<PAGE>
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-32183
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
- ----------------------
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED SEPTEMBER 11, 1997)
11,000,000 SHARES
[LOGO OF EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST]
DEPOSITARY SHARES
EACH REPRESENTING 1/10 OF A 7 1/4% SERIES G CONVERTIBLE
CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARE OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
(LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE EQUIVALENT TO $25.00 PER DEPOSITARY SHARE)
-------------
Each of the 11,000,000 Depositary Shares (the "Depositary Shares") offered
hereby (the "Offering") represents a 1/10 fractional interest in a 7 1/4%
Series G Convertible Cumulative Preferred Share of Beneficial Interest, par
value $0.01 per share (a "Series G Preferred Share"), of Equity Residential
Properties Trust (the "Company"), a Maryland real estate investment trust
("REIT"), deposited with BankBoston, N.A., as Depositary, and entitles the
holder to all proportional rights and preferences of the Series G Preferred
Shares (including conversion, distribution, voting, redemption and liquidation
rights and preferences). The liquidation preference of each Series G Preferred
Share is $250.00 (equivalent to $25.00 per Depositary Share). See "Description
of Series G Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares."
Distributions on the Series G Preferred Shares represented by the Depositary
Shares offered hereby will be cumulative from the date of original issue and
will be payable quarterly on or about the fifteenth day of January, April,
July and October of each year, commencing on October 15, 1997, at the rate of
7 1/4% of the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $1.8125 per
annum per Depositary Share). See "Description of Series G Preferred Shares and
Depositary Shares--Distributions."
Depositary Shares representing Series G Preferred Shares are convertible at
any time at the option of the holders thereof into common shares of beneficial
interest of the Company, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Shares"), at a
conversion price of $58.58 per Common Share (equivalent to a conversion rate
of .4268 Common Shares for each Depositary Share), subject to adjustment in
certain circumstances. See "Description of Series G Preferred Shares and
Depositary Shares--Conversion Rights." On September 18, 1997, the last
reported sale price of a Common Share on the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") Composite Tape was $50 1/2 per share. See "Price Range of Common
Shares and Distributions."
The Depositary Shares representing the Series G Preferred Shares are not
redeemable prior to September 15, 2002. On and after September 15, 2002, the
Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole or in part, initially at $25.90625 per
Depositary Share and thereafter at prices declining to $25.00 per Depositary
Share on and after September 15, 2007, plus in each case accrued and unpaid
distributions, if any, to the redemption date. The Series G Preferred Shares
represented by Depository Shares have no stated maturity date and will not be
entitled to the benefit of any sinking fund. See "Description of Series G
Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares--Redemption."
Application will be made to list the Depositary Shares on the NYSE, subject
to official notice of issuance, under the symbol "EQR Pr G." Trading of the
Depositary Shares on the NYSE is expected to commence within a 30-day period
after the date hereof. While the Underwriters have advised the Company that
they intend to make a market in the Depositary Shares prior to commencement of
trading on the NYSE, they are under no obligation to do so and no assurance
can be given that a market for the Depositary Shares will exist prior to
commencement of trading. See "Underwriting."
In order to maintain the Company's qualification as a REIT for federal
income tax purposes, ownership by any person of more than 5% in value of the
Company's outstanding shares of beneficial interest is restricted in the
Company's Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust. The Depositary
Shares (or if more valuable, the Common Shares into which such Depositary
Shares can be converted) would be taken into account in determining whether a
holder of the Company's shares of beneficial interest violated the ownership
limitations.
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 OF THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS FOR A
DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS RELATING TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE DEPOSITARY
SHARES.
-------------
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 SUPPLEMENT
OR THE PROSPECTUS TO WHICH IT RELATES. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE TO UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
PUBLIC(1) DISCOUNT(2) COMPANY(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Depositary Share.................................. $25.00 $1.00 $24.00
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(4).............................................. $275,000,000 $11,000,000 $264,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Plus accrued distributions, if any, from the date of original issue.
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $100,000.
(4) The Company has granted to the several Underwriters an option for 30 days
to purchase up to an additional 1,650,000 Depositary Shares, solely to
cover over-allotments, if any. If all of such shares are purchased, the
total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount and Proceeds to Company will
be $316,250,000, $12,650,000 and $303,600,000, respectively. See
"Underwriting."
The Depositary Shares are offered by the several Underwriters, subject to
prior sale, when, as and if delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters,
subject to approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the Underwriters
and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to
withdraw, cancel or modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in
part. It is expected that delivery of the Depositary Receipts evidencing the
Depositary Shares will be made in New York, New York on or about September 24,
1997.
-------------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
BT ALEX. BROWN
SMITH BARNEY INC.
-------------
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS SEPTEMBER 18, 1997.
<PAGE>
[MAP]
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON SHARES AND
THE DEPOSITARY SHARES REPRESENTING A 1/10 FRACTIONAL INTEREST IN THE COMPANY'S
71/4% SERIES G CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST (THE "SERIES G
PREFERRED SHARES"), INCLUDING EXERCISING THE OVERALLOTMENT OPTION, ENTERING
STABILIZING BIDS, EFFECTING SYNDICATE COVERING TRANSACTIONS, AND IMPOSING
PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
S-2
<PAGE>
The following information contained in this Prospectus Supplement is qualified
in its entirety by the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus or incorporated therein by
reference. 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.
THE COMPANY
General
Equity Residential Properties Trust, one of the largest publicly traded
REITs (based on the aggregate market value of its outstanding equity
capitalization), is a self-administered and self-managed equity REIT. EQR was
organized in March 1993 and commenced operations as a publicly traded company on
August 18, 1993 upon completion of its initial public offering (the "EQR IPO").
EQR was formed to continue the multifamily property business objectives and
acquisition strategies of certain affiliated entities controlled by Mr. Samuel
Zell, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Company. These entities had been
engaged in the acquisition, ownership and operation of multifamily properties
since 1969. In May 1997, EQR 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.
As of September 11, 1997, the Company owned or had interests in a portfolio
of 360 multifamily properties (individually a "Property" and collectively the
"Properties") containing 104,638 apartment units and managed 9,067 additional
units owned by affiliated entities. Since the EQR IPO, at which time EQR owned
69 Properties, the Company has acquired, directly or indirectly, interests in an
additional 303 Properties containing 86,812 units for a total purchase price of
approximately $4.3 billion, including the assumption of approximately $1.1
billion of mortgage indebtedness. Since the EQR IPO, the Company has disposed
of 12 of its properties containing 3,899 units for a total sales price of
approximately $98.1 million and the release of mortgage indebtedness in the
amount of approximately $20.5 million. The Company's interest in 11 of the
Properties at the time of acquisition thereof consisted solely of ownership of
the debt collateralized by such Properties and in 21 of the Properties consists
solely of investments in partnership interests and subordinated mortgages
collateralized by such Properties. At September 9, 1997, the Properties had an
average occupancy rate of approximately 95%. The Properties are located
throughout the United States in the following 32 states: Arizona, Arkansas,
California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New
Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
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 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 seven classes
of limited partnership interests outstanding: (i) partnership interests ("OP
Units"), which may be exchanged by the holders thereof for either common shares
of beneficial interest of the Company, $0.01 par value per share ("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") and (vii) 9.65% Series F Cumulative
Redeemable Preference Units ("9.65% Series F 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 and the 9.65% Series F Preference Units are owned by the Company and
mirror the payments of distributions, including accrued and unpaid distributions
upon redemption, and of the liquidating 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 per 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"), and the Company's 9.65% Series F Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series F
Preferred Shares"), respectively. The Company controls the Operating
Partnership as the sole general partner and, as of September 11, 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.
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.
S-3
<PAGE>
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. In addition, the Company has regional operations
centers in Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Seattle,
Washington; Tampa, Florida and Bethesda, Maryland; and area offices in Atlanta,
Georgia; Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; Houston and San
Antonio, Texas; Irvine and Stockton, California; Ypsilanti, Michigan; Raleigh,
North Carolina; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Kansas City, Kansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma;
and Nashville, Tennessee.
S-4
<PAGE>
THE OFFERING
Securities Offered.........10,000,000 Depositary Shares each representing a 1/10
fractional interest in a Series G Preferred Share.
Ranking....................The Series G Preferred Shares will rank equal to the
Company's Series A Preferred Shares, the Series B
Preferred Shares, the Series C Preferred Shares,
Series D Preferred Shares, Series E Preferred Shares
and Series F Preferred Shares and senior to the
Common Shares with respect to the payment of
distributions and amounts upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up. See "Description of Series
G Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares--Ranking"
herein and "Description of Shares of Beneficial
Interest--Common Shares" included in the accompanying
Prospectus.
Distributions..............Distributions on the Series G Preferred Shares
represented by the Depositary Shares offered hereby
are cumulative from the date of issue and are payable
quarterly on or about the fifteenth day of January,
April, July and October of each year, commencing on
October 15, 1997, at the rate of 7 1/4% of the
liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to
$1.8125 per annum per Depositary Share).
Distributions on the Series G Preferred Shares will
accrue whether or not the Company has earnings,
whether or not there are funds legally available for
the payment of such distributions and whether or not
such distributions are declared. If, for any taxable
year, the Company elects to designate as "capital
gain dividends" (as defined in Section 857 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (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
Series G Preferred 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 Series G Preferred Shares for the year and the
denominator of which shall be the Total Dividends.
See "Description of Series G Preferred Shares and
Depositary Shares--Distributions."
Liquidation Preference.....The Series G Preferred Shares will have a liquidation
preference of $250.00 (equivalent to $25.00 per
Depositary Share), plus an amount equal to accrued
and unpaid distributions. See "Description of Series
G Preferred Shares--Liquidation Rights."
Conversion Rights..........Depositary Shares representing the Series G Preferred
Shares are convertible in whole but not in part (upon
the conversion of whole or fractional interests in a
Series G Preferred Share) at any time, at the option
of the holder, unless previously redeemed, into
Common Shares at a conversion price of $58.58 per
Common Share (equivalent to a conversion rate of
.4268 Common Shares for each Depositary Share),
subject to adjustment in certain circumstances (the
"Conversion Price"). See "Description of Series G
Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares--Conversion
Rights" and "--Conversion Price Adjustments."
Redemption at Option
of the Company.............The Series G Preferred Shares represented by
Depositary Shares are not redeemable prior to
September 15, 2002. On and after September 15, 2002,
the Series G Preferred Shares represented by
Depositary Shares may be redeemed at the option of
the Company, in whole or in part, initially at
$25.90625 per Depositary Share and thereafter at
prices declining to $25.00 per Depositary Share on
and after September 15, 2007, plus in each case
accrued and unpaid distributions, if any, to the
redemption date. See "Description of Series G
Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares--Redemption."
Voting Rights..............If distributions on the Series G Preferred Shares are
in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, holders
of the Depositary Shares representing the Series G
Preferred Shares (voting separately as a class with
all other series of preferred shares upon which like
voting rights have been conferred and are
exercisable) will be entitled to vote for the
election of two additional Trustees to serve on the
Board of Trustees of the Company until all
distribution arrearages are eliminated. See
"Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest--
Preferred Shares--Voting Rights" in the accompanying
Prospectus.
NYSE Listing...............Application has been made to list the Depositary
Shares representing the Series G Preferred Shares on
the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance,
under the symbol "EQR Pr G." The Common Shares
issuable upon conversion or redemption of the Series
G Preferred Shares are listed on the NYSE.
S-5
<PAGE>
Use of Proceeds............The net proceeds from the Offering will be used
primarily to acquire additional multifamily
properties and to repay indebtedness. Any remaining
proceeds will be used for general working capital
purposes. See "Use of Proceeds."
Risk Factors...............See "Risk Factors" in the accompanying Prospectus for
a discussion of certain risks applicable to an
investment in the Depositary Shares.
S-6
<PAGE>
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Merger Activity
On August 27, 1997, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger regarding the planned acquisition of the multifamily property business of
Evans Withycombe Residential, Inc. ("EWR"), a Maryland corporation, through the
tax free merger of the Company and EWR (the "Merger"). The transaction is valued
at approximately $1 billion and includes 55 multifamily properties containing
15,932 units. In the Merger, each outstanding share of common stock of EWR will
be converted into .50 of a common share of the Company. The Merger is subject to
approval of the shareholders of the Company and EWR and, therefore, completion
of the Merger is conditioned upon such approval and certain other closing
conditions.
EWR is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), and, in accordance therewith, files
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"), including EWR's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996. Reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by EWR can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549; and at its Regional Offices located at Suite 1400, 500 West Madison
Street, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048. Copies of such material can be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a web site that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding
registrants that file electronically with the Commission. The address of the
Commission's web site is: http://www.sec.gov. The shares of common stock of EWR
are currently listed on the NYSE and such reports, proxy statements and other
information concerning EWR can be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.
On May 30, 1997, the Company completed the acquisition of the multifamily
property business of Wellsford Residential Property Trust ("Wellsford") through
the tax-free merger of the Company and Wellsford (the "Wellsford Merger"). The
transaction was valued at approximately $1 billion and included 72 multifamily
properties of Wellsford containing 19,004 units. In the Wellsford Merger, each
outstanding common share of beneficial interest of Wellsford was converted into
.625 of a Common Share.
Acquisitions
In addition to the Wellsford Merger, since January 1, 1997 the Company has
acquired 45 Properties containing an aggregate of 12,862 units at a total
purchase price of approximately $766.8 million (including the assumption of
mortgage indebtedness of approximately $206.3 million). The Company purchased
twelve of such Properties for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$162.2 million (including the assumption of mortgage indebtedness of
approximately $107.1 million) from affiliates of the Company, Zell/Merrill Lynch
Real Estate Opportunity Partners Limited Partnership ("Zell/Merrill I") and
subsidiaries of Zell/Merrill Lynch Real Estate Opportunity Partners Limited
Partnership II ("Zell/Merrill II"). The Company funded the cash portion of these
acquisitions primarily from its working capital.
In addition, in April 1997, the Company made an $88 million investment in
six mortgage loans collateralized by five Properties. This investment was funded
from the Company's $500 million unsecured line of credit (the "Line of Credit")
which it pays down from time to time with the proceeds of equity or debt
offerings by the Company or the Operating Partnership, respectively. See
"Securities Issuances" below.
Probable Acquisitions
The Company has entered into contracts with unaffiliated sellers to acquire
24 additional properties containing 6,675 units which are located in 14 states
(collectively, the "Properties Under Contract"). The total combined purchase
price for the Properties Under Contract is approximately $375.4 million,
including the assumption of approximately $171.1 million of mortgage
indebtedness. There can be no assurance that these 24 Properties Under Contract
will be acquired or, if acquired, that the terms of such acquisitions will not
change from the terms presently contemplated. The Company anticipates that the
acquisition of the Properties Under Contract will be funded with the proceeds of
the Offering, its working capital and/or its Line of Credit. The Company
believes that the Properties Under Contract can be integrated into its system of
Regional Operations Centers and area offices without any significant
corresponding increase in the costs of operations of such offices.
Pending Acquisitions
Additional Properties Under Contract
The Company has entered into contracts with various unaffiliated sellers to
acquire two additional properties under contract (the "Additional Properties
Under Contract") for a total combined purchase price of approximately $29.6
million. These Additional Properties Under Contract contain 272 units and are
located in Connecticut and Utah. The contracts for the Additional Properties
Under Contract contain
S-7
<PAGE>
due diligence contingency provisions that allow the Company to conduct extensive
investigative procedures of such properties and give the Company the option to
terminate such contracts with a full refund of earnest money if the Company
becomes dissatisfied with the Additional Properties Under Contract in any way,
in its sole discretion, during such review period. The purchase price for the
Additional Properties Under Contract is expected to be funded primarily with the
net proceeds of the Offering and/or from the Company's Line of Credit. There can
be no assurance that the Additional Properties Under Contract will be acquired
or, if acquired, that the terms of such acquisitions will not change from the
terms presently contemplated.
Properties Under Negotiation
The Company is also negotiating with various sellers for the acquisition of
65 additional properties (the "Properties Under Negotiation") containing 17,576
units for a purchase price of approximately $999.6 million, which includes the
assumption of approximately $635.5 million of mortgage indebtedness. With
respect to the Properties Under Negotiation, the Company is negotiating the
significant terms of the purchase contracts for such properties. The Company
anticipates that, if and when entered into, the purchase contracts for the
Properties Under Negotiation will contain due diligence contingency provisions
that will allow the Company to conduct extensive investigations of such
properties and will give the Company flexibility to terminate such contracts
with a full refund of earnest money if the Company becomes dissatisfied with the
Properties Under Negotiation in any way, in its sole discretion, during such
review period. If the Company acquires the Properties Under Negotiation, it is
expected that the terms and conditions of such acquisitions will be similar to
other acquisitions of Properties made by the Company. The purchase price for the
Properties Under Negotiation is expected to be funded primarily with the net
proceeds of the Offering and/or from the Company's Line of Credit. In addition,
the Company or the Operating Partnership may consider issuing additional equity
or debt securities to finance some or all of such potential acquisitions. There
can be no assurance, however, that the Properties Under Negotiation will be
acquired or, if acquired, that the terms of such acquisitions will not change
from the terms presently contemplated.
