellsford or EQR. With respect to the financial forecasts,
assumptions and estimates of prospective synergies resulting from the Merger
furnished by Wellsford and the financial forecasts, assumptions and estimates of
prospective synergies resulting from the Merger furnished by EQR, Merrill Lynch
assumed that they had been reasonably prepared and reflected the best currently
available estimates and judgment of Wellsford's or EQR's management as to the
expected future financial performance of Wellsford, WRP Newco or EQR, as the
case may be. Merrill Lynch further assumed that the Merger will qualify as a
tax-free reorganization to the holders of Wellsford Common (except to the
extent, if any, of cash received in lieu of fractional shares). In addition,
Merrill Lynch further assumed that the Distribution will be consummated without
any material modification to the terms set
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forth in the forms of Contribution and Distribution Agreement and Stock
Purchase Agreement reviewed by it.
In connection with rendering its opinion, Merrill Lynch was not authorized
to, and did not, solicit indications of interest from third parties to purchase
the outstanding Wellsford Common or otherwise enter into a business combination
with Wellsford. Merrill Lynch's opinion as to the fairness from a financial
point of view of the proposed consideration to be received by holders of
Wellsford Common addresses the ownership position in the combined entity to be
received by the holders of Wellsford Common pursuant to the Merger on the terms
set forth in the Merger Agreement based upon the relative contributions of
Wellsford and EQR to the combined entity and after giving effect to the
Contribution and Distribution. Merrill Lynch expressed no opinion as to prices
at which the Survivor Common or the WRP Newco Common will trade following the
consummation of the Contribution and Distribution and the Merger or prices which
could be obtained for the Survivor Common in a sale of the combined entity
following the consummation of the Merger. Merrill Lynch did not consider, and
its opinion does not address, the tax consequences of the Distribution to the
holders of Wellsford Common. The Merrill Lynch Opinion does not address the
relative merits of the Merger as compared with any other business plan or
opportunity that might be presented to Wellsford, including alternative business
combinations with third parties, or the effect of any other arrangement in which
Wellsford might engage.
At the meeting of the Wellsford Board of Trustees held on January 16, 1997,
Merrill Lynch presented certain financial analyses accompanied by written
materials in connection with the delivery of its fairness opinion. The
following is a summary of the material financial and comparative analyses
performed by Merrill Lynch in arriving at its opinion.
Historical Trading Performance and Current Capitalization. Merrill Lynch
reviewed certain trading information for each of Wellsford and EQR and, on the
basis thereof, calculated their respective market values, market capitalizations
and trading multiples based on stock prices as of January 14, 1997 of $24.63 for
Wellsford and $42.88 for EQR. For this purpose, Merrill Lynch defined "total
market capitalization" as market value of the relevant company's common equity
(including operating partnership units), plus preferred stock at liquidation
value plus total debt less cash. Merrill Lynch then calculated the market value
of each of Wellsford and EQR as a multiple of projected FFO (based on mean First
Call estimates) and Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO") (based on estimates
from Merrill Lynch Research). For Wellsford, the FFO multiples for 1996 and
1997 were 11.7x and 11.0x, respectively, and the AFFO multiples for 1996 and
1997 were 12.6x and 11.8x, respectively. For EQR, the FFO multiples for 1996
and 1997 were 13.8x and 12.5x, respectively, and the AFFO multiples for 1996 and
1997 were 16.0x and 14.4x, respectively.
Merrill Lynch also reviewed the share price history for Wellsford for the
period January 7, 1996 through January 10, 1997, and for EQR for the period
January 7, 1996 through January
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9, 1997 and noted certain events and public announcements made by the respective
companies during such periods.
Analysis of Selected Comparable Publicly Traded Companies. Using publicly
available information and estimates of future financial results published by
First Call and taken from Merrill Lynch Research, Merrill Lynch compared certain
financial and operating information and ratios for both Wellsford and EQR with
the corresponding financial and operating information for a group of publicly
traded companies engaged primarily in the ownership, management, operation and
acquisition of multifamily properties which Merrill Lynch deemed to be
reasonably comparable to Wellsford and EQR. For the purpose of its analyses,
the following companies were used as comparable companies to Wellsford: Evans
Withycombe Residential, Inc., Amli Residential Properties Trust, Camden Property
Trust, Oasis Residential, Inc. and Apartment Investment & Management Co.
(collectively, the "Wellsford Comparable Companies"); and the following
companies were used as comparable companies to EQR: Security Capital Pacific
Trust, United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc., Wellsford, Merry Land & Investment
Co., Inc., Security Capital Atlantic, Inc. and Apartment Investment & Management
Co. (collectively, the "EQR Comparable Companies").
Merrill Lynch's calculations resulted in the following relevant ranges for
the Wellsford Comparable Companies and for Wellsford as of January 14, 1997: a
range of debt to total market capitalization of 32.3% to 43.1%, with a mean of
40.8% (with Wellsford at 37.2%); a range of dividend yields of 6.4% to 7.5%,
with a mean of 7.1% (with Wellsford at 7.9%); a range of 1996 AFFO payout ratios
of 87.6% to 102.6%, with a mean of 95.4% calculated on the basis of projected
results for 1996 (with Wellsford at 99.0%); a range of market value as a
multiple of projected 1996 FFO of 11.1x to 11.9x, with a mean of 11.5x (with
Wellsford at 11.7x); a range of market value as a multiple of projected 1997 FFO
of 10.1x to 11.3x, with a mean of 10.7x (with Wellsford at 11.0x); a range of
market value as a multiple of projected 1996 AFFO of 12.6x to 13.9x, with a mean
of 13.2x (with Wellsford at 12.6x); and a range of market value as a multiple of
projected 1997 AFFO of 11.5x to 13.1x, with a mean of 12.2x (with Wellsford at
11.8x).
Merrill Lynch's calculations resulted in the following relevant ranges for
the EQR Comparable Companies and for EQR as of January 14, 1997: a range of
dividend yields of 5.8% to 7.9%, with a mean of 6.5% (with EQR at 5.8%); a range
of debt to total market capitalization of 11.5% to 42.9%, with a mean of 31.7%
(with EQR at 27.9%); a range of 1996 AFFO payout ratios of 82.2% to 99.0%, with
a mean of 90.2% calculated on the basis of projected results for 1996 (with EQR
at 93.3%); a range of market value as a multiple of projected 1996 FFO of 10.9x
to 15.5x, with a mean of 12.6x (with EQR at 13.8x); a range of market value as a
multiple of projected 1997 FFO of 10.1x to 14.6x, with a mean of 11.8x (with EQR
at 12.5x); a range of market value as a multiple of projected 1996 AFFO of 12.2x
to 15.5x, with a mean of 13.7x (with EQR at 16.0x); and a range of market value
as a multiple of projected 1997 AFFO of 11.8x to 14.0x, with a mean of 13.0x
(with EQR at 14.4x).
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None of the companies utilized in the above analysis for comparative
purposes is, of course, identical to Wellsford or EQR. 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 financial and operating characteristics of
the Wellsford Comparable Companies and the EQR Comparable Companies, and other
factors that could affect the public trading value of the Wellsford Comparable
Companies and the EQR Comparable Companies, as well as that of Wellsford or EQR.
In addition, the multiples of market value to estimated 1996 and projected 1997
FFO and AFFO for the Wellsford Comparable Companies and the EQR Comparable
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.
Comparable Transactions Analysis. Merrill Lynch also compared certain
financial ratios of the Merger with those of selected other mergers and
strategic transactions involving REITs which Merrill Lynch deemed to be
reasonably comparable to the Merger. These transactions were Camden Property
Trust's proposed merger with Paragon Group, Inc., Chateau Properties, Inc.'s
merger with ROC Communities, Inc., United Dominion Realty, Inc.'s merger with
South West Property Trust Inc., Highwoods Properties Inc.'s acquisition of
Crocker Realty Trust, Inc., Simon Property Group, Inc.'s merger with DeBartolo
Realty Corporation, Bradley Real Estate Inc.'s merger with Tucker Properties
Corp., BRE Properties Inc.'s Merger with REIT of California, Horizon Outlet
Center Inc.'s merger with McArthur Glen Realty Corp., Mid America Apartment
Communities Inc.'s merger with America First REIT, Inc. and Wellsford's merger
with Holly Residential Properties, Inc.
Using publicly available information and estimates of financial results as
published by First Call, Merrill Lynch calculated the premium of the implied
offer value per share relative to the acquired company's stock price on the day
before announcement of the respective transaction and the implied offer value
per share for the acquired company, as of the day before the announcement of the
respective transaction, as a multiple of the projected FFO per share for such
company. This analysis yielded a range of premiums/(discounts) of (0.8%) to
38.0% with a mean of 12.2% and a range of transaction FFO multiples of 6.6x to
15.5x with a mean of 10.2x.
Merrill Lynch observed that, based on the closing price of EQR Common on
the NYSE of $42.88 per share as of January 14, 1997, the Exchange Ratio yielded
an implied offer value in the Merger of $26.80 per share of Wellsford Common.
Together with the per share valuation range for Newco Common of $2.43 to $2.82,
the implied premium range of the aggregate consideration to be received in the
Merger and the Distribution over the closing market price of Wellsford Common on
January 14, 1997 was 18.7% to 20.3% and represented a range of implied offer
values in the Merger and the Distribution for the Wellsford Common as a multiple
of Wellsford's projected 1997 FFO of 12.2x to 12.4x.
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Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Merrill Lynch performed discounted cash
flow analyses (i.e., an analysis of the present value of the projected levered
cash flows for the periods and using the discount rates indicated) of Wellsford
based upon projections provided by Wellsford's management of Wellsford's
dividends, FFO and AFFO for the years 1997 through 2001, inclusive, using
discount rates reflecting an equity cost of capital ranging from 15.0% to 17.0%
and terminal value multiples of calendar year 2001 FFO ranging from 10.5x to
12.5x and terminal value multiples of calendar year 2001 AFFO ranging from 11.5x
to 13.5x. The range of present values per Wellsford share was $22.07 to $27.85
using the FFO and AFFO discounted dividend methods and $24.50 to $29.47 based
upon the discounted AFFO method.
Merrill Lynch also performed discounted cash flow analyses of EQR based
upon projections and assumptions provided by EQR's management of EQR's
dividends, FFO and AFFO for the years 1997 through 2001, inclusive, using
discount rates reflecting an equity cost of capital ranging from 14.0% to 16.0%
and terminal value multiples of calendar year 2001 FFO ranging from 12.5x to
14.5x and terminal value multiples of calendar year 2001 AFFO ranging from 14.0x
to 16.0x. The range of present values per EQR share was $36.63 to $44.51 using
the FFO and AFFO discounted dividend methods and $39.89 to $47.41 based upon the
discounted AFFO method.
Net Asset Valuation Analysis. Merrill Lynch performed a net asset
valuation for Wellsford based on an asset-by-asset real estate valuation of
Wellsford's properties, an estimation of the current value for Wellsford's other
assets and liabilities, and an estimation of Wellsford's debt balances as of
December 31, 1996. The real estate valuation utilized property specific
projections prepared by Wellsford's management for the year 1997. For the
operating portfolio of Wellsford, the valuation utilized the direct
capitalization method on 1997 property net operating income after capital
reserves and a range of capitalization rates of 8.50% to 9.25%. These
calculations indicated a per share net asset valuation range for Wellsford of
$25.58 to $28.27.
Merrill Lynch also performed a net asset valuation for EQR based on an
asset-by-asset real estate valuation of EQR's properties, an estimation of the
current values for EQR's other assets and liabilities, and an estimation of
EQR's debt balances as of December 31, 1996. The real estate valuation utilized
property specific projections prepared by EQR's management for the year 1997.
For the operating portfolio of EQR, the valuation utilized the direct
capitalization method on 1997 property net operating income after capital
reserves and a range of capitalization rates of 8.25% to 9.25%. These
calculations indicated a per share net asset valuation range for EQR of $32.53
to $35.95.
Merrill Lynch also performed a net asset valuation for WRP Newco based on
an asset-by-asset valuation. Merrill Lynch arrived at a range of values by
summing the following: (i) the implied value range for WRP Newco's interest in
the Sonterra Assets, (ii) the implied value range for WRP Newco's interest in
Palomino Park, net of associated liabilities, and (iii) cash
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and cash equivalents less total debt. These calculations indicated a net asset
valuation range for WRP Newco Common allocable to each share of Wellsford Common
in the Distribution of $2.43 to $2.82, of which amount $1.45 was attributable to
cash and cash equivalents.
Relative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Merrill Lynch utilized the results
of the discounted cash flow analyses of Wellsford and EQR described above after
adjusting the projections relating to Wellsford to give effect to the
Distribution (as so adjusted, the "Post-Distribution Wellsford") to calculate a
range of implied exchange ratios based on a comparison of the relative ranges of
value for EQR and Post-Distribution Wellsford. When the low Post-Distribution
Wellsford discounted cash flow value was compared to the high EQR discounted
cash flow value and the high Post-Distribution Wellsford discounted cash flow
value was compared to the low EQR discounted cash flow value, the analysis
yielded an implied exchange ratio range of 0.442 to 0.660. The Exchange Ratio
under the Merger Agreement is set at .625, subject to adjustment as set forth in
the Merger Agreement.
Contribution Analysis. Merrill Lynch observed that Wellsford Common
Shareholders would own 15.3% of the common shares of the combined entity
outstanding after the Merger and Distribution (assuming an Exchange Ratio of
.625), after giving effect to the issuance of the Merger consideration. Merrill
Lynch reviewed certain projected operating and financial information, including,
among other things, FFO and AFFO for Post-Distribution Wellsford, EQR and the
pro forma combined entity without giving effect to potential transaction
synergies. Merrill Lynch observed that in 1997, 1998 and 1999 Post-Distribution
Wellsford would contribute (without giving effect to potential transaction
synergies) 16.0%, 14.1% and 13.2% to the combined entity's FFO, respectively,
and 16.6%, 14.6% and 13.6% to the combined entity's AFFO, respectively. Merrill
Lynch also reviewed the relative contributions to the pro forma combined net
asset valuation. The analysis indicated that Post-Distribution Wellsford would
contribute 17.1% of the combined net asset value based upon the midpoints of the
net asset value ranges.
Pro Forma Combination Analysis. Merrill Lynch analyzed the pro forma
effects resulting from the Merger, including the potential impact on EQR's
projected stand alone FFO per share and the anticipated accretion (i.e., the
incremental increase) to EQR's FFO per share resulting from the Merger. Merrill
Lynch observed that, after giving effect to Wellsford management's estimates of
potential transaction synergies, the Merger would be accretive to EQR's
projected FFO per share in each of the years 1997 through 1999, inclusive.
Merrill Lynch also observed that the indicated annual dividend per Wellsford
share pro forma for the Merger would be $1.56 per Wellsford share, or a 19.5%
implied reduction in Wellsford's current indicated dividend rate.
Capitalization. In addition, Merrill Lynch compared EQR's book
capitalization as of December 31, 1996 to (i) its book capitalization as of
December 31, 1996 pro forma for the Merger and (ii) based on projections of
Wellsford and EQR managements, EQR's book
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capitalization as of December 31, 1997 pro forma for the Merger. The total debt
to book equity ratio was 87.1%, 79.4% and 80.5% as of December 31, 1996, pro
forma December 31, 1996 and pro forma December 31, 1997, respectively. The total
debt to capitalization ratio was 46.6%, 44.2% and 44.6% as of such respective
dates. EBITDA as a multiple of interest expense was 3.2x, 3.3x and 3.5x as of
such respective dates, EBITDA as a multiple of fixed charges was 2.4x, 2.4x and
2.5x as of such respective dates, EBITDA less capital expenditures as a multiple
of interest expense was 3.0x, 3.1x and 3.2x as of such respective dates and
EBITDA less capital expenditures as a multiple of fixed charges was 2.2x, 2.3x
and 2.3x as of such respective dates. Additionally, based on projections of
Wellsford's management for WRP Newco, Merrill Lynch observed that the total debt
to capitalization ratio of WRP Newco as of December 31, 1997 was 25.4%.
The summary set forth above does not purport to be a complete description
of the analyses performed by Merrill Lynch in arriving at its opinion. The
preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and not necessarily
susceptible to partial or summary description. Merrill Lynch believes that its
analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its
analyses and of the factors considered by it, without considering all factors
and analyses, could create a misleading view of the processes underlying its
analyses set forth in its opinion. In its analyses, Merrill Lynch made numerous
assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business and economic
conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond EQR's, Wellsford's and
Merrill Lynch's control. Any estimates contained in Merrill Lynch's analyses are
not necessarily indicative of actual values, which may be significantly more or
less favorable than as set forth therein. Estimated values do not purport to be
appraisals and do not necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or
companies may be sold in the future, and such estimates are inherently subject
to uncertainty.
The Wellsford Board of Trustees selected Merrill Lynch to render a fairness
opinion because Merrill Lynch is an internationally recognized investment
banking firm with substantial experience in transactions similar to the Merger
and because it is familiar with Wellsford and its business. Merrill Lynch has
from time to time rendered investment banking, financial advisory and other
services to Wellsford and EQR for which it has received aggregate compensation
in the amount of $6.7 million from EQR and $2.3 million from Wellsford, in each
case since January 1, 1995. Merrill Lynch is continually engaged in the
valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with Mergers and
acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, negotiated underwritings, secondary
distributions of listed and unlisted securities and private placements.
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated January 14, 1997, Wellsford has agreed
to pay Merrill Lynch fees as follows: (i) a cash fee of $500,000 payable upon
the delivery of the Merrill Lynch Opinion, and (ii) an additional cash fee of $2
million (less the fees paid to Merrill Lynch pursuant to (i) above) to be paid
contingent upon the Closing of the Merger. WRP Newco has agreed with Wellsford
to be responsible for $250,000 of such fees. Wellsford also agreed to reimburse
Merrill Lynch for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection
with its advisory work, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of its
legal
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counsel, subject to certain limitations, and to indemnify Merrill Lynch and
certain related persons against certain liabilities arising out of or in
conjunction with its rendering of services under its engagement, including
certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.
In the ordinary course of its business, Merrill Lynch may actively trade in
the securities of Wellsford and EQR for its own account and the account of its
customers and, accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in
such securities.
Effective Time of the Merger
If the Merger is approved by the requisite vote of shareholders of
Wellsford and shareholders of EQR, and the other conditions to the Merger are
satisfied or waived, the Merger will become effective at the time the Department
accepts the Articles for record or at a different time established in the
Articles, not to exceed 30 days after the Articles are accepted for record by
the Department. It is presently anticipated that such filing and acceptance
will be made on or about May 30, 1997, and that the Effective Time of the Merger
will occur on such date unless a different date is specified in the Articles, as
discussed above, although there can be no assurance as to whether or when the
Merger will occur. The Articles are attached hereto as Appendix B. See
"--Representation and Warranties; Conditions to the Merger."
Representations and Warranties; Conditions to the Merger
The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties by EQR and
Wellsford regarding, among other things, their organization and good standing,
capitalization, ownership and capitalization of their subsidiaries,
qualification to do business, authority to enter into the Merger Agreement and
related agreements, filings with the Commission, reliability of financial
statements, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, taxation and
qualification as a REIT, properties, development rights (with respect to
Wellsford only), environmental matters, contracts, debt instruments, employee
benefit plans, undisclosed liabilities and the absence of certain legal
proceedings and other events, including material adverse changes in the parties'
businesses, financial condition or results of operations. These representations
and warranties will not survive the Effective Time.
The respective obligations of EQR and Wellsford to effect the Merger are
subject to the following conditions: (i) approval of the Merger Agreement, and
the transactions contemplated therein, by the shareholders of Wellsford and EQR,
(ii) approval by the NYSE of the listing of the shares of Survivor Common to be
issued in the Merger, (iii) the Registration Statement shall not be the subject
of any stop order or proceeding by the Commission seeking a stop order, (iv) no
injunctions or restraints shall have been issued by any court of competent
jurisdiction preventing the consummation of the Merger, (v) all state securities
laws shall have been complied with, (vi) execution of the Contribution and
Distribution Agreement, (vii) execution of the Common and Preferred Stock
Purchase Agreement between ERP Operating Partnership and WRP Newco (the "Stock
Purchase Agreement"), (viii) execution of the Palomino Credit
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Enhancement Agreement between ERP Operating Partnership and WRP Newco, (ix)
execution of the Sonterra Right of First Offer Agreement between WRP Newco and
ERP Operating Partnership, (x) execution of the Palomino Agreement between WRP
Newco and ERP Operating Partnership, (xi) execution of the Transaction and
Termination Costs Agreement among EQR, Wellsford and WRP Newco, (xii) execution
of the Consulting Agreements of Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal and
(xiii) the receipt of the opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll to the
effect that the Merger Agreement and Articles are enforceable under Maryland
law.
The obligations of Wellsford and EQR to effect the Merger are subject to
the following additional conditions: (i) all representations and warranties made
by the parties shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date, which shall be
deemed the case unless the breach of such representations and warranties, in the
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect with
respect to such parties, (ii) each party shall have performed its obligations
under the Merger Agreement, (iii) as of the Closing Date, neither party, nor any
of their subsidiaries, will have suffered a material adverse change in its
business, financial condition or results of operations taken as a whole (a
"Material Adverse Change"), (iv) each party shall have received an opinion of
counsel from counsel to the other party stating that commencing with its taxable
year ended December 31, 1993, its client was organized and has operated in
conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, (v)
each party shall have received an opinion of counsel dated as of the closing
date, to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a reorganization under the
provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code, (vi) each party shall have received a
"comfort letter" from the other party's accountants, (vii) each party shall have
received an opinion from counsel to the other party addressing certain issues as
set out in the Merger Agreement, and (viii) the receipt of all consents and
waivers from third parties necessary in connection with the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
The obligation of EQR to effect the Merger is further subject to the
following conditions: (i) unless Wellsford Holly Management, Inc. ("Wellsford
Management Inc.") is dissolved before the Closing Date, the voting shares of
Wellsford Management Inc. shall have been transferred to EQR's designees as
provided for in the Merger Agreement, (ii) certain executives of Wellsford who
have agreed to the conversion of their options to purchase Wellsford Common into
options to purchase WRP Newco Common will have executed agreements releasing the
Surviving Trust from any obligations of Wellsford to them under options to
purchase Wellsford Common which are exchanged for or converted into options to
purchase WRP Newco Common, (iii) the Articles of Incorporation of WPHC shall
have been amended to modify its equity structure as provided in the Merger
Agreement and (iv) Wellsford's ownership interest in WPHC immediately prior to
the Distribution by Wellsford of WRP Newco Common shall consist solely of 80
voting shares of WPHC and 20 non-voting shares of WPHC.
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Appraisal Rights
Shareholders of Wellsford and shareholders of EQR are not entitled to
dissenting shareholders' appraisal rights under Maryland law. Maryland law does
not provide appraisal rights to shareholders of a real estate investment trust
in connection with a merger if their shares are listed on a national securities
exchange, such as the NYSE, on the record date for determining shareholders
entitled to vote on such merger. All of the shares of EQR and Wellsford
outstanding on the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to vote
on the Merger were listed on the NYSE.
Regulatory Matters
EQR and Wellsford believe that the Merger may be consummated without
notification being given or certain information being furnished to the Federal
Trade Commission (the "FTC") or the Antitrust Division of the Department of
Justice (the "Antitrust Division") pursuant to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
Improvements Act of 1976, as amended ("HSR Act"), and that no waiting period
requirements under the HSR Act are applicable to the Merger. However, at any
time before or after the Effective Time, either the Antitrust Division or the
FTC could take such action under the antitrust laws as it deems necessary or
desirable in the public interest, or certain other persons could take action
under the antitrust laws, including seeking to enjoin the Merger. EQR and
Wellsford believe that consummation of the Merger would not violate any
antitrust laws. However, there can be no assurance that a challenge to the
Merger on antitrust grounds will not be made or, if a challenge is made, what
the result will be.
Termination Provisions
The Merger Agreement provides that it may be terminated at any time prior
to the filing of the Articles with the Department, whether before or after
approval of the Merger by the shareholders of Wellsford and EQR, by mutual
written consent, duly authorized by the Boards of Trustees of EQR and Wellsford.
In addition, the Merger Agreement may be terminated by EQR or Wellsford (i) if
the Merger has not been consummated by August 1, 1997 (provided the terminating
party will not have breached in any material respect its obligations under the
Merger Agreement in any manner that will have proximately contributed to the
occurrence of such failure), (ii) upon a breach of any representation, warranty,
covenant, obligation or agreement, on the part of the non-terminating party set
forth in the Merger Agreement, such that certain conditions set forth in the
Merger Agreement would be incapable of being satisfied by August 1, 1997, (iii)
if the requisite vote of the shareholders of EQR or Wellsford will not have been
obtained at the meeting of such shareholders, or (iv) if an order, decree,
ruling or other action permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise
prohibiting the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement will have
become final and non-appealable.
The Merger Agreement may be terminated by Wellsford, if prior to the
Wellsford Special Meeting, the Wellsford Board of Trustees withdraws or modifies
its approval or recommendation
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of the Merger in connection with, or approves or recommends, a Superior
Acquisition Proposal (as defined hereinafter). The Merger Agreement may be
terminated by EQR if (i) prior to the Wellsford Special Meeting, the Wellsford
Board of Trustees withdraws or modifies in any manner adverse to EQR its
approval or recommendation of the Merger or the Merger Agreement in connection
with, or approves or recommends, a Superior Acquisition Proposal, or (ii)
Wellsford enters into a definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition
Proposal.
The Merger Agreement defines an "Acquisition Proposal" as a merger,
acquisition, tender offer, exchange offer, consolidation, sale of assets or
similar transaction involving all or any significant portion of the assets or
any equity securities of, Wellsford or any of its subsidiaries, other than the
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The Merger Agreement defines
a "Superior Acquisition Proposal" as a bona fide acquisition proposal by a third
party which a majority of the members of the Wellsford Board of Trustees
determines in good faith to be more favorable to Wellsford's shareholders from a
financial point of view than the Merger and which the Board of Trustees of
Wellsford determines is reasonably capable of being consummated.
Termination Fee and Expenses
The Merger Agreement provides for certain payments by Wellsford to EQR in
connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement. These payments are (i)
a Break-Up Fee of $14 million, plus (ii) Break-Up Expenses equal to the out-of-
pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement and the
transactions contemplated thereunder, up to a maximum of $2.5 million. If the
Merger Agreement is terminated due to the Wellsford Board of Trustees having
withdrawn or modified its approval or recommendation of the Merger or the Merger
Agreement in connection with, or having approved or recommended a Superior
Acquisition Proposal, or if Wellsford will have entered into a definitive
agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal, Wellsford is obligated to
pay EQR the Break-Up Fee. Additionally, if the Merger Agreement is terminated
due to a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant, obligation or
agreement by Wellsford or EQR, or failure by either Wellsford or EQR to obtain
the required shareholder approval, then the breaching party, or the party which
failed to obtain such shareholder approval, shall pay to the other party an
amount equal to the Break-Up Expenses. If the Merger is not consummated, other
than due to the termination of the Merger Agreement by (i) the mutual written
consent of the respective Boards of Trustees of EQR and Wellsford, (ii) either
party, upon the failure by EQR to obtain the required shareholder approval, or
(iii) Wellsford, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant,
obligation or agreement on the part of EQR resulting in a "material adverse
effect" to EQR, and either prior to the termination of the Merger Agreement or
within 12 months thereafter, Wellsford or any of its subsidiaries enters into
any written Acquisition Proposal which is subsequently consummated, Wellsford is
required to pay the Break-Up Fee to EQR, as compensation and liquidated damages
for the loss suffered by EQR as a result of the failure of the Merger to be
consummated and to avoid the difficulty of determining damages under the
circumstances. Neither party shall have any liability to the other after
payment of the Break-Up Fee.
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Except as described above, all costs and expenses incurred in connection
with the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby (the
"Transaction Costs") will be allocated between EQR and the Surviving Trust. If
the portion of the Transaction Costs allocated to the Surviving Trust exceeds an
amount specified in the Merger Agreement, WRP Newco will be obligated to
reimburse the Surviving Trust for such excess amount. If WRP Newco becomes
obligated to reimburse the Surviving Trust in the manner described above, the
funds contributed to WRP Newco by Wellsford under the Contribution and
Distribution Agreement will be decreased by an amount equal to the amount which
WRP Newco is obligated to reimburse the Surviving Trust.
No Solicitation of Other Transactions
Wellsford has agreed that (i) it and its subsidiaries will not, and it will
use its best efforts not to permit its officers, trustees, employees, agents or
financial advisors to initiate, solicit or encourage, directly or indirectly,
any inquiries or the making or implementation of any proposal or offer
(including, without limitation, any proposal or offer to its shareholders) with
respect to a merger, acquisition, tender offer, exchange offer, consolidation,
sale of assets or similar transactions involving all or any significant portion
of the assets or any equity securities of, it or any of its subsidiaries, other
than the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and (ii) it will
notify EQR immediately if Wellsford receives any such inquiries or proposals, or
any requests for such information, or if any negotiations or discussions are
sought to be initiated or continued with it with respect to any of the
foregoing. The Merger Agreement does not, however, prohibit a party from
entering into discussion with respect to an unsolicited proposal if the Board of
Trustees of that party determines that such action is required by its duties to
its shareholders imposed by law.
EQR has agreed that if it enters into negotiations with another entity
having a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act regarding
the acquisition of such entity (whether effected through a merger,
consolidation, share exchange, tender offer or other form), then at least three
business days prior to executing any definitive agreement with such entity with
respect to such acquisition or making a tender offer for the shares or other
ownership interests of such entity, EQR shall notify Wellsford of such
transaction and consult with Wellsford with respect thereto, it being
understood, however, that Wellsford shall have no approval rights with respect
thereto.
Conversion of Shares
Each share of Wellsford Common outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be converted into .625 of a share of Survivor Common. All
such shares of Wellsford Common, when so converted, will cease to be outstanding
and will automatically be cancelled and retired and each holder of a certificate
representing any such shares will cease to have any rights with respect thereto,
except the right to receive the shares of Survivor Common and any cash, without
interest, in lieu of fractional shares to be issued or paid in consideration
therefor
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upon the surrender of such certificate in accordance with the Merger Agreement,
as well as dividends and distributions declared with a record date after the
Effective Time.
Each share of Wellsford Preferred, consisting of Wellsford Series A and
Wellsford's Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest ("Wellsford Series B"), outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time will continue as a preferred share of the Surviving Trust with its same
preferences and other terms except that each share of Wellsford Series A will be
redesignated as one share of Series D Convertible Preferred Share of Beneficial
Interest in the Surviving Trust ("Survivor Series D") and each share of
Wellsford Series B will be redesignated as one share of Series E Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Share of Beneficial Interest in the Surviving Trust
("Survivor Series E"); provided, however, that the conversion ratio for Survivor
Series D shall be adjusted in accordance with its terms. At the Effective Time,
each certificate representing outstanding shares of Wellsford Series A and
Wellsford Series B will cease to have any rights with respect to such shares,
except the right to receive a certificate of the Surviving Trust representing an
equal number of Survivor Series D or Survivor Series E, as the case may be.
Each share of EQR Common outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time will be converted into and continue as one share of Survivor Common. At the
Effective Time, each certificate representing shares of EQR Common will
thereafter represent an equal number of shares of Survivor Common.
Each share of EQR Preferred, consisting of 9 3/8% Series A Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value per share
(the "Series A Preferred Shares"), 9 1/8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value per share (the "Series B
Preferred Shares"), and 9 1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares
of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value per share (the "Series C Preferred
Shares"), outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted
into and continue with its same preferences as one share of the Surviving
Trust's 9 3/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest ("Survivor Series A"), the Surviving Trust's 9 1/8% Series B Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest ("Survivor Series B"), and
the Surviving Trust's 9 1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest ("Survivor Series C"), respectively. At the Effective Time,
each certificate evidencing outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Shares,
Series B Preferred Shares or Series C Preferred Shares will thereafter evidence
an equal number of shares of Survivor Series A, Survivor Series B or Survivor
Series C, respectively.
The issuance, terms and conditions of the Survivor Common and the Survivor
Preferred (collectively, the "Survivor Shares") will be governed by the
Surviving Trust's Declaration. For a detailed description of the provisions of
the Surviving Trust's Declaration, see "Proposal Regarding Additional
Declaration of Trust Provisions" and "Comparison of Rights of
Shareholders."
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Appointment of Exchange Agent
In order to facilitate distribution of certificates representing shares of
the Surviving Trust to Wellsford shareholders, the Surviving Trust will appoint
Boston EquiServe LLP, an affiliate of First National Bank of Boston, to act as
Exchange Agent in connection with the Merger. The Exchange Agent will enter
into an agreement with EQR and Wellsford pursuant to which it will agree to act
as agent for purposes of distributing the certificates representing shares of
the Surviving Trust to Wellsford shareholders.
Exchange of Certificates
Wellsford shareholders should not tender their certificates representing
Wellsford shares with their proxy. Promptly after the Effective Time, the
Exchange Agent will mail to all Wellsford shareholders transmittal materials,
including a letter of transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal") for use in
exchanging certificates evidencing Wellsford Shares for certificates evidencing
Survivor Shares. As soon as practicable after the Letter of Transmittal is
properly completed and returned, along with the certificates evidencing
Wellsford Shares, to the Exchange Agent, the person specified in the Letter of
Transmittal will receive certificates for the number of whole shares of Survivor
Shares and, to the extent applicable, any cash in lieu of fractional shares of
Survivor Common, to which such person is entitled as a result of the Merger.
The Letter of Transmittal is expected to provide instructions for shareholders
who have lost or misplaced their certificates and wish to tender their shares.
Each Survivor Share for which Wellsford Shares are exchanged in the Merger
will be deemed to have been issued at the Effective Time. Accordingly, Wellsford
shareholders who receive Survivor Shares in the Merger will be entitled to
receive any dividends or other distributions which may be payable to all holders
of record of Survivor Shares with respect to any record date after the Effective
Time. No holder of Wellsford Shares will be entitled to receive Survivor Shares
or cash in lieu of fractional Survivor Common, and no dividends or other
distributions will be paid with respect to any Survivor Shares, until the
certificate or certificates formerly representing such holder's Wellsford Shares
have been surrendered in accordance with the procedures described above. At the
time such surrender has been accomplished, a certificate representing the
appropriate number of Survivor Shares will be issued and accrued dividends and
other distributions on such Survivor Shares will be paid without interest.
Existing shareholders of EQR are not required to tender their certificates
representing EQR Shares. Certificates for EQR Shares will represent the same
number and type of Survivor Shares.
Conduct of Business Pending the Merger
Except as (i) contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (ii) necessary to
accomplish the Distribution, (iii) as disclosed to EQR, or (iv) consented to in
writing by EQR, Wellsford will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to: (a)
conduct its business only in the usual, regular and
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ordinary course and in substantially the same manner as before the date of the
Merger Agreement, (b) use reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business
organizations and goodwill and keep available the services of its officers and
employees, (c) confer on a regular basis with one or more representatives of EQR
to report operational matters of materiality and, subject to certain
qualifications, any proposals to engage in material transactions, (d) promptly
notify EQR of any material emergency or other material change in the condition
(financial or otherwise), business, properties, assets, liabilities, prospects
or the normal course of its businesses or in the operation of its properties, or
of any material governmental complaints, investigations or hearings (or
communications indicating that the same may be contemplated), (e) promptly
deliver to EQR true and correct copies of any report, statement or schedule
filed with the Commission subsequent to the date of the Merger Agreement, (f)
maintain its books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") consistently applied and not change in any material manner
any of its methods, principles or practices of accounting in effect at the
"Financial Statement Date" (as defined in the Merger Agreement), except as may
be required by the Commission, applicable law or GAAP, (g) duly and timely file
all reports, tax returns and other documents required to be filed with Federal,
state, local and other authorities, subject to extensions permitted by law,
provided Wellsford notifies EQR that it is availing itself of such extensions
and provided such extensions do not adversely affect Wellsford's status as a
qualified REIT under the Code, (h) not make or rescind any express or deemed
election relative to taxes (unless required by law or necessary to preserve
Wellsford's status as a REIT or the status of any Wellsford subsidiaries as a
partnership for Federal income tax purposes), (i) not acquire, enter into any
option to acquire, or exercise an option or contract to acquire, additional real
property, incur additional indebtedness except for working capital under its
revolving line(s) of credit, encumber assets or commence construction of, or
enter into any agreement or commitment to develop or construct, other real
estate projects, except in the ordinary course of business, which shall include
all activities necessary to proceed with the acquisition, ownership and
construction of Phases I, II and III of Palomino Park in accordance with the
agreements in existence on the date of the Merger Agreement and previously
furnished to EQR, (j) not amend its Declaration of Trust, Bylaws, or the
articles of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement, joint venture
agreement or comparable charter or organization document of any subsidiary
without EQR's prior written consent; provided that EQR will not unreasonably
withhold or delay its consent to non-material amendments to organizational
documents of such subsidiaries, (k) make no change in the number of shares of
beneficial interest or capital stock, other than pursuant to (i) the exercise of
options, rights or similar securities outstanding as of the date hereof and
disclosed to EQR, (ii) the conversion ratio of Wellsford Series A pursuant to
the terms of the Articles Supplementary for the Wellsford Series A, (iii)
options to purchase Wellsford Common which are issued, and (iv) the Dividend
Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan of Wellsford, (l) grant no options or other
right or commitment relating to its shares of beneficial interest or capital
stock, membership interests or units of limited partnership interest or any
security convertible into its shares of beneficial interest or capital stock,
membership interests or units of limited partnership interest, or any security
the value of which is measured by shares of beneficial interest, or any security
subordinated to the claim of its general creditors, (m) not (i) authorize,
declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any other distribution or
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payment with respect to any shares of its beneficial interest or capital stock,
except as provided in the Merger Agreement and in connection with the use of
shares of beneficial interest to pay the exercise price or tax withholding in
connection with equity-based employee benefit plans, or (ii) directly or
indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of beneficial
interest, membership interests or units of limited partnership interest or any
option, warrant or right to acquire, or security convertible into, shares of
beneficial interest, membership interests, or units of limited partnership
interest, (n) not sell, lease, mortgage, subject to lien or otherwise dispose of
any material part of its assets, individually or in the aggregate, except in the
ordinary course of business or as disclosed to EQR, (o) not make any loans,
advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other person or
entity, other than (i) loans, advances and capital contributions to Wellsford
subsidiaries in existence on the date of the Merger Agreement (other than WRP
Newco) and (ii) loans to WRP Newco and WRP Newco subsidiaries bearing interest
at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest payable under the Second
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated June 30, 1995 between
Wellsford and First National Bank of Boston; (p) not pay, discharge or satisfy
any claims, liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or
unasserted, contingent or otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or
satisfaction, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice
or in accordance with their terms, of liabilities reflected or reserved against
in, or contemplated by, the most recent consolidated financial statements (or
the notes thereto) furnished to EQR or incurred in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice, (q) not enter into any commitment,
contractual obligation, capital expenditure or transaction (each, a
"Commitment") which may result in total payments or liability by or to it in
excess of $1 million or aggregate Commitments in excess of $5 million, (r) not
guarantee the indebtedness of another person or entity, enter into any "keep
well" or other agreement to maintain any financial statement condition of
another person or entity or enter into any arrangement having the economic
effect of any of the foregoing, other than guarantees of indebtedness of WRP
Newco and its subsidiaries provided, that on the Closing Date, the Surviving
Trust is released from any obligations with respect to such guarantees, or the
indebtedness so guaranteed is paid in full without payment by the Surviving
Trust or its subsidiaries, (s) not enter into any Commitment with any officer,
trustee, consultant or affiliate of Wellsford or any of the Wellsford's
subsidiaries, except as contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (t) not increase
any compensation or enter into or amend any employment agreement with any of its
officers, directors or employees earning more than $50,000 per annum, other than
waivers by employees of benefits under such agreements, (u) not adopt any new
employee benefit plan or amend any existing plans or rights, except for changes
which are required by law and changes which are not more favorable to
participants than provisions presently in effect, and (v) not settle any
shareholder derivative or class action claims arising out of or in connection
with any of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (w) not
change the ownership of any of its subsidiaries except pursuant to the
Contribution Agreement and (x) not accept a promissory note in payment of the
exercise price payable under any option to purchase shares of Wellsford Common.
Wellsford has agreed to cause WRP Newco and its subsidiaries to repay, on the
Closing Date, all its loans made to any of them and to procure, on the Closing
Date, the release of Wellsford and its subsidiaries from any guarantees of the
obligations of WRP Newco and its subsidiaries other than the guarantees
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contemplated under the Credit Enhancement Agreement and Palomino Agreement by
Wellsford. In the event WRP Newco is unable to repay such loans to Wellsford on
the Closing Date, EQR may, at its option, and in lieu of terminating the Merger
Agreement, require WRP Newco to execute and deliver to the Surviving Trust a
promissory note in the amount of such indebtedness, payable in 12 equal
consecutive monthly installments together with interest thereon.
For purposes of this section, the Merger Agreement provides that any
contract, transaction or other event will be deemed to be material if it would
result or is expected to result in a net impact on Wellsford's consolidated
income statement in excess of $1 million, or on Wellsford's consolidated balance
sheet in excess of $1 million.
Prior to the Effective Time, WRP Newco and its subsidiaries will not be
bound by the restrictions which would otherwise be applicable under (a), (b),
(c), (d), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m)(ii), (n), (o), (p), (q), (r), (s), (t), (u),
or (w) above; provided, however, that in no event may WRP Newco: (i) issue any
of its shares to any person or entity other than Wellsford prior to the
Distribution for less than fair value; (ii) take any action or fail to take any
action which would reasonably be expected to result in the termination of or a
challenge to Wellsford's status as a REIT within the meaning of Section 856 of
the Code, or result in a Material Adverse Effect to Wellsford; (iii) enter into
any contract which creates or imposes any obligation on, or otherwise purports
to bind, Wellsford or any of the other Wellsford subsidiaries; (iv) take any
action or omit to take any action which causes a default under any loan
agreement to which Wellsford is a party; (v) amend its Articles of Incorporation
or By-laws in any manner which is inconsistent with the provisions of the WRP
Newco Stock Purchase Agreement.
Prior to the Effective Time, except as (i) contemplated by the Merger
Agreement, or (ii) consented to in writing by Wellsford, EQR will, and will
cause each of its subsidiaries to: (a) use its reasonable efforts to preserve
intact its business organizations and goodwill and keep available the services
of its officers and employees, (b) confer on a regular basis with one or more
representatives of Wellsford to report operational matters of materiality which
could have a EQR Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement),
(c) promptly notify Wellsford of any material emergency or other material change
in the condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties, assets,
liabilities, prospects or the normal course of its businesses or in the
operation of its properties, or of any material governmental complaints,
investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that the same may be
contemplated), (d) promptly deliver to Wellsford true and correct copies of any
report, statement or schedule filed with the Commission subsequent to the date
of the Merger Agreement, (e) maintain its books and records in accordance with
GAAP consistently applied, and (f) duly and timely file all reports, tax returns
and other documents required to be filed with Federal, state, local and other
authorities.
In addition, during the period beginning the day after the fifth (5th)
trading day prior to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/
Information Statement and ending on (but including) the Closing Date, EQR will
not (a) issue any EQR Common or other securities
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convertible into EQR Common in any single transaction or series of transactions
having an aggregate issuance price in excess of $250 million, or (b) announce
any merger with or acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of another
entity which has net assets in excess of $250 million.
Waiver and Amendment
The Merger Agreement provides that, at any time prior to the Effective
Time, either party may, to the extent legally allowed and set forth in a written
instrument signed on behalf of such party, (i) extend the time for the
performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other party, (ii)
waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained in the
Merger Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant thereto and (iii) waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions for the benefit of such
party contained in the Merger Agreement.
The Merger Agreement provides that it may be amended by the parties by
action taken by the Boards of Trustees of EQR and Wellsford, at any time before
or after approval of the Merger Agreement by the shareholders of EQR or
Wellsford and prior to the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Department.
After any such approval by the shareholders of EQR or Wellsford, no amendment
may be made which by law requires the further approval of shareholders or
partners without obtaining such further approval.
Stock Exchange Listing
The Surviving Trust will apply to list the Survivor Shares issuable in
connection with the Merger on the NYSE. Approval of the listing of such shares
on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, is a condition to the
respective obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger.
Anticipated Accounting Treatment
The Merger will be treated as a purchase in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 16. Purchase accounting for a merger is the same as
the accounting treatment used for the acquisition of any group of assets. The
fair market value of the consideration given by the Surviving Trust in the
Merger will be used as the valuation basis of the combination. The assets
acquired and liabilities assumed of Wellsford will be recorded at their relative
fair market values as of the Effective Date. The financial statements of the
Surviving Trust will reflect the combined operations of EQR and Wellsford from
the date of the Merger.
Shares Available for Resale
The issuance of Survivor Common upon consummation of the Merger will be
registered under the Securities Act. Such shares may be traded freely and
without restriction by those
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shareholders not deemed to be "affiliates" of Wellsford as that term is defined
in the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act.
"Affiliates" are generally defined as persons who control, are controlled by or
are under common control with an issuer. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
/Information Statement does not cover any resales of Survivor Common received by
affiliates of Wellsford.
Contribution of Assets of Wellsford to ERP Operating Partnership
Immediately after the Effective Time, the assets of Wellsford at the
Effective Time, subject to the liabilities of Wellsford, will be contributed by
the Surviving Trust to ERP Operating Partnership, in exchange for general
partner units of ERP Operating Partnership equal in number to the number of
shares of Survivor Common issued to the Wellsford Common Shareholders and
preferred units of ERP Operating Partnership equal in number to the number of
outstanding shares of Wellsford Preferred. In connection with the contribution
of assets to ERP Operating Partnership by the Surviving Trust, all of
Wellsford's senior unsecured indebtedness will become the obligation of ERP
Operating Partnership. ERP Operating Partnership will assume the Surviving
Trust's full and complete obligations with respect to Wellsford's senior
unsecured debt which will become an unconditional obligation of ERP Operating
Partnership. ERP Operating Partnership will execute and deliver a legally
binding assumption agreement in connection with the assumption of such Wellsford
unsecured debt.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general summary of the material United States Federal
income tax consequences of the Merger to EQR, Wellsford and their respective
shareholders. The following summary is based upon current provisions of the
Code, existing, temporary and final regulations thereunder and current
administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change
(possibly on a retroactive basis). No attempt has been made to comment on all
United States Federal income tax consequences of the Distribution and the Merger
that may be relevant to particular holders of Wellsford Shares and EQR Shares,
including holders that are subject to special tax rules such as dealers in
securities, mutual funds, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, holders who
do not hold their Wellsford Shares or EQR Shares as capital assets and holders
that, for United States Federal income tax purposes, are non-resident alien
individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships or foreign estates or
trusts.
The tax discussion set forth below is included for general information
only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax
advice to any particular holder of Wellsford Shares or EQR Shares. Because of
the particular tax attributes of holders of Wellsford Shares or EQR Shares, the
Merger may have differing tax implications for such holders. Accordingly,
holders of Wellsford Shares or EQR Shares are urged to consult with their own
legal and tax advisers regarding the United States federal income
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tax consequences of the Merger and any other consequences to them of the Merger
under state, local and foreign tax laws.
Tax Consequences of Merger. Rudnick & Wolfe, counsel to EQR in connection
with the Merger, has rendered an opinion to EQR that on the basis of the facts,
representations and assumptions set forth in such opinion:
(i) the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code, and EQR and Wellsford will each be a party to such
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the code;
(ii) no gain or loss will be recognized by EQR as a result of the Merger;
(iii) no gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of EQR upon
the exchange of their EQR Common solely for Survivor Common pursuant to the
Merger;
(iv) no gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of EQR upon
the exchange of their EQR Preferred solely for Survivor Preferred pursuant to
the Merger;
(v) the tax basis of the Survivor Common received or deemed to be
received by any holder of EQR Common in exchange for EQR Common pursuant to the
Merger will be the same as the tax basis of such EQR Common exchanged therefor;
(vi) the tax basis of the Survivor Preferred received or deemed to be
received by any holder of EQR Preferred in exchange for EQR Preferred pursuant
to the Merger will be the same as the tax basis of such EQR Preferred exchanged
therefor;
(vii) the holding period for Survivor Common and Survivor Preferred
received in exchange for EQR Common and EQR Preferred, respectively, pursuant to
the Merger will include the period that such EQR Common and EQR Preferred were
held by the holder, provided that such EQR Common and EQR Preferred were held as
capital assets by such holder at the Effective Time;
(viii) subsequent to the Merger, the proposed method of operation
described in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and as
represented by EQR should enable the Surviving Trust to satisfy the requirements
under the Code to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; and
(ix) ERP Operating Partnership will be classified as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes.
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Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP, counsel to Wellsford in
connection with the Merger, has rendered an opinion to Wellsford that on the
basis of the facts, representations and assumptions set forth in such opinion:
(i) the Merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code, and EQR and Wellsford will each be a party to such
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code;
(ii) no gain or loss for federal income tax purposes will be recognized
by Wellsford as a result of the Merger;
(iii) no gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of Wellsford
upon the exchange of their Wellsford Common solely for Survivor Common pursuant
to the Merger;
(iv) no gain or loss will be recognized by the shareholders of Wellsford
upon the exchange of their Wellsford Preferred solely for Survivor Preferred
pursuant to the Merger;
(v) the tax basis of the Survivor Common received or deemed to be
received by any holder of Wellsford Common in exchange for Wellsford Common
pursuant to the Merger will be the same as the tax basis of such Wellsford
Common exchanged therefor;
(vi) the tax basis of the Survivor Preferred received or deemed to be
received by any holder of Wellsford Preferred in exchange for Wellsford
Preferred pursuant to the Merger will be the same as the tax basis of such
Wellsford Preferred exchanged therefor;
(vii) the holding period for Survivor Common and Survivor Preferred
received in exchange for Wellsford Common and Wellsford Preferred, respectively,
pursuant to the Merger will include the period that such shares of Wellsford
Common and Wellsford Preferred, respectively, were held by the holder, provided
that such Wellsford Common and Wellsford Preferred were held as capital assets
by such holder at the Effective Time; and
(viii) a shareholder of Wellsford Common who receives cash in lieu of a
fractional share of Wellsford Common pursuant to the Merger will recognize gain
or loss equal to the difference, if any, between such shareholder's basis in the
fractional share and the amount of cash received.
Shareholders of EQR and Wellsford should be aware that such opinions of
counsel are not binding on the United States IRS, and no assurance is or will be
given that the IRS would not adopt a contrary position or that the IRS position
would not be sustained by a court.
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Qualification of Surviving Trust as a REIT.
General. Wellsford elected REIT status commencing with its taxable year
ending December 31, 1992. In the opinion of Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn &
Berman LLP, which has acted as counsel to Wellsford, Wellsford was organized and
has operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation
as a REIT under the Code for its taxable years ended December 31, 1992 through
December 31, 1996. Rudnick & Wolfe has opined that, subsequent to the Merger,
the Surviving Trust's proposed method of operation described in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and as represented by EQR should
enable it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. It
must be emphasized that this opinion is based on various assumptions relating to
the organization and operation of the Surviving Trust, ERP Operating
Partnership, the Management Partnerships, Equity Residential Properties
Management Corp., Equity Residential Properties Management Corp. II, Equity
Residential Properties Management Corp. III and Wellsford Management Corp.
(collectively, the "Management Corps."), the limited partnerships and limited
liability companies (the "Financing Partnerships") that own the beneficial
interest of certain properties encumbered by mortgage financing, and various
qualified REIT subsidiaries wholly owned by the Surviving Trust (each a "QRS
Corporation") (collectively, the Management Partnerships, the Management Corps.,
the Financing partnerships and the QRS Corporations may be referred to as the
"Subsidiary Entities"), and is conditioned upon certain representations made by
EQR and ERP Operating Partnership as to certain relevant factual matters,
including matters related to the organization, expected operation, and assets of
the Surviving Trust, ERP Operating Partnership and the Subsidiary Entities. The
Surviving Trust's qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon the Surviving
Trust's ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual operating
and other results, the various requirements under the Code and described in the
Prospectus with regard to, among other things, the sources of its gross income,
the composition of its assets, the level of its dividends to shareholders, and
the diversity of its share ownership. Neither Rudnick & Wolfe nor Robinson
Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP will review the Surviving Trust's
compliance with these requirements on a continuing basis. No assurance can be
given that the actual results of the operations of the Surviving Trust, ERP
Operating Partnership, and the Subsidiary Entities, the sources of their income,
the nature of their assets, the level of the Surviving Trust's dividends to
shareholders and the diversity of its share ownership for any given taxable year
will satisfy the requirements under the Code for qualification and taxation as a
REIT.
In any year in which the Surviving Trust qualifies as a REIT, generally it
will not be subject to Federal income tax on that portion of its REIT taxable
income or capital gain which is distributed to shareholders. This treatment
substantially eliminates the "double taxation" (at both the corporate and
shareholder levels) that generally results from the use of corporate investment
vehicles. The Surviving Trust may, however, be subject to tax at normal
corporate rates upon any taxable income or capital gain not distributed.
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If the Surviving Trust should fail to satisfy either the 75% or the 95%
gross income test (as discussed below), and nonetheless maintains its
qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements are met, it will be
subject to a 100% tax on the greater of the amount by which it fails the 75% or
the 95% test, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect its profitability.
The Surviving Trust will also be subject to a 100% tax on net income derived
from any "prohibited transaction," as described below. In addition, if the
Surviving Trust should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the
sum of (i) 85% of its REIT ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of its REIT
capital gain net income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable
income from prior years, the Surviving Trust would be subject to a 4% excise tax
on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually
distributed. The Surviving Trust may also be subject to the corporate
"alternative minimum tax," as well as tax in certain situations and on certain
transactions not presently contemplated. The Surviving Trust will use the
calendar year both for Federal income tax purposes and for financial reporting
purposes.
In order to qualify as a REIT, the Surviving Trust must meet, among others,
the following requirements:
Share Ownership Test. Shares of beneficial interest of the Surviving Trust
must be held by a minimum of 100 persons for at least 335 days of a taxable year
that is 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than
12 months. In addition, no more than 50% in value of the shares of beneficial
interest of the Surviving Trust may be owned, directly or indirectly and by
applying certain constructive ownership rules, by five or fewer individuals
during the last half of each taxable year. EQR and Wellsford believe that they
have each satisfied both of these tests, and EQR believes the Surviving Trust
will continue to do so. In order to help comply with the second of these tests,
the Surviving Trust has placed certain restrictions on the transfer of the
Survivor Common and Survivor Preferred that are intended to prevent further
concentration of share ownership.
Asset Tests. At the close of each quarter of the Surviving Trust's taxable
year, the Surviving Trust must satisfy two tests relating to the nature of its
assets. First, at least 75% of the value of the Surviving Trust's total assets
must be represented by any combination of interests in real property, interests
in mortgages on real property, shares in other REITs, cash, cash items and
certain government securities. Second, although the remaining 25% of the
Surviving Trust's assets generally may be invested without restriction,
securities in this class may not exceed either (i) 5% of the value of the
Surviving Trust's total assets as to any one issuer, or (ii) 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. Where the Surviving Trust
invests in a partnership, it will be deemed to own a proportionate share of the
partnership's assets. The Surviving Trust's investment in the properties of
Wellsford through its interest in ERP Operating Partnership will constitute
qualified assets for purposes of the 75% asset test.
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ERP Operating Partnership will own none of the voting stock of the
Management Corps. except for Wellsford Management Inc., in which ERP Operating
Partnership will own 10% of the voting stock. ERP Operating Partnership will
own 100% of the non-voting stock of each of the Management Corps. ERP Operating
Partnership will also own 100% of the Class A Common Stock of WRP Newco and 100%
of the Series A 8% Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock of WRP Newco. By
virtue of its partnership interest in ERP Operating Partnership, the Surviving
Trust will be deemed to own its pro rata share of the assets of ERP Operating
Partnership, including the stock of the Management Corps. and WRP Newco as
described above. ERP Operating Partnership has not and does not intend to own
more than 10% of the voting securities of the Management Corps. or WRP Newco.
In addition, based upon its analysis of the estimated value of the stock of
the Management Corps. and WRP Newco owned by ERP Operating Partnership relative
to the estimated value of the other assets owned by ERP Operating Partnership,
EQR believes that its pro rata share of the stock of WRP Newco and each
Management Corp. held by ERP Operating Partnership will not exceed 5% of the
total value of the Surviving Trust's assets. No independent appraisals,
however, have been obtained to support this conclusion. This 5% limitation must
be satisfied not only on the date that the Surviving Trust first acquires stock
of WRP Newco or a Management Corp., but also at the end of each quarter in which
the Surviving Trust increases its interest in WRP Newco or any of the Management
Corps. (including as a result of increasing its interest in ERP Operating
Partnership as the holders of OP Units exercise their exchange rights).
Although the Surviving Trust plans to take steps to ensure that it satisfies the
5% value test for any quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, there
can be no assurance that such steps will always be successful or will not
require a reduction in ERP Operating Partnership's overall interest in the
Management Corps.
The Surviving Trust's indirect interests as a general partner in the
Financing Partnerships are held through the QRS Corporations, each of which is
organized and operated as a "qualified REIT subsidiary" within the meaning of
the Code. Qualified REIT subsidiaries are not treated as separate entities from
their parent REIT. Instead, all assets, liabilities and items of income,
deduction and credit of each QRS Corporation will be treated as assets,
liabilities and items of the Surviving Trust. Each QRS Corporation therefore
will not be subject to Federal corporate income taxation, although it may be
subject to state or local taxation. In addition, the Surviving Trust's
ownership of the voting stock of each QRS Corporation will not violate the
general restriction against ownership of more than 10% of the voting securities
of any issuer.
Gross Income Tests. There are three separate percentage tests relating to
the sources of the Surviving Trust's gross income which must be satisfied for
each taxable year. For purposes of these tests, where the Surviving Trust
invests in a partnership, the Surviving Trust will be treated as receiving its
share of the income and loss of the partnership, and the gross income of the
partnership will retain the same character in the hands of the Surviving Trust
as it has in the hands of the partnership.
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1. The 75% Test. At least 75% of the Surviving Trust's gross income for
each taxable year must be "qualifying income." Qualifying income generally
includes (i) rents from real property (except as modified below); (ii) interest
on obligations collateralized by mortgages on, or interests in, real property;
(iii) gains from the sale or other disposition of interests in real property and
real estate mortgages, other than gain from property held primarily for sale to
customers in the ordinary course of the Surviving Trust's trade or business
("dealer property"); (iv) distributions on shares in other REITs, as well as
gain from the sale of such shares; (v) abatements and refunds of real property
taxes; (vi) income from the operation, and gain from the sale, of property
acquired at or in lieu of a foreclosure of a mortgage collateralized by such
property ("foreclosure property"); (vii) commitment fees received for agreeing
to make loans collateralized by mortgages on real property or to purchase or
lease real property; and (viii) certain qualified temporary investment income
attributable to the investment of new capital received by the Surviving Trust in
exchange for its shares (including the Securities offered hereby) during the
one-year period following the receipt of such new capital.
Rents received from a tenant will not, however, qualify as rents from real
property in satisfying the 75% test (or the 95% gross income test described
below) if the Surviving Trust, or an owner of 10% or more of the Surviving
Trust, directly or constructively owns 10% or more of such tenant. In addition,
if rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of
real property is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease,
then the portion of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify
as rents from real property. Moreover, an amount received or accrued will not
qualify as rents from real property (or as interest income) for purposes of the
75% and 95% gross income tests if it is based in whole or in part on the income
or profits of any person. Finally, for rents received to qualify as rents from
real property, the Surviving Trust generally must not operate or manage the
property or furnish or render services to tenants, other than through an
"independent contractor" from whom the Surviving Trust derives no revenue. The
"independent contractor" requirement, however, does not apply to the extent that
the services provided by the Surviving Trust are "usually or customarily
rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only, and are not
otherwise considered "rendered to the occupant."
The Surviving Trust, through the Management Partnerships, will provide
certain services with respect to the properties of Wellsford and any newly
acquired multifamily residential properties. The Surviving Trust believes that
the services provided by the Management Partnerships are usually or customarily
rendered in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only, and
therefore that the provision of such services has not caused, and will not in
the future cause the rents received with respect to the Properties to fail to
qualify as rents from real property for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income
tests.
2. The 95% Test. At least 95% of the Surviving Trust's gross income for
the taxable year must be derived from the above-described qualifying income, or
from dividends, interest or gains from the sale or disposition of stock or other
securities that are not dealer property.
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Dividends (including the Surviving Trust's share of dividends paid by the
Management Corps.) and interest on any obligations not collateralized by an
interest in real property and any payments made on behalf of the Surviving Trust
by a financial institution pursuant to a rate protection agreement will be
included as qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not
for purposes of the 75% test. For purposes of determining whether the Surviving
Trust complies with the 75% and 95% income tests, qualifying income does not
include income from prohibited transactions. A "prohibited transaction" is a
sale of dealer property, excluding certain dealer property held by the Surviving
Trust for at least four years and excluding foreclosure property.
The Surviving Trust's investment in the Properties, through ERP Operating
Partnership, in major part will give rise to rental income qualifying under the
75% and 95% gross income tests. Gains on sales of the Properties or of the
Surviving Trust's interest in ERP Operating Partnership will generally qualify
under the 75% and 95% gross income tests. EQR believes that the income on its
other investments, including its indirect investment in WRP Newco and the
Management Corps., will not cause the Surviving Trust to fail the 75% or 95%
gross income test for any year, and the Surviving Trust anticipates that this
will continue to be the case.
Even if the Surviving Trust fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95%
gross income tests for any taxable year, it may still qualify as a REIT for such
year if it is entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. These
relief provisions will generally be available if: (i) the Surviving Trust's
failure to comply was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect; (ii)
the Surviving Trust reports the nature and amount of each item of its income
included in the tests on a schedule attached to its tax return; and (iii) any
incorrect information on this schedule is not due to fraud with intent to evade
tax. If these relief provisions apply, the Surviving Trust, however, will still
be subject to a 100% tax based upon the greater of the amount by which it fails
either the 75% or 95% gross income test for that year, less certain adjustments.
3. The 30% Test. The Surviving Trust must derive less than 30% of its
gross income for each taxable year from the sale or other disposition of (i)
real property held for less than four years (other than foreclosure property and
involuntary conversions), (ii) stock or securities held for less than one year,
and (iii) property in a prohibited transaction. EQR does not anticipate that it
will have any substantial difficulty in complying with this test.
Annual Distribution Requirements. The Surviving Trust, in order to qualify
as a REIT, is required to make dividend distributions (other than capital gain
dividends) to its shareholders each year in an amount at least equal to (A) the
sum of (i) 95% of the Surviving Trust's REIT taxable income (computed without
regard to the dividends paid deduction and the Surviving Trust's net capital
gain) and (ii) 95% of the net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure
property, minus (B) the sum of certain items of non-cash income. Such
distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the
following taxable year if declared before
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the Surviving Trust timely files its tax return for such year and if paid on or
before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. To the extent
that the Surviving Trust does not distribute all of its net capital gain or
distributes at least 95%, but less than 100%, of its REIT taxable income, as
adjusted, it will be subject to tax on the undistributed amount at regular
capital gains or ordinary corporate tax rates, as the case may be.
The Surviving Trust has made and intends to continue to make timely
distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements. In
this regard, the partnership agreement of ERP Operating Partnership authorizes
the Surviving Trust, as general partner, to take such steps as may be necessary
to cause ERP Operating Partnership to distribute to its partners an amount
sufficient to permit the Surviving Trust to meet these distribution
requirements. It is possible that the Surviving Trust may not have sufficient
cash or other liquid assets to meet the 95% dividend requirement, due to the
payment of principal on debt or to timing differences between the actual receipt
of income and actual payment of expenses on the one hand, and the inclusion of
such income and deduction of such expenses in computing the Surviving Trust's
REIT taxable income on the other hand. To avoid any problem with the 95%
distribution requirement, the Surviving Trust will closely monitor the
relationship between its REIT taxable income and cash flow and, if necessary,
will borrow funds (or cause ERP Operating Partnership or other affiliates to
borrow funds) in order to satisfy the distribution requirement.
Failure to Qualify. If the Surviving Trust fails to qualify for taxation
as a REIT in any taxable year and the relief provisions do not apply, the
Surviving Trust will be subject to tax (including any applicable alternative
minimum tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to
shareholders in any year in which the Surviving Trust fails to qualify will not
be required and, if made, will not be deductible by the Surviving Trust. In
such event, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, all
distributions to shareholders will be taxable as ordinary income, and, subject
to certain limitations in the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for
the dividends received deduction. Unless entitled to relief under specific
statutory provisions, the Surviving Trust also will be ineligible for
qualification as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during
which qualification was lost.
Tax Aspects of the Surviving Trust's Investments in Partnerships.
General. The Surviving Trust will hold direct or indirect interests in ERP
Operating Partnership, WRP Newco, the Management Partnerships and certain
Financing Partnerships (each individually a "Partnership" and, collectively, the
"Partnerships"). The Surviving Trust believes that each of the Partnerships
qualifies as a partnership (as opposed to an association taxable as a
corporation) for Federal income tax purposes. If any of the Partnerships were
to be treated as an association, it would be taxable as a corporation and
therefore subject to an entity-level tax on its income. In such a situation,
the character of the Surviving Trust's assets and items of gross income would
change, which would preclude the Surviving Trust from
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satisfying the asset tests and possibly the income tests (see "Certain Federal
Income Tax Consequences--Taxation of the Surviving Trust--Asset Tests" and "--
Gross Income Tests"), and in turn would prevent the Surviving Trust from
qualifying as a REIT.
Tax Termination of ERP Operating Partnership. Pursuant to Section
708(b)(1)(B) of the Code, if within a twelve-month period, there is a sale or
exchange of 50 percent or more of the total interest in a partnership's capital
and profits, the partnership terminates for federal income tax purposes.
Treasury Regulations under Code Section 708(b)(1)(B) (the "Section 708
Regulations") provide that if a partnership is deemed terminated by a sale or
exchange of an interest, the following is deemed to occur: (a) the partnership
distributes all of its assets subject to all of its liabilities to the purchaser
and the other remaining partners in proportion to their respective interests in
the partnership assets; and, (b) immediately thereafter, the purchaser and the
other remaining partners contribute the assets, subject to the liabilities
encumbering such assets, to a new partnership. Under the Section 708
Regulations, the deemed termination of a partnership will result in the closing
of the partnership's taxable year and recognition of gain under Code Section 731
if the amount of money deemed distributed to the partner (including any money
deemed distributed upon a shift in the liabilities of the partnership under Code
Section 752) exceeds such partner's adjusted basis in his partnership interest.
Any built-in gain or loss attributable to the assets re-contributed to the
partnership must be allocated among the partners of the new partnership under
Code Section 704(c). See "Tax Aspects of Surviving Trusts Investment in
Partnerships -- Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties." In addition,
the deemed termination requires the partnership to depreciate its assets as if
they were newly acquired by the partnership at the time of termination. As a
result, such assets must be depreciated over each asset's depreciable life
beginning as of the date of the deemed termination.
In connection with the Merger, more than 50 percent of the total interest
in ERP Operating Partnership's capital and profits will be exchanged. Therefore,
the Merger will result in the termination of ERP Operating Partnership under
Code Section 708(b)(1)(B). Accordingly, under the Section 708 Regulations, all
of the assets of ERP Operating Partnership will be deemed to be distributed to
the partners of ERP Operating Partnership (including the Surviving Trust) and
re-contributed by such partners to a newly formed partnership. Such deemed
distribution and re-contribution is not expected to cause gain recognition to
the Surviving Trust under Code Section 731(a) because the amount of cash deemed
distributed to the Surviving Trust as a result of the deemed liquidation
(including any deemed distribution occurring under Code Section 752 as a result
of a shifting of liabilities among the partners of the ERP Operating
Partnership) is not expected to exceed the Surviving Trusts's adjusted basis in
the ERP Operating Partnership. Moreover, because the taxable years of both the
ERP Operating Partnership and the Surviving Trust end on the same date, the
closing of the ERP Operating Partnership's taxable year should have no adverse
tax consequences to the Surviving Trust. However, the termination of the ERP
Operating Partnership will cause the assets of the ERP Operating Partnership to
be depreciated as if they were newly acquired by the ERP Operating Partnership,
possibly resulting in lower annual depreciation deductions to the Surviving
Trust for federal income tax purposes. In addition, the deemed re-contribution
of the assets to the ERP Operating Partnership could
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result in a reallocation of the built-in gain attributable to the properties
owned by the ERP Operating Partnership. See "Tax Aspects of Surviving Trusts
Investment in Partnerships -- Tax Allocations With Respect to the Properties."
Proposed Treasury Regulations recently promulgated by the Treasury
Department (the "Proposed 708 Regulations") would alter the tax consequences of
a termination under Code Section 708(b)(1)(B). Under the Proposed Section 708
Regulations, if a partnership is terminated by a sale or exchange of an
interest, the following would be deemed to occur: (a) the partnership transfers
all of its assets and liabilities to a new partnership in exchange for an
interest in the new partnership; and (b) immediately thereafter, the terminated
partnership distributes all of the interests in the new partnership to the
purchasing partner and the other remaining partners in liquidation of the
terminated partnership. The effect of the Proposed Regulations would be to (i)
eliminate any possibility of gain recognition to the partners of the ERP
Operating Partnership under Code Section 731, and (ii) eliminate any potential
reallocation of ERP Operating Partnership's basis and any Section 704(c) built-
in gain with respect to the properties currently held by the ERP Operating
Partnership. However, under the Proposed 708 Regulations, the ERP Operating
Partnership would still be required to depreciate its properties as newly
acquired assets, possibly resulting in lower depreciation deductions to the
Surviving Trust for federal income tax purposes. The Proposed Section 708
Regulation will apply to the deemed termination of ERP Operating Partnership if
the Proposed Section 708 Regulations shall have been published as final
regulations in the Federal Register as of the effective date of the Merger.
Tax Allocations with Respect to the Properties. Pursuant to Section 704(c)
of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or
depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an
interest in the partnership (such as certain of the Properties contributed to
ERP Operating Partnership in connection with both the initial public offering of
EQR and the Merger) (the "Contributed Properties") must be allocated in a manner
such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from,
respectively, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the
property at the time of the contribution. The amount of such unrealized gain or
unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market
value and the adjusted tax basis of contributed property at the time of
contribution (a "Book-Tax Difference"). Such allocations are solely for Federal
income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other
economic or legal arrangements among the partners. ERP Operating Partnership
Agreement (as well as the Financing Partnerships agreements) require such
allocations to be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c). As a result,
certain limited partners of ERP Operating Partnership will be allocated lower
amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes and increased taxable income
and gain on sale by the Partnerships of the contributed assets (including
certain of the Contributed Properties). These allocations will tend to
eliminate the Book-Tax Difference over the lives of the Partnerships. However,
the special allocation rules of Section 704(c) as applied by the Surviving Trust
will not always entirely rectify the Book-Tax Difference on an annual basis or
with respect to a specific taxable transaction such as a sale. Thus, the
carryover basis of the contributed assets
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in the hands of the Partnerships will cause the Surviving Trust to be allocated
lower depreciation and other deductions, and possibly greater amounts of taxable
income in the event of a sale of such contributed assets in excess of the
economic or book income allocated to it as a result of such sale. This may cause
the Surviving Trust to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds,
which might adversely affect the Surviving Trust's ability to comply with the
REIT distribution requirements. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--
Qualification of the Surviving Trust as a REIT--Annual Distribution
Requirements."
Sale of the Properties. The Surviving Trust's share of any gain realized
by ERP Operating Partnership on the sale of any dealer property generally will
be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100%
penalty tax. See "Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences--Qualification of the
Surviving Trust as a REIT--Gross Income Tests--The 95% Test." Under existing
law, whether property is dealer property is a question of fact that depends on
all the facts and circumstances with respect to the particular transaction. The
Partnerships have held and intend to continue to hold the Properties for
investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of
acquiring, developing, owning and operating the Properties and other multifamily
residential properties and to make such occasional sales of the Properties as
are consistent with the Surviving Trust's investment objectives. Based upon such
investment objectives, the Surviving Trust believes that in general the
Properties should not be considered dealer property and that the amount of
income from prohibited transactions, if any, will not be material.
Taxation of Taxable Domestic Shareholders.
General. As long as the Surviving Trust qualifies as a REIT, distributions
made to the Surviving Trust's taxable domestic shareholders, with respect to
their shares out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not
designated as capital gain dividends) will be taken into account by them as
ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction
for shareholders that are corporations. For purposes of determining whether
distributions on the Securities are out of current or accumulated earnings and
profits, the earnings and profits of the Surviving Trust will be allocated first
to the Survivor Preferred Shares and second to the Survivor Common Shares.
There can be no assurance, however, that the Surviving Trust will have
sufficient earnings and profits to cover distributions on the Survivor Preferred
Shares. Dividends that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed
as long-term capital gains (to the extent that they do not exceed the Surviving
Trust's actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the
period for which the shareholder has held its Securities. However, corporate
shareholders may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain
dividends as ordinary income. For a discussion on the manner in which that
portion of any dividends designated by the Surviving Trust as capital gains
dividends will be allocated among the holders of Survivor Preferred Shares and
Survivor Common Shares, see "Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest--
Survivor Preferred Shares--Distributions." To the extent that the Surviving
Trust makes distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and
profits,
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these distributions are treated first as a tax-free return of capital
to the shareholder, reducing the tax basis of a shareholder's Securities by the
amount of such distribution (but not below zero), with distributions in excess
of the shareholder's tax basis taxable as capital gains (if the Securities are
held as a capital asset). In addition, any dividend declared by the Surviving
Trust in October, November or December of any year and payable to a shareholder
of record on a specific date in any such month will be treated as both paid by
the Surviving Trust and received by the shareholder on December 31 of such year,
provided that the dividend is actually paid by the Surviving Trust during
January of the following calendar year. Shareholders may not include in their
individual income tax returns any net operating losses or capital losses of the
Surviving Trust.
In general, any loss upon a sale or exchange of securities by a shareholder
who has held such securities for six months or less (after applying certain
holding period rules) will be treated as a long-term capital loss, to the extent
of distributions from the Surviving Trust received by such shareholder are
required to be treated by such shareholder as long-term capital gains.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Shareholders.
Most tax-exempt employees' pension trusts are not subject to Federal income
tax except to the extent of their receipt of "unrelated business taxable income"
as defined in Section 512(a) of the Code ("UBTI"). Distributions by the
Surviving Trust to a shareholder that is a tax-exempt entity should not
constitute UBTI, provided that the tax-exempt entity has not financed the
acquisition of its securities with "acquisition indebtedness" within the meaning
of the Code and the securities are not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or
business of the tax-exempt entity. In addition, for taxable years beginning on
or after January 1, 1994, certain pension trusts that own more than 10% of a
"pension-held REIT" must report a portion of the distribution that they receive
from such a REIT as UBTI. The Surviving Trust has not been and does not expect
to be treated as a pension-held REIT for purposes of this rule.
Taxation of Foreign Shareholders.
The following is a discussion of certain anticipated U.S. Federal income
tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of securities applicable to
Non-U.S. Holders of such securities. A "Non-U.S. Holder" is any person other
than (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or
partnership created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the
United States or of any state thereof, or (iii) an estate or trust whose income
is includible in gross income for U.S. Federal income tax purposes regardless
of its source. The discussion is based on current law and is for general
information only.
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Distributions From the Surviving Trust.
1. Ordinary Dividends. The portion of dividends received by Non-U.S.
Holders payable out of the Surviving Trust's earnings and profits which are not
attributable to capital gains of the Surviving Trust or of ERP Operating
Partnership and which are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business of the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at the
rate of 30% (unless reduced by an applicable treaty). In general, Non-U.S.
Holders will not be considered engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a
result of their ownership of securities. In cases where the dividend income
from a Non-U.S. Holder's investment in securities is (or is treated as)
effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a U.S. trade or
business, the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. tax at graduated
rates, in the same manner as U.S. shareholders are taxed with respect to such
dividends (and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case of
a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation).
2. Non-Dividend Distributions. Distributions by the Surviving Trust
which are not dividends out of the earnings and profits of the Surviving Trust
will not be subject to U.S. income or withholding tax. If it cannot be
determined at the time a distribution is made whether or not such distribution
will be in excess of the Surviving Trust's current and accumulated earnings and
profits, the entire distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate
applicable to dividends. However, the Non-U.S. Holder may seek a refund of such
amounts from the Service if it is subsequently determined that such distribution
was, in fact, in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits of the
Surviving Trust.
3. Capital Gain Dividends. Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property
Tax Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA"), a distribution made by the Surviving Trust to a Non-
U.S. Holder, to the extent attributable to gains from dispositions of United
States Real Property Interests ("USRPIs") such as the Properties beneficially
owned by the Surviving Trust will be considered effectively connected with a
U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. Holder and subject to U.S. income tax at
the rate applicable to U.S. individuals or corporations, without regard to
whether such distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend. In
addition, the Surviving Trust will be required to withhold tax equal to 35% of
the amount of dividends to the extent such dividends constitute gains from any
USRPI. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch
profits tax in the hands of a foreign corporate shareholder that is not entitled
to treaty exemption.
Dispositions of Securities. Unless securities constitute a USRPI, a sale
of securities by a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S.
taxation under FIRPTA. The securities will not constitute a USRPI if the
Surviving Trust is a "domestically controlled REIT." A domestically controlled
REIT is a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less
than 50% in value of its securities is held directly or indirectly by Non-U.S.
Holders. The Surviving Trust believes that it has been and anticipates that it
will continue to be a domestically
116
<PAGE>
controlled REIT, and therefore that the sale of securities will not be subject
to taxation under FIRPTA. Because the securities will be publicly traded,
however, no assurance can be given the Surviving Trust will continue to be a
domestically controlled REIT. If the Surviving Trust does not constitute a
domestically controlled REIT, a Non-U.S. Holder's sale of securities generally
will still not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI provided that
(i) the securities are "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 Surviving Trust's outstanding securities at all
times during a specified testing period.
If gain on the sale of securities were subject to taxation under FIRPTA,
the Non-U.S. Holder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder
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 securities could be required to withhold 10% of the
purchase price and remit such amount to the Service. Capital gains not subject
to FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the United States to a Non-U.S. Holder
in two cases: (i) if the Non-U.S. Holder's investment in securities is
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such Non-U.S.
Holder, the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S.
shareholder with respect to such gain, or (ii) if the Non-U.S. Holder is a
nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days
or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States, the
nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's
capital gain.
Other Tax Considerations.
WRP Newco and the Management Corps. A portion of the cash to be used by
ERP Operating Partnership to fund distributions to its partners, including the
Surviving Trust, is expected to come from WRP Newco and the Management Corps.
through payments of dividends on the stock of WRP Newco and the Management
Corps. held by ERP Operating Partnership. The Management Corps. will pay Federal
and state income tax at the full applicable corporate rates on their taxable
income. The Management Corps. will attempt to minimize the amount of such taxes,
but there can be no assurance whether or the extent to which measures taken to
minimize taxes will be successful. To the extent that WRP Newco and/or the
Management Corps. are required to pay Federal, state or local taxes, the cash
available to WRP Newco for distribution by the Surviving Trust, among its
shareholders will be reduced accordingly.
State and Local Taxes. The Surviving Trust and its shareholders may be
subject to state or local taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in
which it or they transact business or reside. The state and local tax treatment
of the Surviving Trust and its shareholders may not conform to the Federal
income tax consequences discussed above. Consequently, prospective shareholders
should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local
tax laws on an investment in the shares of beneficial interest of the Surviving
Trust.
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<PAGE>
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER AND DISTRIBUTION
In considering whether to approve the Merger, shareholders should be aware
that certain members of the management of Wellsford and the Wellsford Board of
Trustees have certain interests that arise in connection with the Merger and the
Distribution that are in addition to the interests of shareholders of Wellsford
generally. These interests arise under existing agreements with, and previously
approved annual compensation awards from, Wellsford and proposed agreements with
WRP Newco and the Surviving Trust.
Benefits of Key Executives
Each key executive of Wellsford, consisting of Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal,
Kelley, MacKenzie, Hughes and Strong, has an existing employment agreement with
Wellsford that entitles him to certain benefits as described below. In addition,
in prior years each of the executives has earned and received additional
compensation in the form of share loans, grants of restricted shares and share
options. Members of the Board of Trustees of Wellsford have also been granted
share options over the years. Set forth below is a discussion of the treatment
of the various benefits and other compensation to be paid in connection with the
Merger to the key executives and the Trustees by reason of these pre-existing
agreements.
A. Severance Payments. Certain executive officers (but not Messrs. Lynford
and Lowenthal) will be entitled to receive severance payments under their
employment agreements as follows: $1,149,000 for Mr. Kelley, $764,070 for Mr.
MacKenzie, $692,440 for Mr. Hughes, and $585,000 for Mr. Strong.
B. Share Loans. Under the existing agreements, Wellsford's key executives
previously purchased Wellsford Common over the years at their then fair market
value, the purchase price of which was borrowed from Wellsford and evidenced by
a ten-year promissory note. Under the agreements, 5% of the principal balance of
the promissory notes is forgiven each year provided the executive remains in the
employ of Wellsford and the remaining 50% is due at the end of the ten year term
of the promissory note. Upon a change of control, such as the Merger, the then
remaining principal balance of the loans will be forgiven for Messrs. Lynford,
Lowenthal, Kelley, MacKenzie, Hughes, and Strong in the amounts of approximately
$1.5 million, $1.5 million, $281,000, $1.1 million, $1.1 million and $369,000,
respectively.
C. Change In Control Share Grants. In accordance with the terms of the
existing agreements between Wellsford and Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal and Kelley,
immediately prior to the Merger and Distribution, Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal and
Kelley will each be issued 22,346 shares of Wellsford Common, which shares will
participate in the Distribution and Merger on the same basis as all other shares
of Wellsford Common.
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<PAGE>
D. Restricted Share Grants. Restricted share grants have previously been
made to Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal, MacKenzie and Hughes, portions of which have
vested and portions of which remain subject to forfeiture. All restricted
shares, whether vested or not, will participate in the Distribution and Merger
on the same basis as all other shares of Wellsford Common. Messrs. Lynford and
Lowenthal each hold restricted share grants for 11,375 shares of Wellsford
Common that will continue to remain subject to forfeiture restrictions. The
shares of Survivor Common and the shares of WRP Newco Common to be received by
Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal on account of the 11,375 restricted shares of
Wellsford Common held by each of them will be forfeited (as to 50% on January 1,
1998 and 50% on January 1, 1999) unless the Surviving Trust achieves on a
consolidated basis a minimum 5% increase in funds from operations per share for
the twelve-month period ending on the December 31 immediately preceding the
applicable vesting date over FFO per share for the preceding twelve-month
period. The portions of the restricted share grants issued to Messrs. MacKenzie
and Hughes that remain subject to forfeiture will become fully vested at the
Effective Time. Accordingly, 2,843 shares of Wellsford Common will vest upon the
Merger for each of Messrs. MacKenzie and Hughes, which shares will participate
in the Distribution and the Merger.
E. Tax Payments. Pursuant to the existing employment agreements with the
key executives of Wellsford, in connection with the Merger the Surviving Trust
will pay on behalf of Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal, Kelley, MacKenzie, Hughes and
Strong approximately $2.6 million, $2.4 million, $420,000, $1.0 million, $1.1
million and $500,000, respectively, on account of the Federal, state and local
income and excise tax liabilities to the Internal Revenue Service and the
various state and local tax authorities. These payments are based on an
estimated value of Wellsford Common at the Effective Time of $27.50 per share
and will be adjusted based upon the actual value of Wellsford Common at the
Effective Time.
F. Wellsford Options.
------------------
Over the years, the key executives of Wellsford have been granted share
options in connection with services previously rendered by them. The treatment
of both the vested options and the nonvested options are described below.
(a) Vested Options.
--------------
All vested options (both incentive share options and nonqualified options)
held by Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal, Kelley, Hughes and Strong were exercised
prior to the Merger by tendering existing shares of Wellsford Common in payment
of the exercise price. The tendered shares of Wellsford Common were valued at
$27.50 per share for purposes of payment of the exercise price regardless of
their actual value on the date of exercise, and will be accounted for as a cost
of the Merger. Pursuant to existing agreements, each executive officer that
exercised a vested option was granted a new option to purchase additional shares
of Wellsford Common at $27.50 per share (a "Reload Option"). These Reload
Options issued to Messrs. Lynford,
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<PAGE>
Lowenthal, Kelley, Hughes and Strong will be assumed by WRP Newco and amended,
thereby becoming options to purchase WRP Newco Common, as more fully described
in (c) below.
(b) Nonvested Options.
-----------------
The nonvested portion of each Wellsford option held by Messrs. Lynford,
Lowenthal, Hughes and Strong will be assumed by WRP Newco and amended thereby
becoming an option to purchase WRP Newco Common, as more fully described in (c)
below.
(c) Assumed Options.
---------------
For each of Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal, Kelley, Hughes and Strong, WRP
Newco will assume and amend their Wellsford nonvested options (other than Mr.
Kelley) and Reload Options so that they become options to purchase WRP Newco
Common. With respect to Wellsford nonvested nonqualified options and Reload
Options, the number of WRP Newco nonqualified options will be calculated by
dividing the value of such Wellsford options by the value of the option to
purchase one share of WRP Newco Common. Reload Options will be valued using an
exercise price of $27.50 per share. The exercise price of each WRP Newco
nonqualified option will be the Issuance Price (as defined under "Certain
Agreements between WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership -- Common Stock and
Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement") and the term of each such WRP Newco option
will be for an initial term of six years with a four year extension if the
optionee is employed by WRP Newco at the end of four years. These options will
become exercisable as follows: 25% after two years, an additional 25% after
three years, an additional 25% after four years and the remaining 25% after five
years from the date of the Merger. All options will be valued using a
mathematical option pricing formula that incorporates certain assumptions,
including an estimated value of the underlying shares, share option exercise
prices, the duration of the share options and the volatility of the underlying
shares (the "Option Pricing Formula"). Based on the foregoing, the total number
of shares of WRP Newco Common subject to options with respect to Wellsford
nonvested options (other than Mr. Kelley) and Reload Options assumed by WRP
Newco will be as follows: 307,396, 307,396, 109,503, 44,932 and 17,662, for
Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal, Kelley, Hughes and Strong, respectively. These
amounts will be adjusted based upon the actual value of Wellsford Common (and
the actual value of the Wellsford options assumed by WRP Newco) at the Effective
Time.
The nonvested incentive share options held by Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal,
Hughes and Strong will also be assumed by WRP Newco and amended to become WRP
Newco incentive stock options. These amended options will continue to be
nonvested incentive stock options just as they were before the Merger and will
maintain the same vesting schedule as the Wellsford incentive share options
assumed. These WRP Newco nonvested incentive stock options will reflect the
inherent value of, and have a term equal to the remaining term of, the Wellsford
incentive share options assumed, as required by Treasury Regulation Section
1.425-1(a). Based on the foregoing, the total number of shares of WRP Newco
Common subject to options with
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<PAGE>
respect to Wellsford nonvested incentive share options assumed by WRP Newco will
be approximately as follows: 24,688, 24,688, 23,386 and 16,115 for Messrs.
Lynford, Lowenthal, Hughes and Strong, respectively.
G. Options Held By Trustees. Outstanding options of Wellsford held by
persons whose benefits are not described above will vest at the Effective Time
and each such optionee will have the right to continue their option subject to
adjustment for the Exchange Rate or the right to relinquish all option rights in
exchange for a cash payment of $27.50 per share for each option relinquished
less the exercise price per share. All existing options to purchase Wellsford
Common granted to the non-employee Trustees of Wellsford (other than Mr. Du
Bois) will be assumed by WRP Newco and amended thereby becoming options to
purchase WRP Newco Common. The number of options to purchase WRP Newco Common
will be calculated by dividing the value of each Trustee's existing options to
purchase Wellsford Common by the value of the option to purchase one share of
WRP Newco Common. The options to purchase WRP Newco Common will be exercisable
immediately, and will have an initial term of six years (regardless of whether
or not the optionee remains a director of WRP Newco) with a four-year extension
if the optionee is a trustee or director of WRP Newco at the end of four years.
The exercise price of the options to purchase WRP Newco Common shall be the
Issuance Price. All options will be valued using the Option Pricing Formula.
Each of Messrs. Germain, Hoenemeyer and Sixt hold options to purchase 15,000,
15,000 and 15,000 shares of Wellsford Common, respectively. These options will
be assumed by WRP Newco and amended to become options to purchase 30,260, 30,260
and 30,260 shares of WRP Newco Common, respectively, at the Effective Time,
assuming a fair market value of Wellsford Common of $27.50 per share at the
Effective Time. Options to purchase 15,000 shares of Wellsford Common previously
held by Mr. Du Bois have been exercised by paying the exercise price.
Agreements with the Surviving Trust and ERP Operating Partnership
Consulting Agreements. Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will each execute a
consulting agreement with ERP Operating Partnership. The consulting agreements
will each be for a term of five years from the Effective Time. Pursuant to the
consulting agreements each of Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will serve as a
senior management consultant to ERP Operating Partnership and, in all events,
will receive compensation at the rate of $200,000 per year plus reimbursement
for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
Appointment to Board of Trustees of Surviving Trust. At the Effective Time,
each of Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will be appointed to the Board of Trustees
of the Surviving Trust for a term ending at the annual meeting of the Surviving
Trust in the year 1997. EQR has agreed to cause Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal to
be nominated for election as trustees at the 1997 annual meeting of the
Surviving Trust for a term ending at the annual meeting of the Surviving Trust
in the year 2000.
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<PAGE>
Indemnification. The Surviving Trust will indemnify each trustee and
officer of Wellsford to the same extent after the Effective Time as such
individuals were indemnified by Wellsford prior to the Effective Time.
