As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2000.
Registration Statement No.333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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ACADIA REALTY TRUST
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland 23-2715194
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
20 Soundview Marketplace
Port Washington, New York 11050
(516) 767-8830
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(Address, including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Ross Dworman
Acadia Realty Trust
20 Soundview Marketplace
Port Washington, New York 11050
(516) 767-8830
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(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
Mark Schonberger, Esquire
Battle Fowler LLP
75 East 55th Street
New York, New York 10022
(212) 856-7000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to
time or at one time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant
to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [__]
909738.9
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [ X ]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant
to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list
the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [__]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under
the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [__]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [__]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Each Amount to be Proposed Maximum Proposed Maximum Amount of
Class of Securities Registered Offering Price Per Aggregate Offering Price Registration Fee
to be Registered Unit (2)
common shares, 26,719,319(1) $5.03125 $134,431,573.72 $35,489.94
$0.001 par value
per share
(1) Includes 10,658,081 shares potentially issuable in exchange for
10,363,147 regular limited partnership interests in Acadia Realty
Limited Partnership and 2,212 preferred limited partnership interests
in Acadia Realty Limited Partnership.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the Registration Fee in
accordance with Rule 457(c) of the rules and regulations under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Pursuant to Rule 457, the proposed
maximum offering price per share of common shares of the Registrant is
based upon the average of the high and low reported sales prices of the
common shares on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transaction Tape
on February 25, 2000.
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
909738.9
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The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer
to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion Dated March 3, 2000
PROSPECTUS
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ACADIA REALTY TRUST
26,719,319 Common Shares of Beneficial Interest
This Prospectus relates to Restrictions on Transfer" (p.13).
the offer and sale from time to time
by the persons listed under the The Selling Shareholders,
"Selling Shareholders" section of this from time to time, may offer the
Prospectus of up to 26,719,319 shares common shares covered by this
of Acadia Realty Trust's common prospectus on the New York Stock
shares. Throughout this Prospectus, Exchange or in other markets where our
the terms "we", "us", "our company", common shares may trade at prices to
"the company", "the trust" and which they agree.
"Acadia" are all used in reference to
Acadia Realty Trust, a Maryland real The Selling Shareholders will
estate investment trust formerly known pay any brokerage fees or commissions
as Mark Centers Trust. The term relating to the sales by them. See
"operating partnership" is used in "Plan of Distribution" (p.35). The
reference to Acadia Realty Limited registration of the Selling
Partnership, a Delaware limited Shareholders' shares does not
partnership, formerly known as Mark necessarily mean that any of them will
Centers Limited Partnership, which is sell their shares. Certain of the
a majority-owned subsidiary of the Selling Shareholders are obligated by
trust. Lastly, the term "OP Units" is contract not to sell their common
used in reference to units of limited shares until November 16, 2000 unless
partnership interest in the Operating such obligation is terminated on the
Partnership. occurrence of certain events.
We have issued 16,061,238 We will not receive any
restricted common shares of beneficial proceeds from the sale of common
interest to certain Selling shares by the Selling Shareholders. We
Shareholders and may issue further have agreed to bear certain expenses
shares to the extent certain other of registering the common shares
Selling Shareholders exchange their covered by this prospectus under
10,658,081 OP Units, including 294,934 Federal and state securities laws.
OP Units issuable upon the conversion
of preferred OP Units, for an equal The Selling Shareholders and
number of common shares. We are filing any agents or broker-dealers that
the registration statement of which participate with them in the
this prospectus is a part to fulfill distribution of common shares covered
our contractual obligations to the by this prospectus may be deemed
holders of securities discussed above "underwriters" within the meaning of
and to provide them with freely the Securities Act of 1933, as
tradable securities. amended, and any commissions received
by them on the resale of common shares
Our common shares trade on may be deemed to be underwriting
the New York Stock Exchange under the commissions or discounts under the
symbol "AKR." The shares being Securities Act. See "Plan of
registered pursuant to the Distribution" (p.35). See "Description
registration statement of which this of Our Common Shares--Registration
prospectus is a part are subject to Rights" (p.14) for indemnification
certain restrictions on ownership and arrangements between Acadia and the
transfer designed to assist us in Selling Shareholders.
maintaining our status as a real
estate investment trust ("REIT") for
federal income tax purposes. See
"Description of Our Common Shares--
Investing in our common shares involves various risks. In considering
whether to purchase our common shares, you should carefully consider the matters
discussed under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 8 of this prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is ______, 2000
909738.9
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION..........................................5
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE..............................5
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION..................................................6
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY...........................................................7
RISK FACTORS.................................................................8
OUR COMPANY.................................................................12
DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON SHARES............................................12
USE OF PROCEEDS.............................................................17
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL......................................17
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS...........................................17
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS........................................................27
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION........................................................35
EXPERTS ...................................................................36
LEGAL MATTERS...............................................................36
909738.9
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a
registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act to register the
common shares offered in this prospectus. This prospectus is part of the
registration statement. This prospectus does not contain all the information
contained in the registration statement because we have omitted certain parts of
the registration statement in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
SEC. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement, which
you may read and copy at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC
at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549
and at the SEC's Regional Offices at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York,
New York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511. You may obtain copies at the prescribed rates from the
Public Reference Section of the SEC at its principal office in Washington, D.C.
You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the public
reference rooms. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding our company. You may
access the SEC's web site at "http://www.sec.gov."
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. As a result, we are required to file reports,
proxy statements and other information with the SEC. These materials can be
copied and inspected at the locations described above. Copies of these materials
can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 450 Judiciary
Plaza, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Our common
shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "AKR." You may
read our reports, proxy and other information statements which we file at the
offices of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file
with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by
referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is
considered to be part of this prospectus, and information that we file later
with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we
will make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
o Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998, filed with the SEC on March 31, 1999 (SEC
File No. 001-12002);
o Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1999, filed with the Commission on May 17, 1999;
o Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1999, filed with the Commission on August 13, 1999;
o Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999, filed with the Commission on November 15,
1999;
o Our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A prepared in
connection with our Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on
June 16, 1999, filed with the Commission on May 3, 1999;
o Our Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 5,
1999; and
o The description of our common shares of beneficial interest
contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A together
with all amendments and reports updating such description
dated May 21, 1993 (SEC File No. 33-6008).
909738.9
5
You may request a copy of these filings (not including the exhibits to
such documents unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in
the information contained in this prospectus), at no cost, by writing or
telephoning us at the following address:
Investor Relations
Acadia Realty Trust
20 Soundview Marketplace
Port Washington, New York 11050
Telephone requests may be directed to (516) 767-8830.
This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the
SEC. You should rely only on the information or representations provided in this
prospectus. We have authorized no one to provide you with different information.
We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is
not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is
accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of the document.
Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any
contract or document are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference
is made to the copy of that contract or document filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement or as an exhibit to another filing, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference and the exhibits and schedules
thereto.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information both included and incorporated by reference in this
prospectus may contain forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934 and as such may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other
factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of our
company to be materially different from future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe
our future plans, strategies and expectations are generally identifiable by use
of the words "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate,"
"believe," "intend" or "project" or the negative thereof or other variations
thereon or comparable terminology. Factors which could have a material adverse
effect on the operations and future prospects of our company include, but are
not limited to, changes in: economic conditions generally and the real estate
market specifically, legislative/regulatory changes (including changes to laws
governing the taxation of REITs), availability of capital, interest rates,
competition, supply and demand for retail space and multi-family housing in our
current and proposed market areas and general accounting principles, policies
and guidelines applicable to REITs. These risks and uncertainties should be
considered in evaluating any forward-looking statements contained or
incorporated by reference herein.
909738.9
6
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This Summary only highlights the more detailed information appearing
elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated herein by reference. As this is a
summary, it may not contain all information that is important to you. You should
read this entire prospectus carefully before deciding whether to purchase our
common shares.
The Company
We are a fully-integrated and self-managed real estate investment
trust. We are primarily engaged in the ownership, acquisition, redevelopment and
management of neighborhood and community shopping centers, and multi- family
properties. We were organized in March, 1993, and until August, 1998, our name
was Mark Centers Trust. Our common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange
under the symbol "AKR."
We are formed under the laws of the State of Maryland. Our principal
executive offices are located at 20 Soundview Marketplace, Port Washington, New
York 11050. Our phone number is (516) 767-8830.
Securities That May Be Offered
This prospectus relates to the offer and sale from time to time by the
persons listed under the "Selling Shareholders" section of this prospectus of
(i) up to 16,061,238 common shares and (ii) up to 10,658,081 common shares which
may be issued upon the exchange of OP Units held by certain of the Selling
Shareholders including 294,933 OP Units issuable upon the conversion of
preferred OP units. We are registering the common shares covered by this
prospectus to satisfy our obligations under registration rights agreements with
the Selling Shareholders.
We will not receive any cash proceeds from the sale of the common
shares by the Selling Shareholders.
Risk Factors
Investing in our common shares involves various risks. In considering
whether to purchase our common shares, you should carefully consider the matters
discussed under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 8 of this prospectus.
Tax Status of the Company
Acadia has elected to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in each year since 1993. As long as we
qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal
income tax on that portion of our ordinary income and capital gains that is
distributed to our shareholders. Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we
may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and property and
to federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income. See "Risk
Factors--Risk factors relating to our business as a REIT" (p.9) and "Federal
Income Tax Considerations" (p.17) for a more detailed explanation.
909738.9
7
RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully the following risk factors together with
all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus before you decide to purchase our common shares. This section
includes or refers to certain forward-looking statements. You should refer to
the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on such forward-looking
statements discussed on page 6 of this prospectus.
We could encounter problems as a result of our use of debt.
We borrow money to pay for the acquisition, development and operation
of properties and for other general corporate purposes. Our declaration of trust
(as amended) and our bylaws do not limit the amount of indebtedness that we may
incur. By borrowing money, we expose ourselves to several problems, including
the following:
o inability to meet existing obligations;
o reduced access to additional debt; and
o loss of our property as a result of any default on existing debt.
As of September 30, 1999, Acadia had total mortgage debt of $308.6
million of which $249.5 million was fixed-rate and $59.1 million was variable
rate based upon either LIBOR or the lender's commercial paper rate plus certain
spreads. Our mortgage indebtedness is generally nonrecourse to us. However, even
with respect to nonrecourse mortgage indebtedness, we could be obligated to pay
our lenders deficiencies resulting from, among other things, fraud,
misapplication of funds and environmental liabilities.
A downturn in the economy could make it difficult for us to borrow
money on favorable terms. If we are unable to borrow, we might need to sell some
of our assets at unfavorable prices in order to pay our loans. We could
encounter several problems, including:
o insufficient cash flow necessary to meet required payments of
principal and interest;
o an increase on variable interest rates on indebtedness; and
o the inability to refinance existing indebtedness on favorable
terms or at all.
Increase in market interest rates could have an adverse effect on the price of
our common shares.
One of the factors that may influence the prices for the common shares
in public trading markets will be the annual yield from our distributions on the
common shares as compared to yields on certain financial instruments. An
increase in market interest rates will result in higher yields on certain
financial instruments, which could adversely affect the market prices for our
common shares.
We may suffer an uninsured loss.
We maintain comprehensive liability, fire, flood (where appropriate),
extended coverage, and rental loss insurance with respect our properties with
policy specifications, limits, and deductibles customarily carried for similar
properties. Certain types of losses, however, may be either uninsurable or not
economically insurable, such as losses due to earthquakes, riots or acts of war.
Should an uninsured loss occur, we could lose both our investments in, and
anticipated cash flow from, a property.
The loss of a key executive officer could have an adverse effect on the company.
