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(Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
SEC File No. 333-39289)
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT AND SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
The Distribution Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan (the "Plan") of
Equity Residential Properties Trust (the "Company") provides holders of record
and beneficial owners of Common Shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value
per share, of the Company (the "Common Shares"), preferred shares of beneficial
interest, $.01 par value per share, and depositary shares representing interests
therein (collectively, the "Preferred Shares"), and holders of limited
partnership interests ("Units") in ERP Operating Limited Partnership (the
"Operating Partnership") with a simple and convenient method of investing cash
distributions in additional Common Shares. Common Shares may also be purchased
on a monthly basis with optional cash payments made by participants in the Plan
and interested new investors, not currently shareholders of the Company, at the
market price of the Common Shares less a discount ranging between 0% and 5% (the
"Discount") (as determined in accordance with the Plan).
Brokers and nominees may reinvest distributions and make optional cash
payments on behalf of beneficial owners. Those holders of Common Shares who do
not participate in the Plan will receive cash distributions, as declared, in the
usual manner.
To enroll in the Plan, simply complete the enclosed Authorization Form and
return it in the envelope provided. Enrollment in the Plan is entirely
voluntary and participants in the Plan may terminate their participation at any
time. A broker, bank or other nominee may reinvest distributions and make
optional cash payments on behalf of beneficial owners.
A participant in the Plan may obtain additional Common Shares by:
. reinvesting distributions relating to all or part of the Common
Shares, Preferred Shares and/or Units held by the participant.
. making optional cash payments of not less than $250 and up to
$5,000 per month whether or not distributions on Common Shares,
Preferred Shares and/or Units held by the participant are being
reinvested.
. making optional cash payments in excess of $5,000 per month with
the permission of the Company whether or not distributions on
Common Shares, Preferred Shares and/or Units held by the
participant are being reinvested.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus is December 18, 1997
<PAGE>
Optional cash payments in excess of $5,000 may be made only pursuant to an
accepted request for waiver. It is expected that a portion of the Common Shares
available for issuance under the Plan will be issued pursuant to such waivers.
Each month, at least three business days prior to the record date relating to
optional cash payments for such month, the Company will establish the Threshold
Price, if any (as defined in Question 17), applicable to optional cash payments
that exceed $5,000. The price to be paid for Common Shares purchased under the
Plan in excess of $5,000 pursuant to the optional cash payment feature of the
Plan will be the applicable Market Price (as defined in Question 12) less the
Discount (see Question 12).
There is no pre-established maximum limit applicable to optional cash
payments that may be made pursuant to accepted requests for waiver. Optional
cash payments that do not exceed $5,000 and the reinvestment of distributions in
additional Common Shares will not be subject to the Threshold Price, if any.
Participants in the Plan may request that any or all of their shares held in
Plan accounts be sold by the Plan Administrator. See Question 27.
To the extent that Common Shares issued hereunder are authorized but
previously unissued shares rather than shares acquired in the open market, the
Plan will raise additional capital for the Company. The Company currently
intends to issue such shares and, therefore, the Plan is expected to raise
capital for the Company. Each month a portion of the Common Shares available
for issuance under the Plan may be purchased by participants (including brokers
or dealers) who, in connection with any resales of such Common Shares, may be
deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act"). These sales will be effected through the
Company's ability to waive limits applicable to the amounts which participants
may invest pursuant to the Plan's optional cash payment feature.
From time to time, financial intermediaries, including brokers and dealers,
may engage in positioning transactions in order to benefit from the Discount
from the Market Price of the Common Shares acquired through the optional cash
payment feature of the Plan. Such transactions may cause fluctuations in the
price or trading volume of the Common Shares. Financial intermediaries which
engage in positioning transactions may be deemed to be underwriters within the
meaning of the Securities Act.
This Prospectus relates to 7,000,000 Common Shares offered hereby and
registered for sale under the Plan. Participants should retain this Prospectus
for future reference.
This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of
an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any
person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such
jurisdiction. No person has been authorized to give any information or to make
any representations other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection
with the offering made hereby, and if given or made, such information or
representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the
Company. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder
shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that information herein
is correct as of any time subsequent to the date hereof.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SECTION PAGE
- ------- ----
<S> <C>
Available Information................................................... 4
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference......................... 4
The Company............................................................. 6
Description of Common Shares............................................ 6
Summary of Plan......................................................... 7
The Plan................................................................ 8
Purpose................................................................. 8
Options Available to Participants....................................... 9
Advantages and Disadvantages............................................ 9
Administration.......................................................... 10
Participation........................................................... 10
Purchases and Prices of Shares.......................................... 14
Reports to Participants................................................. 19
Distributions on Fractions.............................................. 19
Certificates for Common Shares.......................................... 19
Withdrawals and Termination............................................. 19
Other Information....................................................... 20
Distributions........................................................... 24
Use of Proceeds......................................................... 24
Plan of Distribution.................................................... 24
Risk Factors............................................................ 25
Federal Income Tax Considerations....................................... 29
Legal Matters........................................................... 34
Experts................................................................. 34
Glossary................................................................ 35
Schedule A.............................................................. 37
</TABLE>
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As used herein, the term "Company" includes Equity Residential Properties
Trust and those entities owned or controlled by it (collectively, the
"Subsidiaries"), as the survivor of the merger between Wellsford Residential
Property Trust ("Wellsford") and Equity Residential Properties Trust ("EQR") and
both EQR and Wellsford as predecessors to the Company, unless the context
indicates otherwise.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Registration
Statement, the exhibits and schedules forming a part thereof and the reports,
proxy statements and other information filed by the Company with the Commission
in accordance with the Exchange Act can be inspected and copied at the
Commission's Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, and at the following regional offices of the Commission: Seven World
Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street,
Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a
Web site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding registrants, including the Company,
that file electronically with the Commission. In addition, the Common Shares
and certain of the Company's Preferred Shares are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange ("NYSE") (the Common Shares are listed under the symbol "EQR") and
similar information concerning the Company can be inspected and copied at the
offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005.
The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form
S-3 (the "Registration Statement"), of which this Prospectus is a part, under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to
the Common Shares offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain portions of which
have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or
other documents are not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is
made to the copy of such contract or other documents filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by
such reference and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information
regarding the Company and the Common Shares, reference is hereby made to the
Registration Statement and such exhibits and schedules which may be obtained
from the Commission at its principal office in Washington, D.C. upon payment of
the fees prescribed by the Commission.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The documents listed below have been filed by the Company under the
Exchange Act with the Commission and are incorporated herein by reference:
a. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-K/A
(filed on April 3, 1997), for the year ended December 31, 1996.
b. The Company's Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the
"Declaration of Trust") filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated May 30, 1997, filed on June 5, 1997.
c. The Company's Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, filed as Exhibit
99.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-24653).
d The Company's Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated April 25, 1997.
e. The Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company's
Annual Meeting of Shareholders dated June 17, 1997.
f. The Company's Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated November 24,
1997.
g. The description of the Company's Common Shares contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated August 10, 1993.
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h. The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended
March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997.
i. The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated May 23, 1996, November
15, 1996, January 16, 1997, March 12, 1997, March 17, 1997, March 19,
1997, March 20, 1997, March 24, 1997, May 16, 1997, May 20, 1997, May
30, 1997(2), June 10, 1997, June 23, 1997, August 15, 1997, August 27,
1997, September 10, 1997, September 11, 1997, September 17, 1997,
September 18, 1997 and October 9, 1997 and the Company's Current
Reports on Form 8-K/A dated May 23, 1996, November 15, 1996 and
October 9, 1997.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and
prior to the termination of the offering of all Common Shares to which this
Prospectus relates shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus and to be part hereof from the date of filing such documents.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in the
Prospectus (in the case of a statement in a previously filed document
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein), in any
applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to a specific offering of Common
Shares, or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.
Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus or any
accompanying Prospectus Supplement. Subject to the foregoing, all information
appearing in this Prospectus and each accompanying Prospectus Supplement is
qualified in its entirety by the information appearing in the documents
incorporated by reference.
Copies of all documents which are incorporated herein by reference (not
including the exhibits to such information, unless such exhibits are
specifically incorporated by reference in such information) will be provided
without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this
Prospectus is delivered upon written or oral request. Requests should be
directed to Equity Residential Properties Trust, Two North Riverside Plaza,
Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Cynthia McHugh (telephone
number: (312) 474-1300).
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THE COMPANY
General
Equity Residential Properties Trust, one of the largest publicly traded
real estate investment trusts ("REITs") (based on the aggregate market value of
its outstanding equity capitalization), is a self-administered and self-managed
equity REIT. In May 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of the
multifamily property business of Wellsford through the tax free merger of EQR
and Wellsford. The Company's senior executives average over 23 years of
experience in the multifamily property business.
The Company is the largest publicly traded REIT owner of multifamily
properties (based on the number of apartment units owned and total revenues
earned). All of the Company's interests in its multifamily properties (the
"Properties") are held directly or indirectly by, and substantially all of its
operations relating to the Properties are conducted through, ERP Operating
Limited Partnership (the "Operating Partnership"). The Operating Partnership
currently has eight classes of limited partnership interests outstanding: (i)
partnership interests ("Units"), which may be exchanged by the holders thereof
for either Common Shares, on a one-for-one basis or, at the Company's option,
cash; (ii) 9 3/8% Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units ("9 3/8% Preference
Units"); (iii) 9 1/8% Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units ("9 1/8% Series B
Preference Units"); (iv) 9 1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units
("9 1/8% Series C Preference Units"); (v) 8.60% Cumulative Redeemable Preference
Units ("8.60% Series D Preference Units"); (vi) Series E Cumulative Convertible
Preference Units ("Series E Preference Units"); (vii) 9.65% Series F Cumulative
Redeemable Preference Units ("9.65% Series F Preference Units"); and (viii) 7
1/4% Series G Convertible Cumulative Preference Units ("7 1/4% Series G
Preference Units"). The 9 3/8% Preference Units, the 9 1/8% Series B Preference
Units, the 9 1/8% Series C Preference Units, the 8.60% Series D Preference
Units, the Series E Preference Units, the 9.65% Series F Preference Units and
the 7 1/4% Series G Preference Units are owned by the Company and mirror the
payments of distributions, including accrued and unpaid distributions upon
redemption, and of the liquidation preference amount of the Company's 9 3/8%
Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par
value per share (the "Series A Preferred Shares"), the Company's 9 1/8% Series B
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value
per share (the "Series B Preferred Shares"), the Company's 9 1/8% Series C
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value
per share (the "Series C Preferred Shares"), the Company's 8.60% Series D
Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value
per share (the "Series D Preferred Shares"), the Company's Series E Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share
(the "Series E Preferred Shares"), the Company's 9.65% Series F Preferred Shares
of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series F Preferred
Shares"), and the Company's 7 1/4% Series G Convertible Cumulative Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series G
Preferred Shares"), respectively. The Company controls the Operating
Partnership as the sole general partner and, as of December 1, 1997, owned
approximately 91% of all of the Operating Partnership's outstanding partnership
interests, excluding the 9 3/8% Preference Units, the 9 1/8% Series B Preference
Units, the 9 1/8% Series C Preference Units, the 8.60% Series D Preference
Units, the Series E Preference Units, and the 9.65% Series F Preference Units,
and the 7 1/4% Series G Preference Units. It is the Company's policy that
Equity Residential Properties Trust shall not incur indebtedness other than
short-term trade, employee compensation, dividends payable or similar
indebtedness that will be paid in the ordinary course of business, and that
indebtedness shall instead be incurred by the Operating Partnership to the
extent necessary to fund the business activities conducted by the Operating
Partnership and its subsidiaries.
The Company's corporate headquarters and executive offices are located at
Two North Riverside Plaza, Suite 400, Chicago, Illinois 60606, and its telephone
number is (312) 474-1300.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES
The summary of the terms of the Common Shares set forth below does not
purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, as amended
and/or restated from time to time (the "Declaration of Trust"), and the Second
Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended and/or restated from time to time
("Bylaws"), of the Company, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The Declaration of Trust of the Company provides that the Company may issue
up to 300,000,000 shares of beneficial interest, consisting of 200,000,000
Common Shares and 100,000,000 Preferred Shares. As of December 1, 1997,
77,560,859 Common Shares and 15,343,500 Preferred Shares were issued and
outstanding. In addition, as of December 1, 1997, 7,417,855 Common Shares were
issuable upon exchange of Units currently held by certain holders who were
issued Units in exchange for the contribution of certain of the Properties to
the Operating Partnership at and subsequent to the initial public offering of
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common shares of EQR (the "EQR IPO"). The Units are exchangeable on a one-for-
one basis for Common Shares or, at the Company's option, cash.
All Common Shares offered hereby will be duly authorized, fully paid and
nonassessable. Subject to the preferential rights of any other shares of
beneficial interest and to certain provisions of the Company's Declaration of
Trust, holders of Common Shares are entitled to receive distributions if, as and
when authorized and declared by the Board of Trustees out of assets legally
available therefor and to share ratably in the assets of the Company legally
available for distribution to its shareholders in the event of its liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up after payment of, or adequate provision for, all known
debts and liabilities of the Company. The Company currently pays regular
quarterly distributions.
Subject to certain provisions of the Company's Declaration of Trust, each
outstanding Common Share entitles the holder to one vote on all matters
submitted to a vote of shareholders, including the election of Trustees, and,
except as otherwise required by law or except as provided with respect to any
other class or series of shares of beneficial interest, the holders of such
Common Shares will possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative
voting in the election of Trustees, which means that the holders of a majority
of the outstanding Common Shares can elect all of the Trustees then standing for
election and the holders of the remaining shares of beneficial interest, if any,
will not be able to elect any Trustees.
Holders of Common Shares have no conversion, sinking fund, redemption or
preemptive rights to subscribe for any securities of the Company. Subject to
certain provisions of the Company's Declaration of Trust, Common Shares have
equal distribution, liquidation and other rights, and have no preference,
exchange or, except as expressly required by the Maryland REIT law, appraisal
rights.
Pursuant to the Maryland REIT law, a REIT generally cannot dissolve, amend
its declaration of trust or merge, unless approved by the affirmative vote or
written consent of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the shares
entitled to vote on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a
majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in
the REIT's declaration of trust. The Company's Declaration of Trust provides
that a dissolution or merger, and amendments to the Declaration of Trust in
connection with such transactions, may be approved by the affirmative vote of
the holders of not less than a majority of the shares then outstanding and
entitled to vote thereon. A declaration of trust may permit the trustees by a
two-thirds vote to amend the declaration of trust from time to time to qualify
as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or
the Maryland REIT law without the affirmative vote or written consent of the
shareholders. The Company's Declaration of Trust permits such action by the
Board of Trustees.
