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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 1997
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 30, 1997
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
MARYLAND 1-12252 13-3675988
(State or other (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation)
TWO NORTH RIVERSIDE PLAZA, SUITE 400, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (312) 474-1300
NOT APPLICABLE
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
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ITEM 2. ACQUISITION OR DISPOSITION OF ASSETS
On May 30, 1997, Equity Residential Properties Trust, a Maryland real
estate investment trust ("EQR") acquired the assets and business of Wellsford
Residential Property Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust
("Wellsford") through a merger (the "Merger") pursuant to an Agreement and Plan
of Merger dated as of January 16, 1997 by and between EQR and Wellsford. The
Merger was approved by the shareholders of each of EQR and Wellsford at their
respective special meetings held on May 28, 1997. The surviving real estate
investment trust (the "Company") is named Equity Residential Properties Trust.
Each common share of beneficial interest, $.01 par value per share, of
Wellsford outstanding immediately prior to the Merger was converted into .625
of a common share of beneficial interest, $.01 par value per share, of the
Company. Each share of Wellsford's Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest ("Wellsford Series A") outstanding immediately
prior to the Merger was converted into one share of Series E Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest of the Company having the
same preferences and other terms as the Wellsford Series A previously
outstanding; provided, however, that the conversion ratio for the Wellsford
Series A shares was adjusted in accordance with its terms. Each share of
Wellsford's Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest ("Wellsford Series B") outstanding immediately prior to the Merger was
converted into one share of Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest of the Company having the same preferences and other terms
as the Wellsford Series B previously outstanding. The IRS Employer
Identification Number of the Company is 13-3675988.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS.
(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired
Not applicable as the financial statements have been previously
reported.
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information
Not applicable as the financial statements have been previously
reported.
(c) Exhibits
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 16, 1997, by and
between Equity Residential Properties Trust and Wellsford
Residential Property Trust (incorporated by reference to
Appendix A of EQR's Proxy Statement dated April 25, 1997
relating to the Special Meeting of Shareholders of EQR held on
May 28, 1997, which was part of EQR's registration statement
on Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-24653))
2.2 Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 30, 1997,
by and between Equity Residential Properties Trust and
Wellsford Residential Property Trust
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2.3 Articles of Merger, dated May 30, 1997, by and between Equity
Residential Properties Trust and Wellsford Residential
Property Trust
3.1 Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Equity
Residential Properties Trust (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit
2.3 hereof)
3.2 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Equity Residential
Properties Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to
EQR's registration statement on Form S-4 (SEC File No.
333-24653))
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, which is being filed pursuant to
Regulation 601(b)(23) as an exhibit to the Registrant's
registration statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-27153),
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and which, as
this Form 8-K filing is incorporated by reference in such
registration statement, is set forth in full in such
registration statement
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
(Registrant)
By:/s/ Bruce C. Strohm
---------------------------------------
Bruce C. Strohm
Secretary, Executive Vice President
and General Counsel
Dated: June 5, 1997
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EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
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2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 16, 1997, by and
between Equity Residential Properties Trust and Wellsford
Residential Property Trust (incorporated by reference to
Appendix A of EQR's Proxy Statement dated April 25, 1997
relating to the Special Meeting of Shareholders of EQR held on
May 28, 1997, which was part of EQR's registration statement
on Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-24653))
2.2 Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 30, 1997,
by and between Equity Residential Properties Trust and Wellsford
Residential Property Trust
2.3 Articles of Merger, dated May 30, 1997, by and between Equity
Residential Properties Trust and Wellsford Residential
Property Trust
3.1 Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of Equity
Residential Properties Trust (included as Exhibit A to
Exhibit 2.3 hereof)
3.2 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Equity Residential
Properties Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to
EQR's registration statement on Form S-4 (SEC File No.
