1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
LEXINGTON CORPORATE PROPERTIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Total fee paid:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Filing Party:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Date Filed:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
LEXINGTON CORPORATE PROPERTIES, INC.
355 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
(212) 692-7260
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 20, 1997
To the Stockholders of
Lexington Corporate Properties, Inc.:
The 1997 Annual Meeting of stockholders of Lexington Corporate
Properties, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at The Chase Manhattan Bank, 270
Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, on Tuesday, May 20, 1997, at 10:30 a.m.,
New York City time, for the following purposes:
(1) to elect seven directors to serve until the 1998 Annual Meeting of
stockholders;
(2) to adopt, ratify and approve the issuance and sale by the Company
of the Company's Class A Senior Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock pursuant to an Investment Agreement dated as of December 31,
1996 between the Company and Five Arrows Realty Securities,
L.L.C.;
(3) to consider and approve the adoption of an Agreement and Plan of
Merger to effect the reorganization of the Company from a Maryland
corporation to a Maryland statutory real estate investment trust;
and
(4) to transact such other business as may properly come before the
1997 Annual Meeting.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 1997
(the "Stockholders") are entitled to notice of and to vote at the 1997 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournments thereof. A list of such Stockholders
will be available for inspection during normal business hours at the offices of
the Company located at 355 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, during
the ten days preceding the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Paul R. Wood,
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Secretary
New York, New York
April ___, 1997
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN
THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE 1997 ANNUAL MEETING.
The Proxy may be revoked by you at any time by written notice to the Company
prior to its exercise. Giving your proxy will not affect your right to vote in
person if you attend the meeting and affirmatively indicate your intention to
vote at such meeting.
3
LEXINGTON CORPORATE PROPERTIES, INC.
355 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017
(212) 692-7260
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 20, 1997
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Lexington Corporate
Properties, Inc. (the "Company") for use at the 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, and at any adjournments thereof (the "Annual Meeting"), to be held
on Tuesday, May 20, 1997, at The Chase Manhattan Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10017, at 10:30 a.m. New York City time. This Proxy Statement and
the related proxy card are first being sent to the stockholders of the Company
on or about April [ ], 1997.
Valid proxies will be voted as specified thereon at the Annual Meeting.
Any person giving a Proxy may revoke it by written notice to the Company at any
time prior to its exercise. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not constitute
a revocation of a proxy unless the stockholder affirmatively indicates at the
Annual Meeting that such stockholder intends to vote such stockholder's shares
in person.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report to Stockholders and Form 10-K of the Company for the
year ended December 31, 1996, including financial statements audited by KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, the Company's independent auditors, and their report thereon
dated January 21, 1997, are being mailed together with this Proxy Statement to
each Stockholder. Except as specifically incorporated herein by reference, the
Annual Report and Form 10-K are not part of the proxy solicitation material.
2
4
VOTING SECURITIES
The holders of record of shares of Common Stock, par value $.0001 per
share (the "Common Stock"), and shares of Class A Senior Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock"), of the Company at the close of business
on March 31, 1997 (the "Record Date") are entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting. On the Record Date, there were outstanding 9,439,716 shares of Common
Stock and 700,000 shares of Preferred Stock, each of which shares of Common
Stock and Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters
submitted to a vote of Stockholders.
Unless contrary instructions are indicated on the Proxy, all shares of
Common Stock and Preferred Stock represented by valid proxies received pursuant
to this solicitation, unless previously revoked, will be voted at the Annual
Meeting FOR the election of the seven nominees to serve as directors until the
1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; FOR the approval of the issuance and sale
by the Company of the Preferred Stock to Five Arrows Realty Securities; L.L.C.
("Five Arrows"), and FOR the approval and adoption of an Agreement and Plan of
Merger to effect the reorganization of the Company as a Maryland statutory real
estate investment trust.
Assuming a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, the affirmative
vote of the holders of a plurality of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred
Stock, considered as a single class, entitled to be voted at the Annual Meeting
will be required for the election of directors, the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock,
considered as a single class, entitled to be voted at the Annual Meeting will be
required to approve Proposal No. 2 and the affirmative vote of the holders of
two-thirds of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock entitled to be
voted at the Annual Meeting will be required to approve Proposal No. 3. For
purposes of the foregoing matters, the Common Stock and Preferred Stock will
vote together as a single class. The shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock
represented by a valid proxy which abstains with respect to any matter will be
counted in determining the number of votes cast with respect to that matter but
will not be counted as an affirmative vote in determining whether the
affirmative vote of the requisite number of shares was cast in favor of that
matter. Therefore, abstentions as to the election of directors will not affect
the election of the candidates receiving a plurality of the votes cast.
Abstentions as to the other proposals will have the same effect as votes against
such proposals. Broker non-votes will be treated as unvoted for purposes of
determining approval of any such proposal and will not be counted as votes for
or against such proposal.
If a Stockholder is a participant in the Company's Dividend
Reinvestment Plan, the proxy card enclosed herewith represents shares in the
participant's account, as well as shares held of record in the participant's
name.
The Company knows of no business, other than that set forth above, to
be presented at the Annual Meeting which would be a proper subject for action by
the Stockholders. If any other matter should be presented at the Annual Meeting
upon which a vote properly may be taken, it is intended that any share
represented by a proxy in the accompanying form will be voted with respect
thereto in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons voting such
shares.
3
5
PRINCIPAL SECURITY HOLDERS
Except as described herein, no person is known by the Company to own
beneficially in excess of five percent (5.0%) of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock or Preferred Stock as of March 31, 1997. On December 31, 1996, the
Company entered into an agreement with Five Arrows, a real estate investment
fund advised by Rothschild Realty, Inc., under the terms of which Five Arrows
agreed to purchase an aggregate of up to 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock,
which would, under certain conditions, be convertible into 2,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, subject to adjustment. See "Proposal No. 2 -- Description of
Investment." If all 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock were purchased by Five
Arrows and converted into Common Stock, Five Arrows would, as of the date such
agreement was executed, have been the beneficial owner of approximately 22% of
the issued and outstanding voting stock of the Company, on a fully diluted
basis.
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table indicates, as of March 15, 1997, (a) the number of
shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock beneficially owned by each director
and nominee for director, each executive officer named in the Summary
Compensation Table under "COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS" below, and by all
directors and executive officers as a group, and (b) the percentage such shares
represent of the total outstanding shares of Common Stock, Preferred Stock and
voting stock. All shares were owned directly on such date with sole voting and
investment power unless otherwise indicated.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES (1) PERCENT OF CLASS
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
PREFERRED VOTING
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER COMMON STOCK STOCK COMMON PREFERRED STOCK
- -------------------------- ------------ --------- ------ --------- ------
E. Robert Roskind .... 656,524(2) -- 5.370% -- 5.079%
Richard J. Rouse ..... 238,098(3) -- 1.963 -- 1.856
Carl D. Glickman ..... 113,842(4) -- * -- *
T. Wilson Eglin ...... 164,609(5) -- 1.360 -- 1.286
Kevin W. Lynch ....... 1,053 -- * -- *
John D. McGurk ....... -- 700,000(6) -- 100.000% 5.529
Harry E. Petersen, Jr 11,098(7) -- * -- *
Antonia G. Trigiani .. 148,847(8) -- 1.231 -- 1.163
Seth M. Zachary ...... 14,711(7) -- * -- *
All directors and
executive
officers as a group
(10 persons) (9) ..... 1,381,892 700,000 10.857% 100.000% 15.504%
- -------------------------
* Represents beneficial ownership of less than 1%.