SUMMARY OF PLAN
The Plan provides investors with a convenient and attractive method of
investing cash distributions and optional cash payments in additional Common
Shares without payment of any brokerage commission or service charge. The price
to be paid for Common Shares purchased under the Plan will be a price reflecting
100% of the Market Price (as defined in Question 12) for the reinvestment of
cash distributions; and a price reflecting a discount ranging between 0% and 5%
(the "Discount") from the Market Price for the investment of optional cash
payments to the extent shares are purchased directly from the Company. The
Discount is subject to change (but will not vary from the range of between 0%
and 5%) from time to time or discontinuance at the Company's discretion after a
review of current market conditions, the level of participation in the Plan and
the Company's current and projected capital needs.
Subject to the availability of Common Shares registered for issuance under
the Plan, there is no minimum or maximum limitation on the amount of
distributions a Participant may reinvest under the Plan. See Question 2.
Participants electing to invest optional cash payments in additional Common
Shares are subject to a minimum per month purchase limit of $250 and a maximum
per month purchase limit of $5,000 (subject to waiver). See Question 17.
Optional cash payments in excess of $5,000 may be made only upon acceptance by
the Company of a completed Request for Waiver form from a Participant. See
Question 17. Each month, at least three business days prior to each record date
(as defined in Question 18), the Company will establish the Discount and
Threshold Price, if any (each as defined in Question 17), applicable to optional
cash payments that exceed $5,000. The Discount, which may vary each month, will
be established in the Company's sole discretion after a review of current market
conditions, the level of participation in the Plan and the Company's current and
projected capital needs. With respect to optional cash payments that exceed
$5,000 only, for each Trading Day of the related Pricing Period (each as defined
in Question 12) on which the Threshold Price is not satisfied, one-tenth of a
Participant's optional cash payment will be returned without interest. Optional
cash payments that do not
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exceed $5,000 and the reinvestment of distributions in additional Common Shares
will not be subject to the Threshold Price, if any. Optional cash payments of
less than $250 and that portion of any optional cash payment which exceeds the
maximum monthly purchase limit of $5,000, unless such limit has been waived, are
subject to return to the Participant without interest. Participants may request
that any or all shares held in the Plan be sold by the Plan Administrator on
behalf of such Participants. See Question 27.
Subject to the availability of Common Shares registered for issuance under
the Plan, there is no total maximum number of shares that can be issued pursuant
to the reinvestment of distributions and no pre-established maximum limit
applies to optional cash payments that may be made pursuant to Requests for
Waiver. As of the date hereof, 7,000,000 Common Shares have been registered and
are available for sale under the Plan.
The Company expects to grant Requests for Waiver to financial
intermediaries, including brokers and dealers, and other Participants in the
future. Grants of Requests for Waiver will be made in the sole discretion of the
Company based on a variety of factors, which may include: the Company's current
and projected capital needs, the alternatives available to the Company to meet
those needs, prevailing market prices for Common Shares, general economic and
market conditions, expected aberrations in the price or trading volume of the
Common Shares, the potential disruption of the price of the Common Shares by a
financial intermediary, the number of Common Shares held by the Participant
submitting the waiver request, the past actions of a Participant under the Plan,
the aggregate amount of optional cash payments for which such waivers have been
submitted and the administrative constraints associated with granting such
waivers. If such Requests for Waiver are granted, a portion of the Common Shares
available for issuance under the Plan will be purchased by Participants
(including brokers or dealers) who, in connection with any resales of such
Common Shares, may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the
Securities Act. To the extent that Requests for Waiver are granted, it is
expected that a greater number of Common Shares will be issued under the
optional cash payment feature of the Plan as opposed to the distribution
reinvestment feature of the Plan.
Financial intermediaries may purchase a significant portion of the Common
Shares issued pursuant to the optional cash payment feature of the Plan. The
Company does not have any formal or informal understanding with any such
organizations and, therefore, the extent of such financial intermediaries'
participation under the Plan cannot be estimated at this time. Participants
that are financial intermediaries that acquire Common Shares under the Plan with
a view to distribution of such Common Shares or that offer or sell Common Shares
for the Company in connection with the Plan may be deemed to be underwriters
within the meaning of the Securities Act.
From time to time, financial intermediaries, including brokers and dealers,
may engage in positioning transactions in order to benefit from the discount
from the Market Price of the Common Shares acquired through the cash payment
feature of the Plan. Such transactions may cause fluctuations in the price or
trading volume of the Common Shares. Financial intermediaries which engage in
positioning transactions may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of
the Securities Act. The Plan is intended for the benefit of investors in the
Company and not for individuals or investors who engage in transactions which
may cause aberrations in the price or trading volume of the Common Shares.
THE PLAN
The Plan was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Company on May 15,
1997. The following questions and answers explain and constitute the Plan.
Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive cash distributions,
as declared, and paid in the usual manner.
PURPOSE
1. What is the purpose of the Plan?
The primary purpose of the Plan is to provide eligible holders of Common
Shares and Preferred Shares of the Company, holders of Units of the Operating
Partnership and interested new investors ("Participants") with a convenient and
simple method of increasing their investment in the Company by investing cash
distributions in additional Common Shares without payment of any brokerage
commission or service charge, to the extent shares are purchased directly from
the Company, and by investing optional cash payments in additional Common Shares
without payment of any brokerage commission or service charge. See Question 5
for a description of the holders who are eligible to participate in the Plan.
The Plan may also be used by the Company to raise additional capital through the
sale each month of a portion of the
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Common Shares available for issuance under the Plan to current holders and
interested new investors (including brokers or dealers) who, in connection with
any resales of such shares, may be deemed to be underwriters. These sales will
be effected through the Company's ability to waive limitations applicable to the
amounts which Participants (as defined in Question 2) may invest pursuant to the
Plan's optional cash payment feature.
See Question 17 for information concerning limitations applicable to
optional cash payments and certain of the factors considered by the Company in
granting waivers. To the extent shares are purchased from the Company under the
Plan, it will receive additional funds to purchase additional multifamily
properties and for working capital purposes. The Plan is intended for the
benefit of investors in the Company and not for individuals or investors who
engage in transactions which may cause aberrations in the price or trading
volume of Common Shares. From time to time, financial intermediaries may engage
in positioning transactions in order to benefit from the discount from the
Market Price of the Common Shares acquired through the reinvestment of
distributions or optional cash payments under the Plan. Such transactions may
cause fluctuations in the price or trading volume of the Common Shares. The
Company reserves the right to modify, suspend or terminate participation in the
Plan by otherwise eligible holders of Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Units or
interested new investors in order to eliminate practices which are, in the sole
discretion of the Company, not consistent with the purposes or operation of the
Plan or which adversely affect the price of the Common Shares.
OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPANTS
2. What options are available to enrolled Participants?
Eligible holders of Common Shares, Preferred Shares and Units may elect to
have cash distributions paid on all or a portion of their Common Shares,
Preferred Shares or Units automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares.
Cash distributions are paid on the Common Shares when and as declared by the
Company's Board of Trustees. Subject to the availability of Common Shares
registered for issuance under the Plan, there is no minimum limitation on the
amount of distributions a Participant may reinvest under the distribution
reinvestment feature of the Plan.
Each month, Participants may also elect to invest optional cash payments in
additional Common Shares, subject to a minimum per month purchase limit of $250
and a maximum per month purchase limit of $5,000, subject to waiver. See
Question 17 for information concerning limitations applicable to optional cash
payments and the availability of waivers with respect to such limitations.
Participants may make optional cash payments each month even if distributions on
their Common Shares are not being reinvested and whether or not a distribution
has been declared.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Plan?
Advantages:
(a) The Plan provides Participants with the opportunity to reinvest cash
distributions paid on all or a portion of their Common Shares, Preferred
Shares or Units in additional Common Shares without payment of any
brokerage commission or service charge to the extent shares are purchased
directly from the Company.
(b) The Plan provides Participants with the opportunity to make monthly
investments of optional cash payments, subject to minimum and maximum
amounts, for the purchase of additional Common Shares without payment of
any brokerage commission or service charge if such Common Shares are
purchased directly from the Company, which purchases may be made at a
Discount to the Market Price at the discretion of the Company.
(c) Subject to the availability of Common Shares registered for issuance
under the Plan, all cash distributions paid on Participants' Common Shares
can be fully invested in additional Common Shares because the Plan permits
fractional shares to be credited to Plan accounts. Distributions on such
fractional shares, as well as on whole shares, will also be reinvested in
additional shares which will be credited to Plan accounts.
(d) The Plan Administrator, at no charge to Participants, provides for the
safekeeping of the Common Shares credited to each Plan account.
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(e) Periodic statements reflecting all current activity, including share
purchases and latest Plan account balance, simplify Participants' record
keeping. See Question 22 for information concerning reports to
Participants.
Disadvantages:
(a) No interest will be paid by the Company or the Plan Administrator on
distributions or optional cash payments held pending reinvestment or
investment. See Question 11. In addition, optional cash payments in
excess of $5,000 may be subject to return to the Participant without
interest in the event that the Threshold Price, if any, is not met for any
Trading Day during the related Pricing Period. See Question 17.
(b) With respect to optional cash payments, the actual number of shares to
be issued to a Participant's Plan account will not be determined until
after the end of the relevant Pricing Period. Therefore, during the Pricing
Period Participants will not know the actual number of shares they have
purchased.
(c) With respect to optional cash payments, the Market Price may exceed
the price at which Common Shares are trading after the Investment Date.
(d) Because optional cash payments must be received by the Plan
Administrator prior to the related Pricing Period, such payments may be
exposed to changes in market conditions for a longer period of time than in
the case of typical secondary market transactions. In addition, optional
cash payments once received by the Plan Administrator will not be returned
to Participants unless a written request is directed to the Plan
Administrator at least five business days prior to the record date for the
Investment Date with respect to which optional cash payments have been
delivered by such Participant. See Questions 18 and 20.
(e) Resales of Common Shares credited to a Participant's account under the
Plan will involve a nominal fee per transaction paid to the Plan
Administrator (if such resale is made by the Plan Administrator at the
request of a Participant), a brokerage commission and any applicable share
transfer taxes on the resales. See Questions 21 and 27.
(f) Prospective investors in Common Shares should carefully consider the
matters described below in "Risk Factors" prior to making an investment in
the Common Shares.
ADMINISTRATION
4. Who administers the Plan?
The Company has retained BankBoston, N.A. as plan administrator (the "Plan
Administrator"), to administer the Plan, keep records, send statements of
account activity to each Participant and perform other duties relating to the
Plan. See Question 22 for information concerning reports to Participants.
Shares purchased under the Plan and held by the Plan Administrator will be
registered in the Plan Administrator's name or the name of its nominee for the
benefit of the Participants. In the event that the Plan Administrator resigns
or otherwise ceases to act as plan administrator, the Company will appoint a new
plan administrator to administer the Plan.
The Plan Administrator also acts as distribution disbursing agent, transfer
agent and registrar for the Company's Common Shares.
PARTICIPATION
For purposes of this section, responses will generally be based upon the
method by which the holder holds his or her Common Shares, Preferred Shares or
Units. Generally, holders are either Record Owners or Beneficial Owners. A
Record Owner is a holder who owns Common Shares, Preferred Shares or Units in
his or her own name. A Beneficial Owner is a holder who beneficially owns
Common Shares, Preferred Shares or Units that are registered in a name other
than his or her own name (for example, the shares are held in the name of a
broker, bank or other nominee). A Record Owner may participate directly in the
Plan, whereas a Beneficial Owner will have to either become a Record Owner by
having one or more shares transferred into his or her own name or coordinate his
or her participation in the Plan through the broker, bank or other nominee in
whose name the Beneficial Owner's shares are held. If a Beneficial Owner who
desires to become a
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Participant encounters any difficulties in coordinating his or her participation
in the Plan with his or her broker, bank or other nominee, he or she should call
the Company's Investor Relations department at (312) 474-1300.
5. Who is eligible to participate?
All Record Owners or Beneficial Owners of at least one Common Share,
Preferred Share or Unit are eligible to participate in the Plan. A Record Owner
may participate directly in the Plan. A Beneficial Owner must either become a
Record Owner by having one or more shares transferred into his or her own name
or arrange with the broker, bank or other nominee who is the record holder to
participate on his or her behalf. In addition, interested new investors may
participate in the optional cash payment feature of the Plan. See Question 6.
To facilitate participation by Beneficial Owners, the Company has made
arrangements with the Plan Administrator to reinvest distributions, on a per
distribution basis, and accept optional cash payments under the Plan by record
holders such as brokers, banks and other nominees, on behalf of beneficial
owners. See Question 6.
The Company may terminate, by written notice, at any time any Participant's
individual participation in the Plan if such participation would be in violation
of the restrictions contained in the Declaration of Trust or Bylaws, each as
amended and/or restated from time to time, of the Company. Such restrictions
prohibit any person or group of persons from acquiring or holding, directly or
indirectly, ownership of a number of shares of beneficial interest of any class
or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Company in excess of 5.0% of
the number or value of the outstanding shares of such class or series. The
meanings ascribed to the terms "group" and "ownership" may cause a person who
individually owns less than 5.0% of the shares outstanding to be deemed to be
holding shares in excess of the foregoing limitation. The Declaration of Trust
provides that in the event a person acquires shares of beneficial interest in
excess of the foregoing limitation, the excess shares shall be transferred to a
trustee for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary designated by the Company
pursuant to the Declaration of Trust. Under the Declaration of Trust, certain
transfers or attempted transfers that would jeopardize the qualification of the
Company as a real estate investment trust for tax purposes may be void to the
fullest extent permitted by law.
6. How does an eligible shareholder or interested new investor participate?
Record Owners may join the Plan by completing and signing the Authorization
Form included with the Plan and returning it to the Plan Administrator. A non-
postage-paid return envelope is provided for this purpose. Authorization Forms
may be obtained at any time by written request to Boston EquiServe L.P., P.O.
Box 8040, Boston, MA 02266-8040 or by telephoning the Plan Administrator at
(800) 733-5001.
Beneficial Owners who wish to join the Plan must instruct their broker,
bank or other nominee to complete and sign the Authorization Form. The broker,
bank or other nominee will forward the completed Authorization Form to its
securities depository and the securities depository will provide the Plan
Administrator with the information necessary to allow the Beneficial Owner to
participate in the Plan. See Question 8 for a discussion of the Broker and
Nominee form (the "B&N Form"), which is required to be used for optional cash
payments of a Beneficial Owner whose broker, bank or other nominee holds the
Beneficial Owner's shares in the name of a major securities depository. See also
Question 16.
If a Record Owner or the broker, bank or other nominee on behalf of a
Beneficial Owner submits a properly executed Authorization Form without electing
an investment option, such Authorization Form will be deemed to indicate the
intention of such Record Owner or Beneficial Owner, as the case may be, to apply
all cash distributions and optional cash payments, if applicable, toward the
purchase of additional Common Shares. See Question 7 for investment options.
Interested new investors may join the Plan by requesting a copy of the Plan
from the Plan Administrator by telephoning the Plan Administrator at (800)[TBD].
Upon receipt of the Plan, interested new investors must complete and sign the
Authorization Form included with the Plan and return it to the Plan
Administrator. A non-postage-paid return envelope will be provided for this
purpose.