909738.9
8
Although we have entered into employment agreements with our Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, Ross Dworman and our President, Kenneth F.
Bernstein, the loss of any of their services could have an adverse effect on our
operations.
Risk factors relating to our business as a REIT:
As a real estate company, our ability to generate revenues and pay distributions
to our shareholders is affected by the risks inherent in owning real property
investments.
We derive most of our revenue from investments in real property. Real
property investments are subject to different types and degrees of risk that may
reduce the value of our assets and our ability to generate revenues. The factors
that may reduce our revenues, net income and cash available for distributions to
shareholders include the following:
o local conditions, such as an oversupply of space or a reduction
in demand for real estate in an area;
o competition from other available space;
o the ability of the owner to provide adequate maintenance;
o insurance and variable operating costs;
o government regulations;
o changes in interest rate levels;
o the availability of financing;
o potential liability due to changes in environmental and other
laws; and
o changes in the general economic climate.
We may not be able to sell our assets if we need to do so.
Real estate investments are relatively illiquid, and therefore we may
not be able to sell one or more of our properties in order to respond promptly
to changes in economic or other conditions. In addition, the Internal Revenue
Code limits a REIT's ability to sell properties held for fewer than four years.
Our inability to sell one or more of our properties could harm our performance
and ultimately our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.
We could have financial problems as a result of our tenants' financial
difficulty.
Our commercial and residential tenants may, from time to time,
experience downturns in their businesses/personal finances which may result in
their failure to make their rental payments to us when due. Missed rental
payments, in the aggregate, could impair our funds from operations and,
subsequently, our ability to make distributions to our shareholders. In
addition, at any time, our tenants may seek the protection of the bankruptcy
laws and have their leases either rejected or terminated. Our tenants' failure
to affirm their leases following bankruptcy could similarly impair our funds
from operations and ability to make distributions.
Our acquisition and development of real estate could cost more than we
anticipate.
We may acquire existing retail and multi-family housing properties to
the extent we can acquire these properties on acceptable terms. We could incur
higher than anticipated costs for improvements to these properties
909738.9
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to conform them to standards established for the intended market position. Once
improved, the properties may not perform as expected.
We also intend to pursue retail and multi-family housing development
projects. Developing properties generally carries more risk than acquiring
existing properties. For example, development projects usually require
governmental and other approvals, which we may not be able to obtain.
Furthermore, approvals frequently require the improvement of public
infrastructure or other activities to mitigate the effects of the proposed
development, which may cost more than we anticipate. Our development activities
will also entail other risks, including:
o that we will devote financial and management resources to
projects which may not come to fruition;
o that we will not complete a development project as scheduled;
o that we will incur higher construction costs than anticipated;
o that occupancy rates and rents at a completed project will be
less than anticipated; and
o that expenses at a completed development will be higher than
anticipated.
These risks may harm our results of operations and impair our ability to make
distributions to our shareholders.
Integrating the aforementioned acquisition and development properties
into our current systems and procedures presents a challenge to our management.
Failure to do so could cause us financial harm and impair our ability to make
distributions to our shareholders.
We could incur unanticipated expenses if we fail to qualify as a REIT.
We have elected to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code.
We believe that since 1993 we have satisfied the REIT qualification
requirements. However, the IRS could challenge our REIT qualification for
taxable years still subject to audit. Moreover, we may fail to qualify as a REIT
in future years. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly
technical and complex Internal Revenue Code provisions for which there are only
limited judicial or administrative interpretations. For example, in order to
qualify as a REIT, we must derive at least 95% of our gross income in any year
from qualifying sources, and we must distribute annually to shareholders 95% of
our REIT taxable income, excluding net capital gains. In addition, REIT
qualification involves the determination of factual matters and circumstances
not entirely within our control.
If we were to operate in a manner that prevented us from qualifying as
a REIT, or if we were to fail to qualify for any reason, a number of adverse
consequences would result. If in any taxable year we fail to qualify as a REIT,
we would not be allowed to deduct distributions to shareholders in computing our
taxable income. Furthermore, we would be subject to federal income tax on our
taxable income at regular corporate rates. Unless entitled to statutory relief,
we would also be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable
years following the year during which qualification was lost. As a result, the
funds available for distribution to our shareholders would be reduced for each
of the years involved. Although we currently intend to operate as a qualified
REIT, future economic, market, legal, tax or other considerations may impair our
REIT qualification or may cause our board of trustees to revoke the REIT
election. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations" (p.17).
We could incur costs from environmental problems even though we did not cause,
contribute to or know about them.
Because we own, operate, manage and develop real estate, for liability
purposes we may be considered under the law to be an owner or operator of those
properties or as having arranged for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or
toxic substances. As a result, we could have to pay removal or remediation
costs. Federal, state and local laws often impose liability regardless of
whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of
909738.9
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the hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of those substances, or the
failure to properly remediate them, may impair the owner's or operator's ability
to sell or rent the property or to borrow using the property as collateral. A
person who arranges for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic
substances may also be liable for the costs of removing or remediating the
substances at a disposal or treatment facility, whether or not that person owns
or operates the facility. Furthermore, environmental laws impose liability for
release of asbestos-containing materials into the air. If we were ever held
responsible for releasing asbestos-containing materials, third parties could
seek recovery from us for personal injuries. Thus, we might have to pay other
costs, including governmental fines and costs related to personal injuries and
property damage, resulting from the environmental condition of our properties,
regardless of whether we actually had knowledge of or contributed to those
conditions.
Rent control/stabilization legislation may reduce the rental income we receive
from residential properties.
While none of our five residential properties are located in
jurisdictions which have adopted rent control/stabilization legislation, such
legislation may be enacted in these jurisdictions in the future. Similarly, we
may purchase additional properties in jurisdictions where such legislation is
already in place. In either event, our income from residential leases could be
reduced, as could our ability to recover increases in operating expenses and the
costs of capital improvements.
Laws benefitting disabled persons may result in unanticipated expenses.
A number of Federal, state and local laws ensure that disabled persons
have reasonable access to public buildings. For example, the Fair Housing
Amendments Act of 1988 (the "FHAA") requires that apartment properties first
occupied after March 13, 1990, be accessible to the handicapped. Noncompliance
with the FHAA could result in an imposition of fines, an award of damages to
private litigants, and/or an order to correct any non-complying feature (which
could result in substantial capital expenditures). Although we believe that our
properties are substantially in compliance with laws such as the FHAA, we may
incur unanticipated expenses associated with such laws.
909738.9
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OUR COMPANY
Our company (formerly known as Mark Centers Trust) is a fully
integrated and self-managed REIT focused primarily on the ownership,
acquisition, redevelopment and management of neighborhood and community shopping
centers and multi-family properties. All of our assets are held by, and all of
our operations are conducted through, the operating partnership (formerly known
as Mark Centers Limited Partnership) and its majority owned partnerships. As of
September 30, 1999, our company owned a 71% interest in the operating
partnership and the Selling Shareholders owned the remaining 29% in the form of
OP Units, which are exchangeable on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment
for certain events) for common shares. Our company will at all times be the sole
general partner of the operating partnership.
Our principal offices are located at 20 Soundview Marketplace, New York
11050, and our telephone number is (516) 767-8830.
DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON SHARES
The following description of our common shares does not purport to be
complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our declaration of
trust and bylaws, each as amended and restated, copies of which are exhibits to
the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See "Where you
can find more information" (p.5).
General
Under our declaration of trust, we have authority to issue 100,000,000
common shares, par value $0.001 per share. All common shares, when issued, are
duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. This means that the full price
for the shares has been paid at the time of issuance and consequently that any
holder of such shares will not later be required to pay us any additional money
for the same. As of September 30, 1999, 26,044,615 common shares were issued and
outstanding, as were 10,484,143 common OP Units which are convertible into the
same number of common shares. In addition, 2,212 convertible preferred OP Units
were issued at a price of $1,000 per Unit to certain Selling Shareholders on
November 18, 1999. These preferred OP Units, which are convertible into common
OP Units at a conversion price of $7.50 per common Unit, have a distribution
preference and entitle the holder to a 9.0% dividend yield. Any OP Units which
result from the conversion of such preferred OP Units are subject to a 12-month
lock-up period ending November 16, 2000, during which time they cannot be
converted into common shares.
Distributions
Common shareholders may receive distributions out of assets that we can
legally use to pay distributions, when and if they are authorized and declared
by our board of trustees. Each common shareholder shares in the same proportion
as other common shareholders out of the assets that we can legally use to pay
distributions after we pay or make adequate provision for all of our known debts
and liabilities in the event we are liquidated, dissolved or our affairs are
would up.
Voting Rights
Holders of common shares have the power to vote on all matters
presented to our shareholders, including the election of trustees, except as
otherwise provided by Maryland law. Our declaration of trust prohibits us from
merging or selling all or substantially all of our assets without the approval
of a two-thirds of the outstanding shares that are entitled to vote on such
matters. Holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share.
909738.9
12
There is no cumulative voting in the election of our trustees, which
means that holders of more than 50% of the common shares voting for the election
of trustees can elect all of the trustees if they choose to do so and the
holders of the remaining shares cannot elect any trustees.
Other Rights
All common shares have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights,
and have no preference, appraisal or exchange rights, except for any appraisal
rights provided by Maryland Law. Holders of our common shares have no
conversion, sinking fund or redemption rights, or preemptive rights to subscribe
for any of our securities.
Restrictions on Transfer
To qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, we must
satisfy certain ownership requirements. Specifically, not more than 50% in value
of our outstanding common shares may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five
or fewer individuals (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include
certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year, and the common shares
must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a
taxable year of twelve months or during a proportionate part of a shorter
taxable year. We must also satisfy certain income requirements to maintain our
REIT status. One such requirement is that at least 75% of our company's gross
income for each calendar year must consist of rents from real property and
income from certain other real property investments. This is complicated by the
fact that the rents received by the operating partnership will not qualify as
rents from real property if we own, actually or constructively, 10% or more of
the ownership interests in our lessees, within the meaning of section
856(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. See "Federal
Income Tax Considerations--Requirements for Qualification--Income Tests" (p.19).
Because our board of trustees believes it is essential for us to
continue to qualify as a REIT, our declaration of trust contains provisions
aimed at satisfying the requirements described above. In regard to the ownership
requirements, the declaration of trust provides that subject to certain
exceptions, no person may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, more than 4% of our outstanding
common shares. The Trustees may waive this 4% limitation if evidence
satisfactory to them or our tax counsel is presented that such ownership will
not jeopardize our status as a REIT. As a condition of such waiver, the Trustees
may require opinions of counsel satisfactory to them and/or an undertaking from
the applicant with respect to preserving our REIT status.
The trustees of Mark Centers Trust waived the 4% ownership limitation
in August, 1998 when certain affiliates of RD Capital, Inc. received shares in
consideration of their contribution to Mark Center Limited Partnership. On two
subsequent occasions, our trustees permitted investors owing in excess of 4% of
the trust's outstanding shares to acquire additional shares through open market
purchases transacted during specified three-month windows.
In addition, our declaration of trust provides that any purported
transfer or issuance of shares or securities transferable into shares which
would (i) violate the 4% limitation described above, (ii) result in shares being
owned by fewer than 100 persons for purposes of the REIT provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, (iii) result in Acadia being "closely held" with
the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or (iv)
otherwise jeopardize our REIT status under the Internal Revenue Code (including
a transfer which would cause Acadia to own, actually or constructively, 9.8% or
more of the ownership interests in one of our lessees) will be null and void ab
initio (from the beginning). Moreover, common shares transferred, or proposed to
be transferred, in contravention of the above will be subject to purchase by the
Acadia at a price equal to the lesser of (i) the price stipulated in the
challenged transaction and (ii) the fair market value of such shares (determined
in accordance with the rules set forth in our declaration of trust).