Dispositions
Since January 1, 1997, the Company has disposed of its interests in one
property containing 200 units for an aggregate sales price of approximately $4.8
million. The proceeds of this transaction were used for the acquisition of an
additional property.
Securities Issuances
Since January 1, 1997, the Company has raised an aggregate of approximately
$487.3 million pursuant to eight separate public offerings of its Common Shares
and approximately $169.5 million pursuant to the public offering of depositary
shares representing the Series D Preferred Shares.
Financings
On September 9, 1997, the Company entered into its Second Amended and
Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York as Lead Agent, which increased available borrowings under the Line of
Credit to $500 million.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Depositary Shares
offered hereby are estimated at $263,900,000 ($303,500,000 if the Underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full). The Company will contribute or
otherwise transfer the net proceeds of the sale of the Depositary Shares to the
Operating Partnership in exchange for 7 1/4% Series G Preference Units, the
economic terms of which will be substantially identical to the 7 1/4% Series G
Preferred Shares. The Operating Partnership will be required to make all
required distributions on the 7 1/4% Series G Preference Units (which will
mirror the payments of distributions, including accrued and unpaid distributions
upon redemption, and of the liquidation preference amount on the 7 1/4% Series G
Preferred Shares) prior to any distribution of cash or assets to the holders of
the OP Units. See "Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest--Preferred
Shares--Distributions" in the accompanying Prospectus. The Operating Partnership
presently intends to use the net proceeds to acquire additional multifamily
properties and to repay amounts outstanding indebtedness. Such indebtedness
consists of mortgage debt that bears interest at a rate of 7%. Any remaining
proceeds will be used for general working capital purposes.
S-8
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of June
30, 1997, as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of 1,100,000 Series G
Preferred Shares that are represented by the Depositary Shares offered hereby
and the application of the net proceeds thereof. The table should be read in
conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements incorporated
herein by reference.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, 1997
-------------------------------------
Historical As Adjusted
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Debt:
Line of Credit.................................................. $ -- (1) $ -- (1)
Mortgage Loans.................................................. 960,879 960,879
81/2% Notes due 1999............................................ 124,674 124,674
Floating Rate Notes due 1997.................................... 100,000 100,000
7.95% Notes due 2002............................................ 124,322 124,322
7.57% Notes due 2026............................................ 150,000 150,000
1999-A Notes.................................................... 25,000 25,000
2002-A Notes.................................................... 105,512 105,512
2000 Notes...................................................... 55,000 55,000
2005 Notes...................................................... 70,000 70,000
---------- ----------
Total debt.................................................. 1,715,387 1,715,387
---------- ----------
Minority Interests................................................. 179,222 179,222
---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest,
$.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized:
9 3/8% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, liquidation preference
$25 per share, 6,120,000 shares issued and
outstanding..................................................... 153,000 153,000
9 1/8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, liquidation preference
$250 per share, 500,000 shares issued and
outstanding..................................................... 125,000 125,000
9 1/8% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, liquidation preference
$250 per share, 460,000 shares issued and outstanding........... 115,000 115,000
8.60% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, liquidation preference
$250 per share, 700,000 shares issued and outstanding........... 175,000 175,000
Series E Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, liquidation preference
$25 per share, 3,999,800 shares issued and outstanding.......... 99,995 99,995
9.65% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, liquidation preference
$25 per share, 2,300,000 shares issued and outstanding.......... 57,500 57,500
7 1/4% Series G Convertible Cumulative Preferred
Shares of Beneficial Interest, liquidation preference
$250 per share, no shares issued and outstanding
(1,100,000 as adjusted)......................................... -- 275,000
</TABLE>
S-9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, 1997
----------------------------------------
Historical As Adjusted
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value:
200,000,000 shares authorized,
73,632,558 shares issued and outstanding....................... 736 736
Additional paid-in capital..................................... 2,050,152 2,050,152
Notes receivable from employees................................ (5,202) (5,202)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings................ (108,497) (108,497)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity..................................... 2,662,684 2,937,684
---------- ----------
Total capitalization........................................... $4,557,293 $4,832,293
========== ==========
</TABLE>
_____________________
(1) At September 16, 1997, there were no amounts outstanding under the Line of
Credit.
S-10
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING INFORMATION
The following table sets forth selected financial and operating
information on an historical basis for the Company. The following information
should be read in conjunction with all of the financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 1997, and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1996, as amended by Form 10-K/A, and the Current Report on Form 8-K dated
September 10, 1997 which documents are incorporated by reference into the
accompanying Prospectus. In the opinion of management, the operating data for
the periods presented includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the information set forth
therein.
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
(Amounts in thousands except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30, Year Ended December 31,
-------------------- ------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING DATA:
REVENUES
Rental income $290,799 $209,239 $454,412 $373,919 $220,727
Fee and asset management 3,110 3,303 6,749 7,030 4,739
Interest income-investment
in mortgage notes 8,011 5,866 12,819 4,862 --
Interest and other income 4,404 1,180 4,405 4,573 5,568
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total revenues 306,324 219,588 478,385 390,384 231,034
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
EXPENSES
Property and maintenance 70,760 59,217 127,172 112,186 66,534
Real estate taxes and insurance 29,667 21,229 44,128 37,002 23,028
Property management 11,819 8,800 17,512 15,213 10,249
Property management - non-recurring -- -- -- -- 879
Fee and asset management 1,569 2,126 3,837 3,887 2,056
Depreciation 62,775 42,933 93,253 72,410 37,273
Interest:
Expense incurred 50,924 37,024 81,351 78,375 37,044
Amortization of deferred financing
costs 1,220 1,895 4,242 3,444 1,930
General and administrative 6,206 4,105 9,857 8,129 6,053
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total expenses 234,940 177,329 381,352 330,646 185,046
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before gain on disposition of
properties, extraordinary items and
allocation to Minority Interests 71,384 42,259 97,033 59,738 45,988
Gain on disposition of properties 3,632 2,346 22,402 21,617 --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before extraordinary items and
allocation to Minority Interests 75,016 44,605 119,435 81,355 45,988
Extraordinary Items:
Write-off of unamortized costs on
refinanced debt -- -- (3,512) -- --
Gain on early extinguishment of debt -- -- -- 2,000 --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income before allocation to Minority
Interests 75,016 44,605 115,923 83,355 45,988
Income allocated to Minority Interests 6,345 5,923 14,299 15,636 11,570
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income 68,671 38,682 101,624 67,719 34,418
Preferred distributions 20,939 12,874 29,015 10,109 --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net income available for Common
Shares $ 47,732 $ 25,808 $ 72,609 $ 57,610 $ 34,418
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Net income per weighted average
Common Share outstanding $ 0.86 $ 0.65 $ 1.70 $ 1.68 $ 1.34
Weighted average Common Shares
outstanding 55,385 39,496 42,586 34,358 25,621
</TABLE>
S-11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30, Year Ended December 31,
----------------------- ------------------------------------
1997 1996 1996 1995 1994
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
(at end of period):
Real estate, before accumulated depreciation $4,482,434 $2,479,974 $2,983,510 $2,188,939 $1,963,476
Real estate, after accumulated depreciation $4,124,835 $2,227,102 $2,681,998 $1,970,600 $1,770,735
Total assets $4,738,734 $2,394,135 $2,986,127 $2,141,260 $1,847,685
Total debt $1,715,387 $1,036,484 $1,254,274 $1,002,219 $ 994,746
Minority Interests $ 179,222 $ 155,031 $ 150,637 $ 168,963 $ 177,438
Shareholders' Equity $2,662,684 $1,101,982 $1,458,830 $ 884,517 $ 609,936
</TABLE>
S-12
<PAGE>
BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
The Company is a self-administered and self-managed equity REIT. EQR was
established to continue the multifamily property business objectives and
acquisition strategies of certain affiliated entities controlled by Mr. Zell,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Company. These entities had been
engaged in the multifamily property business since 1969. The Company is a fully
integrated real estate concern that acquires, improves, operates and manages its
Properties. The Company has benefited, and expects to benefit, from the
following elements:
Diversified Portfolio
As of September 11, 1997, the Company owned or had interests in a portfolio
of 360 Properties containing 104,638 apartment units located in 32 states. As of
such date, the Company's portfolio was the largest multifamily property
portfolio controlled by a publicly traded REIT (based on the number of apartment
units owned and total revenues earned). The Company's interest in 11 of the
Properties at the time of acquisition thereof consisted solely of ownership of
the debt collateralized by such Properties and in 21 Properties consists solely
of investments in partnership interests and subordinated mortgages
collateralized by such Properties. No single Property represents more than 1.36%
of total apartment units. The distribution of the Properties throughout the
United States reflects the Company's belief that geographic diversification
helps insulate the portfolio from regional and local economic influences. At the
same time, the Company has sought to create clusters of Properties within each
of its primary markets to achieve economies of scale in management and
operation. The Company has established Regional Operations Centers in Chicago,
Illinois; Tampa, Florida; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington;
and Bethesda, Maryland; and area offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Las Vegas, Nevada;
Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon; Houston and San Antonio, Texas; Irvine and
Stockton, California; Ypsilanti, Michigan; Raleigh, North Carolina; Ft.
Lauderdale, Florida; Kansas City, Kansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Nashville,
Tennessee.
Experienced Management
The Company's senior executives average over 23 years of experience in the
multifamily property business. The Company has a fully integrated management
team: an Acquisitions Department that is dedicated exclusively to the property
acquisition function and is in constant contact with principals and brokers
nationwide; an Asset Management Department that establishes strategic plans with
respect to the portfolio including the development and implementation of long-
term business plans, asset financings, property repositionings, expansions, and
property disposition decisions; a Property Management Department that
aggressively manages the portfolio through significant interaction with on-site
property managers at each Property; an Accounting and Finance Department that
maintains the books and records of the Properties and generates timely financial
reports; a Capital Markets Department that manages investor relations and
capital raising; and a Legal Department that oversees all of the Company's legal
affairs.
Sophisticated Management Information Systems
The Company makes extensive use of management information systems. On-site
computers at every Property are capable of compiling and forwarding to the
Company's Regional Operations Centers on a daily basis numerous standardized
reports including daily occupancy, lease expiration and renewals, prospective
tenants and rental rate information. Quality controls are maintained through the
Company's practice of (i) conducting resident satisfaction surveys, (ii)
surveying residents that move out of the Properties, and (iii) surveying
prospective tenants who select alternative housing.
The Properties
As of September 11, 1997, the Company owned or had interests in a portfolio
of 360 Properties located in 32 states containing 104,638 apartment units with
the largest having 1,420 units and the smallest having 36 units. The average
number of units per Property was approximately 290. The units are typically
contained in a series of two-story buildings. As of September 9, 1997, the
Properties had an average occupancy rate of approximately 95%. Tenant leases are
generally year-to-year and require security deposits. The Properties typically
provide residents with attractive amenities, including a clubhouse, swimming
pool, laundry facilities and cable television access. Certain Properties offer
additional amenities such as saunas, whirlpools, spas, sports courts and
exercise rooms.
S-13
<PAGE>
The following chart sets forth certain information regarding the Properties
on a state-by-state basis.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Properties By State
(As of September 11, 1997)
State Number of Properties Number of Units % of Units in Portfolio
- ----- -------------------- --------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Arizona 25 7,539 7.2%
Arkansas 4 1,039 1.0%
California 42 11,296 10.8%
Colorado 21 5,696 5.4%
Florida 33 8,389 8.0%
Georgia 15 4,268 4.1%
Idaho 1 120 0.1%
Illinois 5 2,682 2.6%
Indiana 1 272 0.3%
Iowa 1 186 0.2%
Kansas 5 2,144 2.0%
Kentucky 5 1,327 1.3%
Maine 2 340 0.3%
Maryland 12 3,753 3.6%
Michigan 5 2,396 2.3%
Minnesota 2 935 0.9%
Missouri 4 970 0.9%
Nevada 11 3,279 3.1%
New Hampshire 1 390 0.4%
New Jersey 1 704 0.7%
New Mexico 4 1,073 1.0%
North Carolina 14 3,606 3.4%
Ohio 4 2,083 2.0%
Oklahoma 15 4,261 4.1%
Oregon 11 3,448 3.3%
South Carolina 1 211 0.2%
Tennessee 9 2,735 2.6%
Texas 46 15,201 14.5%
Utah 3 1,298 1.2%
Virginia 8 2,569 2.5%
Washington 46 9,742 9.3%
Wisconsin 3 686 0.7%
--- ------- -----
TOTAL 360(1) 104,638 100.0%
=== ======= =====
</TABLE>
_________________________
(1) The Company's interest in 11 of the Properties at the time of acquisition
thereof consisted solely of ownership of the debt collateralized by such
Properties and in 21 Properties consists solely of investments in
partnership interests and subordinated mortgages collateralized by such
Properties.
For additional information with respect to the Properties, see the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-K/A, for the year
ended December 31, 1996, the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
period ended June 30, 1997, the Company's Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated
April 25, 1997, and the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 10,
1997, each of which is incorporated by reference into the accompanying
Prospectus.
S-14
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES G PREFERRED SHARES AND DEPOSITARY SHARES
This description of the particular terms of the Series G Preferred Shares
and the Depositary Shares offered hereby supplements, and to the extent
inconsistent therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and
provisions of the Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares set forth in the
accompanying Prospectus, to which description reference is hereby made.
The Company is authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 preferred shares of
beneficial interest, $.01 par value per share ("preferred shares"), in one or
more series, with such designations, powers, preferences and rights of the
shares of such series and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions
thereon, including, but not limited to, the fixing of the distribution rights,
distribution rate or rates, conversion rights, voting rights and terms of
redemption (including sinking fund provisions), the redemption price or prices,
and the liquidation preferences, in each case, if any, as the Board of Trustees
of the Company may determine by adoption of Articles Supplementary to the
Company's Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of
Trust"), without any further vote or action by the shareholders. See
"Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest--Preferred Shares" in the
accompanying Prospectus.
General
On September 12, 1997, the Board of Trustees of the Company adopted a form
of Articles Supplementary (the "Articles Supplementary") to the Declaration of
Trust determining the terms of a series of preferred shares consisting of up to
1,150,000 shares, designated 7 1/4% Series G Convertible Cumulative Preferred
Shares. When issued, the Series G Preferred Shares and the Depositary Shares
will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Unless converted or
redeemed by the Company, the Depositary Shares representing the Series G
Preferred Shares have a perpetual term with no stated maturity date. The
following summary of the terms and provisions of the Series G Preferred Shares
does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the pertinent sections of the Declaration of Trust and the Articles
Supplementary designating the Series G Preferred Shares, each of which is
available from the Company.
The registrar, transfer agent and distributions disbursing agent for the
Series G Preferred Shares will be Boston EquiServe Limited Partnership.
Each Depositary Share represents a 1/10 fractional interest in a Series G
Preferred Share. The Series G Preferred Shares will be deposited with
BankBoston, N.A., as Depositary (the "Preferred Share Depositary"), under a
Deposit Agreement among the Company, the Preferred Share Depositary and the
holders from time to time of the depositary receipts (the "Depositary Receipts")
issued by the Preferred Share Depositary thereunder. The Depositary Receipts
will evidence the Depositary Shares. Subject to the terms of the Deposit
Agreement, each holder of a Depositary Receipt evidencing a Depositary Share
will be entitled to all the rights and preferences of a 1/10 fractional interest
in a Series G Preferred Share (including conversion, distribution, voting,
redemption and liquidation rights and preferences). See "Description of
Depositary Shares" in the accompanying Prospectus.
Application has been made to list the Depositary Shares on the NYSE,
subject to official notice of issuance. If so approved, trading of the
Depositary Shares on the NYSE is expected to commence within a 30-day period
after the date of initial delivery of the Depositary Shares. See "Underwriting."
The Series G Preferred Shares will not be so listed, and the Company does not
expect that there will be any trading market for the Series G Preferred Shares
except as represented by Depositary Shares. The Common Shares issuable upon
conversion or redemption of the Series G Preferred Shares represented by the
Depositary Shares are listed on the NYSE.
Ranking
The Series G Preferred Shares will rank pari passu with the Series A
Preferred Shares, the Series B Preferred Shares, the Series C Preferred Shares,
the Series D Preferred Shares, the Series E Preferred Shares and the Series F
Preferred Shares and senior to the Common Shares as to priority for receiving
distributions.