7. What does the Authorization Form provide?
The Authorization Form appoints the Plan Administrator as agent for the
Participant and directs the Company to pay to the Plan Administrator each
Participant's cash distributions on all or a specified number of Common Shares,
Preferred Shares or Units owned by the Participant on the applicable record date
("Participating Shares"), as well as on all whole and fractional Common Shares
credited to a Participant's Plan account ("Plan Shares"). The Authorization
Form directs the Plan Administrator to purchase on the Investment Date (as
defined in Question 11) additional Common Shares with such distributions and
optional cash payments, if any, made by the Participant. See Question 8 for a
discussion of the B&N Form which is required to be used for optional cash
payments of a Beneficial Owner whose broker, bank or other nominee holds
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the Beneficial Owner's shares in the name of a major securities depository. The
Authorization Form also directs the Plan Administrator to reinvest automatically
all subsequent distributions with respect to Plan Shares. Distributions will
continue to be reinvested on the number of Participating Shares and on all Plan
Shares until the Participant specifies otherwise by contacting the Plan
Administrator, withdraws from the Plan (see Questions 26 and 27), or the Plan is
terminated. See Question 6 for additional information about the Authorization
Form.
The Authorization Form provides for the purchase of additional Common
Shares through the following investment options:
(1) If "Full Distribution Reinvestment" is elected, the Plan Administrator
will apply all cash distributions on all Common Shares, Preferred
Shares or Units then or subsequently registered in the Participant's
name, and all cash distributions on all Plan Shares, together with any
optional cash payments, toward the purchase of additional Common
Shares.
(2) If "Partial Distribution Reinvestment" is elected, the Plan
Administrator will apply all cash distributions on only the number of
Common Shares, Preferred Shares or Units registered in the
Participant's name and specified on the Authorization Form and all
cash distributions on all Plan Shares, together with any optional cash
payments, toward the purchase of additional Common Shares.
(3) If "Optional Cash Payments Only" is elected, the Participant will
continue to receive cash distributions on Common Shares, Preferred
Shares or Units registered in that Participant's name, if any, in the
usual manner. However, the Plan Administrator will apply all cash
distributions on all Plan Shares, together with any optional cash
payments received from the Participant, toward the purchase of
additional Common Shares. See Question 8 for a discussion of the B&N
Form which is required to be used for optional cash payments of a
Beneficial Owner whose broker, bank or other nominee holds the
Beneficial Owner's shares in the name of a major securities
depository.
Each Participant may select any one of these three options. In each case,
distributions will be reinvested on all Participating Shares and on all Plan
Shares held in the Plan account, including distributions on Common Shares
purchased with any optional cash payments, until a Participant specifies
otherwise by contacting the Plan Administrator, or withdraws from the Plan
altogether (see Questions 26 and 27), or until the Plan is terminated. If a
Participant would prefer to receive cash payments of distributions paid on Plan
Shares rather than reinvest such distributions, those shares must be withdrawn
from the Plan by written notification to the Plan Administrator. See Questions
26 and 27 regarding withdrawal of Plan Shares.
Participants may change their investment options at any time by requesting
a new Authorization Form and returning it to the Plan Administrator at the
address set forth in Question 37. See Question 11 for the effective date for any
change in investment options.
8. What does the B&N Form provide?
The B&N Form provides the only means by which a broker, bank or other
nominee holding shares of a Beneficial Owner in the name of a major securities
depository may invest optional cash payments on behalf of such Beneficial Owner.
A B&N Form must be delivered to the Plan Administrator each time such broker,
bank or other nominee transmits optional cash payments on behalf of a Beneficial
Owner. B&N Forms will be furnished at any time upon request of the Company's
Investor Relations Department at (312) 474-1300.
Prior to submitting the B&N Form, the broker, bank or other nominee for a
Beneficial Owner must submit a completed Authorization Form on behalf of the
Beneficial Owner. See Questions 6 and 7.
THE B&N FORM AND APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE PLAN
ADMINISTRATOR NOT LATER THAN THE APPLICABLE RECORD DATE OR THE OPTIONAL CASH
PAYMENT WILL NOT BE INVESTED UNTIL THE FOLLOWING INVESTMENT DATE.
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9. Is partial participation possible under the Plan?
Yes. Record Owners or the broker, bank or other nominee for Beneficial
Owners may designate on the Authorization Form a number of shares for which
distributions are to be reinvested. Distributions will thereafter be reinvested
only on the number of shares specified, and the Record Owner or Beneficial
Owner, as the case may be, will continue to receive cash distributions on the
remainder of the shares.
10. When may an eligible shareholder or interested new investor join the Plan?
A Record Owner, Beneficial Owner or interested new investor may join the
Plan at any time. Once in the Plan, a Participant remains in the Plan until he
or she withdraws from the Plan, the Company terminates his or her participation
in the Plan or the Company terminates the Plan. See Question 27 regarding
withdrawal from the Plan.
11. When will distributions be reinvested and/or optional cash payments be
invested?
When shares are purchased from the Company, such purchases will be made on
the "Investment Date" in each month. The Investment Date with respect to Common
Shares acquired directly from the Company and relating to a distribution
reinvestment will be either the distribution payment date relating to the Common
Shares or Units, or, if a distribution payment date relating to any series of
Preferred Shares is later in the month than such Common Share distribution
payment date, such later distribution payment date relating to such Preferred
Shares, each as declared by the Board of Trustees, as the case may be (unless
such date is not a business day in which case it is the first business day
immediately thereafter) or, in the case of open market purchases, no later than
ten business days following the distribution payment date. The Investment Date
with respect to Common Shares acquired directly from the Company and relating to
optional cash payments of $5,000 or less shall be the last day (or Pricing
Period conclusion date) of a Pricing Period (as defined below). The Investment
Date with respect to Common Shares acquired directly from the Company and
relating to an optional cash payment of greater than $5,000 made pursuant to a
Request for Waiver will be on each day on which the NYSE is open for business in
a Pricing Period, on which date 1/10 of a Participant's optional cash payment in
each month will be invested, or, in the case of open market purchases, no later
than 30 days from the corresponding Record Date. With respect to all optional
cash payments, regardless of the amount being invested, the period encompassing
the ten consecutive Investment Dates in each month constitutes the relevant
"Pricing Period." See Schedule A attached hereto for a list of the expected
Pricing Period commencement dates and conclusion dates (with the Pricing Period
conclusion date being the Investment Date for optional cash payments of $5,000
or less).
When open market purchases are made by the Plan Administrator, such
purchases may be made on any securities exchange where the shares are traded, in
the over-the-counter market or by negotiated transactions, and may be subject to
such terms with respect to price, delivery and other matters as agreed to by the
Plan Administrator. Neither the Company nor any Participant shall have any
authorization or power to direct the time or price at which shares will be
purchased or the selection of the broker or dealer through or from whom
purchases are to be made by the Plan Administrator. However, when open market
purchases are made by the Plan Administrator, the Plan Administrator shall use
its reasonable best efforts to purchase the shares at the lowest possible price.
If the Authorization Form is received prior to the record date for a
distribution payment, the election to reinvest distributions will begin with
that distribution payment. If the Authorization Form is received on or after
any such record date, reinvestment of distributions will begin on the
distribution payment date following the next record date if the Participant is
still a Shareholder of record. Record dates for payment of distributions
normally precede payment dates by approximately two weeks.
See Question 17 for information concerning limitations on the minimum and
maximum amounts of optional cash payments that may be made each month and
Question 18 for information as to when optional cash payments must be received
to be invested on each Investment Date.
Shares will be allocated and credited to Participants' accounts as follows:
(1) shares purchased from the Company will be allocated and credited as of the
appropriate Investment Date; and (2) shares purchased in market transactions
will be allocated and credited as of the date on which the Plan Administrator
completes the purchases of the aggregate number of shares to be purchased on
behalf of all Participants with distributions to be reinvested or optional cash
payments, as the case may be, during the month.
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NO INTEREST WILL BE PAID ON CASH DISTRIBUTIONS OR OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS
PENDING INVESTMENT OR REINVESTMENT UNDER THE TERMS OF THE PLAN. SINCE NO
INTEREST IS PAID ON CASH HELD BY THE PLAN ADMINISTRATOR, IT NORMALLY WILL BE IN
THE BEST INTEREST OF A PARTICIPANT TO DEFER OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS UNTIL SHORTLY
BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PRICING PERIOD.
PURCHASES AND PRICES OF SHARES
12. What will be the price to Participants of shares purchased under the Plan?
With respect to reinvested distributions, the price per Common Share
acquired directly from the Company will be 100% (subject to change) of the
average of the high and low sales prices, computed to four decimal places, of
the Common Shares on the NYSE on the Investment Date (as defined in Question
11), or if no trading occurs in the Common Shares on the Investment Date, the
average of the high and low sales prices for the first trading day immediately
preceding the Investment Date for which trades are reported.
The price per Common Share acquired through open market purchases with
reinvested distributions will be the weighted average of the actual prices paid,
computed to four decimal places, for all of the Common Shares purchased by the
Plan Administrator with all Participants' reinvested distributions for the
related quarter. Additionally, each Participant will be charged a pro rata
portion of any brokerage commissions or other fees or charges paid by the Plan
Administrator in connection with such open market purchases. (If a Participant
desires to opt out of the distribution reinvestment feature of the Plan when the
Common Shares relating to distribution reinvestments will be purchased in the
open market, a Participant must notify the Plan Administrator no later than the
record date for the related distribution payment date. For information as to
the source of the Common Shares to be purchased under the Plan see Question 15.)
With respect to optional cash payments, the price per share of the Common
Shares acquired directly from the Company will be 100% of the average of the
daily high and low sale prices, computed to four decimal places, of the Common
Shares as reported on the NYSE for the Trading Day relating to each Investment
Date (as defined in Question 11 above) or, if no trading occurs in the Common
Shares on such Trading Day, for the Trading Day immediately preceding such
Investment Date for which trades are reported, less the applicable Discount, if
any. A "Trading Day" means a day on which trades in the Common Shares are
reported on the NYSE.
Each month, at least three business days prior to the applicable Record
Date (as defined in Question 18), the Company may establish the Discount from
the Market Price applicable to optional cash payments and will notify the Plan
Administrator of the same. Such Discount may be between 0% and 5% of the Market
Price and may vary each month, but once established will apply uniformly to all
optional cash payments made during that month. The Discount will be established
in the Company's sole discretion after a review of current market conditions,
the level of participation in the Plan, and the Company's current and projected
capital needs. The Discount applies only to optional cash payments. Neither the
Company nor the Plan Administrator shall be required to provide any written
notice to Participants as to the Discount, but current information regarding the
Discount applicable to the next Pricing Period may be obtained by contacting the
Company at (312) 466-3939. Setting a Discount for an Investment Date shall not
affect the setting of a Discount for any subsequent Investment Date. The
Discount feature discussed above applies only to the issuance of Common Shares
by the Company pursuant to optional cash payments and does not apply to open
market purchases made with optional cash payments or the reinvestment of
distributions.
The price per Common Share acquired through open market purchases with
optional cash payments will be 100% (subject to change) of the weighted average
of the actual prices paid, computed to four decimal places, for all of the
Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator with all Participants'
optional cash payments for the related month.
Neither the Company nor any Participant shall have any authorization or
power to direct the time or price at which shares will be purchased or the
selection of the broker or dealer through or from whom purchases are to be made
by the Plan Administrator. However, when open market purchases are made by the
Plan Administrator, the Plan Administrator shall use its best efforts to
purchase the shares at the lowest possible price.
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All references in the Plan to the "Market Price" when it relates to
distribution reinvestments which will be reinvested in Common Shares acquired
directly from the Company shall mean the average of the high and low sales
prices, computed to four decimal places, of the Common Shares on the NYSE on the
Investment Date, or if no trading occurs in the Common Shares on the Investment
Date, the average of the high and low sales prices for the first Trading Day
immediately preceding the Investment Date for which trades are reported. With
respect to distribution reinvestments which will be reinvested in Common Shares
purchased in the open market, "Market Price" shall mean the weighted average of
the actual prices paid, net of commissions, computed to four decimal places, for
all of the Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator with all
Participants' reinvested distributions for the related quarter. All references
in the Plan to the "Market Price" for optional cash payments which will be
invested in Common Shares acquired directly from the Company shall mean the
average of the daily high and low sales prices of the Common Shares as reported
on the NYSE on the Trading Day relating to each Investment Date or, if no
trading occurs in the Common Shares on such Investment Date, for the first
Trading Day immediately preceding such Investment Date for which trades are
reported. With respect to optional cash payments which will be reinvested in
Common Shares purchased in the open market, "Market Price" shall mean the
weighted average of the actual prices paid, computed to four decimal places, for
all of the Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator with all
Participants' optional cash payments for the related month.
13. What are the Record Dates and Investment Dates for distribution
reinvestment?
For the reinvestment of distributions, the "Record Date" is the record date
declared by the Board of Trustees for such distribution. Likewise, the
distribution payment date declared by the Board of Trustees constitutes the
Investment Date applicable to the reinvestment of such distribution with respect
to Common Shares acquired directly from the Company, provided, however, that if
a distribution payment date relating to any series of Preferred Shares is later
in the month than the applicable Common Share distribution payment date, such
later distribution payment date relating to such Preferred Shares shall
constitute the Investment Date relating thereto, and provided further that if
any such date is not a business day, the first business day immediately
following such date shall be the Investment Date. The Investment Date with
respect to Common Shares purchased in open market transactions will be no later
than ten business days following the distribution payment date. Distributions
will be reinvested on the Investment Date using the applicable Market Price (as
defined in Question 12). Generally, record dates for quarterly distributions on
the Common Shares will precede the distribution payment dates by approximately
two weeks. See Schedule A for a list of the future distribution record dates
and payment dates. Please refer to Question 18 for a discussion of the Record
Dates and Investment Dates applicable to optional cash payments.
14. How will the number of shares purchased for a Participant be determined?
A Participant's account in the Plan will be credited with the number of
shares, including fractions computed to four decimal places, equal to the total
amount to be invested on behalf of such Participant divided by the purchase
price per share as calculated pursuant to the methods described in Question 12,
as applicable. The total amount to be invested will depend on the amount of any
distributions paid on the number of Participating Shares and Plan Shares in such
Participant's Plan account and available for investment on the related
Investment Date, or the amount of any optional cash payments made by such
Participant and available for investment on the related Investment Date.
Subject to the availability of Common Shares registered for issuance under the
Plan, there is no total maximum number of shares available for issuance pursuant
to the reinvestment of distributions.
15. What is the source of Common Shares purchased under the Plan?
Plan Shares will be purchased either directly from the Company, in which
event such shares will be authorized but unissued shares, or on the open market,
or by a combination of the foregoing, at the option of the Company, after a
review of current market conditions and the Company's current and projected
capital needs. The Company will determine the source of the Common Shares to be
purchased under the Plan at least three business days prior to the relevant
Record Date, and will notify the Plan Administrator of the same. Neither the
Company nor the Plan Administrator shall be required to provide any written
notice to Participants as to the source of the Common Shares to be purchased
under the Plan, but current information regarding the source of the Common
Shares may be obtained by contacting the Company's Investor Relations
Department at (312) 474-1300.
