S-3/A
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2009
Registration No. 333-156561
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1 to
FORM S-3/A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
LEXINGTON REALTY TRUST
(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)
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Maryland
(State of Organization)
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13-3717318
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
One Penn Plaza, Suite 4015
New York, NY 10019
(212) 692-7000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Companys principal executive offices)
T. Wilson Eglin
President and Chief Executive Officer
One Penn Plaza, Suite 4015
New York, NY 10119-4015
(212) 692-7200
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service):
Copies to:
Mark Schonberger, Esq.
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
75 East 55th Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 318-6000
Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to the Public: From time to time after the
Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box: o
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous
basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: þ
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box and list the Securities Act of
1933 registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act
of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act of 1933 registration statement number
of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D or a post-effective
amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule
462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General
Instruction I.D filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities
pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of Each Class of |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Amount of |
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Securities to be Registered |
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Amount to be Registered (2) |
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Offering Price Per Share (1) |
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Aggregate Offering Price (1) |
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Registration Fee |
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Shares of beneficial
interest classified as
common stock, par value
$.0001 per share |
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33,954 shares |
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$5.00 |
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$169,770.00 |
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$6.67(3) |
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(1) |
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Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee based upon the average of the high and low reported sale
prices of the Common Shares on The New York Stock Exchange on December 31, 2008. |
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Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement also
covers such number of additional securities as may be issued to prevent dilution from stock
splits, stock dividends or similar transactions. |
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The registration fee under this registration statement has been previously paid in connection
with the filing of the original registration statement on January 5, 2009. |
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT ON DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A
FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME
EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON DATES AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING UNDER SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
PRELIMINARY SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED MARCH 11, 2009
PROSPECTUS
Lexington Realty Trust
33,954 Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
We are Lexington Realty Trust, a self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust,
or REIT, that acquires, owns and manages a geographically diversified portfolio of net leased
office, industrial and retail properties. Our executive offices are located at One Penn Plaza,
Suite 4015, New York, New York 10119-4015, and our telephone number is (212) 692-7200.
Issuance of Common Shares upon Redemption of LCIF II units
We may issue up to 33,954 shares of beneficial interest classified as common stock, par value
$0.0001 per share, which we refer to as our Common Shares, in exchange for the redemption of an
equal number of units of limited partnership, which we refer to as LCIF II units, issued by one of
our operating partnership subsidiaries, Lepercq Corporate Income Fund II L.P., which we refer to as
LCIF II.
The 33,954 LCIF II units covered by this prospectus were issued on December 20, 2006 and were
redeemable beginning on December 20, 2008 and each day thereafter.
We will not receive proceeds from any issuance of Common Shares in exchange for LCIF II units but
will acquire the LCIF II units submitted for redemption. We are not being assisted by any
underwriter in connection with any issuance of Common Shares in exchange for LCIF II units.
To ensure that we maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, under
the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, ownership of our equity
securities by any person is subject to certain limitations. See Certain Provisions of Maryland Law
and of our Declaration of Trust and BylawsRestrictions Relating to REIT Status.
Our Common Shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LXP. On March 10,
2009, the last reported sale price of our Common Shares, as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange, was $2.33 per share.
Investing in our Common Shares involves risks. See Risk Factors referred to on page 5 of this
prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is March 11, 2009.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by
reference herein. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information or make any
representation that is different. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent
information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which it
relates, and this prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer
to buy securities in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such
an offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus
is correct on any date after the date of the prospectus, even though this prospectus is delivered
or Common Shares are sold pursuant to the prospectus at a later date. Since the date of the
prospectus contained in this Registration Statement, our business, financial condition, results of
operations and prospects may have changed.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, which we refer to as the Commission. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus
supplement do not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For
further information, we refer you to the registration statement and any amendments to such
registration statement, including its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus and any
accompanying prospectus supplement about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other
document are not necessarily complete. If the Commissions rules and regulations require that an
agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see that
agreement or document for a complete description of these matters.
You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional
information described below under the heading Where You Can Find More Information. Information
incorporated by reference with the Commission after the date of this prospectus, or information
included in any prospectus supplement or an amendment to the registration statement of which this
prospectus forms a part, may add, update, or change information in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement. If information in these subsequent filings, prospectus supplements or
amendments is inconsistent with this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, the information
incorporated by reference or included in the subsequent prospectus supplement or amendment will
supersede the information in this prospectus or any earlier prospectus supplement. You should not
assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any
date other than the date on the front of each document.
All references to the Company, we, us and LXP in this prospectus means Lexington Realty
Trust and all entities owned or controlled by us except where it is clear that the term means only
the parent company. The term you refers to a prospective investor.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus include
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Exchange Act, and as such may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and
other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially
different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and
describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the
words may, will, should, expect, anticipate, estimate, believe, intend, project,
or the negative of these words or other similar words or terms. Factors which could have a material
adverse effect on our operations and future prospects include, but are not limited to:
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changes in general business and economic conditions; |
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competition; |
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increases in real estate construction costs; |
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changes in interest rates; |
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changes in accessibility of debt and equity capital markets; and |
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the other risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009, and the other
documents incorporated by reference herein. |
These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements
contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We caution you that any forward-looking
statement reflects only our belief at the time the statement is made. Although we believe that the
expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee our
future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Except as required by law, we
undertake no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements to reflect events or
developments after the date of this prospectus.
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SUMMARY
The information below is only a summary of the information included elsewhere in this prospectus
and the documents incorporated herein by reference. This summary does not contain all the
information that may be important to you or that you should consider before investing in our Common
Shares. As a result, you should carefully read this entire prospectus, as well as the information
incorporated herein by reference.
We are a self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, or a REIT, formed under
the laws of the State of Maryland. Our primary business is the acquisition, ownership and
management of a geographically diverse portfolio of net leased office and industrial properties.
Substantially all of our properties are subject to triple net leases, which are generally
characterized as leases in which the tenant bears all or substantially all of the costs and cost
increases for real estate taxes, utilities, insurance and ordinary repairs and maintenance.
We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, or the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1993. If we
qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes
on our net income that is currently distributed to shareholders.
Our principal executive offices are located at One Penn Plaza, Suite 4015, New York, New York
10119-4015 and our telephone number is (212) 692-7200.
SECURITIES THAT MAY BE OFFERED
We may issue our Common Shares in exchange for LCIF II units upon the redemption of the LCIF II
units by their holders on a one share for one unit basis. The Common Shares covered by this
prospectus permit the holders thereof to sell such Common Shares generally without restriction in
the open market or otherwise, but the registration of such offering does not necessarily mean that
any of such LCIF II units which may be redeemed in exchange for our Common Shares will be tendered
for redemption or that any of such Common Shares will be offered or sold by the holders thereof. We
will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of our Common Shares covered by this prospectus but
will acquire the LCIF II units submitted for redemption.
We may issue up to 33,954 of our Common Shares, if and to the extent that certain holders elect to
tender up to an equal number of LCIF II units for redemption. The 33,954 LCIF II units covered by
this prospectus were issued on December 20, 2006 and were redeemable beginning on December 20, 2008
and every day thereafter.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risks and uncertainties that could affect us and our business
as well as the real estate industry generally. You should carefully consider the risks described
and discussed under the caption Risk Factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on
March 2, 2009, and in any other
documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including without limitation any updated
risks included in our subsequent periodic reports.
These risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by risk factors
contained in any prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment we may file or in other reports
we file with the Commission in the future. In addition, new risks may emerge at any time and we
cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial
performance.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of our Common Shares to the holders of LCIF II
units upon redemption of their units but will acquire the LCIF II units submitted for redemption.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES
The following is a summary of provisions of our Common Shares as of the date of this prospectus.
This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our
declaration of trust and bylaws, each as supplemented, amended, or restated, and to Maryland law.
See Where You Can Find More Information in this prospectus.
General
Authorized Capital
Under our declaration of trust, we have the authority to issue up to 1,000,000,000 shares of
beneficial interest, par value $0.0001 per share, of which 400,000,000 shares are classified as
Common Shares, 500,000,000 shares are classified as excess stock and 100,000,000 shares are
classified as preferred stock, which we refer to as preferred shares, of which 3,160,000 shares are
classified as 8.05% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 3,100,000 shares are classified
as 6.50% Series C Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, and 8,000,000 shares are classified as
7.55% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock. Under Maryland law, our shareholders
generally are not responsible for our debts or obligations as a result of their status as
shareholders.
Power to Issue and Classify Our Shares
We may issue our shares from time to time at the discretion of our board of trustees to raise
additional capital, acquire assets, including additional real properties, redeem or retire debt or
for any other business purpose. In addition, the undesignated preferred shares may be issued in one
or more additional classes or series with such designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights including, without limitation, preferential
dividend or voting rights, and rights upon liquidation, as will be fixed by our board of trustees.
Our board of trustees is authorized to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of beneficial
interest by setting or changing, in any one or more respects, the preferences, conversion or other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or terms or
conditions of redemption of such shares of beneficial interest. This authority includes, without
limitation, subject to the provisions of our declaration of trust, authority to classify or
reclassify any unissued shares into a class or classes of preferred shares, preference shares,
special shares or other shares, and to divide and reclassify shares of any class into one or more
series of that class.
In some circumstances, the issuance of preferred shares, or the exercise by our board of trustees
of its right to classify or reclassify shares, could have the effect of deterring individuals or
entities from making tender offers for our Common Shares or seeking to change incumbent management.
Terms
Subject to the preferential rights of any other shares or class or series of equity securities and
to the provisions of our declaration of trust regarding excess stock, holders of our Common Shares
are entitled to receive dividends on the Common Shares if, as and when authorized by our board of
trustees and declared by us out of assets legally available therefor and to share ratably in those
of our assets legally available for distribution to our shareholders in the event that we
liquidate, dissolve or wind up, after payment of, or adequate provision for, all of our known debts
and liabilities and the amount to which holders of any class or series of shares classified or
reclassified or having a preference on distributions in liquidation, dissolution or winding up have
a right.
Subject to the provisions of our declaration of trust regarding excess stock, 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 otherwise
provided in our declaration of trust with respect to any other class or series of shares, including
our special voting preferred stock, the holders of our Common Shares will possess exclusive voting
power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of trustees, which means that the
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holders of a majority of our outstanding Common Shares and special voting preferred stock entitled
to cast a majority of the votes in the election of trustees can elect all of the trustees then
standing for election, and the holders of our remaining Common Shares or special voting preferred
stock will not be able to elect any trustees.
Holders of our Common Shares have no conversion, sinking fund, redemption rights, or preemptive
rights to subscribe for any of our securities.
We furnish our shareholders with annual reports containing audited consolidated financial
statements and an opinion thereon expressed by an independent public accounting firm.
Subject to the provisions of our declaration of trust regarding excess shares, all of our Common
Shares will have equal dividend, distribution, liquidation and other rights and will generally have
no preference, appraisal or exchange rights.
Pursuant to Maryland statutory law governing real estate investment trusts organized under Maryland
law, a real estate investment trust generally cannot amend its declaration of trust or merge unless
approved by the affirmative vote 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 our declaration of trust. Our declaration of
trust provides that those actions, with the exception of certain amendments to our declaration of
trust for which a higher vote requirement has been set, will be valid and effective if authorized
by holders of a majority of the total number of shares of all classes outstanding and entitled to
vote thereon.
Restrictions on Ownership
For us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding capital
shares may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code
to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year. To assist us in meeting this
requirement, we may take certain actions to limit the beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly,
by a single person of our outstanding equity securities. See Certain Provisions of Maryland Law
and Our Declaration of Trust and Bylaws elsewhere in this prospectus.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent and registrar for our Common Shares is BNY Mellon Shareowner Services.
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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MARYLAND LAW AND OF OUR DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BYLAWS
This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our
declaration of trust and bylaws, each as supplemented, amended or restated, and Maryland law. See
Where You Can Find More Information in this prospectus.
Restrictions Relating to REIT Status
For us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, among other things, not more than 50% in value of the
outstanding shares of our capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer
individuals (defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable
year, and such shares of our capital stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during
at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter
taxable year (in each case, other than the first such year). To assist us in continuing to remain a
qualified REIT, our 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 9.8% of
our equity shares, defined as common shares or preferred shares. We refer to this restriction as
the Ownership Limit. Our board of trustees may exempt a person from the Ownership Limit if evidence
satisfactory to our board of trustees is presented that the changes in ownership will not then or
in the future jeopardize our status as a REIT. Any transfer of equity shares or any security
convertible into equity shares that would create a direct or indirect ownership of equity shares in
excess of the Ownership Limit or that would result in our disqualification as a REIT, including any
transfer that results in the equity shares being owned by fewer than 100 persons or results in us
being closely held within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, will be null and void, and
the intended transferee will acquire no rights to such equity shares. The foregoing restrictions on
transferability and ownership will not apply if our board of trustees determines that it is no
longer in our best interests to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT.
Equity shares owned, or deemed to be owned, or transferred to a shareholder in excess of the
Ownership Limit, will automatically be exchanged for an equal number of excess shares that will be
transferred, by operation of law, to us as trustee of a trust for the exclusive benefit of the
transferees to whom such shares of our capital stock may be ultimately transferred without
violating the Ownership Limit. While the excess shares are held in trust, they will not be entitled
to vote, they will not be considered for purposes of any shareholder vote or the determination of a
quorum for such vote and, except upon liquidation, they will not be entitled to participate in
dividends or other distributions. Any dividend or distribution paid to a proposed transferee of
excess shares prior to our discovery that equity shares have been transferred in violation of the
provisions of our declaration of trust will be repaid to us upon demand. The excess shares are not
treasury shares, but rather constitute a separate class of our issued and outstanding shares. The
original transferee-shareholder may, at any time the excess shares are held by us in trust,
transfer the interest in the trust representing the excess shares to any individual whose ownership
of the equity shares exchanged into such excess shares would be permitted under our declaration of
trust, at a price not in excess of the price paid by the original transferee-shareholder for the
equity shares that were exchanged into excess shares, or, if the transferee-shareholder did not
give value for such shares, a price not in excess of the market price (as determined in the manner
set forth in our declaration of trust) on the date of the purported transfer. Immediately upon the
transfer to the permitted transferee, the excess shares will automatically be exchanged for equity
shares of the class from which they were converted. If the foregoing transfer restrictions are
determined to be void or invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute, rule or regulation, then
the intended transferee of any excess shares may be deemed, at our option, to have acted as an
agent on our behalf in acquiring the excess shares and to hold the excess shares on our behalf.
In addition to the foregoing transfer restrictions, we will have the right, for a period of 90 days
during the time any excess shares are held by us in trust, to purchase all or any portion of the
excess shares from the original transferee-shareholder for the lesser of the price paid for the
equity shares by the original transferee-shareholder or the market price (as determined in the
manner set forth in our declaration of trust) of the equity shares on the date we exercise our
option to purchase. The 90-day period begins on the date on which we receive written notice of the
transfer or other event resulting in the exchange of equity shares for excess shares.
