UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14C
(Rule 14c-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN INFORMATION STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14C INFORMATION
Information Statement Pursuant to Section 14(c)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
|
Check the appropriate box: |
¨ | Preliminary Information Statement |
¨ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14c-5(d)(2)) |
x | Definitive Information Statement |
BROOKFIELD DTLA FUND OFFICE TRUST INVESTOR INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| | |
x | No fee required. |
¨ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14c-5(g) and 0-11. |
| (1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
| | |
| (2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
| | |
| (3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
| | |
| (4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
| | |
| (5) | Total fee paid: |
| | |
¨ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
¨ | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
| (1) | Amount Previously Paid: |
| | |
| (2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
| | |
| (3) | Filing Party: |
| | |
| (4) | Date Filed: |
BROOKFIELD DTLA FUND OFFICE TRUST INVESTOR INC.
September 2, 2014
Dear Stockholder:
You are invited to attend the 2014 Annual Meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of stockholders of Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. (the “Company”), to be held on October 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. (New York time) at 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281, for holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share of (“Common Stock”), or 7.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”), of the Company.
The purposes of this year’s meeting are to:
Common Stock –
| |
(i) | Elect directors to serve until the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualify; |
| |
(ii) | Ratify the selection of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014; and |
| |
(iii) | Transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any continuation, postponement or adjournment thereof. |
Series A Preferred Stock –
(i) | Elect directors to serve a one-year term and until their successors are duly elected and qualify or, if earlier, until the full payment (or setting aside for payment) of all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock that are in arrears, as well as dividends for the then current period. |
The accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting and Information Statement describe these matters, and the procedures for voting, at the meeting. We urge you to read this information carefully. Holders of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock are strongly encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting in person to vote on the matters described above.
Sincerely, | |
| |
 | |
Michelle L. Campbell | |
Vice President, Secretary | |
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 17, 2014
This Information Statement and our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 are both available atwww.materials.proxyvote.com/112714.
NOTICE OF 2014 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 17, 2014
WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY, AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
September 2, 2014
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF BROOKFIELD DTLA FUND OFFICE TRUST INVESTOR INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”, “we” or “our” or “us”), will be held on October 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. (New York time) at 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281, for holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), or 7.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”), of the Company.
At the Annual Meeting, holders of Common Stock will be entitled to vote as a single class for:
• | The election of five directors to serve until the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualify; |
| |
• | The ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014; and |
| |
• | The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any continuation, postponement or adjournment thereof. |
At the Annual Meeting, holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote as a single class for:
• | The election of two directors (the “Preferred Directors”) to serve a one-year term and until their successors are duly elected and qualify or, if earlier, until the full payment (or setting aside for payment) of all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock that are in arrears, as well as dividends for the then current period. |
Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are strongly encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting to vote for the election of two Preferred Directors as described above. In the absence of a quorum of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, Robert M. Deutschman and Edward J. Ratinoff will continue to serve as the Preferred Directors on our Board of Directors (the “Board”) until their successors are duly elected and qualify or, if earlier, until the full payment (or setting aside for payment) of all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock that are in arrears, as well as dividends for the then current period in accordance with Maryland law, our charter and the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, dated August 11, 2014 (the “Amended Bylaws”).We are not asking you for a proxy. Please do not send a proxy.
The Board has fixed the close of business on August 29, 2014 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting and at any continuation, postponement or adjournment thereof. Only holders of Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock of record on August 29, 2014 may vote at the Annual Meeting on the foregoing matters. A copy of the Annual Report of the Company is enclosed.
Brookfield DTLA Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect partially-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Office Properties Inc., a corporation under the Laws of Canada, is the holder of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock.As such, this Information Statement is being prepared for the benefit of holders of Series A Preferred Stock with respect to the election of the Preferred Directors. The Board does not take a position on how the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock should vote in the election of the Preferred Directors. Please refer to the attached Information Statement, which forms a part of this Notice of Annual Meeting and is incorporated herein by reference, for further information with respect to the business to be transacted at the Annual Meeting.
Stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Your vote is important.
By Order of the Board of Directors of Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc.,
| |
 | |
Michelle L. Campbell | |
Vice President, Secretary | |
BROOKFIELD DTLA FUND OFFICE TRUST INVESTOR INC.
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10281
INFORMATION STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING VOTING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
General Information
This information statement (this “Information Statement”) is being furnished by Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”, “we” or “our” or “us”), in connection with the Annual Meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of stockholders of the Company being held on October 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. (New York time) at 250 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281, for holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), or 7.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”), of the Company, and at any continuation, postponement or adjournment of the Annual Meeting. We are first mailing this Information Statement to stockholders of record on or about September 2, 2014.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (THE “BOARD”) OF THE COMPANY IS NOT ASKING FOR A PROXY.
YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
Who Can Vote
Common Stock
As of the close of business on August, 29, 2014, the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, Brookfield DTLA Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“DTLA Holdings”) and an indirect partially-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Office Properties Inc., a corporation under the Laws of Canada (“BPO”), was the holder of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. DTLA Holdings is entitled to vote on the election of five directors and on each other matter properly presented at the Annual Meeting (other than the election of two Preferred Directors by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock).
Series A Preferred Stock
You are entitled to vote in the election of two Preferred Directors if you were a holder of record of Series A Preferred Stock as of the close of business on August 29, 2014, the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Your shares can be voted at the Annual Meeting only if you are present in person or by granting a proxy to another person to vote in your place. If your shares are not held of record in your name,you must obtain a legal proxy from the record holder of your shares, as of the record date,usually a broker, bank or other nominee, in order to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on the record date, 9,730,370 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were outstanding and entitled to vote.
If you are arecord holder and intend to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please bring the enclosedadmission ticket and agovernment-issued photo identification card in order to be admitted to the Annual Meeting. If you are abeneficial holder and intend to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please bring the enclosedbeneficial voter information form,a legal proxy from your broker, bank or other nominee and agovernment-issued photo identification card in order to be admitted to the Annual Meeting.
The Series A Preferred Stock is currently listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) as “DTLA PR”.
Voting of Shares
Common Stock
DTLA Holdings, the holder of record of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock as of the close of business on August 29, 2014, is the only stockholder entitled to vote for each of the five directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting by the holders of Common Stock and each other matter to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting (other than the election of the two Preferred Directors by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock).
Series A Preferred Stock
Holders of record of Series A Preferred Stock as of the close of business on August 29, 2014 are entitled to one vote per share of Series A Preferred Stock for each of the two Preferred Directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock shall vote as a single class to elect the Preferred Directors.
The method of voting at the Annual Meeting differs for shares held by a record holder and shares held in “street name.” If you hold your shares of stock as a record holder, you may vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If you hold your shares of Series A Preferred Stock in street name, which means your shares are held of record through a broker, bank or nominee, you should receive a notice from your broker, bank or nominee that includes instructions on how to vote your shares.
We will request brokerage houses, nominees, custodians, fiduciaries and other like parties to forward this Information Statement to the beneficial owners of Series A Preferred Stock held of record by them. Your broker, bank or nominee will provide you instructions pursuant to their own internal rules and procedures on how they might vote your shares on your behalf.
All shares of Series A Preferred Stock entitled to vote and voted at the Annual Meeting before the polls are closed at the Annual Meeting will be voted at the Annual Meeting.YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. THE BOARD IS NOT ASKING FOR A PROXY. YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.
If you do not attend the Annual Meeting or grant a legal proxy to another person to vote in your place, your shares of Series A Preferred Stock will not be voted in the election of the two individuals nominated for election as Preferred Directors. Under the Company’s governing documents, holders of Series A Preferred Stock have voting rights in connection with the Annual Meeting solely with respect to the election of the two Preferred Directors. The Board knows of no other items of business that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting other than those described in this Information Statement.
Quorum; Counting of Votes
In order for there to be a vote on any matter at the Annual Meeting, there must be a quorum. In order to have a quorum for the transaction of business by the holders of Common Stock, DTLA Holdings, as the sole holder of Common Stock, must be present in person. In order to have a quorum for the transaction of business by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, holders of Series A Preferred Stock entitled to cast one-third of all the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock must be present in person or by legal proxy. In determining whether there is a quorum, shares held by persons attending the Annual Meeting in person will be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum; however, shares owned by the Company are not voted and do not count for this purpose. We will measure the quorum separately for holders of Common Stock and matters to be considered by holders of Series A Preferred Stock. Abstentions are counted as present for determining the presence of a quorum. If we fail to obtain a quorum for the Common Stock, the chair of the Annual Meeting may adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time. If we fail to obtain a quorum for the transaction of business by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock at the Annual Meeting, holders of a majority of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, present in person or by legal proxy, may adjourn the meeting without notice other than announcement at the Annual Meeting.
All votes will be tabulated by the inspector of election appointed for the Annual Meeting, a representative of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes and abstentions. We expect to pay Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. a fee of approximately $1,500 for these services.
Votes Required to Elect Directors and Adopt Other Proposals
In order to be elected as a director by the holders of Common Stock, a nominee must receive a plurality of all the votes cast by DTLA Holdings at the Annual Meeting. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by DTLA Holdings is required for the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. In order to be elected as a director by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, a nominee must receive a plurality of all votes cast by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock at the Annual Meeting.
For purposes of calculating votes cast in the election of directors, votes withheld will not be counted as votes cast “for” or “against” a director and will have no effect on the election of directors. For purposes of calculating votes cast regarding the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, abstentions will not be counted as votes cast “for” or “against” the proposal and will not have an effect on the result of such proposal.
Costs
We will bear the entire cost of the Annual Meeting. These costs will include reimbursements paid to brokerage firms and others for their expenses incurred in forwarding this Information Statement material regarding the Annual Meeting to beneficial owners of the Series A Preferred Stock.
NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED ON OUR BEHALF TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING, OTHER THAN THE INFORMATION AND REPRESENTATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION AND/OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THE DELIVERY OF THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT SHALL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE COMPANY’S AFFAIRS SINCE THE DATE OF THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT.
The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10281 and its telephone number is (212) 417-7000. References herein to the “Company” refer to Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
The date of this Information Statement is September 2, 2014.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Please See Next Page]
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Under our charter and the Amended Bylaws, other than with respect to the Preferred Directors (as described below under the heading “—Information Regarding Preferred Directors”), each member of the Board serves until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Vacancies among directors elected by the holders of Common Stock may be filled only by individuals elected by a majority of the remaining directors. A director elected by the Board to fill a vacancy (including a vacancy created by an increase in the size of the Board) will serve until the next annual election of directors and until such director’s successor is elected and qualifies, or until such director’s earlier death, resignation or removal.
Information Regarding the Common Stock Directors
Directors are elected by a by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, which means the five individuals nominated for election as directors by the holders of Common Stock who receive the largest number of properly cast votes by the holders of Common Stock will be elected as directors. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each of the director nominees. Cumulative voting is not permitted. It is the intention of DTLA Holdings, the sole holder of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, to vote for the election of the nominees named below. If any nominee should become unavailable for election prior to the Annual Meeting, an event which the Board does not currently anticipate, DTLA Holdings will vote for the election of a substitute nominee or nominees proposed by the Board.
G. Mark Brown, Michelle L. Campbell, Bryan K. Davis, Paul L. Schulman and Robert L. Stelzl are our nominees for election to the Board by the holders of Common Stock. Each nominee has consented to be named in this Information Statement and to serve as a director if elected, and our management has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve. The information below relating to the nominees for election as directors by the holders of Common Stock has been furnished to us by the respective individuals. If elected at the Annual Meeting, Messrs. Brown, Davis, Schulman and Stelzl and Ms. Campbell, would each serve until the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2015 Annual Meeting”) and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify.
The following table sets forth information regarding the individuals who are the nominees for election as directors of the Company by DTLA Holdings as the sole holder of the Company’s Common Stock:
Name | | Age | | Position | | Director Since |
G. Mark Brown | | 49 | | Director (also Global Chief Investment Officer) | | 2013 |
Michelle L. Campbell | | 43 | | Director (also Vice President, Secretary) | | 2014 |
Bryan K. Davis | | 41 | | Director (also Chief Financial Officer) | | 2013 |
Paul L. Schulman | | 46 | | Director (also Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Commercial Operations) | | 2013 |
Robert L. Stelzl | | 69 | | Director | | 2014 |
Certain members of the Board are employed by BPO. BPO is the Company’s ultimate parent and, through DTLA Holdings, BPO manages the Company’s operations and activities, and it, together with the Board and officers, makes decisions on the Company’s behalf. BOP Management Inc. (“BOP”), an affiliate of BPO, is affiliated with the Company because certain subsidiaries of the Company have entered into arrangements with BOP, pursuant to which BOP provides property management and various other services to the Company.
G. Mark Brown has served on the Board since the Company was formed in April 2013. Mr. Brown was appointed Global Chief Investment Officer of BPO in July 2012. Previously he was Head of Global Strategic Initiatives and Finance of BPO, prior to which he was Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Finance of BPO since 2005. The Board nominated Mr. Brown to serve as a director based, among other factors, on his knowledge of the Company and his experience in commercial real estate.
Michelle L. Campbell has served on the Board since August 2014. Ms. Campbell has also served as Vice President and Secretary of the Company since the Company was formed April 2013 and has served in her principal occupation as Vice President, Counsel of BPO since 2007. The Board nominated Ms. Campbell to serve as a director based, among other factors, on her knowledge of the Company and her experience in legal matters and commercial real estate.
Bryan K. Davis has served on the Board since the Company was formed in April 2013. Mr. Davis has held his principal occupation as Chief Financial Officer of BPO since 2007. The Board nominated Mr. Davis to serve as a director based, among other factors, on his knowledge of the Company and his experience in commercial real estate.
Paul L. Schulman has served on the Board since November 2013 and was elected Chairman of the Board and appointed as President of the Company in August 2014. Mr. Schulman was appointed Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Commercial Operations of BPO in 2009. Prior to this position, he served as Senior Vice President, Regional Head of the Washington, DC Region for BPO. He joined Trizec Properties, Inc. (which was acquired by BPO) in 1998 as Portfolio Manager for the Washington, DC and northern Virginia portfolios. The Board nominated Mr. Schulman to serve as a director and Chairman based, among other factors, on his knowledge of the Company, leadership capabilities and his experience in commercial real estate.
Robert L. Stelzl has served on the Board since January 2014. Mr. Stelzl is a private real estate investor and investment manager. In 2003, he retired from Colony Capital, LLC, a global real estate private equity investor, after 14 years as a principal and member of the Investment Committee. The Board nominated Mr. Stelzl to serve as a director based, among other factors, on his experience in commercial real estate.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OFMessrs. Brown, Davis, Schulman and Stelzl and MS. Campbell TO SERVE ON THE BOARD UNTIL THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING AND UNTIL THEIR RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS ARE DULY ELECTED AND QUALIFY.
Information Regarding the Preferred Directors
On April 24, 2013, an Agreement and Plan of Merger (as amended by that Waiver and First Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 19, 2013, that Second Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 10, 2013, and that Third Amendment to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 14, 2013, the “Merger Agreement”) was entered into by and among DTLA Holdings, the Company, Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Inc. (“REIT Merger Sub”), a Maryland corporation and a direct subsidiary of the Company, Brookfield DTLA Fund Properties LLC, a Maryland limited liability company and a direct subsidiary of REIT Merger Sub (“Partnership Merger Sub”), MPG Office Trust, Inc. (“MPG”), a Maryland corporation, and MPG Office, L.P. (the “MPG Partnership”), a Maryland limited partnership. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on June 14, 2013, an affiliate of BPO commenced an offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase all of the outstanding shares of the 7.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MPG (collectively, the “MPG Preferred Stock”). The Tender Offer was completed on October 15, 2013 immediately prior to the consummation of the REIT Merger (defined below). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on October 15, 2013 (i) MPG was merged with and into REIT Merger Sub, with REIT Merger Sub as the surviving entity of such merger (the “REIT Merger”) and (ii) immediately after the effective time of the REIT Merger, Partnership Merger Sub was merged with and into the MPG Partnership (the “Partnership Merger” and together with the REIT Merger, the “Mergers”), with the MPG Partnership as the surviving entity of the Partnership Merger. At the effective time of the REIT Merger, each share of MPG Preferred Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the REIT Merger automatically converted into, and was canceled in exchange for, the right to receive one share of Series A Preferred Stock with rights, terms and conditions substantially the same as those of the MPG Preferred Stock prior to the REIT Merger.
In 2010, as a result of MPG’s failure to pay dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for six or more quarterly periods, the holders of MPG Preferred Stock became entitled to elect two members of the Board of Directors of MPG (the “MPG Preferred Directors”). At a special meeting of holders of MPG Preferred Stock held on February 2, 2011, the holders of MPG Preferred stock elected Messrs. Robert M. Deutschman and Edward J. Ratinoff as the MPG Preferred Directors. At the 2012 annual meeting of stockholders of MPG, the last annual meeting of stockholders of MPG prior to the consummation of the REIT Merger, the holders of MPG Preferred Stock re-elected Messrs. Deutschman and Ratinoff as the MPG Preferred Directors.
Under the articles supplementary classifying and designating the Series A Preferred Stock (the “Articles”), any and all accrued and unpaid dividends (whether or not such dividends are declared) on each share of MPG Preferred Stock in exchange for which a share of Series A Preferred Stock was issued pursuant to the REIT Merger are treated as if accrued by the Company with respect to such share of Series A Preferred Stock prior to the date of original issue pursuant to the REIT Merger (we refer to such accrued amount as the “MPG Preferred Accrual”). Under the Articles, until the full payment (or setting aside for payment) of all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock that are in arrears (including the MPG Preferred Accrual), holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to elect two Preferred Directors. Upon the consummation of the REIT Merger, Messrs. Deutschman and Ratinoff were appointed to the Board as the initial Preferred Directors.
Each director elected by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock serves for a one-year term and until his successor is duly elected and qualifies, or, if earlier, until the full payment (or setting aside for payment) of all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock that are in arrears (including the MPG Preferred Accrual), as well as dividends for the then current period. If there is a vacancy during the term of office of a director elected by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, such vacancy must be filled by the written consent of the remaining director elected by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock or, if no such director remains in office, by a vote of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock.
The Preferred Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting, which means the two individuals nominated for election as a Preferred Director by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock who receive the largest number of properly cast votes will be elected as directors. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote for each of the director nominees. Cumulative voting is not permitted. The Board is not soliciting a proxy for the election of any of the nominees named herein. If any Preferred Director nominee should become unavailable for election prior to the Annual Meeting, an event which the Board does not currently anticipate and is unlikely, one or both of the incumbent Preferred Directors will continue to serve as a Preferred Director.
The Preferred Director Nominees
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock may nominate candidates for election at an annual meeting or special meeting in accordance with our governing documents. We have accepted the timely nomination by one such stockholder, Panning Master Fund, LP (“Panning”), of Alan Carr and Craig Perry for election as Preferred Directors to serve a one year term or until their successors are duly elected and qualify or, if earlier, until the full payment (or setting aside for payment) of all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock that are in arrears (including the MPG Preferred Accrual), as well as dividends for the then current period. At this time, no additional nominations have been submitted to the Company in accordance with the Company’s Amended Bylaws. Therefore, any additional stockholder nominations will be considered untimely; only Messrs. Carr and Perry will stand for election as Preferred Directors at the Annual Meeting. The Board is not making any recommendation or soliciting proxies with respect to the election of these nominees.
In addition, unless a quorum comprised of holders of Series A Preferred Stock entitled to cast one-third of all the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of Series A Preferred Stock are present in person or by legal proxy at the Annual Meeting, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will not be entitled to conduct any business and no vote will be held. If the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock fail to achieve a quorum and elect Messrs. Carr and Perry to the Board, the Company’s existing Preferred Directors will retain their positions on the Board. Robert M. Deutschman and Edward J. Ratinoff are the incumbent Preferred Directors that were previously elected to the Board by the holders of MPG Preferred Stock.
Each of Messrs. Carr and Perry, as nominees, has consented to be named in this Information Statement and to serve as a director if elected, and the Company’s management has no reason to believe that either nominee will be unable to serve. In addition, each of Messrs. Deutschman and Ratinoff, as incumbent directors, has consented to be named in this Information Statement and to continue to serve as a director if the holders of Series A Preferred Stock fail to achieve a quorum at the Annual Meeting, and the Company’s management has no reason to believe that either incumbent will be unable to serve.