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16. How does the optional cash payment feature of the Plan work?
All Record Holders and interested new investors who have timely submitted
signed Authorization Forms indicating their intention to participate in this
feature of the Plan, and all Beneficial Owners whose brokers, banks or other
nominees have timely submitted signed Authorization Forms indicating their
intention to participate in this feature of the Plan (except for Beneficial
Owners whose brokers, banks or other nominees hold the shares of the Beneficial
Owners in the name of a major securities depository), are eligible to make
optional cash payments during any month, whether or not a distribution is
declared. If a broker, bank or other nominee holds shares of a Beneficial Owner
in the name of a major securities depository, optional cash payments must be
made through the use of the B&N Form. See Question 8. Optional cash payments
must be accompanied by an Authorization Form or a B&N Form, as applicable. Each
month the Plan Administrator will apply any optional cash payment received from
a Participant no later than one business day prior to the commencement of that
month's Pricing Period (as defined in Question 12) to the purchase of additional
Common Shares for the account of the Participant on the following Investment
Date (as defined in Question 11).
17. What limitations apply to optional cash payments?
Each optional cash payment is subject to a minimum per month purchase limit
of $250 and a maximum per month purchase limit of $5,000. For purposes of these
limitations, all Plan accounts under the common control or management of a
Participant (which shall be determined at the sole discretion of the Company)
will be aggregated. Generally, optional cash payments of less than $250 and that
portion of any optional cash payment which exceeds the maximum monthly purchase
limit of $5,000, unless such limit has been waived by the Company, will be
returned to Participants without interest at the end of the relevant Pricing
Period.
Participants may make optional cash payments of up to $5,000 each month
without the prior approval of the Company, subject to the Company's right to
modify, suspend or terminate participation in the Plan by otherwise eligible
holders of Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Units or interested new investors in
order to eliminate practices which are, in the sole discretion of the Company,
not consistent with the purposes or operation of the Plan or which adversely
affect the price of the Common Shares. Optional cash payments in excess of
$5,000 may be made by a Participant only upon acceptance by the Company of a
completed Request for Waiver form from such Participant and receipt of such form
by the Plan Administrator. There is no pre-established maximum limit applicable
to optional cash payments that may be made pursuant to accepted Requests for
Waiver. A Request for Waiver form must be received by the Company and the Plan
Administrator and accepted by the Company each month no later than the Record
Date (as defined in Question 18) for the applicable Investment Date. Request
for Waiver forms will be furnished at any time upon request to the Plan
Administrator at the address or telephone number specified in Question 37.
Waivers will be accepted only with respect to actual record Participants and not
for the benefit of Beneficial Owners or multiple Participants. Participants
interested in obtaining further information about a Request for Waiver should
contact the Company at (312) 466-3939.
Waivers will be considered on the basis of a variety of factors, which may
include the Company's current and projected capital needs, the alternatives
available to the Company to meet those needs, prevailing market prices for
Common Shares and other Company securities, general economic and market
conditions, expected aberrations in the price or trading volume of the Common
Shares, the potential disruption of the price of the Common Shares by a
financial intermediary, the number of Common Shares held by the Participant
submitting the waiver request, the past actions of a Participant under the Plan,
the aggregate amount of optional cash payments for which such waivers have been
submitted and the administrative constraints associated with granting such
waivers. Grants of waivers will be made in the absolute discretion of the
Company.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE PLAN ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OPTIONAL
CASH PAYMENT FEATURE OF THE PLAN AT ANY TIME. OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS NEED NOT BE
IN THE SAME AMOUNT EACH MONTH.
Unless it waives its right to do so, the Company may establish for any
Pricing Period a minimum price (the "Threshold Price") applicable only to the
investment of optional cash payments that exceed $5,000 and that are made
pursuant to Requests for Waiver, in order to provide the Company with the
ability to set a minimum price at which Common Shares will be sold under the
Plan each month pursuant to such requests. A Threshold Price will only be
established when Common Shares will be purchased directly from the Company on
the applicable Investment Date. The Company will, at least three business days
prior to each Record Date (as defined in Question 18), determine whether to
establish a Threshold Price and, if a Threshold Price is established, its amount
and so notify the Plan Administrator. The determination whether to
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establish a Threshold Price and, if a Threshold Price is established, its amount
will be made by the Company at its discretion after a review of current market
conditions, the level of participation in the Plan and the Company's current and
projected capital needs. Neither the Company nor the Plan Administrator shall be
required to provide any written notice to Participants as to whether a Threshold
Price has been established for any Pricing Period, but current information
regarding the Threshold Price may be obtained by contacting the Company at (312)
466-3939.
The Threshold Price for optional cash payments made pursuant to Requests
for Waiver, if established for any Pricing Period, will be a stated dollar
amount that the average of the high and low sale prices of the Common Shares on
the NYSE for each Trading Day of the relevant Pricing Period must equal or
exceed. In the event that the Threshold Price is not satisfied for a Trading Day
in the Pricing Period, then that Trading Day will be excluded from that Pricing
Period and no investment will occur on the corresponding Investment Date. For
each Trading Day on which the Threshold Price is not satisfied, 1/10 of each
optional cash payment made by a Participant pursuant to a Request for Waiver
will be returned to such Participant, without interest, as soon as practicable
after the end of the applicable Pricing Period. Thus, for example, if the
Threshold Price is not satisfied for three of the ten Trading Days in a Pricing
Period. 3/10 of each Participant's optional cash payment made pursuant to a
Request for Waiver will be returned to such Participant by check, without
interest, as soon as practicable after the end of the applicable Pricing Period.
The Plan Administrator expects to mail such checks within five to ten business
days from the end of the applicable Pricing Period. This return procedure will
only apply when shares are purchased directly from the Company for optional cash
payments made pursuant to Requests for Waiver and the Company has set a
Threshold Price with respect to the relevant Pricing Period. See Question 15.
Setting a Threshold Price for a Pricing Period shall not affect the setting
of a Threshold Price for any subsequent Pricing Period. The Threshold Price
concept and return procedure discussed above apply only to optional cash
payments made pursuant to Requests for Waiver.
For any Pricing Period, the Company may waive its right to set a Threshold
Price for optional cash payments made pursuant to Requests for Waiver.
Participants may ascertain whether the Threshold Price applicable to a given
Pricing Period has been set or waived, as applicable, by contacting the Company
at (312) 466-3939.
For a list of expected dates by which the Threshold Price will be set in
1997, 1998 and the first half of 1999, see Schedule A.
Each month, at least three business days prior to the applicable Record
Date (as defined in Question 18), the Company may establish the Discount from
the Market Price applicable to optional cash payments during the corresponding
Pricing Period and will notify the Plan Administrator of the same. Such Discount
may be between 0% and 5% of the Market Price and may vary each month, but once
established will apply uniformly to all optional cash payments made during that
month. The Discount will be established in the Company's sole discretion after a
review of current market conditions, the level of participation in the Plan, and
the Company's current and projected capital needs. The Discount applies only to
optional cash payments. Neither the Company nor the Plan Administrator shall be
required to provide any written notice to Participants as to the Discount, but
current information regarding the Discount applicable to the next Pricing Period
may be obtained by contacting the Company at (312) 466-3939. Setting a Discount
for a Pricing Period shall not affect the setting of a Discount for any
subsequent Pricing Period. The Discount feature discussed above applies only to
optional cash payments and does not apply to the reinvestment of distributions.
THE THRESHOLD PRICE CONCEPT AND RETURN PROCEDURE DISCUSSED ABOVE APPLY ONLY
TO OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS MADE PURSUANT TO REQUESTS FOR WAIVER WHEN COMMON
SHARES ARE TO BE PURCHASED FROM THE COMPANY ON THE APPLICABLE INVESTMENT DATE.
ALL OTHER OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE AT THE MARKET PRICE LESS THE
DISCOUNT (SUBJECT TO CHANGE), IF ANY, WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY THRESHOLD PRICE.
18. What are the Record Dates and Investment Dates for optional cash payments?
Optional cash payments will be invested every month as of the related
Investment Date. The "Record Date" for optional cash payments is one business
day prior to the commencement of the related Pricing Period and the "Investment
Date" for optional cash payments of $5,000 or less is the last day of the
Pricing Period (or Pricing Period conclusion date), and for optional cash
payments of greater than $5,000 made pursuant to Requests for Waiver, the
"Investment Date" is each day on which the NYSE is open for business in a
Pricing Period.
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Optional cash payments received by the Plan Administrator by the Record
Date will be applied to the purchase of Common Shares on the Investment Dates
which relate to that Pricing Period. No interest will be paid by the Company or
the Plan Administrator on optional cash payments held pending investment.
Generally, optional cash payments received after the Record Date will be
held for investment on the Investment Date relating to the next applicable
pricing period; optional cash payments will not earn interest pending
investment.
For a schedule of expected Record Dates and Pricing Period commencement
dates and conclusion dates in 1997, 1998 and the first half of 1999, see
Schedule A.
19. When must optional cash payments be received by the Plan Administrator?
Each month the Plan Administrator will apply any optional cash payment for
which good funds are timely received to the purchase of Common Shares for the
account of the Participant during the next Pricing Period. See Question 18. In
order for funds to be invested during the next Pricing Period, the Plan
Administrator must have received a check, money order or wire transfer by the
end of the business day immediately preceding the first Trading Day of the
ensuing Pricing Period and such check, money order or wire transfer must have
cleared on or before the first Investment Date in such Pricing Period. Wire
transfers may be used only if approved verbally in advance by the Plan
Administrator. Checks and money orders are accepted subject to timely
collection as good funds and verification of compliance with the terms of the
Plan. Checks or money orders should be made payable to BankBoston, N.A. and
submitted together with, initially, the Authorization Form or, subsequently, the
form for additional investments attached to Participant's statements. Checks
returned for any reason will not be resubmitted for collection.
NO INTEREST WILL BE PAID BY THE COMPANY OR THE PLAN ADMINISTRATOR ON
OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS HELD PENDING INVESTMENT. SINCE NO INTEREST IS PAID ON
CASH HELD BY THE PLAN ADMINISTRATOR, IT NORMALLY WILL BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF
A PARTICIPANT TO DEFER OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS UNTIL SHORTLY BEFORE COMMENCEMENT
OF THE PRICING PERIOD.
In order for payments to be invested on the first Investment Date in a
Pricing Period, in addition to the receipt of good funds by the first Investment
Date in a Pricing Period, the Plan Administrator must be in receipt of an
Authorization Form or a B&N Form, as appropriate, as of the same date. See
Questions 6 and 8.
20. May optional cash payments be returned?
Upon telephone or written request to the Plan Administrator received at
least five business days prior to the Record Date for the Investment Date with
respect to which optional cash payments have been delivered to the Plan
Administrator, such optional cash payments will be returned to the Participant
as soon as practicable. Requests received less than five business days prior to
such date will not be returned but instead will be invested on the next related
Investment Date. Additionally, a portion of each optional cash payment will be
returned by check, without interest, as soon as practicable after the end of the
Pricing Period for each Trading Day that does not meet the Threshold Price, if
any, applicable to optional cash payments made pursuant to Requests for Waiver.
See Question 17. Also, each optional cash payment, to the extent that it does
not either conform to the limitations described in Question 18 or clear within
the time limit described in Question 19, will be subject to return to the
Participant as soon as practicable.
21. Are there any expenses to Participants in connection with their
participation under the Plan?
Participants will have to pay brokerage fees or commissions on Common
Shares to sell shares purchased with reinvested distributions or optional cash
payments on the open market, which sums are not expected to exceed $.15 per
share (subject to change) and which will be first deducted before determining
the number of shares to be purchased. Participants will incur no brokerage
commissions or service charges in connection with the reinvestment of
distributions or optional cash payments when Common Shares are acquired directly
from the Company. The Company will pay all other costs of administration of the
Plan. However, Participants that request that the Plan Administrator sell all or
any portion of their shares (see Question 27) must pay a nominal fee of $10 per
transaction to the Plan Administrator, any related brokerage commissions (which
are not expected to exceed $.15 per share (subject to change)) and applicable
share transfer taxes. Transfers of Common Shares purchased pursuant to Requests
for Waiver to Participants or their designated accounts will
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also be subject to a nominal fee as set forth in such Requests for Waiver and
will be made only at the conclusion of the relevant Pricing Period.
REPORTS TO PARTICIPANTS
22. What kind of reports will be sent to Participants in the Plan?
Each Participant in the Plan will receive a statement of his or her account
following each purchase of additional shares. These statements are
Participants' continuing record of the cost of their purchases and should be
retained for income tax purposes. In addition, Participants will receive copies
of other communications sent to holders of the Common Shares, including the
Company's annual report to its shareholders, the notice of annual meeting and
proxy statement in connection with its annual meeting of shareholders and
Internal Revenue Service information for reporting distributions paid.
DISTRIBUTIONS ON FRACTIONS
23. Will Participants be credited with distributions on fractions of shares?
Yes.
CERTIFICATES FOR COMMON SHARES
24. Will certificates be issued for shares purchased?
No. Common Shares purchased for Participants will be held in the name of
the Plan Administrator or its nominee. No certificates will be issued to
Participants for shares in the Plan unless a Participant submits a written
request to the Plan Administrator or until participation in the Plan is
terminated. At any time, a Participant may request the Plan Administrator to
send a certificate for some or all of the whole shares credited to a
Participant's account. This request should be mailed to the Plan Administrator
at the address set forth in the answer to Question 37. Any remaining whole
shares and any fractions of shares will remain credited to the Plan account.
Certificates for fractional shares will not be issued under any circumstances.
25. In whose name will certificates be registered when issued?
Each Plan account is maintained in the name in which the related
Participant's certificates were registered at the time of enrollment in the
Plan. Share certificates for whole shares purchased under the Plan will be
similarly registered when issued upon a Participant's request. If a Participant
is a Beneficial Owner, such request should be placed through such Participant's
banker, broker or other nominee. See Question 6. A Participant who wishes to
pledge shares credited to such Participant's Plan account must first withdraw
such shares from the account.
WITHDRAWALS AND TERMINATION
26. When may Participants withdraw from the Plan?
A Participant may withdraw from the Plan with respect to all or a portion
of the shares held in his or her account in the Plan at any time. If the request
to withdraw is received prior to a distribution record date set by the Board of
Trustees for determining shareholders of record entitled to receive a
distribution, the request will be processed on the day following receipt of the
request by the Plan Administrator.
If the request to withdraw is received by the Plan Administrator on or
after a distribution record date, but before payment date, the Plan
Administrator, in its sole discretion, may either pay such distribution in cash
or reinvest it in shares for the Participant's account. The request for
withdrawal will then be processed as promptly as possible following such
distribution payment date. All distributions subsequent to such distribution
payment date or Investment Date will be paid in cash unless a shareholder re-
enrolls in the Plan, which may be done at any time.