333-24653))
23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, which is being filed pursuant to
Regulation 601(b)(23) as an exhibit to the Registrant's
registration statement on Form S-3 (SEC File No. 333-27153),
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and which, as this
Form 8-K filing is incorporated by reference in such
registration statement, is set forth in full in such
registration statement
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EXHIBIT 2.2
AMENDMENT TO
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
THIS AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement"), dated
as of May 30, 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:
WHEREAS, EQR and Wellsford entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger
(the "Original Agreement"), dated as of January 16, 1997, providing for the
merger (the "Merger") of EQR with and into Wellsford;
WHEREAS, immediately prior to the Merger, it is contemplated that
Wellsford will contribute certain of its assets to Wellsford Real Properties,
Inc. ("Newco"), a Maryland corporation, and thereafter distribute to its common
shareholders all of the outstanding shares that it owns in Newco (the
"Spin-Off");
WHEREAS, Section 1.12 of the Merger Agreement provides that if for any
reason Wellsford determines to distribute in the Spin-Off less than one share
of common stock of Newco ("Newco Common Share") for each outstanding common
share of beneficial interest of Wellsford ("Wellsford Common Share"), the
parties will amend the Original Agreement and all other agreements contemplated
thereby solely for the purpose of appropriately adjusting all numbers and
dollar amounts which were based on one Newco Common Share being distributed in
the Spin-Off for each outstanding Wellsford Common Share;
WHEREAS, Wellsford has determined to distribute to its common shareholders
0.25 of a Newco Common Share for each one Wellsford Common Share held by its
shareholders, and the parties have agreed to amend the Original Agreement to
reflect this determination;
WHEREAS, since the date of the Original Agreement, EQR has classified and
issued a new class of preferred shares named Series D Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share ("Series D Shares");
WHEREAS, as a result of the classification and issuance of the Series D
Shares, upon the closing of the Merger, Series A Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest of Wellsford ("Wellsford Series A
Shares") shall be converted into Series E (rather than Series D) Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest of the surviving trust, and
Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest of
Wellsford ("Wellsford Series B Shares") shall be converted into Series F
(rather
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than Series E) Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest of
the surviving trust;
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have agreed to waive the requirement for
"comfort" letters of their respective independent public accountants;
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have agreed to revise Section 5.10(c) of the
Agreement relating to the retention program; and
WHEREAS, the parties hereto have also agreed that each of Jeffrey H.
Lynford and Edward Lowenthal will be designated as a trustee of EQR commencing
on the fifth business day after the consummation of the Merger, rather than
immediately upon consummation of the Merger.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements
contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Spin-Off Amendments.
(a) Section 1.2(f) of the Original Agreement is hereby amended in its
entirety to read as follows:
"(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 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 0.25 of a common share of Newco for each one Wellsford
Common Share held by such holder (and, if applicable, cash in lieu of
fractional shares)"
(b) Section 1.10(a)(iii) of the Original Agreement is hereby amended in
its entirety to read as follows:
"(iii) $10.00 for each share of Newco distributed to the shareholders
of Wellsford in the Spin-Off less than 4,276,090 shares; and"
(c) Section 1.10(b)(ii) of the Original Agreement is hereby amended in its
entirety to read as follows:
"(ii) $10.00 for each share of Newco distributed to the shareholders
of Wellsford in the Spin-Off in excess of 4,276,090 shares; and"
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(d) The parties hereto agree to appropriately adjust all numbers and
dollar amounts in the documents attached as exhibits to the Original Agreement
which were based on one Newco Common Share being distributed in the Spin-Off
for each outstanding Wellsford Common Share (the "Original Numbers and Dollar
Amounts"), and the parties hereto agree that the Original Numbers and Dollar
Amounts in Exhibit J to the Original Agreement, in Exhibits A(1)-A(5) of the
Wellsford Disclosure Letter and in Schedule 2.2(a) to the form of Contribution
and Distribution Agreement (Exhibit B to the Merger Agreement) shall hereby be
deemed appropriately adjusted, in each case in order that the Original Numbers
and Dollar Amounts reflect the transaction described in Section 1.2(f) of the
Original Agreement, as amended by this Agreement.
2. Preferred Shares. Section 5.17(a) of the Original Agreement is hereby
amended by deleting the parenthetical on the third and fourth lines thereof and
substituting therefor the following: "(which have been converted into Series E
Preferred Shares of the Surviving Trust)". In addition, the Articles of Merger
attached to the Original Agreement as Exhibit "A" shall be amended to provide
that upon the closing of the Merger, Wellsford Series A Shares shall be
converted into Series E (rather than Series D) Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest of the surviving trust, and Wellsford Series B
Shares shall be converted into Series F (rather than Series E) Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest of the surviving trust.
3. Comfort Letters. The parties hereto hereby waive the requirement for
"comfort" letters of their respective independent public accountants set forth
in Sections 5.8, 6.2(f) and 6.3(d).
4. Retention Program.
(a) The first sentence of Section 5.10(c) of the Original Agreement is
hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
"From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Trust shall pay the
amounts set forth in letters dated March 16, 1997 given by Wellsford
to certain employees of Wellsford and the Wellsford Subsidiaries (the
"Schedule 5.10 Employees") as and when set forth in such letters (the
"Retention Program"); provided, however, that in no event may the
aggregate obligations of Wellsford and the Surviving Trust under
the Retention Program exceed $544,575."
(b) The last sentence of Section 5.10(c) of the Original Agreement is
hereby deleted.
(c) Exhibit "I" of the Original Agreement is hereby amended to read:
"Intentionally omitted."
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5. Board of Trustees Amendment. The second sentence of Section 5.25 of
the Original Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
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 not list
Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal as trustees of the Surviving
Trust, but EQR shall take all actions necessary to cause each of Jeffrey
H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal to be elected as trustees whose terms
commence on the fifth business day after the Closing Date and expire at
the annual meeting of the shareholders of the Surviving Trust held in
1997, and (b) Jeffrey 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 1997 to serve as trustees of the
Surviving Trust with terms expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders
of the Surviving Trust held in 2000.
