UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
   
FORM 10-K
   
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
 
For the transition period from ___________________ to _________________
 
Commission File Number 1-11530
   
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
   
Michigan
38-2033632
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300
 
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
48304-2324
(Address of principal executive office)
(Zip Code)
   
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(248) 258-6800
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
   
 
Name of each exchange
Title of each class
on which registered
Common Stock,
New York Stock Exchange
$0.01 Par Value
 
   
8% Series G Cumulative
New York Stock Exchange
Redeemable Preferred Stock,
 
No Par Value
 
   
7.625% Series H Cumulative
New York Stock Exchange
Redeemable Preferred Stock,
 
No Par Value
 
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  x   Yes     o    No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. o  Yes    x   No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    x  Yes      o   No
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer     x      Accelerated Filer    o          Non-Accelerated Filer     o      Smaller reporting company   o                
                      (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    o  Yes      x   No
 
The aggregate market value of the 51,850,290 shares of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2008 was $2.5 billion, based upon the closing price $48.65 per share on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape on June 30, 2008. (For this computation, the registrant has excluded the market value of all shares of its Common Stock held by directors of the registrant and certain other shareholders; such exclusion shall not be deemed to constitute an admission that any such person is an "affiliate" of the registrant.)  As of February 23, 2009, there were outstanding 53,044,236 shares of Common Stock.
   
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
   
Portions of the proxy statement for the annual shareholders meeting to be held in 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III.


 
 

 

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
CONTENTS

PART I
  9
  20
  20
PART II
  22
  23
  47
  47
  47
  47
  47
PART III
  47
  47
  48
  48
  48
PART IV
  49

1


PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS.

The following discussion of our business contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. We caution that although forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs and best judgment based upon current information, these statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including those risks, uncertainties, and factors detailed from time to time in reports filed with the SEC, and in particular those set forth under “Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company

Taubman Centers, Inc. (TCO) is a Michigan corporation that operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (the Operating Partnership or TRG) is a majority-owned partnership subsidiary of TCO, which owns direct or indirect interests in all of our real estate properties. In this report, the terms "we", "us" and "our" refer to TCO, the Operating Partnership, and/or the Operating Partnership's subsidiaries as the context may require.

We own, lease, develop, acquire, dispose of, and operate regional and super-regional shopping centers. Our portfolio as of December 31, 2008 included 23 urban and suburban shopping centers in ten states. The Consolidated Businesses consist of shopping centers and entities that are controlled by ownership or contractual agreements, The Taubman Company LLC (Manager), and Taubman Properties Asia LLC and its subsidiaries (Taubman Asia). See the table on pages 16 and 17 of this report for information regarding the centers.

Taubman Asia, which is the platform for our expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, is headquartered in Hong Kong.

We operate as a  REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). In order to satisfy the provisions of the Code applicable to REITs, we must distribute to our shareowners at least 90% of our REIT taxable income prior to net capital gains and meet certain other requirements. The Operating Partnership's partnership agreement provides that the Operating Partnership will distribute, at a minimum, sufficient amounts to its partners such that our pro rata share will enable us to pay shareowner dividends (including capital gains dividends that may be required upon the Operating Partnership's sale of an asset) that will satisfy the REIT provisions of the Code.

Recent Developments

For a discussion of business developments that occurred in 2008, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)."

The Shopping Center Business

There are several types of retail shopping centers, varying primarily by size and marketing strategy. Retail shopping centers range from neighborhood centers of less than 100,000 square feet of GLA to regional and super-regional shopping centers. Retail shopping centers in excess of 400,000 square feet of GLA are generally referred to as "regional" shopping centers, while those centers having in excess of 800,000 square feet of GLA are generally referred to as "super-regional" shopping centers. In this annual report on Form 10-K, the term "regional shopping centers" refers to both regional and super-regional shopping centers. The term "GLA" refers to gross retail space, including anchors and mall tenant areas, and the term "Mall GLA" refers to gross retail space, excluding anchors. The term "anchor" refers to a department store or other large retail store. The term "mall tenants" refers to stores (other than anchors) that lease space in shopping centers.

Business of the Company

We are engaged in the ownership, management, leasing, acquisition, disposition, development, and expansion of regional shopping centers.


The centers:

·  
are strategically located in major metropolitan areas, many in communities that are among the most affluent in the country, including Atlantic City, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Orlando, Phoenix, San Francisco, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.;

·  
range in size between 282,000 and 1.6 million square feet of GLA and between 197,000 and 636,000 square feet of Mall GLA. The smallest center has approximately 60 stores, and the largest has over 200 stores. Of the 23 centers, 18 are super-regional shopping centers;

·  
have approximately 3,000 stores operated by their mall tenants under approximately 900 trade names;

·  
have 68 anchors, operating under 15 trade names;

·  
lease over 90% of Mall GLA to national chains, including subsidiaries or divisions of The Gap (Gap, Gap Kids/Baby Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and others), Forever 21 (Forever 21, For Love 21, XXI Forever, and others), and Limited Brands (Bath & Body Works/White Barn Candle, Pink, Victoria's Secret, and others); and

·  
are among the most productive (measured by mall tenants' average sales per square foot) in the United States. In 2008, mall tenants reported average sales per square foot of $539, which is higher than the average for all regional shopping centers owned by public companies.

The most important factor affecting the revenues generated by the centers is leasing to mall tenants (including temporary tenants and specialty retailers), which represents approximately 90% of revenues. Anchors account for less than 10% of revenues because many own their stores and, in general, those that lease their stores do so at rates substantially lower than those in effect for mall tenants.

Our portfolio is concentrated in highly productive super-regional shopping centers. Of our 23 centers, 21 had annual rent rolls at December 31, 2008 of over $10 million. We believe that this level of productivity is indicative of the centers' strong competitive positions and is, in significant part, attributable to our business strategy and philosophy. We believe that large shopping centers (including regional and especially super-regional shopping centers) are the least susceptible to direct competition because (among other reasons) anchors and large specialty retail stores do not find it economically attractive to open additional stores in the immediate vicinity of an existing location for fear of competing with themselves. In addition to the advantage of size, we believe that the centers' success can be attributed in part to their other physical characteristics, such as design, layout, and amenities.

Business Strategy And Philosophy

We believe that the regional shopping center business is not simply a real estate development business, but rather an operating business in which a retailing approach to the on-going management and leasing of the centers is essential. Thus we:

·  
offer retailers a location where they can maximize their profitability;

·  
offer a large, diverse selection of retail stores in each center to give customers a broad selection of consumer goods and variety of price ranges;

·  
endeavor to increase overall mall tenants' sales by leasing space to a constantly changing mix of tenants, thereby increasing achievable rents;

·  
seek to anticipate trends in the retailing industry and emphasize ongoing introductions of new retail concepts into our centers. Due in part to this strategy, a number of successful retail trade names have opened their first mall stores in the centers. In addition, we have brought to the centers "new to the market" retailers. We believe that the execution of this leasing strategy is an important element in building and maintaining customer loyalty and increasing mall productivity; and

·  
provide innovative initiatives that utilize technology and the Internet to heighten the shopping experience, build customer loyalty and increase tenant sales. Our Taubman center website program connects shoppers and retailers through an interactive content-driven website. We also offer our shoppers a robust direct email program, which allows them to receive, each week, information featuring what’s on sale and what’s new at the stores they select.

The centers compete for retail consumer spending through diverse, in-depth presentations of predominantly fashion merchandise in an environment intended to facilitate customer shopping. While the majority of our centers include stores that target high-end, upscale customers, each center is individually merchandised in light of the demographics of its potential customers within convenient driving distance.


Our leasing strategy involves assembling a diverse mix of mall tenants in each of the centers in order to attract customers, thereby generating higher sales by mall tenants. High sales by mall tenants make the centers attractive to prospective tenants, thereby increasing the rental rates that prospective tenants are willing to pay. We implement an active leasing strategy to increase the centers' productivity and to set minimum rents at higher levels. Elements of this strategy include renegotiating existing leases and not leasing space to prospective tenants that (though viable or attractive in certain ways) would not enhance a center's retail mix.

In 2005, we began a new leasing strategy to have our tenants pay a fixed charge rather than pay their share of common area maintenance (CAM) costs, allowing the retailer greater predictability for a modest premium. From a financial perspective, our analysis shows the premium will balance our additional risk. Over time there will be significantly less matching of CAM income with CAM expenditures, which can vary considerably from period to period. Approximately 32% of leases in our portfolio as of December 31, 2008 have fixed CAM provisions.

Potential For Growth

Our principal objective is to enhance shareowner value. We seek to maximize the financial results of our core assets, while also pursuing a growth strategy that primarily has included an active new center development program. However, the current recession and difficult capital markets have severely impacted certain of our planned development projects and the potential, in the short term, for new projects. We have reduced and or eliminated spending on development projects by slowing down or by putting projects on hold both in the U.S. and Asia. Consistent with this reduction, in January 2009, we went through the process of downsizing our organization, reducing our overall workforce by about 40 positions. See “MD&A – Results of Operations – Subsequent Event” for further information. This primarily impacted the areas that directly or indirectly support these development initiatives. We believe the company is now right sized to efficiently pursue targeted growth opportunities in this environment, while ensuring we have sufficient support within all of our teams to maintain the strength of our core assets. Although we expect lower revenues and occupancy in 2009, we have a strong balance sheet and no debt maturities until fall 2010. We do not know when the economic downturn will end, but we believe the regional mall business will continue to prove its resiliency and its unique value proposition to the customer. See “MD&A – Results of Operations – Overall Summary of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for more details.

Internal Growth

We expect that over time the majority of our future growth will come from our existing core portfolio and business. We have always had a culture of intensively managing our assets and maximizing the rents from tenants.

As noted in “Business Strategy and Philosophy” above in detail, our core business strategy is to maintain a portfolio of properties that deliver above-market profitable growth by providing targeted retailers with the best opportunity to do business in each market and targeted shoppers with the best local shopping experience for their needs.

New Centers

We have finalized the majority of the agreements, subject to certain conditions, regarding City Creek Center, a mixed-use project in Salt Lake City, Utah and continue to work toward a 2012 opening. In January 2009, we received an unfavorable ruling from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York (Suffolk County) in relation to our Oyster Bay project in Syosset, Long Island, New York, which we expect will significantly delay the project. Due to the current economic and retail environment, in December 2008 we announced that our University Town Center project in Sarasota, Florida has been put on hold. Although we continue to believe it should be a very attractive opportunity longer term, we do not know if or when we will acquire an interest in the land and move forward with the project. In 2008, we recognized impairment charges related to the Oyster Bay and Sarasota projects. Although we have reduced our planned predevelopment activities for 2009, we continue to work on and evaluate various development possibilities for new centers both in the United States and Asia.
 
     See “MD&A – Results of Operations – Taubman Asia” regarding information on the Songdo and Macao projects, “MD&A – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Spending” regarding additional information on City Creek Center, and “MD&A – Results of Operations – Impairment Charges” regarding additional information on the impairment charges related to the Oyster Bay and Sarasota projects.



 We generally do not intend to acquire land early in the development process. Instead, we generally acquire options on land or form partnerships with landowners holding potentially attractive development sites. We typically exercise the options only once we are prepared to begin construction. The pre-construction phase for a regional center typically extends over several years and the time to obtain anchor commitments, zoning and regulatory approvals, and public financing arrangements can vary significantly from project to project. In addition, we do not intend to begin construction until a sufficient number of anchor stores have agreed to operate in the shopping center, such that we are confident that the projected tenant sales and rents from Mall GLA are sufficient to earn a return on invested capital in excess of our cost of capital. Having historically followed these principles, our experience indicates that, on average, less than 10% of the costs of the development of a regional shopping center will be incurred prior to the construction period. However, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be able to so limit pre-construction costs.

While we will continue to evaluate development projects using criteria, including financial criteria for rates of return, similar to those employed in the past, no assurances can be given that the adherence to these criteria will produce comparable results in the future. In addition, the costs of shopping center development opportunities that are explored but ultimately abandoned will, to some extent, diminish the overall return on development projects taken as a whole. See "MD&A – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Spending" for further discussion of our development activities.

Strategic Acquisitions

Given the current economic conditions there may be opportunities to acquire existing centers, or interests in existing centers, from other companies at attractive prices. Our objective is to acquire existing centers only when they are compatible with the quality of our portfolio (or can be redeveloped to that level). We also may acquire additional interests in centers currently in our portfolio. We plan to carefully evaluate our future capital needs along with our strategic plans and pricing requirements.

Expansions of the Centers

Another potential element of growth over time is the strategic expansion of existing properties to update and enhance their market positions, by replacing or adding new anchor stores or increasing mall tenant space. Most of the centers have been designed to accommodate expansions. Expansion projects can be as significant as new shopping center construction in terms of scope and cost, requiring governmental and existing anchor store approvals, design and engineering activities, including rerouting utilities, providing additional parking areas or decking, acquiring additional land, and relocating anchors and mall tenants (all of which must take place with a minimum of disruption to existing tenants and customers).

In September 2007, a 165,000 square foot Nordstrom opened at Twelve Oaks Mall (Twelve Oaks) along with approximately 97,000 square feet of additional new store space. In 2008, Macy’s renovated its store and added 60,000 square feet of store space.

A lifestyle component addition to Stamford Town Center (Stamford), on the site once occupied by Filene’s Department store, opened in November 2007. The project consists of a mix of signature retail and restaurant offerings, creating significantly greater visibility to the city and much needed pedestrian access to the center. In addition, we renovated the seventh level in 2007, adding a 450-seat food court and interactive children’s play area. The food court tenants opened in early 2008.

Construction was completed on an expansion and renovation of tenant space at Waterside Shops (Waterside) in 2006. In addition, Nordstrom joined the center as an anchor in November 2008 and an expansion and full renovation of the current anchor, Saks Fifth Avenue, was completed in the second half of 2008.
 
See “MD&A – Results of Operations – Openings, Expansions and Renovations, and Acquisitions” for information regarding recent development, acquisition, and expansion and renovation activities that have been completed.

Third-Party Management, Leasing, and Development Services

We have several current and potential projects in the United States and Asia that contribute or may contribute in the future to our third-party revenue results.



We have a management agreement for Woodfield Mall, which is owned by a third-party. This contract is renewable year-to-year and is cancelable by the owner with 90 days written notice. We also have an agreement for retail leasing and development and design advisory services for CityCenter, a mixed use urban development project scheduled to open in late 2009 on the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. The term of this fixed-fee contract is approximately 25 years, effective June 2005, and is generally cancelable for cause and by the project owner upon payment to us of a cancellation fee.

We have also entered into agreements to provide services related to projects in Asia. See “MD&A – Results of Operations – Taubman Asia” for more information. Also see “Risk Factors” regarding risks related to our international activities.

In addition, we have finalized the majority of agreements, subject to certain conditions, regarding City Creek Center, a mixed-use project in Salt Lake City, Utah. Under the agreements, we would provide development, leasing, and management services and be an investor in this project under a participating lease structure. The center is expected to open in 2012.

The actual amounts of revenue in any future period are difficult to predict because of many factors, including the timing of completion of contractual arrangements and the actual timing of construction starts and opening dates of the various projects. In light of the current capital markets, the timing of construction starts may be delayed until the completion of financing. In addition, the amount of revenue we recognize is reduced by any ownership interest we may have in a project. Also, there are various factors that determine the timing of recognition of revenue. For development, revenue is recognized when the work is performed. For leasing, it is recognized when the leases are signed or when stores open, depending on the agreement.

Rental Rates

As leases have expired in the centers, we have generally been able to rent the available space, either to the existing tenant or a new tenant, at rental rates that are higher than those of the expired leases. Generally, center revenues have increased as older leases rolled over or were terminated early and replaced with new leases negotiated at current rental rates that were usually higher than the average rates for existing leases. In periods of increasing sales, rents on new leases will generally tend to rise. In periods of slower growth or declining sales, as we are experiencing now, rents on new leases will grow more slowly or will decline for the opposite reason, as tenants' expectations of future growth become less optimistic.

The following tables contain certain information regarding per square foot minimum rent in our Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures at the comparable centers (centers that had been owned and open for the current and preceding year):

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Average rent per square foot:
                             
Consolidated Businesses
  $ 44.58     $ 43.39     $ 42.77     $ 41.41     $ 40.98  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    44.60       41.89       41.03       42.28       42.09  
Opening base rent per square foot:
                                       
Consolidated Businesses
  $ 53.74     $ 53.35     $ 41.25     $ 42.38     $ 44.35  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    55.26       48.05       42.98       44.90       44.67  
Square feet of GLA opened:
                                       
Consolidated Businesses
    659,681       885,982       1,007,419       682,305       688,020  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    439,820       394,316       306,461       400,477       337,679  
Closing base rent per square foot:
                                       
Consolidated Businesses
  $ 46.22     $ 45.39     $ 39.57     $ 40.59     $ 44.54  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    47.99       48.63       42.49       44.26       51.40  
Square feet of GLA closed:
                                       
Consolidated Businesses
    735,550       807,899       911,986       650,701       499,098  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    434,432       345,122       246,704       366,932       280,393  
Releasing spread per square foot:
                                       
Consolidated Businesses
  $ 7.52     $ 7.96     $ 1.68     $ 1.79     $ (0.19 )
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    7.27       (0.58 )     0.49       0.64       (6.73 )



The spread between opening and closing rents may not be indicative of future periods, as this statistic is not computed on comparable tenant spaces, and can vary significantly from period to period depending on the total amount, location, and average size of tenant space opening and closing in the period. Openings in 2008 and 2007 were generally negotiated in a rising sales environment. Although the releasing spread per square foot of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in 2007 was adversely impacted by the opening of large tenant spaces. Rents on stores opening in 2004 were generally negotiated in a decreasing sales environment.

Lease Expirations

The following table shows scheduled lease expirations for mall tenants based on information available as of December 31, 2008 for the next ten years for all owned centers in operation at that date:

 
 
 
Lease
Expiration Year
 
 
 
 
Number of
Le ases Expiring
 
 
 
Leased Area in
Square Footage
 
 
 
Annualized Base Rent Under Expiring Leases
(in thousands of dollars)
 
 
Annualized Base Rent Under
Expiring Leases
Per Square Foot
 
 
Percent of
Total Leased Square Footage Represented by
Expiring Leases
2009
 (1)
161
412,955
15,037
$36.41
3.5
2010
 
242
653,961
26,501
40.52
5.5
 
2011
 
428
1,362,876
51,948
38.12
11.5
 
2012
 
325
1,312,034
52,457
39.98
11.1
 
2013
 
324
1,381,436
49,797
36.05
11.7
 
2014
 
246
925,887
34,998
37.80
7.8
 
2015
 
269
1,002,619
38,658
38.56
8.5
 
2016
 
297
1,052,897
41,275
39.20
8.9
 
2017
 
338
1,357,747
59,403
43.75
11.5
 
2018
 
226
1,014,672
46,427
45.76
8.6
 

(1)   
Excludes leases that expire in 2009 for which renewal leases or leases with replacement tenants have been executed as of December 31, 2008, except for Arizona Mills, which is not managed by us.

We believe that the information in the table is not necessarily indicative of what will occur in the future because of several factors, but principally because of early lease terminations at the centers. For example, the average remaining term of the leases that were terminated during the period 2003 to 2008 was approximately two years. The average term of leases signed during 2008 and 2007 was approximately seven years.
 
In addition, mall tenants at the centers may seek the protection of the bankruptcy laws, which could result in the termination of such tenants' leases and thus cause a reduction in cash flow. In 2008, tenants representing 2.5% of leases filed for bankruptcy during this period compared to 0.5% in 2007. In 2009, indicators point toward a higher level of bankruptcies due to the current economic environment. This statistic has ranged from 0.4% to 4.5% since we went public in 1992. Since 1991, the annual provision for losses on accounts receivable has been less than 2% of annual revenues.

Occupancy

Occupancy statistics include value center anchors. The 2008 and 2007 statistics for comparable centers exclude The Mall at Partridge Creek (Partridge Creek), which opened in October 2007, and The Pier Shops at Caesars (The Pier Shops) which began opening in phases in June 2006. Additionally, 2006, 2005, and 2004 also exclude Waterside, which was renovated and expanded in 2006, Northlake Mall, which opened in 2005 and Woodland, which was sold in 2005.


 
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
All Centers:
         
   Leased space
    91.7%
   93.8%
   92.5%
   91.7%
   90.7%
   Ending occupancy
90.3
91.2
91.3
90.0
89.6
   Average occupancy
90.3
90.0
89.2
88.9
87.4
           
Comparable Centers:
         
   Leased space
   91.8%
   93.8%
   92.4%
   91.5%
   90.7%
   Ending occupancy
90.3
91.5
91.3
90.2
89.6
   Average occupancy
90.4
90.3
89.1
89.1
87.4


Major Tenants

No single retail company represents 10% or more of our Mall GLA or revenues. The combined operations of The Gap, Inc. accounted for less than 4% of Mall GLA as of December 31, 2008 and less than 4% of 2008 minimum rent. No other single retail company accounted for more than 3.5% of Mall GLA as of December 31, 2008 or 3% of 2008 minimum rent.

The following table shows the ten mall  tenants who occupy the most space at our centers and their square footage as of December 31, 2008:

 
Tenant
# of
Stores
Square
Footage
% of
Mall GLA
The Gap (Gap, Gap Kids/Baby Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and others)
46
387,628
   3.5%
Forever 21 (Forever 21, For Love 21, XXI Forever, and others)
31
351,443
3.2
Limited Brands (Bath & Body Works/White Barn Candle, Pink, Victoria's Secret, and others)
43
278,190
2.5
Abercrombie & Fitch (Abercrombie, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Ruehl and others)
38
277,963
2.5
Foot Locker (Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Foot Action USA, and others)
46
208,572
1.9
Ann Taylor (Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft)
34
196,249
1.8
Williams-Sonoma (Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids)
25
190,081
1.7
Talbots (Talbots, J. Jill, Talbots Woman, Talbots Petites)
31
178,725
1.6
H&M
10
175,351
1.6
Express (Express, Express Men)
19
171,230
1.6

Competition

There are numerous shopping facilities that compete with our properties in attracting retailers to lease space.  We compete with other major real estate investors with significant capital for attractive investment opportunities.  See “Risk Factors” for further details of our competitive business.

Seasonality

The regional shopping center industry is seasonal in nature, with mall tenant sales highest in the fourth quarter due to the Christmas season, and with lesser, though still significant, sales fluctuations associated with the Easter holiday and back-to-school period. See “MD&A  Seasonality” for further discussion.

Environmental Matters

See “Risk Factors” regarding discussion of environmental matters.

Personnel

We have engaged the Manager to provide real estate management, acquisition, development, leasing, and administrative services required by us and our properties in the United States. Taubman Asia Management Limited (TAM) provides similar services for Taubman Asia.

As of December 31, 2008, the Manager and TAM had 611 full-time employees. The following table provides a breakdown of employees by operational areas as of December 31, 2008:

 

 
Number of Employees
Center Operations
228
Property Management
154
Financial Services
69
Leasing and Tenant Coordination
62
Development
31
Other
67
Total
611


 
In January 2009, in response to a decreased level of active projects due to the downturn in the economy, we reduced our workforce by about 40 positions, primarily in areas that directly or indirectly affect our development initiatives in the U.S. and Asia. See “MD&A Results of Operations Subsequent Event” for further information.



Available Infor mation

The Company makes available free of charge through its website at www.taubman.com all reports it electronically files with, or furnishes to, the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after those documents are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. These filings are also accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov .

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.

The economic performance and value of our shopping centers are dependent on many factors.

The economic performance and value of our shopping centers are dependent on various factors. Additionally, these same factors will influence our decision whether to go forward on the development of new centers and may affect the ultimate economic performance and value of projects under construction. Adverse changes in the economic performance and value of our shopping centers would adversely affect our income and cash available to pay dividends.

Such factors include:

·  
changes in the national, regional, and/or local economic and geopolitical climates, which as in the current severe economic environment, may significantly impact our anchors, tenants and prospective customers of our shopping centers;

·  
changes in sales performance of our centers, which over the long term, are the single most important determinant of revenues of the shopping centers because mall tenants provide approximately 90% of these revenues and because mall tenant sales determine the amount of rent, percentage rent, and recoverable expenses that mall tenants can afford to pay;

·  
availability and cost of financing, which may significantly reduce our ability to obtain financing or refinance existing debt at current amounts or rates or may affect our ability to finance improvements to a property;

·  
decreases in other operating income, including sponsorship, garage and other income;

·  
increases in operating costs;

·  
the public perception of the safety of customers at our shopping centers;

·  
legal liabilities;

·  
changes in government regulations; and

·  
changes in real estate zoning and tax laws.

In addition, the value and performance of our shopping centers may be adversely affected by certain other factors discussed below including the recent global economic and financial market crisis, the current state of the capital markets, unscheduled closings or bankruptcies of our tenants, competition, uninsured losses, and environmental liabilities.

The recent global economic and financial market crisis has had and may continue to have a negative effect on our business and operations.

The recent global economic and financial market crisis has caused, among other things, a significant tightening in the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity, increases in the rates of default and bankruptcy, lower consumer and business spending, and lower consumer confidence and net worth, all of which has had and may continue to have a negative effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Many of our tenants have been affected by the current economic turmoil. We expect that the economy will continue to strain the resources of our tenants and their customers. The timing and nature of any recovery in the credit and financial markets remains uncertain, and there can be no assurance that market conditions will improve in the near future or that our results will not continue to be adversely affected. Such conditions make it very difficult to forecast operating results, make business decisions and identify and address material business risks. The foregoing conditions may also impact the valuation of certain long-lived or intangible assets that are subject to impairment testing, potentially resulting in impairment charges, which may be material to our financial condition or results of operations. In 2008, we recognized an impairment charge of $8.3 million related to our Sarasota project, which was put on hold due to the current economic and retail environment (see “MD&A – Results of Operations – Impairment Charges”).



Capital markets are currently experiencing a period of disruption and instability, which has had and could continue to have a negative impact on the availability and cost of capital.