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Any optional cash payments which have been sent to the Plan Administrator
prior to a request for withdrawal will also be invested on the next Investment
Date unless a Participant expressly requests return of that payment in the
request for withdrawal, and the request for withdrawal is received by the Plan
Administrator at least two business days prior to the first day of the Pricing
Period.
27. How does a Participant withdraw from the Plan?
A Participant who wishes to withdraw from the Plan with respect to all or a
portion of the shares held in his or her account in the Plan must notify the
Plan Administrator in writing at its address set forth in the answer to Question
37. Upon a Participant's withdrawal from the Plan or termination of the Plan by
the Company, certificates for the appropriate number of whole shares credited to
his or her account under the Plan will be issued. A cash payment will be made
for any fraction of a share.
Upon withdrawal from the Plan, a Participant may also request in writing
that the Plan Administrator sell all or part of the shares credited to his or
her account in the Plan. The Plan Administrator will sell the shares as
requested within ten business days after processing the request for withdrawal.
The Participant will receive the proceeds of the sale, less a nominal fee per
transaction paid to the Plan Administrator, any brokerage fees or commissions
and any applicable share transfer taxes, generally within five business days of
the sale.
28. Are there any automatic termination provisions?
Participation in the Plan will be terminated if the Plan Administrator
receives written notice of the death or adjudicated incompetence of a
Participant, together with satisfactory supporting documentation of the
appointment of a legal representative, at least five business days before the
next Record Date for purchases made through the reinvestment of distributions or
optional cash payments, as applicable. In the event written notice of death or
adjudicated incompetence and such supporting documentation is received by the
Plan Administrator less than five business days before the next Record Date for
purchases made through the reinvestment of distributions or optional cash
payments, as applicable, shares will be purchased for the Participant with the
related cash distribution or optional cash payment and participation in the Plan
will not terminate until after such distribution or payment has been reinvested.
Thereafter, no additional purchase of shares will be made for the Participant's
account and the Participant's shares and any cash distributions paid thereon
will be forwarded to such Participant's legal representative.
THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, SUSPEND OR TERMINATE
PARTICIPATION IN THE PLAN BY OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE HOLDERS OF COMMON SHARES,
PREFERRED SHARES OR INTERESTED NEW INVESTORS IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE PRACTICES
WHICH ARE, IN THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY, NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE
PURPOSES OR OPERATION OF THE PLAN OR WHICH ADVERSELY AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE
COMMON SHARES.
OTHER INFORMATION
29. What happens if a Participant sells or transfers all of the shares
registered in the Participant's name?
If a Participant disposes of all shares registered in his or her name, and
is not shown as a Record Owner on a distribution record date, the Participant
may be terminated from the Plan as of such date and such termination treated as
though a withdrawal notice had been received prior to the record date.
30. What happens if the Company declares a distribution payable in shares or
declares a share split?
Any distribution payable in shares and any additional shares distributed by
the Company in connection with a share split in respect of shares credited to a
Participant's Plan account will be added to that account. Share distributions
or split shares which are attributable to shares registered in a Participant's
own name and not in his or her Plan account will be mailed directly to the
Participant as in the case of Shareholders not participating in the Plan.
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<PAGE>
31. How will shares held by the Plan Administrator be voted at meetings of
shareholders?
If the Participant is a Record Owner, the Participant will receive a proxy
card covering both directly held shares and shares held in the Plan. If the
Participant is a Beneficial Owner, the Participant will receive a proxy covering
shares held in the Plan through his or her broker, bank or other nominee.
If a proxy is returned properly signed and marked for voting, all the
shares covered by the proxy will be voted as marked. If a proxy is returned
properly signed but no voting instructions are given, all of the Participant's
shares will be voted in accordance with recommendations of the Board of Trustees
of the Company, unless applicable laws require otherwise. If the proxy is not
returned, or if it is returned unexecuted or improperly executed, shares
registered in a Participant's name may be voted only by the Participant in
person.
32. What are the responsibilities of the Company and the Plan Administrator
under the Plan?
The Company and the Plan Administrator will not be liable in administering
the Plan for any act done in good faith or required by applicable law or for any
good faith omission to act including, without limitation, any claim of liability
arising out of failure to terminate a Participant's account upon his or her
death, with respect to the prices at which shares are purchased and/or the times
when such purchases are made or with respect to any fluctuation in the market
value before or after purchase or sale of shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
nothing contained in the Plan limits the Company's liability with respect to
alleged violations of federal securities laws.
The Company and the Plan Administrator shall be entitled to rely on
completed forms and the proof of due authority to participate in the Plan,
without further responsibility of investigation or inquiry.
33. May the Plan be changed or discontinued?
Yes. The Company may suspend, terminate, or amend the Plan at any time.
Notice will be sent to Participants of any suspension or termination, or of any
amendment that alters the Plan terms and conditions, as soon as practicable
after such action by the Company.
The Company may substitute another administrator or agent in place of the
Plan Administrator at any time. Participants will be promptly informed of any
such substitution.
Any questions of interpretation arising under the Plan will be determined
by the Company, in its sole discretion, and any such determination will be
final.
34. What are the federal income tax consequences of participation in the Plan?
The following summarizes certain federal income tax considerations to
current shareholders and holders of Units who participate in the Plan. New
investors and current shareholders and holders of Units should consult the
discussion herein under the caption "Federal Income Tax Considerations" for a
summary of federal income tax considerations related to the ownership of Common
Shares.
The following summary is based upon an interpretation of current federal
tax law. Participants should consult their own tax advisors to determine
particular tax consequences, including state income tax (and non-income tax,
such as share transfer tax) consequences, which vary from state to state and
which may result from participation in the Plan and the subsequent disposition
of Common Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan. Income tax consequences to
Participants residing outside the United States will vary from jurisdiction to
jurisdiction.
Current Shareholders
- --------------------
In the case of Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator pursuant
to the reinvestment feature of the Plan, whether purchased from the Company or
in the open market, Participants will be treated for federal income tax purposes
as having received, on the distribution payment date, a distribution in an
amount equal to the amount of the cash distribution that was reinvested.
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Such distribution will be taxable as a dividend to the extent of the
Company's current or accumulated earnings and profits. To the extent the
distribution is in excess of the Company's current or accumulated earnings and
profits, the distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital,
reducing the tax basis in a Participant's shares, and the distribution in excess
of a Participant's tax basis will be taxable as gain realized from the sale of
its shares.
For Participants who are current shareholders of the Company, it is not
entirely clear under current law how purchases of Common Shares from the Company
pursuant to the optional cash purchase feature of the Plan should be treated for
federal income tax purposes. The Company currently intends to take the position
for tax reporting purposes either that no distribution from the Company has
occurred in connection with optional cash purchases, or, alternatively, that any
such distribution is not taxable as a dividend. It is possible, however, that
the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") might contend that Participants who are
shareholders of the Company should be treated for federal income tax purposes as
having received a distribution from the Company in an amount equal to the
excess, if any, of the fair market value (determined as the average of the high
and low trading prices) of the Common Shares on the Investment Date less the
amount of the optional cash payment, and that all or a portion of such
distribution should be treated as a taxable dividend. In the future, the
Company may, in light of subsequent developments in the tax laws or for other
reasons, treat as a taxable dividend all, or a portion, of the excess of the
fair market value of the Common Shares credited to the Participant's Plan
account on the Investment Date less the amount of the optional cash payment.
Participants are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors with regard
to the tax treatment of optional cash purchases.
In the case of Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator on the
open market pursuant to the optional cash payment feature of the Plan,
Participants should not be treated for federal income tax purposes as having
received a distribution from the Company.
Current Holders of Units
- ------------------------
The income tax treatment of holders of Units who participate in the Plan is
unclear because there is no clear legal authority regarding the income tax
treatment of a limited partner in a partnership who invests cash distributions
from the partnership in shares of another entity that is a partner in the
partnership. The following, however, sets forth the Company's view of the
likely tax treatment of holders of Units who participate in the Plan, and absent
the promulgation of authority to the contrary, the Company and the Operating
Partnership intend to report the tax consequences of a holder's participation in
a manner consistent with the following.
In the case of Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator pursuant
to the distribution reinvestment feature of the Plan, whether purchased from the
Company or in the open market, holders of Units will be treated for federal
income tax purposes as having received, on the distribution payment date, a
distribution in an amount equal to the cash distribution that was invested.
A cash distribution from the Operating Partnership will reduce a holder's
basis in his Units by the amount distributed. Cash distributed to a holder of
Units in excess of his basis in his Units generally will be taxable as capital
gain. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations - Recent Legislation" for a
discussion of recent changes in the tax law regarding capital gain. However,
under Section 751(b) of the Code, to the extent that a distribution is
considered to be in exchange for a holder's interest in substantially
appreciated inventory items or unrealized receivables of the Operating
Partnership, that holder of Units may recognize ordinary income rather than a
capital gain.
For Participants who are holders of Units, it is not entirely clear under
current law how purchases of Common Shares from the Company pursuant to the
optional cash purchase feature of the Plan should be treated for federal income
tax purposes. The Operating Partnership currently intends to take the position
for tax reporting purposes that no distribution from the Operating Partnership
has occurred in connection with optional cash purchases. It is possible,
however, that the IRS might contend that Participants who are holders of Units
should be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received a
distribution from the Operating Partnership in an amount equal to the excess, if
any, of the fair market value (determined as the average of the high and low
trading prices) of the Common Shares credited to the Participant's Plan account
on the Investment Date less the amount of optional cash payment. In the future,
the Company may, in light of subsequent developments in the tax laws or for
other reasons, treat as a distribution from the Operating Partnership all, or a
portion, of the excess of the fair market value of the Common Shares credited to
the Participant's Plan account on the Investment Date less the amount of the
optional cash payment. Participants are encouraged to consult with their own
tax advisors with regard to the tax treatment of optional cash purchases.
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In the case of Common Shares purchased on the open market by the Plan
Administrator through an optional cash payment from a holder of Units, the
holder should not be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received
a distribution from the Operating Partnership.
General
- -------
A Participant's holding period for Common Shares acquired pursuant to the
Plan will begin on the day following the Investment Date. A Participant will
have a tax basis in the Common Shares equal to the amount of cash used to
purchase the Common Shares.
A Participant will not realize any taxable income upon receipt of
certificates for whole Common Shares credited to the Participant's account,
either upon the Participant's request for certain of those Common Shares or upon
termination of participation in the Plan. A Participant will recognize gain or
loss upon the sale or exchange of Common Shares acquired under the Plan. A
Participant will also recognize gain or loss upon receipt, following termination
of participation in the Plan, of a cash payment for any fractional share
equivalent credited to the Participant's account. The amount of any such gain or
loss will be the difference between the amount that the Participant received for
the Common Shares or fractional share equivalent and the tax basis thereof.
35. How are income tax withholding provisions applied to Participants in the
Plan?
If a Participant fails to provide certain federal income tax certifications
in the manner required by law, distributions on Common Shares, Preferred Shares
or Units, proceeds from the sale of fractional shares and proceeds from the sale
of Common Shares held for a Participant's account will be subject to federal
income tax withholding at the rate of 31%. If withholding is required for any
reason, the appropriate amount of tax will be withheld. Certain shareholders
(including most corporations) are, however, exempt from the above withholding
requirements.
If a Participant is a foreign shareholder whose distributions are subject
to federal income tax withholding at the 30% rate (or a lower treaty rate), the
appropriate amount will be withheld and the balance in Common Shares will be
credited to such Participant's account. As a result of the Small Business Job
Protection Act of 1996, the Company intends to withhold 10% of any distribution
to a foreign shareholder to the extent it exceeds the Company's current and
accumulated earnings and profits.
36. Who bears the risk of market fluctuations in the Company's Common Shares?
A Participant's investment in shares held in the Plan account is no
different from his or her investment in directly held shares. The Participant
bears the risk of any loss and enjoys the benefits of any gain from market price
changes with respect to such shares.
37. Who should be contacted with questions about the Plan?
All correspondence regarding the Plan should be directed to:
BANKBOSTON, N.A.
c/o BOSTON EQUISERVE L.P.
P.O. BOX 8040
BOSTON, MA 02266-8040
TELEPHONE: 800/733-5001
Please mention Equity Residential Properties Trust and this Plan in all
correspondence.
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38. How is the Plan interpreted?
Any question of interpretation arising under the Plan will be determined by
the Company and any such determination will be final. The Company may adopt and
conditions of the Plan and its operation will be governed by the laws of the
State of Illinois.
39. What are some of the Participant responsibilities under the Plan?
Plan Shares are subject to escheat to the state in which the Participant
resides in the event that such shares are deemed, under such state's laws, to
have been abandoned by the Participant. Participants, therefore, should notify
the Plan Administrator promptly in writing of any change of address. Account
statements and other communications to Participants will be addressed to them at
the last address of record provided by Participants to the Plan Administrator.
Participants will have no right to draw checks or drafts against their Plan
accounts or to instruct the Plan Administrator with respect to any Common Shares
or cash held by the Plan Administrator except as expressly provided herein.
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Company has paid distributions since its incorporation. In order to
accommodate the provisions of this Plan, the Company anticipates that
distributions will be payable on or about the fifteenth day of April, July and
October and the last week of December.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company does not know either the number of Common Shares that will be
ultimately sold pursuant to the Plan or the prices at which such shares will be
sold. However, the Company proposes to use the net proceeds from the sale of
newly issued Common Shares for the purchase of additional multifamily
properties, repayment of indebtedness and/or for working capital purposes.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Except to the extent the Plan Administrator purchases Common Shares in open
market transactions, the Common Shares acquired under the Plan will be sold
directly by the Company through the Plan. The Company may sell Common Shares to
owners of shares (including brokers or dealers) who, in connection with any
resales of such shares, may be deemed to be underwriters. In connection with
any such transaction, compliance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act would
be required. Such shares, including shares acquired pursuant to waivers granted
with respect to the optional cash payment feature of the Plan, may be resold in
market transactions (including coverage of short positions) on any national
securities exchange on which Common Shares trade or in privately negotiated
transactions. The Common Shares are currently listed on the New York Shares
Exchange. Under certain circumstances, it is expected that a portion of the
Common Shares available for issuance under the Plan will be issued pursuant to
such waivers. The difference between the price such owners pay to the Company
for Common Shares acquired under the Plan, after deduction of the applicable
discount from the Market Price, and the price at which such shares are resold,
may be deemed to constitute underwriting commissions received by such owners in
connection with such transactions. Any such underwriter involved in the offer
and sale of the Common Shares will be named in an applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Any underwriting compensation paid by the Company to underwriters
or agents in connection with the offering of the Common Shares, and any
discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating
dealers, will be set forth in an applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Subject to the availability of Common Shares registered for issuance under
the Plan, there is no total maximum number of shares that can be issued pursuant
to the reinvestment of distributions.