The Nominees
The information below relating to the nominees for election as Preferred Directors has been furnished to us by the respective individuals. If elected at the Annual Meeting, Messrs. Carr and Perry would each serve for a one-year term and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify or, if earlier, until the full payment (or setting aside for payment) of all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock that are in arrears (including the MPG Preferred Accrual), as well as dividends for the then current period.
The following table sets forth information regarding the individuals who are the nominees for election as Preferred Directors of the Company submitted by Panning:
| | | | | | | Director | |
Name | | Age | | | Position | | Since | |
Alan Carr | | | 44 | | | Nominee for Director | | | — | |
Craig Perry | | | 35 | | | Nominee for Director | | | — | |
Alan Carris an investment professional with almost 20 years of experience working from the principal and advisor side on complex, process-intensive financial situations and he is the founder of Drivetrain Advisors, a fiduciary services firm that supports the investment community in legally- and process-intensive investments as a representative, director, or trustee. Prior to founding Drivetrain Advisors in 2013, Mr. Carr was a Managing Director at Strategic Value Partners, LLC (“Strategic Value Partners”), where he led financial restructurings for companies in North America and Europe, working in both the US and Europe over nine years. Prior to joining Strategic Value Partners, Mr. Carr was a corporate attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he represented clients in various major transactions. Prior to that, he was an attorney at Ravin, Sarasohn, Baumgarten, Fisch & Rosen, P.C. Mr. Carr currently serves on the Board of Directors of Tanker Investments Ltd., a specialized investment company organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Island and traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange, which is focused on the oil tanker market, a position he has held since January 2014. Mr. Carr currently does and has previously served on various boards of private companies in North America, Europe and Asia. The Board does not take a position on the nomination of Mr. Carr and his ability to serve as a director.
Craig Perry is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Haloroc Holdings Corporation, a private holding company with a focus on investing in the real estate, financial and energy markets. Prior to founding Haloroc, Mr. Perry was a Managing Director at Panning Capital from the firm's inception in October 2012 until June 2014. From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Perry was a founding partner at Sabretooth Capital Partners, an investment management firm, and served as the co-portfolio manager of Sabretooth’s event-driven and macro investment team. Previously, Mr. Perry held positions at Swiss Re Financial Products Corporation and Credit Suisse Group as a portfolio manager with a focus on equities and distressed credit. Mr. Perry began his career as an analyst at King Street Capital Management. Mr. Perry is a board member of Cortland Partners, a private multifamily real estate firm with over 25,000 units under management. Mr. Perry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Princeton University. The Board does not take a position on the nomination of Mr. Carr and his ability to serve as a director.
The Incumbent Preferred Directors
The information below relating to our incumbent Preferred Directors has been furnished to us by the respective individuals. If the Panning nominees described above are not elected at the Annual Meeting, Messrs. Deutschman and Ratinoff would each continue to serve until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify or, if earlier, until the full payment (or setting aside for payment) of all dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock that are in arrears (including the MPG Preferred Accrual), as well as dividends for the then current period.
The following table sets forth information regarding the individuals who are the incumbent Preferred Directors of the Company who were previously elected by the holders of MPG Preferred Stock:
| | | | | | | | Director | |
Name | | Age | | | Position | | | Since | |
Robert M. Deutschman | | | 57 | | | | Director | | | | 2013 | |
Edward J. Ratinoff | | | 49 | | | | Director | | | | 2013 | |
Robert M. Deutschmanhas served on the Board since October 2013. Mr. Deutschman served on the Board of Directors of MPG beginning in February 2011. Since 1999, Mr. Deutschman has served as a Managing Director at Cappello Global, LLC (and its predecessors), an investment banking firm, and as Vice Chairman of Cappello Group, Inc. since 2008. Since 2004, Mr. Deutschman has served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Enron Creditors Recovery Corp. (formerly Enron Corp.), a position he assumed upon Enron’s emergence from bankruptcy. In May 2013, Mr. Deutschman joined the Board of Mandalay Digital Group, Inc., where he currently chairs the Audit Committee. Mr. Deutschman has also served on the Advisory Board of the RAND Center for Corporate Ethics and Governance since 2006. The Board is satisfied with Mr. Deutschman’s service as a director based, among other factors, on his knowledge of the Company and commercial real estate and public company experience.
Edward J. Ratinoffhas served on the Board since October 2013. Mr. Ratinoff served on the Board of Directors of MPG beginning in February 2011. From March 2010 to February 2013, Mr. Ratinoff was the Managing Director and Head of Acquisitions for Phoenix Realty Group, an institutional real estate investment firm. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Ratinoff held the position of Managing Director and West Coast Head for the J.E. Robert Companies, a global real estate investment management company. Since May 2010, Mr. Ratinoff has served as a member of the board of directors and Chairman of the Loan Committee of Bank of Internet. The Board is satisfied with Mr. Ratinoff’s service as a director based, among other factors, on his knowledge of the Company and commercial real estate and extensive investment banking experience.
THE BOARD DOES NOT TAKE A POSITION WITH RESPECT TO THE ELECTION OF THE PREFERRED DIRECTORS AND DOES NOT RECOMMEND A VOTE “FOR” OR “AGAINST” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF MESSRS. CARR AND PERRY TO SERVE ON THE BOARD FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM AND UNTIL THEIR RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS ARE DULY ELECTED AND QUALIFY OR, IF EARLIER, UNTIL THE FULL PAYMENT (OR SETTING ASIDE FOR PAYMENT) OF ALL DIVIDENDS ON THE SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK THAT ARE IN ARREARS (INCLUDING THE MPG PREFERRED ACCRUAL), AS WELL AS DIVIDENDS FOR THE THEN CURRENT PERIOD.
Board Governance Documents
The Board maintains a charter for its Audit Committee, has adopted written policies regarding the Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services Provided by the External Auditor and has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board has also adopted the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Personal Trading Policy of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”), each applicable to the directors, officers and employees of BAM and its subsidiaries. The Company is an indirect subsidiary of BAM. These documents are attached as Annex A, B, C, D and E hereto, respectively, and are also available in print to any person who sends a written request to that effect to the attention of Michelle L. Campbell, Vice President, Secretary and Director, Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc., 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10281.
Director Independence
Because the Series A Preferred Stock is the only publicly listed security of the Company, the Company is a special purpose entity as defined by the NYSE rules on corporate governance (the “NYSE Rules”) and has chosen to rely on the NYSE Rules’ “special purpose entity exemption” with respect to certain independence requirements. Of the Company’s seven directors, three are currently independent of management and of DTLA Holdings and BPO. The Board has adopted independence standards as part of its Corporate Governance Guidelines, which is also available in print to any person who sends a written request to that effect to the attention of our Secretary, as provided for above under the heading “– Board Governance Documents.”
The independence standards contained in our Corporate Governance Guidelines incorporate the categories of relationships between a director and a listed company that would make a director ineligible to be independent according to the standards issued by the NYSE.
In accordance with NYSE Rules and our Corporate Governance Guidelines, on April 29, 2014 the Board affirmatively determined that each of the following directors is and was independent within the meaning of both our and the NYSE’s director independence standards, as then in effect:
Robert M. Deutschman
Edward J. Ratinoff
Robert L. Stelzl
The Board has also determined that each of Messrs. Deutschman, Ratinoff and Stelzl is independent within the meaning of both our and the NYSE’s director independence standards applicable to members of an Audit Committee. Additionally, Messrs. Deutschman, Ratinoff and Stelzl satisfy the enhanced independence standards set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(i) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and NYSE listing standards.
Messrs. Carr and Perry have represented to Panning and the Company that each would meet the definition of independent under the Exchange Act, related Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules and NYSE Rules and would be eligible to serve on the Company’s audit committee, if so chosen.
Board Meetings
The Board held one meeting during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. Mr. Mitchell E. Rudin, our former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Commercial Operations, presided over such meeting. The number of meetings for the Audit Committee is set forth below under the heading “–Board Committees – Audit Committee – Audit Committee Meetings.” During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, all of our directors attended 100% of the total number of meetings of the Board.
The Board held four meetings during the 2014 calendar year through the date of this Information Statement. Mr. Rudin presided over three meetings and Mr. Brown presided over one meeting. The number of meetings for the Audit Committee is set forth below under the heading “–Board Committees – Audit Committee – Audit Committee Meetings.” During the 2014 calendar year through the date of this Information Statement, all of our directors attended three of the meetings of the Board. At one of the meetings of the Board, Mr. Schulman was unable to participate; however, he was briefed on the discussions that transpired after such meeting.
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
The Amended Bylaws give the Board flexibility to determine whether the roles of principal executive officer and Chairman of the Board should be held by the same person or two separate individuals. In connection with the consummation of the REIT Merger and the listing of the Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE, the Board determined that having one person serve as both principal executive officer and Chairman of the Board is in the best interest of the Company’s stockholders. We believe this structure makes the best use of the principal executive officer’s extensive knowledge of the Company and fosters real-time communication between management and the Board. Currently, Mr. Schulman serves as Chairman of the Board and President of the Company since August 2014 and is considered our principal executive officer.
The Board is actively involved in overseeing our risk management. Under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Board is responsible for assessing the major risks facing the Company and its business and approving and monitoring appropriate systems to manage those risks. Under its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the Company’s policies with respect to risk assessment and management, particularly financial risk exposure, and discussing with management the steps taken to monitor and control risks.
Board Committees
As a special purpose entity under the NYSE Rules, the Company’s Board maintains an Audit Committee, but is not required to establish or maintain a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or a Compensation Committee.
Audit Committee
General
The Audit Committee was established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act and is responsible for monitoring the Company’s systems and procedures for financial reporting, risk management and internal controls, reviewing certain public disclosure documents and monitoring the performance and independence of the Company’s external auditors. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing the Company’s annual audited financial statements, unaudited quarterly financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations prior to their approval by the full Board. In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board the firm of independent registered public accountants to be nominated for appointment as the external auditors, for approving the assignment of any non-audit work to be performed by the external auditors and prepares the report that federal securities laws require to be included in our information statement each year (see page20for the current Audit Committee Report). The Audit Committee will meet regularly in separate private sessions with the Company’s external auditors, without management present, to discuss and review specific issues as appropriate. The Board has approved a charter of the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee carries out its responsibilities in accordance with those terms. The charter is available in print to any person who requests it by writing to our Secretary, as provided for above under the heading “–Board Governance Documents.”
Currently, Mr. Stelzl is chair and Mr. Ratinoff is a member of the Audit Committee. Each of Messrs. Stelzl and Ratinoff is an independent director. Mr. Ratinoff has served on the Audit Committee since its formation on October 15, 2013 in connection with the consummation of the REIT Merger andthe listing of the Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE. Mr. Stelzl has served on the Audit Committee since his election to the Board on January 20, 2014 and he was appointed chair on March 27, 2014. The composition of the Audit Committee meets NYSE requirements for aspecial purpose entity, including the requirements dealing with financial literacy and financial sophistication.As a special purpose entity under the NYSE Rules, the Board is not required to determine whether any members of the Audit Committee qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the SEC. The independent members of our Audit Committee satisfy the enhanced independence standards applicable to audit committeesset forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(i) under the Exchange Act and the NYSE listing standards.
The composition of the Audit Committee following the date of the Annual Meeting will be determined by the Board promptly after the Annual Meeting.
Audit Committee Meetings
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the Audit Committee met one time and all of our directors serving on the Audit Committee attended 100% of the total number of meetings of the Audit Committee during such fiscal year.
During the calendar year 2014 through the date of this Information Statement, the Audit Committee met four times and all of the members of the Audit Committee attended 100% of the total number of meetings of the Audit Committee during such calendar year.
Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
We have adopted written policies that provide that the Audit Committee is to pre-approve all audit services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for us by our independent registered public accounting firm in accordance with applicable law. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, all audit and non-audit services provided to us by Deloitte & Touche LLP were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
Qualifications of Director Nominees
The Board has not set forth minimum qualifications for Board nominees. However, under our Corporate Governance Guidelines, director nominees must have, among other criteria, an understanding of the Company’s principal operational and financial objectives, plans and strategies, financial position and performance as well as the performance of the Company relative to its principal competitors. The Board has not adopted any formal policy regarding an attempt to maintain a pre-determined mix of backgrounds of the Board nominees as such backgrounds relate to education, geography, race, gender, national origin or other factors not bearing on expertise. Rather, the Board looks to that level and type of experience, expertise and credentials of our nominees which we determine are necessary or desirable for the Board at the time.
Process for Considering Director Nominees
The Board has proposed a slate of nominees to the holders of Common Stock for election or re-election at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders at which directors are to be elected or re-elected consisting of nominees who, in the exercise of the Board’s judgment, the Board has found to be well qualified and willing and available to serve. The basis for the Board’s recommendation of each of Messrs. Brown, Davis, Schulman and Stelzl and Ms. Campbell, is described above in the respective director’s biography.
At an appropriate time after a vacancy arises on the Board or a director advises the Board of his or her intention to resign, the Board may fill such vacancy with a director who, in the exercise of the Board’s judgment, the Board has found to be well qualified and willing and available to serve.
In addition, to the extent we are legally required by contract or otherwise to permit a third party to nominate one or more of the directors to be elected (for example, pursuant to rights contained in the Articles Supplementary for the Series A Preferred Stock to elect directors upon non-payment of dividends), then the nomination or election of such directors shall be governed by such requirements. Any director nominations received from stockholders will be evaluated in the same manner that nominees suggested by our directors, management or other parties are evaluated. In light of Panning’s proposed nominees for election as Preferred Directors, the Board determined that it would not nominate any individuals or make any recommendation with respect to the election of Preferred Directors.
Manner by Which Stockholders May Nominate Director Candidates
The Board will consider Preferred Director candidates nominated by holders of Series A Preferred Stock received at least 90 days before the first anniversary of this year’s date of mailing of this Information Statement, which will be May 5, 2015, but no more than 120 days prior to such date, which will be June 4, 2015. All nominations should be directed in writing to the Chairman of the Board, c/o Michelle L. Campbell, Vice President, Secretary, and Director, Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc., 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10281. Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock nominating a person as a Preferred Director candidate should provide us with the following information so that the Board may determine whether the nominated director candidate is independent from the stockholder, or each member of the stockholder group, that has nominated the director candidate:
• | If the nominating stockholder or any member of the nominating stockholder group is a natural person, whether the nominated Preferred Director candidate is the nominating stockholder, a member of the nominating stockholder group, or a member of the immediate family of the nominating stockholder or any member of the nominating stockholder group; |
| |
• | If the nominating stockholder or any member of the nominating stockholder group is an entity, whether the nominated Preferred Director candidate or any immediate family member of the nominated director candidate is or has been at any time during the current or preceding calendar year an employee of the nominating stockholder or any member of the nominating stockholder group; |
| |
• | Whether the nominated director candidate or any immediate family member of the nominated Preferred Director candidate has accepted, directly or indirectly, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fees from the nominating stockholder or any member of the group of nominating stockholders, or any of their respective affiliates, during the current or preceding calendar year; |
| |
• | Whether the nominated Preferred Director candidate is an executive officer or director (or person fulfilling similar functions) of the nominating stockholder or any member of the nominating stockholder group, or any of their respective affiliates; and |
| |
• | Whether the nominated Preferred Director candidate controls the nominating stockholder or any member of the nominating stockholder group. |
The nominating stockholder may also be asked by the Board to provide supplemental information to enable the Board to determine whether the nominated Preferred Director candidate (i) is qualified to serve on the Audit Committee, (ii) meets the standards of an independent director, and (iii) satisfies the standards for our directors set forth above under the heading “–Qualifications of Director Nominees.” In addition, the nominating stockholder should include the consent of the nominated Preferred Director candidate in the information provided to us and the nominated Preferred Director candidate will need to make himself or herself reasonably available to be interviewed by the Board. The Board will consider all nominated Preferred Director candidates submitted to it in accordance with these procedures and the requirements of our charter and Amended Bylaws. However, the Board will not consider any Preferred Director candidate if such candidate’s candidacy or, if elected, Board membership, would violate controlling federal or state law.
Communications with the Board
Stockholders or other interested persons wishing to communicate with the Board may send correspondence directed to the Board, c/o Michelle L. Campbell, Vice President, Secretary, and Director, Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc., 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10281. Ms. Campbell will review all correspondence addressed to the Board, or any individual Board member, for any inappropriate correspondence and correspondence more suitably directed to our management. Ms. Campbell will summarize all correspondence not forwarded to the Board and make the correspondence available to the Board for its review at the Board’s request. Ms. Campbell will forward all such communications to the Board prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board following the receipt of the communication, as appropriate. Correspondence intended for our non-management directors as a group should be delivered to the address above, “Attention: Non-Management Directors, c/o Michelle L. Campbell, Secretary.”
Compensation of Directors
The following table summarizes the compensation earned by each of our independent directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013:
Name(1) | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)(2) | | | Stock Awards ($) | | | Option Awards ($) | | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | Total ($) | |
(a) | | (b) | | | (c) | | | (d) | | | (e) | | | (f) | | | (g) | |
Robert M. Deutschman | | | 31,250 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 31,250 | |
Edward J. Ratinoff | | | 32,500 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 32,500 | |
(1) | Each non-independent member of the Board does not receive any additional compensation from the Company for his or her services as a director. |
| | |
(2) | Amounts shown in Column (b) are those earned during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 for annual retainer fees, committee fees and/or chair fees. | |
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Please See Next Page]
ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Our executive officers are employed and compensated by another entity (BPO) and, consequently, this Information Statement does not include executive compensation disclosure pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (“Item 402”), including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the compensation tables and other narrative executive compensation disclosure required by Item 402. We do not believe we are required to hold a non-binding advisory stockholder “say-on-pay” vote on the compensation of our executive officers, as there is no relevant disclosure on which such a vote could be based.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Please See Next Page]
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Board has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014, and has further directed that management submit the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm for ratification by DTLA Holdings as the sole holder of Common Stock at the Annual Meeting. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited our financial statements since our inception in 2013 and Deloitte LLP has audited BPO’s financial statements since 1978.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The following table summarizes the fees for professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche LLP:
| | For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | |
Audit fees(1) | | $ | 805,000 | |
Audit-related fees(2) | | | 753,000 | |
Tax fees(3) | | | 449,000 | |
All other fees | | | - | |
| | $ | 2,007,000 | |
| (1) | Audit fees consist of fees for professional services provided in connection with the audits of the Company’s annual consolidated and combined financial statements, audits of the Company’s subsidiaries required for statute or otherwise and the performance of an interim review of the Company’s combined financial statements for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013. |
| (2) | Audit-related fees consist of fees for reviews of filings or registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Act of 1934 during 2013. |
| (3) | Tax fees include fees for tax compliance and advisory services provided by Deloitte Tax LLP including tax advisory services in connection with the IRS Audit, tax compliance services related to U.S. Federal, State, and Local tax returns, and tax advisory services on Federal Foreign, State and Local tax matters, post-merger tax consulting and compliance services related to the acquisition of MPG Office Trust, Inc. |
Ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm by holders of Common Stock is not required by the Amended Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board is submitting the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP to DTLA Holdings as the sole holder of Common Stock for ratification as a matter of corporate practice. Although it is expected that DTLA Holdings will ratify the selection, the Audit Committee may in its discretion direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the Company’s best interests.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are currently advising the Company and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 are not expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. However, if representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP do attend the meeting, they will have the opportunity to make a statement and such representatives will be expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of Common Stock at the Annual Meeting is required for the ratification of the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
As of April 25, 2014, DTLA Holdings owns 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock.