Each shareholder will be required, upon demand, to disclose to us in writing any information with
respect to the direct, indirect and constructive ownership of beneficial interests as our board of
trustees deems necessary to comply
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with the provisions of the Code applicable to REITs, to comply with the requirements of any taxing
authority or governmental agency or to determine any such compliance.
This Ownership Limit may have the effect of precluding an acquisition of control unless our board
of trustees determines that maintenance of REIT status is no longer in our best interest.
Maryland Law
Business Combinations. Under Maryland law, business combinations between a Maryland real estate
investment trust and an interested shareholder or an affiliate of an interested shareholder are
prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested shareholder becomes an
interested shareholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share
exchange, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or
reclassification of equity securities. An interested shareholder is defined as:
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any person who beneficially owns ten percent or more of the voting power of the
trusts shares; or |
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an affiliate or associate of the trust who, at any time within the two-year period
prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of ten percent or more of the
voting power of the then outstanding voting shares of the trust. |
A person is not an interested shareholder under the statute if the board of trustees approved in
advance the transaction by which he otherwise would have become an interested shareholder. However,
in approving a transaction, the board of trustees may provide that its approval is subject to
compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms or conditions determined by the board.
After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland real estate
investment trust and an interested shareholder generally must be recommended by the board of
trustees of the trust and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
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eighty percent of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting
shares of the trust; and |
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two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting shares of the trust
other than shares held by the interested shareholder with whom or with whose affiliate
the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the
interested shareholder. |
These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the trusts common shareholders receive a
minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other
consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested shareholder for its shares.
The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that
are exempted by the board of trustees prior to the time that the interested shareholder becomes an
interested shareholder.
Our board
of trustees has exempted Vornado Realty Trust and its affiliates, to
a limited extent, from these restrictions.
The business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and
increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
Control Share Acquisitions. Maryland law provides that control shares of a Maryland real estate
investment trust acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights except to the extent
approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by
the acquirer, by officers or by employees who are trustees of the trust are excluded from shares
entitled to vote on the matter. Control shares are voting shares which, if aggregated with all
other shares owned by the acquirer or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or
direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle
the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing trustees within one of the following ranges of
voting power:
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one-tenth or more but less than one-third, |
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one-third or more but less than a majority, or |
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a majority or more of all voting power. |
Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of
having previously obtained shareholder approval. A control share acquisition means the acquisition
of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition may compel the board of
trustees of the trust to call a special meeting of shareholders to be held within 50 days of demand
to consider the voting rights of the shares. The right to compel the calling of a special meeting
is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including an undertaking to pay the expenses
of the meeting. If no request for a meeting is made, the trust may itself present the question at
any shareholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an
acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then the trust may redeem for fair value any
or all of the control shares, except those for which voting rights have previously been approved.
The right of the trust to redeem control shares is subject to certain conditions and limitations.
Fair value is determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as
of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquirer or of any meeting of shareholders
at which the voting rights of the shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for
control shares are approved at a shareholders meeting and the acquirer becomes entitled to vote a
majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other shareholders may exercise appraisal rights. The
fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of appraisal rights may not be less than the
highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.
The control share acquisition statute does not apply (a) to shares acquired in a merger,
consolidation or share exchange if the trust is a party to the transaction, or (b) to acquisitions
approved or exempted by the declaration of trust or bylaws of the trust.
Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all
acquisitions by any person of our shares. There can be no assurance that this provision will not be
amended or eliminated at any time in the future.
Certain
Elective Provisions of Maryland Law. Publicly-held Maryland statutory real estate
investment trusts, which we refer to as Maryland REITs, may elect to be governed by all or any part
of Maryland law provisions relating to extraordinary actions and unsolicited takeovers. The
election to be governed by one or more of these provisions can be made by a Maryland REIT in its
declaration of trust or bylaws (charter documents) or by resolution adopted by its board of
trustees so long as the Maryland REIT has at least three trustees who, at the time of electing to
be subject to the provisions, are not:
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officers or employees of the Maryland REIT; |
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persons seeking to acquire control of the Maryland REIT; |
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trustees, officers, affiliates or associates of any person seeking to acquire
control of the Maryland REIT; or |
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nominated or designated as trustees by a person seeking to acquire control of the
Maryland REIT. |
Articles supplementary must be filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
of Maryland if a Maryland REIT elects to be subject to any or all of the provisions by board
resolution or bylaw amendment. Shareholder approval is not required for the filing of these
articles supplementary.
Maryland law provides that a Maryland REIT can elect to be subject to all or any portion of the
following provisions, notwithstanding any contrary provisions
contained in that Maryland REITs existing
charter documents:
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Classified Board: The Maryland REIT may divide its board into three classes which, to the extent
possible, will have the same number of trustees, the terms of which will expire at the third annual
meeting of shareholders after the election of each class;
Two-thirds Shareholder Vote to Remove Trustees: The shareholders may remove any trustee only by the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all votes entitled to be cast by the shareholders
generally in the election of trustees;
Size of Board Fixed by Vote of Board: The number of trustees will be fixed only by resolution of
the board;
Board Vacancies Filled by the Board for the Remaining Term: Vacancies that result from an increase
in the size of the board, or the death, resignation, or removal of a trustee, may be filled only by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining trustees even if they do not constitute a
quorum. Trustees elected to fill vacancies will hold office for the remainder of the full term of
the class of trustees in which the vacancy occurred, as opposed to until the next annual meeting of
shareholders, and until a successor is elected and qualifies; and
Shareholder Calls of Special Meetings: Special meetings of shareholders may be called by the
secretary of the Maryland REIT only upon the written request of shareholders entitled to cast at
least a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at the meeting and only in accordance with
certain procedures set out in the Maryland General Corporation Law.
We have not elected to be governed by these specific provisions. However, our declaration of trust
and/or bylaws, as applicable, already provide for an 80% shareholder vote to remove trustees (and
then only for cause), that the number of trustees may be determined by a resolution of our board of
trustees, subject to a minimum number, and that special meetings of the shareholders may be called
by the chairman of the board of trustees or the president or by a majority of the board of trustees
and as may be required by law. In addition, we can elect to be governed by any or all of the
foregoing provisions of the Maryland law at any time in the future.
11
DESCRIPTION OF LCIF II UNITS
The material terms of the LCIF II units covered by this prospectus, including a summary of certain
provisions of the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of LCIF II, as
amended, which we refer to as the LCIF II Partnership Agreement, as in effect as of the date of
this prospectus, are set forth below. The following description does not purport to be complete and
is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable provisions of Delaware law
and the LCIF II Partnership Agreement. For a comparison of the voting and other rights of holders
of LCIF II units, whom we refer to as LCIF II unitholders or limited partners, and our
shareholders, see Comparison of Ownership of LCIF II units and Common Shares elsewhere in this
prospectus.
General
We are the sole equity owner of Lex GP-1 Trust, or Lex GP-1, a Delaware statutory trust, which is
the general partner of LCIF II and holds, as of the date of this prospectus, a 1% interest in LCIF
II. We are also the sole equity owner of Lex LP-1 Trust, or Lex LP-1, a Delaware statutory trust,
which holds, as of the date of this prospectus, approximately 76.5% of the LCIF II units.
Issuance of LCIF II Units
Our operating partnership structure enables us to acquire property by issuing equity partnership
units, including LCIF II units, to a direct or indirect property owner as a form of consideration.
All of the LCIF II units which have been issued as of the date of this prospectus are redeemable,
at the option of the holders thereof, on a one-for-one basis (subject to certain anti-dilution
adjustments) for Common Shares at various times, and certain LCIF II units require us to pay
distributions to the holders thereof (although certain LCIF II units currently outstanding do not
require the payment of distributions). As a result, our cash available for distribution to
shareholders is reduced by the amount of the distributions required by the terms of such LCIF II
units, and the number of Common Shares that will be outstanding in the future is expected to
increase, from time to time, as such LCIF II units are redeemed for Common Shares. Lex GP-1 has the
right to redeem the LCIF II units held by all, but not less than all, of the LCIF II unitholders
(other than those LCIF II unitholders identified as the Special Limited Partners in the LCIF II
Partnership Agreement) under certain circumstances, including but not limited to a merger, sale of
assets, consolidation, share issuance, share redemption or other similar transaction by us or LCIF
II which would result in a change of beneficial ownership in us or LCIF II by 50% or more.
LCIF II unitholders hold LCIF II units and all LCIF II unitholders are entitled to share in the
profits and losses of LCIF.
LCIF II unitholders have the rights to which limited partners are entitled under the LCIF II
Partnership Agreement and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, which we refer to
as the Delaware Act. The LCIF II units have not been registered pursuant to the federal or state
securities laws and are not listed on any exchange or quoted on any national market system.
As of the date of this prospectus, there are approximately 1.4 million LCIF II units outstanding
that are not held by us, all which are currently redeemable for Common Shares, including the 33,954
LCIF II units to which this prospectus relates. The average annualized distribution per LCIF II
unit is currently $0.72. Of the total LCIF II units, 687,152 LCIF II units are beneficially owned
by E. Robert Roskind, our chairman, and 48,537 LCIF II units are beneficially owned by Richard J.
Rouse, our vice chairman and chief investment officer.
Purposes, Business and Management
The purpose of LCIF II includes the conduct of any business that may be conducted lawfully by a
limited partnership organized under the Delaware Act, except that the LCIF II Partnership Agreement
requires the business of LCIF II to be conducted in such a manner that will permit us to continue
to be classified as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, unless we cease to qualify
as a REIT for reasons other than the conduct of the business of LCIF II. Subject to the foregoing
limitation, LCIF II may enter into partnerships, joint ventures or similar arrangements and may own
interests in any other entity.
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We, as sole equity owner of Lex GP-1, which is the sole general partner of LCIF II, have exclusive
power and authority to conduct the business of LCIF II, subject to the consent of the limited
partners in certain limited circumstances discussed below. No limited partner may take part in the
operation, management or control of the business of LCIF II by virtue of being a LCIF II
unitholder.
Ability to Engage in Other Businesses; Conflicts of Interest
Lex GP-1 may not, without the consent of the holders of a majority of the LCIF II units held by the
Special Limited Partners, engage in any business other than to hold and own LCIF II units. The
holders of a majority of the LCIF II units held by the Special Limited Partners have consented to
Lex GP-1s holding and ownership of units of limited partnership of our other operating
partnerships and acting as the general partner thereof and of another one of our partnership
subsidiaries. Neither us nor other persons (including our officers, trustees, employees, agents and
other affiliates) are prohibited under the LCIF II Partnership Agreement from engaging in other
business activities or are required to present any business opportunities to LCIF II.
Distributions; Allocations of Income and Loss
Generally, LCIF II unitholders are allocated and distributed amounts with respect to their LCIF II
units which approximate the amount of distributions made with respect to the same number of our
Common Shares, as determined in the manner provided in the LCIF II Partnership Agreement and
subject to certain restrictions and exceptions for certain limited partners. Remaining amounts
available for distribution are generally allocated to Lex GP-1.
Borrowing by LCIF II
Lex GP-1 has full power and authority to cause LCIF II to borrow money and to assume and guarantee
debt.
Reimbursement of Expenses; Transactions with the General Partner and its Affiliates
Neither we nor Lex GP-1 receives any compensation for Lex GP-1s services as general partner of
LCIF II. Lex GP-1 and Lex LP-1, however, as partners in LCIF II, have the same right to allocations
and distributions as other partners of LCIF II. In addition, LCIF II will reimburse Lex GP-1 and us
for all expenses incurred by them related to the ownership and operation of, or for the benefit of,
LCIF II. In the event that certain expenses are incurred for the benefit of LCIF II and other
entities (including us), such expenses are allocated by us, as sole equity owner of the general
partner of LCIF II, to LCIF II and such other entities in a manner as we, as sole equity owner of
the general partner of LCIF II, in our sole and absolute discretion deem fair and reasonable. We
have guaranteed the obligations of LCIF II in connection with the redemption of LCIF II units
pursuant to the LCIF II Partnership Agreement.
We and our affiliates may engage in any transactions with LCIF II subject to the fiduciary duties
established under applicable law.
Funding Agreement
In connection with the Merger, as defined above, we and our four Operating Partnerships, including
LCIF II, entered into a funding agreement. Pursuant to the funding agreement, the parties agreed,
jointly and severally, that, if any of the Operating Partnerships does not have sufficient cash
available to make a quarterly distribution to its limited partners in an amount equal to whichever
is applicable of (i) a specified distribution set forth in its partnership agreement or (ii) the
cash dividend payable with respect to whole or fractional Common Shares into which such
partnerships common units would be converted if they were redeemed for our Common Shares in
accordance with its partnership agreement, we and the other Operating Partnerships, each a funding
partnership, will fund their pro rata share of the shortfall. The pro rata share of each funding
partnership and our pro rata share, respectively, will be determined based on the number of units
in each funding partnership and, for the Company, by the amount by which our total outstanding
Common Shares exceeds the number of units in each funding partnership not owned by us, with
appropriate adjustments being made if units are not redeemable on a one-for-one basis. Payments
under the funding agreement will be made in the form of loans to the partnership experiencing a
shortfall and will bear interest at prevailing rates as determined by us in our discretion but no
less than the applicable federal rate. The MLPs right to receive these loans will expire if we
contribute to the MLP all of our economic interests in the other Operating
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Partnerships, including LCIF II, our existing joint ventures and all of our other subsidiaries that
are partnerships, joint ventures or limited liability companies. However, thereafter the MLP will
remain obligated to continue to make these loans until there are no remaining units outstanding in
the other Operating Partnerships, including LCIF II, and all loans have been repaid.
Liability of General Partner and Limited Partners
Lex GP-1, as the general partner of LCIF II, is ultimately liable for all general recourse
obligations of LCIF II to the extent not paid by LCIF II. Lex GP-1 is not liable for the
nonrecourse obligations of LCIF II. The limited partners of LCIF II are not required to make
additional capital contributions to LCIF II. Assuming that a limited partner does not take part in
the control of the business of LCIF II in its capacity as a limited partner thereof and otherwise
acts in conformity with the provisions of the LCIF II Partnership Agreement, the liability of the
limited partner for obligations of LCIF II under the LCIF II Partnership Agreement and the Delaware
Act is generally limited, subject to certain limited exceptions, to the loss of the limited
partners investment in LCIF II. LCIF II will operate in a manner the general partner deems
reasonable, necessary and appropriate to preserve the limited liability of the limited partners.
Exculpation and Indemnification of the General Partner
Generally, Lex GP-1, as general partner of LCIF II (and us as the sole equity owner of the general
partner of LCIF II) will incur no liability to LCIF II or any limited partner for losses sustained
or liabilities incurred as a result of errors in judgment or of any act or omission if we carried
out our duties in good faith. In addition, neither Lex GP-1 nor us are responsible for any
misconduct or negligence on the part of their agents, provided such agents were appointed in good
faith. Lex GP-1 and the Company may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management
consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors, and any action it takes or
omits to take in reliance upon the opinion of such persons, as to matters that Lex GP-1 and the
Company reasonably believe to be within their professional or expert competence, shall be
conclusively presumed to have been done or omitted in good faith and in accordance with such
opinion.