The general disruption in the U.S. capital markets has impacted the broader worldwide financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole. These global conditions could persist for a prolonged period of time or worsen in the future. Our ability to access the capital markets may be restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access those markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. The resulting lack of available credit, lack of confidence in the financial sector, increased volatility in the financial markets and reduced business activity could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to obtain and manage our liquidity. In addition, the cost of debt financing and the proceeds of equity financing may be materially adversely impacted by these market conditions.

Credit market developments may reduce availability under our credit agreements.

Due to the current volatile state of the credit markets, there is risk that lenders, even those with strong balance sheets and sound lending practices, could fail or refuse to honor their legal commitments and obligations under existing credit commitments, including but not limited to: extending credit up to the maximum permitted by a credit facility and/or honoring loan commitments. Twelve banks participate in our $550 million line of credit and the failure of one bank to fund a draw on our line does not negate the obligation of the other banks to fund their pro-rata share. In October 2008 we borrowed $35 million on this credit facility, which was funded by all participating banks. However, if our lenders fail to honor their legal commitments under our credit facilities, it could be difficult in the current environment to replace our credit facilities on similar terms. Although we believe that our operating cash flow, access to capital markets, two unencumbered center properties and existing credit facilities will give us the ability to satisfy our liquidity needs at least until fall 2010, when our $264 million beneficial share of three loans mature, the failure of the lenders under our credit facilities may impact our ability to finance our operating or investing activities.

We are in a competitive business.

There are numerous shopping facilities that compete with our properties in attracting retailers to lease space. In addition, retailers at our properties face continued competition from discount shopping centers, lifestyle centers, outlet malls, wholesale and discount shopping clubs, direct mail, telemarketing, television shopping networks and shopping via the Internet. Competition of this type could adversely affect our revenues and cash available for distribution to shareowners.

We compete with other major real estate investors with significant capital for attractive investment opportunities. These competitors include other REITs, investment banking firms and private institutional investors. This competition may impair our ability to make suitable property acquisitions on favorable terms in the future.

The bankruptcy or early termination of our tenants and anchors could adversely affect us.

We could be adversely affected by the bankruptcy or early termination of tenants and anchors. The bankruptcy of a mall tenant could result in the termination of its lease, which would lower the amount of cash generated by that mall. In addition, if a department store operating as an anchor at one of our shopping centers were to go into bankruptcy and cease operating, we may experience difficulty and delay in replacing the anchor. In addition, the anchor’s closing may lead to reduced customer traffic and lower mall tenant sales. As a result, we may also experience difficulty or delay in leasing spaces in areas adjacent to the vacant anchor space. The early termination of mall tenants or anchors for reasons other than bankruptcy could have a similar impact on the operations of our centers.

The bankruptcy of our joint venture partners could adversely affect us.

The profitability of shopping centers held in a joint venture could also be adversely affected by the bankruptcy of one of the joint venture partners if, because of certain provisions of the bankruptcy laws, we were unable to make important decisions in a timely fashion or became subject to additional liabilities.

Our investments are subject to credit and market risk.

We occasionally extend credit to third parties in connection with the sale of land or other transactions. We have occasionally made investments in marketable and other equity securities. We are exposed to risk in the event the values of our investments and/or our loans decrease due to overall market conditions, business failure, and/or other nonperformance by the investees or counterparties.



Our real estate investments are relatively illiquid.

We may be limited in our ability to vary our portfolio in response to changes in economic, market, or other conditions by restrictions on transfer imposed by our partners or lenders. In addition, under TRG’s partnership agreement, upon the sale of a center or TRG’s interest in a center, TRG may be required to distribute to its partners all of the cash proceeds received by TRG from such sale. If TRG made such a distribution, the sale proceeds would not be available to finance TRG’s activities, and the sale of a center may result in a decrease in funds generated by continuing operations and in distributions to TRG’s partners, including us.

We may acquire or develop new properties, and these activities are subject to various risks.

We actively pursue development and acquisition activities as opportunities arise, and these activities are subject to the following risks:

·  
the pre-construction phase for a regional center typically extends over several years, and the time to obtain anchor commitments, zoning and regulatory approvals, and public financing can vary significantly from project to project;

·  
we may not be able to obtain the necessary zoning or other governmental approvals for a project, or we may determine that the expected return on a project is not sufficient; if we abandon our development activities with respect to a particular project, we may incur a loss on our investment;

·  
construction and other project costs may exceed our original estimates because of increases in material and labor costs, delays and costs to obtain anchor and tenant commitments;

·  
we may not be able to obtain financing or to refinance construction loans, which are generally recourse to TRG; and

·  
occupancy rates and rents, as well as occupancy costs and expenses, at a completed project may not meet our projections, and the costs of development activities that we explore but ultimately abandon will, to some extent, diminish the overall return on our completed development projects.

We are engaged in development and service activities in Macao and South Korea and are evaluating other investment opportunities in international markets. These activities are subject to risks that may reduce our financial return. In addition to the general risks related to development and acquisition activities described in the preceding section, our international activities are subject to unique risks, including:

·  
adverse effects of changes in exchange rates for foreign currencies;

·  
changes in foreign political environments;

·  
difficulties of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws including laws affecting corporate governance, operations, taxes, and litigation;

·  
changes in and/or difficulties in complying with applicable laws and regulations in the United States that affect foreign operations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;

·  
difficulties in managing international operations, including difficulties that arise from ambiguities in contracts written in foreign languages; and

·  
obstacles to the repatriation of earnings and cash.

Although our international activities are currently limited in their scope, to the extent that we expand them, these risks could increase in significance and adversely affect our financial returns on international projects and services and overall financial condition. We have put in place policies, practices, and systems for mitigating some of these international risks, although we cannot provide assurance that we will be entirely successful in doing so.

Some of our potential losses may not be covered by insurance.

We carry liability, fire, flood, earthquake, extended coverage and rental loss insurance on each of our properties. We believe the policy specifications and insured limits of these policies are adequate and appropriate. There are, however, some types of losses, including lease and other contract claims, that generally are not insured. If an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occurs, we could lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from the property. If this happens, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property.



In November 2002, Congress passed the “Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002” (TRIA), which required insurance companies to offer terrorism coverage to all existing insured companies for an additional cost. As a result, our property insurance policies are currently provided without a sub-limit for terrorism, eliminating the need for separate terrorism insurance policies.

In 2007, Congress extended the expiration date of TRIA by seven years to December 31, 2014. There are specific provisions in our loans that address terrorism insurance. Simply stated, in most loans, we are obligated to maintain terrorism insurance, but there are limits on the amounts we are required to spend to obtain such coverage. If a terrorist event occurs, the cost of terrorism insurance coverage would be likely to increase, which could result in our having less coverage than we have currently. Our inability to obtain such coverage or to do so only at greatly increased costs may also negatively impact the availability and cost of future financings.

We may be subject to liabilities for environmental matters.

All of the centers presently owned by us (not including option interests in certain pre-development projects) have been subject to environmental assessments. We are not aware of any environmental liability relating to the centers or any other property in which we have or had an interest (whether as an owner or operator) that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our business, assets, or results of operations. No assurances can be given, however, that all environmental liabilities have been identified by us or that no prior owner or operator, or any occupant of our properties has created an environmental condition not known to us. Moreover, no assurances can be given that (1) future laws, ordinances, or regulations will not impose any material environmental liability or that (2) the current environmental condition of the centers will not be affected by tenants and occupants of the centers, by the condition of properties in the vicinity of the centers (such as the presence of underground storage tanks), or by third parties unrelated to us.

We hold investments in joint ventures in which we do not control all decisions, and we may have conflicts of interest with our joint venture partners.

Some of our shopping centers are partially owned by non-affiliated partners through joint venture arrangements. As a result, we do not control all decisions regarding those shopping centers and may be required to take actions that are in the interest of the joint venture partners but not our best interests. Accordingly, we may not be able to favorably resolve any issues that arise with respect to such decisions, or we may have to provide financial or other inducements to our joint venture partners to obtain such resolution.

For joint ventures that we do not manage, we do not control decisions as to the design or operation of internal controls over accounting and financial reporting, including those relating to maintenance of accounting records, authorization of receipts and disbursements, selection and application of accounting policies, reviews of period-end financial reporting, and safeguarding of assets. Therefore, we are exposed to increased risk that such controls may not be designed or operating effectively, which could ultimately affect the accuracy of financial information related to these joint ventures as prepared by our joint venture partners.

Various restrictive provisions and rights govern sales or transfers of interests in our joint ventures. These may work to our disadvantage because, among other things, we may be required to make decisions as to the purchase or sale of interests in our joint ventures at a time that is disadvantageous to us.

We may not be able to maintain our status as a REIT.

We may not be able to maintain our status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes with the result that the income distributed to shareowners would not be deductible in computing taxable income and instead would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates. We may also be subject to the alternative minimum tax if we fail to maintain our status as a REIT. Any such corporate tax liability would be substantial and would reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our shareowners which, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on the value of, or trading price for, our shares. Although we believe we are organized and operate in a manner to maintain our REIT qualification, many of the REIT requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), are very complex and have limited judicial or administrative interpretations. Changes in tax laws or regulations or new administrative interpretations and court decisions may also affect our ability to maintain REIT status in the future. If we do not maintain our REIT status in any year, we may be unable to elect to be treated as a REIT for the next four taxable years.

Although we currently intend to maintain our status as a REIT, future economic, market, legal, tax, or other considerations may cause us to determine that it would be in our and our shareowners’ best interests to revoke our REIT election. If we revoke our REIT election, we will not be able to elect REIT status for the next four taxable years.



We may be subject to taxes even if we qualify as a REIT.

Even if we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we will be required to pay certain federal, state, local and foreign taxes on our income and property. For example, we will be subject to income tax to the extent we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, including capital gains. Moreover, if we have net income from “prohibited transactions,” that income will be subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. The determination as to whether a particular sale is a prohibited transaction depends on the facts and circumstances related to that sale. We cannot guarantee that sales of our properties would not be prohibited transactions unless we comply with certain statutory safe-harbor provisions. The need to avoid prohibited transactions could cause us to forego or defer sales of facilities that non-REITs otherwise would have sold or that might otherwise be in our best interest to sell.

In addition, any net taxable income earned directly by our taxable REIT subsidiaries will be subject to federal, foreign, and state corporate income tax. In this regard, several provisions of the laws applicable to REITs and their subsidiaries ensure that a taxable REIT subsidiary will be subject to an appropriate level of federal income taxation. For example, a taxable REIT subsidiary is limited in its ability to deduct certain interest payments made to an affiliated REIT. In addition, the REIT has to pay a 100% penalty tax on some payments that it receives or on some deductions taken by the taxable REIT subsidiaries if the economic arrangements between the REIT, the REIT’s tenants, and the taxable REIT subsidiary are not comparable to similar arrangements between unrelated parties. Finally, some state and local jurisdictions may tax some of our income even though as a REIT we are not subject to federal income tax on that income, because not all states and localities follow the federal income tax treatment of REITs. To the extent that we and our affiliates are required to pay federal, state and local taxes, we will have less cash available for distributions to our shareowners.

The lower tax rate on certain dividends from non-REIT “C” corporations may cause investors to prefer to hold stock in non-REIT “C” corporations.

Whereas corporate dividends have traditionally been taxed at ordinary income rates, the maximum tax rate on certain corporate dividends received by individuals through December 31, 2010, has been reduced from 35% to 15%. This change has reduced substantially the so-called “double taxation” (that is, taxation at both the corporate and shareowner levels) that had generally applied to non-REIT “C” corporations but did not apply to REITs. Generally, dividends from REITs do not qualify for the dividend tax reduction because REITs generally do not pay corporate-level tax on income that they distribute currently to shareowners. REIT dividends are only eligible for the lower capital gains rates in limited circumstances in which the dividends are attributable to income, such as dividends from a taxable REIT subsidiary, that has been subject to corporate-level tax. The application of capital gains rates to non-REIT “C” corporation dividends could cause individual investors to view stock in non-REIT “C” corporations as more attractive than shares in REITs, which may negatively affect the value of our shares.

Our ownership limitations and other provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws generally prohibit the acquisition of more than 8.23% of the value of our capital stock and may otherwise hinder any attempt to acquire us.

Various provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws could have the effect of discouraging a third party from accumulating a large block of our stock and making offers to acquire us, and of inhibiting a change in control, all of which could adversely affect our shareowners’ ability to receive a premium for their shares in connection with such a transaction. In addition to customary anti-takeover provisions, as detailed below, our articles of incorporation contain REIT-specific restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our capital stock which also serve similar anti-takeover purposes.

Under our Restated Articles of Incorporation, in general, no shareowner may own more than 8.23% (the “General Ownership Limit”) in value of our "Capital Stock" (which term refers to the common stock, preferred stock and Excess Stock, as defined below). Our Board of Directors has the authority to allow a “look through entity” to own up to 9.9% in value of the Capital Stock (Look Through Entity Limit), provided that after application of certain constructive ownership rules under the Internal Revenue Code and rules regarding beneficial ownership under the Michigan Business Corporation Act, no individual would constructively or beneficially own more than the General Ownership Limit. A look through entity is an entity (other than a qualified trust under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, certain other tax-exempt entities described in the Articles, or an entity that owns 10% or more of the equity of any tenant from which we or TRG receives or accrues rent from real property) whose beneficial owners, rather than the entity, would be treated as owning the capital stock owned by such entity.


The Articles provide that if the transfer of any shares of Capital Stock or a change in our capital structure would cause any person (Purported Transferee) to own Capital Stock in excess of the General Ownership Limit or the Look Through Entity Limit, then the transfer is to be treated as invalid from the outset, and the shares in excess of the applicable ownership limit automatically acquire the status of “Excess Stock.” A Purported Transferee of Excess Stock acquires no rights to shares of Excess Stock. Rather, all rights associated with the ownership of those shares (with the exception of the right to be reimbursed for the original purchase price of those shares) immediately vest in one or more charitable organizations designated from time to time by our Board of Directors (each, a “Designated Charity”). An agent designated from time to time by the Board (each, a “Designated Agent”) will act as attorney-in-fact for the Designated Charity to vote the shares of Excess Stock, take delivery of the certificates evidencing the shares that have become Excess Stock, and receive any distributions paid to the Purported Transferee with respect to those shares. The Designated Agent will sell the Excess Stock, and any increase in value of the Excess Stock between the date it became Excess Stock and the date of sale will inure to the benefit of the Designated Charity. A Purported Transferee must notify us of any transfer resulting in shares converting into Excess Stock, as well as such other information regarding such person’s ownership of the capital stock we request.

These ownership limitations will not be automatically removed even if the REIT requirements are changed so as to no longer contain any ownership concentration limitation or if the concentration limitation is increased because, in addition to preserving our status as a REIT, the effect of such ownership limit is to prevent any person from acquiring unilateral control of us. Changes in the ownership limits can not be made by our Board of Directors and would require an amendment to our articles. Currently, amendments to our articles require the affirmative vote of holders owning not less than two-thirds of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote.

Although Mr. A. Alfred Taubman beneficially owns 29% of our stock, which is entitled to vote on shareowner matters (Voting Stock), most of his Voting Stock consists of Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of common stock at a ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock to one share of common stock, and therefore one share of Series B Preferred Stock has a value of 1/14,000ths of the value of one share of common stock. Accordingly, Mr. A. Alfred Taubman’s significant ownership of Voting Stock does not violate the ownership limitations set forth in our charter.

Members of the Taubman family have the power to vote a significant number of the shares of our capital stock entitled to vote.

Based on information contained in filings made with the SEC, as of December 31, 2008, A. Alfred Taubman and the members of his family have the power to vote approximately 32% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and our Series B preferred stock, considered together as a single class, and approximately 91% of our outstanding Series B preferred stock. Our shares of common stock and our Series B preferred stock vote together as a single class on all matters generally submitted to a vote of our shareowners, and the holders of the Series B preferred stock have certain rights to nominate up to four individuals for election to our board of directors and other class voting rights. Mr. Taubman’s sons, Robert S. Taubman and William S. Taubman, serve as our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and our Chief Operating Officer, respectively. These individuals occupy the same positions with the Manager. As a result, Mr. A. Alfred Taubman and the members of his family may exercise significant influence with respect to the election of our board of directors, the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to our shareowners for approval, including any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, because our articles of incorporation impose a limitation on the ownership of our outstanding capital stock by any person and such ownership limitation may not be changed without the affirmative vote of holders owning not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote on such matter, Mr. A. Alfred Taubman and the members of his family, as a practical matter, have the power to prevent a change in control of our company.

Our ability to pay dividends on our stock may be limited.

Because we conduct all of our operations through TRG or its subsidiaries, our ability to pay dividends on our stock will depend almost entirely on payments and dividends received on our interests in TRG. Additionally, the terms of some of the debt to which TRG is a party limits its ability to make some types of payments and other dividends to us. This in turn limits our ability to make some types of payments, including payment of dividends on our stock, unless we meet certain financial tests or such payments or dividends are required to maintain our qualification as a REIT. As a result, if we are unable to meet the applicable financial tests, we may not be able to pay dividends on our stock in one or more periods beyond what is required for REIT purposes.



Our ability to pay dividends is further limited by the requirements of Michigan law.

Our ability to pay dividends on our stock is further limited by the laws of Michigan. Under the Michigan Business Corporation Act, a Michigan corporation may not make a distribution if, after giving effect to the distribution, the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as the debts become due in the usual course of business, or the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareowners whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution. Accordingly, we may not make a distribution on our stock if, after giving effect to the distribution, we would not be able to pay our debts as they become due in the usual course of business or our total assets would be less than the sum of our total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of the holders of any shares of our preferred stock then outstanding.

We may incur additional indebtedness, which may harm our financial position and cash flow and potentially impact our ability to pay dividends on our stock.

Our governing documents do not limit us from incurring additional indebtedness and other liabilities. As of December 31, 2008, we had approximately $2.8 billion of consolidated indebtedness outstanding, and our beneficial interest in both our consolidated debt and the debt of our unconsolidated joint ventures was $3.0 billion. We may incur additional indebtedness and become more highly leveraged, which could harm our financial position and potentially limit our cash available to pay dividends.

We cannot assure that we will be able to pay dividends regularly, although we have done so in the past.

Our ability to pay dividends in the future is dependent on our ability to operate profitably and to generate cash from our operations. Although we have done so in the past, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to pay dividends on a regular quarterly basis or at the same level in the future. In addition, we may choose to pay a portion in stock dividends. Furthermore, any new shares of common stock issued will increase the cash required to continue to pay cash dividends at current levels. Any common stock or preferred stock that may in the future be issued to finance acquisitions, upon exercise of stock options or otherwise, would have a similar effect.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES.

Ownership

The following table sets forth certain information about each of the centers. The table includes only centers in operation at December 31, 2008. Centers are owned in fee other than Beverly Center (Beverly), Cherry Creek Shopping Center (Cherry Creek), International Plaza, MacArthur Center, and The Pier Shops, which are held under ground leases expiring between 2049 and 2083.

Certain of the centers are partially owned through joint ventures. Generally, our joint venture partners have ongoing rights with regard to the disposition of our interest in the joint ventures, as well as the approval of certain major matters.



Anchors
Sq. Ft of GLA/Mall GLA as of
12/31/08
 
Year
Opened/
Expanded
Year
Acquired
Ownership
% as of 12/31/08
Consolidated Businesses:
           
   
 
       
Beverly Center
Bloomingdales, Macy’s
880,000
 
1982
 
100%
Los Angeles, CA
 
572,000
       
             
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue
1,037,000
 
1990/1998
 
50%
Denver, CO
 
546,000
       
             
Dolphin Mall
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Burlington Coat Factory,
1,400,000
 
2001/2007
 
100%
Miami, FL
Cobb Theatres, Dave & Busters, Marshalls, Neiman
636,000
       
 
Marcus-Last Call, Off 5 th Saks, The Sports Authority
         
             
Fairlane Town Center
JCPenney, Macy’s, Sears
1,386,000  
  (1)
1976/1978/
 
100%
Dearborn, MI
 
589,000
 
1980/2000
   
(Detroit Metropolitan Area)
           
             
Great Lakes Crossing
AMC Theaters, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World,
1,353,000
 
1998
 
100%
Auburn Hills, MI
GameWorks, Neiman Marcus-Last Call, Off 5 th Saks
536,000
       
(Detroit Metropolitan Area)
           
             
International Plaza
Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Robb & Stucky
1,197,000
 
2001
 
50%
Tampa, FL
 
576,000
       
             
MacArthur Center
Dillard’s, Nordstrom
936,000
 
1999
 
95%
Norfolk, VA
 
522,000
       
             
Northlake Mall
Belk, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, Macy’s
1,071,000
 
2005
 
100%
Charlotte, NC
 
465,000
       
             
The Mall at Partridge Creek
Nordstrom, Parisian
600,000
 
2007/2008
 
100%
Clinton Township, MI
 
366,000
       
(Detroit Metropolitan Area)
           
             
The Pier Shops at Caesars   (2)
 
282,000
 
2006
 
78%
Atlantic City, NJ
 
282,000
       
             
Regency Square
JCPenney, Macy’s (two locations), Sears
820,000
 
1975/1987
1997
100%
Richmond, VA
 
233,000
       
             
The Mall at Short Hills
Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom,
1,342,000
 
1980/1994/
 
100%
Short Hills, NJ
Saks Fifth Avenue
520,000
 
1995
   
             
Stony Point Fashion Park
Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Saks Fifth Avenue
662,000
 
2003
 
100%
Richmond, VA
 
296,000
       
             
Twelve Oaks Mall
JCPenney, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sears
1,513,000
  (3)
1977/1978/
 
100%
Novi, MI
 
548,000
 
2007/2008
   
(Detroit Metropolitan Area)
           
             
The Mall at Wellington Green
City Furniture and Ashley Furniture Home Store,
1,273,000
 
2001/2003
 
90%
Wellington, FL
Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom
460,000
       
(Palm Beach County)
           
             
The Shops at Willow Bend
Dillard’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue
1,381,000
  (4)
2001/2004
 
100%
Plano, TX
 
 523,000
       
(Dallas Metropolitan Area)
           
 
Total GLA
17,133,000
       
 
Total Mall GLA
7,670,000
 
 
   
 
TRG% of Total GLA
15,780,000
       
 
TRG% of Total Mall GLA
6,975,000
       




Center
Anchors
Sq. Ft of GLA/Mall GLA as of
12/31/08
 
Year
Opened/
Expanded
Year
Acquired
Ownership
% as of
12/31/08
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
           
             
Arizona Mills
GameWorks, Harkins Cinemas, JCPenney Outlet, Neiman
1,222,000
 
1997
 
50%
Tempe, AZ
Marcus-Last Call, Off 5 th Saks
535,000
 
 
   
(Phoenix Metropolitan Area)
           
             
Fair Oaks
JCPenney, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s (two locations), Sears
1,569,000
 
1980/1987/
 
50%
Fairfax, VA
 
564,000
 
1988/2000
   
(Washington, DC Metropolitan Area)
           
             
The Mall at Millenia
Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus
1,116,000
 
2002
 
50%
Orlando, FL
 
516,000
       
             
Stamford Town Center
Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue
775,000
 
1982/2007
 
50%
Stamford, CT
 
452,000
       
             
Sunvalley
JCPenney, Macy’s (two locations), Sears
1,325,000
 
1967/1981
2002
50%
Concord, CA
 
485,000
       
(San Francisco Metropolitan Area)
           
             
Waterside Shops
Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue
337,000
  (5)
1992/2006/
2003
25%
Naples, FL
 
197,000
 
2008
   
             
Westfarms
JCPenney, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s Store/
1,288,000
 
1974/1983/
 
79%
West Hartford, CT
Furniture Gallery, Nordstrom
 518,000
 
1997
   
             
 
Total GLA
7,632,000
       
 
Total Mall GLA
3,267,000
       
 
TRG% of Total GLA
4,105,000
       
 
TRG% of Total Mall GLA
1,734,000
       
             
 
Grand Total GLA
24,765,000
       
 
Grand Total Mall GLA
10,937,000
       
 
TRG% of Total GLA
19,885,000
       
 
TRG% of Total Mall GLA
8,709,000
       

(1)  
GLA includes the former Lord & Taylor store, which closed on June 24, 2006. Additionally, the former Off 5th Saks store, which closed December 31, 2007, was replaced with a 25,000 square foot dining/entertainment wing that opened in November 2008.
(2)  
The center is attached to Caesars casino integrated resort.
(3)  
A 60,000 square foot expansion and renovation of Macy's was completed in October 2008.
(4)  
GLA includes the former Lord & Taylor store, which closed on April 30, 2005.
(5)  
In November 2008, Nordstrom and an expansion and full renovation of Saks Fifth Avenue opened.



Anchors

The following table summarizes certain information regarding the anchors at the operating centers (excluding the value centers) as of December 31, 2008:

Name
 
Number of
Anchor Stores
   
12/31/08 GLA
(in thousands
of square feet)
   
% of GLA
 
 
Belk
    1       180       0.9 %
                         
City Furniture and Ashley Furniture Home Store
    1       140       0.7 %
                         
Dick’s Sporting Goods
    2       159       0.8 %
                         
Dillard’s
    6       1,335       6.4 %
                         
JCPenney
    7       1,266       6.1 %
                         
Lord & Taylor
    3       397       1.9 %
                         
Macy’s
                       
Bloomingdale’s
    3       614          
Macy’s
    17       3,454          
Macy’s Men’s Store/Furniture Gallery
    1       80          
Total
    21       4,148       20.0 %
                         
Neiman Marcus (1)
    5       556       2.7 %
                         
Nordstrom (2)
    9       1,294       6.2 %
                         
Parisian
    1       116       0.6 %
                         
Robb & Stucky
    1       119       0.6 %
                         
Saks (3)
    6       487 (4)     2.3 %
                         
Sears
    5       1,104       5.3 %
                         
Total
    68       11,301       54.4 % (5)

(1)  
Excludes three Neiman Marcus-Last Call stores at value centers.
(2)  
Nordstrom opened at The Mall at Partridge Creek in April 2008 and Waterside Shops in November 2008.
(3)  
Excludes three Off 5 th Saks stores at value centers.
(4)  
In November 2008 a full expansion and renovation of Saks Fifth Avenue opened at Waterside Shops.
(5)  
Percentages in table may not add due to rounding.