(1) For purposes of this table, a person is deemed to have "beneficial
ownership" of any shares as of a given date which such person has the right
to acquire within 60 days after such date. For purposes of computing the
percentage of outstanding shares held by each person named above on a given
date, any security which such person or persons has the right to acquire
within 60 days after such date is deemed to be outstanding, but is not
deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of any other person.
(2) Includes (i) 70,574 units of special limited partner interest held by Mr.
Roskind in Lepercq Corporate Income Fund L.P. and Lepercq Corporate Income
Fund II L.P., each of which is a subsidiary of the Company, which are
exchangeable, on a one-for-one basis, for shares of Common Stock, (ii)
196,455 units of special limited partner interest held by The LCP Group,
L.P., which are exchangeable, on a one-for-one basis, for shares of Common
Stock, (iii) 9,000 shares of Common Stock owned of record by The LCP Group,
L.P., (iv) options to purchase 180,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $11.125 per share, 52,600 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $11.875 per share and 32,800 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $11.25 per share, (v) 44,138 shares of Common Stock owned
of record by Mr. Roskind's wife, and (vi) 13,000 shares of Common
4
6
Stock owned of record by a private pension plan for the benefit of Mr.
Roskind and his wife. Mr. Roskind disclaims beneficial ownership of the
44,138 shares listed in clause (v) above.
(3) Includes (i) 46,406 units of special limited partner interest held by Mr.
Rouse in Lepercq Corporate Income Fund L.P. and Lepercq Corporate Income
Fund II L.P., which are exchangeable, on a one-for-one basis, for shares of
Common Stock, (ii) options to purchase 90,000 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $11.125 per share, 43,800 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $11.875 per share and 32,800 shares of Common Stock at an
exercise price of $11.25 per share and (iii) 1,500 shares of Common Stock
owned of record by a private pension plan for the benefit of Mr. Rouse.
(4) Includes options to purchase 2,500 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $10.125 per share, 2,500 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $9.00 per share and 2,500 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $11.25 per share.
(5) Includes options to purchase 61,250 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $11.125 per share, 35,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $11.875 per share and 46,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $11.25 per share.
(6) Includes 700,000 shares of Preferred Stock owned beneficially and of record
by Five Arrows. Mr. McGurk is President of Rothschild Realty, Inc., the
advisor to Five Arrows, and is the designee of Five Arrows to the Company's
Board of Directors. Mr. McGurk disclaims beneficial ownership of all such
shares of Preferred Stock.
(7) Shares indicated for each of Messrs. Petersen and Zachary include options
to purchase 2,500 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.00 per
share, 2,500 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.125 per
share, 2,500 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $9.00 per share
and 2,500 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.25 per share.
(8) Includes options to purchase 61,250 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $11.125 per share, 35,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $11.875 per share and 40,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $11.25 per share.
(9) Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Company's directors and executive officers to file initial reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other
equity securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the New
York Stock Exchange. Directors and executive officers are required to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based
on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and
written representations from the Company's directors and executive officers
that no other reports were required, the Company believes that during the
1996 fiscal year the Company's directors and executive officers complied
with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.
5
7
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company currently consists of eight
directors, and the entire Board, with the exception of Harry E. Petersen, Jr.
who does not intend to stand for re-election, is nominated to be elected at the
Annual Meeting pursuant to which this Proxy Statement is being distributed. Mr.
Petersen has not indicated any disagreement with the Company's operations,
policies or practices as the reason that he has determined not to stand for
re-election. The Board of Directors has determined to amend the Bylaws of the
Company, effective as of the Annual Meeting, to reduce the number of authorized
members of the Board of Directors to seven. Election of directors requires the
affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by holders of the shares of
outstanding Common Stock and Preferred Stock, considered as a single class. The
seven nominees for director are E. Robert Roskind, Richard J. Rouse, T. Wilson
Eglin, Carl D. Glickman, Kevin W. Lynch, John D. McGurk, and Seth M. Zachary.
All of the nominees are presently serving as directors of the Company. Mr.
McGurk is the designee of Five Arrows. See "Proposal No. 2." Each nominee has
consented to being named in the Proxy Statement and to serve if elected. If
elected, each nominee is expected to serve until the Company's 1998 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and until his successor is elected. Background
information relating to the nominees for election appears below.
THE ENCLOSED PROXY, IF PROPERLY COMPLETED, SIGNED, DATED AND RETURNED,
AND UNLESS AUTHORITY TO VOTE IS WITHHELD OR A CONTRARY VOTE IS INDICATED, WILL
BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THESE SEVEN NOMINEES. In the event any such nominee
becomes unavailable for election, votes will be cast, pursuant to authority
granted by the enclosed Proxy, for such substitute nominee as may be designated
by the Board of Directors. All directors serve for a term of one year and until
their successors are elected.
The following information relates to the nominees for election as
directors of the Company:
Name Business Experience
---- -------------------
E. ROBERT ROSKIND............ Mr. Roskind has served as the Chairman of the
Age 52 Board of Directors and Co-Chief Executive
Officer of the Company since October 1993. He
founded The LCP Group, L.P. ("LCP") in 1973
and has been its Chairman since 1976. Prior
to founding LCP, Mr. Roskind headed the net
leasing financing area of Lehman Brothers
Inc. He is also currently serving as the
Chairman of Net Lease Partners Realty
Advisors, Inc., a pension fund real estate
advisory firm. He is also a general partner
of a variety of entities which serve as the
general partner of various partnerships that
hold net leased real properties or interests
therein. Mr. Roskind is a director of
Berkshire Realty Company, Inc., Krupp
Government Income Trust I and Krupp
Government Income Trust II.
RICHARD J. ROUSE............. Mr. Rouse became the Vice Chairman of the
Age 51 Board of Directors in April 1996, has served
as the Co-Chief Executive Officer and a
director of the Company since October 1993,
and was the President of the Company from
October 1993 until April 1996. Mr. Rouse was
a managing director of LCP. He had been
associated with LCP since 1979 and had been
engaged there in all aspects of net lease
finance, acquisition and syndication and
corporate financing transactions.