All certificates representing the common shares bear a legend referring
to the restrictions described above.
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The ownership limitations described above could have the effect of
delaying, deferring or preventing a takeover or other transaction in which
holders of some, or a majority, of common shares might receive a premium for
their shares over the then prevailing market price or which such holders might
believe to be otherwise in their best interest.
Registration Rights
The Selling Shareholders and certain other holders of OP Units entered
into Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreements with Acadia whereby the Selling
Shareholders and OP Unit holders agreed not to sell or otherwise transfer their
common shares and Units during a specified lockup period in exchange for certain
registration rights. We are filing the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part pursuant to the such agreements.
The Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreements provide that we will
indemnify and hold harmless the Selling Shareholders against losses, claims,
damages, or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) to which such
individuals may become subject under Federal and state securities laws which
arise out of (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact contained in a registration statement (or any amendment or supplement
thereto) pursuant to which their common shares were registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (ii) the omission or alleged omission from a
registration statement of a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (iii) any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any
prospectus, or (iv) the omission or alleged omission from a registration
statement of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein,
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
The Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreements also provide that we will
reimburse certain of the Selling Shareholders (and the officers, directors or
controlling persons of those Selling Shareholders) for any legal or any other
expenses reasonably incurred by such individuals in connection with
investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.
However, the indemnity discussed above does not apply to a Selling
Shareholder if the loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of (i) any untrue
statement or omission made by Acadia in a registration statement, preliminary
prospectus or prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance
upon, and in conformity with, written information furnished to Acadia by a
Selling Shareholder specifically for use in, or the preparation of, such
registration statement, preliminary prospectus or prospectus (or any amendment
or supplement thereto), or (ii) such Selling Shareholder's failure to deliver an
amended or supplemental prospectus, after having been provided copies of any
such amended or supplemental prospectus by Acadia, if such loss, liability,
claim, damage or expense would not have arisen had such delivery occurred.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common shares is American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company with has an address at 40 Wall Street, New York,
NY 10005.
Declaration of Trust and Bylaw Provisions and Certain Provisions of Maryland Law
Number of Trustees; Election of Trustees, Removal of Trustees, the
Filling of Vacancies. Our declaration of trust provides that the board of
trustees will consist of not less than two nor more than fifteen persons, and
that the number of trustees will be set by the trustees then in office. Our
board currently consists of six trustees, each of whom serves until the next
annual meeting of shareholders and until his successor is duly elected and
qualified. Election of each trustee requires the approval of a plurality of the
votes cast by the holders of common shares in person or by proxy at our annual
meeting. The board of trustees does not have a nominating committee. Our bylaws
provide that the shareholders may, at any time, remove any trustee, with or
without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled
to be cast on the matter and may elect a successor to fill any resulting vacancy
for the balance of the term of the removed trustee. Any vacancy (including a
vacancy created by an increase in the number of trustees) will be filled, at any
regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by a majority
of the trustees.
909738.9
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Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Trustees and Officers.
Our bylaws and declaration of trust authorize our company, to the extent
permitted under Maryland law, to indemnify its trustees and officers in their
capacity as such. Section 8-301(15) of the Maryland General Corporation Law
("MGCL") permits a Maryland REIT to indemnify or advance expenses to trustees
and officers to the same extent as is permitted for directors and officers of a
Maryland corporation under the MGCL The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation
(unless its charter provides otherwise, which our declaration of trust does not)
to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or
otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he is made a party by
reason of his service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation
to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others,
against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be
made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it
is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was
material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in
bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the
director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money,
property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director
or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was
unlawful. However, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse
judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of
liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received, unless
in either case a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. In
addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a
director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of a written affirmation by
the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met
the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and a
written undertaking by such director or officer on his or her behalf to repay
the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it shall ultimately be
determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
Our bylaws also permit the company, subject the approval of our board
of trustees, to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served as a
predecessor of the company in any of the capacities described above and to any
employee or agent of the company or a predecessor of the company.
In addition to the above, our company has purchased and maintains
insurance on behalf of all of its trustees and executive officers against
liability asserted against or incurred by them in their official capacities with
the company, whether or not the company is required or has the power to
indemnify them against the same liability.
Business Combinations. Section 8-301(14) of the MGCL permits a Maryland
REIT to enter to a business combination (including a merger, consolidation,
share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or
reclassification of equity securities) on the same terms as a Maryland
corporation under the MGCL. Under the MGCL, certain business combinations
between a Maryland corporation and any person who beneficially owns 10% or more
of the voting power of such corporation's shares, or an affiliate of such
corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in
question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the
then-outstanding voting shares of such corporation (an "Interested Stockholder")
or an affiliate thereof, are prohibited for five years after the most recent
date on which the Interested Stockholder becomes an Interested Stockholder.
Thereafter, any such business combination must be recommended by the board of
directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least
(a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of
voting stock of such corporation and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be
cast by holders of shares of voting stock of such corporation other than the
shares held by the Interested Stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate)
the business combination is to be affected, unless, among other conditions, the
corporation's common shareholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the
MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same
form as previously paid by the Interested Stockholder for its shares.
Control Share Acquisitions. The MGCL provides that "control shares" of
a Maryland corporation acquired in a "control share acquisition" have no voting
rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the votes
entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares owned by the acquirer, by
officers or by directors who are employees of the corporation. "Control Shares"
are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares of
stock previously acquired by the acquirer, or in respect of which the acquirer
is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by
virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise
909738.9
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voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting
power: (i) one-fifth or more but less than one-third, (ii) one-third or more but
less than a majority, or (iii) a majority or more of all voting power. Control
Shares do not include shares which the acquiring person is then entitled to vote
as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A "control share
acquisition" means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain
exceptions.
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition,
upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay
expenses), may compel the board of directors of the corporation to call a
special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider
the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the
corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring
person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the
statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation
may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting
rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard
to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the
last control share acquisition by the acquirer or of any meeting of stockholders
at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved. If
voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the
acquirer becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all
other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares
as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the
highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition,
and certain limitations and restrictions otherwise applicable to the exercise of
dissenters' rights do not apply in the context of a control share acquisition.
The foregoing does not apply to shares acquired in a merger,
consolidation or share exchange, if the corporation is a party to the
transaction, or to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of
the corporation. Pursuant to the MGCL, the company has exempted control share
acquisitions involving trustees and employees of the company and any person
approved by the trustees of the company in their sole discretion.
Amendments to Our Declaration of Trust. In general, the declaration of
trust may be amended by the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders
of not less than a majority of the common shares then outstanding and entitled
to vote thereon. However, amendments with respect to certain provisions relating
to the ownership requirements, reorganizations and certain mergers or
consolidations or the sale of substantially all of the company's assets, which
amendments require the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of not
less than two-thirds of the common shares then outstanding and entitled to vote
thereon. The Trustees of our company, by a two-thirds vote, may amend the
provisions of the declaration of trust from time to time to effect any change
deemed necessary by the Trustees to allow Acadia to qualify and continue to
qualify as a REIT
Dissolution of Our Company or its REIT Status. The declaration of trust
permits the termination and the discontinuation of our operations by the
affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders called for that purpose. In
addition, the declaration of trust permits the Trustees to terminate our REIT
status at any time.
Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of the
Declaration of Trust. The limitation on ownership of common shares set forth in
our declaration of trust, as well as the provisions of the MGCL dealing with
business combinations and control share acquisitions could have the effect of
discouraging offers to acquire Acadia or of hampering the consummation of a
contemplated acquisition.
909738.9
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USE OF PROCEEDS
We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common shares by
Selling Shareholders.
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Martin L. Edelman, a trustee of the company, is counsel to the law firm
of Battle Fowler LLP. Battle Fowler LLP is rendering an opinion as to certain
tax matters in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of material federal income tax matters
relating to the operations of our company that may be relevant to prospective
Acadia shareholders. It is based upon current law and is not tax advice. This
discussion does not address all aspects of taxation that may be relevant to
particular shareholders in light of their personal investment or tax
circumstances, or to certain types of shareholders (including, without
limitation, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial
institutions, broker-dealers, foreign corporations and persons who are not
citizens or residents of the United States) subject to special treatment under
the federal income tax laws, nor does it give a detailed discussion of any
state, local or foreign tax considerations. In the opinion of our tax counsel,
the following discussion accurately reflects the federal income tax
considerations relating to the operations of the company that are likely to be
material to an Acadia shareholder.
EACH PROSPECTIVE SHAREHOLDER OF THE COMPANY IS ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT
ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE SPECIFIC TAX CONSEQUENCES TO IT OF THE
PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND SALE OF THE COMPANY'S COMMON SHARES AND OF THE COMPANY'S
ELECTION TO BE TAXED AS A REIT, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP, SALE AND ELECTION AND OF
POTENTIAL CHANGES IN APPLICABLE TAX LAWS.
General. We made an election to be taxed as a REIT for federal income
tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 1993. We
believe the company is organized and operates in such a manner as to qualify for
taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. We intend to
continue to operate in such a manner. However, no assurance can be given that we
will operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified.
The requirements relating to the federal income tax treatment of REITs
and their shareholders are highly technical and complex. The following
discussion sets forth only the material aspects of those requirements. This
summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions and
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial
interpretations thereof.
Opinion of Our Tax Counsel. In the opinion of our tax counsel,
commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 1999, we have been organized
and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a
REIT within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and our proposed
method of operation of the company will enable Acadia to continue to meet the
requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986. It must be emphasized that the opinion of our tax counsel is based
on various assumptions and is conditioned upon certain representations made by
the company and others as to factual matters. Moreover, such qualification and
taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet, through actual annual
operating results, the distribution levels, diversity of share ownership and the
various other qualification tests imposed under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 that are discussed below, the results of which have not been and will not
be reviewed by our tax counsel. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the
actual results of the company's operations for any one taxable year will satisfy
such requirements.
909738.9
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Taxation of Our Company. As long as we qualify to be taxed as a REIT,
we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on that
portion of its ordinary income or capital gain that is distributed currently to
shareholders. This is because the REIT provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 generally allow a REIT to deduct dividends paid to its shareholders.
This deduction for dividends paid to shareholders substantially eliminates the
federal "double taxation" on earnings (once at the corporate level and once
again at the shareholder level) that generally results from investment in a
corporation.
Even if we qualify to be taxed as a REIT, we may be subject to federal
income tax in the following circumstances. First, a REIT will be taxed at
regular corporate rates on any undistributed REIT taxable income and
undistributed net capital gains. Second, under certain circumstances, a REIT may
be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" on its items of tax preference, if
any. Third, if a REIT has (i) net income from the sale or other disposition of
"foreclosure property" (generally, property acquired by reason of a default on a
lease or an indebtedness held by a REIT) that is held primarily for sale to
customers in the ordinary course of business or (ii) other non- qualifying net
income from foreclosure property, it will be subject to tax at the highest
corporate rate on such income. Fourth, if a REIT has net income from a
"prohibited transaction" (generally, a sale or other disposition of property
held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, other
than foreclosure property), such income will be subject to a 100% tax. Fifth, if
a REIT should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income
test (as discussed below), and has nonetheless maintained its qualification as a
REIT because certain other requirements have been met, it will be subject to a
100% tax on the net income attributable to the greater of the amount by which
the REIT fails the 75% or 95% test, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect
the REIT's profitability. Sixth, if a REIT should fail to distribute with
respect to each calendar year at least the sum of (i) 85% of its REIT ordinary
income for such year, (ii) 95% of its REIT capital gain net income for such
year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, the REIT
will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution
over the amounts actually distributed. Seventh, if a REIT acquires any asset
from a C corporation (i.e., a corporation generally subject to a full
corporate-level tax) in a transaction in which the basis of the asset in the
REIT's hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset (or any other
property) in the hands of the C corporation and the REIT recognizes gain on the
disposition of such asset during the ten-year period beginning on the date on
which such asset was acquired by the REIT, then the excess of the fair market
value of such property at the beginning of the applicable ten-year period over
the REIT's adjusted basis in such asset as of the beginning of such ten-year
period, or built in gain, will generally be subject to a tax at the highest
regular corporate rate.