Based on our review of all forms filed by holders of Series A Preferred Stock with the SEC with respect to ownership of shares of Series A Preferred Stock and other information, as of August 29, 2014, set forth below is a table that shows how much of our Series A Preferred Stock was beneficially owned on August 29, 2014, by each person known to us to beneficially own more than 5% of our Series A Preferred Stock. Please note that under U.S. securities laws, the Series A Preferred Stock is generally not considered voting stock and, therefore, persons beneficially owning more than 5% of our Series A Preferred Stock have no obligation to notify us or the SEC of their beneficial ownership of such Series A Preferred Stock. Consequently, there may be other holders of more than 5% of the Series A Preferred Stock that are not known to us.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | | Number of Shares of Series A Preferred Stock(1) | | | Percent of Class(1) | |
| | | | | | | | |
Panning Capital Management, LP 510 Madison Avenue, Suite 2400 New York, NY 10022(2) | | | 914,375(2) | | | | 9.4%(2) | |
| (1) | Under Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act, certain shares may be deemed to be beneficially owned by more than one person (if, for example, a person shares the power to vote or the power to dispose of the shares). In addition, shares are deemed to be beneficially owned by a person if the person has the right to acquire the shares (for example, upon exercise of an option) within 60 days of the date as of which the information is provided. In computing the percentage ownership of any person, the amount of shares outstanding is deemed to include the amount of shares beneficially owned by such person (and only such person) by reason of these acquisition rights. As a result, the percentage of outstanding shares of any person as shown in this table does not necessarily reflect the person’s actual ownership or voting power with respect to the number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock actually outstanding at the record date. |
| (2) | Information regarding Panning Capital Management, LP was obtained from a Schedule 13D, filed with the SEC by Panning Capital Management, LP on July 24, 2014. Panning Capital Management, LP reported that, at July 22, 2014, the following entities and natural persons possessed shared power to vote, and shared power to direct the disposition of, the respective amount of shares that follow: Panning Capital Management, LP—914,375; Panning Holdings GP, LLC—914,375; William M. Kelly—914,375; Kieran W. Goodwin—914,375; and Franklin S. Edmonds—914,375. |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF OUR DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
None of our directors or executive officers owns any shares of capital stock of the Company.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Our current executive officers are as follows:
Name | | Age | | | Position | | Executive Officer Since | |
Bryan K. Davis | | | 41 | | | Chief Financial Officer | | | 2013 | |
Paul L. Schulman | | | 46 | | | President, and Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Commercial Operations | | | 2014 | |
Bryan K. Davishas held his principal occupation as Chief Financial Officer of BPO since 2007. Additional information about Mr. Davis’ business experience can be found above in “–Information Regarding Common Directors.”
Paul L. Schulman has held his present principal occupation as Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Commercial Operations of BPO since 2009. Additional information about Mr. Schulman’s business experience can be found above in “–Information Regarding Common Directors.”
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
We do not directly employ any of the persons responsible for managing our business. BPO, through DTLA Holdings, manages our operations and activities, and it, together with its board of directors and officers, makes decisions on our behalf. Our executive officers are employed by BPO and we do not directly or indirectly pay any compensation to them. The compensation of the executive officers is set by BPO and we have no control over the determination of their compensation. Our executive officers participate in employee benefit plans and arrangements sponsored by BPO and its parent company. We have not established any employee benefit plans or entered into any employment agreements with any of our executive officers.
BPO determines the total compensation paid to our executive officers. In determining this compensation, BPO considers, among other things, BPO’s business, results of operations and financial condition taken as a whole. For a detailed discussion of the objectives of BPO’s compensation program, the elements of its compensation program and how compensation is determined, please refer to BPO’s most recently filed Management Proxy Circular which is available on BPO’s website atwww.brookfieldofficerproperties.com and at the Canadian Securities Administrator’s website SEDAR atwww.sedar.com.
COMPENSATION RISK ASSESSMENT
The Company believes that the compensation policies and practices of the Company, and of BPO with respect to the executive officers of the Company, appropriately balance risk in connection with the achievement of annual and long-term goals and that they do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk taking. The Company believes that the compensation policies and practices of the Company, and of BPO with respect to the executive officers of the Company, are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT*
The Audit Committee of the Board assists the Board with its oversight responsibilities regarding the Company’s financial reporting process. The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the Company’s financial statements as well as the Company’s financial reporting process, accounting policies, internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an audit of the Company’s financial statements and its internal control over financial reporting and for reviewing the Company’s quarterly financial statements.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 with the Company’s management and with Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP the overall scope of, and plans for, its audit. The Audit Committee regularly meets with Deloitte & Touche LLP, both with and without management present, to discuss the results of its audit, its evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting. In the performance of their oversight function, the members of the Audit Committee necessarily relied upon the information, opinions, reports and statements presented to them by the Company’s management and by Deloitte & Touche LLP. The Audit Committee has also discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP the matters required to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 61,Communications with Audit Committees. The Audit Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rules 3526,Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence, and has discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP its independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on April 7, 2014, and Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on April 29, 2014.
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert L. Stelzl, Chair
Edward J. Ratinoff
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank; Please See Next Page]
* The material in this report is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not incorporated by reference in any filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date of this Information Statement and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filing.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Policies and Procedures
Under the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, each director is required to inform the Board of any potential or actual conflicts, or what might appear to be a conflict of interest he or she may have with the Company. If a director has a personal interest in a matter before the Board or a committee, he or she must not participate in any vote on the matter except where the Board or the committee has expressly determined that it is appropriate for him or her to do so. Under BAM’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, officer and employee conflicts of interest are generally prohibited as a matter of Company policy.
Management Agreements
Certain subsidiaries of the Company have entered into arrangements with BOP Management Inc., an affiliate of BPO (“BOP Management”), pursuant to which BOP Management provides property management and various other services. Property management fees under the management agreements entered into in connection with these arrangements are calculated based on 3.0% of rents collected (as defined in the management agreements). In addition, the Company pays BOP Management an asset management fee, which is calculated based on 0.75% of the capital contributed to DTLA Holdings. A summary of the costs incurred by the applicable subsidiaries of the Company under these arrangements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
| | For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | |
Property management fee expense | | $ | 3,667 | |
Asset management fee expense | | | 1,320 | |
General, administrative and reimbursable expenses | | | 1,190 | |
Leasing and construction management fees | | | 786 | |
Insurance Agreement
Properties held by certain Company subsidiaries are covered under insurance policies entered into by BPO that provide, among other things, all risk property and business interruption for BPO’s commercial portfolio with an aggregate limit of $2.5 billion per occurrence as well as an aggregate limit of $300.0 million of earthquake insurance. Insurance premiums for these properties are paid by an affiliate of BPO and the Company reimburses this BPO affiliate for the actual cost of such premiums. A summary of the costs incurred by the applicable Company subsidiaries under this arrangement for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows (in thousands):
| | For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 | |
Insurance expense | | $ | 4,949 | |
Intercompany Loan
The Company is indebted to BOP Management Inc. under a $25.0 million promissory note dated October 11, 2013 that matures on October 15, 2015. The note bears interest at 3.25%, which is payable semi-annually. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company accrued $0.2 million of interest expense related to this note.
OTHER MATTERS
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our executive officers and directors, and beneficial owners of more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of such securities with the SEC. Such officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based on our review of the copies of all Section 16(a) forms received by us and other information, we believe that with regard to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, all of our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders complied with all applicable filing requirements, except as follows: due to inadvertence by the Company, each of the following officers or former officers and directors or former directors of the Company were late in filing a Form 3 with respect to their ownership of Series A Preferred Stock upon the effectiveness of the registration statement on Form S-4 registering the Series A Preferred Stock: G. Mark Brown, Bryan K. Davis, Mitchell E. Rudin, Robert M. Deutschman, Edward J. Ratinoff, Paul L. Schulman and Robert L. Stelzl. The required forms were filed on October 30, 2013, November 25, 2013 and April 24, 2014.
Stockholder Proposals and Nominations
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, stockholders may present proper proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement and for consideration at the Company’s next Annual Meeting of Stockholders. To be eligible for inclusion in the Company’s 2015 notice of annual meeting, your proposal must be received by the Company no later than 90 days before the first anniversary of the prior year’s date of mailing of the notice of the preceding year’s annual meeting (i.e., September 2, 2014), but no more than 120 days prior to such date, and must otherwise comply with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. While the Board will consider stockholder proposals, we reserve the right to omit from any proxy statement or any annual or special meeting, stockholder proposals that we are not required to include under the Exchange Act, including Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. The Series A Preferred Stock is the only publicly listed security of the Company and, under our charter and the Amended Bylaws, holders of Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights other than with respect to the election of Preferred Directors. Therefore, stockholders other than DTLA Holdings may not vote on proposals at the Company’s annual meetings or special meetings other than the election of Preferred Directors.
Under the Articles, at any time when holders of Series A Preferred Stock have the right to elect Preferred Directors, the holders of 10% or more of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock may, by written request, call a special meeting of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock for the purpose of electing Preferred Directors. The Company must then mail to record holders of Series A Preferred Stock a notice of such special meeting to be held not less than ten and not more than 45 days after the date such notice is given unless such notice was received within ninety (90) days of the date of the upcoming annual meeting of the Company, in which case the election of the Preferred Directors will take place at an annual meeting of the Company and the Company will not call for a special meeting. To be elected at an annual or special meeting, Preferred Directors must receive a plurality of all the votes cast at such meeting.
Additional Information
The Board does not intend to bring, and knows of no one intending to bring, any matter before the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock at the Annual Meeting other than election of the Preferred Director nominees described herein.
Legal Proceedings
Following the announcement of the execution of the Merger Agreement, seven putative class actions were filed against BPO, the Company, DTLA Holdings, REIT Merger Sub, Partnership Merger Sub (collectively, the “Brookfield Parties”), MPG Office Trust, Inc., MPG Office, L.P., and the members of MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s board of directors. Five of these lawsuits were filed on behalf of MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s common stockholders: (i) two lawsuits, captionedCoyne v. MPG Office Trust, Inc., et al., No. BC507342 (the “Coyne Action”), andMasih v. MPG Office Trust, Inc., et al., No. BC507962 (the “Masih Action”), were filed in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County (the “California State Court”) on April 29, 2013 and May 3, 2013, respectively; and (ii) three lawsuits, captionedKim v. MPG Office Trust, Inc. et al., No. 24 C-13-002600 (the “Kim Action”),Perkins v. MPG Office Trust, Inc., et al., No. 24-C-13-002778 (the “Perkins Action”) andDell’Osso v. MPG Office Trust, Inc., et al., No. 24 C-13-003283 (the “Dell’Osso Action”) were filed in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland on May 1, 2013, May 8, 2013 and May 22, 2013, respectively (collectively, the “Common Stock Actions”). Two lawsuits, captionedCohen v. MPG Office Trust, Inc. et al., No. 24-C-13-004097 (the “Cohen Action”) andDonlan v. Weinstein, et al., No. 24 C-13-004293 (the “Donlan Action”), were filed on behalf of MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s preferred stockholders in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland on June 20, 2013 and July 2, 2013, respectively (collectively, the “Preferred Stock Actions,” together with the Common Stock Actions, the “Merger Litigations”).
In each of the Common Stock Actions, the plaintiffs allege, among other things, that MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the merger by failing to maximize the value of MPG Office Trust, Inc. and ignoring or failing to protect against conflicts of interest, and that the relevant Brookfield Parties named as defendants aided and abetted those breaches of fiduciary duty. The Kim Action further alleges that MPG Office, L.P. also aided and abetted the breaches of fiduciary duty by MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s board of directors, and the Dell’Osso Action further alleges that MPG Office Trust, Inc. and MPG Office, L.P. aided and abetted the breaches of fiduciary duty by MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s board of directors. On June 4, 2013, the Kim and Perkins plaintiffs filed identical, amended complaints in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland. On June 5, 2013, the Masih plaintiffs also filed an amended complaint in the Superior Court of the State of California in Los Angeles County. The three amended complaints, as well as the Dell’Osso Action complaint, allege that the preliminary proxy statement filed by MPG Office Trust, Inc. with the SEC on May 21, 2013 is false and/or misleading because it fails to include certain details of the process leading up to the merger and fails to provide adequate information concerning MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s financial advisors.
In each of the Preferred Stock Actions, which were brought on behalf of MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s preferred stockholders, the plaintiffs allege, among other things, that, by entering into the Merger Agreement and tender offer, MPG Office Trust, Inc. breached the Articles Supplementary, which governs the issuance of the MPG preferred shares, that MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties by agreeing to a merger agreement that violated the preferred stockholders’ contractual rights and that the relevant Brookfield Parties named as defendants aided and abetted those breaches of contract and fiduciary duty. On July 15, 2013, the plaintiffs in the Preferred Stock Actions filed a joint amended complaint in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland that further alleged that MPG Office Trust, Inc.’s board of directors failed to disclose material information regarding BPO’s extension of the tender offer.
The plaintiffs in the seven lawsuits sought an injunction against the merger, rescission or rescissory damages in the event the merger has been consummated, an award of fees and costs, including attorneys’ and experts’ fees, and other relief.
On July 10, 2013, solely to avoid the costs, risks and uncertainties inherent in litigation, the Brookfield Parties and the other named defendants in the Common Stock Actions signed a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”), regarding a proposed settlement of all claims asserted therein. The parties subsequently entered into a stipulation of settlement dated November 21, 2013 providing for the release of all asserted claims, additional disclosures by MPG concerning the merger made prior to the merger’s approval, and the payment, by defendants, of an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses in an amount not to exceed $475,000. After a hearing on June 4, 2014, the California State Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for final approval of the settlement, and entered a Final Order and Judgment, awarding plaintiffs’ counsel’s attorneys’ fees and expenses in the amount of $475,000, which was paid by MPG Office LLC on June 18, 2014. BPO is seeking reimbursement for the settlement payment from MPG’s insurers.
In the Preferred Stock Actions, at a hearing on July 24, 2013, the Maryland State Court denied plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction seeking to enjoin the tender offer. The plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint on November 22, 2013 that added additional arguments in support of their allegations that the new preferred shares do not have the same rights as the MPG preferred shares. The defendants moved to dismiss the second amended complaint on December 20, 2013, and briefing on the motion concluded on February 28, 2014. At a hearing on June 18, 2014, the Maryland State Court heard oral arguments on the defendants’ motion to dismiss and reserved judgment on the decision. As of the date of this report, no decision date can be reasonably estimated.
While the final outcome with respect to the Merger Litigations cannot be predicted with certainty, in the opinion of management after consultation with external legal counsel, any liability that may arise from such contingencies would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
Householding of Information Statement Materials
SEC rules permit us to deliver a single copy of this Information Statement, our Annual Report or Notice of Annual Meeting, as applicable, to one address shared by two or more of our stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” can result in cost savings for the Company. A single Notice of Annual Meeting and this Information Statement will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the impacted stockholders prior to the mailing date.
We agree to deliver promptly, upon request, a separate copy of this Information Statement or Annual Report, as applicable, to any stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of those documents was delivered, at no cost to the stockholder. If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. to request one at 1-800-579-1639,www.materials.proxyvote.com/112714 orsendmaterial@proxyvote.com.
Any stockholder who currently receives multiple copies of Information Statement materials at his, her or its address and would like to request householding of any communications should contact Broadridge using the contact information above.
Available Information
We file our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements (if any), Information Statements and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the SEC. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy details and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC atwww.sec.gov. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K and this Information Statement are available free of charge atwww.materials.proxyvote.com/112714. Stockholders may also obtain a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements (if any), Information Statements and amendments to those reports by sending a written request to that effect to the attention of Michelle L. Campbell, Vice President, Secretary, and Director, Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc., 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10281.
You must attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares or by granting a legal proxy to another person to vote in your place at the Annual Meeting. Your cooperation in giving this matter your prompt attention is appreciated.
If you have any questions regarding this Information Statement, please contact our counsel, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, Attention: Abigail P. Bomba, One New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004, (212) 859-8000.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Michelle L. Campbell
Vice President, Secretary
September 2, 2014
Annex A
Audit Committee Charter
[See attached]
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc.
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER (“Charter”)
A committee of the board of directors of Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. (the “Corporation”) to be known as the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) shall have the following terms of reference:
Membership and Chair
Annually, the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) shall appoint from its number two or more directors (the “Members” and each a “Member”) to serve on the Committee for the upcoming year or until the Member ceases to be a director, resigns or is replaced, whichever occurs first.
The Members will be selected by the Board. Any Member may be removed from office or replaced at any time by the Board. All of the Members must be Independent. In addition, every Member must be Financially Literate, or agree to become Financially Literate within a reasonable period of time following appointment. Members may not serve on three or more other public company audit committees, except with the prior approval of the Chairman of the Board.
The Board shall appoint one Member as the Chair of the Committee. If the Chair is absent from a meeting, the Members shall select a Chair from those in attendance to act as Chair of the meeting.
Responsibilities
The Committee shall:
| (a) | be directly responsible for overseeing the work of the external auditor of the Corporation engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an auditor’s report or providing other audit, review or attest services to the Corporation (the “auditor”); |
| (b) | require the auditor to report directly to the Committee; |
| (c) | review and evaluate the auditor’s independence, experience, qualifications and performance and determine whether the auditor should be appointed or re-appointed and recommend to the Board the auditor who should be nominated for appointment or re-appointment by the stockholders; |
| (d) | where appropriate, recommend to the Board that the stockholders terminate the auditor; |
| (e) | when a change of auditor is proposed, review all issues related to the change, including the information to be included in the notice of change of auditor required, and the orderly transition of such change; |
| (f) | review the terms of the auditor’s engagement and recommend to the Board the compensation of the auditor; |
| (g) | at least annually, obtain and review a report by the auditor describing: |
| · | the auditor’s internal quality-control procedures; and |
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Audit Committee Charter | 1 |
| · | any material issues raised by the most recent internal quality control review, or peer review, of the auditor, or review by any independent oversight body such as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”), or governmental or professional authorities within the preceding five years respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the auditor, and the steps taken to deal with any issues raised in any such review; |
| (h) | at least annually, confirm that the auditor has submitted a formal written statement describing all of its relationships with the Corporation; discuss with the auditor any disclosed relationships or services that may affect its objectivity and independence; obtain written confirmation from the auditor that it is independent within the meaning of the Rules of Ethics & Independence adopted by the PCAOB and is an independent public accountant within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, and confirm that it has complied with applicable laws with the rotation of certain members of the audit engagement team; |
| (i) | review and evaluate the lead partner of the auditor; |
| (j) | ensure the regular rotation of the audit engagement team members as required by law, and periodically consider whether there should be regular rotation of the audit firm; |
| (k) | meet privately with the auditor as frequently as the Committee feels is appropriate to fulfill its responsibilities, which will not be less frequently than annually, to discuss any items of concern to the Committee or the auditor, including: |
| · | planning and staffing of the audit; |
| · | any material written communications between the auditor and management; |
| · | whether or not the auditor is satisfied with the quality and effectiveness of financial recording procedures and systems; |
| · | the extent to which the auditor is satisfied with the nature and scope of its examination; |
| · | whether or not the auditor has received the full co-operation of management of the Corporation; |
| · | the auditor’s opinion of the competence and performance of the Chief Financial Officer and other key financial personnel of the Corporation; |
| · | the items required to be communicated to the Committee in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards; |
| · | all critical accounting policies and practices to be used by the Corporation; |
| · | all alternative treatments of financial information within financial reporting standards that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, and the treatment preferred by the auditor; |
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Audit Committee Charter | 2 |
| · | any difficulties encountered in the course of the audit work, any restrictions imposed on the scope of activities or access to requested information, any significant disagreements with management and management’s response; and |
| · | any illegal act that may have occurred and the discovery of which is required to be disclosed to the Committee pursuant to applicable securities legislation. |
| (l) | pre-approve any non-audit service to be provided to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries by the auditor in accordance with applicable law. The Committee may delegate to one or more Members the authority to pre-approve non-audit services to the extent permitted by applicable law. The pre-approval of non-audit services by any Member to whom authority has been delegated must be presented to the full Committee at its first regularly scheduled meeting following such pre-approval. The Committee may also adopt specific policies and procedures for the engagement of non-audit services provided these policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular services, mandate that the Committee be informed of each non-audit service and do not include the delegation of the Committee’s responsibilities to management; |
| (m) | resolve any disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting; |
| (n) | prior to the disclosure to the public, review, and, where appropriate, recommend for approval by the Board, the following: |
| · | audited annual financial statements, in conjunction with the report of the auditor; |
| · | interim financial statements; |
| · | annual and interim management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations; |
| · | reconciliations of the annual or interim financial statements; and |
| · | all other audited or unaudited financial information contained in public disclosure documents (including without limitation, any prospectus, or other offering or public disclosure documents and financial statements required by regulatory authorities); |
| (o) | review the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives as well as off-balance sheet structures on the Corporation’s financial statements; |
| (p) | review disclosures made to the Committee by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during their certification process for applicable securities law filings about any significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information, and any fraud involving management or other employees; |
| (q) | review the effectiveness of management’s policies and practices concerning financial reporting, any proposed changes in major accounting policies, the appointment and replacement of management responsible for financial reporting; |
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Audit Committee Charter | 3 |
| (r) | review the adequacy of the internal controls that have been adopted by the Corporation to safeguard assets from loss and unauthorized use and to verify the accuracy of the financial records and any special audit steps adopted in light of significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting; |
| (s) | review the controls and procedures that have been adopted to confirm that material information about the Corporation and its subsidiaries that is required to be disclosed under the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) rules is disclosed and to review the public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the issuer’s financial statements and periodically assess the adequacy of these procedures; |
| (t) | establish and periodically review the procedures for the receipt, follow-up, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation about accounting, internal controls, disclosure controls or auditing matters and for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters; |
| (u) | review and approve periodically, the Corporation’s policies with respect to risk assessment and management, particularly financial risk exposure, including the steps taken to monitor and control risks; |
| (v) | review periodically, the status of taxation matters of the Corporation; |
| (w) | review and approve the Corporation’s policies for hiring partners and employees and former partners and employees of the present auditor and any former auditors of the Corporation; |
| (x) | review, with legal counsel where required, such litigation, claims, tax assessments, transactions, inquiries from regulators and material inquiries from governmental agencies or other contingencies which may have a material impact on financial results or which may otherwise adversely affect the financial well-being of the Corporation; and |
| (y) | consider other matters of a financial nature as directed by the Board. |
Limitation of Audit Committee Role
The Committee’s function is one of oversight. The Corporation’s management is responsible for preparing the Corporation’s financial statements and for developing and maintaining systems of internal accounting and financial controls, while the independent auditor will assist the Committee and the Board in fulfilling their responsibilities for their review of the financial statements and internal controls and will be responsible for its independent audit of the financial statements. The Committee expects the auditors to call to their attention any accounting, auditing, internal accounting control, regulatory or other related matters that they believe warrant consideration or action. The Committee recognizes that the financial management and the independent audit teams have more knowledge and information about the Corporation than do Committee members. Accordingly, in carrying out its oversight responsibilities, the Committee does not provide any expert or special assurance as to the Corporation’s financial statements or internal controls or any professional certification as to the auditor’s work.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Audit Committee Charter | 4 |
Reporting
The Committee will regularly report to the Board on:
| · | the auditor’s independence; |
| · | the performance of the auditor and the Committee’s recommendations regarding its reappointment or termination; |
| · | the adequacy of the Corporation’s internal controls and disclosure controls; |
| · | its recommendations regarding the annual and interim financial statements of the Corporation and any reconciliation of the Corporation’s financial statements, including any issues with respect to the quality or integrity of the financial statements; |
| · | its review of any other public disclosure document including the annual report and the annual and interim management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations; |
| · | the Corporation’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, particularly those related to financial reporting; and |
| · | all other significant matters it has addressed and with respect to such other matters that are within its responsibilities. |
Review
The Committee will review this Charter at least annually and from time to time submit any proposed amendments it deems necessary and appropriate to the Board for approval.