Severance and Retention Benefits. As of the Effective Time, the Surviving
Trust will adopt a severance and retention program (the "Retention Program") for
specified employees of Wellsford who are not officers. The aggregate
obligations of the Surviving Trust under the Retention Program will not exceed
$544,575. Pursuant to the Retention Program, any employee who stays for 6
months after the Effective Time or is terminated without cause by the Surviving
Trust will be entitled to a bonus in a specified amount. The Retention Program
will not require the Surviving Trust to continue the employment of any employee
of Wellsford after the Effective Time.
Senior Officer. Mr. MacKenzie will be a Senior Vice President of the
Surviving Trust at an initial salary of $175,000 per annum. Under his proposed
employment arrangement, on the Effective Date, Mr. MacKenzie intends to exchange
all rights under all of his existing Wellsford options for an option to purchase
52,903 shares of Survivor Common . These options will be fully vested on the
date of issuance and will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value
of Survivor Common on the date of issuance. In addition, on the Effective Date
Mr. MacKenzie will receive an option to purchase 35,000 shares of Survivor
Common. These options will vest over a period of three years and will have an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of Survivor Common on the date of
the grant. Mr. MacKenzie will also receive on the Effective Date an option to
purchase an additional number of shares of Survivor Common which will be
calculated by multiplying (i) the difference in value, if any, between a share
of EQR Common on the date of his initial agreement to work for EQR (February 7,
1997) and a share of Survivor Common on the date of the grant by (ii) 87,903,
and then dividing the resulting number by eight. These additional options will
vest over three years and will have an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of Survivor Common on the date of the grant.
Agreements with WRP Newco
Employment Agreements. WRP Newco will enter into employment agreements as
of the Effective Time with Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal, which will expire on
December 31, 2002 and will provide for cash compensation to be paid to each of
them of $275,000 per annum. WRP Newco will also enter into employment
agreements as of the Effective Time with Messrs. Hughes and Strong, which will
expire two years after the Effective Time, and will provide for annual cash
compensation to be paid to each of them of $175,000 and $125,000, respectively.
Each of Messrs. Lynford, Lowenthal, Hughes and Strong are also entitled to
incentive compensation as determined by the Compensation Committee. In
addition, Mr. Hughes is entitled to incentive compensation equal to at least 50%
of his annual base salary. See "Management of WRP Newco -- Employment
Agreements."
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<PAGE>
Split Dollar Life Insurance. The existing split dollar life insurance
arrangements between Wellsford and Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will be assumed
by WRP Newco.
Consultant. Upon completion of the Merger, William Cockrum, a consultant
to Wellsford, will receive a consulting fee of $500,000, payable $250,000 in
cash and $250,000 by the issuance of shares of WRP Newco Common.
New Options. In addition to the stock options in WRP Newco Common referred
to in "-- Benefits to Key Executives," immediately following the Distribution
and Merger, WRP Newco intends to grant new stock options to purchase shares of
WRP Newco Common to WRP Newco's non-employee directors and certain executive
officers. WRP Newco intends to grant options to purchase 42,750 shares of WRP
Newco Common to each of Messrs. Du Bois, Germain, Hoenemeyer and Sixt, options
to purchase 21,375 shares of WRP Newco Common to Mr. Crocker, and options to
purchase 85,500 shares of WRP Newco Common to each of Messrs. Lynford,
Lowenthal, Hughes and Strong.
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<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth the selected unaudited pro forma combined
financial data for the Surviving Trust as a combined entity, giving effect to
the Merger as if it had occurred on the dates indicated herein, after giving
effect to the pro forma adjustments described in the notes to the unaudited pro
forma financial statements included elsewhere in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
The selected unaudited pro forma combined operating data are presented as
if the Merger had been consummated at the beginning of the period presented.
The selected unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet data is presented
as if the Merger had occurred on December 31, 1996. The Merger has been
accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with the
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16. In the opinion of management, all
significant adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of the Merger have been
made.
The selected pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction
with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the respective historical audited
financial statements and notes thereto of EQR and Wellsford incorporated by
reference into this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and
the unaudited pro forma financial statements and notes thereto included
elsewhere in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
The selected unaudited pro forma operating and balance sheet data are
presented for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of
what the actual combined results of EQR and Wellsford would have been for the
period and dates presented. Nor does such data purport to represent the results
of future periods.
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<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
---------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING DATA: Pro Forma
Year Ended
December 31, 1996
-----------------
REVENUES: (Amount in thousands except
<S> <C>
Rental income $578,820
Fee and asset management 6,749
Interest income-investment in mortgage notes 12,819
Interest and other income 11,061
--------
Total revenues 609,449
--------
EXPENSES:
Property and maintenance 167,526
Real estate taxes and insurance 54,010
Property management 21,506
Fee and asset management 3,837
Depreciation 124,211
Interest:
Expense incurred 103,538
Amortization of deferred financing costs 4,242
General and administrative 10,353
--------
Total Expenses 489,223
--------
Income before gain on disposition of properties and (loss) on joint venture communities 120,226
Gain on disposition of properties 22,336
(Loss) on joint venture communities (58)
--------
Income before extraordinary item and allocation to Minority Interests 142,504
Extraordinary Item:
Write-off of unamortized cost on refinanced debt (3,512)
--------
Income before allocation to Minority Interests 138,992
Income allocated to Minority Interests (15,706)
--------
Net income 123,286
Preferred distributions 41,563
--------
Net income available for Common Shares $ 81,723
========
Net income per weighted average Common Share outstanding $1.53
========
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding 53,317
========
</TABLE>
125
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
December 31, 1996
-----------------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
(at end of period)
<S> <C>
Real estate, after accumulated depreciation $3,708,310
Total assets $3,968,482
Total debt $1,576,869
Minority Interests $ 190,793
Shareholders' Equity $2,048,133
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth selected historical and combined financial
data for EQR. The selected historical combined financial data for each of the
years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994 , 1995 and 1996 are derived from the
audited financial statements of EQR as reported in its Annual Reports on Form
10-K . The selected historical financial data should be read in conjunction
with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the historical and combined financial
statements and notes thereto of EQR incorporated by reference into this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
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<PAGE>
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
REVENUES
Rental income $454,412 $373,919 $220,727 $104,388 $ 86,597
Fee and asset management 6,749 7,030 4,739 4,651 4,215
Interest income-investment
in mortgage notes 12,819 4,862 -- -- --
Interest and other income 4,405 4,573 5,568 3,031 2,161
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total revenues 478,385 390,384 231,034 112,070 92,973
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------
EXPENSES
Property and maintenance 127,172 112,186 66,534 35,324 30,680
Real estate taxes and insurance 44,128 37,002 23,028 11,403 10,274
Property management 17,512 15,213 10,249 4,938 2,912
Property management - non-recurring -- -- 879 -- --
Fee and asset management 3,837 3,887 2,056 2,242 2,403
Depreciation 93,253 72,410 37,273 15,384 13,442
Interest:
Expense incurred 81,351 78,375 37,044 26,042 31,926
Amortization of deferred financing costs 4,242 3,444 1,930 3,322 2,702
Refinancing costs -- -- -- 3,284 --
General and administrative 9,857 8,129 6,053 1,994 1,915
-------- -------- --------- -------- -------
Total expenses 381,352 330,646 185,046 103,933 96,254
-------- -------- --------- -------- -------
</TABLE>
128
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Income (loss) before gain on disposition
of properties, extraordinary items and
allocation to Minority Interests 97,033 59,738 45,988 8,137 (3,281)
Gain on disposition of properties 22,402 21,617 -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary items and
allocation to Minority Interests 119,435 81,355 45,988 8,137 (3,281)
Extraordinary Items:
Write-off of unamortized costs on
refinanced debt (3,512) -- -- -- --
Gain on early extinguishment of debt -- 2,000 -- -- --
Gain on discharge of indebtedness -- -- -- 1,792 18,203
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Income (loss) before allocation to
Minority Interests 115,923 83,355 45,988 9,929 14,922
Income allocated to Minority Interests (14,299) (15,636) (11,570) (3,834) --
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Net income (loss) 101,624 67,719 34,418 6,095 14,922
Preferred distributions (29,015) (10,109) -- -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------
Net income (loss) available for Common Shares $ 72,609 $ 57,610 $ 34,418 $ 6,095 $ 14,922
========== ========== ========== ======== =========
Net income per weighted average
Common Share outstanding $ 1.70 $ 1.68 $ 1.34 $ .42 --
Weighted average Common Shares
outstanding 42,586 34,358 25,621 14,601 --
BALANCE SHEET DATA
(at end of period):
Real estate, after accumulated
depreciation $2,983,510 $2,186,636 $1,963,476 $634,577 $ 358,212
Real estate, after accumulated
depreciation $2,681,998 $1,969,453 $1,770,735 $478,210 $ 218,825
Total assets $2,986,127 $2,141,260 $1,847,685 $535,914 $ 238,878
Total debt $1,254,274 $1,002,219 $ 994,746 $278,642 $ 343,282
Minority Interests 150,637 $ 168,963 $ 177,438 $ 83,159 $ --
Shareholders' Equity (Net Deficit) $1,458,830 $ 884,517 $ 609,936 $146,485 $(122,094)
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables set forth selected historical financial data for Wellsford.
The selected historical financial data for each of the years ended December 31,
1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 are derived from the audited financial
statements of Wellsford as reported in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K. The
selected historical financial data should be read in conjunction with, and is
qualified in its entirety by, the historical financial statements and notes
thereto of Wellsford incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement. Certain reclassifications have been
made to Wellsford's historical financial data to conform to EQR's presentation.
130
<PAGE>
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
Historical (000s except per share data)
--------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues $ 131,821 $ 131,232 $ 82,794 $ 42,007 $ 26,229
Expenses (109,035) (113,712) (73,299) (34,816) (26,991)
Gain (loss) on sale of
investment
communities (66) (819) -- 882 --
Loss on joint venture (58) (279) -- -- --
communities --------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item $ 22,662 $ 16,422 $ 9,495 $ 8,073 $ (762)
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Net income (loss) $ 22,662 $ 10,869 $ 9,495 $ 8,073 $ (762)
Preferred dividends (12,548) (8,973) (7,000) (972) --
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss)
available for
common
shareholders $ 10,114 $ 1,896 $ 2,495 $ 7,101 $ (762)
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Net income (loss) per
common share $0.59 $ 0.11 $ 0.25 $0.91 $(0.34)
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Weighted average
number of common
shares outstanding 17,057 16,938 10,070 7,813 2,273
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
131
<PAGE>
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------
Historical (000s except share data)
==================================================
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
--------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Real Estate assets
before accumulated
depreciation $795,580 $736,399 $747,519 $301,389 $156,568
Real estate assets
after accumulated
depreciation 711,614 677,908 712,742 282,224 143,787
Total Assets 756,289 729,638 745,754 322,400 165,963
Mortgages Payable 82,731 77,137 208,858 24,203 17,155
Convertible note
payable -- -- -- 46,070 55,358
Unsecured credit
facility 18,075 -- 140,000 -- --
Senior unsecured
notes 248,496 223,307 -- -- --
Shareholders' equity 376,686 398,359 371,655 239,775 89,986
Cash dividends
declared per
Series A preferred
share $ 1.75 $ 1.75 $ 1.75 $ 0.24 $ --
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Cash dividends
declared per
Series B preferred
share $ 2.41 $ 0.86 $ -- $ -- $ --
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Cash dividends
declared per
common share $ 1.94 $ 1.92 $ 1.80 $ 1.68 $ 0.16
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
132
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
BASIS OF PRESENTATION TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet gives effect to the proposed
Merger of Equity Residential Properties Trust ("EQR") and Wellsford Residential
Property Trust ("Wellsford") as if the Merger had occurred on December 31,
1996. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet gives effect to the Merger
under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 16. In the opinion of management, all significant adjustments
necessary to reflect the effects of the Merger have been made.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet is presented for comparative
purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what the actual combined
financial position of EQR and Wellsford would have been at December 31, 1996,
nor does it purport to represent the future combined financial position of EQR
and Wellsford. This Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet should be read in
conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the respective historical
financial statements and notes thereto of EQR and Wellsford incorporated by
reference into the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
133
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma Surviving Trust
EQR WRP Merger Pro Forma
Historical Historical (A) Adjustments (B) Combined
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Rental property, net $2,681,998 $689,403 $336,909 (C) $3,708,310
Real Estate held for disposition -- -- -- --
Construction in progress -- 22,211 (21,306) (D) 905
Investment in mortgage notes, net 86,596 17,800 (17,800) (E) 86,596
Cash and cash equivalents 147,271 10,811 (67,112) (F) 90,970
Rents receivables 1,450 -- -- 1,450
Deposits-restricted 20,637 7,667 (5,520) (G) 22,784
Escrows deposits-mortgage 15,434 -- -- 15,434
Deferred financing costs, net 14,555 5,401 (5,401) (H) 14,555
Other assets 18,186 2,996 6,296 (I) 27,478
---------- -------- -------- ----------
Total assets $2,986,127 $756,289 $226,066 $3,968,482
========== ======== ======== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Mortgage notes payable $ 755,434 $ 82,731 $ (8,632) (J) $ 829,533
Line of credit -- 18,075 (18,075) (K) --
Notes, net 498,840 248,496 -- 747,336
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 33,117 15,617 -- 48,734
Accrued interest payable 12,737 -- -- 12,737
Due to affiliates 628 -- -- 628
Rents received in advance and other liabilities 15,838 -- -- 15,838
Security deposits 14,128 3,250 -- 17,378
Distributions payable 45,938 11,434 -- 57,372
---------- -------- -------- ----------
Total liabilities 1,376,660 379,603 (26,707) 1,729,556
---------- -------- -------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies (L)
Minority Interests 150,637 -- 40,156 (M) 190,793 (M)
---------- -------- -------- ----------
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares 512 171 (64) (N) 619
Preferred shares 393,000 63 (63) (O) 393,000
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares -- -- 99,995 (O) 99,995
Series E Preferred Shares -- -- 57,500 (O) 57,500
Employee notes (5,255) (6,553) 6,553 (P) (5,255)
Paid in capital 1,146,989 461,290 (29,589) (Q) 1,578,690
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings (76,416) (78,285) 78,285 (R) (76,416)
---------- -------- -------- ----------
Total Shareholders' Equity 1,458,830 376,686 212,617 2,048,133
---------- -------- -------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $2,986,127 $756,289 $226,066 $3,968,482
========== ======== ======== ==========
</TABLE>
134
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
BASIS OF PRESENTATION TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1996 is presented as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 1996.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations gives effect to the
Merger under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 16, and the combined entity qualifying as a REIT,
distributing at least 95% of its taxable income, and therefore, incurring no
federal income tax liability for the year. In the opinion of management, all
significant adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of these transactions
have been made.
The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations is presented for
comparative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of what the actual
combined results of EQR and Wellsford would have been for the year ended
December 31, 1996, nor does it purport to be indicative of the results of
operations in future periods. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of
Operations should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their
entirety by, the respective historical financial statements and notes thereto of
EQR and Wellsford incorporated by reference into this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement.
135
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Surviving Trust
EQR Wellsford Merger Pro Forma
Historical Historical (S) Adjustments Combined
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Rental Income $454,412 $124,408 $ (757)(T) $578,820
Fee and asset management 6,749 - 6,749
Interest income-investment in mortgage notes 12,819 757 12,819
Interest and other income 4,405 6,656 11,061
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues 478,385 131,821 (757) 609,449
-------- -------- -------- --------
EXPENSES
Property and maintenance 127,172 40,354 167,526
Real estate taxes and insurance 44,128 9,882 54,010
Property management 17,512 4,770 (776)(U) 21,506
Fee and asset management 3,837 - 3,837
Depreciation 93,253 25,179 5,779 (V) 124,211
Interest:
Expense incurred 81,351 23,599 (1,412)(W) 103,538
Amortization of deferred financing costs 4,242 1,386 (1,386)(X) 4,242
General and administrative 9,857 3,865 (3,369)(Y) 10,353
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total expenses 381,352 109,035 (1,164) 489,223
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before gain on disposition of properties,
(loss) on joint venture communities, extraordinary
items and allocation to Minority Interests 97,033 22,786 407 120,226
Gain (loss) on disposition of properties 22,402 (66) - 22,336
(Loss) on joint venture communities - (58) - (58)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before extraordinary items 119,435 22,662 407 142,504
Extraordinary item:
Write-off of unamortized costs on refinanced debt (3,512) - - (3,512)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income before allocation to Minority Interests 115,923 22,662 407 138,992
(Income) allocated to Minority Interests (14,299) - (1,407)(Z) (15,706)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income 101,624 22,662 (1,000) 123,286
Preferred distributions (29,015) (12,548) (41,563)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income available to common shares $ 72,609 $ 10,114 $ (1,000) $ 81,723
======== ======== ======== ========
Net income per weighted average Common
Shares outstanding $ 1.70 $ 0.59 $ 0.16 $ 1.53
======== ======== ======== ========
Weighted average Common Shares Outstanding 42,586 17,057 (6,326)(AA) 53,317
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
136
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
(A) Certain reclassifications have been made to Wellsford's historical balance
sheet to conform to EQR's balance sheet presentation.
(B) Represents adjustments to record the Merger in accordance with the purchase
method of accounting, based upon the assumed purchase price of $1,032,226
assuming a market value of $44.00 per share of EQR's common shares, as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Issuance of 10,731 common shares of beneficial interest of EQR,
based on the .625 exchange rate, in exchange for 17,169
common shares of Wellsford, which includes 67 common shares of
Wellsford issued immediately prior to the merger $ 472,164
Issuance of EQR Series D Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest 99,995
Issuance of EQR Series E Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest 57,500
Assumption of Wellsford's liabilities, net of spin-off to WRP NewCo
of $6,786 372,817
Adjustment to increase the assumed Wellsford debt to its fair value
(see Note J) 6,123
Merger costs (see calculation below) 23,627
----------
$1,032,226
==========
The value of the issuance of the EQR Series D Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest and the EQR Series E Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest is based upon Wellsford's outstanding shares of 3,999.8 Series A
Convertible Preferred Shares with a liquidation preference at $25 per share
and Wellsford's outstanding shares of 2,300 Series B Preferred Shares with
a liquidation preference at $25 per share, respectively.
The following is a calculation of the estimated fees and other expenses related to the Merger:
Employee termination costs $ 10,063
Buyout of stock options 4,227
Advisory fees 2,350
Legal and accounting fees 2,225
Consulting contracts 2,000
Other, including printing, filing, transfer and spin-off costs 2,762
----------
TOTAL $ 23,627
==========
(C) Represents the estimated increase in Wellsford's rental property, net based
upon EQR's purchase price and the adjustment to eliminate the basis of
Wellsford's net assets acquired:
Purchase Price (see Note B) $1,032,226
Less: Historical basis of Wellsford's net assets acquired
Rental property, net 689,403
Construction in progress, net of spin-off to WRP NewCo of $21,306 905
Restricted deposits, net of spin-off to WRP NewCo of $5,520 2,147
Other assets, net of spin-off to WRP NewCo of $134 2,862
----------
Step-up to record fair value of Wellsford rental property $ 336,909
==========
(D) Decrease reflects the spin-off of costs related to the Palomino Park project to WRP NewCo.
(E) Decrease results from the spin-off of the Sonterra mortgage notes receivable to WRP NewCo.
</TABLE>
137
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
(F) Decrease to Cash and Cash Equivalents reflects the following:
Spin-off of WRP NewCo, including an investment of $2,930 for EQR's 20%
interest in the Palomino Park project (see Note I) $21,710
The expected payment for Merger (see Note B) and registration costs (see Note Q) 23,827
Repayment of Wellsford's line of credit 18,075
EQR's purchase of WRP NewCo common stock 3,500
-------
$67,112
=======
(G) Decrease results from the spin-off of restricted cash to WRP NewCo for the Palomino Park project.
(H) Decrease due to elimination of Wellsford deferred loan costs in connection with the Merger.
(I) Increase to Other Assets reflects the following:
EQR purchase of WRP NewCo common stock $ 3,500
EQR's 20% investment in the Palomino Park project 2,930
Spin-off to WRP NewCo of interest receivable related to the Sonterra
mortgage notes receivable. (134)
-------
$ 6,296
=======
(J) Decrease to Mortgage Notes Payable reflects the following:
Spin-off of bonds on the Palomino Park project to WRP NewCo $14,755
Premium required to adjust Wellsford's debt to its estimated fair value (6,123)
-------
$ 8,632
=======
</TABLE>
(K) Reflects the repayment of Wellsford's line of credit from EQR's cash
balances. It is assumed that additional Wellsford borrowings of $7,969 that
would be incurred in connection with the spin-off of WRP NewCo are repaid
from EQR's cash balances.
(L) ERP Operating Partnership has committed to acquire up to 1,000 shares of
WRP NewCo Series A 8% Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock; has provided
stand-by obligations with respect to a $36,800 agreement with respect to
the construction financing of Phase I of Palomino Park and $30,000 pursuant
to an agreement expected to be entered into with respect to the
construction financing for Phase II of Palomino Park; and a $14,800 credit
enhancement with respect to bonds issued to finance certain public
improvements at Palomino Park.
(M) The pro forma allocation to the Minority Interests is based upon the
percentage owned by such Minority Interests as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Total Shareholders' Equity and Minority Interests $2,238,926
Less: Preferred Shares, Series D Convertible and Series E Preferred shares (550,495)
----------
1,688,431
Minority Interests percentage ownership in ERP Operating Partnership (see Note Q) 11.3%
----------
Pro Forma Combined Minority Interests ownership in ERP Operating Partnerships 190,793
EQR historical Minority Interests ownership in ERP Operating Partnership 150,637
----------
Adjustment to Minority Interests ownership in ERP Operating Partnership $ 40,156
==========
</TABLE>
138
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)
(N) Decrease results from elimination of Wellsford common shares at $.01 par
value ($171) net of the issuance of EQR common shares at $.01 par value
$107 (see Note C).
O) Elimination of $63 of Wellsford Preferred Shares and the issuance of
$99,995 of EQR Series D Convertible Preferred Shares and of $57,500 of EQR
Series E Preferred Shares (see Note C).
P) Reflects the elimination of restricted stock and the forgiveness of all of
Wellsford's employee notes as a result of the Merger.
Q) Decrease to paid in capital to reflect the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Issuance of 10,731 EQR common shares at $44.00 per share $ 472,164
Par value of common shares issued (107)
Registration costs incurred in connection with the Merger (200)
Wellsford's historical shareholders' equity (461,290)
Adjustment to Minority Interests ownership in ERP Operating Partnership (see Note M) (40,156)
-----------
$ (29,589)
===========
</TABLE>
The 11.3% Minority Interests ownership in EQR, is calculated as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Units
------ -----
<S> <C> <C>
Wellsford's historical Shares outstanding 17,169 --
=========== =========
EQR's Shares/Units to be issued based on the .625 Merger exchange ratio 10,731 10,731
EQR's historical Shares/Units outstanding 51,155 59,013
----------- ---------
EQR's proforma Shares/Units outstanding 61,886 69,744
=========== =========
EQR ownership percentage of ERP Operating Partnership 88.7%
===========
Minority Interests ownership percentage of ERP Operating Partnership 11.3%
===========
</TABLE>
R) Reflects the elimination of Wellsford's distribution in excess of
accumulated earnings to paid in capital, as a result of the Merger.
139
<PAGE>
SURVIVING TRUST
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(S) Certain reclassifications have been made to Wellsford's Historical
Statement of Operations to conform to EQR's Statement of Operations
presentation.
(T) Decrease results from the loss of interest income related to the spin-off
of the $17,800 Sonterra mortgage notes receivable to WRP NewCo.
(U) Decrease results from operating efficiencies expected to occur as a result
of the Merger.
(V) Represents the net increase in depreciation of real estate owned as a
result of recording the Wellsford real estate assets at fair value versus
historical cost. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets which have a useful life of
approximately 30 years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
The calculation of the fair value of depreciable real estate assets at December 31, 1996 is as follows:
Historical basis of Wellsford's rental property $ 689,403
Plus: Step up to Wellsford's rental property, net (see Note C) 336,909
------------------
Pro forma basis of Wellsford's rental property at fair value 1,026,312
Less: Fair value allocated to land (102,631)
------------------
Pro forma basis of Wellsford's depreciable rental property at fair value $ 923,681
==================
Calculation of depreciation of rental property for the year ended December 31, 1996 is as follows:
Depreciation expense based upon an estimated useful life of approximately $ 30,789
30 years
Less: historic Wellsford depreciation of rental property (25,010)
------------------
Pro forma adjustment $ 5,779
==================
(W) Decrease results from the amortization of the premium required to record
Wellsford's debt at it's estimated fair value.
(X) Decrease results from the elimination of amortization of Wellsford's
deferred financing costs, which costs would be eliminated in connection
with the Merger.
(Y) Decrease results from identified historic costs of certain items which are
anticipated to be eliminated or reduced as a result of the Merger as
follows:
<C>
Duplication of public company expenses $ 626
Net reduction in salary, benefits and occupancy 1,732
Other 1,011
-------------------
Total $ 3,369
===================
</TABLE>
(Z) A portion of income was allocated to Minority Interests representing
interests in ERP Operating Partnership not owned by EQR. The pro forma
allocation to Minority Interests (represented by OP Units) is based upon
the percentage estimated to be owned by such Minority Interests as a result
of the pro forma transactions.
(AA) Decrease of Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding based on the
conversion of Wellsford common shares to EQR common shares at a conversion
ratio of .625 Wellsford shares per EQR share and a par value of $.01.
140
<PAGE>
POLICIES OF THE SURVIVING TRUST
WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN ACTIVITIES
The following section sets forth the policies expected to be implemented by
the Surviving Trust upon the effectiveness of the Merger with respect to certain
matters. These policies may be amended or revised from time to time at the
discretion of the Board of Trustees of the Surviving Trust without a vote of the
shareholders of the Surviving Trust.
Business Objectives and Operating Strategies
The Surviving Trust will seek to maximize both current income and long-term
growth in income. The Surviving Trust will focus on acquiring multifamily
properties that have strong cash flow potential with the intent to hold such
properties for long-term investment and capital appreciation.
The Surviving Trust's primary business objectives are to increase
distributions on a per share of Survivor Common basis, to increase the value of
its properties and to increase shareholders' value.
The Surviving Trust's strategies for accomplishing these objectives will
be:
. maintaining and increasing property occupancy while increasing rental
rates;
. controlling expenses, providing regular preventive maintenance, making
periodic renovations and enhancing amenities;
. maintaining a Debt to Total Market Capitalization Ratio of less than
50%; and
. pursuing acquisitions that: (i) are available at prices below
estimated replacement costs; (ii) have potential for rental rate
and/or occupancy increases; (iii) have attractive locations in their
respective markets; and (iv) provide anticipated total returns that
will increase the Surviving Trust's distributions per share of
Survivor Common and the Surviving Trust's overall market value.
The Surviving Trust will be committed to tenant satisfaction by striving to
anticipate industry trends and implementing strategies and policies consistent
with providing quality tenant services. In addition, the Surviving Trust will
continuously survey rental rates of competing properties and conduct
satisfaction surveys of residents to determine the factors they consider most
important in choosing a particular apartment unit.
141
<PAGE>
Acquisition Strategies
The Surviving Trust anticipates that future property acquisitions will be
located in the continental United States. Management will use market information
to evaluate acquisition opportunities. The Surviving Trust's market data base
will allow it to review the primary economic indicators of the markets where the
Surviving Trust currently manages properties and where it expects to expand its
operations. Acquisitions may be financed from various sources of capital, which
may include undistributed funds from operations, issuance of additional equity
securities, sales of properties and collateralized and uncollateralized
borrowings. In addition, the Surviving Trust may acquire additional multifamily
properties in transactions that include the issuance of OP Units as
consideration for the acquired properties. Such transactions may, in certain
circumstances, partially defer the sellers' tax consequences.
When evaluating potential acquisitions, the Surviving Trust will consider:
(i) the geographic area and type of community; (ii) the location, construction
quality, condition and design of the property; (iii) the current and projected
cash flow of the property and the ability to increase cash flow; (iv) the
potential for capital appreciation of the property, (v) the terms of resident
leases, including the potential for rent increases; (vi) the potential for
economic growth and the tax and regulatory environment of the community in which
the property is located; (vii) the occupancy and demand by residents for
properties of a similar type in the vicinity (the overall market and submarket);
(viii) the prospects for liquidity through sale, financing or refinancing of the
property; and (ix) competition from existing multifamily properties and the
potential for the construction of new multifamily properties in the area. The
Surviving Trust expects to purchase multifamily properties with physical and
market characteristics similar to the properties.
Disposition Strategies
Management will use market information to evaluate dispositions. The
Surviving Trust intends to dispose of its properties in cities or markets where
the level of new construction is increasing or the economy is expected to
decline substantially. The Surviving Trust will also dispose of properties in
markets where it does not intend to establish long-term concentrations. The
Surviving Trust will reinvest the proceeds received from property dispositions
to fund property acquisitions. In addition, when feasible the Surviving Trust
will structure these transactions as tax deferred exchanges.
Investment Policies
Investments in Real Estate or Interests in Real Estate. The Surviving
Trust's investment objectives will be to increase cash flow and the value of the
properties, and to acquire established income-producing multifamily properties
with cash flow growth potential. Additionally, where prudent and possible, the
Surviving Trust will seek to upgrade its existing properties and any newly
acquired multifamily properties. The Surviving Trust's business is
142
<PAGE>
focused on multifamily properties, although such properties may include retail
and recreational facilities. The Surviving Trust's policy will be to acquire
assets primarily for current income generation and long-term value appreciation;
however, where appropriate, the Surviving Trust will sell certain of its
properties.
The Surviving Trust expects to pursue its investment objectives through the
direct and indirect ownership of properties and the ownership of interests in
other entities. The Surviving Trust will focus on properties in those markets
where the Surviving Trust currently has operations and in new markets targeted
by management. Future investments, including the activities described below,
will not be limited to any geographic area or to a specified percentage of the
Surviving Trust's assets. The Surviving Trust also may participate with other
entities in property ownership through joint ventures or other types of co-
ownership. Equity investments may be subject to existing mortgage financing and
other indebtedness or such financing or indebtedness may be incurred in
connection with acquiring investments. Any such financing or indebtedness will
have priority over the Surviving Trust's equity interest in such property.
Investments in Real Estate Mortgages. While the Surviving Trust will
emphasize equity real estate investments in multifamily properties, it may, in
its discretion, invest in mortgages and other interests related to multifamily
properties. The Surviving Trust does not intend to invest to a significant
extent in mortgages or deeds of trust, but may acquire mortgages as a strategy
for acquiring a property, subject to the investment restrictions applicable to
REITs. The mortgages in which the Surviving Trust may invest may be either first
mortgages or junior mortgages, and may or may not be insured by a governmental
agency. The Surviving Trust may also invest in mortgage-related securities.
Furthermore, the Surviving Trust may seek to issue securities representing
interest in such mortgage-related securities as a method of raising additional
funds.
Securities of or Interests in Persons Primarily Engaged in Real Estate
Activities and Other Issuers. Subject to the gross income and asset tests for
REIT qualification, the Surviving Trust also may invest in securities of
entities engaged in real estate activities or securities of other issuers,
including for the purpose of exercising control over such entities. The
Surviving Trust may acquire all or substantially all of the securities or assets
of other REITs or similar entities where such investments would be consistent
with the Surviving Trust's investment policies. In any event, the Surviving
Trust does not intend that its investments in securities will require it to
register as an "investment company" under the Investment Surviving Trust Act of
1940, and the Surviving Trust would intend to divest securities before any such
registration would be required.
Financing Policies
The Surviving Trust intends to maintain a Debt to Total Market
Capitalization Ratio of 50% or less. The Surviving Trust, however, may from time
to time re-evaluate this policy and
143
<PAGE>
decrease or increase such ratio in light of then current economic conditions,
relative costs to the Surviving Trust of debt and equity capital, market values
of the properties, growth and acquisition opportunities and other factors. There
will be no limit on the Surviving Trust's Debt to Total Market Capitalization
Ratio imposed by the Surviving Trust's Declaration of Trust or Bylaws. To the
extent that the Board of Trustees of the Surviving Trust determines to obtain
additional capital, the Surviving Trust may issue debt or equity securities, or
cause ERP Operating Partnership to issue additional OP Units, or retain earnings
(subject to provisions in the Code requiring distributions of income to maintain
REIT status), or a combination of these methods. As long as ERP Operating
Partnership is in existence, the proceeds of all equity capital raised by the
Surviving Trust will be contributed to ERP Operating Partnership in exchange for
additional interests in ERP Operating Partnership, which will dilute the
ownership interest of holders of OP Units. It is the Surviving Trust's policy
that it shall not incur indebtedness other than short-term trade, employee
compensation, dividends payable or similar indebtedness that will be paid in the
ordinary course of business, and that indebtedness shall instead be incurred by
the ERP Operating Partnership to the extent necessary to fund the business
activities conducted by the ERP Operating Partnership.
The Surviving Trust owns several properties that are subject to restrictive
covenants or deed restrictions relating to current or previous tax-exempt bond
financings and owns the bonds collateralized by several additional properties.
The Surviving Trust has retained an independent outside consultant to monitor
compliance with the restrictive covenants and deed restrictions that affect
these properties. The bond compliance requirements may have the effect of
limiting the Surviving Trust's income from these properties if the Surviving
Trust is required to lower its rental rates to attract low or moderate income
tenants, or eligible/qualified tenants.
To the extent that the Board of Trustees determines to obtain debt
financing the Surviving Trust intends to do so generally through mortgages on
its properties and through lines of credit; however, the Surviving Trust may
also issue additional debt securities in the future. Such indebtedness may be
recourse, non-recourse or cross-collateralized and may contain cross-default
provisions. The Surviving Trust will not have a policy limiting the number or
amount of mortgages that may be placed on any particular property, but mortgage
financing instruments usually limit additional indebtedness on such properties.
In the future, the Surviving Trust may seek to extend, expand, reduce or renew
its lines of credit, or obtain new credit facilities or lines of credit, subject
to its general policy on debt capitalization, for the purpose of making
acquisitions or capital improvements or providing working capital to the
Surviving Trust or meeting the taxable income distribution requirements for
REITs under the Code if the Surviving Trust has taxable income without receipt
of cash sufficient to enable the Surviving Trust to meet such distribution
requirements.
Lending Policies
Although it is not presently contemplated, the Surviving Trust may consider
offering purchase money financing in connection with the sale of multifamily
properties where the
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provision of such financing will increase the value received by the Surviving
Trust for the property sold.
Policies with Respect to Other Activities
Although it is not presently contemplated, the Surviving Trust may make
investments other than as previously described. All investments will be related
to the multifamily residential business. The Surviving Trust will have authority
to offer Survivor Common or other equity or debt securities in exchange for
property or other REITS and to repurchase or otherwise reacquire Survivor Common
or any other securities and may engage in such activities in the future.
Similarly, the Surviving Trust may offer additional OP Units or other equity
interests in ERP Operating Partnership that are exchangeable into Survivor
Common in exchange for property. The Surviving Trust may also make loans to
joint ventures in which it may participate in the future. The Surviving Trust
will not engage in trading, underwriting or the agency distribution or sale of
securities of other issuers. At all times, the Surviving Trust intends to make
investments in such a manner as to be consistent with the requirements of the
Code to qualify as a REIT unless, because of circumstances or changes in the
Code (or the regulations promulgated thereunder), the Board of Trustees
determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Surviving Trust to
continue to have the Surviving Trust qualify as a REIT. The Surviving Trust's
policies with respect to such activities may be reviewed and modified from time
to time by the Surviving Trust's trustees without notice to or the vote of the
shareholders.
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE
SURVIVING TRUST AFTER THE MERGER
Trustees and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth as of the consummation of the Merger the
names, positions and ages of the executive officers and trustees of the
Surviving Trust.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Position Age
- ---------------------- -------------------------------------------------- ---
<S> <C> <C>
Samuel Zell Chairman of the Board of Trustees (term expires 55
in 1999)
Douglas Crocker II President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee 56
(term expires in 1998)
David J. Neithercut Executive Vice President and Chief Financial 41
Officer
Gregory H. Smith Executive Vice President-Asset Management 46
Gerald A. Spector Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer 50
and Trustee (term expires in 1998)
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Name Position Age
---- -------- ---
Bruce C. Strohm Executive Vice President, General Counsel and 42
Secretary
Frederick C. Tuomi Executive Vice President-Property Management 42
Alan W. George Executive Vice President-Acquisitions 39
Michael J. McHugh Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer 41
and Treasurer
John W. Alexander Trustee (term expires in 1999) 50
Henry H. Goldberg Trustee (term expires in 1999) 58
Errol R. Halperin Trustee (term expires in 1999) 56
James D. Harper, Jr. Trustee (term expires in 1998) 63
Sheli Z. Rosenberg Trustee (term expires in 1998) 55
Barry S. Sternlicht Trustee (term expires in 1997) 36
B. Joseph White Trustee (term expires in 1997) 49
Jeffrey H. Lynford Trustee (term expires in 1997)* 49
Edward Lowenthal Trustee (term expires in 1997)* 52
</TABLE>
*At the Effective Time, each of Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will be
appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Surviving Trust for a term ending
at the annual meeting of the Surviving Trust in the year 1997. EQR has
agreed to cause Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal to be nominated for election
as trustees at the Surviving Trust's 1997 annual meeting for a term ending
at the annual meeting of the Surviving Trust in the year 2000.
The following is a biographical summary as of March 1, 1997 of the
experience of the executive officers and trustees of the Surviving Trust.
Samuel Zell has been Chairman of the Board of EQR since March 1993. Mr.
Zell is chairman of the board of directors of Equity Group Investments, Inc., an
owner, manager and financier of real estate and corporations ("EGI"), American
Classic Voyages Co., an owner and operator of cruise lines ("American Classic"),
and Anixter International Inc., a provider of integrated network and cabling
systems ("Anixter"). Mr. Zell is chairman of the board and chief executive
officer of both Capsure Holdings Corp., a holding company whose principal
subsidiaries are specialty property and casualty insurers ("Capsure"), and
Manufactured Home Communities, Inc., a REIT specializing in the ownership and
management of manufactured home communities ("MHC"). He is co-chairman of the
board of directors of Revco D.S., Inc.,
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a drugstore chain ("Revco"), and is a director of Quality Food Centers, Inc., an
owner and operator of supermarkets, Sealy Corporation, a bedding manufacturer
("Sealy"), Ramco Energy PLC, an independent oil company based in the United
Kingdom, and TeleTech Holdings, Inc., a provider of telephone and computer based
customer care solutions.
Douglas Crocker II has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Trustee of EQR since March 1993. Mr. Crocker is a director of Horizon Group,
Inc., an owner, developer and operator of outlet retail properties. Mr. Crocker
has been president and chief executive officer of First Capital Financial
Corporation, a sponsor of public limited real estate partnerships ("First
Capital"), since December 1992 and a director since January 1993. He has been an
executive vice president of Equity Financial and Management Company ("EF&M"), a
subsidiary of EGI, providing strategic direction and services for EGI's real
estate and corporate activities since November 1992. From September 1992 until
November 1992, Mr. Crocker was a managing director of investment banking with
Prudential Securities, an investment banking firm. He was a director and
president of Republic Savings Bank, a national chartered savings and loan
association ("Republic"), from December 1988 to June 1992, at which time the
Resolution Trust Corporation took control of Republic.
David J. Neithercut has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of EQR since February 1995. Mr. Neithercut had been Vice President--
Financing of EQR from September 1993 until February 1995. Mr. Neithercut was a
senior vice president--finance of EGI from January 1995 until February 1995. He
was a vice president--finance of Equity Assets Management, Inc., a subsidiary of
EGI providing real estate ownership services ("EAM"), from October 1990 until
December 1994.
Gregory H. Smith has been Executive Vice President--Asset Management of EQR
since December 1994. Mr. Smith was a senior vice president of Strategic Realty
Advisors, Inc., a real estate and advisory company, from January 1994 until
December 1994. Mr. Smith had been employed at VMS Realty Partners, a sponsor of
public and private real estate limited partnerships, from June 1989 until
December 1993, most recently serving as first vice president.
Gerald A. Spector has been a Trustee and Executive Vice President of EQR
since March 1993 and Chief Operating Officer of EQR since February 1995. Mr.
Spector was the Treasurer of EQR from March 1993 through February 1995. Mr.
Spector had been an officer of EF&M since January 1973, most recently serving as
vice president from November 1994 through January 1996. Mr. Spector was
executive vice president and chief operating officer of EF&M from September 1990
through November 1994. Mr. Spector had been an officer of EGI since January
1998, most recently serving as vice president from November 1994 through January
1996. Mr. Spector was executive vice president and chief operating officer of
EGI from January 1991 through January 1994.
Bruce C. Strohm has been Executive Vice President and General Counsel of
EQR since March 1995 and Secretary since November 1995. Mr. Strohm was an
Assistant Secretary since
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March 1995 and Vice President of EQR since its formation. Mr. Strohm was a vice
president of Rosenberg & Liebentritt, P.C., a law firm ("R&L"), most recently
serving as a member of the firm's management committee.
Frederick C. Tuomi has been Executive Vice President--Property Management
of EQR since January 1994. Mr. Tuomi had been president of RAM Partners, Inc.,
a subsidiary of Post Properties, Inc., a REIT, from March 1991 to January 1994.
Mr. Tuomi was president of Pilot Property Company, a property management
company, from July 1988 until March 1991.
Alan W. George has been Executive Vice President - Acquisitions of EQR
since February 1997, Senior Vice President-Acquisitions of EQR from December
1995 until February 1997 and Vice President-Acquisitions and asset manager of
EQR from December 1993 to December 1995. Mr. George was vice president-asset
management of EAM from June 1992 until August 1993. He was vice president-asset
management for American Real Estate Group, a real estate investment company,
from 1990 to 1992.
Michael J. McHugh has been Senior Vice President of EQR since November 1994
and Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer of EQR since February 1995. From May
1990 until January 1995, Mr. McHugh was senior vice president and chief
financial officer of First Capital.
John W. Alexander has been a Trustee of EQR since May 1993. Mr. Alexander
has been the president of Mallard Creek Capital Partners, Inc., primarily an
investment company with interests in real estate and development entities, since
February 1994. He is a partner of Meringoff Equities, a real estate investment
and development company, and is a director of Jacor Communications, Inc., an
owner and operator of radio stations ("Jacor").
Henry H. Goldberg has been a Trustee of EQR since January 1995. Mr.
Goldberg is chairman of the board, chief executive officer and founder of Artery
Properties, Inc. Founded in 1959, Artery Properties, Inc. is a diversified real
estate company. Mr. Goldberg was the direct or indirect general partner (or an
executive thereof) of seven partnerships owning residential apartment
communities and one commercial office building, each of which filed petitions
under the Federal bankruptcy laws during 1992 and 1993. Each of the
partnerships is now out of bankruptcy through a reorganization plan agreed to by
the project lender.
Errol R. Halperin became a Trustee of EQR in May 1993. Mr. Halperin has
been an attorney at Rudnick & Wolfe, a law firm, since 1979, serving as a senior
partner and a member of such firm's policy committee since 1981, specializing in
Federal income tax counseling and real estate and corporate transactions.
James D. Harper, Jr. became a Trustee of EQR in May 1993. Since 1982, Mr.
Harper has been president of JDH Realty Co., a real estate development and
investment company. Since 1988, he has been a co-managing partner in AH
Development, S.E. and AH HA
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Investments, S.E., special limited partnerships formed to develop over 400 acres
of land in Puerto Rico.
Sheli Z. Rosenberg has been a Trustee of EQR since March 1993. She is a
principal of the law firm of R&L. Ms. Rosenberg is chief executive officer,
president and a director of EGI. Ms. Rosenberg has been a director of Jacor
since 1994 and has been the chairman of its board of directors since February
1996. Ms. Rosenberg is a director of Capsure, Falcon Building Products, Inc., a
manufacturer and supplier of building products ("Falcon"), American Classic,
MHC, Anixter, Sealy, and Revco.
Barry S. Sternlicht became a Trustee of EQR in May 1993. Mr. Sternlicht has
been chief executive officer and president of Starwood Capital Group, L.P. since
1993 and president of Starwood Capital Partners, L.P., a privately owned real
estate investment firm, since its formation in 1991. Mr. Sternlicht is chairman
of the board and chief executive officer of Starwood Lodging Trust, a REIT
specializing in the ownership of hotels, and co-chairman of the board of Westin
Hotels & Resorts Company, an owner and operator of hotels. Mr. Sternlicht is a
director of Angeles Participating Mortgage Trust, a mortgage REIT, U.S.
Franchise Systems, a hotel franchise company, and Starwood Lodging Corporation,
which manages hotels owned by Starwood Lodging Trust.
B. Joseph White became a Trustee of EQR since May 1993. Mr. White has been
a professor at the University of Michigan Business School since 1987 and has
served as Dean since 1991. Mr. White is a director of Falcon, Union Pump
Company, a manufacturer of pumps, and Kelly Services, Inc., an employment
agency.
For biographical descriptions of Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal
see "Management of WRP Newco-Directors and Executive Officers."
Committees of the Board of Trustees
There will be three standing committees of the Board of Trustees of the
Surviving Trust: the Executive Committee, the Compensation Committee and the
Audit Committee, which are described further below.
Executive Committee: The Executive Committee will be comprised of Messrs.
Alexander, Crocker and Zell. The Executive Committee will have the authority
within certain parameters to acquire, dispose of and finance investments for the
Surviving Trust and execute contracts and agreements, including those related to
the borrowing of money by the Surviving Trust, and generally exercise all other
powers of the Board, except as prohibited by law.
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Compensation Committee: The Compensation Committee will be comprised of
Messrs. Halperin and Harper and Ms. Rosenberg. Mr. Harper will be the chairman.
The Compensation Committee will review and make recommendations concerning
proposals by management with respect to compensation, bonuses, employment
agreements and other benefits and policies respecting such matters for the
executive officers of the Surviving Trust.
Audit Committee: The Audit Committee will be comprised of Messrs. White,
Alexander, Halperin, Sternlicht and Goldberg. Mr. White will be the chairman.
The Audit Committee will make recommendations concerning the engagement of
independent public accountants, review the plans and results of the audit
engagement with the independent public accountants, approve professional
services provided by the independent public accountants, review the independence
of the independent public accountants, consider the range of audit and non-audit
fees and review the adequacy of the Surviving Trust's internal accounting
controls.
Compensation of Trustees
Trustees who are not employees of the Surviving Trust receive an annual fee
of $20,000 for serving as trustees. In addition, trustees who serve on the
Audit Committee, the Executive Committee or the Compensation Committee will
receive an additional $1,000 per annum for each committee on which they serve.
Committee chairs receive an additional $500 per annum. The Surviving Trust will
also reimburse the trustees of each committee for travel expenses incurred in
connection with their activities on behalf of the Surviving Trust. Each trustee
will also be granted options to purchase 5,000 shares of Survivor Common at the
fair market value of such shares at the close of business on the date of the
first trustees' meeting following each annual meeting of shareholders.
Consulting Agreements
Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will each execute a consulting agreement with
ERP Operating Partnership. The consulting agreements will each be for a term of
five years from the Effective Time. Pursuant to the consulting agreements, each
of Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will serve as a senior management consultant to
ERP Operating Partnership and, in all events, will receive compensation at the
rate of $200,000 per year plus reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses.
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
At the Effective Time, the shareholders of Wellsford and EQR will become
shareholders of the Surviving Trust. The rights of Wellsford's shareholders are
presently governed by Title 8 of the Corporations and Associations Article of
the Annotated Code of Maryland ("Title 8"), the Wellsford Declaration, and the
Wellsford Bylaws. The rights of EQR's shareholders are presently governed by
Title 8, the EQR Declaration and EQR Bylaws. The rights of the
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shareholders of the Surviving Trust will be governed by Title 8, the Surviving
Trust's Declaration and the Surviving Trust's Bylaws. Upon approval of the
Merger by the Wellsford Common Shareholders and at the Effective Time, the
Wellsford Declaration will be amended and restated to substantially conform the
Wellsford Declaration to the terms of the EQR Declaration (except for the
Additional Provisions that require approval by a two-thirds vote of the
Wellsford Common Shareholders, which are being voted upon separately). The
Wellsford Declaration, as amended and restated (including, if so approved, the
Additional Provisions) will serve as the Surviving Trust's Declaration.
The following discussion summarizes certain significant differences between
the rights of shareholders of EQR, Wellsford and the Surviving Trust as a result
of certain of these amendments. This summary does not purport to be complete
and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the EQR
Declaration and Bylaws, the Wellsford Declaration and Bylaws and the Surviving
Trust's Declaration and Bylaws. In addition, upon the separate approval by an
affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding
shares of Wellsford Common, the Declaration of the Surviving Trust will be
modified to include the Additional Provisions. See "Proposal Regarding
Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions." This summary does not take into
account the modifications contemplated by the Additional Provisions, which are
discussed in "Proposal Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions."
Rights of the shareholders of EQR and Wellsford which are and will remain the
same after the Merger are not discussed.
Authorized and Issued Shares
The Wellsford Declaration authorizes the issuance of 100,000,000 shares of
beneficial interest, which consists of shares of Wellsford Common and such other
types or classes as the Wellsford Board of Trustees may create and authorize
from time to time and designate as representing a beneficial interest in
Wellsford. The designation and number of outstanding shares of beneficial
interest of Wellsford as of April 1, 1997, was as follows: (i) 17,233,153 of
Wellsford Common; (ii) 3,999,800 shares of Wellsford Series A; and (iii)
2,300,000 shares of Wellsford Series B.
The EQR Declaration authorizes the issuance of 110,000,000 shares of
beneficial interest, of which 100,000,000 are EQR Common and 10,000,000 are
Preferred Shares which may be issued from time to time, in one or more series.
The designation and number of outstanding shares of beneficial interest in EQR
as of April 1, 1997, was as follows: (i) 53,713,158 of EQR Common; (ii)
6,120,000 shares of EQR Series A; (iii) 500,000 shares of EQR Series B
represented by 5,000,000 depository shares; (iv) 460,000 shares of EQR Series C
represented by 4,600,000 depository shares; and (v) no excess shares of
beneficial interest.
The Declaration of the Surviving Trust will authorize the issuance of
300,000,000 shares of beneficial interest, of which 200,000,000 will be shares
of Survivor Common and 100,000,000 will be preferred shares of beneficial
interest of the Surviving Trust which may be
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issued from time to time, as authorized by the Board of Trustees of the
Surviving Trust. As of the Effective Date, the designation and number of the
outstanding shares of beneficial interest in the Surviving Trust, based upon the
shares outstanding as of April 1, 1997, will be as follows: (i) 64,483,878 of
Survivor Common; (ii) 6,120,000 of Survivor Series A; (iii) 500,000 of Survivor
Series B represented by 5,000,000 depository shares; (iv) 460,000 of Survivor
Series C represented by 4,600,000 depository shares; (v) 3,999,800 of Survivor
Series D; and (vi) 2,300,000 of Survivor Series E.
Amendment to Declaration and Bylaws
As permitted by Title 8, the Wellsford Declaration provides that the
Wellsford Board of Trustees may, by a two-thirds vote, amend the Wellsford
Declaration from time to time in order to enable Wellsford to qualify and remain
qualified as a REIT under the Code and Title 8. Except as set forth in the
preceding sentence and in the Articles Supplementary that set forth the rights
and preferences of the holders of Wellsford Preferred, the Wellsford Declaration
may be amended only by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a
majority of the shares of beneficial interest then outstanding and entitled to
vote thereon, and in certain cases may be amended only by the affirmative vote
of the holders of not less than two-thirds of such shares. Amendments to the
provisions of the Wellsford Declaration relating to the removal of trustees, the
restrictions on ownership of its shares of beneficial interest, the
reorganization of Wellsford and mergers, consolidations and sales of all or
substantially all of Wellsford's property must be approved by the affirmative
vote of holders of not less than two-thirds of the shares of beneficial interest
then outstanding and entitled to vote on the matter.
As permitted by Title 8, the EQR Declaration provides that the EQR Board of
Trustees may, by a two-thirds vote, amend the EQR Declaration from time to time
in order to enable EQR to qualify and remain qualified as REIT under the Code
and under Title 8. Except as set forth in the previous sentence and in the terms
of preferred shares of beneficial interest, the EQR Declaration may be amended
only by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the
shares of beneficial interest then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.
The Declaration of the Surviving Trust will provide for its amendment in
the same manner as the Wellsford Declaration. The amendment provisions of the
Declaration of the Surviving Trust will also be affected by the Additional
Provisions, if approved. See "Proposal Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust
Provisions."
Special Meetings
The Wellsford Bylaws provide that the chairman, the president or one-third
of the trustees of Wellsford may call a special meeting of Wellsford's
shareholders. A special meeting shall also be called by the secretary of
Wellsford upon the written request of holders of shares entitled to cast not
less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.
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The EQR Bylaws provide that the chairman, the president or one-third of the
trustees of EQR may call a special meeting of EQR's shareholders. A special
meeting shall be called by the secretary of EQR upon the written request of EQR
Shareholders entitled to cast not less than 25% of all the votes entitled to be
cast at such meeting.
The Bylaws of the Surviving Trust will provide for special meetings in the
same manner as the EQR Bylaws.
Boards of Trustees
The Wellsford Declaration states that the trustees of Wellsford shall be
divided into three classes as nearly equal in number as possible, with the term
of each class of trustees expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders in the
third year following the year of their election. This classified Board of
Trustees could have the effect of making the removal of incumbents more time
consuming and difficult, which could delay, defer or prevent a third party from
making a timely offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control, even though
such an attempt might be beneficial to the company and its shareholders. Thus,
the classified board could increase the likelihood that incumbents will retain
their positions.
The Wellsford Declaration provides that a trustee may be removed, with or
without cause, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-
thirds of the shares of beneficial interest then outstanding and entitled to
vote in the election of trustees. Amendments to this section of the Wellsford
Declaration must be approved by the holders of not less than two-thirds of the
shares of beneficial interest outstanding and entitled to vote on the matter.
The EQR Declaration contains substantially similar provisions regarding the
classification of trustees as the Wellsford Declaration; however, the EQR
Declaration provides that a trustee may be removed only with cause, by the vote
of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the shares of beneficial interest
then outstanding and entitled to vote in the election of trustees. The EQR
Declaration defines cause as (i) material theft, fraud or embezzlement or active
and deliberate dishonesty by a trustee, (ii) habitual neglect of duty by a
trustee having a material and adverse significance to the trust, or (iii) the
conviction of a trustee for a felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude.
The Declaration of the Surviving Trust will contain provisions paralleling
those of the Wellsford Declaration relating to the classification and removal of
trustees. The method of removing trustees under the Declaration of the Surviving
Trust will also be affected by the Additional Provisions, if approved. See
"Proposal Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions."
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Mergers, Consolidations, and Sale of Substantially all Assets
Declaration Provisions. Under the Wellsford Declaration, any merger or
consolidation involving Wellsford or any sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of Wellsford's property must be approved by its trustees and
submitted to its shareholders for approval, such approval to be obtained by the
affirmative vote of (i) holders of not less than two-thirds of all the shares of
beneficial interest then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, if Wellsford
is not the surviving entity in any merger or consolidation or in the event of a
proposed sale or disposition of all or substantially all of Wellsford's
property, or (ii) holders of not less than a majority of all the shares of
beneficial interest then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, in all other
cases. Amending this section of the Wellsford Declaration requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the shares of beneficial
interest outstanding and entitled to vote on the matter.
The EQR Declaration does not address the vote required for a merger or
consolidation involving EQR or EQR's property. Under Title 8, a merger must be
approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the shareholders entitled
to vote on the matter unless otherwise provided in the declaration of trust.
The Declaration of the Surviving Trust will contain provisions paralleling
those of the Wellsford Declaration relating to shareholder approval of mergers,
consolidations and sales of assets. The Declaration of the Surviving Trust will
provide that the Surviving Trust may sell or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of its property only upon the affirmative vote of the holders
of not less than two-thirds of all the shares then outstanding and entitled to
vote on the matter. These shareholder approval requirements for mergers,
consolidations and sales of assets under the Declaration of the Surviving Trust
will also be affected by the Additional Provisions, if approved. See "Proposal
Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions."
Statutory Restrictions. Under the MGCL, certain "business combinations"
(including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances,
an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between
a Maryland REIT and (i) any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the
voting power of the REIT's shares or an affiliate of the REIT who, at any time
within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial
owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting shares
of beneficial interest of the REIT (an "Interested Shareholder) or (ii) an
affiliate of an Interested Shareholder are prohibited for five years after the
most recent date on which the Interested Shareholder becomes an Interested
Shareholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by
the Board of Trustees of such REIT and approved by the affirmative vote of at
least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares
of the REIT and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of
voting shares of the REIT other than shares held by the Interested Shareholder
with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected,
unless, among other conditions, the REIT's common shareholders
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receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the
consideration is received in cash or in the same form previously paid by the
Interested Shareholder for its shares. These provisions of Maryland law do not
apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by the
board of trustees of the REIT prior to the time that the Interested Shareholder
becomes an Interested Shareholder. The Surviving Trust will exempt any business
combination involving Mr. Zell, the Zell Holders, EPMC and their respective
affiliates and associates, present or future, or any other person acting in
concert or as a group with any of the foregoing persons and, consequently, the
five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements will not apply to
a business combination between any of them and the Surviving Trust.
In addition to the restrictions on certain business combinations, the MGCL
also provides that "control shares" of a Maryland REIT acquired in a "control
share acquisition" have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote
of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares
owned by the acquiror, by officers or by directors who are employees of the
REIT. "Control Shares" are voting shares which, if aggregated with all other
such shares previously acquired by the acquiror, or in respect of which the
acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except
solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise
voting power in electing trustees within one of the following ranges of voting
power: (i) one-fifth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more
but less than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power. A
"control share acquisition" means the acquisition of control shares, subject to
certain exceptions. Despite these restrictions on Control Share acquisitions,
the MGCL provides that a REIT may effectively exempt itself from such
restrictions by a provision contained in its Declaration or Bylaws. The
Wellsford Bylaws and EQR Bylaws both contain provisions stating that the
restrictions regarding Control Shares will not apply to any acquisition of its
shares by any person, and the Bylaws of the Surviving Trust will contain a
similar provision.
Restrictions on the Ownership, Transfer or Issuance of Shares
The Wellsford Declaration, subject to certain exceptions, provides that no
holder (other than (i) Edward Lowenthal and Jeffrey H. Lynford, and (ii) any
other person approved by the trustees) may own more than 9.8% (the "WRP
Ownership Limit") of the lesser of the number or value (in either case as
determined in good faith by the trustees) of the total outstanding shares of
beneficial interest. The Wellsford Declaration provides that the trustees may
waive the WRP Ownership Limit if evidence satisfactory to the trustees and to
Wellsford's tax counsel is presented that such ownership will not then or in the
future jeopardize Wellsford's status as a REIT. As a condition of such waiver,
the intended transferee must give written notice to Wellsford of the proposed
transfer and must furnish such opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings,
agreements and information as may be required by the trustees no later than the
15th day prior to any transfer which, if consummated, would result in the
intended transferee owning shares in excess of the WRP Ownership Limit. The
foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply if the
Wellsford Board of Trustees determines that
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it is no longer in the best interests of Wellsford to attempt to qualify, or to
continue to qualify, as a REIT. Any transfer of shares of beneficial interest
that would (i) create a direct or indirect ownership of shares of beneficial
interest in excess of the WRP Ownership Limit, (ii) result in the shares of
beneficial interest being owned by fewer than 100 persons, or (iii) result in
Wellsford being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code,
will be null and void, and the intended transferee will acquire no rights to
such shares of beneficial interest. The Wellsford Declaration provides that
Wellsford, by notice to the holder thereof, may purchase any or all shares of
beneficial interest of Wellsford (the "Excess Shares") that are proposed to be
transferred pursuant to a transfer which, if consummated, would result in the
intended transferee owning shares of beneficial ownership in excess of the WRP
Ownership Limit or would otherwise jeopardize Wellsford's REIT status. The
purchase price of any Excess Shares will be equal to the fair market value of
such excess Shares as reflected in the closing sales price for the shares of
beneficial interest, if then listed on a national securities exchange. From and
after the date fixed for purchase by the trustees, the holder of such shares of
beneficial interest to be purchased by Wellsford will cease to be entitled to
dividends, distributions, voting rights and other benefits with respect to such
shares except the right to payment of the purchase price for the shares. Any
dividend or distribution paid to a proposed transferee on Excess Shares prior to
the discovery by Wellsford that such shares of beneficial interest have been
transferred in violation of the provisions of the Wellsford Declaration shall be
repaid to Wellsford upon demand. If the foregoing transfer restrictions are
determined to be void or invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute, rule
or regulation, then the intended transferee of any Excess Shares may be deemed,
at Wellsford's option, to have acted as an agent on behalf of Wellsford in
acquiring such Excess Shares and to hold such Excess Shares on behalf of
Wellsford.
The Wellsford Declaration requires that all persons who own, directly or
indirectly, more than 5% in number or value of the total outstanding shares of
beneficial interest of Wellsford must give a written notice to Wellsford
containing the information specified in the Wellsford Declaration by January 31
of each year. In addition, each shareholder irrespective of such shareholder's
ownership shall upon demand be required to disclose to Wellsford in writing such
information with respect to the direct, indirect and constructive ownership of
beneficial interests as the trustees deem necessary to comply with the
provisions of the Code applicable to a REIT, to comply with the requirements of
any taxing authority or governmental agency or to determine any such compliance.
The EQR Declaration, subject to certain exceptions, provides that no holder
may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the
Code, more than 5% (the "EQR Ownership Limit") of the lesser of the number of
shares or value of the issued and outstanding shares of beneficial interest of
EQR. The EQR Board of Trustees, upon receipt of a ruling from the Service, an
opinion of counsel or other evidence satisfactory to the EQR Board of Trustees
and upon such other conditions as the EQR Board of Trustees may direct, may also
exempt a proposed transferee from the EQR Ownership Limit. As a condition of
such exemption, the intended transferee must give written notice to EQR of the
proposed transfer no
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later than the fifteenth day prior to any transfer which, if consummated, would
result in the intended transferee owning shares in excess of the EQR Ownership
Limit. Any transfer of EQR Common or EQR Preferred that would (i) create a
direct or indirect ownership of shares of beneficial interest in excess of the
EQR Ownership Limit, (ii) result in the shares of beneficial interest being
owned by fewer than 100 persons, or (iii) result in EQR being "closely held"
within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, will be void ab initio, and
the intended transferee will acquire no rights to the shares of beneficial
interest. The foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will not
apply if the EQR Board of Trustees determines that it is no longer in the best
interests of EQR to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT.
EQR's Declaration exempts from the Ownership Limit certain persons and
entities who would exceed the Ownership Limit as a result of the exchange of the
OP Units for EQR Common, which OP Units were received by them at the time of the
formation of EQR. These persons may also acquire additional EQR Shares through
EQR's Second Amended and Restated 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan (the
"Option and Award Plan"), but in no event will such persons be entitled to
acquire additional shares of beneficial interest such that the five largest
beneficial owners of EQR's shares of beneficial interest hold more than 50% in
number or value of the total outstanding EQR Shares.
Any EQR Shares the transfer of which would result in a person owning shares
of beneficial interest in excess of the Ownership Limit or cause EQR to become
"closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code that is not otherwise permitted
as provided above will constitute excess shares ("Excess Shares"), which will be
transferred by operation of law to EQR as trustee for the exclusive benefit of
the person or persons to whom the Excess Shares are ultimately transferred,
until such time as the intended transferee retransfers the Excess Shares. While
these Excess Shares are held in trust, they will not be entitled to vote or to
share in any distributions (except upon liquidation). Subject to the Ownership
Limit, the Excess Shares may be retransferred by the intended transferee to any
person (if the Excess Shares would not be Excess Shares in the hands of such
person) at a price not to exceed the price paid by the intended transferee or,
if the intended transferee did not give value for such Excess Shares (e.g., a
transfer by gift or devise), the fair market value (as described below) at the
time of the purported transfer that resulted in the Excess Shares, at which
point the Excess Shares will automatically be exchanged for the shares of
beneficial interest to which the Excess Shares are attributable. In addition,
such Excess Shares held in trust are subject to purchase by EQR at a purchase
price equal to the lesser of the price paid for the Excess Shares in the
transaction that created such Excess Shares (or, in the case of a devise or
gift, the fair market value at the time of such devise or gift) and the fair
market value of the EQR Preferred or EQR Common to which such Excess Shares
relate on the date EQR exercises its right to purchase. Fair market value will
be the last sales price of such shares of beneficial interest reported on the
NYSE on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant date, or if not then
traded on the NYSE, the last reported sales price of such shares of beneficial
interest on the trading day immediately preceding the relevant date as reported
on any exchange or quotation system over which such
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shares of beneficial interest may be traded, or if not then traded over any
exchange or quotation system, then the fair market value of such shares of
beneficial interest on the relevant date as determined in good faith by the EQR
Board of Trustees. EQR's right to purchase shall be for a period of 90 days
after the later of the date of the purported transfer which resulted in the
Excess Shares and the date the EQR Board of Trustees determines in good faith
that such a transfer has occurred. From and after the intended transfer to the
intended transferee of the Excess Shares, the intended transferee will cease to
be entitled to distributions (except upon liquidation), voting rights and other
benefits with respect to such shares except the right to payment of the purchase
price for the shares or the retransfer of shares as provided above. Any
distribution paid to a proposed transferee on Excess Shares prior to the
discovery by EQR that such shares of beneficial interest have been transferred
in violation of the provisions of EQR's Declaration will be repaid to EQR upon
demand. If the foregoing transfer restrictions are determined to be void or
invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute, rule or regulation, then the
intended transferee of any Excess Shares may be deemed, at the option of EQR, to
have acted as an agent on behalf of EQR in acquiring such Excess Shares and to
hold such Excess Shares on behalf of EQR.
All certificates representing shares of beneficial interest of EQR shall
bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.
All persons who own, directly or by virtue of the attribution provisions of
the Code, more than 5% (or such other percentage between 1/2 of 1% and 5% as
provided in the rules and regulations promulgated under the Code) of the lesser
of the number or value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of EQR
must give a written notice to EQR by January 31 of each year. In addition, each
shareholder will upon demand be required to disclose to EQR in writing such
information with respect to the direct, indirect and constructive ownership of
EQR Shares as the EQR Board of Trustees deems reasonably necessary to comply
with the provisions of the Code applicable to a REIT, to comply with the
requirements of any taxing authority or governmental agency or to determine any
such compliance.
The Declaration of the Surviving Trust will contain restrictions on the
ownership, transfer and issuance of Survivor Shares generally similar to those
restrictions contained in the EQR Declaration. The provisions relating to
restrictions on the ownership, transfer or issuance of shares contained in the
Surviving Trust will also be affected by the Additional Provisions, if approved.
See "Proposal Regarding Additional Declaration of Trust Provisions."
PROPOSAL REGARDING ADDITIONAL DECLARATION OF TRUST PROVISIONS
The Wellsford Common Shareholders are being asked to separately approve the
Additional Provisions to the Wellsford Declaration to further conform the
Wellsford Declaration to the terms of the EQR Declaration and to update the
Declaration of the Surviving Trust to reflect the current approaches in the REIT
industry regarding share ownership restrictions necessary to maintain REIT
status. The Wellsford Declaration, as amended and restated to
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include or exclude the Additional Provisions depending on the requisite approval
of the Wellsford Common Shareholders ("Surviving Trust Declaration"), will
constitute the declaration of the Surviving Trust. As described in the following
summary of the Additional Provisions, the Board of Trustees of each of Wellsford
and EQR believe that the Additional Provisions would be in the best interests of
the shareholders of the Surviving Trust. The holders of Wellsford Common are
therefore being asked to separately approve modifications to certain sections,
including Sections 2.3, 6.6, 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 of, and the addition of Article
VII to, the Surviving Trust Declaration.
The following is a summary of the Additional Provisions as to which the
approval of the Wellsford Common Shareholders is being requested.
Removal of Trustees. Section 2.3 of the Wellsford Declaration currently
provides for the removal of trustees, with or without cause, by the affirmative
vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the shares of Wellsford
Common then outstanding and entitled to vote on the election of trustees. Upon
approval of the Additional Provisions, the Surviving Trust Declaration will
provide for the removal of trustees only with cause by the same vote previously
required. "Cause" will be defined as (a) material theft, fraud or embezzlement
or active and deliberate dishonesty by a trustee; (b) habitual neglect of duty
by a trustee having a material and adverse significance to the Surviving Trust;
or (c) the conviction of a trustee for a felony or for any crime involving
mortal turpitude. The Board of Trustees of each of Wellsford and EQR believe
that the increased stability of management that would result from this amendment
is in the best interest of the shareholders of the Surviving Trust.
Restrictions on Transfer and Ownership of Shares. In order to maintain its
status as a REIT under the Code and Title 8, Section 6.6 of the Wellsford
Declaration currently imposes a number of restrictions on the transfer and
ownership of Wellsford Shares. See "Comparison of Rights of Shareholders -
Restrictions on the Ownership, Transfer or Issuance of Shares." Since the
adoption of the Wellsford Declaration in 1992, the comparable section of the
declarations of other REITs has evolved into a more detailed provision relating
to the applicable ownership limits and compliance with the Code. Upon approval
of the Additional Provisions, these provisions will be modified to reflect the
effects of the Merger and the Surviving Trust's relationship with ERP Operating
Partnership. Among the specific amendments to be made will be the inclusion of
provisions exempting the exchange of OP Units into Survivor Shares from the
definition of "transfer." In addition, certain persons and entities who would
otherwise exceed the ownership limits placed on Survivor Shares will be exempted
from such ownership restrictions in order to avoid their forced divestment of
such shares or OP Units. Upon approval of the Additional Provisions, any
transfer of shares resulting in a person owning shares in excess of the
ownership limits placed on the Survivor Shares shall be automatically
transferred to a charitable trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary.
For the reasons stated above, the Board of Trustees of each of Wellsford and EQR
believe that the Additional Provisions affecting
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the ownership and transfer of Survivor Shares are in the best interest of the
shareholders of the Surviving Trust.
Amendment to Declaration. Section 9.1 of the Wellsford Declaration currently
provides for its amendment by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less
than a majority of the Wellsford Shares outstanding and entitled to vote
thereon, except that amendments related to the removal of trustees, the
restrictions on the ownership of Wellsford Shares, the reorganization of
Wellsford and the merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially of
Wellsford's property must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of
two-thirds of the Wellsford's Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote on
the matter. In addition, the Wellsford Board of Trustees may, by a two-thirds
vote, amend the Wellsford Declaration in order to enable Wellsford to qualify
and remain qualified as a REIT under the Code and Title 8.
Upon approval of the Additional Provisions, Section 9.2 of the Surviving
Trust Declaration will provide that it may be amended by the Board of Trustees
of the Surviving Trust, by a two-thirds vote, to enable the Surviving Trust to
qualify as a REIT. The Surviving Trust Declaration as modified will also
provide for amendment of all its provisions by the affirmative vote of the
holders of not less than two-thirds of the Survivor Shares then outstanding and
entitled to vote thereon. The Board of Trustees of each of Wellsford and EQR
believe that this consistent requirement of approval by not less than two-thirds
of the Survivor Shares to amend all provisions of the Surviving Trust
Declaration is in the best interest of the shareholders of the Surviving Trust.
Mergers, Consolidation, or Sale of Trust Property. Section 9.2 of the Wellsford
Declaration currently states that, upon the affirmative vote of the holders of
not less than two-thirds of the Wellsford Shares then outstanding and entitled
to vote thereon, the trustees of Wellsford may reorganize Wellsford by creating
a separate entity into which Wellsford will merge or sell its assets. In
addition, Section 9.3 of the Wellsford Declaration currently provides that if
Wellsford is not the surviving entity in a merger or consolidation, or in the
event of a sale of all or substantially all of Wellsford's property, that
transaction must be approved by two-thirds of the Wellsford Shares then
outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. In all other cases, such a merger or
consolidation need only be approved by a majority of the Wellsford Shares then
outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. Upon approval of the Additional
Provisions, any merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of
the Surviving Trust's property will be required to be approved by the holders of
a majority of the Survivor Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.
The Board of Trustees of each of Wellsford and EQR believe that this threshold
of shareholder approval, which would facilitate the merger, consolidation or
sale of all or substantially all of the Surviving Trust's property, would be in
the best interest of the shareholders of the Surviving Trust.
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THE CONTRIBUTION AND DISTRIBUTION
The following describes certain aspects of the Contribution and the
Distribution. To the extent that they relate to the Contribution and
Distribution Agreement, the following descriptions do not purport to be complete
and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Contribution and
Distribution Agreement, which is filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement of which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement
is a part.
Background of and Reasons for the Distribution
EQR is in the business of acquiring, owning and operating multifamily
properties. It does not currently engage in any development activities and
generally does not hold debt instruments for investment. In the course of
discussions with respect to the Merger it became clear that EQR did not wish to
acquire all of Wellsford's interest in its development project near Denver,
Colorado, known as Palomino Park or its interests in the Sonterra Assets. If EQR
were to acquire such assets, Wellsford would not be able to receive what it
considered to be adequate value for such assets. Wellsford's management believes
that it can maximize the value of those assets for its shareholders by not
conveying them in the Merger or pursuant to an asset sale to a third party and
by retaining such assets and their long-term value for Wellsford Common
Shareholders by contributing them to WRP Newco and distributing all of the
shares of WRP Newco owned by Wellsford to the Wellsford Common Shareholders pro
rata. It has also been agreed that to provide initial working capital for WRP
Newco, Wellsford would contribute approximately $18 million in cash to WRP
Newco. Pursuant to the Merger, EQR will acquire the remaining assets of
Wellsford, subject to certain liabilities. See "- Contribution and Distribution
Agreement."
Although the Contribution and Distribution will not be effected unless the
Merger is approved and all conditions thereto have been satisfied or waived,
Wellsford Common Shareholders are not being asked to approve the Contribution
and Distribution, which are not subject to shareholder approval under Maryland
law because they do not constitute a sale of all or substantially all of the
assets of Wellsford.
Manner of Effecting the Contribution and Distribution
The Contribution was approved and the Distribution was declared by the
Board of Trustees of Wellsford on January 16, 1997, the date on which it also
approved the Merger. The Contribution will be made immediately prior to the
Distribution, and both the Contribution and the Distribution will occur on the
same date as the Effective Date (the "Distribution Date") and immediately prior
to the Merger. The Distribution will be made to Wellsford Common Shareholders of
record as of the close of business on the Distribution Date. On or prior to the
Distribution Date, a share certificate evidencing all the shares of WRP Newco
Common owned by Wellsford will be delivered to the United States Trust Company
of New York, as Distribution Agent. Commencing on the Distribution Date, the
Distribution Agent will begin mailing to
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Wellsford Common Shareholders as of the close of business on the Distribution
Date one share of WRP Newco Common for every four shares of Wellsford Common
held on the Distribution Date. See "Description of Capital Stock of WRP Newco --
Common Stock." Wellsford Common Shareholders who would be entitled to receive
fractional shares of WRP Newco Common will receive cash in the Distribution in
lieu of such fractional shares. To accomplish this, the Distribution Agent will
determine the number of whole and fractional shares of WRP Newco Common to which
each Wellsford Common Shareholder as of the Distribution Date is entitled. Next,
the Distribution Agent will aggregate these fractional share interests and sell
them on the open market at then-prevailing prices. The Distribution Agent will
distribute to each Wellsford Common Shareholder its ratable share of such
proceeds after deducting appropriate amounts for federal income tax withholding
purposes and any applicable transfer taxes.
No holder of Wellsford Common Shareholder will be required to pay any cash
or other consideration for the shares of WRP Newco Common to be received in the
Distribution or to surrender or exchange shares of Wellsford Common or to take
any other action in order to receive WRP Newco Common.
Listing and Trading of WRP Newco Common
WRP Newco has applied for listing of the WRP Newco Common on the NYSE.
Initially, WRP Newco will have approximately 629 stockholders of record and the
outstanding shares of WRP Newco Common will be held on behalf of approximately
13,500 beneficial owners, based on the number of record holders and beneficial
owners of Wellsford Common as of April 1, 1997.
There is currently no trading market for the WRP Newco Common. Prices at
which WRP Newco Common may trade after the Distribution cannot be predicted.
Until the WRP Newco Common is fully distributed and an orderly market develops,
the prices at which trading in such stock occurs may fluctuate significantly.
The prices at which WRP Newco Common trades will be determined by the
marketplace and may be influenced by many factors, including, among others, the
depth and liquidity of the market for WRP Newco Common, investor perception of
WRP Newco and its businesses, WRP Newco's dividend policy, interest rates and
general economic and market conditions.
Shares of WRP Newco Common distributed to Wellsford Common Shareholders in
the Distribution will be freely transferable, except for shares received by
persons who may be deemed to be "affiliates" of WRP Newco under the Securities
Act. Persons who may be deemed to be affiliates of WRP Newco after the
Distribution generally include individuals or entities that control, are
controlled by, or are under common control with, WRP Newco, and may include
certain officers and directors of WRP Newco as well as certain principal
stockholders of WRP Newco, if any. Persons who are affiliates of WRP Newco will
be permitted to sell their shares
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of WRP Newco Common only pursuant to an effective registration statement under
the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act.
Conditions; Termination
The Contribution and Distribution are subject to certain conditions as set
forth in the Contribution and Distribution Agreement including, but not limited
to, each condition to the closing of the Merger set forth in the Merger
Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived. The Contribution and Distribution
may be abandoned at any time prior to their occurrence by and in the sole
discretion of the Board of Trustees of Wellsford without the approval of WRP
Newco or the Wellsford Common Shareholders.
Contribution and Distribution Agreement
Wellsford and WRP Newco have entered into a Contribution and Distribution
Agreement providing for, among other things, the principal corporate
transactions required to effect the contribution by Wellsford of certain of its
assets to WRP Newco.
Wellsford will transfer, without representation or warranty, all of its
right, title and interest in and to the following assets, among others (the
"Contributed Assets"):
(a) the Sonterra Assets. See "WRP Newco's Initial Assets";
(b) 80% of the outstanding shares of Wellsford Park Highlands Corp.
("WPHC"), which represents an approximate 80% interest in Palomino Park,
together with certain additional ownership and financing agreements relating to
Palomino Park. See "WRP Newco's Initial Assets";
(c) cash in the amount of approximately $18 million, subject to
adjustment as described in the Merger Agreement and the Transaction and
Termination Costs Agreement attached as an exhibit thereto;
(d) the lease of the premises currently occupied by Wellsford in New York
City, together with the furniture, fixtures, equipment and personalty located at
such premises; and
(e) the name "Wellsford."
Simultaneously with the Contribution, WRP Newco will assume, among others,
the following liabilities:
(i) All liabilities of Wellsford with respect to the Contributed
Assets;
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(ii) the obligations to executive officers and trustees of Wellsford
arising under certain Wellsford share option certificates, which will be
satisfied by (A) amending the option certificates, as described in
"Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger and Distribution -- Benefits of
Key Executives -- Wellsford Options" (as amended, the "Amended WRP Newco
Options") and (B) issuing shares of WRP Newco Common pursuant to the
Amended WRP Newco Options; and
(iii) any other obligation of Wellsford under any agreement relating
to the Sonterra Assets, the bonds relating to Palomino Park, or Palomino
Park except the obligations of ERP Operating Partnership under the Credit
Enhancement Agreement and the Palomino Agreement, each between ERP
Operating Partnership and WRP Newco.
Mutual Indemnities. Pursuant to the Contribution and Distribution
Agreement, Wellsford and WRP Newco will each be responsible for all claims and
liabilities relating to its own business (whether or not such claims and
liabilities arise from activities occurring prior to the Distribution) and will
each indemnify the other against such claims and liabilities, subject to certain
limited exceptions relating to the Credit Enhancement Agreement, Palomino
Agreement and Transaction and Termination Costs Agreement.
Tax Consequences of the Distribution
The following discussion concerns the material United States Federal income
tax consequences of the receipt of shares of WRP Newco Common by Wellsford
Common Shareholders in the Distribution. The discussion is based on current law,
which is subject to change retroactively or prospectively, and is for general
information only. Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP has reviewed
the discussion set forth herein under the caption "Tax Consequences of the
Distribution" and believes that such discussion, as it pertains to matters of
law, is correct in all material respects. The discussion does not address all
aspects of Federal income taxation and does not address any aspects of state,
local or non-U.S. tax laws, except as set forth below. The discussion does not
consider any specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a particular
Wellsford shareholder. Accordingly, Wellsford Common Shareholders are urged to
consult their tax advisors regarding the United States Federal, state, local and
non-U.S. income and other tax consequences of the Distribution and of holding
and disposing of shares of WRP Newco Common.
General. To the extent the fair market value of the shares of WRP Newco
Common distributed in the Distribution to Wellsford Common Shareholders exceeds
Wellsford's tax basis in such shares, gain will be recognized by Wellsford.
Assuming Wellsford qualifies as a REIT and has a dividends paid deduction for
distributions to its shareholders at least equal to its REIT taxable income (as
computed before taking into account the dividends paid deduction), no REIT level
tax will be incurred on account of the Distribution.
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The distribution of WRP Newco Common will, however, be taxable to Wellsford
Common Shareholders to the same extent as any other distribution made by
Wellsford to its shareholders. Thus, so long as Wellsford qualifies for taxation
as a REIT, distributions with respect to its shares, including the Distribution,
made out of current earnings and profits (computed as of the close of its
taxable year without taking into account any distributions made during such
year) or accumulated earnings and profits allocable thereto (and not designated
as capital gain dividends) will be includible by the shareholders as ordinary
income for Federal income tax purposes. For this purpose, the current and
accumulated earnings and profits of Wellsford will be allocated first to
distributions with respect to shares of Wellsford Preferred and then to
distributions with respect to Common Shares. None of these distributions will
be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporate shareholders.
Distributions that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed as
long-term capital gains (to the extent they do not exceed Wellsford's actual net
capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the period for which the
shareholder has held his share. Corporate shareholders, however, may be required
to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income.
Distributions in excess of current or accumulated earnings and profits will
not be taxable to a shareholder to the extent that they do not exceed the
adjusted basis of the shareholder's shares. Shareholders will be required to
reduce the tax basis of their shares by the amount of such distributions until
such basis has been reduced to zero, after which such distributions will be
taxable as capital gain (ordinary income in the case of a shareholder who holds
his shares as a dealer). The tax basis as so reduced will be used in computing
the capital gain or loss, if any, realized upon sale of the shares of Wellsford
Common (or shares of Survivor Common received in exchange therefor in the
Merger). Any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares of Wellsford Common (or
shares of Survivor Common received in exchange therefor in the Merger) by a
shareholder who held such shares of Wellsford Common (or shares of Survivor
Common received in exchange therefor in the Merger) for six months or less
(after applying certain holding period rules) will generally be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent such shareholder previously received
capital gain distributions with respect to such shares of Wellsford Common (or
shares of Survivor Common received in exchange therefor in the Merger).
The current earnings and profits of the Surviving Trust will include all
pre-Merger earnings and profits of Wellsford, all pre-Merger undistributed
earnings and profits of EQR and all post-Merger earnings and profits of the
Surviving Trust. The total earnings and profits at the close of the Surviving
Trust's taxable year will be allocated among pre-Merger Wellsford distributions,
including the Distribution, and all post-Merger distributions of the Surviving
Trust. Management estimates that approximately 50% of the value of the shares
of WRP Newco Common received in the Distribution will be taxable as ordinary
income. Because this estimate is based, in part, on future events, there can be
no assurance as to the portion of the value of the Distribution that will be
taxable as ordinary income. The remainder of the value of the shares of WRP
Newco Common received in the Distribution will either constitute a return of
capital (reducing basis in the shares of Wellsford Common that converted in the
Merger into Survivor
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Common) or capital gain. A Wellsford shareholder's tax basis in the WRP Newco
Common received in the Distribution will equal their fair market value on the
date of Distribution. The holding period of the WRP Newco Common received in
the Distribution will begin on the day following the date of the Distribution.
Upon the sale or exchange of WRP Newco Common to or with a person other
than WRP Newco, a holder will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the
difference between the amount realized on such sale or exchange and the holder's
adjusted tax basis in such shares. Any capital gain or loss recognized will
generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the holder held such
shares for more than one year.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.
A noncorporate holder of WRP Newco Common who is not otherwise exempt from
backup withholding may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% with
respect to distributions paid on, or the proceeds of a sale, exchange or
redemption of, the WRP Newco Common. Generally, backup withholding applies only
when the taxpayer (i) fails to furnish or certify his correct taxpayer
identification number to the payor in the manner requested, (ii) is notified by
the United States Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that he has failed to report
payments of interest or dividends properly, or (iii) under certain
circumstances, fails to certify that he has not been notified by the IRS that he
is subject to backup withholding for failure to report interest or dividend
payments. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment
to a holder will be allowed as a credit against the holder's Federal income tax
liability or as a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to
the IRS. Holders of WRP Newco Common should consult their own tax advisors
regarding their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the
procedure for obtaining any applicable exemption.
State, Local and Foreign Taxation.
WRP Newco and its shareholders may be subject to state, local or foreign
taxation in various state, local or foreign jurisdictions, including those in
which it or they transact business or reside. Such state, local or foreign
taxation may differ from the Federal income tax treatment described above.
Consequently, prospective holders of WRP Newco Common should consult their own
tax advisors regarding the effect of state, local and foreign tax laws on the
ownership of WRP Newco Common.
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WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC.
General
WRP Newco seeks to identify, create and realize value, through direct and
indirect investments in real estate. WRP Newco's management will seek
opportunistic real estate investments which may include the direct acquisition,
rehabilitation, development, financing and management of real properties or
participation in these activities through the purchase of debt and equity
securities of entities engaged in such real estate businesses. Management will
concentrate its efforts on defining and building focused operating businesses
with recurring sources of income. Value creation will be measured in terms of
increased earnings and growth in net asset value per share over time.
WRP Newco believes that while liquidity in general has returned to the real
estate markets and that the supply and demand of many real estate asset classes
are in relative equilibrium, there are specific opportunities which continue to
exist because of inefficiencies. These opportunities could result from
transactional complexity, time-consuming regulatory approvals, or diminished
competition because of the magnitude of the required capital commitment or the
prospect of no immediate cash flow. WRP Newco currently does not intend to
qualify as a REIT which will give WRP Newco significant flexibility to respond
quickly to these opportunities without the structural limitations inherent in
REITs and enable it to be more highly leveraged than REITs generally are. By not
operating as a REIT which requires mandatory cash distributions, WRP Newco has
the ability and intends initially to retain its internally generated cash flow
for reinvestment. Also, unlike investors in opportunity funds that are
structured as private partnerships, WRP Newco's shareholders are expected to
have enhanced liquidity through their ability to sell or margin their stock and
benefit economically because the business of WRP Newco will be conducted without
the payment of acquisition and disposition fees to general partners. WRP Newco
also hopes to attract a broader range of investors because there will be no
stipulated investment minimum.
WRP Newco's management will include Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward
Lowenthal, Chairman and President, respectively, who were co-founders of, and
served in the same capacities at, Wellsford. WRP Newco believes that their over
50 years of combined experience in real estate, capital markets and public
company operations, their knowledge, credibility, and business relationships,
and their demonstrated track record of recognizing and profiting from emerging
real estate trends will help WRP Newco to accomplish its business objectives.
Lines of Business
Initially, WRP Newco will focus on three distinct aspects of the real
estate business. As opportunities emerge and in response to changes in market,
real estate and general economic conditions, WRP Newco may in the future expand,
retract from or discontinue its real estate related business and activities.
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(1) Commercial Properties. WRP Newco will seek to acquire commercial and
office properties at or below replacement cost and operate and/or resell such
properties. WRP Newco believes that appropriate well-located commercial
properties which are currently underperforming can be acquired on advantageous
terms and repositioned with the expectation of achieving greater market returns.
Initially, WRP Newco will seek to acquire suburban office properties at or below
replacement cost and operate and/or resell the properties after renovation,
redevelopment and/or repositioning. As opportunities arise, WRP Newco may seek
to acquire other types of commercial and industrial properties. WRP Newco has
acquired four suburban office properties and has contracted to acquire one
additional such property, all of which are located in New Jersey. See "Business
and Properties."
(2) High Yield Debt Investments. WRP Newco will make loans that constitute,
or will invest in a wide variety of, senior, junior or otherwise subordinated
debt instruments, which may be unsecured or secured by liens on real estate or
the economic benefits thereof. These investments may contain options to acquire,
or be convertible into the right to acquire, all or a portion of the underlying
real estate, or contain the right to participate in the cash flow and economic
return which may be derived from the real estate. These investments may include
debt that is acquired at a discount, mezzanine financing, commercial mortgage-
backed securities, secured and unsecured lines of credit, distressed loans, and
loans previously made by foreign and other financial institutions. In some cases
WRP Newco may only acquire a participating interest in the debt instrument. The
Sonterra Loan and the 277 Park Loan will constitute WRP Newco's initial debt
investments. See "WRP Newco's Business and Properties."
(3) Property Development. WRP Newco will engage in selective development
activities as opportunities arise. Initially, WRP Newco will continue the
development of Palomino Park, its five-phase residential community begun by
Wellsford, taking advantage of the fixed-price purchase options for the land
underlying such residential community secured by Wellsford two years ago. This
development may be retained for investment and operated by WRP Newco, sold, or
converted to condominium ownership. WRP Newco may also acquire land for
speculation, future development or subdivision. Certain development activities
may be conducted in joint ventures with local developers who may bear the
substantial portion of the economic risks associated with the construction,
development and initial rent-up of properties. See "WRP Newco's Business and
Properties."
WRP Newco may in the future make equity investments in entities owned by
third parties and which engage in real estate-related businesses and activities.
Some of the entities in which WRP Newco may invest may be start-up companies or
companies in need of additional capital. WRP Newco may also manage and lease
properties owned by it or in which it has an equity or debt investment.