The LCIF II Partnership Agreement also provides that LCIF II will indemnify Lex GP-1 and us, our
respective directors, trustees and officers, and such other persons as Lex GP-1 and the Company may
from time to time designate to the fullest extent permitted under the Delaware Act.
Sales of Assets
Under the LCIF II Partnership Agreement, Lex GP-1 generally has the exclusive authority to
determine whether, when and on what terms the assets of LCIF II will be sold. LCIF II, however, is
prohibited under the LCIF II Partnership Agreement and certain contractual agreements from selling
certain assets, except in certain limited circumstances. Lex GP-1 may not consent to a sale of all
or substantially all of the assets of LCIF II, or a merger of LCIF II with another entity, without
the consent of a majority in interest of the Special Limited Partners.
Lex GP-1 has the right to redeem the LCIF II units held by all, but not less than all, of the LCIF
II unitholders (other than those LCIF II unitholders identified as the Special Limited Partners
in the LCIF II Partnership Agreement) under certain circumstances, including but not limited to a
merger, sale of assets, consolidation, share issuance, share redemption or other similar
transaction by us or LCIF II which would result in a change of beneficial ownership in us or LCIF
II by 50% or more.
Removal of the General Partner; Restrictions on Transfer by the General Partner or Us
The LCIF II Partnership Agreement provides that the limited partners may not remove Lex GP-1 as
general partner of LCIF II. Lex GP-1 may not transfer any of its interests as the general partner
of LCIF II, and Lex LP-1 may not transfer any of its interests as a limited partner in LCIF II,
except to each other or to us.
Restrictions on Transfer of LCIF II Units By LCIF II Unitholders
LCIF II unitholders may not transfer their LCIF II units without the consent of Lex GP-1, which may
be withheld in its sole and absolute discretion, provided that LCIF II unitholders may transfer all
or a portion of their LCIF II units
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to (i) immediate family members, (ii) certain 501(c)(3) organizations, (iii) a partner in such LCIF
II unitholder in a distribution to all of its partners or (iv) a lender as security for a loan to
be made or guaranteed by such LCIF II unitholder. However, a LCIF II unitholder may assign the
economic rights associated with its LCIF II units, without the consent of Lex GP-1, but such
assignee will not be (i) admitted to LCIF II as a substituted limited partner or (ii) entitled to
the same rights as a substituted limited partner. In addition, LCIF II unitholders may dispose of
their LCIF II units by exercising their rights to have their LCIF II units redeemed for Common
Shares. See Redemption of LCIF II units below.
Issuance of Additional Limited Partnership Interests
Lex GP-1 is authorized, in its sole and absolute discretion and without the consent of the limited
partners, to cause LCIF II to issue additional LCIF II units to any limited partners or any other
persons for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as Lex GP-1 deems appropriate. In
addition, Lex GP-1 may cause LCIF II to issue additional partnership interests in different series
or classes, which may be senior to the LCIF II units. Subject to certain exceptions, no additional
LCIF II units may be issued to us, Lex GP-1 or Lex LP-1.
Meetings; Voting
The LCIF II Partnership Agreement provides that limited partners may not take part in the
operation, management or control of LCIF IIs business. The LCIF II Partnership Agreement does not
provide for annual meetings of the limited partners, and LCIF II does not anticipate calling such
meetings.
Amendment of the LCIF II Partnership Agreement
The LCIF II Partnership Agreement may be amended with the consent of Lex GP-1, Lex LP-1 and a
majority in interest of the Special Limited Partners. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lex GP-1 has
the power, without the consent of limited partners, to amend the LCIF II Partnership Agreement in
certain limited circumstances.
Dissolution, Winding Up and Termination
LCIF II will continue indefinitely, unless sooner dissolved and terminated. LCIF II will be
dissolved, and its affairs wound up upon the occurrence of the earliest of: (1) the withdrawal of
Lex GP-1 as general partner (except in certain limited circumstances); (2) the sale of all or
substantially all of LCIF IIs assets and properties; or (3) the entry of a decree of judicial
dissolution of LCIF II pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act. Upon dissolution, Lex GP-1,
as general partner, or any person elected as liquidator by a majority in interest of the limited
partners, will proceed to liquidate the assets of LCIF II and apply the proceeds therefrom in the
order of priority set forth in the LCIF II Partnership Agreement.
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REDEMPTION OF LCIF II UNITS
General
Each LCIF II unitholder may, subject to certain limitations, require that LCIF II redeem its LCIF
II units, by delivering a notice to LCIF II. We have guaranteed the obligation of LCIF II to redeem
LCIF II units covered by any such notice. Upon redemption, such unitholder will receive one Common
Share in exchange for each LCIF II unit held by such unitholder.
LCIF II and the Company will satisfy any redemption right exercised by a unitholder through our
issuance of Common Shares, whether pursuant to this prospectus or otherwise, whereupon we will
acquire, and become the owner of, the LCIF II units being redeemed. Each acquisition of LCIF II
units by us will be treated as a sale of the LCIF II units by the redeeming unitholders to us for
federal income tax purposes. See Tax Treatment of Redemption of LCIF II units below. Upon
redemption, the former unitholders right to receive distributions from LCIF II with respect to the
LCIF II units redeemed will cease. The unitholder will have rights to dividend distributions as one
of our shareholders from the time of its acquisition of our Common Shares in exchange for the
redemption of its LCIF II units.
A unitholder must notify Lex GP-1 and us of its desire to require LCIF II to redeem LCIF II units
by sending a notice in the form attached as an exhibit to the LCIF II Partnership Agreement, a copy
of which is available from us. A unitholder must request the redemption of at least 1,000 LCIF II
units, or, if the unitholder holds fewer than 1,000 LCIF II units, all LCIF II units held by such
holder. No redemption can occur if the delivery of Common Shares would be prohibited under the
provisions of the declaration of trust designed to protect our qualification as a REIT.
Tax Treatment of Redemption of LCIF II Units
The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax considerations that may be relevant
to a unitholder that exercises its right to cause a redemption of its LCIF II units.
The LCIF II Partnership Agreement provides that the redemption of LCIF II units will be treated by
us and LCIF II and the redeeming unitholder as a sale of LCIF II units by the unitholder to us at
the time of the redemption. The sale will be fully taxable to the redeeming unitholder.
The determination of gain or loss from the sale or other disposition will be based on the
difference between the unitholders amount realized for tax purposes and his adjusted tax basis in
such LCIF II units. The amount realized will be measured by the fair market value of property
received (i.e., the Common Shares) plus the portion of the liabilities of LCIF II, allocable to the
LCIF II units sold. In general, a unitholders tax basis is based on the cost of the LCIF II units,
adjusted for the unitholders allocable share of the income, loss, distributions and liabilities of
LCIF II. To the extent that the amount realized exceeds the unitholders basis for the LCIF II
units disposed of, such unitholder will recognize gain; to the extent that the unitholders
adjusted tax basis for the LCIF II units disposed of exceeds the amount realized, such unitholder
will recognize loss. It is possible that the amount of gain recognized or even the tax liability
resulting from such gain could exceed the fair market value of the Common Shares received upon such
disposition. EACH UNITHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT WITH ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR FOR THE SPECIFIC TAX
CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM A REDEMPTION OF ITS LCIF II UNITS.
Generally, any gain recognized upon a sale or other disposition of LCIF II units will be treated as
gain attributable to the sale or disposition of a capital asset. To the extent, however, that the
amount realized upon the sale of LCIF II units attributable to a unitholders share of unrealized
receivables of LCIF II (as defined in Section 751 of the Code) exceeds the basis attributable to
those assets, such excess will be treated as ordinary income. Unrealized receivables include, to
the extent not previously included in the income of LCIF II, any rights to payment for services
rendered or to be rendered. Unrealized receivables also include amounts that would be subject to
recapture as ordinary income if LCIF II had sold its assets at their fair market value at the time
of the transfer of LCIF II units.
Generally, any loss recognized upon a sale or other disposition of LCIF II units will be treated as
loss attributable to the sale or disposition of a capital asset. Capital losses in any year are
generally deductible only to the extent of capital gains plus, in the case of a non-corporate
taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary income ($1,500 for married individuals filing separately).
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The passive activity loss rules of the Code limit the use of losses by individuals, estates, trusts
and certain closely held corporations and personal service corporations derived from certain
passive activities, which generally include investments in limited partnership interests such as
the LCIF II units. Previously-suspended and unused passive losses of a holder of LCIF II units
generally may be deducted in full in the taxable year when such holder completely disposes of its
LCIF II units. Each holder of LCIF II units subject to the passive activity loss rules should
consult its own tax advisor concerning whether, and the extent to which, it has available suspended
passive activity losses that may be used to offset the gain, if any, resulting from a redemption of
its LCIF II units.
For individuals, trusts and estates, the maximum rate of tax on the net capital gain (i.e.,
long-term capital gain less short-term capital loss) from a sale or exchange of a long-term capital
asset (i.e., a capital asset held for more than 12 months) is 15% (through 2010). The maximum rate
for net capital gains attributable to the sale of depreciable real property held for more than 12
months is 25% to the extent of the prior depreciation deductions for unrecaptured Section 1250
gain (that is, depreciation deductions not otherwise recaptured as ordinary income under the
existing depreciation recapture rules). Treasury Regulations provide that individuals, trusts and
estates are subject to a 25% tax to the extent of their allocable share of unrecaptured Section
1250 gain immediately prior to their sale or disposition of the LCIF II units (the 25% Amount).
Provided that the LCIF II units are held as a long-term capital asset, such unitholders would be
subject to a maximum rate of tax of 15% of the difference, if any, between any gain on the sale or
disposition of the LCIF II units and the 25% Amount.
It is possible that a redemption by LCIF II of LCIF II units issued in connection with a
contribution of property to LCIF II could cause the original transfer of property to LCIF II in
exchange for LCIF II units to be treated as a disguised sale of property. Section 707 of the Code
and the Treasury Regulations thereunder (the Disguised Sale Regulations) generally provide that,
unless one of the prescribed exceptions is applicable, a partners contribution of property to a
partnership and a simultaneous or subsequent transfer of money or other consideration (which may
include the assumption of or taking subject to a liability) from the partnership to the partner
will be presumed to be a sale, in whole or in part, of such property by the partner to the
partnership. Further, the Disguised Sale Regulations provide generally that, in the absence of an
applicable exception, if money or other consideration is transferred by a partnership to a partner
within two years of the partners contribution of property, the transactions are presumed to be a
sale of the contributed property unless the facts and circumstances clearly establish that the
transfers do not constitute a sale. The Disguised Sale Regulations also provide that if two years
have passed between the transfer of money or other consideration and the contribution of property,
the transactions will be presumed not to be a sale unless the facts and circumstances clearly
establish that the transfers constitute a sale. Given the amount of time that has passed since the
original transfers of properties to LCIF II by current holders of LCIF II units other than the
Company, it is unlikely, though still possible, that the redemption of LCIF II units by a
unitholder could cause such original transfers to be treated as disguised sales of property under
the Disguised Sale Regulations. EACH UNITHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT WITH ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR TO
DETERMINE WHETHER A REDEMPTION OF LCIF II UNITS COULD BE SUBJECT TO THE DISGUISED SALE REGULATIONS.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
We have filed the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part pursuant to our
obligations under the LCIF II Partnership Agreement in conjunction with certain agreements entered
into in connection with the acquisition of certain properties. Under these agreements, executed in
conjunction with the parties listed therein, we are obligated to use our reasonable efforts to keep
the registration statement continuously effective for a period expiring on the date on which all of
the LCIF II units covered by these agreements have been redeemed pursuant to the registration
statement. Any Common Shares that have been sold pursuant to such agreements, or have been
otherwise transferred and new certificates for them have been issued without legal restriction on
further transfer of such shares, will no longer be entitled to the benefits of those agreements.
We have no obligation under these agreements to retain any underwriter to effect the sale of the
shares covered thereby and the registration statement will not be available for use for an
underwritten public offering of such shares.
Pursuant to these agreements, we agreed to pay all expenses of effecting the registration of the
Common Shares covered by this prospectus (other than underwriting discounts and commissions, fees
and disbursements of counsel, and transfer taxes, if any) pursuant to the registration statement.
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COMPARISON OF OWNERSHIP OF LCIF II UNITS AND COMMON SHARES
The information below highlights a number of the significant differences between LCIF II and us
relating to, among other things, form of organization, permitted investments, policies and
restrictions, management structure, compensation and fees, investor rights and federal income
taxation, and compares certain legal rights associated with the ownership of LCIF II units and our
Common Shares, respectively. These comparisons are intended to assist unitholders in understanding
how their investment will be changed if their LCIF II units are redeemed for Common Shares. This
discussion is summary in nature and does not constitute a complete discussion of these matters, and
unitholders should carefully review the balance of this prospectus and the registration statement
of which this prospectus is a part for additional important information about us.
FORM OF ORGANIZATION AND ASSETS OWNED
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LCIF II is organized as a Delaware
limited partnership. LCIF II owns
interests (directly and indirectly
through subsidiaries) in properties
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We are a Maryland statutory real
estate investment trust. We believe
that we have operated so as to
qualify as a REIT under the Code,
commencing with our taxable year
ended December 31, 1993, and intend
to continue to so operate. Our
indirect interest in LCIF II gives
us an indirect investment in the
properties owned by LCIF II. In
addition, we own (either directly or
indirectly through interests in
subsidiaries other than LCIF II)
interests in other properties and
assets. |
LENGTH OF INVESTMENT
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LCIF II has a perpetual term, unless
sooner dissolved and terminated.
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We have a perpetual term and intend
to continue our operations for an
indefinite time period. |
PURPOSE AND PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
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LCIF IIs purpose is to conduct any
business that may be lawfully
conducted by a limited partnership
organized pursuant to the Delaware
Act, provided that such business is
to be conducted in a manner that
permits us to be qualified as a REIT
unless we cease to qualify as a REIT
for reasons other than the conduct
of LCIF IIs business. LCIF II may
not take, or refrain from taking,
any action which, in the judgment of
the general partner (which is wholly
owned by us) (i) could adversely
affect our ability to continue to
qualify as a REIT, (ii) could
subject us to any additional taxes
under Section 857 or Section 4981 of
the Code, or any other Section of
the Code, or (iii) could violate any
law or regulation of any
governmental body (unless such
action, or inaction, is specifically
consented to by us).
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Our purposes are to engage in the
real estate business and lawful
activities incidental thereto, and
to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which real estate
investment trusts may be organized
under the applicable laws of the
State of Maryland. We are permitted
by the LCIF II Partnership Agreement
to engage in activities not related
to the business of LCIF II,
including activities in direct or
indirect competition with LCIF II,
and may own assets other than our
interests in LCIF II, and such other
assets necessary to carry out our
responsibilities under the LCIF II
Partnership Agreement, and our
declaration of trust. In addition,
we have no obligation to present
opportunities to LCIF II and the
unitholders have no rights by virtue
of the LCIF II Partnership Agreement
in any of our outside business
ventures. |
ADDITIONAL EQUITY
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LCIF II is authorized to issue LCIF
II units and other partnership
interests (including partnership
interests of different series or
classes that may be senior to LCIF
II units) as determined by the
general partner, in its sole
discretion.