6. Third-Party Beneficiaries. The first sentence of Section 8.5 is hereby
amended in its entirety to read as follows:
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 5.11 and Section
5.25 (as to which Jeffrey H. Lynford and Edward Lowenthal are third-party
beneficiaries) (collectively, the "Third Party Provisions"), are not
intended to confer upon any person other than the parties hereto any
rights or remedies.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Non-recourse.
(a) This Agreement has been entered into or executed on behalf of
Wellsford by the undersigned in his capacity as a trustee or officer of
Wellsford, which has
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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. 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.
(b) This Agreement has 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. 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.
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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/ Bruce C. Strohm
---------------------------------
Name:
Title:
WELLSFORD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TRUST
By: /s/ Edward Lowenthal
---------------------------------
Name:
Title:
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EXHIBIT 2.3
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,
to be known after the Effective Time (as defined below) as "Equity Residential
Properties Trust", as the trust surviving in the Merger as of the Effective
Time 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 no interests in land located
within the State of Maryland.
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".
7. EFFECTIVE TIME. The Merger shall be effective at 4:15 p.m. on the
date which the Department accepts these Articles for Record (the "Effective
Time"), unless prior to the Effective Time both parties to these Articles
deliver a notice of abandonment to the Department The date on which the
Effective Time occurs is herein referred to as the "Effective Date."
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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.
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.
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(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 par 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");
(iii) 460,000 shares of 9-1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share ("Equity Series
C"); and (iv) 805,000 shares of 8.60% Series D Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share
("Equity Series D").
(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) 805,000 shares of 8.60% Series D Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share
("Survivor Series D"); (v) 4,600,000 shares of Series E Convertible
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per share
("Survivor Series E"); and (vi) 2,300,000 shares of Series F Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $.01 per
share ("Survivor Series F").
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
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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(k) 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, 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 Equity Series D 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 D.
(g) 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 E.
(h) 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 F.
(i) At the Effective Time, each certificate representing outstanding
shares of Equity Common, Equity Series A, Equity Series B, Equity Series
C and Equity Series D 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, Survivor Series C or
Survivor Series D, as the case may be.
(j) At the Effective Time, each certificate representing outstanding
shares of Wellsford Common will, without any action on the part of the
holder thereof, thereafter represent 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
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Common in accordance with Section 12(k), 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 thereafter represent an equal number of Survivor Series E
or Survivor Series F, as the case may be.
(k) 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(k), "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.
(l) 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
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(l) shall be payable on the Effective Date, and shall be
calculated by applying the formula set forth in Section 12(k) 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.
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<PAGE> 6
(m) 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 E and
Survivor Series F (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 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
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<PAGE> 7
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.
(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.
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<PAGE> 8
(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 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.
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<PAGE> 9
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.
20. ABANDONMENT. The Merger may be abandoned before the Effective Time by
majority vote of the entire board of trustees of both parties to these
Articles.
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<PAGE> 10
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, these Articles of Merger have been signed on this 30th
day of May, 1997 by a majority of the entire Board of Trustees of each of
Equity and Wellsford, and each of the undersigned trustees 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 trustees acknowledges that to the best of his knowledge,
information, and belief, the matters and facts are true in all material
respects and such statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
EQUITY WELLSFORD
/s/ Jeffery H. Lynford
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Samuel Zell Jeffery H. Lynford
/s/ Douglas Crocker, II /s/ Edward Lowenthal
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Douglas Crocker II Edward Lowenthal
/s/ Sheli Z. Rosenberg /s/ Daniel M. Kelly
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Sheli Z. Rosenberg Daniel M. Kelly
/s/ Gerald A. Spector /s/ Rodney F. DuBois
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Gerald A. Spector Rodney F. DuBois
/s/ Mark S. Germain
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James D. Harper, Jr. Mark S. Germain
/s/ Errol R. Halperin /s/ Frank J. Hoenemeyer
- ----------------------- -----------------------
Errol R. Halperin Frank J. Hoenemeyer
/s/ Barry S. Sternlicht /s/ Frank J. Sixt
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Barry S. Sternlicht Frank J. Sixt
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John Alexander
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B. Joseph White
10
<PAGE> 11
/s/ Henry H. Goldberg
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Henry H. Goldberg
11
<PAGE> 12
EXHIBIT A
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
DECLARATION OF TRUST
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<PAGE> 13
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED DECLARATION OF TRUST
DATED MAY 30, 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).
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
<PAGE> 14
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.
"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.
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"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 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
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.
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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.
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 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
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<PAGE> 17
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 7.2(a)(1)(A)), 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 Article VII 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 6.7, 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.