Distributions
Holders of the Series G Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, when
and as authorized by the Board of Trustees, out of funds legally available for
the payment of distributions, cumulative cash distributions at the rate of 7
1/4% of the liquidation preference per annum (equivalent to $1.8125 per
Depositary Share). Distributions on the Series G Preferred Shares represented by
the Depositary Shares offered hereby shall accrue and be cumulative from the
date of original issue and shall be payable quarterly in arrears on the
fifteenth day of each January, April, July and October or, if not a business
day, the next succeeding business day (each, a "Distribution Payment Date"). The
first distribution on the Series G Preferred Shares represented by the
Depositary Shares offered hereby, which will be paid on October 15, 1997, will
be for less than a full quarter. Such distribution and any distribution payable
on the Series G Preferred Shares for any other partial distribution period will
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.
Distributions will be payable to holders of record
S-15
<PAGE>
as they appear in the share records of the Company at the close of business on
the applicable record date, which shall be the first day of the calendar month
in which the applicable Distribution Payment Date falls or such other date
designated by the Board of Trustees of the Company for the payment of
distributions that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to such
Distribution Payment Date (each, a "Distribution Record Date").
No distributions on the Series G Preferred Shares shall be authorized by
the Board of Trustees of the Company or be paid or set apart for payment by the
Company at such time as the terms and provisions of any agreement of the
Company, including any agreement relating to its indebtedness, prohibits such
authorization, payment or setting apart for payment or provides that such
authorization, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach
thereof or a default thereunder, or if such authorization or payment shall be
restricted or prohibited by law. Covenants in its Line of Credit agreement
provide generally that the Operating Partnership may not pay distributions in
excess of ninety percent (90%) of FFO, as defined in the agreement, in any
fiscal year, but such covenants permit the Operating Partnership, upon certain
circumstances, to pay distributions in an amount necessary to maintain Equity
Residential Properties Trust's qualification as a REIT. The Company does not
believe that this provision has had or will have any adverse impact on the
Company's ability to pay distributions in respect of the Series G Preferred
Shares or in the normal course of business to its shareholders in amounts
necessary to maintain its qualification as a REIT.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, distributions on the Series G Preferred
Shares will accrue whether or not the Company has earnings, whether or not there
are funds legally available for the payment of such distributions and whether or
not such distributions are authorized. Accrued but unpaid distributions on the
Series G Preferred Shares will not bear interest and holders of the Series G
Preferred Shares will not be entitled to any distributions in excess of full
cumulative distributions as described above. See "Description of Shares of
Beneficial Interest--Preferred Shares--Distributions" in the accompanying
Prospectus.
The Operating Partnership will be required to make all required
distributions on the 7 1/4% Series G Preference Units (which will mirror the
payments of distributions, including accrued and unpaid distributions upon
redemption, and of the liquidation preference amount on the Series G Preferred
Shares) prior to any distribution of cash or assets to the holders of the OP
Units or to the holders of any other interests in the Operating Partnership,
except for any other series of preference units ranking on a parity with the 7
1/4% Series G Preference Units as to distributions and/or liquidation rights.
The Operating Partnership currently has (i) 6,120,000 9 3/8% Preference Units
outstanding issued to the Company in connection with the Company's issuance of
the Series A Preferred Shares, (ii) 500,000 9 1/8% Series B Preference Units
outstanding issued to the Company in connection with the Company's issuance of
the Series B Preferred Shares, (iii) 460,000 9 1/8% Series C Preference Units
outstanding issued to the Company in connection with the Company's issuance of
the Series C Preferred Shares, (iv) 700,000 8.60% Series D Preference Units
outstanding issued to the Company in connection with the Company's issuance of
the Series D Preferred Shares, (v) 3,999,800 7.0% Series E Preference Units
outstanding issued to the Company in connection with the Company's issuance of
the Series E Preferred Shares, and (vi) 2,300,000 9.65% Series F Preference
Units outstanding issued to the Company in connection with the Company's
issuance of the Series F Preferred Shares. 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 mirror the payment of distributions, including accrued and
unpaid distributions upon redemption, and of the liquidation preference amount
on the Series A Preferred Shares, Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred
Shares, Series D Preferred Shares, Series E Preferred Shares and Series F
Preferred Shares, respectively.
Any distribution payment made on the Series G Preferred Shares shall first
be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid distribution due with
respect to such shares which remains payable.
If, for any taxable year, the Company elects to designate as "capital gain
dividends" (as defined in Section 857 of the Code) any Capital Gains Amount of
the Total Dividends, then the portion of the Capital Gains Amount that will be
allocable to the holders of Series G Preferred 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 Series G Preferred Shares for the year and the denominator of which shall
be the Total Dividends.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs
of the Company, the holders of the Series G Preferred Shares are entitled to be
paid out of the assets of the Company legally available for distribution to its
shareholders liquidating distributions in cash or property at its fair market
value as determined by the Company's Board of Trustees in the amount of a
liquidation preference of $250.00 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per Depositary
Share), plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid distributions to the date
of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, before any distribution of
assets is made to holders of Common Shares or any other capital shares of
beneficial interest that rank junior to the Series G Preferred Shares as to
liquidation rights. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating
distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of Series G Preferred
Shares will have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the
Company. The consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other
entity or the sale, lease, transfer or conveyance of all or
S-16
<PAGE>
substantially all of the property or business of the Company shall not be deemed
to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. The
Series G Preferred Shares will rank pari passu with the Series A Preferred
Shares, the Series B Preferred Shares, the Series C Preferred Shares, the Series
D Preferred Shares, the Series E Preferred Shares and the Series F Preferred
Shares and senior to the Common Shares as to priority for receiving liquidating
distributions. For further information regarding the rights of the holders of
the Series G Preferred Shares and related Depositary Shares upon the
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, see "Description of
Shares of Beneficial Interest--Preferred Shares--Liquidation Preference" and
"Description of Depositary Shares--Liquidation Preference" in the accompanying
Prospectus.
Redemption
Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares are not
redeemable prior to September 15, 2002. On and after September 15, 2002, the
Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares may be redeemed at
the option of the Company, in whole or from time to time in part, at the
following redemption prices per Depositary Share if redeemed during the twelve-
month period beginning September 15 of the year indicated below, plus, in each
case, all distributions accrued and unpaid on the Series G Preferred Shares
represented by Depositary Shares up to the date of such redemption, upon giving
notice as provided below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Redemption Price
Year Per Depositary Share
---- --------------------
<S> <C>
2002......................... $25.90625
2003......................... 25.725
2004......................... 25.54375
2005......................... 25.3625
2006......................... 25.18125
2007 and thereafter.......... 25.00
</TABLE>
If fewer than all of the outstanding Depositary Shares are to be redeemed,
the shares to be redeemed will be determined pro rata or by lot or in such other
manner as prescribed by the Company's Board of Trustees. In the event that such
redemption is to be by lot, if as a result of such redemption any holder of
Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares would become a holder
of in excess of 5% of the lesser of the number or the value of the total Series
G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares outstanding because such
holder's Depositary Shares were not redeemed, or were only redeemed in part,
then, except in certain instances, the Company will redeem the requisite number
of Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares of such
shareholder such that he will not hold in excess of 5% of the lesser of the
number or the value of the total Series G Preferred Shares represented by
Depositary Shares outstanding subsequent to such redemption. In addition, the
Company may redeem Series G Preferred Shares in certain circumstances relating
to the maintenance of its ability to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax
purposes.
Notice of redemption will be mailed, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
prior to the date fixed for redemption, to each holder of record of Depositary
Shares to be redeemed, notifying such holder of the Company's election to redeem
such shares, stating the date fixed for redemption thereof (the "Depositary
Shares Redemption Date"), the redemption price, the number of shares to be
redeemed (and, if fewer than all the Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the
number of shares to be redeemed from such holder) and the place(s) where the
Depositary Receipts are to be surrendered for payment.
On or after the Depositary Shares Redemption Date, each holder of
Depositary Shares to be redeemed must present and surrender his Depositary
Receipts to the Company at the place designated in such notice and thereupon the
redemption price of such shares will be paid to or on the order of the person
whose name appears on such Depositary Receipts as the owner thereof and each
surrendered will be canceled. In the event that fewer than all the shares
represented by any such Depositary Receipt are to be redeemed, a new Depositary
Receipt will be issued representing the unredeemed shares. From and after the
Depositary Shares Redemption Date (unless the Company defaults in payment of the
redemption price), all distributions on the Depositary Shares designated for
redemption in such notice will cease to accrue and all rights of the holders
thereof, except the right to receive the redemption price thereof (including all
accrued and unpaid distributions up to the Depositary Shares Redemption Date),
will cease and terminate and such shares will not thereafter be transferred
(except with the consent of the Company) on the Company's books, and such shares
shall not be deemed to be outstanding for any purpose whatsoever. At its
election, the Company, prior to the Depositary Shares Redemption Date, may
irrevocably deposit the redemption price (including accrued and unpaid
distributions) of the Depositary Shares so called for redemption in trust for
the holders thereof with a bank or trust company, in which case such notice to
holders of the Depositary Shares to be redeemed will (i) state the date of such
deposit, (ii) specify the office of such bank or trust company as the place of
payment of the redemption price and (iii) call upon such holders to surrender
the Depositary Receipts representing such shares at such place on or about the
date fixed in such redemption notice (which may not be later than the Depositary
Shares Redemption Date) against payment of the redemption price (including all
accrued and unpaid distributions up to the Depositary Shares Redemption Date).
Any monies so deposited which remain unclaimed by the holders of the
S-17
<PAGE>
Depositary Shares at the end of two years after the Depositary Shares Redemption
Date will be returned by such bank or trust company to the Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless full cumulative distributions on all
outstanding Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares have been
paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for
payment for all past distribution periods and the then current distribution
period, no Depositary Shares shall be redeemed unless all outstanding Depositary
Shares are simultaneously redeemed; provided, however, that the foregoing shall
not prevent the purchase or acquisition of Series G Preferred Shares represented
by Depositary Shares pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same
terms to holders of all outstanding Series G Preferred Shares represented by
Depositary Shares, and, unless full cumulative distributions on all outstanding
Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares have been paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for
all past distribution periods and the then current distribution period, the
Company shall not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any
Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares (except by conversion
into or exchange for shares of beneficial interest of the Company ranking junior
to the Series G Preferred Shares represented by Depositary Shares as to
distribution rights and liquidation preference).
The Depositary Shares representing the Series G Preferred Shares have no
stated maturity date and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory
redemption provisions.
Voting Rights
In any matter in which the Series G Preferred Shares are entitled to vote
(as expressly provided in the Articles Supplementary or as may be required by
law), including any action by written consent, each Series G Preferred Share
shall be entitled to 10 votes, each of which 10 votes may be directed separately
by the holder thereof (or by any proxy or proxies of such holder). With respect
to each Series G Preferred Share, the holder thereof may designate up to 10
proxies, with each such proxy having the right to vote a whole number of votes
(totaling 10 votes per Series G Preferred Share). As a result, each Depositary
Share will be entitled to one vote.
For further information regarding the voting rights of the holders of the
Series G Preferred Shares and related Depositary Receipts, see "Description of
Shares of Beneficial Interest--Preferred Shares--Voting Rights" and "Description
of Depositary Shares--Voting of the Preferred Shares" in the accompanying
Prospectus.
Conversion Rights
Subject to the restrictions on transfer and ownership described below in
"Restrictions on Transfer" and "Description of Shares of Beneficial
Interest--Restrictions on Transfer" in the accompanying Prospectus, Depositary
Shares representing Series G Preferred Shares will be convertible in whole but
not in part (upon the conversion of a whole or fractional interest in a Series G
Preferred Share) at any time, at the option of the holders thereof, into Common
Shares at a conversion price of $58.58 per Common Share (equivalent to a
conversion rate of .4268 Common Shares for each Depositary Share representing a
Series G Preferred Share), subject to adjustment as described below ("Conversion
Price"). The right to convert Depositary Shares representing Series G Preferred
Shares called for redemption will terminate at the close of business on a
redemption date. For information as to notices of redemption, see "Redemption"
above.
Conversion of Depositary Shares representing Series G Preferred Shares, or
a specified portion thereof, may be effected by delivering Depositary Receipts
together with written notice of conversion and a proper assignment of such
certificates to the office of the Preferred Share Depositary. Currently, such
office is the principal corporate trust office of the Preferred Share
Depositary, BankBoston, N.A., c/o Boston EquiServe, L.P., Attn: Corporate
Reorganization, 150 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, or by hand to
STARS, 55 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10006.
Each conversion will be deemed to have been effected immediately prior to
the close of business on the date on which the Depositary Receipts shall have
been surrendered and notice shall have been received by the Company as aforesaid
(and if applicable, payment of any amount equal to the distribution payable on
such shares shall have been received by the Company as described below) and the
conversion shall be at the Conversion Price in effect at such time and on such
date.
Holders of Depositary Receipts at the close of business on a distribution
payment record date will be entitled to receive the distribution payable on such
shares on the corresponding distribution payment date notwithstanding the
conversion of such shares following such distribution payment record date and
prior to such distribution payment date. However, Depositary Receipts
surrendered for conversion during the period between the close of business on
any distribution payment record date and ending with the opening of business on
the corresponding distribution payment date (except shares converted after the
issuance of a notice of redemption with respect to a redemption date during such
period or coinciding with such distribution payment date, which will be entitled
to such distribution) must be accompanied by payment of an amount equal to the
distribution payable on such shares on such distribution payment date. A holder
of
S-18
<PAGE>
Depositary Receipts on a distribution record date who (or whose transferee)
tenders any such shares for conversion into Common Shares on such distribution
payment date will receive the distribution payable by the Company on such
Depositary Receipts on such date, and the converting holder need not include
payment of the amount of such distribution upon surrender of Depositary Receipts
for conversion. Except as provided above, the Company will make no payment or
allowance for unpaid distributions, whether or not in arrears, on converted
shares or for distributions on the Common Shares that are issued upon such
conversion.
Fractional Common Shares are not to be issued upon conversion but, in lieu
thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment based on the current market
price of the Common Shares on the trading day prior to the conversion date. For
a further discussion of the Common Shares to be received upon conversion of
Depositary Shares representing Series G Preferred Shares, see "Description of
Shares of Beneficial Interest--Common Shares" in the accompanying Prospectus.
Conversion Price Adjustments
The Conversion Price is subject to adjustment upon certain events,
including (i) the payment of distributions payable in Common Shares on any class
of shares of beneficial interest of the Company, (ii) the issuance to all
holders of Common Shares of certain rights or warrants entitling them to
subscribe for or purchase Common Shares at a price per share less than the fair
market value per share of Common Shares, (iii) subdivisions, combinations and
reclassifications of Common Shares, and (iv) distributions to all holders of
Common Shares of evidences of indebtedness of the Company or assets (including
securities, but excluding those dividends, rights, warrants and distributions
referred to above and dividends and distributions paid in cash out of equity,
including revaluation equity, applicable to Common Shares). In addition to the
foregoing adjustments, the Company will be permitted to make such reductions in
the Conversion Price as it considers to be advisable in order that any event
treated for federal income tax purposes as a dividend of stock or stock rights
will not be taxable to the holders of the Common Shares.
In case the Company shall be a party to any transaction (including, without
limitation, a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange, tender offer for
all or substantially all of the Common Shares or sale of all or substantially
all of the Company's assets), in each case as a result of which Common Shares
will be converted into the right to receive shares of beneficial interest,
securities or other property (including cash or any combination thereof), each
Series G Preferred Share (and each Depositary Share representing a Series G
Preferred Share), if convertible after the consummation of the transaction, will
thereafter be convertible into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other
securities and property receivable (including cash or any combination thereof)
upon the consummation of such transaction by a holder of that number of Common
Shares or fraction thereof into which one Series G Preferred Share (and each
Depositary Share representing a Series G Preferred Share) was convertible
immediately prior to such transaction (assuming such holder of Common Shares
failed to exercise any rights of election and received per share the kind and
amount received per share by a plurality of non-electing shares). The Company
may not become a party to any such transaction unless the terms thereof are
consistent with the foregoing.
No adjustment of the Conversion Price is required to be made in any case
until cumulative adjustments amount to 1% or more of the Conversion Price. Any
adjustments not so required to be made will be carried forward and taken into
account in subsequent adjustments.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
In order to maintain the Company's qualification as a REIT for federal
income tax purposes, ownership by any person of more than 5% in value of the
Company's outstanding shares of beneficial interest is restricted in the
Company's Declaration of Trust. The Depositary Shares (or if more valuable, the
Common Shares into which such Depositary Shares can be converted) would be taken
into account in determining whether a holder of the Company's shares of
beneficial interest violated the ownership limitations.
For further information regarding restrictions on ownership and transfer of
the Series G Preferred Shares and related Depositary Shares, see "Description of
Shares of Beneficial Interest--Restrictions on Transfer" in the accompanying
Prospectus. As described in the accompanying Prospectus, the Company's
Declaration of Trust provides certain restrictions on the ownership and transfer
of the Company's shares of beneficial interest which will apply to conversions
of the Series G Preferred Shares, as well as the ownership and transfer of
Series G Preferred Shares.