Requirements for Qualification. To qualify as a REIT under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, an enterprise must elect to be so treated and must meet
the requirements, discussed below, relating to its organization, sources of
income, nature of assets, and distributions of income to shareholders.
Organizational Requirements. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 defines
a REIT as a corporation, trust or association: (i) that is managed by one or
more trustees or directors; (ii) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced
by transferable shares or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;
(iii) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for the REIT
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (iv) that is neither a
financial institution nor an insurance company subject to certain provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (v) the beneficial ownership of which is held
by 100 or more persons; and (vi) during the last half of each taxable year not
more than 50% in value of the outstanding shares owned, directly or indirectly
through the application of certain attribution rules, by five or fewer
individuals (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include certain
entities). In addition, certain other tests, described below, regarding the
nature of a REIT's income and assets, also must be satisfied. The Code provides
that conditions (i) through (iv), inclusive, must be met during the entire
taxable year and that condition (v) must be met during at least 335 days of a
taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of
less than 12 months. Conditions (v) and (vi) will not apply until after the
first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT.
For taxable years beginning after 1997, if a REIT complies with
Treasury Regulations that provide procedures for ascertaining the actual
ownership of its shares for such taxable year and the REIT did not know (and
with the exercise of reasonable diligence could not have known) that it failed
to meet the requirement of condition
909738.9
18
(vi) above for such taxable year, the REIT will be treated as having met the
requirement of condition (vi) for such year.
We have satisfied the requirements set forth in (i) through (iv) above
and believe that we have sufficient diversity of share ownership to allow it to
satisfy conditions (v) and (vi) above. Our declaration of trust includes certain
restrictions regarding transfers of common shares that are intended to assist
the company in satisfying the share ownership requirements described in (v) and
(vi) above. See "Description of our Common Shares--Restrictions on Transfer"
(p.13).
In addition, an enterprise may not elect to become a REIT unless its
taxable year is the calendar year. Acadia's taxable year is the calendar year.
In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, such REIT
will be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership
and will be deemed to be entitled to the income of the partnership attributable
to such share. In addition, the character of the assets and gross income of the
partnership will retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes
of the REIT requirements, including satisfying the income and asset tests
described herein. Thus, Acadia's proportionate share of the assets, liabilities
and items of income of the operating partnership, and of our subsidiary
partnerships, limited liability companies, joint ventures and business trusts in
which the company or the operating partnership have and will have an interest
are and will be treated as assets, liabilities and items of income of Acadia for
purposes of applying the requirements described herein, provided that the
operating partnership and our subsidiary partnerships are treated as
partnerships for federal income tax purposes. See "--Income Taxation of the
operating partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships and Their Partners" (p.24).
Income Tests. In order for us to maintain qualification as a REIT, we
must satisfy two gross income tests annually. First, at least 75% of our gross
income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable
year must be derived directly or indirectly from investments relating to real
property or mortgages on real property (including "rents from real property,"
dividends from qualified REITs and, in certain circumstances, interest) or from
"qualified temporary investment income" (generally, income attributable to the
temporary investment of new capital received by the REIT). Second, at least 95%
of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for
each taxable year must be derived from such real property investments and from
dividends, interest, and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or
securities or from any combination of the foregoing. In addition, for taxable
years prior to 1998, short-term gain from the sale or other disposition of stock
or securities, gain from prohibited transactions and gain on the sale or other
disposition of real property held for less than four years (apart from
involuntary conversions and sales of foreclosure property) must have represented
less than 30% of the gross income of our predecessor (including gross income
from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year.
Substantially all of our income is expected to be rental income from
rents. In order for such income to qualify as "rents from real property" for
purposes of satisfying the 75% and 95% gross income tests, we must satisfy
several conditions. First, the amount of rent must not be based in whole or in
part on the income or profits of any person, although rents generally will
qualify as rents from real property if they are based on a fixed percentage of
receipts or sales. Second, rents received from a tenant will not qualify as
"rents from real property" if the company, or an owner of 10% or more of the
company, directly or constructively, owns 10% or more of such tenant (a "Related
Party Tenant"). Third, if rent attributable to personal property leased in
connection with a lease of real property is greater than 15% of the total rent
received under the lease, the portion of rent attributable to such personal
property will not qualify as "rents from real property." Finally we generally
must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to the
tenants of such property, other than through an "independent contractor" from
whom we derive no income. However, the "independent contractor" requirement does
not apply to the extent the services rendered by us are customarily furnished or
rendered in connection with the rental of the real property in the geographic
area in which the property is located. Based on our experience we believe that
all services provided to tenants by us will be considered "usually or
customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of retail and multi- family
space, although there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend
otherwise.
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We believe that our real estate investments, which include an allocable
share of income from the operating partnership, will give rise to income,
substantially all of which will qualify as "rents from real property" for
purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We will not (i) charge rent for
any property that is based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any
person (other than being based on a percentage of receipts of sales); (ii)
receive rents in excess of a de minimis amount from Related Party Tenants; (iii)
derive more than a de minimus amount of rents attributable to personal property
which constitute greater than 15% of the total rents received under the lease;
or (iv) perform non-customary services considered to be rendered to the occupant
of property, other than through an independent contractor from whom we derive no
income.
We may receive fees in exchange for the performance of certain
management activities for third parties with respect to properties in which we
do not own an interest. Such fees will result in nonqualifying income under the
95% and 75% gross income tests. If the sum of the income realized by us (whether
directly or through our interest in the operating partnership or our subsidiary
partnerships) which does not satisfy the requirements of the 95% gross income
test (collectively, "Non-Qualifying Income") exceeds 5% of our gross income for
any taxable year, our status as a REIT would be jeopardized. We have represented
that the amount of Non-Qualifying Income in any taxable year, including such
fees, will not exceed 5% of our annual gross income for any taxable year.
If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests
for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for such year if we
are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986. These relief provisions generally will be available if (i) the failure to
meet such tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, (ii)
a schedule of the sources of qualifying income is attached to the federal income
tax return of the company for such taxable year, and (iii) any incorrect
information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is
not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be
entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. As discussed above in
"--Taxation of our company," even if these relief provisions apply, a tax would
be imposed with respect to the excess net income. No similar relief provision
would apply if the 30% income test had been failed for a taxable year prior to
1998 and, in such case, Acadia would cease to qualify as a REIT. See"--Failure
to Qualify" (p.21).
Asset Tests. In order for us to qualify as a REIT, at the close of each
quarter of its taxable year we must also satisfy three tests relating to the
nature of the our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of its total assets
must be represented by real estate assets (which for this purpose include (i)
our allocable share of real estate assets held by partnerships in which the
company or a "qualified REIT subsidiary" owns an interest, (ii) stock or debt
instruments purchased with the proceeds of a share offering or a long-term (at
least five years) debt offering and held for not more than one year from the
date the company receives such proceeds, and (iii) shares in qualified REITs and
cash, cash items and government securities. Second, not more than 25% of our
total assets may be represented by securities other than those in the 75% asset
class. Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, the value of
any one issuer's securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets,
and the company may not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding voting
securities (excluding securities of a qualified REIT subsidiary or another
REIT).
We anticipate that we will be able to comply with these asset tests.
Acadia is currently deemed to, and will continue to be deemed to, hold directly
its proportionate share of all real estate and other assets of the operating
partnership and our subsidiary partnerships, and it should be considered to hold
its proportionate share of all assets deemed owned by those partnerships through
the partnerships' ownership of partnership interests in other partnerships. As a
result, the company intends to hold more than 75% of its assets as real estate
assets. In addition, we do not plan to hold any securities representing more
than 10% of any one issuer's voting securities, other than any qualified REIT
subsidiary, nor securities of any one issuer exceeding 5% of the value of our
gross assets.
After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we
will not lose our REIT status for failing to satisfy the asset tests at the end
of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If the failure
to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other
property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient
nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We intend
to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance
with the asset tests and will take such other
909738.9
20
action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure
any noncompliance. However, there can be no assurance that such other action
always will be successful.
Annual Distribution Requirements. In order to be taxed as a REIT, we
will be required to meet certain annual distribution requirements. We will have
to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to our shareholders
in an amount at least equal to (1) the sum of (a) 95% of our "REIT taxable
income" (computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and the
company's net capital gain) and (b) 95% of the net income, if any, from
foreclosure property in excess of the special tax on income from foreclosure
property, minus (2) the sum of certain items of noncash income. Such
distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the
following taxable year if declared before the company timely files its tax
return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment
after such declaration.
To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or
distribute at least 95% (but less than 100%) of our REIT taxable income, as
adjusted, we will be subject to tax on the undistributed portion, at regular
ordinary and capital gains corporate tax rates. Furthermore, if we fail to
distribute for each calendar year at least the sum of (a) 85% of our REIT
ordinary income for such year, (b) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for
such year, and (c) any undistributed ordinary income and capital gain net income
from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such
required distribution over the amounts actually distributed. We intend to make
timely distributions sufficient to satisfy this annual distribution requirement.
We expect that our taxable income typically will be less than our cash
flow, due to the allowance of depreciation and other noncash charges in
computing our taxable income. Accordingly, we anticipate that we generally will
have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable it to satisfy the 95%
distribution requirement.
It is possible that from time to time we may not have sufficient cash
or other liquid assets to meet the 95% distribution requirement due to timing
differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of
deductible expenses and the inclusion of such income and deduction of such
expenses in arriving at our taxable income if the amount of nondeductible
expenses such as principal amortization or capital expenditures exceeds the
amount of noncash deductions. In the event that such situation occurs, in order
to meet the 95% distribution requirement, we may find it necessary to arrange
for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings or to pay dividends in the
form of consent dividends. If the amount of nondeductible expenses exceeds
noncash deductions, we may refinance our indebtedness to reduce principal
payments and borrow funds for capital expenditures.
Under certain circumstances in which an adjustment is made that affects
the amount that should have been distributed for a prior taxable year, we may be
able to rectify the failure to meet such distribution requirement by paying
"deficiency dividends" to shareholders in the later year, which may be included
in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able
to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends; however, we
will be required to pay interest based upon the amount of any deduction taken
for deficiency dividends.
Failure to Qualify. If Acadia fails to qualify for taxation as a REIT
in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, we would be subject
to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income
at regular corporate rates. Distributions to shareholders in any year in which
we fail to qualify will not be deductible by us nor will they be required to be
made. In such event, to the extent of current or accumulated earnings and
profits, all distributions to shareholders will be taxable as ordinary income,
and subject to certain limitations of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we also will be
disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the
year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether in
all circumstances we would be entitled to such statutory relief.
909738.9
21
Taxation of U.S. Shareholders of the Company. As used in this
prospectus, the term "U.S. Shareholder" means a holder of our common shares that
(for United States federal income tax purposes) (i) is a citizen or resident of
the United States, (ii) is a corporation, partnership, or other entity created
or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political
subdivision thereof, (iii) is an estate the income of which is subject to United
States federal income taxation regardless of its source or (iv) is a trust if a
United States court is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. For any taxable
year for which Acadia qualifies for taxation as a REIT, amounts distributed to
taxable U.S. Shareholders will be taxed as follows:
Distributions Generally. Distributions to U.S. Shareholders, other than
capital gain dividends discussed below, will be taxable as ordinary income to
such holders up to the amount of the company's current or accumulated earnings
and profits. Such distributions are not eligible for the dividends-received
deduction for corporations. To the extent that the Acadia makes distributions in
excess of its current or accumulated earnings and profits, such distributions
will first be treated as a tax-free return of capital, reducing the tax basis in
the U.S. Shareholders' shares, and distributions in excess of the U.S.