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
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<PAGE> 18
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") of which (a) 6,900,000 shares have been designated as
9-3/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
($0.01 Par Value Per Share) (Liquidation Preference $25.00 Per Share) with the
terms set forth in Section 13.1 of this Declaration, (b) 575,000 shares have
been designated as 9-1/8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest ($0.01 Par Value Per Share) (Liquidation Preference $250.00
Per Share) with the terms set forth in Section 13.2 of this Declaration, (c)
460,000 shares have been designated as 9-1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest ($0.01 Par Value Per Share)
(Liquidation Preference $250.00 Per Share) with the terms set forth in Section
13.3 of this Declaration, (d) 805,000 have been designated as Series D
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest (Liquidation
Preference $250.00 Per Share) with the terms set forth in Section 13.4 of this
Declaration, (e) 4,600,000 shares have been designated as Series E Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest with the terms set forth in
Section 13.5 of this Declaration and (f) 2,300,000 shares have been designated
as Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest with
the terms set forth in Section 13.6 of this Declaration.
SECTION 5.2 Common Shares. Subject to the provisions of Article VII (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 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.
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<PAGE> 19
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 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.
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ARTICLE VI
PROVISIONS FOR DEFINING, LIMITING
AND REGULATING CERTAIN POWERS OF THE
TRUST AND OF THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
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
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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.
(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 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 6.7 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
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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
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 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
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"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
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.
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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 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
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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.
(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
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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.
(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:
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(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 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
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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.
(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
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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.
(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 Common Shares of the
Trust unless such Person is an Excepted Holder (in
which case the Excepted Holder Limit shall be
applicable); (ii)
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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 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
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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
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
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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 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
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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]
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 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.
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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 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 or merge another entity into the Trust, (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.
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.
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(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 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
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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 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
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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.
(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
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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
SECTION 13.1 Series A Preferred Shares. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of
this Declaration, a series of preferred shares of beneficial interest designated
93/8% 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).
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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 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
Series F 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).
"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 pari passu with any other preferred shares of
the Trust, including the Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred
Shares, Series D Preferred Shares, Series E Preferred Shares and Series F
Preferred Shares. The Series A 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").
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(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 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.
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(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.
(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
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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, 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.
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(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 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.
(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
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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
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.
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(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, 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.
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"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) 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) (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. 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 13.2 Series B Preferred Shares. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of
this Declaration, a series of preferred shares of beneficial interest designated
91/8% 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.
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"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 1
3.2(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, Series E Preferred Shares, and Series F Preferred Shares.
"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.
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(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, Series E Preferred Shares and
Series F 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 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.
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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 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").
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(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 (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:
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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 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 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.
(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
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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
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,
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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.
(8) Exclusion of Other Rights.
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.
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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.
(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) 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)
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(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. 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
91/8% 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).
"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
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Preferred Shares, Series D Preferred Shares, Series E Preferred Shares, and
Series F 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, Series E Preferred Shares and
Series F 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.
(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
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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.
(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
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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 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
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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
(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.
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(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 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 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.
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(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 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
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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.
(8) Exclusion of Other Rights.
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.
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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.
(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) 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) (or would result in the Trust being "closely held" or
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otherwise fail to qualify as a REIT) shall constitute "Excess Shares" and shall
be treated as provided in Article VII. 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
8.60% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest
(Liquidation Preference $250.00 Per Share) (the "Series D Preferred Shares") is
hereby established on the following terms:
(a) Certain Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms defined in this
subparagraph (a) shall have, for all purposes of this Section 13.4, 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
13.4(b)(3).
"Junior Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.4(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
D Preferred Shares provided that the ownership of Series D 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,
including Series A Preferred Shares, Series B Preferred Shares, Series C
Preferred Shares, Series D Preferred Shares, Series E Preferred Shares and
Series F Preferred Shares.
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"Quarterly Distribution Date" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.4(b)(3).
"Record Date" shall have the meaning set forth in subparagraph (3) of
paragraph B below.
"REIT" shall mean a Real Estate Investment Trust under Section 856 of
the Code.
"Series D Redemption Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
13.4(b)(5).
"Series D Redemption Price" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 13.4(b)(5).
b. Series D Preferred Shares
(1) Number. The maximum number of shares of the Series D Preferred
Shares shall be 805,000.
(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 D 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 C Preferred Shares, Series E Preferred Shares, and
Series F Preferred Shares, and 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.
(3) Distributions. The holders of the then outstanding Series D
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 $2.15 per share per year, payable in equal amounts
of $.5375 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 July 15, 1997 (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 D 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
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(ii) on any Quarterly Distribution Date there shall be funds legally available
for the payment of distributions. Distributions paid on the Series D 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 D 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 Series
D 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 $2.15 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 these Articles, the Series D 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 D 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 D
Preferred Share, plus accrued and unpaid distributions thereon.
(B) After the payment to the holders of the Series D Preferred Shares
of the full preferential amounts provided for in this paragraph
(b), the holders of the Series D 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 D Preferred Shares and any
other shares of beneficial interest of the Trust ranking as to
any such distribution on a parity with the Series D Preferred
Shares are not paid in full, the holders of the Series D
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.