In analyzing potential investments and dispositions, Wellsford has reviewed,
and WRP Newco will review, among other things, the primary economic indicators
of various cities and
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regions and market information regarding various financial instruments. Much of
this information has been, and will continue to be, provided by REIS Reports,
Inc., a nationally recognized real estate market database firm.
Initial Capital and Financing
Upon completion of the Distribution and consummation of the Merger and
certain of the other transactions described in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement, WRP Newco expects to have available
the following sources of capital, financing and credit support:
. Approximately $18 million of cash (subject to adjustment as
provided in the Merger Agreement) contributed to WRP Newco by Wellsford
pursuant to the Contribution and Distribution Agreement.
. $3.5 million of proceeds from the sale at book value to ERP
Operating Partnership of shares of the WRP Newco Class A Common.
. $25 million pursuant to the commitment of ERP Operating Partnership
to acquire up to 1,000,000 shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred at the
request of WRP Newco and subject to certain limited conditions.
. $50 million under a two-year line of credit as to which the Bank of
Boston and Morgan Guaranty have issued a commitment. The line of credit
will bear interest at LIBOR plus 175 basis points.
. $36.8 million, pursuant to an agreement with respect to the
construction financing for Phase I of Palomino Park, and $30 million,
pursuant to an agreement expected to be entered into with respect to the
construction financing for Phase II of Palomino Park, in each case
guaranteed by a third-party developer and supported by the credit of ERP
Operating Partnership pursuant to its stand-by obligations.
. Approximately $14.8 million of credit enhancement from ERP
Operating Partnership with respect to the bonds issued to finance certain
public facilities at Palomino Park.
See "Certain Agreements Between WRP Newco and ERP Operating
Partnership."
WRP Newco's other sources of capital to finance its acquisition,
investment, development and other activities, may include retained earnings,
funds derived from the issuance of debt and equity securities, sales of
investments and bank borrowings. See "Policies with Respect to Certain
Activities of WRP Newco."
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Management
The management of WRP Newco is led by substantially all of the current
senior management of Wellsford, including Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward
Lowenthal, the Chairman and President, respectively, of WRP Newco, who are
Chairman and President, respectively, of Wellsford. Joining them is Gregory F.
Hughes and David Strong, who are Chief Financial Officer and Vice President,
respectively, of Wellsford, and Richard R. Previdi, a former managing director
of Emmes & Company, a real estate investment company, and a former managing
director of Trammell Crow N.E., Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of that
company's Northern Virginia Commercial Division. At the time of the initial
public offering of the Wellsford Common (the "Wellsford IPO") in November 1992,
Wellsford was the only REIT dedicated exclusively to the ownership of
multifamily properties. Wellsford has sought to maximize long term profitability
for its shareholders by acquiring, developing, and operating multifamily
properties in target markets; applying sophisticated management and operating
techniques; and maintaining a conservative capital structure.
Wellsford Acquisitions
Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal formed Wellsford Group, Inc. ("WGI") with an
initial capitalization of $1 million provided primarily by William E. Simon,
Raymond Chambers, Frank Walsh and principals of Eastdil Realty, Inc. During the
period from 1986 through November 1992, WGI and its affiliates acquired 19
multifamily properties consisting of 5,255 units. After WGI and its affiliates
transferred their properties to Wellsford in 1992, Wellsford commenced an
aggressive acquisition strategy which increased the historical cost of its total
assets from $147 million at the time of the Wellsford IPO, to $756 million at
December 31, 1996 with the purchase of 15,774 multifamily units. These
acquisitions included a 5,100 unit portfolio in Oklahoma purchased for $133
million in May 1994, and the $250 million acquisition by merger of Holly
Residential Properties, Inc., a developer/owner of over 5,000 multifamily units
in the Seattle/Tacoma area in December 1994.
Wellsford Management and Development of Properties
During 1995 and 1996 Wellsford focused its efforts on its core portfolio
and the development of new properties. Property management, which had been
contracted to third parties, was internalized. Wellsford now provides direct
management for 84% of its properties. Wellsford developed new properties
containing 548 multifamily units during this period, helping to reduce the
average age of its portfolio. In addition, Wellsford commenced development of
Palomino Park, a 182-acre master planned "Class A" multifamily residential
community in Highlands Ranch, a suburb of Denver. See "WRP Newco's Business and
Properties--Palomino Park."
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Wellsford Equity and Debt Financings
Wellsford funded its acquisition and development activities with various
sources of capital including public and private debt and equity. In November
1992, Wellsford raised $91 million in the Wellsford IPO. Wellsford was one of
the first REITs to obtain a corporate credit rating, when it received an implied
senior rating of BBB - from Standard & Poor's Rating Services, Inc. and Duff &
Phelps, Inc. in September 1993. This rating helped Wellsford to issue $100
million of convertible preferred shares in November 1993. In January 1995
Wellsford became one of the first REITs to access the unsecured debt markets
with a $100 million issuance. In August 1995 Wellsford's senior credit rating
was upgraded to BBB, which helped facilitate the issuance of $125 million of
unsecured notes and $57.5 million of perpetual preferred shares. Wellsford's
commitment to a conservative corporate capital structure, including a 35% Debt
to Total Market Capitalization, has resulted in its investment grade rating and
a gradual reduction of its costs of capital, as reflected by the borrowing costs
on its line of credit. At the time of the Wellsford IPO, Wellsford's line of
credit was secured and had a borrowing rate of LIBOR plus 3.75%. Wellsford's
line of credit is now unsecured with a rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%. Most recently,
Wellsford issued medium term notes at a rate of LIBOR plus .32%.
Wellsford Return to Shareholders
As a result of the above accomplishments, Wellsford has raised its dividend
15% since the Wellsford IPO and assuming the consummation of the Merger will
have provided an average annual return to shareholders of 22.8%, based upon the
closing market price of a share of EQR Common on the NYSE on April 1, 1997.
There can be no assurance that WRP Newco's future performance or rate of
return to its investors will be similar to Wellsford's past accomplishments or
the rate of return to its shareholders.
WRP NEWCO PRO FORMA CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the pro forma capitalization of WRP Newco as
of December 31, 1996 on an historical basis and as adjusted to give effect to
the Merger and Distribution, the sale of shares of WRP Newco Class A Common to
ERP Partnership for an aggregate purchase price of $3.5 million and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom, and the funding of a portion of WRP
Newco's $50 million credit facility with Bank of Boston and Morgan Guaranty for
the purchase of five commercial office properties and the origination of a loan.
The information set forth in the table should be read in conjunction with the
WRP Newco financial statements and notes thereto, the WRP Newco pro forma
financial information and notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital
Resources" of WRP Newco included elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/ Information Statement.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1996
Actual As Adjusted
------ -----------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
DEBT:
Tax exempt mortgage note payable............ $14,755 $ 14,755
Credit facility............................. 45,000
------- --------
Total debt.................................. $14,755 $ 59,755
------- --------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share;
200,000,000 shares authorized - 4,869,744
shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted.. -- 49
Capital in excess of par value................. 51,060
------- --------
Total stockholders' equity............. 30,005 51,109
------- --------
Total capitalization................... $44,760 $110,864
======= ========
</TABLE>
WRP NEWCO DIVIDEND POLICY
WRP Newco does not currently contemplate paying dividends on WRP Newco
Common. Earnings from the investments of WRP Newco are currently expected to be
used by WRP Newco to finance future acquisitions and investments. The Board of
Directors of WRP Newco may determine in its discretion to pay dividends on WRP
Newco Common in the future, and any such determination will be dependent upon
WRP Newco's results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions
and other factors deemed relevant at that time by the WRP Newco Board of
Directors.
WRP NEWCO'S BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
WRP Newco's initial assets will consist primarily of five office properties,
the Sonterra Loan, the Sonterra Option, an approximately 80% interest in Phases
I and II of, and in options to acquire and develop Phases III, IV and V of,
Palomino Park, the 277 Park Loan, and approximately $18 million in cash. Set
forth below is a brief description of certain of these assets and WRP Newco's
plans with respect thereto. WRP Newco expects to use the approximately $18
million in cash to repay loans made to finance the purchase by WRP Newco of all
of the commercial properties described below.
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In the opinion of WRP Newco's management, all of the properties described
below are adequately covered by insurance.
Wellsford Commercial Properties
WRP Newco recently completed the acquisition of four commercial properties
and expects to acquire a fifth commercial property, containing in the aggregate
six office buildings with approximately 940,400 gross square feet in Northern
New Jersey for approximately $47.6 million or approximately $50 per square foot.
The properties will require approximately $13.7 million of renovation and
repositioning costs. Upon stabilization, they are expected to provide a free and
clear yield of approximately 14.0% based upon estimated average rents and
operating margins of $17.57/sq. ft. and 65%, respectively. As a result of
economic expansion in the region and limited new construction between 1992 and
1996, office vacancies in Northern and Central New Jersey have declined from
23.5% to 16.4% while asking rents for Class A space has increased from $22.49 to
$23.41 per square foot. WRP Newco believes other similar opportunities in the
region are available.
Point View Office Complex
WRP Newco acquired the Point View office complex located in Wayne, N.J. in
February 1997. The Point View office complex, formerly the headquarters for
American Cyanamid, consists of (i) a headquarters complex (the "Campus")
consisting primarily of two office buildings; and (ii) two smaller office
buildings, located at 1700 and 1800 Valley Road. All the buildings are currently
vacant.
Headquarters Complex
The Campus consists of two parcels: (i) two buildings consisting of
approximately 560,000 gross square feet on approximately 194 acres (the "Main
Campus") and (ii) an approximately 10 acre site directly across the entrance to
the Main Campus which is zoned residential and has no existing structures. The
Main Campus has the potential for and is zoned for the development of additional
office space. The larger of the two buildings on the Main Campus (the
"Serpentine Building") was constructed in 1962, is four stories high and
contains approximately 400,000 gross square feet. The Serpentine Building
contains a fully functional cafeteria area seating 800, separate executive
officer tower, separate executive dining area, medical clinic and a branch bank
and overlooks a large reservoir and the heliport for the complex. The smaller
building (the "West Building") was constructed in 1972, is six stories high and
contains approximately 160,000 square feet. The West Building is connected to
the Serpentine Building by an underground passageway and has a (primarily)
moveable wall interior partitioning system, a fitness center and an auditorium.
There are 1,720 parking spaces currently serving both buildings.
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On a pro forma basis, the Main Campus had a federal tax basis of $15.8
million at December 31, 1996, and will be depreciated straight-line over a 40-
year estimated life. The current annual real estate taxes on the Main Campus
are $1.2 million, subject to pending negotiations with the municipality of Wayne
to reduce such taxes.
WRP Newco currently contemplates a number of renovations to the Serpentine
Building and the West Building to (i) comply with current life safety and ADA
requirements; (ii) enable the buildings to become more energy efficient; (iii)
eliminate potentially hazardous materials (such as spray-on asbestos
fireproofing in the Serpentine Building's structure); and (iv) maintain
aesthetics. Removal of the spray-on asbestos fire proofing will cost
approximately $3.5 million, and the estimated total cost of all planned
renovations will be approximately $9.1 million. WRP Newco will finance the
renovations from its working capital and its credit facility. It is expected
that the renovations will be completed by the first quarter of 1998.
The purchase price for the Campus is $15.8 million, or $28.00 per square
foot, and together with the cost of planned renovations, is $44.00 per square
foot.
1700 Valley Road
The 1700 Valley Road building consists of 70,600 gross square feet, is two
stories high and is situated on a wooded nine acre site. The building was
constructed in two stages, during 1972 and 1979, and the interior was totally
refurbished in 1993. The building contains a full service dining area and 294
parking spaces. The estimated cost of planned renovations is $200,000.
The purchase price for 1700 Valley Road is $1.0 million, or $14.00 per
square foot, and together with the cost of planned renovations, is $17.00 per
square foot.
1800 Valley Road
The 1800 Valley Road building consists of 54,800 gross square feet, is two
stories high and is situated on a wooded 14 acre site. The building was
constructed in 1980, contains a full service dining area and has 260 parking
spaces. WRP Newco contemplates renovations to comply with existing life safety
and ADA codes and improve certain existing conditions. The estimated cost of
planned renovations is $800,000. WRP Newco expects to complete the renovations
by the fourth quarter of 1997. WRP Newco currently contemplates marketing this
building primarily for sale.
The purchase price for 1800 Valley Road is $2.0 million, or $36.00 per
square foot, and together with the cost of planned renovations, is $51.00 per
square foot.
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WRP Newco financed the purchase of the Point View office complex from the
proceeds of a loan from Wellsford, which obtained the funds for the loan from
its existing Bank of Boston line of credit.
Greenbrook Corporate Center
WRP Newco expects to acquire The Greenbrook Corporate Center ("Greenbrook")
in Fairfield, N.J. in April 1997 pursuant to an existing contract. The
Greenbrook Corporate Center consists of (i) a three-story office building with
approximately 190,000 gross square feet situated on approximately 20 acres and
(ii) a contiguous undeveloped approximately seven acre parcel zoned for office
and light industrial use. The entrance to the building is a 35-foot atrium
lobby and the second and third floors have terraces overlooking a park and
country club which border the rear of the site. WRP Newco intends to spend
approximately $500,000 to renovate the building.
Greenbrook accounted for 50% of WRP Newco's pro forma revenues during the
year ended December 31, 1996. The occupancy rate for Greenbrook was 85.7% for
the year ended December 31, 1996. The current rental rate per square foot is
approximately $23. On a pro forma basis, Greenbrook had a federal tax basis of
$23.7 million at December 31, 1996, and will be depreciated straight-line over a
40-year estimated life. The current annual real estate taxes on Greenbrook are
approximately $428,000.
Greenbrook's two largest tenants are Information Resources, Inc., a market
research firm, and S.B. Thomas, whose principal business is baked foods.
Information Resources, Inc. occupies 64,676 rentable square feet, with an annual
rent of approximately $1.3 million, under a lease that expires December 2003.
S.B. Thomas occupies 49,384 rentable square feet with an annual rent of
approximately $.9 million, under a lease that expires in 2005. Greenbrook has
nine additional tenants, with annual rents of approximately $1.2 million.
The purchase price for this property is $23.7 million payable in cash, or
$125.00 per square foot, and together with the cost of planned renovations, is
$127.00 per square foot. WRP Newco expects to finance the purchase of
Greenbrook from the proceeds of a loan from Wellsford.
Chatham, New Jersey
In January 1997, WRP Newco acquired a three-story suburban office building
consisting of approximately 65,000 gross square feet located on approximately
five acres in Chatham, New Jersey.
WRP Newco currently intends to spend approximately $3.1 million to make
various renovations to upgrade the building's status including, among other
things, to add a first class lobby and improve other common areas, renovate the
facade and upgrade the HVAC system and
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provide landscaping. These renovations should be completed by the third quarter
of 1997. WRP Newco is currently marketing the building for rental.
The purchase price for the property was $5.1 million payable in cash, or
$78.00 per square foot, and together with the cost of planned renovations, is
$126.00 per square foot. WRP Newco financed the purchase of the Chatham building
with the proceeds of a loan from Wellsford Residential.
Wellsford High Yield Investment Portfolio
277 Park Loan
WRP Newco and The First National Bank of Boston ("FNBB") will lend $20
million and $60 million, respectively (the "Loans"), to entities which own the
equity interests ("Equity Interests") in the owner (the "Owner") of a 52-story,
approximately 1.74 million sq. ft., Class A office building located in New York
City in mid-town Manhattan at 277 Park Avenue (the "277 Park Property"). The
Loans will be secured primarily by a pledge of the Equity Interests. The 277
Park Property is currently 100% leased to 36 tenants, including Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette, Inc. which has leased approximately 47% of the gross leasable
area of the 277 Park Property. The Loans will be subordinated to a $345 million
first mortgage loan on the 277 Park Property, the proceeds for which were
obtained by the sale by Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation of
investment grade rated commercial mortgage pass-through certificates in a real
estate mortgage investment conduit. The 277 Park Property had an appraised value
of $555 million as of July 1, 1996. Interest on the 277 Park Loan will be
payable monthly at the rate of approximately 11.75% per annum. The unpaid
principal balance of the 277 Park Loan and all accrued interest will be payable
on April __ 2007. The 277 Park Loan will be prepayable during years six through
nine provided certain yield maintenance payments are made and in year 10 without
any prepayment penalty.
Sonterra Assets
Sonterra Loan
Pursuant to the Contribution and Distribution Agreement, WRP Newco will
receive Wellsford's $17.8 million mortgage loan made in July 1996 to the owner
of Sonterra. The principal amount of the Sonterra Loan is due on July 1, 1999.
Until the maturity date, the borrower is to pay interest only, monthly, at the
rate of 9% percent per annum. The loan is non-recourse and repayment of the loan
is secured by a first mortgage on Sonterra and by a personal guaranty. Under
certain circumstances, prepayment of the loan is subject to a prepayment premium
equal to 5% percent of the principal amount of the loan.
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Sonterra Option Agreement
WRP Newco will also receive Wellsford's option to acquire Sonterra through
December 31, 1998 free and clear of all mortgages and other material liens for
approximately $20.5 million if the sale is consummated on or before December 31,
1997 and approximately $21 million if the sale is consummated during 1998. ERP
Operating Partnership will have a right of first offer to acquire the Sonterra
Option and a right to acquire the option if WRP Newco does not exercise it. If
WRP Newco acquires Sonterra, then WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership will
enter into a "Right of First/Last Offer Agreement" in substantially the same
form as the Right of First/Last Offer Agreement entered into pursuant to the
Agreement Regarding Palomino Park. See "Certain Agreements Between WRP Newco and
ERP Operating Partnership -- Agreement Regarding Palomino Park."
Wellsford Property Development
Palomino Park
WRP Newco will continue Wellsford's development of Palomino Park, which is
a master planned five-phase multifamily development project comprising
approximately 182 acres, of which 65 acres have been developed, in South East
Denver, Colorado about 14 miles from Denver's central business district. It is
situated within Highlands Ranch, a 22,000 acre master planned community.
Palomino Park is intended to be developed as an integrated project comprising an
1,880-unit multifamily apartment community constructed around a centrally
located 24 acre park which will feature tennis courts, athletic fields, a
putting green and an amphitheater. There is also a 29,000 square foot recreation
center which has been completed and which includes a full-size gymnasium,
fitness center, indoor golf range, racquet ball courts, and a baby-sitting
facility and has an adjacent swimming pool. Palomino Park will also have a
perimeter wall with a guard at the entry gate.
Wellsford Park Highlands Corp. ("WPHC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Wellsford, acquired options to purchase the land underlying each of the phases
(hereinafter referred to collectively as "Phases" or individually as a "Phase"
or specifically as "Phase I," "Phase II," "Phase III," "Phase IV" or "Phase V")
of Palomino Park. The land underlying Phases I and II has been acquired and the
land underlying Phases III, IV and V is subject to options which expire in May,
1997, May, 1998 and May, 1999, respectively. There can be no assurance that
Phase III, Phase IV or Phase V will be commenced or if commenced, that it will
be completed. The purchase price for land acquired with respect to any Phase is
$73,500 per acre, subject to an increase of the purchase price by 6% per annum
from and after November 30, 1994. To the extent WRP Newco continues this
development, it will be able to take advantage of these attractive, fixed-price
purchase options for the land underlying the Phases acquired by Wellsford in
1995. These options would reduce WRP Newco's exposure to market cycles in Denver
while enabling WRP Newco to develop a signature residential community in one of
the fastest growing counties in the country.
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The development of Palomino Park calls for construction of the 1,880 units
over the next five years with a total investment of $194 million. WRP Newco
currently has $21.3 million invested and will invest an additional $172.7
million over the next 5 years.
Blue Ridge (Phase I) will consist of 456 units of which 144 are
constructed, 120 are leased and 102 are occupied. Rents range from $760 per
month for a one bedroom, one bathroom to $1,375 per month for a three bedroom,
two bathroom unit. Garages are available and washer and dryer hook-ups exist in
all the apartments. Completion of construction of this Phase is expected in late
1997. The total estimated cost of Blue Ridge is approximately $42.5 million.
Red Canyon (Phase II) is expected to consist of 304 units. The total
estimated cost of Red Canyon is approximately $33.6 million. Site preparation
for construction of Phase II has recently begun and construction of Phase II is
expected to be completed in late 1998.
Blue Ridge is owned by Park at Highlands LLC ("Phase I LLC"), a limited
liability company, the members of which are WPHC (99%) and Al Feld ("Feld")
(1%). Red Canyon is owned by Red Canyon at Palomino Park LLC ("Phase II LLC"), a
limited liability company, the members of which are WPHC (99%) and Feld (1%).
Feld is a Denver-based developer specializing in the construction of luxury
residential properties. He has constructed over 3,000 units since 1984.
Various development, construction and property management and guarantee
fees, as well as certain other fees designed to provide cost savings incentives
in connection with property construction and stabilization, are paid to Feld and
his affiliates. These amounts are included in the cost estimates for Phase I and
Phase II described above. Feld has unconditionally guaranteed completion of
Phase I within 30 months and Phase II within 24 months, in each case after
closing of the construction loan, and has agreed to a one-year guarantee of such
Phases against construction defects. In addition, in the case of both Blue Ridge
and Red Canyon, Feld has agreed, subject to certain conditions, to fund deficits
in development and operating costs. To secure his obligations to make deficit
payments and perform all of his other obligations under the operating
agreements, Feld has pledged his interests in Phase I LLC and Phase II LLC to
WPHC.
The operating agreements provide that neither member may transfer, pledge
or assign its interest in the Phase I LLC or Phase II LLC without the consent of
the other member, except that (i) WPHC may transfer a portion of its interest
provided it retains at least a 21% interest in Phase I LLC or Phase II LLC, as
the case may be, and (ii) WPHC has an option to acquire Feld's interest for fair
market value at any time after completion of the Phase, and Feld has an option
to compel WPHC to buy his interest for fair market value upon completion of the
Phase.
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The construction loan on Blue Ridge is for approximately $36.8 million,
matures on December 31, 1998, and bears interest at the prime rate, except that
Phase I LLC may elect to cause a portion of the previously advanced principal to
bear interest at LIBOR plus 175 basis points. Feld has guaranteed repayment of
this loan.
Wellsford has agreed with the Phase I construction lender (the "Tri-Party
Agreement") to purchase the loan when due, assuming completion of construction,
if it is not paid off by Phase I LLC or by Feld pursuant to his guaranty, for
the lesser of the loan balance or the final agreed upon budget. Concurrently
with the Merger, ERP Operating Partnership has agreed to substitute itself for
Wellsford under the Tri-Party Agreement, with the consent of the Phase I
construction lender. See "Certain Agreements Between WRP Newco and ERP Operating
Partnership -- Agreement Regarding Palomino Park."
Palomino Park Public Improvements Corporation ("PPPIC"), a Colorado non-
profit corporation, has issued $14.8 million of tax exempt bonds due on December
1, 2035 (the "Bonds") to finance the development of the park and certain parts
of the infrastructure within Palomino Park, which have a total cost of
approximately $18.3 million. The Bonds currently bear interest at a floating
rate, but may be converted to a term rate or a fixed rate. Subject to certain
restrictions, revenue assessment liens are imposed against the Phases to secure
the obligation of the Phase owners to repay the portion of the Bonds' debt
service attributed by PPPIC to their respective Phases.
If it is determined to proceed with Phases III, IV and/or V, the ownership
and transaction structure of each such Phase is expected to be similar to that
of Phases I and II, although neither Wellsford nor Feld has any obligation to
continue the relationship for future Phases.
Cash
Approximately $18 million of cash will be contributed by Wellsford to WRP
Newco, a substantial portion of which will be applied to repay indebtedness
incurred to acquire WRP Newco's commercial properties.
Legal Proceedings
Neither WRP Newco nor the Properties are presently subject to any material
litigation nor, to WRP Newco's knowledge, is any material litigation threatened
against WRP Newco or the Properties, other than routine litigation arising in
the ordinary course of business and which is expected to be covered by liability
insurance.
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CERTAIN AGREEMENTS BETWEEN
WRP NEWCO AND ERP OPERATING PARTNERSHIP
The following describes certain aspects of the agreements to be
entered into by WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership on the Effective Date.
The following descriptions do not purport to be complete and are qualified in
their entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements, which are filed
as exhibits to the registration statement on Form 10 filed by WRP Newco.
Common Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement
Following the Distribution and upon consummation of the Merger, WRP
Newco will enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement with ERP Operating
Partnership, providing for the sale of WRP Newco Class A Common and WRP Newco
Series A Preferred to ERP Operating Partnership on the terms described below.
Common Stock.
Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, ERP Operating
Partnership will purchase from WRP Newco upon the Closing Date shares of Class A
common stock, par value $.01 per share, of WRP Newco ("WRP Newco Class A
Common") for an aggregate purchase price of $3.5 million at a price per share
equal to the Issuance Price. The "Issuance Price" is defined in the Stock
Purchase Agreement as (a) the average gross purchase price of WRP Newco Common
sold to institutional purchasers on or prior to the Closing Date or subject to
written commitments to purchase WRP Newco Common from institutional purchasers
received on or prior to the Closing Date (collectively "Institutional Sales") or
(b) if there are no Institutional Sales, the net book value per share of WRP
Newco Common on the Closing Date.
For a description of the WRP Newco Class A Common, see "Description of
Capital Stock of WRP Newco -- Class A Common."
Preferred Stock.
Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, ERP Operating
Partnership will agree to purchase from WRP Newco up to 1,000,000 shares of WRP
Newco Series A Preferred at $25.00 per share as requested by WRP Newco over the
three-year period (the "Commitment Period") commencing on the Closing Date.
Purchases of Class A Preferred are to be in minimum aggregate amounts of $1
million and in multiples of $500,000 in excess thereof. The obligations of ERP
Operating Partnership to acquire WRP Newco Series A Preferred are subject to,
among other matters, certain representations and warranties being true and
correct in all material respects and there being no event of default existing
under the Stock Purchase Agreement.
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For a description of the WRP Newco Series A Preferred, see
"Description of Capital Stock of WRP Newco -- Class A Preferred."
WRP Newco Board Member Elected by ERP Operating Partnership.
On the Closing Date, ERP Operating Partnership, as the holder of WRP
Newco Series A Common, is entitled to elect Douglas Crocker II, President of
EQR, to the WRP Newco Board of Directors. In the event Mr. Crocker (or other
person subsequently elected by ERP Operating Partnership to the WRP Newco Board
of Directors) is unable or unwilling to serve as a director or is no longer
employed by ERP Operating Partnership, ERP Operating Partnership and WRP Newco
will agree to the election of another member of senior management of ERP
Operating Partnership to the WRP Newco Board of Directors (Crocker or such other
individual elected by WRP Newco Series A Common shareholders, called the
"Purchaser Director").
Voting of WRP Newco Class A Common and WRP Newco Series A Preferred.
For ten years after the Closing Date, WRP Newco has the right to
direct the voting of all shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred, WRP Newco Class
A Common and WRP Newco Common owned by ERP Operating Partnership or any of its
affiliates, except as to the election of the Purchaser Director or any matter
relating to the rights, preferences and privileges of the WRP Newco Series A
Preferred or the WRP Newco Class A Common.
Sale of Stock.
For ten years after the Closing Date, ERP Operating Partnership shall
first offer, in writing (a "Notice of Proposed Sale"), to sell any shares of WRP
Newco Common, WRP Newco Class A Common, WRP Newco Series A Preferred or warrants
to purchase WRP Newco Common owned by it to WRP Newco prior to selling such
shares to any other entity. If WRP Newco has not agreed to purchase such shares
within 20 days of receipt of such notice, ERP Operating Partnership shall have
the right to sell such shares to any other entity for a period of 90 days
provided any sale is made on terms and conditions no more favorable to such
entity than specified in the Notice of Proposed Sale.
Events of Default.
An event of default occurs under the Stock Purchase Agreement upon the
occurrence of any of the following events, among others: (i) a judgment for the
payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $250,000 is rendered
against WRP Newco and such judgement remains undischarged for 30 days; (ii) a
change in control of WRP Newco (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement);
(iii) WRP Newco fails to pay the dividend on the WRP Newco Series A Preferred on
three separate instances; or (iv) a change resulting in or that could reasonably
be expected to result in a material adverse effect on WRP Newco.
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Remedies.
Upon the occurrence of an event of default, all obligations of ERP
Operating Partnership to purchase shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred
automatically terminate unless WRP Newco delivers a notice to ERP Operating
Partnership requesting the purchase by ERP Operating Partnership of WRP Newco
Series A Preferred, and the proceeds of such sale would cure such event of
default. In addition, in the event of the bankruptcy of WRP Newco or if WRP
Newco fails to pay the dividend on the WRP Newco Series A Preferred on three
separate instances, ERP Operating Partnership has the right to cause WRP Newco
to purchase the WRP Newco Series A Preferred then held by ERP Operating
Partnership.
Registration Rights Agreement
Upon issuance of the WRP Newco Class A Common, WRP Newco and ERP
Operating Partnership will enter into a Registration Rights Agreement providing
for registration rights at WRP Newco's expense with respect to shares of WRP
Newco Class A Common, WRP Newco Series A Preferred and WRP Newco Common.
Demand Registration.
After one (1) year from the consummation of the Merger and the
Distribution (the "Effective Date"), upon request (a "Demand Notice") of ERP
Operating Partnership, WRP Newco has agreed to file a registration statement
providing for the resale by ERP Operating Partnership of Registrable Securities
and will use its best efforts to cause any such registration statement to be
declared effective by the Commission. "Registrable Securities" means any of:
(i) WRP Newco Series A Preferred issuable or issued; (ii) WRP Newco Common
issuable or issued upon conversion of shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred or
WRP Newco Class A Common, or (iii) WRP Newco Common issuable or issued upon the
exercise of warrants issued pursuant to the Articles Supplementary. WRP Newco
is entitled to postpone for a reasonable period of time (but not in excess of 60
days) the filing of any registration statement, if the Board of Directors of WRP
Newco determines that such registration and offering would materially interfere
with any proposed material transaction involving WRP Newco.
ERP Operating Partnership has the right to deliver one Demand Notice
during any calendar year, but not more than four Demand Notices during the
period ending five years from the Effective Date.
Incidental Registration.
If WRP Newco proposes to register any WRP Newco Common for public sale
pursuant to an underwritten offering it will give prompt written notice (a
"Registration Notice") to ERP Operating Partnership and upon request from ERP
Operating Partnership, WRP Newco will include Registrable Securities in the
registration statement. WRP Newco will not be required
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to effect any registration if WRP Newco is advised by a nationally recognized
independent investment banking firm selected by WRP Newco to act as lead
underwriter, that a registration at that time of additional securities would
materially and adversely affect the offering.
ERP Operating Partnership has the right to deliver one Registration
Notice during any calendar year, but not more than four Registration Notices
during the period ending five years from the Effective Date.
Limit in Aggregate Amount.
WRP Newco need not register Registrable Securities pursuant to a
Demand Notice or Registration Notice unless the Registrable Securities being
registered have an aggregate fair market value of (i) $5,000,000 during the
period ending three years from the Effective Date ("Initial Period"), or (ii)
$7,500,000 at any time after the Initial Period.
Lockup.
In the event WRP Newco proposes to effect the distribution of its
securities through an underwritten public offering, beginning seven days prior
to the pricing of such offering and ending thirty days after such pricing, ERP
Operating Partnership, in the event it beneficially owns in excess of 100,000
shares, will cease any sale or other disposition of any of the Registrable
Securities, if requested by WRP Newco; provided, however, that ERP Operating
Partnership will not be subject to more than one lockup period during any 12
month period.
Agreement Regarding Palomino Park
General.
Upon consummation of the Merger, WRP Newco and ERP Operating
Partnership will become the shareholders in WPHC. Pursuant to the Contribution
and Distribution Agreement, Wellsford will contribute to WRP Newco 80% of its
shares of WPHC, consisting of voting Class A Shares (the "Class A Shares"). The
remaining 20% of Wellsford's shares in WPHC, consisting of non-voting Class B
Shares (the "Class B Shares"), will be retained by Wellsford and, following the
Merger, will be owned by ERP Operating Partnership. WPHC, together with Feld,
are the two members of the limited liability companies -- Park at Highlands LLC
and Red Canyon at Palomino Park LLC -- which own Phase I and Phase II,
respectively. WRP Newco and ERP Operating Partnership will enter into an
agreement (the "Palomino Agreement") regarding their rights and obligations as
shareholders of WPHC and certain aspects of the development of Palomino Park,
including Phases I (Blue Ridge) and II (Red Canyon). Certain of the terms are
summarized below.
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Capital Contributions.
WPHC is obligated to make capital contributions to the Phase I LLC and
Phase II LLC for certain acquisition costs, and to fund the deficit between
construction costs and construction loan proceeds, respectively. These
subsequent capital contribution obligations ("Phase Contributions") are limited
to the deficits as projected in the budgets originally adopted for each Phase.
Wellsford has guaranteed the Phase Contributions, which guarantees, following
the Merger and with the consent of Feld, will be assumed by WRP Newco.
ERP Operating Partnership has no obligation to contribute capital to
WPHC.
Issuance of Additional WPHC Shares to WRP Newco; Anti-Dilution Provisions.
If additional shares of WPHC are issued to WRP Newco or to one of its
subsidiaries, ERP Operating Partnership will have the right to purchase a
sufficient number of such shares to retain a 20% interest in WPHC. Any Class A
Shares acquired by ERP Operating Partnership will be converted into Class B
Shares.
Offers to Purchase Class A Shares or Class B Shares; Rights of First Refusal;
The WRP Newco Drag Along Right.
ERP Operating Partnership may transfer all, but not part, of its Class
B Shares, except in a Tag Along transaction (described below).
WRP Newco may transfer all or part of its Class A Shares after the
expiration of the lock-up period (i.e., the period during which ERP Operating
Partnership is liable to the construction lender under a Tri-Party Agreement, as
described below).
If WRP Newco receives an offer to purchase all of the Class A Shares,
WRP Newco has the right ("Drag Along Right") to compel ERP Operating Partnership
to sell all of its Class B Shares as part of that transaction to enable WRP
Newco to effectuate a total sale of WPHC to a third party.
If ERP Operating Partnership or WRP Newco shall receive an offer from
a bona fide third party to purchase all (or in the case of WRP Newco any part)
of their shares in WPHC, then the selling shareholder shall be obligated to
offer to sell its shares to the other shareholder (i.e. the non-selling
shareholder) who shall have a preemptive right ("Right of First Refusal") to
purchase the offered shares on the same terms.
ERP Operating Partnership may exercise its Right of First Refusal as
to the Class A Shares, notwithstanding that WRP Newco may have exercised its
Drag Along Right. In such
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event and for such purpose, WRP Newco's Class A Shares shall be valued as if all
of the shares of WPHC had been sold, and not only the Class A Shares alone.
ERP Operating Partnership's Tag Along Right.
ERP Operating Partnership has a right ("Tag Along Right") to compel
WRP Newco to include ERP Operating Partnership's Class B Shares in a sale of the
Class A Shares, in such amount as will preserve the 80%-20% ratio between the
Class A Shares held by WRP Newco and Class B Shares held by ERP Operating
Partnership.
The Put/Call Feature of One-Half of the Class B Shares.
One-half of ERP Operating Partnership's Class B Shares (the "Put/Call
Shares") are subject to a Put/Call agreement in favor of either ERP Operating
Partnership (the Put feature) or WRP Newco (the Call feature) at the Put/Call
Price.
The Put: ERP Operating Partnership may compel WRP Newco to purchase
from ERP Operating Partnership the Put/Call Shares at any time after the fifth
year for the Put/Call Price.
The Call: WRP Newco may compel ERP Operating Partnership to sell to
WRP Newco the Put/Call Shares at any time for the Put/Call Price.
The Put/Call Price equals $1.9 million (adjusted, in the case of the
Call, for inflation after the fifth year), less any amounts previously received
by ERP Operating Partnership from sale and refinancing proceeds.
Consistent with the foregoing, one-half of the Class B Shares in any
sale transaction effected by means of either the Drag Along Right or the Tag
Along Right is deemed Put/Call Stock and entitled to receive the greater of the
purchase price in such transaction or a pro-rated portion of the Put/Call Price.
Future Acquisitions of the Remaining Overall Property.
Any future Phase acquired by WPHC will be acquired in a Colorado
limited liability company substantially similar to the Phase II LLC.
ERP Operating Partnership's Right of First Offer if WPHC Elects to Assign its
Interest in the Land Contract.
If WRP Newco, through WPHC, decides not to acquire a future Phase and
instead to assign the land contract to a third party for such future Phase, then
ERP Operating Partnership,
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subject to the similar interests of Feld, has a preemptive right of first offer
with respect to such proposed assignment.
ERP Operating Partnership's Right of First/Last Offer for Sale of Blue Ridge and
Red Canyon.
With the exception of sales pursuant to a condominium or townhome
plan, ERP Operating Partnership is accorded certain rights of first and last
offer with respect to a sale of either WPHC's interest in the Phase I LLC or the
Phase II LLC, or the sale of fee title to Phase I or Phase II by either of said
entities.
WRP Newco and WHPC Loss of Control.
WRP Newco has agreed not to lose its controlling interest in WPHC nor
to permit WPHC to lose its controlling interest in Phase I LLC, Phase II LLC or
any future entity formed with respect to another phase of Palomino Park without
first releasing ERP Operating Partnership from its obligations with respect to
the Credit Enhancement Agreement and ERP Guaranty (as defined below).
Tri-Party Agreements and Standby Agreements.
Phase I Tri-Party Agreement. With respect to the development of Phase
I, NationsBank, N.A. ("NationsBank") has provided a construction loan of
approximately $36.8 million. Wellsford, PPPIC and NationsBank have entered into
an agreement ("Phase I Tri-Party Agreement") under which Wellsford has agreed,
assuming completion of construction, if the loan is not paid when due, to pay
NationsBank the lesser of the loan balance or the final agreed upon budget. Upon
consummation of the Merger, ERP Operating Partnership will, with the consent of
NationsBank, assume Wellsford's obligations under the Phase I Tri-Party
Agreement.
Phase II Tri-Party Agreement. With respect to the development of
Phase II, a construction loan has not yet been obtained. ERP Operating
Partnership has agreed to provide substantially similar credit support for the
Phase II construction loan ("Phase II Tri-Party Agreement") as it has agreed to
provide pursuant to the Phase I Tri-Party Agreement. ERP Operating Partnership
will receive a fee of (i) 1% of the committed construction loan amount for each
of the first two years and (ii) 1-1/2% of such amount for the third year. The
parties anticipate a construction loan of approximately $30 million.
The Standby Agreements. If ERP Operating Partnership does, in fact,
pay off the construction loan pursuant to its obligations under the Phase I Tri-
Party Agreement or Phase II Tri-Party Agreement, ERP Operating Partnership shall
be entitled to acquire fee title to the corresponding Phase for $100.
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Events of Default. Upon an event of default (as described below), ERP
Operating Partnership may exercise all remedies available to it and shall have
no obligation to enter into the Phase II Tri-Party Agreement; provided, however,
ERP Operating Partnership may not disaffirm its obligations under the Phase I
Tri-Party Agreement or, if entered into prior to the event of default, the Phase
II Tri-Party Agreement. An event of default includes, among other things, a
material misrepresentation by WRP Newco, failure to make payments after a
material default by WRP Newco under the Palomino Agreement or any document
entered into pursuant to the Palomino Agreement, an undischarged judgment
against WRP Newco in excess of $250,000 and a change in control of WRP Newco.
Credit Enhancement Agreement
At the time of the Contribution and Distribution, with the consent of
Dresdner Bank, AG, NY Branch ("Dresdner"), WRP Newco will assume Wellsford's
obligations under a certain agreement (the "Bank Reimbursement Agreement")
entered into between PPPIC, Wellsford and Dresdner pursuant to which (i)
Dresdner has issued its letter of credit ("Dresdner Letter of Credit") to insure
the repayment of the Bonds and (ii) Wellsford has undertaken to reimburse
Dresdner if the Dresdner Letter of Credit is drawn upon.
ERP Operating Partnership has agreed to enter into a Credit
Enhancement Agreement with WRP Newco (the "Credit Enhancement Agreement") under
which, assuming the satisfaction of certain conditions, ERP Operating
Partnership will make its own credit available to Dresdner in the form of a
guaranty to Dresdner of WRP Newco's obligations under the Bank Reimbursement
Agreement for a period of eight years from the consummation of the Merger (the
"ERP Guaranty").
The ERP Guaranty will be revised and made available with respect to
any similar letter of credit or credit facility issued in lieu or replacement of
the Dresdner Letter of Credit.
WRP Newco has agreed to pay ERP Operating Partnership for the ERP
Guaranty an annual credit enhancement fee, payable quarterly, equal to .5% of
the face amount of the Dresdner Letter of Credit (or the face amount of any
alternate credit arrangement). Following an event of default by WRP Newco, ERP
Operating Partnership will have the right, among other remedies, to select an
alternate interest rate on the Bonds and to direct the actions of PPPIC under
the Credit Enhancement Agreement. In addition, pursuant to the Credit
Enhancement Agreement there are certain restrictions on the ability to convert
the rate mode of the Bonds. WRP Newco has agreed to reimburse ERP Operating
Partnership for any amounts it pays under the ERP Guaranty or any revision
thereof, together with interest on such amount.
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POLICIES WITH RESPECT TO CERTAIN
ACTIVITIES OF WRP NEWCO
The following is a discussion of WRP Newco's investment policies,
financing policies and policies with respect to certain other activities. WRP
Newco's policies with respect to these activities have been determined by the
directors of WRP Newco and may be amended or revised from time to time at the
discretion of the directors without a vote of the stockholders of WRP Newco.
Investment Policies
WRP Newco intends to invest in real estate directly or indirectly
through entities that engage in real estate-related activities. These
investments may be in the form of debt or equity.
Debt investments may include the purchasing of mortgage loans, other
financial instruments collateralized by real estate or real estate interests, or
participations therein, real property tax liens or tax-exempt bonds
collateralized by real estate or tax-increment finance districts. These debt
instruments may be senior, junior or otherwise subordinated to the interests of
others. Further, WRP Newco may provide credit enhancement or guarantees of the
obligations of others involved in real estate-related activities. WRP Newco may
also invest in participating or convertible mortgages if WRP Newco concludes
that it may benefit from the cash flow and/or any appreciation in the value of
the property. Such mortgages may be similar to equity participations. WRP
Newco may also make mortgage loans or participate in such loans and
contemporaneously or otherwise obtain related property purchase options.
Equity investments may include development projects directly or
through joint ventures, as well as the purchase of general or limited
partnership interests in limited partnerships, shares in publicly-traded or
privately-held corporations or interests in other entities that own real estate
or provide services or products to the real estate industry. WRP Newco intends
to engage in active real estate businesses, which may include land subdivisions,
condominium conversions, property sales, and other businesses considered
ineligible investments for REITs. WRP Newco may also hold real estate or
interests therein for investment. WRP Newco may purchase substantially leased,
mostly unleased or vacant properties of any type or geographic location. WRP
Newco intends to renovate and re-lease the mostly unleased or vacant properties.
The activities described above often do not generate immediate cash
flow, and cash flow generated may be non-recurring. These investments may be
subject to existing debt financing and any such financing will have a priority
over the equity interests of WRP Newco.
WRP Newco may offer to exchange its securities for properties and
securities of other entities. Further, it may, from time to time, repurchase
its shares. WRP Newco will seek investments generally with a duration of one to
five years.
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Financing Policies
WRP Newco will seek to finance its investments through both public and
private secured and unsecured debt financings, as well as public and private
placements of its equity securities. The equity securities will include both
common and preferred equity issuances. WRP Newco does not have a policy
limiting the number or amount of mortgages that may be placed on any particular
property, but mortgage financing instruments usually limit additional
indebtedness on such properties. There are currently no restrictions on the
amount of debt that WRP Newco may incur.
Also, WRP Newco does not plan to distribute dividends for the
foreseeable future, which will permit it to accumulate cash flow from
investments, disposition of investments and other business activities.
WRP Newco has obtained a commitment from Bank of Boston and Morgan
Guaranty for a $50 million two-year line of credit. This facility is subject to
certain financial and other covenants. In the future, WRP Newco may seek to
extend, expand, reduce or renew such facility, or obtain an additional or a
replacement facility.
Policies with Respect to Other Activities
WRP Newco does not intend to qualify as a REIT, but it may, from time
to time, sell properties or entities to REITs for cash and/or securities.
Further, it may spin-off to its common stockholders, shares of its subsidiaries
or shares of other entities it has acquired through the sale of its properties,
investments or otherwise. These spin-offs may be taxable or non-taxable,
depending upon the facts and circumstances. WRP Newco's policies with respect to
its activities may be reviewed and modified from time to time by WRP Newco's
directors without notice to or vote of its stockholders.
MANAGEMENT OF WRP NEWCO
Directors and Executive Officers
The executive officers and directors of WRP
Newco, their ages and their positions are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position Held
- ---- --- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jeffrey H. Lynford........49 Chairman of the Board,
Secretary
and Director**
Edward Lowenthal..........52 President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director*
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position Held
---- --- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gregory F. Hughes............. 33 Chief Financial Officer
David Strong.................. 38 Vice President for Development
Rodney F. Du Bois............. 60 Director*
Mark S. Germain............... 46 Director**
Frank J. Hoenemeyer........... 77 Director***
Frank J. Sixt................. 45 Director***
Douglas J. Crocker II(1)...... 56 Proposed Director**
</TABLE>
- --------------------
* Term expires 1998
** Term expires 1999
*** Term expires 2000
(1) Mr. Crocker will become a director immediately upon consummation of the
Merger and the purchase by ERP Operating Partnership of WRP Newco Class A
Common. Mr. Crocker will remain a director for a minimum of two years, and
thereafter so long as certain conditions are met. See "Description of
Capital Stock of WRP Newco -- Class A Common Stock."
Jeffrey H. Lynford has been the Chairman of the Board and Secretary of
Wellsford since its formation in July 1992 and was the Chief Financial Officer
of Wellsford from July 1992 until December 1994. Mr. Lynford was the Chairman
of the Board of WGI since its formation in 1986. Mr. Lynford currently serves
as a trustee emeritus of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and as a
director of three mutual funds: Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund, Inc.,
Cohen & Steers Realty Shares, Inc. and Cohen & Steers Realty Income Fund, Inc.
He is also a member of the New York bar. Prior to founding WGI, Mr. Lynford
gained real estate and investment banking experience as a partner of Bear
Stearns & Co. and a managing director of A.G. Becker Paribas, Inc.
Edward Lowenthal has been the President and Chief Executive Officer and a
trustee of Wellsford since its formation in July 1992 and was President of WGI
since its formation in 1986. Mr. Lowenthal currently serves as a director of
United American Energy Corporation, a developer, owner and operator of
hydroelectric and other alternative energy facilities, a director of Corporate
Renaissance Group, Inc., a mutual fund, a director of Omega Healthcare, Inc., a
REIT, a director of Great Lakes REIT, Inc., a real estate investment trust that
owns and operates office buildings, and a trustee of Corporate Realty Income
Trust, a REIT. He is also a member of the executive committee and The Board of
Governors of the NAREIT. Prior to founding WGI, Mr. Lowenthal gained real
estate and investment banking experience as a partner
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of Bear Stearns & Co., a managing director of A.G. Becker Paribas, Inc., and a
partner in the law firm of Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman.
Gregory F. Hughes has been a Vice President - Chief Financial Officer of
Wellsford since December 1994. From March 1993 until December 1994 he was a
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Wellsford. During 1992, Mr.
Hughes was a controller with Jones Lang Wootton Realty Advisors, a firm that
provides real estate asset management and investment consultation services.
From 1985 to 1991, Mr. Hughes was a manager with Kenneth Leventhal & Company, a
public accounting firm specializing in real estate and financial services. Mr.
Hughes is a certified public accountant.
David M. Strong has been a Vice President of Wellsford since July 1995.
From July 1994 until July 1995 he was Acquisitions and Development Associate of
Wellsford. From 1991 to 1994, Mr. Strong was President and owner of LPI
Management, Inc., a commercial real estate company providing management and
consulting services. From 1984 to 1991, he was a senior executive with the
London Pacific Investment Group, a real estate development, investment and
management firm active in Southern California and Western Canada. From 1979 to
1984, Mr. Strong was a manager with Arthur Young, a public accounting firm. Mr.
Strong is a member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Rodney F. Du Bois has been a trustee of Wellsford since November 1992. Mr.
Du Bois also has been President and co-owner of Goshawk Corporation, which
provides finance and general corporate services, since 1982. Mr. Du Bois was a
founder of Mountain Cable Company, a cable TV multiple system operator, and its
Chairman from 1985 until the company's sale in 1988. Previously Mr. Du Bois
served as Executive Vice President and a director of C. Brewer and Co., Chairman
of Alexander and Baldwin Agribusiness, Inc., a managing director of Warburg,
Paribas, Becker, Inc. and a Professor of Real Estate at the Amos Tuck School of
Business Administration at Dartmouth College.
Mark S. Germain has been a trustee of Wellsford since November 1992.
Currently he is employed by Olmstead Group L.L.C., which is a consultant to
biotechnology and other high technology companies. Mr. Germain also serves as a
board member of several privately held biotechnology companies. Previously,
from 1990 to 1994, Mr. Germain was employed by D. Blech & Company, Incorporated,
a merchant bank. From 1986 to 1989, he was President and Chief Operating
Officer of The Vista Organization, Ltd., and from 1989 to 1990, its President
and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Germain was a partner in a New York law firm
prior to 1986.
Frank J. Hoenemeyer has been a trustee of Wellsford since November 1992.
Mr. Hoenemeyer also currently serves as a director of American International
Group, Inc., Mitsui Trust Bank (U.S.A.), W.P. Carey Advisors, Inc. and Carey
Fiduciary Advisors, Inc. (subsidiaries of W.P. Carey & Co., Inc.) and ARIAD
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and as Vice
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Chairman of the Investment Committee of W.P. Carey & Co., Inc. From 1947 to
1984, he was employed by The Prudential Insurance Company of America where he
served as Vice Chairman and Chief Investment Officer prior to his retirement.
Frank J. Sixt has been a trustee of Wellsford since November 1992. Mr.
Sixt also currently serves as an executive director of Cheung Kong (Holdings)
Limited, Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Limited and Hutchinson Whampoa
Limited Group of Companies. He also serves as a director of Husky Oil Limited,
Concord Property and Financial Company Limited and World Financial Properties
Limited. He is also a director of and Chairman of the Executive Committee of
the Board of Directors of Gordon Capital Corporation. Previously, from 1987 to
1990, Mr. Sixt was a partner in the law firm of Stikeman Elliot.
For a biographical description of Douglas J. Crocker II see "Management and
Operation of the Surviving Trust After the Merger-Trustees and Executive
Officers."
Key Employee
Richard R. Previdi has been active in seeking to acquire commercial
properties on behalf of WRP Newco and its predecessor since September, 1996.
From May 1994 until June 1996, he was a managing director of Emmes & Company, a
real estate investment company. From April 1990 until May 1994, Mr. Previdi was
a managing director of Trammell Crow N.E., Inc., and Chief Executive Officer of
that company's Northern Virginia Commercial Division. Previously, from October
1985 until April 1990, he was first a marketing principal, and later a partner,
of Trammell Crow Company. From October 1982 until October 1985, Mr. Previdi was
a manager with Arthur Young and Company, a public accounting firm.
Compensation of Directors
WRP Newco will pay to each of its directors who are not employees of WRP
Newco (i) an annual fee of $16,000, payable quarterly in shares of WRP Newco
Common, and (ii) a fee of $2,250 payable in cash for each regular quarterly
Board of Directors meeting at which such director is present in person or by
telephone. Messrs. Du Bois, Germain, Hoenemeyer and Sixt will also receive
options to purchase 42,750 shares of WRP Newco Common each, and Mr. Crocker will
receive options to purchase 21,375 shares of WRP Newco Common, all under WRP
Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan, and each of them will be eligible along
with other present and future directors to receive additional share options, all
subject to stockholder approval. Directors who are employees of WRP Newco will
not be paid any directors' fees. In addition, WRP Newco will reimburse the
directors for travel expenses incurred in connection with their activities on
behalf of WRP Newco.
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Board Committees
The Board of Directors of WRP Newco will establish, following the
Distribution, an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and an Executive
Committee. The Board will not have a nominating committee or a committee
performing the functions of a nominating committee; the entire Board will
perform the usual functions of such committee.
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will consist of Messrs.
Lynford, Lowenthal and Hoenemeyer. The Executive Committee has the authority to
acquire, dispose of and finance investments for WRP Newco and execute contracts
and agreements, including those related to the borrowing of money by WRP Newco,
and generally to exercise all other powers of the directors except for those
which require action by all directors or the independent directors under the
Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of WRP Newco or under applicable law.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will consist of Messrs.
Du Bois, Germain, Hoenemeyer and Sixt, none of whom are employees of WRP Newco.
The Compensation Committee will review WRP Newco's compensation and employee
benefit plans, programs and policies, approve employment agreements and monitor
the performance and compensation of the Executive Officers and other employees.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will consist of Messrs. Du Bois,
Germain, Hoenemeyer and Sixt and will make recommendations concerning the
engagement of independent public accountants, review with the independent public
accountants the plans and results of the audit engagement, approve the
professional services provided by the independent public accountants, review the
independence of the independent public accountants, consider the range of audit
and non-audit fees, review the adequacy of WRP Newco's internal accounting
controls and review related party transactions.
Executive Compensation
WRP Newco was organized as a Maryland corporation in January, 1997. Its
executive officers will not be entitled to receive any separate salary or other
cash compensation from WRP Newco for any period prior to the Distribution.
Prior to the Distribution, WRP Newco's executive officers will only receive
compensation from Wellsford for services rendered by them to Wellsford.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
Chief Executive Officer and each of the other executive officers of WRP Newco
(collectively, the "Executive Officers") whose cash compensation is expected to
exceed $100,000 on an annualized basis during the fiscal year ending December
31, 1997, and all executive officers as a group.
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name of Individual or Number in
- ------------------------------- Cash
Group Capacities in Which Serve Compensation
- ---- ------------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jeffrey H. Lynford............... Chairman of the Board and $275,000
Secretary
Edward Lowenthal................. President and Chief Executive $275,000
Officer
Gregory F. Hughes................ Chief Financial Officer $175,000
David M. Strong.................. Vice President for $125,000
Development
All executive officers as a group
(consisting of the four persons
named above)...................................................... $850,000
</TABLE>
For information regarding options to purchase shares of WRP Newco Common to
be granted to executive officers and directors, see "Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger and Distribution -- Agreements with WRP Newco."
Employment Agreements
WRP Newco will enter into employment agreements with Messrs. Lynford and
Lowenthal (the "Senior Executives"), pursuant to which Mr. Lynford will serve as
the Chairman of the Board of WRP Newco and Mr. Lowenthal will serve as its
President and Chief Executive Officer. WRP Newco will also enter into
employment agreements with Messrs. Hughes and Strong. The employment agreements
with Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal will expire on December 31, 2002, and the
employment agreements with Messrs. Hughes and Strong will expire two years from
the Effective Time.
Each of the employment agreements is automatically extended for additional
one-year periods unless either the Executive Officer or WRP Newco gives prior
notice not to extend the employment agreement, as specified in the agreement.
Pursuant to the employment agreements, each of the Executive Officers is
also entitled to incentive compensation to be determined by the Compensation
Committee. Mr. Hughes is entitled to incentive compensation equal to at least
50% of his annual base salary.
In the event that either of the Senior Executives dies during the term of
his employment agreement, or if WRP Newco elects to terminate his employment
agreement as a result of the Senior Executive's total disability, WRP Newco is
required to pay additional compensation for
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the longer of 36 months after such termination or for the remaining term of his
agreement at the rate of his then annual base salary.
Following a "change in control of WRP Newco" (as defined in the
agreements), if a Senior Executive's employment agreement is terminated (a) by
WRP Newco, other than for "proper cause" (as defined in the agreements) or death
or disability or (b) by the Senior Executive, then in either case the Senior
Executive shall be entitled to receive a lump sum cash payment generally equal
to the sum of (i) the amount of compensation that he would have been entitled to
had the agreement not been so terminated and (ii) 299% of his average annual
compensation of every type and form includible in gross income received during
the three year period preceding the calendar year in which employment is
terminated. The Senior Executives are also entitled to reimbursement of income
taxes on certain non-cash taxable income resulting from a change in control of
WRP Newco, including taxable income resulting from accelerated loan forgiveness
or vesting of restricted shares or options. In addition, each Senior Executive
is entitled to receive an additional sum to cover certain resulting income and
excise tax liabilities that may be incurred on all of the foregoing.
The employment agreements with the Senior Executives will indemnify and
hold harmless the Senior Executives for any income and excise tax liabilities
that arise from any benefits described in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement and are not otherwise provided for in
the payments to be made to them by the Surviving Trust on the date of the
Merger.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee currently consists of the four independent
directors of WRP Newco: Rodney F. Du Bois, Mark S. Germain, Frank J. Hoenemeyer
and Frank J. Sixt, none of whom is, or has been, an officer or employee of WRP
Newco.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS OF WRP NEWCO
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial
ownership of WRP Newco Common by each person anticipated by WRP Newco to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of WRP Newco Common, by each director or
proposed director of WRP Newco, by certain executive officers of WRP Newco and
by all directors, proposed directors and executive officers of WRP Newco as a
group after giving effect to the Distribution, the Merger and certain other
transactions described herein (excluding the Additional Share Offering). Each
person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to
all WRP Newco Common shown as beneficially owned by such person.
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature of
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) Beneficial Ownership Percent of Class
- ---------------------------------------- -------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jeffrey H. Lynford(2)........................... 501,909 9.49%
Edward Lowenthal(2)............................. 505,985 9.56%
Gregory F. Hughes(3)............................ 167,787 3.34%
David Strong(4)................................. 123,638 2.48%
Rodney F. Du Bois(5)
32 Rip Road
Hanover, New Hampshire 03755................. 44,500 *
Mark S. Germain(6)
Olmsted Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583.................... 102,603 2.07%
Frank J. Hoenemeyer(5)
7 Harwood Drive
Madison, New Jersey 07940.................... 43,683 *
Frank J. Sixt(6)
c/o Cheung Kung (Holdings), Ltd
Ching Building, 18-22 Floors
29 Queen's Road Central
Hong Kong..................................... 73,010 1.48%
Douglas J. Crocker II(7)
c/o Equity Residential Properties Trust
Two North Riverside Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60606...................... 21,375 *
ERP Operating Limited Partnership
Two North Riverside Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60606...................... 334,062(8) 7.22%
All directors, proposed directors
and executive officers as a group (9 persons)... 1,584,490 25.41%
- ----------------
</TABLE>
* Less than 1.0%
(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each person is c/o Wellsford
Real Properties, Inc., 610 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10020.
(2) Includes 417,585 shares of WRP Newco Common issuable upon the exercise of
options, all of which will be either issued or amended as of the Effective
Time, and none of which will be exercisable as of the Effective Time.
Options to purchase 332,085 of these shares represent replacement options
for Wellsford share options having exercise prices ranging from $18.94 to
$27.50.
(3) Includes 153,818 shares of WRP Newco Common issuable upon the exercise of
options, all of which will either be issued or amended as of the Effective
Time, and none of which will be exercisable as of the Effective Time.
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<PAGE>
Options to purchase 68,318 of these shares represent replacement options
for Wellsford share options having exercise prices ranging from $18.94 to
$27.50.
(4) Includes 119,277 shares of WRP Newco Common issuable upon the exercise of
options, all of which will either be issued or amended as of the Effective
Time, and none of which will be exercisable as of the Effective Time.
Options to purchase 33,777 of these shares represent replacement options
for Wellsford share options having exercise prices ranging from $18.94 to
$27.50.
(5) Includes 42,750 shares of WRP Newco Common issuable upon the exercise of
options, all of which will either be issued or amended as of the Effective
Time and will then be immediately exercisable.
(6) Includes 73,010 shares of WRP Newco Common issuable upon the exercise of
options, all of which will either be issued or amended as of the Effective
Time and will then be immediately exercisable.
(7) Includes 21,375 shares of WRP Newco Common issuable upon exercise of
options, all of which will be issued as of the Effective Time and will then
be immediately exercisable. Excludes 334,062 shares of WRP Newco Common
(estimated) to be issued to ERP Operating Partnership pursuant to the Stock
Purchase Agreement. Mr. Crocker is President and Chief Executive Officer of
EQR, the general partner of ERP Operating Partnership, and disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares.
(8) Estimated number of shares of WRP Newco Common to be issued to ERP
Operating Partnership pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement.
WRP NEWCO'S CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
The contract to purchase the Chatham property, the Point View office
complex and the Greenbrook Corporate Center have been transferred to WRP Newco
by an entity ("Wellsford Commercial") of which Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal,
the wife of Mark Germain who is a director of WRP Newco, and three unaffiliated
parties are owners, for shares of WRP Newco Common having an aggregate value of
approximately $2.25 million and WRP Newco's agreement to repay a $1.0 million
advance used for the down payment on the Point View office complex. The number
of shares to be issued will be based upon the Issuance Price. Upon liquidation
of Wellsford Commercial, Mr. Lynford, Mr. Lowenthal and the wife of Mark Germain
will each receive approximately 16.4%, 16.4% and 13.8%, respectively, of the
shares of WRP Newco Common to be issued to Wellsford Commercial. The aggregate
purchase price for these commercial properties is approximately $44.5 million,
excluding the approximately $2.25 million referred to above. The above transfers
to WRP Newco, along with the Contribution and the purchase of stock by ERP
Operating Partnership under the Stock Purchase Agreement, are being made as part
of a single plan intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction.
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<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR)
Overview
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Wellsford
Real Properties Inc. (Predecessor) (the "Company") financial statements
contained herein.
Results of Operations
The Company's operations during the year ended December 31, 1996 consisted of
owning a mortgage note receivable, upon which the Company earned $757,000 of
interest income, and developing two multifamily communities located in a suburb
of Denver, Colorado with a total of 760 units under development.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company expects to meet its short-term liquidity requirements generally
through its working capital and cash flow provided by operations. The Company
considers its ability to generate cash to be adequate and expects it to continue
to be adequate to meet operating requirements both in the short and long terms.
The Company expects to meet its long-term liquidity requirements such as
refinancing mortgages, financing acquisitions and development, and financing
capital improvements and debt and equity investments in real estate companies by
long-term borrowings, through the issuance of debt and the offering of
additional debt and equity securities.
The Company has received a commitment from the Bank of Boston and Morgan
Guaranty that they will provide a $50 million credit facility, subject to
customary conditions, which would be available to fund acquisitions, debt and
equity investments, development, capital expenditures, repayment of indebtedness
and related expenditures. The Company expects to obtain this credit facility
concurrently with the closing of the Merger and Distribution. The commitment
received is subject to customary conditions and documentation.
In December 1995, the Company marketed and sold $14.8 million of tax-exempt
bonds to fund construction at Palomino Park. The bonds have a variable rate of
interest and a term of 40 years. At December 31, 1996, $5.5 million of the bond
proceeds were being held in escrow pending their use for the funding of
development.
In July 1996, the Company originated the Sonterra Loan. The Sonterra
Loan bears interest at 9% per annum and matures in July 1999. The Company also
has the exclusive option to purchase the community for $20.5 million through
December 1997 and for $21 million during 1998.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of
Wellsford Residential Property Trust and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of the Predecessor to
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 1996 and
1995, and the related combined statements of income and equity for the year
ended December 31, 1996, and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
for the period from March 22, 1995 (the date the assets were acquired and
liabilities incurred) to December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
As described in Note 1, no operating revenues or expenses were incurred in the
period from March 22, 1995 through December 31, 1995. Accordingly, the statement
of income for the period ended December 31, 1995 has been omitted.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the Company
at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the combined results of its operations for
the year ended December 31, 1996 and its cash flows for the year ended December
31, 1996 and for the period from March 22, 1995 to December 31, 1995, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
----------------------
New York, New York
February 28, 1997
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<PAGE>
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor)
Combined Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, December 31,
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Construction in process $21,306 $7,955
Restricted cash 5,520 10,414
Mortgage note and interest receivable 17,934 0
--------------------------------
Total Assets $44,760 $18,369
===============================
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Tax exempt mortgage note payable $14,755 $14,755
--------------------------------
Total Liabilities 14,755 14,755
--------------------------------
Commitments and contingencies -- --
Equity 30,005 3,614
--------------------------------
Total Equity 30,005 3,614
--------------------------------
Total Liabilities and Equity $44,760 $18,369
================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
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<PAGE>
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor)
Combined Statement of Income and Equity
(In thousands)
Year
Ended
December 31,
1996
----
Interest income $757
-----------
Net income 757
-----------
Equity, January 1, 1996 3,614
Contributions 25,634
-----------
Equity, December 31, 1996 $30,005
===========
See accompanying notes.
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Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor)
Combined Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Period From
Ended March 22 to
December 31, December 31,
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income $757 $0
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Debt service reserve 4,894 4,341
Interest receivable (134) 0
--------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 5,517 4,341
--------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investments in real estate assets (13,351) (7,955)
Investment in mortgage note receivable (17,800) 0
--------------------------------
Net cash (used) in investing activities (31,151) (7,955)
--------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from tax exempt mortgage note payable 0 14,755
Funding of restricted cash accounts 0 (14,755)
Equity contributions 25,634 3,614
--------------------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 25,634 3,614
--------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 0 0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 0 0
--------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $0 $0
================================
Cash paid during the period for interest $663 $335
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
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<PAGE>
WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR)
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Organization and Basis of Presentation
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. ("WRP Newco"), a C corporation formed on
January 8, 1997, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wellsford Residential
Property Trust ("Wellsford"). On January 16, 1997 Wellsford announced its
intention to merge with Equity Residential Properties Trust ("EQR").
Immediately prior to the Merger, Wellsford intends to contribute certain
of its assets to WRP Newco and have WRP Newco assume certain liabilities
of Wellsford. Immediately after the contribution of assets to WRP Newco
and immediately prior to the Merger, Wellsford intends to distribute to
its common shareholders all the outstanding shares of WRP Newco owned by
Wellsford. The common shareholders of Wellsford will receive one common
share of WRP Newco for each four common shares of Wellsford owned.
The accompanying combined financial statements of the predecessor to WRP
Newco (the "Company") include the assets and liabilities to be contributed
and assumed by WRP Newco from the time the assets and liabilities were
acquired or incurred, respectively, by Wellsford or the majority owned or
controlled subsidiary of Wellsford. Such financial statements have been
prepared using the historical basis of the assets and liabilities and
historical results of operations related to the Company's assets.
For the purpose of the Company, the assets were acquired and liabilities
incurred beginning on March 22, 1995. During the period from March 22,
1995 through December 31, 1996 the Company was principally involved in the
initial phase of construction development activities with no operating
revenues or expenses incurred. Accordingly, the income statement for the
period ended December 31, 1995 has been omitted. The Company has earned
interest income on the Sonterra Mortgage (see Note 4)
during the year ended December 31, 1996.
(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Combination. All significant intercompany transactions
between Wellsford and the majority owned or controlled subsidiaries
relating to the assets and liabilities that are to be contributed or
assumed by WRP Newco have been eliminated in combination.
Income Recognition. Residential communities are leased under operating
leases with terms generally one year or less; rental revenue is
recognized monthly as it is earned.
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Commercial properties are leased under operating leases; rental revenue
is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all demand and money market
accounts and short term investments in government funds with an original
maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
Real Estate and Depreciation. Costs directly related to the acquisition and
improvement of real estate are capitalized, including interest expense
incurred during and related to construction and including all
improvements identified during the underwriting of a property
acquisition.
Depreciation is computed over the expected useful lives of depreciable
property on a straight line basis, principally 40 years for buildings and
improvements and 5 to 12 years for furnishings and equipment.
The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard ("SFAS")
121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-
Lived Assets to Be Disposed of" which requires that long-lived assets to
be held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable and that long-lived assets to be disposed of be measured at
the lower of carrying amount or net realizable value. The adoption of
SFAS 121 has not had an impact on the Company's combined financial
position or results of operations.
Mortgage Note Receivable Impairment. The Company considers a note impaired
if, based on current information and events, it is probable that all
amounts due under the note agreement are not collectable. Impairment is
measured based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral. No
impairment has been recorded through December 31, 1996.
Financing Costs. Financing and refinancing costs are capitalized and
amortized over the term of the related loan under the interest method.
Credit facility fees are capitalized and amortized over the term of the
commitment on a straight-line basis.
Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
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(3) Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of the remaining proceeds from the
Palomino Park tax-exempt mortgage note (Note 5) which are restricted in
their use to construction costs and capitalized interest related to the
Palomino Park development project (Note 4).
(4) Multifamily Communities and Mortgage Note Receivable
The Company holds a $17.8 million mortgage on a 344 unit, newly constructed
community in Tucson, Arizona known as Sonterra at Williams Centre (the
"Sonterra Mortgage"). The Sonterra Mortgage was originated in July 1996,
bears interest at 9% per annum and matures in July 1999. The Company
also has the exclusive option to purchase the community for $20.5 million
through December 1997 and $21 million during 1998. Interest receivable
of $0.1 million is included in the December 31, 1996 balance. The fair
market value of the Company's mortgage note receivable, estimated by
using a discounted cash flow analysis, approximates the carrying amount.
In connection with the Sonterra Mortgage, a $0.2 million origination fee
was paid to Wellsford by the borrower.
The Company currently has two multifamily projects under development in a
suburb of Denver, Colorado, totaling 760 apartment units (collectively,
the "Development Communities"). The Development Communities are the
first of five communities at Palomino Park, a 1,880 unit master-planned,
security controlled apartment/townhome community. The Company has the
option to develop phases three through five, but is not obligated to do
so. The 181.8 acre master site surrounds an amenity-filled, 24 acre park
and an approximately 29,000 square foot recreational center to be shared
by all phases. The Development Communities are being constructed
pursuant to fixed-price contracts, with a local developer, and are
estimated to cost approximately $76.1 million in total, including certain
development and incentive fees payable to the developer. The Company is
committed to purchase 100% of the Development Communities upon completion
and the achievement of certain occupancy levels. At December 31, 1996
the Company had invested $21 million related to the land for the
Development Communities, the recreation center and general infrastructure
work. A portion of such infrastructure will become the property of
certain local governmental entities at the date of completion and
retirement of the tax-exempt mortgage note payable described in Note 5.
In addition, approximately $21.8 million was outstanding at December 31,
1996 on a construction loan to the developer, which the Company would
repay upon purchase assuming completion and achievement of certain
occupancy levels. During the periods ended December 31, 1996, and
December 31, 1995, respectively, the Company capitalized $0.7 million and
$0.3 million of interest to the Development Communities. The Company
expects to fund the construction of its Development Communities from its
working capital and with proceeds from a credit facility and a $14.8
million tax-exempt mortgage note (Note 5).
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Subsequent to December 31, 1996, the Company entered into contracts on five
commercial office properties for $47.6 million in aggregate, and has
closed on four of the properties. The purchase prices for these
commercial properties include approximately $2.25 million in value of
shares of WRP Newco Common to be issued to an entity in consideration for
the assignment of the purchase contracts entered into by such entity.
Upon liquidation of such entity, each of the Chairman of the Board and
President of Wellsford, Messrs. Lynford and Lowenthal, will receive
approximately 16.4% of such shares, and the wife of Mark Germain, a
trustee of Wellsford, will receive approximately 13.8% of such shares.
Each are owners of such entity.
Greenbrook Corporate Center ($23.7 million) is a Class A, three-story
office building with a 35 foot atrium, located in Fairfield, NJ, and
comprising approximately 190,000 rentable square feet. It is situated on
a 20 acre developed site with 7 acres of additional, contiguous
undeveloped land.
Point View ($15.8 million) consists of 194 acres containing two office
buildings, totaling approximately 560,000 square feet, an adjacent 10-
acre undeveloped site, and a central utility plant located in Wayne, NJ.
The site is currently undergoing a major renovation. The purchase of
this building was closed in February 1997.
1700 Valley Road ($1.0 million) is a Class B+, two-story vacant office
building located in Wayne, NJ and comprising approximately 70,600 square
feet. It is situated on a nine acre site. The purchase price of this
building was closed in February 1997.
1800 Valley Road ($2.0 million) is a Class B+, two-story vacant office
building located in Wayne, NJ and comprising approximately 54,800 square
feet. It is situated on a 14 acre site. The purchase of this building
was closed in February 1997.
The Chatham Building ($5.1 million) is a three-story office building
located in Chatham, NJ and comprising approximately 65,000 square feet.
The site is currently undergoing a major renovation. The purchase of this
building was closed in January 1997.
(5) Tax Exempt Mortgage Notes Payable
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had $14.8 million of tax exempt
mortgage notes payable outstanding. The Company's tax exempt mortgage
note payable is secured by certain infrastructure at the Company's
Palomino Park development and bears interest-only payments at a variable
rate (which approximates the Standard & Poor's / J.J. Kenney index for
short-term high grade tax-exempt bonds, currently 3.65%) until it
matures in December 2035.
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<PAGE>
The tax-exempt mortgage note payable is security for tax-exempt bonds
which are backed by a letter of credit from a AAA rated financial
institution. Wellsford has guaranteed the reimbursement of the financial
institution in the event that the letter of credit is drawn upon. It is
anticipated that as a result of the Merger, this guaranty will be
replaced by the guarantees of WRP Newco and EQR. These bonds require the
Company to obtain the approval of both the trustee, as defined in the
bond documents, and the above mentioned financial institution for
transactions such as those anticipated in connection with the Merger and
Distribution. The Company expects to receive such approvals.
The fair market value of the variable rate tax exempt mortgage note is
considered to be the carrying amount.
(6) Commitments and Contingencies
WRP Newco will enter into employment agreements with certain of its
officers. Such agreements will be for terms which expire between 1999 and
2002, and will provide for aggregate annual base salaries of $0.8
million, $0.8 million and $0.6 million in 1997, 1998 and 1999 through
2002, respectively. The Company is obligated under an operating lease
covering its corporate headquarters for $0.2 million in 1997, $0.2
million in 1998, and $0.2 million in 1999, plus certain operating expense
escalations.
As a commercial real estate owner, the Company is subject to potential
environmental costs. The Company's Point View site contains asbestos
containing materials ("ACMs"); upon acquisition of the property, the
Company intends to proceed with the removal of all ACMs in such property
which is anticipated to cost $3.5 million. At this point in time,
management of the Company is not aware of any environmental concerns that
would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position
or future results of operations except as just described.
In 1997 WRP Newco will adopt a defined contribution savings plan pursuant
to Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under such a plan there are
no prior service costs. All employees will be eligible to participate in
the plan after one year of service. Employer contributions will be made
based on a discretionary amount determined by WRP Newco's management.
Employer contributions, if any, will be based upon the amount contributed
by an employee.
The Company will lend $20 million of an $80 million subordinated mezzanine
loan to entities which own the equity interests (the "Equity Interests")
in the owner of a 52-story approximately 1.74 million sq.ft. Class A
office building located at 277 Park Avenue, New York City (the "277 Park
Loan"). The loan will be secured primarily by the pledge of the Equity
Interests. The 277 Park Loan will be due in April 2007 and will bear
interest at the rate of approximately 11.75% per annum.
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WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR)
PRO FORMA COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
(In Thousands Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)
During the period from January 1, 1996 to March 31, 1997, Wellsford Real
Properties, Inc. (Predecessor) (the "Company") acquired a mortgage note
receivable, committed to originate a mortgage receivable, purchased four
commercial office properties, and contracted to purchase one additional
commercial office property. One of the commercial office properties, the
Greenbrook Corporate Center, is currently occupied.
This unaudited Pro Forma Combined Income Statement is presented as if the
Company's transactions, each as referred to above, and the Merger and
Distribution had been consummated on January 1, 1996, as if the mortgage
receivable upon which the Company has committed to originate had been originated
on January 1, 1996, and as if the commercial office properties under contract
were actually purchased as of January 1, 1996. All of the pro forma adjustments
shown are solely attributed to the transactions described. In the opinion of the
Company's management, all adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of these
transactions have been made.
This unaudited Pro Forma Combined Income Statement is presented for
comparative purposes only, and is not necessarily indicative of what the actual
results of operations of the Company would have been for the period presented;
nor does it purport to represent the results for future periods. This unaudited
Pro Forma Combined Income Statement should be read in conjunction with, and is
qualified in its entirety by, the respective historical financial statements and
notes thereto of Wellsford and the Company, incorporated by reference into, and
included in, this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement,
respectively.
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Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor)
Pro Forma Combined Income Statement
Year Ended December 31, 1996
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
Historical Adjustments Pro Forma
---------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUE
Rental income $3,632 (A) $3,632
Other income 250 (A) 250
Interest income $757 3,195 (B) 3,952
------------------------ --------------------
Total Revenue 757 7,077 7,834
------------------------ --------------------
EXPENSES
Property operating and maintenance 852 (A) 852
Real estate taxes 428 (A) 428
Interest 1,550 (C) 1,550
General and administrative 1,750 (D) 1,750
Depreciation 510 (E) 510
Property management 181 (A) 181
------------------------ --------------------
Total Expenses 0 5,271 5,271
------------------------ --------------------
Income before income taxes $757 $1,806 2,563
========================
Provision for income taxes 1,047 (F)
--------------------
Net income $1,516
====================
Net income per common share $0.31 (G)
====================
Weighted average common shares outstanding 4,900 (G)
====================
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor)
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Income Statement
December 31, 1996
(A) Represents historical operating revenues and expenses of Greenbrook
Corporate Center, which was acquired in January 1997, for the year ended
December 31, 1996. The Company's other four commercial properties are
currently vacant.
(B) Represents interest income from the Sonterra Loan for the period from
January 1, 1996 to the date of origination (July 10, 1996), plus interest
on the 277 Park Loan for one year ($20 million at approximately 11.75%).
(C) Represents interest expense on the $20 million credit facility draw used to
fund the 277 Park Loan, at 7.75%.
(D) Represents the estimated general and administrative costs of WRP Newco for
one year.
(E) Represents depreciation on Greenbrook Corporate Center for the year ended
December 31, 1996 utilizing a 40 year estimated useful life.
(F) Represents provision for federal and state income taxes at rates of 35% and
9%, respectively.
(G) Represents the aggregate of the shares of WRP Newco Common issued in
connection with the Distribution (one share for every four shares of
Wellsford Common), the 225,000 shares to be issued in connection with the
acquisition of the commercial properties, and 350,000 shares (estimated) of
WRP Newco Class A Common to be purchased by ERP Operating Partnership for
$3.5 million.
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WELLSFORD REAL PROPERTIES, INC. (PREDECESSOR)
PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 1996
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
This unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet is presented as if the
Merger, Contribution and Distribution and the proposed credit facility agreement
with Bank of Boston and Morgan Guaranty had been consummated on December 31,
1996, the mortgage receivable to be originated had been originated on December
31, 1996 and the commercial office properties purchased by, or under contract
with, Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor) (the "Company") had been
purchased on December 31, 1996, utilizing proceeds from the Merger and
Contribution and a draw from the credit facility. All of the assets and
liabilities of the Company which are being transferred to the Company in
connection with the Merger, Contribution and Distribution are recorded at their
respective historical costs.
This unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet is presented for
comparative purposes only, and is not necessarily indicative of what the actual
financial position of the Company would have been at December 31, 1996; nor does
it purport to represent the future financial position of the Company. This
unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet should be read in conjunction with,
and is qualified in its entirety by, the respective historical financial
statements and notes thereto of Wellsford and the Company, incorporated by
reference into, and included in, this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/
Information Statement, respectively.
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<PAGE>
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor)
Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet
12/31/96
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
Historical Adjustments Pro Forma
---------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Real estate assets, at cost:
Land $0 $6,720 $6,720
Buildings and improvements 38,080 38,080
------------------------ -------------------
0 44,800 44,800
Construction in process 21,306 21,306
------------------------ -------------------
21,306 44,800 66,106
Property held for sale 2,800 2,800
------------------------ -------------------
21,306 47,600 (A) 68,906
Cash and cash equivalents 832 (B) 832
Restricted cash 5,520 5,520
Mortgage notes and interest receivable 17,934 20,000 (C) 37,934
------------------------ -------------------
Total Assets $44,760 $68,432 $113,192
======================== ==================
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities:
Tax exempt mortgage note payable $14,755 $14,755
Credit facility $45,000 (D) 45,000
------------------------ -------------------
Total Liabilities 14,755 45,000 59,755
------------------------ -------------------
Commitments and contingencies -- -- --
Minority Interest 2,328 (E) 2,328
Equity:
Equity 30,005 (30,005) 0
Common stock, $.01 par value per share, 4,899,965
shares issued and outstanding as adjusted 49 49
Paid in capital in excess of par value 51,060 51,060
------------------------ -------------------
Total Equity 30,005 21,104 (F) 51,109
------------------------ -------------------
Total Liabilities and Equity $44,760 $68,432 $113,192
======================== ===================
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. (Predecessor)
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet
December 31, 1996
(A) Reflects the acquisition of five commercial office properties, previously
acquired or currently under contract for $47.6 million summarized as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Purchase Purchase Price &
Square Purchase Price Per Planned Planned Impr. Actual/Scheduled
Name Location Footage Price Sq. Ft. Improvements Per Sq. Ft. Closing Date
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Point View Wayne, NJ 560,000 $15.8 million $ 28 $ 9.1 million $ 44 February 1997
Chatham Building Chatham, NJ 65,000 5.1 million 78 3.1 million 126 January 1997
Greenbrook Corp. Ctr Fairfield, NJ 190,000 23.7 million 125 0.5 million 127 April 1997
1700 Valley Road Wayne, NJ 70,600 1.0 million 14 0.2 million 17 February 1997
1800 Valley Road Wayne, NJ 54,800 2.0 million 36 0.8 million 51 February 1997
940,400 47.6 million $13.7 million
</TABLE>
Greenbrook Corporate Center is currently in operation. The Company's other
four commercial properties are currently vacant. The purchase price of
$47.6 million is being funded with $20.4 million of cash-on-hand, $25.0
million of proceeds from the credit facility, and the balance from the
issuance of approximately 225,000 shares of WRP Newco Common, each of which
is described below.
(B) Reflects the net cash effect of the following transactions (in thousands):
.Cash contribution to WRP Newco at Contribution $ 17,732
.ERP Operating Partnership's purchase of WRP Newco Common 3,500
.Acquisition of properties (20,400)
-------
$ 832
========
(C) Represents the 277 Park Loan, a $20 million portion of an $80 million
subordinated mezzanine loan bearing interest at approximately 11.75% per
annum.
(D) Represents draws on the credit facility to fund acquisitions and the 277
Park Loan.
(E) Represents ERP Operating Partnership's 20% minority interest in Palomino
Park, which has been combined in the Company's Pro Forma Combined Balance
Sheet.
(F) Represents the aggregate of the shares of WRP Newco Common issued in
connection with the Distribution (one share for every four shares of
Wellsford Common), the approximately 225,000 shares to be issued in
connection with the acquisition of the commercial properties, and the
350,000 shares (estimated) of WRP Newco Class A Common to be purchased by
ERP Operating Partnership for $3.5 million.
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<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF WRP NEWCO
The following summary of the terms of WRP Newco's stock does not purport to
be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to
Maryland law, WRP Newco's Charter and Bylaws, copies of which are exhibits to
the registration statement on Form 10 filed by WRP Newco. See "Additional
Information."
General
The Charter of WRP Newco (the "Newco Charter") authorizes up to 200,000,000
shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share. The Board of Directors may
reclassify any unissued shares of stock in one or more classes or series of
stock. Upon completion of the Distribution and the other transactions to be
entered into upon consummation of the Merger, there will be 4,873,864 shares of
WRP Newco Common issued and outstanding (excluding the Additional Share
Offering) and 350,000 shares (estimated) of WRP Newco Class A Common issued and
outstanding. The Board of Directors has also authorized the issuance of up to
2,000,000 shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred of which 1,000,000 shares are
subject to issuance pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement and 1,000,000
shares are subject to issuance pursuant to WRP Newco's right to pay dividends on
the WRP Newco Series A Preferred by the issuance of additional shares of WRP
Newco Series A Preferred. In addition, up to 1,750,000 shares of WRP Newco
Common have been reserved for issuance under WRP Newco's 1997 Management
Incentive Plan, subject to approval of the Wellsford Common Shareholders. See
"Approval of WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan."
WRP Newco also intends to issue up to approximately 10,000,000 shares of
WRP Newco Common, excluding any over-allotment option, if any, in connection
with WRP Newco's Additional Share Offering upon which the shareholders of
Wellsford are being asked to vote. See "Approval of WRP Newco Additional Share
Offering."
At present, there is no established trading market for the WRP Newco
Common. WRP Newco has applied for listing of the WRP Newco Common on the NYSE
under the symbol "WRP." The United States Trust Company of New York will act as
transfer agent and registrar of the WRP Newco Common.
Under Maryland law, stockholders generally are not liable for the
corporation's debts and obligations.
WRP Newco intends to furnish to its stockholders an annual report
containing audited consolidated financial statements and an opinion thereon
expressed by an independent public accounting firm.
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<PAGE>
Common Stock
All shares of WRP Newco Common to be issued in connection with the
Distribution and the other transactions to be entered into upon consummation of
the Merger have been duly authorized, and will be fully paid, validly issued and
nonassessable. Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series
of stock, holders of shares of WRP Newco Common are entitled to receive
dividends on such stock if, as and when authorized and declared by the Board of
Directors of WRP Newco out of assets legally available therefor and to share
ratably in the assets of WRP Newco legally available for distribution to its
stockholders in the event of its liquidation, dissolution or winding up after
payment of or adequate provision for all known debts and liabilities of WRP
Newco and payment of liquidation preferences to holders of preferred stock.
Each outstanding share of WRP Newco Common entitles the holder to one vote
on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of
directors, and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of
stock, the holders of such shares will possess exclusive voting power. There is
no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that, except with
respect to the director elected by the holders of the WRP Newco Class A Common,
the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of WRP Newco Common can
elect all of the directors then standing for election and the holders of the
remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors. See "-- Class A
Common Stock."
Holders of shares of WRP Newco Common have no preference, conversion,
exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive
rights to subscribe for any securities of WRP Newco. Except for the rights of
WRP Newco Class A Common described below, shares of WRP Newco Common will have
equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally may not dissolve, amend
its charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a
share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of
business unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at
least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote on the matter unless a lesser
percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast
on the matter) is set forth in the corporation's charter. The Newco Charter
provides for approval of consolidations, share exchanges, mergers in which WRP
Newco is the successor, and amendments to the charter (except amendments to the
provisions relating to the classification and removal of directors or any
amendment reducing supermajority voting requirements) by the affirmative vote of
holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast
on the matter.
Preferred Stock
The Newco Charter authorizes the Board of Directors to issue preferred
stock in one or more series. Thus, the Board of Directors could authorize the
issuance of shares of preferred
215
<PAGE>
stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying,
deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control of WRP Newco that
might involve a premium price for holders of WRP Newco Common or otherwise be in
their best interest.
Classification or Reclassification of Common Stock or Preferred Stock
The Newco Charter authorizes the Board of Directors to classify or
reclassify any unissued stock by setting or changing the numbers, designations,
preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of
redemption of any of such shares.
Power to Issue Additional Shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock
WRP Newco believes that the power of the Board of Directors to issue
additional authorized but unissued shares of WRP Newco Common and to reclassify
any unissued shares of WRP Newco Common and thereafter to cause WRP Newco to
issue such reclassified shares of stock will provide WRP Newco with increased
flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in
meeting other needs which might arise. The additional classes or series, as
well as the WRP Newco Common, will be available for issuance without further
action by WRP Newco's stockholders, unless such action is required by applicable
law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which
WRP Newco's securities may be listed or traded. Although the Board of Directors
has no intention at the present time of doing so, it could authorize WRP Newco
to issue a class or series that could, depending on the terms of such class or
series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of WRP
Newco that might involve a premium price for holders of common stock or
otherwise be in their best interest.
Class A Common Stock
Rights Generally.
Each share of WRP Newco Class A Common entitles its holder to all the
rights of a share of WRP Newco Common in addition to the rights described below.
Holders of WRP Newco Class A Common will not have any preemptive rights to
acquire other securities of WRP Newco.
Voting Rights.
Holders of WRP Newco Class A Common, as a class, may elect one director to
the WRP Newco Board of Directors (the "Class A Director") until the longer of
two years from the Closing Date or so long as (i) ERP Operating Partnership is
obligated to purchase preferred stock in WRP Newco pursuant to the Stock
Purchase Agreement; (ii) ERP Operating Partnership has obligations pursuant to
the Agreement Regarding Palomino Park or pursuant to the Credit
216
<PAGE>
Enhancement Agreement; or (iii) the aggregate liquidation value of the shares of
WRP Newco Series A Preferred owned by ERP Operating Partnership is greater than
$10 million. The WRP Newco Class A Director may be removed without cause, only
by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Class A Common electing such
director.
For ten years after the Effective Time, WRP Newco has the right to direct
the voting of all shares of WRP Newco Class A Common owned by ERP Operating
Partnership or any of its affiliates, except as to the election of the Class A
Director or any matter relating to the rights, preferences and privileges of the
WRP Newco Class A Common.
Optional and Automatic Conversion.
Holders of WRP Newco Class A Common have the right, exercisable at any time
and from time to time, to convert all or any of such WRP Newco Class A Common
into WRP Newco Common at a conversion rate of one share of WRP Newco Common for
each share of WRP Newco Class A Common so converted, subject to adjustment. Any
outstanding shares of WRP Newco Class A Common will automatically convert, at
the conversion rate, into shares of WRP Newco Common upon the sale, transfer,
pledge or other disposition ("Transfer") of such shares of WRP Newco Class A
Common to any entity other than an affiliate of EQR or ERP Operating
Partnership.
Adjustment of Conversion Rate.