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Our board of trustees, in its
discretion, may cause us to issue
additional equity securities
consisting of Common Shares and/or
preferred shares. However, the total
number of shares issued may not
exceed the authorized number of
shares set forth in our declaration
of trust. The proceeds of equity
capital raised by us are not |
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required to be contributed to LCIF
II; provided, however, that if we
desire to increase our ownership of
LCIF II units, we may only do so by
contributing the proceeds of equity
capital raised by us. |
BORROWING POLICIES
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LCIF II has no restrictions on
borrowings, and the general partner
has full power and authority to
borrow money on behalf of LCIF II.
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Neither our declaration of trust nor
our bylaws impose any restrictions
on our ability to borrow money. We
are not required to incur our
indebtedness through LCIF II. |
OTHER INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
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Other than restrictions precluding
investments by LCIF II that would
adversely affect our qualification
as a REIT, there are no restrictions
upon LCIF IIs authority to enter
into certain transactions, including
among others, making investments,
lending LCIF II funds, or
reinvesting LCIF IIs cash flow and
net sale or refinancing proceeds.
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Neither our declaration of trust nor
our bylaws impose any restrictions
upon the types of investments made
by us. However, contractual
obligations may inhibit our ability
to invest in certain asset types. |
MANAGEMENT CONTROL
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All management powers over the
business and affairs of LCIF II are
vested in the general partner of
LCIF II, and no limited partner of
LCIF II has any right to participate
in or exercise control or management
power over the business and affairs
of LCIF II except that (1) the
general partner of LCIF II may not
consent to the participation of LCIF
II in any merger, consolidation or
other combination with or into
another person or entity, or a sale
of all or substantially all of LCIF
IIs assets without the consent of a
majority in interest of the Special
Limited Partners, and (2) there are
certain limitations on the ability
of the general partner of LCIF II to
cause or permit LCIF II to dissolve.
See Voting Rights Vote Required
to Dissolve or Terminate LCIF II or
Us below. The general partner may
not be removed by the limited
partners of LCIF II with or without
cause.
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Our board of trustees has exclusive
control over our business and
affairs subject only to the
restrictions in our declaration of
trust and bylaws. Our board of
trustees consists of ten trustees,
which number may be increased or
decreased by vote of at least a
majority of the entire board of
trustees pursuant to our bylaws. The
trustees are elected at each annual
meeting of our shareholders. The
policies adopted by the board of
trustees may be altered or
eliminated without a vote of the
shareholders. Accordingly, except
for their vote in the elections of
trustees, shareholders have no
control over our ordinary business
policies. |
DUTIES
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Under Delaware law, the general
partner of LCIF II is accountable to
LCIF II as a fiduciary and,
consequently, is required to
exercise good faith and integrity in
all of its dealings with respect to
partnership affairs. However, under
the LCIF II Partnership Agreement,
the general partner may, but is
under no obligation to, take into
account the tax consequences to any
partner of any action taken by it,
and the general partner is not
liable for monetary damages for
losses sustained or liabilities
incurred by partners as a result of
errors of judgment or of any act or
omission, provided that the general
partner has acted in good faith.
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Under Maryland law, our trustees
must perform their duties in good
faith, in a manner that they
reasonably believe to be in our best
interests and with the care that an
ordinarily prudent person in a like
position would use under similar
circumstances. Trustees who act in
such a manner generally will not be
liable to us for monetary damages
arising from their activities. |
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MANAGEMENT LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
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Under Delaware law, the general
partner has liability for the
payment of the obligations and debts
of LCIF II unless limitations upon
such liability are stated in the
document or instrument evidencing
the obligation. Under the LCIF II
Partnership Agreement, LCIF II has
agreed to indemnify Lex GP-1 and us,
and any director, trustee or officer
of Lex GP-1 or us to the fullest
extent permitted under the Delaware
Act. The reasonable expenses
incurred by an indemnitee may be
reimbursed by LCIF II in advance of
the final disposition of the
proceeding upon receipt by LCIF II
of a written affirmation by such
indemnitee of his, her or its good
faith belief that the standard of
conduct necessary for
indemnification has been met and a
written undertaking by such
indemnitee to repay the amount if it
is ultimately determined that such
standard was not met.
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Under our declaration of trust, the
liability of our trustees and
officers to us and our shareholders
for money damages is limited to the
fullest extent permitted under
Maryland law. Under our declaration
of trust we have agreed to indemnify
our trustees and officers, to the
fullest extent permitted under
Maryland law and to indemnify our
other employees and agents to such
extent as authorized by our board of
trustees or our bylaws, but only to
the extent permitted under
applicable law. |
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
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Except in limited circumstances (see
Voting Rights below), the general
partner of LCIF II has exclusive
management power over the business
and affairs of LCIF II. The general
partner may not be removed by the
limited partners with or without
cause. Under the LCIF II Partnership
Agreement, a limited partner may
transfer his or her interest as a
limited partner (subject to certain
limited exceptions set forth in the
LCIF II Partnership Agreement),
without obtaining the approval of
the general partner. However,
without the consent of the general
partner, a transferee will not be
(i) admitted to LCIF II as a
substituted limited partner or (ii)
entitled to the same rights as a
substituted limited partner.
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Our declaration of trust and bylaws
contain a number of provisions that
may have the effect of delaying or
discouraging an unsolicited proposal
for the acquisition of us or the
removal of incumbent management.
These provisions include, among
others: (1) authorized shares that
may be issued as preferred shares in
the discretion of the board of
trustees, with superior voting
rights to the Common Shares; (2) a
requirement that trustees may be
removed only for cause and then only
by the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 80% of the
combined voting power of all classes
of shares of beneficial interest
entitled to vote in the election of
trustees; and (3) provisions
designed to, among other things,
avoid concentration of share
ownership in a manner that would
jeopardize our status as a REIT
under the Code.
Furthermore, under Maryland law,
business combinations between a
Maryland real estate investment
trust and an interested shareholder
or an affiliate of an interested
shareholder are prohibited for five
years after the most recent date on
which the interested shareholder
becomes an interested shareholder.
See Certain Provisions of Maryland
Law and Our Declaration of Trust and
Bylaws Maryland Law, elsewhere in
this prospectus. |
VOTING RIGHTS
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All decisions relating to the
operation and management of LCIF II
are made by the general partner. See
Description of LCIF II units
elsewhere in this prospectus. As of
the date of this prospectus, we
held, through Lex GP-1 and Lex LP-1,
approximately 77.5% of the
outstanding LCIF II units. As LCIF
II units are redeemed by
unitholders, our percentage
ownership of
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We are managed and controlled by a
board of trustees presently
consisting of ten members. Each
trustee is elected by the
shareholders at annual meetings of
our shareholders. Maryland law
requires that certain major
corporate transactions, including
most amendments to the declaration
of trust, may not be consummated
without the approval of shareholders
as set forth below. All Common
Shares have one vote, and the
declaration |
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LCIF II will increase.
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of trust permits the
board of trustees to classify and
issue preferred shares in one or
more series having voting power
which may differ from that of the
Common Shares. See Description of
Our Common Shares elsewhere in this
prospectus. |
The following is a comparison of the voting rights of the limited partners of
LCIF II and our shareholders as they relate to certain major transactions:
A. AMENDMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OR THE DECLARATION OF TRUST.
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The LCIF II Partnership Agreement
may be amended with the consent of
Lex GP-1, Lex LP-1 and a majority in
interest of the Special Limited
Partners. Certain amendments that
affect the fundamental rights of a
limited partner must be approved by
each affected limited partner. In
addition, the general partner may,
without the consent of the limited
partners, amend the LCIF II
Partnership Agreement as to certain
ministerial matters.
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Amendments to our declaration of
trust must be advised by our board
of trustees and approved generally
by at least a majority of the votes
entitled to be cast on that matter
at a meeting of shareholders.
Amendments to certain provisions on
termination require the affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast and amendments
to certain provisions in our
declaration of trust relating to
amendments to our declaration of
trust or bylaws, relating to our
board or relating to obligations
under written instruments, require
the affirmative vote of 80% of the
votes entitled to be cast. In
addition, our declaration of trust
may be amended by a two-thirds
majority of our trustees, without
shareholder approval, in order to
preserve our qualification as a REIT
under the Code. |
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B. VOTE REQUIRED TO DISSOLVE OR TERMINATE LCIF II OR US.
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LCIF II may be dissolved upon the
occurrence of certain events, none
of which require the consent of the
limited partners.
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We may be terminated only upon the
affirmative vote of the holders of
two-thirds of the outstanding shares
entitled to vote thereon. |
C. VOTE REQUIRED TO SELL ASSETS OR MERGE.
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Under the LCIF II Partnership
Agreement, the sale, exchange,
transfer or other disposition of all
or substantially all of LCIF IIs
assets, or a merger or consolidation
of LCIF II, requires the consent of
a majority in interest of the
Special Limited Partners. The
general partner of LCIF II has the
exclusive authority to sell
individual assets of LCIF II.
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Under Maryland law and our
declaration of trust, the sale of
all or substantially all of our
assets, or a merger or consolidation
of us, generally requires the
approval of our board of trustees
and generally require the approval
of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote
thereon. No approval of the
shareholders is required for the
sale of less than all or
substantially all of our assets. |
COMPENSATION, FEES AND DISTRIBUTIONS
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The general partner does not receive
any compensation for its services as
general partner of LCIF II. As a
partner in LCIF II, however, the
general partner has the same right
to allocations and distributions as
other partners of LCIF II. In
addition, LCIF II will reimburse Lex
GP-1 (and us) for all expenses
incurred relating to the ownership
and operation of LCIF II and any
other offering of additional
partnership interests in LCIF II.
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Our non-employee trustees and our
officers receive compensation for
their services. |
LIABILITY OF INVESTORS
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Under the LCIF II Partnership
Agreement and applicable state law,
the liability of the limited
partners for LCIF IIs debts and
obligations is generally limited to
the amount of their investment in
LCIF II.
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Under Maryland law, our shareholders
are generally not personally liable
for our debts or obligations. |
NATURE OF INVESTMENT
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The LCIF II units constitute equity
interests in LCIF II. Generally,
unitholders are allocated and
distributed amounts with respect to
their LCIF II units which
approximate the amount of
distributions made with respect to
the same number of our Common
Shares, as determined in the manner
provided in the LCIF II Partnership
Agreement and subject to certain
restrictions and exceptions for
certain limited partners. LCIF II
generally intends to retain and
reinvest proceeds of the sale of
property or excess refinancing
proceeds in its business.
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Common Shares constitute equity
interests in us. We are entitled to
receive our pro rata share of
distributions made by LCIF II with
respect to the LCIF II units held by
us, and by our other direct
subsidiaries. Each shareholder will
be entitled to his pro rata share of
any dividends or distributions paid
with respect to the Common Shares.
The dividends payable to the
shareholders are not fixed in amount
and are only paid if, when and as
authorized by our board of trustees
and declared by us. In order to
continue to qualify as a REIT, we
generally must distribute at least
90% of our net taxable income
(excluding capital gains), and any
taxable income (including capital
gains) not distributed will be
subject to corporate income tax. |
POTENTIAL DILUTION OF RIGHTS
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Lex GP-1 is authorized, in its sole
discretion and without limited
partner approval, to cause LCIF II
to issue additional LCIF II units
and other equity securities for any
partnership purpose at any time to
the limited partners or to other
persons (including the general
partner under certain circumstances
set forth in the LCIF II Partnership
Agreement).
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Our board of trustees may authorize
us to issue, in its discretion,
additional shares, and has the
authority to cause us to issue from
authorized capital a variety of
other equity securities with such
powers, preferences and rights as
the board of trustees may designate
at the time. The issuance of either
additional Common Shares or other
similar equity securities may result
in the dilution of the interests of
the shareholders. |
LIQUIDITY
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Limited partners may generally
transfer their LCIF II units without
the general partners consent.
However, without the consent of the
general partner, a transferee will
not be (i) admitted to LCIF II as a
substituted limited partner or (ii)
entitled to the same rights as a
substituted limited partner. Certain
limited partners have the right to
tender their LCIF II units for
redemption by LCIF II at certain
times, as specified in the LCIF II
Partnership Agreement. See
Redemption of LCIF II units
elsewhere in this prospectus.
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The Common Shares covered by this
prospectus will be freely
transferable as registered
securities under the Securities Act.
Our Common Shares are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange. The breadth
and strength of this secondary
market will depend, among other
things, upon the number of shares
outstanding, our financial results
and prospects, the general interest
in the Company and other real estate
investments, and our dividend yield
compared to that of other debt and
equity securities. |
FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
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LCIF II is not subject to federal
income taxes. Instead, each
unitholder includes its allocable
share of LCIF IIs taxable income or
loss in determining its individual
federal income tax liability. The
maximum federal income tax rate for
individuals under current law is
35%.
A unitholders share of income and
loss generated by LCIF II generally
is subject to the passive activity
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We have elected to be taxed as a
REIT. So long as we qualify as a
REIT, we will be permitted to deduct
distributions paid to our
shareholders, which effectively will
reduce the double taxation that
typically results when a corporation
earns income and distributes that
income to its shareholders in the
form of dividends. A qualified REIT,
however, is subject to federal
income tax on income that is not
distributed and also may be subject
to federal income and excise taxes
in certain |
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limitations. Under the passive
activity rules, income and loss
from LCIF II that are considered
passive income generally can be
offset against income and loss from
other investments that constitute
passive activities. Cash
distributions from LCIF II are not
taxable to a unitholder except to
the extent such distributions exceed
such unitholders basis in its
interest in LCIF II (which will
include such holders allocable
share of LCIF IIs taxable income
and nonrecourse debt).
Each year, unitholders will receive
a Schedule K-1 containing detailed
tax information for inclusion in
preparing their federal income tax
returns.
Unitholders are required, in some
cases, to file state income tax
returns and/or pay state income
taxes in the states in which LCIF II
owns property, even if they are not
residents of those states.
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circumstances. The
maximum federal income tax rate for
corporations under current law is 35%.
Dividends paid by us will be treated
as portfolio income and cannot be
offset with losses from passive
activities. The maximum federal
income tax rate for individuals
under current law is 35%.
Distributions made by us to our
taxable domestic shareholders out of
current or accumulated earnings and
profits will be taken into account
by them as ordinary income.
Distributions that are designated as
capital gain dividends generally
will be taxed as long-term capital
gain, subject to certain
limitations, but generally would not
be eligible for certain reduced
rates under current law.
Distributions in excess of current
or accumulated earnings and profits
will be treated as a non-taxable
return of basis to the extent of a
shareholders adjusted basis in its
Common Shares, with the excess taxed
as capital gain.
Each year, shareholders will receive
an IRS Form 1099 used by
corporations to report dividends
paid to their shareholders.