Assessment
At least annually, the Board will review the effectiveness of this Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities and duties as set out in this Charter and in a manner consistent with the corporate governance guidelines adopted by the Board.
Access To Advisors And Senior Management
The Committee may retain any advisor at the expense of the Corporation, without the Board’s approval, at any time and has the authority to determine any such advisor’s fees and other retention terms.
The Corporation will provide for appropriate funding, for payment of compensation to any auditor engaged to prepare or issue an audit report or perform other audit, review or attest services and any other advisor to the Committee, and for ordinary administrative expenses of the Committee.
Members will meet privately with senior management as frequently as they feel is appropriate to fulfill the Committee’s responsibilities, but not less than annually.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Audit Committee Charter | 5 |
Meetings
Meetings of the Committee may be called by any Member, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation or the auditor. Meetings will be held quarterly and at such additional times as is necessary for the Committee to fulfill its responsibilities. The Committee shall appoint a secretary to be the secretary of each meeting of the Committee and to maintain minutes of the meeting and deliberations of the Committee. The Committee may also take action from time to time by unanimous written consent.
The powers of the Committee shall be exercisable at a meeting at which a quorum is present. A quorum shall be not less than a majority of the Members from time to time. Matters decided by the Committee shall be decided by majority vote. Subject to the foregoing, the Maryland General Corporation Lawand the by-laws, and unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall have the power to regulate its procedure.
Notice of each meeting shall be given to the auditor, each Member, and to the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. Notice of meeting may be given orally, in person or by telephone, by letter, by electronic mail or other reasonable means not less than 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting. Members may waive notice of any meeting and attendance at a meeting is deemed waiver of notice. The notice need not state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is being held.
The Committee may invite from time to time such persons as it may see fit to attend its meetings and to take part in discussion and consideration of the affairs of the Committee. The Committee may require the auditors and/or members of management to attend any or all meetings.
Definitions
Capitalized terms used in this Charter and not otherwise defined have the meaning attributed to them below:
“Independent” means independent in accordance with the applicable rules and guidelines of the NYSE and the SEC as well as the Corporation’s Corporate Governance Guidelines.
“Financially Literate” means the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Corporation’s financial statements.
Amended and Affirmed by the Board of Directors on May 12, 2014.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Audit Committee Charter | 6 |
Annex B
Policy Regarding the Approval of Audit and Non-Audit Services
Provided by the External Auditor
[See attached]
POLICY REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
PROVIDED BY THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR
Purpose and Applicability
Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), as the external auditors of Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. (the “Company”), provides valuable services to the Company in addition to the annual audit and quarterly reviews. This policy sets forth guidelines and procedures to be followed by the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) when retaining Deloitte to perform audit and non-audit services. This policy statement is intended to establish a framework for the approval of audit and non-audit services that ensures Deloitte’s ongoing independence.
Policy Statement
Pre-approval
All services provided by Deloitte, both audit and non-audit, must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Audit Committee”) or the Designated Member (as defined below). The pre-approval of audit and non-audit services may be given at any time up to a year before commencement of the specified service.
The particular services to be provided by Deloitte which are to be pre-approved must be set out in sufficient detail as to be acceptable to the Audit Committee (seeAppendix B). In addition, the delegation of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities to management is not permitted.
Subject to the above, the Audit Committee may in certain circumstances choose to establish fee thresholds for pre-approved services, for example: “fees for tax services as set out inAppendix B may not exceed 25% of the amounts pre-approved for audit and audit-related services without additional specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee”.
Designated Member
The Audit Committee hereby delegates to the Chair of the Audit Committee (the “Designated Member”) the authority to grant pre-approvals of permitted audit related and other permitted services (each a “Permitted Service” and collectively the “Permitted Services”), to be provided by Deloitte. Any decisions of the Designated Member to pre-approve a Permitted Service shall be reported to the Audit Committee at each of its regularly scheduled meetings.
Prohibited Non-Audit Services
The Company may not engage Deloitte to provide any of the prohibited non-audit services described inAppendix A, attached to and forming part of this policy, or otherwise prohibited by law from time to time.
Permitted Audit and Non-Audit Services
Non-prohibited services shall be deemed to be Permitted Services and may be provided by Deloitte to the Company with the pre-approval of the Designated Member or by the full Audit Committee, as described herein. Examples of Permitted Services are set out inAppendix B, attached to and forming part of this policy.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. | Audit and Non-Audit Services Policy |
Basket Approval Threshold
The services as set out inAppendix B are deemed to be pre-approved by the Audit Committee unless revoked by the Audit Committee or the Designated Member. Subject to otherwise complying with the provisions of this policy, the Company may engage Deloitte to provide Permitted Services in advance where the fees charged will, when combined with all such fees that have not been specifically approved by the Company or a qualified subsidiary audit committee, aggregate less than 25% of the anticipated audit fees for the Company and its subsidiaries for the same year (the “Basket Approval Threshold”). This authority may be delegated to qualified audit committees of consolidated subsidiaries, as discussed below. All such services will be ratified at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Audit Committee or the qualified audit committee of the relevant subsidiary. Any such Permitted Service, once specifically approved, will no longer be included in determining the aggregate fees covered by the Basket Approval Threshold.
Audit Committee Review of Services
At each regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting, the Audit Committee shall review a consolidated non-audit services report, which will include the following:
| · | a report summarizing the services, or grouping of related services, including fees, provided by Deloitte; |
| · | a listing of newly pre-approved services since its last regularly scheduled meeting; and |
| · | an analysis for the current fiscal year of the estimated annual fees to be paid to Deloitte for both audit and non-audit services. |
Delegation to Subsidiaries
The Audit Committee may delegate the approval authority and responsibility herein to the audit committee of any consolidated subsidiary in respect of services to be provided to such subsidiary, provided that the subsidiary:
| · | has an audit committee consisting of directors who are independent from the Company and its management; |
| · | adopts a policy on approval of audit and non-audit services substantially similar to this policy; |
| · | reports all non-audit services on a quarterly basis for inclusion in the Company’s consolidated non-audit services report; and |
| · | submits for approval any proposed non-audit services where the anticipated fees exceed the Basket Approval Threshold for that subsidiary. |
Non-audit services provided to any other subsidiary must be approved by the Audit Committee of the Company pursuant to this policy either in advance on an individual basis or as part of the Basket Approval Threshold.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. | Audit and Non-Audit Services Policy |
APPENDIX A
PROHIBITED NON-AUDIT SERVICES
The Company may not engage Deloitte to provide any of the non-audit services described below:
1. | | Bookkeeping or Other Services Related to the Company’s Accounting Records or Financial Statements. Deloitte cannot maintain or prepare the Company’s accounting records or prepare the Company’s financial statements or form the basis of financial statements. |
| | |
2. | | Appraisal or Valuation Services or Fairness Opinions. Deloitte cannot provide appraisal or valuation services when it is reasonably likely that the results of any valuation or appraisal would be material to the Company’s financial statements, or where Deloitte would audit the results. |
| | |
3. | | Actuarial Services. Deloitte cannot provide insurance actuarial-oriented advisory services unless the Company uses its own actuaries or third party actuaries to provide management with the primary actuarial capabilities, and management accepts responsibility for actuarial methods and assumptions. |
| | |
4. | | Management Functions or Human Resources. Partners and employees of Deloitte cannot act as a director, officer or employee of the Company, or perform any decision-making, supervisory, or ongoing monitoring function for the Company. Deloitte cannot recruit, act as a negotiator on the Company’s behalf, deliver employee testing or evaluation programs, or recommend, or advise that the Company hire, a specific candidate for a specific job. |
| | |
5. | | Legal Services and Expert Services Unrelated to the Audit. Deloitte cannot provide any service in which the person providing the service must be admitted to practice before the courts in any jurisdiction. |
| | |
6. | | Internal Audit Outsourcing. Deloitte cannot provide any internal audit services relating to accounting controls, financial systems, or financial statements. |
| | |
7. | | Financial Information Systems Design and Implementation. Deloitte cannot design or implement a hardware or software system that aggregates source data underlying the financial statements or generates information that is significant to the Company’s financial statements, taken as a whole. |
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. | Audit and Non-Audit Services Policy |
APPENDIX B
PERMITTED AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT SERVICES
The following are examples of Permitted Services which may be provided by Deloitte to the Company, subject to the terms of this policy:
Audit Services
1. | Annual audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, including quarterly reviews, consultation on accounting issues, system control work, attendance at Audit Committee meetings, use of specialists in connection with the foregoing and other services integral to audits of and expressing opinions on the Company’s financial statements. |
2. | Assistance related to implementation of new accounting standards. |
3. | Audits of financial statements and transactions included in consolidated financial statements that are used by lenders, filed with government and regulatory bodies and similar reports. |
4. | Services that result from the role of Deloitte as independent auditor such as consents, letters to underwriters and other services related to financings that include audited financial statements. |
5. | Assistance in review and tests of internal control and other systems. |
Audit-Related Services
1. | Audits of opening balance sheets of acquired companies and accounting consultations on acquisitions and proposed acquisitions. |
2. | Services related to procedures used to support the calculation of the gain or loss from dispositions and discontinued operations. |
3. | Compliance letters, agreed upon procedures, review and similar special purpose reports related to audited financial statements. |
4. | Employee benefit plan audits. |
5. | Assistance with tax accrual related issues. |
6. | Assistance with tax accounting for specific transactions. |
7. | Merger and acquisition due diligence services related to the review of financial statements, accounting policies, disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls, information systems security, tax returns and accruals and consultation with respect to accounting for the business combination. |
Tax Services
1. | U.S. and foreign tax return preparation, review, consultation and assistance. |
2. | U.S. and foreign tax planning services. |
3. | U.S. and foreign tax consultation services. |
4. | U.S. and foreign indirect tax services. |
5. | U.S. and foreign property tax services. |
6. | Capital tax assessments. |
7. | Employee benefit tax services. |
8. | Exempt surplus calculations. |
9. | Expatriate tax services. |
10. | Income tax trust advisory. |
11. | Ruling applications and requests. |
12. | Transfer pricing tax services. |
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. | Audit and Non-Audit Services Policy |
Other Services
1. | Review of actuarial liabilities. |
Approved by the Audit Committee on May 12, 2014.
Annex C
Corporate Governance Guidelines
[See attached]

Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
Corporate governance relates to the activities of the board of directors (the “Board”) who are elected by and are accountable to the stockholders and takes into account the role of management who are appointed by the Board, in consultation with Brookfield Office Properties Inc. (“BPO”) and who are charged with the ongoing management of the corporation.
The Board is of the view that the corporate governance policies and practices of Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. (“Brookfield DTLA” or the “Corporation”), outlined below (the "Guidelines") are comprehensive and consistent with requirements of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the applicable provisions under the U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations and the practices of U.S. public companies in similar circumstances to the Corporation.
The Board of the Corporation will review these Guidelines annually, or more often if warranted, and revise these Guidelines from time to time based on its assessment of the Corporation’s needs and legal and regulatory developments and changes in practices.
| 2. | ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD |
The role of the Board is to oversee the business and affairs of the Corporation which are conducted by its officers and employees under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer. In doing so, the Board acts at all times with a view to the best interests of Brookfield DTLA. The Board endeavors to ensure that stockholder value is enhanced on a sustainable basis and in a manner that recognizes the interests of other stakeholders in the Corporation including its employees, suppliers, customers, creditors and the communities in which it operates.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Board, both directly and through its various committees, shall:
Strategic planning
| (a) | oversee the strategic planning process including, on an annual basis, reviewing and approving the business plan for the Corporation and monitoring performance of the Corporation under the plan; |
| (b) | oversee the financial and business strategies and objectives included within the business plan; |
Appoint and monitor senior management
| (a) | together with BPO, develop a position description for the Chief Executive Officer including the corporate objectives that the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for meeting; |
| (b) | together with BPO, oversee the selection, evaluation and compensation of the Chief Executive Officer; |
| (c) | together with BPO, oversee the selection, evaluation and compensation of other senior management; |
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 1 |
| (d) | together with BPO, monitor succession planning of the Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management; |
| (e) | to the extent feasible, satisfy itself as to the integrity of the Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management; |
Risk assessment and management
| (a) | assess the major risks facing the Corporation and its businesses and review, approve, monitor and oversee the implementation of appropriate systems to manage those risks; |
Public disclosure and financial reporting
| (a) | oversee the Corporation’s public disclosure and financial reporting, review and monitor the Corporation’s management information systems and disclosure controls and procedures, its internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and |
| (b) | oversee compliance with the code of business conduct and ethics adopted by the Corporation (the “Code”) to ensure that the Corporation maintains its integrity and accountability; |
Corporate governance
| (a) | ensure an appropriate system of corporate governance is in place so the Board and management can operate effectively, in the best interests of the Corporation; |
| (b) | confirm that processes are in place for the Corporation and its businesses to address and comply with applicable legal, regulatory, corporate, securities and other compliance matters; |
| (c) | oversee the creation of a culture of integrity throughout the organization; |
Approval of certain matters
| (a) | approve all material transactions for the Corporation; and |
| (b) | approve those matters which may not be delegated by the Board under applicable corporate law including, among others, the issuance of securities of the Corporation (except in the manner and on terms authorized by the Board), the declaration of dividends, the repurchase or redemption of shares of the Corporation and the adoption, repeal or amendment of the by-laws of the Corporation, or any other matter which the Board reserved to itself the right to approve notwithstanding the delegation to senior management of the authority to manage the business of the Corporation. |
| 3. | QUALIFICATIONS OF DIRECTORS |
Directors are expected to have the highest personal and professional ethics and values and be committed to advancing the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders. They are also expected to possess skills and competencies in areas that are relevant to the Corporation’s activities and that enhance the ability of the Board to effectively oversee the business and affairs of the Corporation.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 2 |
Each director must have an understanding of the Corporation's principal operational and financial objectives, plans and strategies, financial position and performance as well as the performance of the Corporation relative to its principal competitors. Directors must have sufficient time to carry out their duties and not assume responsibilities that would materially interfere with or be incompatible with Board membership. Directors who experience a significant change in their personal circumstances, including a change in their principal occupation, such that they are unable to comply with the preceding sentence, are expected to advise, and submit a written resignation letter to, the Chair of the Board and, if determined appropriate, the Board shall accept such offer of resignation.
Size of Board and selection process
The directors of the Corporation are elected each year by the stockholders at the annual meeting of stockholders. The Board proposes a slate of nominees to the stockholders for election. Any stockholder may propose a nominee for election to the Board either by means of a stockholder proposal in compliance with the requirements prescribed by the Maryland General Corporation Law (“MGCL”) and the SEC.
The Board also recommends the number of directors on the Board for approval to the stockholders. Presently, the Board believes that not less than seven directors is an appropriate size for the Board and its committees to operate effectively. Between annual meetings, the Board may appoint directors to serve until the next annual meeting, subject to the relevant provisions of the MGCL and the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation.
Independence of directors and representation of stockholders interests
Brookfield DTLA Holdings LLC (“DTLA Holdings”) owns, indirectly, 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation and controls 100% of the aggregate voting power of the Corporation’s capital stock, except that, holders of the Corporation’s 7.625% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), have certain voting rights, including the right to elect two directors to the Board under certain circumstances. Because the Series A Preferred Stock is the only publicly listed security of the Corporation, the Corporation is a special purpose entity as defined by the New York Stock Exchange rules on corporate governance (the “NYSE Rules”) and has chosen to rely on the NYSE Rules’ “special purpose entity exemption” with respect to certain independence requirements. Three of the Corporation’s seven directors are independent of management and of DTLA Holdings. The Chair of the Board is not an Independent Director. DTLA Holdings and/or management will have four representatives on the Board. The Board considers that its current size and composition is appropriate given the Corporation’s operations. The Board believes that a combination of Independent Directors, directors related to DTLA Holdings and/or drawn from management leads to a constructive exchange in board deliberations resulting in objective, well-balanced and informed discussion and decision making.
The Board determines whether each director is an Independent Director. In making these determinations, the Board examines each individual director’s circumstances and his or her relationship to the Corporation and its affiliates and evaluates if he or she meets the definition of an Independent Director. In determining independence, the Board relies on the rules and guidelines of the NYSE and SEC. Generally, an “Independent Director” means a director who has been affirmatively determined by the Board to have no material relationship with the Corporation, either directly or indirectly as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Corporation. A material relationship is a relationship which could, in the Board’s determination, reasonably interfere with the exercise of a director’s independent judgment.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 3 |
The Board will review the independence of all directors on an annual basis and will publish its determinations in the Corporation’s proxy statement for the Corporation’s annual meeting of stockholders and in accordance with other applicable laws. Directors have an ongoing obligation to inform the Board of any material changes in their circumstances or relationships that may affect the Board’s determination as to their independence.
Financial literacy
Each member of the Audit Committee shall be financially literate. The term “financially literate”means the ability to read and understand a set of financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of the issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Corporation’s financial statements.
Chair(s)
The Board will in each year elect a Chair from among its members. The Chair of the Board is principally responsible for overseeing the operation and affairs of the Board. The Board has established a position description for the Chair which is attached as an appendix to these Guidelines. The Board may also appoint a Co- Chair or Vice- Chair where it believes this would enhance the operations of the Board. In this case, the Co- Chair or Vice- Chair will share the responsibilities of the Chair.
Election of directors
Every stockholder of the Corporation entitled to vote at an election of directors has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes attached to the shares held by him or her.
Term
All directors are elected at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation for a term of one year.
Board succession
The Chair is responsible for maintaining a Board succession plan that is responsive to the Corporation’s needs and the interests of its stockholders.
The Board has meetings at least once in each quarter, with additional meetings held when required. Additional meetings may be called by the Chair, the Chief Executive Officer or any two directors on proper notice.