6
8
T. WILSON EGLIN.............. Mr. Eglin became the President of the Company
Age 32 in April 1996, has served as Chief Operating
Officer of the Company since October 1993,
has been a director of the Company since May
1994, and was the Executive Vice President of
the Company from October 1993 until April
1996. Prior to his association with the
Company, Mr. Eglin had been associated with
LCP since 1987 and had been its Vice
President--Acquisitions from 1990 to 1993. In
connection with his responsibilities with
LCP, Mr. Eglin was an officer of affiliated
companies that own and manage over 400 net
leased real properties and was involved in
all aspects of real estate acquisition and
finance, principally in net leased
transactions.
CARL D. GLICKMAN............. Mr. Glickman has served as a director and a
Age 71 member of the Audit Committee and
Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company since May 1994. He
has been President of the Glickman
Organization since 1953. He is on the Board
of Directors of Alliance Tire & Rubber Co.,
Ltd., Andal Corp., Bear Stearns Companies,
Inc., Continental Health Affiliates, Inc.,
Franklin Corporation, Infu-Tech, Inc.,
Jerusalem Economic Corporation Ltd.,
Custodial Trust Company and OfficeMax Inc.,
as well as numerous private companies.
KEVIN W. LYNCH............... Mr. Lynch is a founder and principal of The
Age 44 Townsend Group, an institutional real estate
consulting firm founded in 1983. Prior to
forming The Townsend Group, Mr. Lynch was a
Vice President for Stonehenge Capital
Corporation. Mr. Lynch has been involved in
the commercial real estate industry since
1974, and is a director of First Industrial
Realty Trust.
JOHN D. McGURK............... Mr. McGurk is the founder and President of
Age 53 Rothschild Realty, Inc., the advisor to Five
Arrows, and is the designee of Five Arrows to
the Board of Directors. Prior to starting
Rothschild Realty, Inc. in 1981, Mr. McGurk
served as a regional vice president for The
Prudential Insurance Company of America where
he oversaw its New York City real estate loan
portfolio, equity holdings, joint ventures
and projects under development. Mr. McGurk is
a member of the Urban Land Institute, Pension
Real Estate Association, Real Estate Board of
New York and the National Real Estate
Association, and is the president of the
Trustee Committee of the Caedmon School.
SETH M. ZACHARY.............. Mr. Zachary has served as a director and a
Age 44 member of the Audit Committee and
Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company since November 1993.
Since 1987, he has been a partner in the law
firm of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker
LLP. He has been affiliated as a part-time
faculty member and lecturer at New York
University School of Law since 1984 and the
University of Southern California since 1990.
7
9
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company held five meetings during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. All directors serving as members of the
Board of Directors, as constituted at the time of each meeting, attended all
meetings, with the exception of Mr. Lynch who missed two meetings and Mr.
Petersen who missed one meeting. The Board of Directors has two standing
committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. The Board of
Directors does not have a nominating committee, and the usual functions of such
a committee are performed by the entire Board of Directors.
Audit Committee. The principal functions of the Audit Committee include
making recommendations concerning the engagement of independent public
accountants, reviewing with the independent public accountants the plans and
results of the audit engagement, approving professional services provided by the
independent public accountants, reviewing the independence of the independent
public accountants, considering the range of audit, and reviewing the adequacy
of the Company's internal accounting controls. The Audit Committee, whose
current members are Messrs. Glickman, Lynch, Petersen and Zachary, met in
January 1997 to discuss matters pertaining to 1996.
Compensation Committee. The principal functions of the Compensation
Committee are to determine the compensation for the Company's executive officers
and to administer and review the Company's incentive compensation plans,
including the Company's employee stock option plan. The Compensation Committee,
whose current members are Messrs. Glickman, Lynch, Petersen and Zachary, met in
January 1997 to discuss matters pertaining to 1996.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the
material appearing under the heading "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- -- Note (9) Related Party Transactions" in the Company's Form 10-K, which is
being mailed to Stockholders together with this Proxy Statement.
CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
Seth M. Zachary, who is presently serving as a member of the Board of
Directors and is a nominee to serve as a director until the 1998 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, is a partner of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, which is
the general counsel to the Company. The Company intends to continue to retain
the services of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP for general, corporate and
other matters.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation. The following table
contains certain information regarding aggregate compensation paid or accrued by
the Company during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 to the
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Co-Chief Executive Officer, the
Vice-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, the President and Chief Operating
Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, all of whom received an
annual salary and bonus in excess of $100,000.
8
10
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
-------------------------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS PAYOUTS
----------------------------- ------------------------ ---------
LONG-
OTHER TERM ALL
ANNUAL RESTRICTED SECURITIES INCENTIVE OTHER
FISCAL COMPEN- STOCK UNDERLYING PLAN COMPEN-
NAME AND YEAR SALARY BONUS SATION AWARDS OPTIONS PAYOUTS SATION
PRINCIPAL POSITION ENDED ($) ($)(1) ($) ($)(2) (#)(3) ($) ($)(4)
- ----------------------------- -------- ------- ------ ------- ---------- ---------- --------- -------
E. Robert Roskind ........... 12/31/96 200,000 18,333 -- -- 265,400 -- 900
Chairman of the Board of 12/31/95 200,000 18,333 -- 20,000 236,200 -- 900
Directors and Co-Chief 12/31/94 200,000 17,333 -- 21,060 -- -- 792
Executive Officer
Richard J. Rouse ............ 12/31/96 125,000 11,458 -- -- 166,600 -- 750
Vice Chairman and Co-Chief 12/31/95 125,000 11,458 -- 12,600 133,800 -- 750
Executive Officer(5) 12/31/94 125,000 10,825 -- 13,185 -- -- 660
T. Wilson Eglin ............. 12/31/96 120,000 11,000 -- -- 142,250 -- 600
President and Chief 12/31/95 100,000 9,166 -- 10,000 81,000 -- 600
Operating Officer(6) 12/31/94 100,000 8,666 -- 10,530 -- -- 582
Antonia G. Trigiani ......... 12/31/96 120,000 11,000 -- -- 136,250 -- 600
Chief Financial Officer and 12/31/95 100,000 9,166 -- 10,000 75,000 -- 600
Treasurer 12/31/94 100,000 8,666 -- 10,530 -- -- 528
- -------------------------
(1) Bonus amounts include amounts deferred at the election of the named
executive officers pursuant to the Company's plan established under Section
401(K) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(2) Amount represents the dollar value of awards of restricted stock at $9.00
per share for 1994 and $11.25 per share for 1995, the closing price of the
Common Stock on December 30, 1994 and December 29, 1995, respectively, the
business day immediately prior to the date the restricted stock grant
became effective.