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(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 June 1, 2007, the Trust may,
at its option, redeem at any time all or, from time to time, part
of the Series D Preferred Shares at a price per share (the
"Series D Redemption Price"), payable in cash, of $250.00 per
Series D Preferred Share, together with all accrued and unpaid
distributions to and including the date fixed for redemption (the
"Series D 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 D Redemption Date, addressed to the holders of record
of the Series D 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 D 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 D Preferred Shares may be listed or
admitted to trading, such notice shall state: (a) the Series D
Redemption Date; (b) the Series D Redemption Price; (c) the
number of Series D Preferred Shares to be redeemed; (d) the place
or places where certificates for such shares are to be
surrendered for payment of the Series D Redemption Price; and (e)
that distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to
accumulate on the Series D Redemption Date.
(ii) If notice has been mailed in accordance with
subparagraph 13.4(b)(5)(B)(i) above and provided that on or
before the Series D Redemption Date specified in such notice all
funds necessary for such redemption shall have been irrevocably
set
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aside by the Trust, separate and apart from its other funds in
trust for the pro rata benefit of the holders of the Series D
Preferred Shares so called for redemption, so as to be, and to
continue to be available therefor, then, from and after the
Series D Redemption Date, distributions on the Series D 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 D Preferred Shares and all rights
of the holders thereof as shareholders of the Trust (except the
right to receive the Series D Redemption Price) shall cease.
Upon surrender, in accordance with said notice, of the
certificates for any Series D Preferred Shares so redeemed
(properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the Trust shall
so require and the notice shall so state), such Series D
Preferred Shares shall be redeemed by the Trust at the Series D
Redemption Price. In case fewer than all the Series D Preferred
Shares represented by any such certificate are redeemed, a new
certificate or certificates shall be issued representing the
unredeemed Series D Preferred Shares without cost to the holder
thereof.
(iii) Any funds deposited with a bank or trust company for
the purpose of redeeming Series D 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 D
Preferred Shares entitled thereto at the
expiration of two years from the applicable Series
D 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.
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(iv) No Series D Preferred Shares may be redeemed except
with funds legally available for the payment of the Series D
Redemption Price.
(v) Unless full accumulated distributions on all Series D
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 D
Preferred Shares shall be redeemed (unless all outstanding Series
D 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 D Preferred Shares as to distributions and upon
liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not
prevent the redemption of Series D Preferred Shares pursuant to
Article VII of this Declaration of Trust or the purchase or
acquisition of Series D Preferred Shares pursuant to a purchase
or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all
outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Shares.
(vi) If the Series D 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 D 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 D
Preferred Shares at the time outstanding, the Series D 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 D
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 D
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.
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(A) In any matter in which the Series D 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 D 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 D 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 D Preferred Share).
(B) Whenever distributions on any Series D Preferred Shares
shall be in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, the
holders of the Depositary Shares representing such Series D
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 D 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 D 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 D
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 D 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 the Trust's Declaration of Trust
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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 D
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 D 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 D 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 D Preferred Shares, or (y) any
increase in the amount of authorized Series D Preferred
Shares or any other Preferred Shares, in each case ranking
on a parity with or junior to the Series D 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 D 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 D Preferred Shares are not convertible
into or exchangeable for any other property or securities of the Trust.
(c) Articles VII of the Trust's Declaration of Trust shall be supplemented
by adding the following new section 7.26.
7.26 Special Rules for Series D Preferred Shares
(1) Certain Definitions.
For purposes of this section 7.26 the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
"Closing Date of the Series D Preferred Shares Offering" shall mean
the time and date of payment for and delivery of Series D Preferred Shares
issued pursuant to the Trust's effective registration statement for such Series
D Preferred Shares filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
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"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 D
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 D Preferred Shares Offering and prior to the
Restriction Termination Date, a Special Triggering Event (if effective) or other
event or occurrence (if effective) would result in any violation of section
7.2(a) 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 D Preferred Shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would
(but for this section 7.25) cause any Person to Beneficially Own either Series D
Preferred Shares, or to Beneficially own Series D Preferred Shares and any other
shares of beneficial interest in the Trust, in violation of section 7.2(a) (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. 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 13.5. SERIES E PREFERRED SHARES. Pursuant to Section 5.4 of
this Declaration, a series of preferred shares of beneficial interest designated
the "Series E Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest"
(the "Series E 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 E Convertible
Preferred Shares and the authorized number of shares constituting such series
shall be 4,600,000. The par value of the Series E Convertible Preferred Shares
shall be $.01 per share.
2. DISTRIBUTIONS.
(a) The holders of shares of the Series E 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 E 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 E Convertible
Preferred Shares). Such distributions shall be cumulative from the date of
original issue of the Series E 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
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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 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 E
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 E 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 13.5(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 E 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 E 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 E Convertible
Preferred Shares and any other preferred shares ranking on a parity as to
distributions with the Series E Convertible Preferred Shares, all distributions
declared upon Series E 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 E 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 E
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 E 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 E 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 E 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
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the Series E 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 subsidiary of the Trust
(except by conversion into or exchange for shares of beneficial interest of the
Trust ranking junior to the Series E Convertible Preferred Shares as to
distribution rights and the liquidation preference). Holders of the Series E
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 E 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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares shall be computed by
dividing the annual distribution rate by four.