Mortgage Debt

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the mortgages encumbering the centers as of December 31, 2008. All mortgage debt in the table below is nonrecourse to the Operating Partnership except for debt encumbering Dolphin Mall (Dolphin), Fairlane Town Center (Fairlane), and Twelve Oaks. The Operating Partnership has guaranteed the payment of all or a portion of the principal and interest on the mortgage debt of these centers, all of which are wholly owned. See "MD&A – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Loan Commitments and Guarantees" for more information on guarantees and covenants.

Centers Consolidated in
TCO’s Financial Statements
Stated
Interest
Rate
 
Principal Balance as of 12/31/08
(thousands
of dollars)
 
Annual
Debt Service
(thousands of dollars)
 
Maturity Date
 
Balance Due on Maturity (thousands
of dollars)
Earliest
Prepayment Date
 
 
Beverly Center
5.28%
 
333,736
 
23,101
(1)
02/11/14
 
303,277
30 Days Notice
(2)
Cherry Creek Shopping Center (50%)
5.24%
 
280,000
 
Interest Only
 
06/08/16
 
280,000
30 Days Notice
(2)
Dolphin Mall
LIBOR+0.70%
 
139,000
  (3)
Interest Only
 
02/14/11
(4)
139,000
2 Days Notice
(5)
Fairlane Town Center
LIBOR+0.70%
 
80,000  
 (3)
Interest Only
 
02/14/11
(4)
80,000
2 Days Notice
(5)
Great Lakes Crossing
5.25%
 
137,877
 
10,006
(1)
03/11/13
 
125,507
30 Days Notice
(2)
International Plaza (50.1%)
LIBOR+1.15%
(6)
325,000
 
Interest Only
(6)
01/08/11
(6)
325,000
3 Days Notice
(5)
MacArthur Center (95%)
7.59%
(7)
132,500
  (7)
12,400
(1)
10/01/10
 
126,884
30 Days Notice
(2)
Northlake Mall
5.41%
 
215,500
 
Interest Only
 
02/06/16
 
215,500
30 Days Notice
(8)
The Mall at Partridge Creek
LIBOR+1.15%
 
72,791
 
Interest Only
 
09/07/10
 
72,791
3 Days Notice
(5)
The Pier Shops at Caesars (77.5%)
6.01%
 
135,000
 
Interest Only
 
05/11/17
 
135,000
12/28/2009
(9)
Regency Square
6.75%
 
75,388
 
6,421
(1)
11/01/11
 
71,569
60 Days Notice
(9)
The Mall at Short Hills
5.47%
 
540,000
 
Interest Only
 
12/14/15
 
540,000
01/01/11
(10)
Stony Point Fashion Park
6.24%
 
108,884
 
8,488
(1)
06/01/14
 
98,585
30 Days Notice
(8)
Twelve Oaks Mall
LIBOR+0.70%
 
10,000
  (3)
Interest Only
 
02/14/11
(4)
10,000
2 Days Notice
(5)
The Mall at Wellington Green (90%)
5.44%
 
200,000
 
Interest Only
 
05/06/15
 
200,000
30 Days Notice
(8)
                       
Other Consolidated Secured Debt
                     
TRG Credit Facility
Variable
Bank Rate
(11)
10,900
 
Interest Only
 
02/14/11
 
10,900
At Any Time
(5)
                       
Centers Owned by Unconsolidated
Joint Ventures/TRG’s % Ownership
                     
Arizona Mills (50%)
7.90%
 
134,139
 
12,728
(1)
10/05/10
 
130,419
30 Days Notice
(2)
Fair Oaks (50%)
LIBOR+1.40%
(12)
250,000
 
Interest Only
(12)
04/01/11
(12)
250,000
3 Days Notice
(5)
The Mall at Millenia (50%)
5.46%
 
208,246
 
14,245
(1)
04/09/13
 
195,255
30 Days Notice
(2)
Sunvalley (50%)
5.67%
 
123,708
 
9,372
(1)
11/01/12
 
114,056
30 Days Notice
(2)
Taubman Land Associates (50%)
LIBOR+0.90%
(13)
30,000
 
Interest Only
 
11/01/12
 
30,000
At Any Time
(5)
Waterside Shops (25%)
5.54%
 
165,000
 
Interest Only
 
10/07/16
 
165,000
30 Days Notice
(9)
Westfarms (79%)
6.10%
 
192,200
 
15,272
(1)
07/11/12
 
179,028
30 Days Notice
(2)

(1)  
Amortizing principal based on 30 years.
(2)  
No defeasance deposit required if paid within three months of maturity date.
(3)  
Subfacility in $550 million revolving line of credit. Facility may be increased to $650 million subject to available lender commitments and additional secured collateral.
(4)  
The maturity date may be extended one year.
(5)  
Prepayment can be made without penalty.
(6)  
The debt is swapped at 3.86% + 1.15% credit spread to the maturity date. The debt has 2 one year extension options and is interest only except during the second one year extension (if elected).
(7)  
Debt includes $1.3 million of purchase accounting premium from acquisition, which reduces the stated rate on the debt of 7.59% to an effective rate of 6.93%.
(8)  
No defeasance deposit required if paid within four months of maturity date.
(9)  
No defeasance deposit required if paid within six months of maturity date.
(10)  
Debt may be prepaid with a prepayment penalty equal to greater of yield maintenance or 1% of principal prepaid. No prepayment penalty is due if prepaid within three months of maturity date. 30 days notice required.
(11)  
The facility is a $40 million line of credit and is secured by an indirect interest in 40% of Short Hills.
(12)  
The debt is swapped at 2.82% + 1.40% credit spread to the maturity date. The debt has 2 one year extension options and is interest only except during the second one year extension (if elected).
  (13)
 Debt is swapped at 5.05% + 0.90% credit spread to the maturity date.
 
For additional information regarding the centers and their operations, see the responses to Item 1 of this report.


Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

In November 2007, three developers of a project called Blue Back Square (“BBS”) in West Hartford, Connecticut, filed a lawsuit in the Connecticut Superior Court, Judicial District of Hartford at Hartford (Case No. CV-07-5014613-S) against us, the Westfarms Unconsolidated Joint Venture, and its partners and its subsidiary, alleging that the defendants (i) filed or sponsored vexatious legal proceedings and abused legal process in an attempt to thwart the development of the competing BBS project, (ii) interfered with contractual relationships with certain tenants of BBS, and (iii) violated Connecticut fair trade law. The lawsuit alleges damages in excess of $30 million and seeks double and treble damages and punitive damages. Also in early November 2007, the Town of West Hartford and the West Hartford Town Council filed a substantially similar lawsuit against the same entities in the same court (Case No. CV-07-5014596-S). The second lawsuit did not specify any particular amount of damages but similarly requests double and treble damages and punitive damages. The lawsuits are in their early legal stages and we are vigorously defending both. The outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with any certainty and management is currently unable to estimate an amount or range of potential loss that could result if an unfavorable outcome occurs. While management does not believe that an adverse outcome in either lawsuit would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, there can be no assurance that an adverse outcome would not have a material effect on our results of operations for any particular period.

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

The common stock of Taubman Centers, Inc. is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol: TCO). As of February 23, 2009, the 53,044,236 outstanding shares of Common Stock were held by 565 holders of record. A substantially greater number of holders are beneficial owners whose shares are held of record by banks, brokers, and other financial institutions. The closing price per share of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 23, 2009 was $15.81.

The following table presents the dividends declared on our Common Stock and the range of closing share prices of our Common Stock for each quarter of 2008 and 2007:

 
Market Quotations
 
2008 Quarter Ended
High
Low
Dividends
 
 
March 31
          $55.70
             $43.93
            $0.415
 
         
June 30
58.05
48.65
0.415
 
         
September 30
55.40
43.35
0.415
 
         
December 31
48.19
18.69
0.415
 

 
Market Quotations
 
2007 Quarter Ended
High
Low
Dividends
 
 
March 31
           $63.22
              $50.33
               $0.375
 
   
 
   
June 30
59.82
48.18
0.375
 
         
September 30
56.34
47.07
0.375
 
         
December 31
60.37
48.77
0.415
 

The restrictions on our ability to pay dividends on our Common Stock are set forth in “Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Dividends.”



Beginning with the first quarter of 2009, in order to have more flexibility under Section 858 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), the declaration and payment dates of our common dividends will be accelerated so that they coincide with those of the preferred dividends. The IRC allows a REIT to avoid the income tax consequences of not meeting its distribution requirement by allocating to the prior year, dividends paid in the current year, to cover the excess of REIT taxable income of the prior year over dividends paid in such year. Currently, because of certain timing limitations imposed by the IRC, only our preferred dividends can be allocated to a prior year. By changing the declaration and payment dates of the common dividends to coincide with those of the preferred dividends, we will have the ability to allocate both common and preferred dividends to a prior year should the need arise. Since the preferred dividends are required to be paid at the end of each quarter according to our Articles of Incorporation, the effect of this change is to accelerate the common distributions of TRG by moving them from the date that is 20 days after quarter-end to the last day of the quarter.

Shareowner Return Performance Graph

The following line graph sets forth the cumulative total returns on a $100 investment in each of our Common Stock, the MSCI US REIT Index, the NAREIT Equity Retail REIT Index, and the S&P Composite – 500 Stock Index for the period December 31, 2003 through December 31, 2008 (assuming in all cases, the reinvestment of dividends):
 
 
 
 
12/31/03
12/31/04
12/31/05
12/31/06
12/31/07
12/31/08
Taubman Centers Inc.
            $100.00
           $151.71
           $182.61
           $275.30
            $274.29
            $147.98
 
MSCI US REIT Index
100.00
131.49
147.44
200.40
166.70
103.40
 
NAREIT Equity Retail REIT Index
100.00
140.23
156.78
202.26
170.36
87.97
 
S&P 500 Index
100.00
110.88
116.32
134.69
142.09
89.52
 

Note: The stock performance shown on the graph above is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

Equity Purchases

We did not purchase any equity securities in the fourth quarter of 2008.



The following table sets forth selected financial data and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto and MD&A included in this report:

   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
   
(in thousands of dollars, except as noted)
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
                             
Rents, recoveries, and other shopping center revenues
    671,498       626,822       579,284       479,405       436,815  
      Income (loss) before gain on disposition of  
          interest  in center, discontinued operations, and minority and
          preferred interests (1)
    (8,052 )       116,236         95,140         57,432         59,970  
Gain on disposition of interest in center (2)
                            52,799          
Discontinued operations (3)
                                    328  
Minority interest in TRG
    (45,478 )     (42,614 )     (36,870 )     (35,869 )     (35,694 )
TRG preferred distributions
    (2,460 )     (2,460 )     (2,460 )     (2,460 )     (12,244 )
Net income (loss) (1)
    (72,025 )     63,124       45,117       71,735       12,378  
Preferred dividends
    (14,634 )     (14,634 )     (23,723 )     (27,622 )     (17,444 )
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners
    (86,659 )     48,490       21,394       44,113       (5,066 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations per common
share – diluted
    (1.64 )     0.90       0.40       0.87       (0.11 )
Net income (loss) per common share – diluted
    (1.64 )     0.90       0.40       0.87       (0.10 )
Dividends declared per common share
    1.660       1.540       1.290       1.160       1.095  
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding –basic
    52,866,050       52,969,067       52,661,024       50,459,314       49,021,843  
Weighted average number of common sharesoutstanding – diluted
    52,866,050       53,622,017       52,979,453       50,530,139       49,021,843  
Number of common shares outstanding at end of period
    53,018,987       52,624,013       52,931,594       51,866,184       48,745,625  
Ownership percentage of TRG at end of period
    67 %     66 %     65 %     64 %     61 %
                                         
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
                                       
Real estate before accumulated depreciation
    3,699,480       3,781,136       3,398,122       3,081,324       2,936,964  
Total assets
    3,071,792       3,151,307       2,826,622       2,797,580       2,632,434  
Total debt
    2,796,821       2,700,980       2,319,538       2,089,948       1,930,439  
                                         
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
                                       
Funds from Operations allocable to TCO (1)(4)
    81,274       155,376       136,736       110,578       103,070  
Mall tenant sales (5)
    4,654,885       4,734,940       4,344,565       4,124,534       3,728,010  
Sales per square foot (5)(6)
    539       555       529       508       466  
Number of shopping centers at end of period
    23       23       22       21       21  
Ending Mall GLA in thousands of square feet
    10,937       10,879       10,448       10,029       9,982  
Leased space (7)
    91.7 %     93.8 %     92.5 %     91.7 %     90.7 %
Ending occupancy
    90.3 %     91.2 %     91.3 %     90.0 %     89.6 %
Average occupancy
    90.3 %     90.0 %     89.2 %     88.9 %     87.4 %
Average base rent per square foot (6) :
                                       
Consolidated businesses:
                                       
All mall tenants
  $ 44.58     $ 43.39     $ 42.77     $ 41.41     $ 40.98  
Stores opening during year
    53.74       53.35       41.25       42.38       44.35  
Stores closing during year
    46.22       45.39       39.57       40.59       44.54  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
                                       
All mall tenants
  $ 44.60     $ 41.89     $ 41.03     $ 42.28     $ 42.09  
Stores opening during year
    55.26       48.05       42.98       44.90       44.67  
Stores closing during year
    47.99       48.63       42.49       44.26       51.40  

(1)  
Funds from Operations (FFO) is defined and discussed in MD&A – Presentation of Operating Results. Net loss and FFO in 2008 includes the impairment charges of $117.9 million and $8.3 million related to investments in our Oyster Bay and Sarasota projects, respectively. Net income and FFO in 2006 includes $3.1 million in connection with the write-off of financing costs related to the respective pay-off and refinancing of the loans on The Shops at Willow Bend and Dolphin Mall. In addition to these charges, FFO in 2006 includes a $4.7 million charge incurred in connection with the redemption of $113 million of the Series A Preferred Stock and $113 million of the Series I Preferred Stock.
(2)  
In December 2005, a 50% owned unconsolidated joint venture sold its interest in Woodland for $177.4 million.
(3)  
Discontinued operations of $0.3 million in 2004 include gains on disposition of interests in a center that was sold in 2003.
(4)  
Reconciliations of net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners to FFO for 2008, 2007, and 2006 are provided in MD&A – Presentation of Operating Results. For 2005, net income of $44.1 million, less the gain on dispositions of interests in centers of $52.8 million, adding back depreciation and amortization of $150.5 million and minority interests in TRG of $35.9 million, arrives at TRG’s FFO of $177.7 million, of which TCO’s share was $110.6 million. For 2004, net loss of $5.1 million, less the gain on dispositions of interests in centers of $0.3 million, adding back depreciation and amortization of $139.8 million and minority interests in TRG of $35.7 million, arrives at TRG’s FFO of $170.1 million, of which TCO’s share was $103.1 million.
(5)  
Based on reports of sales furnished by mall tenants.
(6)  
See MD&A for information regarding this statistic.
(7)  
Leased space comprises both occupied space and space that is leased but not yet occupied.


Item 7 . MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following MD&A contains various “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including the following: statements regarding future developments and joint ventures, rents, returns, and earnings; statements regarding the continuation of trends; and any statements regarding the sufficiency of our cash balances and cash generated from operating, investing, and financing activities for our future liquidity and capital resource needs. We caution that although forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs and best judgment based upon current information, these statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, because of risks, uncertainties, and factors including, but not limited, to the ongoing U.S. recession, the existing global credit and financial crisis and other changes in general economic and real estate conditions, changes in the interest rate environment and the availability of financing, and adverse changes in the retail industry. Other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed with the SEC, and in particular those set forth under “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Taubman Centers, Inc. and the notes thereto.

General Background and Performance Measurement

Taubman Centers, Inc. (TCO) is a Michigan corporation that operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (the Operating Partnership or TRG) is a majority-owned partnership subsidiary of TCO, which owns direct or indirect interests in all of our real estate properties. In this report, the terms "we", "us", and "our" refer to TCO, the Operating Partnership, and/or the Operating Partnership's subsidiaries as the context may require. We own, lease, develop, acquire, dispose of, and operate regional and super-regional shopping centers. The Consolidated Businesses consist of shopping centers and entities that are controlled by ownership or contractual agreements, The Taubman Company LLC (Manager), and Taubman Properties Asia LLC and its subsidiaries (Taubman Asia). In September 2008, we acquired the interests of the owner of Partridge Creek (see “Note 2 – Acquisitions” to our consolidated financial statements). Prior to the acquisition, we consolidated the accounts of the owner of Partridge Creek, which qualified as a variable interest entity under Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 46R “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” for which the Operating Partnership was considered to be the primary beneficiary. Shopping centers owned through joint ventures that are not controlled by us but over which we have significant influence (Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) are accounted for under the equity method.

References in this discussion to “beneficial interest” refer to our ownership or pro-rata share of the item being discussed. Also, the operations of the shopping centers are often best understood by measuring their performance as a whole, without regard to our ownership interest. Consequently, in addition to the discussion of the operations of the Consolidated Businesses, the operations of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures are presented and discussed as a whole.

The comparability of information used in measuring performance is affected by the opening of Partridge Creek in October 2007 and The Pier Shops, which began opening in phases in June 2006. In April 2007, we increased our ownership in The Pier Shops to 77.5% (see “Results of Operations – Openings, Expansions and Renovations, and Acquisitions”). The Pier Shops’ results of operations are included within the Consolidated Businesses beginning April 13, 2007 and within the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures prior to the acquisition date. The 2006 results of operations for the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures include results of The Pier Shops. The Pier Shops was excluded from all operating statistics in 2006. Our investment in The Pier Shops represented an effective 6% interest prior to the acquisition date, based on relative equity contributions. Additional “comparable center” statistics that exclude Partridge Creek and The Pier Shops are provided for 2008 and 2007 to present the performance of comparable centers in our continuing operations. Comparable centers are generally defined as centers that were owned and open for two years.

Overall Summary of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Our primary source of revenue is from the leasing of space in our shopping centers. Generally these leases are long term, with our average lease term at approximately seven years, excluding temporary leases. Therefore general economic trends most directly impact our tenants’ sales and consequently their ability to perform under their existing lease agreements and expand into new locations as well as our ability to find new tenants for our shopping centers.



The real estate industry is facing very difficult times due to the current recession and tough retail environment. The global credit and financial crisis has worsened in the fourth quarter and there is considerable uncertainty as to how severe the current downturn may be and how long it may continue. We clearly expect a negative impact on our business in 2009, and we expect that the economy will continue to strain the resources of our tenants and their customers. Retailers have had a tough fourth quarter and are looking at an uncertain 2009. In this environment, retailer capital spending has significantly decreased, and we expect that retailers will want to delay any openings into either 2010 or 2011 whenever possible. In addition, a number of regional and national retailers have announced store closings or filed for bankruptcy. During 2008, 2.5% of our tenants sought the protection of the bankruptcy laws, compared to 0.5% in 2007. It is difficult to predict when the environment will improve.

We also saw the impact of the current financial crisis on our tenants’ sales. Our tenants reported a 13.7% decrease in sales per square foot in the quarter over the same period in 2007. Annual sales per square foot declined by 2.9% to a level of $539 per square foot for our comparable centers, which is higher than the average in 2008 for all regional shopping centers owned by public companies, and exceeded our 2006 results. See "Mall Tenant Sales and Center Revenues".

Average occupancy remained relatively flat during 2008, however, we anticipate occupancy will decrease by approximately 2% by year end 2009, although it is likely the impact on income will be somewhat offset by a higher level of temporary tenant leasing in 2009. For all of 2008, rents showed solid increases compared to the prior year. In 2009, we expect that average rents per square foot will be relatively flat in comparison to 2008. The rents we are able to achieve are affected by economic trends and tenants’ expectations thereof, as described under “Rental Rates and Occupancy”. The spread between rents on openings and closings may not be indicative of future periods, as this statistic is not computed on comparable tenant spaces, and can vary significantly from quarter to quarter depending on the total amount, location, and average size of tenant space opening and closing in the period. Mall tenant sales, occupancy levels and our resulting revenues are seasonal in nature (see “Seasonality").

Our analysis of our financial results begins under “Results of Operations”. We describe the most recent center openings under “Results of Operations – Openings, Expansions and Renovations, and Acquisitions.” In 2007, we acquired an additional interest in The Pier Shops. We also describe the current status of our efforts to broaden our growth in Asia (see “Results of Operations – Taubman Asia”).

We similarly have been very active in managing our balance sheet, completing refinancings of Fair Oaks and International Plaza in early 2008, as outlined under “Results of Operations – Debt Transactions”.

An unfavorable court decision and the difficult economy drove our decisions to record impairment charges in the fourth quarter of 2008 of $117.9 million and $8.3 million related to our Oyster Bay project in the Town of Oyster Bay, New York (Oyster Bay project or Oyster Bay) and our Sarasota project, respectively (see “Results of Operations – Impairment Charges”).

We have certain additional sources of income beyond our rental revenues, recoveries from tenants, and revenue from management, leasing, and development services. We disclose our share of these sources of income under “Results of Operations – Other Income” and provide certain guidance for 2009. Included in other revenue are lease cancellation income, as well as other sources of revenue derived from our shopping centers, such as parking garage and sponsorship income. Other sources of income include interest income, gains on peripheral land sales, and in 2007, gains related to discontinued hedges.

We then provide a discussion of our critical accounting policies, and the expected impact in 2009 of recently issued accounting pronouncements.

With all the preceding information as background, we then provide insight and explanations for variances in our financial results for 2008, 2007, and 2006 under “Comparison of 2008 to 2007” and “Comparison of 2007 to 2006”. As information useful to understanding our results, we have described the presentation of our minority interest, the presentation of certain interests in centers, and the reasons for our use of non-GAAP measures such as Beneficial Interest in EBITDA and Funds from Operations (FFO) under “Results of Operations – Presentation of Operating Results”. Reconciliations from net income (loss) and net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners to these measures follow the annual comparisons.

Our discussion of sources and uses of capital resources under “Liquidity and Capital Resources” begins with a brief overview of current market conditions and our financial position. We have no maturities on our current debt until fall 2010, when three loans mature with principal amounts of $338 million at 100% and $264 million at our beneficial share. We then discuss our capital activities and transactions that occurred in 2008. Analysis of specific operating, investing, and financing activities is then provided in more detail.


Specific analysis of our fixed and floating rates and periods of interest rate risk exposure is provided under “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Beneficial Interest in Debt”. Completing our analysis of our exposure to rates are the effects of changes in interest rates on our cash flows and fair values of debt contained under “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Sensitivity Analysis”. Also see “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Loan Commitments and Guarantees” for discussion of compliance with debt covenants.

In conducting our business, we enter into various contractual obligations, including those for debt, capital leases for property improvements, operating leases for land and office space, purchase obligations, and other long-term commitments. Detail of these obligations, including expected settlement periods, is contained under “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Contractual Obligations”. Property-level debt represents the largest single class of obligations. Described under “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Loan Commitments and Guarantees” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Cash Tender Agreement” are our significant guarantees and commitments.

Development of new malls and renovation and expansion of existing malls has been a significant use of our capital, as described in “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Spending” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Spending – Planned Capital Spending”. Spending in the last two years includes construction of Partridge Creek and The Pier Shops, the expansion and renovation of Twelve Oaks, the expansion at Stamford, our Oyster Bay project, and other development activities and capital items. However, with our Sarasota project on hold and the continued delays on our Oyster Bay and Asia projects, we expect capital spending in 2009 to consist primarily of tenant allowances and other capital expenditures on our operating centers.

Dividends and distributions are also significant uses of our capital resources. The factors considered when determining the amount of our dividends, including requirements arising because of our status as a REIT, are described under “Liquidity and Capital Resources – Dividends”.

Mall Tenant Sales and Center Revenues

Sales per square foot growth was positive during the first, second, and third quarters of 2008, at 3.0%, 3.3%, and 0.5%, respectively. Sales began to decline in September, and the decline steepened during the fourth quarter, with the luxury and tourism centers experiencing the most negative impact from the slowdown. During a time of such economic uncertainty, the consumer clearly moderated spending as the fourth quarter of 2008 progressed, and we reported our first quarterly decrease in tenant sales in over five years. For 2008 our sales decreased 2.9% to a level of $539 per square foot. Sales per square foot decreased by 13.7% in the fourth quarter.

Over the long term, the level of mall tenant sales is the single most important determinant of revenues of the shopping centers because mall tenants provide approximately 90% of these revenues and because mall tenant sales determine the amount of rent, percentage rent, and recoverable expenses (together, total occupancy costs) that mall tenants can afford to pay. However, levels of mall tenant sales can be considerably more volatile in the short run than total occupancy costs, and may be impacted significantly, either positively or negatively, by the success or lack of success of a small number of tenants or even a single tenant.

We believe that the ability of tenants to pay occupancy costs and earn profits over long periods of time increases as sales per square foot increase, whether through inflation or real growth in customer spending. Because most mall tenants have certain fixed expenses, the occupancy costs that they can afford to pay and still be profitable are a higher percentage of sales at higher sales per square foot.

Sales directly impact the amount of percentage rents certain tenants and anchors pay. The effects of increases or declines in sales on our operations are moderated by the relatively minor share of total rents that percentage rents represent of total rents (approximately 4% in 2008).

While sales are critical over the long term, the high quality regional mall business has been a very stable business model with its diversity of income from thousands of tenants, its staggered lease maturities, and high proportion of fixed rent. However, a sustained trend in sales does impact, either negatively or positively, our ability to lease vacancies and negotiate rents at advantageous rates. In the current environment, we are finding that negotiations are tougher. While retailers continue to recognize the need to position themselves for the future, on the other end of the spectrum there is an increase in bankruptcies (see “Rental Rates and Occupancy”).