The conversion rate in effect at any time for the WRP Newco Class A Common
is subject to adjustment from time to time as follows:
In case WRP Newco (a) reclassifies the outstanding WRP Newco Common into
shares of some other class or series of shares, (b) subdivides the outstanding
WRP Newco Common into a greater number of shares of WRP Newco Common or (c)
combines the outstanding WRP Newco Common into a smaller number of shares of WRP
Newco Common, the conversion rate immediately prior to such action shall be
adjusted so that the holder of any shares of WRP Newco Class A Common thereafter
surrendered for conversion shall be entitled to receive the number of shares of
WRP Newco Common which he would have owned immediately following such action had
such WRP Newco Class A Common been converted immediately prior thereto.
Purchase of Shares of Voting Stock in Excess of REIT Ownership Limit.
If, an event which is undertaken or caused by WRP Newco occurs resulting in
ERP Partnership, EQR or any of their affiliates owning shares of WRP Newco Class
A Common in excess of the REIT ownership limits (initially 9.9% of the value of
the voting stock of WRP Newco), then WRP Newco will purchase such shares of WRP
Newco Class A Common in excess of the REIT ownership limit at the market price
thereof.
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<PAGE>
Series A 8% Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
General.
The Board of Directors of WRP Newco has established a series of preferred
stock designated Series A 8% Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value
$25.00 per share. The maximum number of authorized shares of WRP Newco Series A
Preferred is 2,000,000.
Seniority.
With respect to the right to receive dividends and to participate in
distributions or payments in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of WRP Newco, the WRP Newco Series A Preferred will rank on a parity
with any other preferred stock of WRP Newco, and will rank senior to the WRP
Newco Common and any other class or series of shares of stock of WRP Newco
ranking, as to dividends and upon liquidation, junior to the WRP Newco Series A
(collectively the "Junior Shares"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, WRP Newco
may make distributions or pay dividends in WRP Newco Common or in any other
shares of WRP Newco ranking junior to the WRP Newco Series A Preferred as to
distribution rights and liquidation preference at any time.
Dividends.
The holders of WRP Newco Series A Preferred are entitled to receive, when
and as declared by the WRP Newco Board of Directors out of any funds legally
available therefor, dividends at the rate of $2.00 per share per year, payable
in cash, except as provided below, in equal amounts quarterly on the fifteenth
(or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day) of January, April,
July and October each year (each such day being called a "Quarterly Dividend
Date" and each period ending on a Quarterly Dividend Date being called a
"Dividend Period"). The amount of any dividend payable for the initial Dividend
Period and for any Dividend Period, shorter than a full Dividend Period shall be
prorated.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any 12 Dividend Periods, WRP Newco has
the right to pay the dividend in additional shares of WRP Newco Series A
Preferred determined by dividing the total amount of the dividend to be paid in
shares by $25.00.
In the event WRP Newco fails to pay any dividend on the WRP Newco Series A
Preferred on any Quarterly Dividend Date, WRP Newco shall not pay any dividends
on any other class of stock of WRP Newco other than (i) pro rata with other
securities of WRP Newco ranking pari passu with the WRP Newco Series A Preferred
or (ii) with Junior Shares, until such dividend on the WRP Newco Series A
Preferred has been paid.
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<PAGE>
Distributions Upon Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.
Upon the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of
WRP Newco, the holders of the WRP Newco Series A Preferred will be entitled to
receive and to be paid out of the assets of WRP Newco available for distribution
to its shareholders, before any payment or distribution is made on any Junior
Shares, the amount of $25.00 per share of WRP Newco Series A Preferred
("Liquidation Value"), plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. If, upon
any dissolution, liquidation, or winding up of WRP Newco, the amounts payable
with respect to the preference value of the WRP Newco Series A Preferred and any
other shares of stock of WRP Newco ranking as to any such distribution on a
parity with the WRP Newco Series A Preferred are not paid in full, the holders
of the WRP Newco Series A Preferred and of such other shares will share ratably
in such distribution of assets of WRP Newco in proportion to the full respective
preference amounts to which they are entitled.
Redemption.
Optional Redemption. On and after the fifth anniversary of its issuance,
WRP Newco may, at its option, redeem at any time all or any part of the
outstanding WRP Newco Series A Preferred at a price per share (the "Redemption
Price") equal to $25.00 per share of WRP Newco Series A Preferred, together with
all accrued and unpaid dividends to and including the date fixed for redemption
(the "Redemption Date"); provided, however, that no partial redemption of the
WRP Newco Series A Preferred may be effected if after giving effect thereto the
aggregate Liquidation Value of the WRP Newco Series A Preferred outstanding is
less than $10,000,000. The Redemption Price and all accrued and unpaid dividends
will be paid in cash; provided, however, that if (a) a holder of WRP Newco
Series A Preferred desires to convert any of its WRP Newco Series A Preferred
called for redemption but such conversion would cause any direct or indirect
holder which is classified as a REIT under Section 856 of the Code, to own,
directly or indirectly, more than 9.9% of the outstanding voting stock of WRP
Newco or would otherwise cause any direct or indirect holder of such outstanding
voting stock to lose its status as a REIT under the Code, and (b) such holder
has so notified WRP Newco in writing prior to the Redemption Date, stating the
number of shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred which have been called for
redemption which such holder is unable to convert for such reason (such shares
being referred to as the "Unconvertible Shares"), then WRP Newco shall pay, in
cash, the Redemption Price plus all accrued and unpaid dividends for each
Unconvertible Share and shall issue to such holder a warrant to purchase the
number of shares of WRP Newco Common equal to (i) the fair market value of a
share of WRP Newco Common on the Redemption Date (calculated pursuant to the
terms of the Articles Supplementary) over the Redemption Price, multiplied by
(ii) the number of shares of WRP Newco Common into which the Unconvertible
Shares redeemed from such holder were convertible immediately prior to such
redemption, and divided by (iii) the fair market value of a share of WRP Newco
Common on the Redemption Date. Such warrant shall be exercisable without cost to
the holder thereof at any time and from time to time for a period of 10 years
from the date of issuance of such
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<PAGE>
warrant. The warrant shall be on such terms and conditions as are customarily
contained in like warrants, including provisions to protect the holder of the
warrant from dilution. WRP Newco shall have the right, at any time, to redeem
such warrant at a price equal to the fair market value of such warrant on the
date of any such redemption.
Required Redemption. Upon the (A) (i) non-payment by WRP Newco of any
dividend on the Quarterly Dividend Date applicable to such dividend for three
Dividend Periods which need not be consecutive or (ii) failure by WRP Newco to
comply with any term or obligations under the Articles Supplementary (the
occurrences in (i) and (ii) each called an "Event of Default") or (B) on and
after the fifteenth anniversary of the issuance of such shares, whichever comes
first, the holder of any shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred may, at its
option, cause WRP Newco to redeem at any time all of the WRP Newco Series A
Preferred held by such holder at $25.00 per share, payable in cash, together
with all accrued and unpaid dividends to and including the Redemption Date.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous sentence, provided an Event of
Default has not occurred, WRP Newco has the right to extend the date during
which a required redemption is not permitted for three separate additional five
year periods if the dividend rate on the WRP Newco Series A Preferred is changed
to the then market rate of comparable preferred stock (the "Market Rate") on the
first day of each such additional five year period; provided, however, in no
event shall the dividend be reduced to less than $2.00 per share of WRP Newco
Series A Preferred. The Market Rate shall be determined by mutual agreement of
the holders of WRP Newco Series A Preferred Stock and WRP Newco or, if they
cannot agree, by an investment banking firm under the procedure set forth in the
Articles Supplementary.
Voting Rights. The holders of WRP Newco Series A Preferred are not
entitled to vote on any matter except as provided below; provided, however, the
holders of WRP Newco Series A Preferred are not to have any voting rights to the
extent such rights will cause any holder of WRP Newco Series A Preferred to own
more than 9.9% of the outstanding voting stock of WRP Newco or otherwise cause
any holder of WRP Newco Series A Preferred that is classified as a REIT under
Section 856 of the Code to lose its status as a REIT under the Code.
So long as any shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred remain outstanding,
WRP Newco will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-
thirds of the shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred outstanding at the time,
(i) authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or issued amount of,
any class or series of shares of capital stock ranking prior to the WRP Newco
Series A Preferred with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution
of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up or reclassify any
authorized shares of stock of WRP Newco into such shares, or create, authorize
or issue any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to
purchase any such shares; or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the
WRP Newco Charter or the Articles Supplementary classifying the WRP Newco Series
A Preferred, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise (an "Event"), so as
to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting
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power of the WRP Newco Series A Preferred or the holders thereof; provided,
however, with respect to the occurrence of any of the Events set forth in (ii)
above, so long as the shares of WRP Newco Series A Preferred remain outstanding
with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into account that upon the
occurrence of an Event, WRP Newco may not be the surviving entity, the
occurrence of any such Event will not be deemed to materially and adversely
affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of WRP
Newco Series A Preferred and provided further that (x) any increase in the
amount of the authorized or issued shares of preferred stock of WRP Newco or the
creation or issuance of any other preferred stock of WRP Newco, or (y) any
increase in the amount of authorized or issued shares of WRP Newco Series A
Preferred or any other preferred stock of WRP Newco, in each case ranking on a
parity with or junior to the WRP Newco Series A Preferred with respect to
payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such
rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.
Rights of Conversion.
Holders of WRP Newco Series A Preferred shall have the right, exercisable
at any time and from time to time, except in the case of WRP Newco Series A
Preferred called for redemption, to convert all or any of such WRP Newco Series
A Preferred into WRP Newco Common at a conversion price per share of WRP Newco
Common equal to (a) (i) the net book value per share of WRP Newco Common on the
Closing Date or (ii) in the event any sales of WRP Newco Common to any
institutional purchasers have taken place on or prior to the Closing Date or are
subject to a commitment to purchase from an institutional purchaser made on or
prior to the Closing Date, the average per share sale price of WRP Newco Common
sold to institutional purchasers on or prior to the Closing Date and subject to
written commitments to purchase from institutional purchasers received on or
prior to the Closing Date, multiplied by (b) 1.08 (the "Conversion Price"). In
the case of WRP Newco Series A Preferred called for redemption, conversion
rights will expire at the close of business on the last business day preceding
the Redemption Date.
Adjustments of Conversion Rate.
The conversion rate in effect at any time for the WRP Newco Series A
Preferred is subject to adjustment from time to time to protect against certain
dilutive events.
In case WRP Newco (1) pays or makes a distribution in shares of WRP Newco
Common to holders of the WRP Newco Common, (2) reclassifies the outstanding WRP
Newco Common into shares of some other class or series of shares, (3) subdivides
the outstanding WRP Newco Common into a greater number of shares of WRP Newco
Common or (4) combines the outstanding WRP Newco Common into a smaller number of
shares of WRP Newco Common, the conversion rate immediately prior to such action
shall be adjusted so that the holder of any shares of WRP Newco Series A
Preferred thereafter surrendered for conversion will be entitled
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to receive the number of shares of WRP Newco Common which he would have owned
immediately following such action had such WRP Newco Series A Preferred been
converted immediately prior to such event.
In case WRP Newco issues rights, options or warrants to all holders of the
WRP Newco Common entitling them to subscribe for or purchase WRP Newco Common
(or securities convertible into WRP Newco Common) at a price per share less than
the current market price (as determined pursuant to the Articles Supplementary)
of the WRP Newco Common on such record date, the number of shares of WRP Newco
Common into which each share of WRP Newco Series A Preferred is convertible will
be adjusted so that the same shall be equal to the number determined by
multiplying the number of shares of WRP Newco Common into which such share of
WRP Newco Series A Preferred was convertible immediately prior to such record
date by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of WRP
Newco Common outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional
shares of WRP Newco Common offered (or into which the convertible securities so
offered are convertible), and of which the denominator shall be the number of
shares of WRP Newco Common outstanding on such record date, plus the number of
shares of WRP Newco Common which the aggregate offering price of the additional
shares of WRP Newco Common offered (or into which the convertible securities so
offered are convertible) would purchase at such current market price.
In case WRP Newco distributes to all holders of WRP Newco Common any class
of shares of capital stock other than WRP Newco Common, evidences of
indebtedness or assets of WRP Newco (other than cash distributions out of
current or retained earnings), or distributes to all holders of WRP Newco Common
rights or warrants to subscribe for securities other than those referred to in
the immediately preceding paragraph, then in each case the number of shares of
WRP Newco Common into which each share of WRP Newco Series A Preferred will be
convertible will be adjusted so that the same shall equal the number determined
by multiplying the number of shares of WRP Newco Common into which such share of
WRP Newco Series A Preferred was convertible immediately prior to the date of
such distribution by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the current
market price of the WRP Newco Common on the record date mentioned below, and of
which the denominator shall be such current market price of the WRP Newco
Common, less the then fair market value (as determined by the Board of
Directors) of the portion of the securities or assets so distributed or of such
subscription rights or warrants applicable to one share of WRP Newco Common.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that WRP Newco distributes rights or
warrants (other than those referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph)
("Rights") pro rata to holders of the WRP Newco Common, WRP Newco may, in lieu
of making any adjustment pursuant to this paragraph make proper provision so
that each holder of a share of WRP Newco Series A Preferred who converts such
share after the record date for such distribution and prior to the expiration or
redemption of the Rights shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in
addition to the WRP Newco Common issuable upon such conversion (the "Conversion
Shares"), a number of Rights to be determined as follows: (1) if such conversion
occurs on or prior to the date for the distribution to the holders of Rights of
separate certificates evidencing such Rights (the "Distribution Date"),
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the same number of Rights to which a holder of a number of shares of WRP Newco
Common equal to the number of Conversion Shares is entitled at the time of such
conversion in accordance with the terms and provisions of and applicable to the
Rights; and (2) if such conversion occurs after the Distribution Date, the same
number of Rights to which a holder of the number of shares of WRP Newco Common
into which a share of WRP Newco Series A Preferred so converted was convertible
immediately prior to the Distribution Date would have been entitled on the
Distribution Date in accordance with the terms and provisions of and applicable
to the Rights.
Options.
So long as any WRP Newco Series A Preferred is outstanding, WRP Newco may
not issue any options to purchase shares of WRP Newco ("Employee Stock Options")
to officers, directors or employees of or consultants to, WRP Newco, whether
pursuant to employee stock option or purchase plans of WRP Newco or employment
or consulting agreements or otherwise for an exercise price which is less than
the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant. In the event the
number of shares of WRP Newco Common subject to Employee Stock Options
(excluding any Employee Stock Options granted in exchange for Wellsford share
options existing at the Effective Time) at any time exceeds, in the aggregate,
10% of the WRP Newco Common outstanding at such time, all Employee Stock Options
outstanding at such time in excess of such 10%, shall be deemed for certain
anti-dilution purposes to have an exercise price per share equal to 20% of the
average fair market value of a share of WRP Newco Common on the date of grant of
those shares subject to Employee Stock Options most recently granted in excess
of such 10%.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF
WRP NEWCO'S CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and WRP Newco's
Charter and Bylaws does not purport to be complete and is subject to and
qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law and to WRP Newco's
Charter and Bylaws, copies of which are attached as exhibits to the registration
statement on Form 10 filed by WRP Newco. See "Additional Information."
Classification of the Board of Directors
The Bylaws provide that the number of directors of WRP Newco may be
established by the Board of Directors but may not be fewer than the minimum
number required by Maryland law, which is three, nor more than 15. Any vacancy
will be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that
purpose, by a majority of the remaining directors. A vacancy resulting from an
increase in the number of directors must be filled by a majority of the entire
Board of Directors.
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Pursuant to the Newco Charter, the Board of Directors is divided into three
classes of directors. The initial terms of the first, second and third classes
will expire at the annual meetings of stockholders to be held in 1998, 1999 and
2000, respectively. Beginning in 1998, directors of each class will be chosen
for three-year terms upon the expiration of their current terms and each year
one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders. The members of each
such class will hold office until their successors are duly elected and
qualified. WRP Newco believes that classification of the Board of Directors will
help to assure the continuity and stability of WRP Newco's business strategies
and policies as determined by the Board of Directors. Holders of shares of WRP
Newco Common have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority
of the shares of WRP Newco Common are able to elect all of the successors of the
class of directors whose terms expire at that meeting.
Classification of the Board of Directors could have the effect of making
the removal of incumbent directors more time-consuming and difficult, which
could discourage a third party from making a tender offer or otherwise
attempting to obtain control of WRP Newco, even though such an attempt might be
beneficial to WRP Newco and its stockholders. At least two annual meetings of
stockholders, instead of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a
majority of the Board of Directors. Thus, the classified board provision could
increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions.
Removal of Directors
The Newco Charter provides that, except as provided in the next sentence, a
director may be removed only for cause and by the affirmative vote of at least
two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of directors (i.e.,
the votes attributable to all outstanding shares of WRP Newco Common). The Class
A Director may be removed, without cause, only by the affirmative vote of at
least a majority of the Class A Common electing such Class A Director.
Business Combinations
Under the MGCL, certain "business combinations" (including a merger,
consolidation, share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or
issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland
corporation and (i) any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting
power of the corporation's shares or (ii) an Interested Stockholder or (iii) an
affiliate of an Interested Stockholder are prohibited for five years after the
most recent date on which the Interested Stockholder becomes an Interested
Stockholder. Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by
the board of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote
of at least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding
shares of voting stock of the corporation and (b) two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than
shares held by the Interested Stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate)
the business combination is to be effected, unless, among other conditions, the
corporation's common stockholders receive a minimum price
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(as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in
cash or in the same form previously paid by the Interested Stockholder for its
shares. These provisions of Maryland law do not apply, however, to business
combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors of the
corporation prior to the time that the Interested Stockholder becomes an
Interested Stockholder. The directors of WRP Newco have exempted from the
Maryland statute any business combinations with Jeffrey H. Lynford or Edward
Lowenthal or any of their affiliates or any other person acting in concert or as
a group with any of such persons.
Amendment to the Charter and Bylaws
The Newco Charter may be amended only by the affirmative vote of a majority
of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, except that any amendment
to the sections of the charter that address the number, classification or
removal of directors, or any amendment providing that the stockholders may
approve an action by a lesser percentage of votes than that required by law will
be valid only if approved by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all of the
votes entitled to be cast on the matter. The Board of Directors of WRP Newco has
the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of the Bylaws and to
make new Bylaws.
Merger, Consolidation, Sale of Assets
A sale of all or substantially all of the assets of WRP Newco or a merger
in which WRP Newco is not the successor must be approved by the affirmative vote
of two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. A
consolidation or share exchange or a merger in which WRP Newco is the successor
need be approved only by the affirmative vote of holders of shares entitled to
cast a majority of all votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Dissolution of WRP Newco
The dissolution of WRP Newco must be approved by the affirmative vote of
the holders of not less than two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on
the matter.
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
The Bylaws of WRP Newco provide that (a) with respect to an annual meeting
of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors
and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only
(i) pursuant to WRP Newco's notice of the meeting, (ii) by or at the direction
of the Board of Directors or (iii) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at
the meeting and has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in the
Bylaws and (b) with respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the
business specified in WRP Newco's notice of meeting may be brought before the
meeting of stockholders and nominations of persons for election to the Board of
Directors may be made only (i) pursuant to WRP Newco's notice of the meeting,
(ii) by or at the direction of the Board
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of Directors, or (iii) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that
directors shall be elected at such meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to
vote at the meeting and has complied with the advance notice provisions set
forth in the Bylaws.
Meetings of Stockholders
WRP Newco's Bylaws provide that annual meetings of stockholders shall be
held on a date and at the time set by the Board of Directors during the month of
May each year (commencing in May 1998). Special meetings of the stockholders may
be called by (i) the Chairman of the Board of WRP Newco, (ii) the President of
WRP Newco, (iii) the Chief Executive Officer of WRP Newco or (iv) the Board of
Directors. As permitted by the MGCL, the Bylaws provide that special meetings
must be called by the Secretary of WRP Newco upon the written request of the
holders of shares entitled also to cast not less than a majority of all of the
votes entitled to be cast at the meeting.
WRP Newco's Bylaws provide that any stockholder of record wishing to
nominate a director or have a stockholder proposal considered at an annual
meeting (except for stockholder proposals included in WRP Newco proxy materials
pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended)
must provide written notice and certain supporting documentation to WRP Newco
relating to the nomination or proposal not later than 60 days nor earlier than
90 days prior to the anniversary date of the prior year's annual meeting or
special meeting in lieu thereof (the "Anniversary Date"). In the event that the
annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 calendar days before or delayed more
than 60 days from the Anniversary Date, stockholders generally must provide
written notice no earlier than 90 days prior to such annual meeting nor later
than the later of 60 days prior to such annual meeting or 10 days following the
date on which notice of the meeting is mailed to stockholders.
The purpose of requiring stockholders to give WRP Newco advance notice of
nominations and other business is to afford the Board of Directors a meaningful
opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees or the
advisability of the other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary
or desirable by the Board of Directors, to inform stockholders and make
recommendations about the qualifications or business, as well as to provide a
more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although WRP
Newco's Bylaws do not give the Board of Directors any power to disapprove
stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals for action,
they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors
or the consideration of stockholder proposals if the proper procedures are not
followed, and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a
solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its
own proposal, without regard to whether consideration of the nominees or
proposals might be harmful or beneficial to WRP Newco and its stockholders.
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Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a
provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the
corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability
resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money,
property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a
final judgment as being material to the cause of action. The Newco Charter
contains such a provision which eliminates such liability to the maximum extent
permitted by Maryland law.
The Newco Charter authorizes WRP Newco, to the maximum extent permitted by
Maryland law, to obligate itself to indemnify and to pay or reimburse reasonable
expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any present or
former director or officer or (b) any individual who, while a director of WRP
Newco, and at the request of WRP Newco, serves or has served another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, limited
liability company or any other enterprise as a director, officer, partner,
trustee, manager or member of such corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan, limited liability company or other enterprise. The
Bylaws of WRP Newco obligate it, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland
law, to indemnify and to pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of
final disposition of a proceeding to (a) any present or former director or
officer who is made a party to the proceeding by reason of his service in that
capacity or (b) any individual who, while a director of WRP Newco and at the
request of WRP Newco, serves or has served another corporation, partnership,
joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, limited liability company or any
other enterprise as a director, officer, partner, trustee, manager or member of
such corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan,
limited liability company or other enterprise and who is made a party to the
proceeding by reason of his service in that capacity. The Newco Charter and
Bylaws also permit WRP Newco to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who
served a predecessor of WRP Newco in any of the capacities described above and
to any employee or agent of WRP Newco or a predecessor of WRP Newco.
The MGCL requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise,
which the Newco Charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has
been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to
which he is made a party by reason of his service in that capacity. The MGCL
permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and
officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and
reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding
to which they may be made a party by reason of their service in those or other
capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director
or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was
committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate
dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal
benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal
proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act
or omission was unlawful. However, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for
an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of
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the corporation. In addition, the MGCL requires WRP Newco, as a condition to
advancing expenses, to obtain (a) a written affirmation by the director or
officer of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct
necessary for indemnification by WRP Newco as authorized by the Bylaws and (b) a
written statement by or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by
WRP Newco if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was
not met.
PROPOSAL TO
APPROVE WRP NEWCO ADDITIONAL SHARE OFFERING
The Board of Trustees of Wellsford and the Board of Directors of WRP Newco
have approved the issuance by WRP Newco of up to 12,000,000 shares of WRP Newco
Common (the "Additional Shares"), subject to further approval by the Wellsford
Common Shareholders solely to satisfy the requirements of the NYSE. Such
approval would not constitute approval of any other related transactions by
Wellsford, WRP Newco or any of their affiliates. The purchase price for the
Additional Shares will be determined by the Board of Directors of WRP Newco
based upon prevailing market conditions. WRP Newco anticipates that the offering
of the Additional Shares will be made to a limited number of investors pursuant
to a registration statement to be filed with the Commission under the Securities
Act.
The Board of Trustees of Wellsford and the Board of Directors of WRP Newco
believe that the WRP Newco Additional Share Offering will provide more capital
available for investment, enhance WRP Newco's capital structure and increase the
liquidity of WRP Newco Common. However, the equity of existing stockholders
would be diluted if the purchase price for the Additional Shares is less than
the book value of WRP Newco Common on the date of the Distribution.
In addition, if all of the Additional Shares are issued and no other shares
have been issued after the Distribution and prior to the WRP Newco Additional
Share Offering, the owners of the Additional Shares will own approximately 70%
of the then outstanding shares of WRP Newco Common. The nature and concentration
of ownership of such Additional Shares could result in a change of control of
the Company.
The proceeds of this offering, after payment of underwriters' commissions
and other offering expenses, will be used to repay loans of up to $50 million to
be made to WRP Newco, and interest thereon, and for investments, other business
activities and working capital. The loans are expected to be made under a two-
year line of credit from Bank of Boston and Morgan Guaranty and will bear
interest at LIBOR plus 1.75%. As of the date hereof, WRP Newco does not have any
agreements, understandings or commitments to make any specific investments with
such proceeds. In the normal course of business, however, WRP Newco is
continually evaluating a number of potential investments and entering into non-
binding letters of intent. In accordance with the Newco Charter, WRP Newco may
make additional investments without the consent of its stockholders.
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WRP Newco anticipates that purchasers of Additional Shares will be able to
sell such shares in the public market immediately after purchase. The existence
of the Additional Shares in the public market could adversely affect the market
price for shares of WRP Newco Common.
The Additional Shares will have the same terms as all other shares of WRP
Newco Common with respect to dividends, voting, ownership and any other right(s)
and limitation(s) pertaining to shares of WRP Newco Common generally. However,
as would be the case with respect to any issuance of equity voting securities,
the Additional Shares, if issued, will dilute the relative voting power of the
issued and outstanding shares of WRP Newco Common.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Trustees of Wellsford and the
Board of Directors of WRP Newco recommend that you
vote FOR the proposal to approve the WRP Newco Additional Share Offering.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO
APPROVE WRP NEWCO'S 1997 MANAGEMENT INCENTIVE PLAN
General. The Board of Directors of WRP Newco has approved, subject to the
approval of the shareholders, the 1997 Management Incentive Plan (the
"Management Incentive Plan"). The purpose of the Management Incentive Plan is to
align the interests of WRP Newco's directors, executive officers and employees
with those of the stockholders and to enable WRP Newco to attract, compensate
and retain directors, executive officers and employees and provide them with
appropriate incentives and rewards for their performance. The existence of the
Management Incentive Plan should enable the Company to compete more effectively
for the services of such individuals. The officers, directors and employees of
WRP Newco who receive awards under the Management Incentive Plan may receive a
greater economic benefit to the extent the fair market value of WRP Newco Common
increases. However, the equity of existing stockholders would be diluted if
shares of WRP Newco Common were issued pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan
at prices less than their then current fair market value. In addition, the
issuance of a substantial number of shares of WRP Newco Common under the
Management Incentive Plan or their sale in the public market might adversely
affect prevailing market prices for such shares.
Awards to directors, executive officers and other employees under the
Management Incentive Plan may take the form of share options ("Options"),
including corresponding share appreciation rights ("SARs") and reload options,
restricted share awards and share purchase awards. The maximum number of shares
of WRP Newco Common that may be the subject of awards under the Management
Incentive Plan is 1,750,000 shares.
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Share Authorization. Shares of WRP Newco Common covered by any unexercised
portions of terminated Options, shares of WRP Newco Common forfeited by
participants and shares of WRP Newco Common subject to any awards that are
otherwise surrendered by a participant without receiving any payment or other
benefit with respect thereto may again be subject to new awards under the
Management Incentive Plan. In the event the purchase price of an Option is paid
in whole or in part through the delivery of shares of WRP Newco Common, the
number of shares of WRP Newco Common issuable in connection with the exercise of
the Option shall not again be available for the grant of awards under the
Management Incentive Plan. Shares of WRP Newco Common subject to Options, or
portions thereof, with respect to which SARs are exercised, are not again
available for the grant of awards under the Management Incentive Plan. The
shares of WRP Newco Common to be issued or delivered under the Management
Incentive Plan are authorized and unissued shares, or issued shares of WRP Newco
Common that have been reacquired by WRP Newco.
Management Incentive Plan Administration. The Management Incentive Plan
will be administered by a committee of two or more non-employee directors (the
"Committee"), which will initially consist of Messrs. Du Bois and Germain. The
Committee will determine the directors, executive officers and other employees
who will be eligible for and granted awards, determine the amount and type of
awards, establish rules and guidelines relating to the Management Incentive
Plan, establish, modify and terminate the terms and conditions of awards and
take such other action as may be necessary for the proper administration of the
Management Incentive Plan. All employees and non-employee directors are
currently eligible to participate in the Management Incentive Plan.
Options. "Incentive Options" meeting the requirements of Section 422 of the
Code, and "Nonqualified Options" that do not meet such requirements are both
available for grant under the Management Incentive Plan. The term of each Option
will be determined by the Committee, but no Incentive Option will be exercisable
more than ten years after the date of grant. Options may also be subject to
restrictions on exercise, such as exercise in periodic installments, as
determined by the Committee. The exercise price for Incentive Options must be at
least equal to 100% of the fair market value of the shares of WRP Newco Common
on the date of grant and the exercise price for Nonqualified Options will be
determined by the Committee at the time of grant. The exercise price can be paid
in cash, or if approved by the Committee, by tendering shares (actually or
constructively) of WRP Newco Common owned by a participant.
Incentive Options are not transferable except by will or the laws of
descent and distribution and may be exercised only by the participant (or his
guardian or legal representative) during his or her lifetime, except as provided
below. Nonqualified Options may be transferable to family members and entities
for the benefit of the participant or his family members. If a participant's
employment with WRP Newco or service as a director terminates for any reason
(other than death or disability), any unexercised or unexpired Options held by
the participant (or its permitted transferee) will be deemed cancelled and
terminated on the date of such
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termination, unless the Committee decides to extend the term of such Options for
a period not exceeding three months. In the case of a non-employee director,
however, if such participant's service as a director terminates by reason of
death, disability, or under mutually satisfactory conditions, any unexercised or
unexpired Nonqualified Options held by the participant (or its permitted
transferee) will be exercisable for a period of five years from the date of such
termination or until the expiration of the Option, whichever is shorter. If a
participant dies while employed by WRP Newco, including an employee who is also
a director, any unexercised or unexpired Options will, to the extent exercisable
on the date of death, be exercisable by the holder or by the participant's
estate or by any person who acquired such Options by bequest or inheritance, at
any time generally within one year after such death. If a participant becomes
totally disabled and his employment terminates as a result of such disability,
including an employee who is also a director, the holder or the participant (or
his guardian or legal representative) will have the unqualified right to
exercise any unexercised and unexpired Options held by the participant (or its
permitted transferee) generally for one year after such termination.
Share Appreciation Rights. The Management Incentive Plan provides that SARs
may be granted in connection with a grant of Options. Each SAR must be
associated with a specific Option and must be granted at the time of grant of
such Option. A SAR is exercisable only to the extent the related Option is
exercisable. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the recipient is entitled to receive
from WRP Newco, without the payment of any cash (except for any applicable
withholding taxes), up to, but no more than, an amount in cash or shares of WRP
Newco Common equal to the excess of (A) the fair market value of one Common
Share on the date of such exercise over (B) the exercise price of any related
Option, times the number of shares of WRP Newco Common in respect of which such
SAR shall have been exercised. Upon the exercise of a SAR, the related share
Option, or the portion thereof in respect of which such SAR is exercised, will
terminate. Upon the exercise of an Option granted in tandem with a SAR, such
tandem SAR will terminate.
Reload Options. The Committee may grant, concurrently with the award of any
Option (each an "Underlying Option") to such participants, one or more reload
options (each a "Reload Option") to purchase for cash or, if permissible under
the Underlying Option, shares of WRP Newco Common, a number of shares of WRP
Newco Common equal to the number of shares of WRP Newco Common delivered (or
deemed delivered) by the participant to WRP Newco to exercise the Underlying
Option. Although an Underlying Option may be an Incentive Option, a Reload
Option is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Option. A Reload Option may be
granted in connection with the exercise of an Option that is itself a Reload
Option. Each Reload Option will have the same expiration date as the Underlying
Option and an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares of WRP
Newco Common on the date of grant of the Reload Option. A Reload Option is
exercisable immediately.
Reload Options permit a participant to retain, through the term of the
original Option, his or her economic interest in the sum of the shares of WRP
Newco Common covered by such
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Options as well as the already-owned shares of WRP Newco Common that could be
used to exercise such Option, by granting options on the number of shares of WRP
Newco Common used to pay the exercise price of the original Option and
subsequent Reload Options. In this way, Reload Options provide a participant
with the opportunity to build up ownership of shares of WRP Newco Common covered
by an original Option earlier during the Option term rather than through a
single exercise at or near the end of the Option term.
Restricted Shares. WRP Newco may award restricted shares of WRP Newco
Common to a participant. Such a grant gives a participant the right to receive
shares of WRP Newco Common subject to a risk of forfeiture based upon certain
conditions. The forfeiture restrictions on the shares of WRP Newco Common may be
based upon performance standards, length of service or other criteria as the
Committee may determine. Until all restrictions are satisfied, lapsed or waived,
WRP Newco will maintain custody over the restricted shares of WRP Newco Common
but the participant will be able to vote the shares of WRP Newco Common and will
be entitled to an amount equal to all distributions, if any, paid with respect
to the shares of WRP Newco Common, as provided by the Committee. During such
restrictive period, the restricted shares of WRP Newco Common may not be sold,
assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered. Upon termination of
employment, the participant generally forfeits the right to the shares of WRP
Newco Common to the extent the applicable performance standards, length of
service requirements, or other measurement criteria have not been met.
Share Purchase Awards. The Management Incentive Plan also permits the grant
of share purchase awards to participants. Participants who are granted a share
purchase award are provided with a share purchase loan to enable them to pay the
purchase price for the shares of WRP Newco Common acquired pursuant to the
award. The terms of each share purchase loan will be determined by the
Committee. The purchase price of shares of WRP Newco Common acquired with a
share purchase loan is the fair market value on the date of the award. The
Management Incentive Plan provides that some or all of a share purchase loan can
be forgiven under terms determined by the Committee. At the end of the loan
term, the remainder of the share purchase loan will be due and payable. The
interest rate, if any, on a share purchase loan will be determined by the
Committee. Share purchase loans may be recourse or nonrecourse under terms
determined by the Committee.
If a participant's employment with WRP Newco is terminated for any reason
other than death, disability or termination without "cause," the balance of the
share purchase loans to such participant will be immediately due and payable. If
a participant's employment terminates by reason of death, disability or
termination without "cause," the balance of such participant's share purchase
loans may be forgiven in full at the discretion of the Committee.
Antidilution Provisions. The number of shares of WRP Newco Common
authorized to be issued under the Management Incentive Plan and subject to
outstanding awards (and the grant or exercise price thereof) may be adjusted to
prevent dilution or enlargement of rights in the
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event of any dividend or other distribution, recapitalization, stock split,
reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off,
combination, repurchase or exchange of shares of WRP Newco Common or other
securities, or other similar capitalization change.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Management Incentive Plan.
The following is a brief summary of the principal federal income tax
consequences of awards under the Management Incentive Plan. The summary is
based upon current federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof, all of
which are subject to change at any time, possibly with retroactive effect. The
summary is not intended to be exhaustive and, among other things, does not
describe state, local or foreign tax consequences.
In general, a participant is not subject to federal income tax either at
the time of grant or at the time of exercise of an Incentive Option. However,
upon exercise, the difference between the fair market value of the shares of WRP
Newco Common and the exercise price is a tax preference item subject to the
possible application of the alternative minimum tax. If a participant does not
dispose of shares of WRP Newco Common acquired through the exercise of an
Incentive Option in a "disqualifying disposition" (i.e., no disposition occurs
within two years from the date of grant of the share option nor within one year
of the transfer of the shares of WRP Newco Common to the participant), then the
participant will be taxed only upon the gain, if any, from the sale of such
shares of WRP Newco Common, and such gain will be taxable as gain from the sale
of a capital asset.
WRP Newco will not receive any tax deduction on the exercise of an
Incentive Option or, if the above holding period requirements are met, on the
sale of the underlying shares of WRP Newco Common. If there is a disqualifying
disposition (i.e., one of the holding period requirements is not met), the
participant will be treated as receiving compensation subject to ordinary income
tax in the year of the disqualifying disposition and WRP Newco will be entitled
to a deduction for compensation expense in an amount equal to the amount
included in income by the participant. The participant generally will be
required to include in income an amount equal to the difference between the fair
market value of the shares of WRP Newco Common at the time of exercise and the
exercise price. Any appreciation in value after the time of exercise will be
taxed as capital gain and will not result in any deduction by WRP Newco.
If Nonqualified Options are granted to a participant, there are no federal
income tax consequences at the time of grant. Upon exercise of the Option, the
participant must report as ordinary income an amount equal to the difference
between the exercise price and the fair market value of the shares of WRP Newco
Common on the date of exercise. WRP Newco will receive a tax deduction in like
amount. Any appreciation in value after the time of exercise will be taxed as
capital gain and will not result in any deduction by WRP Newco.
No income will be realized by a participant in connection with the grant of
any SAR. The participant must include in ordinary income the amount of cash
received and the fair market value on the exercise date of any shares of WRP
Newco Common received upon the exercise
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<PAGE>
of a SAR. WRP Newco will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount
included in such participant's income by reason of the exercise of any SAR.
The receipt of a Reload Option by a holder of an Incentive Option or a
Nonqualified Option (including a Reload Option) who pays the exercise price in
full or in part with previously acquired shares of WRP Newco Common should not
affect the tax treatment of the exercise of such Incentive or Nonqualified
Option (including the amount of ordinary income, if any, recognized upon
exercise). A participant will not be subject to tax at the time a Reload Option
is granted (except for any income recognized upon the exercise of a Nonqualified
Option at the time of grant of the Reload Option). A Reload Option will
constitute a Nonqualified Option for federal income tax purposes and will be
taxed as such in the manner set forth above.
A grant of restricted shares of WRP Newco Common does not constitute a
taxable event for either a participant or WRP Newco. However, the participant
will be subject to tax, at ordinary income rates, when the shares of WRP Newco
Common are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture or they become
transferable. WRP Newco will be entitled to take a commensurate deduction at
that time.
A participant may elect to recognize taxable ordinary income at the time
restricted shares of WRP Newco Common are awarded in an amount equal to the fair
market value of the shares of WRP Newco Common at the time of grant, determined
without regard to any forfeiture restrictions. If such an election is made, WRP
Newco will be entitled to a deduction at that time in the same amount. Future
appreciation on the shares of WRP Newco Common will be taxed at the capital
gains rate when the shares of WRP Newco Common are sold. However, if, after
making such an election, the shares of WRP Newco Common are forfeited, the
participant will be unable to claim a deduction.
In general, a participant who receives a share purchase award incurs no tax
liability and WRP Newco does not receive any deduction at the time shares of WRP
Newco Common are acquired through a share purchase award. However, as the share
purchase loan is forgiven, the participant will be required to recognize income
in an amount equal to the forgiven portion of the loan. WRP Newco will be
entitled to take a commensurate deduction at such time.
Applicable withholding taxes may be withheld in connection with any award
under the Management Incentive Plan. In that regard, the Committee has the
discretion to allow a participant to satisfy its withholding tax obligations
with shares of WRP Newco Common.
Change in Control. Depending on the terms of a particular award as
determined by the Committee, upon the occurrence of a change in control of WRP
Newco, all options and related SARs may become immediately exercisable, the
restricted shares of WRP Newco Common may fully vest and share purchase loans
may be forgiven in full.
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<PAGE>
Termination, Amendment and ERISA Status. The Management Incentive Plan
will terminate by its terms and without any action by the Board on the tenth
anniversary of the date of its effectiveness. No awards may be made after that
date. Awards outstanding on such date will remain valid in accordance with
their terms.
The Committee may amend or alter the terms of awards under the Management
Incentive Plan, including to provide for the forgiveness in whole or in part of
share purchase loans, the release of the shares of WRP Newco Common securing
such loans or the termination or modification of the vesting or performance
provisions of the grants of restricted shares of WRP Newco Common but no such
action shall in any way impair the rights of a participant under any award
without such participant's consent.
The Committee may amend or terminate the Management Incentive Plan. No
such amendments or termination of the Management Incentive Plan shall in any way
impair the rights of a participant under any award previously granted without
such participant's consent. In addition, any amendment or termination will be
subject to shareholder approval if approval is required by Federal or state law
or regulation or rule of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the
shares of WRP Newco Common are listed or quoted.
The Management Incentive Plan is not subject to the provisions of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1976, as amended.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Trustees of Wellsford and the Board
of Directors of WRP Newco recommend that you vote
FOR the proposal to approve WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Merger will be passed upon for
EQR by Rudnick & Wolfe, Chicago, Illinois and Rosenberg & Liebentritt, P.C.,
Chicago, Illinois. Errol R. Halperin, a partner of Rudnick & Wolfe, is a
trustee of EQR. Attorneys of Rudnick & Wolfe beneficially own less than 1% of
the outstanding EQR Common, either directly or upon the exercise of options.
Sheli Z. Rosenberg, a principal of Rosenberg & Liebentritt, P.C., is a trustee
of EQR. Attorneys of Rosenberg & Liebentritt, P.C. beneficially own less than
1% of the outstanding EQR Common, either directly or upon the exercise of
options. Certain legal matters in connection with the Merger will be passed
upon for Wellsford by Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP, New York,
New York. Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll,
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Baltimore, Maryland, will pass upon certain matters of Maryland law relating to
the Merger Agreement and Articles under Maryland law.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of EQR and its subsidiaries for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 incorporated herein by reference have
been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated
in their reports with respect thereto, and are incorporated in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement in reliance upon the authority of
said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The combined financial statements of WRP Newco (Predecessor), at December
31, 1996 and 1995 and for the year ended December 31, 1996, and for the period
from March 22 to December 31, 1995, appearing in this Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus/Information Statement; the consolidated financial statements of
Wellsford and its subsidiaries appearing in Wellsford's Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996 and the consolidated financial
statements of EQR appearing in EQR's Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year
ended December 31, 1996; the Combined Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses
of the 1996 Acquired Properties and Probable Properties for the year ended
December 31, 1995, appearing in the Current Report of EQR on Form 8-K, as
amended by Form 8-K/A, dated May 23, 1996; and the Combined Statement of Revenue
and Certain Expenses of the 1996 Acquired Properties for the year ended December
31, 1995, appearing in the Current Report of EQR on Form 8-K/A, dated November
15, 1996; have all been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as
set forth in their reports thereon appearing elsewhere herein or incorporated
herein by reference, and in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority
of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any proposal which a shareholder of EQR intends to present at the 1997
Annual Meeting of Shareholders of EQR, if the Merger has not been consummated
prior to the date such meeting is to be held, must have been received by the
Secretary of EQR no later than November 29, 1996 to have been eligible for
inclusion in EQR's proxy statement and proxy form relating to such meeting.
Any proposal which a shareholder of Wellsford intends to present at the
1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Wellsford, if the Merger has not been
consumated prior to the date such meeting is to be held, must have been received
by Wellsford at its principal executive offices on or before November 29, 1996
to have been eligible for inclusion in Wellsford's proxy statement and proxy
form relating to such meeting.
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APPENDIX A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
BETWEEN
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
AND
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
Dated as of January 16, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE PAGE
- ------- ----
<C> <S> <C>
1 THE MERGER............................................................. 2
1.1 The Merger....................................................... 2
1.2 Newco Transactions............................................... 2
1.3 Closing.......................................................... 3
1.4 Effective Time................................................... 3
1.5 Amendments and Restatements of Wellsford's Declaration of Trust.. 3
1.6 Amendment and Restatement of Wellsford's Bylaws.................. 3
1.7 Trustees......................................................... 3
1.8 Effect on Shares of Beneficial Interest and Options.............. 3
1.9 Exchange Ratio................................................... 4
1.10 Completion of Contribution Agreement............................. 4
1.11 Reversal of Direction of Merger.................................. 5
1.12 Change in Number of Spin-Off Shares.............................. 5
2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF Wellsford............................ 6
2.1 Organization, Standing and Power of Wellsford.................... 6
2.2 Wellsford Subsidiaries........................................... 6
2.3 Capital Structure................................................ 7
2.4 Authority; Noncontravention; Consents............................ 9
2.5 SEC Documents; Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities..... 10
2.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events............................. 11
2.7 Litigation....................................................... 11
2.8 Properties....................................................... 12
2.9 Environmental Matters............................................ 14
2.10 Related Party Transactions....................................... 14
2.11 Absence of Changes in Benefit Plans; ERISA Compliance............ 14
2.12 Employee Policies................................................ 15
2.13 Taxes............................................................ 15
2.14 No Payments to Employees, Officers, Trustees or Directors........ 16
2.15 Brokers; Schedule of Fees and Expenses........................... 16
2.16 Compliance with Laws............................................. 17
2.17 Contracts; Debt Instruments...................................... 17
2.18 Opinion of Financial Advisor..................................... 18
2.19 State Takeover Statutes.......................................... 18
2.20 Registration Statement........................................... 18
2.21 Development Properties........................................... 18
2.22 EQR Shares of Beneficial Interest................................ 18
2.23 Investment Company Act of 1940................................... 18
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE PAGE
- ------- ----
<C> <S> <C>
2.24 Intentionally Omitted............................................ 18
2.25 Definition of Knowledge of Wellsford............................. 18
3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EQR.................................. 19
3.1 Organization, Standing and Power of EQR.......................... 19
3.2 Capital Structure................................................ 19
3.3 Organization, Standing and Power of ERP
Operating Partnership............................................ 20
3.4 Capital Structure of ERP Operating Partnership................... 21
3.5 Authority; Noncontravention; Consents............................ 21
3.6 SEC Documents; Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities..... 22
3.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events............................. 23
3.8 Litigation....................................................... 23
3.9 Properties....................................................... 24
3.10 Environmental Matters............................................ 25
3.11 Taxes............................................................ 25
3.12 Brokers; Schedule of Fees and Expenses........................... 26
3.13 Compliance with Laws............................................. 26
3.14 Contracts; Debt Instruments...................................... 26
3.15 Opinion of Financial Advisor..................................... 26
3.16 State Takeover Statutes.......................................... 26
3.17 Registration Statement........................................... 27
3.18 Wellsford Shares of Beneficial Interest.......................... 27
3.19 Intentionally Omitted............................................ 27
3.20 Investment Company Act of 1940................................... 27
3.21 Definition of Knowledge of EQR................................... 27
4 COVENANTS.............................................................. 27
4.1 Acquisition Proposals............................................ 27
4.2 Conduct of Wellsford's Business Pending Merger................... 28
4.3 Conduct of EQR's Business Pending Merger......................... 33
4.4 Covenant of EQR.................................................. 34
4.5 Other Actions.................................................... 34
4.6 Filing of Certain Reports........................................ 34
5 ADDITIONAL COVENANTS................................................... 34
5.1 Preparation of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement;
Wellsford Shareholders Meeting and EQR Shareholders Meeting...... 34
5.2 Access to Information: Confidentiality........................... 36
5.3 Best Efforts; Notification....................................... 36
5.4 Costs of Transaction............................................. 37
5.5 Tax Treatment.................................................... 37
</TABLE>
ii
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ARTICLE PAGE
- ------- ----
<C> <S> <C>
5.6 Public Announcements............................................. 37
5.7 Listing.......................................................... 37
5.8 Letters of Accountants........................................... 38
5.9 Transfer and Gains Taxes......................................... 38
5.10 Benefit Plans and Other Employee Arrangements.................... 38
5.11 Indemnification.................................................. 40
5.12 Contribution Agreement........................................... 41
5.13 Declaration of Dividends and Distributions....................... 41
5.14 Consulting Agreements............................................ 41
5.15 Transfer of Management Company Shares............................ 42
5.16 Transfer of Wellsford Assets After Effective Time................ 42
5.17 Notices.......................................................... 42
5.18 Resignations..................................................... 42
5.19 Third Party Management Agreements................................ 42
5.20 Repayment of Certain Indebtedness................................ 43
6 CONDITIONS............................................................. 44
6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger....... 44
6.2 Conditions to Obligations of EQR................................. 45
6.3 Conditions to Obligations of Wellsford........................... 48
7 TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER...................................... 50
7.1 Termination...................................................... 50
7.2 Certain Fees and Expenses........................................ 51
7.3 Effect of Termination............................................ 52
7.4 Amendment........................................................ 53
7.5 Extension; Waiver................................................ 53
8 GENERAL PROVISIONS..................................................... 53
8.1 Nonsurvival of Representations and Warranties.................... 53
8.2 Notices.......................................................... 53
8.3 Interpretation................................................... 54
8.4 Counterparts..................................................... 54
8.5 Entire Agreement; No Third-Party Beneficiaries................... 55
8.6 Governing Law.................................................... 55
8.7 Assignment....................................................... 55
8.8 Enforcement...................................................... 55
8.9 Severability..................................................... 55
8.10 Non-Recourse..................................................... 56
</TABLE>
iii
<PAGE>
EXHIBITS
--------
Exhibit "A" - Articles of Merger
Exhibit "B" - Contribution Agreement
Exhibit "C" - Newco Stock Purchase Agreement
Exhibit "D" - Palomino Agreement
Exhibit "E" - Palomino Credit Enhancement Agreement
Exhibit "F" - Sonterra Right of First Offer Agreement
Exhibit "G" - Adjustment to Exchange Ratio
Exhibit "H" - Transaction Costs Agreement
Exhibit "I" - Retention Program Letter
Exhibit "J" - Key Executives
Exhibit "K" - Form of Consulting Agreement
Exhibit "L" - Form of Letter for EQR Tax Opinion
Exhibit "M" - Opinion of Counsel to Wellsford
Exhibit "N" - Form of Letter for Wellsford Tax Opinion
Exhibit "O" - Opinion of Counsel to EQR
iv
<PAGE>
INDEX OF DEFINED TERMS
----------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEFINED TERM SECTION
- ------------ -------
<S> <C>
Acquisition Proposal 4.1(a)
Affiliate 2.10
Agreement Preamble
Articles of Merger Recital C
Average Closing Price 1.9
Base Amount 7.2
Break-Up Expenses 7.2
Break-Up Fee 7.2
Break-Up Fee Tax Opinion 7.2
Change in Control Share Grants 2.3(b)
Closing 1.3
Closing Date 1.3
Code Recital E
Commitment 4.2(q)
Confidentiality Agreement 5.2
Contribution Agreement Recital D
Denver Lease 5.22
Department 1.4
Effective Time 1.4
employee benefit plan 2.11(b)
Encumbrances 2.8(a)
EQR Preamble
EQR Common Shares 1.9
EQR Disclosure Letter Article 3
EQR Employee Share Plans 3.2(a)
EQR Financial Statement Date 3.7
EQR Material Adverse Change 3.7
EQR Material Adverse Effect 3.1
EQR Options 3.2(a)
EQR Preferred Shares 3.2(a)
EQR Properties 3.9
EQR SEC Documents 3.6
EQR Series A Preferred Shares 3.2(a)
EQR Series B Preferred Shares 3.2(a)
EQR Series C Preferred Shares 3.2(a)
EQR Shareholder Approvals 3.5(a)
EQR Shareholders Meeting 5.1(b)
EQR Subsidiaries 3.1
</TABLE>
v
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEFINED TERM SECTION
- ------------- -------
<S> <C>
EQR Units 3.2(c)
ERISA 2.11(b)
ERP Operating Partnership 1.2
ERP Operating Partnership Agreement 3.2(a)
Exchange Act 2.4(b)
Exchange Ratio 1.9
GAAP 2.5
Governmental Entity 2.4(b)
Hazardous Materials 2.9
include, includes or including 8.3
Indebtedness 2.7(b)
Indemnified Parties 5.11(a)
IRS 1.11
Laws 2.4(b)
Liens 2.2(b)
Management Corp. 5.15
Merger Recital B
New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions 1.9
Newco Recital D
Newco Stock Purchase Agreement 1.2(b)
NYSE 2.4(b)
1940 Act 2.23
Palomino Agreement 1.2(c)
Palomino Credit Enhancement Agreement 1.2(d)
Palomino Development Agreements 4.2(i)
Payor 7.2
Person 2.2(a)
Property Restrictions 2.8(a)
Proxy Statement 2.4(b)
Qualifying Income 7.2
Recipient 7.2
Registration Statement 5.1(a)
REIT 2.13(b)
REIT Requirements 7.2
Restricted Share Grants 2.3(b)
Retention Program 5.10(c)
Revolver Rate 4.2
Retention Program Letter 5.10(c)
Schedule 5.10 Employees 5.10(c)
SEC 2.4(b)
Securities Act 2.4(b)
</TABLE>
vi
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEFINED TERM SECTION
- ------------- -------
<S> <C>
Share Loan and Acquisition Agreements 2.3(b)
Shareholder Approvals 3.5(a)
Sonterra Right of First Offer Agreement 1.2(e)
Spin-Off 1.2
Springing Shares 2.3(b)
Subsidiary 2.2(a)
Superior Acquisition Proposal 4.1
Surviving Trust 1.1
Takeover Statute 2.19
Taxes 2.13(a)
Third Party Management Agreements 2.17(d)
Title 8 1.1
to the Knowledge of EQR 3.21
to the Knowledge of Wellsford 2.25
Transaction Costs Agreement 5.4
Transfer and Gains Taxes 5.9
Wellsford Preamble
Wellsford Benefit Plans 2.11(a)
Wellsford Common Shares 1.2(f)
Wellsford Disclosure Letter Article 2
Wellsford Financial Statement Date 2.6
Wellsford Material Adverse Change 2.6
Wellsford Material Adverse Effect 2.1
Wellsford Options 2.3(b)
Wellsford Properties 2.8(a)
Wellsford SEC Documents 2.5
Wellsford Series A Preferred Shares 2.3(a)
Wellsford Series B Preferred Shares 2.3(a)
Wellsford Shareholder Approvals 2.4(a)
Wellsford Shareholder Meeting 5.1(c)
Wellsford Subsidiaries 2.2
WPHC 1.10
WPHC Non-Voting Shares 5.24
WPHC Voting Shares 5.24
</TABLE>
vii
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
----------------------------
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement") dated as of January
16, 1997 by and between EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST, a Maryland real
estate investment trust ("EQR"), and WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST, a
Maryland real estate investment trust ("Wellsford").
R E C I T A L S:
---------------
A. The Boards of Trustees of EQR and Wellsford deem it advisable and in
the best interests of their respective shareholders, subject to the conditions
and other provisions contained herein, that EQR acquire the assets and business
of Wellsford and operate the business under the name "Equity Residential
Properties Trust."
B. The acquisition of the assets and business of Wellsford shall be
effected by the merger of EQR and Wellsford (the "Merger").
C. Upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, EQR and Wellsford
shall execute Articles of Merger in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit "A" (the "Articles of Merger") and shall file such articles in
accordance with Maryland law to effectuate the Merger.
D. Immediately prior to the Merger, it is contemplated that Wellsford
shall contribute certain of its assets to Wellsford Real Properties, Inc., a
Maryland corporation ("Newco"), and that Newco shall assume certain obligations
of Wellsford, all as provided in the Contribution and Distribution Agreement in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit "B" (the "Contribution
Agreement").
E. Immediately prior to the Merger, it is contemplated that Wellsford
shall distribute to its common shareholders all the outstanding shares of Newco
owned by it in a distribution subject to income tax under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
F. For federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger
shall qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)
of the Code.
G. EQR and Wellsford have each received a fairness opinion relating
to the transactions contemplated hereby as more fully described herein.
H. EQR and Wellsford desire to make certain representations,
warranties and agreements in connection with the Merger.
<PAGE>
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and the mutual
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
---------
THE MERGER
----------
1.1 THE MERGER. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this
Agreement, and in accordance with Title 8 of the Corporations and Associations
Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended ("Title 8"), EQR shall be
merged with and into Wellsford, with Wellsford as the surviving real estate
investment trust (the "Surviving Trust").
1.2 NEWCO TRANSACTIONS. Wellsford, on January 8, 1997, formed Newco.
Immediately prior to the time of effectiveness of the Merger:
(a) Wellsford shall, and shall cause Newco to, execute and deliver the
Contribution Agreement and consummate the transactions contemplated
thereby;
(b) EQR will cause ERP Operating Limited Partnership, an Illinois
limited partnership of which EQR is the sole general partner (the "ERP
Operating Partnership"), to execute and deliver, and Wellsford shall cause
Newco to execute and deliver, the Common Stock and Preferred Stock Purchase
Agreement in substantially the form annexed hereto as Exhibit "C" (the
"Newco Stock Purchase Agreement");
(c) EQR will cause ERP Operating Partnership to execute and deliver,
and Wellsford shall cause Newco to execute and deliver, the Agreement
Regarding Palomino Park in substantially the form annexed hereto as Exhibit
"D" (the "Palomino Agreement");
(d) EQR will cause ERP Operating Partnership to execute and deliver,
and Wellsford shall cause Newco to execute and deliver, the Credit
Enhancement Agreement in substantially the form annexed hereto as Exhibit
"E" (the "Palomino Credit Enhancement Agreement");
(e) EQR will cause ERP Operating Partnership to execute and deliver,
and Wellsford shall cause Newco to execute and deliver, the Sonterra Right
of First Offer Agreement in substantially the form annexed hereto as
Exhibit "F" (the "Sonterra Right of First Offer Agreement"); and
(f) Wellsford will distribute to its common shareholders, as a
distribution taxable under Code Section 301, all the outstanding shares of
Newco owned by Wellsford
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as further described in the Contribution Agreement, so that each holder of
common shares of beneficial interest of Wellsford, $0.01 par value per
share ("Wellsford Common Shares"), receives one common share of Newco for
each Wellsford Common Share held by such holder
(such transactions being referred to collectively as the "Spin-Off").
Immediately after the Effective Time (as defined below), the transactions
contemplated by the Newco Stock Purchase Agreement, the Palomino Agreement and
the Palomino Credit Enhancement Agreement which are to occur on the Closing Date
(as defined below) shall be consummated.
1.3 CLOSING. The closing of the Merger ("Closing") will take place at
10:00 a.m. on the date to be specified by the parties, which (subject to
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in Article 6) shall be no
later than the third business day after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions
set forth in Section 6.1(a) (the "Closing Date"), at the offices of Rudnick &
Wolfe, 203 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601, unless another date or
place is agreed to in writing by the parties.
1.4 EFFECTIVE TIME. As soon as practicable following the satisfaction or
waiver of the conditions set forth in Article 6, the parties shall execute and
file the Articles of Merger, executed in accordance with Title 8, with the State
Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the "Department"), and shall
make all other filings and recordings required under Title 8. The Merger shall
become effective ("Effective Time") at such time as the Department accepts the
Articles of Merger for record, or at such time as EQR and Wellsford shall agree
should be specified in the Articles of Merger (not to exceed thirty (30) days
after the Articles of Merger are accepted for record by the Department). Unless
otherwise agreed, the parties shall cause the Effective Time to occur on the
Closing Date.
1.5 AMENDMENTS AND RESTATEMENTS OF WELLSFORD'S DECLARATION OF TRUST. The
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended, of Wellsford shall be
amended and restated at the Effective Time as provided in the Articles of
Merger.
1.6 AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF WELLSFORD'S BYLAWS. From and after the
Effective Time, the Bylaws of the Surviving Trust shall be the Bylaws of EQR as
in effect immediately prior to the Merger, until further amended or restated in
accordance therewith and Title 8.
1.7 TRUSTEES. The trustees of the Surviving Trust shall be the persons
named in the Articles of Merger, each of whom shall serve for the term specified
in the Articles of Merger.
1.8 EFFECT ON SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST AND OPTIONS. The effect of
the Merger on the shares of beneficial interest, options to purchase shares of
beneficial interest and restricted share awards of each of EQR and Wellsford
shall be as provided in the Articles of Merger.
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<PAGE>
1.9 EXCHANGE RATIO. The exchange ratio to be set forth in the Articles of
Merger ("Exchange Ratio") shall be 0.625 of a common share of beneficial
interest of the Surviving Trust, $0.01 par value per share, for each Wellsford
Common Share outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. In the event
that the Average Closing Price (as defined below) is less than $40.00 per share,
the Exchange Ratio shall be the rate per share specified in Exhibit "G" hereto.
For the purposes of this Agreement, "Average Closing Price" shall mean the
average of the daily closing prices of a common share of beneficial interest of
EQR, $0.01 par value per share ("EQR Common Share"), reported as "New York Stock
Exchange Composite Transactions" by The Wall Street Journal (Midwest Edition)
during the consecutive twenty (20) trading day period ending at the end of the
fifth (5th) trading day prior to the date which the proxy statements required by
Section 5.1 hereof are dated.
1.10 COMPLETION OF CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. At the time the Contribution
Agreement is executed, the parties shall complete the blank presently in the
Contribution Agreement for the amount of Contribution Funds (as defined in the
Contribution Agreement). The amount of the Contribution Funds shall be
$13,355,600, adjusted as follows:
(a) such amount shall be decreased by:
(i) 80% of any cash (excluding loans) invested by Wellsford or
any of its Subsidiaries in Wellsford Park Highlands Corp., a
Colorado corporation ("WPHC"), and its Subsidiaries after
September 30, 1996 and prior to the Spin-Off;
(ii) 100% of any accrued interest on the Promissory Note dated
June 28, 1996 made by Specified Properties VIII, L.P., a
Texas limited partnership, to Wellsford remaining unpaid as
of the Closing Date; and
(iii) $2.50 for each share of Newco distributed to the
shareholders of Wellsford in the Spin-Off less than
17,104,359 shares; and
(b) such amount shall be increased by:
(i) 80% of the accrued interest on the Bonds (as defined in the
Credit Enhancement Agreement) which remains unpaid as of the
Closing Date;
(ii) $2.50 for each share of Newco distributed to the
shareholders of Wellsford in the Spin-Off in excess of
17,104,359 shares; and
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(iii) the amount, if any, provided for in Section 1(b) of the
Transaction Costs Agreement (as defined in Section 5.4).
1.11 REVERSAL OF DIRECTION OF MERGER. In order to allow counsel
to opine that the Merger, for federal income tax purposes, will qualify as a
tax-free reorganization within the meaning of the Code, the parties have agreed
that EQR shall be merged into Wellsford and that Wellsford shall be the
Surviving Trust. The parties will jointly file a request for a private letter
ruling with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), as soon as practicable after
the date hereof, to obtain a private letter ruling from the IRS to the effect
that a merger of Wellsford into EQR with EQR being the Surviving Trust will not
adversely affect the tax-free nature of the reorganization. If such a private
letter ruling is received or in the event the IRS publishes a revenue ruling or
other published announcement (including the promulgation of a Treasury
regulation) to the effect that, and counsel for the parties are reasonably
willing to opine that, a merger of Wellsford into EQR with EQR being the
Surviving Trust will not adversely affect the tax-free nature of the
reorganization, the parties will amend this Agreement, the Articles of Merger
and all other agreements as may be necessary or desirable solely for the
purposes of providing for the merger of Wellsford into EQR with EQR being the
Surviving Trust; provided, however, that such amendments shall not modify the
substantive provisions or economic terms of this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby; and further provided that both the Merger and the merger of
Wellsford into EQR with EQR being the Surviving Trust are submitted to and
approved by the shareholders of EQR and Wellsford in the manner required by
applicable law. Any such amendment may be made before or after the approval of
the Merger by the respective shareholders of EQR and Wellsford. The costs and
expenses of seeking and obtaining any private letter ruling as contemplated by
this Section 1.11 shall be borne by EQR.
Any conditions to the Merger set forth in Article 6 that would be
satisfied but for the reversal of direction of the Merger shall be deemed
satisfied.
1.12 CHANGE IN NUMBER OF SPIN-OFF SHARES. If for any reason
Wellsford shall determine to distribute in the Spin-Off less than one common
share of Newco for each outstanding Wellsford Common Share, the parties will
amend this Agreement and all other agreements contemplated hereby solely for the
purpose of appropriately adjusting all numbers and dollar amounts which were
based on one common share of Newco being distributed in the Spin-Off for each
outstanding Wellsford Common Share.
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE 2
---------
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF WELLSFORD
-------------------------------------------
Except as set forth in the letter of even date herewith signed by the
Chairman of the Board or President of Wellsford in his capacity as such and
delivered to EQR prior to the execution hereof (the "Wellsford Disclosure
Letter"), Wellsford represents and warrants to EQR as follows:
2.1 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND POWER OF WELLSFORD. Wellsford is a
real estate investment trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws
of Maryland and has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business
as now being conducted. Wellsford is duly qualified or licensed to do business
as a foreign trust and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such
qualification or licensing necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the
failure to be so qualified or licensed, individually or in the aggregate, would
not have a material adverse effect on the business, properties, assets,
financial condition or results of operations of Wellsford and the Wellsford
Subsidiaries (as defined below), taken as a whole (a "Wellsford Material Adverse
Effect"). Wellsford has delivered to EQR complete and correct copies of its
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (including all Articles Supplementary
thereto) and Amended and Restated Bylaws, in each case, as amended to the date
of this Agreement.
2.2 WELLSFORD SUBSIDIARIES.
(a) Schedule 2.2 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter sets forth (i)
each Subsidiary of Wellsford (the "Wellsford Subsidiaries"), (ii) the ownership
interest therein of Wellsford, (iii) if not wholly-owned by Wellsford, the
identity and ownership interest of other owners of such Wellsford Subsidiary,
and (iv) each apartment community owned by such Subsidiary. As used in this
Agreement, "Subsidiary" of any Person means any corporation, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture or other legal entity of which such
Person (either directly or through or together with another Subsidiary of such
Person) owns any of the capital stock or other equity interests of such
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other
legal entity. As used herein, "Person" means an individual, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust,
unincorporated organization or other entity.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.2 to the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter, (i) all the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Wellsford
Subsidiary that is a corporation have been validly issued and are (A) fully paid
and nonassessable, (B) owned by Wellsford or by another Wellsford Subsidiary,
and (C) owned free and clear of all pledges, claims, liens, charges,
encumbrances and security interests of any kind or nature whatsoever
(collectively, "Liens"), and (ii) all equity interests in each Wellsford
Subsidiary that is a partnership, joint
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<PAGE>
venture, limited liability company or trust which are owned by Wellsford, by
another Wellsford Subsidiary or by Wellsford and another Wellsford Subsidiary
are owned free and clear of all Liens. Each Wellsford Subsidiary that is a
corporation is duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation and has the requisite corporate power and
authority to carry on its business as now being conducted, and each Wellsford
Subsidiary that is a partnership, limited liability company or trust is duly
organized and validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
organization and has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business
as now being conducted. Each Wellsford Subsidiary is duly qualified or licensed
to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature
of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such
qualification or licensing necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the
failure to be so qualified or licensed, individually or in the aggregate, would
not have a Wellsford Material Adverse Effect. Copies of the Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaws, organization documents and partnership, joint venture and
operating agreements of each Wellsford Subsidiary, as amended to the date of
this Agreement, have been previously delivered or made available to EQR.
2.3 CAPITAL STRUCTURE.
(a) The authorized shares of beneficial interest of Wellsford consist
of 100,000,000 shares of beneficial interest, of which 4,600,000 are Series A
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value
per share ("Wellsford Series A Preferred Shares"), and 2,300,000 are Series B
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value
per share ("Wellsford Series B Preferred Shares"). On January 14, 1997, (i)
17,111,937 Wellsford Common Shares, 3,999,800 Wellsford Series A Preferred
Shares and 2,300,000 Wellsford Series B Preferred Shares were issued and
outstanding, (ii) 1,000,000 Wellsford Common Shares have been reserved for the
Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan of Wellsford, (iii) 979,325
Wellsford Common Shares were issuable upon exercise of outstanding options to
purchase Wellsford Common Shares, (iv) 582,900 Wellsford Common Shares were
reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options which may be granted under
the 1992 Share Option Plan, (v) 750,000 Wellsford Common Shares were reserved
for issuance under the Long-Term Management Incentive Plan of Wellsford, and
(vi) a sufficient number of Wellsford Common Shares were reserved for issuance
to permit the conversion of the then outstanding Wellsford Series A Preferred
Shares.
(b) Set forth in Schedule 2.3 of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter is a
true and complete list of the following: (i) each qualified or nonqualified
option to purchase Wellsford Common Shares granted under the 1992 Share Option
Plan, Long-Term Management Incentive Plan, or any other formal or informal
arrangement ("Wellsford Options"); (ii) each grant of Wellsford Common Shares to
employees which are subject to any risk of forfeiture ("Restricted Share
Grants"); (iii) any obligation of Wellsford to issue Wellsford Common Shares as
a result of the transactions contemplated hereby ("Change in Control Share
Grants"); and (iv) each loan made by Wellsford with respect to the purchase of
Wellsford Common Shares which will be forgiven as a result of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement (the "Share Loan and
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<PAGE>
Acquisition Agreements"). The Restricted Share Grants are included in the
number of outstanding Wellsford Common Shares set forth in Section 2.3(a). For
each Wellsford Option held by the executive officers of Wellsford, Schedule 2.3
of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter sets forth the name of the grantee, the date
of the grant, status of the option as qualified or nonqualified under Section
422 of the Code, the number of Wellsford Common Shares subject to such option,
the number of shares subject to options that are currently exercisable, the
exercise price per share, those options granting reload options, and the number
of such shares subject to share appreciation rights. For each option to
purchase Wellsford Common Shares held by employees of Wellsford or any of the
Wellsford Subsidiaries who are not executive officers of Wellsford, Schedule 2.3
to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter sets forth the name of the grantee, the date
of the grant, the number of Wellsford Common Shares subject to such option and
the exercise price per share. For each Restricted Share Grant, Schedule 2.3 of
the Wellsford Disclosure Letter sets forth the name of the grantee, the date of
the grant and the number of Wellsford Common Shares granted. For each Change in
Control Share Grant, Schedule 2.3 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter sets forth
the aggregate number of Wellsford Common Shares to be issued immediately prior
to the Spin-Off and the Merger. For each Share Loan and Acquisition Agreement,
Schedule 2.3 of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter sets forth the name of the
borrower, the date of the loan, the aggregate principal amount of the loan, the
number of shares originally pledged as security for each loan the number of
shares that have been released from such pledge and the outstanding loan balance
as of the date of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter. On the date of this
Agreement, except as set forth in this Section 2.3 or Schedule 2.3 of the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter, no shares of beneficial interest or other voting
securities of Wellsford were issued, reserved for issuance, or outstanding.
(c) All outstanding shares of beneficial interest of Wellsford are
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to
preemptive rights, except that the shareholders may be subject to further
assessment with respect to certain claims for tort, contract, taxes, statutory
liability and otherwise in some jurisdictions to the extent such claims are not
satisfied by Wellsford. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other
indebtedness of Wellsford having the right to vote (or convertible into, or
exchangeable for, securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which
shareholders of Wellsford may vote.
(d) Except as set forth in this Section 2.3 or in Schedule 2.3 of the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this Agreement there are no
outstanding securities, options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments,
agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which Wellsford or any
Wellsford Subsidiary is a party or by which such entity is bound, obligating
Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be
issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of beneficial interest, voting
securities or other ownership interests of Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary
or obligating Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary to issue, grant, extend or
enter into any such security, option, warrant, call, right, commitment,
agreement, arrangement or undertaking (other than to Wellsford or a Wellsford
Subsidiary).
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2.4 AUTHORITY; NONCONTRAVENTION; CONSENTS.
(a) Wellsford has the requisite power and authority to enter into this
Agreement and, subject to the requisite shareholder approval of the Merger (the
"Wellsford Shareholder Approvals"), to consummate the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement to which Wellsford is a party. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by Wellsford and the consummation by Wellsford of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement to which Wellsford is a party have
been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Wellsford, subject
to the Wellsford Shareholder Approvals. This Agreement has been duly executed
and delivered by Wellsford and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of
Wellsford, enforceable against Wellsford in accordance with its terms, subject
to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws relating
to creditors' rights and general principles of equity.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.4 to the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter, the execution and delivery of this Agreement by Wellsford do not, and
the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to which
Wellsford is a party and compliance by Wellsford with the provisions of this
Agreement will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default
(with or without notice or lapse of time, or both) under, or give rise to a
right of termination, cancellation or acceleration of any material obligation or
to loss of a material benefit under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon
any of the properties or assets of Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary under,
(i) the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust or the Amended and Restated
Bylaws of Wellsford or the comparable charter or organizational documents or
partnership or similar agreement (as the case may be) of any Wellsford
Subsidiary, each as amended or supplemented to the date of this Agreement, (ii)
any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, reciprocal
easement agreement, lease or other agreement, instrument, permit, concession,
franchise or license applicable to Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary or
their respective properties or assets or (iii) subject to the governmental
filings and other matters referred to in the following sentence, any judgment,
order, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation (collectively,
"Laws") applicable to Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary, or their respective
properties or assets, other than, in the case of clause (ii) or (iii), any such
conflicts, violations, defaults, rights, loss or Liens that individually or in
the aggregate would not (x) have a Wellsford Material Adverse Effect or (y)
prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or
filing with, any federal, state or local government or any court, administrative
or regulatory agency or commission or other governmental authority or agency,
domestic or foreign (a "Governmental Entity"), is required by or with respect to
Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement by Wellsford or the consummation by Wellsford of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) the filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of (x) a joint proxy statement
relating to the approval by Wellsford's shareholders and EQR's shareholders of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (as amended or supplemented from
time to time, the "Proxy Statement"), (y) registration statements on appropriate
forms under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
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(the "Securities Act"), and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), and (z) such reports under Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act as
may be required in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the filing of listing applications with the
New York Stock Exchange Inc. ("NYSE") with respect to the shares of beneficial
interest of the Surviving Trust to be issued in the Merger, (iii) the filing of
the Articles of Merger with the Department and (iv) such other consents,
approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings (A)
as are set forth in Schedule 2.4 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, (B) as may
be required under (y) federal, state or local environmental laws, or (z) the
"blue sky" laws of various states, to the extent applicable, or (C) which, if
not obtained or made, would not prevent or delay in any material respect the
consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
otherwise prevent Wellsford from performing its obligations under this Agreement
in any material respect or have, individually or in the aggregate, a Wellsford
Material Adverse Effect.
(c) For purposes of determining compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, Wellsford confirms that the
conduct of its business consists solely of investing in, owning and operating
real estate for the benefit of its shareholders.
2.5 SEC DOCUMENTS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.
Wellsford has filed all required reports, schedules, forms, statements and other
documents with the SEC since November 27, 1992 through the date hereof (the
"Wellsford SEC Documents"). Schedule 2.5 of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter
contains a complete list of all Wellsford SEC Documents filed by Wellsford with
the SEC since January 1, 1996 and on or prior to the date of this Agreement.
All of the Wellsford SEC Documents (other than preliminary material), as of
their respective filing dates, complied in all material respects with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and, in each
case, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder applicable to such
Wellsford SEC Documents. None of the Wellsford SEC Documents at the time of
filing contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted 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 were made,
not misleading, except to the extent such statements have been modified or
superseded by later Wellsford SEC Documents filed and publicly available prior
to the date of this Agreement. The consolidated financial statements of
Wellsford included in the Wellsford SEC Documents complied as to form in all
material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") (except, in
the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by the applicable rules and
regulations of the SEC) applied on a consistent basis during the periods
involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly presented,
in accordance with the applicable requirements of GAAP and the applicable rules
and regulations of the SEC, the consolidated financial position of Wellsford and
the Wellsford Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as of the dates thereof and the
consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended
(subject, in the case of unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit
adjustments). Wellsford
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has no Subsidiaries which are not consolidated for accounting purposes. Except
for liabilities and obligations set forth in the Wellsford SEC Documents or in
Schedule 2.5 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, neither Wellsford nor any of
the Wellsford Subsidiaries has any liabilities or obligations of any nature
(whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise) required by GAAP to be set
forth on a consolidated balance sheet of Wellsford or in the notes thereto and
which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a Wellsford Material Adverse
Effect. Management Corp. (as defined in Section 5.15) has assets of less than
$1,000. On the date of this Agreement, Newco has no material assets.
2.6 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as disclosed in the
Wellsford SEC Documents or the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, since the date of
the most recent audited financial statements included in Wellsford SEC Documents
(the "Wellsford Financial Statement Date") Wellsford and the Wellsford
Subsidiaries have conducted their business only in the ordinary course (taking
into account prior practices, including the acquisition of properties and
issuance of securities) and there has not been (a) any material adverse change
in the business, financial condition or results of operations of Wellsford and
the Wellsford Subsidiaries taken as a whole (a "Wellsford Material Adverse
Change"), nor has there been any occurrence or circumstance that with the
passage of time would reasonably be expected to result in a Wellsford Material
Adverse Change, (b) except for regular quarterly distributions (in the case of
Wellsford) not in excess of $0.485 per Wellsford Common Share, $0.4375 per
Wellsford Series A Preferred Share, and $0.603125 per Wellsford Series B
Preferred Share, in each case with customary record and payment dates, any
declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other distribution
(whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to any of Wellsford's shares
of beneficial interest, (c) any split, combination or reclassification of any of
Wellsford's shares of beneficial interest or any issuance or the authorization
of any issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of or in
substitution for, or giving the right to acquire by exchange or exercise, shares
of its beneficial interest or any issuance of an ownership interest in, any
Wellsford Subsidiary except as contemplated by this Agreement, (d) any damage,
destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, that has or would have
a Wellsford Material Adverse Effect or (e) any change in accounting methods,
principles or practices by Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary materially
affecting its assets, liabilities or business, except insofar as may have been
disclosed in Wellsford SEC Documents or required by a change in GAAP or (f) any
amendment of any employment, consulting, severance, retention or any other
agreement between Wellsford and any officer or trustee of Wellsford. There are
no distributions in arrears which have been scheduled for payment or unpaid
distributions with respect to the Wellsford Series A Preferred Shares and
Wellsford Series B Preferred Shares.
2.7 LITIGATION. Except as disclosed in the Wellsford SEC Documents or in
Schedule 2.7 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, and other than personal injury
and other routine tort litigation arising from the ordinary course of operations
of Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries (a) which are covered by adequate
insurance or (b) for which all material costs and liabilities arising therefrom
are reimbursable pursuant to common area maintenance or similar agreements,
there is no suit, action or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of
Wellsford,
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threatened in writing against or affecting Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary
that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to (i) have
a Wellsford Material Adverse Effect or (ii) prevent the consummation of any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, nor is there any judgment,
decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator
outstanding against Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary having, or which,
insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have, any such
effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Schedule 2.7 to the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter sets forth each and every uninsured claim, equal employment opportunity
claim and claim relating to sexual harassment and/or discrimination pending or,
to the Knowledge of Wellsford, threatened as of the date hereof, in each case
with a brief summary of such claim or threatened claim.
2.8 PROPERTIES.
(a) Except as provided in Schedule 2.8 of the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter, Wellsford or the Wellsford Subsidiary set forth on Schedule 2.2 of the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter owns fee simple title to each of the real properties
identified in Schedule 2.8 of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter (the "Wellsford
Properties"), which are all of the real estate properties owned by them, in each
case (except as provided below) free and clear of liens, mortgages or deeds of
trust, claims against title, charges which are liens, security interests or
other encumbrances on title ("Encumbrances"). Except as set forth in Schedule
2.2 or Schedule 2.8 of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, no other Person has any
ownership interest in any of the Wellsford Properties, and any such ownership
interest so scheduled does not materially detract from the value of, or
materially interfere with the present use of, any of the Wellsford Properties
subject thereto or affected thereby. The Wellsford Properties are not subject
to any rights of way, written agreements, laws, ordinances and regulations
affecting building use or occupancy, or reservations of an interest in title
(collectively, "Property Restrictions"), except for (i) Encumbrances and
Property Restrictions set forth in the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, (ii)
Property Restrictions imposed or promulgated by law or any governmental body or
authority with respect to real property, including zoning regulations, provided
they does not materially adversely affect the current use of any Wellsford
Property, (iii) Encumbrances and Property Restrictions disclosed on existing
title reports or existing surveys (in either case copies of which title reports
and surveys have been delivered or made available to EQR and listed in the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter), which Encumbrances and Property Restrictions, in
any event, do not materially detract from the value of, or materially interfere
with the present use of, any of the Wellsford Properties subject thereto or
affected thereby, and (iv) mechanics', carriers', workmen's, repairmen's liens
and other Encumbrances, Property Restrictions and other limitations of any kind,
if any, which, individually or in the aggregate, do not materially detract from
the value of or materially interfere with the present use of any of the
Wellsford Properties subject thereto or affected thereby, and do not otherwise
materially impair business operations conducted by Wellsford and the Wellsford
Subsidiaries. Except as provided in Schedule 2.8 of the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter, no portion of any of the Wellsford Properties is located in a flood zone
area "V".
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(b) Except as provided in Schedule 2.8 of the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter, valid policies of title insurance have been issued insuring Wellsford's
or the applicable Wellsford Subsidiaries' fee simple title to the Wellsford
Properties in amounts at least equal to the purchase price thereof paid by
Wellsford therefor, subject only to the matters disclosed above and on the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter, and such policies are, at the date hereof, in full
force and effect and no claim has been made against any such policy.
(c) Except as provided in Schedule 2.8 of the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter, Wellsford has no Knowledge (as defined in Section 2.25) (i) that, any
certificate, permit or license from any governmental authority having
jurisdiction over any of the Wellsford Properties or any agreement, easement or
other right which is necessary to permit the lawful use and operation of the
buildings and improvements on any of the Wellsford Properties or which is
necessary to permit the lawful use and operation of all driveways, roads and
other means of egress and ingress to and from any of the Wellsford Properties
has not been obtained and is not in full force and effect, or of any pending
threat of modification or cancellation of any of same; (ii) of any written
notice of any violation of any federal, state or municipal law, ordinance,
order, regulation or requirement materially and adversely affecting any of the
Wellsford Properties issued by any governmental authority; (iii) of any material
structural defects relating to any Wellsford Property which costs more than
$100,000 to repair; (iv) of any Wellsford Property whose building systems are
not in working order in any material respect and costs more than $100,000 to
repair; (v) of any physical damage to any Wellsford Property in excess of
$100,000 for which there is no insurance in effect covering the cost of the
restoration; (vi) of any current renovation or uninsured restoration to any
Wellsford Property the cost of which exceeds $100,000; or (vii) of items
referred to in Section 2.8(c)(iii)-(vi) which aggregate for Wellsford and its
Subsidiaries more than $5,000,000.
(d) Neither Wellsford nor any of the Wellsford Subsidiaries has
received any written notice to the effect that (i) any condemnation or rezoning
proceedings are pending or threatened with respect to any of the Wellsford
Properties or (ii) any zoning, building or similar law, code, ordinance, order
or regulation is or will be violated by the continued maintenance, operation or
use of any buildings or other improvements on any of the Wellsford Properties or
by the continued maintenance, operation or use of the parking areas. All work
to be performed, payments to be made and actions to be taken by Wellsford or the
Wellsford Subsidiaries prior to the date hereof pursuant to any agreement
entered into with a governmental body or authority in connection with a site
approval, zoning reclassification or other similar action relating to any
Wellsford Properties (e.g., Local Improvement District, Road Improvement
District, Environmental Mitigation) has been performed, paid or taken, as the
case may be, and Wellsford has no Knowledge of any planned or proposed work,
payments or actions that may be required after the date hereof pursuant to such
agreements.
(e) Except as set forth in Schedule 2.8 of the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter, all of the Wellsford Properties are managed by Wellsford or a wholly-
owned Wellsford Subsidiary.
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2.9 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. None of Wellsford, any of the Wellsford
Subsidiaries or, to Wellsford's Knowledge, any other Person has caused or
permitted (a) the unlawful presence of any hazardous substances, hazardous
materials, toxic substances or waste materials (collectively, "Hazardous
Materials") on any of the Wellsford Properties, or (b) any unlawful spills,
releases, discharges or disposal of Hazardous Materials to have occurred or be
presently occurring on or from the Wellsford Properties as a result of any
construction on or operation and use of such properties, which presence or
occurrence would, individually or in the aggregate, have a Wellsford Material
Adverse Effect; and in connection with the construction on or operation and use
of the Wellsford Properties, Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries have not
failed to comply in any material respect with all applicable local, state and
federal environmental laws, regulations, ordinances and administrative and
judicial orders relating to the generation, recycling, reuse, sale, storage,
handling, transport and disposal of any Hazardous Materials, except to the
extent such failure to comply, individually or in the aggregate, would not have
a Wellsford Material Adverse Effect.
2.10 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS. Set forth in Schedule 2.10 of the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter is a list of all arrangements, agreements and
contracts entered into by Wellsford or any of the Wellsford Subsidiaries with
(a) any consultant, (b) any person who is an officer, trustee, director or
Affiliate (as defined below) of Wellsford or any of the Wellsford Subsidiaries,
any relative of any of the foregoing or any entity of which any of the foregoing
is an Affiliate or (c) any person who acquired Wellsford Common Shares in a
private placement, except those of a type available to Wellsford employees
generally. Such documents, copies of all of which have previously been
delivered or made available to EQR, are listed in Schedule 2.10 of the Wellsford
Disclosure Letter. As used in this Agreement, the term "Affiliate" shall have
the same meaning as such term is defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the
Securities Act.
2.11 ABSENCE OF CHANGES IN BENEFIT PLANS; ERISA COMPLIANCE.
(a) Except as disclosed in the Wellsford SEC Documents or in Schedule
2.11 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter and except as contemplated by this
Agreement, since the date of the most recent audited financial statements
included in the Wellsford SEC Documents, there has not been any adoption or
amendment in any respect by Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary of any bonus,
pension, profit sharing, deferred compensation, incentive compensation, stock
ownership, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock, retirement, vacation,
severance, disability, death benefit, hospitalization, medical or other employee
benefit plan, arrangement or understanding (whether or not legally binding)
providing benefits to any current or former employee, officer or director of
Wellsford, any Wellsford Subsidiary, or any person Affiliated with Wellsford
under Section 414 (b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code (collectively, "Wellsford
Benefit Plans").
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(b) Except as described in the Wellsford SEC Documents or in Schedule
2.11 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, (i) all Wellsford Benefit Plans of
Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries, including any such plan that is an
"employee benefit plan" as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), are in compliance in all
material respects with all applicable requirements of law, including but not
limited to ERISA and the Code, and (ii) neither Wellsford nor any Wellsford
Subsidiary has any material liabilities or obligations with respect to any such
Wellsford Benefit Plan, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise. Except as set
forth in Schedule 2.11 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, the execution of, and
performance of the transactions contemplated in, this Agreement will not (either
alone or upon the occurrence of any additional or subsequent events) constitute
an event under any Wellsford Benefit Plan, policy, arrangement or agreement or
any trust or loan that will or may result in any payment (whether of severance
pay or otherwise), acceleration, forgiveness of indebtedness, vesting,
distribution, increase in benefits or obligation to fund benefits with respect
to any employee, trustee or director. The only severance agreements or severance
policies applicable to employees of Wellsford or any of the Wellsford
Subsidiaries are the agreements and policies specifically referred to in
Schedule 2.11 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter and the severance program
referred to in Section 5.10(c).
2.12 EMPLOYEE POLICIES. Schedule 2.12 of the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter lists the employee handbooks of Wellsford and each of the Wellsford
Subsidiaries currently in effect. A copy of each such employee handbook has
previously been made available to EQR. Except as set forth in Schedule 2.12 of
the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, such handbooks fairly and accurately summarize
all material employee policies, vacation policies and payroll practices of
Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries.
2.13 TAXES.
(a) Each of Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries has filed all tax
returns and reports required to be filed by it (after giving effect to any
filing extension properly granted by a Governmental Entity having authority to
do so) and has paid (or Wellsford has paid on its behalf) all Taxes (as defined
below) shown on such returns and reports as required to be paid by it except (i)
as set forth in Schedule 2.13 of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter, or (ii) real
estate taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and for which Wellsford or the applicable Wellsford Subsidiary shall have set
aside on its books adequate reserves. The most recent audited financial
statements contained in the Wellsford SEC Documents reflect an adequate reserve
for all material Taxes payable by Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries for
all taxable periods and portions thereof through the date of such financial
statements. Since the Wellsford Financial Statement Date, Wellsford has
incurred no liability for taxes under Sections 857(b), 860(c) or 4981 of the
Code, including without limitation any tax arising from a prohibited transaction
described in Section 857(b)(6) of the Code, and neither Wellsford nor any
Wellsford Subsidiary has incurred any liability for taxes other than in the
ordinary course of business. No event has occurred, and no condition or
circumstance exists, which presents a material risk that any material Tax
described in the preceding sentence will be imposed upon
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Wellsford. To the Knowledge of Wellsford, no deficiencies for any Taxes have
been proposed, asserted or assessed against Wellsford or any of the Wellsford
Subsidiaries, and no requests for waivers of the time to assess any such Taxes
are pending. As used in this Agreement, "Taxes" shall include all federal,
state, local and foreign income, property, sales, franchise, employment, excise
and other taxes, tariffs or governmental charges of any nature whatsoever,
together with penalties, interest or additions to Tax with respect thereto.
(b) Wellsford (i) for all taxable years commencing with 1993 through
the most recent December 31, has been subject to taxation as a real estate
investment trust (a "REIT") within the meaning of Section 856 of the Code and
has satisfied all requirements to qualify as a REIT for such years, (ii) has
operated, and intends to continue to operate, in such a manner as to qualify as
a REIT for the taxable year ending December 31, 1997, and (iii) has not taken or
omitted to take any action which would reasonably be expected to (A) result in
any rents paid by the tenants of the Properties to be excluded from the
definition of "rents from real property" under Section 856(d)(2)(C) of the Code,
or (B) otherwise result in a challenge to its status as a REIT, and to
Wellsford's Knowledge, no such challenge is pending or threatened. Each
Wellsford Subsidiary which is a partnership, joint venture or limited liability
company (i) has been since its formation and continues to be treated for federal
income tax purposes as a partnership and not as a corporation or an association
taxable as a corporation, and (ii) has not since its formation owned any assets
(including, without limitation, securities) that would cause Wellsford to
violate Section 856(b)(5) of the Code. Each Wellsford Subsidiary which is a
corporation has been since its formation a qualified REIT subsidiary under
Section 856(i) of the Code.