3. TRUSTEES' RIGHT TO REFUSE TO TRANSFER SERIES E CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED SHARES; LIMITATION ON HOLDINGS.
(a) The terms and provisions of this Section 13.5(3) shall apply
in addition to, and not in limitation of, the terms and provisions of Article
VII 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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares
directly or indirectly owned by such Person, and a description of the capacity
in which such Series E Convertible Preferred Shares are held. For purposes of
this Section 13.5, the number and value of the total Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred
Shares, irrespective of such shareholder's percentage ownership of outstanding
Series E Convertible Preferred Shares, shall upon demand disclose to the Trust
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in writing such information with respect to the direct or indirect ownership of
Series E Convertible 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.
(c) If, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, which shall be
binding upon any prospective acquiror of Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares which could
result in direct or indirect ownership (as hereinafter defined) of Series E
Convertible Preferred Shares exceeding 20% of the lesser of the number or the
value of the total Series E 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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares hereunder and shall be deemed never to
have had an interest therein. Any issuance of Series E 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 E 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
E 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.
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(f) The Trust, by notice to the holder thereof, may purchase any or
all Series E Convertible 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
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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares, if then listed on a national securities
exchange, or such price for the Series E Convertible Preferred Shares on the
principal exchange if then listed on more than one national securities exchange,
or if the Series E Convertible Preferred Shares are not then listed on a
national securities exchange, the latest bid quotation for the Series E
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 E 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 E 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 E 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 E 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 13.5(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 E Convertible Preferred Shares then outstanding and
entitled to vote. If Section 13.5(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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares on
behalf of the Trust.
(h) Subject to Section 13.5(3)(l), notwithstanding any other provision
of this Section 13.5 to the contrary, any purported transfer, sale or
acquisition of Series E Convertible Preferred Shares (whether such purported
transfer, sale or acquisition results from the direct or indirect acquisition of
ownership of Series E Convertible Preferred Shares) which would result in the
termination of the status of the Trust as a real estate investment trust under
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the REIT Provisions of the Code shall be null and void ab initio. Any such
Series E 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 13.5(3).
(i) Subject to Section 13.5(3)(l), nothing contained in this
Section 13.5(3) 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 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 13.5(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 13.5(3) may be inconsistent with any other provision of
this Section 13.5, this Section 13.5(3) shall be controlling.
(k) For purposes of this Section 13.5, Series E 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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares by reason of the REIT Provisions of
the Code.
(l) Notwithstanding any other provision of Section 13.5(3),
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 Section 13.5(3) and any transferee in such
a transaction shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set
forth in this Section 13.5(3).
4. REDEMPTION AT THE OPTION OF THE TRUST.
(a) The Series E Convertible Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior
to November 1, 1998. On and after November 1, 1998, the Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares up
to the date of such redemption, upon giving notice as provided below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
If redeemed during
the twelve-month
period beginning Call
November 1, Price
---------------------- -------
<S> <C>
1998 ................. $25.875
1999 ................. $25.700
2000 ................. $25.525
2001 ................. $25.350
2002 ................. $25.175
2003 and thereafter .. $25.000
</TABLE>
(b) If fewer than all of the outstanding Series E 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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding because such holder's Series E
Convertible Preferred Shares were not redeemed, or were only redeemed in part,
then the Trust shall redeem the requisite number of Series E 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 E 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 E
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 E Convertible Preferred Shares, the Trust shall
mail a written notice to each holder of record of the Series E 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 E 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 E 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 E 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 E
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 E 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 E 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
13.5(4) and any holder of Series E 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 13.5(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 13.5(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 13.5(7) below and any moneys set aside by the Trust for the
redemption of such shares of converted Series E 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 E 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 E
Convertible Preferred Shares shall be redeemed unless all outstanding Series E
Convertible Preferred Shares are simultaneously redeemed; provided, however,
that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Series E
Convertible Preferred Shares pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on
the same terms to holders of all outstanding Series E Convertible Preferred
Shares, and, unless full cumulative distributions on all outstanding Series E
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 E Convertible Preferred Shares (except
by conversion into or exchange for shares of beneficial interest of the Trust
ranking junior to the Series E Convertible Preferred Shares as to distribution
rights and the liquidation preference).