(3) Of the 1995 stock options, 56,200, 43,800, 35,000 and 35,000 were granted
on February 27, 1995 to Messrs. Roskind, Rouse and Eglin and Ms. Trigiani,
respectively. The remaining options listed were granted to the named
executive officers on July 28, 1995 in connection with an exercise of
previously granted options. The exercise price of each stock option was
equal to the price at which the previously granted options were purchased,
which was $11.125. On February 27, 1995, the Common Stock had a fair market
value of $9.125 and on July 28, 1995 the Common Stock had a fair market
value of $10.875. Of the 1996 stock options, 32,800, 32,800, 46,000 and
40,000 were granted on January 2, 1996 to Messrs. Roskind, Rouse and Eglin
and Ms. Trigiani, respectively. The remaining options were granted to the
named executive officers on January 24, 1996 in connection with an exercise
of previously granted options. The exercise price of each such stock option
was equal to the price at which the previously granted options were
purchased, which was $11.875. On January 2, 1996, the Common Stock had a
fair market value of $11.25 and on January 24, 1996 the Common Stock had a
fair market value of $11.50.
(4) Amount represents the dollar value of life insurance premiums paid by the
Company during the applicable fiscal year with respect to the life of the
named executive officer.
(5) Mr. Rouse was elected Vice Chairman of the Company on April 1, 1996, and
until such date had served as President of the Company.
(6) Mr. Eglin was elected President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company
on April 1, 1996, and until such date had served as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
9
11
Stock Options. The following table sets forth certain information
concerning stock options granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
to each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table. Since
inception, the Company has not granted any stock appreciation rights.
OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1996
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
PRICE APPRECIATION
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS FOR OPTION TERM
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENTAGE (%) OF
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN BASE PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED FISCAL 1996 ($/SHARE) DATE 5% ($) 10% ($)
--------- ---------- ----------------- ----------- ----------- ------- ---------
E. Robert Roskind ...... 32,800 9.70 11.250 1/2/01 470,948 594,278
52,600(1) 15.56 11.875 1/24/01 797,197 1,005,965
Richard J. Rouse ....... 32,800 9.70 11.250 1/2/01 470,948 594,278
43,800(1) 12.96 11.875 1/24/01 663,826 837,667
T. Wilson Eglin ........ 46,000 13.61 11.250 1/2/01 660,476 833,439
35,000(1) 10.36 11.875 1/24/01 530,455 669,368
Antonia G. Trigiani .... 40,000 11.83 11.250 1/2/01 574,327 724,730
35,000(1) 10.36 11.875 1/24/01 530,455 669,368
- -------------------
(1) These options were granted by the Compensation Committee to the named
executive officers upon the exercise by them of other options for a similar
number of shares.
10
12
Option Exercises/Value of Unexercised Options. The following table sets
forth certain information concerning the exercise of stock options during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, by each of the executive officers named in
the Summary Compensation Table, and the year-end value of unexercised options
held by such persons.
STOCK OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL YEAR 1996
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
ACQUIRED OPTIONS AT FISCAL YEAR-END AT FISCAL YEAR-END
ON VALUE --------------------------------- ------------------------------
EXERCISE REALIZED UNEXERCISABLE
NAME (#) ($)(1) EXERCISABLE(#) UNEXERCISABLE(#) EXERCISABLE($) ($)
----- -------- -------- -------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------
E. Robert Roskind .... 8,527 144,650 265,400 -- 885,350 --
Richard J. Rouse ..... 7,150 120,450 166,600 -- 546,150 --
T. Wilson Eglin ...... 5,233 96,250 142,250 -- 465,875 --
Antonia G. Trigiani .. 5,201 96,250 136,250 -- 445,625 --
- -------------------
(1) The value realized for each named executive officer includes shares
withheld to satisfy federal tax liability of $57,281, $43,362, $34,650 and
$34,650 for Messrs. Roskind, Rouse and Eglin and Ms. Trigiani,
respectively. The remainder of the value realized represents shares
withheld pursuant to cashless exercise provisions of the Company's stock
option plan to satisfy the exercise price of the shares acquired. The
Company has determined no longer to permit cashless exercise of stock
options.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Each director who is not employed by the Company receives an annual fee
of $20,000 for service as a director. In addition, such directors receive $1,000
for each meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof attended by
the director and reimbursement for expenses incurred in attending such meetings.
Pursuant to the 1994 Outside Director Stock Plan, as amended, during 1996 each
non-employee director was required to receive not less than 50% of such
director's fees in Common Stock at an amount per share equal to 95% of the fair
market value of one share of Common Stock as of the date of purchase. During
1996, Messrs. Glickman, Zachary and Petersen elected to receive 100%, 50% (as of
August 1, 100%), and 10% (as of October 1, 100%), respectively, of their fees in
Common Stock with respect to the five meetings which the Board of Directors held
in 1996. Pursuant to the Company's 1993 Stock Option Plan, non-employee
directors automatically are granted each year, on January 1, non-qualified stock
options to purchase, after a one-year holding period, 2,500 shares of Common
Stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on
the date of the grant.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Compensation Committee
and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors consisted of Carl D. Glickman,
Kevin W. Lynch, Harry E. Petersen, Jr. and Seth M. Zachary. None of such persons
are or have been executive officers of the Company. Mr. Zachary is a partner of
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, which is the general counsel to the
Company.
11
13
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, all matters concerning
executive compensation for the Co-Chief Executive Officers and other executive
officers were considered and acted upon by the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors.
Compensation Philosophy. The Company's compensation program for
executive officers is based upon a desire to achieve both its short- and
long-term business goals and strategies with a view to enhancing stockholder
value. To achieve its goals, the Company recognizes that it must adopt a
compensation program which will attract, retain and motivate qualified and
experienced executive officers and that its compensation program should align
the financial interests of its executive officers with those of its
stockholders.
Compensation of Executive Officers (other than the Co-Chief Executive
Officers). In approving the annual salary for Mr. Eglin, Ms. Trigiani and Mr.
Wood, the Board of Directors considered several factors, including the scope of
the individual's responsibilities, the cost of living, the historical financial
results of the Company, and the anticipated financial performance of the
Company. The compensation determination for each individual was largely
subjective, did not involve discussions with the individual executive regarding
such executive's compensation requirements and no specific weight was given to
any particular factor. In addition to their base salaries, these executive
officers of the Company receive discretionary bonuses tied to their individual
performances and the overall performance of the Company. Mr. Eglin and Ms.
Trigiani are eligible to receive additional bonuses under the Company's
Incentive Bonus Plan tied to growth in the Company's operating cash flow per
share. The Board of Directors has not established specific performance goals for
the payment of discretionary bonuses.
Compensation of Co-Chief Executive Officers. As with the other
executive officers, the Board of Directors determined the annual salary for the
Co-Chief Executive Officers based upon a number of factors and criteria,
including the historical financial results of the Company, the anticipated
financial performance of the Company and the requirements of such Co-Chief
Executive Officers. The compensation determination for each of the Co-Chief
Executive Officers was largely subjective, and no specific weight was given to
any particular factor. The Co-Chief Executive Officers of the Company are also
eligible to receive discretionary bonuses tied to their individual and overall
performances and to participate in the Company's Incentive Bonus Plan. The Board
of Directors has not established specific performance goals for the payment of
discretionary bonuses.