S-19
<PAGE>
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Common Shares have been traded on the NYSE under the symbol "EQR" since
the Company's IPO. The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low
sales prices per share reported on the NYSE, as well as the quarterly
distributions declared per Common Share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
High Low Distributions
------- ------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1993
Third Quarter (commencing August 11, 1993)......................... $32 1/4 $27 3/8 $ .21(1)
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 36 3/4 29 1/8 .47
1994
First Quarter...................................................... 33 1/2 28 3/8 .48
Second Quarter..................................................... 35 1/8 28 1/2 .495
Third Quarter...................................................... 33 1/2 29 1/8 .51
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 32 1/4 25 3/4 .52
1995
First Quarter...................................................... 29 1/8 25 5/8 .53
Second Quarter..................................................... 29 3/4 24 7/8 .53
Third Quarter...................................................... 31 3/4 27 3/4 .53
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 31 7/8 28 .59
1996
First Quarter...................................................... 33 3/4 28 1/4 .59
Second Quarter..................................................... 33 1/2 30 7/8 .59
Third Quarter...................................................... 36 1/8 32 7/8 .59
Fourth Quarter..................................................... 43 3/8 35 5/8 .625
1997
First Quarter...................................................... 48 7/8 39 3/4 .625
Second Quarter..................................................... 47 1/2 41 1/4 .625
Third Quarter (through September 18, 1997)......................... 53 47 1/8 .625(2)
</TABLE>
- ------------------
(1) Represents an amount equivalent to a quarterly distribution of $.453 per
share.
(2) The third quarter distribution will be paid on October 10, 1997 to
shareholders of record as of September 26, 1997 and represents an annual
distribution rate of $2.50 per share.
On September 18, 1997 the last reported sale price of a Common Share on the
NYSE was $50 1/2 per share. As of September 10, 1997, the Company's transfer
agent reported 1,039 record holders of Common Shares and, as of July 1997,
certain depository entities held Common Shares on behalf of approximately 24,000
beneficial owners.
The Company intends to continue to pay regular quarterly distributions to
holders of Common Shares. The Company has increased its annual distribution each
year since its IPO. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company declared
distributions of $2.395 per Common Share to holders of Common Shares. This
distribution rate represents an approximate 10% increase over the Company's 1995
distribution rate and an approximate 19% increase over the Company's 1994
distribution rate. Future distributions will be at the discretion of the board
of trustees and will depend on the actual cash available for distribution by the
Company, the Company's financial condition, capital requirements, credit
agreement restrictions, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and such other
factors as the board of trustees deems relevant. A portion of the Company's
distribution may represent a nontaxable return of capital and/or a capital gain
dividend. Approximately 18% of the Company's declared distributions in 1996 of
$2.395 per Common Share represented a nontaxable return of capital and
approximately four percent of such distributions represented a capital gain
dividend.
S-20
<PAGE>
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following description relates solely to certain material federal income
tax considerations applicable to a holder of Depositary Shares. For a discussion
of all other material federal income tax considerations applicable to a holder
of Depositary Shares, see "Federal Income Tax Considerations" in the
accompanying Prospectus. Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., which has acted as special tax
counsel to the Company, is of the opinion that the following discussion,
together with the discussion in the accompanying Prospectus under the heading
"Federal Income Tax Considerations," to the extent they constitute matters of
law or legal conclusions, are correct in all material respects, based on current
law.
EACH PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF DEPOSITARY SHARES IS URGED TO REFER TO THE
ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS FOR A SUMMARY OF THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES NOT
DISCUSSED HEREIN. MOREOVER, AS THE RELEVANT CODE PROVISIONS ARE HIGHLY COMPLEX,
EACH PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF DEPOSITARY SHARES IS URGED TO CONSULT WITH HIS OR ITS
OWN TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES IN LIGHT OF HIS SPECIFIC OR UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES, OF THE
PURCHASE AND DISPOSITION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES.
Conversion of Depositary Shares
The discussion in this paragraph assumes that Depositary Shares will not be
converted at a time when there are distributions in arrears. In general, no gain
or loss will be recognized for federal income tax purposes upon the conversion
of the Depositary Shares at the option of the holder solely into Common Shares.
The basis that a holder will have for tax purposes in the Common Shares received
upon the conversion will be equal to the adjusted basis the holder had in the
Depositary Shares so converted and, provided that the Depositary Shares were
held as a capital asset, the holding period for the Common Shares received will
include the holding period for the Depositary Shares converted. A holder,
however, will generally recognize gain or loss on the receipt of cash in lieu of
a fractional Common Share in an amount equal to the difference between the
amount of cash received and the holder's adjusted basis in such fractional
share.
Adjustments to Conversion Price
Adjustments in the Conversion Price pursuant to the anti-dilution
provisions of the Depositary Shares, described above in "Description of Series G
Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares__Conversion Price Adjustments" as
adjustments to the Conversion Price, or otherwise may result in constructive
distributions to the holders of Depositary Shares that could, under certain
circumstances, be taxable to them as dividends pursuant to Section 305 of the
Code. If such a constructive distribution were to occur, a holder of Depositary
Shares could be required to recognize ordinary income for tax purposes without
receiving a corresponding distribution of cash.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
A redemption of Depositary Shares will be treated under Section 302 of the
Code as a distribution taxable as a dividend (to the extent of the Company's
current and accumulated earnings and profits) at ordinary income rates unless
the redemption satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the
Code and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the redeemed shares. The
redemption will be treated as a sale or exchange if it (i) is "substantially
disproportionate" with respect to the holder, (ii) results in a "complete
termination" of the holder's share interest in the Company, or (iii) is "not
essentially equivalent to a dividend" with respect to the holder, all within the
meaning of Section 302(b) of the Code. In determining whether any of these tests
have been met, shares of beneficial interest considered to be owned by the
holder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in the Code,
as well as shares of beneficial interest actually owned by the holder, must
generally be taken into account. If a particular holder of Depositary Shares
owns (actually or constructively) no Common Shares, or an insubstantial
percentage of the outstanding Common Shares, a redemption of Depositary Shares
of that holder is likely to qualify for sale or exchange treatment because the
redemption would not be "essentially equivalent to a dividend." However, because
the determination as to whether any of the alternative tests of Section 302(b)
of the Code will be satisfied with respect to any particular holder of
Depositary Shares depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that the
determination must be made, prospective holders of Depositary Shares are advised
to consult their own tax advisors to determine such tax treatment.
If a redemption of Depositary Shares is not treated as a distribution
taxable as a dividend to a particular holder, it will be treated as to that
holder as a taxable sale or exchange. As a result, such holder will recognize
gain or loss for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the
difference between (1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any
property received (less any portion thereof attributable to accumulated and
declared but unpaid dividends, which will be taxable as a dividend to the extent
of the Company's current and accumulated earnings and profits), and (ii) the
holder's adjusted basis in the Depositary Shares for tax purposes. Such gain or
loss will be capital gain or loss if the Depositary Shares have been held as a
capital asset, and will be long-term gain or loss if such shares have been held
for more than one year.
If a redemption of Depositary Shares is treated as a distribution taxable
as a dividend, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the amount of
cash and the fair market value of any property received by the holder. The
holder's adjusted basis in the redeemed Depositary Shares for tax purposes will
be transferred to the holder's remaining shares of beneficial interest, if any.
If the holder owns no other shares of beneficial interest, such basis may, under
certain circumstances, be transferred to a related person or it may be lost
entirely.
S-21
<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions contained in the terms agreement and
the related underwriting agreement (collectively, the "Purchase Agreement"), the
Company has agreed to sell to the Underwriters named below, and each of the
Underwriters named below has severally agreed to purchase from the Company, the
number of Depositary Shares set forth opposite its name below. The Purchase
Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters are subject to
certain conditions precedent, and that the Underwriters will be obligated to
purchase all of the Depositary Shares if any are purchased.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Underwriter Depositary Shares
----------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated......................... 6,600,000
BT Alex. Brown Incorporated...................... 2,750,000
Smith Barney Inc................................. 1,650,000
----------
Total...................................... 11,000,000
==========
</TABLE>
The Underwriters have advised the Company that they propose initially to
offer the Depositary Shares to the public at the public offering price set forth
on the cover page of the Prospectus Supplement, and to certain dealers at such
price less a concession not in excess of $.60 per share. The Underwriters may
allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $.10 per share
to certain other dealers. After the public offering, the public offering price,
concession and discount may be changed.
The Company has granted an option to the Underwriters, exercisable during
the 30-day period after the date of this Prospectus Supplement, to purchase up
to 1,650,000 additional Depositary Shares at the price to the public set forth
on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement, less the underwriting discount.
If the Underwriters exercise this option, each of the Underwriters will have a
firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the
same percentage thereof which the number of shares to be purchased by it shown
in the foregoing table bears to the 11,000,000 shares offered hereby.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or to contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to make in respect
thereof.
In connection with the Offering, the rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission permit the Underwriters to engage in certain transactions that
stabilize the price of the Common Shares or the Depositary Shares. Such
transactions may consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing
or maintaining the price of the Common Shares or the Depositary Shares.
If the Underwriters create a short position in the Depositary Shares in
connection with the Offering (i.e., if they sell more Depositary Shares than are
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus), the Underwriters may reduce
that short position by purchasing Depositary Shares in the open market. The
Underwriters may also elect to reduce any short position by exercising all or
part of the over-allotment option described herein.
The Underwriters also may impose a penalty bid on certain selling group
members. This means that if the Underwriters purchase Depositary Shares in the
open market to reduce the Underwriters' short position or to stabilize the price
of the Common Shares and/or Depositary Shares, they may reclaim the amount of
the selling concession from the selling group members who sold those shares as
part of the Offering.
In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a syndicate short position could cause the price of the security to be
higher than it might otherwise be in the absence of such purchases. The
imposition of a penalty bid might have an effect on the price of a security to
the extent that it were to discourage resales of the security by purchasers in
the Offering.
Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters make any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions
described above may have on the price of the Common Shares and/or Depositary
Shares. In addition, neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any
representation that the Underwriters will engage in such transactions or that
such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Application will be made to list the Depositary Shares on the NYSE. If so
approved, trading of the Depositary Shares on the NYSE is expected to commence
within a 30-day period after the date hereof. The Underwriters have advised the
Company that they intend to make a market in the Depositary Shares prior to the
commencement of trading on the NYSE. The Underwriters will have no obligation to
make a
S-22
<PAGE>
market in the Depositary Shares, however, and may cease market making activities
if commenced at any time. The Common Shares issuable upon conversion or
redemption of the Series G Preferred Shares are listed on the NYSE.
Certain of the Underwriters from time to time provide investment banking
and financial advisory services to the Company and the Operating Partnership and
other entities owned or controlled by Mr. Zell, and affiliates of certain of the
Underwriters from time to time provide financing to such entities.
The Company has purchased and may purchase multifamily properties from
affiliates of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in the future.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the Depositary Shares and the underlying Series G Preferred
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 described herein under "Certain Federal
Income Tax Considerations" will be passed on for the Company by Hogan & Hartson
L.L.P. Certain legal matters relating to the Depositary Shares and the
underlying Series G Preferred Shares offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Underwriters by Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. from time to time
provides services to the Company and other entities affiliated with Mr. Zell.
S-23
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
EQUITY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES TRUST
$1,025,832,122
Preferred Shares, Common Shares and Depositary Shares
Equity Residential Properties Trust (the "Company") may from time to time
offer (i) in one or more series its preferred shares of beneficial interest,
$0.01 par value per share ("Preferred Shares"); (ii) common shares of beneficial
interest, $0.01 par value per share ("Common Shares"); and (iii) in one or more
series its Preferred Shares represented by depositary shares (the "Depositary
Shares"), with an aggregate public offering price of up to $1,025,832,122 ( or
its equivalent based on the exchange rate at the time of sale) in amounts, at
prices and on terms to be determined at the time of offering. The Preferred
Shares, Common Shares and Depositary Shares (collectively, the "Securities") may
be offered, separately or together, in separate series (with respect to
Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares) in amounts, at prices and on terms to be
described in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (a "Prospectus
Supplement").
The specific terms of the Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is
being delivered will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and
will include, where applicable: (i) in the case of Preferred Shares, the
specific title and stated value, any distribution, liquidation, redemption,
conversion, voting and other rights, and any initial public offering price; (ii)
in the case of Common Shares, any initial public offering price; and (iii) in
the case of Depositary Shares, the fractional Preferred Shares represented by
each Depositary Share. In addition, such specific terms may include limitations
on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions on transfer of the
Securities, in each case as may be appropriate to assist in maintaining the
status of the Company as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax
purposes.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement also will contain information, where
applicable, about the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating
to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the Securities covered by such
Prospectus Supplement, not contained in this Prospectus.
The Securities may be offered directly, through agents designated from time
to time by the Company, or to or through underwriters or dealers. If any agents
or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of the Securities, their names,
and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement with,
between or among them, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the
information set forth, in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of
Distribution." No Securities may be sold without delivery of a Prospectus
Supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such Securities.
See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 5 for a discussion of certain factors
relating to an investment in the Securities.
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 September 11, 1997.
<PAGE>
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Prospectus and the documents incorporated by
reference herein and any accompanying Prospectus Supplement, including those set
forth in "Risk Factors" and "Use of Proceeds" herein, constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"). Such forwarding-looking statements
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause
the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or industry
results to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business
conditions which will, among other things, affect demand for multifamily
properties, availability and credit worthiness of prospective tenants, lease
rents and the availability of financing, adverse changes in the real estate
markets including, among other things, competition with other companies, risks
of real estate acquisition, governmental actions and initiatives, and
environmental/safety requirements. See "Risk Factors."
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 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (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 Securities 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 Securities, 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 3.2
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 30, 1997, filed
on June 5, 1997.
d. The Company's Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated April 25, 1997.
2
<PAGE>
e. The Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company's
Annual Meeting of Shareholders dated June 17, 1997.
f. The description of the Company's Common Shares contained in the
Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated August 10, 1993.
g. The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended
March 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997.
h. 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, April 3, 1997, May 16, 1997, May
20, 1997, May 30, 1997 (2), June 5, 1997, June 9, 1997, June 10, 1997,
June 23, 1997, August 15, 1997, August 27, 1997 and September 10,
1997, the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K/A dated May 23, 1996
and November 15, 1996.
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 Securities 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 Securities,
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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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.
THE COMPANY
General
Equity Residential Properties Trust, one of the largest publicly traded
REITs (based on the aggregate market value of its outstanding equity
capitalization), is a self-administered and self-managed equity REIT. EQR was
organized in March 1993 and commenced operations as a publicly traded company on
August 18, 1993 upon completion of its initial public offering (the "EQR IPO").
EQR was formed to continue the multifamily property business objectives and
acquisition strategies of certain affiliated entities controlled by Mr. Samuel
Zell, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Company. These entities had been
engaged in the acquisition, ownership and operation of multifamily properties
since 1969. In May 1997, EQR 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 seven classes of limited partnership interests outstanding: (i)
partnership interests ("OP Units"), which may be exchanged by the holders
thereof for either common shares of beneficial interest of the Company, $0.01
par value per share ("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") and (vii)
9.65% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preference Units ("9.65% Series F
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 and the 9.65% Series F Preference Units are
owned by the Company and mirror the payments of distributions, including accrued
and unpaid distributions upon redemption, and of the liquidating 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 per value per share (the "Series C Preferred
Shares"), the Company's 8.60% 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"), and the Company's 9.65% Series F Preferred Shares of Beneficial
Interest, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series F Preferred Shares"),
respectively. The Company controls the Operating Partnership as the sole general
partner and, as of September 11, 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. 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.
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RISK FACTORS
Prospective investors should carefully consider, among other factors, the
matters described below prior to making an investment decision regarding the
Securities offered hereby.
Adverse Consequences of Debt Financing and Preferred Shares
General Risks. As of June 30, 1997, the Properties were subject to
approximately $961 million of mortgage indebtedness and the Company's total debt
equaled approximately $1.7 billion, $361.5 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 and also in May 1997, subsequent
to the merger of the Company with Wellsford Residential Property Trust
("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 (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.
Control and Influence by Significant Shareholders
As of September 11, 1997, Mr. Zell, certain of the current holders (the
"Zell Holders") of certain OP Units ("Original OP Units") issued at the time of
the initial public offering of common shares of EQR (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
5.8% 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 2.3% of the Common Shares
(assuming that all of the OP Units are exchanged for Common
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Shares). The Starwood Original Owners, together with the Zell Original Owners,
shall be referred to collectively as the "Original Owners." As of September 11,
1997, the Company had options outstanding to purchase approximately 3.8 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 4.5% of the Common Shares
(assuming that all such options are exercised for Common Shares and all of the
outstanding OP 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 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 varying 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 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.
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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 6.2% 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 5,541,331 Common Shares subject to acquisition by the holders of Original
OP Units and EPMC through the exchange of Original OP 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 6.2% 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 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 OP Units for Common Shares, which OP 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
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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
September 11, 1997, 14,079,800 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."