(d) The Series E Convertible Preferred Shares redeemed, repurchased or
retired pursuant to the provisions of this Section 13.5(4) or surrendered to the
Trust upon conversion shall thereupon be retired and may not be reissued as
Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares shall not be
entitled to vote on any matter except (i) as provided in Section 13.5(9), (ii)
as provided in Section 13.5(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 E 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 E 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 E 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 E 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 E
Convertible Preferred Shares and all holders of other classes or series of
preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares have been
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declared and paid or set aside for payment in full, the holders of the Series E
Convertible Preferred Shares shall be divested of the special voting rights
provided by this Section 13.5(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 E
Convertible Preferred Shares and shares of any other class or series of
preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series E Convertible
Preferred Shares with respect to distribution rights, the term of office of each
trustee elected by the holders of the Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares and all other
series of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series E
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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares and the holders of preferred shares of the
Trust ranking on a parity with the Series E 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 13.5(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 13.5(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 E Convertible
Preferred Shares and the holders of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a
parity with the Series E 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 13.5(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 E Convertible
Preferred Shares and all other series of preferred shares ranking on a parity
with the Series E 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 E 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 E 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 E 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 E
Convertible Preferred Shares. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of the Trust, the assets distributable among the holders of Series E
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 E 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 E 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 E 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 13.5(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 E Convertible
Preferred Shares.
(c) After the payment of the full preferential amounts provided for
herein to the holders of Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares shall have the
right, exercisable at any time and from time to time, except in the case of the
Series E Convertible Preferred Shares called for redemption as set forth below,
to convert all or any such Series E Convertible Preferred Shares into Common
Shares at the conversion price of $44.93 per Common Share (equivalent to a
conversion rate of approximately 0.5564 Common Shares for each Series E
Convertible Preferred Share so converted), subject to adjustment as described
below. In the case of Series E 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 13.5(4)(c) hereof. Upon
conversion, no adjustment or payment will be made for distributions, but if any
holder surrenders Series E 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 E 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
13.5(7)(a) or 13.5(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 E Convertible Preferred Shares.
If more than one Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares so surrendered.
Instead of any fractional Common Share which would otherwise be issuable upon
conversion of any Series E 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 E 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 13.5(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 E Convertible
Preferred Shares. All Common Shares which may be issued upon conversion of
Series E 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 E 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 E 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 E Convertible
Preferred Shares been converted immediately prior thereto. An
adjustment made pursuant to this Section 13.5(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 13.5(7)(f)(iv)) of the Common Shares on such
record date, the number of Common Shares into which each Series E
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 E 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 13.5(7)(f)(ii)), then in each such case the number of Common
Shares into which each Series E 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 E 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 13.5(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 13.5(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 13.5(7)(f)(iii), make proper
provision so that each holder of a Series E 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 E 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 13.5(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 13.5(7)(j)) issuing to the
holder of any Series E 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 13.5(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 13.5(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 13.5(7)(f), the holder of any Series E 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 E
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 13.5(7).
(i) The Trust may make such increases in the conversion rate, in
addition to those required by Sections 13.5(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 E 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 E 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 E 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 E 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 13.5(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 E 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 E 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 E 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 13.5(7). The
foregoing, however, shall not in any way affect the right that a holder of
Series E Convertible Preferred Shares may otherwise have, pursuant to clause
(2) of the last sentence of Section 13.5(7)(f)(iii), to receive Rights upon
conversion of Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares as
the Board of Trustees shall reasonably consider necessary by reason of the
foregoing. The provisions of this Section 13.5(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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares
as to distribution rights and the liquidation preference without the vote or
consent of the holders of the Series E Convertible Preferred Shares.
9. LIMITATIONS. In addition to any other rights provided by
applicable law, so long as any Series E 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 E 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 E 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 E
Convertible Preferred Shares so as to affect the Series E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares; and provided
further that no such vote or written consent of the holders of the Series E
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 E 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 E Convertible Preferred Shares.
10. NO PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS. No holder of Series E 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 13.6. SERIES F 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 F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest" (the "Series F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F
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 F
Preferred Shares. The term "Parity Shares" shall include the Series A
Preferred Shares, Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares, Series
D Preferred Shares, and Series E 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F Preferred Share per
annum).
2. Distributions on Series F 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 F 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 F 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 F
Preferred Shares shall be first credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid
distribution due which remains payable. Upon issuance, the Series F 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 F
Preferred Shares.
3. If any Series F 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 F
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 F 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
F Preferred Shares and any other class or series of Preferred Shares ranking on
a parity as to distributions with the Series F Preferred Shares, all
distributions authorized upon the Series F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F
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 F 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 F 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 F
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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F
Preferred Shares shall be redeemed unless all outstanding Series F Preferred
Shares are simultaneously redeemed; provided, however, that the foregoing shall
not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Series F Preferred Shares pursuant
to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all
outstanding Series F Preferred Shares, provided further, however, that the
foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Series F 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 F Preferred Shares
pursuant to provisions of the Declaration of Trust. Unless full cumulative
distributions on all outstanding Series F 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 F Preferred Shares (except
by exchange for shares of the Trust ranking junior to the Series F Preferred
Shares as to distributions and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the affairs of the Trust).