The following table summarizes occupancy costs, excluding utilities, for mall tenants as a percentage of mall tenant sales:

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
 
Mall tenant sales (in thousands of dollars)
    4,654,885       4,734,940       4,344,565  
Sales per square foot (1)
    539       555       529  
                         
Consolidated Businesses:
                       
Minimum rents
    9.6 %     8.9 %     9.1 %
Percentage rents
    0.4       0.4       0.4  
Expense recoveries
    5.4       4.9       4.9  
Mall tenant occupancy costs as a percentage of mall tenant sales
    15.4 %     14.2 %     14.4 %
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
                       
Minimum rents
    8.9 %     8.0 %     8.3 %
Percentage rents
    0.4       0.4       0.4  
Expense recoveries
    4.6       4.2       3.9  
Mall tenant occupancy costs as a percentage of mall tenant sales
    13.9 %     12.6 %     12.6 %

(1)  
Sales per square foot is presented for the comparable centers, including value centers.

In 2008, mall tenant occupancy costs as a percentage of mall tenant sales increased due to the decline in sales during the year, as well as due to increases in minimum rents and expense recoveries.

Rental Rates and Occupancy

As leases have expired in the centers, we have generally been able to rent the available space, either to the existing tenant or a new tenant, at rental rates that are higher than those of the expired leases. Generally, center revenues have increased as older leases rolled over or were terminated early and replaced with new leases negotiated at current rental rates that were usually higher than the average rates for existing leases. In periods of increasing sales, rents on new leases will generally tend to rise. In periods of slower growth or declining sales, as we are experiencing now, rents on new leases will grow more slowly or will decline for the opposite reason, as tenants' expectations of future growth become less optimistic. Rent per square foot information for comparable centers in our Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures follows:

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Average rent per square foot:
                 
Consolidated Businesses
  $ 44.58     $ 43.39     $ 42.77  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    44.60       41.89       41.03  
Opening base rent per square foot:
                       
Consolidated Businesses
  $ 53.74     $ 53.35     $ 41.25  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    55.26       48.05       42.98  
Square feet of GLA opened:
                       
Consolidated Businesses
    659,681       885,982       1,007,419  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    439,820       394,316       306,461  
Closing base rent per square foot:
                       
Consolidated Businesses
  $ 46.22     $ 45.39     $ 39.57  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    47.99       48.63       42.49  
Square feet of GLA closed:
                       
Consolidated Businesses
    735,550       807,899       911,986  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    434,432       345,122       246,704  
Releasing spread per square foot:
                       
Consolidated Businesses
  $ 7.52     $ 7.96     $ 1.68  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    7.27       (0.58 )     0.49  

Average rents per square foot of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in 2007 were impacted by prior year adjustments totaling $3.0   million (at 100%) in 2007, related to The Mills Corporation’s accounting for lease incentives at Arizona Mills, a 50% owned joint venture. Excluding these adjustments, average rents per square foot of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures would have been $42.93 in 2007.



The spread between opening and closing rents may not be indicative of future periods, as this statistic is not computed on comparable tenant spaces, and can vary significantly from period to period depending on the total amount, location, and average size of tenant space opening and closing in the period. In 2007, the releasing spread per square foot of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was impacted by the opening of large tenant spaces at a certain center. In 2006, the releasing spread per square foot of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was impacted by the opening of large tenant spaces at certain centers.

Mall tenant leased space, ending occupancy, and average occupancy rates are as follows:

 
2008
2007
2006
All Centers:
             
Leased space
                      91.7
 %
                       93.8
 %
                      92.5
%  
Ending occupancy
90.3
 
91.2
 
91.3
   
Average occupancy
90.3
 
90.0
 
89.2
   
               
Comparable Centers:
             
Leased space
                      91.8
 %
                       93.8
 %
                      92.4
 %  
Ending occupancy
90.3
 
91.5
 
91.3
   
Average occupancy
90.4
 
90.3
 
89.1
   

Ending occupancy was 90.3%, a 0.9% decrease from 91.2% in 2007. This decline is largely due to three big box anchor store locations, which are part of national bankruptcies, that closed late in 2008 at our value centers. At 91.7%, leased space is 1.4% over the year end occupancy level, indicating a backlog of tenants who have committed to opening stores in the future. We expect occupancy to be down about 2% by year end 2009. In this environment, capital spending is down and retailers are expected to delay openings into 2010 and 2011. We have executed 80% of our leasing plan for 2009, which is in line with our history. However, we are concerned it will be difficult to execute new leases and open additional stores. In addition, we expect unscheduled terminations, including bankruptcies, to increase in 2009. It is likely the impact on income will be somewhat offset by a higher level of temporary tenant leasing in 2009. Temporary tenants, defined as those with lease terms less than 12 months, are not included in occupancy or leased space statistics. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 2.7% of space was occupied by temporary tenants. Tenant bankruptcy filings as a percentage of the total number of tenant leases 2.5% in 2008, compared to 0.5% in 2007, and 1.0% in 2006.

Seasonality

The regional shopping center industry is seasonal in nature, with mall tenant sales highest in the fourth quarter due to the Christmas season, and with lesser, though still significant, sales fluctuations associated with the Easter holiday and back-to-school period. While minimum rents and recoveries are generally not subject to seasonal factors, most leases are scheduled to expire in the first quarter, and the majority of new stores open in the second half of the year in anticipation of the Christmas selling season. Additionally, most percentage rents are recorded in the fourth quarter. Accordingly, revenues and occupancy levels are generally highest in the fourth quarter. Gains on sales of peripheral land and lease cancellation income may vary significantly from quarter to quarter.


   
Total
2008
   
4 th
Quarter
2008
   
3 rd
Quarter
2008
   
2 nd
Quarter
2008
   
1 st
Quarter
2008
 
   
(in thousands of dollars, except occupancy and leased space data)
 
Mall tenant sales (1)
    4,654,885       1,342,748       1,112,502       1,116,027       1,083,608  
Revenues and gains on land sales
and other nonoperating income:
                                       
Consolidated Businesses
    676,067       190,855       164,124       161,868       159,220  
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    272,496       77,277       67,169       63,657       64,393  
Occupancy:
                                       
Ending-comparable
    90.3 %     90.3 %     90.6 %     90.2 %     90.1 %
Average-comparable
    90.4       90.7       90.5       90.1       90.2  
Ending
    90.3       90.3       90.5       90.0       89.9  
Average
    90.3       90.7       90.4       90.0       90.0  
Leased space:
                                       
Comparable
    91.8 %     91.8 %     92.5 %     92.7 %     93.0 %
All centers
    91.7       91.7       92.4       92.7       93.1  

(1)  
Based on reports of sales furnished by mall tenants.


Because the seasonality of sales contrasts with the generally fixed nature of minimum rents and recoveries, mall tenant occupancy costs (the sum of minimum rents, percentage rents, and expense recoveries) as a percentage of sales are considerably higher in the first three quarters than they are in the fourth quarter.

   
Total
2008
   
4 th
Quarter
2008
   
3 rd
Quarter
2008
   
2 nd
Quarter
2008
   
1 st
Quarter
2008
 
Consolidated Businesses:
                             
 
Minimum rents
    9.6 %     8.8 %     9.9 %     9.9 %     10.2 %
Percentage rents
    0.4       0.6       0.3       0.2       0.3  
Expense recoveries
    5.4       5.4       5.4       5.3       5.3  
Mall tenant occupancy costs
    15.4 %     14.8 %     15.6 %     15.4 %     15.8 %
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:
                                       
Minimum rents
    8.9       7.9 %     9.5 %     9.3 %     9.2 %
Percentage rents
    0.4       0.6       0.4       0.0       0.4  
Expense recoveries
    4.6       4.9       4.8       4.4       4.2  
Mall tenant occupancy costs
    13.9 %     13.4 %     14.7 %     13.7 %     13.8 %

Results of Operations

Openings, Expansions and Renovations, and Acquisitions

During the three year period ended December 31, 2008, we completed the following shopping center openings, expansions and renovations, and acquisitions:

Openings

Shopping Center
Date
Location
Ownership
The Mall at Partridge Creek
October 2007
Clinton Township, Michigan
Wholly-owned
The Pier Shops at Caesars
June 2006
Atlantic City, New Jersey
(See below)

Expansions and Renovations

Shopping Center
Date
Location
Ownership
Stamford Town Center
November 2007
Stamford, Connecticut
50% owned Unconsolidated Joint Venture
Twelve Oaks Mall
September 2007
Novi, Michigan
Wholly-owned
Waterside Shops
September 2006
Naples, Florida
25% owned Unconsolidated Joint Venture

Acquisitions

Shopping Center
Date
Acquisition
Resulting Ownership
The Pier Shops at Caesars
April 2007
(See below)
77.5% owned consolidated joint venture
Land under Sunvalley
October 2006
50% interest
50% owned unconsolidated joint venture

The Pier Shops, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, began opening in phases in June 2006. Gordon Group Holdings LLC (Gordon) developed the center, and in January 2007, we assumed full management and leasing responsibility for the center. In April 2007, we increased our ownership in The Pier Shops to a 77.5% controlling interest. The remaining 22.5% interest continues to be held by an affiliate of Gordon. We began consolidating The Pier Shops as of the April 2007 purchase date. At closing, we made a $24.5 million equity investment in the center, bringing our total equity investment to $28.5 million. We are entitled to a 7% cumulative preferred return on our $133.1 million total investment, including our $104.6 million share of debt (see “Debt Transactions”). We will be responsible for any additional capital requirements, on which we will receive a preferred return at a minimum of 8%. As of December 31, 2008, we had provided $4.3 million of additional capital.

Taubman Asia

In February 2008, Taubman Asia entered into agreements to acquire a 25% interest in The Mall at Studio City, the retail component of Macao Studio City, a major mixed-use project on the Cotai Strip in Macao, China. In addition, Taubman Asia entered into long-term agreements to perform development, management, and leasing services for the shopping center. Macao is a project that has been clearly impacted by the financial crisis. It is on hold until financing can be arranged, the timing of which is very uncertain. There continues to be retailer interest in Macao, but the project is unlikely to move forward in 2009.



In August 2009, our Macao agreements will terminate and our $54 million initial cash payment, which is in escrow, will be returned to us if the financing for the project is not completed. No interest is being capitalized on this payment. Excluding the $54 million initial refundable deposit, we had capitalized costs of $2.5 million on the Macao project as of December 31, 2008. Offsetting these costs, we received a $2.5 million non-refundable development fee payment in October 2008 from the owner of the Macao project, which was recorded as deferred revenue. We began expensing costs relating to the project in the third quarter of 2008.

In 2007, we entered into an agreement to provide development services for a 1.1 million square foot retail and entertainment complex in Songdo International Business District (Songdo), Incheon, South Korea. We also finalized an agreement to provide management and leasing services for the retail component, and we continue to provide services as the regional mall progresses. The shopping center will be anchored by Lotte Department Store, Tesco Homeplus, and a nine-screen Megabox multiplex. Progress has been made on the mall infrastructure and parking. We will not make a final determination about an investment in this center until full financing is completed.

Debt Transactions

We completed a series of debt financings in the three year period ended December 31, 2008, as follows:

 
 
Date
 
 
Initial Loan Balance/Facility
 
Stated
Interest Rate
 
Maturity Date (1)
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
Fair Oaks
April 2008
250
LIBOR+1.40% (2)
April 2011
International Plaza
January 2008
325
LIBOR+1.15% (3)
January 2011
TRG revolving credit facility (4)
November 2007
550
LIBOR+0.70%
February 2011
The Pier Shops at Caesars
April 2007
135
6.01%
May 2017
Taubman Land Associates (Sunvalley)
December 2006
30
LIBOR+0.90% (5)
November 2012
Waterside Shops
September 2006
165
5.54%
October 2016
The Mall at Partridge Creek
construction facility
 
September 2006
 
81
 
LIBOR+1.15%
 
September 2010
TRG revolving credit facility (6)
August 2006
350
LIBOR+0.70%
February 2009
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
May 2006
280
5.24%
June 2016
Northlake Mall
February 2006
216
5.41%
February 2016

(1)  
Excludes any options to extend the maturities (see the footnotes to our financial statements regarding extension options).
(2)  
The loan is swapped at 4.22% for the initial three-year term of the loan agreement.
(3)  
The loan is swapped at 5.01% for the initial three-year term of the loan agreement.
(4)  
In November 2007, we increased the borrowing limit on the TRG revolving credit facility by $200 million and extended the maturity date by two years, with a one-year extension option.
(5)  
The loan is swapped at 5.95% (5.05% swap rate plus 0.90% credit spread) from January 2, 2007 through the term of the loan.
(6)  
TRG revolving credit facility was amended in November 2007.

Borrowings under TRG’s revolving credit facility are primary obligations of the entities owning Dolphin, Fairlane, and Twelve Oaks, which are collateral for the line of credit. The Operating Partnership and the entities owning Fairlane and Twelve Oaks are guarantors under the credit agreement.



Equity Transactions

We also completed a series of equity transactions in the three year period ended December 31, 2008, as follows:

 
 
# of  shares
 
Amount
Price
per share
 
Date
 
 (in millions of dollars)
 
Redemptions and Repurchases:
         
Stock repurchases (1)
987,180
50.0
             $50.65
 
August 2007
Stock repurchases (1)
923,364
50.0
54.15
 
May - June 2007
Redemption of Series I Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock (2 )
 
              4,520,000
 
113.0
 
25.00
 
 
June 2006
Redemption of Series A Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock (3 )
 
              4,520,000
 
113.0
 
25.00
 
 
May 2006
           
Issuances:
         
Issuance of Series I Cumulative
Redeemable Preferred Stock (4 )
 
               4,520,000
 
113.0
 
25.00
 
 
May 2006

(1)  
For each common share repurchased, a unit of TRG partnership interest is similarly redeemed. See “Note 14 – Common and Preferred Stock and Equity of TRG” to our consolidated financial statements regarding the repurchase of our common stock.
(2)  
A $0.6 million charge was recognized upon redemption of this preferred stock, comprised of the difference between the redemption price ($113.0 million) and its book value ($112.4 million).
(3)  
A $4.0 million charge was recognized upon redemption of this preferred stock, comprised of the difference between the redemption price ($113.0 million) and its book value ($109.0 million).
(4)  
Proceeds were used to redeem $113 million of our remaining 8.30% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.

Impairment Charges

In January 2009, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York reversed the favorable order that we had been issued in June 2008 directing the Town of Oyster Bay to immediately issue a special use permit for The Mall at Oyster Bay. The court also upheld the Town Board’s request for a supplemental environmental impact statement. Although we intend to immediately seek an appeal of the decision, we determined in February 2009 that we would recognize in the fourth quarter of 2008 a charge to income of $117.9 million relating to the Oyster Bay project, including $4.6 million in costs for future expenditures associated with obligations under existing contracts related to the project. This determination was reached after an overall assessment of the probability of the development of the mall as designed and a review of our previously capitalized project costs. The charge includes the costs of previous development activities as well as holding and other costs that management believes will likely not benefit the development if and when we obtain the rights to build the center. We also expect to expense any additional costs relating to Oyster Bay until it is probable that we will be able to successfully move forward with a project. We began expensing carrying costs as incurred beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008. Our remaining capitalized investment in the project as of December 31, 2008 is $39.8 million, consisting of land and site improvements. If we are ultimately unsuccessful in obtaining the right to build the center, it is uncertain  whether we would be able to recover the full amount of this capitalized investment through alternate uses of the land.

In May 2008, we entered into agreements to jointly develop University Town Center, a regional mall in Sarasota, Florida. Under the agreements, we would own a noncontrolling 25% interest in the project. Due to the current economic and retail environment, in December 2008 we announced that the project has been put on hold. Although we continue to believe it should be a very attractive opportunity longer term, we do not know if or when we will acquire an interest in the land and move forward with the project. Due to this uncertainty, we recognized an $8.3 million charge to income in the fourth quarter of 2008. The charge to income represents our share of total project costs. We have no asset remaining and expect to expense any additional costs related to the monitoring of the project until a definitive agreement is reached by the parties on going forward with the project.



Other Income

We have certain additional sources of income beyond our rental revenues, recoveries from tenants, and revenues from management, leasing, and development services, as summarized in the following table. Lease cancellation revenue is dependent on the overall economy and performance of particular retailers in specific locations and can vary significantly. Gains on peripheral land sales can also vary significantly from year-to-year, depending on the results of negotiations with tenants, counterparties, and potential purchasers of land, as well as the timing of the transactions. In 2009, we estimate our share of lease cancellation income to be approximately $7 million to $8 million. In addition, due to current economic conditions, we would expect that certain shopping center related revenues that are based on month to month or shorter term contracts, primarily sponsorship and retail marketing units income, may decrease substantially in 2009.

 
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
Consolidated Businesses
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
Consolidated Businesses
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
Consolidated Businesses
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
(Operating Partnership’s share in millions of dollars)
Other income:
                     
Shopping center related revenues
26.9
 
3.0
 
23.1
 
2.5
 
21.9
 
2.6
Lease cancellation revenue
  9.7
 
2.5
 
10.9
 
2.0
 
10.5
 
2.8
 
36.6
 
5.5
 
33.9
 
4.6
 
32.4
 
5.4
Gains on land sales and other nonoperating
income:
                     
Gains on sales of peripheral land
2.8
     
0.7
 
 
 
4.1
   
Interest income
1.5
 
0.4
 
2.2
 
0.8
 
5.2
 
0.6
Gains on discontinued hedges
       
0.2
           
 
4.3
 
0.4
 
3.1
 
0.8
 
9.3
 
0.6
 
                       
(1)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.

Subsequent Event

In January 2009, in response to a decreased level of active projects due to the downturn in the economy, we reduced our workforce by about 40 positions, primarily in areas that directly or indirectly affect our development initiatives in the U.S. and Asia. A restructuring charge of approximately $2.6 million will be recorded in the first quarter of 2009, which primarily represents the cost of terminations of personnel. The majority of the restructuring costs will be paid during the first quarter of 2009.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the financial statements and disclosures. Some of these estimates and assumptions require application of difficult, subjective, and/or complex judgment, often about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. We are required to make such estimates and assumptions when applying the following accounting policies.

Valuation of Shopping Centers

The viability of all projects under construction or development, including those owned by Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, are regularly evaluated under applicable accounting requirements, including requirements relating to abandonment of assets or changes in use. To the extent a project, or individual components of the project, are no longer considered to have value, the related capitalized costs are charged against operations. Additionally, all properties are reviewed for impairment on an individual basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment of a shopping center owned by consolidated entities is recognized when the sum of expected cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the property. Other than temporary impairment of an investment in an Unconsolidated Joint Venture is recognized when the carrying value is not considered recoverable based on evaluation of the severity and duration of the decline in value, including the results of discounted cash flow and other valuation techniques. The expected cash flows of a shopping center are dependent on estimates and other factors subject to change, including (1) changes in the national, regional, and/or local economic climates, (2) competition from other shopping centers, stores, clubs, mailings, and the internet, (3) increases in operating costs, (4) bankruptcy and/or other changes in the condition of third parties, including anchors and tenants, (5) expected holding period, and (6) availability of credit. These factors could cause our expected future cash flows from a shopping center to change, and, as a result, an impairment could be considered to have occurred. To the extent impairment has occurred, the excess carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value is charged to income.


In 2008, we recognized impairment charges of $117.9 million and $8.3 million related to our Oyster Bay and Sarasota projects, respectively (see “Impairment Charges”). There were no impairment charges recognized in 2007 or 2006. As of December 31, 2008, the consolidated net book value of our properties was $2.6 billion, representing over 85% of our consolidated assets. We also have varying ownership percentages in the properties of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures with a total combined net book value of $0.7 billion. These amounts include certain development costs that are described in the policy that follows.

Capitalization of Development Costs

In developing shopping centers, we typically obtain land or land options, zoning and regulatory approvals, anchor commitments, and financing arrangements during a process that may take several years and during which we may incur significant costs. We capitalize all development costs once it is considered probable that a project will reach a successful conclusion. Prior to this time, we expense all costs relating to a potential development, including payroll, and include these costs in Funds from Operations (see "Presentation of Operating Results").

On an ongoing basis, we continue to assess the probability of a project going forward and whether the asset is impaired. In addition, we also assess whether there are sufficient substantive development activities in a given period to support the capitalization of carrying costs, including interest capitalization, in that period.

Many factors in the development of a shopping center are beyond our control, including (1) changes in the national, regional, and/or local economic climates, (2) competition from other shopping centers, stores, clubs, mailings, and the internet, (3) availability and cost of financing, (4) changes in regulations, laws, and zoning, and (5) decisions made by third parties, including anchors. These factors could cause our assessment of the probability of a development project reaching a successful conclusion to change. If a project subsequently was considered less than probable of reaching a successful conclusion, a charge against operations for previously capitalized development costs would occur.

Our $64.9 million balance of development pre-construction costs as of December   31,   2008 consists primarily of approximately $40 million of costs relating to our Oyster Bay project, as described above. The balance also includes approximately $22 million of land and improvement costs for a parcel in North Atlanta, Georgia, which was acquired for future development. A portion of this land is expected to be sold for various uses. See “Impairment Charges” regarding the status of the Oyster Bay project and others.

Valuation of Accounts and Notes Receivable

Rents and expense recoveries from tenants are our principal source of income; they represent over 90% of our revenues. In generating this income, we will routinely have accounts receivable due from tenants. The collectibility of tenant receivables is affected by bankruptcies, changes in the economy, and the ability of the tenants to perform under the terms of their lease agreements. While we estimate potentially uncollectible receivables and provide for them through charges against income, actual experience may differ from those estimates. Also, if a tenant were not able to perform under the terms of its lease agreement, receivable balances not previously provided for may be required to be charged against operations. Bad debt expense was less than 1% of total revenues in 2008, while bankruptcy filings affected 2.5% of tenant leases during the year. Since 1991, the annual provision for losses on accounts receivable has been less than 2% of annual revenues.

Notes receivable at December 31, 2008 totaled $7.5 million, of which $2.0 million relates to notes receivable from three tenants with common ownership that became delinquent during the third quarter 2008. The notes are guaranteed by affiliates of the tenants, and we expect to recover the remaining $0.6 million net book value. In addition, $1.0 million of the total notes receivable balance related to the sale of residual land. This land contract receivable is currently in default. The fair value of the land that serves as collateral is at least equal to the book value of the receivable. Valuation of delinquent notes receivable are dependent on management’s estimates of the collectibility of contractual principal and interest payments, which are inherently judgmental.



Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

Our taxable REIT subsidiaries (TRSs) currently have deferred tax assets, reflecting net operating loss carryforwards and the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the bases of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws. Our temporary differences primarily relate to deferred compensation and depreciation. We reduce our deferred tax assets through valuation allowances to the amount where realization is more likely than not assured, considering all available evidence, including expected future taxable earnings and potential tax planning strategies. Expected future taxable earnings and the implementation of tax planning strategies require certain significant judgments and estimates, including those relating to our management company's profitability, the timing and amounts of gains on land sales, the profitability of our Asian operations, and other factors affecting the results of operations of our TRSs. Changes in any of these factors could cause our estimates of the realization of deferred tax assets to change materially. In July 2007, the State of Michigan signed into law the Michigan Business Tax Act, replacing the Michigan single business tax with a business income tax and modified gross receipts tax. These new taxes became effective on January 1, 2008, and are subject to the provisions of SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” As of December 31, 2008, we had a net federal and foreign deferred tax asset of $3.2 million, after a valuation allowance of $6.6 million.

Valuations for Acquired Property and Intangibles

Upon acquisition of an investment property, including that of an additional interest in an asset already partially owned, we make an assessment of the valuation and composition of assets and liabilities acquired. These assessments consider fair values of the respective assets and liabilities and are determined based on estimated future cash flows using appropriate discount and capitalization rates and other commonly accepted valuation techniques. The estimated future cash flows that are used for this analysis reflect the historical operations of the property, known trends and changes expected in current market and economic conditions which would impact the property’s operations, and our plans for such property. These estimates of cash flows and valuations are particularly important given the application of FASB Statement Nos. 141 and 142 for the allocation of purchase price between land, building and improvements, and other identifiable intangibles.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160 "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51.” This Statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as a minority interest) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Statement No. 160 generally requires noncontrolling interests to be treated as a separate component of equity (not as a liability or other item outside of permanent equity) and consolidated net income and comprehensive income to include the noncontrolling interest’s share. The calculation of earnings per share will continue to be based on income amounts attributable to the parent. Statement No. 160 also establishes a single method of accounting for transactions that change a parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary by requiring that all such transactions be accounted for as equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest in the subsidiary. The Statement also amends certain of ARB 51's consolidation procedures for consistency with the requirements of FASB Statement No. 141 (Revised) "Business Combinations" and eliminates the requirement to apply purchase accounting to a parent’s acquisition of noncontrolling ownership interests in a subsidiary. Statement No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Except for certain presentation and disclosure requirements, Statement No. 160 will be applied on a prospective basis. In March 2008, the SEC announced revisions to EITF Topic No. D-98 "Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities" that provide interpretive guidance on the interaction between Topic No. D-98 and Statement No. 160.

Upon our adoption of Statement No. 160 on January 1, 2009, the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and certain consolidated joint ventures will no longer need to be carried at zero balances in our balance sheet. As a result, the income allocated to these noncontrolling interests will no longer be required to be equal to their share of distributions, which will result in a material increase to TCO's net income. See “Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our consolidated financial statements regarding current accounting for minority interests.

See “Note 20 – New Accounting Pronouncements” to our consolidated financial statements regarding Statement 160, as well as other new accounting pronouncements that will be adopted in 2009.



Presentation of Operating Results

The following table contains the operating results of our Consolidated Businesses and the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. Income allocated to the minority partners in the Operating Partnership and preferred interests is deducted to arrive at the results allocable to our common shareowners. Because the net equity balances of the Operating Partnership and the outside partners in certain consolidated joint ventures are less than zero, the income allocated to these minority and outside partners is equal to their share of operating distributions (see “New Accounting Pronouncements” regarding changes to the accounting for minority interests). The net equity of these minority and outside partners is less than zero due to accumulated distributions in excess of net income and not as a result of operating losses. Distributions to partners are usually greater than net income because net income includes non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization. Our average ownership percentage of the Operating Partnership was 67% in 2008, 66% in 2007, and 65% in 2006.