The Chair is primarily responsible for the agenda. Prior to each Board meeting, the Chair discusses agenda items for the meeting with the Chief Executive Officer, other members of senior management and other members of the Board. Any director may propose the inclusion of items on the agenda, request the presence of or a report by any member of senior management, or at any Board meeting raise subjects that are not on the agenda for that meeting.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 4 |
The Audit Committee generally has meetings quarterly, with additional meetings held when required. Meeting frequency and agendas for standing committees may change from time to time, however, depending on opportunities or risks faced by the Corporation. The Chair of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and any member of a committee may call a committee meeting, request that an item be included on the committee’s agenda or raise subjects that are not on the agenda for that meeting. Audit Committee meetings can also be called by the Chief Financial Officer or the Corporation’s auditor.
Notice of the place, day and time of each Board or committee meeting must be served on each director at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Directors or committee members may waive notice of any meeting and attendance at a meeting is deemed to be waiver of notice. The notice need not state the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is being held.
Procedures for Board meetings
Procedures for Board meetings are determined by the Chair unless otherwise determined by the by-laws of the Corporation or a resolution of the Board.
Procedures for committee meetings are determined by the committee chair unless otherwise determined by the by-laws of the Corporation or a resolution of the committee or the Board.
A quorum for any Board meeting is not less than a majority of directors.
The Chair may vote as a director at any meeting, but does not have a second or casting vote in the case of an equality of votes.
The Secretary of the Corporation keeps minutes of the meeting of the Board and circulates copies of the minutes to each Board member on a timely basis. For each committee meeting, each committee shall designate a member as secretary to keep minutes of the meeting and circulate copies of the minutes to each committee member on a timely basis.
Independent Directors’ meetings
The Independent Directors have the opportunity to meet with only Independent Directors present at every scheduled meeting. The Chair of the Audit Committee chairs these meetings and reports to the Board on these meetings as is appropriate.
| 6. | DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES |
Director orientation and continuing education
The Chief Financial Officer and the Secretary of the Corporation are responsible for providing orientation and continuing education programs for new directors regarding the role of the Board of Directors, its committees and its directors.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 5 |
Attendance and participation
Each director is expected to attend all meetings of the Board and any committee of which he or she is a member. A director who is unable to attend a meeting in person may participate by telephone or teleconference. The Board may also take action from time to time by unanimous written consent.
In advance of each Board and committee meeting, members will receive the proposed agenda and other materials important to the directors' understanding of the matters considered. Directors are expected to spend the time needed to review the materials in advance of such meetings and to actively participate in such meetings.
Service on other boards and audit committees
The Board does not believe that its members should be prohibited from serving on the boards of other public companies so long as these commitments do not materially interfere and are compatible with their ability to fulfill their duties as a member of the Board. Directors must advise the Chair in advance of accepting an invitation to serve on the board of another public company and, as a general rule, directors are not allowed to join a board of another public company on which two or more other directors of the Corporation serve.
Members of the Audit Committee may not serve on the audit committees of more than three other public companies without the prior approval of the Chair of the Board.
Access to independent advisors
The Board and any committee may at any time retain financial, legal or other advisors at the expense of the Corporation and have the authority to determine the advisors’ fees and other retention terms. Each committee of the Board of Directors may retain advisors, at the expense of the Corporation, without the Board’s approval, at any time. Any director may, subject to the approval of the Chair, retain an advisor at the expense of the Corporation.
| 7. | COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD |
General
Brookfield DTLA believes that Board committees assist in the effective functioning of the Board and that the appropriate composition of Board committees should enable the views of Independent Directors to be effectively represented.
The Audit Committee is comprised solely of Independent Directors.
The Board has one standing committee, the Audit Committee. Special committees may be formed from time to time as required to review particular matters or transactions.
The following is a brief description of the mandate of the Audit Committee:
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 6 |
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the Corporation's systems and procedures for financial reporting and internal control, reviewing certain public disclosure documents and monitoring the performance and independence of the Corporation's auditors. The committee is also responsible for reviewing the Corporation's annual audited financial statements, unaudited quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis and review of related operations prior to their approval by the full Board. In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board the firm of public accountants to be nominated for appointment as the external auditor and for approving the assignment of any non-audit work to be performed by the external auditors.
Committee Chairs
The Audit Committee is chaired by an Independent Director who is selected by the Board and responsible for determining the agenda and the frequency and conduct of committee meetings in accordance with these Guidelines.
Committee charters
Each committee has its own charter that sets out its responsibilities and duties, qualifications for membership, procedures for committee member removal and appointment and reporting to the Board.
| 8. | EVALUATION OF BOARD, DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES |
The Chair will ensure that an appropriate system is in place to evaluate and perform an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, as well as the committees of the Board, to ensure they are fulfilling their respective responsibilities and duties as set out in these Guidelines and in their respective committee charters. Each year, a detailed survey is sent to directors regarding the effectiveness of the Board and its committees, inviting comments and suggestions on areas for improvement. The survey asks for quantitative ratings with respect to matters such as: the Board and committee structure and processes, the Corporation’s strategic direction, the Board’s operational oversight and the Board’s relationship with management. The results of this survey are prepared by the Secretary of the Corporation (without identifying individual directors) and reviewed by the Chair, who makes recommendations to the Board as required.
Management Arrangements
Brookfield DTLA is a subsidiary of DTLA Holdings, a fund formed by BPO and certain institutional partners in order to hold and manage assets largely consisting of office properties downtown Los Angeles, California.
The senior management of Brookfield DTLA are employees of BPO but the selection and evaluation of Brookfield DTLA’s senior management is done by the Board in consultation with BPO. The senior management of Brookfield DTLA apportions their time between matters related to Brookfield DTLA and matters related to other parts of BPO’s business as necessary. No cash compensation is paid by Brookfield DTLA directly to its senior management in their capacity as such. Senior management receives their compensation from BPO.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 7 |
It is the responsibility of the Board and the senior management of Brookfield DTLA to ensure Brookfield DTLA’s assets are being used in the best interests of Brookfield DTLA, including to create wealth for its stockholders. When performance of either the senior management of Brookfield DTLA or BPO is found to be inadequate, the Board has the responsibility to bring about appropriate change.
The Board, in consultation with BPO, has developed a position description of the Chief Executive Officer which is attached as an appendix to these Governance Guidelines. The Board, in consultation with BPO, annually reviews the position description of the Chief Executive Officer and establishes objectives against which his or her performance is reviewed. Similar reviews and assessments are undertaken for other senior management personnel in consultation with BPO and the Chief Executive Officer.
Management’s and BPO’s relationship to the Board
BPO, in its capacity as manager of DTLA Holdings, and senior management of Brookfield DTLA report to and are accountable to the Board. At its meetings, the Board regularly engages in private sessions with Brookfield DTLA’s Chair and Chief Executive Officer without other senior management present.
Board access to management
Information provided by management to directors is critical to their effectiveness. In addition to the reports presented to the Board at its regular and special meetings, the Board is also kept informed on a timely basis by management of corporate developments and key decisions taken by management in pursuing the Corporation's business plan and the attainment of its objectives. The directors periodically assess the quality, completeness and timeliness of information provided by management to the Board. Directors also have the opportunity to meet with senior management and to participate in work sessions to obtain further insight into the operations of the Corporation.
Management succession
The Board in consultation with BPO maintains a succession plan for the Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management. The objective of the plan is to ensure the orderly succession of senior management, including providing for any required recruiting, training and development.
| 10. | COMMUNICATION AND DISCLOSURE POLICIES |
The Corporation has adopted a Regulation FD Disclosure Policy which summarizes its policies and practices regarding disclosure of material information to investors, analysts and the media. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Corporation's communications with the investment community are timely, consistent and in compliance with all applicable securities legislation.
The Corporation endeavors to keep its stockholders informed of its progress through a comprehensive annual report and quarterly interim reports. Directors and management are available to respond to stockholder questions. Stockholders who wish to contact the Chair or other Board members can do so directly or through the Investor Relations Department of the Corporation.
Directors who are employees of the Corporation do not receive any compensation for service as directors of the Corporation.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 8 |
The Board annually reviews the compensation paid to Independent Directors, taking into account the complexity of the Corporation’s operations, the risks and responsibilities involved in being a director of the Corporation, the requirement to participate in scheduled and special Board meetings, expected participation on the Board’s standing committees and the compensation paid to directors of comparable companies.
Directors are reimbursed by the Corporation for reasonable travel expenses and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their duties as directors.
| 12. | CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS |
The Board encourages senior officers to create a culture of integrity throughout the organization. The Board expects all directors, officers and employees to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards and to adhere to the Code of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”), applicable to all BAM subsidiaries, which formally sets out standards for behavior and practice. The Board monitors compliance with the Code, in part, through the whistle blowing procedures described therein which mandates that all directors, officers and employees report breaches of the Code and may do so anonymously using the Corporation’s third-party independent whistleblower hotline if they prefer. Any waiver of the Code will only be granted in very exceptional circumstances and in accordance with the procedures set out in the Code. Any waiver will be disclosed by the Corporation to the extent required by law, regulation or stock exchange requirement.
| 13. | PROHIBITION ON PERSONAL LOANS |
The Corporation will not, either directly or indirectly, including through its subsidiaries, extend or maintain credit, arrange for the extension of credit, or renew an extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan to or for any director or officer.
| 14. | INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE |
In accordance with the by-laws of the Corporation and applicable laws, present and former directors and officers are each indemnified by the Corporation.
In addition, the Corporation maintains directors and officers insurance. Under this insurance coverage, the Corporation and certain of its associated companies are reimbursed for indemnity payments made to directors or officers as required or permitted by law or under provisions of its by-laws as indemnity for losses, including legal costs, arising from acts, errors or omissions committed by directors and officers during the course of their duties as such. This insurance also provides coverage to individual directors and officers without any deductible if they are not indemnified by the Corporation. The insurance coverage for directors and officers has certain exclusions including, but not limited to, those acts determined to be deliberately fraudulent or dishonest or have resulted in personal profit or advantage.
Each director is required to inform the Board of any potential or actual conflicts, or what might appear to be a conflict of interest he or she may have with the Corporation. If a director has a personal interest in a matter before the Board or a committee, he or she must not participate in any vote on the matter except where the Board or the committee has expressly determined that it is appropriate for him or her to do so.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 9 |
CONTACT BOARD AND COMMITTEES
The Board welcomes input and comments from stockholders of the Corporation. You may contact one or more members of the Board or its committees by writing to the Corporation at:
Board of Directors of Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc.
c/o Brookfield Office Properties Inc.
Brookfield Place
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor
New York, New York 10281-1021
U.S.A.
Amended and Affirmed by the Board of Directors on May 12, 2014.
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 10 |
APPENDIX
Position description of Chair
The Chair of the Board of the Corporation is principally responsible for overseeing the operations and affairs of the Board. In fulfilling his or her responsibilities, the Chair will:
| (a) | provide leadership to foster the effectiveness of the Board; |
| (b) | ensure there is an effective relationship between the Board, senior management of the Corporation and BPO, in its role as provider of management; |
| (c) | ensure that the appropriate committee structure is in place and make recommendations for appointments to such committees; |
| (d) | in consultation with the other members of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, prepare the agenda for each meeting of the Board; |
| (e) | ensure that all directors receive the information required for the proper performance of their duties, including information relevant to each meeting of the Board; |
| (f) | chair Board meetings, including stimulating debate, providing adequate time for discussion of issues, facilitating consensus, encouraging full participation and discussion by individual directors and confirming that clarity regarding decision-making is reached and accurately recorded; |
| (g) | ensure that an appropriate system is in place to evaluate the performance of the Board as a whole, the Board’s committees and individual directors, and make recommendations to the Board for changes when appropriate; |
| (h) | work with BPO, the Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management to monitor progress on strategic planning, policy implementation and succession planning; and |
| (i) | provide additional services requested by the Board. |
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 11 |
Position description of Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation is responsible for providing the leadership of the Corporation and, subject to the direction provided by the Board, managing the business and affairs of the Corporation. In fulfilling his or her responsibilities, the Chief Executive Officer will:
| (a) | develop and present to the Board for approval a business plan for the Corporation; |
| (b) | develop and present to the Board for approval key financial and other performance goals for the Corporation’s activities, and report regularly to the Board on the progress against these goals; |
| (c) | manage the operations of the Corporation in accordance with the business plan approved by the Board; |
| (d) | act as the primary spokesperson for the Corporation; |
| (e) | recommend to the Board the appointment or termination of senior management of the Corporation; |
| (f) | present to the Board for approval annually an assessment of the senior management of the Corporation together with a succession plan that provides for the orderly succession of senior management including the recruitment, training and development required; |
| (g) | together with the Corporation’s Chief Financial Officer, establish and maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls and procedures for financial reporting appropriate to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the Corporation’s financial reporting and public disclosure; and |
| (h) | foster a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and encourages individual integrity and social responsibility. |
Brookfield DTLA Fund Office Trust Investor Inc. Corporate Governance Guidelines | 12 |
Annex D
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
[See attached]
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
February 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page |
INTRODUCTION | 2 |
| |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | 2 |
| |
SUMMARY OF THE CODE’S RULES | 4 |
| |
COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL BUSINESS CONDUCT AND PRACTICES | |
Protecting the Company’s Assets and Resources | 6 |
E-Mail, the Internet, Telephones and Other Forms of Oral and Written Communication | 7 |
Responding to Media, Public and Other Inquiries | 8 |
Conflicts of Interest, Fiduciary Duties and Personal Behaviour | 8 |
Participating in Outside Interests | 9 |
Accuracy of Books and Records; Public Disclosures | 10 |
Fair Dealing | 11 |
| |
COMMITMENT TO A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT | |
Discrimination and Harassment-Free Environment | 11 |
Safe Working Conditions | 12 |
Safeguard Employee Information | 12 |
| |
COMMITMENT TO LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE | |
Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations | 12 |
Securities Laws, Insider Trading and Tipping | 13 |
Zero Tolerance Approach to Anti-Money Laundering | 14 |
| |
COMMITMENT TO ANTI-BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION | |
Zero Tolerance Approach to Bribery | 15 |
Dealing with Officials | 15 |
Agents, Contractors and Suppliers | 16 |
Gifts and Entertainment | 16 |
Political Donations and Lobbying | 17 |
Charitable Donations | 18 |
Record-Keeping | 18 |
| |
COMMITMENT TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE | |
Statement of Compliance | 19 |
Reports and Complaints | 19 |
Treatment of Reports and Complaints | 20 |
Disciplinary Action for Code Violations | 21 |
Waivers and Amendments | 21 |
| |
CONTACT INFORMATION | |
Reporting Hotline | 22 |
Internal Contacts | 22 |
Legal Notice | 22 |
| |
APPENDIX A – Statement of Compliance | |
INTRODUCTION
The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) applies to Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Brookfield Asset Management”) and its public-traded controlled affiliates (“Controlled Affiliates”, and collectively with Brookfield Asset Management, “we”, “us”, “our”, “Brookfield” or the “company”). Brookfield Asset Management expects publicly-traded Controlled Affiliates to adopt the Code, or a similar code of conduct that supplements, but does not conflict with, the substance of the Code. Before you begin your relationship with the company, you will be required to complete the form attached to the Code asAppendix A, which serves as a formal acknowledgement that you have received, read and understood the Code, and will comply with it. All directors, officers and employees at Brookfield (collectively, “you”) are expected to annually recertify their compliance with the Code.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do we have a code?
The Code is in place in order to prescribe the expected moral and ethical standards of conduct required of the company’s directors, officers and employees.
Who must follow the code?
All directors, officers and employees of Brookfield Asset Management and Controlled Affiliates must act according to the principles set forth in the Code.
What are your responsibilities?
You have made a commitment to understand and follow the principles in the Code and you certify annually your commitment to these principles. You are also expected to disclose any misconduct that may violate the Code which you know of and has not been previously reported. Concerns about potential or suspected unethical, unprofessional, illegal, fraudulent or other questionable behaviour must be reported in accordance with the section of the Code entitled “Reports and Complaints”.
How will i know if there is a problem?
The Code attempts to address the most common legal and ethical issues that you may encounter while at Brookfield. However, it cannot address every question that may arise. When you’re not sure of the ethical action or inaction to take, always act in the best interests of the company and ask yourself the following questions:
| · | Does it feel like the wrong thing to do? |
| · | Would you feel uncomfortable if others knew about it? |
| · | Will it have the potential to create a negative perception of you or the company? |
| · | Do you have a personal interest that has the potential to conflict with the company’s interest? |
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions you should consider whether your proposed conduct is appropriate.
How should i seek guidance?
An explanation of each of the company’s rules is set forth in the Code. If you have questions regarding the application of any rule or about the best course of action in a particular situation, you should seek guidance from your supervisor or internal legal counsel.
What if i would like to make an anonymous report?
You may make an anonymous report by contacting the company’s reporting hotline, which is operated by an independent third party and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you choose to make an anonymous report, your anonymity will be protected to the fullest extent possible. Keep in mind, however, that maintaining your anonymity may limit the company’s ability to investigate your concerns.
What if i am concerned about retaliation?
Brookfield does not tolerate acts of retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report of known or suspected ethical or legal misconduct. A “good faith” report means that you have provided all of the information you have and you reasonably believe it to be true. In addition, Brookfield prohibits retaliation against anyone who participates in investigations in good faith. Retaliatory acts may lead to disciplinary action against the person responsible for the retaliation, up to an including termination for cause. If you believe you have experienced retaliation, you should report it immediately to your supervisor or internal legal counsel.
What are the consequences for violating the code?
Violations of the Code can vary in its consequences. If you’re an officer or employee, it could result in a reprimand or other disciplinary action, including the termination of your employment at the company for cause. If you’re a director, a violation may necessitate your resignation. Certain violations of the Code also contravene applicable laws and therefore can have severe consequences. Depending on your actions, failing to comply could lead to civil or criminal prosecution, which could result in substantial fines, penalties and/or imprisonment.
SUMMARY OF THE CODE’S RULES
As a director, officer or employee, when acting on behalf of the company you are expected to:
| 1. | Use company assets only for legitimate business purposes. |
| | |
| 2. | Protect the company’s proprietary and confidential information. |
| | |
| 3. | Protect others’ proprietary and confidential information. |
| | |
| 4. | Manage records properly. |
| | |
| 5. | Use email, the Internet, telephones (including company-provided cellular phones) and other forms of oral and written communication properly and appropriately. |
| | |
| 6. | Conduct your business activities without an expectation of privacy. |
| | |
| 7. | Only speak on behalf of the company when authorized to do so. |
| | |
| 8. | Refrain from using social media to comment on any matters related to the company. |
| | |
| 9. | Ensure that you avoid situations in which your personal interests conflict, may conflict or may appear to conflict with the interests of the company. |
| | |
| 10. | Exercise extra caution when managing third party capital. |
| | |
| 11. | Exhibit personal behavior that is consistent with and reinforces a positive image of the company. |
| | |
| 12. | Remember your duties to Brookfield when participating in outside interests. |
| | |
| 13. | Obtain permission before joining the board of directors or similar body of another entity. |
| | |
| 14. | Do not take corporate opportunities as your own personal opportunities. |
| | |
| 15. | Ensure that the books and records of the company are complete and accurate. |
| | |
| 16. | Ensure that all business transactions are properly authorized. |
| | |
| 17. | If you are involved in disclosing financial and other information to the public, ensure that the company provides fair and accurate public disclosure. |
| | |
| 18. | Deal fairly with the company’s stakeholders. |
| | |
| 19. | Help create a tolerant work environment free from discrimination. |
| | |
| 20. | Help create a workplace free from harassment. |
| | |
| 21. | Report all incidents of discrimination and harassment. |
| | |
| 22. | Help ensure the health and safety of fellow directors, officers and employees. |
| | |
| 23. | Protect one another’s private personal data. |
| | |
| 24. | Know and comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to your position. |
| | |
| 25. | Respect the intellectual property of others. |
| | |
| 26. | Do not trade in the company’s securities and in any other publicly-traded securities if you possess material nonpublic information. |
| | |
| 27. | Do not engage in the “tipping” of information. |
| | |
| 28. | Do not trade during a company-imposed blackout period. |
| 29. | If you are physically situated in a corporate head office or otherwise have an organizational role that requires trade preclearance, you must pre-clear all your trades in publicly-traded securities. |
| | |
| 30. | Ensure that our operations are not used for money laundering or any activity that facilitates money laundering, the financing of terrorism, or other criminal activities. |
| | |
| 31. | Do not give or receive bribes, including “facilitation payments”. |
| | |
| 32. | Always take into account the sensitivity and scrutiny involved in all our interactions with any public officials. |
| | |
| 33. | Do not let joint venture partners, agents, contractors and suppliers pay bribes on our behalf. |
| | |
| 34. | The giving or receiving of gifts and entertainment should be proportionate and reasonable for the circumstances. |
| | |
| 35. | Do not offer contributions to political parties or candidates that might influence, or be perceived as influencing, a business decision. |
| | |
| 36. | Do not engage in any lobbying activities on behalf of the company without specific authorization. |
| | |
| 37. | Do not solicit or offer donations to suppliers, vendors or public officials in a manner which communicates that compliance is a prerequisite for future business. |
| | |
| 38. | Record all our transactions in a complete, accurate and detailed manner so that the purpose and amount of the transaction is clear. |
| | |
| 39. | Follow internal procedures in place to guide the reporting of complaints. |
COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL BUSINESS CONDUCT AND PRACTICES
Protecting the Company’s Assets and Resources
The company’s assets are to be used only for legitimate business purposes.