9. All Series F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F
Preferred Shares and all holders of other classes or series of preferred shares
of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series F 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 F
Preferred Shares have been authorized and paid or set aside for payment in full,
the holders of the Series F 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 F Preferred Shares and shares of any other class or series
of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series F Preferred
Shares with respect to distribution rights, the term of office of each trustee
elected by the holders of the Series F 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 E 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 F Preferred Shares shall forthwith terminate and the holders
of the Series F 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 F 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 F Preferred Shares and all other series of
preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity with the Series F 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 F 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 F Preferred
Shares and the holders of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a parity
with the Series F 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 F
Preferred Shares and the holders of preferred shares of the Trust ranking on a
parity with the Series F 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 F Preferred
Shares and all other series of preferred shares ranking on a parity with the
Series F 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 F 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 F 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.
2. Each Person who owns directly or indirectly more than five percent in
number or value of the total Series F 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 F Preferred Shares directly or
indirectly owned by such Person, and a description of the capacity in which
such Series F Preferred Shares are held. For purposes of this Section 13.6,
the number and value of the total Series F 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 F Preferred Shares, irrespective of such shareholder's
percentage ownership of outstanding Series F Preferred Shares, shall upon
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demand disclose to the Trust in writing such information with respect to the
direct or indirect ownership of Series F 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 F 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 F Preferred Shares which could result in direct
or indirect ownership (as hereinafter defined) of Series F Preferred Shares
exceeding 20% of the lesser of the number or the value of the total Series F
Preferred Shares outstanding (the "Series F Excess Preferred Shares") by a
Person other than a Series F 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 F Preferred Shares that would (i)
create a direct or indirect owner of Series F Excess Preferred Shares other than
a Series F 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 F Preferred Shares hereunder and shall be deemed never to have
had an interest therein.
"Series F 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
F 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 F 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 F Preferred Shares, would
result in any Person acquiring Series F Excess Preferred Shares, or would
otherwise jeopardize the status of the Trust as a real estate investment trust
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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 F Excess Preferred Shares from the
prospective transferor. The purchase price for any Series F Excess Preferred
Shares shall be equal to the fair market value of the Series F 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
F Preferred Shares, if then listed on a national securities exchange, or such
price for the Series F Preferred Shares on the principal exchange if then listed
on more than one national securities exchange, or if the Series F Preferred
Shares are not then listed on a national securities exchange, the latest bid
quotation for the Series F 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 F 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 F Preferred Shares to be so redeemed shall have been made or duly
provided for, the holder of any Series F 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 F 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 F Excess
Preferred Shares prior to the discovery by the Trust that the Series F 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 F 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 F 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 F Preferred Shares on behalf of the
Trust.
8. Subject to subparagraph (12), notwithstanding any other provision of
this Section 13.6 to the contrary, any purported transfer, sale or acquisition
of Series F Preferred Shares (whether such purported transfer, sale or
acquisition results from the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership of
Series F 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 F Preferred Shares may be treated by the Board
of Trustees in the manner prescribed for Series F Excess Preferred Shares in
subparagraph (6) of this paragraph (F).
9. Subject to subparagraph (12), nothing contained in this paragraph (F)
or in any other provision of this Section 13.6 shall limit the authority of the
Board of Trustees to take such
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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 13.6, this paragraph (F) shall be controlling.
11. For purposes of this Section 13.6, Series F 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 F
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 F Preferred
Shares by reason of the REIT Provisions of the Code.
12. Notwithstanding any other provision of paragraph (F), nothing in this
Section 13.6 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 F 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 13.6 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 F Preferred Shares set forth in this
Declaration is invalid, unlawful or incapable of being enforced 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
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redemption of Series F 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
F 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 F 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 F Preferred Shares as to distribution rights or liquidation
preference without the vote or consent of the holders of the Series F Preferred
Shares.
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K. LIMITATIONS.
In addition to any other rights provided by applicable law, so long as
any Series F 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 F 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 F 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 F
Preferred Shares so as to affect the Series F 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 F Preferred Shares; provided, however, that
no such vote or written consent of the holders of the Series F Preferred Shares
shall be required if, at or prior to the time when the issuance of any such
shares ranking senior to the Series F Preferred Shares is to
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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 F Preferred Shares.
L. NO PREEMPTIVE RIGHTS.
No holder of Series F 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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EXHIBIT B
TRUSTEES OF SURVIVING TRUST
TRUSTEE TERM EXPIRES
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
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-27153) and related Prospectus of Equity
Residential Properties Trust (the "Company") 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 the Company included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K,
as amended by Form 10-K/A), for the year ended December 31, 1996; our report
dated November 7, 1996, with respect to the Combined Statement of Revenue and
Certain Expenses of the 1996 Acquired Properties for the year ended December 31,
1995, included in the Current Report of the company on Form 8-K/A, dated
November 15, 1996; and our report dated May 17, 1996 with respect to the
Combined Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses of the 1996 Acquired
Properties and Probable Properties for the year ended December 31, 1995,
included in the Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K/A, dated May 23, 1996,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
June 4, 1997