Consequences of Failure to Qualify as Partnerships. The Company believes
that the Operating Partnership, the Management Partnerships and each of the
other partnership and limited liability company Subsidiaries have been organized
as partnerships and will qualify for treatment as such under the Code. If any of
such Subsidiaries fails to qualify for such treatment under the Code, the
Company would cease to qualify as a REIT, and such Subsidiary would be subject
to federal income tax (including any alternative minimum tax) on its income at
corporate rates. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of the
Company--Failure to Qualify" and "--Tax Aspects of the Company's Investments in
Partnerships--General."
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.
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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.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise indicated in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, the
Company will contribute or otherwise transfer the net proceeds of any sale of
Securities to the Operating Partnership in exchange for additional partnership
interests in the Operating Partnership, the economic terms of which will be
substantially identical to the Securities sold. The Operating Partnership will
use such net proceeds for general business purposes including, without
limitation, the repayment of certain outstanding debt and the acquisition of
multifamily residential properties.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The summary of the terms of the shares of beneficial interest of the
Company 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 September 11, 1997,
73,703,131 Common Shares and 14,079,800 Preferred Shares were issued and
outstanding. In addition, as of September 11, 1997, 7,424,239 Common Shares were
issuable upon exchange of OP Units currently held by the Zell Holders, the
Starwood Original Owners, EPMC and holders who were issued OP Units in exchange
for the contribution of certain of the Properties to the Operating Partnership
subsequent to the EQR IPO. The OP Units are exchangeable on a one-for-one basis
for Common Shares or, at the Company's option, cash.
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Both the Maryland REIT law and the Company's Declaration of Trust provide
that no shareholder of the Company will be liable for any debt or obligation of
the Company solely as a result of his status as a shareholder of the Company.
The Company's Bylaws further provide that the Company shall indemnify each
shareholder against any claim or liability to which the shareholder may become
subject by reason of his being or having been a shareholder and that the Company
shall reimburse each shareholder for all reasonable expenses incurred by him in
connection with any such claim or liability. However, with respect to tort
claims, contractual claims where shareholder liability is not so negated, claims
for taxes and certain statutory liability, the shareholders may, in some
jurisdictions, be personally liable to the extent that such claims are not
satisfied by the Company. Inasmuch as the Company carries public liability
insurance which it considers adequate, any risk of personal liability to
shareholders is limited to situations in which the Company's assets plus its
insurance coverage would be insufficient to satisfy the claims against the
Company and its shareholders.
Preferred Shares
The following description of the Preferred Shares sets forth certain
general terms and provisions of the Preferred Shares to which any Prospectus
Supplement may relate.
The Board of Trustees is empowered by the Company's Declaration of Trust to
designate and issue from time to time one or more series of Preferred Shares
without shareholder approval. The Board of Trustees may determine the relative
rights, preferences and privileges of each series of Preferred Shares so issued.
Because the Board of Trustees has the power to establish the preferences and
rights of each series of Preferred Shares, it may afford the holders of any
series of Preferred Shares preferences, powers and rights, voting or otherwise,
senior to the rights of holders of Common Shares. The Preferred Shares will,
when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.
The Company currently has outstanding 6,120,000 Series A Preferred Shares
(liquidation preference $25.00 per share), 5,000,000 depositary shares
representing a 1/10 fractional interest in 500,000 Series B Preferred Shares
(liquidation preference $250.00 per share, equivalent to $25.00 per depositary
share), 4,600,000 depositary shares representing a 1/10 fractional interest in
460,000 Series C Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $250.00 per share,
equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), 7,000,000 depositary shares
representing a 1/10 fractional interest in 700,000 Series D Preferred Shares
(liquidation preference $250.00 per share, equivalent to $25.00 per depositary
share), 3,999,800 Series E Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $25.00 per
share) and 2,300,000 Series F Preferred Shares (liquidation preference $25.00
per share) that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols
"EQR-PrA," "EQR-PrB," "EQR-PrC," "EQR-PrD," "EQR-PrE," and "EQR-PrF,"
respectively. Distributions on the Series A Preferred Shares, the Series B
Preferred Shares, the Series C Preferred Shares, the Series D Preferred Shares,
and the Series F Preferred Shares are cumulative from the date of original issue
and payable quarterly on or about the fifteenth day of January, April, July and
October of each year, at the rate of 9 3/8%, 9 1/8%, 9 1/8%, 8.60% and 9.65%,
respectively, of the liquidation preference per annum of such shares.
Distributions on the Series E Preferred Shares are cumulative from the date of
original issue and payable quarterly on the first day of January, April, July
and October of each year, at the rate of 7.0% of the liquidation preference per
annum of such shares.
The Series A Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to June 1, 2000. On
or after June 1, 2000, the Series A Preferred Shares may be redeemed for cash at
the option of the Company in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $25.00
per share, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if any, thereon. The Series B
Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to October 15, 2005. On or after
October 15, 2005, the Series B Preferred Shares may be redeemed for cash at the
option of the Company in whole or in part, at a redemption price of $250.00 per
share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus accrued and unpaid
distributions, if any, thereon. The Series C Preferred Shares are not redeemable
prior to September 9, 2006. On or after September 9, 2006, the Series C
Preferred Shares may be redeemed for a cash at the option of the Company in
whole or in part, at a redemption price of $250.00 per share (equivalent to
$25.00 per depositary share), plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if any,
thereon. The Series D Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to July 15,
2007. On or after July 15, 2007, the Series D Preferred Shares may be redeemed
for cash at the option of the Company in whole or in part, at a redemption price
of $250.00 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share), plus
accumulated unpaid distributions, if any, thereon. Each Series E Preferred Share
is convertible at the option of the holder thereof at any time into Common
Shares of the Company, at a conversion price of $44.93 per Common Share
(equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately .5564 Common Share for each
Series E Preferred Share), subject to adjustments under certain conditions. The
Series E Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to November 1, 1998. On or
after November 1, 1998, the Series E Preferred Shares may be redeemed for cash
at the option of the Company in whole or in part, initially at $25.875 per share
and thereafter at prices declining to $25.00 per share on and after November 1,
2003, plus in each case accrued and unpaid distributions, if any, to the
redemption date. The Series F Preferred Shares are not redeemable prior to
August 24, 2000. On or after August 24, 2000, the Series F Preferred Shares may
be redeemed for cash at the option of the Company in whole or in part, at a
redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus accrued and unpaid distributions, if
any, thereon. The redemption price of such Preferred Shares (other than the
portion thereof consisting of accrued and unpaid distributions) is payable
solely out of the sale
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proceeds of other shares of beneficial interest of the Company which may include
other series of Preferred Shares. The Series A Preferred Shares, the Series B
Preferred Shares, the Series C Preferred Shares, the Series D Preferred Shares,
the Series E Preferred Shares and the Series F Preferred Shares have no stated
maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption and,
with the exception of the Series E Preferred Shares, are not convertible into
any other securities of the Company. However, the Company may redeem Series A
Preferred Shares, Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares, the
Series D Preferred Shares, the Series E Preferred Shares or the Series F
Preferred Shares in certain circumstances relating to maintenance of its status
as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. See "-Redemption" and "-Restrictions
on Transfer" below. The other terms of the Preferred Shares are described
generally below.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to any Preferred Shares offered thereby
will contain the specific terms thereof, including, without limitation:
(1) The title and stated value of such Preferred Shares;
(2) The number of such Preferred Shares offered, the liquidation
preference per share and the offering price of such Preferred Shares;
(3) The distribution rate(s), period(s) and /or payment date(s) or
method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to such Preferred Shares;
(4) The date from which distributions on such Preferred Shares shall
accumulate, if applicable;
(5) The procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any, for such
Preferred Shares;
(6) The provision for a sinking fund, if any, for such Preferred Shares;
(7) The provision for redemption, if applicable, of such Preferred Shares;
(8) Any listing of such Preferred Shares on any securities exchange;
(9) The terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which such Preferred
Shares will be convertible into Common Shares of the Company,
including the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof);
(10) Whether interests in such Preferred Shares will be represented by
Depositary Shares;
(11) Any other specific terms, preferences, rights, limitations or
restrictions of such Preferred Shares;
(12) A discussion of all material federal income tax considerations, if
any, applicable to such Preferred Shares that are not discussed in
this Prospectus;
(13) The relative ranking and preferences of such Preferred Shares as to
distribution rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of the Company;
(14) Any limitations on issuance of any series of Preferred Shares ranking
senior to or on a parity with such series of Preferred Shares as to
distribution rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of the affairs of the Company; and
(15) Any limitations on direct or beneficial ownership and restrictions on
transfer, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve the status of
the Company as a REIT.
Rank. Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the
Preferred Shares will, with respect to distribution rights and rights upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, rank (i) senior to all
classes or series of Common Shares of the Company, and to all equity securities
ranking junior to such Preferred Shares; (ii) on a parity with all equity
securities issued by the Company the terms of which specifically provide that
such equity securities rank on a parity with the Preferred Shares; and (iii)
junior to
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all equity securities issued by the Company the terms of which specifically
provide that such equity securities rank senior to the Preferred Shares. The
term "equity securities" does not include convertible debt securities.
Distributions. Holders of the Preferred Shares of each series will be
entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees of the
Company, out of assets of the Company legally available for payment, cash
distributions (or distributions in kind or in other property if expressly
permitted and described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement) at such rates
and on such dates as will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Each such distribution shall be payable to holders of record as they appear on
the share transfer books of the Company on such record dates as shall be fixed
by the Board of Trustees of the Company.
Distributions on any series of Preferred Shares may be cumulative or non-
cumulative, as provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Distributions,
if cumulative, will be cumulative from and after the date set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the Board of Trustees of the Company fails
to declare a distribution payable on a distribution payment date on any series
of the Preferred Shares for which distributions are non-cumulative, then the
holders of such series of the Preferred Shares will have no right to receive a
distribution in respect of the distribution period ending on such distribution
payment date, and the Company will have no obligation to pay the distribution
accrued for such period, whether or not distributions on such series are
declared payable on any future distribution payment date.
Unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement, if any Preferred
Shares of any series are outstanding, no full distributions shall be declared or
paid or set apart for payment on any shares of beneficial interest of the
Company of any other series ranking, as to distributions, on a parity with or
junior to the Preferred Shares of such series for any period unless (i) if such
series of Preferred Shares has a cumulative distribution, full cumulative
distributions have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared
and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment on the
Preferred Shares of such series for all past distribution periods and the then
current distribution period or (ii) if such series of Preferred Shares does not
have a cumulative distribution, full distributions for the then current
distribution period have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for such payment
on the Preferred Shares of such series. When distributions are not paid in full
(or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon Preferred
Shares of any series and the shares of any other series of Preferred Shares
ranking on a parity as to distributions with the Preferred Shares of such
series, all distributions declared upon Preferred Shares of such series and any
other series of Preferred Shares ranking on a parity as to distributions with
such Preferred Shares shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of
distributions declared per share of Preferred Shares of such series and such
other series of Preferred Shares shall in all cases bear to each other the same
ratio that accrued distributions per share on the Preferred Shares of such
series (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid
distributions for prior distribution periods if such Preferred Shares do not
have a cumulative distribution) and such other series of Preferred Shares bear
to each other. No interest, or sum of money in lieu of interest, shall be
payable in respect of any distribution payment or payments on Preferred Shares
of such series which may be in arrears.
Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless (i) if
such series of Preferred Shares has a cumulative distribution, full cumulative
distributions on the Preferred Shares of such series have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set apart for payment for all past distribution periods and the
then current distribution period, and (ii) if such series of Preferred Shares
does not have a cumulative distribution, full distributions on the Preferred
Shares of such series have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment, for
the then current distribution period, no distributions (other than in Common
Shares or other shares of beneficial interest ranking junior to the Preferred
Shares of such series as to distributions and upon liquidation) shall be
declared or paid or set aside for payment or other distribution upon the Common
Shares, or any other shares of beneficial interest of the Company ranking junior
to or on a parity with the Preferred Shares of such series as to distributions
or upon liquidation, nor shall any Common Shares, or any other shares of
beneficial interest of the Company ranking junior to or on a parity with the
Preferred Shares of such series as to distributions or upon liquidation be
redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys
be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such
shares) by the Company (except by conversion into or exchange for other shares
of beneficial interest of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred Shares of
such series as to distributions and upon liquidation).
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 Preferred 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 Preferred Shares for the year and the denominator of which shall be the
Total Dividends.
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Redemption. If so provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the
Preferred Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption or redemption at the
option of the Company, in whole or in part, in each case upon the terms, at the
times and at the redemption prices set forth in such Prospectus Supplement.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Preferred Shares that is
subject to mandatory redemption will specify the number of such Preferred Shares
that shall be redeemed by the Company in each year commencing after a date to be
specified, at a redemption price per share to be specified, together with an
amount equal to all accrued and unpaid distributions thereon (which shall not,
if such Preferred Shares do not have a cumulative distribution, include any
accumulation in respect of unpaid distributions for prior distribution periods)
to the date of redemption. The redemption price may be payable in cash or other
property, as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. If the
redemption price for Preferred Shares of any series is payable only from the net
proceeds of the issuance of shares of beneficial interest of the Company, the
terms of such Preferred Shares may provide that, if no such shares of beneficial
interest shall have been issued or to the extent the net proceeds from any
issuance are insufficient to pay in full the aggregate redemption price then
due, such Preferred Shares shall automatically and mandatorily be converted into
the applicable shares of beneficial interest of the Company pursuant to
conversion provisions specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless (i) if such series of Preferred
Shares has a cumulative distribution, full cumulative distributions on all
Preferred Shares of any series shall have been or contemporaneously are declared
and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for
payment for all past distribution periods and the current distribution period
and (ii) if such series of Preferred Shares does not have a cumulative
distribution, full distributions on the Preferred Shares of any series have been
or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for
the payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current distribution
period, no Preferred Shares of any series shall be redeemed unless all
outstanding Preferred Shares of such series are simultaneously redeemed;
provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or
acquisition of Preferred Shares of such series to preserve the REIT status of
the Company or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms
to holders of all outstanding Preferred Shares of such series. In addition,
unless (i) if such series of Preferred Shares has a cumulative distribution,
full cumulative distributions on all outstanding shares of any series of
Preferred Shares have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or
declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for
all past distributions periods and the then current distribution period, and
(ii) if such series of Preferred Shares does not have a cumulative distribution,
full distributions on the Preferred Shares of any series have been or
contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the
payment thereof set apart for payment for the then current distribution period,
the Company shall not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any
Preferred Shares of such series (except by conversion into or exchange for
shares of beneficial interest of the Company ranking junior to the Preferred
Shares of such series as to distributions and upon liquidation); provided,
however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase or acquisition of
Preferred Shares of such series to assist in maintaining the REIT status of the
Company or pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to
holders of all outstanding Preferred Shares of such series.
If fewer than all of the outstanding Preferred Shares of any series are to
be redeemed, the number of shares to be redeemed will be determined by the
Company and such shares may be redeemed pro rata from the holders of record of
such shares in proportion to the number of such shares held or for which
redemption is requested by such holder (with adjustments to avoid redemption of
fractional shares) or by lot in a manner determined by the Company.
Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60
days before the redemption date to each holder of record of Preferred Shares of
any series to be redeemed at the address shown on the share transfer books of
the Company. Each notice shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the number
and series of Preferred Shares to be redeemed; (iii) the place or places where
certificates for such Preferred Shares are to be surrendered for payment of the
redemption price; (iv) that distributions on the shares to be redeemed will
cease to accrue on such redemption date; and (v) the date upon which the
holder's conversion rights, if any, as to such shares shall terminate. If fewer
than all of the Preferred Shares of any series are to be redeemed, the notice
mailed to each such holder thereof shall also specify the number of Preferred
Shares to be redeemed from each such holder. If notice of redemption of any
Preferred Shares has been given and if the funds necessary for such redemption
have been set aside by the Company in trust for the benefit of the holders of
any Preferred Shares so called for redemption, then from and after the
redemption date distributions will cease to accrue on such Preferred Shares, and
all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to
receive the redemption price.
Liquidation Preference. Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Company, then, before any
distribution or payment shall be made to the holders of any Common Shares or any
other class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Company ranking
junior to the Preferred Shares in the distribution of assets upon any
liquidation, dissolution or
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winding up of the Company, the holders of each series of Preferred Shares shall
be entitled to receive out of assets of the Company legally available for
distribution to shareholders liquidating distributions in the amount of the
liquidation preference per share (set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement), plus an amount equal to all distributions accrued and unpaid
thereon (which shall not include any accumulation in respect of unpaid
distributions for prior distribution periods if such Preferred Shares do not
have a cumulative distribution). After payment of the full amount of the
liquidating distributions to which they are entitled, the holders of Preferred
Shares will have no right or claim to any of the remaining assets of the
Company. In the event that, upon any such voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, the available assets of the Company are insufficient
to pay the amount of the liquidating distributions on all outstanding Preferred
Shares and the corresponding amounts payable on all shares of other classes or
series of shares beneficial interest of the Company ranking on a parity with the
Preferred Shares in the distribution of assets, then the holders of the
Preferred Shares and all other such classes or series of shares of beneficial
interest shall share ratably in any such distribution of assets in proportion to
the full liquidating distributions to which they would otherwise be respectively
entitled.