2.14 NO PAYMENTS TO EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, TRUSTEES OR DIRECTORS. Set
forth in Exhibit "J" to this Agreement (and the Exhibits referenced therein) and
Schedule 2.3 of the Wellsford Disclosure Letter is a true and complete list of
all cash and non-cash payments which will become payable to each employee,
officer, trustee or director of Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary as a
result of the Spin-Off and Merger. Except as described in Exhibit "J" to this
Agreement (and the Exhibits referenced therein) and in Schedule 2.3 to the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter, or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement,
there is no employment or severance contract, or other agreement requiring
payments, cancellation of indebtedness or other obligation to be made on a
change of control or otherwise as a result of the consummation of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, with respect to any employee,
officer, trustee or director of Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary.
2.15 BROKERS; SCHEDULE OF FEES AND EXPENSES. No broker, investment
banker, financial advisor or other person, other than Merrill Lynch & Co. and
William Cockrum, the fees and expenses of which have previously been disclosed
to EQR, is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial advisor's or other
similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Wellsford or any
Wellsford Subsidiary.
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2.16 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as disclosed in the Wellsford SEC
Documents, neither Wellsford nor any of the Wellsford Subsidiaries has violated
or failed to comply with any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule,
judgment, decree or order of any Governmental Entity applicable to its business,
properties or operations, except to the extent that such violation or failure
would not have a Wellsford Material Adverse Effect.
2.17 CONTRACTS; DEBT INSTRUMENTS.
(a) Neither Wellsford nor any Wellsford Subsidiary has received a
written notice that Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary is in violation of or
in default under (nor to the Knowledge of Wellsford does there exist any
condition which upon the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would
cause such a violation of or default under) any material loan or credit
agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, permit, concession,
franchise, license or any other material contract, agreement, arrangement or
understanding, to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties or
assets is bound, except as set forth in Schedule 2.17 to the Wellsford
Disclosure Letter, nor to the Knowledge of Wellsford does such a violation or
default exist, except to the extent that such violation or default, individually
or in the aggregate, would not have a Wellsford Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except for any of the following expressly identified in Wellsford
SEC Documents, Schedule 2.17 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter sets forth a
list of each loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage, indenture and any
other agreement and instrument pursuant to which any indebtedness of Wellsford
or any of Wellsford Subsidiaries, other than indebtedness payable to Wellsford
or a Wellsford Subsidiary, in an aggregate principal amount in excess of
$250,000 per item is outstanding or may be incurred. For purposes of this
Section 2.17, "Indebtedness" shall mean, with respect to any Person, without
duplication, (A) all indebtedness of such person for borrowed money, whether
secured or unsecured, (B) all obligations of such person under conditional sale
or other title retention agreements relating to property purchased by such
person, (C) all capitalized lease obligations of such person, (D) all
obligations of such person under interest rate cap, swap, collar or similar
transaction or currency hedging transactions (valued at the termination value
thereof) and (E) all guarantees of such person of any such indebtedness of any
other person.
(c) To the extent not set forth in response to the requirements of
Paragraph 2.17(b), Schedule 2.17 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter sets forth
each interest rate cap, interest rate collar, interest rate swap, currency
hedging transaction, and any other agreement relating to a similar transaction
to which Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary is a party or an obligor with
respect thereto.
(d) Neither Wellsford nor any of the Wellsford Subsidiaries is a party
to any agreement relating to the management of any of the Wellsford Properties
by any Person other than a wholly-owned Wellsford Subsidiary, except the
agreements described in Schedule 2.17 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter (the
"Third Party Management Agreements"). True and
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complete copies of the Third Party Management Agreements have previously been
furnished to EQR.
2.18 OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR. Wellsford has received the opinion of
Merrill Lynch & Co., dated January 16, 1997, satisfactory to Wellsford, a signed
copy of which has been provided to EQR, to the effect that the proposed
consideration to be received by the holders of common shares of beneficial
interest of Wellsford pursuant to the Merger and Spin-Off is fair to such
holders from a financial point of view.
2.19 STATE TAKEOVER STATUTES. Wellsford has taken all action necessary
to exempt the transactions contemplated by this Agreement between EQR and
Wellsford and its Affiliates from the operation of any "fair price,"
"moratorium," "control share acquisition" or any other anti-takeover statute or
similar statute enacted under the state or federal laws of the United States or
similar statute or regulation (a "Takeover Statute").
2.20 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The information relating to Wellsford and
the Wellsford Subsidiaries included in the Registration Statement (as defined in
Section 5.1) will not, as of the effective date of the Registration Statement,
contain 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, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
2.21 DEVELOPMENT PROPERTIES. Schedule 2.21 of the Wellsford Disclosure
Letter lists all agreements entered into by Wellsford or any of the Wellsford
Subsidiaries relating to the development or construction of, or additions or
expansions to, any real properties which are currently in effect and under which
Wellsford or any of the Wellsford Subsidiaries currently has, or expects to
incur, an obligation in excess of $250,000. True and correct copies of such
agreements have previously been delivered or made available to EQR.
2.22 EQR SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST. Neither Wellsford nor any of
Wellsford Subsidiaries owns any shares of beneficial interest of EQR or other
securities convertible into shares of beneficial interest of EQR.
2.23 INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. Neither Wellsford nor any of
Wellsford Subsidiaries is, or at the Effective Time will be, required to be
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act").
2.24 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
2.25 DEFINITION OF KNOWLEDGE OF WELLSFORD. As used in this Agreement,
the phrase "to the Knowledge of Wellsford" (or words of similar import) means
the knowledge of those individuals identified in Schedule 2.25 of the Wellsford
Disclosure Letter.
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ARTICLE 3
---------
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF EQR
-------------------------------------
Except as set forth in the letter of even date herewith signed by the
President of EQR and delivered to Wellsford prior to the execution hereof (the
"EQR Disclosure Letter"), EQR represents and warrants to Wellsford as follows:
3.1 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND POWER OF EQR. EQR is a real estate
investment trust duly organized and validly existing under the laws of Maryland
and has the requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now being
conducted. EQR is duly qualified or licensed to do business as a foreign trust
and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business
or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such qualification or
licensing necessary, other than in such jurisdictions where the failure to be so
qualified or licensed, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a
material adverse effect on the business, properties, assets, financial condition
or results of operations of EQR and the Subsidiaries of EQR ("EQR
Subsidiaries"), taken as a whole ("EQR Material Adverse Effect"). EQR has
delivered to Wellsford complete and correct copies of its Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust and Amended and Restated Bylaws as amended or supplemented
to the date of this Agreement.
3.2 CAPITAL STRUCTURE.
(a) The authorized shares of beneficial interest of EQR consist of
100,000,000 EQR Common Shares, and 10,000,000 preferred shares of beneficial
interest ("EQR Preferred Shares"), of which 6,120,000 EQR Preferred Shares have
been designated as 9-3/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share (the "EQR Series A Preferred
Shares"), 500,000 EQR Preferred Shares have been designated as 9-1/8% Series B
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value
per share, that are represented by 5,000,000 depository shares (the "EQR Series
B Preferred Shares"), and 460,000 EQR Preferred Shares have been designated as
9-1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest,
$0.01 par value per share, that are represented by 4,600,000 depository shares
(the "EQR Series C Preferred Shares"). As of January 14, 1997, (a) 51,155,813
EQR Common Shares, 6,120,000 EQR Series A Preferred Shares, 500,000 EQR Series B
Preferred Shares (represented by 5,000,000 depositary shares) and 460,000 EQR
Series C Preferred Shares (represented by 4,600,000 depositary shares) were
outstanding, (b) 960,542 EQR Common Shares were available for issuance under
EQR's 1996 Non-Qualified Employee Share Purchase Plan (the "EQR Employee Share
Plans"), (c) 2,328,715 EQR Common Shares were issuable upon exercise of
outstanding share options (the "EQR Options") to purchase EQR Common Shares, and
975,353 EQR Common Shares were available for grant, under EQR's Second Amended
and Restated 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan (the "Employee Share Award
and Option Plan"), (d) 21,541 EQR Common Shares are restricted
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and subject to forfeiture, and (e) 7,857,933 EQR Common Shares were reserved for
issuance upon exchange of EQR Units (as defined below) for EQR Common Shares
pursuant to the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership
(the "ERP Operating Partnership Agreement") of the ERP Operating Partnership.
On January 14, 1997, except as set forth in this Section 3.2, no shares of
beneficial interest or other voting securities of EQR were issued, reserved for
issuance or outstanding.
(b) All outstanding shares of beneficial interest of EQR are duly
authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not subject to
preemptive rights, except that the shareholders may be subject to further
assessment with respect to certain claims for tort, contract, taxes, statutory
liability and otherwise in some jurisdictions to the extent such claims are not
satisfied by EQR. There are no bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness
of EQR having the right to vote (or convertible into, or exchangeable for,
securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which shareholders of EQR
may vote.
(c) Except (i) for the EQR Options, (ii) for the units ("EQR Units")
of partnership interest held by partners in the ERP Operating Partnership
(which, subject to certain restrictions, may be exchanged by the holders thereof
for either EQR Common Shares on a one-for-one basis or, at EQR's option, cash),
as are disclosed in Schedule 3.2 to the EQR Disclosure Letter or (iii) as set
forth in Schedule 3.2 to the EQR Disclosure Letter, as of the date of this
Agreement there are no outstanding securities, options, warrants, calls, rights,
commitments, agreements, arrangements or undertakings of any kind to which EQR
or any EQR Subsidiary is a party or by which such entity is bound, obligating
EQR or any EQR Subsidiary to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be issued,
delivered or sold, additional shares of beneficial interest, voting securities
or other ownership interests of EQR or of any EQR Subsidiary or obligating EQR
or any EQR Subsidiary to issue, grant, extend or enter into any such security,
option, warrant, call, right, commitment, agreement, arrangement or undertaking
(other than to EQR or an EQR Subsidiary). Except as set forth on Schedule 3.2
to the EQR Disclosure Letter or as required under the ERP Operating Partnership
Agreement, there are no outstanding contractual obligations of EQR or any EQR
Subsidiary to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of beneficial
interest of EQR or any capital stock, voting securities, or other ownership
interests in any EQR Subsidiary or make any material investment (in the form of
a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any person (other than an EQR
Subsidiary).
(d) EQR owns all of its partnership interests in ERP Operating
Partnership free and clear of all Liens.
3.3 ORGANIZATION, STANDING AND POWER OF ERP OPERATING PARTNERSHIP. ERP
Operating Partnership is a limited partnership duly organized and validly
existing under the laws of Illinois and has the requisite power and authority to
carry on its business as now being conducted. ERP Operating Partnership is duly
qualified or licensed to do business and is in good standing in each
jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of
its properties makes such qualification or licensing necessary, other than in
such jurisdictions
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where the failure to be so qualified or licensed, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have an EQR Material Adverse Effect. EQR has delivered to
Wellsford complete and correct copies of its Fourth Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership as amended or supplemented to the date of this
Agreement.
3.4 CAPITAL STRUCTURE OF ERP OPERATING PARTNERSHIP. As of January 14,
1997, the number of outstanding units of partnership interest in ERP Operating
Partnership consists of (a) 51,155,813 units of general partnership interest,
(b) 7,857,933 units of limited partnership interest, (c) 6,120,000 9-3/8% Series
A Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units, (d) 500,000 9-1/8% Series B Cumulative
Redeemable Preference Units, and (e) 460,000 9-1/8% Series C Cumulative
Redeemable Preference Units. Except for the units of limited partnership
interest, all of the units of partnership interest in ERP Operating Partnership
are owned by EQR free and clear of all Liens.
3.5 AUTHORITY; NONCONTRAVENTION; CONSENTS.
(a) EQR has the requisite power and authority to enter into this
Agreement, and subject to the requisite shareholder approval of the Merger (the
"EQR Shareholder Approvals" and, together with the Wellsford Shareholder
Approvals, the "Shareholder Approvals") to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement to which EQR is a party. The execution and
delivery of this Agreement by EQR and the consummation by EQR of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement to which EQR is a party have been
duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of EQR, subject to the EQR
Shareholder Approvals. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
EQR and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of EQR, enforceable against
EQR in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
moratorium or other similar laws relating to creditors' rights and general
principles of equity.
(b) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.5 to the EQR Disclosure Letter,
the execution and delivery of this Agreement by EQR do not, and the consummation
of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to which EQR is a party and
compliance by EQR with the provisions of this Agreement will not, conflict with,
or result in any violation of or default (with or without notice or lapse of
time, or both) under, or give rise to a right of termination, cancellation or
acceleration of any material obligation or to loss of a material benefit under,
or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of
EQR or any EQR Subsidiary under, (i) the Amended and Restated Declaration of
Trust or Amended and Restated Bylaws of EQR or the comparable charter or
organizational documents or partnership or similar agreement (as the case may
be) of any other EQR Subsidiary, each as amended or supplemented to the date of
this Agreement, (ii) any loan or credit agreement, note, bond, mortgage,
indenture, reciprocal easement agreement, lease or other agreement, instrument,
permit, concession, franchise or license applicable to EQR or any EQR Subsidiary
or their respective properties or assets or (iii) subject to the governmental
filings and other matters referred to in the following sentence, any Laws
applicable to EQR or any EQR
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Subsidiary or their respective properties or assets, other than, in the case of
clause (ii) or (iii), any such conflicts, violations, defaults, rights, loss or
Liens that individually or in the aggregate would not (x) have an EQR Material
Adverse Effect or (y) prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement. No consent, approval, order or authorization of, or
registration, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Entity is required by
or with respect to EQR or any EQR Subsidiary in connection with the execution
and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation by EQR of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for (i) the filing with the
SEC of (x) the Proxy Statement and (y) such reports under Section 13 (a) of the
Exchange Act as may be required in connection with this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the filing of the Articles of
Merger with the Department, (iii) such filings as may be required in connection
with the payment of any transfer and gains taxes and (iv) such other consents,
approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and filings (A)
as are set forth in Schedule 3.5 to the EQR Disclosure Letter or (B) as may be
required under (x) federal, state or local environmental laws or (y) the
securities laws of the State of Maryland or (C) which, if not obtained or made,
would not prevent or delay in any material respect the consummation of any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise prevent EQR from
performing its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect or have,
individually or in the aggregate, an EQR Material Adverse Effect.
(c) For purposes of determining compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, EQR confirms that the conduct of
its business consists solely of investing in, owning and operating real estate
for the benefit of its shareholders.
3.6 SEC DOCUMENTS; FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES. EQR
and ERP Operating Partnership have filed all required reports, schedules, forms,
statements and other documents with the SEC since August 18, 1993 through the
date hereof (the "EQR SEC Documents"). Schedule 3.6 of the EQR Disclosure
Letter contains a complete list of all EQR SEC Documents filed by EQR under the
Exchange Act since January 1, 1996 and on or prior to the date of this
Agreement. All of the EQR SEC Documents (other than preliminary material), as
of their respective filing dates, complied in all material respects with all
applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and, in each
case, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder applicable to such EQR
SEC Documents. None of the EQR SEC Documents at the time of filing contained
any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted 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 were made, not
misleading, except to the extent such statements have been modified or
superseded by later EQR SEC Documents filed and publicly available prior to the
date of this Agreement. The consolidated financial statements of EQR and the
EQR Subsidiaries included in the EQR SEC Documents complied as to form in all
material respects with applicable accounting requirements and the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP (except, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted
by the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC) applied on a consistent
basis during the periods
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involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto) and fairly presented,
in accordance with the applicable requirements of GAAP and the applicable rules
and regulations of the SEC, the consolidated financial position of EQR and the
EQR Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as of the dates thereof and the consolidated
results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the
case of unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments). Except for
liabilities and obligations set forth in the EQR SEC Documents or in Schedule
3.6 to the EQR Disclosure Letter, neither EQR nor any EQR Subsidiary has any
liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, contingent
or otherwise) required by GAAP to be set forth on a consolidated balance sheet
of EQR or in the notes thereto and which, individually or in the aggregate,
would have an EQR Material Adverse Effect.
3.7 ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS. Except as disclosed in the EQR
SEC Documents or in Section 3.7 to the EQR Disclosure Letter, since the date of
the most recent audited financial statements included in the EQR SEC Documents
(the "EQR Financial Statement Date"), EQR and the EQR Subsidiaries have
conducted their business only in the ordinary course (taking into account prior
practices, including the acquisition of properties and issuance of securities)
and there has not been (a) any material adverse change in the business,
financial condition or results of operations of EQR and the EQR Subsidiaries
taken as a whole (a "EQR Material Adverse Change"), nor has there been any
occurrence or circumstance that with the passage of time would reasonably be
expected to result in an EQR Material Adverse Change, (b) except for regular
quarterly distributions (in the case of EQR) not in excess of $.625 per EQR
Common Share, $.5859 per EQR Series A Preferred Share, $5.703 per EQR Series B
Preferred Share and $5.703 per EQR Series C Preferred Share, in each case
subject to rounding adjustments as necessary and with customary record and
payment dates, any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or
other distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to any of
EQR's shares of beneficial interest, (c) any split, combination or
reclassification of any of EQR's shares of beneficial interest, (d) any damage,
destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, that has or would have
an EQR Material Adverse Effect, or (e) any change made prior to the date of this
Agreement in accounting methods, principles or practices by EQR or any EQR
Subsidiary materially affecting its assets, liabilities or business, except
insofar as may have been disclosed in the EQR SEC Documents or required by a
change in GAAP. EQR is not in default in the payment of distributions on the EQR
Series A Preferred Shares, EQR Series B Preferred Shares or EQR Series C
Preferred Shares.
3.8 LITIGATION. Except as disclosed in the EQR SEC Documents or in
Schedule 3.8 to the EQR Disclosure Letter, and other than personal injury and
other routine tort litigation arising from the ordinary course of operations of
EQR and the EQR Subsidiaries (a) which are covered by adequate insurance, or (b)
for which all material costs and liabilities arising therefrom are reimbursable
pursuant to common area maintenance or similar agreements, there is no suit,
action or proceeding pending or, to the Knowledge of EQR, threatened in writing
against or affecting EQR or any EQR Subsidiary that, individually or in the
aggregate, could reasonably be expected to (i) have an EQR Material Adverse
Effect, or (ii) prevent the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, nor is there any
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judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity or
arbitrator outstanding against EQR or any EQR Subsidiary having, or which,
insofar as reasonably can be foreseen, in the future would have, any such
effect.
3.9 PROPERTIES.
(a) EQR or one of the EQR Subsidiaries owns fee simple title to each
of the real properties listed in the EQR SEC Filings as owned by it (the "EQR
Properties"), except where the failure to own such title would not have an EQR
Material Adverse Effect.
(b) The EQR Properties are not subject to any Encumbrances or Property
Restrictions which could cause an EQR Material Adverse Affect.
(c) Valid policies of title insurance have been issued insuring EQR's
or the applicable EQR Subsidiaries' fee simple title to the EQR Properties in
amounts at least equal to the purchase price thereof paid by EQR or the
applicable EQR Subsidiaries therefor, except where the failure to obtain such
title insurance would not have an EQR Material Adverse Effect.
(d) EQR has no Knowledge (i) that it has failed to obtain a
certificate, permit or license from any governmental authority having
jurisdiction over any of the EQR Properties where such failure would have an EQR
Material Adverse Effect, or of any pending threat of modification or
cancellation of any of the same which would have an EQR Material Adverse Effect,
(ii) of any written notice of any violation of any federal, state or municipal
law, ordinance, order, rule, regulation or requirement affecting any of the EQR
Properties issued by any governmental authorities which would have an EQR
Material Adverse Effect, or (iii) of any structural defects relating to EQR
Properties, EQR Properties whose building systems are not in working order,
physical damage to any EQR Property for which there is no insurance in effect
covering the cost of restoration, any current renovation or uninsured
restoration, except such structural defects, building systems not in working
order, physical damage, renovation and restoration which, in the aggregate,
would not have an EQR Material Adverse Effect.
(e) Neither EQR nor any of the EQR Subsidiaries has received any
written notice to the effect that (i) any condemnation or rezoning proceedings
are pending or threatened with respect to any of the EQR Properties, or (ii) any
zoning, building or similar law, code, ordinance, order or regulation is or will
be violated by the continued maintenance, operation or use of any buildings or
other improvements on any of the EQR Properties or by the continued maintenance,
operation or use of the parking areas, other than such notices which, in the
aggregate, would not have an EQR Material Adverse Effect.
(f) All work to be performed, payments to be made and actions to be
taken by EQR or the EQR Subsidiaries prior to the date hereof pursuant to any
agreement entered into with a governmental body or authority in connection with
a site approval, zoning reclassification or similar action relating to any EQR
Properties (e.g., Local Improvement District, Road
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Improvement District, Environmental Mitigation), has been performed, paid or
taken, as the case may be, except where the failure to do so would, in the
aggregate, not have an EQR Material Adverse Effect, and EQR has no Knowledge of
any planned or proposed work, payments or actions that may be required after the
date hereof pursuant to such agreements which would have an EQR Material Adverse
Effect.
3.10 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. None of EQR, any of the EQR Subsidiaries or,
to EQR's Knowledge, any other Person has caused or permitted (a) the unlawful
presence of any hazardous substances, hazardous materials, toxic substances or
waste materials (collectively, "Hazardous Materials") on any of the EQR
Properties, or (b) any unlawful spills, releases, discharges or disposal of
Hazardous Materials to have occurred or be presently occurring on or from the
EQR Properties as a result of any construction on or operation and use of such
properties, which presence or occurrence would, individually or in the
aggregate, have an EQR Material Adverse Effect; and in connection with the
construction on or operation and use of the EQR Properties, EQR and the EQR
Subsidiaries have not failed to comply in any material respect with all
applicable local, state and federal environmental laws, regulations, ordinances
and administrative and judicial orders relating to the generation, recycling,
reuse, sale, storage, handling, transport and disposal of any Hazardous
Materials, except to the extent such failure to comply, individually or in the
aggregate, would not have an EQR Material Adverse Effect.
3.11 TAXES.
(a) Each of EQR and the EQR Subsidiaries has filed all tax returns and
reports required to be filed by it (after giving effect to any filing extension
properly granted by a Governmental Entity having authority to do so) and has
paid (or EQR has paid on its behalf) all Taxes shown on such returns and reports
as required to be paid by it except where the failure to file such tax returns
or reports and failure to pay such Taxes would not have an EQR Material Adverse
Effect. The most recent audited financial statements contained in the EQR SEC
Documents reflect an adequate reserve for all material Taxes payable by EQR and
the EQR Subsidiaries for all taxable periods and portions thereof through the
date of such financial statements. Since the EQR Financial Statement Date, EQR
has incurred no liability for taxes under Sections 857(b), 860(c) or 4981 of the
Code, including without limitation any tax arising from a prohibited transaction
described in Section 857(b)(6) of the Code, and neither EQR nor any EQR
Subsidiary has incurred any liability for taxes other than in the ordinary
course of business. No event has occurred, and no condition or circumstance
exists, which presents a material risk that any material Tax described in the
preceding sentence will be imposed upon EQR. To the Knowledge of EQR, no
deficiencies for any Taxes have been proposed, asserted or assessed against EQR
or any of the EQR Subsidiaries, and no requests for waivers of the time to
assess any such Taxes are pending.
(b) EQR (i) for all taxable years commencing with 1993 through the
most recent December 31, has been subject to taxation as a REIT within the
meaning of Section 856 of the Code and has satisfied all requirements to qualify
as a REIT for such years, (ii) has
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operated, and intends to continue to operate, in such a manner as to qualify as
a REIT for the tax year ending December 31, 1997, and (iii) has not taken or
omitted to take any action which would reasonably be expected to (A) result in
any rents paid by tenants to the EQR Properties to be excluded from the
definition of "rents from real property" under Section 856(d)(2) of the Code, or
(B) otherwise result in a challenge to its status as a REIT, and to EQR's
Knowledge, no such challenge is pending or threatened. Each EQR Subsidiary
which is a partnership, joint venture or limited liability company has been
treated since its formation and continues to be treated for federal income tax
purposes as a partnership and not as a corporation or as an association taxable
as a corporation.
3.12 BROKERS; SCHEDULE OF FEES AND EXPENSES. No broker, investment
banker, financial advisor or other person, other than J.P. Morgan Securities,
Inc., the fees and expenses of which have previously been disclosed to Wellsford
and will be paid by EQR, is entitled to any broker's, finder's, financial
advisor's or other similar fee or commission in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of EQR or any
EQR Subsidiary.
3.13 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. Except as disclosed in the EQR SEC Documents,
neither EQR nor any of the EQR Subsidiaries has violated or failed to comply
with any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, judgment, decree or order of
any Governmental Entity applicable to its business, properties or operations,
except to the extent that such violation or failure would not have an EQR
Material Adverse Effect.
3.14 CONTRACTS; DEBT INSTRUMENTS. Neither EQR nor any EQR Subsidiary has
received a written notice that EQR or any EQR Subsidiary is in violation of or
in default under (nor to the Knowledge of EQR does there exist any condition
which upon the passage of time or the giving of notice or both would cause such
a violation of or default under) any material loan or credit agreement, note,
bond, mortgage, indenture, lease, permit, concession, franchise, license or any
other material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding, to which it is
a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets is bound, nor to the
Knowledge of EQR does such a violation or default exist, except to the extent
such violation or default, individually or in the aggregate, would not have an
EQR Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth in Schedule 3.14 to the EQR
Disclosure Letter.
3.15 OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR. EQR has received the opinion of J. P.
Morgan Securities, Inc., dated January 15, 1997, satisfactory to EQR, a signed
copy of which has been provided to Wellsford, to the effect that the
consideration to be paid by EQR in connection with the Merger is fair, from a
financial point of view, to EQR.
3.16 STATE TAKEOVER STATUTES. EQR has taken all action necessary to
exempt transactions between EQR and Wellsford and its Affiliates from the
operation of Takeover Statutes.
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3.17 REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The information with respect to EQR and the
EQR Subsidiaries included in the Registration Statement will not, as of the
effective date of the Registration Statement, contain 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, in light of the circumstances under
which they were made, not misleading.
3.18 WELLSFORD SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST. Neither EQR nor any of the
EQR Subsidiaries owns any shares of beneficial interest of Wellsford or other
securities convertible into shares of beneficial interest of Wellsford.
3.19 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
3.20 INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940. Neither EQR nor any of the EQR
Subsidiaries is, or at the Effective Time will be, required to be registered
under the 1940 Act.
3.21 DEFINITION OF KNOWLEDGE OF EQR. As used in this Agreement, the
phrase "to the Knowledge of EQR" (or words of similar import) means the
knowledge of those individuals identified in Schedule 3.21 of the EQR Disclosure
Letter.
ARTICLE 4
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COVENANTS
---------
4.1 ACQUISITION PROPOSALS. Except as set forth in the Wellsford
Disclosure Letter, prior to the Effective Time, Wellsford agrees that:
(a) neither it nor any of the Wellsford Subsidiaries shall initiate,
solicit or encourage, directly or indirectly, any inquiries or the making
or implementation of any proposal or offer (including, without limitation,
any proposal or offer to its shareholders) with respect to a merger,
acquisition, tender offer, exchange offer, consolidation, sale of assets or
similar transaction involving all or any significant portion of the assets
or any equity securities of, Wellsford or any of the Wellsford
Subsidiaries, other than the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
(any such proposal or offer being hereinafter referred to as an
"Acquisition Proposal") or engage in any negotiations concerning or provide
any confidential information or data to, or have any discussions with, any
person relating to an Acquisition Proposal, or otherwise facilitate any
effort or attempt to make or implement an Acquisition Proposal;
(b) it will use its best efforts not to permit any of its officers,
trustees, employees, agents or financial advisors to engage in any of the
activities described in Section 4.1(a);
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(c) it will immediately cease and cause to be terminated any existing
activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties conducted
heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing and will take the necessary
steps to inform the individuals or entities referred to in Section 4.1(b)
of the obligations undertaken in this Section 4.1; and
(d) it will notify EQR immediately if Wellsford receives any such
inquiries or proposals, or any requests for such information, or if any
such negotiations or discussions are sought to be initiated or continued
with it;
provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section 4.1 shall prohibit the
Board of Trustees of Wellsford from (i) furnishing information to or entering
into discussions or negotiations with, any person or entity that makes an
unsolicited Acquisition Proposal, if, and only to the extent that (A) the Board
of Trustees of Wellsford determines in good faith that such action is required
for the Board of Trustees to comply with its duties to shareholders imposed by
law, (B) prior to furnishing such information to, or entering into discussions
or negotiations with, such person or entity, Wellsford provides written notice
to EQR to the effect that it is furnishing information to, or entering into
discussions with, such person or entity, and (C) subject to any confidentiality
agreement with such person or entity (which Wellsford determined in good faith
was required to be executed in order for the Board of Trustees to comply with
its duties to shareholders imposed by law), Wellsford keeps EQR informed of the
status (not the terms) of any such discussions or negotiations; and (ii) to the
extent applicable, complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act
with regard to an Acquisition Proposal. Nothing in this Section 4.1 shall (x)
permit Wellsford to terminate this Agreement (except as specifically provided in
Article 7 hereof), (y) permit Wellsford to enter into an agreement with respect
to an Acquisition Proposal during the term of this Agreement (it being agreed
that during the term of this Agreement, Wellsford shall not enter into an
agreement with any Person that provides for, or in any way facilitates, an
Acquisition Proposal (other than a confidentiality agreement in customary form
executed as provided above)) or (z) affect any other obligation of Wellsford
under this Agreement; provided, however, that the Board of Trustees of Wellsford
may approve and recommend a Superior Acquisition Proposal and, in connection
therewith, withdraw or modify its approval or recommendation of this Agreement
and the Merger. As used herein, "Superior Acquisition Proposal" means a bona
fide Acquisition Proposal made by a third party which a majority of the members
of the Board of Trustees of Wellsford determines in good faith to be more
favorable to Wellsford's shareholders from a financial point of view than the
Merger and which the Board of Trustees of Wellsford determines is reasonably
capable of being consummated.
4.2 CONDUCT OF WELLSFORD'S BUSINESS PENDING MERGER. Prior to the
Effective Time, except as (i) contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) necessary to
accomplish the Spin-Off, (iii) disclosed in the Wellsford Disclosure Letter or
Exhibit "J" or (iv) consented to in writing by EQR, Wellsford shall, and shall
cause each of the Wellsford Subsidiaries to:
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(a) conduct its business only in the usual, regular and ordinary
course and in substantially the same manner as heretofore;
(b) use its reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business
organizations and goodwill and keep available the services of its officers
and employees;
(c) confer on a regular basis with one or more representatives of EQR
to report operational matters of materiality and, subject to Section 4.1,
any proposals to engage in material transactions;
(d) promptly notify EQR of any material emergency or other material
change in the condition (financial or otherwise), business, properties,
assets, liabilities, prospects or the normal course of its businesses or in
the operation of its properties, or of any material governmental
complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications indicating that
the same may be contemplated);
(e) promptly deliver to EQR true and correct copies of any report,
statement or schedule filed with the SEC subsequent to the date of this
Agreement;
(f) maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied and not change in any material manner any of its
methods, principles or practices of accounting in effect at the Financial
Statement Date, except as may be required by the SEC, applicable law or
GAAP;
(g) duly and timely file all reports, tax returns and other documents
required to be filed with federal, state, local and other authorities,
subject to extensions permitted by law, provided Wellsford notifies EQR
that it is availing itself of such extensions and provided such extensions
do not adversely affect Wellsford's status as a qualified REIT under the
Code;
(h) not make or rescind any express or deemed election relative to
Taxes (unless required by law or necessary to preserve Wellsford's status
as a REIT or the status of any Wellsford Subsidiary as a partnership for
federal income tax purposes or as a qualified REIT subsidiary under Section
856(i) of the Code, as the case may be);
(i) not acquire, enter into any option to acquire, or exercise an
option or contract to acquire, additional real property, incur additional
indebtedness except for working capital under its revolving line(s) of
credit, encumber assets or commence construction of, or enter into any
agreement or commitment to develop or construct, other real estate
projects, except in the ordinary course of the multi-family apartment
business, which shall include all activities necessary to proceed with the
acquisition, ownership and construction of Phases I, II and III of the
multi-family residential project in Douglas County, Colorado referred to as
"Palomino Park" in accordance with the
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agreements in existence on the date of this Agreement and previously
furnished to EQR (the "Palomino Development Agreements");
(j) not amend its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, Articles
or Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, code of regulations or partnership
agreement or comparable charter or organizational document or the articles
of incorporation, by-laws, partnership agreement, joint venture agreement
or comparable charter or organization document of any Wellsford Subsidiary
without EQR's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed;
(k) make no change in the number of shares of beneficial interest or
capital stock, membership interests or units of limited partnership
interest issued and outstanding, other than pursuant to (i) the exercise of
options disclosed in Schedule 2.3 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter and
the issuance of shares and options described in Exhibit "J" to this
Agreement, (ii) the conversion of Wellsford Series A Preferred Shares
pursuant to the terms of the Articles Supplementary for the Wellsford
Series A Preferred Shares, (iii) options to purchase Wellsford Common
Shares which are issued, and (iv) the Dividend Reinvestment and Share
Purchase Plan of Wellsford;
(l) grant no options or other right or commitment relating to its
shares of beneficial interest or capital stock, membership interests or
units of limited partnership interest or any security convertible into its
shares of beneficial interest or capital stock, membership interests or
units of limited partnership interest, or any security the value of which
is measured by shares of beneficial interest, or any security subordinated
to the claim of its general creditors;
(m) except as provided in Section 5.13 hereof and in connection with
the use of shares of beneficial interest of Wellsford to pay the exercise
price or tax withholding in connection with equity-based employee benefit
plans by the participants therein, not (i) authorize, declare, set aside or
pay any dividend or make any other distribution or payment with respect to
any shares of its beneficial interest or capital stock, or (ii) directly or
indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of beneficial
interest, shares of capital stock, membership interests or units of
partnership interest or any option, warrant or right to acquire, or
security convertible into, shares of beneficial interest, shares of capital
stock, membership interests, or units of partnership interest;
(n) not sell, lease, mortgage, subject to Lien or otherwise dispose of
any material part of its assets, individually or in the aggregate, except
in the ordinary course of business;
(o) not make any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or
investments in, any other Person, other than (i) loans, advances and
capital contributions to Wellsford Subsidiaries in existence on the date
hereof (other than Newco and Subsidiaries of
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Newco), and (ii) loans to Newco and Subsidiaries of Newco bearing interest
at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest payable under the Second
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated June 30, 1995 between
Wellsford and First National Bank of Boston, as agent for itself and other
banks ("Revolver Rate"), which loans to Newco and its Subsidiaries shall
become due and payable in full on the Closing Date; provided the proceeds
of such loans are not applied to activities which are not permitted under
this Section 4.2;
(p) not pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or
obligations (absolute, accrued, asserted or unasserted, contingent or
otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction, in the
ordinary course of business consistent with past practice or in accordance
with their terms, of liabilities reflected or reserved against in, or
contemplated by, the most recent consolidated financial statements (or the
notes thereto) furnished to EQR or incurred in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice;
(q) not enter into any commitment, contractual obligation, capital
expenditure or transaction (each, a "Commitment") which may result in total
payments or liability by or to it in excess of $1,000,000 or aggregate
Commitments in excess of $5,000,000;
(r) not guarantee the indebtedness of another Person, enter into any
"keep well" or other agreement to maintain any financial statement
condition of another Person or enter into any arrangement having the
economic effect of any of the foregoing, other than guarantees of
indebtedness of Newco and Subsidiaries of Newco; provided, that on the
Closing Date, the Surviving Trust is unconditionally and irrevocably
released from any obligations with respect to such guarantees or the
indebtedness so guaranteed is paid in full without the payment of any
consideration by the Surviving Trust and its Subsidiaries;
(s) not enter into any Commitment with any officer, trustee,
consultant or Affiliate of Wellsford or any of the Wellsford Subsidiaries;
(t) not increase any compensation or enter into or amend any
employment agreement with any of its officers, directors or employees
earning more than $50,000 per annum, other than waivers by employees of
benefits under such agreements;
(u) not adopt any new employee benefit plan or amend any existing
plans or rights, except for changes which are required by law and changes
which are not more favorable to participants than provisions presently in
effect;
(v) not settle any shareholder derivative or class action claims
arising out of or in connection with any of the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement;
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(w) not change the ownership of any of its Subsidiaries except
pursuant to the Contribution Agreement on the Closing Date; and
(x) not accept a promissory note in payment of the exercise price
payable under any option to purchase Wellsford Common Shares.
For purposes of this Section 4.2 only, any contract, transaction or other event
shall be deemed to be material if it would result or is expected to result in a
net impact on Wellsford's consolidated income statement in excess of $1,000,000,
or on Wellsford's consolidated balance sheet in excess of $1,000,000.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, prior to the
Effective Time, Newco and its Subsidiaries shall not be bound by the
restrictions which would otherwise be applicable under Sections 4.2(a), (b),
(c), (d), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m)(ii), (n), (o), (p), (q), (r), (s), (t), (u),
or (w); provided, however, that in no event may Newco:
(i) issue any of its shares to any Person other than Wellsford
prior to the Spin-Off for less than fair value;
(ii) take any action or fail to take any action which would
reasonably be expected to result in the termination of or a
challenge to Wellsford's status as a REIT within the meaning
of Section 856 of the Code, or result in a Wellsford
Material Adverse Effect;
(iii) enter into any contract which creates or imposes any
obligation on, or otherwise purports to bind, Wellsford or
any of the other Wellsford Subsidiaries;
(iv) take any action or omit to take any action which causes a
default under any loan agreement to which Wellsford is a
party;
(v) amend its Articles of Incorporation or By-laws in any manner
which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Newco Stock
Purchase Agreement.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, prior to the
Effective Time, WPHC and its Subsidiaries may:
(A) amend the existing operating agreements of the Subsidiaries of WPHC in
a manner which is not adverse to the interests of WPHC in such
Subsidiaries;
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(B) purchase the interest of Al Feld in the Subsidiaries of WPHC in
accordance with the agreements granting such right in effect on the
date of this Agreement and previously furnished to EQR; and
(C) fulfill their respective obligations under the Palomino Development
Agreements.
4.3 CONDUCT OF EQR'S BUSINESS PENDING MERGER. Prior to the Effective
Time, except as (i) contemplated by this Agreement, or (ii) consented to in
writing by Wellsford, EQR shall, and shall cause each of the EQR Subsidiaries
to:
(a) use its reasonable efforts to preserve intact its business
organizations and goodwill and keep available the services of its officers
and employees;
(b) confer on a regular basis with one or more representatives of
Wellsford to report operational matters of materiality which would have an
EQR Material Adverse Effect;
(c) promptly notify Wellsford of any material emergency or other
material change in the condition (financial or otherwise), business,
properties, assets, liabilities, prospects or the normal course of its
businesses or in the operation of its properties, or of any material
governmental complaints, investigations or hearings (or communications
indicating that the same may be contemplated);
(d) promptly deliver to Wellsford true and correct copies of any
report, statement or schedule filed with the SEC subsequent to the date of
this Agreement;
(e) maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP
consistently applied; and
(f) duly and timely file all reports, tax returns and other documents
required to be filed with federal, state, local and other authorities.
For purposes of this Section 4.3 only, an emergency, change, complaint,
investigation or hearing shall be deemed material if it would reasonably be
expected to have an EQR Material Adverse Effect.
In addition, during the period beginning the day after the fifth (5th)
trading day prior to the date which the proxy statements required by Section 5.1
hereof are dated and ending on (but including) the Closing Date, EQR will not
(a) issue any EQR Common Shares or other securities convertible into EQR Common
Shares in any single transaction or series of transactions having an aggregate
issuance price in excess of $250,000,000, or (b) announce any merger with or
acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of another entity which has
net assets in excess of $250,000,000.
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4.4 COVENANT OF EQR. If EQR enters into negotiations with another Person
who has a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act regarding
the acquisition of such Person (whether effected through a merger,
consolidation, share exchange, tender offer or other form), then at least three
(3) business days prior to executing any definitive agreement with such Person
with respect to such acquisition or making a tender offer for the shares or
other ownership interests of such Person, EQR shall notify Wellsford of such
transaction and consult with Wellsford with respect thereto, it being
understood, however, that Wellsford shall have no approval rights with respect
thereto.
4.5 OTHER ACTIONS. Each of Wellsford on the one hand and EQR on the other
hand shall not, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause their
Subsidiaries not to take, any action that would result in (i) any of the
representations and warranties of such party (without giving effect to any
"knowledge" qualification) set forth in this Agreement that are qualified as to
materiality becoming untrue, (ii) any of such representations and warranties
(without giving effect to any "knowledge" qualification) that are not so
qualified becoming untrue in any material respect or (iii) except as
contemplated by Section 4.1, any of the conditions to the Merger set forth in
Article 6 not being satisfied.
4.6 FILING OF CERTAIN REPORTS. The Surviving Trust shall file the reports
required to be filed by it under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
adopted by the SEC thereunder, and it will take such further action as any
Affiliate of Wellsford or EQR may reasonably request, all to the extent required
from time to time to enable such Affiliate to sell shares of beneficial interest
of the Surviving Trust received by such Affiliate in the Merger without
registration under the Securities Act pursuant to (i) Rule 145(d)(1) under the
Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended from to time, or (ii) any successor
rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.
ARTICLE 5
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ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
--------------------
5.1 PREPARATION OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE PROXY STATEMENT;
WELLSFORD SHAREHOLDERS MEETING AND EQR SHAREHOLDERS MEETING.
(a) As soon as practicable following the date of this Agreement,
Wellsford and EQR shall prepare and file with the SEC a preliminary Proxy
Statement in form and substance satisfactory to each of EQR and Wellsford and
such registration statements under the Securities Act and Exchange Act as may be
required (collectively, the "Registration Statement"). To the extent
practicable, the parties shall utilize one document for transmittal to their
respective shareholders to meet applicable legal requirements. Each of
Wellsford and EQR shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) respond to any
comments of the SEC and (ii) have the Registration
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Statement declared effective under the Securities Act and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder as promptly as practicable after such filing
and to keep the Registration Statement effective as long as is necessary to
consummate the Merger. Each of Wellsford and EQR will use its reasonable best
efforts to cause the Proxy Statement to be mailed to Wellsford's shareholders
and EQR's shareholders, respectively, as promptly as practicable after the
Registration Statement is declared effective under the Securities Act. Each
party agrees to date its Proxy Statement as of the same date, which shall be the
approximate date of mailing to the shareholders of the respective parties. Each
party will notify the other promptly of the receipt of any comments from the SEC
and of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to the Registration
Statement or the Proxy Statement or for additional information and will supply
the other with copies of all correspondence between such party or any of its
representatives and the SEC, with respect to the Registration Statement or the
Proxy Statement. The Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement shall
comply in all material respects with all applicable requirements of law. Prior
to mailing the Proxy Statement to their respective shareholders, EQR and
Wellsford shall have received the letters from their respective accountants
provided for by Section 5.8. Whenever any event occurs which is required to be
set forth in an amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement or the
Proxy Statement, EQR or Wellsford, as the case may be, shall promptly inform the
other of such occurrences and cooperate in filing with the SEC and/or mailing to
the shareholders of EQR and the shareholders of Wellsford such amendment or
supplement to the Proxy Statement. Wellsford or EQR, whichever shall become the
Surviving Trust, also shall take any action required to be taken under any
applicable state securities or "blue sky" laws in connection with the issuance
of shares of beneficial interest of the Surviving Trust pursuant to the Merger,
and the other party shall furnish all information concerning such party and the
holders of the shares of beneficial interest of such party and rights to acquire
shares of beneficial interest as may be reasonably requested in connection with
any such action.
(b) EQR will, as soon as practicable following the date of this
Agreement (but in no event sooner than 20 business days following the date the
Proxy Statement is mailed to the shareholders of Wellsford), duly call, give
notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the "EQR Shareholders
Meeting") for the purpose of obtaining the EQR Shareholder Approvals. EQR will,
through its Board of Trustees, recommend to its shareholders approval of this
Agreement, the Merger, and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) Wellsford will, as soon as practicable following the date of this
Agreement (but in no event sooner than 20 business days following the date the
Proxy Statement is mailed to the shareholders of Wellsford), duly call, give
notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the "Wellsford
Shareholders Meeting") for the purpose of obtaining Wellsford Shareholder
Approvals. Wellsford will, through its Board of Trustees, recommend to its
shareholders approval of this Agreement, the Merger and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; provided, that prior to the Wellsford
Shareholders Meeting, such recommendation may be withdrawn, modified or amended
to the extent that, as a result of the commencement or receipt of a proposal
constituting a Superior Acquisition Proposal, the Board of Trustees of
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Wellsford determines in good faith that such withdrawal, modification or
amendment is appropriate.
(d) EQR and Wellsford shall use their best efforts to hold their
respective shareholder meetings on the same day, which day, subject to the
provisions of Sections 5.1(b) and 5.1(c), shall be a day not later than 45 days
after the date the Proxy Statement is mailed.
(e) If on the date for the EQR Shareholders Meeting and Wellsford
Shareholders Meeting established pursuant to Section 5.1(d) of this Agreement,
either EQR or Wellsford has not received a sufficient number of proxies to
approve the Merger (but less than 1/3rd of the outstanding common shares of
beneficial interest of such party have voted against the Merger), then both
parties shall adjourn their respective shareholders meetings until the first to
occur of (i) the date ten (10) days after the originally scheduled date of the
shareholders meetings or (ii) the date on which the requisite number of proxies
approving the Merger has been obtained or proxies have been received
representing more than one-third of its outstanding common shares of beneficial
interest which voted against the Merger.
5.2 ACCESS TO INFORMATION: CONFIDENTIALITY. Subject to the requirements
of confidentiality agreements with third parties, each of Wellsford and EQR
shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, afford to the other party
and to the officers, employees, accountants, counsel, financial advisors and
other representatives of such other party, reasonable access during normal
business hours prior to the Effective Time to all their respective properties,
books, contracts, commitments, personnel and records and, during such period,
each of Wellsford and EQR shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
furnish promptly to the other party (a) a copy of each report, schedule,
registration statement and other document filed by it during such period
pursuant to the requirements of federal or state securities laws and (b) all
other information concerning its business, properties and personnel as such
other party may reasonably request. Each of Wellsford and EQR, shall cause its
Subsidiaries to, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause its
officers, employees, accountants, counsel, financial advisors and other
representatives and affiliates to, hold any nonpublic information in confidence
to the extent required by, and in accordance with, and will comply with the
provisions of the letter agreement dated as of October 9, 1996 between Wellsford
and EQR (the "Confidentiality Agreement").
5.3 BEST EFFORTS; NOTIFICATION.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions herein provided, Wellsford and
EQR shall: (i) use all reasonable best efforts to cooperate with one another in
(A) determining which filings are required to be made prior to the Effective
Time with, and which consents, approvals, permits or authorizations are required
to be obtained prior to the Effective Time from, governmental or regulatory
authorities of the United States, the several states and foreign jurisdictions
and any third parties in connection with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such
agreements and (B)
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timely making all such filings and timely seeking all such consents, approvals,
permits and authorizations; (ii) use all reasonable best efforts to obtain in
writing any consents required from third parties to effectuate the Merger, such
consents to be in form reasonably satisfactory to Wellsford and EQR; and (iii)
use all reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other action
and do, or cause to be done, all other things necessary, proper or appropriate
to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. If, at any time after the Effective Time, any further action is
necessary or desirable to carry out the purpose of this Agreement, the proper
officers and trustees of Wellsford and EQR shall take all such necessary action.
(b) Wellsford shall give prompt notice to EQR, and EQR shall give
prompt notice to Wellsford, (i) if any representation or warranty made by it
contained in this Agreement that is qualified as to materiality becomes untrue
or inaccurate in any respect or any such representation or warranty that is not
so qualified becomes untrue or inaccurate in any material respect or (ii) of the
failure by it to comply with or satisfy in any material respect any covenant,
condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it under this
Agreement; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect the
representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of the parties or the
conditions to the obligations of the parties under this Agreement.
5.4 COSTS OF TRANSACTION. On the Closing Date, Wellsford and EQR shall
execute, and Wellsford shall cause Newco to execute, the Transaction and
Termination Costs Agreement in substantially in the form attached as Exhibit "H"
hereto (the "Transaction Costs Agreement").
5.5 TAX TREATMENT. Each of EQR and Wellsford shall use its reasonable
best efforts to cause the Merger to qualify as a reorganization under the
provisions of Sections 368(a) of the Code and to obtain the opinions of counsel
referred to in Sections 6.2(e) and 6.3(f).
5.6 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS. EQR and Wellsford will consult with each other
before issuing, and provide each other the opportunity to review and comment
upon, any press release or other written public statements with respect to the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger and the Spin-
Off, and shall not issue any such press release or make any such written public
statement prior to such consultation, except as may be required by applicable
law, court process or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with any
national securities exchange. The parties agree that the initial press release
to be issued with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
will be in the form agreed to by the parties hereto prior to the execution of
this Agreement.
5.7 LISTING. Prior to the Effective Time, EQR or Wellsford (whichever
shall be the Surviving Trust), shall use its best efforts to have the NYSE
approve for listing, upon official notice of issuance, the shares of beneficial
interest to be issued in the Merger.
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5.8 LETTERS OF ACCOUNTANTS.
(a) Wellsford shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be
delivered to EQR the "comfort" letter of Ernst & Young, Wellsford's independent
public accountants, dated and delivered the date on which the Registration
Statement shall become effective and as of the Effective Time, and addressed to
EQR, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to EQR and reasonably
customary in scope and substance for letters delivered by independent public
accountants in connection with transactions such as those contemplated by this
Agreement.
(b) EQR shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be delivered
to Wellsford the "comfort" letter of Ernst & Young, EQR's independent public
accountants, dated the date on which the Registration Statement shall become
effective and as of the Effective Time, and addressed to Wellsford, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Wellsford and reasonably customary in scope
and substance for letters delivered by independent public accountants in
connection with transactions such as those contemplated by this Agreement.
5.9 TRANSFER AND GAINS TAXES. EQR and Wellsford shall cooperate in the
preparation, execution and filing of all returns, questionnaires, applications
or other documents regarding any real property transfer or gains, sales, use,
transfer, value added stock transfer and stamp taxes, any transfer, recording,
registration and other fees and any similar taxes which become payable in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (together with
any related interests, penalties or additions to tax, "Transfer and Gains
Taxes"). From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Trust shall, or shall
cause ERP Operating Partnership, as appropriate, to pay or cause to be paid,
without deduction or withholding from any amounts payable to the holders of
beneficial interests in the Surviving Trust, all Transfer and Gains Taxes.
5.10 BENEFIT PLANS AND OTHER EMPLOYEE ARRANGEMENTS.
(a) BENEFIT PLANS. After the Effective Time, all employees of
Wellsford who are employed by the Surviving Trust shall, at the option of the
Surviving Trust, either continue to be eligible to participate in an "employee
benefit plan", as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, of Wellsford which is, at
the option of the Surviving Trust, continued by the Surviving Trust, or
alternatively shall be eligible to participate in the same manner as other
similarly situated employees of the Surviving Trust who were formerly employees
of EQR in any "employee benefit plan," as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA,
sponsored or maintained by the Surviving Trust after the Effective Time. With
respect to each such employee benefit plan, service with EQR or any EQR
Subsidiary or with Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary (as applicable) shall
be included for purposes of determining eligibility to participate, vesting (if
applicable) and entitlement to benefits. With respect to medical benefits
provided by the Surviving Trust on and after the Closing Date, coverage that
would otherwise be denied due to a preexisting illness shall be provided to
those employees who were covered by a plan sponsored by EQR, Wellsford or
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any of their Subsidiaries before the Closing Date, but only to the extent that
such illness was covered under such a plan before the Closing Date.
(b) SHARE INCENTIVE PLANS. The share incentive plans of Wellsford and
EQR, respectively, shall be terminated or continued, as specifically set forth
in the Articles of Merger.
(c) RETENTION PROGRAM. As of the Effective Time, the Surviving Trust
shall adopt a severance and retention program (the "Retention Program") with
respect to those employees of Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries set forth
in Schedule 5.10 to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter (the "Schedule 5.10
Employees") by issuing to such Schedule 5.10 Employees a letter substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit "I" (the "Retention Program Letter");
provided, however, that in no event may the aggregate obligations of Wellsford
and the Surviving Trust under the Retention Program exceed $544,575. The
Surviving Trust shall maintain the Retention Program in accordance with the
terms thereof. In no event shall Wellsford adopt or agree to any other
severance or retention program in addition to the Retention Program, except as
otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement. Neither the Retention
Program nor any other term of this Agreement shall require the Surviving Trust
to continue the employment of any employee of Wellsford after the Effective
Time. The Surviving Trust shall pay the amount set forth in Schedule 5.10 to
the Wellsford Disclosure Letter to each Schedule 5.10 Employee whose employment
is involuntarily terminated by the Surviving Trust without cause prior to such
employee's receipt of the Retention Program Letter.
(d) AGREEMENT OF OPTIONEES. Prior to the Closing, Wellsford shall use
its best efforts to obtain the written agreement of each employee (other than
the Executives of Wellsford as set forth in Exhibit "J" to this Agreement)
holding an option to purchase Wellsford Common Shares described in Schedule 2.3
to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter and of David Kelley to the cancellation of
such option at the Effective Time for cash in an amount equal to the difference
between $27.50 and the applicable exercise price set forth in such option,
multiplied by the number of Wellsford Common Shares subject to such option.
(e) RELEASE OF SURVIVING TRUST. At the Closing, each of (i) Jeffrey
H. Lynford, (ii) Edward Lowenthal, and (iii) each of the other Key Executives
set forth in Exhibit "J" who have agreed to the conversion of their options to
purchase Wellsford Common Shares into options to purchase common shares of
Newco, shall release the Surviving Trust from any obligations of Wellsford to
him under options to purchase Wellsford Common Shares which are exchanged for or
converted into options to purchase common shares of Newco.
(f) WITHHOLDING. Wellsford shall require each employee who exercises
an option to purchase Wellsford Common Shares or who receives Wellsford Common
Shares pursuant to any existing commitment to pay to Wellsford in cash or
Wellsford Common Shares an amount sufficient to satisfy in full Wellsford's
obligation to withhold Taxes incurred by reason of such exercise or issuance.
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(g) EXECUTIVES. The compensation, benefits, payments, accelerations,
share options and share appreciation rights of the "Executives" and the trustees
of Wellsford, as set forth in Exhibit "J" to this Agreement, shall be satisfied
at the Effective Time in accordance with the terms set forth in Exhibit "J" and
Schedule 5.10(g) to the Wellsford Disclosure Letter. For purposes of valuing
all existing options to be converted into options to purchase common shares of
Newco, Wellsford has utilized the Merrill Lynch trading desk formula pricing
model and take into account the number of options held, the exercise price and
duration thereof, the volatility of the market price of the shares involved, and
other required factors.
(h) COMMITTEE ACTION. Wellsford shall cause the appropriate committee
to take the appropriate action under Wellsford's 1992 Share Option Plan and
under its Long-Term Management Incentive Plan to cause each option to purchase
Wellsford Common Shares which remains unexercised as of the Effective Time to be
amended to adjust the number of shares for which such option is thereafter
exercisable and the exercise price by the Exchange Ratio, as provided for in the
Articles of Merger.
5.11 INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Trust shall
provide exculpation and indemnification for each person who is now or has been
at any time prior to the date hereof or who becomes prior to the Effective Time,
an officer or trustee of Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary (the "Indemnified
Parties") which is the same as the exculpation and indemnification provided to
the Indemnified Parties by Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries immediately
prior to the Effective Time in its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust and
Bylaws, as in effect on the date hereof; provided, that such exculpation and
indemnification covers actions on or prior to the Effective Time, including,
without limitation, all transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In no
event shall the Surviving Trust be obligated to provide directors' and officers'
liability insurance. If the Surviving Trust has directors and officers'
insurance, such insurance shall apply to all directors and officers of the
Surviving Trust serving as such during the period such coverage is in effect.
(b) The Surviving Trust shall continue in force and effect after the
Effective Time each Indemnification Agreement between EQR and any Person which
was in force and effect immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(c) The provisions of this Section 5.11 are intended to be for the
benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Indemnified Party, his or her
heirs and his or her personal representatives and shall be binding on all
successors and assigns of EQR and Wellsford.
(d) In the event that the Surviving Trust or any of its respective
successors or assigns (i) consolidates with or merges into any other person and
shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such
consolidation or merger or (ii) transfers all or
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substantially all of its properties and assets to any person, then, and in each
such case the successors and assigns of such entity shall assume the obligations
set forth in this Section 5.11, which obligations are expressly intended to be
for the irrevocable benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each trustee and
officer covered hereby.
5.12 CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. Wellsford shall cause Newco to execute the
Contribution Agreement and any other agreement related to the transactions
contemplated hereby to which Newco is a party provided that Wellsford has
obtained all material consents required to be obtained by Wellsford and the
Wellsford Subsidiaries from third parties in order to perform their respective
obligations under the Contribution Agreement and the other agreements
contemplated hereby to which Newco is a party. Wellsford shall diligently seek
and use its best efforts to obtain such consents prior to the Closing Date.
Wellsford shall keep EQR currently apprised of its progress in obtaining such
consents. Wellsford shall inform EQR promptly if it appears unlikely that any
given consent will be obtained. Wellsford shall cooperate with EQR in taking
any action to either obtain such consents or to put Wellsford and the Wellsford
Subsidiaries in a position so that such consents are no longer required;
provided such action does not cost Wellsford a material amount or materially
adversely affect Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries.
5.13 DECLARATION OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. From and after the date
of this Agreement, Wellsford shall not make any dividend or distribution to its
shareholders without the prior written consent of EQR; provided, however, the
written consent of EQR shall not be required for the distribution of Newco
shares pursuant to the Spin-Off and for the authorization and payment of
quarterly distributions with respect to the Wellsford Common Shares of up to
$0.485 per share, the Wellsford Series A Preferred Shares of up to $0.4375 per
share and the Wellsford Series B Preferred Shares of up to $0.603125 per share;
provided, however, the record date for each distribution with respect to the
Wellsford Common Shares shall be the same date as the record date for the
quarterly distribution for the Common Shares of EQR as provided to Wellsford by
notice not less than twenty (20) business days prior to the record date for any
quarterly EQR distribution; provided, however, in the event EQR has not notified
Wellsford of the record date for a quarterly distribution with respect to the
EQR Common Shares for any quarter prior to the last twenty (20) business days of
such quarter, Wellsford may authorize a distribution on the Wellsford Common
Shares, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.13.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if EQR is to be the Surviving Trust, Wellsford
may make distributions to its shareholders in excess of the foregoing amounts
without the consent of EQR but only to the extent such distributions are
required to comply with the minimum distribution requirements set forth in
Section 857(b) of the Code.
5.14 CONSULTING AGREEMENTS. ERP Operating Partnership shall enter into a
consulting agreement with each of Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal which
shall become effective as of the Effective Time and shall be in substantially
the forms attached hereto as Exhibit "K".
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5.15 TRANSFER OF MANAGEMENT COMPANY SHARES. At the Closing, Wellsford
shall cause the owners (other than Wellsford or a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Wellsford) to transfer to such person or persons as EQR shall designate by
written notice delivered to Wellsford prior to the Closing, all of the shares of
Wellsford Holly Management Inc. ("Management Corp.") owned by them, constituting
all the outstanding shares of the Management Corp. which are not owned by
Wellsford or a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wellsford for an aggregate
consideration of $1.00, unless Management Corp. was dissolved prior to the
Closing Date.
5.16 TRANSFER OF WELLSFORD ASSETS AFTER EFFECTIVE TIME. Wellsford
acknowledges that immediately after the Effective Time, the real properties
owned by Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries and the equity interests in
certain of the Wellsford Subsidiaries shall be transferred to ERP Operating
Partnership, subject to all liabilities of Wellsford and the Wellsford
Subsidiaries, as a capital contribution in exchange for a number of units and
preferred units of ERP Operating Partnership equal to the number of common
shares of beneficial interest and preferred shares of beneficial interest of the
Surviving Trust issued in the Merger to the owners of the shares of beneficial
interest of Wellsford in the Merger; provided, however, that Wellsford makes no
representation or warranty regarding EQR's ability to accomplish the foregoing,
the costs that would be incurred in connection therewith or any consents or
approvals that may be required therefor.
5.17 NOTICES.
(a) Within the time period provided for in the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust of the Surviving Trust, the Surviving Trust shall notify
the holders of Wellsford Series A Preferred Shares (which have been converted
into Series D Preferred Shares of the Surviving Trust) of the conversion rate
applicable to such shares after giving effect to the Merger.
(b) Each party shall provide such notice to its shareholders of the
Merger as is required under Maryland law.
5.18 RESIGNATIONS. On the Closing Date, Wellsford shall cause the
trustees, directors and officers of Wellsford and each of the Wellsford
Subsidiaries (excluding Newco and its Subsidiaries) to submit their resignations
from such positions, effective as of the Effective Time.
5.19 THIRD PARTY MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS. Wellsford shall not amend the
existing Third Party Management Agreement which provides that such agreement may
be cancelled by Wellsford on thirty days' notice or less without any charge,
penalty or other cost for such cancellation. Wellsford shall not renew the
other existing Third Party Management Agreement which expires in April, 1997
except on terms which permit its cancellation by Wellsford on thirty days'
notice or less without any charge, penalty or other cost for such cancellation,
and shall not thereafter amend such terms.
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5.20 REPAYMENT OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS. Wellsford covenants that on the
Closing Date it shall cause Newco and its Subsidiaries to repay all loans made
to any of them by Wellsford or the other Wellsford Subsidiaries and to procure
on the Closing Date the unconditional and irrevocable release of Wellsford and
such other Wellsford Subsidiaries from any guaranties of the obligations of
Newco and its Subsidiaries (whether effected directly or indirectly through the
repayment of the indebtedness so guaranteed), other than the guaranties
contemplated under the Credit Enhancement Agreement and the Palomino Agreement.
Wellsford covenants that it shall cause Newco to apply the Contribution Funds
(as defined in the Contribution Agreement) and shall cause Newco to request
purchases of shares of Newco under the Newco Stock Purchase Agreement to the
extent that Newco does not repay such indebtedness from other sources and obtain
such releases by other means.
5.21 10B-17 NOTICE. Wellsford shall give any notice required under Rule
10b-17 promulgated under the Exchange Act of the record date for determining the
holders of Wellsford Common Shares entitled to receive the distribution of the
shares of Newco owned by Wellsford. The parties shall co-operate in
establishing the date for the Closing Date in order to facilitate compliance
with said Rule.
5.22 DENVER LEASE. Prior to the Closing Date, Wellsford may sublease the
office space in Denver, Colorado currently leased by Wellsford (the "Denver
Space") to a subtenant with EQR's prior consent, which consent shall not be
withheld if such prospective tenant is financially capable of making the rental
payments under the sublease. If the Denver Space has not been subleased by
Wellsford by the Closing Date, the Surviving Trust shall use reasonable
commercial efforts to sublease the Denver Space; provided that the Surviving
Trust shall not be required to sublease such space to any Person which is not
financially capable of making the payments required under the sublease. Newco
may refer potential tenants to the Surviving Trust and may sublease the Denver
Space itself. If the Denver Space is not subleased by the Closing Date, but is
thereafter subleased by the Surviving Trust, the Surviving Trust shall pay to
Newco the present value (determined using an interest rate of 8%) of all base
rent payable under such sublease (net of third party brokers' commissions)
promptly after such sublease is executed by the parties.
5.23 NEW YORK LEASE. If prior to the Effective Time Wellsford is unable
to obtain the consent of the landlord under the lease of the office space in New
York, New York currently leased by Wellsford (the "New York Lease") to either
(a) the assignment of the New York Lease to Newco and the release of the
Surviving Trust from all liability under the New York Lease, or (ii) the
sublease to Newco of the space leased under the New York Lease, then the
Surviving Trust will reasonably co-operate with Newco to provide Newco with the
benefits of the New York Lease, including becoming a 50% joint venture partner
with Newco in an entity formed to sublease such space.
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5.24 AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF WPHC. Prior to the Closing Date, Wellsford
shall cause: (a) the Articles of Incorporation of WPHC to be amended so as to
provide (i) for two classes of common shares which shall be identical in all
respects except that (A) one class shall be voting (the "WPHC Voting Shares")
and one class shall be non-voting (the "WPHC Non-Voting Shares"), and (B) each
WPHC Non-Voting Share shall be convertible at any time into one WPHC Voting
Share, and (ii) that no dividend may be declared or paid on the outstanding
shares of either class of common shares of WPHC unless the same dividend is
declared on both classes of common shares of WPHC, except that any stock
dividend payable solely in common shares of WPHC shall be paid in WPHC Voting
Shares, as to such dividends on WPHC Voting Shares, or WPHC Non-Voting Shares,
as to dividends on WPHC Non-Voting Shares, and (b) the shares of WPHC owned by
Wellsford to be converted or exchanged for 80 WPHC Voting Shares, which shall be
contributed to Newco pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, and 20 WPHC Non-
Voting Shares, which shall continue to be owned by the Surviving Trust after the
Effective Time.
5.25 COMPLETION OF ARTICLES OF MERGER. If the Closing Date occurs on or
after the annual meeting of the shareholders of EQR for 1997, Exhibit "B" to the
Articles of Merger shall be completed prior to the execution thereof by the
parties in such a manner so that each of Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal
shall be designated as trustees whose terms expire at the annual meeting of the
shareholders of the Surviving Trust held in 2000. If the Closing Date occurs
before the annual meeting of the shareholders of EQR for 1997, (a) Exhibit "B"
to the Articles of Merger shall be completed prior to the execution thereof by
the parties in such a manner so that each of Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward
Lowenthal shall be designated as trustees whose terms expire at the annual
meeting of the shareholders of the Surviving Trust held in 1998, and (b) Jerry
H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal shall be designated as management's designees in
the Surviving Trust's proxy material for its annual meeting of shareholders held
in 1998 to serve as trustees of the Surviving Trust with terms expiring at the
annual meeting of shareholders of the Surviving Trust held in 2000. The terms
of the remaining trustees of the Surviving Trust shall be completed in Exhibit
"B" in the manner designated by EQR.
ARTICLE 6
---------
CONDITIONS
----------
6.1 CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE MERGER. The
obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to the
fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:
(a) SHAREHOLDER APPROVALS. This Agreement, the Merger and the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been approved and
adopted by the Shareholder Approvals.
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(b) LISTING OF SHARES. The NYSE shall have approved for listing the
shares of beneficial interest of the Surviving Trust to be issued in the
Merger, subject in each case to official notice of issuance.
(c) REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The Registration Statement shall have
become effective under the Securities Act and shall not be the subject of
any stop order or proceedings by the SEC seeking a stop order.
(d) NO INJUNCTIONS OR RESTRAINTS. No temporary restraining order,
preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of
competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing
the consummation of the Merger or any of the other transactions
contemplated hereby shall be in effect.
(e) BLUE SKY LAWS. The Surviving Trust shall have received all state
securities or "blue sky" permits and other authorizations necessary to
issue shares of beneficial interest to the shareholders of EQR and
Wellsford.
(f) OPINION OF MARYLAND COUNSEL. EQR and Wellsford shall have
received the opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll to the effect
that this Agreement and the Articles of Merger are enforceable under
Maryland law, that all requisite approval of the Merger by the shareholders
of EQR and Wellsford has been obtained, and as to such other matters as are
customary in a transaction such as the Merger.
6.2 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF EQR. The obligations of EQR to effect the
Merger and to consummate the other transactions contemplated to occur on the
Closing Date are further subject to the following conditions, any one or more of
which may be waived by EQR:
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and
warranties of Wellsford set forth in this Agreement shall be true and
correct as of the Closing Date (other than changes thereto which occurred
solely by reason of the Spin-Off), as though made on and as of the Closing
Date, except to the extent the representation or warranty is expressly
limited by its terms to another date, and EQR shall have received a
certificate (which certificate may be qualified by Knowledge to the same
extent as the representations and warranties of Wellsford contained herein
are so qualified) signed on behalf of Wellsford by the chief executive
officer or the chief financial officer of Wellsford, in such capacity, to
such effect; provided, however, that no representation or warranty shall be
deemed to have been breached as a result of any act of Newco and its
Subsidiaries taken or omitted to be taken after the date of this Agreement,
if such act or omission was taken or omitted to be taken without causing
Newco to breach Section 4.2 of this Agreement. For the purposes of Section
6.2(a), the representations and warranties of Wellsford shall be deemed
true and correct unless the breach of such representations
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and warranties, in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a
Wellsford Material Adverse Effect.
(b) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS OF WELLSFORD. Wellsford shall have
performed in all material respects all obligations required to be performed
by it under this Agreement at or prior to the Effective Time, and EQR shall
have received a certificate signed on behalf of Wellsford by the chief
executive officer or the chief financial officer of Wellsford, in such
capacity, to such effect. For purposes of this Agreement, the inability of
Newco to (i) repay all of the loans and advances made to it by Wellsford or
any of the other Wellsford Subsidiaries, after giving effect to all cash to
be received by Newco on the Closing Date (including any amounts to be
received under the Newco Stock Purchase Agreement), shall be deemed to be a
material default, and (ii) the inability of Newco to obtain the
unconditional and irrevocable release from any obligations of Newco and its
Subsidiaries issued after the date of this Agreement (whether directly
through a release or indirectly through the payment of the indebtedness so
guaranteed) shall be deemed to be a material default. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if Newco is unable to repay such indebtedness to Wellsford on
the Closing Date, after giving effect to all cash to be received by Newco
on the Closing Date (including any amounts to be received under the Newco
Stock Purchase Agreement), EQR may, at its option, and in lieu of
terminating this Agreement, require Newco to execute and deliver to the
Surviving Trust a promissory note in the amount of such indebtedness which
Newco is unable to pay, payable in twelve (12) equal consecutive monthly
installments on the last day of each month, commencing with the month next
following the month in which the Merger occurs, together with interest
thereon at a rate equal to the Revolver Rate plus 2%, payable with each
installment of principal.
(c) MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. Since the date of this Agreement, there
shall have been no Wellsford Material Adverse Change and EQR shall have
received a certificate of the chief executive officer or chief financial
officer of Wellsford, in such capacity, certifying to such effect.
(d) OPINIONS RELATING TO REIT AND PARTNERSHIP STATUS. EQR shall have
received an opinion of counsel to Wellsford, reasonably satisfactory to
EQR, that, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1993,
Wellsford was organized and has operated in conformity with the
requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code (with customary
exceptions, assumptions and qualifications and based upon customary
representations).
(e) OTHER TAX OPINION. EQR shall have received an opinion dated the
Closing Date from counsel to EQR, based upon certificates and letters,
which letters and certificates are substantially in the form set forth in
Exhibit "L" hereto and dated the
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Closing Date, to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a
reorganization under the provisions of Section 368(a) of the Code.
(f) COMFORT LETTER. EQR shall have received the letter from the
accountants for Wellsford required by Section 5.8 hereof.
(g) OPINION OF COUNSEL. EQR shall have received an opinion from
Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP or other counsel to
Wellsford reasonably satisfactory to EQR dated the Closing Date in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to EQR addressing the matters set forth
in Exhibit "M" hereto.
(h) CONSENTS. All consents and waivers (including, without
limitation, waivers of rights of first refusal) from third parties
necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement shall have been obtained, other than such
consents and waivers from third parties, which, if not obtained, would not
result, individually or in the aggregate, in an EQR Material Adverse Effect
or a Wellsford Material Adverse Effect.
(i) CONSULTING AGREEMENTS. Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal
shall have executed and delivered their respective Consulting Agreements.
(j) SHARES OF MANAGEMENT CORP. Unless Management Corp. was dissolved
before the Closing Date, the voting shares of Management Corp. shall have
been transferred to EQR's designees in accordance with Section 5.15.
(k) RELEASES. The Key Executives shall have executed the releases
described in Section 5.10(e).
(l) WPHC ARTICLES. The Articles of Incorporation of WPHC shall have
been amended as provided in Section 5.24 and immediately prior to the Spin-
off, Wellsford's ownership interest in WPHC shall consist solely of 80 WPHC
Voting Shares and 20 WPHC Non-Voting Shares.
(m) CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. Wellsford and Newco shall have entered
into the Contribution Agreement and each of the transactions contemplated
thereby shall have been completed to the extent required to be completed
thereunder as of such time.
(n) NEWCO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT. Newco shall have executed and
delivered the Newco Stock Purchase Agreement.
(o) PALOMINO CREDIT ENHANCEMENT AGREEMENT. Newco shall have executed
and delivered the Palomino Credit Enhancement Agreement.
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(p) PALOMINO AGREEMENT. Newco shall have executed and delivered the
Palomino Agreement.
(q) SONTERRA RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER. Newco shall have executed and
delivered the Sonterra Right of First Offer Agreement.
(r) TRANSACTION COSTS AGREEMENT. Each of Wellsford and Newco shall
have executed and delivered the Transaction Costs Agreement.
6.3 CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF WELLSFORD. The obligation of Wellsford
to effect the Merger and to consummate the other transactions contemplated to
occur on the Closing Date is further subject to the following conditions, any
one or more of which may be waived by Wellsford:
(a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties
of EQR set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date
of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, as though made on and as of
the Closing Date, except to the extent the representation or warranty is
expressly limited by its terms to another date, and Wellsford shall have
received a certificate (which certificate may be qualified by Knowledge to
the same extent as the representations and warranties of EQR contained
herein are so qualified) signed on behalf of EQR by the chief executive
officer and the chief financial officer of such party to such effect. For
the purposes of this Section 6.3(a), the representations and warranties of
EQR shall be deemed true and correct unless the breach of such
representations and warranties, in the aggregate, could reasonably be
expected to have an EQR Material Adverse Effect.
(b) PERFORMANCE OF OBLIGATIONS OF EQR. EQR shall have performed in
all material respects all obligations required to be performed by it under
this Agreement at or prior to the Effective Time, and Wellsford shall have
received a certificate of EQR signed on behalf of EQR by the chief
executive officer or the chief financial officer of EQR, in such capacity,
to such effect.
(c) MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. Since the date of this Agreement, there
shall have been no EQR Material Adverse Change and Wellsford shall have
received a certificate of the chief executive officer or chief financial
officer of EQR, in such capacity, certifying to such effect.
(d) COMFORT LETTER. Wellsford shall have received the letter from the
accountants for EQR required by Section 5.8 hereof.
(e) OPINION RELATING TO REIT STATUS AND PARTNERSHIP STATUS. Wellsford
shall have received an opinion of counsel to EQR, reasonably satisfactory
to Wellsford,
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that, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1993, (A) EQR was
organized and has operated in conformity with the requirements for
qualification as a REIT under the Code and (B) ERP Operating Partnership
has been during and since 1993 and continues to be, treated of federal
income tax purposes as a partnership, and not as a corporation or
association taxable as a corporation (with customary exceptions,
assumptions and qualifications and based upon customary representations).
(f) OTHER TAX OPINION. Wellsford shall have received an opinion dated
the Closing Date from counsel to Wellsford, based upon certificates and
letters, which letters and certificates are substantially in the form set
forth in Exhibit "N" hereto and dated the Closing Date, to the effect that
the Merger will qualify as a reorganization under the provisions of Section
368(a) of the Code.
(g) OPINION OF COUNSEL. Wellsford shall have received an opinion from
Rudnick & Wolfe or other counsel to EQR reasonably satisfactory to
Wellsford dated the Closing Date in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Wellsford addressing the matters set forth in Exhibit "O"
hereto dated the Closing Date.
(h) CONSENTS. All consents and waivers (including, without
limitation, waivers or rights of first refusal) from third parties
necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been obtained, other than such consents and
waivers from third parties, which, if not obtained, would not result,
individually or in the aggregate, in an EQR Material Adverse Effect or a
Wellsford Material Adverse Effect.
(i) CONSULTING AGREEMENT. ERP Operating Partnership shall have
executed the Consulting Agreements with each of Jeffrey H. Lynford and
Edward Lowenthal.
(j) NEWCO STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT. ERP Operating Partnership shall
have executed and delivered the Newco Stock Purchase Agreement.
(k) PALOMINO CREDIT ENHANCEMENT AGREEMENT. ERP Operating Partnership
shall have executed and delivered the Palomino Credit Enhancement
Agreement.
(l) PALOMINO AGREEMENT. ERP Operating Partnership shall have executed
and delivered the Palomino Agreement.
(m) SONTERRA RIGHT OF FIRST OFFER. ERP Operating Partnership shall
have executed and delivered the Sonterra Right of First Offer Agreement.
(n) TRANSACTION COSTS AGREEMENT. EQR shall have executed and
delivered the Transaction Costs Agreement.
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ARTICLE 7
---------
TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
---------------------------------
7.1 TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to
the filing of the Articles of Merger with the Department, whether before or
after either of the Shareholder Approvals are obtained:
(a) by mutual written consent duly authorized by the respective Boards
of Trustees of EQR and Wellsford;
(b) by EQR, upon a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant,
obligation or agreement on the part of Wellsford set forth in this
Agreement, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section
6.2(a) or Section 6.2(b), as the case may be, would be incapable of being
satisfied by August 1, 1997 (or as otherwise extended);
(c) by Wellsford, upon a breach of any representation, warranty,
covenant obligation or agreement on the part of EQR set forth in this
Agreement, in either case such that the conditions set forth in Section
6.3(a) or Section 6.3(b), as the case may be, would be incapable of being
satisfied by August 1, 1997 (or as otherwise extended);
(d) by either EQR or Wellsford, if any judgment, injunction, order,
decree or action by any Governmental Entity of competent authority
preventing the consummation of the Merger shall have become final and
nonappealable;
(e) by either EQR or Wellsford, if the Merger shall not have been
consummated before August 1, 1997; provided, in the case of termination
pursuant to this Section 7.1(e), the terminating party shall not have
breached in any material respect its obligations under this Agreement in
any manner that shall have proximately contributed to the occurrence of the
failure referred to in this Section;
(f) by either EQR or Wellsford if, upon a vote at a duly held
Wellsford Shareholders Meeting or any adjournment thereof, Wellsford
Shareholder Approvals shall not have been obtained as contemplated by
Section 5.1;
(g) by either EQR or Wellsford if, upon a vote at a duly held EQR
Shareholders Meeting or any adjournment thereof, the EQR Shareholder
Approvals shall not have been obtained as contemplated by Section 5.1;
(h) by Wellsford, if prior to the Wellsford Shareholders Meeting, the
Board of Trustees of Wellsford shall have withdrawn or modified its
approval or
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recommendation of the Merger or this Agreement in connection with, or
approved or recommended, a Superior Acquisition Proposal;
(i) by EQR if (i) prior to the Wellsford Shareholders Meeting, the
Board of Trustees of Wellsford shall have withdrawn or modified in any
manner adverse to EQR its approval or recommendation of the Merger or this
Agreement in connection with, or approved or recommended, any Superior
Acquisition Proposal, or (ii) Wellsford shall have entered into a
definitive agreement with respect to any Acquisition Proposal; and
(j) by Wellsford or EQR if the Average Closing Price is less than
$37.00 per share; provided, however, any notice of termination given
pursuant to this Section 7.1(j) shall be given within three (3) business
days after the date that such right of termination accrues.
7.2 CERTAIN FEES AND EXPENSES. If this Agreement shall be terminated (i)
pursuant to Section 7.1(h) or 7.1(i), then Wellsford will pay EQR (provided
Wellsford was not entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section
7.1(c) at the time of such termination) a fee equal to the Break-Up Fee (as
defined below), (ii) pursuant to Section 7.1(b) or 7.1(f), then Wellsford will
pay EQR (provided Wellsford was not entitled to terminate this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1(c) at the time of such termination) an amount equal to
the Break-Up Expenses (as defined below). If this Agreement shall be terminated
pursuant to Section 7.1(c) or 7.1(g), then EQR will pay Wellsford (provided EQR
was not entitled to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(b) at the
time of such termination), an amount equal to the Break-Up Expenses. If the
Merger is not consummated (other than due to the termination of this Agreement
pursuant to Section 7.1(a), 7.1(g) or 7.1(j) or EQR's failure to perform its
obligations under this Agreement in such a manner so as to entitle Wellsford to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.1(c)) and at the time of the
termination of this Agreement an Acquisition Proposal has been received by
Wellsford, and either prior to the termination of this Agreement or within
twelve (12) months thereafter Wellsford or any Wellsford Subsidiary enters into
any written Acquisition Proposal which is subsequently consummated (whether or
not such Acquisition Proposal is the same Acquisition Proposal which had been
received at the time of the termination of this Agreement), then Wellsford shall
pay the Break-Up Fee to EQR. The payment of the Break Up Fee shall be
compensation and liquidated damages for the loss suffered by EQR as a result of
the failure of the Merger to be consummated and to avoid the difficulty of
determining damages under the circumstances and neither party shall have any
other liability to the other after the payment of the Break-Up Fee. The Break-
Up Fee shall be paid by Wellsford to EQR, or the Break-Up Expenses shall be paid
by Wellsford to EQR or EQR to Wellsford (as applicable), in immediately
available funds within fifteen (15) days after the date the event giving rise to
the obligation to make such payment occurred. As used in this Agreement,
"Break-Up Fee" shall be an amount equal to the lesser of (i) $14,000,000 plus
Break-Up Expenses (the "Base Amount") and (ii) the sum of (A) the maximum amount
that can be paid to EQR without causing it to fail to meet the requirements of
Sections 856(c)(2) and (3) of the Code determined as if the payment of such
amount did not constitute income described
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in Sections 856(c)(2)(A)-(H) and 856(c)(3)(A)-(I) of the Code ("Qualifying
Income"), as determined by independent accountants to EQR, and (B) in the event
EQR receives a letter from outside counsel (the "Break-Up Fee Tax Opinion")
indicating that EQR has received a ruling from the IRS holding that EQR's
receipt of the Base Amount would either constitute Qualifying Income or would be
excluded from gross income within the meaning of Sections 856(c)(2) and (3) of
the Code (the "REIT Requirements") or that the receipt by EQR of the remaining
balance of the Base Amount following the receipt of and pursuant to such ruling
would not be deemed constructively received prior thereto, the Base Amount less
the amount payable under clause (A) above. Wellsford's obligation to pay any
unpaid portion of the Break-Up Fee shall terminate three years from the date of
this Agreement. In the event that EQR is not able to receive the full Base
Amount, Wellsford shall place the unpaid amount in escrow and shall not release
any portion thereof to EQR unless and until Wellsford receives any one or
combination of the following: (i) a letter from EQR's independent accountants
indicating the maximum amount that can be paid at that time to EQR without
causing EQR to fail to meet the REIT Requirements or (ii) a Break-Up Fee Tax
Opinion, in which event Wellsford shall pay to EQR the lesser of the unpaid Base
Amount or the maximum amount stated in the letter referred to in (i) above. The
"Break-Up Expenses" payable to EQR or Wellsford, as the case may be (the
"Recipient"), shall be an amount equal to the lesser of (i) $2,500,000, (ii) the
Recipient's out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, all
attorneys', accountants' and investment bankers' fees and expenses) and (iii)
the sum of (A) the maximum amount that can be paid to the Recipient without
causing it to fail to meet the requirements of Sections 856(c)(2) and (3) of the
Code determined as if the payment of such amount did not constitute Qualifying
Income, as determined by independent accountants to the Recipient, and (B) in
the event the Recipient receives a Break Up Fee Tax Opinion indicating that the
Recipient has received a ruling from the IRS holding that the Recipient's
receipt of the Expense Fee would either constitute Qualifying Income or would be
excluded from gross income within the meaning of the REIT Requirements or that
receipt by the Recipient of the remaining balance of the Expense Fee following
the receipt of and pursuant to such ruling would not be deemed constructively
received prior thereto, the Expense Fee less the amount payable under clause (A)
above. The obligation of EQR or Wellsford, as applicable ("Payor"), to pay any
unpaid portion of the Break Up Expenses shall terminate three years from the
date of this Agreement. In the event that the Recipient is not able to receive
the full Expense Fee, the Payor shall place the unpaid amount in escrow and
shall not release any portion thereof to the Recipient unless and until the
Payor receives any one or combination of the following: (i) a letter from the
Recipient's independent accountants indicating the maximum amount that can be
paid at that time to the Recipient without causing the Recipient to fail to meet
the REIT Requirements or (ii) a Break-Up Fee Tax Opinion, in which event the
Payor shall pay to the Recipient the lesser of the unpaid Expense Fee or the
maximum amount stated in the letter referred to in (i) above.
7.3 EFFECT OF TERMINATION. In the event of termination of this Agreement
by either Wellsford or EQR as provided in Section 7.1, this Agreement shall
forthwith become void and have no effect, without any liability or obligation on
the part of EQR, or Wellsford, other than
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the last sentence of Section 5.2, Section 7.2, this Section 7.3 and Article 8;
provided that (a) if this Agreement is terminated by EQR pursuant to Section
7.1(b), Wellsford shall not be entitled to any of the benefits of Section 7.2,
or (b) if this Agreement is terminated by Wellsford pursuant to Section 7.1(c),
EQR shall not be entitled to any of the benefits of Section 7.2.
7.4 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended by the parties in writing by
action of their respective Boards of Trustees at any time before or after any
Shareholder Approvals are obtained and prior to the filing of the Articles of
Merger with the Department; provided, however, that, after the Shareholder
Approvals are obtained, no such amendment, modification or supplement shall be
made which by law requires the further approval of shareholders without
obtaining such further approval.
7.5 EXTENSION; WAIVER. At any time prior to the Effective Time, the
parties may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or
other acts of the other party, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations
and warranties of the other party contained in this Agreement or in any document
delivered pursuant to this Agreement or (c) subject to the proviso of Section
7.4, waive compliance with any of the agreements or conditions of the other
party contained in this Agreement. Any agreement on the part of a party to any
such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in
writing signed on behalf of such party. The failure of any party to this
Agreement to assert any of its rights under this Agreement or otherwise shall
not constitute a waiver of those rights.
ARTICLE 8
---------
GENERAL PROVISIONS
------------------
8.1 NONSURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. None of the
representations and warranties in this Agreement or in any instrument delivered
pursuant to this Agreement confirming the representations and warranties in this
Agreement shall survive the Effective Time. This Section 8.1 shall not limit
any covenant or agreement of the parties which by its terms contemplates
performance after the Effective Time.
8.2 NOTICES. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered
personally, sent by overnight courier (providing proof of delivery) to the
parties or sent by telecopy (providing confirmation of transmission) at the
following addresses or telecopy numbers (or at such other address or telecopy
number for a party as shall be specified by like notice):
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(a) if to EQR, to: Equity Residential Properties Trust
Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Attention: President
Fax No. (312) 207-5243
with a copy to: Equity Residential Properties Trust
Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Attention: Bruce C. Strohm, Esq.
Fax No. (312) 454-0039
Rudnick & Wolfe
203 N. LaSalle St., Suite 1800
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Attention: Errol R. Halperin, Esq.
Fax No. (312) 236-7516
(b) if to Wellsford, to: Wellsford Residential Property Trust
610 Fifth Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, New York 10020
Attention: President
Fax No. (212) 333-2323
with a copy to: Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn &
Berman LLP
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104-0053
Attention: Alan S. Pearce, Esq.
Fax No. (212) 541-1411
All notices shall be deemed given only when actually received.
8.3 INTERPRETATION. When a reference is made in this -Agreement to a
Section, such reference shall be to a Section of this Agreement unless otherwise
indicated. The table of contents and headings contained in this Agreement are
for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. Whenever the words "include", "includes" or
"including" are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by
the words "without limitation."
8.4 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.
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8.5 ENTIRE AGREEMENT; NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. This Agreement, the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter, the EQR Disclosure Letter, the Confidentiality
Agreement and the other agreements entered into in connection with the
Transactions (a) constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with
respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and (b) except as provided in
Section 5.10 (with respect to the Schedule 5.10 Employees who do not receive
Retention Program Letters) and Section 5.11 ("Third Party Provisions"), are not
intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any rights or
remedies. The Third Party Provisions may be enforced by the beneficiaries
thereof or on behalf of the beneficiaries thereof by the trustees of Wellsford
who had been trustees of Wellsford prior to the Effective Time.
8.6 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, REGARDLESS OF THE LAWS THAT
MIGHT OTHERWISE GOVERN UNDER APPLICABLE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS THEREOF.
8.7 ASSIGNMENT. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests
or obligations under this Agreement shall be assigned or delegated, in whole or
in part, by operation of law or otherwise by any of the parties without the
prior written consent of the other parties. Subject to the preceding sentence,
this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable
by, the parties and their respective successors and assigns.
8.8 ENFORCEMENT. The parties agree that irreparable damage would
occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not
performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached.
It is accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any court of the United States
located in the State of Illinois or New York or in any Illinois or New York
State court located in Illinois or New York, this being in addition to any other
remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. In addition, each of the
parties hereto (a) consents to submit itself (without making such submission
exclusive) to the personal jurisdiction of any federal court located in the
State of Illinois or New York or any Illinois or New York State court in the
event any dispute arises out of this Agreement or any of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement and (b) agrees that it will not attempt to deny
or defeat such personal jurisdiction by motion or other request for leave from
any such court.
8.9 SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without
rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this
Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or
provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of
this Agreement is so
55
<PAGE>
broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only so
broad as is enforceable.