Shareholders' tax basis in their respective shares will be taxable as an amount
realized from the sale of such shares. Dividends declared by the company in
October, November, or December of any year payable to a shareholder of record on
a specified date in any such month will be treated as both paid by the company
and received by the shareholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the
dividend is actually paid by the company during January of the following
calendar year. Shareholders may not include on their own income tax returns any
tax losses of the company.
We will be treated as having sufficient earnings and profits to treat
as a dividend any distribution by the company up to the greater of our current
or accumulated earnings and profits. As a result, shareholders may be required
to treat certain distributions that would otherwise result in a tax-free return
of capital as taxable dividends. Moreover, any "deficiency dividend" will be
treated as a "dividend" (an ordinary dividend or a capital gain dividend, as the
case may be), regardless of the company's earnings and profits.
Capital Gain Dividends. Dividends to U.S. Shareholders that are
properly designated by us as capital gain dividends will be treated as long-term
capital gain (to the extent they do not exceed the company's actual net capital
gain) for the taxable year without regard to the period for which the
shareholder has held his shares. Shareholders, however, may be required to treat
up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Capital gain
dividends are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction for
corporations.
Individual U.S. Shareholders and U.S. Shareholders that are estates and
trusts currently are subject to federal income tax on net capital gains at
different tax rates depending upon the nature of the gain and the holding period
of the asset disposed of. Although a REIT is taxed on its undistributed net
capital gains, for taxable years beginning after 1997, a REIT may elect to
include all or a portion of such undistributed net capital gains in the income
of its shareholders. In such event, the shareholder will receive a credit or
refund for the amount of tax paid by the REIT on such undistributed net capital
gains.
Passive Activity and Loss; Investment Interest Limitations.
Distributions by us and gain from the disposition of common shares ordinarily
will not be treated as passive activity income, and therefore, U.S. Shareholders
generally will not be able to apply any "passive losses" against such income.
Dividends from the company (to the extent they do not constitute a return of
capital) generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of the
investment interest limitation. Net capital gain from the disposition of common
shares and capital gain dividends generally will be excluded from investment
income unless the taxpayer elects to have the gain taxed at ordinary rates.
Dispositions of Common Shares. A U.S. Shareholder will recognize gain
or loss on the sale or exchange of common shares to the extent of the difference
between the amount realized on such sale or exchange and the holder's tax basis
in such shares. Such gain or loss generally will constitute long-term capital
gain or loss if the holder has held such shares for more than one year and, in
the case of an individual, will be taxed at a lower rate. Losses incurred on the
sale or exchange of common shares held for six months or less (after applying
certain holding period
909738.9
22
rules), however, generally will be deemed long-term capital loss to the extent
of any long-term capital gain dividends received by the U.S. Shareholder with
respect to such shares.
Treatment of Tax-Exempt U.S. Shareholders. The Internal Revenue Service
has ruled that amounts distributed by a REIT out of its earnings and profits to
a tax-exempt pension trust did not constitute unrelated business taxable income.
Although rulings are merely interpretations of law by the Internal Revenue
Service and may be revoked or modified, based on this analysis, indebtedness
incurred by us in connection with the acquisition of an investment should not
cause any income derived from the investment to be treated as unrelated business
taxable income upon the distribution of such income as dividends to a tax-exempt
entity. A tax-exempt entity that incurs indebtedness to finance its purchase of
shares, however, will be subject to unrelated business taxable income by virtue
of the debt-financed income rules.
In addition, tax-exempt pension and certain other tax-exempt trusts
that hold more than 10% (by value) of the interests in a REIT may be required to
treat a percentage of REIT dividends as unrelated business taxable income. The
requirement applies only if (i) the qualification of the REIT depends upon the
application of a "look-through" exception to the restriction on REIT
shareholdings by five or fewer individuals, including such trusts and (ii) the
REIT is "predominantly held" by such trusts; i.e., either (A) at least one such
trust holds more than 25% (by value) of the interests in the REIT or (B) one or
more such trusts (each of whom own more than 10% by value of the interests in
the REIT) hold in the aggregate more than 50% (by value) of the interests in the
REIT. It is not anticipated that our REIT qualification will depend upon
application of the "look-through" exception or that we will be "predominantly
held" by such trusts.
Special Tax Considerations for Foreign Shareholders. The rules
governing United States federal income taxation of non-resident alien
individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships, and foreign trusts and
estates (collectively, "Non-U.S. Shareholders") are complex, and the following
discussion is intended only as a summary of such rules. Prospective Non-U.S.
Shareholders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the impact
of federal, state, and local income tax laws on an investment in the company,
including any reporting requirements, as well as the tax treatment of such an
investment under their home country laws.
In general, Non-U.S. Shareholders will be subject to United States
federal income tax with respect to their investment in the company if such
investment is "effectively connected" with the Non-U.S. Shareholder's conduct of
a trade or business in the United States. A corporate Non-U.S. Shareholder who
receives income that is (or is treated as) effectively connected with a United
States trade or business also may be subject to the branch profits tax under
section 884 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which is payable in addition to
United States corporate income tax. The following discussion applies to Non-U.S.
Shareholders whose investment in the company is not so effectively connected. We
expect to withhold United States income tax, as described below, on the gross
amount of any distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Shareholder unless (i) a lower
treaty rate applies and the required form evidencing eligibility for that
reduced rate is filed with the company, or (ii) the Non-U.S. Shareholder files
an Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 or applicable successor form with the
company, claiming that the distribution is "effectively connected" income.
A distribution by us that is not attributable to gain from the sale or
exchange by us of a United States real property interest and that is not
designated by us as a capital gain dividend will be treated as an ordinary
income dividend to the extent made out of current or accumulated earnings and
profits. Generally, an ordinary income dividend will be subject to a United
States withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution
unless such tax is reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. A
distribution of cash in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first
as a return of capital that will reduce a Non-U.S. Shareholder's basis in its
holding of our common shares (but not below zero) and then as gain from the
disposition of such shares, the tax treatment of which is described under the
rules discussed below with respect to dispositions of shares.
Distributions by us that are attributable to gain from the sale or
exchange of a United States real property interest will be taxed to a Non-U.S.
Shareholder under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980. Under
the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, such distributions are taxed to
a Non-U.S. Shareholder as
909738.9
23
if such distributions were gains "effectively connected" with a United States
trade or business. Accordingly, a Non- U.S. Shareholder will be taxed at the
normal capital gain rates applicable to a U.S. Shareholder (subject to any
applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the
case of non-resident alien individuals). Distributions subject to the Foreign
Investment in Real Property Tax Act also may be subject to a 30% branch profits
tax in the hands of a foreign corporate shareholder that is not entitled to
treaty exemption.
We are required to withhold from distributions to Non-U.S.
Shareholders, and remit to the Internal Revenue Service, (i) 35% of designated
capital gain dividends (or, if greater, 35% of the amount of any distributions
that could be designated as capital gain dividends) and (ii) 30% of ordinary
dividends paid out of earnings and profits. In addition, if we designate prior
distributions as capital gain dividends, subsequent distributions, up to the
amount of such prior distributions not withheld against, will be treated as
capital gain dividends for purposes of withholding. A distribution in excess of
the company's earnings and profits may be subject to 30% dividend withholding if
at the time of the distribution it cannot be determined whether the distribution
will be in an amount in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and
profits. Tax treaties may reduce our withholding obligations. If the amount
withheld by us with respect to a distribution to a Non-U.S. Shareholder exceeds
the shareholder's United States tax liability with respect to such distribution
(as determined under the rules described in the two preceding paragraphs), the
Non- U.S. Shareholder may file for a refund of such excess from the Internal
Revenue Service. It should be noted that the 35% withholding tax rate on capital
gain dividends currently corresponds to the maximum income tax rate applicable
to corporations, but is higher than the 20% maximum rate on capital gains of
individuals.
Unless our common shares constitute a "United States real property
interest" within the meaning of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act
or are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business, a sale of such
shares by a Non-U.S. Shareholder generally will not be subject to United States
taxation. Our common shares will not constitute a United States real property
interest if the company is a "domestically-controlled REIT." A
domestically-controlled REIT is a REIT in which at all times during a specified
testing period less than 50% in value of its shares is held directly or
indirectly by Non-U.S. Shareholders. It is currently believed that we are a
domestically-controlled REIT, and therefore that the sale of shares in our
company will not be subject to taxation under the Foreign Investment in Real
Property Tax Act. However, because the common shares are publicly traded, no
assurance can be given that the company will continue to be a
domestically-controlled REIT. Notwithstanding the foregoing, capital gain not
subject to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act will be taxable to a
Non-U.S. Shareholder if the Non-U.S. Shareholder is a nonresident alien
individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the
taxable year and certain other conditions apply, in which case the nonresident
alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on such individual's capital
gains. If our company did not constitute a domestically- controlled REIT,
whether a Non-U.S. Shareholder's, sale of common shares would be subject to tax
under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act as a sale of a United
States real property interest would depend on whether the shares were "regularly
traded" (as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations) on an established
securities market (e.g., the NYSE) and on the size of the Selling Shareholder's
interest in the company. If the gain on the sale of the company's shares were
subject to taxation under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, the
Non-U.S. Shareholder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S.
Shareholder with respect to such gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum
tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien
individuals). In any event, a purchaser of common shares from a Non-U.S.
Shareholder will not be required under the Foreign Investment in Real Property
Tax Act to withhold on the purchase price if the purchased common shares are
"regularly traded" on an established securities market or if our company is a
domestically-controlled REIT. Otherwise, under the Foreign Investment in Real
Property Tax Act the purchaser of our common shares may be required to withhold
10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the Internal Revenue Service.
Income Taxation of the Operating Partnership, our Subsidiary
Partnerships and Their Partners. The following discussion summarizes certain
federal income tax considerations applicable to our investment in the operating
partnership and the indirect interest of our company in our subsidiary
partnerships.
Classification of the Operating Partnership and Our Subsidiary
Partnerships. We will be entitled to include in our income our distributive
share of the income and to deduct our distributive share of the losses of the
operating partnership (including the operating partnership's share of the income
or losses of our subsidiary partnerships) only
909738.9
24
if the operating partnership (or our subsidiary partnerships) is classified for
federal income tax purposes as partnerships or, in the case of certain of our
subsidiary partnerships that are single-member limited liability companies, are
disregarded as an entity separate from such member, rather than as associations
taxable as corporations. With certain exceptions, an unincorporated domestic
organization formed on or after January 1, 1997 that has two or more members
will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes absent an
election by such organization to be treated as an association taxable as a
corporation. Such an organization formed prior to January 1, 1997 was treated as
a partnership for federal income tax purposes rather than as a corporation for
periods prior to January 1, 1997 only if it had no more than two of the four
corporate characteristics that the Treasury Regulations applicable to such
organizations used to distinguish a partnership from a corporation for tax
purposes. These four characteristics were continuity of life, centralization of
management, limited liability, and free transferability of interests. Unless
such organization elects otherwise, the classification claimed by the
organization prior to January 1, 1997 will continue for periods on or after
January 1, 1997, and such classification will be respected for all prior periods
if the organization had a reasonable basis for such classification, the
organization and all members of the organization recognized the federal tax
consequences of any change in the organization's classification within the 60
months prior to January 1, 1997, and neither the organization nor any member was
notified in writing on or before May 8, 1996 that the classification of the
organization was under examination.