If liquidating distributions shall have been made in full to all holders of
Preferred Shares, the remaining assets of the Company shall be distributed among
the holders of any other classes or series of shares of beneficial interest
ranking junior to the Preferred Shares upon liquidation, dissolution or winding
up, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case
according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, the
consolidation or merger of the Company with or into any other corporation, trust
or entity, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the
property or business of the Company, shall not be deemed to constitute a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
Voting Rights. Holders of Preferred Shares will not have any voting rights,
except as set forth below or as otherwise from time to time required by law or
as indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Whenever distributions on any Preferred Shares shall be in arrears for six
or more quarterly periods, the holders of such Preferred Shares (voting
separately as a class with all other series of Preferred Shares upon which like
voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to vote
for the election of two additional Trustees of the Company at a special meeting
called by the holders of record of at least ten percent (10%) of any series of
Preferred Shares so in arrears (unless such request is received less than 90
days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of the
shareholders) or at the next annual meeting of shareholders, and at each
subsequent annual meeting until (i) if such series of Preferred Shares has a
cumulative distribution, all distributions accumulated on such series of
Preferred Shares for the past distribution periods and the then current
distribution period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient
for the payment thereof set aside for payment or (ii) if such series of
Preferred Shares do not have a cumulative distribution, four consecutive
quarterly distributions shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum
sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment. In such case, the
entire Board of Trustees of the Company will be increased by two Trustees.
Unless provided otherwise for any series of Preferred Shares, so long as
any Preferred Shares remain outstanding, the Company will not, without the
affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of each series
of Preferred Shares outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either
in writing or at a meeting (such series voting separately as a class), (i)
authorize or create, or increase the authorized or issued amount of, any class
or series of shares of beneficial interest ranking prior to such series of
Preferred Shares with respect to the payment of distributions or the
distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up or reclassify
any authorized shares of beneficial interest of the Company into such shares, or
create, authorize or issue any obligation or security convertible into or
evidencing the right to purchase any such shares; or (ii) amend, alter or repeal
the provisions of the Company's Declaration of Trust or the Articles
Supplementary for such series of Preferred Shares, whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise (an "Event"), so as to materially and adversely
affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of such series of
Preferred Shares or the holders thereof; provided, however, with respect to the
occurrence of any of the Events set forth in (ii) above, so long as the
Preferred Shares remain outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged,
taking into account that upon the occurrence of an Event, the Company may not be
the surviving entity, the occurrence of any such Event shall not be deemed to
materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting
power of holders of Preferred Shares and provided further that (x) any increase
in the amount of the authorized Preferred Shares or the creation or issuance of
any other series of Preferred Shares, or (y) any increase in the amount of
authorized shares of such series or any other series of Preferred Shares, in
each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Preferred Shares of such
series with respect to payment of distributions or the distribution of assets
upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially
and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time
when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall
be effected, all outstanding Preferred Shares of such series shall have been
redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited
in trust to effect such redemption.
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Conversion Rights. The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series
of Preferred Shares is convertible into Common Shares will be set forth in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the
number of Common Shares into which the Preferred Shares are convertible, the
conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period,
provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of the
Preferred Shares or the Company, the events requiring an adjustment of the
conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the
redemption of such series of Preferred Shares.
Registrar and Transfer Agent. The registrar and transfer agent for the
Preferred Shares will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Common Shares
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 the provisions of the Company's Declaration of Trust
regarding Excess Shares (as defined herein), 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 the provisions of the Company's Declaration of Trust regarding
Excess Shares, 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 the
provisions of the Company's Declaration of Trust regarding Excess Shares, 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 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.
The registrar and transfer agent for the Common Shares is Boston EquiServe
Limited Partnership, an affiliate of The First National Bank of Boston.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
For the Company to qualify as a REIT under the Code, no more than 50% in
value of its outstanding shares of beneficial interest may be owned, actually or
constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include
certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first
year for which an election to be treated as a REIT has been made) or during a
proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. A REIT's shares also must be
beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable
year of twelve months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year
(other than the first year for which an election to be treated as a REIT has
been made).
Because the Board of Trustees believes it is desirable for the Company to
qualify as a REIT, the Declaration of Trust, subject to certain exceptions,
provides that no holder may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the
attribution provisions of the Code, more than
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the Ownership Limit. The Declaration of Trust prohibits ownership, directly or
by virtue of the attribution rules 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 attributions provisions of the
Code, by any single shareholder of more than 5% of the issued and outstanding
shares of any class or series of the Company's Preferred Shares (collectively,
the "Ownership Limit"). Certain beneficial owners of the Zell Holders (i.e.,
beneficiaries of trusts established for the 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 6.2% of the value of
the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the Company. The ownership
attribution rules under the Code are complex and may cause Common Shares owned
actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to
be owned constructively by one individual or entity. As a result, the
acquisition of less than 5% of the Common Shares (or the acquisition of an
interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, Common Shares) by
an individual or entity, could, nevertheless cause that individual or entity, or
another individual or entity, to own constructively in excess of 5% of the
outstanding Common Shares and thus subject such Common Shares to the Ownership
Limit. The Board of Trustees may in its reasonable discretion grant an exemption
from 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
the advice of counsel or a ruling from the Service, that such ownership will not
cause a person who is an individual to be treated as owning Common Shares in
excess of the Ownership Limited, applying the applicable constructive ownership
rules, and will not otherwise jeopardize the Company's status as a REIT. As a
condition of such waiver, the Board of Trustees may require undertakings or
representations from the applicant with respect to preserving the REIT status of
the Company. Under certain circumstances, the Board of Trustees may, in its sole
and absolute discretion, grant an exemption for individuals to acquire Preferred
Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit, provided that certain conditions are
met and any representations and undertakings that may be required by the Board
of Trustees are made. 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 OP
Units for Common Shares, which OP Units were received by them at the time of the
formation of EQR. These persons may also acquire additional shares of beneficial
interest through the Company's Option and Award Plan, but in no event will such
persons be entitled to acquire additional shares such that the five largest
beneficial owners of the Company's shares of beneficial interest hold more than
50% in number or value of the total outstanding shares of beneficial interest.
The Board of Trustees of the Company will have the authority to increase
the Ownership Limit from time to time, but will not have the authority to do so
to the extent that after a giving effect to such increase, five beneficial
owners of Common Shares could beneficially own in the aggregate more than 49.5%
of the outstanding Common Shares.
The Declaration of Trust further prohibits (a) any person from actually or
constructively owning shares of beneficial interest of the Company that would
result in the Company being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code or
otherwise cause the Company to fail to qualify as a REIT and (b) any person from
transferring shares of beneficial interest of the Company if such transfer would
result in shares of beneficial interest of the Company being owned by fewer than
100 persons.
Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire actual or
constructive ownership of shares of beneficial interest of the Company that will
or may violate any of the foregoing restrictions on transferability and
ownership is required to give notice immediately to the Company and provide the
Company with such other information as the Company may request in order to
determine the effect of such transfer on the Company's status as a REIT.
If any purported transfer of shares of beneficial interest of the Company
or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the Ownership
Limit or the other restrictions in the Declaration of Trust, then any such
purported transfer will be void and of no force or effect with respect to the
purported transferee (the "Prohibited Transferee") as to that number of shares
that exceeds the Ownership Limit (referred to as "excess shares") and the
Prohibited Transferee shall acquire no right or interest (or, in the case of any
event other than a purported transfer, the person or entity holding record title
to any such shares in excess of the Ownership Limit (the "Prohibited Owner")
shall cease to own any right or interest) in such excess shares. Any such excess
shares described above will be transferred automatically, by operation of law,
to a trust, the beneficiary of which will be a qualified charitable organization
selected by the Company (the "Beneficiary"). Such automatic transfer shall be
deemed to be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day (as
defined in the Declaration of Trust) prior to the date of such violating
transfer. Within 20 days of receiving notice from the Company of the transfer of
shares to the trust, the trustee of the trust (who shall be designated by the
Company and be unaffiliated with the Company and any Prohibited Transferee or
Prohibited Owner) will be required to sell such excess shares to a person or
entity who could own such shares without violating the Ownership Limit, and
distribute to the Prohibited Transferee an amount equal to the lesser of the
price paid by the Prohibited Transferee for such excess shares or the sales
proceeds received by the trust for such excess shares. In the
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case of any excess shares resulting from any event other than a transfer, or
from a transfer for no consideration (such as a gift), the trustee will be
required to sell such excess shares to a qualified person or entity and
distribute to the Prohibited Owner an amount equal to the lesser of the fair
market value of such excess shares as of the date of such event or the sales
proceeds received by the trust for such excess shares. In either case, any
proceeds in excess of the amount distributable to the Prohibited Transferee or
Prohibited Owner, as applicable, will be distributed to the Beneficiary. Prior
to a sale of any such excess shares by the trust, the trustee will be entitled
to receive, in trust for the Beneficiary, all dividends and other distributions
paid by the Company with respect to such excess shares, and also will be
entitled to exercise all voting rights with respect to such excess shares.
Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that such shares have been
transferred to the trust, the trustee shall have the authority (at the trustee's
sole discretion and subject to applicable law) (i) to rescind as void any vote
cast by a Prohibited Transferee prior to the discovery by the Company that such
shares have been transferred to the trust and (ii) to recast such vote in
accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the benefit of the
Beneficiary. However, if the Company has already taken irreversible corporate
action, then the trustee shall not have the authority to rescind and recast such
vote. Any dividend or other distribution paid to the Prohibited Transferee or
Prohibited Owner (prior to the discovery by the Company that such shares had
been automatically transferred to a trust as described above) will be required
to be repaid to the trustee upon demand for distribution to the Beneficiary. If
the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective (for
any reason) to prevent violation of the Ownership Limit, then the Declaration of
Trust provides that the transfer of the excess shares will be void.
In addition, shares of beneficial interest of the Company held in the trust
shall be deemed to have been offered for sale to the Company, or its designee,
at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the price per share in the
transaction that resulted in such transfer to the trust (or, in the case of a
devise or gift, the market value at the time of such devise or gift) and (ii)
the market value of such shares on the date the Company, or its designee,
accepts such offer. The Company shall have the right to accept such offer until
the trustee has sold the shares of beneficial interest held in the Trust. Upon
such a sale to the Company, the interest of the Beneficiary in the shares sold
shall terminate and the trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to
the Prohibited Owner.
The foregoing restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply
if the Board of Trustees determines that it is no longer in the best interests
of the Company to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT.
All certificates representing shares of beneficial interest shall bear a
legend referring to the restrictions described above.
All persons who own, directly or by virtue of the attribution provisions of
the Code, more than 5% (or such other percentage between 1/2 of 1% and 5% as
provided in the rules and regulations promulgated under the Code) of the lesser
of the number or value of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the
Company must give a written notice to the Company by January 31 of each year. In
addition, each shareholder will, upon demand, be required to disclose to the
Company in writing such information with respect to the direct, indirect and
constructive ownership of shares of beneficial interest as the Board of Trustees
deems reasonably necessary to comply with the provisions of the Code applicable
to a REIT, to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or
governmental agency or to determine any such compliance.
These ownership limitations could have the effect of delaying, deferring or
preventing a takeover or other transaction in which holders of some, or a
majority, of Common Shares might receive a premium for their Common Shares over
the then prevailing market price or which such holders might believe to be
otherwise in their best interest.
DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
General
The Company may issue receipts ("Depositary Receipts") for Depositary
Shares, each of which will represent a fractional interest of a share of a
particular series of Preferred Shares, as specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. Preferred Shares of each series represented by Depositary Shares
will be deposited under a separate Deposit Agreement (each, a "Deposit
Agreement") among the Company, the depositary named therein (the "Preferred
Share Depositary") and the holders from time to time of the Depositary Receipts.
Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each owner of a Depositary
Receipt will be entitled, in proportion to the fractional interest of a share of
a particular series of Preferred Shares represented by the Depositary Shares
evidenced by such Depositary Receipt, to all the rights and preferences of the
Preferred Shares represented by such Depositary Shares (including distribution,
voting, conversion, redemption and liquidation rights).
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<PAGE>
The Depositary Shares will be evidenced by Depositary Receipts issued
pursuant to the applicable Deposit Agreement. Immediately following the issuance
and delivery of the Preferred Shares by the Company to the Preferred Share
Depositary, the Company will cause the Preferred Share Depositary to issue, on
behalf of the Company, the Depositary Receipts. Copies of the applicable form of
Deposit Agreement and Depositary Receipt may be obtained from the Company upon
request, and the following summary of the form thereof filed as an exhibit to
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part is qualified in
its entirety by reference thereto.
Distributions
The Preferred Share Depositary will distribute all cash distributions
received in respect of the Preferred Shares to the record holders of Depositary
Receipts evidencing the related Depositary Shares in proportion to the number of
such Depositary Receipts owned by such holders, subject to certain obligations
of holders to file proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain
charges and expenses to the Preferred Share Depositary.
In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Preferred Share
Depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of
Depositary Receipts entitled thereto, subject to certain obligations of holders
to file proofs, certificates and other information and to pay certain charges
and expenses to the Preferred Share Depositary, unless the Preferred Share
Depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, in
which case the Preferred Share Depositary may, with the approval of the Company,
sell such property and distribute the net proceeds from such sale to such
holders.
No distribution will be made in respect of any Depositary Share to the
extent that it represents any Preferred Shares converted into Excess Shares.
Withdrawal of Shares
Upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts at the corporate trust office of
the Preferred Share Depositary (unless the related Depositary Shares have
previously been called for redemption or converted into Excess Shares), the
holders thereof will be entitled to delivery at such office, to or upon such
holder's order, of the number of whole or fractional Preferred Shares and any
money or other property represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
Depositary Receipts. Holders of Depositary Receipts will be entitled to receive
whole or fractional shares of the related Preferred Shares on the basis of the
proportion of the Preferred Shares represented by each Depositary Share as
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, but holders of such Preferred
Shares will not thereafter be entitled to receive Depositary Shares therefor. If
the Depositary Receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of Depositary
Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares representing the number of
Preferred Shares to be withdrawn, the Preferred Share Depositary will deliver to
such holder at the same time a new Depositary Receipt evidencing such excess
number of Depositary Shares.
Redemption of Depositary Shares
Whenever the Company redeems Preferred Shares held by the Preferred Share
Depositary, the Preferred Share Depositary will redeem as of the same redemption
date the number of Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Shares so
redeemed, provided the Company shall have paid in full to the Preferred Share
Depositary the redemption price of the Preferred Shares to be redeemed plus an
amount equal to any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to the date fixed
for redemption. The redemption price per Depositary Share will be equal to the
redemption price and any other amounts per share payable with respect to the
Preferred Shares. If fewer than all the Depositary Shares are to be redeemed,
the Depositary Shares to be redeemed will be selected pro rata (as nearly as may
be practicable without creating fractional Depositary Shares) or by any other
equitable method determined by the Company that will not result in the issuance
of any Excess Shares.
From and after the date fixed for redemption, all distributions in respect
of the Preferred Shares so called for redemption will cease to accrue, the
Depositary Shares so called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be
outstanding and all rights of the holders of the Depositary Receipts evidencing
the Depositary Shares so called for redemption will cease, except the right to
receive any monies payable upon such redemption and any money or other property
to which the holders of such Depositary Receipts were entitled upon such
redemption upon surrender thereof to the Preferred Share Depositary.
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Voting of the Preferred Shares
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Preferred
Shares are entitled to vote, the Preferred Share Depositary will mail the
information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the
Depositary Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares which represent such
Preferred Shares. Each record holder of Depositary Receipts evidencing
Depositary Shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the record
date for the Preferred Shares) will be entitled to instruct the Preferred Share
Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of
Preferred Shares represented by such holder's Depositary Shares. The Preferred
Share Depositary will vote the amount of Preferred Shares represented by such
Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and the Company will
agree to take all reasonable action which may be deemed necessary by the
Preferred Share Depositary in order to enable the Preferred Share Depositary to
do so. The Preferred Share Depositary will abstain from voting the amount of
Preferred Shares represented by such Depositary Shares to the extent it does not
receive specific instructions from the holders of Depositary Receipts evidencing
such Depositary Shares. The Preferred Share Depositary shall not be responsible
for any failure to carry out any instruction to vote, or for the manner or
effect of any such vote made, as long as any such action or non-action is in
good faith and does not result from negligence or willful misconduct of the
Preferred Share Depositary.