Shareholders who are individuals
generally will not be required to
file state income tax returns and/or
pay state income taxes outside of
their state of residence with
respect to our operations and
distributions. We may be required to
pay state income taxes in certain
states. |
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Please see United States Federal
Income Tax Considerations, below. |
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UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion summarizes the material United States federal income tax considerations to
you as a prospective holder of our Common Shares and assumes that you will hold such shares as
capital assets (within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code). The following discussion is for
general information purposes only, is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations and is not
intended to be and should not be construed as tax advice. For example, this summary does not give a
detailed discussion of any state, local or foreign tax considerations. In addition, this discussion
is intended to address only those federal income tax considerations that are generally applicable
to all of our shareholders. It does not discuss all of the aspects of federal income taxation that
may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances or to certain types of
shareholders who are subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws including,
without limitation, regulated investment companies, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities,
financial institutions or broker-dealers, expatriates, persons subject to the alternative minimum
tax and partnerships or other pass through entities.
The information in this section is based on the Code, existing, temporary and proposed regulations
under the Code, the legislative history of the Code, current administrative rulings and practices
of the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, and court decisions, all as of the date hereof. No
assurance can be given that future legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations and
court decisions will not significantly change current law or adversely affect existing
interpretations of current law. Any such change could apply retroactively to transactions preceding
the date of the change. In addition, we have not received, and do not plan to request, any rulings
from the IRS. Thus no assurance can be provided that the statements set forth herein (which do not
bind the IRS or the courts) will not be challenged by the IRS or that such statements will be
sustained by a court if so challenged. PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARE ADVISED TO
CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF
INVESTING IN OUR COMMON SHARES IN LIGHT OF THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Taxation of the Company
General. We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, commencing
with our taxable year ended December 31, 1993. We believe that we have been organized, and have
operated, in such a manner so as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code and intend to
conduct our operations so as to continue to qualify for taxation as a REIT. No assurance, however,
can be given that we have operated in a manner so as to qualify or will be able to operate in such
a manner so as to remain qualified as a REIT. Qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our
ability to meet on a continuing basis, through actual annual operating results, the required
distribution levels, diversity of share ownership and the various qualification tests imposed under
the Code discussed below, the results of which will not be reviewed by counsel. Given the highly
complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, and
the possibility of future changes in our circumstances, no assurance can be given that the actual
results of our operations for any one taxable year have satisfied or will continue to satisfy such
requirements.
In the opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, based on certain assumptions and factual
representations that are described in this section and in officers certificates provided by us,
Concord Debt Holdings LLC and Concord Debt Funding Trust (both subsidiaries in which we indirectly
hold interests), commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1993, we have been organized
and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT and our current and
proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification
and taxation as a REIT. It must be emphasized that this opinion is based on various assumptions and
is conditioned upon certain representations made by us, Concord Debt Holdings LLC and Concord Debt
Funding Trust as to factual matters including, but not limited to, those set forth herein, and
those concerning our business and properties as set forth in this prospectus. An opinion of counsel
is not binding on the IRS or the courts.
The following is a general summary of the Code provisions that govern the federal income tax
treatment of a REIT and its shareholders. These provisions of the Code are highly technical and
complex. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, Treasury
Regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, all of which are subject to
change prospectively or retroactively.
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If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income
taxes on our net income that is currently distributed to shareholders. This treatment substantially
eliminates the double taxation (at the corporate and shareholder levels) that generally results
from investment in a corporation. However, we will be subject to federal income tax as follows:
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First, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed REIT taxable
income, including undistributed net capital gains. |
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Second, under certain circumstances, we may be subject to the alternative minimum
tax on our items of tax preference. |
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Third, if we have (a) net income from the sale or other disposition of foreclosure
property, which is, in general, property acquired on foreclosure or otherwise on
default on a loan secured by such real property or a lease of such property, which is
held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or (b) other
nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at the
highest corporate rate on such income. |
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Fourth, if we have net income from prohibited transactions such income will be
subject to a 100% tax. Prohibited transactions are, in general, certain sales or other
dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of
business other than foreclosure property. |
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Fifth, if we should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross
income test (as discussed below), but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT
because certain other requirements have been met, we will be subject to a 100% tax on
an amount equal to (a) the gross income attributable to the greater of the amount by
which we fail the 75% gross income test or the amount by which 95% (90% for taxable
years ending on or prior to December 31, 2004) of our gross income exceeds the amount
of income qualifying under the 95% gross income test multiplied by (b) a fraction
intended to reflect our profitability. |
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Sixth, if we should fail to satisfy the asset tests (as discussed below) but
nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements
have been met and we do not qualify for a de minimis exception, we may be subject to a
tax that would be the greater of (a) $50,000; or (b) an amount determined by
multiplying the highest rate of tax for corporations by the net income generated by the
assets for the period beginning on the first date of the failure and ending on the day
we dispose of the nonqualifying assets (or otherwise satisfy the requirements for
maintaining REIT qualification). |
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Seventh, if we should fail to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT
qualification, other than the 95% and 75% gross income tests and other than the asset
tests, but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because certain other
requirements have been met, we may be subject to a $50,000 penalty for each failure. |
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Eighth, if we should fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum
of (a) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our REIT capital gain
net income for such year, and (c) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods,
we would be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the excess of such required
distribution over the amounts actually distributed. |
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Ninth, if we acquire any asset from a C corporation (i.e., a corporation generally
subject to full corporate level tax) in a transaction in which the basis of the asset
in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset (or any other
property) in the hands of the C corporation and we do not elect to be taxed at the time
of the acquisition, we would be subject to tax at the highest corporate rate if we
dispose of such asset during the ten-year period beginning on the date that we acquired
that asset, to the extent of such propertys built-in gain (the excess of the fair
market value of such property at the time of our acquisition over the adjusted basis of
such property at such time) (we refer to this tax as the Built-in Gains Tax). |
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Tenth, we will incur a 100% excise tax on transactions with a taxable REIT
subsidiary that are not conducted on an arms-length basis. |
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Finally, if we own a residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit,
or REMIC, we will be taxable at the highest corporate rate on the portion of any
excess inclusion income that we derive from the REMIC residual interests equal to the
percentage of our shares that is held in record name by disqualified organizations.
Similar rules apply if we own an equity interest in a taxable mortgage pool. A
disqualified organization includes the United States, any state or political
subdivision thereof, any foreign government or international organization, any agency
or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, any rural electrical or telephone
cooperative and any tax-exempt organization (other than a farmers cooperative
described in Section 521 of the Code) that is exempt from income taxation and from the
unrelated business taxable income provisions of the Code. However, to the extent that
we own a REMIC residual interest or a taxable mortgage pool through a taxable REIT
subsidiary, we will not be subject to this tax. See the heading Requirements for
Qualification below. |
Requirements for Qualification. A REIT is a corporation, trust or association (1) that is managed
by one or more trustees or directors, (2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by
transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest, (3) that would be
taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 859 of the Code, (4) that is
neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to certain provisions of the Code,
(5) that has the calendar year as its taxable year, (6) the beneficial ownership of which is held
by 100 or more persons, (7) during the last half of each taxable year, not more than 50% in value
of the outstanding stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals
(as defined in the Code to include certain entities), and (8) that meets certain other tests,
described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets. The Code provides that conditions
(1) through (5), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (6) must
be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve (12) months, or during a proportionate
part of a taxable year of less than twelve (12) months.
We may redeem, at our option, a sufficient number of shares or restrict the transfer thereof to
bring or maintain the ownership of the shares in conformity with the requirements of the Code. In
addition, our declaration of trust includes restrictions regarding the transfer of our shares that
are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy requirements (6) and (7). Moreover, if we comply
with regulatory rules pursuant to which we are required to send annual letters to our shareholders
requesting information regarding the actual ownership of our shares, and we do not know, or
exercising reasonable diligence would not have known, whether we failed to meet requirement (7)
above, we will be treated as having met the requirement.
The Code allows a REIT to own wholly-owned corporate subsidiaries which are qualified REIT
subsidiaries. The Code provides that a qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate
corporation, and all of its assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit are
treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT. Thus, in
applying the requirements described herein, our qualified REIT subsidiaries will be ignored, and
all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of such subsidiaries will be
treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit.
For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2001, a REIT may also hold any direct or
indirect interest in a corporation that qualifies as a taxable REIT subsidiary, as long as the
REITs aggregate holdings of taxable REIT subsidiary securities do not exceed 20% of the value of
the REITs total assets (for taxable years beginning after July 30, 2008, 25% of the value of the
REITs total assets) at the close of each quarter. A taxable REIT subsidiary is a fully taxable
corporation that generally is permitted to engage in businesses (other than certain activities
relating to lodging and health care facilities), own assets, and earn income that, if engaged in,
owned, or earned by the REIT, might jeopardize REIT status or result in the imposition of penalty
taxes on the REIT. To qualify as a taxable REIT subsidiary, the subsidiary and the REIT must make a
joint election to treat the subsidiary as a taxable REIT subsidiary. A taxable REIT subsidiary also
includes any corporation (other than a REIT or a qualified REIT subsidiary) in which a taxable REIT
subsidiary directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the total voting power or value. See Asset
Tests below. A taxable REIT subsidiary will pay tax at regular corporate income rates on any
taxable income it earns. Moreover, the Code contains rules, including rules requiring the
imposition of taxes on a
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REIT at the rate of 100% on certain reallocated income and expenses, to ensure that contractual
arrangements between a taxable REIT subsidiary and its parent REIT are at arms-length.
In the case of a REIT which is a partner in a partnership, Treasury Regulations provide that the
REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share of each of the assets of the partnership and
will be deemed to be entitled to the income of the partnership attributable to such share for
purposes of satisfying the gross income and assets tests (as discussed below). In addition, the
character of the assets and items of gross income of the partnership will retain the same character
in the hands of the REIT. Thus, our proportionate share (based on equity capital) of the assets,
liabilities, and items of gross income of the partnerships in which we own an interest are treated
as our assets, liabilities and items of gross income for purposes of applying the requirements
described herein. The treatment described above also applies with respect to the ownership of
interests in limited liability companies or other entities that are treated as partnerships for tax
purposes.
A significant number of our investments are held through partnerships. If any such partnerships
were treated as an association, the entity would be taxable as a corporation and therefore would be
subject to an entity level tax on its income. In such a situation, the character of our assets and
items of gross income would change and might preclude us from qualifying as a REIT. We believe that
each partnership in which we hold a material interest (either directly or indirectly) is properly
treated as a partnership for tax purposes (and not as an association taxable as a corporation).
Special rules apply to a REIT, a portion of a REIT, or a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a
taxable mortgage pool. An entity or portion thereof may be classified as a taxable mortgage pool
under the Code if:
substantially all of the assets consist of debt obligations or interests in debt
obligations;
more than 50% of those debt obligations are real estate mortgage loans or interests
in real estate mortgage loans as of specified testing dates;
the entity has issued debt obligations that have two or more maturities; and
the payments required to be made by the entity on its debt obligations bear a
relationship to the payments to be received by the entity on the debt obligations that
it holds as assets.
Under Treasury Regulations, if less than 80% of the assets of an entity (or the portion thereof)
consist of debt obligations, these debt obligations are considered not to comprise substantially
all of its assets, and therefore the entity would not be treated as a taxable mortgage pool.
An entity or portion thereof that is classified as a taxable mortgage pool is generally treated as
a taxable corporation for federal income tax purposes. However, the portion of the REITs assets,
held directly or through a qualified REIT subsidiary, that qualifies as a taxable mortgage pool is
treated as a qualified REIT subsidiary that is not subject to corporate income tax and therefore
the taxable mortgage pool classification does not change that treatment. The classification of a
REIT, qualified REIT subsidiary or portion thereof as a taxable mortgage pool could, however,
result in taxation of a REIT and certain of its shareholders as described below.
IRS guidance indicates that a portion of income from a taxable mortgage pool arrangement, if any,
could be treated as excess inclusion income. Excess inclusion income is an amount, with respect
to any calendar quarter, equal to the excess, if any, of (i) income allocable to the holder of a
REMIC residual interest or taxable mortgage pool interest over (ii) the sum of an amount for each
day in the calendar quarter equal to the product of (a) the adjusted issue price at the beginning
of the quarter multiplied by (b) 120% of the long-term federal rate (determined on the basis of
compounding at the close of each calendar quarter and properly adjusted for the length of such
quarter). Under the recent guidance, such income would be allocated among our shareholders in
proportion to dividends paid and, generally, may not be offset by net operating losses of the
shareholder, would be taxable to tax exempt shareholders who are subject to the unrelated business
income tax rules of the Code and would subject non-U.S. shareholders to a 30% withholding tax
(without exemption or reduction of the withholding rate). To the extent that excess inclusion
income is allocated from a taxable mortgage pool to any disqualified organizations that hold our
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shares, we may be taxable on this income at the highest applicable corporate tax rate (currently
35%). Because this tax would be imposed on the REIT, all of the REITs shareholders, including
shareholders that are not disqualified organizations, would bear a portion of the tax cost
associated with the classification of any portion of our assets as a taxable mortgage pool.
If we own less than 100% of the ownership interests in a subsidiary that is a taxable mortgage
pool, the foregoing rules would not apply. Rather, the subsidiary would be treated as a corporation
for federal income tax purposes and would potentially be subject to corporate income tax. In
addition, this characterization would affect our REIT income and asset test calculations and could
adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT.
We have made and in the future intend to make investments or enter into financing and
securitization transactions that may give rise to our being considered to own an interest, directly
or indirectly, in one or more taxable mortgage pools. Prospective holders are urged to consult
their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the taxable mortgage pool rules to them in
light of their particular circumstances.
Income Tests. In order to maintain qualification as a REIT, we must satisfy annually certain gross
income requirements. First, at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from
prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be derived directly or indirectly from
investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property (including rents from real
property; gain from the sale of real property other than property held for sale to customers in
the ordinary course of business; dividends from, and gain from the sale of shares of, other
qualifying REITs; certain interest described further below; and certain income derived from a
REMIC) or from certain types of qualified temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross
income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be derived
from income that qualifies under the foregoing 75% gross income test, other types of dividends and
interest, gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities and certain other specified
sources. Any income from a hedging transaction entered into after December 31, 2004 that is clearly
and timely identified and hedges indebtedness incurred or to be incurred to acquire or carry real
estate assets will not constitute gross income, rather than being treated as qualifying or
nonqualifying income, for purposes of the 95% gross income test and, with respect to such hedging
transactions entered into after July 30, 2008, for purposes of the 75% gross income test as well.
For transactions entered into after July 30, 2008, a hedging transaction also includes a
transaction entered into to manage foreign currency risks with respect to items of income and gain
(or any property which generates such income or gain) that would be qualifying income under the 75%
or 95% gross income tests, but only if such transaction is clearly identified before the close
of the day it was acquired, originated or entered into. In addition, certain foreign currency
gains recognized after July 30, 2008 will be excluded from gross income for purposes of one or both
of the gross income tests.