Except with respect to open market purchases of Common Shares relating to
reinvested distributions, the Company will pay any and all brokerage commissions
and related expenses incurred in connection with purchases of Common Shares
under the Plan. Upon withdrawal by a Participant from the Plan by the sale of
Common Shares held under the Plan, the Participant will receive the proceeds of
such sale less a nominal fee per transaction paid to the Plan Administrator (if
such
24
<PAGE>
resale is made by the Plan Administrator at the request of a Participant), any
related brokerage commissions and any applicable transfer taxes.
Common Shares may not be available under the Plan in all states. This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer
to buy, any Common Shares or other securities in any state or any other
jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such
jurisdiction.
RISK FACTORS
Interested new investors should carefully consider, among other factors,
the matters described below prior to making an investment decision regarding the
Common Shares offered hereby.
Adverse Consequences of Debt Financing and Preferred Shares
General Risks. As of September 30, 1997, the Properties were subject to
approximately $963.8 million of mortgage indebtedness and the Company's total
debt equaled approximately $1.7 billion, $361.3 million of which was floating
rate debt. In addition, in June 1995, the Company issued 6,120,000 Series A
Preferred Shares pursuant to a preferred share offering; in November 1995, the
Company issued 5,000,000 depositary shares each representing a 1/10 fractional
interest in a Series B Preferred Share pursuant to a depositary share offering;
in September 1996, the Company issued 4,600,000 depositary shares each
representing a 1/10 fractional interest in a Series C preferred share pursuant
to a depositary share offering; in May 1997, the Company issued 7,000,000
depositary shares each representing a 1/10 fractional interest in a Series D
Preferred Share pursuant to a depositary share offering; also in May 1997,
subsequent to the merger of the Company with Wellsford, Wellsford's 3,999,800
Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest were
redesignated as the Company's 3,999,800 Series E Preferred Shares and
Wellsford's 2,300,000 Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of
Beneficial Interest were redesignated as the Company's 2,300,000 Series F
Preferred Shares; and in September and October 1997, the Company issued
12,650,000 depositary shares each representing a 1/10 fractional interest in a
Series G Preferred Share (collectively, the "Preferred Share Offerings"). The
Company used the proceeds from the Preferred Share Offerings to repay
indebtedness and to acquire additional Properties. The Company is subject to
the risks normally associated with debt or preferred equity financing, including
the risk that the Company's cash flow will be insufficient to meet required
payments of principal and interest, the risk that existing indebtedness may not
be refinanced or that the terms of such refinancing will not be as favorable as
the terms of current indebtedness and the risk that necessary capital
expenditures for such purposes as renovations and other improvements may not be
financed on favorable terms or at all. If the Company were unable to refinance
its indebtedness on acceptable terms, or at all, the Company might be forced to
dispose of one or more of the Properties on disadvantageous terms, which might
result in losses to the Company and might adversely affect the cash available
for distributions to shareholders. If interest rates or other factors at the
time of the refinancing result in higher interest rates upon refinancing, the
Company's interest expense would increase, which would affect the Company's
ability to make distributions to its shareholders. Furthermore, if a Property is
mortgaged to secure payment of indebtedness and the Company is unable to meet
mortgage payments, the mortgagee could foreclose upon the Property, appoint a
receiver and receive an assignment of rents and leases or pursue other remedies,
all with a consequent loss of income and asset value to the Company.
Foreclosures could also create taxable income without accompanying cash
proceeds, thereby hindering the Company's ability to meet the REIT distribution
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Restrictions on the Company's Activities. A substantial portion of the
Company's debt was issued pursuant to certain indentures (the "Indentures")
which restrict the amount of indebtedness (including acquisition financing) the
Company may incur. Accordingly, in the event that the Company is unable to
raise additional equity or borrow money because of the debt restrictions in the
indentures, the Company's ability to acquire additional properties may be
limited. If the Company is unable to acquire additional properties, its ability
to increase the distributions with respect to Common Shares, as it has done in
the past, will be limited to management's ability to increase funds from
operations, and thereby cash available for distributions, from the existing
Properties in the Company's portfolio at such time.
Bond Compliance Requirements. The Company owns several Properties that are
subject to restrictive covenants or deed restrictions relating to current or
previous tax-exempt bond financing and owns the bonds collateralized by several
additional Properties. The Company has retained an independent outside
consultant to monitor compliance with the restrictive covenants and deed
restrictions that affect these Properties. The bond compliance requirements may
have the effect of limiting the Company's income from certain of these
Properties if the Company is required to lower its rental rates to attract low
or moderate income tenants, or eligible/qualified tenants.
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Control and Influence by Significant Shareholders
As of December 1, 1997, Mr. Zell, certain of the current holders (the "Zell
Holders") of certain Units ("Original Units") issued at the time of the EQR IPO
to certain affiliates of Mr. Zell which contributed 33 of the Properties at the
time of the EQR IPO (the "Zell Original Owners"), Equity Properties Management
Corp. ("EPMC") and other affiliates of Mr. Zell owned in the aggregate
approximately 5.5% of the Common Shares (assuming that all of the partnership
interests in the Operating Partnership are exchanged for Common Shares), and
certain entities controlled by Starwood Capital Partners L.P. ("Starwood") and
its affiliates which contributed 23 of the Properties at the time of the EQR IPO
(the "Starwood Original Owners") owned in the aggregate approximately 2.2% of
the Common Shares (assuming that all of the Units are exchanged for Common
Shares). The Starwood Original Owners, together with the Zell Original Owners,
shall be referred to collectively as the "Original Owners." As of December 1,
1997, the Company had options outstanding to purchase approximately 3.86 million
Common Shares which it has granted to certain officers, employees and trustees
of the Company and consultants to the Company, some of whom are affiliated with
Mr. Zell, representing in the aggregate approximately 4.3% of the Common Shares
(assuming that all such options are exercised for Common Shares and all of the
outstanding Units are exchanged for Common Shares). Further, the consent of
affiliates of Mr. Zell who are Zell Holders and of the Starwood Original Owners
is required for certain amendments to the Operating Partnership's Fourth Amended
and Restated ERP Operating Limited Partnership Agreement of Limited Partnership
(the "Partnership Agreement"). Accordingly, Mr. Zell and the Starwood Original
Owners may continue to have substantial influence over the Company, which
influence might not be consistent with the interests of other shareholders, and
on the outcome of any matters submitted to the Company's shareholders for
approval. In addition, although there is no current agreement, understanding or
arrangement for these shareholders to act together on any matter, these
shareholders would be in a position to exercise significant influence over the
affairs of the Company if they were to act together in the future.
Potential Environmental Liability Affecting the Company
Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and
regulations, an owner of real estate may be liable for the costs of removal or
remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on such property. These
laws often impose environmental liability without regard to whether the owner
knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic
substances. The presence of such substances, or the failure properly to
remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or
rent the property or to borrow using the property as collateral. Persons who
arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also
be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at a
disposal or treatment facility, whether or not such facility is owned or
operated by such person. Certain laws impose liability for release of asbestos-
containing materials ("ACMS") into the air and third parties may seek recovery
from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with
ACMS. In connection with the ownership (direct or indirect), operation,
management and development of real properties, the Company or the Subsidiaries,
as the case may be, may be considered an owner or operator of such properties or
as having arranged for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic
substances and, therefore, potentially liable for removal or remediation costs,
as well as for certain other related costs, including governmental fines and
injuries to persons and property.
All of the Properties have been the subject of a Phase I environmental site
assessment and, in certain cases, a supplemental environmental assessment
completed by qualified independent environmental consultant companies. The most
recent environmental assessments for each of the Properties were conducted
within the last five years. Environmental assessments were obtained prior to
the acquisition by the Company of each of the Properties. These environmental
assessments have not revealed, nor is the Company aware of, any environmental
liability that the Company's management believes would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, results of operations, financial condition or
liquidity.
No assurance can be given that existing environmental assessments with
respect to any of the Properties reveal all environmental liabilities, that any
prior owner of a Property did not create any material environmental condition
not known to the Company, or that a material environmental condition does not
otherwise exist as to any one or more Properties.
General Real Estate Investment Considerations; Changes In Laws
General. Real property investments are subject to degrees of risk
and are relatively illiquid. Income from real property investments and the
Company's resulting ability to make expected distributions to shareholders may
be adversely affected by the general economic climate, local conditions such as
oversupply of apartment units or a reduction in demand for apartment Units in
the area, the attractiveness of the Properties to tenants, zoning or other
regulatory restrictions, the ability of the
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Company to provide adequate maintenance and insurance, and increased operating
costs (including insurance premiums and real estate taxes). The Company's
income would also be adversely affected if tenants were unable to pay rent or
the Company were unable to rent apartment units on favorable terms. If the
Company were unable to promptly relet units or renew the leases for a
significant number of apartment units, or if the rental rates upon such renewal
or reletting were significantly lower than expected rates, then the Company's
funds from operations and ability to make expected distributions to shareholders
may be adversely affected. In addition, certain expenditures associated with
each equity investment (such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs)
generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from
the investment. Furthermore, real estate investments are relatively illiquid
and, therefore, will tend to limit the ability of the Company to vary its
portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions.
Changes in Laws. Increases in real estate taxes, income taxes and service
or other taxes generally are not passed through to tenants under existing leases
and may adversely affect the Company's funds from operations and its ability to
make distributions to shareholders. Similarly, changes in laws increasing the
potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or
increasing the restrictions on discharges or other conditions may result in
significant unanticipated expenditures, which would adversely affect the
Company's funds from operations and its ability to make distributions to
shareholders.
Ownership Limit and Limits on Changes in Control
5% Ownership Limit; Inapplicability to Mr. Zell and Others. In order to
maintain its qualification as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% of the
value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Company may be
owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the
code to include certain entities). Certain beneficial owners of the Zell Holders
and EPMC (i.e., beneficiaries of trusts established for the benefit of Mr. Zell
and his family and trusts established for the benefit of the family of Mr.
Robert Lurie, a deceased partner of Mr. Zell (the "Lurie Family Trusts")), of
the Starwood Original Owners and Mr. Henry H. Goldberg, a Trustee of the Company
(through their potential ownership of Common Shares) together constitute five
individuals for purposes of this test and, under the Internal Revenue Service's
(the "Service") rules applicable to determining percentages of ownership, will
be deemed to own approximately 5.6% of the value of the outstanding shares of
beneficial interest of the Company. Due to such concentration of ownership of
the Company, ownership of more than 5% of the lesser of the number or value of
the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Company by any single
shareholder has been restricted, with certain exceptions, for the purpose of
maintaining the Company's qualification as a REIT under the Code. Such
restrictions in the Company's Declaration of Trust do not apply to the ownership
of the 5,534,946 Common Shares subject to acquisition by the holders of Original
Units and EPMC through the exchange of Original Units. Additionally, the
Company's Declaration of Trust allows certain transfers of such Common Shares
without the transferees being subject to the 5% ownership limit, provided such
transfers do not result in an increased concentration in the ownership of the
Company. The Company's Board of Trustees, upon receipt of a ruling from the
Service, an opinion of counsel or other evidence satisfactory to the Board of
Trustees and upon such other conditions as the Board of Trustees may direct, may
also exempt a proposed transferee from this restriction. See "Description of
Shares of Beneficial Interest--Common Shares--Restrictions on Transfer."
The 5% ownership limit, as well as the ability of the Company to issue
additional Common Shares or other shares of beneficial interest (which may have
rights and preferences senior to the Common Shares), may discourage a change of
control of the Company and may also (i) deter tender offers for the Common
Shares, which offers may be advantageous to shareholders, and (ii) limit the
opportunity for shareholders to receive a premium for their Common Shares that
might otherwise exist if an investor were attempting to assemble a block of
Common Shares in excess of 5% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest
of the Company or otherwise effect a change of control of the Company.
Possible Adverse Consequences of Ownership Limit. To maintain its
qualification as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, not more than 50% in
value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Company may be
owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the
Code, to include certain entities). See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--
Taxation of the Company--Share Ownership Test." Certain beneficial owners of the
Zell Holders (i.e., beneficiaries of trusts established for benefit of Mr. Zell
and his family and the family of Mr. Robert Lurie, a deceased partner of Mr.
Zell) and EPMC, together with the Starwood Original Owners and Mr. Goldberg
(through their potential ownership of Common Shares) together constitute five
individuals for purposes of this test and, under the Service's rules applicable
to determining percentages of ownership, are deemed to own approximately 5.6% of
the value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Company. To
facilitate maintenance of its qualification as a REIT for federal income tax
purposes, the Company generally will prohibit ownership, directly or by virtue
of the attribution provisions of the Code, by any single shareholder of more
than 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares and generally will prohibit
ownership, directly or by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, by
any single shareholder of more than 5% of the issued and outstanding shares
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of any class or series of the Company's Preferred Shares (collectively, the
"Ownership Limit"). The Board of trustees may, in its reasonable discretion,
waive or modify the Ownership Limit with respect to one or more persons who
would not be treated as "individuals" for purposes of the Code if it is
satisfied, based upon information required to be provided by the party seeking
the waiver, that ownership in excess of this limit will not cause a person who
is an individual to be treated as owning Common Shares or Preferred Shares in
excess of the Ownership Limit, applying the applicable constructive ownership
rules, and will not otherwise jeopardize the Company's status as a REIT for
federal income tax purposes. The Company's Declaration of Trust also exempts
from the Ownership Limit certain of the beneficial owners of the Original Owners
and EPMC, who would exceed the Ownership Limit as a result of the exchange of
the Units for Common Shares, which Units were received by them at the time of
the formation of EQR. Absent any such exemption or waiver, Common Shares or
Preferred Shares acquired or held in violation of the Ownership Limit will be
transferred to a trust for the benefit of a designated charitable beneficiary,
with the person who acquired such Common Shares and/or Preferred Shares in
violation of the Ownership Limit not entitled to receive any distributions
thereon, to vote such Common Shares or Preferred Shares, or to receive any
proceeds from the subsequent sale thereof in excess of the lesser of the price
paid therefore or the amount realized from such sale. A transfer of Common
Shares and/or Preferred Shares to a person who, as a result of the transfer,
violates the Ownership Limit may be void under certain circumstances. See
"Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest--Restrictions on Ownership and
Transfer." The Ownership Limit may have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a change in control and, therefore, could adversely affect the
shareholder's ability to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price
for the Common Shares in connection with such transaction.
Staggered Board. The Board of Trustees of the Company has been divided into
three classes of trustees. As the term of each class expires, trustees for that
class will be elected for a three-year term and the trustees in the other two
classes will continue in office. The staggered terms for trustees may impede the
shareholders' ability to change control of the Company even if a change in
control were in the shareholders' interest.
Preferred Shares. The Company's Declaration of Trust authorizes the Board
of trustees to issue up to 100,000,000 preferred shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value per share ("Preferred Shares"), and to establish the preferences
and rights (including the right to vote and the right to convert into Common
Shares) of any Preferred Shares issued. The power to issue Preferred Shares
could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the
Company even if a change in control were in the shareholders' interest. As of
December 1, 1997, 15,343,500 Preferred Shares were issued and outstanding.