Liquidation Preference
In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company,
whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each Depositary Receipt will be
entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each Preferred
Share represented by the Depositary Share evidenced by such Depositary Receipt,
as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Conversion of Preferred Shares
The Depositary Shares, as such, are not convertible into Common Shares or
any other securities or property of the Company, except in connection with
certain conversions in connection with the preservation of the Company's status
as a REIT. Nevertheless, if so specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement
relating to an offering of Depositary Shares, the Depositary Receipts may be
surrendered by holders thereof to the Preferred Share Depositary with written
instructions to the Preferred Share Depositary to instruct the Company to cause
conversion of the Preferred Shares represented by the Depositary Shares
evidenced by such Depositary Receipts into whole Common Shares, other Preferred
Shares (including Excess Shares) of the Company or other shares of beneficial
interest, and the Company has agreed that upon receipt of such instructions and
any amounts payable in respect thereof, it will cause the conversion thereof
utilizing the same procedures as those provided for delivery of Preferred Shares
to effect such conversion. If the Depositary Shares evidenced by a Depositary
Receipt are to be converted in part only, a new Depositary Receipt or Receipts
will be issued for any Depositary Shares not to be converted. No fractional
Common Shares will be issued upon conversion, and if such conversion will result
in a fractional share being issued, an amount will be paid in cash by the
Company equal to the value of the fractional interest based upon the closing
price of the Common Shares on the last business day prior to the conversion.
Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement
The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares which
represent the Preferred Shares and any provision of the Deposit Agreement may at
any time be amended by agreement between the Company and the Preferred Share
Depositary. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the
rights of the holders of Depositary Receipts or that would be materially and
adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the related
Preferred Shares will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved
by the existing holders of at least a majority of the Depositary Shares
evidenced by the Depositary Receipts then outstanding. No amendment shall impair
the right, subject to certain exceptions in the Depositary Agreement, of any
holder of Depositary Receipts to surrender any Depositary Receipt with
instructions to deliver to the holder the related Preferred Shares and all money
and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with
law. Every holder of an outstanding Depositary Receipt at the time any such
amendment becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold such
Depositary Receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by
the Deposit Agreement as amended thereby.
The Deposit Agreement may be terminated by the Company upon not less than
30 days' prior written notice to the Preferred Share Depositary if (i) such
termination is necessary to assist in maintaining the Company's status as a REIT
or (ii) a majority of each series of Preferred Shares affected by such
termination consents to such termination, whereupon the Preferred Share
Depositary shall deliver or make available to each holder of Depositary
Receipts, upon surrender of the Depositary Receipts held by such holder, such
number of whole or fractional Preferred Shares as are represented by the
Depositary Shares evidenced by such Depositary Receipts together with any
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other property held by the Preferred Share Depositary with respect to such
Depositary Receipts. The Company has agreed that if the Deposit Agreement is
terminated to assist in maintaining the Company's status as a REIT, then, if the
Depositary Shares are listed on a national securities exchange, the Company will
use its best efforts to list the Preferred Shares issued upon surrender of the
related Depositary Shares on a national securities exchange. In addition, the
Deposit Agreement will automatically terminate if (i) all outstanding Depositary
Shares shall have been redeemed, (ii) there shall have been a final distribution
in respect of the related Preferred Shares in connection with any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company and such distribution shall have been
distributed to the holders of Depositary Receipts evidencing the Depositary
Shares representing such Preferred Shares or (iii) each share of the related
Preferred Shares shall have been converted into shares of beneficial interest of
the Company not so represented by Depositary Shares.
Charges of Preferred Share Depositary
The Company will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges
arising solely from the existence of the Deposit Agreement. In addition, the
Company will pay the fees and expenses of the Preferred Share Depositary in
connection with the performance of its duties under the Deposit Agreement.
However, holders of Depositary Receipts will pay certain other transfer and
other taxes and governmental charges as well as the fees and expenses of the
Preferred Share Depositary for any duties requested by such holders to be
performed which are outside of those expressly provided for in the Deposit
Agreement.
Resignation and Removal of Depositary
The Preferred Share Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to the
Company notice of its election to do so, and the Company may at any time remove
the Preferred Share Depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect
upon the appointment of a successor Preferred Share Depositary. A successor
Preferred Share Depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of
the notice of resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having
its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and
surplus of at least $50,000,000.
Miscellaneous
The Preferred Share Depositary will forward to holders of Depositary
Receipts any reports and communications from the Company which are received by
the Preferred Share Depositary with respect to the related Preferred Shares.
Neither the Preferred Share Depositary nor the Company will be liable if it
is prevented from or delayed in, by law or any circumstances beyond its control,
performing its obligations under the Deposit Agreement. The obligations of the
Company and the Preferred Share Depositary under the Deposit Agreement will be
limited to performing their duties thereunder in good faith and without
negligence (in the case of any action or inaction in the voting of Preferred
Shares represented by the Depositary Shares), gross negligence or willful
misconduct, and the Company and the Preferred Share Depositary will not be
obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any
Depositary Receipts, Depositary Shares or Preferred Shares represented thereby
unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. The Company and the Preferred Share
Depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, or information
provided by persons presenting Preferred Shares represented thereby for deposit,
holders of Depositary Receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be
competent to give such information, and on documents believed in good faith to
be genuine and signed by a proper party.
In the event the Preferred Share Depositary shall receive conflicting
claims, requests or instructions from any holders of Depositary Receipts, on the
one hand, and the Company, on the other hand, the Preferred Share Depositary
shall be entitled to act on such claims, requests or instructions received from
the Company.
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RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED SHARE DISTRIBUTIONS
The following table sets forth the Company's ratios of earnings to combined
fixed charges and preferred share distributions for the periods shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Years Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------
For the Six For the Six
Months Ended Months Ended
June 30, 1997 June 30, 1996 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
- ------------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1.69 1.57 1.59 1.54 2.18 1.25 .91
</TABLE>
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share
distributions represents the ratio of income before gain on disposition of
properties, extraordinary items and allocation to Minority Interests plus fixed
charges (principally interest expense incurred) to fixed charges and preferred
share distributions.
The reorganization and recapitalization of the Company effected in
connection with the EQR IPO in 1993 permitted the Company to significantly
deleverage the Properties resulting in an improved ratio of earnings to combined
fixed charges and preferred share distributions for periods subsequent to the
EQR IPO.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
General
The following discussion summarizes all material federal income tax
considerations to a holder of Common Shares. The applicable Prospectus
Supplement will contain information about additional federal income tax
considerations, if any, relating to Securities other than 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. As discussed below, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
(the "1997 Act") contains certain changes to the REIT qualification requirements
and to the taxation of REITs that may be material to a holder of Securities, but
which will become effective only for the Company's taxable years commencing on
or after January 1, 1998.
EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF SECURITIES 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 SECURITIES 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.
Taxation of the Company
General. The Company elected REIT status commencing with its taxable year
ending December 31, 1992. In the opinion of Hogan & Hartson L.L.P., special tax
counsel to the Company, 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 years ended December 31, 1992, December 31, 1993, December 31,
1994, December 31, 1995 and 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 relating to the organization,
prior and expected operation of the Company, the Operating Partnership, the
Management Partnerships, Equity Residential Properties Management Corp., Equity
Residential Properties Management Corp. II and
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Equity Residential Properties Management Corp. III (collectively, the three
management corporations shall be referred to as the "Management Corps."), the
limited partnerships and limited liability companies (the "Financing
Partnerships") that own the beneficial interest of certain Properties encumbered
by mortgage financing, and various qualified REIT subsidiaries wholly owned by
the Company (each a "QRS Corporation") (collectively, the Management
Partnerships, the Management Corps., the Financing Partnerships and the QRS
Corporations may be referred to as the "Subsidiary Entities"), and is
conditioned upon certain representations made by the Company and the Operating
Partnership as to certain relevant factual matters, including matters related to
the organization, expected operation, and assets of the Company (including its
predecessors EQR and Wellsford), the Operating Partnership and the Subsidiary
Entities. Moreover, the Company's qualification and taxation as a REIT depend
upon the Company's ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual
operating and other results, the various requirements under the Code and
described in the Prospectus with regard to, among other things, the sources of
its gross income, the composition of its assets, the level of its dividends to
shareholders, and the diversity of its share ownership. 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 income, the nature 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.
In any year in which the Company qualifies as a REIT, generally it will not
be subject to federal income tax on that portion of its REIT taxable income or
capital gain which is distributed to shareholders. This treatment substantially
eliminates the "double taxation" (at both the corporate and shareholder levels)
that generally results from the use of corporate investment vehicles. The
Company may, however, be subject to tax at normal corporate rates upon any
taxable income or capital gain not distributed.
If the Company should fail to satisfy either the 75% or the 95% gross
income test (as discussed below), and nonetheless maintains its qualification as
a REIT because certain other requirements are met, it will be subject to a 100%
tax on the greater of the amount by which it fails the 75% or the 95% test,
multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect its profitability. The Company will
also be subject to a tax of 100% on net income from any "prohibited
transaction," as described below. In addition, if the Company should fail to
distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its REIT
ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for
such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior years, the
Company would be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required
distribution over the amounts actually distributed. The Company may also be
subject to the corporate "alternative minimum tax," as well as tax in certain
situations and on certain transactions not presently contemplated. The Company
will use the calendar year both for federal income tax purposes and for
financial reporting purposes.
In order to qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet, among others, the
following requirements:
Share Ownership Tests. Shares of beneficial interest of the Company must be
held by a minimum of 100 persons for at least, approximately, 92% of the days in
each taxable year subsequent to 1992. In addition, at all times during the
second half of each taxable year subsequent to 1992, no more than 50% in value
of the shares of beneficial interest of the Company may be owned, directly or
indirectly and by applying certain constructive ownership rules, by five or
fewer individuals (i.e., the Company may not be "closely held"). The Company
believes that it has satisfied both of these tests, and it believes it will
continue to do so. In order to help comply with the second of these tests, the
Company has placed certain restrictions on the transfer of the Common Shares and
Preferred Shares that are intended to prevent further concentration of share
ownership. Pursuant to the 1997 Act, for the Company's taxable years commencing
on or after January 1, 1998, if the Company complies with regulatory rules
pursuant to which it is required to send annual letters to holders of Securities
requesting information regarding the actual ownership of Securities, but does
not know, or exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, whether it
failed to meet the requirement that it not be closely held, the Company will be
treated as having met the requirement.
Asset Tests. At the close of each quarter of the Company's taxable year,
the Company must satisfy two tests relating to the nature of its assets. First,
at least 75% of the value of the Company's total assets must be represented by
any combination of interests in real property, interests in mortgages on real
property, shares in other REITs, cash, cash items and certain government
securities. Second, although the remaining 25% of the Company's assets generally
may be invested without restriction, securities in this class may not exceed
either (i) 5% of the value of the Company's total assets as to any one issuer,
or (ii) 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. Where the
Company invests in a partnership, it will be deemed to own a proportionate share
of the partnership's assets. The Company's investment in the Properties through
its interest in the Operating Partnership will constitute qualified assets for
purposes of the 75% asset test.
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The Operating Partnership owns none of the voting stock, but owns 100% of
the non-voting stock of each of the Management Corps. By virtue of its
partnership interest in the Operating Partnership, the Company is deemed to own
its pro rata share of the assets of the Operating Partnership, including the
stock of the Management Corps. as described above and Wellsford Real Properties,
Inc. ("WRP Newco"), a company in which the Operating Partnership owns non-voting
preferred stock and a minority of the common stock. The Operating Partnership
has not and will not own more than 10% of the voting securities of either WRP
Newco or the Management Corps. In addition, based upon its analysis of the
estimated value of the stock of the Management Corps. and WRP Newco owned by the
Operating Partnership relative to the estimated value of the other assets owned
by the Operating Partnership, the Company believes that its pro rata share of
the stock of each Management Corp. and WRP Newco held by the Operating
Partnership has not exceeded and does not exceed 5% of the total value of the
Company's assets. No independent appraisals, however, have been obtained to
support this conclusion. This 5% limitation must be satisfied not only on the
date that the Company first acquired stock of a Management Corp., and WRP Newco
but also at the end of each quarter in which the Company increases its interest
in WRP Newco or any of the Management Corps. (including as a result of
increasing its interest in the Operating Partnership as the holders of OP Units
exercise their exchange rights). Although the Company plans to take steps to
ensure that it satisfies the 5% value test for any quarter with respect to which
retesting is to occur, there can be no assurance that such steps will always be
successful or will not require a reduction in the Operating Partnership's
overall interest in the Management Corps. or WRP Newco.
The Company's indirect interests as a general partner in the Financing
Partnerships are held through the QRS Corporations, each of which is organized
and operated as a "qualified REIT subsidiary" within the meaning of the Code.
For federal income tax purposes, qualified REIT subsidiaries are not treated as
separate entities from their parent REIT. Instead, all assets, liabilities and
items of income, deduction and credit of each QRS Corporation will be treated as
assets, liabilities and items of the Company. Each QRS Corporation therefore
will not be subject to federal corporate income taxation, although it may be
subject to state or local taxation. In addition, the Company's ownership of the
voting stock of each QRS Corporation will not violate the general restriction
against ownership of more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer.
Gross Income Tests. There are three separate percentage tests relating to
the sources of the Company's gross income which must be satisfied for each
taxable year. For purposes of these tests, where the Company invests in a
partnership, the Company will be treated as receiving its share of the income
and loss of the partnership, and the gross income of the partnership will retain
the same character in the hands of the Company as it has in the hands of the
partnership.
1. The 75% Test. At least 75% of the Company's gross income for each
taxable year must be "qualifying income." Qualifying income generally includes
(i) rents from real property (except as modified below); (ii) interest on
obligations collateralized by mortgages on, or interests in, real property;
(iii) gains from the sale or other disposition of interests in real property and
real estate mortgages, other than gain from property held primarily for sale to
customers in the ordinary course of the Company's trade or business ("dealer
property"); (iv) distributions on shares in other REITs, as well as gain from
the sale of such shares; (v) abatements and refunds of real property taxes; (vi)
income from the operation, and gain from the sale, of property acquired at or in
lieu of a foreclosure of the mortgage collateralized by such property
("foreclosure property"); (vii) commitment fees received for agreeing to make
loans collateralized by mortgages on real property or to purchase or lease real
property; and (viii) certain qualified temporary investment income attributable
to the investment of new capital received by the Company in exchange for its
shares (including the Securities offered hereby) during the one-year period
following the receipt of such new capital.
Rents received from a tenant will not, however, qualify as rents from real
property in satisfying the 75% test (or the 95% gross income test described
below) if the Company, or an owner of 10% or more of the Company, directly or
constructively owns 10% or more of such tenant. In addition, if rent
attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real
property is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then
the portion of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify as
rents from real property. Moreover, an amount received or accrued will not
qualify as rents from real property (or as interest income) for purposes of the
75% and 95% gross income tests if it is based in whole or in part on the income
or profits of any person. Finally, for rents received to qualify as rents from
real property, the Company generally must not operate or manage the property or
furnish or render services to tenants, other than through an "independent
contractor" from whom the Company derives no revenue. The "independent
contractor" requirement, however, does not apply to the extent that the services
provided by the Company are "usually or customarily rendered" in connection with
the rental of space for occupancy only, and are not otherwise considered
"rendered to the occupant" ("Permissible Services"). Pursuant to the 1997 Act,
however, for the Company's taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 1998,
rents received generally will qualify as rents from real property
notwithstanding the fact that the Company provides services that are not
Permissible Services so long as the amount received for such services is de
minimis.
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The Company, through the Management Partnerships, provides certain services
with respect to the Properties and any newly acquired multifamily residential
properties. The Company believes that the services provided by the Management
Partnerships are usually or customarily rendered in connection with the rental
of space for occupancy only, and therefore that the provision of such services
has not caused, and will not in the future cause the rents received with respect
to the Properties to fail to qualify as rents from real property for purposes of
the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
2. The 95% Test. At least 95% of the Company's gross income for the
taxable year must be derived from the above-described qualifying income, or from
dividends, interest or gains from the sale or disposition of stock or other
securities that are not dealer property. Dividends (including the Company's
share of dividends paid by the Management Corps. or WRP Newco) and interest on
any obligations not collateralized by an interest in real property and any
payments made on behalf of the Company by a financial institution pursuant to a
rate protection agreement will be included as qualifying income for purposes of
the 95% gross income test, but not for purposes of the 75% test. For purposes of
determining whether the Company complies with the 75% and 95% income tests,
gross income does not include income from prohibited transactions. A "prohibited
transaction" is a sale of dealer property, excluding certain dealer property
held by the Company for at least four years and excluding foreclosure property.
The Company's investment in the Properties, through the Operating
Partnership, in major part gives rise to rental income qualifying under the 75%
and 95% gross income tests. Gains on sales of the Properties or of the Company's
interest in the Operating Partnership will generally qualify under the 75% and
95% gross income tests. The Company believes that the income on its other
investments, including dividend and interest income from its indirect
investments, has not resulted in the Company failing the 75% or 95% gross income
test for any year, and the Company anticipates that this will continue to be the
case.