Rents received by us will qualify as rents from real property in satisfying the gross income
requirements for a REIT described above only if several conditions are met. First, the amount of
rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an
amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term rents from real property
solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Second,
the Code provides that rents received from a tenant will not qualify as rents from real property
in satisfying the gross income tests if we, or an owner of 10% or more of our shares, actually or
constructively own 10% or more of such tenant. Third, 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 (based on the
ratio of fair market value of personal and real property) will not qualify as rents from real
property. Finally, in order for rents received to qualify as rents from real property, we
generally must not operate or manage the property (subject to a de minimis exception as described
below) or furnish or render services to the tenants of such property, other than through an
independent contractor from whom we derive no revenue or through a taxable REIT subsidiary. We may,
however, directly perform certain services that are usually or customarily rendered in connection
with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered rendered to the
occupant of the property (Permissible Services).
For our taxable years commencing on or after January 1, 1998, rents received generally will qualify
as rents from real property notwithstanding the fact that we provide services that are not
Permissible Services so long as the amount received for such services meets a de minimis standard.
The amount received for impermissible services with respect to a property (or, if services are
available only to certain tenants, possibly with respect to such tenants) cannot exceed one percent
of all amounts received, directly or indirectly, by us with respect to such property (or, if
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services are available only to certain tenants, possibly with respect to such tenants). The amount
that we will be deemed to have received for performing impermissible services will be the greater
of the actual amounts so received or 150% of the direct cost to us of providing those services.
We believe that substantially all of our rental income will be qualifying income under the gross
income tests, and that our provision of services will not cause the rental income to fail to be
qualifying income under those tests.
Generally, interest on debt secured by a mortgage on real property or interests in real property
qualifies for purposes of satisfying the 75% gross income test described above. However, if the
highest principal amount of a loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value
of the real property securing the loan as of the date the REIT agreed to originate or acquire the
loan, a proportionate amount of the interest income from such loan will not be qualifying income
for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95%
gross income test. In addition, any interest amount that is based in whole or in part on the
income or profits of any person does not qualify for purposes of the foregoing 75% and 95% income
tests except (a) amounts that are based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales
and (b) amounts that are based on the income or profits of a debtor, as long as the debtor derives
substantially all of its income from the real property securing the debt from leasing substantially
all of its interest in the property, and only to the extent that the amounts received by the debtor
would be qualifying rents from real property if received directly by the REIT.
If a loan contains a provision that entitles a REIT to a percentage of the borrowers gain upon the
sale of the real property securing the loan or a percentage of the appreciation in the propertys
value as of a specific date, income attributable to that loan provision will be treated as gain
from the sale of the property securing the loan, which is generally qualifying income for purposes
of both gross income tests.
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may
nevertheless qualify as a REIT for such year if such failure was due to reasonable cause and not
willful neglect and we file a schedule describing each item of our gross income for such taxable
year in accordance with Treasury Regulations (and for taxable years beginning on or before October
22, 2004, any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax).
It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the
benefit of this relief provision. Even if this relief provision applied, a 100% penalty tax would
be imposed on the amount by which we failed the 75% gross income test or the amount by which 95%
(90% for taxable years ending on or prior to December 31, 2004) of our gross income exceeds the
amount of income qualifying under the 95% gross income test (whichever amount is greater),
multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
Subject to certain safe harbor exceptions, any gain (including certain foreign currency gain
recognized after July 30, 2008) realized by us on the sale of any property held as inventory or
other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business will be
treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. Such
prohibited transaction income may also have an adverse effect upon our ability to qualify as a
REIT. In June 2007, we announced a restructuring of our investment strategy, focusing on core and
core plus assets. While we believe that the dispositions of our assets pursuant to the
restructuring of our investment strategy should not be treated as prohibited transactions, and
although we intend to conduct our operations so that we will not be treated as holding our
properties for sale, whether a particular sale will be treated as a prohibited transaction depends
on all the facts and circumstances with respect to the particular transaction. We have not sought
and do not intend to seek a ruling from the IRS regarding any dispositions. Accordingly, there can
be no assurance that the IRS will not successfully assert a contrary position with respect to our
dispositions. If all or a significant portion of our dispositions were treated as prohibited
transactions, we would incur a significant U.S. federal tax liability, which could have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations.
We will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any income from foreclosure property
(including certain foreign currency gains and related deductions recognized after July 30, 2008),
other than income that otherwise would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income
test, less expenses directly connected with the production of that income. However, gross income
from foreclosure property will qualify under the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Foreclosure
property is any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property
incident to such real property (1) that is acquired by a REIT as the result of the REIT having bid
on such property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced such property to ownership or
possession by agreement or
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process of law, after there was a default or default was imminent on a lease of such property or on
indebtedness that such property secured; (2) for which the related loan was acquired by the REIT at
a time when the default was not imminent or anticipated; and (3) for which the REIT makes a proper
election to treat the property as foreclosure property. Any gain from the sale of property for
which a foreclosure property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains
from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property would otherwise constitute
inventory or dealer property.
A REIT will not be considered to have foreclosed on a property where the REIT takes control of the
property as a mortgagee-in-possession and cannot receive any profit or sustain any loss except as a
creditor of the mortgagor. Property generally ceases to be foreclosure property at the end of the
third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the property, unless a
longer extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury or the grace period terminates earlier
due to certain nonqualifying income or activities generated with respect to the property.
Asset Tests. At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy the following
tests relating to the nature of our assets. At least 75% of the value of our total assets,
including our allocable share of assets held by partnerships in which we own an interest, must be
represented by real estate assets, stock or debt instruments held for not more than one year
purchased with the proceeds of an offering of equity securities or a long-term (at least five
years) public debt offering by us, cash, cash items (including certain receivables) and government
securities. For this purpose, real estate assets include interests in real property, such as land,
buildings, leasehold interests in real property, stock of other corporations that qualify as REITs,
and certain kinds of mortgage-backed securities (including regular or residual interests in a REMIC
to the extent provided in the Code) and mortgage loans. In addition, not more than 25% of our
total assets may be represented by securities other than those in the 75% asset class. Not more
than 20% of the value of our total assets (for taxable years beginning after July 30, 2008, 25% of
the value of our total assets) may be represented by securities of one or more taxable REIT
subsidiaries (as defined above under Requirements for Qualification). Except for investments
included in the 75% asset class, securities in a taxable REIT subsidiary or qualified REIT
subsidiary and certain partnership interests and debt obligations, (1) not more than 5% of the
value of our total assets may be represented by securities of any one issuer (the 5% asset test),
(2) we may not hold securities that possess more than 10% of the total voting power of the
outstanding securities of a single issuer (the 10% voting securities test) and (3) we may not
hold securities that have a value of more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities
of any one issuer (the 10% value test).
The following assets are not treated as securities held by us for purposes of the 10% value test
(i) straight debt meeting certain requirements, unless we hold (either directly or through our
controlled taxable REIT subsidiaries) certain other securities of the same corporate or
partnership issuer that have an aggregate value greater than 1% of such issuers outstanding
securities; (ii) loans to individuals or estates; (iii) certain rental agreements calling for
deferred rents or increasing rents that are subject to Section 467 of the Code, other than with
certain related persons; (iv) obligations to pay us amounts qualifying as rents from real
property under the 75% and 95% gross income tests; (v) securities issued by a state or any
political subdivision of a state, the District of Columbia, a foreign government, any political
subdivision of a foreign government, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, but only if the
determination of any payment received or accrued under the security does not depend in whole or in
part on the profits of any person not described in this category, or payments on any obligation
issued by such an entity; (vi) securities issued by another qualifying REIT; and (vii) other
arrangements identified in Treasury Regulations (which have not yet been issued or proposed). In
addition, any debt instrument issued by a partnership will not be treated as a security under the
10% value test if at least 75% of the partnerships gross income (excluding gross income from
prohibited transactions) is derived from sources meeting the requirements of the 75% gross income
test. If the partnership fails to meet the 75% gross income test, then the debt instrument issued
by the partnership nevertheless will not be treated as a security to the extent of our interest
as a partner in the partnership. Also, in looking through any partnership to determine our
allocable share of any securities owned by the partnership, our share of the assets of the
partnership, solely for purposes of applying the 10% value test in taxable years beginning on or
after January 1, 2005, will correspond not only to our interest as a partner in the partnership but
also to our proportionate interest in certain debt securities issued by the partnership.
Through our investment in Concord Debt Holdings LLC, we may hold mezzanine loans that are secured
by equity interests in a non-corporate entity that directly or indirectly owns real property. IRS
Revenue Procedure 2003-65 provides a safe harbor pursuant to which a mezzanine loan to such a
non-corporate entity, if it meets each of the
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requirements contained in the Revenue Procedure, will be treated by the IRS as a real estate asset
for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from it will be treated as qualifying
mortgage interest for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Although the Revenue Procedure
provides a safe harbor on which taxpayers may rely, it does not prescribe rules of substantive tax
law. Moreover, not all of the mezzanine loans that we hold meet all of the requirements for
reliance on this safe harbor. We have invested, and intend to continue to invest, in mezzanine
loans in a manner that will enable us to continue to satisfy the gross income and asset tests.
We may also hold through our investment in Concord Debt Holdings LLC certain participation
interests, or B-Notes, in mortgage loans and mezzanine loans originated by other lenders. A
B-Note is an interest created in an underlying loan by virtue of a participation or similar
agreement, to which the originator of the loan is a party, along with one or more participants. The
borrower on the underlying loan is typically not a party to the participation agreement. The
performance of a participants investment depends upon the performance of the underlying loan, and
if the underlying borrower defaults, the participant typically has no recourse against the
originator of the loan. The originator often retains a senior position in the underlying loan, and
grants junior participations, which will be a first loss position in the event of a default by the
borrower. The appropriate treatment of participation interests for federal income tax purposes is
not entirely certain. We believe that we have invested, and intend to continue to invest, in
participation interests that qualify as real estate assets for purposes of the asset tests, and
that generate interest that will be treated as qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the 75%
gross income test, but no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our treatment of
these participation interests.
We believe that substantially all of our assets consist of (1) real properties, (2) stock or debt
investments that earn qualified temporary investment income, (3) other qualified real estate
assets, including qualifying REITs, and (4) cash, cash items and government securities. We also
believe that the value of our securities in our taxable REIT subsidiaries will not exceed 20% of
the value of our total assets (or, beginning with our 2009 taxable year, 25% of the value of our
total assets). We may also invest in securities of other entities, provided that such investments
will not prevent us from satisfying the asset and income tests for REIT qualification set forth
above. If any interest we hold in any REIT (including Concord Debt Funding Trust) or other
category of permissible investment described above does not qualify as such, we would be subject to
the 5% asset test and the 10% voting securities and value tests with respect to such investment.
After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as
a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of
changes in asset values (including, for taxable years beginning after July 30, 2008, discrepancies
caused solely by a change in the foreign currency exchange rate used to value a foreign asset). If
we inadvertently fail one or more of the asset tests at the end of a calendar quarter because we
acquire securities or other property during the quarter, we can cure this failure by disposing of
sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of the calendar quarter in which it
arose. If we were to fail any of the asset tests at the end of any quarter without curing such
failure within 30 days after the end of such quarter, we would fail to qualify as a REIT, unless we
were to qualify under certain relief provisions enacted in 2004. Under one of these relief
provisions, if we were to fail the 5% asset test, the 10% voting securities test, or the 10% value
test, we nevertheless would continue to qualify as a REIT if the failure was due to the ownership
of assets having a total value not exceeding the lesser of 1% of our assets at the end of the
relevant quarter or $10,000,000, and we were to dispose of such assets (or otherwise meet such
asset tests) within six months after the end of the quarter in which the failure was identified. If
we were to fail to meet any of the REIT asset tests for a particular quarter, but we did not
qualify for the relief for de minimis failures that is described in the preceding sentence, then we
would be deemed to have satisfied the relevant asset test if: (i) following our identification of
the failure, we were to file a schedule with a description of each asset that caused the failure;
(ii) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect; (iii) we were to
dispose of the non-qualifying asset (or otherwise meet the relevant asset test) within six months
after the last day of the quarter in which the failure was identified, and (iv) we were to pay a
penalty tax equal to the greater of $50,000, or the highest corporate tax rate multiplied by the
net income generated by the non-qualifying asset during the period beginning on the first date of
the failure and ending on the date we dispose of the asset (or otherwise cure the asset test
failure). These relief provisions will be available to us in our taxable years beginning on or
after January 1, 2005, although it is not possible to predict whether in all circumstances we would
be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions.
Annual Distribution Requirement. With respect to each taxable year, we must distribute to our
shareholders as dividends (other than capital gain dividends) at least 90% of our taxable income.
Specifically, we must distribute an
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amount equal to (1) 90% of the sum of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the
deduction for dividends paid and by excluding any net capital gain), and any after-tax net income
from foreclosure property, minus (2) the sum of certain items of excess noncash income such as
income attributable to leveled stepped rents, cancellation of indebtedness and original issue
discount. REIT taxable income is generally computed in the same manner as taxable income of
ordinary corporations, with several adjustments, such as a deduction allowed for dividends paid,
but not for dividends received.
We will be subject to tax on amounts not distributed at regular United States federal corporate
income tax rates. In addition, a nondeductible 4% excise tax is imposed on the excess of (1) 85% of
our ordinary income for the year plus 95% of capital gain net income for the year and the
undistributed portion of the required distribution for the prior year over (2) the actual
distribution to shareholders during the year (if any). Net operating losses generated by us may be
carried forward but not carried back and used by us for 15 years (or 20 years in the case of net
operating losses generated in our tax years commencing on or after January 1, 1998) to reduce REIT
taxable income and the amount that we will be required to distribute in order to remain qualified
as a REIT. As a REIT, our net capital losses may be carried forward for five years (but not carried
back) and used to reduce capital gains.
In general, a distribution must be made during the taxable year to which it relates to satisfy the
distribution test and to be deducted in computing REIT taxable income. However, we may elect to
treat a dividend declared and paid after the end of the year (a subsequent declared dividend) as
paid during such year for purposes of complying with the distribution test and computing REIT
taxable income, if the dividend is (1) declared before the regular or extended due date of our tax
return for such year and (2) paid not later than the date of the first regular dividend payment
made after the declaration, but in no case later than 12 months after the end of the year. For
purposes of computing the nondeductible 4% excise tax, a subsequent declared dividend is considered
paid when actually distributed. Furthermore, any dividend that is declared by us in October,
November or December of a calendar year, and payable to shareholders of record as of a specified
date in such quarter of such year will be deemed to have been paid by us (and received by
shareholders) on December 31 of such calendar year, but only if such dividend is actually paid by
us in January of the following calendar year.
For purposes of complying with the distribution test for a taxable year as a result of an
adjustment in certain of our items of income, gain or deduction by the IRS or us, we may be
permitted to remedy such failure by paying a deficiency dividend in a later year together with
interest. Such deficiency dividend may be included in our deduction of dividends paid for the
earlier year for purposes of satisfying the distribution test. For purposes of the nondeductible 4%
excise tax, the deficiency dividend is taken into account when paid, and any income giving rise to
the deficiency adjustment is treated as arising when the deficiency dividend is paid.