The results of The Pier Shops are presented within the Consolidated Businesses for periods beginning April 13, 2007, as a result of our acquisition of a controlling interest in the center. Prior to the acquisition date, the results of The Pier Shops are included within the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

The operating results in the following table include the supplemental earnings measures of Beneficial Interest in EBITDA and Funds from Operations (FFO). Beneficial Interest in EBITDA represents our share of the earnings before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization of our consolidated and unconsolidated businesses. We believe Beneficial Interest in EBITDA provides a useful indicator of operating performance, as it is customary in the real estate and shopping center business to evaluate the performance of properties on a basis unaffected by capital structure.

The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) defines FFO as net income (loss) (computed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)), excluding gains (or losses) from extraordinary items and sales of properties, plus real estate related depreciation and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. We believe that FFO is a useful supplemental measure of operating performance for REITs. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, we and most industry investors and analysts have considered presentations of operating results that exclude historical cost depreciation to be useful in evaluating the operating performance of REITs. We primarily use FFO in measuring performance and in formulating corporate goals and compensation.

Our presentations of Beneficial Interest in EBITDA and FFO are not necessarily comparable to the similarly titled measures of other REITs due to the fact that not all REITs use the same definitions. These measures should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss) or as an indicator of our operating performance. Additionally, neither represents cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities as defined by GAAP. Reconciliations of Net Income (Loss) Allocable to Common Shareowners to Funds from Operations and Net Income (Loss) to Beneficial Interest in EBITDA are presented following the Comparison of 2007 to 2006.



Comparison of 2008 to 2007

The following table sets forth operating results for 2008 and 2007, showing the results of the Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:

 
2008
2007
 
 
CONSOLIDATED
BUSINESSES
UNCONSOLIDATED
JOINT VENTURES
AT 100% (1)
 
CONSOLIDATED
BUSINESSES
UNCONSOLIDATED
JOINT VENTURES
AT 100% (1)
                                                                             (in millions of dollars)
REVENUES:
                       
Minimum rents
    353.2       157.1       329.4       150.9  
Percentage rents
    13.8       6.6       14.8       8.4  
Expense recoveries
    248.6       98.5       228.4       94.9  
Management, leasing, and development services
    15.9               16.5          
Other
    40.1       9.6       37.7       8.4  
Total revenues
    671.5       271.8       626.8       262.6  
                                 
EXPENSES:
                               
Maintenance, taxes, and utilities
    189.2       66.8       175.9       66.6  
Other operating
    79.6       22.5       69.6       20.7  
Management, leasing, and development services
    8.7               9.1          
General and administrative
    28.1               30.4          
Impairment charge (2)
    117.9                          
Interest expense
    147.4       65.0       131.7       66.2  
Depreciation and amortization (3)
    147.4       40.7       137.9       39.4  
Total expenses
    718.4       195.0       554.7       193.0  
                                 
Gains on land sales and other nonoperating income
    4.6       0.7       3.6       1.6  
      (42.3 )     77.5       75.7       71.2  
Income tax expense
    (1.1 )                        
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (3)(4)
    35.4               40.5          
Income (loss) before minority and preferred interests
    (8.1 )             116.2          
Minority and preferred interests:
                               
TRG preferred distributions
    (2.5 )             (2.5 )        
Minority share of income of consolidated joint
ventures
    (7.4 )             (5.0 )        
Distributions in excess of minority share of income
of consolidated joint ventures
    (8.6 )             (3.0 )        
Minority share of (income) loss of TRG
    11.3               (33.2 )        
Distributions in excess of minority share of income
(loss) of TRG
    (56.8 )             (9.4 )        
Net income (loss)
    (72.0 )             63.1          
Preferred dividends
    (14.6 )             (14.6 )        
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners
    (86.7 )             48.5          
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
                               
EBITDA - 100%
    244.2       183.2       345.3       176.8  
EBITDA - outside partners' share
    (40.0 )     (82.2 )     (36.6 )     (80.0 )
Beneficial interest in EBITDA
    204.2       101.1       308.7       96.8  
Beneficial interest expense
    (127.8 )     (33.8 )     (117.4 )     (33.3 )
Beneficial income tax expense
    (1.1 )                        
Non-real estate depreciation
    (3.3 )             (2.7 )        
Preferred dividends and distributions
    (17.1 )             (17.1 )        
Funds from Operations contribution
    54.9       67.3       171.6       63.5  

(1)  
With the exception of the Supplemental Information, amounts include 100% of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. Amounts are net of intercompany transactions. The Unconsolidated Joint Ventures are presented at 100% in order to allow for measurement of their performance as a whole, without regard to our ownership interest. In our consolidated financial statements, we account for investments in the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures under the equity method.
(2)  
In 2008, we recognized an impairment charge on our Oyster Bay project.
(3)  
Amortization of our additional basis in the Operating Partnership included in depreciation and amortization was $4.9 million in both 2008 and 2007. Also, amortization of our additional basis included in equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was $1.9 million in both 2008 and 2007.
(4)  
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in 2008 includes an $8.3 million charge recognized in connection with the impairment of our Sarasota joint venture.
(5)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.


Consolidated Businesses

Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $671.5 million, a $44.7 million or 7.1% increase over 2007. Minimum rents increased $23.8 million, primarily due to the October 2007 opening of Partridge Creek, the September 2007 expansion at Twelve Oaks, and The Pier Shops, which we began consolidating in April 2007 upon the acquisition of a controlling interest in the center. Minimum rents also increased due to tenant rollovers and increases in average occupancy. Percentage rents decreased due to lower tenant sales. Expense recoveries increased primarily due to Partridge Creek, Twelve Oaks, and The Pier Shops, as well as increased CAM capital expenditures and recoverable costs at certain centers. Management, leasing, and development revenue decreased primarily due to lower revenue on the Songdo development contract, which in the first quarter of 2007 included revenue related to 2006 services, and was partially offset by increased revenue from our Salt Lake City project. In 2009, we expect our margin on management, leasing, and development revenue to be comparable to 2008. Other income increased primarily due to increases in parking-related and sponsorship revenue, which were partially offset by a decrease in lease cancellation revenue.

Total expenses were $718.4 million, a $163.7 million or 29.5% increase from 2007. Maintenance, taxes, and utilities expense increased primarily due to Partridge Creek, The Pier Shops, and Twelve Oaks, as well as increases in maintenance costs and property taxes at certain centers. Other operating expense increased due to increased pre-development costs and bad debt expense, The Pier Shops, and Partridge Creek. Given the overall retail environment and capital market status, we expect to reduce our pre-development spending in both the U.S. and in Asia in 2009. In 2008, we incurred $18.5 million on pre-development activities. We expect to incur about $13 million in 2009, of which about $2 million relates to our ongoing Oyster Bay efforts, which we began expensing in the fourth quarter of 2008. General and administrative expense decreased primarily due to a significant decrease in bonus expense. In addition to a significant reduction in annual bonus plan expense due to financial performance, our deferred long-term compensation grants are marked to market quarterly based on our stock price. Due to the payout of most of these deferred grants early in 2009, we no longer expect a significant impact of marking to market beyond 2008. In 2009, we expect general and administrative expense to be comparable to 2008. In 2008, we recognized a $117.9 million impairment charge on our Oyster Bay project (see “Results of Operations – Impairment Charges”). Interest expense increased primarily due to the January 2008 refinancing at International Plaza, Partridge Creek, and The Pier Shops. Interest expense also increased due to the termination of interest capitalization on our Oyster Bay project in the fourth quarter of 2008, the repurchase of common stock in 2007, the escrowed Macao payment, and the expansion at Twelve Oaks. These increases were partially offset by decreases in floating interest rates. Depreciation expense increased due to Partridge Creek, The Pier Shops, and Twelve Oaks.

Gains on land sales and other nonoperating income increased primarily due to $2.8 million of gains on land sales and land-related rights in 2008, compared to $0.7 million of gains in 2007. This increase was partially offset by decreased interest income. In 2009, gains on land sales are expected to be under $2 million, and we may not be able to complete any transactions.

Income tax expense in 2008 consists of taxes related to the Michigan Business Tax Act, which became effective January 1, 2008 (see “Results of Operations – Application of Critical Accounting Policies – Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets”). The new tax replaced the Michigan Single Business Tax, which was previously classified within Other operating expense on our Statement of Operations.


Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 were $271.8 million, a $9.2 million or 3.5% increase from 2007. Minimum rents increased by $6.2 million, primarily due to tenant rollovers, the November 2007 expansion at Stamford, increased income from specialty retailers, and prior year adjustments at Arizona Mills in 2007. These increases were partially offset by the reduction due to the consolidation of The Pier Shops and decreases due to frictional vacancy on spaces that opened in the second half of the year. Percentage rents decreased due to lower tenant sales. Expense recoveries increased primarily due to increased maintenance costs at certain centers, Stamford, and an increase in revenue from marketing and promotion services, which were partially offset by The Pier Shops and decreases due to adjustments in 2007 to prior estimated recoveries at certain centers. Other income increased primarily due to Stamford and increases in lease cancellation revenue.

Total expenses increased by $2.0 million or 1.0%, to $195.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Maintenance, taxes, and utilities expense remained relatively flat, with increases due to Stamford and increased maintenance costs at certain centers being offset by The Pier Shops. Other operating expense increased primarily due to Stamford and increased professional fees, which were partially offset by The Pier Shops. Interest expense decreased due to The Pier Shops, which was partially offset by the refinancing at Fair Oaks. Depreciation expense increased due to the expansion at Stamford and higher depreciation on CAM assets, which were partially offset by The Pier Shops.

As a result of the foregoing, income of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures increased by $6.3 million to $77.5 million. We had an effective 6% interest in The Pier Shops based on relative equity contributions, prior to our acquisition of a controlling interest in April 2007 (see “Results of Operations – Openings, Expansions and Renovations, and Acquisitions”). Our equity in income of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was $35.4 million, a $5.1 million decrease from 2007. In 2008, we recognized an impairment charge of $8.3 million related to our investment in University Town Center (see “Results of Operations – Impairment Charges”). The charge to income represents our share of our Sarasota joint venture project costs.

Net Income (Loss)

Our income (loss) before minority and preferred interests decreased by $124.3 million to a $8.1 million loss for 2008, due to the impairment charges. After allocation of income to minority and preferred interests, the net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners for 2008 was a loss of $86.7 million compared to $48.5 million of income in 2007.


Comparison of 2007 to 2006

The following table sets forth operating results for 2007 and 2006, showing the results of the Consolidated Businesses and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures:

 
2007
2006
 
 
CONSOLIDATED
BUSINESSES
UNCONSOLIDATED
JOINT VENTURES
AT 100% (1)
 
CONSOLIDATED
BUSINESSES
UNCONSOLIDATED
JOINT VENTURES
AT 100% (1)
                                                                             (in millions of dollars)
REVENUES:
                       
Minimum rents
    329.4       150.9       311.2       148.8  
Percentage rents
    14.8       8.4       14.7       8.0  
Expense recoveries
    228.4       94.9       206.2       85.6  
Management, leasing and development services
    16.5               11.8          
Other
    37.7       8.4       35.4       9.7  
Total revenues
    626.8       262.6       579.3       252.2  
                                 
EXPENSES:
                               
Maintenance, taxes, and utilities
    175.9       66.6       152.9       64.3  
Other operating
    69.6       20.7       71.6       26.3  
Management, leasing and development services
    9.1               5.7          
General and administrative
    30.4               30.3          
Interest expense (2)
    131.7       66.2       128.6       57.6  
Depreciation and amortization (3)
    137.9       39.4       138.0       45.8  
Total expenses
    554.7       193.0       527.1       193.9  
                                 
Gains on land sales and other nonoperating income
    3.6       1.6       9.5       1.3  
      75.7       71.2       61.6       59.6  
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (3)
    40.5               33.5          
Income before minority and preferred interests
    116.2               95.1          
Minority and preferred interests:
                               
TRG preferred distributions
    (2.5 )             (2.5 )        
Minority share of income of consolidated joint
ventures
    (5.0 )             (5.8 )        
Distributions in excess of minority share of income
of consolidated joint ventures
    (3.0 )             (4.9 )        
Minority share of income of TRG
    (33.2 )             (22.8 )        
Distributions in excess of minority share of income
of TRG
    (9.4 )             (14.1 )        
Net income
    63.1               45.1          
Preferred dividends (4)
    (14.6 )             (23.7 )        
Net income allocable to common shareowners
    48.5               21.4          
                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
                               
EBITDA - 100%
    345.3       176.8       328.2       162.9  
EBITDA - outside partners' share
    (36.6 )     (80.0 )     (33.2 )     (71.4 )
Beneficial interest in EBITDA
    308.7       96.8       295.0       91.6  
Beneficial interest expense
    (117.4 )     (33.3 )     (115.8 )     (31.2 )
Non-real estate depreciation
    (2.7 )             (2.9 )        
Preferred dividends and distributions
    (17.1 )             (26.2 )        
Funds from Operations contribution
    171.6       63.5       150.0       60.4  

(1)  
With the exception of the Supplemental Information, amounts include 100% of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. Amounts are net of intercompany transactions. The Unconsolidated Joint Ventures are presented at 100% in order to allow for measurement of their performance as a whole, without regard to our ownership interest. In our consolidated financial statements, we account for investments in the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures under the equity method.
(2)  
Interest expense for 2006 includes charges of $3.1 million in connection with the write-off of financing costs related to the respective pay off and refinancing of the loans on Willow Bend and Dolphin when the loans became prepayable without penalty, in the first and third quarters of 2006, respectively.
(3)  
Amortization of our additional basis in the Operating Partnership included in depreciation and amortization was $4.9 million in both 2007 and 2006. Also, amortization of our additional basis included in equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was $1.9 million in both 2007 and 2006.
(4)  
Preferred dividends for 2006 include $4.7 million of charges recognized in connection with the redemption of the remaining Series A and Series I Preferred Stock.
(5)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.


Consolidated Businesses

Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $626.8 million, a $47.5 million or 8.2% increase over 2006. Minimum rents increased $18.2 million, primarily due to The Pier Shops, which we began consolidating upon the acquisition of a controlling interest in the center, tenant rollovers, and increases in occupancy. Minimum rents also increased due to the October 2007 opening of Partridge Creek and the September 2007 expansion at Twelve Oaks. Expense recoveries increased primarily due to The Pier Shops, increases in recoverable costs at certain centers, Partridge Creek, and Twelve Oaks. Management, leasing, and development revenue increased primarily due to revenue on the Songdo development contract, which was executed in January 2007 and includes revenue related to 2006 services. Other income increased primarily due to increases in sponsorship income, The Pier Shops, and parking-related revenue.

Total expenses were $554.7 million, a $27.6 million or 5.2% increase from 2006. Maintenance, taxes, and utilities expense increased primarily due to The Pier Shops, increases in maintenance costs and property taxes at certain centers, Partridge Creek, and Twelve Oaks. Other operating expense decreased due to decreases in the provision for bad debts, costs related to marketing and promotion, and professional fees, which were partially offset by increases due to The Pier Shops, pre-development costs, and property management costs. Management, leasing, and development expense increased primarily due to activities related to the Songdo development contract. General and administrative expense remained relatively flat, with increases in compensation expenses and travel costs, offset in part by decreased bonus expense due to the mark-to-market of long term grants that fluctuate with our stock price. Interest expense increased due to The Pier Shops, interest on new debt used to fund the redemption of preferred stock in June 2006, the repurchase of common stock in 2007, Partridge Creek, and Twelve Oaks. These increases were partially offset by reduced rates on the refinancings of Dolphin and Cherry Creek, the pay off of Willow Bend, and the write-off in 2006 of financing costs related to the refinancing of Dolphin and the pay-off of the Willow Bend and Oyster Bay loans. In addition, excess proceeds received from the financing of Waterside in 2006 were used to pay down our lines of credit. Depreciation expense remained relatively flat, with decreases due to fully depreciated assets at certain centers and lower depreciation on CAM assets being offset by increases due to The Pier Shops, Partridge Creek, and changes in depreciable lives of tenant allowances and other assets in connection with early terminations.

Gains on land sales and other nonoperating income was down $5.9 million in 2007 due to a decrease in interest income due to overall lower average cash balances in 2007 and a decrease in gains on peripheral land sales. There were $0.7 million of gains on land sales in 2007, compared to $4.1 million of gains in 2006.

Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2007 were $262.6 million, a $10.4 million or 4.1% increase from 2006. Minimum rents increased by $2.1 million due to tenant rollovers and the expansion at Stamford, which were partially offset by The Pier Shops and prior year adjustments at Arizona Mills. Expense recoveries increased primarily due to increases in recoverable costs at certain centers. Other income decreased primarily due to decreases in lease cancellation revenue.

Total expenses decreased by $0.9 million to $193.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Maintenance, taxes, and utilities expenses increased due to increased maintenance costs, which were partially offset by The Pier Shops. Other operating expense decreased due to The Pier Shops, decreases in ground rent and costs related to marketing and promotion services, and professional fees. Interest expense increased primarily due to the new financing on Waterside in 2006 and the financing related to the land purchase at Sunvalley. Depreciation expense decreased due to prior year adjustments at Arizona Mills, a decrease in depreciation on CAM assets and changes in depreciable lives of tenant allowances in connection with early terminations, which were partially offset by increases due to Waterside.

As a result of the foregoing, income of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures increased by $11.6 million to $71.2 million. We had an effective 6% interest in The Pier Shops based on relative equity contributions, prior to our acquisition of a controlling interest in April 2007 (see “Results of Operations – Openings, Expansions and Renovations, and Acquisitions”). Our equity in income of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was $40.5 million, a $7.0 million increase from 2006.

Net Income

Our income before minority and preferred interests increased by $21.1 million to $116.2 million for 2007. Preferred dividends decreased due to the redemption of preferred stock in 2006. Preferred dividends in 2006 also included $4.7 million of charges recognized in connection with the redemption of the preferred stock (see “Results of Operations – Equity Transactions”). After allocation of income to minority and preferred interests, the net income allocable to common shareowners for 2007 was $48.5 million compared to $21.4 million in 2006.


Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Allocable to Common Shareowners to Funds from Operations

     
2008
     
2007
   
 
2006
 
   
(in millions of dollars, except as indicated)
 
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners
    (86.7 )     48.5       21.4  
                         
Add (less) depreciation and amortization (1) :
                       
Consolidated businesses at 100%
    147.4       137.9       138.0  
Minority partners in consolidated joint ventures
    (13.0 )     (17.3 )     (14.6 )
Share of unconsolidated joint ventures
    23.6       23.0       26.9  
Non-real estate depreciation
    (3.3 )     (2.7 )     (2.9 )
                         
Add minority interests:
                       
Minority share of income (loss) in TRG
    (11.3 )     33.2       22.8  
Distributions in excess of minority share of income of TRG
    56.8       9.4       14.1  
Distributions in excess of minority share of income of consolidated
joint ventures
    8.6       3.0       4.9  
                         
Funds from Operations
    122.2       235.1       210.4  
                         
TCO’s average ownership percentage of TRG
    66.6 %     66.1 %     65.0 %
                         
Funds from Operations allocable to TCO
    81.3       155.4       136.7  

(1)  
Depreciation and amortization includes $14.1 million, $11.3 million, and $10.2 million of mall tenant allowance amortization for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
(2)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Beneficial Interest in EBITDA

     
2008
     
2007
     
2006
 
   
(in millions of dollars, except as indicated)
 
Net income (loss)
    (72.0 )     63.1       45.1  
                         
Add (less) depreciation and amortization:
                       
Consolidated businesses at 100%
    147.4       137.9       138.0  
Minority partners in consolidated joint ventures
    (13.0 )     (17.3 )     (14.6 )
Share of unconsolidated joint ventures
    23.6       23.0       26.9  
                         
Add (less) preferred interests, interest expense, and
income tax expense:
                       
Preferred distributions
    2.5       2.5       2.5  
Interest expense:
                       
Consolidated businesses at 100%
    147.4       131.7       128.6  
Minority partners in consolidated joint ventures
    (19.6 )     (14.3 )     (12.9 )
Share of unconsolidated joint ventures
    33.8       33.3       31.2  
Income tax expense
    1.1                  
                         
Add minority interests:
                       
Minority share of income (loss) in TRG
    (11.3 )     33.2       22.8  
Distributions in excess of minority share of income of TRG
    56.8       9.4       14.1  
Distributions in excess of minority share of income of consolidated
joint ventures
    8.6       3.0       4.9  
                         
Beneficial interest in EBITDA
    305.3       405.6       386.5  
                         
TCO’s average ownership percentage of TRG
    66.6 %     66.1 %     65.0 %
                         
Beneficial interest in EBITDA allocable to TCO
    203.2       268.0       251.1  

(1)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital resources are required to maintain our current operations, pay dividends, and fund planned capital spending, future developments, and other commitments and contingencies. Current market conditions have severely limited the availability of new sources of financing and capital, which will clearly have an impact on our ability and the ability of our partners to obtain construction financing for planned new development projects in the near term. However, we are financed with property-specific secured debt, we have two unencumbered center properties (Willow Bend and Stamford, a 50% owned unconsolidated joint venture property), and we have no maturities on our current debt until fall 2010, when $338 million at 100% and $264 million at our beneficial share of three loans mature. In addition, the three loans maturing in 2010 are financed at historically conservative loan to value ratios averaging five to six times current net operating income for the properties. Further, of the $650 million at 100% and $363 million at our beneficial share of additional debt that matures in 2011(excluding our lines of credit, which are discussed below), $575 million at 100% and $288 million at our beneficial share can be extended at our option to 2013, subject to certain covenants.

Summaries of 2008 Capital Activities and Transactions

As of December 31, 2008, we had a consolidated cash balance of $62.1 million, of which $2.9 million is restricted to specific uses stipulated by our lenders. We also have secured lines of credit of $550 million and $40 million. As of December 31, 2008, the total amount utilized of the $550 million and $40 million lines of credit was $240 million. Both lines of credit mature in February 2011. The $550 million line of credit has a one-year extension option. Twelve banks participate in these facilities. Given the lack of debt maturities until fall 2010, we believe we have sufficient liquidity from our lines of credit and cash flows from both our consolidated and unconsolidated properties to meet our planned operating, financing and capital needs and commitments during this period. See “MD&A – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Capital Spending” for more details.

Operating Activities

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $253.4 million in 2008, compared to $257.8 million in 2007 and $223.5 million in 2006. See also “Results of Operations” for descriptions of 2008 and 2007 transactions affecting operating cash flow. All of the impairment charge on the Oyster Bay project, other than $16.9 million, represented previous years’ expenditures. See “MD&A – Results of Operations – Impairment Charges” for more details.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $111.1 million in 2008 compared to $227.7 million in 2007 and $131.5 million in 2006. Cash used in investing activities was impacted by the timing of capital expenditures, with additions to properties in 2008, 2007, and 2006 for the construction of Partridge Creek and Northlake, the expansion and renovation at Twelve Oaks, the acquisition of land for future development, and our Oyster Bay Project, as well as other development activities and other capital items. Additions to properties in 2007 also included costs to complete construction at The Pier Shops, paid subsequent to our acquisition of a controlling interest. A tabular presentation of 2008 and 2007 capital spending is shown in “Capital Spending”. In 2008, we exercised our option to purchase interests in Partridge Creek from the third-party owner for $11.8 million (see “Note 2 – Acquisitions – The Mall at Partridge Creek” in our consolidated financial statements). During April 2007, we purchased a controlling interest in The Pier Shops for $24.5 million in cash and upon its consolidation we included its $33.4 million balance of cash on our balance sheet. In 2008, a $54.3 million contribution was made related to our acquisition of a 25% interest in The Mall at Studio City. The contribution is currently held in escrow (see “Results of Operations – Taubman Asia”). In 2008 and 2007, $2.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively, were used to acquire marketable equity securities and other assets. During 2007, we issued $2.2 million in notes receivable in connection with the construction of certain tenant leasehold improvements and in 2008 we received $0.2 million in payments on the notes. Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of $12.1 million in 2008 included $7.2 million of funding and costs related to our Sarasota joint venture. Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of $15.2 million in 2007 were made primarily to fund the expansions at Stamford and Waterside. Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of $25.3 million in 2006 were made primarily to purchase land that Sunvalley is located on and to fund the expansion at Waterside.



Sources of cash used in funding these investing activities, other than cash flows from operating activities, included distributions from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, as well as the transactions described under Financing Activities. Distributions in excess of earnings from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures provided $63.3 million in 2008, which included excess proceeds from the Fair Oaks refinancing. Distributions in excess of earnings from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures provided $3.0 million and $57.6 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The amounts in 2006 included proceeds from the Waterside financing. Net proceeds from sales of peripheral land were $6.3 million, $1.1 million and $5.4 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The timing of land sales is variable and proceeds from land sales can vary significantly from period to period. A $9.0 million note received in connection with the 2005 sale of a center was collected in 2006.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $127.3 million in 2008 compared to $9.3 million in 2007 and $231.6 million in 2006. Net cash used in financing activities was primarily impacted by cash requirements of the investing activities described in the preceding section. Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of payments and issuance costs, were $93.2 million in 2008, compared to $244.2 million in 2007 and $51.6 million in 2006. Repurchases of common stock totaled $100.0 million in 2007. In 2006 we used the proceeds from the issuance of the $113 million Series I Preferred Stock to redeem the remaining outstanding Series A Preferred Stock. The Series I Preferred Stock was subsequently redeemed in 2006. Equity issuance costs were $0.6 million in 2006. In 2008 and 2007, $3.8 million and $0.4 million was received, respectively, in connection with incentive plans. The prior third-party owner of Partridge Creek contributed $9.0 million in 2006 to fund the project (see "Note 2 Acquisitions The Mall at Partridge Creek" regarding the ownership structure of this project). Total dividends and distributions paid were $221.3 million, $149.7 million, and $178.6 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Distributions to minority interests in 2008 and 2006 include $51.3 million and $45.3 million of excess proceeds from the refinancings of International Plaza and Cherry Creek, respectively.