8.10 NON-RECOURSE.
(a) This Agreement and all documents, agreements, understandings and
arrangements relating hereto have been entered into or executed on behalf of
Wellsford by the undersigned in his capacity as a trustee or officer of
Wellsford, which has been formed as a Maryland real estate investment trust
pursuant to an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Wellsford dated as
of November 2, 1992, as amended and restated, and not individually, and neither
the trustees, officers nor shareholders of Wellsford shall be personally bound
or have any personal liability hereunder. EQR shall look solely to the assets
of Wellsford for satisfaction of any liability of Wellsford with respect to this
Agreement and any other agreements to which it is a party. EQR will not seek
recourse or commence any action against any of the shareholders of Wellsford or
any of their personal assets, and will not commence any action for money
judgments against any of the trustees or officers of Wellsford or seek recourse
against any of their personal assets, for the performance or payment of any
obligation of Wellsford hereunder or thereunder.
(b) This Agreement and all documents, agreements, understandings and
arrangements relating hereto have been entered into or executed on behalf of EQR
by the undersigned in his capacity as a trustee or officer of EQR, which has
been formed as a Maryland real estate investment trust pursuant to an Amended
and Restated Declaration of Trust of EQR dated as of August 10, 1993, as amended
and restated, and not individually, and neither the trustees, officers nor
shareholders of EQR shall be personally bound or have any personal liability
hereunder. Wellsford shall look solely to the assets of EQR for satisfaction of
any liability of EQR with respect to this Agreement and any other agreements to
which it is a party. Wellsford will not seek recourse or commence any action
against any of the shareholders of EQR or any of their personal assets, and will
not commence any action for money judgments against any of the trustees or
officers of EQR or seek recourse against any of their personal assets, for the
performance or payment of any obligation of EQR hereunder or thereunder.
56
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EQR and Wellsford have caused this Agreement to be
signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized all as of the date
first written above.
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
TRUST
By:/s/ Douglas J. Crocker II
------------------------------------------
Name: Douglas J. Crocker II
-------------------------------------
Title: Chief Executive Officer & President
------------------------------------
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
TRUST
By:/s/ Edward Lowenthal
------------------------------------------
Name: Edward Lowenthal
-------------------------------------
Title: President
------------------------------------
57
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT "G"
-----------
ADJUSTMENT TO EXCHANGE RATIO
----------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF AVERAGE PRICE IS: EXCHANGE RATIO IS:
-------------------- ------------------
<S> <C>
$40.000 0.625
$39.875 0.627
$39.750 0.629
$39.625 0.631
$39.500 0.633
$39.375 0.635
$39.250 0.637
$39.125 0.639
$39.000 0.641
$38.875 0.643
$38.750 0.645
$38.625 0.647
$38.500 0.649
$38.375 0.651
$38.250 0.654
$38.125 0.656
$38.000 0.658
$37.875 0.659
$37.750 0.660
$37.625 0.661
$37.500 0.662
$37.375 0.663
$37.250 0.664
$37.125 0.665
$37.000 0.666
</TABLE>
G-1
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
ARTICLES OF MERGER
------------------
Wellsford Residential Property Trust, a Maryland real estate investment
trust ("Wellsford"), and Equity Residential Properties Trust, a Maryland real
estate investment trust ("Equity"), certify to the State Department of
Assessments and Taxation of Maryland:
1. The Merger. Equity and Wellsford agree to merge in the manner
hereinafter set forth. Subject to the acceptance for record of these Articles
by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the
"Department"), Equity shall be merged with and into Wellsford in accordance with
Section 8.501.1 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated
Code of Maryland (the "Maryland Code"), and the separate existence of Equity
shall thereupon cease (the "Merger").
2. The Surviving Trust. Wellsford is the real estate investment trust to
survive the Merger and shall be known as Equity Residential Properties Trust.
When used in these Articles, the term "Surviving Trust" shall mean Wellsford,
thereinafter known as "Equity Residential Properties Trust", as the trust
surviving in the Merger as of the Effective Time (as defined below) and
thereafter.
3. Formation. Both Wellsford and Equity are formed under Title 8 of the
Maryland Code.
4. Principal Offices. The principal office of each of Wellsford and
Equity in the State of Maryland is located in Baltimore City.
5. Ownership of Land Interests. Equity owns interests in land in the
following counties located within the State of Maryland: Montgomery, Prince
George, Anne Arundel and Fredrick County.
6. Declaration of Trust. Effective as of the Effective Time, the Amended
and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Surviving Trust (the "Declaration")
shall be amended and restated in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit "A" to
these Articles, until duly amended in accordance with its terms and applicable
law. The name and address of the Surviving Trust's Resident Agent is as set
forth in Section 1.2 of Exhibit "A".
<PAGE>
7. Effective Time. The Merger shall be effective at the time the
Department accepts these Articles for Record (the "Effective Time") (The date on
which the Effective Time occurs is herein referred to as the "Effective Date").
8. Effects. The Merger shall have the effects specified in Section
8.501.1(n) of the Maryland Code. If at any time the Surviving Trust shall
consider or be advised that any further assignments, conveyances or assurances
in law are necessary or desirable to vest, perfect or confirm in the Surviving
Trust the title to any property or rights of Equity or Wellsford or otherwise to
carry out the provisions hereof, the persons who are the proper officers and
trustees of Equity or Wellsford immediately prior to the Effective Time (or
their successors in office) shall execute and deliver any and all proper deeds,
assignments and assurances in law, and do all things necessary or proper, to
vest, perfect or confirm title to such property or rights in the Surviving Trust
and otherwise to carry out the provisions hereof. The Surviving Trust shall be
governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.
9. Approval of Merger. The terms and conditions of the Merger were duly
advised, authorized and approved by Equity in the manner and by the vote
required by the laws of the State of Maryland and the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust of Equity as follows:
(a) The Board of Trustees of Equity, at a meeting duly called and
held, adopted a resolution declaring that the terms and
conditions of the Merger described herein were advisable and
directing that the proposed transaction be submitted for
consideration by the shareholders of Equity.
(b) The shareholders of Equity entitled to vote on the proposed
merger, at a meeting duly called and held, adopted a resolution
approving the Merger.
The terms and conditions of the Merger were duly advised, authorized
and approved by the Wellsford in the manner and by the vote required by the laws
of the State of Maryland and the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
Wellsford as follows:
(a) The Board of Trustees of Wellsford, at a meeting duly called and
held, adopted a resolution declaring that the terms and
conditions of the Merger described herein were advisable and
directing that the proposed transaction be submitted for
consideration by the shareholders of Wellsford.
(b) The shareholders of Wellsford entitled to vote on the proposed
merger, at a meeting duly called and held, adopted a resolution
approving the Merger.
2
<PAGE>
10. Trustees. As of the Effective Time, the trustees of the Surviving
Trust and their terms of office shall be as set forth on Exhibit "B" attached
hereto. If any of the individuals named in Exhibit "B" are unable to serve as a
trustee of the Surviving Trust at the Effective Time, his successor will be
nominated and elected in accordance with the Bylaws of the Surviving Trust.
11. Capital.
(a) Wellsford's Declaration authorizes the issuance of 100,000,000
shares of beneficial interest, which consists of common shares, $.01 par
value per share ("Wellsford Common") and such other types or classes as the
trustees may create and authorize from time to time. Wellsford has
established the following classes of preferred shares: (i) 4,600,000
shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par
value $.01 per share ("Wellsford Series A") and (ii) 2,300,000 shares of
Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par
value $.01 per share ("Wellsford Series B").
(b) Equity's Declaration authorizes the issuance of 110,000,000
shares, of which 100,000,000 are common shares, $.01 par value per share
("Equity Common"), and 10,000,000 are preferred shares. Equity has
established the following series of preferred shares: (i) 6,900,000 shares
of 9-3/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest, par value $.01 per share ("Equity Series A"); (ii) 575,000 shares
of 9-1/8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest, par value $.01 per share ("Equity Series B"); and (iii) 460,000
shares of 9-1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares, par value
$.01 per share ("Equity Series C").
(c) Effective at the Effective Time, the Declaration of the Surviving
Trust will be amended and restated to, among other things, increase the
number of authorized shares of beneficial interest to 300,000,000, of which
200,000,000 shall be common shares ("Survivor Common") and 100,000,000
shall be preferred shares. Shares of Survivor Common will have a par value
of $.01 per share. The Declaration of the Surviving Trust will establish
the following classes of preferred shares: (i) 6,900,000 shares of 9 3/8%
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par
value $.01 per share ("Survivor Series A"); (ii) 575,000 shares of 9 1/8%
Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par
value $.01 per share ("Survivor Series B"); (iii) 460,000 shares of 9 1/8%
Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares, par value $.01 per share
("Survivor Series C"); (iv) 4,600,000 shares of Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share
("Survivor Series D"); and (v) 2,300,000 shares of Series E Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per
share ("Survivor Series E").
3
<PAGE>
12. Conversion. The manner of converting the shares of Wellsford and
Equity shall be as follows:
(a) At the Effective Time, each share of Equity Common outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time shall without any action on the
part of the holder thereof, be converted in the Merger into, and continue
as, one legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable common
share of Survivor Common.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 12(j) hereof, at the
Effective Time, each share of Wellsford Common outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time shall, without any action on the part of the
holder thereof, be converted into 0.625 of a share of Survivor Common.
(c) At the Effective Time, each share of Equity Series A shall,
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted in the
Merger into, and continue as, one share of Survivor Series A.
(d) At the Effective Time, each share of Equity Series B shall,
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, and be converted in
the Merger into, and continue as, one share of Survivor Series B.
(e) At the Effective Time, each share of Equity Series C shall,
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, be converted in the
Merger into, and continue as, one share of Survivor Series C.
(f) At the Effective Time, each share of Wellsford Series A shall,
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, continue as a
preferred share of the Surviving Trust with its same preferences, rights
and powers, and be converted in the Merger into one share of Survivor
Series D.
(g) At the Effective Time, each share of Wellsford Series B shall,
without any action on the part of the holder thereof, continue as a
preferred share of the Surviving Trust with its same preferences, rights
and powers, and be converted in the Merger into one share of Survivor
Series E.
(h) At the Effective Time, each certificate representing outstanding
shares of Equity Common, Equity Series A, Equity Series B and Equity Series
C will, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, thereafter
represent an equal number of shares of Survivor Common, Survivor Series A,
Survivor Series B or Survivor Series C, as the case may be.
4
<PAGE>
(i) At the Effective Time, each share of Wellsford Common shall cease
to be outstanding and shall be cancelled and retired, and each holder of a
certificate representing such shares of Wellsford Common shall thereafter
cease to have any rights with respect to such shares, except the right to
receive, without interest, the Survivor Common as calculated pursuant to
Section 12(b) above and cash in lieu of fractional shares of the Survivor
Common in accordance with Section 12(j), upon the surrender of such
Wellsford certificate. At the Effective Time each certificate representing
outstanding shares of Wellsford Series A and Wellsford Series B will cease
to have any rights with respect to such shares, except the right to receive
a certificate of the Surviving Trust representing an equal number of
Survivor Series D or Survivor Series E, as the case may be.
(j) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, no fractional shares
of Survivor Common shall be issued in connection with the Merger. Instead,
each holder of outstanding Wellsford Common having a fractional interest
arising upon the conversion or exchange of such shares in connection with
the Merger shall, at the time of surrender of its Wellsford certificate, be
paid an amount in cash equal to the Closing Price (as hereinafter defined)
multiplied by the fraction of a share of Survivor Common to which such
holder would otherwise be entitled. No such holder shall be entitled to
dividends or other distributions, voting rights or any other shareholder
rights in respect of any fractional share. For purposes of this Section
12(j), "Closing Price" shall mean the unweighted average closing price of a
share of Equity Common (as reported in the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Composite Tape) for the five (5) Trading Days immediately preceding the
Effective Date, and "Trading Day" shall mean any day on which Equity Common
is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and reported on its Composite
Tape.
(k) At the Effective Time, each outstanding option to acquire shares
of Wellsford Common shall be converted and exchanged, without any action on
the part of the holder thereof, into (i) an option to acquire, upon payment
of the exercise price (which shall equal the exercise price per share for
the option immediately prior to the Merger, divided by the Exchange Ratio
(as defined in the Merger Agreement) multiplied by the number of shares to
which the option relates), the number of shares of Survivor Common the
option holder would have received pursuant to the Merger if the holder had
exercised his or her option immediately prior thereto, rounded to the next
lowest whole number and (ii) cash in lieu of the portion of any option that
would have related to any fractional shares of Survivor Common absent the
rounding required by the previous clause; provided, however, that in
respect of any stock option which is an "incentive stock option" within the
meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
("Code"), the conversion hereinabove provided for shall comply with the
requirements of Section 424(a) of the Code, including the requirement that
such converted options shall not give to the holder thereof any benefits
additional to those
5
<PAGE>
which such holder had prior to such conversion under the option as
originally granted. The amount payable in lieu of the portion of any
option that would have related to each fractional share pursuant to this
Section 12(m) shall be payable on the Effective Date, and shall be
calculated by applying the formula set forth in Section 12(j) hereof to
that fraction of Survivor Common which the holder would otherwise have been
entitled and reducing such calculated amount by an amount equal to the
exercise price per share for the options as adjusted in clause (i) above
times the fraction of unit of Survivor Common to which such holder would
otherwise have been entitled.
(l) As of the date hereof, Equity has in effect the Second Amended
and Restated 1993 Share Option and Share Award Plan (the "1993 Plan") and
the 1996 Non-Qualified Employee Share Purchase Plan (the "1996 Plan", and,
collectively with the 1993 Plan, the "Equity Plans"). The Equity Plans
shall continue in existence in full force and effect in accordance with
their terms following the Effective Time as share option plans of the
Surviving Trust and all options issued under the Equity Plans outstanding
as of the Effective Time shall continue in full force and effect in
accordance with its terms as options to purchase shares of the Surviving
Trust.
13. Exchange of Certificates.
(a) As of the Effective Time, Equity shall deposit, or shall cause to
be deposited, with an exchange agent selected by Equity (the "Exchange
Agent"), for the benefit of the holders of certificates (the "Wellsford
Certificates") representing Wellsford Common, Wellsford Series A and
Wellsford Series B (collectively, the "Wellsford Shares") for exchange in
accordance with this Section 13, certificates (the "Survivor Certificates")
representing Survivor Common, Survivor Series D and Survivor Series E
(collectively, the "Survivor Shares") to be issued pursuant to this Section
13.
(b) Promptly after the Effective Time, the Surviving Trust shall
cause the Exchange Agent to mail to each holder of record of Wellsford
Shares a letter of transmittal which shall specify (i) that delivery shall
be effected, and risk of loss and title to Wellsford Certificates shall
pass, only upon delivery of such Wellsford Certificates to the Exchange
Agent, and shall be in such form and have such other provisions as the
Surviving Trust may reasonably specify, and (ii) instructions for use in
effecting the surrender of such Wellsford Certificates in exchange for
Survivor Certificates and cash in lieu of fractional shares. Upon surrender
of a Wellsford Certificate for cancellation to the Exchange Agent, duly
executed and completed in accordance with the instructions thereto,
together with such letter of transmittal, the holder of such Wellsford
Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor (x) a
Survivor Certificate representing the number of whole shares of Survivor
Shares and (y) a check representing the amount of cash in lieu of
fractional shares of Survivor Common, if any, and unpaid dividends and
distributions, if any, which such holder has the right to receive pursuant
to the provisions of Section 13(c) in respect of the Wellsford Certificate
surrendered, after
6
<PAGE>
giving effect to any required withholding tax, and the Wellsford
Certificate so surrendered shall forthwith be cancelled. No interest will
be paid or accrued on the cash in lieu of fractional shares of Survivor
Common and unpaid dividends and distributions, if any, payable to holders
of Wellsford Certificates. In the event of a transfer of ownership of
Wellsford Shares which is not registered in the transfer records of
Wellsford, a Survivor Certificate representing the proper number of
Survivor Shares, together with a check for the cash to be paid in lieu of
any fractional shares of Survivor Common, if any, and unpaid dividends and
distributions, if any, which such holder has the right to receive pursuant
to the provisions of Section 13(c) in respect of the Wellsford Certificate
so surrendered, after giving effect to any required withholding tax, may be
issued to such a transferee if the Wellsford Certificate is presented to
the Exchange Agent, accompanied by all documents required to evidence and
effect such transfer and to evidence that any applicable stock transfer
taxes have been paid. All Wellsford Certificates so surrendered will be
cancelled forthwith. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Exchange
Agent nor any party hereto shall be liable to a holder of Wellsford Shares
for any Survivor Shares or dividends or other distributions thereon, or
cash in lieu of any fractional Survivor Common, delivered to a public
official pursuant to applicable escheat law.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles of Merger,
no dividends or other distributions on Survivor Shares shall be paid with
respect to any Wellsford Shares represented by a Wellsford Certificate
until such Wellsford Certificate is surrendered for exchange as provided
herein. Subject to the effect of applicable laws, following surrender of
any such Wellsford Certificate, there shall be paid to the holder of the
Survivor Certificate issued in exchange therefor, without interest, (i) at
the time of such surrender, the amount of dividends or other distributions
with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore payable with
respect to such whole shares of Survivor Shares and not paid, less the
amount of any withholding taxes which may be required thereon, and (ii) at
the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other
distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to
surrender and a payment date subsequent to surrender payable with respect
to such whole shares of Survivor Shares, less the amount of any withholding
taxes which may be required thereon.
(d) At and after the Effective Time, there shall be no transfers on
the share transfer books of Wellsford of the Wellsford Shares which were
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time. If, after the
Effective Time, Wellsford Certificates are presented to the Surviving
Trust, they shall be cancelled and exchanged for certificates representing
Survivor Shares and cash in lieu of fractional Survivor Common, if any, and
unpaid dividends and distributions deliverable in respect thereof pursuant
to these Articles of Merger in accordance with the procedures set forth in
this Section 13. Wellsford Certificates surrendered for exchange by any
person constituting an "affiliate" of Wellsford for purposes of Rule 145(c)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
7
<PAGE>
"Securities Act"), shall not be exchanged until the Surviving Trust has
received a written agreement from such person as provided in Section 5.4 of
the Merger Agreement.
(e) Any portion of the Survivor Certificates made available to the
Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 13(a) which remains unclaimed by the
holders of Wellsford Shares for one hundred twenty (120) days after the
Effective Time shall be delivered to the Surviving Trust, upon demand of
the Surviving Trust, and any former shareholders of Wellsford who have not
theretofore complied with this Section 13 shall look only to the Surviving
Trust for payment of their shares of Survivor Shares, cash in lieu of
fractional shares and unpaid dividends and distributions on the Survivor
Shares deliverable in respect of each share of Wellsford Shares such
shareholder holds as determined pursuant to these Articles, in each case,
without any interest thereon.
(f) None of Wellsford, Equity, the Exchange Agent or any other person
shall be liable to any former holder of Wellsford Shares for any amount
properly delivered to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar laws.
(g) In the event any Wellsford Certificate shall have been lost,
stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the
person claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed and, if
required by the Surviving Trust, the posting by such person of a bond in
such reasonable amount as the Surviving Trust may direct as indemnity
against any claim that may be made against it with respect to such
Certificate, the Exchange Agent or the Surviving Trust will issue in
exchange for such lost, stolen or destroyed Wellsford Certificate the
Survivor Shares and cash in lieu of fractional Survivor Common, and unpaid
dividends and distributions on Survivor Shares as provided in Section
13(c), deliverable in respect thereof pursuant to these Articles.
14. Conditions. The obligations of the parties hereto to effect the
Merger as herein provided shall be subject to satisfaction, unless duly waived,
of the conditions set forth in that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
as of January 16, 1997, by and between Equity and Wellsford.
15. Amendment. The parties hereto may amend, modify or supplement these
Articles in whole or in part and in such manner as may be agreed upon by them in
writing at any time before or after the adoption of these Articles by the
shareholders contemplated hereby; provided, however, that after any such
shareholder approval, any such amendment will be subject to further approval of
such shareholders if such further approval is required under the Declaration of
Trust or Bylaws of Equity, or the Declaration of Trust or Bylaws of Wellsford,
as the case may be, or under applicable law.
16. Waiver. Any term or provision of these Articles (other than any
matter which cannot under applicable law be waived) may be waived in writing at
any time by the party which
8
<PAGE>
is, or whose shareholders are, entitled to the benefits thereof. The failure of
any party at any time or times to require performance of any provision hereof
shall in no manner affect such party's right at a later time to enforce the
same. No waiver by any party of a condition or of the breach of these Articles,
whether by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances shall be deemed to
be construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such condition or breach
or a waiver of any other condition or of the breach of any other term, covenant,
representation or warranty of these Articles.
17. Notice. Any notice or other communication required or permitted under
these Articles shall be given, and shall be effective, in accordance with the
provisions of the Merger Agreement.
18. Governing Law. These Articles shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland.
19. Counterparts. These Articles may be executed in multiple
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which
together shall constitute one agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Each of Equity and Wellsford have caused these Articles
of Merger to be signed in its name by the undersigned and attested to on this
_________ day of ___________________, 1997, and each of the undersigned
acknowledges these Articles of Merger to be the trust act of the entity on whose
behalf he has signed, and as to all matters or facts required to be verified
under oath, each of the undersigned acknowledges that to the best of his
knowledge, information, and belief, the matters and facts relating to the real
estate investment trust on behalf of which he has signed are true in all
material respects and this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
Equity Residential Properties Trust Wellsford Residential Property Trust
By:________________________________ By:__________________________________
Title:____________________________ Title:___________________________
Attest:____________________________ Attest:______________________________
9
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
---------
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
DECLARATION OF TRUST
--------------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
---------
TRUSTEES OF SURVIVING TRUST
---------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Trustee Term Expires
- ------- ------------
<S> <C>
Samuel Zell 1999
Douglas Crocker II 1998
Sheli Z. Rosenberg 1998
Gerald A. Spector 1997
James D. Harper, Jr. 1998
Errol R. Halperin 1999
Barry S. Sternlicht 1997
John W. Alexander 1999
B. Joseph White 1997
Henry H. Goldberg 1999
Jeffrey H. Lynford 1997
Edward Lowenthal 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C
[LETTERHEAD OF JP MORGAN]
January 16, 1997
The Board of Trustees
Equity Residential Properties Trust
Two North Riverside Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of
view, to Equity Residential Properties Trust (the "Company") of the
consideration proposed to be paid by the Company in connection with the proposed
merger (the "Merger") of the Company with Wellsford Residential Property Trust
(the "Seller"). Pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of
January 16, 1997 (the "Agreement"), between the Company and the Seller, each
share of common beneficial interest of the Seller, $0.01 par value per share,
will be converted into 0.625 shares of common beneficial interest of the
surviving trust, subject to adjustment as provided in the Agreement, after
distribution of Newco (as defined in the Agreement). In addition, the Company
will pay certain amounts to key executives of the Seller in compensation,
benefits, payments, accelerations, share options and share appreciation rights,
as more particularly described in the Agreement.
In arriving at our opinion set forth below, we have reviewed, among other
things: (i) the Agreement; (ii) certain publicly available information
concerning the business of the Seller and of certain other companies engaged in
businesses comparable to those of the Seller, and the reported market prices for
certain other companies' securities deemed comparable; (iii) publicly available
terms of certain transactions involving companies comparable to the Seller and
the consideration received for such companies; (iv) current and historical
market prices of the common stock of the Company and the Seller; (v) audited
financial statements of the Company and the Seller for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1995, and unaudited financial statements of the Company and the
Seller for the nine months ended September 30, 1996; (vi) certain agreements
with respect to outstanding indebtedness or obligations of the Company and the
Seller; (vii) certain internal financial analyses and estimates of budgeted 1997
funds from operations and net operating income prepared by the Company and the
Seller and their respective managements; and (viii) the terms of other business
combinations that we deemed relevant.
In addition, we have held discussions with certain members of the management of
the Company and the Seller with respect to certain aspects of the Merger, and
the past and current business operations of the Company and the Seller, the
financial condition and future prospects and operations of the Company and the
Seller, the effects of the Merger on the financial condition and future
prospects of the Company and the Seller, and certain other matters we believed
necessary or appropriate to our inquiry. We have reviewed such other
<PAGE>
[LOGO JP MORGAN]
-2-
financial studies and analyses and considered such other information as we
deemed appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.
In giving our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed, without independent
verification, the accuracy and completeness of all information that was publicly
available or was furnished to us by the Company and the Seller or otherwise
reviewed by us, and we have not assumed any responsibility or liability
therefor. We have not conducted any valuation or appraisal of any assets or
liabilities, nor have any such valuations or appraisals been provided to us. In
relying on financial analyses and forecasts provided to us, we have assumed that
they have been reasonably prepared based on assumptions reflecting the best
currently available estimates and judgments by management as to the expected
future results of operations and financial condition of the Company and the
Seller to which such analyses or forecasts relate. We have also assumed that the
Merger will have the tax consequences described in discussions with, and
materials furnished to us by, representatives of the Company, and that the other
transactions contemplated by the Agreement will be consummated as described in
the Agreement. We have relied as to all legal matters relevant to rendering our
opinion upon the advice of counsel.
Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as in
effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. It
should be understood that subsequent developments may affect this opinion and
that we do not have any obligation to update, revise, or reaffirm this opinion.
We are expressing no opinion herein as to the price at which the Company's or
the Seller's stock will trade at any future time.
In addition, we were not requested to and did not provide advice concerning the
structure, the specific amount of the consideration, or any other aspects of the
Merger, or to provide services other than the delivery of this opinion. We did
not participate in negotiations with respect to the terms of the Merger and
related transactions. Consequently, we have assumed that such terms are the most
beneficial terms from the Company's perspective that could under the
circumstances be negotiated among the parties to such transactions.
We will receive a fee from the Company for the delivery of this opinion. Our
affiliate, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, is a co-agent on the
Company's revolving credit facility. We have also provided other financial
advisory services to the Company and its affiliates in the past and have
received fees for such services. In the ordinary course of their businesses, our
affiliates may actively trade the debt and equity securities of the Company or
the Seller for their own account or for the accounts of customers and,
accordingly, they may at any time hold long or short positions in such
securities.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion as of the date
hereof that the consideration to be paid by the Company in connection with the
proposed Merger is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Company.
<PAGE>
[LOGO JP MORGAN]
-3-
This letter is provided to the Board of Trustees of the Company in connection
with and for the purposes of its evaluation of the Merger. This opinion does not
constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of the Company as to how such
stockholder should vote with respect to the Merger. This opinion may not be
disclosed, referred to, or communicated (in whole or in part) to any third party
for any purpose whatsoever except with our prior written consent in each
instance. This opinion may be reproduced in full in any proxy or information
statement mailed to stockholders of the Company but may not otherwise be
disclosed publicly in any manner without our prior written approval and must
otherwise be treated as confidential.
Very truly yours,
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
By: /s/ Nicholas B. Paumgarten
--------------------------
Name: Nicholas B. Paumgarten
Title: Managing Director
<PAGE>
APPENDIX D
[LETTERHEAD OF MERRILL LYNCH]
January 16, 1997
Board of Trustees
Wellsford Residential Property Trust
610 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10020
Gentlemen:
Wellsford Residential Property Trust (the "Company") and Equity Residential
Properties Trust ("Equity Residential") have entered into an agreement dated
January 16, 1997 (the "Agreement") pursuant to which Equity Residential will be
merged with and into the Company in a transaction (the "Merger") in which each
common share of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share, of Equity
Residential (the "Shares") will be converted into the right to receive 1 common
share of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the
"Company Shares") and each Company Share outstanding immediately prior to the
effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time") will be converted into the
right to receive 0.625 (the "Exchange Ratio") Company Shares (the Company Shares
issued to the holders of Company Shares outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time are referred to herein as the "Surviving Company Shares"). In the
event that the average of the closing prices of the Shares for the twenty
consecutive trading days ending on the fifth trading day prior to the date of
the joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be used to solicit the votes of
the shareholders of the Company and Equity Residential to approve the Merger is
less than $40.00 per share but not less than $37.00 per Share, the Exchange
Ratio shall be incrementally adjusted as set forth in Exhibit "G" to the
Agreement. We understand that in the event Equity Residential and the Company
receive a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and opinions of counsel to
the effect that a merger of the Company into Equity Residential will not
adversely affect the tax-free nature of the Merger, the Company and Equity
Residential will amend the Agreement to provide that the Merger will be
restructured such that the Company will be merged with and into Equity
Residential, as a result of which each Company Share would be converted into the
right to receive 0.625 Shares, subject to adjustment to give effect to the
adjustment provision described above, and each Share outstanding immediately
prior to the Effective Time would remain outstanding and unaffected by the
Merger (the Shares issuable to the holders of Company Shares in such event are
referred to herein as the "Reverse Merger Shares").
We further understand that the Agreement provides, and for purposes of
arriving at the opinion expressed below we have assumed, that immediately prior
to the Merger the Company will contribute certain assets and assign certain
obligations to its wholly owned subsidiary Wellsford Real Properties, Inc., a
Maryland corporation ("Newco"), pursuant to a contribution, distribution and
assumption agreement to be entered into between the Company and Newco
immediately prior to the Effective Time (the "Contribution Agreement"), and that
the Company will declare a special dividend consisting of all outstanding shares
of Newco common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Newco Common Stock"),
owned by it and that such dividend will be distributed pro rata to the Company's
existing shareholders immediately prior to the Merger (the "Distribution"). You
have advised us that the Distribution will result in the imposition of federal
income tax liability to the Company's shareholders. In addition, pursuant to the
Agreement, ERP Operating Limited
<PAGE>
2
Partnership, an Illinois limited partnership of which Equity Residential is the
sole general partner ("Equity Residential OP"), and Newco will enter into a
preferred stock and common stock purchase agreement immediately prior to the
Effective Time (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") pursuant to which Equity
Residential OP has agreed to purchase (i) on the closing date under the Stock
Purchase Agreement a number of shares of Newco Class A common stock determined
in accordance with Section 2.1 of the Stock Purchase Agreement for an aggregate
purchase price of $3,500,000 in cash and (ii) from time to time as requested by
Newco up to the third anniversary of the closing date under the Stock Purchase
Agreement, a maximum of $25,000,000 of Newco's Series A Convertible Redeemable
Preferred Stock on the terms and conditions set forth in the Stock Purchase
Agreement. The terms and conditions of the Merger and the Distribution are more
fully set forth in the Agreement, the Contribution Agreement and the Stock
Purchase Agreement.
You have asked us whether, in our opinion, the proposed consideration
(defined as the Newco Common Stock received in the Distribution plus the
Surviving Company Shares or the Reverse Merger Shares, as applicable) to be
received by the holders of the Company Shares pursuant to the Merger and the
Distribution is fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view.
In arriving at the opinion set forth below, we have, among other things:
1. Reviewed the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and related
financial information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, and
the Company's Forms 10-Q and the related unaudited financial
information for the quarterly periods ending March 31, 1996, June 30,
1996 and September 30, 1996;
2. Reviewed Equity Residential's Annual Report on Form 10-K and related
financial information for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, and
Equity Residential's Forms 10-Q and the related unaudited financial
information for the quarterly periods ending March 31, 1996, June 30,
1996 and September 30, 1996;
3. Reviewed certain information, including certain financial forecasts
and assumptions, relating to the business, earnings, cash flow, assets
and prospects of (i) the Company and Newco and (ii) Equity
Residential, furnished to us by the Company and Equity Residential,
respectively;
4. Reviewed estimates of prospective synergies resulting from the Merger
prepared by the managements of the Company and Equity Residential and
discussed such estimates with the managements of both companies;
5. Conducted discussions with members of senior management of the Company
and Equity Residential concerning the respective businesses and
prospects of (i) the Company and Newco and (ii) Equity Residential;
6. Reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for the
Shares and the Company Shares and compared them with that of certain
publicly traded companies which we deemed to be reasonably similar to
Equity Residential and the Company, respectively;
7. Compared the results of operations of Equity Residential and the
Company with that of certain companies which we deemed to be
reasonably similar to Equity Residential and the Company,
respectively;
<PAGE>
3
8. Compared the proposed financial terms of the Merger with the financial
terms of certain other mergers and acquisitions which we deemed to be
relevant;
9. Considered the pro forma effect of the Merger on the combined entity's
capitalization ratios and earnings, cash flow and book value per
share;
10. Reviewed the Agreement;
11. Reviewed the financial terms of the Distribution as set forth in the
Agreement and the forms of Contribution Agreement and Stock Purchase
Agreement attached as exhibits thereto; and
12. Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and performed such
other investigations and took into account such other matters as we
deemed necessary, including our assessment of general economic, market
and monetary conditions.
In preparing our opinion, we have relied on the accuracy and completeness
of all information supplied or otherwise made available to us by the Company and
Equity Residential, and we have not independently verified such information or
undertaken an independent appraisal or evaluation of the assets or liabilities
of the Company or Equity Residential. With respect to the financial forecasts
and estimates of prospective synergies resulting from the Merger furnished by
the Company and the financial forecasts, assumptions and estimates of
prospective synergies resulting from the Merger furnished by Equity Residential,
we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared and reflect the best
currently available estimates and judgment of the Company's or Equity
Residential's management as to the expected future financial performance of the
Company, Newco or Equity Residential, as the case may be. We have further
assumed that the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization to the
Company's shareholders (except to the extent, if any, of cash received in lieu
of fractional shares). In addition, we have further assumed that the
Distribution will be consummated without any material modification to the terms
set forth in the forms of Contribution Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement
reviewed by us.
In connection with the preparation of this opinion, we have not been
authorized to, and did not, solicit indications of interest from third parties
to purchase the outstanding Company Shares or otherwise enter into a business
combination with the Company. Our opinion expressed herein as to the fairness to
the Company's shareholders from a financial point of view of the proposed
consideration to be received by the holders of the Company Shares addresses the
ownership position in the combined entity to be received by the Company's
shareholders pursuant to the Merger on the terms set forth in the Agreement
based upon the relative contributions of the Company and Equity Residential to
the combined entity and after giving effect to the Distribution, and we express
no opinion as to prices at which the Company Shares (or, if applicable, the
Shares) and the Newco Common Stock will trade following the consummation of the
Distribution and the Merger or prices which could be obtained for the Company
Shares (or, if applicable, the Shares) in a sale of the combined entity
following the consummation of the Merger. In addition, our opinion does not
address the relative merits of the Merger and alternative business combinations
with third parties.
This opinion is addressed to the Board of Trustees of the Company and does
not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder as to how such shareholder
should vote on the proposed Merger.
We have in the past provided financial advisory and financing services to
both the Company and Equity Residential and have received fees for the rendering
of such services. In the ordinary course of our business,
<PAGE>
4
we actively trade in the securities of the Company and Equity Residential for
our own account and the accounts of our customers and, accordingly, may at any
time hold a long or short position in such securities.
On the basis of, and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that
the proposed consideration to be received by the holders of the Company Shares
pursuant to the Merger and the Distribution is fair to such shareholders from a
financial point of view.
Very truly yours,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED
By: /s/ Michael F. Profenius
------------------------
Managing Director
Investment Banking Group
<PAGE>
Item 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Under Maryland law, a real estate investment trust formed in Maryland is
permitted to eliminate, by provision in its Declaration of Trust, the liability
of trustees and officers to the trust and its shareholders for money damages
except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or
profit in money, property or services or (b) acts or omissions established by a
final judgment as involving active and deliberate dishonesty and being material
to the matter giving rise to the proceeding. The Company's Declaration of Trust
includes such a provision eliminating such liability to the maximum extent
permitted by Maryland law.
The Maryland REIT law, effective October 1, 1994, permits a Maryland real
estate investment trust to indemnify and advance expenses to its trustees,
officers, employees and agents to the same extent as permitted by the MGCL for
directors and officers of Maryland corporations. In accordance with the MGCL,
the Company's bylaws require it to indemnify (a) any present or former trustee,
officer or shareholder or any individual who, while a trustee, officer of
shareholder, served or its serving as a trustee, officer, director, shareholder
or partner of another entity at the Company's express request who has been
successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of a proceeding to which
he was made a party by reason of service in such capacity, against reasonable
expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding, (b) any present or
former trustee or officer or any individual who, while a trustee or officer
served or is serving as a trustee, officer, director, shareholder or partner of
another entity at the Company's express request against any claim or liability
to which he may become subject by reason of service in such capacity unless it
is established that (i) his act or omission was material to the matter giving
rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of
active and delivered dishonesty, (ii) he actually received an improper personal
benefit in money, property or services or (iii) in the case of a criminal
proceeding, he had reasonable cause to believe that his act or omission was
unlawful and (c) any present or former shareholder against any claim or
liability to which he may become subject by reason of such status. In addition,
the Company's bylaws require it to pay or reimburse, in advance of final
disposition of a proceeding, reasonable expenses incurred by a present or former
trustee, officer or shareholder or any individual who, while a trustee, officer
or shareholder, served or is serving as a trustee, officer, director,
shareholder or partner of another entity at the Company's express request made a
party to a proceeding by reason of such status, provided that, in the case of a
trustee or officer, the Company shall have received (1) a written affirmation by
such person of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct
necessary for indemnification by the Company as authorized by the bylaws and (2)
a written undertaking by or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed
by the Company if it shall ultimately be determined that the applicable standard
of conduct was not met. The Company's bylaws also (x) permit the Company to
provide indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses to a present or
former trustee, officer or shareholder who served a predecessor of the Company
or to any employee or agent of the Company or a predecessor of the Company, (y)
provide that any indemnification and payment or reimbursement of the expenses
permitted by the bylaws shall be furnished in accordance with the procedures
provided for indemnification and payment or reimbursement of expenses under
Section 2-418 of the MGCL for directors of Maryland corporations and (z) permit
the Company to provide to the trustees and officers such other and further
indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses to the fullest extent
permitted by Section 2-418 of the MGCL for directors of Maryland corporations.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to trustees and officers of the Company pursuant to the
foregoing provisions or otherwise, the Company has been advised that, although
the validity and scope of the governing statute have not been tested in court,
in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification
is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In addition, indemnification may be limited by state securities
law.
<PAGE>
2
<PAGE>
* To be filed as an amendment to the Registration Statement
Item 22. Undertakings
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most
recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the
registration statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to
any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information
called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by
3
<PAGE>
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called
for by the other items of the applicable form.
(c) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus (A) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (a) immediately preceding, or (B) that purports to meet
the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with
an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as part of an
amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such
amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1993, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporation documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the
date of responding to the request.
(f) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
(g) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be
delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or
given, the latest annual report, to security holders that is incorporated by
reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the
requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by
Article 3 of Regulation S-X is not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or
cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given,
the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in
the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.
4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago, State of
Illinois, on April 4, 1997.
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
By:/s/ Douglas Crocker II
----------------------
Douglas Crocker II, President, Chief
Executive Officer and Trustee
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below, hereby constitutes and appoints Douglas Crocker II and Sheli Z.
Rosenberg, or either of them, his attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign
any or all amendments or post-effective amendments to this Registration
Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents
in connection therewith or in connection with the registration of the Securities
under the Exchange Act, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting
unto each of such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection
with such matters as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of such attorneys-in-
fact and agents or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
Name Title Date
- ---- ----- ----
/s/ Samuel Zell Chairman of the Board of Trustees April 4, 1997
- --------------------------
Samuel Zell
/s/ Douglas Crocker II President, Chief Executive Officer April 4, 1997
- -------------------------- and Trustee
Douglas Crocker II
/s/ David J. Neithercut Executive Vice President and Chief April 4, 1997
- -------------------------- Financial Officer
David J. Neithercut
/s/ Michael J. McHugh Senior Vice President, Chief April 4, 1997
- -------------------------- Accounting Officer and Treasurer
Michael J. McHugh
/s/ Gerald A. Spector Trustee April 4, 1997
- --------------------------
Gerald A. Spector
/s/ Sheli Z. Rosenberg Trustee April 4, 1997
- --------------------------
Sheli Z. Rosenberg
/s/ James D. Harper, Jr. Trustee April 4, 1997
- --------------------------
James D. Harper, Jr.
/s/ Errol R. Halperin Trustee April 4, 1997
- --------------------------
Errol R. Halperin
/s/ John Alexander Trustee April 4, 1997
- --------------------------
John Alexander
/s/ Barry S. Sternlicht Trustee April 4, 1997
- --------------------------
Barry S. Sternlicht
/s/ B. Joseph White Trustee April 1, 1997
- --------------------------
B. Joseph White
/s/ Henry H. Goldberg Trustee April 4, 1997
- --------------------------
Henry H. Goldberg
5
<PAGE>
Exhibit Index
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Equity Residential Properties
Trust and Wellsford Residential Property Trust (Included as Appendix A to
the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement)
2.2 Articles of Merger by and between Equity Residential Properties Trust and
Wellsford Residential Property Trust (Included as Appendix B to the
Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement)
5.1* Opinion of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll regarding legality of issued
shares
8.1* Opinion of Rudnick & Wolfe regarding certain tax aspects of the Merger
8.2* Opinion of Rudnick & Wolfe regarding REIT qualifications of the Surviving
Trust
8.3* Opinion of Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP regarding
certain tax aspects of the Merger
8.4* Opinion of Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP regarding REIT
qualifications of Wellsford
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (Chicago)
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (New York)
23.3 Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
23.4 Consent of Rudnick & Wolfe (included in Exhibits 8.1 and 8.2 hereof)
23.5 Consent of Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP (included in
Exhibits 8.3 and 8.4 hereof)
23.6 Consent of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll (included in Exhibit 5.1
hereof)
23.7 Consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
23.8 Consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
99.1 Proposed Form of Declaration of Trust of the Surviving Trust and additional
provisions thereto
99.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Surviving Trust
99.3 Form of Proxy Card for Special Meeting of Shareholders of Equity
Residential Properties Trust
99.4 Form of Proxy Card for Special Meeting of Shareholders of Wellsford
Residential Property Trust
99.5 Opinion of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. (Included as Appendix C to the
Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement)
99.6 Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (Included as
Appendix D to the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement)
99.7 Consent of Persons named to become trustees
* To be filed as an amendment to the Registration Statement
6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of Equity Residential
Properties Trust for the registration of 13,095,727 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 12,
1997, except for Note 19, as to which the date is March 20, 1997, with respect
to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Equity Residential
Properties Trust included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K/A), as amended, for
the year ended December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 4, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.2
Consent of Independent Auditors
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Equity Residential Properties Trust and Wellsford Residential Property Trust
Joint Proxy Statement/Equity Residential Properties Trust Prospectus/Wellsford
Real Properties, Inc. Information Statement, and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated February 10, 1997, (except for Note 13, as
to which the date is February 28, 1997), with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Wellsford Residential Property Trust and
subsidiaries included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and to the
inclusion therein of our report dated February 28, 1997, with respect to the
combined financial statements of The Predecessor to Wellsford Real Properties,
Inc.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
April 2, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We have issued our reports dated February 14, 1996, accompanying the
consolidated financial statements and schedule included in the Annual Report of
Equity Residential Properties Trust on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December
31, 1996. We hereby consent to the incorporation of said reports referenced in
the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Equity Residential Properties Trust
filed on April 4, 1997, and to the use of our name as it appears under the
caption "Experts".
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Chicago, Illinois
April 3, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.7
CONSENT OF J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
We hereby consent to (i) the use of our opinion letter dated January
16, 1997 to the Board of Trustees of Equity Residential Properties Trust (the
"Company") included in Appendix C to the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement relating to the proposed merger of
the Company and Wellsford Residential Property Trust, and (ii) the references to
such opinion in such Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement. In
giving such consent, we do not admit that we come within the category of persons
whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
thereunder, nor do we hereby admit that we are experts with respect to any part
of such Registration Statement within the meaning of the term "experts" as used
in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
By: /s/ Peter E. Baccile
-------------------------
Name: Peter E. Baccile
Title: Managing Director
April 2, 1997
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.8
April 3, 1997
Wellsford Residential Property Trust
610 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10020
Dear Sirs:
We hereby consent to the use of our opinion letter dated January 16,
1997 to the Board of Directors of Wellsford Residential Property Trust included
as Appendix D to the Joint proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement
which forms a part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 relating to the
proposed merger of Wellsford Residential Property Trust with Equity Residential
Properties Trust, and to the references to such opinion in such Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement under the captions "Summary-Reasons
for the Merger; Recommendations of the Board of Trustees," "Summary-Opinions
of Financial Advisors," "The Merger-Background of the Merger," "The Merger-
Reasons for the Merger; Recommendation of the Wellsford Board of Trustees" and
"The Merger-Opinion of Financial Advisor-Wellsford." In giving such consent,
we do not admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is
required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, nor do we
thereby admit that we are experts with respect to any part of such Registration
Statement within the meaning of the term "experts" as used in the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
INCORPORATED
By: /s/ Kurt Simon
-------------------------
Vice President
Investment Banking Group
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.1
Effective at the effective time of the merger (the "Merger") of Equity
Residential Properties Trust with Wellsford Residential Property Trust
("Wellsford"), the Declaration of the Surviving Trust will be amended and
restated in the following form. If the Additional Provisions attached hereto are
not approved by two-thirds of Wellsford's common shares, the underlined cross
references will be incorporated into the amendment and restatement; if the
Additional Provisions are approved by two-thirds or more of Wellsford's common
shares, the bracketed cross references will be incorporated in the Amendment and
Restatement in lieu of the underlined cross references.
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
-----------------------------------
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
Dated ______ __, 1997
This SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST is made as of
the date set forth above by the undersigned Trustees.
ARTICLE I
THE TRUST; CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.1 Name. The name of the trust (hereinafter called the
"Trust") is:
Equity Residential Properties Trust
SECTION 1.2 Resident Agent. The name and address of the resident
agent of the Trust in the State of Maryland are The Prentice-Hall Corporation
System, Maryland, 11 East Chase Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The Trust may
have such offices or places of business within or without the State of Maryland
as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
SECTION 1.3 Nature of Trust. The Trust is a real estate investment
trust within the meaning of Title 8 (as hereinafter defined).
<PAGE>
SECTION 1.4 Powers. The Trust shall have all of the powers granted
to real estate investment trusts generally by Title 8 and shall have any other
and further powers as are not inconsistent with Title 8 or any other applicable
law.
SECTION 1.5 Definitions. As used in this Declaration of Trust, the
following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context otherwise
requires:
"Affiliate" or "Affiliated" means, as to any corporation, partnership,
trust or other association (other than the Trust), any Person (i) that holds
beneficially, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of the outstanding stock or
equity interests thereof or (ii) who is an officer, director, partner or trustee
thereof or of any Person which controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such corporation, partnership, trust or other association or (iii)
which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such
corporation, partnership, trust or other association.
"Board of Trustees" means the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Declaration" or "Declaration of Trust" means this Second Amended and
Restated Declaration of Trust, including any amendments or supplements hereto.
"Person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, estate, trust
(including a trust qualified under Section 401(a) or 501(c)(17) of the Code), a
portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the
purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, association, private
foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company
or other entity, or any government and agency or political subdivision thereof.
"REIT Provisions of the Code" means Section 856 through 860 of the
Code and any successor or other provisions of the Code relating to real estate
investment trusts (including provisions as to the attribution of ownership of
beneficial interests therein) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Securities" means Shares (as hereinafter defined), any stock, shares
or other evidences of equity, beneficial or other interests, voting trust
certificates, bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness,
secured or unsecured, convertible, subordinated or otherwise, or in general any
instruments commonly known as "securities" or any certificates of interest,
shares or participations in, temporary or interim certificates for, receipts
for, guarantees of, or warrants, options or rights to subscribe to, purchase or
acquire, any of the foregoing.
"Securities of the Trust" means any Securities issued by the Trust.
"Shareholders" means holders of record of outstanding Shares.
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"Shares" means transferable shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
of any class or series.
"Title 8" means Title 8 of the Corporations and Associations Article
of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended, or any successor statute.
"Trustee" means, individually, an individual, and "Trustees" means,
collectively, the individuals, in each case as named in Section 2.2 of this
Declaration so long as they continue in office and any and all other individuals
who have been duly elected and qualify as trustees of the Trust hereunder.
"Trust Property" means any and all property, real, personal or
otherwise, tangible or intangible, which is transferred or conveyed to the Trust
or the Trustees (including all rents, income, profits and gains therefrom),
which is owned or held by, or for the account of, the Trust or the Trustees.
ARTICLE II
TRUSTEES
SECTION 2.1 Number. The number of Trustees initially shall be two,
which number may thereafter be increased or decreased by the Trustees then in
office from time to time; however, the total number of Trustees shall be not
less than two and not more than 15. No reduction in the number of Trustees shall
cause the removal of any Trustee from office prior to the expiration of his
term.
SECTION 2.2 Initial Board; Term. The names and addresses of the
Trustees who shall serve until the first annual meeting of Shareholders or such
time as specified below are:
Name
----
Samuel Zell
Douglas Crocker II
Sheli Z. Rosenberg
Gerald A. Spector
James D. Harper, Jr.
Errol R. Halperin
Barry S. Sternlicht
John W. Alexander
B. Joseph White
Henry H. Goldberg
Jeffrey H. Lynford
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<PAGE>
Edward Lowenthal
The Trustees shall be classified, with respect to the time for which
they severally hold office, into three classes, as nearly equal in number as
possible, one class to hold office initially for a term expiring at the annual
meeting of Shareholders to be held in 1997, another class to hold office
initially for a term expiring at the annual meeting of Shareholders to be held
in 1998 and another class to hold office initially for a term expiring at the
annual meeting of Shareholders to be held in 1999, with the members of each
class to hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualify. At
each annual meeting of the Shareholders, the successors to the class of Trustees
whose term expires at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term
expiring at the annual meeting of Shareholders held in the third year following
the year of their election and the other Trustees shall continue in office.
SECTION 2.3 Resignation, Removal or Death. Any Trustee may resign by
written notice to the remaining Trustees, effective upon execution and delivery
to the Trust of such written notice or upon any future date specified in the
notice. A Trustee may be removed, with or without cause, at a meeting of the
Shareholders called for that purpose, by the affirmative vote of the holders of
not less than two-thirds of the Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote in
the election of Trustees. Upon the resignation or removal of any Trustee, or his
otherwise ceasing to be a Trustee, he shall automatically cease to have any
right, title or interest in and to the Trust Property and shall execute and
deliver such documents as the remaining Trustees require for the conveyance of
any Trust Property held in his name, and shall account to the remaining Trustees
as they require for all property which he holds as Trustee. Upon the incapacity
or death of any Trustee, his legal representative shall perform those acts.
SECTION 2.4 Legal Title. Legal title to all Trust Property shall be
vested in the Trust, but it may cause legal title to any Trust Property to be
held by or in the name of any or all of the Trustees or any other Person as
nominee, in which case any right, title or interest of the Trustees in and to
the Trust Property shall automatically vest in successor and additional Trustees
upon their qualification and acceptance of election or appointment as Trustees,
and they shall thereupon have all the rights and obligations of Trustees,
whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and delivered pursuant
to Section 2.3 or otherwise. Written evidence of the qualification and
acceptance of election or appointment of successor and additional Trustees may
be filed with the records of the Trust and in such other offices, agencies or
places as the Trust or Trustees may deem necessary or desirable.
ARTICLE III
POWERS OF TRUSTEES
Subject to the express limitations herein or in the Bylaws, (1) the
business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed under the direction of the
Board of Trustees and (2) the Board of
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Trustees shall have full, exclusive and absolute power, control and authority
over the Trust Property and over the business of the Trust. The Board of
Trustees may take any actions as in its sole judgment and discretion are
necessary or desirable to conduct the business of the Trust. This Declaration of
Trust shall be construed with a presumption in favor of the grant of power and
authority to the Board of Trustees. Any construction of this Declaration or
determination made in good faith by the Board of Trustees concerning the powers
and authority of the Trust, the Shareholders, the Board of Trustees or the
offices of the Trust hereunder shall be conclusive. The powers of the Board of
Trustees shall in no way be limited or restricted by reference to or inference
from the terms of this or any other provision of this Declaration or construed
or deemed by inference or otherwise in any manner to exclude or limit the powers
conferred upon the Board of Trustees under the general laws of the State of
Maryland as now or hereafter in force. In the case of an ambiguity in the
application of any provision of this Declaration of Trust, including any
provision relating to share ownership and transfers, the Board of Trustees shall
have the power to determine the application of that provision (subject, however,
to the provisions of Section 6.6(d)(i)), and such determination shall be final
and conclusive for all purposes.
The Board of Trustees, without any action by the Shareholders, shall
have and may exercise, on behalf of the Trust, without limitation, the power to
terminate the status of the Trust as a real estate investment trust under the
Code; to determine that compliance with any restriction or limitations on
ownership and transfers of shares of the Trust's beneficial interest set forth
in Sections 6.6 and 6.8 of this Declaration of Trust is no longer required in
order for the Trust to qualify as a REIT; to adopt, amend and repeal Bylaws; to
elect officers in the manner prescribed in the Bylaws; to solicit proxies from
holders of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust; and to do any other acts
and deliver any other documents necessary or appropriate to the foregoing
powers.
ARTICLE IV
INVESTMENT POLICY
The fundamental investment policy of the Trust is to make investments
in such a manner as to comply with the REIT Provisions of the Code and with the
requirements of Title 8 with respect to the composition of the Trust's
investments and the derivation of its income. Subject to Section 6.10, the
Trustees shall use their best efforts to carry out this fundamental investment
policy and to conduct the affairs of the Trust in such a manner as to continue
to qualify the Trust for the tax treatment provided in the REIT Provisions of
the Code; provided, however, that no Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust shall be liable for any act or omission resulting in the loss of tax
benefits under the Code, except to the extent permitted in Section 11.2. The
Board of Trustees may change from time to time, by resolution or in the Bylaws
of the Trust, such investment policies as it determines to be in the best
interest of the Trust, including prohibitions or restrictions upon certain types
of investments.
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE V
SHARES
SECTION 5.1 Authorized Shares. The total number of Shares which the
Trust has authority to issue is 300,000,000 shares, of which 200,000,000 are
common shares, $0.01 par value per share (individually a "Common Share" or
collectively "Common Shares"), and 100,000,000 are preferred shares, $0.01 par
value per share ("Preferred Shares").
SECTION 5.2 Common Shares. Subject to the provisions of [Article
VII] Sections 6.6 and 6.8 regarding Excess Shares (as such term is defined
therein), each Common Share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote.
Holders of Common Shares shall not be entitled to cumulative voting.
SECTION 5.3 Preferred Shares. The Board of Trustees may classify any
unissued Preferred Shares and reclassify any previously classified but unissued
Preferred Shares of any series from time to time, in one or more series of
Shares.
SECTION 5.4 Classified or Reclassified Shares. Prior to issuance of
classified or reclassified Shares of any class or series, the Board of Trustees
by resolution shall (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from
all other classes and series of Shares; (b) specify the number of Shares to be
included in the class or series; (c) set, subject to the provisions of [Article
VII] Sections 6.6 and 6.8 and subject to the express terms of any class or
series of Shares outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each
class or series; and (d) cause the Trust to file articles supplementary with the
State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the "SDAT"). Any of
the terms of any class or series of Shares set pursuant to clause (c) of this
Section 5.4 may be made dependent upon facts ascertainable outside the
Declaration of Trust (including the occurrence of any event, determination or
action by the Trust, or any other person or body) and may vary among holders
thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts or variations shall
operate upon the terms of such class or series of Shares is clearly and
expressly set forth in the articles supplementary filed with the SDAT.
SECTION 5.5 Authorization by Board of Share Issuance. The Board of
Trustees may authorize the issuance from time to time of Shares of any class or
series, whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities or rights convertible
into Shares of any class or series, whether now or thereafter authorized, for
such consideration (whether in cash, property, past or future services,
obligation for future payment or otherwise) as the Board of Trustees may deem
advisable (or without consideration in the case of a Share split or Share
dividend), subject
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<PAGE>
to such restrictions or limitations, if any, as may be set forth in this
Declaration of Trust or the Bylaws of the Trust.
SECTION 5.6 Dividends and Distributions. The Board of Trustees may
from time to time authorize and declare such dividends or distributions, in cash
or other assets of the Trust or in securities of the Trust or from any other
source as the Board of Trustees in its discretion shall determine. The Board of
Trustees shall endeavor to authorize, declare and pay such dividends and
distributions as shall be necessary for the Trust to qualify as a real estate
investment trust under the Code; however, Shareholders shall have no right to
any dividend or distribution unless and until authorized and declared by the
Board. The exercise of the powers and rights of the Board of Trustees pursuant
to this Section 5.6 shall be subject to the provisions of any class or series of
Shares at the time outstanding. Notwithstanding any other provision in this
Declaration of Trust, no determination shall be made by the Board of Trustees
nor shall any transaction be entered into by the Trust which would cause any
Shares or other beneficial interest in the Trust not to constitute "transferable
shares" or "transferable certificates of beneficial interest" under Section
856(a)(2) of the Code or which would cause any distribution to constitute a
preferential dividend as described in Section 562(c) of the Code.
SECTION 5.7 General Nature of Shares. All Shares shall be personal
property entitling the Shareholders only to those rights provided in this
Declaration of Trust. The Shareholders shall have no interest in the property of
the Trust and shall have no right to compel any partition, division, dividend or
distribution of the Trust or of the property of the Trust. The death of a
Shareholder shall not terminate the Trust. The Trust is entitled to treat as
Shareholders only those persons in whose names Shares are registered as holders
of Shares on the beneficial interest ledger of the Trust.
SECTION 5.8 Fractional Shares. The Trust may, without the consent or
approval of any Shareholder, issue fractional Shares, eliminate a fraction of a
Share by rounding up or down to a full Share, arrange for the disposition of a
fraction of a Share by the person entitled to it, or pay cash for the fair value
of a fraction of a Share.
SECTION 5.9 Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. All persons who shall
acquire Shares shall acquire the same subject to the provisions of this
Declaration of Trust and the Bylaws of the Trust.
ARTICLE VI
PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING
AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE
TRUST AND OF THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
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<PAGE>
SECTION 6.1 Authorization by Board of Share Issuance. The Board of
Trustees may authorize the issuance from time to time of Shares of any class,
whether now or hereafter authorized, or securities convertible into Shares of
any class, whether now or hereafter authorized, for such consideration as the
Board of Trustees may deem advisable, subject to such restrictions or
limitations, if any, as may be set forth in this Declaration of Trust or in the
Bylaws of the Trust or in the general laws of the State of Maryland.
SECTION 6.2 Preemptive and Appraisal Rights. Except as may be
provided by the Board of Trustees in authorizing the issuance of Shares pursuant
to Sections 5.4 and 5.5, no holder of Shares shall, as such holder, (a) have any
preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any additional Shares or any other
security of the Trust which the Trust may issue or sell or (b), except as
expressly required by Title 8, have any right to require the Trust to pay him
the fair value of his Shares in an appraisal or similar proceeding.
SECTION 6.3 Advisor Agreements. Subject to such approval of the
Shareholders and other conditions, if any, as may be required by any applicable
statute, rule or regulation, the Board of Trustees may authorize the execution
and performance by the Trust of one or more agreements with any person,
corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or
other organization whereby, subject to the supervision and control of the Board
of Trustees, any such other person, corporation, association, company, trust,
partnership (limited or general) or other organization (the "Advisor") shall
render or make available to the Trust managerial, investment, advisory and/or
related services, office space and other services and facilities (including, if
deemed advisable by the Board of Trustees, the management or supervision of the
investments of the Trust) upon such terms and conditions as may be provided in
such agreement or agreements (including, if deemed fair and equitable by the
Board of Trustees, the compensation payable thereunder by the Trust).
SECTION 6.4 Related Party Transactions.
(a) Without limiting any other procedures available by law or
otherwise to the Trust, the Board of Trustees may authorize any agreement of the
character described in Section 6.3 or other transaction with any person,
corporation, association, company, trust, partnership (limited or general) or
other organization, although one or more of the Trustees or officers of the
Trust may be a party to any such agreement or an officer, director, stockholder
or member of such other party, and no such agreement or transaction shall be
invalidated or rendered void or voidable solely by reason of the existence of
any such relationship if the existence is disclosed or known to the Board of
Trustees, and the contract or transaction is approved by the Board of Trustees
(including the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested Trustees even
if they constitute less than a quorum of the Board). Any Trustee who is also a
director, officer, stockholder or member of such other entity may be counted in
determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Trustees
considering such matter.
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(b) Subsequent to the date hereof (the "Restriction Date") the
affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested Trustees (even if they
constitute less than a quorum of the Board) shall be required to approve the
purchase by the Trust or its subsidiaries of any properties under the direct or
indirect control of Samuel Zell or Starwood Capital Partners, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership, or in which he or it has a direct or indirect substantial
economic interest on the Restriction Date.
SECTION 6.5 Determinations by Board. The determination as to any of
the following matters, made in good faith by or pursuant to the direction of the
Board of Trustees consistent with this Declaration of Trust and in the absence
of actual receipt of an improper benefit in money, property or services or
active and deliberate dishonesty established by a court, shall be final and
conclusive and shall be binding upon the Trust and every holder of Shares: (a)
the amount of the net income of the Trust for any period and the amount of
assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, redemption of
Shares or the payment of other distributions with respect to Shares; (b) the
amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, annual or other net
profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits
over losses on sales of assets; (c) the amount, purpose, time of creation,
increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and
the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such
reserves or charges shall have been created shall have been paid or discharged);
(d) the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining
the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Trust; and (e) any matters
relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Trust.
SECTION 6.6 Trustees' Right to Refuse to Transfer Shares;
Limitation on Holdings; Redemption of Shares.
(a) Each person who owns directly or indirectly more than five percent
in number or value of the total Shares outstanding shall, within 30 days after
January 1 of each year, give written notice to the Trust stating the Person's
name and address, the number of Shares directly or indirectly owned by such
Person, and a description of the capacity in which such Shares are held. For
purposes of this Declaration of Trust, the number and value of the total Shares
outstanding shall be determined by the Trustees in good faith, which
determination shall be conclusive for all purposes hereunder. In addition, each
direct or indirect Shareholder, irrespective of such Shareholder's percentage
ownership of outstanding Shares, shall upon demand be required to disclose to
the Trust in writing such information with respect to the direct or indirect
ownership of Shares as the Trustees deem necessary from time to time to enable
the Trustees to determine whether the Trust complies with the REIT Provisions of
the Code, to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or
governmental agency or to determine any such compliance.
(b) If, in the opinion of the Trustees, which shall be binding upon
any prospective acquiror of Shares, any proposed transfer or issuance would
jeopardize the status of the Trust as a real estate investment trust under the
REIT Provisions of the Code, the Trustees shall have
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the right, but not the duty, to refuse to permit such transfer or issuance or
refuse to give effect to such transfer or issuance and to take any action to
void any such issuance or cause any such transfer not to occur.
(c) As a condition to any transfer and/or registration of transfer on
the books of the Trust of any Shares or Securities convertible into Shares which
could result in direct or indirect ownership (as hereafter defined) of Shares
exceeding 9.8% of the lesser of the number or the value of the total Shares
outstanding (the "Excess Shares") by a Person other than an Excepted Person,
such prospective transferee shall give written notice to the Trust of the
proposed transfer and shall furnish such opinions of counsel, affidavits,
undertakings, agreements and information as may be required by the Trustees no
later than the 15th day prior to any transfer which, if consummated, would
result in such ownership.
(d) Any transfer of Shares or Securities convertible into Shares that
would (i) create a direct or indirect owner of Excess Shares other than an
Excepted Person; (ii) result in the Shares being owned by fewer than 100 Persons
for purposes of the REIT Provisions of the Code; or (iii) result in the Trust
being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, shall be
void ab initio and the prospective acquiror shall not be entitled to any rights
afforded to owners of Shares hereunder and shall be deemed never to have had an
interest therein. Any issuance of Shares or Securities convertible into Shares
that would (i) create a direct or indirect owner of Excess Shares other than an
Excepted Person; or (ii) result in the Trust being "closely held" within the
meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, shall be void ab initio and the
prospective acquiror shall not be entitled to any rights afforded to owners of
Shares hereunder and shall be deemed never to have had an interest therein.
"Excepted Person" shall mean (i) Edward Lowenthal and Jeffrey H.
Lynford; and (ii) any other Person approved by the Trustees, at their option and
in their sole discretion, provided, however, that such approval shall not be
granted to any Person whose ownership of in excess of 9.8% of the lesser of the
number or the value of the total Shares outstanding would result, directly,
indirectly or as a result of attribution of ownership, in termination of the
status of the Trust as a real estate investment trust under the REIT Provisions
of the Code.
(e) The Trust, by notice to the holder thereof, may purchase any or
all Shares that are proposed to be transferred pursuant to a transfer which, in
the opinion of the Trustees, which shall be binding upon any proposed transferor
or transferee of Shares, would result in any Person acquiring Excess Shares, or
would otherwise jeopardize the status of the Trust as a real estate investment
trust under the REIT Provisions of the Code. The Trust shall have the power, by
lot or other means deemed equitable by them in their sole discretion, to
purchase such Excess Shares from the prospective transferor. The purchase price
for any Excess Shares shall be equal to the fair market value of the Shares on
the last trading day immediately preceding the day on which notice of such
proposed transfer is sent, as reflected in the closing sale price for the
Shares, if then listed on a national securities exchange, or such price for the
Shares on the principal exchange if then listed on more than one national
securities exchange, or if the Shares
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are not then listed on a national securities exchange, the latest bid quotation
for the Shares if then traded over-the-counter, or, if no such closing sales
prices or quotations are available, then the purchase price shall be equal to
the fair market value of such Shares as determined by the Trustees in good
faith. Prompt payment of the purchase price shall be made in cash by the Trust
in such manner as may be determined by the Trustees. From and after the date
fixed for purchase by the Trustees, and so long as payment of the purchase price
for the Shares to be so redeemed shall have been made or duly provided for, the
holder of any Excess Shares so called for purchase shall cease to be entitled to
dividends, distributions, voting rights and other benefits with respect to such
Shares, excepting only the right to payment of the purchase price fixed as
aforesaid. Any dividend or distribution paid to a proposed transferee on Excess
Shares prior to the discovery by the Trust that the Shares have been transferred
in violation of this Section 6.6 shall be repaid to the Trust upon demand.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Declaration of Trust
or the Bylaws, Sections 6.6(d), (e), (f) and (g) may not be amended or repealed
without the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds of the
Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote. If Section 6.6(d), (e), (f) or (g)
is determined to be void or invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute,
rule or regulation, then the acquiror of Shares or Securities convertible into
Shares in violation of such Sections shall be deemed, at the option of the
Trust, to have acted as agent on behalf of the Trust in acquiring such Shares
and to hold such Shares on behalf of the Trust.
(g) Subject to Section 6.6(k), notwithstanding any other provision of
this Declaration of Trust to the contrary, any purported transfer, sale or
acquisition of Shares (whether such purported transfer, sale or acquisition
results from the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership (as hereafter
defined) of Shares) which would result in the termination of the status of the
Trust as a real estate investment trust under the REIT Provisions of the Code
shall be null and void ab initio. Any such Shares may be treated by the Trustees
in the manner prescribed for Excess Shares in subsection (e) of this Section
6.6.
(h) Subject to Section 6.6(k), nothing contained in this Section 6.6
or in any other provision of this Declaration of Trust shall limit the authority
of the Trustees to take such other action as they deem necessary or advisable to
protect the Trust and the interests of the Shareholders by preservation of the
Trust's status as a real estate investment trust under the REIT Provisions of
the Code.
(i) If any provision of this Section 6.6 or any application of any
such provision is determined to be invalid by any federal or state court having
jurisdiction over the issues, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not
be affected and other applications of such provision shall be affected only to
the extent necessary to comply with the determination of such court. To the
extent this Section 6.6 may be inconsistent with any other provision of this
Declaration of Trust, this Section 6.6 shall be controlling.
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(j) For purposes of this Declaration of Trust, Shares not owned
directly shall be deemed to be owned indirectly by a person if that person or a
group of which he is a member would be the beneficial owner of such Shares, as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and/or would be
considered to own such Shares by reason of the REIT Provisions of the Code.
(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of Section 6.6, nothing in
this Declaration of Trust shall preclude the settlement of transactions entered
into through the facilities of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. The fact that
the settlement of any transaction is permitted shall not negate the effect of
any other provision of this Section 6.6 and any transferee in such a transaction
shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this
Section 6.6.
SECTION 6.7 Additional Definitions. The following terms shall have
the following definitions in this Section 6.7 and Section 6.8 only:
"Charitable Beneficiary" shall mean one or more beneficiaries of
the Charitable Trust as determined pursuant to Section 6.8(g),
provided that each such organization must be described in Section
501(c)(3) of the Code and contributions to each such organization must
be eligible for deduction under each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055
and 2522 of the Code.
"Charitable Trust" shall mean any trust provided for in
Section 6.8(b).
"Equity Shares" shall mean all classes or series of Shares,
including, without limitation, Common Shares and Preferred Shares.
"Market Price" on any date shall mean, with respect to any class
or series of outstanding Equity Shares, the Closing Price for such
Equity Shares on such date. The "Closing Price" on any date shall mean
the last sale price for such Equity Shares, regular way, or, in case
no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid
and asked prices, regular way, for such Equity Shares, in either case
as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system
with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the NYSE
or, if such Equity Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on the
NYSE, as reported on the principal consolidated transaction reporting
system with respect to securities listed on the principal national
securities exchange on which such Equity Shares are listed or admitted
to trading or, if such Equity Shares are not listed or admitted to
trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price,
or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices
in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or,
if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated
quotation system that may then be in use or, if such Equity Shares are
not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid
and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a
market in such Equity Shares selected
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by the Board of Trustees or, in the event that no trading price is
available for such Equity Shares, the fair market value of Equity
Shares, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees.
"Person" shall mean a Person as defined in Article I, but solely
for purposes of this Article VI shall not include an underwriter that
participated in a public offering of the Common Shares and/or
Preferred Shares for a period of 25 days following the purchase by
such underwriter of the Common Shares and/or Preferred Shares.
"Prohibited Owner" shall mean, with respect to any purported
transfer, any Person who, but for the provisions of Section 6.6, would
directly or indirectly own Equity Shares, and if appropriate in the
context, shall also mean any Person who would have been the record
owner of Equity Shares that the Prohibited Owner would have so owned.
"Trustee" shall mean the Person unaffiliated with the Trust and a
Prohibited Owner, that is appointed by the Trust to serve as Trustee
of the Charitable Trust.
SECTION 6.8 Additional Effects. If any Shares which are proposed to
be transferred pursuant to a transfer which would result in any Person acquiring
Excess Shares, or would otherwise jeopardize the status of the Trust as a real
estate investment trust under the Code, and such Excess Shares are not purchased
by the Trust pursuant to Section 6.6(d), then:
(a) Charitable Trust for Excess Shares. Such Excess Shares shall be
deemed to have been transferred to a Charitable Trust for the benefit of a
Charitable Beneficiary, as described in Section 6.8(b), and such Person shall
acquire no rights in such Equity Shares.
(b) Ownership in Trust. Upon any purported transfer described in
this Section 6.8 that would result in a transfer of Equity Shares to a
Charitable Trust, such Equity Shares shall be deemed to have been transferred to
the Trustee as trustee of a Charitable Trust for the exclusive benefit of one or
more Charitable Beneficiaries. Such transfer to the Trustee shall be deemed to
be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the
purported transfer. The Trustee shall be appointed by the Trust and shall be a
Person unaffiliated with the Trust and any Prohibited Owner. Each Charitable
Beneficiary shall be designated by the Trust as provided in Section 6.8(g).
(c) Status of Shares Held by the Trustee. Equity Shares held by the
Trustee shall be issued and outstanding Equity Shares of the Trust. The
Prohibited Owner shall have no rights in the shares held by the Trustee. The
Prohibited Owner shall not benefit economically from ownership of any shares
held in trust by the Trustee, shall have no rights to dividends and shall not
possess any rights to vote or other rights attributable to the shares held in
the Charitable Trust.
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(d) Dividend and Voting Rights. The Trustee shall have all voting
rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with respect to Equity
Shares held in the Charitable Trust, which rights shall be exercised for the
exclusive benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary. Any dividend or other
distribution paid prior to the discovery by the Trust that Equity Shares have
been transferred to the Trustee shall be paid with respect to such Equity Shares
to the Trustee upon demand and any dividend or other distribution authorized but
unpaid shall be paid when due to the Trustee. Any dividends or distributions so
paid over to the Trustee shall be held in trust for the Charitable Beneficiary.
The Prohibited Owner shall have no voting rights with respect to shares held in
the Charitable Trust and, subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that
Equity Shares have been transferred to the Trustee, the Trustee shall have the
authority (at the Trustee's sole discretion) (i) to rescind as void any vote
cast by a Prohibited Owner prior to the discovery by the Trust that Equity
Shares have been transferred to the Trustee and (ii) to recast such vote in
accordance with the desires of the Trustee acting for the benefit of the
Charitable Beneficiary. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article VI, until
the Trust has received notification that Equity Shares have been transferred
into a Charitable Trust, the Trust shall be entitled to rely on its share
transfer and other shareholder records for purposes of preparing lists of
shareholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and
authority of proxies and otherwise conducting votes of shareholders.
(e) Sale of Shares by Trustee. Within 20 days of receiving notice
from the Trust that Equity Shares have been transferred to the Charitable Trust,
the Trustee of the Charitable Trust shall sell the shares held in the Charitable
Trust to a person, designated by the Trustee, whose ownership of the shares will
not violate the ownership limitations set forth in Section 6.6. Upon such sale,
the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the shares sold shall terminate
and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited
Owner and to the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in this Section 6.8(d). The
Prohibited Owner shall receive the lesser of (1) the price paid by the
Prohibited Owner for the shares or, if the Prohibited Owner did not give value
for the shares in connection with the event causing the shares to be held in the
Charitable Trust (e.g., in the case of a gift, devise or other such
transaction), the Market Price of the shares on the day of the event causing the
shares to be held in the Charitable Trust and (2) the price per share received
by the Trustee from the sale or other disposition of the shares held in the
Charitable Trust. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the
Prohibited Owner shall be immediately paid to the Charitable Beneficiary. If,
prior to the discovery by the Trust that Equity Shares have been transferred to
the Trustee, such shares are sold by a Prohibited Owner, then (i) such shares
shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the Charitable Trust and (ii) to
the extent that the Prohibited Owner received an amount for such shares that
exceeds the amount that such Prohibited Owner was entitled to receive pursuant
to this Section 6.8(d), such excess shall be paid to the Trustee upon demand.
(f) Purchase Right in Shares Transferred to the Trustee. Equity
Shares transferred to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been offered for sale
to the Trust, or its designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i)
the price per share in the transaction that resulted in such transfer to the
Charitable Trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the Market Price at the
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time of such devise or gift) and (ii) the Market Price on the date the Trust, or
its designee, accepts such offer. The Trust shall have the right to accept such
offer until the Trustee has sold the shares held in the Charitable Trust
pursuant to Section 6.8(e). Upon such a sale to the Trust, the interest of the
Charitable Beneficiary in the shares sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall
distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner.
(g) Designation of Charitable Beneficiaries. By written notice to the
Trustee, the Trust shall designate one or more nonprofit organizations to be the
Charitable Beneficiary of the interest in the Charitable Trust such that (i)
Equity Shares held in the Charitable Trust would not violate the restrictions
set forth in Section 6.6 in the hands of such Charitable Beneficiary and (ii)
each such organization must be described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code and
contributions to each such organization must be eligible for deduction under
each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055 and 2522 of the Code.
(h) Legend. Each certificate for Common Shares and for Preferred
Shares shall bear substantially the following legend:
The securities represented by this certificate are subject to
restrictions on transfer for the purpose of the Trust's
maintenance of its status as a real estate investment trust under
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Except as
otherwise provided pursuant to the Declaration of Trust of the
Trust, no Person (unless such Person is an Excepted Person) may
directly or indirectly own Common Shares and/or Preferred Shares
in excess of that number of Shares which equals the lesser of
5.0% (or such greater percentage as may be determined by the
Board of Trustees of the Trust) of (a) the number of outstanding
Equity Shares of the Trust and (b) the value of outstanding
Equity Shares of the Trust. Any Person who attempts or proposes
to directly or indirectly own Common Shares and/or Preferred
Shares in excess of the above limitations must notify the Trust
in writing at least 15 days prior to such proposed or attempted
transfer. All italicized terms in this legend have the meanings
defined in the Declaration of Trust of the Trust, a copy of
which, including the restrictions on transfer, will be sent
without charge to each Shareholder who so requests. If the
restrictions on transfer are violated, the securities represented
hereby will be designated and treated as Excess Shares pursuant
to the Declaration of Trust of the Trust.
Instead of the foregoing legend, the certificate may state that the
Trust will furnish a full statement about certain restrictions on
transferability to a shareholder on request and without charge.
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SECTION 6.9 Reserved Powers of Board. The enumeration and definition
of powers of the Board of Trustees included in this Article VI shall in no way
be limited or restricted by reference to or inference from the terms of any
other clause of this or any other provision of the Declaration of Trust, or
construed or deemed by inference or otherwise in any manner to exclude or limit
the powers conferred upon the Board of Trustees under the general laws of the
State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.
SECTION 6.10 REIT Qualification. The Board of Trustees shall use its
reasonable best efforts to cause the Trust and the Shareholders to qualify for
federal income tax treatment in accordance with the REIT Provisions of the Code.
In furtherance of the foregoing, the Board of Trustees shall use its reasonable
best efforts to take such actions as are necessary, and may take such actions as
in its sole judgment and discretion are desirable, to preserve the status of the
Trust as a REIT, including amending the provisions of this Declaration of Trust
as provided in Article IX; provided, however, that if the Board of Trustees
determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Trust for it to
continue to qualify as a REIT, the Board of Trustees may revoke or otherwise
terminate the Trust's REIT election.
ARTICLE VII
SECTIONS 7.1 - 7.22 [RESERVED]
ARTICLE VIII
SHAREHOLDERS
SECTION 8.1. Meetings of Shareholders. There shall be an annual
meeting of the Shareholders, to be held on proper notice, at such time (after
delivery of the annual report) and convenient location as shall be determined by
or in the manner prescribed in the Bylaws, at which Trustees shall be elected
and any other proper business may be conducted. Except as otherwise provided in
this Declaration of Trust, special meetings of Shareholders may be called in the
manner provided in the Bylaws. If there are no Trustees, the President or any
other officer of the Trust shall promptly call a special meeting of the
Shareholders entitled to vote for the election of successor Trustees. Any
meeting may be adjourned and reconvened as the Trustees determine or as provided
in the Bylaws.
SECTION 8.2. Voting Rights of Shareholders. Subject to the
provisions of any class or series of Shares then outstanding, the Shareholders
shall be entitled to vote only on the following matters: (a) the election or
removal of Trustees; (b) the amendment of this Declaration of Trust; (c) the
voluntary dissolution or termination of the Trust; (d) the merger
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or consolidation of the Trust or the sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the Trust Property; and (e) such other matters with respect
to which the Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution declaring advisable or
recommending a proposal and directing that the matter be submitted to the
Shareholders for consideration. Except with respect to the foregoing matters,
no action taken by the Shareholders at any meeting shall in any way bind the
Trustees.
SECTION 8.3 Board Approval. The submission of any action to the
Shareholders for their consideration shall first be approved by the Board of
Trustees.
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENT
SECTION 9.1 Amendment.
(a) This Declaration of Trust may be amended by the affirmative vote
of the holders of not less than a majority of the Shares then outstanding and
entitled to vote thereon, except that Sections 2.3, 6.6, 9.2 and 9.3 hereof, and
this subsection or subsection (b) of this Section 9.1, may be amended only by
the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the Shares then outstanding
and entitled to vote.
(b) The Trustees, by a two-thirds vote, may amend provisions of this
Declaration of Trust from time to time to enable the Trust to qualify as a real
estate investment trust under the REIT Provisions of the Code or under Title 8.
(c) This Declaration of Trust may not be amended except as provided
in this Article IX.
SECTION 9.2 Reorganization. Subject to the provisions of any class
or series of Shares at the time outstanding, the Trustees shall have the power
to (a) cause the organization of a corporation, association, trust or other
organization to take over the Trust Property and carry on the affairs of the
Trust; (b) merge the Trust into, or sell, convey and transfer the Trust Property
to, any such corporation, association, trust or organization in exchange for
Securities thereof or beneficial interests therein, and the assumption by the
transferee of the liabilities of the Trust; and (c) thereupon terminate the
Trust and deliver such Securities or beneficial interests ratably among the
Shareholders according to the respective rights of the class or series of Shares
held by them; provided that any such action shall have been approved, at a
meeting of the Shareholders called for the purpose, by the affirmative vote of
the holders of not less than two-thirds of the Shares then outstanding and
entitled to vote thereon.
SECTION 9.3 Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Trust Property. Subject
to the provisions of any class or series of Shares at the time outstanding, the
Trustees shall have the power to (a) merge the Trust into another entity, (b)
consolidate the Trust with one or more
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other entities into a new entity or (c) sell or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of the Trust Property; provided, that such action shall have
been approved, at a meeting of the Shareholders called for the purpose, by the
affirmative vote of the holders of not less than (i) two-thirds, if the Trust is
not the surviving entity in any such merger or consolidation or in the event of
a proposed sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Trust
Property, or (ii) a majority, in all other cases, of the Shares then outstanding
and entitled to vote thereon.
ARTICLE X
DURATION OF TRUST
The Trust shall continue perpetually unless terminated pursuant to any
applicable provision of Title 8. The Trust may be voluntarily dissolved or its
existence terminated only by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less
than two-thirds of all the Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote on the
matter. The Trust may sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of
the Trust Property only by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than
a majority of all the Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote on the
matter. Upon the termination of the Trust:
(i) The Trust shall carry on no business except for the purpose
of winding up its affairs.
(ii) The Trustees shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the
Trust and all of the powers of the Trustees under this Declaration of
Trust shall continue, including the powers to fulfill or discharge the
Trust's contracts, collect its assets, sell, convey, assign, exchange,
transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the remaining
property of the Trust to one or more persons at public or private sale
for consideration which may consist in whole or in part of cash,
securities or other property of any kind, discharge or pay its
liabilities and do all other acts appropriate to liquidate its
business.
(iii) After paying or adequately providing for the payment of
all liabilities, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and
agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trust may
distribute the remaining property of the Trust among the Shareholders
so that after payment in full or the setting apart for payment of such
preferential amounts, if any, to which the holders of any Shares at
the time outstanding shall be entitled, the remaining property of the
Trust shall, subject to any participating or similar rights of Shares
at the time outstanding, be distributed ratably among the holders of
Common Shares at the time outstanding.
(b) After termination of the Trust, the liquidation of its business
and the distribution to the Shareholders as herein provided, a majority of the
Trustees shall execute and file with the Trust's records a document certifying
that the Trust has been duly terminated, and the Trustees
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shall be discharged from all liabilities and duties hereunder, and the rights
and interests of all Shareholders shall cease.
ARTICLE XI
LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS, TRUSTEES, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS
AND TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THEM AND THE TRUST
SECTION 11.1 Limitation of Shareholder Liability. No Shareholder
shall be liable for any debt, claim, demand, judgment or obligation of any kind
of, against or with respect to the Trust by reason of his being a Shareholder,
nor shall any Shareholder be subject to any personal liability whatsoever, in
tort, contract or otherwise, to any Person in connection with the Trust Property
or the affairs of the Trust.
SECTION 11.2 Limitation of Trustee and Officer Liability. To the
maximum extent that Maryland law in effect from time to time permits limitation
of the liability of trustees and officers of a real estate investment trust, no
Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be liable to the Trust or to any
Shareholder for money damages. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Section,
nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of this Declaration of
Trust inconsistent with this Section, shall apply to or affect in any respect
the applicability of the preceding sentence with respect to any act or failure
to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption. In the
absence of any Maryland statute limiting the liability of trustees and officers
of a Maryland real estate investment trust for money damages in a suit by or on
behalf of the Trust or by any Shareholder, no Trustee or officer of the Trust
shall be liable to the Trust or to any Shareholder for money damages except to
the extent that (a) the Trustee or officer actually received an improper benefit
or profit in money, property or services, for the amount of the benefit or
profit in money, property or services actually received or (b) a judgment or
other final adjudication adverse to the Trustee or officer is entered in a
proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the Trustee's or officer's
action or failure to act was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and
was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding.
SECTION 11.3 Indemnification and Advance for Expenses. The Trust
shall have the power, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect
from time to time, to obligate itself to indemnify, and to pay or reimburse
reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to, (a) any
individual who is a present or former Shareholder, Trustee or officer of the
Trust or (b) any individual who, while a Shareholder, Trustee or officer of the
Trust and at the express request of the Trust, serves or has served another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any
other enterprise as a director, officer, Shareholder, partner or trustee of such
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise, from and against all claims and liabilities to which
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such person may become subject by reason of his being or having been a
Shareholder, Trustee or officer. The Trust shall have the power, with the
approval of its Board of Trustees, to provide such indemnification and
advancement of expenses to a person who served a predecessor of the Trust in any
of the capacities described in (a) or (b) above and to any employee or agent of
the Trust or a predecessor of the Trust.
SECTION 11.4 Transactions Between the Trust and its Trustees,
Officers, Employees and Agents. Subject to any express restriction in this
Declaration of Trust, including (but not limited to) Section 6.4, or any
restriction adopted by the Trustees in the Bylaws or by resolution, the Trust
may enter into any contract or transaction of any kind (including, without
limitation, for the purchase or sale of property or for any type of services,
including those in connection with the underwriting or the offer or sale of
Securities of the Trust) with any Person, including any Trustee, officer,
employee or agent of the Trust or any Person Affiliated with a Trustee, officer,
employee or agent of the Trust, whether or not any of them has a financial
interest in such transaction.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 12.1 Governing Law. This Declaration of Trust is executed by
the Trustees and delivered in the State of Maryland with reference to the laws
thereof, and the rights of all parties and the validity, construction and effect
of every provision hereof shall be subject to and construed according to the
laws of the State of Maryland without regard to conflicts of laws provisions
thereof.
SECTION 12.2 Reliance by Third Parties. Any certificate shall be
final and conclusive as to any Person dealing with the Trust if executed by an
individual who, according to the records of the Trust or of any recording office
in which this Declaration of Trust may be recorded, appears to be the Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary of the Trust or a Trustee, and if certifying to: (a)
the number or identify of Trustees, officers of the Trust or Shareholders; (b)
the due authorization of the execution of any document; (c) any action or vote
taken, and the existence of a quorum at a meeting of Trustees or Shareholders;
(d) a copy of this Declaration or of the Bylaws as a true and complete copy as
then in force; (e) an amendment to this Declaration; (f) the termination of the
Trust; or (g) the existence of any fact or facts which relate to the affairs of
the Trust. No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other Person shall be bound
to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction purporting to be
made on behalf of the Trust by the Trustees or by any officer, employee or agent
of the Trust.
SECTION 12.3 Severability.
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(a) The provisions of this Declaration of Trust are severable, and if
the Trustees shall determine, with the advice of counsel, that any one or more
of such provisions (the "Conflicting Provisions") are in conflict with the REIT
Provisions of the Code, Title 8 or any other applicable federal or state law,
the Conflicting Provisions shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of
this Declaration of Trust, even without any amendment of this Declaration
pursuant to Article IX; provided, however, that such determination by the
Trustees shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions of this
Declaration of Trust or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted
prior to such determination. No Trustee shall be liable for making or failing to
make such a determination.
(b) If any provision of this Declaration of Trust shall be held
invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such holding shall not in any
manner affect or render invalid or unenforceable such provision in any other
jurisdiction or any other provision of this Declaration of Trust in any
jurisdiction.
SECTION 12.4 Construction. In this Declaration of Trust, unless the
context otherwise requires, words used in the singular or in the plural include
both the plural and singular and words denoting any gender include all genders.
The title and headings of different parts of this Declaration are inserted for
convenience and shall not affect the meaning, construction or effect of this
Declaration. In defining or interpreting the powers and duties of the Trust and
its Trustees and officers, reference may be made by the Board of Trustees and
the officers of the Trust, to the extent appropriate and not inconsistent with
the Code or Title 8, to Titles 1 through 3 of the Corporations and Associations
Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. In furtherance and not in limitation
of the foregoing, in accordance with the provisions of Title 3, Subtitles 6 and
7, of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated Code of
Maryland, the Trust shall be included within the definition of "corporation" for
purposes of such provisions.
SECTION 12.5 Recordation. This Declaration of Trust and any
amendment or supplement hereto shall be filed for record with the State
Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland and may also be filed or
recorded in such other places as the Trustees deem appropriate, but failure to
file for record this Declaration or any amendment or supplement hereto in any
office other than in the State of Maryland shall not affect or impair the
validity or effectiveness of this Declaration or any amendment hereto. A
restated Declaration shall, upon filing, be conclusive evidence of all
amendments or supplements contained therein and may thereafter be referred to in
lieu of the original Declaration and the various amendments or supplements
thereto.
ARTICLE XIII
DESIGNATION OF PREFERRED SHARES
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SECTION 13.1 Series A Preferred Shares. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of
this Declaration, a series of preferred shares of beneficial interest designated
9-3/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
($0.01 Par Value Per Share) (Liquidation Preference $25.00 Per Share) (the
"Series A Preferred Shares") is hereby established on the following terms:
(a) Certain Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in this
Section 13.1(a) shall have the meanings herein specified (with terms
defined in the singular having comparable meanings when used in the
plural).
"Business Day" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or
Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking
institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law,
regulation or executive order to close.
"Common Shares" shall mean the common shares of beneficial
interest, $.01 par value per share, of the Trust.
"Dividend Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.1(b)(3).
"Junior Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.1(b)(2).
"Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Section 401(a) or
501(c)(17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside
for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section
642(c) of the Code, association, private foundation within the meaning
of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company or other entity,
and also includes a group as that term is used for purposes of Section
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; but does
not include an underwriter which participates in a public offering of
the Series A Preferred Shares provided that the ownership of Series A
Preferred Shares by such underwriter would not result in the Trust
being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code,
or would otherwise result in the Trust failing to qualify as a REIT.