The IRS has published guidance providing temporary relief for a publicly-traded REIT to satisfy the
annual distribution requirement with distributions consisting of its stock and at least a minimum
percentage of cash. Pursuant to this IRS guidance, a REIT may treat the entire amount of a
distribution consisting of both stock and cash as a qualifying distribution for purposes of the
annual distribution requirement provided that such distribution is declared on or after January 1,
2008 and the following requirements are met: (1) the distribution is made by the REIT to its
shareholders with respect to its stock; (2) stock of the REIT is publicly traded on an established
securities market in the United States; (3) the distribution is declared with respect to a taxable
year ending on or before December 31, 2009; (4) pursuant to such declaration, each shareholder may
elect to receive its proportionate share of the declared distribution in either money or stock of
the REIT of equivalent value, subject to a limitation on the amount of money to be distributed in
the aggregate to all shareholders (the Cash Limitation), provided that (a) such Cash
Limitation is not less than 10% of the aggregate declared distribution, and (b) if too many
shareholders elect to receive money, each shareholder electing to receive money will receive a pro
rata amount of money corresponding to the shareholders respective entitlement under the
declaration, but in no event will any shareholder electing to receive money receive less than 10%
of the shareholders entire entitlement under the declaration in money; (5) the calculation of the
number of shares to be received by any shareholder will be determined, as close as practicable to
the payment date, based upon a formula utilizing market prices that is designed to equate in value
the number of shares to be received with the amount of money that could be received instead; and
(6) with respect to any shareholder participating in a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP), the
DRIP applies only to the extent that, in the absence of the DRIP, the shareholder would have
received the distribution in money under subsection (4) above. As of the date hereof, we have not
made any distributions consisting of both stock and cash intended to count toward our satisfaction
of the annual distribution requirement pursuant to the temporary relief provided in the IRS
guidance described above.
We believe that we have distributed and intend to continue to distribute to our shareholders in a
timely manner such amounts sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements. However, it
is possible that timing differences between the accrual of income and its actual collection, and
the need to make nondeductible expenditures (such as capital improvements or principal payments on
debt) may cause us to recognize taxable income in excess of our net cash receipts, thus increasing
the difficulty of compliance with the distribution requirement. In addition, excess inclusion
income might be non-cash accrued income, or phantom taxable income, which could therefore
adversely affect our ability to satisfy our distribution requirements. In order to meet the
distribution requirement, we might find it necessary to arrange for short-term, or possibly
long-term, borrowings.
Failure to Qualify. Commencing with our taxable year beginning January 1, 2005, if we were to fail
to satisfy one or more requirements for REIT qualification, other than an asset or income test
violation of a type for which relief is otherwise available as described above, we would retain our
REIT qualification if the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and if we
were to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. It is not possible to predict whether in
all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of this relief provision. If we fail to
qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, and if certain relief provisions of the Code do not apply,
we would be subject to federal income tax (including applicable alternative minimum tax) on our
taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to shareholders in any year in which we
fail to qualify will not be deductible from our taxable income nor will they be required to be
made. As a result, our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for
distribution by us to our shareholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, all
distributions to shareholders will be taxable as ordinary income, to the extent of our current and
accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations of the Code, corporate
distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction and
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shareholders taxed as individuals may be eligible for a reduced tax rate on qualified dividend
income from regular C corporations.
If our failure to qualify as a REIT is not due to reasonable cause but results from willful
neglect, we would not be permitted to elect REIT status for the four taxable years after the
taxable year for which such disqualification is effective. In the event we were to fail to qualify
as a REIT in one year and subsequently requalify in a later year, we may elect to recognize taxable
income based on the net appreciation in value of our assets as a condition to requalification. In
the alternative, we may be taxed on the net appreciation in value of our assets if we sell
properties within ten years of the date we requalify as a REIT under federal income tax laws.
Taxation of Shareholders
As used herein, the term U.S. shareholder means a beneficial owner of our common shares who (for
United States federal income tax purposes) (1) is a citizen or resident of the United States, (2)
is a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes created
or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof, (3)
is an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of
its source or (4) is a trust whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a United
States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust or a trust that has a valid election to be treated as a U.S.
person pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulations. As used herein, the term non U.S. shareholder
means a beneficial owner of our common shares who is not a U.S. shareholder or a partnership.
If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) is a shareholder, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend
upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A shareholder that is a
partnership and the partners in such partnership should consult their own tax advisors concerning
the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, owning and disposing of our Common Shares.
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Shareholders.
As long as we qualify as a REIT, distributions made to our U.S. shareholders 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 corporate shareholders will not be eligible for the
dividends-received deduction as to such amounts. For purposes of computing our earnings and
profits, depreciation for depreciable real estate will be computed on a straight-line basis over a
40-year period. For purposes of determining whether distributions on the shares constitute
dividends for tax purposes, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to distributions with
respect to the Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares, Series D Preferred Shares and
all other series of preferred shares that are equal in rank as to distributions and upon
liquidation with the Series B Preferred Shares, Series C Preferred Shares and Series D Preferred
Shares, and second to distributions with respect to our Common Shares. There can be no assurance
that we will have sufficient earnings and profits to cover distributions on any Common Shares.
Certain qualified dividend income received by domestic non-corporate shareholders in taxable
years prior to 2011 is subject to tax at the same tax rates as long-term capital gain (generally a
maximum rate of 15% for such taxable years). Dividends paid by a REIT generally do not qualify as
qualified dividend income because a REIT is not generally subject to federal income tax on the
portion of its REIT taxable income distributed to its shareholders. Therefore, our dividends will
continue to be subject to tax at ordinary income rates, subject to two narrow exceptions. Under the
first exception, dividends received from a REIT may be treated as qualified dividend income
eligible for the reduced tax rates to the extent that the REIT itself has received qualified
dividend income from other corporations (such as taxable REIT subsidiaries) in which the REIT has
invested. Under the second exception, dividends paid by a REIT in a taxable year may be treated as
qualified dividend income in an amount equal to the sum of (i) the excess of the REITs REIT
taxable income for the preceding taxable year over the corporate-level federal income tax payable
by the REIT for such preceding taxable year and (ii) the excess of the REITs income that was
subject to the Built-in Gains Tax (as described above) in the preceding taxable year over the tax
payable by the REIT on such income for such preceding taxable year. We do not expect to distribute
a material amount of qualified dividend income, if any.
33
Distributions that are properly designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed as gains from
the sale or exchange of a capital asset held for more than one year (to the extent they do not
exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the period for which the
shareholder has held its shares. However, corporate shareholders may be required to treat up to 20%
of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income under the Code. Capital gain dividends, if
any, will be allocated among different classes of shares in proportion to the allocation of
earnings and profits discussed above.
Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a
non-taxable return of capital to a shareholder to the extent that such distributions do not exceed
the adjusted basis of the shareholders shares, and will result in a corresponding reduction in the
shareholders basis in the shares. Any reduction in a shareholders tax basis for its shares will
increase the amount of taxable gain or decrease the deductible loss that will be realized upon the
eventual disposition of the shares. We will notify shareholders at the end of each year as to the
portions of the distributions which constitute ordinary income, capital gain or a return of
capital. Any portion of such distributions that exceeds the adjusted basis of a U.S. shareholders
shares will be taxed as capital gain from the disposition of shares, provided that the shares are
held as capital assets in the hands of the U.S. shareholder.
Aside from the different income tax rates applicable to ordinary income and capital gain dividends
for noncorporate taxpayers, regular and capital gain dividends from us will be treated as dividend
income for most other federal income tax purposes. In particular, such dividends will be treated as
portfolio income for purposes of the passive activity loss limitation and shareholders generally
will not be able to offset any passive losses against such dividends. Capital gain dividends and
qualified dividend income may be treated as investment income for purposes of the investment
interest limitation contained in Section 163(d) of the Code, which limits the deductibility of
interest expense incurred by noncorporate taxpayers with respect to indebtedness attributable to
certain investment assets.
In general, dividends paid by us will be taxable to shareholders in the year in which they are
received, except in the case of dividends declared at the end of the year, but paid in the
following January, as discussed above.
In general, a U.S. shareholder will realize capital gain or loss on the disposition of shares equal
to the difference between (1) the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received
on such disposition and (2) the shareholders adjusted basis of such shares. Such gain or loss will
generally be short-term capital gain or loss if the shareholder has not held such shares for more
than one year and will be long-term capital gain or loss if such shares have been held for more
than one year. Loss upon the sale or exchange of shares by a shareholder who has held such shares
for six months or less (after applying certain holding period rules) will be treated as long-term
capital loss to the extent of distributions from us required to be treated by such shareholder as
long-term capital gain.
We may elect to retain and pay income tax on net long-term capital gains. If we make such an
election, you, as a holder of shares, will (1) include in your income as long-term capital gains
your proportionate share of such undistributed capital gains (2) be deemed to have paid your
proportionate share of the tax paid by us on such undistributed capital gains and thereby receive a
credit or refund for such amount and (3) in the case of a U.S. shareholder that is a corporation,
appropriately adjust its earnings and profits for the retained capital gains in accordance with
Treasury Regulations to be promulgated by the IRS. As a holder of shares you will increase the
basis in your shares by the difference between the amount of capital gain included in your income
and the amount of tax you are deemed to have paid. Our earnings and profits will be adjusted
appropriately.
Taxation of Non-U.S. Shareholders.
The following discussion is only a summary of the rules governing United States federal income
taxation of non-U.S. shareholders such as nonresident alien individuals and foreign corporations.
Prospective non-U.S. shareholders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the
impact of federal, state and local income tax laws with regard to an investment in shares,
including any reporting requirements.
Distributions. Distributions that are not attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of
United States real property interests or otherwise effectively connected with the non-U.S.
shareholders conduct of a U.S. trade or business and that are not designated by us as capital gain
dividends will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of
our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions ordinarily
34
will be subject to a withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution unless an
applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates that tax. Certain tax treaties limit the extent to
which dividends paid by a REIT can qualify for a reduction of the withholding tax on dividends. Our
dividends that are attributable to excess inclusion income will be subject to 30% U.S. withholding
tax without reduction under any otherwise applicable tax treaty. See Taxation of the
CompanyRequirements for Qualification above. Distributions in excess of our current and
accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a non-U.S. shareholder to the extent that
they do not exceed the adjusted basis of the shareholders shares, but rather will reduce the
adjusted basis of such shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted basis of a
non-U.S. shareholders shares, they will give rise to tax liability if the non-U.S. shareholder
would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or disposition of his shares, as
described below. If a distribution is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S.
shareholders conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. shareholder generally will be
subject to federal income tax on the distribution at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S.
shareholders are taxed with respect to such distribution, and a non-U.S. shareholder that is a
corporation also may be subject to the 30% branch profits tax with respect to the distribution.
For withholding tax purposes, we are generally required to treat all distributions as if made out
of our current or accumulated earnings and profits and thus intend to withhold at the rate of 30%
(or a reduced treaty rate if applicable) on the amount of any distribution (other than
distributions designated as capital gain dividends) made to a non-U.S. shareholder. We would not be
required to withhold at the 30% rate on distributions we reasonably estimate to be in excess of our
current and accumulated earnings and profits. If it cannot be determined at the time a distribution
is made whether such distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated earnings and
profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to ordinary
dividends. However, the non-U.S. shareholder may seek a refund of such amounts from the IRS if it
is subsequently determined that such distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current or
accumulated earnings and profits, and the amount withheld exceeded the non-U.S. shareholders
United States tax liability, if any, with respect to the distribution.
For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, distributions to non-U.S. shareholders who own more
than 5% of our shares and that are attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of United
States real property interests will be taxed under the provisions of the Foreign Investment in Real
Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA). Under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. shareholder is taxed as if such gain
were effectively connected with a United States business. Non-U.S. shareholders who own more than
5% of our shares would thus be taxed at the normal capital gain rates applicable to U.S.
shareholders (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax
in the case of non-resident alien individuals). Also, distributions made to non-U.S. shareholders
who own more than 5% of our shares may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a
corporate non-U.S. shareholder not entitled to treaty relief or exemption. We are required by
applicable regulations to withhold 35% of any distribution that could be designated by us as a
capital gain dividend regardless of the amount actually designated as a capital gain dividend. This
amount is creditable against the non-U.S. shareholders FIRPTA tax liability.
Under the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 (TIPRA), enacted on May 17,
2006, distributions, made to REIT or regulated investment company (RIC) shareholders, that are
attributable to gain from sales or exchanges of United States real property interests will retain
their character as gain subject to the rules of FIRPTA discussed above when distributed by such
REIT or RIC shareholders to their respective shareholders. This provision is effective for taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2005.
If a non-U.S. shareholder does not own more than 5% of our shares during the one-year period prior
to a distribution attributable to gain from sales or exchanges by us of United States real property
interests, such distribution will not be considered to be gain effectively connected with a U.S.
business as long as the class of shares continues to be regularly traded on an established
securities market in the United States. As such, a non-U.S. shareholder who does not own more than
5% of our shares would not be required to file a U.S. Federal income tax return by reason of
receiving such a distribution. In this case, the distribution will be treated as a REIT dividend to
that non-U.S. shareholder and taxed as a REIT dividend that is not a capital gain distribution as
described above. In addition, the branch profits tax will not apply to such distributions. If our
Common Shares cease to be regularly traded on an established securities market in the United
States, all non-U.S. shareholders of our Common Shares would be subject to taxation under FIRPTA
with respect to capital gain distributions attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of United
States real property interests.
35
Dispositions. Gain recognized by a non-U.S. shareholder upon a sale or disposition of our Common
Shares generally will not be taxed under FIRPTA if we are a domestically controlled REIT, defined
generally as a REIT in which at all times during a specified testing period less than 50% in value
of our shares was held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. persons. We believe, but cannot
guarantee, that we have been a domestically controlled REIT. However, because our shares are
publicly traded, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be a domestically controlled
REIT.
Notwithstanding the general FIRPTA exception for sales of domestically controlled REIT stock
discussed above, a disposition of domestically controlled REIT stock will be taxable if the
disposition occurs in a wash sale transaction relating to a distribution on such stock. In
addition, FIRPTA taxation will apply to substitute dividend payments received in securities lending
transactions or sale-repurchase transactions of domestically controlled REIT stock to the extent
such payments are made to shareholders in lieu of distributions that would have otherwise been
subject to FIRPTA taxation. The foregoing rules regarding wash sales and substitute dividend
payments with respect to domestically controlled REIT stock will not apply to stock that is
regularly traded on an established securities market within the United States and held by a
non-U.S. shareholder that held five percent or less of such stock during the one-year period prior
to the related distribution. These rules are effective for distributions on and after June 16,
2006. Prospective purchasers are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the
applicability of the new rules enacted under TIPRA to their particular circumstances.