1993 Stock Option Plan. The Company believes that providing executive
officers with opportunities to acquire significant equity stakes in its growth
and prosperity through the grant of stock options will enable the Company to
attract and retain qualified and experienced executive officers. Stock options
represent a valuable portion of the compensation program for the Company's
executive officers. Stock options may be awarded to executive officers at the
time that they join the Company and periodically thereafter. The exercise price
of stock options has been tied to the fair market value of the Company's Common
Stock on the date of the grant, and the options will only have value if the
value of the Company's Common Stock increases. Grants of stock options to
executive officers generally are made by the Compensation Committee upon the
recommendation of senior management and are based upon the level of each
executive officer's position with the Company, an evaluation of the executive
officer's past and expected future performance, the number of outstanding and
previously granted options, and discussions with the executive officer.
Incentive Bonus Plan. The Company maintains an Incentive Bonus Plan
pursuant to which participants in the Incentive Bonus Plan are entitled to
receive annual bonuses which are tied to growth in the Company's operating cash
flow per share. The Incentive Bonus Plan is administered by the Compensation
Committee on an annual basis. The bonus amount, which is shared among plan
participants, will not exceed an amount equal to 10% of the amount determined by
multiplying (a) the difference between (i) the Company's operating cash flow per
share for the year during which the incentive bonus amount is being
12
14
determined (the "Measurement Year") (before calculation of the bonus amount) and
(ii) $1.14, the Company's operating cash flow per share for the calendar year
1993 (calculated as if the Company had been in existence on January 1, 1993) by
(b) the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the
Measurement Year. The Incentive Bonus Plan also provides that, notwithstanding
the foregoing, no incentive bonus will be paid in respect of any Measurement
Year if the Company's operating cash flow per share (before calculation of the
bonus amount) for the Measurement Year does not exceed the Company's operating
cash flow per share in the year prior to the Measurement Year. The participants
in the Incentive Bonus Plan currently include Messrs. Roskind, Rouse and Eglin
and Ms. Trigiani. No bonuses under the Incentive Bonus Plan were payable with
respect to the fiscal years ended December 31, 1994, December 31, 1995 and
December 31, 1996.
Other Bonuses. In addition to bonuses that may be payable to
participants under the Incentive Bonus Plan, the Compensation Committee may also
approve the payment of other bonuses to executive officers and employees of the
Company based on their contributions and performances.
Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors
Carl D. Glickman
Kevin W. Lynch
Harry E. Petersen, Jr
Seth M. Zachary
13
15
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph and table set forth below compare the cumulative total
stockholder return on the Company's Common Stock for the period of October 22,
1993 through December 31, 1996 with the NAREIT Equity REIT Total Return Index,
which includes 166 tax-qualified equity REITs listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ National Market, and the
S&P 500 Index for the same period. The graph and table assume an investment of
$100 in the Common Stock in each index on October 22, 1993, the date trading
commenced for the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange.
THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 22, 1993 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1996
[CHART]
10/22/93 12/31/93 12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96
Lexington Corporate Properties, Inc. $100.00 $110.96 $110.14 $146.63 $195.89
NAREIT Equity REIT Total Return Index $100.00 $99.83 $103.00 $118.72 $160.58
S&P 500 Index $100.00 $101.23 $102.55 $140.94 $173.32
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the
material appearing under the headings "Selected Financial Data," "Managements'
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in the Company's Form 10-K.
14
16
PROPOSAL NO. 2
ADOPTION, RATIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF AN INVESTMENT
AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE AND SALE BY THE COMPANY OF
CLASS A SENIOR CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company held on December
30, 1996, the Board of Directors approved the issuance and sale by the Company,
subject to approval by the Stockholders, of an aggregate of up to 2,000,000
shares of Preferred Stock at a price of $12.50 per share, for an aggregate
purchase price of $25,000,000 (the "Investment"), to Five Arrows. Five Arrows is
a real estate investment fund advised by Rothschild Realty, Inc.
Ratification and approval of the Investment by the Stockholders is
required pursuant to New York State Exchange (the "Exchange") Rule 312, which
requires stockholder approval of transactions in which Exchange listed
companies, such as the Company, sell capital stock representing in excess of
twenty percent of the then issued and outstanding capital stock of such
companies. In connection with the Investment, Five Arrows has agreed to purchase
up to 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock which, at the time the Agreement was
executed, would have been convertible into Common Stock representing
approximately 22% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock, on a fully diluted
basis. The Board is therefore seeking Stockholder approval of the Investment to
comply with the Exchange's Rule.
DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENT
Pursuant to an Investment Agreement dated as of December 31, 1996
between the Company and Five Arrows (the "Investment Agreement"), the Company
has agreed to sell to Five Arrows, and Five Arrows has agreed to purchase from
the Company, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the
Investment Agreement, an aggregate of up to 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock
at a price of $12.50 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000,000.
Each share of Preferred Stock is convertible into one (1) share of Common Stock,
subject to certain adjustments.
Under the Investment Agreement, the Company may designate up to three
closings for the sale of the Preferred Stock, all of which must occur by
December 31, 1997. The first closing for an aggregate of 700,000 shares of
Preferred Stock occurred on January 21, 1997 (the "First Closing"). Under the
Investment Agreement, Five Arrows may cancel subsequent closings in the event of
a Change of Control or a Put Event (each as defined in the Articles
Supplementary Classifying 2,000,000 Shares of Preferred Stock as Class A Senior
Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (the "Articles
Supplementary")). In addition, the Company may determine not to sell any or all
of the remaining shares of Preferred Stock to Five Arrows; provided that in the
event the Company determines not to sell such remaining shares, the Company is
required to pay to Five Arrows an availability fee based on the number of shares
it has determined not to sell. Under the Investment Agreement, Five Arrows may
not sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of the Preferred Stock
or any interest therein for the one (1) year period commencing December 31, 1996
and ending December 31, 1997.
In connection with the Investment Agreement and simultaneous with the
First Closing, the Company entered into an Operating Agreement (the "Operating
Agreement") and Agreement and Waiver (waiving certain ownership restrictions
contained in the charter documents of the Company relating to the Investor's
ownership of the capital stock of the Company) (the "Waiver") with the Investor,
each dated as of January 21, 1997. The Operating Agreement provides the Investor
with both demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to the shares of
Preferred Stock and the Common Stock issued or issuable upon conversion of the
Preferred Stock.
15
17
Holders of the Preferred Stock are entitled to cumulative preferential
dividends at a quarterly rate equal to the greater of (i) $0.295 per share, per
quarter and (ii) the product of 1.05 and the per share quarterly dividend paid
in respect of the Common Stock (subject to certain adjustments) and upon
liquidation of the Company shall be entitled to receive $12.50 per share in
cash, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, unless previously converted into
shares of Common Stock. Unless dividends (including accrued and unpaid dividends
in arrears, whether or not declared) in respect of the Preferred Stock have been
paid in full or declared and set apart for payment, the Company is prohibited
from paying dividends on, making any other distributions on, or redeeming or
purchasing any Common Stock.