Consequences of Failure to Qualify as a REIT
Taxation as a Corporation. The Company believes that it has qualified and
will continue to qualify as a REIT under the Code, commencing with its taxable
year ended December 31, 1992. However, no assurance can be given that the
Company was organized and has been operated and will be able to operate in a
manner so as to qualify or remain so qualified. Qualification as a REIT involves
the satisfaction of numerous requirements (some on an annual and quarterly
basis) established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which
there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves
the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely
within the Company's control.
If the Company were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, the
Company would be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable
alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at corporate rates. Moreover,
unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, the Company also
would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years
following the year during which qualification is lost. This treatment would
reduce the net earnings of the Company available for investment or distribution
to shareholders because of the additional tax liability to the Company for the
years involved. In addition, distributions to shareholders would no longer be
required to be made. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations."
Other Tax Liabilities. Even if the Company qualifies as a REIT, it will be
subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on its income and property.
See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Other Tax Considerations--State and
Local Taxes." In addition, the Company's management operations, which are
conducted through equity residential properties management limited partnership
and Equity Residential Properties Management Limited Partnership II
(collectively, the "Management Partnerships") generally will be subject to
federal income tax at regular corporate rates. See "Federal Income Tax
Considerations--Other Tax Considerations."
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Dependence on Key Personnel
The Company is dependent on the efforts of its executive officers. While
the Company believes that it could find replacements for these key personnel,
the loss of their services could have a temporary adverse effect on the
operations of the Company. None of these officers has entered into employment
agreements with the Company.
Distribution Requirements Potentially Increasing Indebtedness of the Company
The Company may be required from time to time, under certain circumstances,
to accrue as income for tax purposes interest and rent earned but not yet
received. in such event, or upon the repayment by the Company or its
Subsidiaries of principal on debt, the Company could have taxable income without
sufficient cash to enable the Company to meet the distribution requirements of a
REIT. Accordingly, the Company could be required to borrow funds or liquidate
investments on adverse terms in order to meet such distribution requirements.
See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of the Company--Annual
Distribution Requirements."
Exemptions for Mr. Zell and Others from Maryland Business Combination Law which
Tend to Inhibit Takeovers
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, as amended ("MGCL"), certain
"business combinations" (including a merger, consolidation, share exchange or,
in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of
equity securities) between a Maryland real estate investment trust and any
person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the trust's
shares of beneficial interest or an affiliate of the trust who, at any time
within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial
owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the trust's shares of beneficial
interest (an "Interested Shareholder"), or an affiliate of such Interested
Shareholder, are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which
the Interested Shareholder becomes an Interested Shareholder. Thereafter, any
such business combination must be recommended by the board of trustees of such
trust and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the votes
entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting shares of beneficial
interest of the trust and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by
holders of voting shares of beneficial interest of the trust other than shares
held by the Interested Shareholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the
business combination is to be effected, (unless, among other conditions, the
holders of the common shares of the trust receive a minimum price (as defined in
the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the
same form as previously paid by the Interested Shareholder for its common
shares. As permitted by the MGCL, the Company has exempted any business
combination involving Mr. Zell, the Zell Original Owners, EPMC and their
respective affiliates and associates, present or future, or any other person
acting in concert or as a group with any of the foregoing persons and,
consequently, the five-year prohibition and the super-majority vote requirements
will not apply to a business combination between any of them and the Company.
As a result, Mr. Zell, the Zell Original Owners, EPMC, any present or future
affiliate or associate of theirs or any other person acting in concert or as a
group with any of the foregoing persons may be able to enter into business
combinations with the Company, which may not be in the best interest of the
shareholders, without compliance by the Company with the super-majority vote
requirements and other provisions of the MGCL.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
General
The following discussion summarizes all material federal income tax
considerations to a holder of Common Shares. The following discussion, which is
not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations, does not give a detailed
discussion of any state, local or foreign tax considerations. Nor does it
discuss all of the aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to a
prospective shareholder in light of his or her particular circumstances or to
certain types of shareholders (including insurance companies, tax-exempt
entities, financial institutions or broker-dealers, foreign corporations and
persons who are not citizens or residents of the United States) who are subject
to special treatment under the federal income tax laws.
EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF COMMON SHARES IS ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH HIS
OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO HIM OR HER, IN
LIGHT OF HIS OR HER SPECIFIC OR UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES, OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP
AND SALE OF COMMON SHARES IN AN ENTITY ELECTING TO BE TAXED AS A REIT, INCLUDING
THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH PURCHASE,
OWNERSHIP, SALE AND ELECTION AND OF POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
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Taxation of the Company
The Company elected REIT status commencing with its taxable year ending
December 31, 1992. In any taxable year in which the Company qualifies as a REIT,
it generally will not be subject to federal income tax on that portion of its
REIT taxable income or capital gain which it distributes to shareholders. This
treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" (at both the corporate
and shareholder levels) that generally results from the use of corporate
investment vehicles. However, the Company will be subject to federal income tax
at regular corporate rates upon any of its REIT taxable income or net capital
gain which is not distributed to its shareholders. The Company also may be
subject to the corporate "alternative minimum tax" on its items of preference.
In addition, the Company will be subject to a 4% excise tax if it does not
satisfy certain distribution requirements. The Company may also be subject to
taxes in certain situations and on certain transactions not presently
contemplated.
If the Company fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year,
the Company will be subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum
tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. As a result, the
Company's failure to qualify as a REIT would significantly reduce the cash
available for distribution by the Company to its shareholders. Unless entitled
to relief under the specific statutory provisions, the Company also will be
disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the
year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether in
all circumstances the Company would be entitled to such statutory relief.
The Company's qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon the
Company's ability to satisfy on a continuing basis, through actual annual
operating and other results, various requirements under the Code, with regard
to, among other things, the sources of the Company's gross income, the
composition of its assets, the level of its dividends to shareholders, and the
diversity of its share ownership. The purpose of these requirements is to allow
the tax benefit of REIT status only to companies that primarily own, and
primarily derive income from, real estate-related assets and certain other
assets which are passive in nature, and that distribute 95% of taxable income
(computed without regard to the Company's net capital gain) to shareholders. The
Company believes that it has qualified as a REIT for all of its taxable years
commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1992, and that its current
structure and method of operation is such that it will continue to qualify as a
REIT.
Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., special tax counsel to the Company, has provided an
opinion to the effect that the Company was organized and has operated in
conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under
the Code for its taxable year ended December 31, 1996, and the Company's current
organization and method of operation should enable it to continue to meet the
requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT. It must be emphasized
that this opinion is based on various assumptions and factual representations
made by the Company and the Operating Partnership relating to the organization,
prior and expected operation of the Company (including its predecessors EQR and
Wellsford), the Operating Partnership, and all of the various partnerships,
limited liability companies and corporate entities in which the Company
presently has an ownership interest, or in which the Company (including its
predecessors EQR and Wellsford) had an ownership interest in the past. Hogan &
Hartson L.L.P. will not review the Company's compliance with these requirements
on a continuing basis. No assurance can be given that the actual results of the
operations of the Company, the Operating Partnership, and the subsidiary
entities, the sources of their gross income, the composition of their assets,
the level of the Company's dividends to shareholders and the diversity of its
share ownership for any given taxable year will satisfy the requirements under
the Code for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
Taxation of Taxable Domestic Shareholders
General. As long as the Company qualifies as a REIT, distributions made to
the Company's taxable domestic shareholders, with respect to their Common Shares
out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not designated as
capital gain dividends) will be taken into account by them as ordinary income
and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for shareholders
that are corporations. For purposes of determining whether distributions on the
Common Shares are out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, the
earnings and profits of the Company will be allocated first to the Preferred
Shares of the Company and second to the Common Shares. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Company will have sufficient earnings and profits
to cover distributions on the Preferred Shares.
Distributions made by the Company that are properly designated by the
Company as capital gain dividends will be taxable to taxable domestic
shareholders, who are individuals, estates or trusts, as gain from the sale or
exchange of a capital
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asset held for more than one year (to the extent they do not exceed the
Company's actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the
period for which a domestic shareholder has held his Common Shares.
On November 10, 1997, the IRS issued IRS Notice 97-64, which provides
generally that the Company may classify portions of its designated capital gains
dividend as a distribution attributable to either the 20%, 25%, or 28% long-term
capital gain group. (If no designation is made, the entire designated capital
gain dividend will be treated as a 28% rate gain distribution. For a discussion
of the 20%, 25%, and 28% tax rates applicable to individuals, see "Recent
Legislation" below.) The Company must determine the maximum amounts that it may
designate as 20% and 25% rate capital gain dividends by performing the
computation required by the Code as if the Company were an individual whose
ordinary income were subject to a marginal tax rate of at least 28%. The Notice
further provides that designations made by the Company only will be effective to
the extent that they comply with Revenue Ruling 89-81, which requires that
distributions made to different classes of shares be composed proportionately of
dividends of a particular type.
Distributions that are properly designated by the Company as capital gain
dividends will be taxable to taxable corporate domestic shareholders as long-
term capital gain (to the extent that capital gains dividends do not exceed the
Company's actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the
period for which such corporate domestic shareholder has held his Common Shares.
Such corporate domestic shareholders may, however, be required to treat up to
20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income.
If, for any taxable year, the Company elects to designate as "capital gain
dividends" (as defined in Section 857 of the Code) any portion (the "Capital
Gains Amount") of the dividends (within the meaning of the Code) paid or made
available for the year to holders of all classes of shares of beneficial
interest (the "Total Dividends"), then the portion of the Capital Gains Amount
that will be allocable to the holders of Common Shares will be the Capital Gains
Amount multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which will be the total
dividends (within the meaning of the Code) paid or made available to the holders
of the Common Shares for the year and the denominator of which shall be the
Total Dividends. To the extent that the Company makes distributions in excess of
current and accumulated earnings and profits, these distributions are treated
first as a tax-free return of capital to the shareholder, reducing the tax basis
of a shareholder's Common Shares by the amount of such distribution (but not
below zero), with distributions in excess of the shareholder's tax basis taxable
as capital gains (if the Common Shares are held as a capital asset). In
addition, any dividend declared by the Company in October, November or December
of any year and payable to a shareholder of record on a specific date in any
such month shall be treated as both paid by the Company and received by the
shareholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the dividend is actually
paid by the Company during January of the following calendar year. Shareholders
may not include in their individual income tax returns any net operating losses
or capital losses of the Company.
In general, upon any sale or other disposition of Common Shares, a
shareholder will recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes in an
amount equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash and the fair
market value of any property received on such sale or other disposition and (ii)
the holder's adjusted basis in such Common Shares for tax purposes. Such gain or
loss will be capital in nature if such shares have been held by the shareholder
as a capital asset and will be long-term in nature if such Common Shares have
been held for more than one year. In general, any loss recognized by a
shareholder upon the sale or other disposition of Common Shares that have been
held for six months or less (after applying certain holding period rules) will
be treated as long-term capital loss, to the extent of distributions received by
such shareholder from the Company which were required to be treated as long-term
capital gains. For shareholders who are individuals, trusts and estates, the
long-term capital loss will be apportioned among the applicable long-term
capital gain groups to the extent that distributions received by such
shareholder were previously so treated.
Pursuant to the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act"), for the
Company's taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 1998, the Company may
elect to require holders of Common Shares to include the Company's undistributed
net capital gains in their income. If the Company makes such an election,
holders of Common Shares will (i) include in their income as long-term capital
gains their proportionate share of such undistributed capital gains and (ii) be
deemed to have paid their proportionate share of the tax paid by the Company on
such undistributed capital gains and thereby receive a credit or refund for such
amount. A holder of Common Shares will increase the basis in its Common Shares
by the difference between the amount of capital gain included in its income and
the amount of the tax it is deemed to have paid. The earnings and profits of the
Company will be adjusted appropriately. The 1997 Act, however, did not change
the 4% excise tax imposed on the Company upon a failure to make certain required
distributions.
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Taxation of Tax-Exempt Shareholders
Most tax-exempt employees' pension trusts are not subject to federal income
tax except to the extent of their receipt of "unrelated business taxable income"
as defined in Section 512(a) of the Code ("UBTI"). Distributions by the Company
to a shareholder that is a tax-exempt entity should not constitute UBTI,
provided that the tax-exempt entity has not financed the acquisition of its
Common Shares with "acquisition indebtedness" within the meaning of the Code and
the Common Shares are not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business of
the tax-exempt entity. In addition, for taxable years beginning on or after
January 1, 1994, certain pension trusts that own more than 10% of a "pension-
held REIT" must report a portion of the distribution that they receive from such
a REIT as UBTI. The Company has not been and does not expect to be treated as a
pension-held REIT for purposes of this rule.
Taxation of Foreign Shareholders
The following is a discussion of certain anticipated U.S. federal income
tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Common Shares applicable to
Non-U.S. Holders of such Common Shares. A "Non-U.S. Holder" is any person other
than (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or
partnership created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the
United States or of any state thereof, or (iii) an estate or trust whose income
is includable in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of
its source. The discussion is based on current law and is for general
information only.
Distributions From the Company. 1. Ordinary Dividends. The portion of
dividends received by Non-U.S. Holders payable out of the Company's earnings and
profits which are not attributable to capital gains of the Company or of the
Operating Partnership and which are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade
or business of the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at
the rate of 30% (unless reduced by an applicable treaty). In general, Non-U.S.
Holders will not be considered engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a
result of their ownership of Common Shares. In cases where the dividend income
from a Non-U.S. Holder's investment in Common Shares is (or is treated as)
effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a U.S. trade or
business, the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. tax at graduated
rates, in the same manner as U.S. shareholders are taxed with respect to such
dividends (and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case of
a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation).
2. Non-Dividend Distributions. Distributions in excess of current or
accumulated earnings and profits of the Company will not be taxable to a Non-
U.S. Holder to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the
shareholder's Common Shares, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of such
Common Shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis
of a Non-U.S. Holder's Common Shares, they will give rise to gain from the sale
or exchange of its Common Shares, the tax treatment of which is described below.
As a result of a legislative change made by the Small Business Job Protection
Act of 1996, it appears that the Company will be required to withhold 10% of any
distribution in excess of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and
profits. Consequently, although the Company intends to withhold at a rate of 30%
on the entire amount of any distribution (or a lower applicable treaty rate), to
the extent that the Company does not do so, any portion of a distribution not
subject to withholding at a rate of 30% (or a lower applicable treaty rate) will
be subject to withholding at a rate of 10%. However, the Non-U.S. Holder may
seek a refund of such amounts from the Service if it was subsequently determined
that such distribution was, in fact, in excess of current or accumulated
earnings and profits of the Company, and the amount withheld exceeded the Non-
U.S. Holder's United States tax liability, if any, with respect to the
distribution.