We expect that the operating partnership and all of our subsidiary
partnerships formed on and after January 1, 1997 either will have two or more
members at all times or, in the case of certain of our subsidiary partnerships,
will have a single member, and that none of those organizations will elect to be
treated as an association for federal income tax purposes. In addition, our
subsidiary partnerships in existence prior to January 1, 1997 and owned,
directly or indirectly, by the company and its predecessor claimed to be
partnerships for all periods prior to January 1, 1997 and were not notified in
writing on or before May 8, 1996 that such classification was under examination.
In the opinion of our tax counsel, which is based on the provisions of the
partnership agreement of the operating partnership and on certain factual
assumptions and representations, the operating partnership and our subsidiary
partnerships have been, continue to be and will be, treated as partnerships for
federal income tax purposes or, in the case of those subsidiary partnerships
that are single-member limited liability companies, will be disregarded as an
entity separate from such member. However, neither the operating partnership nor
any of our subsidiary partnerships have requested, nor do they intend to
request, a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that they will be treated as
partnerships or disregarded, as applicable, for federal income tax purposes. Our
tax counsel's opinion is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or the
courts.
A publicly-traded partnership is a partnership whose interests are
traded on an established securities market or are readily tradeable on a
secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof). A publicly traded
partnership will be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes
unless at least 90% of such partnership's gross income for each taxable year
consists of "qualifying income," which generally includes any income that is
qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test applicable to REITs.
It is unclear whether the right of unit holders in the operating partnership to
exchange their units for shares of the company would be treated as the
"substantial equivalent" of the units being readily tradeable. However, because
it is anticipated that the operating partnership will meet the Qualifying Income
Exception, it should not be treated as a corporation under the publicly-traded
partnership rules. In addition, Treasury Regulations provide certain safe
harbors that, if applicable, will cause partnership interests to be treated as
interests that are not readily tradeable on a secondary market or the
substantial equivalent thereof. If for any reason the operating partnership or
one of our subsidiary partnerships were taxable as a corporation for federal
income tax purposes, our company would not be able to satisfy the requirements
for REIT status.
Partners, Not Partnerships, Subject to Tax. A partnership is not a
taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. Rather, a partner is required to
take into account its allocable share of a partnership's income, gains, losses,
deductions, and credits for any taxable year of the partnership ending within or
with the taxable year of the partner, without regard to whether the partner has
received or will receive any distributions from the partnership.
909738.9
25
Partnership Allocations. Although a partnership agreement will
generally determine the allocation of income and losses among partners, such
allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes under section 704(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if they do not comply with the provisions of
section 704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Treasury Regulations
promulgated thereunder as to substantial economic effect.
If an allocation is not recognized for federal income tax purposes, the
item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the
partners' interests in the partnership, which will be determined by taking into
account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement
of the partners with respect to such item. The allocations of taxable income and
loss of the operating partnership and our subsidiary partnerships are intended
to comply with the requirements of section 704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
Sale of Partnership Property. Generally, any gain realized by a
partnership on the sale of property held by the partnership for more than one
year and allocated to a partner will be long-term capital gain, except for any
portion of such gain that is treated as depreciation or cost recovery recapture.
However, under the REIT requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, our share, as a partner, of any gain realized by the operating partnership
or our subsidiary partnerships on the sale of any property held as inventory or
other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a
trade or business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that
is subject to a 100% penalty tax. See "--Taxation of Our Company" (p.18).
Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding Tax. We will
report to our U.S. Shareholders and the Internal Revenue Service the amount of
distributions paid during each calendar year and the amount of tax withheld, if
any. Under certain circumstances, U.S. Shareholders may be subject to backup
withholding at a rate of 31% with respect to distributions paid. Backup
withholding will apply only if the shareholder (i) fails to furnish its taxpayer
identification number (which, for an individual, would be such individual's
Social Security number), (ii) furnishes an incorrect taxpayer identification
number, (iii) is notified by the Internal Revenue Service that it has failed
properly to report payments of interest and dividends, or (iv) under certain
circumstances, fails to certify, under penalty of perjury, that it has furnished
a correct taxpayer identification number and has not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service that it is subject to backup withholding for failure to
report interest and dividend payments. Backup withholding will not apply with
respect to payments made to certain exempt recipients, such as corporations and
tax-exempt organizations. U.S. Shareholders should consult their own tax
advisors regarding their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and
the procedure for obtaining such an exemption. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax. Rather, the amount of any backup withholding with respect to a
payment to a U.S. Shareholder will be allowed as a credit against such U.S.
Shareholder's United States federal income tax liability and may entitle such
U.S. Shareholder to a refund, provided that the required information is
furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Additional issues may arise pertaining to information reporting and
backup withholding with respect to Non- U.S. Shareholders. Non-U.S. Shareholders
should consult their tax advisors with respect to any such information reporting
and backup withholding requirements.
State and Local Tax Considerations. We are, and our shareholders may
be, subject to state or local taxation in various state or local jurisdictions,
including those in which the company, its shareholders, the operating
partnership or our subsidiary partnerships transact business or reside. The
state and local tax treatment of the company, the operating partnership, our
subsidiary partnerships and our shareholders may not conform to the federal
income tax consequences discussed above. Consequently, prospective shareholders
should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local
tax laws on their investment in the company.
Possible Federal Tax Developments. The rules dealing with federal
income taxation are constantly under review by the Internal Revenue Service, the
Treasury Department, Congress and the courts. New federal tax legislation or
other provisions may be enacted into law or new interpretations, rulings or
Treasury Regulations could be adopted or judicial decisions rendered, all of
which could affect the taxation of the company and its shareholders. No
prediction can be made as to the likelihood of passage of any new tax
legislation or other provisions either directly
909738.9
26
or indirectly affecting the company and its stockholders. Consequently, the tax
treatment described herein may be modified prospectively or retroactively by
such legislative, judicial or administrative action.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
As described elsewhere in this prospectus, the Selling Shareholders are
persons who either have received our restricted common shares or may receive
common shares in exchange for their OP Units. The following table sets forth, as
of March 2, 2000 the name of each Selling Shareholder, the number of common
shares beneficially owned by each Selling Shareholder, and the number and
percentage of our common shares to be beneficially owned by each Selling
Shareholder following the offering to which this prospectus relates. Since
Selling Shareholders may sell all, some or none of their shares that are to be
offered by this prospectus, no estimate can be made of the aggregate number of
common shares offered by this prospectus, or the aggregate number of common
shares that will be owned by each Selling Shareholder upon completion of the
offering to which this prospectus relates. Except as otherwise noted below, none
of the Selling Shareholders has, within the past three years, had any position,
office or other material relationship with Acadia.
The common shares offered by this prospectus may be offered from time
to time directly by the Selling Shareholders named below or by pledgees, donees,
transferees or other successors in interest thereto:
Number of Percentage to
Maximum Shares to Be Be
Shares Number of Beneficially Beneficially
Beneficially Shares Which Owned After Owned After
Owned Prior to May Be Sold this the
Name this Offering(1) Hereunder Offering(2) Offering(2)
- ------------------------------------------ -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------------
RD New York VI, LLC 134,661(3) 134,661 0 *
Yale University 6,138,492(4) 6,138,492 0 *
Yale University Retirement Plan for
Staff Employees 403,994(5) 403,994 0 *
Vanderbilt University 1,346,647(5) 1,346,647 0 *
Carnegie Corporation of New York 942,653(5) 942,653 0 *
Howard Hughes Medical Institute 2,266,667(6) 2,266,667 0 *
Harvard Private Capital Realty, Inc. 2,000,000(6)(7) 2,000,000 0 *
The Board of Trustees of the Leland
Stanford Junior University 2,133,333(6) 2,133,333 0 *
TRW Master Trust 1,200,000(6) 1,200,000 0 *
Five Arrows Realty Securities LLC 3,266,667(8)(9) 2,266,667 1,000,000 3.89(10)
Chestnut Hill Trust 76,426(11) 76,426 0 *
Naperville Associates 166,248(12) 166,248 0 *
Global Investors Corp. 468,072(13) 468,072 0 *
Jack Nash 364,393(14) 364,393 0 *
Brown University 685,997(15) 685,997 0 *
909738.9
27
Number of Percentage to
Maximum Shares to Be Be
Shares Number of Beneficially Beneficially
Beneficially Shares Which Owned After Owned After
Owned Prior to May Be Sold this the
Name this Offering(1) Hereunder Offering(2) Offering(2)
- ------------------------------------------ -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------------
Halil Bezman 225,288(16) 225,288 0 *
SRRD Associates, L.P. 731,089(16) 731,089 0 *
Samada Limited (as Trustee of the
Forest Trust) 1,855,974(17) 1,855,974 0 *
Pragusa One Inc. 892,030(18) 892,030 0 *
L & J Realty Company 2,000 2,000 0 *
Ross Dworman(19) 799,149(20) 595,149 204,000 *
Kenneth Bernstein(21) 395,223(22) 261,691 133,532 *
RD Woonsocket, Inc.(23) 7,540 7,540 0 *
RD Abington, Inc.(23) 3,684 3,684 0 *
RD Missouri, Inc.(23) 2,883 2,883 0 *
RD Merrilville, Inc.(23) 7,799 7,799 0 *
RD Elmwood, Inc.(23) 5,205 5,205 0 *
RD Village, Inc.(23) 9,545 9,545 0 *
RD Marley, Inc.(23) 6,807 6,807 0 *
RD Soundview Inc.(23) 6,323 6,323 0 *
RD Bloomfield Inc.(23) 5,399 5,399 0 *
RD Hobson, Inc.(24) 5,189 5,189 0 *
RD Townline, Inc.(24) 5,036 5,036 0 *
RD Whitegate, Inc.(24) 1,650 1,650 0 *
RD Crossroads Inc.(24) 8,443 8,443 0 *
RD Smithtown Inc.(24) 7,642 7,642 0 *
RD New York, LLC(25) 103,936 103,936 0 *
Homkor Colony, L.P. 31,333 31,333 0 *
G.O. Associates Limited Partnership 38,877(26) 38,877 0 *
Great Universal Capital Corp. 220,300 220,300 0 *
Cheerful Corp. 118,391(27) 118,391 0 *
909738.9
28
Number of Percentage to
Maximum Shares to Be Be
Shares Number of Beneficially Beneficially
Beneficially Shares Which Owned After Owned After
Owned Prior to May Be Sold this the
Name this Offering(1) Hereunder Offering(2) Offering(2)
- ------------------------------------------ -------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------------
Wanda Dworman 8,475(27) 8,475 0 *
David Dworman 2,825(27) 2,825 0 *
Evan Frazier Partners(28) 19,739 19,739 0 *
Evan Frazier Realty LLC(29) 294,434 294,434 0 *
RD Greenbelt, Inc.(30) 55,011 55,011 0 *
KAL Partners, L.P. 102,068 102,068 0 *
Michael A. Young 34,005 34,005 0 *
Mindy White(31) 17,029 17,029 0 *
S&J Roth Revocable Trust 25,517 25,517 0 *
Rabinowitz Family 1991 Trust 21,247 21,247 0 *
Rabinowitz Family 1986 Trust 21,247 21,247 0 *
Perry Kamerman(32) 154,866(33) 50,000 104,866 *
Joel Braun(34) 84,334(35) 6,667 77,667 *
Eric Newberg 8,000 8,000 0 *
Robert Masters(36) 66,888(37) 4,667 62,221 *
Jay A. Kaiser 38,667(38) 38,667(39) 0 *
H. Robert Holmes 25,067(38) 25,067(39) 0 *
Steve Bollerman 1,333(38) 1,333(39) 0 *
AmCap Incorporated 44,267(38) 44,267(39) 0 *
Lennox Securities, Inc. 185,600(38) 185,600(39) 0 *
TOTALS 26,719,319 -- --
==========
- ---------------------
(*) Less than 1%.