The company’s assets are meant for business use, not for personal use. We all have a responsibility to protect and safeguard the company’s assets from loss, damage, theft, misuse and waste. If you become aware of loss, damage, theft, misuse or waste of our assets, or have any questions about your proper use of them, you should speak with your supervisor.
The company’s name (including its corporate letterhead and logo), facilities and relationships are valuable assets and must only be used for authorized company business and never for personal activities. Misappropriation of the company’s assets is a breach of your duty to the company and may be an act of fraud against the company. In addition, carelessness or waste of the company’s assets may also be a breach of your duty to the company and could result in your dismissal for cause.
You have a responsibility not to abuse company resources for expense reimbursement. Any requests for reimbursement for authorized company expenses must be for legitimate business expenses and such expenses should be documented and recorded accurately. If you are unsure whether a certain expense is legitimate, you should speak with your supervisor or refer to the company’sTravel and Entertainment Expense Reimbursement Policy.
Our proprietary and confidential information must at all times be protected.
Our information and records are valuable corporate assets and must be managed with due care. We must each take steps to protect the company’s proprietary and confidential information from disclosure. This includes all memos, notes, lists, records and other documents (and copies of each of these) that you make or compile relating to the company’s business. All of these are to be delivered to the company promptly after your employment ceases or at any time upon the company’s request, and your obligation to protect this information continues after you leave the company.
During the course of, or related to, your employment with the company, you may be involved in the creation, development or invention of intellectual property, which includes but is not limited to, ideas, concepts, methods, processes, inventions, confidential information and trade secrets, works of authorship, trademarks, service marks and designs. All such intellectual property and the rights therein, such as copyrights and patents, will be owned by the company. You are responsible for cooperating with the company and providing all necessary assistance to ensure that all such intellectual property and related rights become the exclusive property of the company, including by providing the company with such assignments, waivers and other documents as may be requested.
Others’ proprietary and confidential information must at all times be protected.
We must respect the confidentiality of information regarding other entities, clients and investees, which in many cases we are contractually bound to keep confidential. If you learn of confidential information about another entity, client or investee in the course of your duties at Brookfield, you should protect it the same way that you would protect confidential information about the company.
Disclosure of confidential information can be harmful to the company and could be the basis for legal action against the company and/or the individual responsible for the disclosure. While at Brookfield, if you become aware of confidential information about another entity that you know or suspect has been inadvertently disclosed, seek guidance from internal legal counsel before using or acting upon this information.
Records must be managed properly.
It is critical that we properly maintain our books and records and follow the guidelines set forth in any document retention policies of Brookfield Asset Management or a Controlled Affiliate, as applicable. We must also comply with legal and regulatory requirements that relate to document and record retention and disposition. If you are notified that your documents are relevant to an anticipated or pending litigation, investigation or audit, you must follow the guidance set forth in the notification.
E-Mail,theInternet,Telephones andOtherForms ofOral andWrittenCommunication
Use the company’s various forms of communication properly and appropriately.
We provide our employees with access to e-mail, the internet, telephones (office phones and, in some cases, cellular phones) and other forms of communication for business use. All business matters that involve electronic, written communication must be conducted by employees on the company’s email system or through other systems provided by the company (such as Lync).
You must at all times use our e-mail, internet, telephones and other forms of communication appropriately and in a professional manner. While we appreciate the need for limited and occasional use of these tools for personal purposes, your use should not be excessive or detract from your work.
Examples of conduct that are expressly prohibited:
| · | Accessing internet sites containing obscene or offensive material; |
| · | Forwarding e-mails that contain obscene or offensive material; and |
| · | Sending e-mails that are derogatory or harassing to another person or group of people. |
Employees should not email confidential information to their personal email accounts or maintain a copy of any confidential information on their personal computers or other non-work electronic devices (unless the company has installed protective software on such devices). Employees have an obligation to take all reasonable steps to safeguard hard copies of confidential information that are removed from the office for legitimate business purposes (e.g. to be worked with at home or at external meetings). It is important to use discretion when discussing company business in public places such as elevators, restaurants, and modes of public transportation, or when using your phone or email outside of the office. You should also be careful not to leave confidential information in unattended conference rooms or in public places where others can access it. In addition, employees must be vigilant to ensure that the company’s network security is maintained through the appropriate use of passwords.
You should have no expectation of privacy.
When using company-provided technologies such as computers, cell phones and voicemail, you should not expect that the information you send or receive is private. Your activity may be monitored to make sure these resources are used appropriately.
Responding to Media, Public and Other Inquiries
Do not speak on behalf of the company unless authorized to do so.
As a public company it is important to ensure our communications to the investing public are: (a) timely; (b) full, true and plain; and (c) consistent and broadly disseminated in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
You may not make public statements on Brookfield Asset Management’s behalf unless you have been designated as a “Spokesperson” under itsDisclosure Policy. Controlled Affiliates may have their own policy regarding disclosure, and if you are a director, officer or employee at these entities you should comply with such policy. If a shareholder, financial analyst, member of the media, governmental authority or other third party contacts you to request information, even if the request is informal, do not respond to it unless you are authorized to do so. In this event, refer the request to your supervisor or forward the request to an individual at the company employed in investor relations or communications.
Be cautious in your use of social media.
Comments, posts or discussions regarding the company, its customers, clients and investees and information pertaining to any security or investment strategy made through social networks, chat rooms, wikis, virtual worlds and blogs (collectively, “social media”) may be considered advertising under applicable regulations. The company’s social media policy is that, unless you are expressly authorized, you are strictly prohibited from commenting, posting or discussing the company, its customers, clients and investees and information pertaining to any security or investment strategy on any social media. For further detail, you should refer to Brookfield Asset Management’sInternet & Social Media Policy or, if applicable, a comparable policy at a Controlled Affiliate.
Conflicts of Interest, Fiduciary Duties and Personal Behaviour
Avoid situations in which your personal interests conflict, may conflict or may appear to conflict with the interests of the company.
In general, a “conflict of interest” occurs when a person’s private interest interferes, or even appears to interfere, in any way, with the interests of the company as a whole. You may have a conflict of interest if you are involved in any activity that prevents you from performing your duties to the company properly, or that may create a situation that would affect your judgment or ability to act in the best interests of the company. While we respect your right to manage your personal affairs and investments and we do not wish to intrude on your personal life, you should place the company’s interest in any business or other matter ahead of any personal interest. For example, no employee should have a significant interest in a business, whether directly, through a family member or other related person that supplies goods or services to, or secures goods or services from, the company, without receiving approval in accordance with the Code.
All employees must specifically comply with the following policy:
Employees who engage third parties that routinely conduct business with the company for the employee’s personal purposes can create real or, at the very least, apparent conflicts of interest. Brookfield Asset Management employees must not, without the prior written consent of the CEO (or, in the case of Brookfield Asset Management’s CEO, without the prior written consent of the Chair of the Brookfield Asset Management Board of Directors (the “Chair”)) hire any vendor, contractor or other third party whom they know routinely supplies goods to or renders services for the company to supply goods to or render services for the employee’s personal purposes if the value of the goods or services to be provided would exceed, individually or in the aggregate, $1,000 in any twelve month period. Such approval is not required for transactions with third parties that are generally available to all employees of the company (for example, transacting with company preferred vendors or taking advantage of the discounts available to employees that are posted on the company’s intranet).
Conflicts of interest can exist in many situations, and our guidance is intended to be illustrative only and does not represent the only activities that could constitute a conflict of interest. The best way to judge whether you have a conflict of interest is to ask yourself if a well-informed person would reasonably conclude that your interest in a matter could in any way influence your decision or performance in carrying out a duty on behalf of the company.
To avoid conflicts of interest, you should identify potential conflicts when they arise and contact the company’s internal legal counsel if you are unsure whether a relationship or transaction poses a conflict or appears to pose a conflict. Brookfield Asset Management directors should consult with the Chair.
Exercise extra caution when managing third party capital.
Officers and employees must be careful to avoid even the appearance of impropriety when dealing with asset management clients or in performing any related activities. In this regard, officers and employees must avoid engaging in any activity that could result in an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, and avoid any action that may be perceived as a breach of trust.
Exhibit personal behavior that is consistent with and reinforces a positive image of the company.
Your personal behavior, both inside and outside work, should reinforce a positive public image of the company. It is essential that you use good judgment in all your personal and business dealings both inside and outside your role with the company. You should refrain from engaging in any activities that could hurt the company’s reputation and that could undermine the relationship of trust between you and the company. Employees who have acted in a manner that is unbecoming, that could adversely affect the company’s reputation and that compromises the relationship of trust between the company and the employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination for cause.
Participating in Outside Interests
Remember your duties to Brookfield when participating in outside interests.
Investing or otherwise participating in another business may prevent you from adequately discharging your duties to Brookfield. You may never use company resources, including company time or assets, to perform work on behalf of another business or for individual gain. Do not identify yourself with the company while pursuing personal, political or not-for-profit activities unless you obtain the company’s authorization in advance.
Obtain permission before joining the board of directors or similar body of another entity.
Before accepting an appointment to the board or a committee of any non-Brookfield entity, officers and employees must receive written approval from the company’s internal legal counsel and Brookfield Asset Management directors must advise the Chair. Directors, officers and employees are permitted, however, to serve on boards of charities or nonprofit organizations or small, private family businesses that have no relation to the company and its businesses. Prior approval is not required for these types of situations, however, you should only accept such a position if it does not interfere with your ability to perform your duties to Brookfield. If you hold a position with a charity or nonprofit organization and if you speak publicly for the entity, you should ensure that you are seen as speaking on behalf of the entity or as an individual, and not on behalf of the company.
Do not take corporate opportunities as your own personal opportunities.
You are prohibited from taking personal advantage of a business or investment opportunity that you become aware of through your work at Brookfield. You owe a duty to the company to advance its legitimate interests when the opportunity arises and you must not compete with the company in any way.
Accuracy of Books and Records; Public Disclosures
Ensure that the books and records of the company are complete and accurate.
The books and records of the company must reflect in reasonable detail all its transactions in order to permit the preparation of financial statements that give an accurate picture of our operations and financial position. Employees must never conceal information from the auditors of Brookfield Asset Management or a Controlled Affiliate, as applicable, internal audit’s compliance personnel, or the audit committee of the board of Brookfield Asset Management or a Controlled Affiliate, as applicable. In addition, it is unlawful for any person to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead any independent public or certified accountant who is auditing our financial statements.
Ensure that all business transactions are properly authorized.
The company’s contracts and agreements govern our business relationships. Because the laws governing contracts and agreements are numerous and complicated we have put in place policies and procedures to ensure that any contract entered into by and on behalf of the company has the appropriate level of approval. As a result, employees who enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the company, must have proper authorization, including internal legal review where required by policy or practice, prior to the execution of any contract or agreement.
Ensure that the company provides fair and accurate public disclosure.
All employees who are responsible for the preparation of the company’s public disclosures, or who provide information as part of the process, have a responsibility to ensure that disclosures of information are made honestly and accurately. It is the duty of employees to be aware of and properly report any of the following: (a) fraud or deliberate errors in the preparation, maintenance, evaluation, review or audit of any financial statement or financial record; (b) deficiencies in, or noncompliance with, internal accounting controls; (c) misrepresentation or false statements in any public disclosure document, such as annual and quarterly reports, prospectuses, information/proxy circulars and press releases, including statements to or by an officer or employee regarding a matter contained in the financial records, financial reports or audit reports; or (d) deviations from full and fair reporting of the company’s financial condition. Refer to the “Reports and Complaints” section of the Code for further information on how to make a report.
Fair Dealing
Deal fairly with the company’s stakeholders.
You must deal fairly with the company’s securityholders, customers, clients, investees, suppliers and competitors. Our reputation requires us to not engage in any sort of illegal or unethical conduct when competing.
COMMITMENT TO A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Discrimination andHarassment-FreeEnvironment
Be committed to creating a tolerant work environment free from discrimination.
All directors, officers and employees must ensure that the company is a safe and respectful environment, free of discrimination and harassment, where high value is placed on equity, fairness and dignity. The company has zero tolerance for workplace discrimination and harassment, and all directors, officers and employees must be committed to preventing an inhospitable work environment. Discrimination is the denial of opportunity through differential treatment of an individual or group. It does not matter whether or not discrimination is intentional; it is the effect of the behaviour that results in it being discriminatory. Discrimination on the basis of age, colour, race, religion, gender, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law is prohibited.
Be committed to creating a workplace free from harassment.
Harassment generally means offensive verbal or physical conduct that singles out a person to the detriment or objection of that person. Harassment covers a wide range of conduct, from direct requests of a sexual nature to insults, disparaging remarks, offensive jokes or slurs, all of which result in an inhospitable work environment. Harassment may occur in a variety of ways and may, in some circumstances, be unintentional. Regardless of intent, all harassment negatively affects individual work performance and our workplace as a whole, and it will not be tolerated.
You have a duty to report discrimination and harassment.
If you experience or become aware of an act of discrimination or harassment, you have a duty to the company and your fellow employees to report it. An employee should report discrimination in accordance with the “Reports and Complaints” section of the Code. Complaints of discrimination or harassment will be taken seriously and will be investigated. Any employee found to be harassing or discriminating against another individual, or any employee who knowingly condones the discrimination or harassment of another individual, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination for cause. The company reserves the right to discipline employees who knowingly make a false accusation about an innocent party; however, you will not face retaliation for making a good faith report, or assisting or cooperating in the investigation of a complaint.
Safe Working Conditions
Be committed to ensuring the health and safety of fellow directors, officers and employees.
We all have the right to work in an environment that is safe and healthy. In this regard, employees must:
| (a) | comply strictly with all occupational, health and safety laws and internal procedures; |
| (b) | not engage in illegal or dangerous behaviours, including any acts or threats of violence, even in a seemingly joking manner; |
| (c) | not possess, distribute or be under the influence of illicit drugs while on company premises or when conducting company business; and |
| (d) | not possess or use weapons or firearms or any type of combustible material in the company’s facilities, or at company-sponsored functions. |
The company has zero tolerance towards unsafe behaviour of any kind. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of serious bodily harm, first call local law enforcement authorities and then report the incident in accordance with the “Reports and Complaints” section of the Code.
Safeguard Employee Information
Protect one another’s private personal data.
While at Brookfield, you may in the ordinary course provide sensitive personal, medical and financial information to the company. Those with access to this information have an obligation to protect it, whether in paper or electronic format, and use it only to the extent necessary to do their work in accordance with applicable law.
Common examples of confidential employee information include:
| · | Compensation information; |
| · | Contact information, such a home address and personal telephone numbers. |
COMMITMENT TO LEGAL AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Compliance with Laws, Rules and Regulations
Know and comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to your position.
Many of the company’s activities are governed by laws, rules and regulations that are subject to change. If you have questions about the applicability or interpretation of certain laws, rules or regulations relevant to your duties at Brookfield you should consult the company’s internal legal counsel. In the event a local law, custom or practice conflicts with the Code you must adhere to whichever is most stringent. If you know of a practice that does not comply with governing laws, rules or regulations, you have a duty to report it.
Ignorance of the law is not, in general, a defence to breaking the law. We expect you to make every reasonable effort to become familiar with laws, rules and regulations affecting your activities and to comply with them. If you have any doubts as to the applicability or interpretation of any law, you should obtain advice from the company’s internal legal counsel.
Respect the intellectual property of others.
Intellectual property laws protect many materials you use in the course of your duties. Examples that may include the intellectual property of others are computer software, books, audio or DVDs, trade journals and magazines. It is illegal to reproduce, distribute or alter intellectual property without the express permission of its owner. This includes such activities as copying, installing or otherwise using software in a manner that violates the license agreement for that software, or downloading any materials on company-provided computers and devices that may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others.
Securities Laws, Insider Trading and Tipping
While at Brookfield, you may have access to or become aware of material nonpublic information, either about Brookfield Asset Management, a Controlled Affiliate or an unrelated publicly-traded entity. You must not use this information to gain a financial advantage for yourself or others. Doing so is not only a violation of the Code that will result in immediate termination for cause, but is also a serious violation of securities laws and will expose any individuals involved to potential civil and criminal prosecution. If you have questions about securities laws, insider trading and/or tipping, contact the company’s internal legal counsel.
Do not trade in the company’s securities and in any other publicly-traded securities if you possess material nonpublic information.
As a rule, if you have material nonpublic information about any publicly-traded entity and you buy or sell its securities before the information is public then you will have violated insider trading laws.
GUIDANCE: |
|
Materiality – Information about an entity is “material” if a reasonable investor would consider the information important when deciding to buy, sell or hold that entity’s securities. |
|
Nonpublic – Information is “nonpublic” until it has been disclosed and adequate time has passed for the securities markets to digest the information. |
|
Common examples of material nonpublic information include: (i) advance notice of changes in senior management; (ii) unannounced mergers or acquisitions; (iii) pending or threatened litigation; and (iv) nonpublic financial results. |
If you are not sure whether information is “material” or “nonpublic”, consult with the company’s internal legal counsel for guidance before engaging in a transaction. |
Do not engage in the “tipping” of information.
“Tipping” arises when you disclose material nonpublic information to another person and that person either (i) trades in a security related to the information that you provided or (ii) provides the information to a third person who then makes a trade in a related security. Tipping is a violation of law, even if you do not personally make a trade or otherwise benefit from disclosing the information. You are prohibited from disclosing material nonpublic information to others outside Brookfield, including relatives and friends. You should also refrain from discussing material nonpublic information with other employees at Brookfield unless they have a business need to know this information.
Do not trade during a blackout period.
Trading blackout periods apply to all directors, officers and employees, and generally occur during periods when financial statements are being prepared but results have not yet been generally disclosed. Regular blackout periods at both Brookfield Asset Management and Controlled Affiliates generally commence at the close of business on the last business day of a calendar quarter and end on the beginning of the first business day following the earnings call discussing the quarterly results. Blackout periods may also be prescribed from time to time as a result of special circumstances relating to Brookfield Asset Management or a Controlled Affiliate. When Brookfield Asset Management or a Controlled Affiliate imposes internal trading restrictions no director, officer or employee at Brookfield is permitted to trade in a blacked-out Brookfield security until the restriction has been lifted.
Personal trading pre-clearance and reporting.
All officers and employees (and their family members) who are physically situated in a Brookfield Asset Management corporate head office (Toronto, Canada, New York, USA, London, UK, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sydney, Australia, Dubai, UAE, Hong Kong and Mumbai, India) are expected to pre-clear trades in both Brookfield and non-Brookfield securities. Further, certain employees directly involved with the Company’s private funds business are considered “Access Persons” and have enhanced restrictions applied to their personal trading in accordance with applicable U.S. laws. All non-employee directors are expected to pre-clear trades in the securities of Brookfield Asset Management and Controlled Affiliatesonly.
All senior managing partners and directors of Brookfield Asset Management are also considered to be reporting insiders of Brookfield Asset Management under applicable securities laws. Within two (2) business days of making any trade in a Brookfield security, a senior managing partner or director of the company is required to report the trade to internal legal counsel so that the appropriate insider report may be prepared and publicly filed.
For more information on the company’s policies on personal trading, including available exemptions to trading preclearance, please refer to thePersonal Trading Policy.
Zero Tolerance Approach to Money Laundering
We must prevent the use of our operations for money laundering or any activity that facilitates money laundering, the financing of terrorism, or other criminal activities.