In addition, a non-U.S. shareholder that owns, actually or constructively, 5% or less of a class of
our shares through a specified testing period, whether or not our shares are domestically
controlled, will not be subject to tax on the sale of its shares under FIRPTA if the shares are
regularly traded on an established securities market. If the gain on the sale of shares were to be
subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. shareholder would be subject to the same treatment
as U.S. shareholders with respect to such gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax,
special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals and possible
application of the 30% branch profits tax in the case of foreign corporations) and the purchaser
would be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 10% of the purchase price.
Gain not subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to a non-U.S. shareholder if (1) investment in the
shares is effectively connected with the non-U.S. shareholders U.S. trade or business, in which
case the non-U.S. shareholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. shareholders with
respect to such gain, or (2) the non-U.S. shareholder is a nonresident alien individual who was
present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and such nonresident
alien individual has a tax home in the United States, in which case the nonresident alien
individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individuals capital gain.
Taxation of Tax-Exempt Shareholders.
Tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual
retirement accounts (Exempt Organizations), generally are exempt from federal income taxation.
However, they are subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). While
investments in real estate may generate UBTI, the IRS has issued a published ruling to the effect
that dividend distributions by a REIT to an exempt employee pension trust do not constitute UBTI,
provided that the shares of the REIT are not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business of
the exempt employee pension trust. Based on that ruling, amounts distributed by us to Exempt
Organizations generally should not constitute UBTI. However, if an Exempt Organization finances its
acquisition of our shares with debt, a portion of its income from us, if any, will constitute UBTI
pursuant to the debt-financed property rules under the Code. In addition, our dividends that are
attributable to excess inclusion income will constitute UBTI for most Exempt Organizations. See
Taxation of the CompanyRequirements for Qualification above. Furthermore, social clubs,
voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified
group legal services plans that are exempt from taxation under specified provisions of the Code are
subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions
from us as UBTI.
In addition, a pension trust that owns more than 10% of our shares is required to treat a
percentage of the dividends from us as UBTI (the UBTI Percentage) in certain circumstances. The
UBTI Percentage is our gross income derived from an unrelated trade or business (determined as if
we were a pension trust) divided by our total gross income for the year in which the dividends are
paid. The UBTI rule applies only if (i) the UBTI Percentage is at
36
least 5%, (ii) we qualify as a REIT by reason of the modification of the 5/50 Rule that allows the
beneficiaries of the pension trust to be treated as holding our shares in proportion to their
actuarial interests in the pension trust, and (iii) either (A) one pension trust owns more than 25%
of the value of our shares or (B) a group of pension trusts individually holding more than 10% of
the value of our capital shares collectively owns more than 50% of the value of our capital shares.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
U.S. Shareholders.
We will report to U.S. shareholders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar
year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any, with respect thereto. Under the backup withholding
rules, a U.S. shareholder may be subject to backup withholding, currently at a rate of 28%, with
respect to dividends paid unless such holder (a) is a corporation or comes within certain other
exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact, or (b) provides a taxpayer
identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding and otherwise
complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A U.S. shareholder who
does not provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number also may be subject to
penalties imposed by the IRS. Amounts withheld as backup withholding will be creditable against the
shareholders income tax liability if proper documentation is supplied. In addition, we may be
required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions made to any shareholders who fail to
certify their non-foreign status to us.
Non-U.S. Shareholders.
Generally, we must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid to a non-U.S.
shareholder, such holders name and address, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. A similar
report is sent to the non-U.S. shareholder. Pursuant to tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS
may make its reports available to tax authorities in the non-U.S. shareholders country of
residence. Payments of dividends or of proceeds from the disposition of stock made to a non-U.S.
shareholder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless such holder
establishes an exemption, for example, by properly certifying its non-United States status on an
IRS Form W-8BEN or another appropriate version of IRS Form W-8. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
backup withholding and information reporting may apply if either we have or our paying agent has
actual knowledge, or reason to know, that a non-U.S. shareholder is a United States person.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the United States income tax liability of
persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding
results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund or credit may be obtained, provided that the required
information is furnished to the IRS.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
If, and to the extent that, holders of LCIF II units redeem their units and require us to assume
the redemption obligations of LCIF II and pay for the redemption with our Common Shares, we may
issue up to 33,954 shares of our Common Shares in exchange for the redemption of an equal number of
LCIF II units. Our Common Shares will be issued in exchange for LCIF II units upon the redemption
of the units by their holders on a one-share-for-one-unit basis (subject to certain anti-dilution
adjustments).
Under the terms of the LCIF II Partnership Agreement, the holder of 33,954 LCIF II units issued on
December 20, 2006 has the right to redeem its LCIF II units on a one-for-one basis for our Common
Shares, beginning on December 20, 2008 and on each day thereafter.
These rights may be exercised at the election of that holder by giving written notice, subject to
some limitations. The redemption of LCIF II units are subject to adjustments based on stock
splits, below market issuances of Common Shares pursuant to rights, options or warrants to all
holders of Common Shares and dividends of Common Shares.
No holder of the LCIF II units may exercise its redemption rights if we could not issue our Common
Shares to the redeeming partner in satisfaction of the redemption (regardless of whether we would
in fact do so instead of paying
37
cash) because of the ownership limitations contained in our declaration of trust and bylaws, or if
the redemption would cause us to violate the REIT requirements. The relevant provisions of our
declaration of trust, subject to certain exceptions, provide that no holder may own, or be deemed
to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% of our equity shares,
defined as Common Shares or preferred shares. Relevant provisions of our declaration of trust
further prohibit any person from beneficially or constructively owning our Common Shares that would
result in us being closely held under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause us to fail to
qualify as a REIT. In addition, no holder of LCIF II units may exercise the redemption right:
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for fewer than 1,000 LCIF II units, or if the holder holds fewer than 1,000 LCIF II
units, all of such units held by the holder; |
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unless permitted by us, more than once each fiscal quarter; or |
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if we determine that allowing such redemption may cause LCIF II to be treated as a
publicly traded partnership. |
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and
related financial statement schedule of Lexington Realty Trust and subsidiaries included in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2008, and Managements Annual Report on Internal Controls over Financial
Reporting as of December 31, 2008, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the Registration
Statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm,
incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of Lex-Win Concord
LLC incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2008, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedule of Net Lease Strategic
Asset Fund included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2008 and for the year then
ended, have been incorporated by reference herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon
the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein,
and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters, including tax matters, will be passed upon by Paul, Hastings, Janofsky &
Walker LLP, New York, New York, our counsel. Certain legal matters relating to Maryland law,
including the validity of our Common Shares, will be passed upon by Venable LLP, our counsel with
respect to Maryland law.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Commission. Our filings with the Commission are available to the public on the Internet at the
Commissions website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document that we file
with the Commission at its Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room
and its copy charges.
The information incorporated by reference herein is an important part of this prospectus. Any
statement contained in a document which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus is
automatically updated and superseded if information contained in this prospectus, or information
that we later file with the Commission prior to the termination of this offering, modifies or
replaces this information. The following documents filed with the Commission are incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, except for any document or portion thereof furnished to the
Commission:
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our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the
Commission on March 2, 2009; |
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our Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on January 2, 2009 and February 17, 2009; and |
38
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all documents we file with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), after
the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering. |
To receive a free copy of any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other
than exhibits, unless they are specifically incorporated by reference in the documents), write us
at the following address or call us at the telephone number listed below:
Lexington Realty Trust
One Penn Plaza
Suite 4015
Attention: Investor Relations
New York, New York 10119-4015
(212) 692-7200
We also maintain a website at http://www.lxp.com through which you can obtain copies of documents
that we filed with the Commission. The contents of that website are not incorporated by reference
in or otherwise a part of this prospectus.
39
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses in connection with the registration and sale
of the shares registered hereby, all of which will be paid by the Company, except as noted in the
prospectus:
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Commission registration fee |
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$ |
7 |
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New York Stock Exchange listing fee |
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127 |
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Legal fees and expenses |
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15,000 |
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Accounting fees and expenses |
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5,000 |
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Miscellaneous expenses |
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10,000 |
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Total |
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$ |
30,134 |
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Item 15. Indemnification of Trustees and Officers.
The Maryland REIT Law and Section 2-418 of the Maryland General Corporation Law generally permits
indemnification of any trustee or officer made a party to any proceedings by reason of service as a
trustee or officer unless it is established that (i) the act or omission of such person was
material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the
result of active and deliberate dishonesty; or (ii) such person actually received an improper
personal benefit in money, property or services; or (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding,
such person had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. The indemnity
may include judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by
the trustee or officer in connection with the proceeding; but, if the proceeding is one by or in
the right of the company, indemnification is not permitted with respect to any proceeding in which
the trustee or officer has been adjudged to be liable to the company, or if the proceeding is one
charging improper personal benefit to the trustee or officer, whether or not involving action in
the trustees or officers official capacity, indemnification of the trustee or officer is not
permitted if the trustee or officer was adjudged to be liable on the basis that personal benefit
was improperly received. The termination of any proceeding by conviction or upon a plea of nolo
contendere or its equivalent, or any entry of an order of probation prior to judgment, creates a
rebuttable presumption that the trustee or officer did not meet the requisite standard of conduct
required for permitted indemnification. The termination of any proceeding by judgment, order or
settlement, however, does not create a presumption that the trustee or officer failed to meet the
requisite standard of conduct for permitted indemnification.
Pursuant to the Companys declaration of trust, the Companys trustees and officers are and will be
indemnified against certain liabilities. The Companys declaration of trust requires the Company to
indemnify its trustees and officers to the fullest extent permitted from time to time by the laws
of Maryland. The Companys declaration of trust also provides that, to the fullest extent permitted
under Maryland law, the Companys trustees and officers will not be liable to the Company or its
shareholders for money damages.
The foregoing reference is necessarily subject to the complete text of the Companys declaration of
trust and the statutes referred to above and is qualified in its entirety by reference thereto.
The Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with certain officers and trustees for
the purpose of indemnifying such persons from certain claims and actions in their capacities as
such.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to
directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the
registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
II-1
Item 16. Exhibits.
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Exhibit No. |
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Exhibit |
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3.1
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Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Company (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 8, 2007)* |
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3.2
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Articles Supplementary Relating to the 7.55% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock,
par value $0.0001 per share (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Companys
Registration Statement on Form 8A filed February 14, 2007)* |
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3.3
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Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the
Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 8, 2007)* |
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3.4
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Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Lepercq Corporate Income Fund
II L.P. (LCIF II), dated as of August 27, 1998 the (LCIF II Partnership Agreement) (filed
as Exhibit 3.4 to the Companys Registration Statement on Form S-3/A filed September 10,
1999)* |
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3.5
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First Amendment to the LCIF II Partnership Agreement effective as of June 19, 2003 (filed as
Exhibit 3.14 to the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003,
filed February 26, 2004 (the 2003 10-K))* |
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3.6
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Second Amendment to the LCIF II Partnership Agreement effective as of June 30, 2003 (filed as
Exhibit 3.15 to the 2003 10-K)* |
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3.7
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Third Amendment to the LCIF II Partnership Agreement effective as of December 8, 2004 (filed
as Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 14, 2004)* |
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3.8
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Fourth Amendment to the LCIF II Partnership Agreement effective as of January 3, 2005 (filed
as Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 3, 2005)* |
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3.9
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Fifth Amendment to the LCIF II Partnership Agreement effective as of July 23, 2006 (filed as
Exhibit 99.5 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 24, 2006)* |
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3.10
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Sixth Amendment to the LCIF II Partnership Agreement effective as of December 20, 2006 (filed
as Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 22, 2006)* |
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4.1
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Specimen of Common Shares Certificate of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 to the Companys Annual Report for the year end December 31, 2006, filed March 1, 2007)* |
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5.1
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Opinion of Venable LLP (previously filed as an exhibit to this registration statement) |
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8.1
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Opinion of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP (previously filed as an exhibit to this registration statement) |
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23.1
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Consent of Venable LLP (previously filed as an exhibit to this registration statement) |
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23.2
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Consent of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP (previously filed as an exhibit to this registration statement) |
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23.3
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Consent of KPMG LLP |
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23.4
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Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
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23.5
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Consent of KPMG LLP |
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24
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Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto) |
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Filed herewith |
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* |
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Incorporated by reference |
Item 17. Undertakings.
(a) |
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The undersigned Company hereby undertakes: |
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(1) |
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To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: |
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(i) |
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To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act; |
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(ii) |
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To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which,
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II-2
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individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the
total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with
the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee
table in the effective Registration Statement; and |
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(iii) |
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To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any
material change to such information in the Registration Statement; |
Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not
apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs
is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Company pursuant to
section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Securities
Exchange Act, that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement, or is contained in
a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the Registration Statement.
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(2) |
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That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act,
each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
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(3) |
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To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the
securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. |
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(4) |
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That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
to any purchaser: |
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(i) |
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the registrant is relying on Rule 430B: |
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(A) |
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Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the
filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration
statement; and |
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(B) |
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Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2),
(b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule
430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or
(x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, shall be deemed to be part of and
included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such
form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the
first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the
prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer
and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be
deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to
the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus
relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no
statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the
registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed
incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that
is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of
contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any
statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was
part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately
prior to such effective date; or |
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(ii) |
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If the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an
offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other
than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part
of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first
used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a
registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by
reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the
registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of
sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was
made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the
registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to
such date of first use. |
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(5) |
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That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of
1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant
undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to
this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities
to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the
following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will
be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: |
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(i) |
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Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant
relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
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(ii) |
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Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on
behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the
undersigned registrant; |
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(iii) |
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The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the
offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or
its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
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(iv) |
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Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the
undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
(b) |
|
The undersigned Company hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act, each filing of the Companys annual report pursuant to section 13(a)
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plans
annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference
in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
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(c) |
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Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
II-3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Company certifies that it has reasonable
grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused
this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on March 11, 2009.
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LEXINGTON REALTY TRUST
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By: |
/s/ T. Wilson Eglin
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T. Wilson Eglin |
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President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating
Officer |
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below authorizes T. Wilson Eglin and Patrick Carroll, and each
of them, each of whom may act without joinder of the other, as his true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in
his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute in the name of each such person who
is then an officer or trustee of Lexington Realty Trust, and to file any amendments (including post
effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any registration statement for the same
offering filed pursuant to Rule 462 under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all
exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Commission, granting unto
said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or their substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done
by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by
the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
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Signature |
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Title |
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Date |
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Chairman of the Board of Trustees
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March 11, 2009 |
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Vice Chairman, Chief Investment
Officer and Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
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/s/ T. Wilson Eglin
T. Wilson Eglin
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Chief Executive Officer,
President, Chief Operating
Officer and Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
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/s/ Patrick Carroll
Patrick Carroll
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Chief Financial Officer,
Executive Vice President and
Treasurer
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March 11, 2009 |
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Vice President, Chief Accounting
Officer and Secretary
|
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March 11, 2009 |
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Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
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Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
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Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
II-4
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Signature |
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Title |
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Date |
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Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
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Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
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Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
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Trustee
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March 11, 2009 |
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*By: |
/s/ T. Wilson Eglin
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T. Wilson Eglin |
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Attorney-in-fact |
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II-5