The shares of Preferred Stock are redeemable by the Company at any time
on or after the fifth anniversary of the original date of issuance thereof upon
the payment to the holder of the liquidation value per share plus a premium
which declines over time.
The shares of Preferred Stock are subject to certain ownership
limitations as set forth in the Articles Supplementary. So long as the Company
continues to qualify as a REIT, no person generally may own shares of the
Preferred Stock (beneficially or otherwise) and the Common Stock of the Company
(collectively, the "Equity Stock") in excess of 9.8% of the value of the total
outstanding Equity Stock of the Company. Transfers of Equity Stock resulting in
a person owning in excess of 9.8% of the value of the total outstanding Equity
Stock of the Company will be void. As permitted by the Company's charter, the
Board of Directors granted the Waiver to Five Arrows to exempt it from these
ownership limitations.
Holders of the Company's Preferred Stock are entitled to vote or
consent on all matters submitted to a vote of the holders of Common Stock and
vote together as a single class with the Common Stock.
Failure by the Stockholders to ratify and approve the Investment will
constitute a Put Event under the Articles Supplementary, thereby entitling Five
Arrows to cancel subsequent closings and entitling Five Arrows to require the
Company to repurchase any shares of Preferred Stock which it owns at a two
percent premium to the $12.50 per share liquidation value of the Preferred
Stock, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
Five Arrows has the right, pursuant to the Articles Supplementary, to
designate up to two directors to the Board of Directors of the Company under
certain specified conditions. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, Five
Arrows was entitled to designate one director to the Board of Directors. Mr.
McGurk is the designee of Five Arrows, and has been nominated by the entire
Board of Directors to stand for election.
REASON FOR INVESTMENT
The Board of Directors believes that the Investment has provided, and
will provide, the Company with additional capital to expand its real estate
investment activity for the benefit of the stockholders. The Board of Directors
also believes that the Investment by Five Arrows, a well-respected,
knowledgeable institutional investor, will enhance the Company's market profile.
VOTE REQUIRED
The Investment must be ratified and approved by the affirmative vote of
a majority of the shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock entitled to be
voted at the Annual Meeting, voting together as a single class.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY (OTHER THAN MR. MCGURK WHO WAS
NOT A MEMBER OF THE BOARD AT THE TIME) HAS APPROVED THE PROPOSED INVESTMENT AND
RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMPANY'S STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSED INVESTMENT.
16
18
PROPOSAL NO. 3
PROPOSAL TO REORGANIZE THE COMPANY AS A MARYLAND STATUTORY REAL
ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
At a meeting of the Board of Directors held on March 25, 1997, the
directors approved the reorganization (the "Reorganization") of the Company from
a Maryland corporation to a Maryland statutory real estate investment trust
("MDREIT"), subject to Stockholder approval. To effect the Reorganization, the
Company will merge with and into a newly formed MDREIT, with the MDREIT as the
surviving entity. The terms of such merger are more fully set forth in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Agreement and Plan of Merger"), a copy of
which is attached as Exhibit A to this Proxy Statement.
GENERAL
If the Stockholders approve the Reorganization, the Company will effect
a reorganization in which the Company's business form is changed from that of a
corporation to a statutory real estate investment trust, which is an
organizational form permitted under Maryland law. To effect the Reorganization,
the Company will merge, in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
with and into a newly formed MDREIT, with the MDREIT as the surviving entity.
When the merger becomes effective, (a) the Company will cease to exist, (b) the
MDREIT will succeed to all of the business, assets and liabilities of the
Company, (c) the name of MDREIT will be changed to Lexington Corporate
Properties Trust and (d) each outstanding share of Common Stock and Preferred
Stock of the Company will be automatically converted into one share of Common
Stock or Preferred Stock of the MDREIT, as the case may be. Each share of Common
Stock and Preferred Stock in the MDREIT will entitle the holder thereof to the
same voting rights to which such stockholder was entitled prior to the merger,
and it will not be necessary for stockholders of the Company to surrender or
exchange their existing stock certificates for new stock certificates of the
MDREIT.
The Board of Directors does not believe that the Reorganization will
result in any material change in the Company's business or operations, or
otherwise have any affect on the Company's financial statements. The Company
will continue to maintain its executive offices at the same location it
currently occupies.
It is anticipated that the Reorganization will be effected as soon
after receipt of Stockholder approval as is practicable. The Agreement and Plan
of Merger provides that the Reorganization may be abandoned by the Board of
Directors after approval by the Stockholders and prior to the effective time of
the Reorganization. However, the Board of Directors presently intends to proceed
with the Reorganization promptly following Stockholder approval. No federal or
state regulatory requirements must be complied with or approvals obtained in
connection with the Reorganization, other than approval by the Stockholders.
REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATION
The Board of Directors has determined that the Reorganization would
result in substantial franchise tax savings for the Company in certain
jurisdictions in which the Company owns properties. In addition, the Board of
Directors does not believe that the Reorganization will have any material
adverse effect on the Company's operations or that the Reorganization will
materially increase the legal exposure of any of the Company's officers,
directors or stockholders. A comparison of the rights of the Company's
stockholders as stockholders of a "corporate entity" and as stockholders of a
"statutory real estate investment trust" is set forth below.
17
19
DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS IN THE COMPANY AS A MARYLAND
CORPORATION AND AS A MARYLAND STATUTORY REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST
As a result of the Reorganization, the Company and the rights of its
stockholders, directors and officers will be governed by Maryland statutory law
dealing with MDREITs, by the MDREIT's Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of
Trust") and by the MDREIT's bylaws (the "MDREIT Bylaws") rather than by Maryland
law dealing with corporations and the Company's Certificate of Incorporation
(the "Charter") and Bylaws. A copy of the Declaration of Trust is attached
hereto as Exhibit B. Copies of MDREIT Bylaws, the Company's Charter and Bylaws
are available for inspection at the principal executive offices of the Company
and will be sent to Stockholders upon request.
The following discussion of the material similarities and differences
to the Company and its stockholders, directors and officers resulting from the
Reorganization is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to Exhibit B hereto and applicable Maryland law as it applies to
corporations and MDREITs.
Restrictions on Investment
An MDREIT, unlike a corporate entity, must hold, either directly or
through other entities, at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the value of it
assets in real estate assets, mortgages or mortgage related securities,
government securities, cash and cash equivalent items, including high grade,
short-term securities and receivables. The Company, as it is currently
organized, is not subject to such a restriction, but based upon the current and
proposed future allocations of the Company's assets, the Board of Directors does
not believe that this restriction on investment will materially affect the
Company or its operations.
Business Combinations
The primary difference between the Company as it is currently organized
and the Company as it is proposed to be reorganized, with respect to the
stockholders' position of ownership and control of the Company, is the
difference in the right of large stockholders to effect a business combination
with the Company.