The company is strongly committed to preventing the use of its operations for money laundering or any activity that facilitates money laundering, the financing of terrorism, or other criminal activities. Accordingly, the company will take such actions as it deems appropriate from time to time in order to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws, such as theBank Secrecy Act (U.S.), theUniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (U.S.), the regulations administered by U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control, theProceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act(Canada) and the Proceeds of Crime Act (U.K.).
Jurisdictions may publish lists of individuals, entities and organizations that the company is prohibited from accepting funds from or distributing funds to under applicable anti-money laundering laws. Employees are expected to use reasonable care to verify that counterparties are not owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, sanctioned governments, groups, individuals or others. This includes requiring counterparties to make anti-money laundering representations in transactional and other documents with the company. Internal legal counsel can, upon request, provide anti-money laundering provisions to be inserted into documents with counterparties.
COMMITMENT TO ANTI-BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION
Zero Tolerance Approach to Bribery
Do not give or receive bribes, including “facilitation payments”.
We value our reputation for conducting business with honesty and integrity. It is vital for us to maintain this reputation as it generates confidence in our business by our customers, clients, investees and other persons – which ultimately means it is good for business.
We do not pay bribes in furtherance of our business and do not expect you do so on our behalf. We have a zero tolerance approach towards bribery. This commitment comes from the highest levels of management and you must meet this standard.
A bribe is anything of value that is offered, promised, given or received to influence a decision or to gain an improper or unfair advantage. Bribery may take the form of cash, the exchange of gifts, the granting of loans or the provision of services to those being bribed.
Facilitation payments are also a form of bribe and are, therefore, not permitted. Facilitation payments are small payments made to secure or speed up routine actions or otherwise induce public officials or other third parties to perform routine functions they are otherwise obligated to perform, such as issuing permits, approving immigration documents or releasing goods held in customs. This does not include legally required administrative fees or fees to fast-track services.
Refer to the company’sAnti-Bribery and Corruption Program for further details.
Dealing with Officials
Always take into account the sensitivity and scrutiny involved in all our interactions with any public officials when applying this policy.
There is increased sensitivity and scrutiny of dealings with public officials because this has traditionally been an area where bribery activity is more likely to occur. Be cognizant of these risks in your dealings and interactions with public officials and consider how your actions may be viewed. For example, many jurisdictions have laws restricting gifts (e.g., meals, entertainment, transportation, lodging or other things of value) made to public officials and any gift, no matter how innocent, may be viewed as an attempt to influence the official.
A “public official” is any person who is employed by or is acting in an official capacity for a government, a department, agency or instrumentality of a government, or a public international organization. This includes elected or appointed persons who hold legislative, administrative or judicial positions such as politicians, bureaucrats and judges. It also includes persons who perform public functions such as professionals working for public health agencies, water authorities, planning officials and agents of public international organizations such as the UN or World Bank. A “public official” may also include employees of government-owned or controlled businesses, including sovereign wealth funds. For example, if a government has an interest in a bank and exercises control over the activities of that bank, then the banking officials are likely to be considered “public officials”.
Agents, Contractors and Suppliers
Joint venture partners, agents, contractors and suppliers are not permitted to pay bribes on our behalf.
The company may be prosecuted for failing to prevent bribery by a person associated with it. This includes any person or entity that performs services for or on behalf of the company. Employees should avoid doing business with partners, agents and contractors who do not have a zero tolerance approach to bribery.
This means due diligence should be undertaken on contractors, partners and agents to establish their anti-bribery credentials, where warranted by the assessed level of risk. This could include informing these persons (and associated companies) of the company’s anti-bribery policy, meeting with them to better assess their character, and making commercially reasonable inquiries into their reputation and past conduct. Anti-bribery language should be included in contractor, partner or agencyagreements, where appropriate, in consultation with internal legal counsel.
Refer to the company’sAnti-Bribery and Corruption Program for further details.
Gifts and Entertainment
The giving or receiving of gifts and entertainment should be proportionate and reasonable for the circumstances.
Gifts (e.g. merchandise) given to or received from persons who have a business relationship with the company are generally acceptable, if the gift is reasonable in value, appropriate to the business relationship, and does not create an appearance of impropriety. No cash payments should be given or received. In addition, gifts should not be given to or received from public officials.
Entertainment (e.g. meals, tickets to sporting events or theatre, rounds of golf) given to or received from persons who have a business relationship with the company are generally acceptable, if the entertainment is reasonable in value, appropriate to the business relationship, does not create an appearance of impropriety and if a representative from the sponsoring organization (the party paying for the entertainment) is present at the event.
Gifts and entertainment (including meals) that are repetitive, no matter how small, may be perceived to be an attempt to create an obligation to the giver and should be avoided. Employees should not pay for gifts and entertainment (including meals) personally to avoid having to report or seek approval for it.
Employees should not give or receive “big-ticket” items, such as travel, conference fees, costs for road shows, or event sponsorships, without prior written authorization from internal legal counsel or person(s) designated to provide such authorization.
Employees who do not comply with the requirements set out in the Code may be required to reimburse the company for the value of any gifts or benefits they receive on behalf of the company. In addition, violations of the company’s policies or legal and regulatory requirements in this regard could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination for cause.
Individual business units of the company may develop and implement specific guidelines and procedures in relation to gifts and entertainment in a manner that is proportionate, consistent and appropriate to the particular circumstances of the individual business unit. All such guidelines and procedures must be consistent with the Code and a copy should be provided to the company’s internal legal counsel.
Political Donations and Lobbying
Do not offer contributions to political parties or candidates that might influence, or be perceived as influencing, a business decision.
To ensure that we do not breach the law regarding political donations in any country, all political donations, no matter how small or insignificant, made on behalf of the company (directly or indirectly) must be approved in advance by the person(s) designated to approve such donations. Political donations should not be made on behalf of the company in countries in which we do not have a presence.
Political donations made by individuals on their own behalf should comply with local laws and regulations.
In the U.S., various federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations impose specific restrictions and rules with respect to political contributions, both those made on behalf of the company or made by individuals on their own behalf, which can carry significant penalties for the company for violations. The BrookfieldU.S. Political Contributions Policy should be consulted and adhered to before making any political contributions in the U.S. on behalf of the company or by individuals on their own behalf.
Do not engage in any lobbying activities on behalf of the company without specific authorization.
The company encourages its employees, officers and directors to take an active role in public service. However, any participation in this regard is to be undertaken as an individual and not as a representative of the company.
Lobbying activities generally include attempts to influence the passage or defeat of legislation and it may trigger registration and reporting requirements. In many jurisdictions, the definition of lobbying activity is extended to cover efforts to induce rule-making by executive branch agencies or other official actions of agencies, including the decision to enter into a contract or other arrangement.
You should not engage in lobbying activities on behalf of the company without the prior written approval of the company’s internal legal counsel or person(s) designated to approve such activities.
Additionally, the BrookfieldU.S. Political Contributions Policy should be consulted and adhered to before undertaking any lobbying activities in the U.S., personally or on behalf of the company.
Charitable Donations
Do not solicit or offer donations to suppliers, vendors or public officials in a manner which communicates that compliance is a prerequisite for future business.
We encourage our directors, officers and employees to contribute personal time and resources to charities and nonprofit organizations. However, unless the solicitation is supported by the company, you are prohibited from using the company name or company stationery for solicitation of donations.
All requests for corporate gifts to charities and other not-for-profit organizations should be approved in advance by the company’s internal legal counsel or person(s) designated to approve such donations. Charitable donations made by individuals on their own behalf should comply with local laws and regulations.
If you are requested by a public official to make a personal donation to a particular charity, please consult with internal legal counsel or person(s) designated to approve such donationsbefore agreeing to or making the donation.
Record-Keeping
Record all our transactions in a complete, accurate and detailed manner so that the purpose and amount of the transaction is clear.
In addition to prohibiting bribery, some anti-bribery legislation, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, require proper record-keeping and the establishment and maintenance of internal controls. The purpose of these provisions is to prevent companies from concealing bribes and to discourage fraudulent accounting practices.
All transactions must be recorded completely, accurately and with sufficient detail so that the purpose and amount of any such payment is clear. No undisclosed or unrecorded funds or assets of the company should be established for any purpose. False, misleading, or artificial entries should never be made in the books and records of the company for any reason.
COMMITMENT TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE
Statement of Compliance
Upon joining Brookfield, each director, officer and employee of the company will be provided with a copy of the Code (or with access to the Code via the company’s intranet) and will be required to sign or electronically certify an acknowledgement. Each director, officer and employee of the company will also be required to re-certify compliance with the Code on an annual basis, either in physical or electronic form. This statement of compliance will also apply to the company’sPersonal Trading Policy,Disclosure Policy and other policies referenced in the Code.
Annual execution of a Statement of Compliance with the Code shall be a condition of your continued directorship or employment with the company
Reports and Complaints
There are procedures in place to guide the reporting of complaints.
You are required to act proactively by asking questions, seeking guidance and reporting any suspected violations with respect to compliance with the Code, other policies and procedures of the company, or any applicable government law, rule or regulation. Internal reporting is critical to the company’s success, and it is both expected and valued.
Unless specific sections of the Code indicate otherwise, if you believe that a violation of the Code or any law, rule or regulation has been or is likely to be committed by you or someone else who is a representative of the company, you have an obligation to promptly report the relevant information.
Employees should report violations of the Code to their supervisor, since their supervisor will generally be in the best position to resolve the issue. However, if you feel uncomfortable approaching your supervisor with your concern, or if you have any specific or general questions, you may contact the company’s internal legal counsel. Brookfield Asset Management directors should promptly report violations to the Chair.
You can always report a complaint through the company’s reporting hotline
Our reporting hotline (the “Reporting Hotline”) is managed by an independent third party called the Network. The Reporting Hotline allows anyone to call anonymously to report suspected unethical, illegal or unsafe behaviour in English and other languages. The Reporting Hotline is available toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Refer to the “Contact Information” section of the Code for the Reporting Hotline phone numbers by jurisdiction
The most important thing to remember when dealing with any matter that may be caught under the terms and provisions of the Code is:If you have any doubt you shouldask for assistance.
Treatment of Reports and Complaints
Complaints will be kept confidential.
Confidentiality of reported violations will be maintained to the fullest extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate review and subject to applicable law. We would prefer that you identify yourself to facilitate our investigation of any report; however, if you do not feel comfortable doing so you can make an anonymous report.
When making a report, please include specific details, including back-up documentation where feasible, in order to permit adequate investigation of the concern or conduct reported. Vague, nonspecific or unsupported allegations are inherently more difficult to pursue.
Complaints will be catalogued and reported on internally to the appropriate company function.
The party receiving the complaint must make a record of its receipt, document how the situation was dealt with and file a report with Brookfield Asset Management’s or a Controlled Affiliate’s Chief Internal Auditor, as applicable. The Chief Internal Auditor will retainall such reports, and will also maintain a separate log that tracks the receipt, investigation and resolution of reported complaints specifically related to accounting controls, auditing and disclosure matters. Based on this log, the Chief Internal Auditor will periodically compile a comprehensive summary of all of these types of complaints and the corrective actions taken, and will bring the summary to the attention of the appropriate committee of the board of directors of Brookfield Asset Management or a Controlled Affiliate, in accordance with the governance practices of the applicable entity.
The Chief Internal Auditor will bring all complaints or reported violations related to applicable securities laws to the company’s internal legal counsel, who will investigate such complaints and report internally and externally in accordance with applicable laws and internal governance practices.
You will not experience retribution or retaliation for a complaint made in “good faith”.
No retribution or retaliation will be taken against any person who has filed a report based on the reasonable good faith belief that a director, officer or employee of the company has engaged, or is about to engage, in criminal conduct or conduct in violation of the Code, other policies and procedures of the company, or any applicable government law, rule or regulation. Your report will be accepted as good faith compliance with the Code, but does not necessarily absolve you (if you are involved) or anyone else of the breach or suspected breach of the Code.
The company reserves the right to discipline you if you make an accusation without a good faith, reasonable belief in the truth and accuracy of the information or if you knowingly provide or make false information or accusations. “Reasonable belief” does not mean that the information that you provide has to be correct, but it does mean that you must reasonably believe that the information is truthful and demonstrates a possible violation of the Code.
If an employee believes that they have been unfairly or unlawfully retaliated against, they may file a complaint with their supervisor or the company’s internal legal counsel. If they believe that the complaint concerning retaliation cannot be appropriately addressed in this manner, they should call the Reporting Hotline using the information in the “Contact Information” section of the Code
Disciplinary Action for Code Violations
We will impose discipline for each Code violation that fits the nature and particular facts of the violation. If you fail to comply with laws or regulations governing the company’s businesses, the Code or any other company policy or requirement, you may be disciplined up to and including immediate termination for cause and, if warranted, legal proceedings may be brought against you.
Waivers and Amendments
A waiver of the Code will be granted only in very exceptional circumstances. Exceptions for Brookfield Asset Management’s employees (other than Brookfield Asset Management’s CEO) must be approved by the CEO and exceptions for the CEO must be approved by the Chair. A waiver of the Code (or similar instrument) for an employee of a Controlled Affiliate may granted in accordance with the policies of the Controlled Affiliate, as consistent with the Code.
The Brookfield Asset Management Board of Directors reviews the Code on at least an annual basis and must approve any amendments to the Code.
BROOKFIELD OFFICE PROPERTIES INC. CONTACT INFORMATION
Reporting Hotline 1-800-665-0831 or www.reportlineweb.com/Brookfield Internal Contacts |
Internal Legal Counsel | Chief Executive Officer |
Michelle Campbell | Dennis H. Friedrich |
Vice President, Counsel | 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor |
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor | New York, New York 10281 |
New York, New York 10281 | Email: dennis.friedrich@brookfield.com |
Email: michelle.campbell@brookfield.com | Telephone: (212) 417-7032 |
Telephone: (212) 417-7514 | |
| |
Chief Internal Auditor | Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee |
Richard Maingot | Robert L. Stelzl |
Brookfield Place, Suite 181 Bay Street, Suite 300 | Brookfield Place, Suite 181 Bay Street, Suite 300 |
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3 | Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3 |
Email: richard.maingot@brookfield.com | Telephone: (416) 369-2300 |
Telephone: (416) 369-2741 | |
Legal Notice
The Code serves as a reference to you. The company reserves the right to modify, suspend or revoke the Code and any and all policies, procedures, and programs in whole or in part, at any time. The company also reserves the right to interpret and amend the Code and these policies in its sole discretion as it deems appropriate. Any amendments to the Code will be disclosed and reported as required by applicable law.
The company employs both non-union and union employees. If the terms and policies of the Code conflict with a specific provision of a collective bargaining agreement governing the wages, terms and conditions of employment for union-represented employees, the collective bargaining agreement will prevail; if a collective bargaining agreement is silent with respect to an area addressed in the Code, or if the Code supplements the terms and provisions of a collective bargaining agreement, union-represented employees are expected to abide by the Code.
Neither the Code, any of the policies referred to herein nor any statements made by any employee of the company, whether oral or written, confer any rights, privileges or benefits on any employee, create an entitlement to continued employment at the company, establish conditions of employment for the benefit of the employee, or create an express or implied employment contract of any kind between employees and the company. In addition, all employees should understand that the Code does not modify their employment relationship, whether at will or governed by a written contract.
The Code is posted on our website and intranet. The version of the Code on our website and intranet may be more current and up-to-date and supersedes any paper copies, should there be any discrepancy between paper copies and what is posted online.
Appendix A
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics |
Statement of Compliance |
All directors, officers and employees must complete this Statement of Compliance or certify the company’s electronic Statement of Compliance through the company’s web-based compliance program.
I have received, reviewed and understand the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (the “company”) for directors, officers and employees.
I hereby agree to comply with the Code, including its provisions for nondisclosure of information both during and after appointment or employment.
To the best of my knowledge, I am not involved in any situation that conflicts or might appear to conflict with the Code.
I also agree to notify my supervisor, the Chief Internal Auditor of the company, or in the case of directors, the Chair of the company’s Board of Directors, immediately of any change that might adversely affect my compliance with the Code.
| | |
Name: | | |
| (Please print) | |
| | |
Company: | | |
| | |
Position Title: | | |
| | |
Branch/Department: | | |
| | |
Location: | | |
| | |
Date and Signature: | | | | |
| (mm/dd/yy) | | (Signature) |
| | | |
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – February 2014 | A1 |
Annex E
Personal Trading Policy
[See attached]

PERSONAL TRADING POLICY
��
February 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page |
| |
Part I – General Trading Policies | 1 |
| | |
| 1. Introduction | 1 |
| | |
| 2. Applicability | 2 |
| | |
| 3. Prohibited Activities | 3 |
| | |
| 4. Insider Reporting | 5 |
| | |
| 5. Communication | 5 |
| | |
| 6. Consequences of Non-Compliance | 5 |
| | |
Part II – Special Rules Applicable to Covered Persons | 5 |
| | |
| 1. Covered Persons | 5 |
| | |
| 2. Pre-Clearance and Other Rules Applicable to Covered Persons | 6 |
| |
APPENDICES | |
| |
Appendix A – Insider Reporting Guidelines | A-1 |
| |
Appendix B – Associated Companies and Entities | B-1 |
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | xxiii |
PERSONAL TRADING POLICY
To All Directors, Officers and Employees
This Personal Trading Policy (this “Policy”) applies to Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its public-traded controlled affiliates (collectively, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “company”). Separate personal trading policies of subsidiaries of the company may supplement this Policy so long as the provisions of such policies do not conflict with this Policy.
All directors, officers and employees are required to comply with the securities laws and insider trading rules set out in the company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. This Policy supplements those provisions and is aimed at preventing directors, officers and employees from breaching prohibitions against insider trading, whether intentionally or unintentionally. In addition, this Policy is aimed at preventing directors, officers and employees from engaging in securities trading that, although not illegal, exposes them and/or the company to potential reputational risk.
This Policy is divided into two parts: the first part prohibits trading in certain circumstances and applies to all directors, officers and employees and the second part imposes additional trading restrictions on certain designated directors, officers and employees.
We expect each of you as directors, officers and employees to conduct your trading activities in accordance with this Policy. So that there can be no doubt as to what is expected of each of you in this regard, the Board of Directors of the company (the “Board”) has endorsed this Policy.
PART I – GENERAL TRADING POLICIES
One of the principal purposes of securities laws is to prohibit “insider trading”. Simply stated, insider trading occurs when a person uses material non-public information to make decisions to purchase, sell, give away or otherwise trade a company’s securities or to provide that information to others outside the company. The prohibitions against insider trading apply to trades, tips and recommendations by virtually any person, including all directors, officers and employees, if the information involved is “material” and “non-public”. These terms are defined later on in this Policy.
As is the case with policies of this nature, it is important to use common sense. The objective of this Policy is not to restrict your ability to manage your personal financial affairs, but to establish clear policies and procedures to avoid the risk of situations arising whereby you and/or the company could be harmed through damaged reputation or legal action.If a trade in securities becomes the subject of scrutiny, it will be viewed after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. You are therefore advised that before engaging in any trade, you should carefully consider how the trade may be construed with the benefit of hindsight.
If you have questions regarding the application of any rule in this Policy or about the best course of action in a particular situation, you should seek guidance from the company’s internal legal counsel.
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 1 |

This Policy applies to all transactions in the company’s securities, including common stock, options and any other securities that the company may issue, such as preferred stock, notes, bonds and convertible securities, as well as to derivative securities relating to any of the company's securities, whether or not issued by the company. It also applies to securities in companies with which the company does business, or may do business with, or the company has invested in, including our clients and client counterparties, when you are in possession of material non-public information regarding such company by virtue of your role with us.
This Policy applies to all directors, officers and employees regardless of their position, level or function. Your spouse, partner and family members who live in the same dwelling as you are also subject to the restrictions set out in this Policy. You are responsible for ensuring compliance by your family and other members of your household. For the purposes of this Policy, your investment activities are considered to include your own investment activities, as well as activities on any other account(s) over which you have trading authority or exercise similar influence other than in the course of your employment (e.g. as treasurer or investment officer of a charitable organization or foundation or acting as an informal investment advisor for family members, friends or investment clubs).