"Preferred Shares" shall mean shares of beneficial interest that
are either Series A Preferred Shares, Series B Preferred Shares,
Series C Preferred Shares, Series D Preferred Shares, Series E
Preferred Shares or Excess Preferred Shares.
"Quarterly Dividend Date" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.1(b)(3).
"Record Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.1(b)(3).
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"REIT" shall mean a Real Estate Investment Trust under Section
856 of the Code.
"Series A Redemption Date" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.1(b)(5).
"Series A Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.1(b)(5).
(b) Series A Preferred Shares
(1) Number. The number of shares of the Series A Preferred
Shares shall be 6,900,000.
(2) Relative Seniority. In respect of rights to receive
dividends and to participate in distributions or payments in the event
of any Liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the Series
A Preferred Shares shall rank senior to the Common Shares and any
other class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
ranking, as to dividends and upon Liquidation, junior to the Series A
Preferred Shares (collectively, "Junior Shares").
(3) Dividends. The holders of the then outstanding Series A
Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by
the Board of Trustees out of any funds legally available therefor,
cumulative dividends at the rate of $2.34375 per share per year,
payable in equal amounts of $.5859375 per share quarterly in cash on
the fifteenth day, or the next succeeding Business Day, of January,
April, July and October in each year, beginning July 17, 1995 (each
such day being hereinafter called a "Quarterly Dividend Date" and each
period ending on a Quarterly Dividend Date being hereinafter called a
"Dividend Period"), to shareholders of record at the close of business
on such date as shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees at the time of
declaration of the dividend (the "Record Date"), which shall be not
less than 10 nor more than 30 days preceding the Quarterly Dividend
Date. The amount of any dividend payable for the initial Dividend
Period and for any other Dividend Period shorter than a full Dividend
Period shall be prorated and computed on the basis of a 360-day year
of twelve 30-day months. Dividends on each share of Series A Preferred
Shares shall accrue and be cumulative from and including the date of
original issue thereof, whether or not (i) dividends on such shares
are earned or declared or (ii) on any Quarterly Dividend Date there
shall be funds legally available for the payment of dividends.
Dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Shares in an amount less than
the total amount of such dividends at the time accrued and payable on
such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a per share basis among all
such shares at the time outstanding.
The amount of any dividends accrued on any Series A Preferred
Shares at any Quarterly Dividend Date shall be the amount of any
unpaid dividends accumulated
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thereon, to and including such Quarterly Dividend Date, whether or not
earned or declared, and the amount of dividends accrued on any shares
of Series A Preferred Shares at any date other than a Quarterly
Dividend Date shall be equal to the sum of the amount of any unpaid
dividends accumulated thereon, to and including the last preceding
Quarterly Dividend Date, whether or not earned or declared, plus an
amount calculated on the basis of the annual dividend rate of $2.34375
for the period after such last preceding Quarterly Dividend Date to
and including the date as of which the calculation is made based on a
360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Except as provided in this Section 13.1, the Series A Preferred
Shares shall not be entitled to participate in the earnings or assets
of the Trust.
(4) Liquidation Rights.
(A) Upon the voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Trust, the holders of the Series
A Preferred Shares then outstanding shall be entitled to receive
and to be paid out of the assets of the Trust available for
distribution to its shareholders, before any payment or
distribution shall be made on any Junior Shares, the amount of
$25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon.
(B) After the payment to the holders of the Series A
Preferred Shares of the full preferential amounts provided for in
this paragraph (b), the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares
as such shall have no right or claim to any of the remaining
assets of the Trust.
(C) If, upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation, or winding up of the Trust, the amounts payable with
respect to the preference value of the Series A Preferred Shares
and any other shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking
as to any such distribution on a parity with the Series A
Preferred Shares are not paid in full, the holders of the Series
A Preferred Shares and of such other shares will share ratably in
any such distribution of assets of the Trust in proportion to the
full respective preference amounts to which they are entitled.
(D) Neither the sale of all or substantially all the
property or business of the Trust, nor the merger or
consolidation of the Trust into or with any other entity or the
merger or consolidation of any other entity into or with the
Trust, shall be deemed to be a dissolution, Liquidation or
winding up, voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes of this
paragraph (b).
(5) Redemption.
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(A) Optional Redemption. On and after June 1, 2000, the
Trust may, at its option, redeem at any time all or, from time to
time, part of the Series A Preferred Shares at a price per share
(the "Series A Redemption Price"), payable in cash, of $25.00,
together with all accrued and unpaid dividends to and including
the date fixed for redemption (the "Series A Redemption Date").
(B) Procedures for Redemption.
(i) Notice of any redemption will be mailed by the Trust,
postage prepaid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to
the Series A Redemption Date, addressed to the holders of record
of the Series A Preferred Shares to be redeemed at their
addresses as they appear on the share transfer records of the
Trust. No failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in
the mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the proceedings
for the redemption of any Series A Preferred Shares except as to
the holder to whom the Trust has failed to give notice or except
as to the holder to whom notice was defective. In addition to any
information required by law or by the applicable rules of any
exchange upon which Series A Preferred Shares may be listed or
admitted to trading, such notice shall state: (a) the Series A
Redemption Date; (b) the Series A Redemption Price; (c) the
number of Series A Preferred Shares to be redeemed; (d) the place
or places where certificates for such shares are to be
surrendered for payment of the Series A Redemption Price; (e)
that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to
accumulate on the Series A Redemption Date; and (f) the date on
which conversion rights shall expire, the conversion price and
the place or places where certificates for such shares are to be
surrendered for conversion.
(ii) If notice has been mailed in accordance with
subparagraph (5)(B)(i) above and provided that on or before the
Series A Redemption Date specified in such notice all funds
necessary for such redemption shall have been irrevocably set
aside by the Trust, separate and apart from its other funds in
trust for the pro rata benefit of the holders of the Series A
Preferred Shares so called for redemption, so as to be, and to
continue to be available therefor, then, from and after the
Series A Redemption Date, dividends on the Series A Preferred
Shares so called for redemption shall cease to accumulate, and
said shares shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding and shall
not have the status of Series A Preferred Shares and all rights
of the holders thereof as shareholders of the Trust (except the
right to receive the Series A Redemption Price) shall cease. Upon
surrender, in accordance with said notice, of the certificates
for any Series A Preferred Shares so redeemed (properly endorsed
or assigned for transfer, if the Trust shall so require and the
notice shall so state), such Series A Preferred Shares shall be
redeemed by the Trust at the Series A Redemption Price. In case
fewer than all the Series A Preferred Shares represented by any
such certificate are redeemed,
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a new certificate or certificates shall be issued representing
the unredeemed Series A Preferred Shares without cost to the
holder thereof.
(iii) Any funds deposited with a bank or trust company for
the purpose of redeeming Series A Preferred Shares shall be
irrevocable except that:
(a) the Trust shall be entitled to receive from such
bank or trust company the interest or other earnings, if
any, earned on any money so deposited in trust, and the
holders of any shares redeemed shall have no claim to such
interest or other earnings; and
(b) any balance of monies so deposited by the Trust
and unclaimed by the holders of the Series A Preferred
Shares entitled thereto at the expiration of two years from
the applicable Series A Redemption Date shall be repaid,
together with any interest or other earnings earned thereon,
to the Trust, and after any such repayment, the holders of
the shares entitled to the funds so repaid to the Trust
shall look only to the Trust for payment without interest or
other earnings.
(iv) No Series A Preferred Shares may be redeemed except
with funds legally available for the payment of the Series A
Redemption Price.
(v) Unless full accumulated dividends on all Series A
Preferred Shares shall have been or contemporaneously are
declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set apart for payment for all past Dividend
Periods and the then current Dividend Period, no Series A
Preferred Shares shall be redeemed (unless all outstanding Series
A Preferred Shares are simultaneously redeemed) or purchased or
otherwise acquired directly or indirectly (except by conversion
into or exchange for capital shares of the Trust ranking junior
to the Series A Preferred Shares as to dividends and upon
liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
prevent the redemption of Series A Preferred Shares pursuant to
[Article VII] Sections 6.6 and 6.8 of the Declaration of Trust or
the purchase or acquisition of Series A Preferred Shares pursuant
to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders
of all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Shares.
(vi) If the Series A Redemption Date is after a Record Date
and before the related Quarterly Dividend Date, the dividend
payable on such Quarterly Dividend Date shall be paid to the
holder in whose name the Series A Preferred Shares to be redeemed
are registered at the close of business on such Record Date
notwithstanding the redemption thereof between such Record Date
and the related Quarterly Dividend Date or the Trust's default in
the payment of the dividend due.
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(vii) In case of redemption of less than all Series A
Preferred Shares at the time outstanding, the Series A Preferred
Shares to be redeemed shall be selected pro rata from the holders
of record of such shares in proportion to the number of Series A
Preferred Shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid
redemption of fractional shares) or by any other equitable method
determined by the Trust.
(6) Voting Rights. Except as required by law, the holders of
the Series A Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to vote at any
meeting of the shareholders for election of trustees or for any other
purpose or otherwise to participate in any action taken by the Trust
or the shareholders thereof, or to receive notice of any meeting of
shareholders.
(A) Whenever dividends on any Series A Preferred Shares
shall be in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, the
holders of such Series A Preferred Shares (voting separately as a
class with all other series of Preferred Shares upon which like
voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be
entitled to vote for the election of two additional Trustees of
the Trust at a special meeting called by the holders of record of
at least ten percent (10%) of any series of Preferred Shares so
in arrears (unless such request is received less than 90 days
before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of
the shareholders) or at the next annual meeting of shareholders,
and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends
accumulated on such Series A Preferred Shares for the past
dividend periods and the then current dividend period shall have
been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment
thereof set aside for payment. In such case, the entire Board of
Trustees of the Trust will be increased by two Trustees.
(B) So long as any Series A Preferred Shares remain
outstanding, the Trust will not, without the affirmative vote or
consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Series A
Preferred Shares outstanding at the time, given in person or by
proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (such series voting
separately as a class), (i) authorize or create, or increase the
authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of shares of
beneficial interest ranking prior to the Series A Preferred
Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up or reclassify any authorized shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust into such shares, or create, authorize or issue any
obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right
to purchase any such shares; or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of the Trust's Declaration of Trust, whether by
merger, consolidation or otherwise (an "Event"), so as to
materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege
or voting power of the Series A Preferred Shares or the holders
thereof; provided, however, with respect to the occurrence of any
of the Events set forth
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in (ii) above, so long as the Series A Preferred Shares remain
outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking
into account that upon the occurrence of an Event, the Trust may
not be the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such Event
shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such
rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of
Series A Preferred Shares and provided further that (x) any
increase in the amount of the authorized Preferred Shares or the
creation of issuance of any other Series A Preferred Shares, or
(y) any increase in the amount of authorized Series A Preferred
Shares or any other Preferred Shares, in each case ranking on a
parity with or junior to the Series A Preferred Shares with
respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed
to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting powers.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or
prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote
would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding
Series A Preferred Shares shall have been redeemed or called for
redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in
trust to effect such redemption.
(7) Conversion. The Series A Preferred Shares are not convertible
into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Trust.
(8) Exclusion of Other Rights.
Except as may otherwise be required by law, the Series A Preferred
Shares shall not have any voting powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, other than those specifically
set forth in this Declaration of Trust. The Series A Preferred Shares shall have
no preemptive or subscription rights.
(9) Headings of Subdivisions.
The headings of the various subdivisions within this Section 13.1 are
for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of any
of the provisions hereof.
(10) Severability of Provisions.
If any voting powers, preferences and relative, participating,
optional and other special rights of the Series A Preferred Shares and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in this Section
13.1 is invalid, unlawful or incapable of being enforced by reason of any rule
of law or public policy, all other voting powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional and other special rights of Series A Preferred Shares
and qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in this
Section 13.1 which can be given effect without the invalid,
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unlawful or unenforceable voting powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights of Series A Preferred Shares and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof herein set forth shall be
deemed dependent upon any other such voting powers, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special right of Series A Preferred Shares and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions there of unless so expressed
herein.
(c) Article VII of the Trusts's Declaration of Trust shall be
supplemented by adding the following Section 7.23.
7.23 Special Rules for Series A Preferred Shares.
(1) Certain Definitions.
For purposes of this Section 7.23 the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
"Closing Date of the Series A Preferred Shares Offering" shall
mean the time and date of payment for and delivery of Series A
Preferred Shares issued pursuant to the effective registration
statement for such Series A Preferred Shares filed under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Special Triggering Event" shall mean either (i) the redemption
or purchase by the Trust of all or a portion of the outstanding
shares of beneficial interest in the Trust, or (ii) a change in
the value of the Series A Preferred Shares relative to any other
class of beneficial interest in the Trust.
(2) Special Triggering Event. If during the period commencing on the
Closing Date of the Series A Preferred Shares Offering and prior
to the date on which the Board of Trustees determines that it is
no longer in the best interest of the Trust to attempt to, or
continue to, qualify as a REIT, a Special Triggering Event (if
effective) or other event or occurrence (if effective) would
result in any violation of Section [7.21(a)] 6.6(d)(i) of the
Trust's Declaration of Trust (or would result in the Trust being
"closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code
or would otherwise cause the Trust to fail to qualify as a REIT),
then (i) the number of Series A Preferred Shares (rounded up to
the nearest whole share) that would (but for this Section 7.23)
cause any Person to directly or indirectly own either Series A
Preferred Shares, or to directly or indirectly own Series A
Preferred Shares and any other shares of beneficial interest in
the Trust, in violation of Section [7.21(a)] 6.6(d)(i) (or would
result in the Trust being "closely held" or otherwise fail to
qualify as a REIT) shall constitute "Excess Shares" and shall be
treated as provided in [Article VII] Sections 6.6 and 6.8. Such
designation and treatment shall be effective as of the close of
business on the
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business day prior to the date of the Special Triggering Event or
other event or occurrence.
SECTION 13.2 Series B Preferred Shares. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of
this Declaration, a series of preferred shares of beneficial interest designated
9-1/8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
($0.01 Par Value Per Share) (Liquidation Preference $250.00 Per Share)
(collectively, the "Series B Preferred Shares") is hereby established on the
following terms:
(a) Certain Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in this
Section 13.2(a) shall have the meanings herein specified (with terms
defined in the singular having comparable meanings when used in the
plural).
"Business Day" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or
Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking
institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law,
regulation or executive order to close.
"Common Shares" shall mean the common shares of beneficial
interest, $.01 par value per share, of the Trust.
"Dividend Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.2(b)(3).
"Junior Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.2(b)(2).
"Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership,
estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Section 401(a) or
501(c)(17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside
for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section
642(c) of the Code, association, private foundation within the meaning
of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company or other entity,
and also includes a group as that term is used for purposes of Section
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; but does
not include an underwriter which participates in a public offering of
the Series B Preferred Shares provided that the ownership of Series B
Preferred Shares by such underwriter would not result in the Trust
being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code,
or would otherwise result in the Trust failing to qualify as a REIT.
"Preferred Shares" shall mean preferred shares of beneficial
interest, $.01 par value per share, including Series A Preferred
Shares, Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares, Series D
Preferred Shares, and Series E Preferred Shares.
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"Quarterly Dividend Date" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.2(b)(3) below.
"Record Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.2(b)(3) below.
"REIT" shall mean a Real Estate Investment Trust under Section
856 of the Code.
"Series B Redemption Date" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.2(b)(5) below.
"Series B Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.2(b)(5) below.
(b) Series B Preferred Shares
(1) Number. The maximum number of shares of the Series B
Preferred Shares shall be 575,000.
(2) Relative Seniority. In respect of rights to receive
dividends and to participate in distributions or payments in the event
of any Liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the Series
B Preferred Shares shall rank pari passu with any other preferred
shares of beneficial interest of the Trust, including the Series A
Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares, Series D Preferred
Shares, and Series E Preferred Shares. The Series B Preferred Shares
will rank senior to the Common Shares and any other class or series of
shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking, as to dividends
and upon Liquidation, junior to the Preferred Shares (collectively,
"Junior Shares").
(3) Dividends. The holders of the then outstanding Series B
Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by
the Board of Trustees out of any funds legally available therefor,
cumulative dividends at the rate of $22.8125 per share per year,
payable in equal amounts of $5.703125 per share quarterly in cash on
the fifteenth day, or if not a Business Day, the next succeeding
Business Day, of January, April, July and October in each year,
beginning January 15, 1996 (each such day being hereinafter called a
"Quarterly Dividend Date" and each period ending on a Quarterly
Dividend Date being hereinafter called a "Dividend Period"), to
shareholders of record at the close of business on such date as shall
be fixed by the Board of Trustees at the time of declaration of the
dividend (the "Record Date"), which shall be not less than 10 nor more
than 30 days preceding the Quarterly Dividend Date. The amount of any
dividend payable for the initial Dividend Period and for any other
Dividend Period shorter than a full Dividend Period shall be prorated
and computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Dividends on each share of Series B Preferred Shares shall accrue and
be cumulative from and including the date of original issue thereof,
whether or not (i) dividends on such shares are earned or declared or
(ii) on any
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Quarterly Dividend Date there shall be funds legally available for the
payment of dividends. Dividends paid on the Series B Preferred Shares
in an amount less than the total amount of such dividends at the time
accrued and payable on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a
per share basis among all such shares at the time outstanding.
The amount of any dividends accrued on any Series B Preferred
Shares at any Quarterly Dividend Date shall be the amount of any
unpaid dividends accumulated thereon, to and including such Quarterly
Dividend Date, whether or not earned or declared, and the amount of
dividends accrued on any shares of Series B Preferred Shares at any
date other than a Quarterly Dividend Date shall be equal to the sum of
the amount of any unpaid dividends accumulated thereon, to and
including the last preceding Quarterly Dividend Date, whether or not
earned or declared, plus an amount calculated on the basis of the
annual dividend rate of $22.8125 for the period after such last
preceding Quarterly Dividend Date to and including the date as of
which the calculation is made based on a 360-day year of twelve 30-day
months.
Except as provided in this Section 13.2, the Series B Preferred
Shares shall not be entitled to participate in the earnings or assets
of the Trust.
(4) Liquidation Rights.
(A) Upon the voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Trust, the holders of the
Series B Preferred Shares then outstanding shall be entitled to
receive and to be paid out of the assets of the Trust available
for distribution to its shareholders, before any payment or
distribution shall be made on any Junior Shares, the amount of
$250.00 per Series B Preferred Share, plus accrued and unpaid
dividends thereon.
(B) After the payment to the holders of the Series B
Preferred Shares of the full preferential amounts provided for
in this paragraph (b), the holders of the Series B Preferred
Shares as such shall have no right or claim to any of the
remaining assets of the Trust.
(C) If, upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation, or winding up of the Trust, the amounts payable
with respect to the preference value of the Series B Preferred
Shares and any other shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with the Series
B Preferred Shares are not paid in full, the holders of the
Series B Preferred Shares and of such other shares will share
ratably in any such distribution of assets of the Trust in
proportion to the full respective preference amounts to which
they are entitled.
(D) Neither the sale of all or substantially all the
property or business of the Trust, nor the merger or
consolidation of the Trust into or with any other
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entity or the merger or consolidation of any other entity into or with
the Trust, shall be deemed to be a dissolution, Liquidation or winding
up, voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes of this paragraph (b).
(5) Redemption.
(A) Optional Redemption. On and after October 15, 2005, the
Trust may, at its option, redeem at any time all or, from time to
time, part of the Series B Preferred Shares at a price per share (the
"Series B Redemption Price"), payable in cash, of $250.00 per Series B
Preferred Share, together with all accrued and unpaid dividends to and
including the date fixed for redemption (the "Series B Redemption
Date").
(B) Procedures for Redemption.
(i) Notice of any redemption will be mailed by the Trust, postage
prepaid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Series B
Redemption Date, addressed to the holders of record of the Series B
Preferred Shares to be redeemed at their addresses as they appear on
the share transfer records of the Trust. No failure to give such
notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall affect
the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any Series B
Preferred Shares except as to the holder to whom the Trust has failed
to give notice or except as to the holder to whom notice was
defective. In addition to any information required by law or by the
applicable rules of any exchange upon which Series B Preferred Shares
may be listed or admitted to trading, such notice shall state: (a)
the Series B Redemption Date; (b) the Series B Redemption Price; (c)
the number of Series B Preferred Shares to be redeemed; (d) the place
or places where certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for
payment of the Series B Redemption Price; (e) that dividends on the
shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on the Series B
Redemption Date; and (f) the date on which conversion rights shall
expire, the conversion price and the place or places where
certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for conversion.
(ii) If notice has been mailed in accordance with Section
13.2(b)(5)(B)(i) above and provided that on or before the Series B
Redemption Date specified in such notice all funds necessary for such
redemption shall have been irrevocably set aside by the Trust,
separate and apart from its other funds in trust for the pro rata
benefit of the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares so called for
redemption, so as to be, and to continue to be available therefor,
then, from and after the Series B Redemption Date, dividends on the
Series B Preferred Shares so called for redemption shall cease to
accumulate, and said shares shall no longer be deemed to be
outstanding and shall not have the status of Series B Preferred Shares
and all rights of the holders thereof as shareholders of the Trust
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(except the right to receive the Series B Redemption Price) shall
cease. Upon surrender, in accordance with said notice, of the
certificates for any Series B Preferred Shares so redeemed (properly
endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Trust shall so require and
the notice shall so state), such Series B Preferred Shares shall be
redeemed by the Trust at the Series B Redemption Price. In case fewer
than all the Series B Preferred Shares represented by any such
certificate are redeemed, a new certificate or certificates shall be
issued representing the unredeemed Series B Preferred Shares without
cost to the holder thereof.
(iii) Any funds deposited with a bank or trust company for the
purpose of redeeming Series B Preferred Shares shall be irrevocable
except that:
(a) the Trust shall be entitled to receive from such bank or
trust company the interest or other earnings, if any, earned on
any money so deposited in trust, and the holders of any shares
redeemed shall have no claim to such interest or other earnings;
and
(b) any balance of monies so deposited by the Trust and
unclaimed by the holders of the Series B Preferred Shares
entitled thereto at the expiration of two years from the
applicable Series B Redemption Date shall be repaid, together
with any interest or other earnings earned thereon, to the Trust,
and after any such repayment, the holders of the shares entitled
to the funds so repaid to the Trust shall look only to the Trust
for payment without interest or other earnings.
(iv) No Series B Preferred Shares may be redeemed except with
funds legally available for the payment of the Series B Redemption
Price.
(v) Unless full accumulated dividends on all Series B Preferred
Shares shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for
payment for all past Dividend Periods and the then current Dividend
Period, no Series B Preferred Shares shall be redeemed (unless all
outstanding Series B Preferred Shares are simultaneously redeemed) or
purchased or otherwise acquired directly or indirectly (except by
conversion into or exchange for capital shares of the Trust ranking
junior to the Series B Preferred Shares as to dividends and upon
liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent
the redemption of Series B Preferred Shares pursuant to [Article VII]
Sections 6.6 and 6.8 of this Declaration of Trust or the purchase or
acquisition of Series B Preferred Shares pursuant to a purchase or
exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding
shares of Series B Preferred Shares.
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(vi) If the Series B Redemption Date is after a Record Date
and before the related Quarterly Dividend Date, the dividend payable
on such Quarterly Dividend Date shall be paid to the holder in whose
name the Series B Preferred Shares to be redeemed are registered at
the close of business on such Record Date notwithstanding the
redemption thereof between such Record Date and the related Quarterly
Dividend Date or the Trust's default in the payment of the dividend
due.
(vii) In case of redemption of less than all Series B Preferred
Shares at the time outstanding, the Series B Preferred Shares to be
redeemed shall be selected pro rata from the holders of record of such
shares in proportion to the number of Series B Preferred Shares held
by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional
shares) or by any other equitable method determined by the Trust.
(6) Voting Rights. Except as required by law, the holders of the
Series B Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of
the shareholders for election of trustees or for any other purpose or
otherwise to participate in any action taken by the Trust or the
shareholders thereof, or to receive notice of any meeting of shareholders.
(A) In any matter in which the Series B Preferred Shares are
entitled to vote (as expressly provided herein or as may be required
by law), including any action by written consent, each Series B
Preferred Share shall be entitled to 10 votes, each of which 10 votes
may be directed separately by the holder thereof (or by any proxy or
proxies of such holder). With respect to each Series B Preferred
Share, the holder thereof may designate up to 10 proxies, with each
such proxy having the right to vote a whole number of votes (totaling
10 votes per Series B Preferred Share).
(B) Whenever dividends on any Series B Preferred Shares shall be
in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, the holders of the
Depositary Shares representing such Series B Preferred Shares (voting
separately as a class with all other series of Preferred Shares upon
which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will
be entitled to vote for the election of two additional Trustees of the
Trust at a special meeting called by the holders of record of at least
ten percent (10%) of any series of Preferred Shares so in arrears
(unless such request is received less than 90 days before the date
fixed for the next annual or special meeting of the shareholders) or
at the next annual meeting of shareholders, and at each subsequent
annual meeting until all dividends accumulated on such Series B
Preferred Shares for the past dividend periods and the then current
dividend period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment. In
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such case, the entire Board of Trustees of the Trust will be increased
by two Trustees.
(C) So long as any Series B Preferred Shares remain outstanding,
the Trust will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the
holders of at least two-thirds of the Series B Preferred Shares
outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in
writing or at a meeting (such series voting separately as a class),
(i) authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount
of, any class or series of shares of beneficial interest ranking prior
to the Series B Preferred Shares with respect to the payment of
dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution
or winding up or reclassify any authorized shares of beneficial
interest of the Trust into such shares, or create, authorize or issue
any obligation or security convertible into or evidencing the right to
purchase any such shares; or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of this Declaration of Trust, whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise (an "Event"), so as to materially and
adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of
the Series B Preferred Shares or the holders thereof; provided,
however, with respect to the occurrence of any of the Events set forth
in (ii) above, so long as the Series B Preferred Shares remain
outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, taking into
account that upon the occurrence of an Event, the Trust may not be the
surviving entity, the occurrence of any such Event shall not be deemed
to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences,
privileges or voting power of holders of Series B Preferred Shares and
provided further that (x) any increase in the amount of the authorized
Preferred Shares or the creation of issuance of any other Series B
Preferred Shares, or (y) any increase in the amount of authorized the
Series B Preferred Shares or any other Preferred Shares, in each case
ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series B Preferred Shares
with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges
or voting powers.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to
the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise
be required shall be effected, all outstanding Series B Preferred
Shares shall have been redeemed or called for redemption and
sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such
redemption.
(7) Conversion. The Series B Preferred Shares are not convertible into or
exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Trust, except into
Excess Shares in connection with maintaining the ability of the Trust to
qualify as a REIT.
(8) Exclusion of Other Rights.
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Except as may otherwise be required by law, the Series B Preferred Shares
shall not have any voting powers, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, other than those specifically set forth in
this Section 13.2. The Series B Preferred Shares shall have no preemptive or
subscription rights.
(9) Headings of Subdivisions.
The headings of the various subdivisions within this Section 13.2 are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of any of
the provisions hereof.
(10) Severability of Provisions.
If any voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and
other special rights of the Series B Preferred Shares and qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in this Section 13.2 is invalid,
unlawful or incapable of being enforced by reason of any rule of law or public
policy, all other voting powers, preferences and relative, participating,
optional and other special rights of Series B Preferred Shares and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in this Section
13.2 which can be given effect without the invalid, unlawful or unenforceable
voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights of Series B Preferred Shares and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof herein set forth shall be deemed dependent upon any other
such voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special right of Series B Preferred Shares and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions there of unless so expressed herein.
(c) Article VII of the Trust's Declaration of Trust shall be supplemented by
adding the following new section 7.24.
7.24 Special Rules for Series B Preferred Shares.
(1) Certain Definitions.
For purposes of this Section 7.24 the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
"Closing Date of the Series B Preferred Shares Offering" shall mean
the time and date of payment for and delivery of Series B Preferred
Shares issued pursuant to the effective registration statement for
such Series B Preferred Shares filed under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended.
"Special Triggering Event" shall mean either (i) the redemption or
purchase by the Trust of all or a portion of the outstanding shares of
beneficial interest in the Trust, or (ii) a change in the value of the
Series B Preferred Shares relative to any other class of beneficial
interest in the Trust.
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(2) Special Triggering Event. If during the period commencing on
the Closing Date of the Series B Preferred Shares Offering and prior
to the date on which the Board of Trustees determines that it is no
longer in the best interest of the Trust to attempt to, or continue
to, qualify as a REIT, a Special Triggering Event (if effective) or
other event or occurrence (if effective) would result in any violation
of Section [7.2(a)] 6.6(d)(i) of the Trust's Declaration of Trust (or
would result in the Trust being "closely held" within the meaning of
Section 856(h) of the Code or would otherwise cause the Trust to fail
to qualify as a REIT), then (i) the number of Series B Preferred
Shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would (but for
this Section 7.24) cause any Person to directly or indirectly own
either Series B Preferred Shares, or to directly or indirectly own
Series B Preferred Shares and any other shares of beneficial interest
in the Trust, in violation of Section [7.2(a)] 6.6(d)(i) (or would
result in the Trust being "closely held" or otherwise fail to qualify
as a REIT) shall constitute "Excess Shares" and shall be treated as
provided in [Article VII] Sections 6.6 and 6.8. Such designation and
treatment shall be effective as of the close of business on the
business day prior to the date of the Special Triggering Event or
other event or occurrence.
SECTION 13.3 Series C Preferred Shares. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of this
Declaration, a series of preferred shares of beneficial interest designated
9-1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest ($0.01 Par Value Per Share) (Liquidation Preference $250.00 Per Share)
(the "Series C Preferred Shares") is hereby established on the following terms:
(a) Certain Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in this
Section 13.3 shall have the meanings herein specified (with terms defined in the
singular having comparable meanings when used in the plural).
"Business Day" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday,
that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in New
York City are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to
close.
"Common Shares" shall mean the common shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value per share, of the Trust.
"Distribution Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.3(b)(3).
"Junior Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.3(b)(2).
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"Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, estate,
trust (including a trust qualified under Section 401(a) or 501(c)(17) of the
Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively
for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, association, private
foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company
or other entity, and also includes a group as that term is used for purposes of
Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; but does
not include an underwriter which participates in a public offering of the Series
C Preferred Shares provided that the ownership of Series C Preferred Shares by
such Underwriter would not result in the Trust being "closely held" within the
meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, or would otherwise result in the Trust
failing to qualify as a REIT.
"Preferred Shares" shall mean preferred shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value per share, including Series A Preferred Shares, Series B
Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares, Series D Preferred Shares, and
Series E Preferred Shares.
"Quarterly Distribution Date" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.3(b)(3) below.
"Record Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.3(b)(3)
below.
"REIT" shall mean a Real Estate Investment Trust under Section 856 of
the Code.
"Series C Redemption Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.3(b)(5) below.
"Series C Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.3(b)(5) below.
(b) Series C Preferred Shares.
(1) Number. The maximum number of shares of the Series C Preferred
Shares shall be 460,000.
(2) Relative Seniority. In respect of rights to receive distributions
and to participate in distributions or payments in the event of any Liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the Series C Preferred Shares shall rank
pari passu with any other preferred shares of beneficial interest of the Trust,
including the Series A Preferred Shares, Series B Preferred Shares, Series D
Preferred Shares, and Series E Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares
will rank senior to the Common Shares and any other class or series of shares of
beneficial interest of the Trust ranking, as to distributions and upon
Liquidation, junior (collectively, the "Junior Shares") to the Preferred Shares.
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(3) Distributions. The holders of the then outstanding Series C
Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when and as declared by the Board
of Trustees out of any funds legally available therefor, cumulative
distributions at the rate of $22.8125 per share per year, payable in equal
amounts of $5.703125 per share quarterly in cash on the fifteenth day, or if not
a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day, of January, April, July and
October in each year, beginning October 15, 1996 (each such day being
hereinafter called a "Quarterly Distribution Date" and each period ending on a
Quarterly Distribution Date being hereinafter called a "Distribution Period"),
to shareholders of record at the close of business on such date as shall be
fixed by the Board of Trustees at the time of declaration of the distribution
(the "Record Date"), which shall not be less than 10 nor more than 30 days
preceding the Quarterly Distribution Date. The amount of any distribution
payable for the initial Distribution Period and for any other Distribution
Period shorter than a full Distribution Period shall be prorated and computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Distributions on each
share of Series C Preferred Shares shall accrue and be cumulative from and
including the date of original issue thereof, whether or not (i) distributions
on such shares are earned or declared or (ii) on any Quarterly Distribution Date
there shall be funds legally available for the payment of distributions.
Distributions paid on the Series C Preferred Shares in an amount less than the
total amount of such distributions at the time accrued and payable on such
shares shall be allocated pro rata on a per share basis among all such shares at
the time outstanding.
The amount of any distributions accrued on any Series C Preferred
Shares at any quarterly Distribution Date shall be the amount of any unpaid
distributions accumulated thereon, to and including such Quarterly Distribution
Date, whether or not earned or declared, and the amount of distributions accrued
on any shares of Series C Preferred Shares at any date other than a Quarterly
Distribution Date shall be equal to the sum of the amount of any unpaid
distributions accumulated thereon, to and including the last preceding Quarterly
Distribution Date, whether or not earned or declared, plus an amount calculated
on the basis of the annual distribution rate of $22.8125 for the period after
such last preceding Quarterly Distribution Date to and including the date as of
which the calculation is made based on a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Except as provided in this Section 13.3, the Series C Preferred Shares
shall not be entitled to participate in the earnings or assets of the Trust.
(4) Liquidation Rights.
(A) Upon the voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or
winding up of the Trust, the holders of the Series C Preferred
Shares then outstanding shall be entitled to receive and to be
paid out of the assets of the Trust available for distribution to
its shareholders, before any payment or distribution shall be
made on any Junior Shares, the amount of $250.00 per Series C
Preferred Share, plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon.
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(B) After the payment to the holders of the Series C Preferred Shares
of the full preferential amounts provided for in this paragraph
(b), the holders of the Series C Preferred Shares as such shall
have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the
Trust.
(C) If, upon any voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation,
or winding up of the Trust, the amounts payable with respect to
the preference value of the Series C Preferred Shares and any
other shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking as to
any such distribution on a parity with the Series C Preferred
Shares are not paid in full, the holders of the Series C
Preferred Shares and of such other shares will share ratably in
any such distribution of assets of the Trust in proportion to the
full respective preference amounts to which they are entitled.
(D) Neither the sale of all or substantially all the property or
business of the Trust, nor the merger or consolidation of the
Trust into or with any other entity or the merger or
consolidation of any other entity into or with the Trust, shall
be deemed to be a dissolution, Liquidation or winding up,
voluntary or involuntary, for the purposes of this paragraph (b).
(5) Redemption.
(A) Optional Redemption. On and after September 9, 2006, the Trust
may, at its option, redeem at any time all or, from time to time,
part of the Series C Preferred Shares at a price per share (the
"Series C Redemption Price"), payable in cash, of $250.00 per
Series C Preferred Share, together with all accrued and unpaid
distributions to and including the date fixed for redemption (the
"Series C Redemption Date").
(B) Procedures for Redemption.
(i) Notice of any redemption will be mailed by the Trust,
postage prepaid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
prior to the Series C Redemption Date, addressed to the
holders of record of the Series C Preferred Shares to be
redeemed at their addresses as they appear on the share
transfer records of the Trust. No failure to give such
notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall
affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of
any Series C Preferred Shares except as to the holder to
whom the Trust has failed to give notice or except as to the
holder to whom notice was defective. In addition to any
information required by law or by the applicable rules of
any
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exchange upon which Series C Preferred Shares may be listed
or admitted to trading, such notice shall state: (a) the
Series C Redemption Date; (b) the Series C Redemption Price;
(c) the number of Series C Preferred Shares to be redeemed;
(d) the place or places where certificates for such shares
are to be surrendered for payment of the Series C Redemption
Price; and (e) that distributions on the shares to be
redeemed will cease to accumulate on the Series C Redemption
Date.
(ii) If notice has been mailed in accordance with Section
13.3(b)(5)(B)(i) above and provided that on or before the
Series C Redemption Date specified in such notice all funds
necessary for such redemption shall have been irrevocably
set aside by the Trust, separate and apart from its other
funds in trust for the pro rata benefit of the holders of
the Series C Preferred Shares so called for redemption, so
as to be, and to continue to be available therefor, then,
from and after the Series C Redemption Date, distributions
on the Series C Preferred Shares so called for redemption
shall cease to accumulate, and said shares shall no longer
be deemed to be outstanding and shall not have the status of
Series C Preferred Shares and all rights of the holders
thereof as shareholders of the Trust (except the right to
receive the Series C Redemption Price) shall cease. Upon
surrender, in accordance with said notice, of the
certificates for any Series C Preferred Shares so redeemed
(properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Trust
shall so require and the notice shall so state), such Series
C Preferred Shares shall be redeemed by the Trust at the
Series C Redemption Price. In case fewer than all the
Series C Preferred Shares represented by any such
certificate are redeemed, a new certificate or certificates
shall be issued representing the unredeemed Series C
Preferred Shares without cost to the holder thereof.
(iii) Any funds deposited with a bank or trust company for
the purpose of redeeming Series C Preferred Shares shall be
irrevocable except that:
(a) the Trust shall be entitled to receive from such
bank or trust company the interest or other
earnings, if any, earned on any money so deposited
in trust, and the holders of any shares redeemed
shall have no claim to such interest or other
earnings; and
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(b) any balance of monies so deposited
by the Trust and unclaimed by the holders of the
Series C Preferred Shares entitled thereto at the
expiration of two years from the applicable Series
C Redemption Date shall be repaid, together with
any interest or other earnings earned thereon, to
the Trust, and after any such repayment, the
holders of the shares entitled to the funds so
repaid to the Trust shall look only to the Trust
for payment without interest or other earnings.
(iv) No Series C Preferred Shares may be redeemed except
with funds legally available for the payment of the Series C
Redemption Price.
(v) Unless full accumulated distributions on all Series C
Preferred Shares shall have been or contemporaneously are
declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set apart for payment for all past
Distribution Periods and the then current Distribution
Period, no Series C Preferred Shares shall be redeemed
(unless all outstanding Series C Preferred Shares are
simultaneously redeemed) or purchased or otherwise acquired
directly or indirectly (except by conversion into or
exchange for capital shares of the Trust ranking junior to
the Series C Preferred Shares as to distributions and upon
liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall
not prevent the redemption of Series C Preferred Shares
pursuant to [Article VII] Sections 6.6 and 6.8 of this
Declaration of Trust or the purchase or acquisition of
Series C Preferred Shares pursuant to a purchase or exchange
offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding
shares of Series C Preferred Shares.
(vi) If the Series C Redemption Date is after a Record Date
and before the related Quarterly Distribution Date, the
distribution payable on such Quarterly Distribution Date
shall be paid to the holder in whose name the Series C
Preferred Shares to be redeemed are registered at the close
of business on such Record Date notwithstanding the
redemption thereof between such Record Date and the related
Quarterly Distribution Date or the Trust's default in the
payment of the distribution due.
(vii) In case of redemption of less than all Series C
Preferred Shares at the time outstanding, the Series C
Preferred Shares to be
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redeemed shall be selected pro rata from the holders of
record of such shares in proportion to the number of Series
C Preferred Shares held by such holders (with adjustments to
avoid redemption of fractional shares) or by any other
equitable method determined by the Trust.
(6) Voting Rights. Except as required by law, the holders of the
Series C Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the
shareholders for election of trustees or for any other purposes or otherwise to
participate in any action taken by the Trust or the shareholders thereof, or to
receive notice of any meeting of shareholders.
(A) In any matter in which the Series C Preferred Shares are
entitled to vote (as expressly provided herein or as may be
required by law), including any action by written consent,
each Series C Preferred Share shall be entitled to 10 votes,
each of which 10 votes may be directed separately by the
holder thereof (or by any proxy or proxies of such holder).
With respect to each Series C Preferred Share, the holder
thereof may designate up to 10 proxies, with each such proxy
having the right to vote a whole number of votes (totaling
10 votes per Series C Preferred Share).
(B) Whenever distributions on any Series C Preferred Shares
shall be in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, the
holders of the Depositary Shares representing such Series C
Preferred Shares, voting separately as a class with all
other series of Preferred Shares upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will be
entitled to vote for the election of two additional Trustees
of the Trust at a special meeting called by the holders of
record of at least ten percent (10%) of any series of
Preferred Shares so in arrears (unless such request is
received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the
next annual or special meeting of the shareholders) or at
the next annual meeting of shareholders, and at each
subsequent annual meeting until all distributions
accumulated on such Series C Preferred Shares for the past
distribution periods and the then current distribution
period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment.
In such case, the entire Board of Trustees of the Trust will
be increased by two Trustees.
(C) So long as any Series C Preferred Shares remain outstanding,
the Trust will not, without the affirmative vote or consent
of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Series C
Preferred Shares
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outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either
in writing or at a meeting (such series voting separately as
a class), (i) authorize or create, or increase the
authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of
shares of beneficial interest ranking prior to the Series C
Preferred Shares with respect to the payment of
distributions or the distribution of assets upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up or reclassify any
authorized shares of beneficial interest of the Trust into
such shares, or create, authorize or issue any obligation or
security convertible into or evidencing the right to
purchase any such shares; or (ii) amend, alter or repeal the
provisions of this Declaration of Trust whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise (an "Event"), so as to materially
and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or
voting power of the Series C Preferred Shares or the holders
thereof; provided, however, with respect to the occurrence
of any of the Events set forth in (ii) above, so long as the
Series C Preferred Shares remain outstanding with the terms
thereof materially unchanged, taking into account that upon
the occurrence of an Event, the Trust may not be the
surviving entity, the occurrence of any such Event shall not
be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights,
preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of Series
C Preferred Shares and provided further that (x) any
increase in the amount of the authorized Preferred Shares or
the creation or issuance of any other Series C Preferred
Shares, or (y) any increase in the amount of authorized
Series C Preferred Shares or any other Preferred Shares, in
each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series C
Preferred Shares with respect to payment of distributions or
the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely
affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting
powers.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time
when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall
be effected, all outstanding Series C Preferred Shares shall have been redeemed
or called for redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust
to effect such redemption.
(7) Conversion. The Series C Preferred Shares are not convertible
into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Trust, except
into Excess Shares in connection with maintaining the ability of the Trust to
qualify as a REIT.
(8) Exclusion of Other Rights.
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Except as may otherwise be required by law, the Series C Preferred Shares
shall not have any voting powers, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights, other than those specifically set forth in
this Section 13.3. The Series C Preferred Shares shall have no preemptive or
subscription rights.
(9) Headings of Subdivisions.
The headings of the various subdivisions within this Section 13.3 are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of any of
the provisions hereof.
(10) Severability of Provisions.
If any voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and
other special rights of the Series C Preferred Shares and qualifications,
limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in this Section 13.3 is invalid,
unlawful or incapable of being enforced by reason of any rule of law or public
policy, all other voting powers, preferences and relative, participating,
optional and other special rights of Series C Preferred Shares and
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof set forth in this Section
13.3 which can be given effect without the invalid, unlawful or unenforceable
voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights of Series C Preferred Shares and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof herein set forth shall be deemed dependent upon any other
such voting powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special right of Series C Preferred Shares and qualifications, limitations and
restrictions thereof unless so expressed herein.
(c) Article VII of the Trust's Declaration of Trust shall be supplemented
by adding the following new Section 7.25.
7.25 Special Rules for Series C Preferred Shares.
(1) Certain Definitions.
For purposes of this Section 7.25 the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
"Closing Date of the Series C Preferred Shares Offering" shall mean
the time and date of payment for and delivery of Series C Preferred Shares
issued pursuant to the effective registration statement for such Series C
Preferred Shares filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Special Triggering Event" shall mean either (i) the redemption or
purchase by the Trust of all or a portion of the outstanding shares of
beneficial interest in the Trust, or (ii) a change in the value of the Series C
Preferred Shares relative to any other class of beneficial interest in the
Trust.
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(2) Special Triggering Event. If during the period commencing on the
Closing Date of the Series C Preferred Shares Offering and prior to the date on
which the Board of Trustees determines that it is no longer in the best interest
of the Trust to attempt to, or continue to, qualify as a REIT, a Special
Triggering Event (if effective) or other event or occurrence (if effective)
would result in any violation of Section [7.2(a)] 6.6(d)(i) of the Trust's
Declaration of Trust (or would result in the Trust being "closely held" within
the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code or would otherwise cause the Trust to
fail to qualify as a REIT), then (i) the number of Series C Preferred Shares
(rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would (but for this Section 7.25)
cause any Person to directly or indirectly own either Series C Preferred Shares,
or to directly or indirectly own Series C Preferred Shares and any other shares
of beneficial interest in the Trust, in violation of Section [7.2(a)] 6.6(d)(i)
(or would result in the Trust being "closely held" or otherwise fail to qualify
as a REIT) shall constitute "Excess Shares" and shall be treated as provided in
[Article VII] Sections 6.6 and 6.8. Such designation and treatment shall be
effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of
the Special Triggering Event or other event or occurrence.
SECTION 13.4. Series D Preferred Shares. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of this
Declaration, a series of preferred shares of beneficial interest designated the
"Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest" (the
"Series D Convertible Preferred Shares") is hereby established on the following
terms:
1. Designation and Amount. The shares of the series of preferred
shares established hereunder shall be designated as Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares and the authorized number of shares constituting such series
shall be 4,600,000. The par value of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
shall be $.01 per share.
2. Distributions.
(a) The holders of shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
will be entitled to receive, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Trustees
out of assets of the Trust legally available therefor (and subject to the
limitation described in the last sentence of this paragraph), cumulative cash
distributions on the shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares at the
annual rate of $1.75 per share, payable quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1
and October 1 of each year, commencing on January 1, 1994 (which initial partial
distribution shall be from the date of issuance of the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares). Such distributions shall be cumulative from the date of
original issue of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares. If permissible
under applicable law and provided the distributions will qualify for the
dividends paid deduction (within the meaning of Sections 561 and 562 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any successor provisions thereto), such
distributions shall be paid as follows: first, from income of the Trust other
than net capital gains, and the balance, if any, from net capital gains of the
Trust. If the Board of Trustees determines, in its sole discretion, that
distributions to be paid in accordance with the preceding sentence would not
qualify for such dividends paid
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deduction, then such distributions shall be paid in a manner determined by the
Board of Trustees. Each distribution shall be paid to the holders of record of
the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares as they appear on the share register
of the Trust on such record date, not more than 90 days preceding the
distribution payment date thereof, as shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees or
a duly authorized committee thereof. If a holder converts Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares after the close of business on the record date for a
distribution and before the opening of business on the payment date for such
distribution, then, pursuant to Section 13.4(7) hereof, the holder will be
required to pay to the Trust at the time of such conversion the amount of such
distribution (unless the shares were converted after the issuance of a notice of
redemption with respect to such shares, in which event the holder of such shares
shall be entitled to the distribution payable thereon on such distribution
payment date without making such payment).
(b) If any Convertible Preferred Shares are outstanding, no full
distributions shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any other
preferred shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking as to distributions
on a parity with or junior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares for any
period unless full cumulative distributions have been declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof has been set apart for
such payment on the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares for all past
distribution periods and the then current distribution period. If distributions
are not paid in full, or not declared in full and a sum sufficient for such full
payment is not set apart for the payment thereof, upon the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares and any other preferred shares ranking on a parity as to
distributions with the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, all distributions
declared upon Series D Convertible Preferred Shares and upon any other preferred
shares ranking on a parity as to distributions shall be paid or declared pro
rata so that in all cases the amount of distributions paid or declared per share
on the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares and such other preferred shares
shall bear to each other the same ratio that accumulated distributions per
share, including distributions accrued or in arrears, if any, on the Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares and such other preferred shares bear to each other.
Except as provided in the preceding sentence, unless full cumulative
distributions on the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares have been paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for such full payment set apart for payment for
all past distribution periods and the then current distribution period, no
distributions (other than distributions in shares of Common Shares (as
hereinafter defined) or in any other shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
ranking junior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares as to distribution
rights and the liquidation preference) shall be declared or paid or set apart
for payment or other distribution upon the Trust's common shares of beneficial
interest, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Shares"), or, except as provided
above, on any other shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking junior to
or on a parity with the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares as to distribution
rights or the liquidation preference, nor shall any Common Shares or any other
shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking junior to or on a parity with
the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares as to distribution rights or the
liquidation preference be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any
consideration (or any payment made to or available for a sinking fund for the
redemption of any such shares) by the Trust or any
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subsidiary of the Trust (except by conversion into or exchange for shares of
beneficial interest of the Trust ranking junior to the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares as to distribution rights and the liquidation preference).
Holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to
any distributions, whether payable in cash, property or shares of beneficial
interest, in excess of full accrued and cumulative distributions as herein
provided. No interest or sum of money in lieu of interest shall be payable in
respect of any distribution payment or payments on the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares that may be in arrears.
The terms "accrued distributions," "distributions accrued" and
"distributions in arrears," whenever used herein with reference to shares of
preferred shares of beneficial interest, shall be deemed to mean an amount which
shall be equal to distributions thereon at the annual distribution rates per
share for the respective series thereof from the date or dates on which such
distributions commence to accrue to the end of the then current quarterly
distribution period for such preferred shares (or, in the case of redemption, to
the date of redemption), less the amount of all distributions paid, or declared
in full and set aside for the payment thereof, upon such shares of preferred
shares.
(c) Distributions payable on the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
for any period less than a full quarterly distribution period shall be computed
on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Quarterly distributions
payable on the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall be computed by
dividing the annual distribution rate by four.
3. Trustees' Right to Refuse to Transfer Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares; Limitation on Holdings.
(a) The terms and provisions of this Section 13.4(3) shall apply in
addition to, and not in limitation of, the terms and provisions of [Article VII]
Sections 6.6 and 6.8 of this Declaration of Trust.
(b) Each Person (as defined in Section 1.5 of the Declaration of
Trust) who owns directly or indirectly more than five percent in number or value
of the total Series D Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding shall, within 30
days after January 1 of each year, give written notice to the Trust stating the
Person's name and address, the number of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
directly or indirectly owned by such Person, and a description of the capacity
in which such Series D Convertible Preferred Shares are held. For purposes of
this Section 13.4, the number and value of the total Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares outstanding shall be determined by the Board of Trustees in
good faith, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes hereunder.
In addition, each direct or indirect holder of Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares, irrespective of such shareholder's percentage ownership of outstanding
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, shall upon demand disclose to the Trust
in writing such information with respect to the direct or indirect ownership of
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares as the Board of Trustees deems necessary
from time to time to
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enable the Board of Trustees to determine whether the Trust complies with the
REIT Provisions of the Code (as defined in Section 1.5 of the Declaration of
Trust), to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental
agency or to determine any such compliance.
(c) If, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, which shall be
binding upon any prospective acquiror of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares,
any proposed transfer or issuance would jeopardize the status of the Trust as a
real estate investment trust under the REIT Provisions of the Code, the Board of
Trustees shall have the right, but not the duty, to refuse to permit such
transfer or issuance or refuse to give effect to such transfer or issuance and
to take any action to void any such issuance or cause any such transfer not to
occur.
(d) As a condition to any transfer and/or registration of transfer on
the books of the Trust of any Series D Convertible Preferred Shares which could
result in direct or indirect ownership (as hereinafter defined) of Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares exceeding 20% of the lesser of the number or the
value of the total Series D Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding (the
"Excess Preferred Shares") by a Person other than a Preferred Excepted Person
(as defined in Section 3(e) below), such prospective transferee shall give
written notice to the Trust of the proposed transfer and shall furnish such
opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings, agreements and information as may
be required by the Board of Trustees no later than the 15th day prior to any
transfer which, if consummated, would result in such ownership.
(e) Any transfer of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares that would
(i) create a direct or indirect owner of Excess Preferred Shares other than a
Preferred Excepted Person; or (ii) result in the Trust being "closely held"
within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, shall be void ab initio and
the prospective acquiror shall not be entitled to any rights afforded to owners
of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares hereunder and shall be deemed never to
have had an interest therein. Any issuance of Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares that would (i) create a direct or indirect owner of Excess Preferred
Shares other than a Preferred Excepted Person; or (ii) result in the Trust being
"closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, shall be void
ab initio and the prospective acquiror shall not be entitled to any rights
afforded to owners of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares hereunder and shall
be deemed never to have had an interest therein.
"Preferred Excepted Person" shall mean any Person approved by the
Board of Trustees, at their option and in their sole discretion, provided,
however, that such approval shall not be granted to any Person whose ownership
of in excess of 20% of the lesser of the number or the value of the total Series
D Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding would result, directly, indirectly or
as a result of attribution of ownership, in termination of the status of the
Trust as a real estate investment trust under the REIT Provisions of the Code.
(f) The Trust, by notice to the holder thereof, may purchase any
or all Series D Convertible Preferred Shares that are proposed to be transferred
pursuant to a transfer
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which, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, which shall be binding upon any
proposed transferor or transferee of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares,
would result in any Person acquiring Excess Preferred Shares, or would otherwise
jeopardize the status of the Trust as a real estate investment trust under the
REIT Provisions of the Code. The Trust shall have the power, by lot or other
means deemed equitable by the Board of Trustees in their sole discretion, to
purchase such Excess Preferred Shares from the prospective transferor. The
purchase price for any Excess Preferred Shares shall be equal to the fair market
value of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares on the last trading day
immediately preceding the day on which notice of such proposed transfer is sent,
as reflected in the closing sale price for the Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares, if then listed on a national securities exchange, or such price for the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares on the principal exchange if then listed
on more than one national securities exchange, or if the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares are not then listed on a national securities exchange, the
latest bid quotation for the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares if then
traded over-the-counter, or, if no such closing sales prices or quotations are
available, then the purchase price shall be equal to the fair market value of
such Series D Convertible Preferred Shares as determined by the Board of
Trustees in good faith. Prompt payment of the purchase price shall be made in
cash by the Trust in such manner as may be determined by the Board of Trustees.
From and after the date fixed for purchase by the Board of Trustees, and so long
as payment of the purchase price for the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
to be so redeemed shall have been made or duly provided for, the holder of any
Excess Preferred Shares so called for purchase shall cease to be entitled to
dividends, distributions, voting rights and other benefits with respect to such
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, excepting only the right to payment of
the purchase price fixed as aforesaid. Any dividend or distribution paid to a
proposed transferee of Excess Preferred Shares prior to the discovery by the
Trust that the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares have been transferred in
violation of this Section 3 shall be repaid to the Trust upon demand.
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Declaration
of Trust or the Trust's Bylaws, Sections 13.4(3)(e), (f), (g) and (h) may not be
amended or repealed without the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than
two-thirds of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares then outstanding and
entitled to vote. If Section 13.4(3)(e), (f), (g) or (h) is determined to be
void or invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute, rule or regulation,
then the acquiror of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares in violation of such
Sections shall be deemed, at the option of the Trust, to have acted as agent on
behalf of the Trust in acquiring such Series D Convertible Preferred Shares on
behalf of the Trust.
(h) Subject to Section 13.4(3)(l), notwithstanding any other provision
of this Section 13.4 to the contrary, any purported transfer, sale or
acquisition of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares (whether such purported
transfer, sale or acquisition results from the direct or indirect acquisition of
ownership of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares) which would result in the
termination of the status of the Trust as a real estate investment trust under
the REIT Provisions of the Code shall be null and void ab initio. Any such
Series D
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Convertible Preferred Shares may be treated by the Board of Trustees in the
manner prescribed for Excess Preferred Shares in subsection (f) of this Section
13.4(3).
(i) Subject to Section 13.4(3)(l), nothing contained in this Section
13.4(3) or in any other provision of this Section 13.4 shall limit the authority
of the Board of Trustees to take such other action as they deem necessary or
advisable to protect the Trust and the interests of the shareholders by
preservation of the Trust's status as a real estate investment trust under the
REIT Provisions of the Code.
(j) If any provision of this Section 13.4(3) or any application of any
such provision is determined to be invalid by any federal or state court having
jurisdiction over the issues, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not
be affected and other applications of such provision shall be affected only to
the extent necessary to comply with the determination of such court. To the
extent this Section 13.4(3) may be inconsistent with any other provision of this
Section 13.4, this Section 13.4(3) shall be controlling.
(k) For purposes of this Section 13.4, Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares not owned directly shall be deemed to be owned indirectly by a person if
that person or a group of which he is a member would be the beneficial owner of
such Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and/or would be considered to own such Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares by reason of the REIT Provisions of the Code.
(l) Notwithstanding any other provision of Section 13.4(3), nothing in
this Section 13.4 shall preclude the settlement of transactions entered into
through the facilities of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. The fact that the
settlement of any transaction is permitted shall not negate the effect of any
other provision of this Section 13.4(3) and any transferee in such a transaction
shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this
Section 13.4(3).
4. Redemption at the Option of the Trust.
(a) The Series D Convertible Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior
to November 1, 1998. On and after November 1, 1998, the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares may be redeemed at the option of the Trust by resolution of its
Board of Trustees, in whole or from time to time in part, subject to the
limitations set forth below, at the following redemption prices per share if
redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning November 1 of the year
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indicated below (the "Call Price"), plus, in each case, all distributions
accrued and unpaid on the shares of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares up
to the date of such redemption, upon giving notice as provided below:
If redeemed during
the twelve-month
period beginning Call
November 1, Price
------------------ -----
1998.......................................... $25.875
1999.......................................... $25.700
2000.......................................... $25.525
2001.......................................... $25.350
2002.......................................... $25.175
2003 and thereafter........................... $25.000
(b) If fewer than all of the outstanding Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares are to be redeemed, the shares to be redeemed shall be
determined pro rata or by lot or in such other manner and subject to such
regulations as the Board of Trustees in its sole discretion shall prescribe. In
the event that such redemption is to be by lot, if as a result of such
redemption any holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares would become a
holder of in excess of 20% of the lesser of the number or the value of the total
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding because such holder's Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares were not redeemed, or were only redeemed in part,
then the Trust shall redeem the requisite number of Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares of such shareholder such that he will not hold in excess of 20%
of the lesser of the number or the value of the total Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares outstanding subsequent to such redemption, unless the holder is
a Preferred Excepted Person (as defined in Section 3(e) hereof), in which event
the Trust shall have the option to redeem such requisite number of Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board
of Trustees.
(c) At least 30 days but not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed
for the redemption of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, the Trust shall
mail a written notice to each holder of record of the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares to be redeemed in a postage prepaid envelope addressed to such
holder at his address as shown on the records of the Trust, notifying such
holder of the election of the Trust to redeem such shares, stating the date
fixed for redemption thereof (the "Redemption Date"), the redemption price, the
number of shares to be redeemed (and, if fewer than all the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares are to be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed from
such holder) and the place(s) where the certificate(s) representing such shares
are to be surrendered for payment. On or after the Redemption Date each holder
of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares to be redeemed shall present and
surrender his certificate or certificates for such shares to the Trust at the
place designated in such notice and thereupon the redemption price of such
shares shall be paid to or
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on the order of the person whose name appears on such certificate or
certificates as the owner thereof and each surrendered certificate shall be
cancelled. In the event that fewer than all the shares represented by any such
certificate are redeemed, a new certificate shall be issued representing the
unredeemed shares. From and after the Redemption Date (unless default shall be
made by the Trust in payment of the redemption price), all distributions on the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares designated for redemption in such notice
shall cease to accrue, and all rights of the holders thereof as shareholders of
the Trust, except the right to receive the redemption price of such shares
(including all accrued and unpaid distributions up to the Redemption Date) upon
the surrender of certificates representing the same, shall cease and terminate
and such shares shall not thereafter be transferred (except with the consent of
the Trust) on the books of the Trust, and such shares shall not be deemed to be
outstanding for any purpose whatsoever. At its election, the Trust prior to the
Redemption Date may irrevocably deposit the redemption price (including all
accrued and unpaid distributions up to the Redemption Date) of the Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares so called for redemption in trust for the holders
thereof with a bank or trust company (having a capital surplus and undivided
profits aggregating not less than $50,000,000) in the Borough of Manhattan, City
and State of New York, or in any other city in which the Trust at the time shall
maintain a transfer agency with respect to such shares, in which case the
aforesaid notice to holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares to be
redeemed shall state the date of such deposit, shall specify the office of such
bank or trust company as the place of payment of the redemption price, and shall
call upon such holders to surrender the certificates representing such shares at
such place on or after the date fixed in such redemption notice (which shall not
be later than the Redemption Date) against payment of the redemption price
(including all accrued and unpaid distributions up to the Redemption Date). Any
interest accrued on such funds shall be paid to the Trust from time to time.
Any moneys so deposited which shall remain unclaimed by the holders of the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares at the end of two years after the
Redemption Date shall be returned by such bank or trust company to the Trust.
If a notice of redemption has been given pursuant to this Section
13.4(4) and any holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall, prior to
the close of business on the last business day preceding the Redemption Date,
give written notice to the Trust pursuant to Section 13.4(7) below of the
conversion of any or all of the shares to be redeemed held by such holder
(accompanied by a certificate or certificates for such shares, duly endorsed or
assigned to the Trust, and any necessary transfer tax payment, as required by
Section 13.4(7) below, then such redemption shall not become effective as to
such shares to be converted, such conversion shall become effective as provided
in Section 13.4(7) below and any moneys set aside by the Trust for the
redemption of such shares of converted Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
shall revert to the general funds of the Trust (unless such shares were
converted after the close of business on the record date for a distribution and
before the opening of business on the payment date for such distribution, in
which event the holders of such shares shall be entitled to the distribution
payable thereon on such distribution payment date).
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless full cumulative distributions on
all outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Shares have been paid or declared
and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past
distribution periods and the then current distribution period, no Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares shall be redeemed unless all outstanding Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares are simultaneously redeemed; provided, however,
that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on
the same terms to holders of all outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares, and, unless full cumulative distributions on all outstanding Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares have been paid or declared and a sum sufficient for
the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past distribution periods and
the then current distribution period, the Trust shall not purchase or otherwise
acquire directly or indirectly any Series D Convertible Preferred Shares (except
by conversion into or exchange for shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
ranking junior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares as to distribution
rights and the liquidation preference).
(d) The Series D Convertible Preferred Shares redeemed, repurchased or
retired pursuant to the provisions of this Section 13.4(4) or surrendered to the
Trust upon conversion shall thereupon be retired and may not be reissued as
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares but shall thereafter have the status of
authorized but unissued shares of beneficial interest.
5. Voting Rights.
(a) The holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be
entitled to vote on any matter except (i) as provided in Section 13.4(9), (ii)
as provided in Section 13.4(5)(b) and (iii) as required by law.
(b) In the event the Trust shall have failed to declare and pay or set
apart for payment in full the distributions accumulated on the outstanding
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares for any six consecutive quarterly
distribution payment periods (a "Preferential Distribution Non-Payment"), the
number of trustees of the Trust shall be increased by two and the holders of the
outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, voting together as a class
with all other classes or series of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a
parity with the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to
distribution rights and then entitled to vote on the election of such additional
two trustees, shall be entitled to elect such two additional trustees until the
full distributions accumulated on all outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares have been declared and paid or set apart for payment. Upon the
occurrence of a Preferential Distribution Non-Payment or a vacancy in the office
of a Preferred Shares Trustee (as defined below), the Board of Trustees shall
within a reasonable period call a special meeting of the holders of the Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares and all holders of other classes or series of
preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares with respect to distribution rights who are then entitled to
vote on the election of such additional trustee or trustees for the purpose of
electing the additional trustee or trustees. If and when all accumulated
distributions on the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares have
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been declared and paid or set aside for payment in full, the holders of the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall be divested of the special voting
rights provided by this Section 13.4(5)(b), subject to revesting in the event of
each and every subsequent Preferential Distribution Non-Payment. Upon
termination of such special voting rights attributable to all holders of the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares and shares of any other class or series of
preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares with respect to distribution rights, the term of office of each
trustee elected by the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares and
such parity preferred shares (a "Preferred Shares Trustee") pursuant to such
special voting rights shall forthwith terminate and the number of trustees
constituting the entire Board of Trustees shall be reduced by the number of
Preferred Shares Trustees. Any Preferred Shares Trustee may be removed by, and
shall not be removed otherwise than by, the vote of the holders of record of a
majority of the outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Shares and all other
series of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to distribution rights who were
entitled to vote in such Preferred Shares Trustee's election, voting as a
separate class, at a meeting called for such purpose.
(c) So long as any Series D Convertible Preferred Shares are
outstanding, the number of trustees constituting the entire Board of Trustees of
the Trust shall at all times be such that the exercise, by the holders of the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares and the holders of preferred shares of the
Trust ranking on a parity with the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares with
respect to distribution rights, of the right to elect trustees under the
circumstances provided for in subclause (b) of this Section 13.4(5) will not
contravene any other provision of this Declaration restricting the number of
trustees which may constitute the entire Board of Trustees of the Trust.
(d) Trustees elected pursuant to subclause (b) of this Section 13.4(5)
shall serve until the earlier of (x) the next annual meeting of the shareholders
of the Trust and the election (by the holders of the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares and the holders of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a
parity with the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to
distribution rights) and qualification of their respective successors or (y) the
termination of the term of office of each Preferred Shares Trustee upon the
termination of the special voting rights as provided for in Section 13.4(5)(b).
(e) So long as a Preferential Distribution Non-Payment shall continue,
any vacancy in the office of a Preferred Shares Trustee may be filled by vote of
the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares and all other series of preferred shares ranking on a parity
with the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares with respect to distribution
rights who are then entitled to vote in the election of such Preferred Shares
Trustee as provided above. As long as the Preferential Distribution Non-Payment
shall continue, holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall not,
as such shareholders, be entitled to vote on the election or removal of trustees
other than Preferred Shares Trustees,
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but shall not be divested of any other voting rights provided to such
shareholders by law, this Declaration with respect to any other matter to be
acted upon by the shareholders of the Trust.
6. Liquidation Preference.
(a) In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
affairs of the Trust, whether voluntary or otherwise, after payment or provision
for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Trust, the holders of
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, in cash, out
of the remaining assets of the Trust legally available therefor, the amount of
Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) for each Series D Convertible Preferred Share, plus
an amount equal to all distributions accrued and unpaid on each such share up to
the date of such distribution of assets, before any distribution shall be made
to the holders of Common Shares or any other shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust ranking (as to any such distribution of assets) junior to the Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Trust, the assets distributable among the holders of Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares and all other classes and series of preferred
shares ranking (as to any such distribution of assets) on a parity with the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares are insufficient to permit the payment in
full to the holders of all such shares of all preferential amounts payable to
all such holders, then the entire assets of the Trust thus distributable shall
be distributed ratably among the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares and such other classes and series of preferred shares ranking (as to any
such distribution of assets) on a parity with the Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares in proportion to the respective amounts that would be payable per share
if such assets were sufficient to permit payment in full.
(b) For purposes of this Section 13.4(6), a distribution of assets in
any dissolution, winding up or liquidation shall not include (i) any
consolidation or merger of the Trust with or into any other corporation, (ii)
any dissolution, liquidation, winding up or reorganization of the Trust
immediately followed by incorporation of another corporation to which such
assets are distributed or (iii) a sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the Trust's assets to another corporation; provided,
however, that, in each case, effective provision is made in the charter of the
resulting and surviving corporation or otherwise for the recognition,
preservation and protection of the rights of the holders of Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares.
(c) After the payment of the full preferential amounts provided for
herein to the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares or funds
necessary for such payment have been set aside in trust for the holders thereof,
such holders shall be entitled to no other or further participation in the
distribution of the assets of the Trust.
(d) In determining whether a distribution by dividend, redemption or
other acquisition of Shares or otherwise is permitted under Maryland law, no
effect shall be given to amounts that would be needed, if the Trust were to be
dissolved at the time of the distribution,
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to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders whose
preferential rights on dissolution are superior to those receiving the
distribution.
7. Conversion.
(a) Holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall have the
right, exercisable at any time and from time to time, except in the case of the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares called for redemption as set forth below,
to convert all or any such Series D Convertible Preferred Shares into Common
Shares at [the conversion price and ratio determined by the provisions of the
Roger Articles Supplementary designating the Roger Series A Convertible
Preferred Shares], subject to adjustment as described below. In the case of
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares called for redemption, conversion rights
will expire at the close of business on the last business day preceding the
Redemption Date. Notice of redemption at the option of the Trust must be mailed
not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date as
provided in Section 13.4(4)(c) hereof. Upon conversion, no adjustment or
payment will be made for distributions, but if any holder surrenders Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares for conversion after the close of business on the
record date for the payment of a distribution and prior to the opening of
business on the related distribution payment date, then, notwithstanding such
conversion, the distribution payable on such distribution payment date will be
paid to the registered holder of such shares on such distribution record date.
In such event, such shares, when surrendered for conversion during the period
between the close of business on any distribution record date and the opening of
business on the corresponding distribution payment date, must be accompanied by
payment of an amount equal to the distribution payable on such distribution
payment date on the shares so converted (unless such shares were converted after
the issuance of a notice of redemption with respect to such shares, in which
event such shares shall be entitled to the distribution payable thereon on such
distribution payment date without making such payment).
(b) Any holder of one or more Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
electing to convert such share or shares shall deliver the certificate or
certificates therefor to the principal office of any transfer agent for the
Common Shares, with the form of notice of election to convert as the Trust shall
prescribe fully completed and duly executed and (if so required by the Trust or
any conversion agent) accompanied by instruments of transfer in form
satisfactory to the Trust and to any conversion agent, duly executed by the
registered holder or his duly authorized attorney, and transfer taxes, stamps or
funds therefor or evidence of payment thereof if required pursuant to Section
13.4(7)(a) or 13.4(7)(d) hereof. The conversion right with respect to any such
shares shall be deemed to have been exercised at the date upon which the
certificates therefor accompanied by such duly executed notice of election and
instruments of transfer and such taxes, stamps, funds or evidence of payment
shall have been so delivered, and the person or persons entitled to receive the
shares of the Common Shares issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for
all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of the Common Shares
upon said date.
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(c) No fractional Common Share or scrip representing a fractional
share shall be issued upon conversion of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares.
If more than one Series D Convertible Preferred Share shall be surrendered for
conversion at one time by the same holder, the number of full Common Shares
which shall be issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis
of the aggregate number of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares so surrendered.
Instead of any fractional Common Share which would otherwise be issuable upon
conversion of any Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, the Trust shall pay a
cash adjustment in respect of such fraction in an amount equal to the same
fraction of the closing price for the Common Shares on the last trading day
preceding the date of conversion. The closing price for such day shall be the
last reported sales price regular way or, in case no such reported sale takes
place on such date, the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices
regular way, in either case on the New York Stock Exchange, or if the Common
Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on such Exchange, on the principal
national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are listed or admitted
to trading or, if not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange, the closing sale price of the Common Shares or in case no reported
sale takes place, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, on NASDAQ or
any comparable system. If the Common Shares are not quoted on NASDAQ or any
comparable system, the Board of Trustees shall in good faith determine the
current market price on the basis of such quotation as it considers appropriate.
(d) If a holder converts Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, the
Trust shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on
the issuance of Common Shares upon the conversion. The holder, however, shall
pay to the Trust the amount of any tax which is due (or shall establish to the
satisfaction of the Trust payment thereof) if the shares are to be issued in a
name other than the name of such holder and shall pay to the Trust any amount
required by the last sentence of Section 13.4(7)(a) hereof.
(e) The Trust shall reserve and shall at all times have reserved out
of its authorized but unissued Common Shares a sufficient number of Common
Shares to permit the conversion of the then outstanding Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares. All Common Shares which may be issued upon conversion of
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall be validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable, and not subject to preemptive or other similar rights. In order
that the Trust may issue Common Shares upon conversion of Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares, the Trust will endeavor to comply with all applicable Federal
and State securities laws and will endeavor to list such Common Shares to be
issued upon conversion on each securities exchange on which the Common Shares
are listed.
(f) The conversion rate in effect at any time shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time as follows:
(i) In case the Trust shall (1) pay or make a distribution in
Common Shares to holders of the Common Shares, (2) reclassify the
outstanding Common Shares into shares of some other class or series of
shares, (3) subdivide the
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outstanding Common Shares into a greater number of Common Shares or
(4) combine the outstanding Common Shares into a smaller number of
Common Shares, the conversion rate immediately prior to such action
shall be adjusted so that the holder of any Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares thereafter surrendered for conversion shall be
entitled to receive the number of Common Shares which he would have
owned immediately following such action had such Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares been converted immediately prior thereto. An
adjustment made pursuant to this Section 13.4(7)(f)(i) shall become
effective immediately after the record date in the case of a
distribution and shall become effective immediately after the
effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or
reclassification.
(ii) In case the Trust shall issue rights or warrants to all
holders of the Common Shares entitling them to subscribe for or
purchase Common Shares (or securities convertible into Common Shares)
at a price per share less than the current market price (as determined
pursuant to Section 13.4(7)(f)(iv)) of the Common Shares on such
record date, the number of Common Shares into which each Series D
Convertible Preferred Share shall be convertible shall be adjusted so
that the same shall be equal to the number determined by multiplying
the number of Common Shares into which such Series D Convertible
Preferred Share was convertible immediately prior to such record date
by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the number of Common
Shares outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional
Common Shares offered (or into which the convertible securities so
offered are convertible), and of which the denominator shall be the
number of Common Shares outstanding on such record date, plus the
number of Common Shares which the aggregate offering price of the
additional Common Shares offered (or into which the convertible
securities so offered are convertible) would purchase at such current
market price. Such adjustments shall become effective immediately
after such record date for the determination of the holders of the
Common Shares entitled to receive such distribution. For purposes of
this subsection (ii), the number of Common Shares at any time
outstanding shall not include Common Shares held in the treasury of
the Trust.
(iii) In case the Trust shall distribute to all holders of the
Common Shares any class of shares of beneficial interest other than
the Common Shares, evidences of indebtedness or assets of the Trust
(other than cash distributions out of current or retained earnings),
or shall distribute to all holders of the Common Shares rights or
warrants to subscribe for securities (other than those referred to in
Section 13.4(7)(f)(ii)), then in each such case the number of Common
Shares into which each Series D Convertible Preferred Share shall be
convertible shall be adjusted so that the same shall equal the number
determined by multiplying the number of Common Shares into which such
Series D Convertible Preferred Share was convertible immediately prior
to the date of such distribution by a fraction
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of which the numerator shall be the current market price (determined
as provided in Section 13.4(7)(f)(iv)) of the Common Shares on the
record date mentioned below, and of which the denominator shall be
such current market price of the Common Shares, less the then fair
market value (as determined by the Board of Trustees, whose
determination shall be conclusive evidence of such fair market value)
of the portion of the securities or assets so distributed or of such
subscription rights or warrants applicable to one Common Share. Such
adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date
for the determination of the holders of the Common Shares entitled to
receive such distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event that the Trust shall distribute rights or warrants (other than
those referred to in Section 13.4(7)(f)(ii)) ("Rights") pro rata to
holders of the Common Shares, the Trust may, in lieu of making any
adjustment pursuant to this Section 13.4(7)(f)(iii), make proper
provision so that each holder of a Series D Convertible Preferred
Share who converts such share after the record date for such
distribution and prior to the expiration or redemption of the Rights
shall be entitled to receive upon such conversion, in addition to the
Common Shares issuable upon such conversion (the "Conversion Shares"),
a number of Rights to be determined as follows: (1) if such
conversion occurs on or prior to the date for the distribution to the
holders of Rights of separate certificates evidencing such Rights (the
"Distribution Date"), the same number of Rights to which a holder of a
number of Common Shares equal to the number of Conversion Shares is
entitled at the time of such conversion in accordance with the terms
and provisions of and applicable to the Rights; and (2) if such
conversion occurs after the Distribution Date, the same number of
Rights to which a holder of the number of Common Shares into which a
Series D Convertible Preferred Share so converted was convertible
immediately prior to the Distribution Date would have been entitled on
the Distribution Date in accordance with the terms and provisions of
and applicable to the Rights.
(iv) The current market price per share of the Common Shares on
any date shall be deemed to be the average of the daily closing prices
for thirty consecutive trading days commencing forty-five trading days
before the date in question. The closing price for each day shall be
the last reported sales price regular way or, in case no such reported
sale takes place on such date, the average of the reported closing bid
and asked prices regular way, in either case on the New York Stock
Exchange, or if the Common Shares are not listed or admitted to
trading on such Exchange, on the principal national securities
exchange on which the Common Shares are listed or admitted to trading
or, if not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange, the closing sale price of the Common Shares or, in case no
reported sale takes place, the average of the closing bid and asked
prices, on NASDAQ or any comparable system, or if the Common Shares
are not quoted on NASDAQ or any comparable system, the closing sale
price or, in case no reported sale takes place, the average of the
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closing bid and asked prices, as furnished by any two members of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. selected from time to
time by the Trust for that purpose.
(v) In any case in which this Section 13.4(7) shall require that
an adjustment be made immediately following a record date, the Trust
may elect to defer (but only until five business days following the
mailing of the notice described in Section 13.4(7)(j)) issuing to the
holder of any Series D Convertible Preferred Shares converted after
such record date the Common Shares and other shares of beneficial
interest of the Trust issuable upon such conversion over and above the
Common Shares and other shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
issuable upon such conversion only on the basis of the conversion rate
prior to adjustment; and, in lieu of the shares the issuance of which
is so deferred, the Trust shall issue or cause its transfer agents to
issue appropriate evidence of the right to receive such shares.
(g) No adjustment in the conversion rate shall be required until
cumulative adjustments result in a change of 1% or more of the conversion price
as in effect prior to the last adjustment of the conversion rate; provided,
however, that any adjustment which by reason of this Section 13.4(7)(g) is not
required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account in any
subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this Section 13.4(7) shall be
made to the nearest cent ($.01) or to the nearest one-hundredth (1/100) of a
share, as the case may be. No adjustment to the conversion rate shall be made
for cash dividends.
(h) In the event that, as a result of an adjustment made pursuant to
Section 13.4(7)(f), the holder of any Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
thereafter surrendered for conversion shall become entitled to receive any
shares of beneficial interest of the Trust other than Common Shares, thereafter
the number of such other shares so receivable upon conversion of any Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares shall be subject to adjustment from time to time in
a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the provisions with
respect to the Common Shares contained in this Section 13.4(7).
(i) The Trust may make such increases in the conversion rate, in
addition to those required by Sections 13.4(7)(f)(i), (ii) and (iii), as is
considered to be advisable in order that any event treated for Federal income
tax purposes as a distribution of shares or share rights shall not be taxable to
the recipients thereof.
(j) Whenever the conversion rate is adjusted, the Trust shall
promptly mail to all holders of record of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
a notice of the adjustment and shall cause to be prepared a certificate signed
by a principal financial officer of the Trust setting forth the adjusted
conversion rate and a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment and
the computation thereof; such certificate shall forthwith be filed with each
transfer agent for the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares.
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(k) In the event that:
(1) the Trust takes any action which would require an adjustment
in the conversion rate,
(2) the Trust consolidates or merges with, or transfers all or
substantially all of its assets to, another corporation and
shareholders of the Trust must approve the transaction, or
(3) there is a dissolution, winding up or liquidation of the
Trust,
a holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares may wish to convert some or
all of such shares into Common Shares prior to the record date for, or the
effective date of, the transaction so that he may receive the rights, warrants,
securities or assets which a holder of Common Shares on that date may receive.
Therefore, the Trust shall mail to holders of Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares a notice stating the proposed record or effective date of the
transaction, as the case may be. The Trust shall mail the notice at least 10
days before such date; however, failure to mail such notice or any defect
therein shall not affect the validity of any transaction referred to in clauses
(1), (2) or (3) of this Section 13.4(7)(k).
(l) If any of the following shall occur, namely: (i) any
reclassification or change of outstanding Common Shares issuable upon conversion
of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares (other than a change in par value, or
from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a
result of a subdivision or combination), (ii) any consolidation or merger to
which the Trust is a party other than a merger in which the Trust is the
surviving entity and which does not result in any reclassification of, or change
(other than a change in name, or par value, or from par value to no par value,
or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or
combination) in, outstanding Common Shares or (iii) any sale, transfer or lease
of all or substantially all of the property or business of the Trust as an
entirety, then the Trust, or such successor or purchasing entity, as the case
may be, shall, as a condition precedent to such reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease, provide in its charter document
that each Series D Convertible Preferred Share shall be convertible into the
kind and amount of shares of stock or beneficial interest and other securities
and property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, change,
consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease by a holder of the number of
Common Shares deliverable upon conversion of such Series D Convertible Preferred
Share immediately prior to such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger,
sale, transfer or lease. Such charter document shall provide for adjustments
which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments
provided for in this Section 13.4(7). The foregoing, however, shall not in any
way affect the right that a holder of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares may
otherwise have, pursuant to clause (2) of the last sentence of Section
13.4(7)(f)(iii), to receive Rights upon conversion of Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares. If, in the case of any such consolidation, merger, sale,
transfer or lease, the shares of stock or beneficial interest or other
securities and property
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(including cash) receivable thereupon by a holder of the Common Shares includes
shares of stock or beneficial interest or other securities and property of a
corporation other than the successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may
be, in such consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or lease, then the charter
document of such other corporation shall contain such additional provisions to
protect the interests of the holders of Series D Convertible Preferred Shares as
the Board of Trustees shall reasonably consider necessary by reason of the
foregoing. The provisions of this Section 13.4(7)(l) shall similarly apply to
successive consolidations, mergers, sales, transfers or leases.
8. Ranking. With regard to rights to receive distributions and
amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the
Series D Convertible Preferred Shares shall rank senior to the Common Shares and
on a parity with any other preferred shares issued by the Trust, unless the
terms of such other preferred shares provide otherwise and, if applicable, the
requirements of Section 9 hereof have been complied with. However, the Trust
may authorize or increase any class or series of shares of beneficial interest
ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares
as to distribution rights and the liquidation preference without the vote or
consent of the holders of the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares.
9. Limitations. In addition to any other rights provided by
applicable law, so long as any Series D Convertible Preferred Shares are
outstanding, the Trust shall not, without the affirmative vote, or the written
consent as provided by law, of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
total number of outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Shares, voting as a
class,
(a) authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or
issued amount of, any class or series of, or rights to subscribe to or
acquire, any security convertible into, any class or series of shares
of beneficial interest ranking as to distribution rights or the
liquidation preference, senior to the Series D Convertible Preferred
Shares, or reclassify any shares of beneficial interest into any such
shares; or
(b) amend, alter or repeal, whether by merger, consolidation or
otherwise, any of the provisions of this Declaration that would change
the preferences, rights or powers with respect to the Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares so as to affect the Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares adversely;
but (except as otherwise required by applicable law) nothing herein contained
shall require such a vote or consent (i) in connection with any increase in the
total number of authorized Common Shares, or (ii) in connection with the
authorization or increase of any class or series of shares of beneficial
interest ranking, as to distribution rights and the liquidation preference, on a
parity with or junior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares; and provided
further that no such vote or written consent of the holders of the Series D
Convertible Preferred Shares shall be
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required if, at or prior to the time when the issuance of any such shares
ranking senior to the Series D Convertible Preferred Shares is to be made or any
such change is to take effect, as the case may be, proper notice has been given
and sufficient funds have been irrevocably deposited in trust for the redemption
of all the then outstanding Series D Convertible Preferred Shares.
10. No Preemptive Rights. No holder of Series D Convertible
Preferred Shares will possess any preemptive rights to subscribe for or acquire
any unissued shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (whether now or
hereafter authorized) or securities of the Trust convertible into or carrying a
right to subscribe to or acquire shares of beneficial interest of the Trust.
SECTION 13.5. Series E Preferred Shares. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of this
Declaration, a series of preferred shares of beneficial interest consisting of
2,300,000 shares designated as the "Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest" (the "Series E Preferred Shares"), and having a
par value of $.01 per share, is hereby established on the following terms:
A. Certain Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in this paragraph
(A) shall have, for all purposes of the provisions of this Declaration in
respect of the Series E Preferred Shares, the meanings herein specified (with
terms defined in the singular having comparable meanings when used in the
plural).
Business Day. The term "Business Day" shall mean any day, other than a
Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking
institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law, regulation or
executive order to close.
Capital Stock. The term "Capital Stock" shall mean, with respect to any
Person, any capital stock (including preferred stock), shares, interests,
participants or other ownership interests (however designated) of such Person
and any rights (other than debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for
capital stock), warrants or options to purchase any thereof.
Code. The term "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended from time to time.
Common Equity. The term "Common Equity" shall mean all shares now or
hereafter authorized of any class of common shares of beneficial interest of the
Trust, including the Common Shares, and any other shares of beneficial interest
of the Trust, howsoever designated, which has the right (subject always to prior
rights of any class or series of preferred shares of
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beneficial interest) to participate in the distribution of the assets and
earnings of the Trust without limit as to per share amount.
Common Shares. The term "Common Shares" shall mean the Common Shares of
Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value per share, of the Trust.
Distribution Payment Date. The term "Distribution Payment Date" shall have
the meaning set forth in subparagraph (2) of paragraph (B) below.
Distribution Period. The term "Distribution Period" shall mean the period
from, and including, the Initial Issue Date to, but not including, the first
Distribution Payment Date and thereafter, each quarterly period from, and
including, the Distribution Payment Date to, but not including, the next
Distribution Payment Date.
Initial Issue Date. The term "Initial Issue Date" shall mean the date that
Series E Preferred Shares are first issued by the Trust.
Junior Shares. The term "Junior Shares" shall mean, as the case may be,
(i) the Common Equity and any other class or series of shares of beneficial
interest of the Trust which is not entitled to receive any distributions in any
Distribution Period unless all distributions required to have been paid or
declared and set apart for payment on the Series E Preferred Shares shall have
been so paid or declared and set apart for payment and (ii) the Common Equity
and any other class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
which is not entitled to receive any assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of the Trust until the Series E Preferred Shares shall
have received the entire amount to which such Class E Preferred Shares is
entitled upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Liquidation Preference. The term "Liquidation Preference" shall mean
$25.00 per share.
Parity Shares. The term "Parity Shares" shall mean, as the case may be,
(i) any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust which is
entitled to receive payment of distributions on a parity with the Series E
Preferred Shares or (ii) any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust which is entitled to receive assets upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of the Trust on a parity with the Series E Preferred
Shares. The term "Parity Shares" shall include the Series A Preferred Shares,
Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares, and Series D Preferred
Shares.
Person. The term "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation,
partnership, estate, trust (including a trust classified under Section 401(a) or
501(c)(17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be
used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code,
association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a)
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of the Code, joint stock company or other entity, and also includes a group as
that term is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, but does not include an underwriter which participates
in a public offering of the Series E Preferred Shares, provided that such
ownership by such underwriter would not result in the Trust being "closely held"
within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, or otherwise result in the
Trust failing to qualify as a REIT.
Record Date. The term "Record Date" shall mean the date designated by the
Board of Trustees of the Trust at the time a distribution is declared, provided,
however, that such Record Date shall be the first day of the calendar month in
which the applicable Distribution Payment Date falls or such other date
designated by the Board of Trustees for the payment of distributions that is not
more than ninety (90) days prior to such Distribution Payment Date.
Redemption Date. The term "Redemption Date" shall have the meaning set
forth in subparagraph (2) of paragraph (D) below.
Redemption Price. The term "Redemption Price" shall mean a price per
Series E Preferred Share equal to $25.00 together with accrued and unpaid
distributions, if any, thereon to the Redemption Date, without interest.
REIT. The term "REIT" shall mean a real estate investment trust under
Section 856 of the Code.
Senior Shares. The term "Senior Shares" shall mean, as the case may be,
(i) any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking
senior to the Series E Preferred Shares in respect of the right to receive
distributions or (ii) any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust ranking senior to the Series E Preferred Shares in respect of the
right to participate in any distribution upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of the Trust.
B. Distributions.
1. The record holders of Series E Preferred Shares shall be entitled to
receive distributions, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Trustees, out
of assets legally available for payment of distributions. Such distributions
shall be payable by the Trust in cash at a rate of 9.65% of the Liquidation
Preference per annum (equivalent to $2.4125 per Series E Preferred Share per
annum).
2. Distributions on Series E Preferred Shares shall accrue and be
cumulative from the Initial Issue Date. Distributions shall be payable
quarterly in arrears when, as and if authorized by the Board of Trustees of the
Trust on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year (each, a
"Distribution Payment Date"), commencing on the business day
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succeeding October 15, 1995. If any Distribution Payment Date occurs on a day
that is not a Business Day, any accrued distributions otherwise payable on such
Distribution Payment Date shall be paid on the next succeeding Business Day.
The amount of distributions payable on Series E Preferred Shares for each full
Distribution Period shall be computed by dividing by four (4) the annual
distribution rate set forth in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph (B) above.
Distributions payable in respect of any Distribution Period which is less than a
full Distribution Period in length will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Distributions shall be paid to the
holders of record of the Series E Preferred Shares as their names shall appear
on the share records of the Trust at the close of business on the Record Date
for such distribution. Distributions in respect of any past Distribution
Periods that are in arrears may be declared and paid at any time to holders of
record on the Record Date therefor. Any distribution payment made on Series E
Preferred Shares shall be first credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid
distribution due which remains payable. Upon issuance, the Series E Preferred
Shares will rank on a parity as to distributions with the Series A Preferred
Shares, Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares, and Series D
Preferred Shares.