Even if the Company fails to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross
income tests for any taxable year, it may still qualify as a REIT for such year
if it is entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. These relief
provisions will generally be available if: (i) the Company's failure to comply
was due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect; (ii) the Company reports
the nature and amount of each item of its income included in the tests on a
schedule attached to its tax return; and (iii) any incorrect information on this
schedule is not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. If these relief
provisions apply, the Company, however, will still be subject to a 100% tax
based upon the greater of the amount by which it fails either the 75% or 95%
gross income test for that year, less certain adjustments.
3. The 30% Test. The Company must have derived in prior taxable years,
and for its current taxable year the Company must derive, less than 30% of its
gross income from the sale or other disposition of (i) real property held for
less than four years (other than foreclosure property and involuntary
conversions), (ii) stock or securities held for less than one year, and (iii)
property in a prohibited transaction. Pursuant to the 1997 Act, the Company will
not have to meet this test for its taxable years commencing on or after January
1, 1998. The Company has not had and does not anticipate that it will have any
substantial difficulty in complying with this test.
Annual Distribution Requirements. The Company, in order to qualify as a
REIT, is required to make dividend distributions (other than capital gain
dividends) to its shareholders each year in an amount at least equal to (A) the
sum of (i) 95% of the Company's REIT taxable income (computed without regard to
the dividends paid deduction and the Company's net capital gain) and (ii) 95% of
the net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus (B) the sum
of certain items of non-cash income. Such distributions must be paid in the
taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared
before the Company timely files its tax return for such year and if paid on or
before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. To the extent
that the Company does not distribute all of its net capital gain or distributes
at least 95%, but less than 100%, of its REIT taxable income, as adjusted, it
will be subject to tax on the undistributed amount at regular capital gains or
ordinary corporate tax rates, as the case may be.
The Company has made and intends to continue to make timely distributions
sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements. In this regard, the
partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership authorizes the Company, as
general partner, to take such steps as may be necessary to cause the Operating
Partnership to distribute to its partners an amount sufficient to permit the
Company to meet these distribution requirements. It is possible that the Company
may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet the 95% dividend
requirement, due to the payment of principal on debt or to timing differences
between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of expenses on the one
hand, and the inclusion of such income and deduction of such expenses in
computing the Company's REIT taxable income on the other hand. To avoid any
problem with the 95% distribution requirement, the Company will closely monitor
the relationship between its REIT taxable income and cash flow and, if
necessary, will borrow funds (or cause the Operating Partnership or other
affiliates to borrow funds) in order to satisfy the distribution requirement.
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Failure to Qualify. If the Company fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT
in any taxable year and the relief provisions do not apply, the Company will be
subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable
income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to shareholders in any year in
which the Company fails to qualify will not be required and, if made, will not
be deductible by the Company. In such event, to the extent of current and
accumulated earnings and profits, all distributions to shareholders will be
taxable as ordinary income, and, subject to certain limitations in the Code,
corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received deduction.
Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, the Company also
will be ineligible for qualification as a REIT for the four taxable years
following the year during which qualification was lost.
Tax Aspects of the Company's Investments in Partnerships
General. The Company holds direct or indirect interests in the Operating
Partnership, the Management Partnerships and certain Financing Partnerships
(each individually a "Partnership" and, collectively, the "Partnerships"). The
Company believes that each of the Partnerships qualifies as a partnership (as
opposed to an association taxable as a corporation) for federal income tax
purposes. If any of the Partnerships were to be treated as an association, it
would be taxable as a corporation and therefore subject to an entity-level tax
on its income. In such a situation, the character of the Company's assets and
items of gross income would change, which would preclude the Company from
satisfying the asset tests and possibly the income tests (see "Federal Income
Tax Considerations--Taxation of the Company--Asset Tests" and "--Gross Income
Tests"), and in turn would prevent the Company from qualifying as a REIT.
Tax Allocations with Respect to the Properties. Pursuant to Section 704(c)
of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or
depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an
interest in the partnership (such as certain of the 69 Properties contributed at
the time of the EQR IPO (the "Initial Properties")) must be allocated in a
manner such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from,
respectively, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the
property at the time of the contribution. The amount of such unrealized gain or
unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market
value and the adjusted tax basis of contributed property at the time of
contribution (a "Book-Tax Difference"). Such allocations are solely for federal
income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other
economic or legal arrangements among the partners. The Operating Partnership was
formed by way of contributions of appreciated property (including certain of the
Initial Properties). Consequently, the Operating Partnership partnership
agreement (as well as the Financing Partnerships agreements) requires such
allocations to be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c). As a result,
certain limited partners of the Operating Partnership will be allocated lower
amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes and increased taxable income
and gain on sale by the Partnerships of the contributed assets (including
certain of the Initial Properties). These allocations will tend to eliminate the
Book-Tax Difference over the life of the Partnerships. However, the special
allocation rules of Section 704(c) as applied by the Company do not always
entirely rectify the Book-Tax Difference on an annual basis or with respect to a
specific taxable transaction such as a sale. Thus, the carryover basis of the
contributed assets in the hands of the Partnerships will cause the Company to be
allocated lower depreciation and other deductions, and possibly greater amounts
of taxable income in the event of a sale of such contributed assets in excess of
the economic or book income allocated to it as a result of such sale. This may
cause the Company to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds, which
might adversely affect the Company's ability to comply with the REIT
distribution requirements. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of
the Company--Annual Distribution Requirements."
Sale of the Properties. The Company's share of any gain realized by the
Operating Partnership on the sale of any dealer property generally will be
treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100%
penalty tax. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations--Taxation of the Company--
Gross Income Tests--The 95% Test." Under existing law, whether property is
dealer property is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and
circumstances with respect to the particular transaction. The Partnerships have
held and intend to continue to hold the Properties for investment with a view to
long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing,
owning and operating the Properties and other multifamily residential properties
and to make such occasional sales of the Properties as are consistent with the
Company's investment objectives. Based upon such investment objectives, the
Company believes that in general the Properties should not be considered dealer
property and that the amount of income from prohibited transactions, if any,
will not be material.
Taxation of Taxable Domestic Shareholders
General. As long as the Company qualifies as a REIT, distributions made to
the Company's taxable domestic shareholders, with respect to their Securities
out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not designated as
capital gain dividends) will be taken into account by them as ordinary income
and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for shareholders
that are corporations. For purposes of determining whether distributions on the
Securities are out of current or accumulated earnings and profits,
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the earnings and profits of the Company will be allocated first to the Preferred
Shares 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. Dividends that are designated as capital gain dividends
will be taxed as long-term capital gains (to the extent that they do not exceed
the Company's actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to
the period for which the shareholder has held its Securities. However, corporate
shareholders may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain
dividends as ordinary income. For a discussion on the manner in which that
portion of any dividends designated by the Company as capital gains dividends
will be allocated among the holders of Preferred Shares and Common Shares, see
"Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest--Preferred Shares--Distributions."
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 Securities by the amount of such distribution (but not below
zero), with distributions in excess of the shareholder's tax basis taxable as
capital gains (if the Securities are held as a capital asset). In addition, any
dividend declared by the 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, any loss upon a sale or exchange of Securities by a shareholder
who has held such Securities for six months or less (after applying certain
holding period rules) will be treated as a long-term capital loss, to the extent
of distributions from the Company received by such shareholder are required to
be treated by such shareholder as long-term capital gains.
Pursuant to the 1997 Act, for the Company's taxable years commencing on or
after January 1, 1998, the Company may elect to require holders of Securities to
include the Company's undistributed net capital gains in their income. If the
Company makes such an election, holders of Securities 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 Securities will
increase the basis in its Securities 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
upon a failure to make required distributions.
Additional Tax Consequences for Holders of Preferred Shares and Depositary
Shares. If the Company offers one or more series of Preferred Shares or
Depositary Shares, then there may be additional tax consequences for the holders
of such Preferred Shares or Depositary Shares. For a discussion of any such
additional consequences, see the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
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
Securities with "acquisition indebtedness" within the meaning of the Code and
the Securities are not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business of the
tax-exempt entity. In addition, for taxable years beginning on or after January
1, 1994, certain pension trusts that own more than 10% of a "pension-held REIT"
must report a portion of the distribution that they receive from such a REIT as
UBTI. The 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 Securities applicable to
Non-U.S. Holders of such Securities. A "Non-U.S. Holder" is any person other
than (i) a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation or
partnership created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the
United States or of any state thereof, or (iii) an estate or trust whose income
is 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
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solely as a result of their ownership of Securities. In cases where the dividend
income from a Non-U.S. Holder's investment in Securities is (or is treated as)
effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's conduct of a U.S. trade or
business, the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. tax at graduated
rates, in the same manner as U.S. shareholders are taxed with respect to such
dividends (and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax in the case of
a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation).
2. Non-Dividend Distributions. Distributions 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 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.
Dispositions of Securities. Unless Securities constitute a USRPI, a sale of
Securities by a Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. taxation
under FIRPTA. The Securities will not constitute a USRPI if the 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 Securities 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 Securities will not
be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. Because the Securities 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 Securities generally will still not
be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI provided that (i) the
Securities are "regularly traded" (as defined by applicable Treasury
regulations) on an established securities market and (ii) the selling Non-U.S.
Holder held 5% or less of the Company's outstanding Securities at all times
during a specified testing period.
If gain on the sale of Securities were subject to taxation under FIRPTA,
the Non-U.S. Holder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. shareholder
with respect to such gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a
special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals)
and the purchaser of Securities could be required to withhold 10% of the
purchase price and remit such amount to the Service. Capital gains not subject
to FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the United States to a Non-U.S. Holder
in two cases: (i) if the Non-U.S. Holder's investment in Securities is
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such Non-U.S.
Holder, the Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S.
shareholder with respect to such gain, or (ii) if the Non-U.S. Holder is a
nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days
or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States, the
nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's
capital gain.
Recent Legislation
As described above, 1997 Act contains certain changes to the REIT
qualification requirements and to the taxation of REITs. The 1997 Act also
contains certain changes to the taxation of capital gains of individuals, trusts
and estates.
Capital Gain Rates. 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
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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 maximum rate for net
capital gains attributable to the sale of depreciable real property held for
more than 18 months is 25% to the extent of the prior deductions for
depreciation with respect to such property. Capital gain from the sale of
depreciable real property held for more than 18 months allocated by the Company
to a non-corporate shareholder will be subject to the 25% rate to the extent
that the capital gain on the real property sold by the Company does not exceed
prior depreciation deductions with respect to such property. With respect to any
depreciable real property held by the Company for more than one year but not
more than 18 months, prior depreciation deductions claimed in excess of the
depreciation that would have been allowed if computed on a straight-line basis
will be taxed at the rates applicable to ordinary income with the remaining gain
being taxed at a maximum rate of 28%. The 1997 Act provides the Service 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.
REIT Provisions. In addition to the provisions discussed above, the 1997
Act contains a number of technical provisions that either (i) reduce the risk
that the Company will inadvertently cease to qualify as a REIT, or (ii) provide
additional flexibility with which the Company can meet the REIT qualification
requirements. These provisions are effective for the Company's taxable years
commencing on or after January 1, 1998.
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 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.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Company may sell the Securities to one or more underwriters for public
offering and sale by them or may sell the Securities to investors directly or
through agents. Any such underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of
the Securities will be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
The Company may offer and sell the Securities at a fixed price or prices,
which may be changed, at prices related to the prevailing market prices at the
time of sale or at negotiated prices for cash or assets in transactions that do
not constitute a business combination within the meaning of Rule 145 promulgated
under the Securities Act. The Company also may, from time to time, authorize
underwriters acting as the Company's agents to offer and sell the Securities
upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement. In connection with the sale of the Securities, underwriters may be
deemed to have received compensation from the Company in the form of
underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from
purchasers of the Securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may
sell Securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation
in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters
and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
Any underwriting compensation paid by the Company to underwriters or agents
in connection with the offering of the Securities, and any discounts,
concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers,
will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Underwriters, dealers
and agents participating in the distribution of the Securities may be deemed to
be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any
profit realized by them on resale of the Securities may be deemed to be
underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act. Underwriters,
dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with the
Company, to indemnification against and contribution toward certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Company will
authorize dealers acting as the Company's agents to solicit offers by certain
institutions to purchase Securities from the Company at the public offering
price set forth in such Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Delayed Delivery
Contracts ("Contracts") providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates
stated in such Prospectus Supplement. Each Contract will be for an amount not
less than, and the aggregate principal amount of Securities sold pursuant to
Contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective amounts stated in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement. Institutions with whom Contracts, when
authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance
companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable
institutions, and other institutions but will in all cases be subject to the
approval of the Company. Contracts will not be subject to any conditions except
(i) the purchase by an institution of the Securities covered by its Contracts
shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any
jurisdiction in the United States to which such institution is subject, and (ii)
if the Securities are being sold to underwriters, the Company shall have sold to
such underwriters the total principal amount of the Securities less the
principal amount thereof covered by Contracts.
Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates may engage in transactions
with and perform services for the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary
course of business.
29
<PAGE>
EXPERTS
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as of December 31,
1996 and for the year ended December 31, 1996 incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference to the Company's 1996 Annual Report (Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-
K/A); the Combined Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses for the year ended
December 31, 1995 of the 1996 Acquired Properties and Probable Properties,
appearing in the Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K, as amended by Form
8-K/A, dated May 23, 1996; the Combined Statement of Revenue and Certain
Expenses for the year ended December 31, 1995 of the 1996 Acquired Properties,
appearing in the Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K, as amended by Form
8-K/A, dated November 15, 1996; all of the individual and combined Statements of
Revenue and Certain Expenses of certain of the properties acquired in 1997 for
the year ended December 31, 1996 or for the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, as applicable, each of which appear in the Current Report of
the Company on Form 8-K, dated May 20, 1997; the Statements of Revenue and
Certain Expenses of certain other properties acquired in 1997 for the year ended
December 31, 1996, each of which appear in the Current Report of the Company on
Form 8-K, dated August 15, 1997; the combined financial statements of WRP Newco
(Predecessor), at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the year ended December 31,
1996, and for the period from March 22 to December 31, 1995, appearing in the
Company's Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, dated April 25, 1997; the
consolidated financial statements of Wellsford and its subsidiaries at December
31, 1996 and 1995, and for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996 appearing in Wellsford's 1996 Annual Report (Form 10-K) incorporated by
reference in the Company's Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, dated April 25,
1997; and the consolidated financial statements of Evans Withycombe Residential,
Inc., appearing in the Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K, dated
September 10, 1997; have all been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, and the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of
December 31, 1995 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
1995, appearing in the Company's 1996 Annual Report (Form 10-K, as amended by
Form 10-K/A), have been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent auditors, as
set forth in their respective reports thereon included therein and incorporated
herein by reference. Such financial statements are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of such firms
as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the Securities 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 described
under "Federal Income Tax Considerations" will be passed on for the Company by
Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. With respect to any underwritten offering of Securities,
certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Hogan &
Hartson L.L.P. Hogan & Hartson L.L.P. from time to time provides services to the
Company and other entities controlled by Mr. Zell.
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 July 31, 1997,
approximately $870,000 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.
30
<PAGE>
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NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED OR IN-
CORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE
PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLE-
MENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION
OF AN OFFER TO BUY, THE SHARES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO
WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE ANY SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DE-
LIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY OFFER OR SALE
MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT
THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUP-
PLEMENT OR IN THE PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE
HEREOF.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
<S> <C>
The Company............................................................... S-3
The Offering.............................................................. S-5
Recent Developments....................................................... S-7
Use of Proceeds........................................................... S-8
Capitalization............................................................ S-9
Selected Financial and Operating Information.............................. S-11
Business and Properties................................................... S-13
Description of Series G Preferred Shares and Depositary Shares............ S-15
Price Range of Common Shares and Distributions............................ S-20
Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations................................. S-21
Underwriting.............................................................. S-22
Legal Matters............................................................. S-23
PROSPECTUS
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements......................... 2
Available Information..................................................... 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference........................... 2
The Company............................................................... 4
Risk Factors.............................................................. 5
Use of Proceeds........................................................... 9
Description of Shares of Beneficial Interest.............................. 9
Description of Depositary Shares.......................................... 17
Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Share
Distributions............................................................ 21
Federal Income Tax Considerations......................................... 21
Plan of Distribution...................................................... 29
Experts................................................................... 30
Legal Matters............................................................. 30
</TABLE>
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11,000,000 SHARES
[EQUITY LOGO]
DEPOSITARY SHARES
EACH
REPRESENTING 1/10 OF A
7 1/4% SERIES G CONVERTIBLE
CUMULATIVE PREFERRED SHARE
OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
(LIQUIDATION PREFERENCE EQUIVALENT TO
$25.00 PER DEPOSITARY SHARE)
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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
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MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
BT ALEX. BROWN
SMITH BARNEY INC.
SEPTEMBER 18, 1997
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