(1) Beneficial ownership based upon information provided by the respective
Selling Shareholders and is based upon a common share price of $7.50.
Beneficial ownership will differ at alternate share prices due to
allocations of distributions as provided in the various partnership
agreements of the partnerships which are currently the
909738.9
29
record owners of these shares as noted in the applicable footnotes.
Assumes that all OP Units held by or attributable to the person are
exchanged for common shares.
(2) Assumes sale of all common shares registered hereunder.
(3) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 134,395 of these
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. VI, the record owner of 133 common
shares is RD Properties, L.P. VIA, and the record owner of the
remaining 133 common shares is RD Properties, L.P., VIB. All three
limited partnerships are expected to distribute their shares to their
partners, including the Selling Shareholder, in accordance with the
terms of their respective partnership agreements, prior to their resale
pursuant to this prospectus. The LLC is 80% owned by Dworman and 20%
owned by Mr. Bernstein.
(4) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 3,366,616 of
these common shares is RD Properties, L.P. VI, and the record owner of
the remaining 2,771,876 common shares is RD Properties, L.P. V. Both
limited partnerships are expected to distribute their shares to their
partners, including the Selling Shareholder, in accordance with the
terms of their respective partnership agreements, prior to their resale
pursuant to this prospectus.
(5) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of these common
shares is RD Properties, L.P. VI, which is expected to distribute its
shares to its partners, including the Selling Shareholder, in
accordance with the terms of its partnership agreement, prior to their
resale pursuant to this prospectus.
(6) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of these common
shares is RD Properties, L.P. VIA, which is expected to distribute its
shares to its partners, including the Selling Shareholder, in
accordance with the terms of its partnership agreement, prior to their
resale pursuant to this prospectus.
(7) Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC ("Charlesbank"), a Massachusetts
limited liability company, pursuant to an agreement among Charlesbank,
the President and Fellows of Harvard College and certain individuals,
has sole power to direct the vote of these shares and may be deemed the
beneficial owner of these shares.
(8) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 2,266,667 of
these common shares is RD Properties, L.P. VIB, which is expected to
distribute its shares to its partners, including the Selling
Shareholder, in accordance with the terms of its partnership agreement,
prior to their resale pursuant to this prospectus. In a series of open
market purchases between September 3, 1998 and April 20, 1999, Five
Arrows Realty Securities L.L.C. acquired 1,000,000 common shares as
reported in the statement on Schedule 13D filed by Acadia on September
15, 1998, as amended by Amendment No.1 on May 21, 1999, and Amendment
No. 2 on May 24, 1999.
(9) Rothschild Realty Investors II L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability
company and sole managing member of Five Arrows Realty Securities
L.L.C., may be deemed the beneficial owner of these shares.
(10) Assumes the Selling Shareholder sold all its shares which are covered
by this prospectus (i.e., 2,266,667) and no Selling Shareholder who
holds OP Units has converted such OP Units to common shares.
(11) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 60,267 of these
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. II, the record owner of 4,520
common shares is Columbia VGH Investors and the record owner of the
remaining 11,639 common shares is RD Bloomfield Associates Limited
Partnership II.
(12) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 60,267 of these
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. II, and the record owner of the
remaining 105,981 common shares is RD Bloomfield Associates Limited
Partnership II. Both limited partnerships are expected to distribute
their shares to their partners, including the Selling Shareholder, in
accordance with the terms of their respective partnership agreements,
prior to their resale pursuant to this prospectus.
909738.9
30
(13) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 362,091 of these
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. II and the record owner of the
remaining 105,981 common shares is RD Bloomfield Associates Limited
Partnership II.
(14) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 60,267 of these
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. II, the record owner of 48,024
common shares is Columbia VGH Investors, the record owner of 105,981
common shares is RD Bloomfield Associates Limited Partnership II and
the record owner of the remaining 150,121 common shares is RD
Properties, L.P. III.
(15) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 120,663 of these
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. II, the record owner of 300,242
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. III, the record owner of 138,603
common shares is RD Properties, L.P., V, the record owner of 31,074
common shares is Columbia VGH Investors and the record owner of the
remaining 95,415 common shares is RD Bloomfield Associates, L.P. II.
All five limited partnerships are expected to distribute their shares
to their partners, including the Selling Shareholder, in accordance
with the terms of their respective partnership agreements, prior to
their resale pursuant to this prospectus.
(16) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of these common
shares is RD Properties, L.P. III, which is expected to distribute its
shares to its partners, including the Selling Shareholder, in
accordance with the terms of its partnership agreement, prior to their
resale pursuant to this prospectus.
(17) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 300,242 of these
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. III, and the record owner of the
remaining 1,555,732 common shares is RD Properties, L.P. IV. Both
limited partnerships are expected to distribute their shares to their
partners, including the Selling Shareholder, in accordance with the
terms of their respective partnership agreements, prior to their resale
pursuant to this prospectus.
(18) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of 225,288 of these
common shares is RD Properties, L.P. III, and the record owner of the
remaining 666,742 common shares is RD Properties, L.P. IV. Both limited
partnerships are expected to distribute their shares to their partners,
including the Selling Shareholder, in accordance with the terms of
their respective partnership agreements, prior to their resale pursuant
to this prospectus.
(19) Mr. Dworman is currently Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Acadia.
(20) Reflects the common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Dworman in his
individual capacity (either directly or indirectly). The 737,399 common
shares he directly owns in his individual capacity include: (i) 533,399
shares issuable upon the conversion of OP Units, (ii) 200,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of stock options and (iii) 4,000 shares
purchased on the open market. The 61,750 common shares he indirectly
owns in his individual capacity (through his equity interests in
various limited partnerships) are attributable to him as follows:
Partnership Name Beneficial Interest
- ---------------- -------------------
RD Properties, L.P. II 11,578
RD Town Square Associates 5,362
Columbia VGH Investors 1,129
RD Properties, L.P. III 21,233
RD Properties, L.P. IV 22,448
------
909738.9
31
Partnership Name Beneficial Interest
- ---------------- -------------------
61,750
======
In the aggregate, Mr. Dworman is deemed to beneficially own 14,086,915
common shares, which in addition to the shares held by Mr. Dworman in
his individual capacity (x) as noted above (799,149) or (y) as noted in
footnote (26) (3,887), include:
(i) 12,848,990 shares which represent 80% of the total common
shares of RD Properties, L.P. VI, RD Properties, L.P. VIA and
RD Properties, L.P. VIB (collectively the "RD Funds") which
Mr. Dworman is deemed to beneficially own as an 80% managing
member of RD New York VI LLC, the general partner of the RD
Funds and indirect owner of 134,661 shares. Mr. Dworman's 80%
share of the 134,661 shares is 107,728.
(ii) 55,185 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Dworman by
virtue of his 100% equity interest in those entities
designated by footnote (23).
(iii) 22,368 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Dworman by
virtue of his 80% equity interest in those entities designated
by footnote (24).
(iv) 83,149 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Dworman by
virtue of his 80% equity interest in RD New York LLC as
described in footnote (25).
(v) 15,791 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Dworman virtue
of his 80% equity interest in Evan Frazier Partners as
described in footnote (28).
(vi) 214,937 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Dworman by
virtue of his 73% interest in Evan Frazier Realty LLC as
described in footnote (29).
(vii) 43,459 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Dworman by
virtue of his 79% equity interest in RD Greenbelt, Inc. as
described in footnote (30).
(viii) Mr. Dworman owns 3,499 common shares and 388 shares,
respectively, in his own name through the partnership
described in footnote 26 and through RD G.O. Properties, Inc.,
a wholly owned corporation.
(21) Mr. Bernstein is currently President of the trust.
(22) Reflects the common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Bernstein in his
individual capacity. These shares include: (i) 261,691 shares issuable
upon the conversion of OP Units, (ii) 100,000 shares issuable upon the
exercise of stock options, (iii) 25,532 restricted shares issued to Mr.
Bernstein on January 3, 2000 (which shares are not being registered
under this registration statement) and (iv) 8,000 shares purchased on
the open market. In the aggregate, Mr. Bernstein is deemed to
beneficially own 3,711,182 common shares which, in addition to the
shares held by Mr. Bernstein in his individual capacity, include:
(i) 3,212,248 shares which represent 20% of the total common
shares of the RD Funds which Mr. Bernstein is deemed to
beneficially own as a 20% managing member of RD New York VI
LLC, the general partner of the RD Funds and owner of 134,661
shares. Mr. Bernstein's 20% share of the 134,551 shares is
26,933.
(ii) 5,593 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Bernstein by
virtue of his 20% equity interest in those entities designated
by footnote (24).
909738.9
32
(iii) 20,787 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Bernstein by
virtue of his 20% equity interest in RD New York LLC as
described in footnote (25).
(iv) 3,948 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Bernstein by
virtue of his 20% equity interest in Evan Frazier Partners as
described in footnote (28).
(v) 61,831 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Bernstein by
virtue of his 21% interest in Evan Frazier Realty LLC as
described in footnote (29).
(vi) 11,552 common shares beneficially owned by Mr. Bernstein by
virtue of his 21% interest in RD Greenbelt, Inc. as described
in footnote (30).
(23) Mr. Dworman is the sole shareholder of this corporation.
(24) Messrs. Dworman and Bernstein own 80% and 20%, respectively, of the
issued and outstanding shares.
(25) Messrs. Dworman and Bernstein own 80% and 20%, respectively, of this
limited liability corporation.
(26) Mr. Dworman owns 3,499 common shares and 388 shares, respectively,
through this partnership in his own name and through RD G.O.
Properties, Inc., a wholly owned corporation.
(27) As of the date of this prospectus, the record owner of these common
shares in Columbia VGH Investors.
(28) Messrs. Dworman and Bernstein own 80% and 20%, respectively, of this
partnership.
(29) Messrs. Dworman and Bernstein own 73% and 21%, respectively, of this
partnership.
(30) Messrs. Dworman and Bernstein own 79% and 21%, respectively, of the
issued and outstanding shares.
(31) Mrs. White is married to Gregory White, a trustee of Acadia.
(32) Mr. Kamerman is currently a Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
Acadia.
(33) These shares include: (i) 50,000 shares issuable upon the conversion of
OP Units, (ii) 103,334 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock
options and (iii) 1,532 restricted shares issued to Mr. Kamerman on
January 3, 2000 (which shares are not being registered under this
registration statement).
(34) Mr. Braun is currently a Senior Vice President of Acadia.
(35) These shares include: (i) 6,667 shares issuable upon the conversion of
OP Units, (ii) 76,667 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock
options and (iii) 1,000 shares purchased on the open market.
(36) Mr. Masters is currently a Senior Vice President and General Counsel of
Acadia.
(37) These shares include: (i) 4,667 shares issuable upon the conversion of
OP Units, (ii) 56,667 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock
options, (iii) 2,554 restricted shares issued to Mr. Masters on January
3, 2000 (which shares are not being registered under this registration
statement) and (iv) 3,000 shares purchased on the open market.
(38) As of the date of this prospectus, this Selling Shareholder holds
preferred OP Units which were issued pursuant to a certain Agreement of
Contribution dated November 8, 1999. Preferred OP Units are convertible
into regular OP Units at a rate of approximately 133.33 regular OP
Units for each preferred OP Unit. Regular OP
909738.9
33
Units are convertible into common shares on a one-for-one basis.