Beneficial Interest in Debt

At December 31, 2008, the Operating Partnership's debt and its beneficial interest in the debt of its Consolidated and Unconsolidated Joint Ventures totaled $3,004.0 million, with an average interest rate of 5.26% excluding amortization of debt issuance costs and the effects of interest rate hedging instruments. These costs are reported as interest expense in the results of operations. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes $0.8 million of non-cash amortization relating to acquisitions, or 0.03% of the average all-in rate. Beneficial interest in debt includes debt used to fund development and expansion costs. Beneficial interest in construction work in progress totaled $69.5 million as of December 31, 2008, which includes $29.1 million of assets on which interest is being capitalized. Beneficial interest in capitalized interest was $7.9 million for 2008. The following table presents information about our beneficial interest in debt as of December 31, 2008:



 
 
Amount
 
Interest Rate
Including Spread
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
     
Fixed rate debt
2,388.0
 
5.70%
(1)
         
Floating rate debt:
       
Swapped through December 2010
162.8
 
5.01%
 
     Swapped through March 2011
125.0
 
4.22%
 
Swapped through October 2012
15.0
 
5.95%
 
 
302.8
 
4.73%
(1)
Floating month to month
313.2
 
2.47%
(1)
Total floating rate debt
616.0
 
3.58%
(1)
 
 
 
 
 
Total beneficial interest in debt
3,004.0
 
5.26%
(1)
         
Amortization of financing costs (2)
   
0.18%
 
Average all-in rate
   
5.44%
 

(1)  
Represents weighted average interest rate before amortization of financing costs.
(2)  
Financing costs include financing fees, interest rate cap premiums, and losses on settlement of derivatives used to hedge the refinancing of certain fixed rate debt.
(3)   
Amounts in table may not add due to rounding.



Sensitivity Analysis

We have exposure to interest rate risk on our debt obligations and interest rate instruments. We use derivative instruments primarily to manage exposure to interest rate risks inherent in variable rate debt and refinancings. We routinely use cap, swap, and treasury lock agreements to meet these objectives. Based on the Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in floating rate debt in effect at December 31, 2008 and 2007, a one percent increase or decrease in interest rates on this floating rate debt would decrease or increase cash flows by approximately $3.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively, and, due to the effect of capitalized interest, annual earnings by approximately $3.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively. Based on our consolidated debt and interest rates in effect at December 31, 2008 and 2007, a one percent increase in interest rates would decrease the fair value of debt by approximately $111.7 million and $126.1 million, respectively, while a one percent decrease in interest rates would increase the fair value of debt by approximately $118.8 million and $135.2 million, respectively.

Contractual Obligations

In conducting our business, we enter into various contractual obligations, including those for debt, capital leases for property improvements, operating leases for land and office space, purchase obligations (primarily for construction), and other long-term commitments. Detail of these obligations as of December 31, 2008 for our consolidated businesses, including expected settlement periods, is contained below:

   
Payments due by period
   
Total
   
Less than 1
year (2009)
   
1-3 years
(2010-2011)
   
3-5 years
(2012-2013 )
   
More than 5
years (2014+)
   
(in millions of dollars)
Debt (1)
    2,796.8       14.4       862.3       146.2       1,773.8  
Interest payments (1)
    782.8       147.9       256.8       205.7       172.5  
Capital lease obligations
    2.6       1.9       0.8                  
Operating leases
    440.1       10.5       18.6       15.1       395.9  
Purchase obligations:
                                       
Planned capital spending
    40.6       40.6                          
Other purchase obligations (2)
    20.4       6.9       5.8       4.7       2.9  
Other long-term liabilities (3)
    64.6       0.7       1.7       2.4       59.7  
Total
    4,147.9       222.9       1,146.0       374.1       2,404.8  

(1)  
The settlement periods for debt do not consider extension options. Amounts relating to interest on floating rate debt are calculated based on the debt balances and interest rates as of December 31, 2008.
(2)  
Excludes purchase agreements with cancellation provisions of 90 days or less.
(3)  
Other long-term liabilities consist of various accrued liabilities, most significantly assessment bond obligations and long-term incentive compensation.
(4)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.

Loan Commitments and Guarantees

Certain loan agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including a minimum net worth requirement, a maximum payout ratio on distributions, a minimum debt yield ratio, a maximum leverage ratio, minimum interest coverage ratios and a minimum fixed charges coverage ratio, the latter being the most restrictive. We are in compliance with all of our covenants as of December 31, 2008. The maximum payout ratio on distributions covenant limits the payment of distributions generally to 95% of funds from operations, as defined in the loan agreements, except as required to maintain our tax status, pay preferred distributions, and for distributions related to the sale of certain assets. See “Note 9 – Notes Payable – Debt Covenants and Guarantees” to the consolidated financial statements for more details.

Cash Tender Agreement

A. Alfred Taubman has the annual right to tender units of partnership interest in the Operating Partnership and cause us to purchase the tendered interests at a purchase price based on a market valuation of TCO on the trading date immediately preceding the date of the tender. See “Note 15 – Commitments and Contingencies” to the consolidated financial statements for more details.



Capital Spending

New Centers

Our remaining investment in the Oyster Bay project as of December 31, 2008 is $39.8 million, consisting of land and site improvements. We also expect to expense any additional costs relating to Oyster Bay until it is probable that we will be able to successfully move forward with a project. We began expensing carrying costs as incurred beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008. Also, we have no remaining asset related to our Sarasota project and expect to expense any additional costs related to the monitoring of the project until a definitive agreement is reached by the parties on going forward with the project. See “MD&A – Results of Operations – Impairment Charges” for more details.

We have finalized the majority of agreements, subject to certain conditions, regarding City Creek Center, a mixed-use project in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 0.7 million square foot retail component of the project will include Macy’s and Nordstrom as anchors. We have been a consultant throughout the planning process for this project and are finalizing agreements to develop, manage, lease, and own the retail space under a participating lease. When the conditions are satisfied we will provide the anticipated costs and returns. Meanwhile, construction is progressing and we are leasing space for a 2012 opening. The lessor will provide all of the construction financing.

In January 2007, we acquired land for future development in North Atlanta, Georgia. This land and two adjoining parcels, which are currently under our option, are being considered for a significant mixed use project. The project would include about 1.4 million square feet of retail, 900,000 square feet of office, 875 residential units, and 500 hotel rooms.

See “MD&A – Results of Operations – Taubman Asia” regarding the status of our involvement in The Mall at Studio City and Songdo.

2008 and 2007 Capital Spending

Capital spending for routine maintenance of the shopping centers is generally recovered from tenants. Capital spending during 2008, excluding acquisitions, is summarized in the following table:

   
2008 (1)
 
   
 
Consolidated
Businesses
 
Beneficial
Interest in Consolidated Businesses
 
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
Beneficial Interest in Unconsolidated
Joint Ventures
   
(in millions of dollars)
 
New Development Projects:
                       
Pre-construction development activities (2)
    16.4       16.4       6.5       4.0  
New centers (3)
    1.7       1.7                  
                                 
Existing Centers:
                               
Renovation projects with incremental GLA
and/or anchor replacement
    12.3       10.7       18.8       6.7  
Renovations with no incremental GLA effect
and other
    1.3       1.1       4.8       2.9  
Mall tenant allowances (4)
    9.4       8.9       11.7       7.3  
Asset replacement costs reimbursable by tenants
    11.0       9.6       12.2       7.9  
                                 
Corporate office improvements, technology, and
equipment (5)
    4.2       4.2      
 
     
 
 
                                 
Additions to properties
    56.3       52.6       54.1       28.9  

(1)  
Costs are net of intercompany profits and are computed on an accrual basis.
(2)  
Primarily includes costs related to Oyster Bay and Sarasota projects through September 30, 2008, all of which were written off as part of the fourth quarter impairment charge. Excludes $54.3 million escrow deposit paid in 2008 relating to the Macao project.
(3)  
Includes costs related to The Mall at Partridge Creek.
(4)  
Excludes initial lease-up costs.
(5)  
Includes U.S. and Asia offices.
(6)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.

 
44


 
The following table presents a reconciliation of the Consolidated Businesses’ capital spending shown above (on an accrual basis) to additions to properties (on a cash basis) as presented in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2008:

 
(in millions of dollars)
Consolidated Businesses’ capital spending
56.3
Differences between cash and accrual basis
43.7
Additions to properties
100.0

Capital spending during 2007, excluding acquisitions, is summarized in the following table:

 
   
2007 (1)
 
   
 
Consolidated
Businesses
 
Beneficial
Interest in Consolidated Businesses
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
 
Beneficial Interest in Unconsolidated
Joint Ventures
   
(in millions of dollars)
 
New Development Projects:
                       
Pre-construction development activities (2)
    30.6       30.1              
New centers (3)
    87.7       87.1              
                             
Existing Centers:
                           
Renovation projects with incremental GLA
and/or anchor replacement (4)
    53.7       51.0       68.0       27.6  
Renovations with no incremental GLA effect
and other
    3.0       2.9       4.0       2.3  
Mall tenant allowances (5)
    18.5       17.1       1.8       1.0  
Asset replacement costs reimbursable by tenants
    34.0       32.6       4.7       2.7  
                                 
Corporate office improvements, technology, and
equipment
     1.8        1.8      
 
     
 
 
                                 
Additions to properties
    229.2       222.6       78.6       33.5  

(1)  
Costs are net of intercompany profits and are computed on an accrual basis.
(2)  
Primarily includes costs to acquire and improve land for future development in North Atlanta, Georgia, and project costs of Oyster Bay.
(3)  
Includes costs related to The Mall at Partridge Creek and The Pier Shops at Caesars (subsequent to the acquisition).
(4)  
Includes costs related to the renovation at Stamford Town Center and the expansion at Twelve Oaks Mall.
(5)  
Excludes initial lease-up costs.
(6)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.

The Operating Partnership's share of mall tenant allowances per square foot leased, committed under contracts during the year, excluding expansion space and new developments, was $18.09 in 2008 and $18.47 in 2007. In addition, the Operating Partnership's share of capitalized leasing and tenant coordination costs excluding new developments, was $7.6 million and $7.7 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, or $7.76 and $7.52, in 2008 and 2007, respectively, per square foot leased.

Planned Capital Spending

The following table summarizes planned capital spending for 2009:

   
2009 (1)
   
 
Consolidated
Businesses
 
Beneficial
Interest in Consolidated Businesses
 
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
Beneficial
Interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
   
(in millions of dollars)
Site improvements (2)
    1.9       1.9              
Existing centers (3)
    37.0       29.8       12.1       6.6  
Corporate office improvements, technology, and equipment
    1.8       1.8                  
Total
    40.6       33.4       12.1       6.6  

(1)  
Costs are net of intercompany profits.
(2)  
Includes costs to improve land for future development in North Atlanta, Georgia .
(3)  
Primarily includes costs related to mall tenant allowances and asset replacement costs reimbursable by tenants.
(4)  
Amounts in this table may not add due to rounding.
 

 

Estimates of future capital spending include only projects approved by our Board of Directors and, consequently, estimates will change as new projects are approved. Costs of potential development projects, including our exploration of development possibilities in Asia, are expensed until we conclude that it is probable that the project will reach a successful conclusion. We are currently capitalizing costs on our project in Salt Lake City. As of December 31, 2008, the capitalized cost of this project was $1.2 million.

Disclosures regarding planned capital spending, including estimates regarding timing of openings, capital expenditures, occupancy, and returns on new developments are forward-looking statements and certain significant factors could cause the actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to (1) actual results of negotiations with anchors, tenants, and contractors, (2) timing and outcome of litigation and entitlement processes, (3) changes in the scope, number, and valuation of projects, (4) cost overruns, (5) timing of expenditures, (6) availability of and cost of financing and other financing considerations, (7) actual time to start construction and complete projects, (8) changes in economic climate, (9) competition from others attracting tenants and customers, (10) increases in operating costs, (11) timing of tenant openings, and (12) early lease terminations and bankruptcies.

Dividends

We pay regular quarterly dividends to our common and Series G and Series H preferred shareowners. Dividends to our common shareowners are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and depend on the cash available to us, our financial condition, capital and other requirements, and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. To qualify as a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income prior to net capital gains to our shareowners, as well as meet certain other requirements. We must pay these distributions in the taxable year the income is recognized, or in the following taxable year if they are declared during the last three months of the taxable year, payable to shareowners of record on a specified date during such period and paid during January of the following year. Such distributions are treated as paid by us and received by our shareowners on December 31 of the year in which they are declared. In addition, at our election, a distribution for a taxable year may be declared in the following taxable year if it is declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and if paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. These distributions qualify as dividends paid for the 90% REIT distribution test for the previous year and are taxable to holders of our capital stock in the year in which paid. Preferred dividends accrue regardless of whether earnings, cash availability, or contractual obligations were to prohibit the current payment of dividends.

The annual determination of our common dividends is based on anticipated Funds from Operations available after preferred dividends and our REIT taxable income, as well as assessments of annual capital spending, financing considerations, and other appropriate factors.

Any inability of the Operating Partnership or its Joint Ventures to secure financing as required to fund maturing debts, capital expenditures and changes in working capital, including development activities and expansions, may require the utilization of cash to satisfy such obligations, thereby possibly reducing distributions to partners of the Operating Partnership and funds available to us for the payment of dividends.

On December 10, 2008, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.415 per common share that was paid on January 20, 2009 to shareowners of record on December 31, 2008. We declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share on our 8% Series G Preferred Stock, paid December 31, 2008 to shareowners of record on December 19, 2008. We also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.4765625 per share on our 7.625% Series H Preferred Stock, paid on December 31, 2008 to shareowners of record on December 19, 2008.


Item 7A . QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The information required by this Item is included in this report at Item 7 under the caption “Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The Financial Statements of Taubman Centers, Inc. and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are filed pursuant to this Item 8 and are included in this report at Item 15.

Item 9. CHANGE IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

Item 9A . CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this annual report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods prescribed by the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting accompanies the Company’s financial statements included in Item 15 of this annual report.

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The report issued by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, accompanies the Company’s financial statements included in Item 15 of this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the Company’s fourth quarter 2008 evaluation of such internal control that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B . OTHER INFORMATION.

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10 . DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Proposal 1-Election of Directors—Directors and Executive Officers,” “Proposal 1-Election of Directors—Committees of the Board,” "Proposal 1-Election of Directors—Corporate Governance,” and “Additional Information—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Item 11 . EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement under the captions "Proposal 1-Election of Directors—Director Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Executive Compensation Tables.”


Item 12 . SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company’s current and prior equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2008:

 
Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options, Warrants, and Rights
 
Weighted- Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants,
and Rights
 
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuances Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
           
The Taubman Company 2008 Omnibus Long-Term
Incentive Plan (1)
       
 
6,098,558
 
1992 Incentive Option Plan (2)
1,350,477
 
$39.73
     
The Taubman Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (3)
334,878
   (4)    
 
1,685,355
 
39.73
 
6,098,558
 
Equity compensation plan not approved by security holders -
           
Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (5)
24,296
 
 
 (6)  (7)
 
1,709,651
 
$39.73
 
6,098,558
 

(1)  
Under The Taubman Company 2008 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan, directors, officers, employees, and other service providers of the Company receive restricted shares, restricted share units, restricted units of limited partnership in TRG (“TRG Units”), restricted TRG Units, options to purchase common stock or TRG Units, share appreciation rights, unrestricted shares of common stock or TRG Units, and other awards to acquire up to an aggregate of 6,100,000 shares of common stock or TRG Units. No further awards will be made under the 1992 Incentive Option Plan, The Taubman Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the Non-Employee Directors' Stock Grant Plan.
(2)  
Under the 1992 Incentive Option Plan, employees receive TRG Units upon the exercise of their vested options, and each TRG Unit can be converted into one share of common stock under the Continuing Offer. Excludes 871,262 deferred units, the receipt of which were deferred by Robert S. Taubman at the time he exercised options in 2002; the options were initially granted under TRG's 1992 Incentive Option Plan (See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included at Item 15 (a) (1)).
(3)  
Under The Taubman Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, employees receive restricted stock units, which represent the right to one share of common stock upon vesting.
(4)  
Excludes restricted stock units issued under The Taubman Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan because they are converted into common stock on a one-for-one basis at no additional cost.
(5)  
The Deferred Compensation Plan, which was approved by the Board in May 2005, gives each non-employee director of the Company the right to defer the receipt of all or a portion of his or her annual director retainer until the termination of such director's service on the Board and for such deferred compensation to be denominated in restricted stock units. The number of restricted stock units received equals the deferred retainer fee divided by the fair market value of the common stock on the business day immediately before the date the director would otherwise have been entitled to receive the retainer fee. The restricted stock units represent the right to receive equivalent shares of common stock at the end of the deferral period. During the deferral period, when the Company pays cash dividends on the common stock, the directors' deferral accounts are credited with dividend equivalents on their deferred restricted stock units, payable in additional restricted stock units based on the then-fair market value of the common stock. Each Director's account is 100% vested at all times.
(6)  
The restricted stock units are excluded because they are converted into common stock on a one-for-one basis at no additional cost.
(7)  
The number of securities available for future issuance is unlimited and will reflect whether non-employee directors elect to defer all or a portion of their annual retainers.

Additional information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the table and related footnotes appearing in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

Item 13 . CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Related Person Transactions,” and "Proposal 1-Election of Directors—Committees of the Board.”

Item 14 . PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference to the material appearing in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Audit Committee Disclosure.”




PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

15(a)(1)
The following financial statements of Taubman Centers, Inc. and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon are filed with this report:

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
Page
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
F-2
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
F-5
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
F-6
Consolidated Statement of Shareowners' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
F-7
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-9

15(a)(2)
The following is a list of the financial statement schedules required by Item 15(d):

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
 
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
F-37
Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2008
F-38

15(a)(3)
 

3(a)
--
Restated By-Laws of Taubman Centers, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 filed with the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005).
     
3(b)
--
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Taubman Centers, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 filed with the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).
     
4(a)
--
Loan Agreement dated as of January 15, 2004 among La Cienega Associates, as Borrower, Column Financial, Inc., as Lender (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 ("2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q")).
     
4(b)
--
Assignment of Leases and Rents, La Cienega Associates, Assignor, and Column Financial, Inc., Assignee, dated as of January 15, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 filed with the 2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q).
     
4(c)
--
Leasehold Deed of Trust, with Assignment of Leases and Rents, Fixture Filing, and Security Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2004, from La Cienega Associates, Borrower, to Commonwealth Land Title Company, Trustee, for the benefit of Column Financial, Inc., Lender (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 filed with the 2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q).
     
4(d)
--
Amended and Restated Promissory Note A-1, dated December 14, 2005, by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
     
4(e)
--
Amended and Restated Promissory Note A-2, dated December 14, 2005, by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
     
4(f)
--
Amended and Restated Promissory Note A-3, dated December 14, 2005, by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).




4(g)
--
Amended and Restated Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filings, dated December 14, 2005 by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
     
4(h)
--
Amended and Restated Assignment of Leases, dated December 14, 2005, by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
     
4(i)
--
Second Amended and Restated Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and among Dolphin Mall Associates Limited Partnership, Fairlane Town Center LLC and Twelve Oaks Mall, LLC, as Borrowers, Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent and Lead Arranger, and the various lenders and agents on the signature pages thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
     
4(j)
--
Third Amended and Restated Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Dolphin Mall Associates Limited Partnership and Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
     
4(k)
--
Second Amended and Restated Mortgage, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Fairlane Town Center LLC and Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
     
4(l)
--
Second Amended and Restated Mortgage, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Twelve Oaks Mall, LLC and Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
     
4(m)
--
Guaranty of Payment, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and among The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, Fairlane Town Center LLC and Twelve Oaks Mall, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
     
4(n)
--
Loan Agreement dated January 8, 2008, by and between Tampa Westshore Associates Limited Partnership and Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Book Runner and the various lenders and agents on the signature pages thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008).
     
4(o)
--
Amended and Restated Leasehold Mortgage, Security Agreement and Financing Statement dated January 8, 2008, by Tampa Westshore Associates Limited Partnership, in favor of Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008).
     
4(p)
--
Assignment of Leases and Rents dated January 8, 2008, by Tampa Westshore Associates Limited Partnership, in favor of Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008).
     
4(q)
--
Carveout Guaranty dated January 8, 2008, by The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership to and for the benefit of Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008).
     
*10(a)
--
The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Option Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997).
 



*10(b)
--
First Amendment to The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Option Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997, effective January 1, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (“2001 Form 10-K”)).
     
*10(c)
--
Second Amendment to The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (“2004 Form 10-K”)).
     
*10(d)
--
Third Amendment to The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(d) filed with the 2004 Form 10-K).
     
*10(e)
--
Fourth Amendment to The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007).
     
*10(f)
--
The Form of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Option Plan Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(e) filed with the 2004 Form 10-K).
     
10(g)
--
Master Services Agreement between The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership and the Manager (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(f) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992).
     
10(h)
--
Amended and Restated Cash Tender Agreement among Taubman Centers, Inc., The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, and A. Alfred Taubman, A. Alfred Taubman, acting not individually but as Trustee of the A. Alfred Taubman Restated Revocable Trust, and TRA Partners, (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 (a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 (“2000 Second Quarter Form 10-Q”)).
     
*10(i)
--
Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(i) filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994).
     
*10(j)
--
The Taubman Company Long-Term Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 (c) filed with the 2000 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
     
*10(k)
--
First Amendment to the Taubman Company Long-Term Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000)(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(m) filed with the 2004 Form 10-K).
     
*10(l)
--
Second Amendment to the Taubman Company Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000)(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(n) filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005).
     
*10(m)
--
The Taubman Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the Form DEF14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 5, 2005).
     
*10(n)
--
Employment Agreement between The Taubman Company Limited Partnership and Lisa A. Payne (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997).
     
*10(o)
--
Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement, dated December 18, 2008, by and among the Company, Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, and Lisa A. Payne (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).



*10(p)
--
Form of Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement, dated December 18, 2008 (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
 
       
10(q)
--
Second Amended and Restated Continuing Offer, dated as of May 16, 2000. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 (b) filed with the 2000 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
 
       
10(r)
--
The Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership dated September 30, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 1998).
 
       
10(s)
--
Annex II to Second Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(p) filed with Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999).
 
       
10(t)
--
Annex III to The Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated as of May 27, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) filed with the 2004 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
 
       
10(u)
--
Second Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership effective as of September 3, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999).
 
       
10(v)
--
Third Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated May 2, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
     
10(w)
--
Fourth Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated December 31, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(x) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).
     
10(x)
--
Fifth Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated February 1, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2005).
     
10(y)
--
Sixth Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated March 29, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006).
     
10(z)
--
Seventh Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated December 14, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(z) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007).
     
10(aa)
--
Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement dated as of October 30, 2001 among Taub-Co Management, Inc., The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, The A. Alfred Taubman Restated Revocable Trust, and Taub-Co Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(q) filed with the 2001 Form 10-K).
     
*10(ab)
--
The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership and The Taubman Company LLC Election and Option Deferral Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(r) filed with the 2001 Form 10-K).
 
       
10(ac)
--
Operating Agreement of Taubman Land Associates, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, dated October 20, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(ab) filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (“2006 Form 10-K”)).
 


 
10(ad)
--
Amended and Restated Agreement of Partnership of Sunvalley Associates, a California general partnership (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Amended Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).
     
*10(ae)
--
Summary of Compensation for the Board of Directors of Taubman Centers, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(ae) filed with the 2006 Form 10-K).
     
*10(af)
--
The Form of The Taubman Company Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2005).
     
*10(ag)
--
The Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2005).
     
*10(ah)
--
The Form of The Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2005).
     
*10(ai)
--
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Taubman Properties Asia LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).
     
*10(aj)
--
Employment Agreement between The Taubman Company Asia Limited and Morgan Parker (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).
     
*10(ak)
--
First Amendment to the Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).
     
*10(al)
--
The Taubman Company 2008 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the Commission on April 15, 2008).
     
*10(am)
--
Letter Agreement regarding the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Taubman Properties Asia LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, dated November 25, 2008.
     
*10(an)
--
Second Amendment to the Master Services Agreement between The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership and the Manager, dated December 23, 2008.
     
*10(ao)
--
Summary of modification to the Employment Agreement between The Taubman Company Asia Limited and Morgan Parker.
     
*10(ap)
--
Form of Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan Amendment Agreement (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(aq)
--
First Amendment to The Taubman Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, dated December 12, 2008 (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(ar)
--
Amendment to The Taubman Centers, Inc. Change of Control Severance Program, dated December 12, 2008 (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(as)
--
Form of The Taubman Company Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan Amendment Agreement (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(at)
--
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated December 22, 2008, for Lisa A. Payne (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
 
   
*10(au)
 
 -- First Amendment to the Master Services Agreement between The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership and the Manager, dated September 30, 1998.
     
12
--
Statement Re: Computation of Taubman Centers, Inc. Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends.
     
21
--
Subsidiaries of Taubman Centers, Inc.



23
--
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
     
24
--
Powers of Attorney.
     
31(a)
--
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 10A, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31(b)
--
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 10A, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32(a)
--
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32(b)
--
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
99(a)
--
Debt Maturity Schedule.
     
99(b)
--
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Schedule of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership.

*
A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed.


15(b)
The list of exhibits filed with this report is set forth in response to Item 15(a)(3). The required exhibit index has been filed with the exhibits.
   
15(c)
The financial statement schedules of the Company listed at Item 15(a)(2) are filed pursuant to this Item 15(c).


 
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement schedules are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    F-2
    F-3
    F-5
    F-6
    F-7
    F-8
    F-9
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
    F-37
    F-38



MANAGEMENT'S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of Taubman Centers, Inc. is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the financial statements and financial information reported herein. This responsibility includes the establishment and maintenance of adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, transactions are properly authorized and recorded, and that the financial records and accounting policies applied provide a reliable basis for the preparation of financial statements and financial information that are free of material misstatement.