3. Capital Gain Dividends. Under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax
Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA"), a distribution made by the Company to a Non-U.S. Holder,
to the extent attributable to gains from dispositions of United States Real
Property Interests ("USRPIs") such as the Properties beneficially owned by the
Company ("USRPI Capital Gains"), will be considered effectively connected with a
U.S. trade or business of the Non-U.S. Holder and subject to U.S. income tax at
the rate applicable to U.S. individuals or corporations, without regard to
whether such distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend. In addition,
the Company will be required to withhold tax equal to 35% of the amount of
dividends to the extent such dividends constitute USRPI Capital Gains.
Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax
in the hands of a foreign corporate shareholder that is not entitled to treaty
exemption. That amount is creditable against the Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal
income tax liability.
Although the law is not entirely clear on the matter, it appears that
amounts designated by the Company pursuant to the 1997 Act as undistributed
capital gains in respect of shares would be treated with respect to Non-U.S.
Holders in the manner outlined in the preceding paragraph for actual
distributions by the Company of capital gain dividends. Under that approach, the
32
<PAGE>
Non-U.S. Holders would be able to offset as a credit against their United States
federal income tax liability resulting therefrom their proportionate share of
the tax paid by the Company on such undistributed capital gains (and to receive
from the IRS a refund to the extent their proportionate share of such tax paid
by the Company were to exceed their actual United States federal income tax
liability).
Dispositions of Common Shares. Unless Common Shares constitute a USRPI, a
sale of Common Shares by a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S.
taxation under FIRPTA. The Common Shares will not constitute a USRPI if the
company is a "domestically controlled REIT." A domestically controlled REIT is a
REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in
value of its Common Shares is held directly or indirectly by Non-U.S. Holders.
The Company believes that it has been and anticipates that it will continue to
be a domestically controlled REIT, and therefore that the sale of Common Shares
will not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. Because the Common Shares will be
publicly traded, however, no assurance can be given the Company will continue to
be a domestically controlled REIT. If the Company does not constitute a
domestically controlled REIT, a Non-U.S. Holder's sale of shares of beneficial
interest of the Company generally will still not be subject to tax under FIRPTA
as a sale of a USRPI provided that (i) such shares are "regularly traded" (as
defined by applicable Treasury regulations) on an established securities market
and (ii) the selling Non-U.S. Holder does not hold more than 5% of the value of
the series and class of the Company's outstanding shares being sold, at all
times during a specified testing period.
If gain on the sale of Common Shares were subject to taxation under FIRPTA,
the Non-U.S. Holder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder
with respect to such gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a
special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals)
and the purchaser of Common Shares could be required to withhold 10% of the
purchase price and remit such amount to the IRS. Capital gains not subject to
FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the United States to a Non-U.S. Holder in
two cases: (i) if the Non-U.S. Holder's investment in Common Shares is
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such Non-U.S.
Holder, the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S.
shareholder with respect to such gain, or (ii) if the Non-U.S. Holder is a
nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days
or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States, the
nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's
capital gain.
Recent Legislation
The 1997 Act contains certain changes to the taxation of capital gains of
individuals, trusts and estates. Subject to certain exceptions, for individuals,
trusts and estates, the maximum rate of tax on the net capital gain from a sale
or exchange occurring after July 28, 1997 of a capital asset held for more than
18 months has been reduced from 28% to 20%. The maximum rate has been reduced to
18% for capital assets acquired after December 21, 2000 and held for more than
five years. The maximum rate for capital assets held for more than one year but
not more than 18 months remains at 28%. The 1997 Act also provides a maximum
rate of 25% for "unrecognized section 1250 gain" for individuals, trusts, and
estates, special rules for "qualified 5-year gain," and other changes to prior
law. The 1997 Act provides the IRS with authority to issue regulations that
could, among other things, apply these rates on a look-through basis in the case
of "pass-through" entities such as the Company. The taxation of capital gains of
corporations was not changed by the 1997 Act.
Other Tax Considerations
The Management Corps. A portion of the cash to be used by the Operating
Partnership to fund distributions to its partners, including the Company, is
expected to come from Equity Residential Properties Management Corp., Equity
Residential Properties Management Corp. II and Equity Residential Properties
Management Corp. III (collectively, the "Management Corps.") through payments of
dividends on the non-voting stock of the Management Corps. held by the Operating
Partnership. The Management Corps. pay federal and state income tax at the full
applicable corporate rates. The Management Corps. will attempt to minimize the
amount of such taxes, but there can be no assurance whether or the extent to
which measures taken to minimize taxes will be successful. To the extent that
the Management Corps. are required to pay federal, state or local taxes, the
cash available for distribution by the Company to shareholders will be reduced
accordingly.
State and Local Taxes. The Company and its shareholders may be subject to
state or local taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which it or
they transact business or reside. The state and local tax treatment of the
Company and its shareholders may not conform to the federal income tax
consequences discussed above. Consequently, prospective shareholders should
consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local tax laws
on an investment in the shares of beneficial interest of the Company.
33
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the Common Shares offered hereby will be passed upon for
the Company by Rosenberg & Liebentritt, P.C., Chicago, Illinois. Rosenberg &
Liebentritt, P.C. will rely on Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., Washington, D.C., as to
certain matters of Maryland law. Certain federal income tax matters will be
passed on for the Company by Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. from
time to time provides services to the Company and affiliates of the Company.
Sheli Z. Rosenberg, a principal of Rosenberg & Liebentritt, P.C., is a
trustee of the Company. The Company incurred legal fees to Rosenberg &
Liebentritt, P.C. of approximately $725,000 in 1996 and, through September 30,
1997, approximately $1,130,000 in 1997. Attorneys of Rosenberg & Liebentritt,
P.C. beneficially own less than 1% of the outstanding Common Shares, either
directly or upon the exercise of options.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Evans Withycombe Residential, Inc.
("EWR") and its subsidiaries appearing in the Current Report of EQR on Form 8-K,
dated September 10, 1997; the consolidated financial statements of Wellsford and
its subsidiaries incorporated by reference in EQR's Current Report on Form 8-K,
dated March 17, 1997 and incorporated by reference in EQR's Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus dated April 25, 1997; the consolidated financial statements
of EQR at December 31, 1996 and for the year then ended, appearing in EQR's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, as amended by
Form 10-K/A; and the Statements of Revenue and Certain Expenses of certain
properties acquired or expected to be acquired in 1996 or 1997, appearing in the
Current Reports of EQR on Forms 8-K or 8-K/A dated May 23, 1996, November 15,
1996, May 20, 1997, August 15, 1997, September 17, 1997 and October 9, 1997;
have all been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth
in their reports thereon and incorporated herein by reference, and are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries
appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996, as amended by Form 10-K/A, at December 31, 1995 and for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994 incorporated herein by reference have
been audited by Grant Thornton, LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are incorporated herein in
reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
34
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY
"Beneficial Owners" means shareholders who beneficially own Common Shares
that are registered in a name other than their own (for example, in the name of
a broker, bank or other nominee).
"B&N Form" means a Broker and Nominee form.
"Business Day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday
on which the NYSE is closed or a day on which the Plan Administrator is
authorized or obligated by law to close.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Common Shares" means the common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par
value per share, of the Company.
"Company" means Equity Residential Properties Trust.
"Discount" means the discount from the Market Price applicable to optional
cash payments. Such discount will vary between 0% and 5% of the Market Price and
may vary each month.
"Exchange act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Investment Date" means, with respect to Common Shares acquired directly
from the Company and relating to a distribution reinvestment, either the
distribution payment date relating to the Common Shares or, if a distribution
payment date relating to any series of Preferred Shares is later in the month
than such Common Share distribution payment date, such later distribution
payment date relating to such Preferred Shares, each as declared by the Board of
Trustees, as the case may be (unless such date is not a business day in which
case it is the first business day immediately thereafter) or, in the case of
open market purchases, no later than ten business days following the
distribution payment date; and with respect to Common Shares acquired directly
from the Company and relating to an optional cash payment of $5,000 or less, the
last day of a Pricing Period (or Pricing Period conclusion date), and with
respect to an optional cash payment of greater than $5,000 made pursuant to a
Request for Waiver, each day on which the NYSE is open for business in a Pricing
Period, or, in the case of open market purchases, no later than 30 days from the
corresponding Record Date.
"Management Corps." means, collectively, Equity Residential Properties
Management Corp., Equity Residential Properties Management Corp. II and Equity
Residential Properties Management Corp. III.
"Market Price" means, with respect to Common Shares acquired directly from
the Company relating to a distribution reinvestment, the average of the high and
low sales prices, computed to four decimal places, of the Common Shares on the
NYSE on the Investment Date, or if no trading occurs in the Common Shares on the
Investment Date, the average of the high and low sales prices for the first
Trading Day immediately preceding the Investment Date for which trades are
reported. With respect to distribution reinvestments which will be reinvested in
Common Shares purchased in the open market, "Market Price" shall mean the
weighted average of the actual prices paid, computed to four decimal places, for
all of the Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator with all
Participants' reinvested distributions for the related quarter. With respect to
Common Shares acquired directly from the Company relating to optional cash
payments, "Market Price" shall mean the average of the daily high and low sales
prices of the Common Shares as reported on the NYSE on the Trading Day relating
to each Investment Date or, if no trading occurs in the Common Shares on such
Investment Date, for the first trading day immediately preceding such investment
date for which trades are reported. With respect to optional cash payments which
will be reinvested in Common Shares purchased in the open market, "Market Price"
shall mean the weighted average of the actual prices paid, computed to four
decimal places, for all of the Common Shares purchased by the Plan Administrator
with all Participants' optional cash payments for the related month.
"NYSE" means the New York Stock Exchange.
"Operating Partnership" means ERP Operating Limited Partnership, an
Illinois limited partnership.
35
<PAGE>
"Participant" means an eligible holder of Common Shares who wishes to
participate in the Plan.
"Participating Shares" means Common Shares owned by a Participant on the
applicable record date as to which such Participant has directed the Company to
pay the related cash distributions to the Plan Administrator.
"Plan" means Equity Residential Properties Trust Distribution Reinvestment
and Share Purchase Plan.
"Plan Administrator" means a plan administrator that administers the Plan,
keeps records, sends statements of account to each Participant and performs
other duties related to the Plan. BankBoston, N.A. currently serves as Plan
Administrator of the Plan.
"Plan Shares" means all whole and fractional Common Shares credited to a
Participant's Plan account.
"Preferred Shares" means the preferred shares of beneficial interest, $.01
par value per share, as may be issued by the Company from time to time.
"Pricing Period" means the period encompassing the ten consecutive
Investment Dates relating to optional cash payments of greater than $5,000 made
pursuant to a Request for Waiver in each month.
"Record Date" means, with respect to reinvestments of distributions, the
record date declared by the Board of Trustees for such distribution; and with
respect to optional cash payments, one business day prior to the commencement of
the related Pricing Period.
"Record Owners" means shareholders who own Common Shares in their own
names.
"Requests for Waiver" means a written request to invest optional cash
payments in excess of $5,000.
"Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Threshold Price" means the minimum price, if any, established by the
Company that the average high and low prices of the Common Shares must equal or
exceed during each Trading Day of the Pricing Period for optional cash payments
made pursuant to Requests for Waiver.
"Trading Day" means a day on which trades in the Common Shares are reported
on the NYSE.
36
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
OPTIONAL CASH PAYMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Record Date And Pricing Period Pricing Period
Threshold Price and Optional Cash Payment Commencement Conclusion
Discount Set Date Due Date Date Date
- ------------------- --------------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1997 January 6, 1998 January 7, 1998 January 21, 1998
February 2, 1998 February 5, 1998 February 6, 1998 February 20, 1998
March 3, 1998 March 6, 1998 March 9, 1998 March 20, 1998
April 1, 1998 April 6, 1998 April 7, 1998 April 21, 1998
May 4, 1998 May 7, 1998 May 8, 1998 May 21, 1998
June 2, 1998 June 5, 1998 June 8, 1998 June 19, 1998
July 1, 1998 July 7, 1998 July 8, 1998 July 21, 1998
August 4, 1998 August 7, 1998 August 10, 1998 August 21, 1998
September 1, 1998 September 4, 1998 September 8, 1998 September 21, 1998
October 2, 1998 October 7, 1998 October 8, 1998 October 21, 1998
November 3, 1998 November 6, 1998 November 9, 1998 November 20, 1998
November 20, 1998 November 25, 1998 November 27, 1998 December 10, 1998
December 31, 1998 January 6, 1999 January 7, 1999 January 21, 1999
February 1, 1999 February 4, 1999 February 5, 1999 February 19, 1999
March 2, 1999 March 5, 1999 March 8, 1999 March 19, 1999
April 1, 1999 April 7, 1999 April 8, 1999 April 21, 1999
May 4, 1999 May 7, 1999 May 10, 1999 May 21, 1999
June 2, 1999 June 7, 1999 June 8, 1999 June 21, 1999
</TABLE>
COMMON SHARE DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENTS (1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RECORD DATE INVESTMENT DATE (2)
----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C>
December 15, 1997 December 30, 1998
March 27, 1998 April 15, 1998
June 26, 1998 July 15, 1998
September 25, 1998 October 15, 1998
December 15, 1998 December 30, 1999
March 26, 1999 April 15, 1999
June 25, 1999 July 15, 1999
</TABLE>
____________________
(1) The dates indicated are those expected to be applicable under the Plan with
respect to future distributions, if and when declared by the Board of
Trustees. The actual record and payment dates will be determined by the
Board of Trustees.
(2) The Investment Date relating to distributions is also the pricing date with
respect to Common Shares acquired directly from the Company with such
distributions. See Question 12.
37
<PAGE>
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE HOLIDAYS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1998 1999
----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
New Year's Day -- January 1 January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- January 19 January 18
President's Day -- February 16 February 15
Good Friday -- April 10 April 2
Memorial Day -- May 25 May 31
Independence Day -- July 3 (1)
Labor Day -- September 7 September 6
Thanksgiving Day November 27 November 26 November 25
Christmas Day December 25 December 25 (1)
</TABLE>
___________________
(1) Unknown at the date of this Prospectus. In 1999, Independence Day and
Christmas fall on a weekend.
38
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
<S> <C>
Available Information..........................................................4
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
Reference....................................................................4
The Company....................................................................6
Description of Common Shares...................................................6
Summary of Plan................................................................7
The Plan.......................................................................8
Purpose........................................................................8
Options Available to Participants..............................................9
Advantages and Disadvantages...................................................9
Administration................................................................10
Participation.................................................................10
Purchases and Prices of Shares................................................14
Reports to Participants.......................................................19
Distributions on Fractions....................................................19
Certificates for Common Shares................................................19
Withdrawals and Termination...................................................19
Other Information.............................................................20
Distributions.................................................................24
Use of Proceeds...............................................................24
Plan of Distribution..........................................................24
Risk Factors..................................................................25
Federal Income Tax Considerations.............................................29
Legal Matters.................................................................34
Experts.......................................................................34
Glossary......................................................................35
Schedule A....................................................................37
</TABLE>
7,000,000 Shares
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
Distribution Reinvestment
and
Share Purchase Plan
___________________________
PROSPECTUS
___________________________
December 18, 1997
================================================================================