Prior to the proposed Reorganization, a business combination between
large stockholders and the Company would be governed by Section 2-419 of the
Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") which provides that certain
business combinations between a corporation and a stockholder beneficially
owning ten percent (10%) or more of such corporation's outstanding voting stock
(an "Interested Stockholder") are not permitted unless (i) the Interested
Stockholder has been a stockholder for more than five years, (ii) the board of
directors approves the business combination and (iii) eighty percent (80%) of
the stockholders (or 2/3 of disinterested stockholders) approve the business
combination. After the proposed Reorganization, the Company would be required to
meet the conditions specified above in order to enter into a business
combination with an Interested Stockholder, except that an Interested
Stockholder may not engage in a business combination with the Company for a
period of five years following the date such person becomes an Interested
Stockholder as opposed to five years following the date such person becomes a
stockholder in the Company. In addition, any consideration to be received by an
MDREIT as part of any permissible business combination must be received in cash
or the same form as previously paid by the Interested Stockholder for such
person's shares. Furthermore, the board of trustees of an MDREIT may eliminate
the above restrictions in respect of certain business combinations with
Interested Stockholders by approving or exempting such business combinations
prior to the time that the Interested Stockholder becomes an Interested
Stockholder. As the Company is currently organized, the Board of Directors has
no such power to approve or exempt such business combinations between the
Company and Interested Stockholders from the requirements of the MGCL.
18
20
Under the MGCL, the approval of the holders of two-thirds of the
Company's outstanding voting stock is required to approve reorganizations of the
Company (although a corporation is permitted to reduce this requirement to a
majority of the outstanding voting stock). No such statutory restriction exists
under Maryland law with respect to MDREITs; however, the Declaration of Trust
specifically requires the approval of two-thirds of the Company's outstanding
voting stock in order to approve reorganizations with respect to the MDREIT.
Capital Stock
Both the Charter and the Declaration of Trust authorize the same number
of shares of capital stock and designate the same number of shares as Common
Stock, excess stock and preferred stock. Both the Charter and the Declaration of
Trust permit the Board of Directors to issue shares of preferred stock from time
to time and in one or more classes or series, to specify the number of shares of
such series and to determine the applicable designations, preferences,
conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, rights and limitations
as to dividends, qualifications or terms and conditions of redemption, within
the limits established by law from time to time. Also, under each of the Charter
and the Declaration of Trust, the Board of Directors may reclassify any unissued
shares of capital stock as either Common Stock, excess stock or preferred stock
without further action by the stockholders.
Indemnification of Directors/Trustees, Officers, Employees and Agents
Under Maryland law, an MDREIT has the power to indemnify or advance
expenses to trustees, officers, employees and agents of the MDREIT to the same
extent as is permitted under MGCL with respect to the Company.
Liabilities of Directors/Trustees and Stockholders
Under the MGCL, a director of the Company is generally immune from
liability to the Company for such director's actions so long as the director
acts in good faith, with care and in a manner the director believes to be in the
best interests of the Company. Stockholders of the Company are generally not
obligated to the Company or its creditors under the MGCL with respect to stock
owned by the stockholders, except to the extent that the subscription price of
such stock has not been paid or liability is imposed under other provisions of
the MGCL. In an MDREIT, the stockholders and trustees are not personally liable
for the obligations of the MDREIT except in the case of bad faith, willful
misfeasance, gross negligence or, in the case of a trustee, reckless disregard
of the trustee's duties. The declaration of trust of an MDREIT may include any
provision expanding or limiting the liability of its trustees and officers to
the trust or its stockholders for money damages. In addition, the declaration of
trust may include provisions limiting the liability of its trustees, officers,
employees and agents such that no person shall be liable to the MDREIT or to any
stockholder for money damages except for the liability of a trustee or officer
resulting from (i) acts or omissions involving active or deliberate dishonesty
established by final judgment or (ii) of an improper benefit or profit in money,
property or services. The Declaration of Trust includes such a provision
limiting the liability of the MDREIT's trustees, officers, employees and agents.
FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following material is based on discussions with counsel. No opinion
of counsel has been obtained. Stockholders are advised to consult with their own
tax advisors for more detailed information relating to their individual tax
circumstances.
The Reorganization will constitute a reorganization under Section
368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code. For Federal income tax purposes, no
gain or loss will be recognized by the stockholders of the Company on the
automatic conversion of their shares of the Company into shares of the MDREIT as
a
19
21
result of the merger. Each stockholder will have a basis in shares of the MDREIT
equal to the basis in the stockholder's shares of the Company immediately prior
to the effective date of the merger and the stockholder's holding period of
shares of the MDREIT will include the period during which the stockholder held
the corresponding shares of the Company, provided that such shares were held by
the stockholder as a capital asset on the effective date of the merger. No gain
or loss will be recognized by the Company or by the MDREIT as a result of the
merger.
Each stockholder is advised to consult with his or her attorney or tax
advisor as to the Federal, state or local tax consequences of the proposed
merger in view of his or her individual circumstances.
RIGHTS OF DISSENTING STOCKHOLDERS
Section 3-202 of the MGCL provides that stockholders of a Maryland
corporation do not have appraisal rights when the stock of the corporation is
listed on a national securities exchange on the record date for determining
stockholders entitled to vote on the transaction to which the stockholder
objects.
VOTE REQUIRED
The affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the
shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock entitled to be voted at the Annual
Meeting, voting together as a single class, will be required to approve this
proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY RECOMMENDS THAT THE COMPANY'S
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSED REORGANIZATION.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any business to come before the
Annual Meeting other than the election of directors, and the proposals set forth
above under the captions "Proposal No. 2" and "Proposal No. 3". However, if any
other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, including matters
relating to the conduct of the Annual Meeting, it is intended that proxies in
the accompanying form will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the
judgment of the person or persons voting the proxies.
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The firm of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP has served as independent auditors of
the Company since the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and has been selected
by the Company to serve as its independent auditors for the year ending December
31, 1997. Management expects that representatives of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP will
attend the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they
desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. Audit
services of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP for prior fiscal years have included the audit
of the financial statements of the Company included in the Annual Report to
Stockholders and Form 10-K, services related to filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, and consultation and assistance on accounting and related
matters. The services furnished by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP have been at customary
rates and terms. There are no existing direct or indirect understandings or
agreements that place a limit on current or future years' audit fees.
20
22
MISCELLANEOUS
The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. The
Company expects to retain Chase Mellon Shareholder Services, L.L.C., an outside
proxy solicitation firm, in connection with the Annual Meeting. The Company will
reimburse brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for
reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy material to the beneficial
owners of Common Stock. In addition to solicitations by mail, directors,
officers and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally or
by telegraph or telephone without additional compensation.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
In order to be eligible for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials
for next year's Annual Meeting of Stockholders, any stockholder proposal to take
action at such meeting must be received at the office of the Company located at
355 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, no later than December 22, 1997.