3. If any Series E Preferred Shares are outstanding, no full
distributions shall be authorized or paid or set apart for payment on any other
class or series of Shares ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series E
Preferred Shares as to distributions for any period unless full cumulative
distributions have been or contemporaneously are authorized and paid or
authorized and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such
payment on the Series E Preferred Shares for all past Distribution Periods and
the then current Distribution Period. When distributions are not paid in full
(or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the Series
E Preferred Shares and any other class or series of Preferred Shares ranking on
a parity as to distributions with the Series E Preferred Shares, all
distributions authorized upon the Series E Preferred Shares and any other such
class or series of Shares shall be authorized pro rata so that the amount of
distributions authorized per share on the Series E Preferred Shares and such
class or series of Shares shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio
that accrued and unpaid distributions per share on the Series E Preferred Shares
and such class or series of Shares bear to each other. No interest, or sum of
money in lieu of interest, shall be payable in respect of any distribution
payment or payments on the Series E Preferred Shares which may be in arrears.
4. Except as provided in subparagraph (3) of this paragraph (B), unless
full cumulative distributions on the Series E Preferred Shares have been or
contemporaneously are authorized and paid or authorized and a sum sufficient for
the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past Distribution Periods and
the then current Distribution Period, no distributions (other than in common
shares or other shares ranking junior to the Series E Preferred Shares as to
distributions and upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the affairs of
the Trust) shall be authorized or paid or set apart for payment or other
distribution shall be authorized or made upon any Junior Shares or Parity Shares
nor shall any Junior Shares or Parity Shares be redeemed, purchased or otherwise
acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a
sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares)
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by the Trust (except by conversion into or exchange for other shares of the
Trust ranking junior to the Series E Preferred Shares as to distributions and
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Trust).
5. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, no
distributions on Series E Preferred Shares shall be authorized by the Board of
Trustees of the Trust or paid or set apart for payment by the Trust at such time
as the terms and provisions of any agreement of the Trust, including any
agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such authorization, payment or
setting apart for payment or provides that such authorization, payment or
setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default
thereunder, or to the extent such authorization, payment or setting apart for
payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law.
6. Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary,
distributions on the Series E Preferred Shares, if not paid on the applicable
Distribution Payment Date, will accrue whether or not distributions are
authorized for such Distribution Payment Date, whether or not the Trust has
earnings and whether or not there are assets legally available for the payment
of such distributions.
7. If the Board of Trustees determines that it is permissible under
applicable law and that the distributions will qualify for the dividends paid
deduction (within the meaning of Sections 561 and 562 of the Code or any
successor provisions thereto), such distributions shall be paid as follows:
first, from income of the Trust other than net capital gains, and the balance,
if any, from net capital gains of the Trust. If the Board of Trustees
determines, in its sole discretion, that distributions to be paid in accordance
with the preceding sentence might not qualify for such dividends paid deduction,
or might not be permissible under applicable law, then such distributions shall
be paid in a manner determined by the Board of Trustees.
C. Distributions Upon Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.
1. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the affairs of the Trust, subject to the prior preferences and other
rights of any Senior Shares as to liquidation preferences, but before any
distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of any Junior Shares as to
the distribution of assets upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the affairs of the Trust, the holders of Series E Preferred Shares shall be
entitled to receive out of the assets of the Trust legally available for
distribution to its shareholders liquidating distributions in cash or property
at its fair market value as determined by the Board of Trustees in the amount of
the Liquidation Preference per share plus an amount equal to all distributions
accrued and unpaid thereon to the date of such liquidation, dissolution or
winding up. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distributions
to which they are entitled, the holders of Series E Preferred Shares will have
no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the Trust and shall not be
entitled to any other distribution in the event of liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of the Trust.
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2. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, the legally available assets of the Trust are
insufficient to pay the amount of the Liquidation Preference per share plus an
amount equal to all distributions accrued and unpaid on the Series E Preferred
Shares and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of Parity Shares as
to the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, then
the holders of the Series E Preferred Shares and all such Parity Shares shall
share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to the full
liquidating distributions to which they otherwise would be respectively
entitled. Upon issuance, the Series E Preferred Shares will rank on parity with
the Series A Preferred Shares, Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred
Shares, and Series D Preferred Shares as to the distribution of assets upon any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Trust. Neither the
consolidation or merger of the Trust into or with another entity nor the
dissolution, liquidation, winding up or reorganization of the Trust immediately
followed by incorporation of another corporation to which such assets are
distributed, nor the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Trust to another entity shall be deemed a liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Trust within the meaning of this
paragraph (C); provided, however, that, in each case, effective provision is
made in the charter of the resulting or surviving corporation or otherwise for
the recognition, preservation and protection of the rights of the holders of the
Series E Preferred Shares.
3. In determining whether a distribution by dividend, redemption or other
acquisition of Shares or otherwise is permitted under Maryland law, no effect
shall be given to amounts that would be needed, if the Trust were to be
dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights
upon dissolution of shareholders whose preferential rights on dissolution are
superior to those receiving the distribution.
D. Redemption by the Trust.
1. The Series E Preferred Shares may be redeemed for cash, in whole or
from time to time in part, on any date on or after August 24, 2000 at the option
of the Trust at the Redemption Price. The Redemption Price of the Series E
Preferred Shares (other than any portion thereof consisting of accrued and
unpaid distributions) may be paid solely from the sale of proceeds of Capital
Stock of the Trust.
2. Each date fixed for redemption pursuant to subparagraph (1) of this
paragraph (D) is called a "Redemption Date". If the Redemption Date is after a
Record Date and before the related Distribution Payment Date, the distribution
payable on such Distribution Payment Date shall be paid to the holder in whose
name the Series E Preferred Shares to be redeemed are registered at the close of
business on such Record Date notwithstanding the redemption thereof between such
Record Date and the related Distribution Payment Date or the Trust's default in
the payment of the distribution.
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3. In case of redemption of less than all of the Series E Preferred
Shares at the time outstanding, the shares to be redeemed shall be selected by
the Trust pro rata from the holders of record of such shares in proportion to
the number of shares held by such holders (with adjustments to avoid redemption
of fractional shares) or by any other equitable method determined by the Board
of Trustees.
4. Notice of any redemption will be given by publication in a newspaper
of general circulation in the City of New York, such publication to be made once
a week for two successive weeks commencing not less than 30 nor more than 60
days prior to the Redemption Date. A similar notice will be mailed by the
Trust, postage prepaid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the
Redemption Date, addressed to the respective holders of record of the Series E
Preferred Shares to be redeemed at their respective addressees as they appear on
the share transfer records of the Trust. No failure to give such notice or any
defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the
proceedings for the redemption of any Series E Preferred Shares except as to any
holder to whom the Trust has failed to give notice or except as to any holder to
whom notice was defective. In addition to any information required by law or by
the applicable rules of any exchange upon which Series E Preferred Shares may be
listed or admitted to trading, such notice shall state: (i) the Redemption
Date; (ii) the Redemption Price; (iii) the number of Series E Preferred Shares
to be redeemed and, if less than all shares held by the particular holder are to
be redeemed, the number of such shares to be redeemed; (iv) the place or places
where certificates for such shares are to be surrendered for payment of the
Redemption Price; and (v) that distributions on the shares to be redeemed will
cease to accrue on the Redemption Date.
5. If notice has been mailed in accordance with subparagraph (4) of this
paragraph (D), and such notice provided that on or before the Redemption Date
specified therein all funds necessary for such redemption shall have been set
aside by the Trust, separate and apart from its other funds in trust for the pro
rata benefit of the holders of the shares so called for redemption, so as to be,
and to continue to be available therefor, then, from and after the Redemption
Date, distributions on the Series E Preferred Shares so called for redemption
shall cease to accrue, and said shares shall no longer be deemed to be
outstanding and shall not have the status of Series E Preferred Shares, and all
rights of the holders thereof as shareholders of the Trust (except the right to
receive from the Trust the Redemption Price) shall cease. Upon surrender, in
accordance with said notice, of the certificates for any shares so redeemed
(properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Trust shall so require and
the notice shall so state), such shares shall be redeemed by the Trust at the
Redemption Price. In case fewer than all the shares represented by any such
certificate are redeemed, a new certificate or certificates shall be issued
representing the unredeemed shares without cost to the holder thereof.
6. Any funds deposited with a bank or trust company for the purpose of
redeeming Series E Preferred Shares shall be irrevocable except that:
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a. the Trust shall be entitled to receive from such bank or trust
company the interest or other earnings, if any, earned on any money so deposited
in trust, and the holders of any shares redeemed shall have no claim to such
interest or other earnings; and
b. any balance of monies so deposited by the Trust and unclaimed by
the holders of the Series E Preferred Shares entitled thereto at the expiration
of two (2) years from the applicable Redemption Date shall be repaid, together
with any interest or other earnings earned thereon, to the Trust, and after any
such repayment, the holders of the shares entitled to the funds so repaid to the
Trust shall look only to the Trust for payment without interest or other
earnings.
7. No Series E Preferred Shares may be redeemed except with assets
legally available for the payment of the Redemption Price.
8. Unless full cumulative distributions on all Series E Preferred Shares
shall have been or contemporaneously are authorized and paid or authorized and a
sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past
Distribution Periods and the then current Distribution Period, no Series E
Preferred Shares shall be redeemed unless all outstanding Series E Preferred
Shares are simultaneously redeemed; provided, however, that the foregoing shall
not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Series E Preferred Shares pursuant to
a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all
outstanding Series E Preferred Shares, provided further, however, that the
foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Series E Preferred
Shares from persons owning in the aggregate 9.8% or more of the number or value
of the total outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Trust or 20% or
more of the number or value of the total outstanding Series E Preferred Shares
pursuant to provisions of the Declaration of Trust. Unless full cumulative
distributions on all outstanding Series E Preferred Shares have been or
contemporaneously are authorized and paid or authorized and a sum sufficient for
the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past Distribution Periods and
the then current Distribution Period, the Trust shall not purchase or otherwise
acquire directly or indirectly any Series E Preferred Shares (except by exchange
for shares of the Trust ranking junior to the Series E Preferred Shares as to
distributions and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of
the Trust).
9. All Series E Preferred Shares redeemed pursuant to this paragraph (D)
shall be retired and shall be reclassified as authorized and unissued preferred
shares, without designation as to class or series, and may thereafter be
reissued as any class or series of preferred shares.
E. Voting Rights.
1. The holders of Series E Preferred Shares shall not be entitled to vote
on any matter except (i) as provided in paragraph (K), (ii) as provided in
subparagraph (2) of this paragraph (E), or (iii) as specifically required by
law.
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2. In the event the Trust shall have failed to authorize and pay or set
apart for payment in full the distributions accumulated on the outstanding
Series E Preferred Shares for any six or more quarterly Distribution Periods,
regardless of whether such quarterly periods are consecutive (a "Preferential
Distribution Non-Payment"), the number of trustees of the Trust shall be
increased by two and the holders of the outstanding Series E Preferred Shares,
voting together as a class with all other classes or series of preferred shares
of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred Shares with respect
to distribution rights and then entitled to vote on the election of such
additional two trustees, shall be entitled to elect such two additional trustees
until the full distributions accumulated on all outstanding Series E Preferred
Shares have been authorized and paid or set apart for payment. Upon the
occurrence of a Preferential Distribution Non-Payment or a vacancy in the office
of a Preferred Shares Trustee (as defined below), the Board of Trustees shall
within a reasonable period call a special meeting of the holders of the Series E
Preferred Shares and all holders of other classes or series of preferred shares
of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred Shares with respect
to distribution rights who are then entitled to vote on the election of such
additional trustee or trustees for the purpose of electing the additional
trustee or trustees. If and when all accumulated distributions on the Series E
Preferred Shares have been authorized and paid or set aside for payment in full,
the holders of the Series E Preferred Shares shall be divested of the special
voting rights provided by this subparagraph (2) of paragraph (E), subject to
revesting in the event of each and every subsequent Preferential Distribution
Non-Payment. Upon termination of such special voting rights attributable to all
holders of the Series E Preferred Shares and shares of any other class or series
of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred
Shares with respect to distribution rights, the term of office of each trustee
elected by the holders of the Series E Preferred Shares and such parity
preferred shares (a "Preferred Shares Trustee") pursuant to such special voting
rights shall forthwith terminate and the number of trustees constituting the
entire Board of Trustees shall be reduced by the number of Preferred Shares
Trustees. In the event the holders of the outstanding Series A Convertible
Preferred Shares shall become entitled to vote on the election of additional
trustees because the Trust shall have failed to declare and pay or set apart for
payment in full the distributions accumulated on the outstanding Convertible
Preferred Shares for any six consecutive quarterly distribution payment periods,
the term of office of each Preferred Shares Trustee previously elected by
holders of Series E Preferred Shares shall forthwith terminate and the holders
of the Series E Preferred Shares, voting together as a class with all other
classes or series of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the
Series E Preferred Shares with respect to distribution rights and then entitled
to vote on the election of two additional trustees, shall be entitled to elect
such two additional trustees pursuant to this paragraph (E). Any Preferred
Shares Trustee may be removed only by the vote of the holders of record of a
majority of the outstanding Series E Preferred Shares and all other series of
preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series E Preferred
Shares with respect to distribution rights who would then be entitled to vote in
such Preferred Shares Trustee's election, voting together as a separate class,
at a meeting called for such purpose.
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3. So long as any Series E Preferred Shares are outstanding, the number
of trustees constituting the entire Board of Trustees of the Trust shall at all
times be such that the exercise, by the holders of the Series E Preferred Shares
and the holders of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the
Series E Preferred Shares with respect to distribution rights, of the right to
elect trustees under the circumstances provided for in subparagraph (2) of this
paragraph (E) will not contravene any other provision of this Declaration
restricting the number of trustees which may constitute the entire Board of
Trustees.
4. Trustees elected pursuant to subparagraph (2) of this paragraph (E)
shall serve until the earlier of (x) the next annual meeting of the shareholders
of the Trust and the election (by the holders of the Series E Preferred Shares
and the holders of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the
Series E Preferred Shares with respect to distribution rights) and qualification
of their respective successors or (y) the termination of the term of office of
each Preferred Shares Trustee upon the termination of the special voting rights
as provided for in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph (E) or as otherwise
provided for in subparagraph (2) of this paragraph (E).
5. So long as a Preferential Distribution Non-Payment shall continue, any
vacancy in the office of a Preferred Shares Trustee may be filled by vote of the
holders of record of a majority of the outstanding Series E Preferred Shares and
all other series of preferred shares ranking on a parity with the Series E
Preferred Shares with respect to distribution rights who are then entitled to
vote in the election of such Preferred Shares Trustee as provided above. As
long as the Preferential Distribution Non-Payment shall continue, holders of the
Series E Preferred Shares shall not, as such shareholders, be entitled to vote
on the election or removal of trustees other than Preferred Shares Trustees, but
shall not be divested of any other voting rights provided to such shareholders
by law or this Declaration of Trust with respect to any other matter to be acted
upon by the shareholders of the Trust.
F. Trustees' Right to Refuse to Transfer Series E Preferred
Shares; Limitation on Holdings.
1. The terms and provisions of this paragraph (F) shall apply in addition
to, and not in limitation of, the terms and provisions of [Article VII] Sections
6.6 and 6.8.
2. Each Person who owns directly or indirectly more than five percent in
number or value of the total Series E Preferred Shares outstanding shall, by
January 30 of each year, give written notice to the Trust stating the Person's
name and address, the number of Series E Preferred Shares directly or indirectly
owned by such Person, and a description of the capacity in which such Series E
Preferred Shares are held. For purposes of this Section 13.5, the number and
value of the total Series E Preferred Shares outstanding shall be determined by
the Board of Trustees in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive for
all purposes hereunder. In addition, each direct or indirect holder of Series E
Preferred Shares, irrespective
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of such shareholder's percentage ownership of outstanding Series E Preferred
Shares, shall upon demand disclose to the Trust in writing such information with
respect to the direct or indirect ownership of Series E Preferred Shares as the
Board of Trustees deems necessary from time to time to enable the Board of
Trustees to determine whether the Trust complies with the REIT Provisions of the
Code (as defined in Section 1.5 of the Declaration of Trust), to comply with the
requirements of any taxing authority or governmental agency or to determine any
such compliance or to determine any such compliance with this paragraph (F).
3. If, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, which shall be binding
upon any prospective acquiror of Series E Preferred Shares, any proposed
transfer or issuance would jeopardize the status of the Trust as a REIT under
the REIT Provisions of the Code, the Board of Trustees shall have the right, but
not the duty, to refuse to permit such transfer or issuance or refuse to give
effect to such transfer or issuance and to take any action to cause any such
transfer not to occur or to void any such issuance.
4. As a condition to any transfer and/or registration of transfer on the
books of the Trust of any Series E Preferred Shares which could result in direct
or indirect ownership (as hereinafter defined) of Series E Preferred Shares
exceeding 20% of the lesser of the number or the value of the total Series E
Preferred Shares outstanding (the "Series E Excess Preferred Shares") by a
Person other than a Series E Preferred Excepted Person (as defined in
subparagraph (5) below), such prospective transferee shall give written notice
to the Trust of the proposed transfer and shall furnish such opinions of
counsel, affidavits, undertakings, agreements and information as may be required
by the Board of Trustees no later than the 15th day prior to any transfer which,
if consummated, would result in such ownership.
5. Any transfer or issuance of Series E Preferred Shares that would (i)
create a direct or indirect owner of Series E Excess Preferred Shares other than
a Series E Preferred Excepted Person; or (ii) result in the Trust being "closely
held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, shall be void ab initio
and the prospective acquiror shall not be entitled to any rights afforded to
owners of Series E Preferred Shares hereunder and shall be deemed never to have
had an interest therein.
"Series E Preferred Excepted Person" shall mean any Person approved by the
Board of Trustees, at their option and in their sole discretion, provided,
however, that such approval shall not be granted to any Person whose ownership
of in excess of 20% of the lesser of the number or the value of the total Series
E Preferred Shares outstanding would result, directly, indirectly or as a result
of attribution of ownership, in termination of the status of the Trust as a REIT
under the REIT Provisions of the Code.
6. The Trust, by notice to the holder thereof, may purchase any or all
Series E Preferred Shares that are proposed to be transferred pursuant to a
transfer which, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, which shall be binding
upon any proposed transferor or transferee of Series E Preferred Shares, would
result in any Person acquiring Series E Excess Preferred
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Shares, or would otherwise jeopardize the status of the Trust as a real estate
investment trust under the REIT Provisions of the Code. The Trust shall have
the power, by lot or other means deemed equitable by the Board of Trustees in
their sole discretion, to purchase such Series E Excess Preferred Shares from
the prospective transferor. The purchase price for any Series E Excess
Preferred Shares shall be equal to the fair market value of the Series E
Preferred Shares on the last trading day immediately preceding the day on which
notice of such proposed transfer is sent, as reflected in the closing sale price
for the Series E Preferred Shares, if then listed on a national securities
exchange, or such price for the Series E Preferred Shares on the principal
exchange if then listed on more than one national securities exchange, or if the
Series E Preferred Shares are not then listed on a national securities exchange,
the latest bid quotation for the Series E Preferred Shares if then traded over-
the-counter, or, if no such closing sales prices or quotations are available,
then the purchase price shall be equal to the fair market value of such Series E
Preferred Shares as determined by the Board of Trustees in good faith. Prompt
payment of the purchase price shall be made in cash by the Trust in such manner
as may be determined by the Board of Trustees. From and after the date fixed
for purchase by the Board of Trustees, and so long as payment of the purchase
price for the Series E Preferred Shares to be so redeemed shall have been made
or duly provided for, the holder of any Series E Excess Preferred Shares so
called for purchase shall cease to be entitled to dividends, distributions,
voting rights and other benefits with respect to such Series E Preferred Shares,
excepting only the right to payment of the purchase price fixed as aforesaid.
Any dividend or distribution paid to a proposed transferee of Series E Excess
Preferred Shares prior to the discovery by the Trust that the Series E Preferred
Shares have been transferred in violation of this paragraph (F) shall be repaid
to the Trust upon demand.
7. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Declaration or the Trust's
Bylaws, subparagraphs (5), (6), (7) and (8) of this paragraph (F) may not be
amended or repealed without the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than
a majority of the Series E Preferred Shares then outstanding and entitled to
vote. If subparagraph (5), (6), (7) or (8) of this paragraph (F) is determined
to be void or invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute, rule or
regulation, then the acquiror of Series E Preferred Shares in violation of such
Sections shall be deemed, at the option of the Trust, to have acted as agent on
behalf of the Trust in acquiring such Series E Preferred Shares on behalf of the
Trust.
8. Subject to subparagraph (12), notwithstanding any other provision of
this Section 13.5 to the contrary, any purported transfer, sale or acquisition
of Series E Preferred Shares (whether such purported transfer, sale or
acquisition results from the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership of
Series E Preferred Shares) which would result in the termination of the status
of the Trust as a REIT under the REIT Provisions of the Code shall be null and
void ab initio. Any such Series E Preferred Shares may be treated by the Board
of Trustees in the manner prescribed for Series E Excess Preferred Shares in
subparagraph (6) of this paragraph (F).
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9. Subject to subparagraph (12), nothing contained in this paragraph (F)
or in any other provision of this Section 13.5 shall limit the authority of the
Board of Trustees to take such other action as it deems necessary or advisable
to protect the Trust and the interests of the shareholders by preservation of
the Trust's status as a REIT under the REIT Provisions of the Code.
10. If any provision of this paragraph (F) or any application of any such
provision is determined to be invalid by any federal or state court having
jurisdiction over the issues, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not
be affected and other applications of such provision shall be affected only to
the extent necessary to comply with the determination of such court. To the
extent this paragraph (F) may be inconsistent with any other provision of this
Section 13.5, this paragraph (F) shall be controlling.
11. For purposes of this Section 13.5, Series E Preferred Shares not owned
directly shall be deemed to be owned indirectly by a person if that person or a
group of which he is a member would be the beneficial owner of such Series E
Preferred Shares, as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and/or would be considered to own such Series E Preferred
Shares by reason of the REIT Provisions of the Code.
12. Notwithstanding any other provision of paragraph (F), nothing in this
Section 13.5 shall preclude the settlement of transactions entered into through
the facilities of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. The fact that the
settlement of any transaction is permitted shall not negate the effect of any
other provision of this paragraph (F) and any transferee in such a transaction
shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this
paragraph (F).
G. Exclusion of Other Rights.
Except as may otherwise be required by law, the Series E Preferred Shares
shall not have any preferences or other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or
conditions of redemption other than specifically set forth in this Declaration.
H. Headings of Subdivisions.
The headings of the various subdivisions in this Section 13.5 are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of any of
the provisions hereof.
I. Severability of Provisions.
If any preferences or other rights, voting powers, restrictions,
limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications or terms or
conditions of redemption of the Series E Preferred Shares set forth in this
Declaration is invalid, unlawful or incapable of being enforced
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by reason of any rule of law or public policy, all other preferences or other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions,
qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption of Series E Preferred Shares
set forth in this Declaration which can be given effect without the invalid,
unlawful or unenforceable provision thereof shall, nevertheless, remain in full
force and effect and no preferences or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications
or terms or conditions of redemption of the Series E Preferred Shares herein set
forth shall be deemed dependent upon any other provision thereof unless so
expressed therein.
J. Ranking.
With regard to rights to receive distributions and amounts payable upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Trust, the Series E Preferred
Shares shall rank senior to the Common Shares and on a parity with any other
preferred shares issued by the Trust, unless the terms of such other preferred
shares provide otherwise and, if applicable, the requirements of Paragraph K
hereof have been complied with. However, the Trust may authorize or increase
any class or series of shares of beneficial interest ranking on a parity with or
junior to the Series E Preferred Shares as to distribution rights or liquidation
preference without the vote or consent of the holders of the Series E Preferred
Shares.
K. Limitations.
In addition to any other rights provided by applicable law, so long as any
Series E Preferred Shares are outstanding, the Trust shall not, without the
affirmative vote, or the written consent as provided by law, of the holders of
at least two-thirds of the total number of outstanding Series E Preferred
Shares, voting as a class,
1. authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or
issued amount of, any class or series of, or rights to subscribe to or
acquire, any security convertible into, any class or series of shares
of beneficial interest ranking as to distribution rights or
liquidation preference, senior to the Series E Preferred Shares, or
reclassify any shares of beneficial interest into any such shares; or
2. amend, alter or repeal, whether by merger, consolidation or
otherwise, any of the provisions of this Declaration that would change
the preferences, rights or powers with respect to the Series E
Preferred Shares so as to affect the Series E Preferred Shares
materially and adversely;
but (except as otherwise required by applicable law) nothing herein contained
shall require such a vote or consent (i) in connection with any increase in the
total number of authorized Common Shares, or (ii) in connection with the
authorization or increase of any class or series of shares of beneficial
interest ranking, as to distribution rights and liquidation preference, on a
parity with or junior to the Series E Preferred Shares; provided, however, that
no such vote or written
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consent of the holders of the Series E Preferred Shares shall be required if, at
or prior to the time when the issuance of any such shares ranking senior to the
Series E Preferred Shares is to be made or any such change is to take effect, as
the case may be, proper notice has been given and sufficient funds have been
irrevocably deposited in trust for the redemption of all the then outstanding
Series E Preferred Shares.
L. No Preemptive Rights.
No holder of Series E Preferred Shares shall be entitled to any preemptive
rights to subscribe for or acquire any unissued shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust (whether now or hereafter authorized) or securities of the Trust
convertible into or carrying a right to subscribe to or acquire shares of
beneficial interest of the Trust.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust has been
signed on this _____ day of ________, 1997, by the undersigned Trustees, each of
whom acknowledge that this document is his free act and deed, that, to the best
of his knowledge, information and belief, the matters and facts set forth herein
are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the
penalties for perjury.
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Samuel Zell Douglas Crocker II
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Sheli Z. Rosenberg Gerald A. Spector
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
James D. Harper, Jr. Errol R. Halperin
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Barry S. Sternlicht John Alexander
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
B. Joseph White Henry H. Goldberg
- ---------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Jeffrey M. Lynford Edward Lowenthal
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ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
The following changes shall be included in the Second Amended and Restated
Declarartion of Trust upon approval by the affirmative vote of not less than
two-thirds of the Wellsford Common:
1. Section 2.3 shall be deleted in its entirety, and the following shall
be inserted in place thereof:
SECTION 2.3 Resignation, Removal or Death. Any Trustee may resign by
written notice to the remaining Trustees, effective upon execution and delivery
to the Trust of such written notice or upon any future date specified in the
notice. A Trustee may be removed, only with Cause (as hereinafter defined), at a
meeting of the Shareholders called for that purpose, by the affirmative vote of
the holders of not less than two-thirds of the Shares then outstanding and
entitled to vote in the election of Trustees. As used herein, "Cause" shall mean
(a) material theft, fraud or embezzlement or active and deliberate dishonesty by
a Trustee; (b) habitual neglect of duty by a Trustee having a material and
adverse significance to the Trust; or (c) the conviction of a Trustee of a
felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude. Upon the resignation or
removal of any Trustee, or his otherwise ceasing to be a Trustee, he shall
automatically cease to have any right, title or interest in and to the Trust
Property and shall execute and deliver such documents as the remaining Trustees
require for the conveyance of any Trust Property held in his name, and shall
account to the remaining Trustees as they require for all property which he
holds as Trustee. Upon the incapacity or death of any Trustee, his legal
representative shall perform those acts.
2. Sections 6.6, 6.7 and 6.8 shall be deleted in their entirety, and
Sections 6.9 and 6.10 shall be redesignated as Sections 6.6 and 6.7,
respectively.
3. New Sections 7.1-7.6 shall be added to Article VII, which shall read as
follows:
RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
SECTION 7.1 Definitions. For the purpose of this Article VII, the
following terms shall have the following meanings:
Beneficial Ownership. The term "Beneficial Ownership" shall mean
ownership of Shares by a Person, whether the interest in Shares is held directly
or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include interests that would
be treated as owned through the application of
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Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of the Code. The
terms "Beneficial Owner," "Beneficially Owns" and "Beneficially Owned" shall
have the correlative meanings.
Business Day. The term "Business Day" shall mean any day, other than a
Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking
institutions in Chicago, Illinois are authorized or required by law, regulation
or executive order to close.
Charitable Beneficiary. The term "Charitable Beneficiary" shall mean one
or more beneficiaries of the Charitable Trust as determined pursuant to Section
7.3(g), provided that each such organization must be described in Sections
501(c)(3), 170(b)(1)(A) and 170(c)(2) of the Code.
Charitable Trust. The term "Charitable Trust" shall mean any trust
provided for in Section 7.2(a)(2)(A) and Section 7.3(a).
Charitable Trustee. The term "Charitable Trustee" shall mean the Person
unaffiliated with the Trust and a Prohibited Owner, that is appointed by the
Trust to serve as trustee of the Charitable Trust.
Code. The term "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended from time to time.
Constructive Ownership. The term "Constructive Ownership" shall mean
ownership of Shares by a Person, whether the interest in Shares is held directly
or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include interests that would
be treated as owned through the application of Section 318(a) of the Code, as
modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code. The terms "Constructive Owner,"
"Constructively Owns" and "Constructively Owned" shall have the correlative
meanings.
Declaration of Trust. The term "Declaration of Trust" shall mean this
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust as filed for record with the SDAT, and
any amendments thereto.
Excepted Holder. The term "Excepted Holder" shall mean (i) a shareholder
of the Trust for whom an Excepted Holder Limit is created by the Board of
Trustees pursuant to Section 7.2(g) or (ii) a shareholder of the Trust who was
an "Existing Holder" under the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of
Equity Residential Properties Trust prior to the date hereof.
Excepted Holder Limit. The term "Excepted Holder Limit" shall mean (i)
provided that the affected Excepted Holder agrees to comply with the
requirements established by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 7.2(g),
and subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 7.2(h), the percentage limit
established by the Board of Trustees pursuant to Section 7.2(g) or (ii) if the
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Excepted Holder is an Excepted Holder due to its prior status as an "Existing
Holder" under the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Equity
Residential Properties Trust, the "Existing Holder Limit" as defined under such
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust.
Initial Date. The term "Initial Date" shall mean the date upon which this
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust containing this Article VII is filed
for record with the SDAT.
Market Price. The term "Market Price" on any date shall mean, with respect
to any class or series of outstanding Shares, the Closing Price for such Shares
on such date. The "Closing Price" on any date shall mean the last sale price for
such Shares, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, for such Shares, in
either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting
system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the NYSE or,
if such Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on the NYSE, as reported on
the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to
securities listed on the principal national securities exchange on which such
Shares are listed or admitted to trading or, if such Shares are not listed or
admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price,
or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the
over-the-counter market, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market or, if such
system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that
may then be in use or, if such Shares are not quoted by any such organization,
the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional
market maker making a market in such Shares selected by the Board of Trustees
or, in the event that no trading price is available for such Shares, the fair
market value of Shares, as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees.
NYSE. The term "NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Ownership Limit. The term "Ownership Limit" shall mean (i) with respect to
the Common Shares, 5.0% (in value or number of shares, whichever is more
restrictive) of the outstanding Common Shares of the Trust; and (ii) with
respect to any class or series of Preferred Shares, 5.0% (in value or number of
Shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the outstanding shares of such class
or series of Preferred Shares of the Trust.
Person. The term "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation,
partnership, estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Sections 401(a) or
501(c)(17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be
used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code,
association, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the
Code, joint stock company or other entity and also includes a group as that term
is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.
Prohibited Owner. The term "Prohibited Owner" shall mean, with respect to
any purported Transfer, any Person who, but for the provisions of Section
7.2(a), would Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares, and if appropriate
in the context, shall also mean any
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Person who would have been the record owner of Shares that the Prohibited Owner
would have so owned.
REIT. The term "REIT" shall mean a real estate investment trust within the
meaning of Section 856 of the Code.
Restriction Termination Date. The term "Restriction Termination Date"
shall mean the first day after the Initial Date on which the Board of Trustees
determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Trust to attempt
to, or continue to, qualify as a REIT or that compliance with the restrictions
and limitations on Beneficial Ownership, Constructive Ownership and Transfers of
Shares set forth herein is no longer required in order for the Trust to qualify
as a REIT.
SDAT. The term "SDAT" shall mean the State Department of Assessments and
Taxation of Maryland.
Transfer. The term "Transfer" shall mean any issuance, sale, transfer,
gift, assignment, devise or other disposition, as well as any other event that
causes any Person to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership, or
any agreement to take any such actions or cause any such events, of Shares or
the right to vote or receive dividends on Shares, including (a) a change in the
capital structure of the Trust, (b) a change in the relationship between two or
more Persons which causes a change in ownership of Shares by application of
Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h), (c) the granting or
exercise of any option or warrant (or any disposition of any option or warrant),
pledge, security interest, or similar right to acquire Shares, (d) any
disposition of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for
Shares or any interest in Shares or any exercise of any such conversion or
exchange right and (e) Transfers of interests in other entities that result in
changes in Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of Shares; in each case, whether
voluntary or involuntary, whether owned of record, Constructively Owned or
Beneficially Owned and whether by operation of law or otherwise. (For purposes
of this Article VII, the right of a limited partner in ERP Operating Limited
Partnership, an Illinois limited partnership, to require the partnership to
redeem such limited partner's units of partnership interest pursuant to Section
3.2 of the Agreement of Limited Partnership of EOP Operating Limited Partnership
shall not be considered to be an option or similar right to acquire Shares of
the Trust.) The terms "Transferring" and "Transferred" shall have the
correlative meanings.
SECTION 7.2 Shares.
(a) Ownership Limitations. During the period commencing on the
Initial Date and prior to the Restriction Termination Date:
(1) Basic Restrictions.
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(A) (i) No Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall
Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit
and (ii) no Excepted Holder shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Shares
in excess of the Excepted Holder Limit for such Excepted Holder.
(B) No Person shall Beneficially or Constructively Own Shares to
the extent that (i) such Beneficial Ownership of Shares would result in the
Trust being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code
(without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half
of a taxable year), or (ii) such Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of Shares
would result in the Trust otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT (including, but
not limited to, Constructive Ownership that would result in the Trust owning
(actually or Constructively) an interest in a tenant that is described in
Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code if the income derived by the Trust from such
tenant would cause the Trust to fail to satisfy any of the gross income
requirements of Section 856(c) of the Code).
(C) No Person shall Transfer any Shares if, as a result of the
Transfer, the Shares would be beneficially owned by less than 100 Persons
(determined without reference to the rules of attribution under Section 544 of
the Code). Notwithstanding any other provisions contained herein, any Transfer
of Shares (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered
into through the facilities of the NYSE or any other national securities
exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system) that, if effective, would
result in Shares being beneficially owned by less than 100 Persons (determined
under the principles of Section 856(a)(5) of the Code) shall be void ab initio,
and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such Shares.
(2) Transfer in Trust. If any Transfer of Shares (whether or not such
Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the facilities of
the NYSE or any other national securities exchange or automated inter-dealer
quotation system) occurs which, if effective, would result in any Person
Beneficially Owning or Constructively Owning Shares in violation of Section
7.2(a)(1)(A) or (B),
(i) then that number of Shares the Beneficial or Constructive
Ownership of which otherwise would cause such Person to violate Section
7.2(a)(1)(A) or (B) (rounded to the nearest whole share) shall be automatically
transferred to a Charitable Trust for the benefit of a Charitable Beneficiary,
as described in Section 7.3, effective as of the close of business on the
Business Day prior to the date of such Transfer, and such Person shall acquire
no rights in such Shares; or
(ii) if the transfer to the Charitable Trust described in clause
(i) of this sentence would not be effective for any reason to prevent the
violation of Section 7.2(a)(1)(A) or (B), then the Transfer of that number of
Shares that otherwise would cause any Person to violate Section 7.2(a)(1)(A) or
(B) shall be void ab initio, and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights
in such Shares.
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(b) Remedies for Breach. If the Board of Trustees or any duly
authorized committee thereof shall at any time determine in good faith that a
Transfer or other event has taken place that results in a violation of Section
7.2(a) or that a Person intends to acquire or has attempted to acquire
Beneficial or Constructive Ownership of any Shares in violation of Section
7.2(a) (whether or not such violation is intended), the Board of Trustees or a
committee thereof shall take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give
effect to or to prevent such Transfer or other event, including, without
limitation, causing the Trust to redeem Shares, refusing to give effect to such
Transfer on the books of the Trust or instituting proceedings to enjoin such
Transfer or other event; provided, however, that any Transfer or attempted
Transfer or other event in violation of Section 7.2(a) shall automatically
result in the transfer to the Charitable Trust described above, and, where
applicable, such Transfer (or other event) shall be void ab initio as provided
above irrespective of any action (or non-action) by the Board of Trustees or a
committee thereof.
(c) Notice of Restricted Transfer. Any Person who acquires or
attempts or intends to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of
Shares that will or may violate Section 7.2(a)(1), or any Person who would have
owned Shares that resulted in a transfer to the Charitable Trust pursuant to the
provisions of Section 7.2(a)(2), shall immediately give written notice to the
Trust of such event, or in the case of such a proposed or attempted transaction,
give at least 15 days prior written notice, and shall provide to the Trust such
other information as the Trust may request in order to determine the effect, if
any, of such acquisition or ownership on the Trust's status as a REIT.
(d) Owners Required To Provide Information. From the Initial Date and
prior to the Restriction Termination Date:
(2) every owner of more than five percent (or such lower
percentage as required by the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder) of the outstanding Shares, within 30 days after the end of each
taxable year, shall give written notice to the Trust stating the name and
address of such owner, the number of Shares Beneficially Owned and a description
of the manner in which such Shares are held; provided that a shareholder of
record who holds outstanding Shares as nominee for another Person, which other
Person is required to include in gross income the dividends received on such
Shares (an "Actual Owner"), shall give written notice to the Trust stating the
name and address of such Actual Owner and the number of Shares of such Actual
Owner with respect to which the shareholder of record is nominee. Each owner
shall provide to the Trust such additional information as the Trust may request
in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Beneficial Ownership on the
Trust's status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the Ownership Limit.
(2) each Person who is a Beneficial or Constructive Owner of
Shares and each Person (including the shareholder of record) who is holding
Shares for a Beneficial or Constructive Owner shall provide to the Trust such
information as the Trust may request, in
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good faith, in order to determine the Trust's status as a REIT and to comply
with requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to
determine such compliance.
(e) Remedies Not Limited. Subject to Article III of the Declaration
of Trust, nothing contained in this Section 7.2 shall limit the authority of the
Board of Trustees to take such other action as it deems necessary or advisable
to protect the Trust and the interests of its shareholders in preserving the
Trust's status as a REIT.
(f) Ambiguity. If Section 7.2 or 7.3 requires an action by the Board
of Trustees and the Declaration of Trust fails to provide specific guidance with
respect to such action, the Board of Trustees shall have the power to determine
the action to be taken so long as such action is not contrary to the provisions
of Sections 7.1, 7.2 or 7.3.
(g) Exceptions.
(1) The Board, in its sole and absolute discretion, may grant to
any Person who makes a request therefor an exception to the Ownership Limit with
respect to the ownership of any series or class of Preferred Shares, subject to
the following conditions and limitations: (A) the Board shall have determined
that (x) assuming such Person would Beneficially or Constructively Own the
maximum amount of Common Shares and Preferred Shares permitted as a result of
the exception to be granted and (y) assuming that all other Persons who would be
treated as "individuals" for purposes of Section 542(a)(2) (determined taking
into account Section 856(h)(3)(A) of the Code) would Beneficially or
Constructively Own the maximum amount of Common Shares and Preferred Shares
permitted under this Article VII (taking into account any exception, waiver, or
exemption granted under this Section 7.2(g) to (or with respect to) such
Persons), the Trust would not be "closely held" within the meaning of Section
856(h) of the Code (assuming that the ownership of Shares is determined during
the second half of a taxable year) and would not otherwise fail to qualify as a
REIT; and (B) such Person provides to the Board such representations and
undertakings, if any, as the Board may, in its sole and absolute discretion,
require (including, without limitation, an agreement as to a reduced Ownership
Limit or Excepted Holder Limit for such Person with respect to the Beneficial or
Constructive Ownership of one or more other classes of Shares not subject to the
exception), and such Person agrees that any violation of such representations
and undertakings or any attempted violation thereof will result in the
application of the remedies set forth in Section 7.2 with respect to Shares held
in excess of the Ownership Limit or the Excepted Holder Limit (as may be
applicable) with respect to such Person (determined without regard to the
exception granted such Person under this subparagraph (1)). If a member of the
Board requests that the Board grant an exception pursuant to this subparagraph
(1) with respect to such member or with respect to any other Person if such
Board member would be considered to be the Beneficial or Constructive Owner of
Shares owned by such Person, such member of the Board shall not participate in
the decision of the Board as to whether to grant any such exception.
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(2) In addition to exceptions permitted under subparagraph (1) above,
the Board, in its reasonable discretion, may except a Person from the Ownership
Limit if: (i) such Person submits to the Board information satisfactory to the
Board, in its reasonable discretion, demonstrating that such Person is not an
individual for purposes of Section 542(a)(2) of the Code (determined taking into
account Section 856(h)(3)(A) of the Code); (ii) such Person submits to the Board
information satisfactory to the Board, in its reasonable discretion,
demonstrating that no Person who is an individual for purposes of Section
542(a)(2) of the Code (determined taking into account Section 856(h)(3)(A) of
the Code) would be considered to Beneficially Own Shares in excess of the
Ownership Limit by reason of the Excepted Holder's ownership of Shares in excess
of the Ownership Limit pursuant to the exception granted under this subparagraph
(2); (iii) such Person submits to the Board information satisfactory to the
Board, in its reasonable discretion, demonstrating that clause (2) of
subparagraph (1)(B) of Section 7.2(a) will not be violated by reason of the
Excepted Holder's ownership of Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit pursuant
to the exception granted under this subparagraph (2); and (iv) such Person
provides to the Board such representations and undertakings, if any, as the
Board may, in its reasonable discretion, require to ensure that the conditions
in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) hereof are satisfied and will continue to be
satisfied throughout the period during which such Person owns Shares in excess
of the Ownership Limit pursuant to any exception thereto granted under this
subparagraph (2), and such Person agrees that any violation of such
representations and undertakings or any attempted violation thereof will result
in the application of the remedies set forth in Section 7.2 with respect to
Shares held in excess of the Ownership Limit with respect to such Person
(determined without regard to the exception granted such Person under this
subparagraph (2)).
(3) Prior to granting any exception or exemption pursuant to
subparagraph (1) or (2), the Board may require a ruling from the IRS or an
opinion of counsel, in either case in form and substance satisfactory to the
Board, in its sole and absolute discretion as it may deem necessary or advisable
in order to determine or ensure the Trust's status as a REIT; provided, however,
that the Board shall not be obligated to require obtaining a favorable ruling or
opinion in order to grant an exception hereunder.
(4) Subject to Section 7.2(a)(1)(B), an underwriter that participates
in a public offering or a private placement of Shares (or securities convertible
into or exchangeable for Shares) may Beneficially or Constructively Own Shares
(or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Shares) in excess of the
Ownership Limit, but only to the extent necessary to facilitate such public
offering or private placement.
(5) The Board of Trustees may only reduce the Excepted Holder Limit
for an Excepted Holder: (1) with the written consent of such Excepted Holder at
any time, or (2) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements and
undertakings entered into with such Excepted Holder in connection with the
establishment of the Excepted Holder Limit for that Excepted Holder. No Excepted
Holder Limit shall be reduced to a percentage that is less than the Ownership
Limit.
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(h) Increase in Ownership Limit. The Board of Trustees may from time
to time increase the Ownership Limit, subject to the limitations provided in
this Section 7.2(h).
(1) The Ownership Limit may not be increased if, after giving
effect to such increase, five Persons who are considered individuals pursuant to
Section 542 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(3) of the Code (taking
into account all of the Excepted Holders), could Beneficially Own, in the
aggregate, more than 49.5% of the value of the outstanding Shares.
(2) Prior to the modification of the Ownership Limit pursuant to
this Section 7.2(h), the Board may require such opinions of counsel, affidavits,
undertakings or agreements as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to
determine or ensure the Trust's status as a REIT if the modification in the
Ownership Limit were to be made.
(i) Legend. Each certificate for Shares shall bear substantially the
following legend:
The shares represented by this certificate are subject to restrictions
on Beneficial and Constructive Ownership and Transfer for the purpose
of the Trust's maintenance of its status as a Real Estate Investment
Trust (a "REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). Subject to certain further restrictions and except as
expressly provided in the Trust's Declaration of Trust, (i) no Person
may Beneficially or Constructively Own Common Shares of the Trust in
excess of 5.0 percent (in value or number of shares) of the
outstanding Comm on Shares of the Trust unless such Person is an
Excepted Holder (in which case the Excepted Holder Limit shall be
applicable); (ii) with respect to any class or series of Preferred
Shares, no Person may Beneficially or Constructively Own more than 5.0
percent (in value or number of shares) of the outstanding shares of
such class or series of Preferred Shares of the Trust, unless such
Person is an Excepted Holder (in which case the Excepted Holder Limit
shall be applicable); (iii) no Person may Beneficially or
Constructively Own Shares that would result in the Trust being
"closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause the
Trust to fail to qualify as a REIT; and (iv) no Person may Transfer
Shares if such Transfer would result in Shares of the Trust being
owned by fewer than 100 Persons. Any Person who Beneficially or
Constructively Owns or attempts to Beneficially or Constructively Own
Shares which cause or will cause a Person to Beneficially or
Constructively Own Shares in excess or in violation of the above
limitations must immediately notify the Trust. If any of the
restrictions on transfer or ownership are violated, the Shares
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represented hereby will be automatically transferred to a Charitable
Trustee of a Charitable Trust for the benefit of one or more
Charitable Beneficiaries. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain
events, attempted Transfers in violation of the restrictions described
above may be void ab initio. A Person who attempts to Beneficially or
Constructively Own Shares in violation of the ownership limitations
described above shall have no claim, cause of action, or any recourse
whatsoever against a transferor of such Shares. All capitalized terms
in this legend have the meanings defined in the Trust's Declaration of
Trust, as the same may be amended from time to time, a copy of which,
including the restrictions on transfer and ownership, will be
furnished to each holder of Shares of the Trust on request and without
charge.
Instead of the foregoing legend, the certificate may state that the
Trust will furnish a full statement about certain restrictions on
transferability to a shareholder on request and without charge.
SECTION 7.3 Transfer of Shares in Trust.
(a) Ownership in Trust. Upon any purported Transfer or other event
described in Section 7.2(a)(2) that would result in a transfer of Shares to a
Charitable Trust, such Shares shall be deemed to have been transferred to the
Charitable Trustee as trustee of a Charitable Trust for the exclusive benefit of
one or more Charitable Beneficiaries. Such transfer to the Charitable Trustee
shall be deemed to be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day
prior to the purported Transfer or other event that results in the transfer to
the Charitable Trust pursuant to Section 7.2(a)(2). The Charitable Trustee
shall be appointed by the Trust and shall be a Person unaffiliated with the
Trust and any Prohibited Owner. Each Charitable Beneficiary shall be designated
by the Trust as provided in Section 7.3(g).
(b) Status of Shares Held by the Charitable Trustee. Shares held by
the Charitable Trustee shall be issued and outstanding Shares of the Company.
The Prohibited Owner shall have no rights in the Shares held by the Charitable
Trustee. The Prohibited Owner shall not benefit economically from ownership of
any Shares held in trust by the Charitable Trustee, shall have no rights to
dividends or other distributions and shall not possess any rights to vote or
other rights attributable to the Shares held in the Charitable Trust. The
Prohibited Owner shall have no claim, cause of action, or any other recourse
whatsoever against the purported transferor of such Shares.
(c) Dividend and Voting Rights. The Charitable Trustee shall have
all voting rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with respect to
Shares held in the Charitable Trust, which rights shall be exercised for the
exclusive benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary. Any dividend or other
distribution paid prior to the discovery by the Trust that Shares have been
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transferred to the Charitable Trustee shall be paid with respect to such Shares
to the Charitable Trustee upon demand and any dividend or other distribution
authorized but unpaid shall be paid when due to the Charitable Trustee. Any
dividends or distributions so paid over to the Charitable Trustee shall be held
in trust for the Charitable Beneficiary. The Prohibited Owner shall have no
voting rights with respect to Shares held in the Charitable Trust and, subject
to Maryland law, effective as of the date that Shares have been transferred to
the Charitable Trustee, the Charitable Trustee shall have the authority (at the
Charitable Trustee's sole discretion) (i) to rescind as void any vote cast by a
Prohibited Owner prior to the discovery by the Trust that Shares have been
transferred to the Charitable Trustee and (ii) to recast such vote in accordance
with the desires of the Charitable Trustee acting for the benefit of the
Charitable Beneficiary; provided, however, that if the Trust has already taken
irreversible action, then the Charitable Trustee shall not have the power to
rescind and recast such vote. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article
VII, until the Trust has received notification that Shares have been transferred
into a Charitable Trust, the Trust shall be entitled to rely on its share
transfer and other shareholder records for purposes of preparing lists of
shareholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and
authority of proxies and otherwise conducting votes of shareholders.
(d) Rights Upon Liquidation. Upon any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of or any distribution of the assets of
the Trust, the Charitable Trustee shall be entitled to receive, ratably with
each other holder of Shares of the class or series of Shares that is held in the
Charitable Trust, that portion of the assets of the Trust available for
distribution to the holders of such class or series (determined based upon the
ratio that the number of Shares or such class or series of Shares held by the
Charitable Trustee bears to the total number of Shares of such class or series
of Shares then outstanding). The Charitable Trustee shall distribute any such
assets received in respect of the Shares held in the Charitable Trust in any
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of, or distribution of the assets of the
Trust, in accordance with Section 7.3(e).
(e) Sale of Shares by Charitable Trustee. Within 20 days of
receiving notice from the Trust that Shares have been transferred to the
Charitable Trust, the Charitable Trustee of the Charitable Trust shall sell the
Shares held in the Charitable Trust to a person, designated by the Charitable
Trustee, whose ownership of the Shares will not violate the ownership
limitations set forth in Section 7.2(a)(1). Upon such sale, the interest of the
Charitable Beneficiary in the Shares sold shall terminate and the Charitable
Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner
and to the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in this Section 7.3(e). The
Prohibited Owner shall receive the lesser of (1) the price paid by the
Prohibited Owner for the Shares or, if the Prohibited Owner did not give value
for the Shares in connection with the event causing the Shares to be held in the
Charitable Trust (e.g., in the case of a gift, devise or other such
transaction), the Market Price of the Shares on the day of the event causing the
Shares to be held in the Charitable Trust and (2) the price per share received
by the Charitable Trustee from the sale or other disposition of the Shares held
in the Charitable Trust. Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable
to the Prohibited
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Owner shall be immediately paid to the Charitable Beneficiary. If, prior to the
discovery by the Trust that Shares have been transferred to the Charitable
Trustee, such Shares are sold by a Prohibited Owner, then (i) such Shares shall
be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the Charitable Trust and (ii) to the
extent that the Prohibited Owner received an amount for such Shares that exceeds
the amount that such Prohibited Owner was entitled to receive pursuant to this
Section 7.3(e), such excess shall be paid to the Charitable Trustee upon demand.
The Charitable Trustee shall have the right and power (but not the obligation)
to offer any Equity Share held in trust for sale to the Trust on such terms and
conditions as the Charitable Trustee shall deem appropriate.
(f) Purchase Right in Shares Transferred to the Charitable Trustee.
Shares transferred to the Charitable Trustee shall be deemed to have been
offered for sale to the Trust, or its designee, at a price per share equal to
the lesser of (i) the price per share in the transaction that resulted in such
transfer to the Charitable Trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the
Market Price at the time of such devise or gift) and (ii) the Market Price on
the date the Trust, or its designee, accepts such offer. The Trust shall have
the right to accept such offer until the Charitable Trustee has sold the Shares
held in the Charitable Trust pursuant to Section 7.3(e). Upon such a sale to
the Trust, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the Shares sold shall
terminate and the Charitable Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the
sale to the Prohibited Owner.
(g) Designation of Charitable Beneficiaries. By written notice to the
Charitable Trustee, the Trust shall designate one or more nonprofit
organizations to be the Charitable Beneficiary of the interest in the Charitable
Trust such that (i) Shares held in the Charitable Trust would not violate the
restrictions set forth in Section 7.2(a)(1) in the hands of such Charitable
Beneficiary and (ii) each such organization must be described in Sections
501(c)(3), 170(b)(1)(A) or 170(c)(2) of the Code.
SECTION 7.4 NYSE Transactions. Nothing in this Article VII shall preclude
the settlement of any transaction entered into through the facilities of the
NYSE or any other national securities exchange or automated inter-dealer
quotation system. The fact that the settlement of any transaction is so
permitted shall not negate the effect of any other provision of this Article VII
and any transferee in such a transaction shall be subject to all of the
provisions and limitations set forth in this Article VII.
SECTION 7.5 Enforcement. The Trust is authorized specifically to seek
equitable relief, including injunctive relief, to enforce the provisions of this
Article VII.
SECTION 7.6 Non-Waiver. No delay or failure on the part of the Trust or
the Board of Trustees in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a
waiver of any right of the Trust or the Board of Trustees, as the case may be,
except to the extent specifically waived in writing.
SECTION 7.7 - 7-22 [RESERVED]
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4. Sections 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 shall be deleted in their entirety, and the
following shall be inserted in place thereof:
SECTION 9.1 By Shareholders.
(a) Except as provided in Section 9.2 and subsection (b) hereof, this
Declaration of Trust may be amended only by the affirmative vote of the
holders of not less than two-thirds of all the Shares then outstanding and
entitled to vote on the matter.
(b) Subject to the provisions of any class or series of Shares at the
time outstanding, the Trustees shall have the power to (i) merge the Trust
into another entity, (ii) consolidate the Trust with one or more other
entities into a new entity or (iii) sell or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of the Trust Property; provided, however, that such
action shall have been approved, at a meeting of the Shareholders called
for the purpose, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a
majority of the Shares then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.
SECTION 9.2 By Trustees. The Trustees, by a two-thirds vote, may amend
provisions of this Declaration of Trust from time to time to enable the Trust to
qualify as a real estate investment trust under the Code or Under Title 8.
5. The words "shall constitute 'Excess Shares' and" shall be deleted from
Sections 13.1(c)(2), 13.2(c)(2) and 13.3(c)(2).
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EXHIBIT 99.2
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
-----------------------------------
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Trust shall be
located at such place or places as the Board of Trustees may designate.
Section 2. ADDITIONAL OFFICES. The Trust may have additional offices at
such places as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine or the
business of the Trust may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Section 1. PLACE. All meetings of shareholders shall be held at the
principal office of the Trust or at such other place within the United States as
shall be stated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of the shareholders for the
election of Trustees and the transaction of any business within the powers of
the Trust shall be held each year, after the delivery of the annual report,
referred to in Section 12 of this Article II, at a convenient location and on
proper notice, on a date and at the time set by the Board of Trustees, beginning
with the year 1997. Failure to hold an annual meeting does not invalidate the
Trust's existence or affect any otherwise valid acts of the Trust.
Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS. The chairman of the board or the president
or one-third of the Trustees may call special meetings of the shareholders. A
special meeting of shareholders shall also be called by the secretary upon the
written request of the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than a
majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such request
shall state the purpose of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on
at such meeting. The secretary shall inform such shareholders of the reasonably
estimated cost of preparing and mailing notice of the meeting and, upon payment
by such shareholders to the Trust of such costs, the secretary shall give notice
to each shareholder entitled to notice of the meeting. Unless requested by
shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at
such meeting, a special meeting need not be called to consider any matter which
<PAGE>
is substantially the same as a matter voted on at any meeting of the
shareholders held during the preceding twelve months.
Section 4. NOTICE. Not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each
meeting of shareholders, the secretary shall give to each shareholder entitled
to vote at such meeting and to each shareholder not entitled to vote who is
entitled to notice of the meeting written or printed notice stating the time and
place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may
be required by any statute, the purpose for which the meeting is called, either
by mail or by presenting it to such shareholder personally or by leaving it at
his residence or usual place of business. If mailed, such notice shall be
deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the
shareholder at his post office address as it appears on the records of the
Trust, with postage thereon prepaid.
Section 5. SCOPE OF NOTICE. Any business of the Trust may be transacted
at an annual meeting of shareholders without being specifically designated in
the notice, except such business as is required by any statute to be stated in
such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of
shareholders except as specifically designated in the notice.
Section 6. ORGANIZATION. At every meeting of the shareholders, the
Chairman of the Board, if there be one, shall conduct the meeting or, in the
case of vacancy in office or absence of the Chairman of the Board, one of the
following officers present shall conduct the meeting in the order stated: the
President, the Vice Presidents in their order of rank and seniority, or a
Chairman chosen by the shareholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes
which all shareholders present in person or by proxy are entitled to cast, shall
act as Chairman, and the Secretary, or, in his absence, an assistant secretary,
or in the absence of both the Secretary and assistant secretaries, a person
appointed by the Chairman shall act as Secretary.
Section 7. QUORUM. At any meeting of shareholders, the presence in person
or by proxy of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes
entitled to be cast at such meeting shall constitute a quorum; but this section
shall not affect any requirement under any statute or the Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust ("Declaration of Trust") for the vote necessary for the
adoption of any measure. If, however, such quorum shall not be present at any
meeting of the shareholders, the shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting,
present in person or by proxy, shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from
time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date
without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned
meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which
might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.
Section 8. VOTING. A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of
shareholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to
elect a Trustee. Each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are
Trustees to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be voted.
A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders duly called and at
which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which
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may properly come before the meeting, unless more than a majority of the votes
cast is required herein or by statute or by the Declaration of Trust. Unless
otherwise provided in the Declaration of Trust, each outstanding share,
regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a
vote at a meeting of shareholders.
Section 9. PROXIES. A shareholder may cast the votes entitled to be cast
by the shares owned of record by him either in person or by proxy executed in
writing by the shareholder or by his duly authorized attorney in fact. Such
proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Trust before or at the time of
the meeting. No proxy shall be valid after eleven months from the date of its
execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy.
Section 10. VOTING OF SHARES BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Shares of the Trust
registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, if
entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, a
general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by
any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been
appointed to vote such shares pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the
governing board of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners
of the partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or
agreement, in which case such person may vote such shares. Any trustee or other
fiduciary may vote shares registered in his name as such fiduciary, either in
person or by proxy.
Shares of the Trust directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted
at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of
outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held
by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be
counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.
The Board of Trustees may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a
shareholder may certify in writing to the Trust that any shares registered in
the name of the shareholder are held for the account of a specified person other
than the shareholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of shareholders
who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be
made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if
the certification is with respect to a record date or closing of the share
transfer books, the time after the record date or closing of the share transfer
books within which the certification must be received by the Trust; and any
other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Trustees
considers necessary or desirable. On receipt of such certification, the person
specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth
in the certification, the shareholder of record of the specified shares in place
of the shareholder who makes the certification.
Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein or in the Declaration
of Trust or these Bylaws, Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the Corporations and
Associations Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (or any successor
statute) shall not apply to any acquisition by any person of
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shares of beneficial interest of the Trust. This section may be repealed, in
whole or in part, at any time, whether before or after an acquisition of control
shares and, upon such repeal, may, to the extent provided by any successor
bylaw, apply to any prior or subsequent control share acquisition.
Section 11. INSPECTORS. At any meeting of shareholders, the chairman of
the meeting may appoint one or more persons as inspectors for such meeting.
Such inspectors shall ascertain and report the number of shares represented at
the meeting based upon their determination of the validity and effect of
proxies, count all votes, report the results and perform such other acts as are
proper to conduct the election and voting with impartiality and fairness to all
the shareholders.
Each report of an inspector shall be in writing and signed by him or by a
majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If
there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report
of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of
shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima
facie evidence thereof.
Section 12. REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS.
The Board of Trustees shall submit to the shareholders at or before the
annual meeting of shareholders a report of the business and operations of the
Trust during such fiscal year, containing a balance sheet and a statement of
income and surplus of the Trust, accompanied by the certification of an
independent certified public accountant, and such further information as the
Board of Trustees may determine is required pursuant to any law or regulation to
which the Trust is subject. Within the earlier of 20 days after the annual
meeting of shareholders or 120 days after the end of the fiscal year of the
Trust, the Board of Trustees shall place the annual report on file at the
principal office of the Trust.
Section 13. NOMINATIONS AND PROPOSALS BY SHAREHOLDERS.
(a) Annual Meetings of Shareholders. (1) Nominations of persons for
election to the Board of Trustees and the proposal of business to be considered
by the shareholders may be made at an annual meeting of shareholders (i)
pursuant to the Trust's notice of meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the
Board of Trustees or (iii) by any shareholder of the Trust who was a shareholder
of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section
13(a) and at the time of the annual meeting, who is entitled to vote at the
meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section
13(a).
(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an
annual meeting by a shareholder pursuant to clause (iii) of paragraph (a) (1) of
this Section 13, the shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in
writing to the secretary of the Trust and
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such other business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by
shareholders. To be timely, a shareholder's notice shall be delivered to the
secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust not later than the
close of business on the 60th day nor earlier than the close of business on the
90th day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting;
provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is
advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from such
anniversary date or if the Trust has not previously held an annual meeting,
notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the
close of business on the 90th day prior to such annual meeting and not later
than the close of business on the later of the 60th day prior to such annual
meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the
date of such meeting is first made by the Trust. In no event shall the public
announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting to a later
date or time commence a new time period for the giving of a shareholder's notice
as described above. Such shareholder's notice shall set forth (i) as to each
person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a
Trustee all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed
in solicitations of proxies for election of Trustees in an election contest, or
is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (including such
person's written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and
to serving as a Trustee if elected); (ii) as to any other business that the
shareholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the
business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting
such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such
shareholder and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is
made; and (iii) as to the shareholder giving the notice and the beneficial
owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (x) the name
and address of such shareholder, as they appear on the Trust's books, and of
such beneficial owner and (y) the number of each class of shares of the Trust
which are owned beneficially and of record by such shareholder and such
beneficial owner.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (a)
(2) of this Section 13 to the contrary, in the event that the number of Trustees
to be elected to the Board of Trustees is increased and there is no public
announcement by the Trust naming all of the nominees for Trustee or specifying
the size of the increased Board of Trustees at least 70 days prior to the first
anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting, a shareholder's notice
required by this Section 13(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with
respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall
be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Trust
not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which
such public announcement is first made by the Trust.
(b) Special Meetings of Shareholders. Only such business shall be
conducted at a special meeting of shareholders as shall have been brought before
the meeting pursuant to the Trust's notice of meeting. Nominations of persons
for election to the Board of Trustees may be made at a special meeting of
shareholders at which Trustees are to be elected (i) pursuant to the Trust's
notice of meeting (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Trustees or (iii)
provided
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that the Board of Trustees has determined that Trustees shall be elected at such
special meeting, by any shareholder of the Trust who was a shareholder of record
both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 13(b) and at
the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who
complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 13(b). In the
event the Trust calls a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
electing one or more Trustees to the Board of Trustees, any such shareholder may
nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position
as specified in the Trust's notice of meeting, if the shareholder's notice
containing the information required by paragraph (a) (2) of this Section 13
shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the
Trust not earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to such
special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the
60th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on
which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and
of the nominees proposed by the Board of Trustees to be elected at such meeting.
In no event shall the public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a
special meeting to a later date or time commence a new time period for the
giving of a shareholder's notice as described above.
(c) General. (1) Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with
the procedures set forth in this Section 13 shall be eligible to serve as
Trustees and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of shareholders
as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures
set forth in this Section 13. The chairman of the meeting shall have the power
and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be
brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 13 and, if any proposed
nomination or business is not in compliance with this Section 13, to declare
that such nomination or proposal shall be disregarded.
(2) For purposes of this Section 13, "public announcement" shall mean
disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated
Press or comparable news service or in a document publicly filed by the Trust
with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 13, a
shareholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and
of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the
matters set forth in this Section 13. Nothing in this Section 13 shall be
deemed to affect any rights of shareholders to request inclusion of proposals in
the Trust's proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
Section 14. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election
may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order or any shareholder
shall demand that voting be by ballot.
ARTICLE III
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TRUSTEES
Section 1. GENERAL POWERS; QUALIFICATIONS; TRUSTEES HOLDING OVER. The
business and affairs of the Trust shall be managed under the direction of its
Board of Trustees. A Trustee shall be an individual at least 21 years of age
who is not under legal disability. In case of failure to elect Trustees at an
annual meeting of the shareholders, the Trustees holding over shall continue to
direct the management of the business and affairs of the Trust until their
successors are elected and qualify.
Section 2. NUMBER. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting
called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Trustees may
establish, increase or decrease the number of Trustees.
Section 3. ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the Board of
Trustees shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the annual
meeting of shareholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessary. The
Board of Trustees may provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within
or without the State of Maryland, for the holding of regular meetings of the
Board of Trustees without other notice than such resolution.
Section 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Trustees
may be called by or at the request of the chairman of the board or the president
or by a majority of the Trustees then in office. The person or persons
authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Trustees may fix any place,
either within or without the State of Maryland, as the place for holding any
special meeting of the Board of Trustees called by them.
Section 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting shall be given by
written notice delivered personally, telegraphed, facsimile-transmitted or
mailed to each Trustee at his business or residence address. Personally
delivered or telegraphed notices shall be given at least two days prior to the
meeting. Notice by mail shall be given at least five days prior to the meeting.
Telephone or facsimile-transmission notice shall be given at least 24 hours
prior to the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when
deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon
prepaid. If given by telegram, such notice shall be deemed to be given when the
telegram is delivered to the telegraph company. Telephone notice shall be
deemed given when the Trustee is personally given such notice in a telephone
call to which he is a party. Facsimile-transmission notice shall be deemed
given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to
the Trust by the Trustee and receipt of a completed confirmation indicating
receipt. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any
annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Trustees need be stated in
the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.
Section 6. QUORUM. A majority of the Trustees shall constitute a quorum
for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Trustees, provided
that, if less than a
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majority of such Trustees are present at said meeting, a majority of the
Trustees present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further
notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or
these Bylaws, the vote of a majority of a particular group of Trustees is
required for action, a quorum must also include a majority of such group.
The Trustees present at a meeting which has been duly called and convened
may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the
withdrawal of enough Trustees to leave less than a quorum.
Section 7. VOTING. The action of the majority of the Trustees present at
a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of
Trustees, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such
action by applicable statute.
Section 8. TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Trustees may participate in a meeting by
means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment if all
persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time.
Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at
the meeting.
Section 9. INFORMAL ACTION BY TRUSTEES. Any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Trustees may be taken without a
meeting, if a consent in writing to such action is signed by each Trustee and
such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of
Trustees.
Section 10. VACANCIES. If for any reason any or all the Trustees cease to
be Trustees, such event shall not terminate the Trust or affect these Bylaws or
the powers of the remaining Trustees hereunder (even if fewer than a majority of
Trustees remain). Any vacancy (including a vacancy created by an increase in the
number of Trustees) shall be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special
meeting called for that purpose, by a majority of the Board of Trustees. Any
individual so elected as Trustee shall hold office for the unexpired term of the
Trustee he is replacing.
Section 11. COMPENSATION; FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Compensation. Trustees shall not receive any stated salary for their
services as Trustees but, by resolution of the Board of Trustees, may receive
compensation per year and/or per meeting and/or per visit to real property owned
or to be acquired by the Trust and for any other service or activity performed
or engaged in as Trustees. Trustees may be reimbursed for expenses of
attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of
Trustees or of any committee thereof; and for their expenses, if any, in
connection with each property visit and any other service or activity performed
or engaged in as Trustees; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to
preclude any Trustees from serving the Trust in any other capacity and receiving
compensation therefor.
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(b) Financial Assistance to Trustees. The Trust may lend money to,
guarantee an obligation of or otherwise assist a Trustee or a trustee of its
direct or indirect subsidiary. The loan, guarantee or other assistance may be
with or without interest, unsecured, or secured in any manner that the Board of
Trustees approves, including a pledge of Shares.
Section 12. REMOVAL OF TRUSTEES. The shareholders may, at any time,
remove any Trustee in the manner provided in the Declaration of Trust.
Section 13. LOSS OF DEPOSITS. No Trustee shall be liable for any loss
which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust company, savings and
loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or shares have been
deposited.
Section 14. SURETY BONDS. Unless required by law, no Trustee shall be
obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of
any of his duties.
Section 15. RELIANCE. Each Trustee, officer, employee and agent of the
Trust shall, in the performance of his duties with respect to the Trust, be
fully justified and protected with regard to any act or failure to act in
reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Trust,
upon an opinion of counsel or upon reports made to the Trust by any of its
officers or employees or by the adviser, accountants, appraisers or other
experts or consultants selected by the Board of Trustees or officers of the
Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a Trustee.
Section 16. INTERESTED TRUSTEE TRANSACTIONS. Section 2-419 of the
Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") shall be available for and apply
to any contract or other transaction between the Trust and any of its Trustees
or between the Trust and any other trust, corporation, firm or other entity in
which any of its Trustees is a trustee or director or has a material financial
interest.
Section 17. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.
The Trustees shall have no responsibility to devote their full time to the
affairs of the Trust. Any Trustee or officer, employee or agent of the Trust
(other than a full-time officer, employee or agent of the Trust), in his
personal capacity or in a capacity as an affiliate, employee, or agent of any
other person, or otherwise, may have business interests and engage in business
activities similar or in addition to those of or relating to the Trust.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES
Section 1. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The Board of Trustees may
appoint from among its members an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, a
Compensation
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Committee and other committees, composed of one or more Trustees, to serve at
the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.
Section 2. POWERS. The Board of Trustees may delegate to committees
appointed under Section 1 of this Article any of the powers of the Trustees,
except as prohibited by law.
Section 3. MEETINGS. In the absence of any member of any such committee,
the members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a
quorum, may appoint another Trustee to act in the place of such absent member.
Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for
special meetings of the Board of Trustees.
One-third, but not less than two (except for a one-member committee), of
the members of any committee shall be present in person at any meeting of such
committee in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at
such meeting, and the act of a majority present shall be the act of such
committee. The Board of Trustees may designate a chairman of any committee, and
such chairman or any two members (except for a one-member committee) of any
committee may fix the time and place of its meetings unless the Board shall
otherwise provide. In the absence or disqualification of any member of any such
committee, the members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from
voting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another
Trustee to act at the meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified
members.
Each committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings and shall report the
same to the Board of Trustees at the next succeeding meeting, and any action by
the committee shall be subject to revision and alteration by the Board of
Trustees, provided that no rights of third persons shall be affected by any such
revision or alteration.
Section 4. TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Members of a committee of the Board of
Trustees may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or
similar communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can
hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means
shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
Section 5. INFORMAL ACTION BY COMMITTEES. Any action required or
permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Trustees may
be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing to such action is signed by
each member of the committee and such written consent is filed with the minutes
of proceedings of such committee.
Section 6. VACANCIES. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of
Trustees shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any
committee, to fill all vacancies, to designate alternate members to replace any
absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.
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ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Trust shall include a
president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chairman of the board,
a vice chairman of the board, a chief executive officer, a chief operating
officer, a chief financial officer, one or more vice presidents, one or more
assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the
Board of Trustees may from time to time appoint such other officers with such
powers and duties as it shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the
Trust shall be elected annually by the Board of Trustees at the first meeting of
the Board of Trustees held after each annual meeting of shareholders. If the
election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be
held as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Each officer shall hold office
until his successor is elected and qualifies or until his death, resignation or
removal in the manner hereinafter provided. Any two or more offices except
president and vice president may be held by the same person. In its discretion,
the Board of Trustees may leave unfilled any office except that of president and
secretary. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract
rights between the Trust and such officer or agent.
Section 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer or agent of the Trust may
be removed by the Board of Trustees if in its judgment the best interests of the
Trust would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to
the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Trust
may resign at any time by giving written notice of his resignation to the Board
of Trustees, the chairman of the board, the president or the secretary. Any
resignation shall take effect at any time subsequent to the time specified
therein or, if the time when it shall become effective is not specified therein,
immediately upon its receipt. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such
resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the
Trust.
Section 3. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board
of Trustees for the balance of the term.
Section 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Board of Trustees may designate
a chief executive officer from among the elected officers. The chief executive
officer shall have responsibility for implementation of the policies of the
Trust, as determined by the Board of Trustees, and for the administration of the
business affairs of the Trust. In the absence of both the chairman and vice
chairman of the board, the chief executive officer shall preside over the
meetings of the Board of Trustees and of the shareholders at which he shall be
present.
Section 5. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The Board of Trustees may designate
a chief operating officer from among the elected officers. Said officer will
have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Trustees or
the chief executive officer.
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<PAGE>
Section 6. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The Board of Trustees may designate
a chief financial officer from among the elected officers. Said officer will
have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Trustees or
the chief executive officer.
Section 7. CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The chairman of the
board shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Trustees and of the
shareholders at which he shall be present and shall in general oversee all of
the business and affairs of the Trust. In the absence of the chairman of the
board, the vice chairman of the board shall preside at such meetings at which he
shall be present. The chairman and the vice chairman of the board may execute
any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where
the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Trustees or
by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Trust or shall be required
by law to be otherwise executed. The chairman of the board and the vice
chairman of the board shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him
or them by the Board of Trustees.
Section 8. PRESIDENT. In the absence of the chairman, the vice chairman
of the board and the chief executive officer, the president shall preside over
the meetings of the Board of Trustees and of the shareholders at which he shall
be present. In the absence of a designation of a chief executive officer by the
Board of Trustees, the president shall be the chief executive officer and shall
be ex officio a member of all committees that may, from time to time, be
constituted by the Board of Trustees. The president may execute any deed,
mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the
execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Trustees or by
these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Trust or shall be required by
law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident
to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the
Board of Trustees from time to time.
Section 9. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the president or in the
event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be
more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the
time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order
of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the
president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to him by the president or by the Board of Trustees. The Board of
Trustees may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president
or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.
Section 10. SECRETARY. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the
proceedings of the shareholders, the Board of Trustees and committees of the
Board of Trustees in one or more books provided for that purpose; (b) see that
all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or
as required by law; (c) be custodian of the trust records and of the seal of the
Trust; (d) keep a register of the post office address of each shareholder which
shall be furnished to the secretary by such shareholder; (e) have general charge
of the share
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transfer books of the Trust; and (f) in general perform such other duties as
from time to time may be assigned to him by the chief executive officer, the
president or by the Board of Trustees.
Section 11. TREASURER. The treasurer shall have the custody of the funds
and securities of the Trust and shall keep full and accurate accounts of
receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Trust and shall deposit all
moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Trust in
such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Trustees.
He shall disburse the funds of the Trust as may be ordered by the Board of
Trustees, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the
president and Board of Trustees, at the regular meetings of the Board of
Trustees or whenever it may so require, an account of all his transactions as
treasurer and of the financial condition of the Trust.
If required by the Board of Trustees, he shall give the Trust a bond in
such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board
of Trustees for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the
restoration to the Trust, in case of his death, resignation, retirement or
removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, moneys and other property
of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Trust.
Section 12. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The
assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such
duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively,
or by the president or the Board of Trustees. The assistant treasurers shall,
if required by the Board of Trustees, give bonds for the faithful performance of
their duties in such sums and with such surety or sureties as shall be
satisfactory to the Board of Trustees.
Section 13. SALARIES. The salaries and other compensation of the officers
shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Trustees and no officer shall
be prevented from receiving such salary or other compensation by reason of the
fact that he is also a Trustee.
ARTICLE VI
CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS
Section 1. CONTRACTS. The Board of Trustees may authorize any officer or
agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the
name of and on behalf of the Trust and such authority may be general or confined
to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document
executed by one or more of the Trustees or by an authorized person shall be
valid and binding upon the Board of Trustees and upon the Trust when authorized
or ratified by action of the Board of Trustees.
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<PAGE>
Section 2. CHECKS AND DRAFTS. All checks, drafts or other orders for the
payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of
the Trust shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Trust in such manner
as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Trustees.
Section 3. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Trust not otherwise employed shall
be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Trust in such banks, trust
companies or other depositories as the Board of Trustees may designate.
ARTICLE VII
SHARES
Section 1. CERTIFICATES. Each shareholder shall be entitled to a
certificate or certificates which shall represent and certify the number of
shares of each class of beneficial interests held by him in the Trust. Each
certificate shall be signed by the chief executive officer, the president or a
vice president and countersigned by the secretary or an assistant secretary or
the treasurer or an assistant treasurer and may be sealed with the seal, if any,
of the Trust. The signatures may be either manual or facsimile. Certificates
shall be consecutively numbered; and if the Trust shall, from time to time,
issue several classes of shares, each class may have its own number series. A
certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it
is still an officer when it is issued. Each certificate representing shares
which are restricted as to their transferability or voting powers, which are
preferred or limited as to their dividends or as to their allocable portion of
the assets upon liquidation or which are redeemable at the option of the Trust,
shall have a statement of such restriction, limitation, preference or redemption
provision, or a summary thereof, plainly stated on the certificate. In lieu of
such statement or summary, the Trust may set forth upon the face or back of the
certificate a statement that the Trust will furnish to any shareholder, upon
request and without charge, a full statement of such information.
Section 2. TRANSFERS. Certificates shall be treated as negotiable and
title thereto and to the shares they represent shall be transferred by delivery
thereof to the same extent as those of a Maryland stock corporation. Upon
surrender to the Trust or the transfer agent of the Trust of a share certificate
duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or
authority to transfer, the Trust shall issue a new certificate to the person
entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its
books.
The Trust shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share or
shares as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to
recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on
the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other
notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of
Maryland.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of beneficial interest
of the Trust will be subject in all respects to the Declaration of Trust and all
of the terms and conditions contained therein.
Section 3. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. Any officer designated by the Board
of Trustees may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any
certificate previously issued by the Trust alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming
the certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing the issuance
of a new certificate, an officer designated by the Board of Trustees may, in his
discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the
owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or the owner's legal
representative to advertise the same in such manner as he shall require and/or
to give bond, with sufficient surety, to the Trust to indemnify it against any
loss or claim which may arise as a result of the issuance of a new certificate.
Section 4. CLOSING OF TRANSFER BOOKS OR FIXING OF RECORD DATE. The Board
of Trustees may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining
shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or
determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the
allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of
shareholders for any other proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall not be
prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be
not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of shareholders not less
than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action
requiring such determination of shareholders of record is to be held or taken.
In lieu of fixing a record date, the Board of Trustees may provide that the
share transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not longer than 20
days. If the share transfer books are closed for the purpose of determining
shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, such
books shall be closed for at least ten days before the date of such meeting.
If no record date is fixed and the share transfer books are not closed for
the determination of shareholders, (a) the record date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders shall
be at the close of business on the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed
or the 30th day before the meeting, whichever is the closer date to the meeting;
and (b) the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to
receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any other rights shall be the
close of business on the day on which the resolution of the Board of Trustees,
authorizing the dividend or allotment of rights, is adopted.
When a determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of
shareholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall
apply to any adjournment thereof, except when (i) the determination has been
made through the closing of the transfer books and the stated period of closing
has expired or (ii) the meeting is adjourned to a date more
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than 120 days after the record date fixed for the original meeting, in either of
which case a new record date shall be determined as set forth herein.
Section 5. STOCK LEDGER. The Trust shall maintain at its principal office
or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or
duplicate share ledger containing the name and address of each shareholder and
the number of shares of each class held by such shareholder.
Section 6. FRACTIONAL SHARES; ISSUANCE OF UNITS. The Board of Trustees
may issue fractional shares or provide for the issuance of scrip, all on such
terms and under such conditions as they may determine. Notwithstanding any
other provision of the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws, the Board of
Trustees may issue units consisting of different securities of the Trust. Any
security issued in a unit shall have the same characteristics as any identical
securities issued by the Trust, except that the Board of Trustees may provide
that for a specified period securities of the Trust issued in such unit may be
transferred on the books of the Trust only in such unit.
ARTICLE VIII
ACCOUNTING YEAR
The Board of Trustees shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the
fiscal year of the Trust by a duly adopted resolution.
ARTICLE IX
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 1. AUTHORIZATION. Dividends and other distributions upon the
shares of beneficial interest of the Trust may be authorized and declared by the
Board of Trustees, subject to the provisions of law and the Declaration of
Trust. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or
shares of the Trust, subject to the provisions of law and the Declaration of
Trust.
Section 2. CONTINGENCIES. Before payment of any dividends or other
distributions, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Trust available
for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Trustees
may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve
fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for
repairing or maintaining any property of the Trust or for such other purpose as
the Board of Trustees shall determine to be in the best interest of the Trust,
and the Board of Trustees may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner
in which it was created.
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE X
PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Declaration of Trust, the
Trust shall not enter into any transaction referred to in (i), (ii) or (iii)
below which it does not believe is in the best interests of the Trust, and will
not, without the approval of a majority of the disinterested Trustees, (i)
acquire from or sell to any Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust, any
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise in which a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust owns more than a
one percent interest or any affiliate of any of the foregoing, any of the assets
or other property of the Trust, except for the acquisition directly or
indirectly of certain properties or interest therein, directly or indirectly,
through entities in which it owns an interest in connection with the initial
public offering of shares by the Trust or pursuant to agreements entered into in
connection with such offering, which properties shall be described in the
prospectus relating to such initial public offering, (ii) make any loan to or
borrow from any of the foregoing persons or (iii) engage in any other
transaction with any of the foregoing persons. Each such transaction will be in
all respects on such terms as are, at the time of the transaction and under the
circumstances then prevailing, fair and reasonable to the Trust. Subject to the
provisions of the Declaration of Trust, the Board of Trustees may from time to
time adopt, amend, revise or terminate any policy or policies with respect to
investments by the Trust as it shall deem appropriate in its sole discretion.
ARTICLE XI
SEAL
Section 1. SEAL. The Board of Trustees may authorize the adoption of a
seal by the Trust. The seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Trust
and the year of its formation. The Board of Trustees may authorize one or more
duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.
Section 2. AFFIXING SEAL. Whenever the Trust is permitted or required to
affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of
any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word "(SEAL)"
adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on
behalf of the Trust.
ARTICLE XII
INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCE OF EXPENSES
To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to
time, the Trust shall indemnify (a) any Trustee, officer or shareholder or any
former Trustee, officer or
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shareholder (including among the foregoing, for all purposes of this Article XII
and without limitation, any individual who, while a Trustee, officer or
shareholder and at the express request of the Trust, serves or has served
another real estate investment trust, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise as a director, officer,
shareholder, partner or trustee of such real estate investment trust,
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise) who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense
of a proceeding to which he was made a party by reason of service in such
capacity, against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the
proceeding, (b) any Trustee or officer or any former Trustee or officer against
any claim or liability to which he may become subject by reason of such status
unless it is established that (i) his act or omission was material to the matter
giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result
of active and deliberate dishonesty, (ii) he actually received an improper
personal benefit in money, property or services or (iii) in the case of a
criminal proceeding, he had reasonable cause to believe that his act or omission
was unlawful and (c) each shareholder or former shareholder against any claim or
liability to which he may become subject by reason of such status. In addition,
the Trust shall, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate
entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse, in advance of final
disposition of a proceeding, reasonable expenses incurred by a Trustee, officer
or shareholder or former Trustee, officer or shareholder made a party to a
proceeding by reason such status, provided that, in the case of a Trustee or
officer, the Trust shall have received (i) a written affirmation by the Trustee
or officer of his good faith belief that he has met the applicable standard of
conduct necessary for indemnification by the Trust as authorized by these Bylaws
and (ii) a written undertaking by or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or
reimbursed by the Trust if it shall ultimately be determined that the applicable
standard of conduct was not met. The Trust may, with the approval of its Board
of Trustees, provide such indemnification or payment or reimbursement of
expenses to any Trustee, officer or shareholder or any former Trustee, officer
or shareholder who served a predecessor of the Trust and to any employee or
agent of the Trust or a predecessor of the Trust. Neither the amendment nor
repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of
the Declaration of Trust or these Bylaws inconsistent with this Article, shall
apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of this Article with respect
to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or
adoption.
Any indemnification or payment or reimbursement of the expenses permitted
by these Bylaws shall be furnished in accordance with the procedures provided
for indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses, as the case may be,
under Section 2-418 of the MGCL for directors of Maryland corporations. The
Trust may provide to Trustees, officers and shareholders such other and further
indemnification or payment or reimbursement of expenses, as the case may be, to
the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL, as in effect from time to time, for
directors of Maryland corporations.
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ARTICLE XIII
WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever any notice is required to be given pursuant to the Declaration of
Trust or Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing,
signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such
notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting
need be set forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required by
statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver
of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the
express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground
that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
The Board of Trustees shall have the exclusive power to adopt, alter or
repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.
ARTICLE XV
MISCELLANEOUS
All references to the Declaration of Trust shall include any amendments
and/or restatements thereto.
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EXHIBIT 99.3
Preliminary Copy
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
Two North Riverside Plaza
P Chicago, Illinois 60606
R
O The undersigned hereby appoints _____________________________________ , and
X each of them, proxies, with power of substitution and revocation, acting
Y by majority of those present and voting or if only one is present and
voting then that one, to vote the common shares of beneficial interest in
Equity Residential Properties Trust which the undersigned is entitled to
vote as designated herein, at the special meeting of shareholders to be
held at __________________________, on Wednesday, May 28, 1997 at 10:00
a.m., local time, and at any adjournment thereof, with all the powers the
undersigned would possess if present.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Trustees of Equity
Residential Properties Trust.
Please sign and date on reverse side and return promptly in the enclosed
envelope. No postage need be affixed if mailed in the United States.
<PAGE>
[X] Please mark your votes as in this example.
1. Approval of the merger of Equity Residential Properties Trust into
Wellsford Residential Property Trust, a Maryland real estate investment
trust, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into between
Equity Residential Properties Trust and Wellsford Residential Property
Trust on January 16, 1997.
For Against Abstain
[_] [_] [_]
2. Upon any other matter which may properly come before the meeting.
This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted as instructed herein by the
undersigned shareholder. If no instructions are given, this Proxy will be voted
FOR Item 1.
Please sign exactly as name appears on this Proxy. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by an authorized officer. If a partnership, please
sign in partnership name by an authorized person.
The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore given to vote
such shares at said meeting or any adjournment thereof.
___________________________________________________________, 1997
Signature Date
___________________________________________________________, 1997
Signature, if held jointly Date
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.4
Preliminary Copy
FORM OF PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
The undersigned shareholder of Wellsford Residential Property Trust, a
Maryland real estate investment trust (the "Company"), hereby appoints Edward
Lowenthal and Jeffrey H. Lynford, and each of them, as proxy for the
undersigned, with full power of substitution to attend the Special Meeting of
Shareholders of the Company to be held on May 28, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local
time, at The Princeton Club, 15 West 43rd Street, New York, New York, and at any
adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, and to vote and otherwise represent
all the shares that the undersigned is entitled to vote with the same effect as
if the undersigned were present and voting such shares, on the following matters
and in the following manner as further described in the accompanying Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement. The undersigned hereby revokes any
proxy previously given with respect to such shares.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders and the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement of
the Company dated April 16, 1997.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
SPECIFICATIONS MADE. IF THIS PROXY IS EXECUTED BUT NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THE
SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE APPROVAL OF THE
PROPOSALS SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPHS 1 THROUGH 4 BELOW, EACH AS DESCRIBED IN THE
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS/INFORMATION STATEMENT OF THE COMPANY DATED
APRIL 16, 1997 HERETOFORE RECEIVED BY THE UNDERSIGNED, AND IN THE DISCRETION OF
THE PROXY HOLDERS ON ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING
OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS(S) OR POSTPONEMENT(S) THEREOF.
1. The approval of the merger (the "Merger") of Equity Residential Properties
Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust ("EQR"), into the Company,
pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger entered into by the Company and
EQR on January 16, 1997, including the adoption of an amended and restated
declaration of trust for the surviving trust (the "Amended and Restated
Declaration of Trust").
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
2. The approval of modifications to Sections 2.3, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 9.1, 9.2,
9.3, 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3 of, and of the addition of a new Article VII to,
the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
3. The issuance by Wellsford Real Properties, Inc. ("WRP Newco"), a subsidiary
of the Company, shares of which are to be distributed to the common
shareholders of Wellsford, pro rata, immediately prior to the Merger, of up
to 12,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of WRP
Newco.
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
4. The adoption of WRP Newco's 1997 Management Incentive Plan.
<PAGE>
/ / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
5. To vote and otherwise represent the shares on any other matters which may
properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s)
thereof in their discretion.
/ / MARK HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon and
date. If the shares are held jointly, each holder
should sign. When signing as an attorney,
executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or as
an officer signing for an entity, please give the
full title under signature.
___________________________________________
Signature
___________________________________________
Signature, if held jointly
Dated:_______________________________, 1997
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.7
CONSENT OF PERSON TO BE NAMED AS TRUSTEE
I hereby consent to the reference to me as a person who agreed to
become a trustee of the Surviving Trust (as such term is defined in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger) under the heading "Interests of Certain Persons in
the Merger and Distribution -- Agreements with the Surviving Trust and ERP
Operating Partnership" and "Management and Operation of the Surviving Trust
After the Merger" in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement
constituting a part of the foregoing Registration Statement on Form S-4.
/s/ Edward Lowenthal
---------------------
Edward Lowenthal
New York, New York
Dated: April 4, 1997
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF PERSON TO BE NAMED AS TRUSTEE
I hereby consent to the reference to me as a person who agreed to
become a trustee of the Surviving Trust (as such term is defined in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger) under the heading "Interests of Certain Persons in
the Merger and Distribution -- Agreements with the Surviving Trust and ERP
Operating Partnership" and "Management and Operation of the Surviving Trust
After the Merger" in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus/Information Statement
constituting a part of the foregoing Registration Statement on Form S-4.
/s/ Jeffrey H. Lynford
-----------------------
Jeffrey H. Lynford
New York, New York
Dated: April 4, 1997
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