Amounts set forth in the table reflect the "as converted" number of
common shares held by each Selling Shareholder as of the date of this
prospectus.
(39) These shares are subject to a lock-up agreement that, subject to
certain limited exceptions, would prohibit the sale or other
disposition of such common shares pursuant to this prospectus or
otherwise until November 16, 2000.
909738.9
34
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This prospectus relates to the offer and sale from time to time by the
persons listed under the Selling Shareholders section of this prospectus of up
to 26,719,319 common shares. We have issued 16,061,238 restricted common shares
to certain Selling Shareholders and may issue further shares to the extent
certain other Selling Shareholders exchange their 10,658,081 OP Units, including
294,934 OP Units issuable upon the conversion of preferred OP Units, held by
them in our subsidiary, the operating partnership, for an equal number of common
shares. We have registered the Selling Shareholders' common shares for resale to
provide them with freely tradeable securities. However, registration of their
shares does not necessarily mean that they will offer or sell any of their
shares. We will not receive any proceeds from the offering or sale of their
shares.
Selling Shareholders (or pledgees, donees, transferees or other
successors in interest) may sell the common shares to which this prospectus
relates from time to time on the New York Stock Exchange, where our common
shares are listed for trading, in other markets where our common shares are
traded, in negotiated transactions, through underwriters or dealers, directly to
one or more purchasers, through agents or in a combination of such methods of
sale. They will sell the common shares at prices which are current when the
sales take place or at other prices to which they agree. All costs, expenses and
fees in connection with the registration of the common shares offered hereby
will be borne by us. Brokerage commissions and similar selling expenses, if any,
attributable to the sale of common shares offered hereby will be borne by the
Selling Shareholders.
The Selling Shareholders may effect such transactions by selling the
common shares offered hereby directly to purchasers or through broker-dealers,
which may act as agents or principals. Such broker-dealers may receive
compensation in the form of discounts, concessions, or commissions from the
Selling Shareholders and/or the purchasers of the common shares offered hereby
for whom such broker-dealers may act as agents or to whom they sell as
principal, or both (which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be
in excess of customary commissions).
In connection with an underwritten offering, underwriters or agents may
receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from a
Selling Shareholder or from purchasers of the shares which are the subject of
this prospectus for whom they may act as agents, and underwriters may sell the
shares which are the subject of this prospectus to or through dealers, and such
dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for
whom they may act as agents. We have agreed to indemnify each Selling
Shareholder against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the
Securities Act. The Selling Shareholders may agree to indemnify any agent,
dealer or broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving sales of the
common shares offered hereby against certain liabilities, including liabilities
arising under the Securities Act.
The shares which are the subject of this prospectus may be sold
directly or through broker-dealers acting as principal or agent, or pursuant to
a distribution by one or more underwriters on a firm commitment or best-efforts
basis. The methods by which the shares which are the subject of this prospectus
may be sold include: (a) a block trade in which the broker-dealer so engaged
will attempt to sell such shares as agent but may position and resell a portion
of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; (b) purchases by a
broker-dealer as principal and resale by such broker- dealer for its account
pursuant to this prospectus; (c) ordinary brokerage transactions and
transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers; (d) an exchange
distribution in accordance with the rules of the New York Stock Exchange; (e)
privately negotiated transactions; and (f) underwritten transactions. The
Selling Shareholders and any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in
the distribution of the shares which are the subject of this prospectus may be
deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any
profit on the sale of such shares by the Selling Shareholders and any
commissions received by any such broker-dealers may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions under the Securities Act. None of the Selling Shareholders has
informed us as to their plan of distribution.
909738.9
35
EXPERTS
The financial statements and schedule included in the annual report on
form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 incorporated by reference
in this prospectus and elsewhere in this registration statement have been
audited by Ernst & Young LLP. These audited financial statements are
incorporated in this prospectus by reference in reliance upon the authority of
Ernst & Young LLP as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Battle Fowler LLP,
New York, New York. The validity of the common shares offered hereby will be
passed upon for us by Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe L.L.P., Washington, D.C. In
addition, the description of federal income tax matters contained in the section
of this prospectus entitled "Federal Income Tax Considerations" is based on the
opinion of Battle Fowler LLP.
909738.9
36
No dealer, salesperson or other
individual has been authorized to give
any information or make any
representations not contained in this
prospectus in connection with the 26,719,319 Shares
offering covered by this prospectus.
If given or made, such information or
representation must not be relied upon
as having been authorized by Acadia or
the Selling Shareholders. This
prospectus does not constitute an Acadia Realty Trust
offer to sell, or a solicitation of an
offer to buy, the common shares in any
jurisdiction where, or to any person Common Shares
to whom, it is unlawful to make such
offer or solicitation. Neither the
delivery of this prospectus nor any
sale made hereunder shall, under any
circumstances, create an implication
that there has not been any change in
the facts set forth in this prospectus
or in the affairs of our company since
the date hereof. ______________________
______________________
PROSPECTUS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
______________________
______________________
Prospectus
, 2000
Page
----
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION..........................................5
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY
REFERENCE....................................................................5
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION..................................................6
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY...........................................................7
RISK FACTORS.................................................................8
OUR COMPANY.................................................................12
DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON SHARES............................................12
USE OF PROCEEDS.............................................................17
INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL......................................17
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS...........................................17
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS........................................................27
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION........................................................35
EXPERTS.....................................................................36
LEGAL MATTERS...............................................................36
909738.9
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
Set forth below is an estimate of the approximate amount of the fees
and expenses (other than underwriting commissions and discounts) payable by the
Registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the common
shares.
SEC registration fee................................................$35,489.94
Printing expenses......................................................$700.00
Accounting fees and expenses.........................................$3,500.00
Legal fees and expenses.............................................$40,000.00
Miscellaneous expenses..............................................$10,000.00
Total.................................................$89,689.94
==========
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Our bylaws and declaration of trust authorize our company, to the
extent permitted under Maryland law, to indemnify its trustees and officers in
their capacity as such. Section 8-301(15) of the Maryland General Corporation
Law ("MGCL") permits a Maryland REIT to indemnify or advance expenses to
trustees and officers to the same extent as is permitted for directors and
officers of a Maryland corporation under the MGCL The MGCL requires a Maryland
corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our declaration of
trust does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on
the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he is made a
party by reason of his service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland
corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among
others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be
made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it
is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was
material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in
bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the
director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money,
property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director
or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was
unlawful. However, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse
judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of
liability on the basis that a personal benefit was improperly received, unless
in either case a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. In
addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a
director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of a written affirmation by
the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met
the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and a
written undertaking by such director or officer on his or her behalf to repay
the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it shall ultimately be
determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
Our bylaws also permit the company, subject to the approval of our
board of trustees, to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served as
a predecessor of the company in any of the capacities described above and to any
employee or agent of the company or a predecessor of the company.
In addition to the above, our company has purchased and maintains
insurance on behalf of all of its trustees and executive officers against
liability asserted against or incurred by them in their official capacities with
the company, whether or not the company is required or has the power to
indemnify them against the same liability.
909738.9
38
Item 16. Exhibits.
3.1(a) Declaration of Trust of the registrant, as amended Incorporated by reference to the
copy thereof filed as an exhibit to
the registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31,
1994, filed with the SEC on March
17, 1995 (SEC File No. 001-12002)
3.1(b) Fourth Amendment to Declaration of Trust of the registrant Incorporated by reference to the
copy thereof filed as an Exhibit to
the registrant's Form10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1998,
filed with the SEC on November
16, 1998
3.2 Bylaws of the registrant Incorporated by reference to the
copy thereof filed as an exhibit to
the registrant's Form S-11 filed with
the SEC on March 25, 1993 (SEC
File No. 33-60008)
4.1 Specimen Share Certificate Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the
registrant's registration statement on
Form S-11 filed with the SEC on
May 23, 1993
5.1 Opinion of Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe L.L.P. regarding the Filed herewith
legality of the securities being registered
8.1 Opinion of Battle Fowler LLP regarding certain tax matters Filed herewith
10.1(a) Agreement of Limited Partnership of the operating partnership Incorporated by reference to the copy
thereof filed as an exhibit to
Amendment No.3 to the registrant's
Form S-11 filed with the SEC on March
25, 1993.
10.1(b) First, Second and Third Amendments to the Agreement of Incorporated by reference to the
Limited Partnership of the operating partnership copy thereof filed as an exhibit to
the registrant's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1998,
filed with the SEC on March 31, 1999
10.1(c) Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Filed herewith
the operating partnership
10.1(d) First and Second Amendments to the Amended and Restated Filed herewith
Agreement of Limited Partnership of the operating partnership
23.1 Consent of Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe L.L.P. (included in Filed herewith
Exhibit 5.1)
23.2 Consent of Battle Fowler LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1) Filed herewith
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (New York, New York) Filed herewith
909738.9
39
24.1 Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto) Filed herewith
99.1(a) Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement (RD Capital Filed herewith
Transaction)
99.1(b) Registration Rights and Lock-Up Agreement (Pacesetter Filed herewith
Transaction)
Item 17. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales
are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i) To include any prospectus required by
Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or
events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the
most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease
in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered
would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or
high and of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
a prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration
statement;
Provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not
apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3, Form S-8 or Form F-3, and
the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration
statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under
the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offering therein,
and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the provisions referred to in Item 15 of this
Registration Statement, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in
the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or
proceeding) is asserted by such
909738.9
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director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question as to whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the act, and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Acadia
Realty Trust certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Port Washington, State of New York, on this 2nd
day of March, 2000.
ACADIA REALTY TRUST
A Maryland real estate investment trust (registrant)
By: /s/ Ross Dworman
----------------------
Name: Ross Dworman
Title: Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Ross Dworman and Kenneth F. Bernstein,
and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power or substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this
Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and
other documents in connection therewith, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to
all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ Ross Dworman Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief March 2, 2000
- --------------------------- Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Ross Dworman
/s/ Kenneth F. Bernstein President and Trustee March 2, 2000
- ----------------------------
Kenneth F. Bernstein
/s/ Perry S. Kamerman Treasurer and Senior Vice President March 2, 2000
- --------------------------
Perry S. Kamerman
/s/ Martin L. Edelman Trustee March 2, 2000
- ---------------------------
Martin L. Edelman
/s/ Marvin L. Levine Trustee March 2, 2000
- ----------------------------
Marvin L. Levine
/s/ Lawrence J. Longua Trustee March 2, 2000
- --------------------------
Lawrence J. Longua
/s/ Gregory White Trustee March 2, 2000
- -----------------------------
Gregory White
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- -----------
3.1(a) Declaration of Trust of the registrant, as
amended
3.1(b) Fourth Amendment to Declaration of Trust
of the registrant
3.2 Bylaws of the registrant
4.1 Specimen Share Certificate
5.1 Opinion of Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe
L.L.P. regarding the legality of the
securities being registered
8.1 Opinion of Battle Fowler LLP regarding
certain tax matters
10.1(a) Agreement of Limited Partnership of the
operating partnership
10.1(b) First, Second and Third Amendments to
the Agreement of Limited Partnership of
the operating partnership
10.1(c) Amended and Restated Agreement of
Limited Partnership of the operating
partnership
10.1(d) First and Second Amendments to the
Amended and Restated Agreement of
Limited Partnership of the operating
partnership
23.1 Consent of Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe
L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2 Consent of Battle Fowler LLP (included in
Exhibit 8.1)
23.3 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (New
York, New York)
24.1 Power of Attorney (included on signature
page hereto)
99.1(a) Registration Rights and Lock-Up
Agreement (RD Capital Transaction)
99.1(b) Registration Rights and Lock-Up
Agreement (Pacesetter Transaction)
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