Certain designated directors, officers and employees (collectively, “Covered Persons”) are subject to additional trading restrictions due to the nature of their roles, responsibilities or physical location (regardless of their role or responsibilities) or because senior management believes that not doing so may expose the company to reputational risk. The Compliance department maintains a list of all Covered Persons and each individual’s designation as a “Senior Managing Partner”, “Access Person”, “ BPAL Employee” or “Brookfield Insider”. Each of these terms is defined later on in this Policy. If you have any question regarding your designation or which rules apply to you, you should seek guidance from the company’s internal legal counsel.
If you are employed by one of the company’s regulated entities (i.e. entities regulated by FINRA, IROC, FSA), you may also be subject to additional trading oversight or policies. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of such policies, you should seek guidance from your supervisor or the company’s internal legal counsel.
This Policy is not intended to replace your individual responsibility to understand and comply with the legal prohibition on insider trading.
This Policy applies not only during the course of your tenure with the company, but also after the completion or termination of such service to the extent that you possess material non-public information at the time such service is completed.
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 2 |

Prohibition on Insider Trading
As a rule, if you have “material”“non-public” information about any publicly traded entity or any other entity, and if you directly or indirectly through any person acting on your behalf, buy or sell securities of that company before the information is public or no longer material then you will have violated insider trading laws.
Information about an entity is “material” ifa reasonable investor would consider the information important when deciding to buy, sell or hold that entity’s securities.
Information is “non-public” until it has been disclosed and adequate time has passed for the securities markets to digest the information.
Common examples of material non-public information include: (i) advance notice of changes in senior management; (ii) unannounced mergers or acquisitions; (iii) significant pending or threatened litigation; and (iv) non-public financial results.
If you are not sure whether information is material or non-public, consult with the company’s internal legal counsel for guidance before engaging in a transaction.
Prohibition on Tipping
“Tipping” arises when you disclose material non-public information about any publicly traded or other entity to another person and that person either (i) trades in a security related to the information that you provided or (ii) provides the information to a third person who then makes a trade in a related security. Tipping is a violation of law, even if you do not personally make a trade or otherwise benefit from disclosing the information. You are prohibited from disclosing material non-public information to others outside the company, including relatives and friends. You should also refrain from discussing material non-public information with other employees unless they have a business need to know this information.
Prohibition on Trading Advice
If you have material non-public information about the company or a company with which the company does business, or may do business with, or the company has invested in, you should not give trading advice of any kind to anyone while in possession of that information, except that employees should advise others not to trade in those securities if such trade might violate the law or this Policy.
Prohibition on Trading During a Trading Blackout Period
You should not, directly or indirectly through any person acting on your behalf, buy or sell securities of the company during a trading blackout period. Trading blackout periods apply to all directors, officers and employees and generally occur during periods when financial statements are being prepared but results have not yet been generally disclosed. From time to time, other types of material non-public information regarding the company (such as negotiations of mergers, acquisitions or dispositions) may be pending and not be publicly disclosed. While such information is pending, special blackout periods may also be imposed on directors, officers and employees with access to such information.
The prohibition on trading during a blackout period also applies to any securities issued pursuant to the company’s automatic dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”). !n individual should not make any election under the DRIP during a blackout period, including whether to enter into the DRIP or exit the DRIP. Individuals seeking to participate in the DRIP must elect to enter into the DRIP during a non-blackout period and may only elect to exit the DRIP during a non-blackout period.
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 3 |

Regular blackout periods generally commence at the close of business on the last business day of a quarter and end on the beginning of the first business day following the earnings call discussing the quarterly results. Blackout periods may also be prescribed from time to time as a result of special circumstances relating to the company. When the company imposes internal trading restrictions no director, officer or employee is permitted to trade in the blacked out security until the restriction has been lifted.
Although you are prohibited from exercising stock options for cash during a blackout period, you are not prohibited from exercising stock options during a blackout period if such exercise results in you owning company securities, since the “strike price” does not vary with the market but is fixed by the terms of the option agreement or the plan. Upon the acquisition of such securities, you are then subject to the applicable blackout period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, reporting insiders (as defined below) may not exercise options during a blackout period.
In certain very limited circumstances, you may be permitted to sell company securities directly to the company (or a group entity, as applicable) during a blackout period, subject to a limitation that the price is not greater than the average closing price over the preceding 20 trading days, or to otherwise trade in such securities during a blackout period. These transactions will be permitted only in special circumstances and must be approved in advance by either the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer.
Other Prohibited Transactions
| (a) | Hedging Transactions– You are prohibited from selling company securities short or buying or selling call or put options or other derivatives in respect of company securities. You are also prohibited from entering into other transactions which have the effect of hedging the economic value of any direct or indirect interests in the company’s common equity. This prohibition includes your participation in the company’s long-term stock ownership plans unless such transactions are executed and disclosed in full compliance with all applicable regulations and have been previously approved by either the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, and if such officers deem appropriate, the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board. |
| | |
| (b) | Short-term Trading– You may not purchase or sell company securities with the intention of reselling or buying them back in a relatively short period of time in the expectation of a rise or fall in the market price of the securities (as opposed to purchasing or selling company securities as part of a long term investment program). Once purchased, a company security must be held for at least 90 days from the date of the trade unless acquired pursuant to the exercise of rights under a stock option plan. |
| | |
| (c) | Pledging of Securities– Company securities must not be pledged as collateral for a loan unless such transactions are executed and disclosed in full compliance with all applicable regulations and have been previously approved by either the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer, and if such officers deem appropriate, the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board. Company securities may not be held in a margin account. |
| | |
| (d) | “Phantom” Stock Options– The company may, from time to time, establish so-called “phantom” option plans (such as deferred share unit (DSU) plans), where an individual may be eligible to receive a cash bonus based on the value of a stated number of the company’s securities at any specified period of time. No individual may exercise entitlements under a “phantom” stock option plan during a blackout period. |
| | |
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 4 |
Certain directors, officers and employees may be considered “reporting insiders” under applicable securities laws and be required to file insider reports. In general, reporting insiders are persons who hold certain enumerated titles and those persons who both (i) receive or have access, in the ordinary course, to material non-public information about the company and (ii) have the ability to exercise, directly or indirectly, significant power or influence over the business, operations, capital or development of the company. This would generally include the boards of directors of our public entities and their Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Managing Partners and others with similar levels of authority. The company’s internal legal counsel maintains a list of all individuals who are considered reporting insiders. If you fall within the definition of a reporting insider, you must ensure that you comply with any applicable insider reporting requirements in respect of transactions in company securities. A description of the relevant insider reporting guidelines is set out inAppendix A.
Upon joining the company as a director, officer or employee, you will be provided with a copy of this Policy (or with electronic access to this Policy via the company’s intranet) and will annually be asked to certify compliance with this Policy.
This Policy is posted on the company’s intranet. The version of this Policy on the intranet may be more current and up-to-date and supersedes any paper copies, should there be any discrepancy between paper copies and what is posted online.
| 6. | CONESQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE |
Violations of this Policy or legal and regulatory requirements could result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal without notice or payment in lieu of notice depending upon the severity of the violation. In addition, the company may be liable as a result of a director, officer or employee’s insider trading violations. Additionally, the criminal and civil consequences of prohibited insider trading, tipping or a failure to file an insider report on a timely basis can be severe and may include sanctions, substantial jail terms and penalties of several times the amount of profits gained or losses avoided. For example, penalties for violations of insider trading laws in Canada can include up to five years imprisonment and fines of up to the greater of $5 million and three times any profit made or loss avoided as a result of non-compliance with the laws.
PART II – SPECIAL RULES APPLICABLE TO COVERED PERSONS
Covered Persons are subject to additional trading restrictions due to the nature of their roles, responsibilities or physical location (regardless of their role or responsibilities) or because senior management believes that not doing so may expose the company to reputational risk. Covered Persons have been categorized into the following designations based on title, location and duties, taking into account the different duties of care of each Covered Person:
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 5 |
| · | “Senior Managing Partner” or “SMP” – means individuals who have been appointed as such by Brookfield Asset Management’s Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors; |
| · | “Access Person” – means individuals who fall within the definition of such term in the Brookfield Asset Management Private Institutional Capital Group Investment Adviser Compliance Manual, as may be amended from time to time. If you are considered an “Access Person”, the company will advise you of this; |
| · | “BPAL Employee” – means all employees or personnel who provide similar services as employees of Brookfield Private Advisors LLC; and |
| · | “Brookfield Insider” – means company employees who, in connection with their duties or as a result of physical location, have access to or are able to obtain material non-public information concerning public or private investment activities of the company, which includes all directors and officers of the company and all employees physically located in our corporate offices. Please refer to the Brookfield Asset Management Inc. website for the current list of corporate offices. |
The Compliance department maintains a list of all Covered Persons and each individual’s designation. If you have any question regarding your designation or which rules apply to you, you should seek guidance from the company’s internal legal counsel.
| 2. | PRE-CLEARANCE AND OTHER RULES APPLICABLE TO COVERED PERSONS |
In order to avoid situations which may present a real or perceived conflict of interest between the direct or indirect personal interests of a Covered Person and the company, Covered Persons are strongly encouraged to have their personal financial investments managed by third party professional managers, such as mutual fund managers or investment counsel.
If, however, a Covered Person chooses to participate in securities trading, the following rules apply toallCovered Persons and their spouses, partners and family members who live in the same dwelling as them (collectively, “Family Members”). Exceptions may be made by the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer in respect of securities transactions conducted by a Family Member if such Family Member’s primary occupation is in professional investment management and he or she is conducting such transactions on behalf of a non-Family Member third party in such capacity.
Rules Applicable to All Covered Persons
| (a) | Permitted Transactions |
Transactions by Covered Persons and their Family Members in the following types of securities (“Permitted Securities”) do not require any approval and are exempt from the pre-clearance requirements of this Policy:
| · | government securities, foreign or domestic; |
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 6 |
| · | short-term instruments, such as certificates of deposit (“CDs”) and guaranteed investment certificates, of financial intermediaries including life insurance companies and banks where these instruments are purchased for holding to maturity; |
| · | bankers acceptances, bank CDs, repurchase agreements or commercial paper of non-financial institutions with a maturity of 180 days or less where these instruments are purchased for holding to maturity; |
| · | purchases under DRIPs (discretionary DRIPs or stock purchase programs, however, must be pre-cleared in accordance with this Policy); |
| · | open-end mutual funds (or the equivalent, including funds of funds); |
| · | closed-end mutual funds; |
| · | exchange-traded funds (i.e., Holders, iShares, OPALS); |
| · | non-equity options (i.e., index funds); |
| · | foreign exchange securities (i.e., currency, forwards and metals); |
| · | commodity futures (i.e., oil, corn and sugar); |
| · | insurance products in which underlying investment options are open-end mutual funds; |
| · | trades done in a blind trust (i.e., a trust in which you are a beneficiary but for which you do not receive any reporting and have no knowledge regarding investments); and |
| · | transactions executed on your behalf by professional investment counsel, provided that you have provided no information or instructions regarding the subject security other than customary general client investment objectives and similar information. |
| Certain | permitted transactions must be reported by Access Persons and BPAL Employees as described below. |
| (b) | Transactions Requiring Pre-Clearance |
| i. | Brookfield Securities–Transactions by Covered Persons and their Family Members in public securities issued by the company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, including but not limited to securities of the issuers listed inAppendix B, (“Brookfield Securities”) are permitted, provided that these transactions do not occur during any applicable blackout periods and have been approved in advance in accordance with this Policy. If you wish to execute a market order in Brookfield Securities, including a trade through the company’s 401(k) plan, you must submit a request for pre-clearance through the company’s automated trade approval system. Approved transactions must be executed by the end of the second business day following the receipt of such approval. Non-employee directors of the company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Outside Directors”) may pre-clear a transaction in Brookfield Securities by e-mailing the company’s Secretary or internal legal counsel. |
Specific approval and pre-clearance is not required for the exercise of stock options into Brookfield Securities by a Covered Person under this Policy. Rather these types of trades are governed by the company’s stock option exercise procedures.
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 7 |

| ii. | Other Marketable Securities– Transactions in other individual marketable securities such as stocks, bonds, debentures, warrants, rights and options (“Marketable Securities”) may be permitted for Covered Persons (other than Senior Managing Partners and their Family Members) in certain instances. If you wish to execute a market order in Marketable Securities, including a trade through the company’s 401(k) plan, you must submit a request for pre-clearance through the company’s automated trade approval system. Approved transactions must be executed by the end of the second business day following the receipt of such approval. Outside Directors are not subject to these pre-clearance requirements for Marketable Securities. |
Despite any prior approvals in connection with a transaction described above, you may be restricted from subsequent transactions in the same security (e.g., you may be unable to sell the security once acquired) or the company may subsequently require that you sell a specific security in the future. In either case, the company will not be under any obligation to reimburse you for any losses.
Covered Persons (other than Outside Directors) may not purchase securities in connection with an initial public offering or private placement without first seeking pre-clearance through the company’s automated trade approval system. Approval will be granted or denied within 24 hours of the request being submitted and may involve an additional request for information from the company’s Legal or Compliance departments. BPAL Employees are prohibited from purchasing securities in connection with an initial public offering.
Specific approval is not required for transactions in securities that are (i) non-volitional in nature, including mergers, recapitalizations, distributions-in-kind or similar transactions or (ii) purchases that are part of a DRIP.
Upon request of the company, Covered Persons will be required to provide an annual confirmation that they and their Family Members have not conducted any personal securities transactions that were not pre-cleared.
If a Covered Person or a Family Member fails to pre-clear a trade when required, barring extenuating circumstances, they may be asked to cancel or reverse the trade and/or trading privileges may be suspended for a specified amount of time. If required to reverse or cancel a trade, the Covered Person or their Family Member, as applicable, is responsible for any trading losses while any trading gains will be forfeited to the company.
Additional Rules Applicable to Senior Managing Partners
As noted above, Senior Managing Partners and their Family Members are prohibited from conducting personal securities transactions in Marketable Securities. They must delegate any such activity to an arm’s length professional on a fully discretionary basis. SMPs and their Family Members may however transact in Permitted Securities and in Brookfield Securities in accordance with (2)(b)(i) above.
SMPs or their Family Members may have previously held positions in Marketable Securities prior to joining the company or becoming an SMP. These holdings should be disclosed to the Chief Financial Officer who will review and provide approval for the grandfathering of these open positions. Should the SMP or a Family Member want to trade one of these grandfathered Marketable Securities, pre-clearance approval must be sought through the company’s automated trade approval system. Approved transactions must be executed by the end of the second business day following the receipt of such approval.
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 8 |
Additional Rules Applicable to Access Persons and BPAL Employees
Access Persons and BPAL Employees are required to identify all of their “Reportable !ccounts” on the company’s automated trade approval system so that trading activities in those accounts can be monitored.
A “Reportable Account” is an account over which the Access Person or BPAL Employee has investment discretion, influence or control, and in which the Access Person or BPAL Employee may benefit from profits in the account, other than:
| · | Any Account in which transactions are effected only pursuant to an automatic investment plan; and |
| | |
| · | Any account which holds only bank certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, commercial paper, direct obligations of the Government of the United States, money market funds, and open ended mutual funds (not managed by the company). |
Reportable Accounts, as defined above, may include:
| · | Personal brokerage accounts (including, but not limited to: individual and joint accounts, 401(k)s, RSPs, IRAs, UGMAs, RESPs, TFSAs, LIRAs, Keogh Plans, trusts, family limited partnerships, guardianship or conservatorships accounts); |
| · | Accounts of Family Members living in the same dwelling as you; |
| · | Investment club accounts; |
| · | Accounts for business interests outside of the company; |
| · | Accounts for which you are a trustee or for which you have discretionary authority; and |
| · | Employer sponsored retirement accounts if they are self-directed or if they hold securities other than open-end mutual funds (i.e., profit sharing and 401(k)s). This includes the company’s 401(k) plan. |
| Reportable | Accounts, as defined above, do not include: |
| | |
| · | Accounts managed by a professional third party financial advisor who has full discretion over investment decisions and for which you do not provide any trading instructions; |
| | |
| · | A blind trust in which you are a beneficiary but for which you do not receive any reporting and have no knowledge regarding the investments in the account; |
| | |
| · | Accounts in which you are permitted to hold only open-end mutual funds (i.e. 529 savings plans and accounts held directly with a mutual fund company); and |
| | |
| · | Insurance products only if the underlying investment options are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds. |
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 9 |
Access Persons must identify their Reportable Accounts within 10 days of being notified of such designation. BPAL Employees must identify their Reportable Accounts at the time of hire and, for new accounts, prior to opening the account or placing an initial order for the purchase or sale of securities. Access Persons and BPAL Employees will be required to annually certify that they have disclosed all Reportable Accounts.
Statements for each Reportable Account must be provided to the Compliance department initially when an individual becomes an Access Person or a BPAL Employee. Access Persons and BPAL Employees are also required to notify the Compliance department when a Reportable Account is opened or closed.
Statements for Reportable Accounts must be provided to the Compliance department directly by the financial institutions in which the accounts were opened on an ongoing basis within 30 days of the quarter end.
Access Persons and BPAL Employees may be asked to facilitate the provision of statements to the Compliance department. Investments that are not held through a broker must be reported to the Compliance department prior to any initial investment or becoming an Access Person or BPAL Employee and annually.
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | 10 |
APPENDIX A
INSIDER REPORTING GUIDELINES
Reporting Insiders
Under the insider reporting rules which came into force on April 30, 2010, reporting insiders of a reporting issuer (“Reporting Insiders”) must file insider reports upon becoming a Reporting Insider and upon any change in their holdings of securities of the reporting issuer. In general, these reporting requirements are intended to apply to persons who both (i) receive or have access, in the ordinary course, to material undisclosed information about the reporting issuer and (ii) have the ability to exercise, directly or indirectly, significant power or influence over the business, operations, capital or development of the reporting issuer. This would generally include the company’s board of directors and its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Senior Managing Partners and others with similar levels of authority. The company’s internal legal counsel maintains a list of all individuals who are considered Reporting Insiders.
Insider Reporting
A person who becomes a Reporting Insider must file an insider report within10 calendar days(or shorter period if prescribed by the regulations) of becoming a Reporting Insider. In addition, a Reporting Insider must also file an insider report when there is any change in their holdings of securities of the reporting issuer withinfive calendar days(or shorter period if prescribed by the regulations) of the change.
In the insider report, a Reporting Insider must report not only their direct holdings of securities of the reporting issuer, but any indirect beneficial ownership of securities, as well as securities of reporting issuer over which they exercise control or direction. Under the insider reporting rules, beneficial ownership passes on the day of the trade, not the day of settlement. An insider report must include not only all publicly-traded securities of the issuer held by the Reporting Insider, whether they be voting or non-voting, debt, equity and trust units, but also related financial instruments which include the grant, exercise or expiry of any options and deferred or restricted share units related to these securities.
Insider reports should be filed electronically through the System for Electronic Disclosure (SEDI). The consequences for failure to file in a timely manner or filing a report that contains information that is materially misleading may include late filing fees; the Reporting Insider being identified as a late filer on a public database of late filers maintained by certain securities regulators; the issuance of a cease trade order that prohibits the Reporting Insider from trading in securities of the applicable reporting issuer or any reporting issuer until a specified period of time has elapsed or enforcement proceedings.
It is the personal responsibility of each Reporting Insider to ensure that the required insider reports are filed in a timely fashion. The company’s internal legal counsel can assist you with the filing of these reports.
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | A-1 |
APPENDIX B
ASSOCIATED COMPANIES AND ENTITIES
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the issuers of Brookfield Securities:
Acadian Timber Income Fund
Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd.
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Brookfield Australian Opportunities Fund
Brookfield Canada Office Properties
Brookfield Global Listed Infrastructure Income Fund Inc.
Brookfield High Yield Strategic Income Fund
Brookfield Incorporações S.A.
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P.
Brookfield Investments Corporation
Brookfield New Horizons Income Fund
Brookfield Office Properties Inc.
Brookfield Prime Property Fund
Brookfield Property Partners L.P.
Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc.
Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners L.P.
Brookfield Renewable Power Preferred Equity Inc.
Brookfield Residential Properties Inc.
CWC Well Services Corp.
General Growth Properties Inc.
Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.
Helios High Income Fund, Inc.
Helios High Yield Fund
Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.
Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.
Helios Total Return Fund, Inc.
Multiplex European Property Fund
Multiplex SITES Trust
Norbord Inc.
Partners Value Fund Inc.
Partners Value Split Corp.
Rouse Properties, Inc.
Western Forest Products Inc.
Personal Trading Policy – February 2014 | B-1 |