Any such proposals shall be subject to the requirements of the proxy rules
adopted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1996,
including the financial statements and the financial statement schedules, are
incorporated herein by reference.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
/s/ Paul R. Wood
PAUL R. WOOD,
Vice President, Chief Accounting
Officer and Secretary
New York, New York
April ___, 1997
21
23
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT A - Agreement and Plan of Merger
EXHIBIT B - Declaration of Trust
22
24
EXHIBIT A
Agreement and Plan of Merger
25
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER ("AGREEMENT"), dated as of _______,
1997 is entered into by and between Lexington Corporate Properties, Inc., a
Maryland corporation ("CORPORATE"), and Lexington Corporate Properties Trust, a
Maryland statutory real estate trust (the "MDREIT").
WHEREAS, the respective Boards of Directors of Corporate and MDREIT
have approved the tax-free merger of Corporate with and into MDREIT (the
"MERGER"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, as a
result of which Corporate will merge with MDREIT and the shareholders of
Corporate will be entitled to receive the consideration provided in this
Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual benefits to be derived
from this Agreement and of the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements hereinafter contained, Corporate and MDREIT agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
The Merger
SECTION 1.01. Surviving Entity. In accordance with the provisions of
this Agreement and applicable Maryland law, at the Effective Date (as defined in
SECTION 1.06), Corporate shall be merged with and into MDREIT, and MDREIT shall
be the surviving entity in the Merger (hereinafter sometimes called the
"SURVIVING ENTITY"). At the Effective Date, the separate existence of Corporate
shall cease.
SECTION 1.02. Declaration of Trust. As of the Effective Date, the
Declaration of Trust of MDREIT immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be
the Declaration of Trust of the Surviving Entity, until thereafter amended as
provided by law or in such Declaration of Trust.
SECTION 1.03. By-laws. The By-laws of MDREIT as in effect at the
Effective Date shall be the By-laws of the Surviving Entity, until thereafter
amended or repealed as provided by law.
26
SECTION 1.04. Trustees. The directors of Corporate at the Effective
Date shall, from and after the Effective Date, be the trustees of the Surviving
Entity and shall hold office from the Effective Date until their respective
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in the manner provided in
the Declaration of Trust and By-laws of the Surviving Entity, or as otherwise
provided by law.
SECTION 1.05. Officers. The officers of Corporate at the Effective Date
shall, from and after the Effective Date, be the officers of the Surviving
Entity and shall hold office from the Effective Date until their respective
successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in the manner provided in
the Declaration of Trust and By-laws of the Surviving Entity, or as otherwise
provided by law.
SECTION 1.06. Effective Date. The Merger shall become effective at the
time of filing of the Articles of Merger with the Secretary of State of the
State of Maryland in accordance with the provisions of applicable Maryland law.
The Articles of Merger shall be filed with the Secretary of State of the State
of Maryland. The date when the Merger becomes effective is herein referred to as
the "EFFECTIVE DATE".
SECTION 1.07. Additional Actions. If, at any time after the Effective
Date, the Surviving Entity determines that any deeds, bills of sale,
assignments, assurances or any other acts or things are necessary or desirable
(a) to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Surviving
Entity, its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights,
properties or assets of Corporate acquired or to be acquired by reason of, or as
a result of, the Merger, or (b) otherwise to carry out the purposes of this
Agreement, the Surviving Entity and its proper officers and directors shall be
authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of Corporate, all
such deeds, bills of sale, assignments and assurances and to do, in the name and
on behalf of Corporate, all such other acts and things necessary or desirable to
vest, perfect or confirm any and all right, title or interest in, to or under
such rights, properties or assets in the Surviving Entity or otherwise to carry
out the purposes of this Agreement.
SECTION 1.08. Conversion of Company Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
- 2 -
27
(i) Each share of Corporate's common stock, par value $0.01 per share
(the "COMPANY COMMON STOCK"), and each share of Class A Senior Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "COMPANY PREFERRED
STOCK"), actually issued and outstanding at the Effective Date shall, by virtue
of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder thereof, (A) in
the case of Company Common Stock be converted into one validly issued, fully
paid and non-assessable share of the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
MDREIT (the "MDREIT COMMON STOCK") and (B) in the case of Company Preferred
Stock, be converted into one validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable share
of Class A Senior Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of MDREIT (the "MDREIT PREFERRED STOCK"). Certificates representing
shares of Company Common Stock and Company Preferred Stock before the Merger
will represent MDREIT Common Stock and MDREIT Preferred Stock, respectively,
after the Merger and it will not be necessary for stockholders of Corporate to
surrender or exchange their existing stock certificates for new stock
certificates.
(ii) Each share of Company Common Stock held by Corporate at the
Effective Date shall, by virtue of the Merger, be cancelled without payment of
any consideration therefor and without any conversion thereof.
- 3 -
28
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of Corporate and MDREIT has executed this
Agreement, or has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by a
representative duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
LEXINGTON CORPORATE
PROPERTIES, INC.
By:______________________________________
Name:
Title:
LEXINGTON CORPORATE
PROPERTIES TRUST
By:______________________________________
Name:
Title:
- 4 -
29
EXHIBIT B
Declaration of Trust
30
LEXINGTON CORPORATE PROPERTIES, INC.
PROXY
Proxy Solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints E. Robert Roskind and Richard J.
Rouse (to act by majority decision if more than one shall act), and each of
them, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock, par
value $.0001 per share, and all shares of Class A Senior Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock") of Lexington Corporate Properties, Inc.
(the "Company") that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting
of the Stockholders of the Company to be held on Tuesday, May 20, 1997 or any
adjournments thereof.
YOU MAY REVOKE THIS PROXY AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE
TAKING OF A VOTE ON THE MATTERS HEREIN.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
Returned proxy cards will be voted (1) as specified
on the matters listed below; (2) in accordance with /X/ Please mark your
the Directors' recommendations where a choice is not votes in this manner
specified; and (3) in accordance with the judgment of
the proxies on any other matters that may properly
come before the meeting.
MANAGEMENT AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY RECOMMEND VOTES "FOR" ALL
OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Election of Directors for a term of FOR ALL WITHHOLD
one year: E. Robert Roskind, Richard J. NOMINEES LISTED AUTHORITY
Rouse, T. Wilson Eglin, Carl D. (except as marked to to vote for all
Glickman, Kevin Lynch, John D. McGurk the contrary) nominees
and Seth M. Zachary.
/ / / /
To withhold authority for any individual
nominee please write the person's name
in the following space:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
2. Proposal to adopt, ratify FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
and approve an investment / / / / / /
agreement relating to the
issuance and sale by the
Company of Preferred Stock.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
3. Proposal to reorganize the / / / / / /
Company as a Maryland
Statutory Real Estate
Investment Trust. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
/ / / / / /
4. With discretionary authority
on any other business that may
properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
Dated: ____________________________________________________________________ 1997
_____________________________________________________________________________
Signature
_____________________________________________________________________________
Signature if Held Jointly
Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign.
When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please
give full title as such. Corporate or partnership proxies should be signed by an
authorized person with the person's title indicated.
PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.