The management of Taubman Centers, Inc. is required to assess the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. Management bases this assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control on recognized control criteria, the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management has completed its assessment as of December 31, 2008.

Based on its assessment, management believes that Taubman Centers, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. The independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, that audited the 2008 financial statements included in this annual report have issued an audit report on the Company’s system of internal controls over financial reporting, also included herein.


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareowners
Taubman Centers, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Taubman Centers, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareowners’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited financial statement schedules listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2). These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Taubman Centers, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 23, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 




KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2009


 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Shareowners
Taubman Centers, Inc.:
 
We have audited Taubman Centers, Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareowners’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, and our report dated February 23, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 




KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2009



TAUBM AN CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in thousands, except share data)
                                                                                                                                                        
   
 December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Assets:
           
Properties (Notes 5 and 9)
  $ 3,699,480     $ 3,781,136  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (Note 5)
    (1,049,626 )     (933,275 )
    $ 2,649,854     $ 2,847,861  
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 6)
    89,933       92,117  
Cash and cash equivalents
    62,126       47,166  
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,895
and $6,694 in 2008 and 2007 (Note 7)
    46,732       52,161  
Accounts receivable from related parties (Note 12)
    1,850       2,283  
Deferred charges and other assets (Notes 1 and 8)
    221,297       109,719  
    $ 3,071,792     $ 3,151,307  
Liabilities:
               
Notes payable (Note 9)
  $ 2,796,821     $ 2,700,980  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    262,226       296,385  
Dividends and distributions payable
    22,002       21,839  
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of Unconsolidated
               
Joint Ventures (Note 6)
    154,141       100,234  
    $ 3,235,190     $ 3,119,438  
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 1, 9, 11, 13, and 15)
               
                 
Preferred Equity of TRG (Note 14)
  $ 29,217     $ 29,217  
                 
Minority interest in TRG and consolidated joint ventures (Notes 1, 2, and 20)
  $ 6,559     $ 18,494  
                 
Shareowners' Equity (Note 14):
               
Series B Non-Participating Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.001 par and
liquidation value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 26,429,235 and
26,524,235 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007
  $ 26     $ 27  
Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 4,000,000 shares
authorized, no par, $100 million liquidation preference, 4,000,000 shares
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007
               
Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, 3,480,000 shares
authorized, no par, $87 million liquidation preference, 3,480,000 shares
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007
               
Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 53,018,987
and 52,624,013 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007
    530       526  
Additional paid-in capital
    556,145       543,333  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 10)
    (29,778 )     (8,639 )
Dividends in excess of net income (Note 1)
    (726,097 )     (551,089 )
    $ (199,174 )   $ (15,842 )
    $ 3,071,792     $ 3,151,307  
                 




 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except share data)


                                                
   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Revenues:
                 
Minimum rents
  $ 353,200     $ 329,420     $ 311,187  
Percentage rents
    13,764       14,817       14,700  
Expense recoveries
    248,555       228,418       206,190  
Management, leasing, and development services
    15,911       16,514       11,777  
Other
    40,068       37,653       35,430  
    $ 671,498     $ 626,822     $ 579,284  
Expenses:
                       
Maintenance, taxes, and utilities
  $ 189,162     $ 175,948     $ 152,885  
Other operating
    79,595       69,638       71,643  
Management, leasing, and development services
    8,710       9,080       5,730  
General and administrative
    28,110       30,403       30,290  
Impairment charge (Note 5)
    117,943                  
Interest expense (Note 9)
    147,397       131,700       128,643  
Depreciation and amortization
    147,441       137,910       137,957  
    $ 718,358     $ 554,679     $ 527,148  
Gains on land sales and other nonoperating income
  $ 4,569     $ 3,595     $ 9,460  
                         
Income (loss) before income tax expense, equity in income of
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, and minority and preferred interests
  $ (42,291 )   $ 75,738     $ 61,596  
Income tax expense (Note 3)
    (1,117 )                
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Note 6)
    35,356       40,498       33,544  
Income (loss) before minority and preferred interests
  $ (8,052 )   $ 116,236     $ 95,140  
Minority share of consolidated joint ventures (Note 1):
                       
Minority share of income of consolidated joint ventures
    (7,441 )     (5,031 )     (5,789 )
Distributions in excess of minority share of income of consolidated joint
ventures
    (8,594 )     (3,007 )     (4,904 )
Minority interest in TRG (Note 1):
                       
Minority share of (income) loss of TRG
    11,338       (33,210 )     (22,816 )
Distributions in excess of minority share of income
    (56,816 )     (9,404 )     (14,054 )
TRG Series F preferred distributions (Note 14)
    (2,460 )     (2,460 )     (2,460 )
Net income (loss)
  $ (72,025 )   $ 63,124     $ 45,117  
Series A, G, H, and I preferred stock dividends (Note 14)
    (14,634 )     (14,634 )     (23,723 )
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners
  $ (86,659 )   $ 48,490     $ 21,394  
                         
Basic earnings per common share (Note 16)
                       
- Net income (loss)
  $ (1.64 )   $ .92     $ .41  
Diluted earnings per common share (Note 16)
                       
- Net income (loss)
  $ (1.64 )   $ .90     $ .40  
                         
Cash dividends declared per common share
  $ 1.660     $ 1.540     $ 1.290  
                         
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding-basic
    52,866,050       52,969,067       52,661,024  





 






See notes to   consolidated financial statements.


TAUBMA N CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008, 2007, AND 2006
(in thousands, except share data)

               
Additional
   
Accumulated Other
   
Dividends in
       
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-In
   
Comprehensive
   
Excess of
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Income (Loss)
   
Net Income
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance, January 1, 2006
    41,175,240     $ 74       51,866,184     $ 519     $ 739,090     $ (9,051 )   $ (404,474 )   $ 326,158  
                                                                 
Cumulative effect of adopting EITF 04-5 (Note 1)
                                                    (60,226 )     (60,226 )
Cumulative effect of adopting SAB 108 (Note 1)
                                                    (5,876 )     (5,876 )
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer
  (Notes 13, 14, and 15)
    (1,061,343 )     (1 )     1,061,414       10       (9 )                        
Issuance of Series I Preferred Stock, net of
issuance costs (Note 14)
    4,520,000                               109,229                       109,229  
Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock (Note 14)
    (4,520,000 )     (45 )                     (108,910 )                     (108,955 )
Redemption of Series I Preferred Stock (Note 14)
    (4,520,000 )                             (109,229 )                     (109,229 )
Share-based compensation under employee
and director benefit plans (Note 13)
                    3,996               5,133                       5,133  
Dividend equivalents (Note 13)
                                                    (297 )     (297 )
Cash dividends declared
                                                    (91,903 )     (91,903 )
                                                                 
Net income
                                                    45,117       45,117  
Other comprehensive income (Note 10):
                                                               
Unrealized gain on interest rate instruments
and other
                                            (1,900 )             (1,900 )
Reclassification adjustment for amounts
recognized in net income
                                            1,391               1,391  
Total comprehensive income
                                                          $ 44,608  
Balance, December 31, 2006
    35,593,897     $ 28       52,931,594     $ 529     $ 635,304     $ (9,560 )   $ (517,659 )   $ 108,642  
                                                                 
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer
  (Notes 13, 14, and 15)
    (1,589,662 )     (1 )     1,601,371       16       348                       363  
Repurchase of common stock (Note 14)
                    (1,910,544 )     (19 )     (99,981 )                     (100,000 )
Share-based compensation under employee
and director benefit plans (Note 13)
                    1,592               7,662                       7,662  
Dividend equivalents (Note 13)
                                                    (562 )     (562 )
Cash dividends declared
                                                    (95,992 )     (95,992 )
                                                                 
Net income
                                                    63,124       63,124  
Other comprehensive income (Note 10):
                                                               
Unrealized loss on interest rate instruments
and other
                                            (340 )             (340 )
Reclassification adjustment for amounts
recognized in net income
                                            1,261               1,261  
Total comprehensive income
                                                          $ 64,045  
Balance, December 31, 2007
    34,004,235     $ 27       52,624,013     $ 526     $ 543,333     $ (8,639 )   $ (551,089 )   $ (15,842 )
                                                                 
Issuance of stock pursuant to Continuing Offer
(Notes 13, 14, and 15)
    (95,000 )     (1 )     95,004       1                                  
Share-based compensation under employee
and director benefit plans (Note 13)
                    299,970       3       12,812                       12,815  
Dividend equivalents (Note 13)
                                                    (560 )     (560 )
Cash dividends declared
                                                    (102,423 )     (102,423 )
                                                                 
Net loss
                                                    (72,025 )     (72,025 )
Other comprehensive income (Note 10):
                                                               
Unrealized loss on interest rate instruments
     and other
                                            (22,399 )             (22,399 )
Reclassification adjustment for
    amounts  recognized in net income
                                            1,260               1,260  
Total comprehensive loss
                                                          $ (93,164 )
Balance, December 31, 2008
    33,909,235     $ 26       53,018,987     $ 530     $ 556,145     $ (29,778 )   $ (726,097 )   $ (199,174 )










See notes to consolidated financial statements.


TAUBM AN CENTERS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
                                                   
   
 Year Ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
                   
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (72,025 )   $ 63,124     $ 45,117  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating
activities:
                       
Minority and preferred interests
    63,973       53,112       50,023  
Depreciation and amortization
    147,441       137,910       137,957  
Impairment charge (Note 5)
    117,943                  
Provision for bad debts
    6,088       1,830       5,110  
Gains on sales of land and land-related rights
    (2,816 )     (668 )     (4,084 )
Other
    10,770       9,592       7,037  
Increase (decrease) in cash attributable to changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Receivables, deferred charges, and other assets
    (5,596 )     (22,652 )     (7,610 )
Accounts payable and other liabilities
    (12,358 )     15,588       (10,070 )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  $ 253,420     $ 257,836     $ 223,480  
                         
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
                       
Additions to properties
  $ (99,964 )   $ (219,847 )   $ (178,304 )
Acquisition of interests in The Mall at Partridge Creek (Note 2)
    (11,838 )                
Acquisition of additional interest in The Pier Shops (Note 2)
            (24,504 )        
Cash transferred in upon consolidation of The Pier Shops (Note 2)
            33,388          
Funding of The Mall at Studio City escrow (Note 2)
    (54,334 )                
Net proceeds from disposition of interest in center
                    9,000  
Proceeds from sales of land and land-related rights
    6,268       1,138       5,423  
Acquisition of marketable equity securities and other assets
    (2,655 )     (3,435 )        
Issuances and repayments of notes receivable
    223       (2,228 )        
Contributions to Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    (12,111 )     (15,162 )     (25,251 )
Distributions from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures in excess of income
    63,269       2,990       57,583  
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities
  $ (111,142 )   $ (227,660 )   $ (131,549 )
                         
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
                       
Debt proceeds
  $ 335,665     $ 263,086     $ 585,584  
Debt payments
    (239,072 )     (16,044 )     (530,522 )
Debt issuance costs
    (3,419 )     (2,892 )     (3,475 )
Repurchase of common stock (Note 14)
            (100,000 )        
Redemption of preferred stock and repurchase of preferred equity
in TRG (Note 14)
                    (226,000 )
Issuance of preferred stock and equity in TRG (Note 14)
                    113,000  
Equity issuance costs
                    (607 )
Issuance of common stock and/or partnership units in connection with
Incentive Option Plan (Notes 13 and 15)
    3,809       363          
Contribution from minority interest (Note 2)
                    9,000  
Distributions to minority and preferred interests
    (118,941 )     (55,669 )     (95,359 )
Cash dividends to preferred shareowners
    (14,634 )     (14,634 )     (19,071 )
Cash dividends to common shareowners
    (87,679 )     (79,384 )     (64,130 )
Other
    (3,047 )     (4,118 )        
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities
  $ (127,318 )   $ (9,292 )   $ (231,580 )
                         
Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 14,960     $ 20,884     $ (139,649 )
                         
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
    47,166       26,282       163,577  
                         
Effect of consolidating Cherry Creek Shopping Center (Note 1)
(Cherry Creek Shopping Center's cash balance at beginning of year)
                    2,354  
                         
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
  $ 62,126     $ 47,166     $ 26,282  

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Basis of Presentation

General

Taubman Centers, Inc. (the Company or TCO) is a Michigan corporation that operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (Operating Partnership or TRG) is a majority-owned partnership subsidiary of TCO that owns direct or indirect interests in all of its real estate properties. In this report, the term “Company" refers to TCO, the Operating Partnership, and/or the Operating Partnership's subsidiaries as the context may require. The Company engages in the ownership, management, leasing, acquisition, disposition, development, and expansion of regional and super-regional retail shopping centers and interests therein. The Company’s owned portfolio as of December 31, 2008 included 23 urban and suburban shopping centers in ten states.

Taubman Properties Asia LLC and its subsidiaries (Taubman Asia), which is the platform for the Company’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, is headquartered in Hong Kong.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include all accounts of the Company, the Operating Partnership, and its consolidated subsidiaries, including The Taubman Company LLC (the Manager) and Taubman Asia. In September 2008, the Company acquired the interests of the owner of The Mall at Partridge Creek (Partridge Creek) (Note 2). Prior to the acquisition, the Company consolidated the accounts of the owner of Partridge Creek, which qualified as a variable interest entity under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46R) for which the Operating Partnership was considered to be the primary beneficiary. In April 2007, the Company increased its ownership in The Pier Shops at Caesars (The Pier Shops) to a 77.5% controlling interest and began consolidating the entity that owns The Pier Shops (Note 2). Prior to the acquisition date, the Company accounted for The Pier Shops under the equity method. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

Investments in entities not controlled but over which the Company may exercise significant influence (Unconsolidated Joint Ventures) are accounted for under the equity method. The Company has evaluated its investments in the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and has concluded that the ventures are not variable interest entities as defined in FIN 46R. Accordingly, the Company accounts for its interests in these ventures under the guidance in Statement of Position 78-9 "Accounting for Investments in Real Estate Ventures" (SOP 78-9), as amended by FASB Staff Position 78-9-1, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-5 "Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights" (EITF 04-5). The Company’s partners or other owners in these Unconsolidated Joint Ventures have substantive participating rights, as contemplated by paragraphs 16 through 18 of EITF 04-5, including approval rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, financing, admission of new partners/members, or sale of the properties and the Company has concluded that the equity method of accounting is appropriate for these interests. Specifically, the Company’s 79% investment in Westfarms is through a general partnership in which the other general partners have approval rights over annual operating budgets, capital spending, refinancing, or sale of the property.

With the issuance of EITF 04-5 and the amendment of SOP 78-9, the Company began consolidating, as of January 1, 2006, the entity that owns Cherry Creek Shopping Center (Cherry Creek), a 50% owned joint venture, pursuant to the transition methodology provided in EITF 04-5. The impact to the Consolidated Balance Sheet was an increase in assets of approximately $136 million and liabilities of approximately $199 million, and a $63 million reduction of beginning equity representing the cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles related to Cherry Creek (see also “Adoption of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108”). The reduction in beginning equity was the result of the Company's venture partner's $52 million deficit capital account as of December 31, 2005 and the adoption of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108), which increased the venture partner’s deficit capital account to $60 million. The venture partner’s deficit account was recorded at zero in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2006. The Company’s $3.5 million cumulative impact of adopting SAB 108 that is attributable to Cherry Creek is included in the total cumulative effect of adopting SAB 108 in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Shareowners’ Equity.



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The Operating Partnership

At December 31, 2008, the Operating Partnership’s equity included three classes of preferred equity (Series F, G, and H) and the net equity of the partnership unitholders. Net income and distributions of the Operating Partnership are allocable first to the preferred equity interests, and the remaining amounts to the general and limited partners in the Operating Partnership in accordance with their percentage ownership. The Series G and Series H Preferred Equity are owned by the Company and are eliminated in consolidation. The Series F Preferred Equity is owned by an institutional investor.

Minority Interests

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, minority interests in the Company are comprised of the ownership interests of (1) noncontrolling unitholders of the Operating Partnership and (2) the noncontrolling interests in joint ventures controlled by the Company through ownership or contractual arrangements.

The net equity of the Operating Partnership noncontrolling unitholders is less than zero. The net equity balances of the noncontrolling partners in certain of the consolidated joint ventures are also less than zero. The interests of the noncontrolling unitholders of the Operating Partnership and outside partners with net equity balances in the consolidated joint ventures of less than zero are recognized as zero balances within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The interests of the noncontrolling partners with positive equity balances in consolidated joint ventures represent the minority interests presented on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet of $6.6 million and $18.5 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The income allocated to the Operating Partnership noncontrolling unitholders is equal to their share of distributions as long as the net equity of the Operating Partnership is less than zero. Similarly, the income allocated to the noncontrolling partners with net equity balances in consolidated joint ventures of less than zero is equal to their share of operating distributions.

The net equity balances of the Operating Partnership and certain of the consolidated joint ventures are less than zero because of accumulated distributions in excess of net income and not as a result of operating losses. Distributions to partners are usually greater than net income because net income includes non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization.

In January 2008, International Plaza refinanced its debt and distributed a portion of the excess proceeds to its partner (Note 9). The joint venture partner’s $51.3 million share of the distributed excess proceeds is classified as minority interest and included in Deferred Charges and Other Assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of December 31, 2008, the total of excess proceeds distributed to partners for this financing and the May 2006 financing at the Cherry Creek consolidated joint venture, which are included in Deferred Charges and Other Assets, was $96.8 million. The Company accounts for distributions to minority partners that result from such financing transactions as a debit balance minority interest upon determination that (1) the distribution was the result of appreciation in the fair value of the property above the book value, (2) the financing was provided at a loan to value ratio commensurate with non-recourse real estate lending, and (3) the excess of the property value over the financing provides support for the eventual recovery of the debit balance minority interest upon sale or disposal of the property. Debit balance minority interests are considered as part of the carrying value of a property for purposes of evaluating impairment, should events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

In January 2008, the Company's president of Taubman Asia (the Asia President) obtained an ownership interest in Taubman Asia, a consolidated subsidiary. The Asia President is entitled to 10% of Taubman Asia's dividends, with 85% of his dividends being withheld as contributions to capital. These withholdings will continue until he contributes and maintains his capital consistent with a 10% ownership interest, including all capital funded by the Operating Partnership for Taubman Asia's operating and investment activities prior and subsequent to the Asia President obtaining his ownership interest. The Asia President's ownership interest will be reduced to 5% upon his cumulatively receiving a specified amount in dividends. The Operating Partnership will have a preferred investment in Taubman Asia to the extent the Asia President has not yet contributed capital commensurate with his ownership interest. This preferred investment will accrue an annual preferential return equal to the Operating Partnership's average borrowing rate (with the preferred investment and accrued return together being referred to herein as the preferred interest). Taubman Asia has the ability to call at any time the Asia President's ownership at fair value, less the amount required to return the Operating Partnership's preferred interest. The Asia President similarly has the ability to put his ownership interest to Taubman Asia at 85% (increasing to 100% in 2013) of fair value, less the amount required to return the Operating Partnership's preferred interest. In the event of a liquidation of Taubman Asia, the Operating Partnership's preferred interest would be returned in advance of any other ownership interest or income. The Asia President's noncontrolling interest in Taubman Asia is accounted for as a minority interest in the Company's financial statements, currently at a zero balance.

See “Note 20 – New Accounting Pronouncements” regarding changes in 2009 to the accounting for minority interests.

Revenue Recognition

Shopping center space is generally leased to tenants under short and intermediate term leases that are accounted for as operating leases. Minimum rents are recognized on the straight-line method. Percentage rent is accrued when lessees' specified sales targets have been met. Most expense recoveries, which include an administrative fee, are recognized as revenue in the period applicable costs are chargeable to tenants. Management, leasing, and development revenue is recognized as services are rendered, when fees due are determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Fees for management, leasing, and development services are established under contracts and are generally based on negotiated rates, percentages of cash receipts, and/or actual costs incurred. Fixed-fee development services contracts are generally accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, using cost to cost measurements of progress. Profits on real estate sales are recognized whenever (1) a sale is consummated, (2) the buyer has demonstrated an adequate commitment to pay for the property, (3) the Company’s receivable is not subject to future subordination, and (4) the Company has transferred to the buyer the risks and rewards of ownership. Other revenues, including fees paid by tenants to terminate their leases, are recognized when fees due are determinable, no further actions or services are required to be performed by the Company, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Taxes assessed by government authorities on revenue-producing transactions, such as sales, use, and value-added taxes are primarily accounted for on a net basis on the Company’s income statement.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company records a provision for losses on accounts receivable to reduce them to the amount estimated to be collectible. The Company records a provision for losses on notes receivable to reduce them to the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loans effective interest rates or the fair value of the collateral if the loans are collateral dependent.

Depreciation and Amortization

Buildings, improvements and equipment are depreciated on straight-line or double-declining balance bases over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally range from 3 to 50 years. Capital expenditures that are recoverable from tenants are depreciated over the estimated recovery period. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Tenant allowances are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the lease term. Deferred leasing costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. In the event of early termination of such leases, the unrecoverable net book values of the assets are recognized as depreciation and amortization expense in the period of termination.



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Capitalization

Direct and indirect costs that are clearly related to the acquisition, development, construction and improvement of properties are capitalized under guidelines of SFAS No. 67, “Accounting for Costs and Initial Rental Operations of Real Estate Projects.” Compensation costs are allocated based on actual time spent on a project. Costs incurred on real estate for ground leases, property taxes and insurance are capitalized during periods in which activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are in progress. Interest costs determined under guidelines of SFAS No. 34, “Capitalization of Interest Cost” and SFAS No. 58 “Capitalization of Interest Costs in Financial Statements that Include Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method” are capitalized during periods in which activities necessary to get the property ready for its intended use are in progress.

The viability of all projects under construction or development, including those owned by Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, are regularly evaluated under the requirements of SFAS No. 67, including requirements relating to abandonment of assets or changes in use. To the extent a project, or individual components of the project, are no longer considered to have value, the related capitalized costs are charged against operations. Additionally, all properties are reviewed for impairment on an individual basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment of a shopping center owned by consolidated entities is recognized when the sum of expected cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying value of the property. Other than temporary impairment of an investment in an Unconsolidated Joint Venture is recognized when the carrying value of the investment is not considered recoverable based on evaluation of the severity and duration of the decline in value, including the results of discounted cash flow and other valuation techniques. To the extent impairment has occurred, the excess carrying value of the asset over its estimated fair value is charged to income.

In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recognized impairment charges on its Oyster Bay project (Note 5) and its Sarasota joint venture project (Note 6).

In leasing a shopping center space, the Company may provide funding to the lessee through a tenant allowance. In accounting for a tenant allowance, the Company determines whether the allowance represents funding for the construction of leasehold improvements and evaluates the ownership, for accounting purposes, of such improvements. If the Company is considered the owner of the leasehold improvements for accounting purposes, the Company capitalizes the amount of the tenant allowance and depreciates it over the shorter of the useful life of the leasehold improvements or the lease term. If the tenant allowance represents a payment for a purpose other than funding leasehold improvements, or in the event the Company is not considered the owner of the improvements for accounting purposes, the allowance is considered to be a lease incentive and is recognized over the lease term as a reduction of rental revenue. Factors considered during this evaluation usually include (1) who holds legal title to the improvements, (2) evidentiary requirements concerning the spending of the tenant allowance, and (3) other controlling rights provided by the lease agreement (e.g. unilateral control of the tenant space during the build-out process). Determination of the accounting for a tenant allowance is made on a case-by-case basis, considering the facts and circumstances of the individual tenant lease. Substantially all of the Company’s tenant allowances have been determined to be leasehold improvements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Substantially all cash deposits are invested in accounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program, the FDIC deposit insurance, money market funds that participate in the U.S. Treasury Department Temporary Guarantee Program for Money Market Funds, or in a money market fund that invests solely in U.S. Treasury securities. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of 90 days or less at the date of purchase.

Acquisition of Interests in Centers

The cost of acquiring an ownership interest or an additional ownership interest in a center is allocated to the tangible assets acquired (such as land and building) and to any identifiable intangible assets based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The fair value of the property is determined on an “as-if-vacant” basis. Management considers various factors in estimating the "as-if-vacant" value including an estimated lease up period, lost rents and carrying costs. The identifiable intangible assets would include the estimated value of “in-place” leases, above and below market “in-place” leases, and tenant relationships. The portion of the purchase price that management determines should be allocated to identifiable intangible assets is amortized in depreciation and amortization over the estimated life of the associated intangible asset (for instance, the remaining life of the associated tenant lease).



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

Direct financing costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method, over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest expense. Direct costs related to successful leasing activities are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. All other deferred charges are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the agreements to which they relate.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

In accordance with Statement No. 123 (Revised) “Share-Based Payment,” the cost of share-based compensation is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized over the requisite employee service period which is generally the vesting period of the grant. The Company recognizes compensation costs for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards.

Interest Rate Hedging Agreements

All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. If a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects income. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of a cash flow hedge are recognized in the Company’s income as interest expense.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Company assesses, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged items.

Income Taxes

The Company operates in such a manner as to qualify as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; therefore, REIT taxable income is included in the taxable income of its shareowners, to the extent distributed by the Company. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income prior to net capital gains to its shareowners and meet certain other requirements. Additionally, no provision for income taxes for consolidated partnerships has been made, as such taxes are the responsibility of the individual partners.

In connection with the Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999, the Company made Taxable REIT Subsidiary elections for all of its corporate subsidiaries pursuant to section 856(I) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company’s Taxable REIT Subsidiaries are subject to corporate level income taxes which are provided for in the Company’s financial statements.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the bases of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the amount where realization is more likely than not assured after considering all available evidence, including expected taxable earnings and potential tax planning strategies. The Company’s temporary differences primarily relate to deferred compensation, depreciation and net operating loss carryforwards.

Finite Life Entities

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. At December 31, 2008, the Company held controlling majority interests in consolidated entities with specified termination dates in 2081 and 2083. The minority owners’ interests in these entities are to be settled upon termination by distribution or transfer of either cash or specific assets of the underlying entity. The estimated fair value of these minority interests were approximately $104.3 million at December 31, 2008, compared to a book value of $(96.8) million, which was classified as Deferred Charges and Other Assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.




TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 5 regarding the balance of costs relating to the Company's Oyster Bay project.

Segments and Related Disclosures

The Company has one reportable operating segment: it owns, develops, and manages regional shopping centers. The Company has aggregated its shopping centers into this one reportable segment, as the shopping centers share similar economic characteristics and other similarities. The shopping centers are located in major metropolitan areas, have similar tenants (most of which are national chains), are operated using consistent business strategies, and are expected to exhibit similar long-term financial performance. Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) is often used by the Company's chief operating decision makers in assessing segment performance. EBITDA is believed to be a useful indicator of operating performance as it is customary in the real estate and shopping center business to evaluate the performance of properties on a basis unaffected by capital structure.

No single retail company represents 10% or more of the Company's revenues. Although the Company operates a subsidiary headquartered in Hong Kong, there are not yet any material revenues from customers or long-lived assets attributable to a country other than the United States of America.

Adoption of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108

In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108 “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements.” The interpretations in SAB 108 express the SEC’s staff’s views regarding the process of quantifying financial statement misstatements. The staff’s interpretations resulted from their awareness of a diversity in practice as to how the effect of prior year errors were considered in relation to current year financial statements. Through SAB 108, the staff communicated its belief that allowing prior year errors to remain unadjusted on the balance sheet is not in the best interest of the users of financial statements. SAB 108 became effective for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2006.

In adopting SAB 108, the Company changed its methods of evaluating financial statement misstatements from a “rollover” (income statement-oriented) approach to SAB 108’s “dual-method” (both an income statement and balance sheet-oriented) approach. In doing so, the Company identified three misstatements previously considered immaterial to all previous periods under the rollover method but material when evaluated together under the dual-method, as described below. These misstatements were corrected upon adoption of SAB 108.

Accounting for Cherry Creek Ground Rent Prior to 1999

Prior to 1999, Cherry Creek, a venture previously accounted for under the equity method, recognized ground rentals under its 99 year ground lease on a cash basis instead of the straight-line method required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, “Accounting for Leases”. This error resulted in the Company overstating its cumulative equity in the net income of Cherry Creek by a total of $3.5 million from the Company’s 1992 acquisition of an interest in the Operating Partnership through December 31, 2005. The maximum misstatement of the Company’s equity in the net income of Cherry Creek in any individual year in this period under the rollover method was $0.3 million.

The Company began consolidating Cherry Creek on January 1, 2006 as a result of adopting EITF 04-5. As a result of the correction of the above error, the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle upon adoption of EITF 04-5, assets, and liabilities recognized by the Company upon the consolidation of Cherry Creek were increased by $7.9 million, $8.3 million and $19.7 million, respectively. Prior to 2006, the Company accounted for its investment in Cherry Creek under the equity method.

Recognition of Payroll Costs

The Company previously recognized its payroll costs in a manner that corresponded to its biweekly pay periods, which do not necessarily end on the last day of the calendar year. Differences caused by not strictly recognizing payroll on a calendar year basis, while previously adjusted on a periodic basis, have resulted in overstatements of net income by a total of $1.0 million over the decade prior to adoption of SAB 108, with the maximum misstatement in any individual year computed under the rollover method being $0.1 million.
 
F-14

TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Arizona Mills

In 2006, The Mills Corporation (Mills), which managed (prior to April 2007) the 50% Unconsolidated Joint Venture, Arizona Mills, advised the Company that Mills had identified errors in prior year financial statements, primarily relating to the timing of writeoffs of tenant allowances, that relate to years prior to 2006. Based on information received from Mills, the Company determined that the cumulative impact of its share of prior years’ errors identified by Mills is an overstatement of the Company’s equity by $1.3 million as of December 31, 2006. See Note 6 for adjustments relating to Arizona Mills that had not been identified at the time of adoption of SAB 108.

Cumulative Effect of Adopting SAB 108

As a result of applying the guidance in SAB 108, during the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company recorded a $5.9 million reduction to its shareowners’ equity account (dividends in excess of net income) in its opening balance sheet to correct for the effect of the errors associated with the accounting for Cherry Creek’s ground rent prior to 1999, the recognition of payroll costs, and its share of Arizona Mills errors identified by Mills, described above.

Other

Dollar amounts presented in tables within the notes to the consolidated financial statements are stated in thousands, except share data or as otherwise noted.

Note 2 – Acquisitions

The Mall at Partridge Creek

Partridge Creek, a 0.6 million square foot center, opened in October 2007 in Clinton Township, Michigan. The center is anchored by Nordstrom and Parisian. In May 2006, the Company engaged the services of a third-party investor to acquire certain property associated with the project, in order to facilitate a Section 1031 like-kind exchange to provide flexibility for disposing of assets in the future. The third-party investor was the owner of the project and leased the land from a subsidiary of the Company. In turn, the owner leased the project back to the Company.

Funding for the project was provided by the following sources. The Company provided approximately 45% of the project funding under a junior subordinated financing, which was repaid in September 2008. The owner provided $9 million in equity. Funding for the remaining project costs was provided by the owner’s third-party recourse construction loan.

In September 2008, the Company exercised its option to purchase the third-party owner’s interests in Partridge Creek. The purchase price of $11.8 million included the original owner's equity contribution of $9 million plus a 12% cumulative return. The acquisition of the interests was accounted for under the purchase method. The excess of the purchase price over the book value of the interests acquired was approximately $3.8 million and was allocated principally to building and improvements. The Company assumed all of the obligations and was assigned all of the owner's rights under the ground lease, the operating lease, and any remaining obligations under the loans.

The Pier Shops at Caesars

The Pier Shops, located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, began opening in phases in June 2006. Gordon Group Holdings LLC (Gordon) developed the center, and in January 2007, the Company assumed full management and leasing responsibility for the center. In April 2007, the Company increased its ownership in The Pier Shops to a 77.5% controlling interest. The remaining 22.5% interest continues to be held by an affiliate of Gordon. The Company began consolidating The Pier Shops as of the April 2007 purchase date. At closing, the Company made a $24.5 million equity investment in the center, bringing its total equity investment to $28.5 million. At the purchase date, the book values of the center’s assets and liabilities were $229.7 million and $171.3 million, respectively. The excess of the book value of the net assets acquired over the purchase price was approximately $17 million, which was allocated principally to building and improvements. The Company is entitled to a 7% cumulative preferred return on its $133.1 million total investment, including its $104.6 million share of debt. The Company will be responsible for any additional capital requirements, on which it will receive a preferred return at a minimum of 8%. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had provided $4.3 million of additional capital.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Note 3 - Income Taxes

Federal, State and Foreign Income Taxes

During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, the Company's federal and foreign income tax expense was zero. The federal and foreign income tax was zero as a result of net operating losses incurred by the Company’s Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. The Company has a federal net operating loss carryforward of $14.7 million ($0.1 million from 2002 that will expire in 2022, $0.3 million from 2003 that will expire in 2023, $3.3 million from 2004 that will expire in 2024, $1.6 million from 2005 that will expire in 2025, $0.2 million from 2006 that will expire in 2026, $3.3 million from 2007 that will expire in 2027 and $5.9 million from 2008 that will expire in 2028). The Company has a foreign net operating loss carryforward of $5.8 million, $0.3 million of which has an indefinite carryforward period, $4.6 million expires in 2011, and $0.9 million expires in 2013.

In July 2007, the State of Michigan signed into law the Michigan Business Tax Act, replacing the Michigan single business tax with a business income tax and modified gross receipts tax. These new taxes became effective January 1, 2008, and, because they are based on or derived from income-based measures, the provisions of SFAS No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes,” apply as of the enactment date. In September 2007, an amendment to the Michigan Business Tax Act was also signed into law establishing a deduction to the business income tax base if temporary differences associated with certain assets result in a net deferred tax liability as of September 30, 2007. The tax effect of this deduction, which was equal to the amount of the aggregate deferred tax liability as of September 30, 2008, has an indefinite carryforward period. The enactment of the Michigan Business Tax Act and the related amendment resulted in both a deferred tax liability and deferred tax asset, balances of which are $3.7 million and $3.4 million respectively, as of December 31, 2008. During 2008, the Company’s deferred Michigan business tax expense was $0.3 million. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company's current Michigan business tax expense was $0.8 million. There was no current or deferred Michigan business tax expense for years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 the Company had net federal and foreign deferred tax assets of $3.2 million and $3.3 million, after valuation allowances of $6.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively. The Company believes that it is more likely than not the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to recognize the net deferred tax asset. These future operations are dependent upon the Manager’s profitability, the timing and amounts of gains on land sales, the profitability of the Company’s Asian operations, and other factors affecting the results of operations of the Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.

Tax Status of Dividends

Dividends declared on the Company’s common and preferred stock and their tax status are presented in the following tables. The tax status of the Company’s dividends in 2008, 2007, and 2006 may not be indicative of future periods. The portion of dividends paid in 2008 shown below as capital gains are designated as capital gain dividends for tax purposes.

 
 
Year
 
Dividends
per common
share declared
   
Return
of capital
   
Ordinary
income
   
15% Rate
long term
capital gain
   
Unrecaptured
Sec. 1250
capital gain
 
2008
  $ 1.660     $ 0.0000     $ 1.3324     $ 0.3011     $ 0.0265  
2007
    1.540       0.0000       1.5385       0.0015       0.0000  
2006
    1.290       0.0687       1.2006       0.0207       0.0000  

 
 
Year
 
Dividends per
Series A Preferred
share declared
   
Ordinary
income
   
15% Rate
long term
capital gain
   
Unrecaptured
Sec. 1250
capital gain
 
2006
  $ 0.790     $ 0.7770     $ 0.0130     $ 0.0000  


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

 
 
Year
 
Dividends per
Series G Preferred
share declared
   
Ordinary
income
   
15% Rate
long term
capital gain
   
Unrecaptured
Sec. 1250
capital gain
 
2008
  $ 2.000     $ 1.6053     $ 0.3628     $ 0.0319  
2007
    2.000       1.9981       0.0019       0.0000  
2006
    2.000       1.9679       0.0321       0.0000  

 
 
Year
 
Dividends per
Series H Preferred
share declared
   
Ordinary
income
   
15% Rate
long term
capital gain
   
Unrecaptured
Sec. 1250
capital gain
 
2008
  $ 1.906     $ 1.5300     $ 0.3457     $ 0.0303  
2007
    1.906       1.9042       0.0018       0.0000  
2006
    1.906       1.8757       0.0303       0.0000  

The Company redeemed the remaining 4,520,000 shares of its outstanding Series A Preferred Stock in May 2006 for $25 per share and paid all holders, of the Series A Preferred Stock, $0.27 per share in accrued dividends, which are included above as a 2006 dividend payment.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48) on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 defines a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. Adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits as of the January 1, 2007 adoption date or as of December 31, 2008. The Company expects no significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to changes in tax positions within one year of December 31, 2008. The Company has no interest or penalties relating to income taxes recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 or in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, returns for the calendar years 2005 through 2008 remain subject to examination by U.S. and various state and foreign tax jurisdictions.

Note 4 - Investment in the Operating Partnership

The partnership equity of the Operating Partnership and the Company's ownership therein are shown below:

 
 
 
Year
 
TRG units
outstanding at
December 31
   
TRG units
owned by TCO at
December 31 (1)
   
TRG Units owned by minority interests at December 31
   
TCO's % interest
in TRG at
December 31
   
 
TCO's average
interest in TRG
 
2008
    79,481,431       53,018,987       26,462,444      
67
 %    
   67
 %
2007
    79,181,457       52,624,013       26,557,444      
66
 
   
66
 
2006
    81,078,700       52,931,594       28,147,106      
65
     
65
 

(1)  
There is a one-for-one relationship between TRG units owned by TCO and TCO common shares outstanding; amounts in this column are equal to TCO’s common shares outstanding as of the specified dates.

Net income and distributions of the Operating Partnership are allocable first to the preferred equity interests (Note 14), and the remaining amounts to the general and limited Operating Partnership partners in accordance with their percentage ownership.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Note 5 - Properties

Properties at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are summarized as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
 
Land
  $ 263,619     $ 266,480  
Buildings, improvements, and equipment
    3,363,638       3,337,745  
Construction in process
    10,650       17,064  
Development pre-construction costs
    61,573       159,847  
    $ 3,699,480     $ 3,781,136  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (1,049,626 )     (933,275 )
    $ 2,649,854     $ 2,847,861  

Buildings, improvements, and equipment under capital leases were $2.5 million and $5.5 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included within depreciation expense.

Depreciation expense for 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $138.7 million, $128.4 million, and $128.5 million, respectively.

The charge to operations in 2008, 2007, and 2006 for domestic and non-U.S. pre-development activities was $18.5 million, $11.9 million, and $10.1 million, respectively.

In January 2009, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York reversed the favorable order that the Company had been issued in June 2008 directing the Town of Oyster Bay to immediately issue a special use permit for The Mall at Oyster Bay. The court also upheld the Town Board’s request for a supplemental environmental impact statement. Although the Company intends to immediately seek an appeal of the decision, the Company determined in February 2009 that it would recognize in the fourth quarter of 2008 a charge to income of $117.9 million relating to the Oyster Bay project, including $4.6 million in costs for future expenditures associated with obligations under existing contracts related to the project. This determination was reached after an overall assessment of the probability of the development of the mall as designed and a review of the Company’s previously capitalized project costs. The charge includes the costs of previous development activities as well as holding and other costs that management believes will likely not benefit the development if and when the Company obtains the rights to build the center. The Company also expects to expense any additional costs relating to Oyster Bay until it is probable that the Company will be able to successfully move forward with a project. The Company began expensing carrying costs as incurred beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008. The Company’s remaining capitalized investment in the project as of December 31, 2008 is $39.8 million, consisting of land and site improvements. If the Company is ultimately unsuccessful in obtaining the right to build the center, it is uncertain whether the Company would be able to recover the full amount of this capitalized investment through alternate uses of the land.

One shopping center pays annual special assessment levies of a Community Development District (CDD), which provided certain infrastructure assets and improvements. As the amount and period of the special assessments were determinable, the Company capitalized the infrastructure assets and improvements and recognized an obligation for the future special assessments to be levied. At December 31, 2008, the book value of the infrastructure assets and improvements, net of depreciation, was $48.1 million. The related obligation is classified as an accrued liability and had a balance of $63.9 million at December 31, 2008. The fair value of this obligation, derived from quoted market prices, was $51.2 million at December 31, 2008.

In January 2007, the Company acquired land for future development in North Atlanta, Georgia for $15.5 million. A portion of this land is expected to be sold for various uses.

Note 6 - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

General Information

The Company owns beneficial interests in joint ventures that own shopping centers. The Operating Partnership is the direct or indirect managing general partner or managing member of these Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, except for the ventures that own Arizona Mills, The Mall at Millenia, and Waterside Shops (Waterside). The Company, which formerly accounted for The Pier Shops as an Unconsolidated Joint Venture, began consolidating it after acquiring a controlling interest in April 2007 (Note 2).


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

 
Shopping Center
Ownership as of
December 31, 2008 and 2007
Arizona Mills
   50%
Fair Oaks
50
The Mall at Millenia
50
Stamford Town Center
50
Sunvalley
50
Waterside Shops
25
Westfarms
79

The Company's carrying value of its Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures differs from its share of the partnership or members equity reported in the combined balance sheet of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures due to (i) the Company's cost of its investment in excess of the historical net book values of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures and (ii) the Operating Partnership’s adjustments to the book basis, including intercompany profits on sales of services that are capitalized by the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. The Company's additional basis allocated to depreciable assets is recognized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. The Operating Partnership’s differences in bases are amortized over the useful lives of the related assets.

In its Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Company separately reports its investment in joint ventures for which accumulated distributions have exceeded investments in and net income of the joint ventures. The net equity of certain joint ventures is less than zero because distributions are usually greater than net income, as net income includes non-cash charges for depreciation and amortization.

In May 2008, the Company entered into agreements to jointly develop University Town Center, a regional mall in Sarasota, Florida. Under the agreements, the Company would own a noncontrolling 25% interest in the project. Due to the current economic and retail environment, in December 2008 the Company announced that the project has been put on hold. The Company does not know if or when it will acquire an interest in the land and move forward with the project. Due to this uncertainty, the Company recognized an $8.3 million charge to income in the fourth quarter of 2008. This charge is included in Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and represents the Company’s share of project costs and its total investment in the project. The contribution payable to the University Town Center joint venture represents the Company’s share of unpaid costs, which were funded subsequent to December 31, 2008.

Combined Financial Information

Combined balance sheet and results of operations information is presented in the following table for the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, followed by the Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the combined information. Beneficial interest is calculated based on the Operating Partnership's ownership interest in each of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. Amounts related to The Pier Shops are included in the combined information of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures through the date of the Company’s acquisition of a controlling interest in April 2007 (Note 2). The Operating Partnership’s investment in The Pier Shops represented an effective 6% interest based on relative equity contributions prior to the Company acquiring a controlling interest.




TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

   
December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Assets:
           
Properties
  $ 1,087,341     $ 1,056,380  
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (366,168 )     (347,459 )
    $ 721,173     $ 708,921  
Cash and cash equivalents
    28,946       40,097  
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $1,419 and $1,799 in 2008 and 2007
    26,603       26,271  
Deferred charges and other assets
    20,098       18,229  
    $ 796,820     $ 793,518  
                 
Liabilities and accumulated deficiency in assets:
               
Notes payable
  $ 1,103,903     $ 1,003,463  
Accounts payable and other liabilities
    61,570       55,242  
TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets
    (201,466 )     (151,363 )
Unconsolidated Joint Venture Partners' accumulated deficiency
in assets
    (167,187 )     (113,824 )
    $ 796,820     $ 793,518  
                 
TRG's accumulated deficiency in assets (above)
  $ (201,466 )   $ (151,363 )
Contribution payable
    (1,005 )        
TRG basis adjustments, including elimination of intercompany profit
    71,623       74,660  
TCO's additional basis
    66,640       68,586  
Net Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
  $ (64,208 )   $ (8,117 )
Distributions in excess of investments in and net income of
Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
    154,141       100,234  
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
  $ 89,933     $ 92,117  


   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Revenues
  $ 271,813     $ 262,587     $ 252,129  
Maintenance, taxes, utilities, and other operating expenses
  $ 93,218     $ 90,782     $ 93,452  
Interest expense
    65,002       66,232       57,563  
Depreciation and amortization
    39,756       37,355       43,124  
Total operating costs
  $ 197,976     $ 194,369     $ 194,139  
Nonoperating income
    683       1,587       1,289  
Net income
  $ 74,520     $ 69,805     $ 59,279  
                         
Net income allocable to TRG
  $ 41,857     $ 40,518     $ 34,101  
Realized intercompany profit, net of depreciation on TRG’s
basis adjustments
    3,770       1,924       1,387  
Depreciation of TCO's additional basis
    (1,948 )     (1,944 )     (1,944 )
Impairment charge
    (8,323 )                
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
  $ 35,356     $ 40,498     $ 33,544  
                         
                         
                         
Beneficial interest in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures' operations:
                       
Revenues less maintenance, taxes, utilities, and other
operating expenses
  $ 101,089     $ 96,844     $ 91,559  
Interest expense
    (33,777 )     (33,311 )     (31,151 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (23,633 )     (23,035 )     (26,864 )
Impairment charge
    (8,323 )                
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
  $ 35,356     $ 40,498     $ 33,544  


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Other

The provision for losses on accounts receivable of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was $1.0 million, $1.2 million, and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

Deferred charges and other assets of $20.1 million at December 31, 2008 were comprised of leasing costs of $27.4 million, before accumulated amortization of $(13.5) million, net deferred financing costs of $3.9 million, and other net charges of $2.3 million. Deferred charges and other assets of $18.2 million at December 31, 2007 were comprised of leasing costs of $25.0 million, before accumulated amortization of $(12.4) million, net deferred financing costs of $2.6 million, and other net charges of $3.0 million.

The estimated fair value of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures’ notes payable was $1.1 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Depreciation expense on properties for 2008, 2007, and 2006 was $36.1 million, $33.2 million, and $40.2 million.

In January 2008 and the first quarter of 2007, the Company received adjustments relating to accounting policies and procedures of Mills for years prior to 2007. These prior period adjustments, including $3.0 million of reductions to minimum rent related to tenant inducements, $0.8 million reduction to depreciation and amortization, and other adjustments, totaled to a net $2.0 million reduction in income. The Company’s share was a $1.0 million reduction to income for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company received audited financial statements for Arizona Mills as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 from Simon Property Group, Inc. There were no material adjustments recognized relating to the Company’s investment in Arizona Mills as a result of the finalization of these financial statements.

Refer to “Note 1 – Significant Accounting Policies” regarding prior period adjustments to Arizona Mills recognized upon adoption of SAB 108.

In October 2006, Taubman Land Associates LLC, a 50% Unconsolidated Joint Venture owned by the Company and an affiliate of the Taubman family, acquired for $42.5 million the land on which Sunvalley is situated. Sunvalley is owned by SunValley Associates, a 50% joint venture with a Taubman family affiliate.

Note 7 - Accounts and Notes Receivable

Accounts and notes receivable at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are summarized as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
 
Trade
  $ 36,149     $ 37,183  
Notes
    7,471       8,272  
Straight-line rent
    12,904       12,930  
Other
    103       470  
    $ 56,627     $ 58,855  
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (9,895 )     (6,694 )
    $ 46,732     $ 52,161  

Notes receivable as of December 31, 2008 provide interest at a range of interest rates from 6.5% to 10.0% (with a weighted average interest rate of 8.3%) and mature at various dates through June 2009. The Company has one delinquent land contract receivable with a book value of $1.0 million as of December 31, 2008. The original maturity of this note was July 2007. The fair value of the land, which serves as collateral, is at least equal to the book value of the receivable. In addition, $2.0 million of notes receivable from three tenants with common ownership became delinquent during the third quarter of 2008. The notes are guaranteed by affiliates of the tenants. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has recorded a provision of $1.4 million against these notes, which was charged to income in 2008. After receipt of partial repayment, the Company is negotiating the repayment terms and expects to recover the remaining net book value of $0.6 million.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Note 8 - Deferred Charges and Other Assets

Deferred charges and other assets at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are summarized as follows:

   
2008
   
2007
 
Leasing costs
  $ 38,700     $ 39,801  
Accumulated amortization
    (19,872 )     (20,878 )
    $ 18,828     $ 18,923  
Minority interest (Note 1)
    96,810       45,332  
The Mall at Studio City escrow
    54,334          
Deferred financing costs, net
    9,739       9,597  
Intangibles, net
    2,241       3,882  
Insurance deposit (Note 17)
    8,957          
Investments
    4,351       5,924  
Deferred tax asset, net
    6,652       7,197  
Prepaid expenses
    3,387       5,557  
Other, net
    15,998       13,307  
    $ 221,297     $ 109,719  

Intangible assets are primarily comprised of the fair value of in-place leases recognized in connection with acquisitions (Note 2).

In February 2008, Taubman Asia entered into agreements to acquire a 25% interest in The Mall at Studio City, the retail component of Macao Studio City, a major mixed-use project on the Cotai Strip in Macao, China. In August 2009, the Company’s Macao agreements will terminate and its $54 million initial cash payment, which is in escrow, will be returned to the Company if the financing for the project is not completed.

Note 9 – Notes Payable

Notes payable at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 consist of the following:

 
 
2008
 
 
2007
Stated
Interest Rate
 
Maturity Date
Balance Due
on Maturity
Facility
Amount
Beverly Center
$333,736
 
$ 338,779
 
5.28%
 
02/11/14
 
$303,277
 
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
280,000
 
280,000
 
5.24%
 
06/08/16
 
280,000
 
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
245
 
490
 
Prime
 
12/20/09
 
20
$2,000
Dolphin Mall
139,000
 
139,000
 
LIBOR + 0.70%
 
02/14/11
  (1)
139,000
(1)
Fairlane Town Center
80,000
 
80,000
 
LIBOR + 0.70%
 
02/14/11
  (1)
80,000
(1)
Great Lakes Crossing
137,877
 
140,449
 
5.25%
 
03/11/13
 
125,507
 
International Plaza
325,000
     
LIBOR +1.15%
  (2)
01/08/11
  (2)
325,000
 
International Plaza
 
 
175,150
 
4.21%
 
01/08/08
 
175,150
 
MacArthur Center
132,500
 
135,439
 
7.59%
 
10/01/10
 
126,884
 
Northlake Mall
215,500
 
215,500
 
5.41%
 
02/06/16
 
215,500
 
The Mall at Partridge Creek
72,791
 
62,126
 
LIBOR + 1.15%
 
09/07/10
 
72,791
81,000
The Pier Shops at Caesars
135,000
 
135,000
 
6.01%
 
05/11/17
 
135,000
 
Regency Square
75,388
 
76,591
 
6.75%
 
11/01/11
 
71,569
 
The Mall at Short Hills
540,000
 
540,000
 
5.47%
 
12/14/15
 
540,000
 
Stony Point Fashion Park
108,884
 
110,411
 
6.24%
 
06/01/14
 
98,585
 
Twelve Oaks Mall
10,000
 
60,000
 
LIBOR + 0.70%
 
02/14/11
  (1)
10,000
(1)
The Mall at Wellington Green
200,000
 
200,000
 
5.44%
 
05/06/15
 
200,000
 
Line of Credit
10,900
 
12,045
 
Variable Bank Rate
 
02/14/11
 
10,900
40,000
 
$2,796,821
 
$2,700,980
             

(1)   
Dolphin, Fairlane, and Twelve Oaks are the borrowers and collateral for the $550 million revolving credit facility. The unused borrowing capacity at December 31, 2008 was $321 million. Sublimits may be reallocated quarterly but not more often than twice a year. The facility has a one year extension option.
(2)  
Stated interest rate is swapped to an effective rate of 5.01%. The loan has two one-year extension options.

Notes payable are collateralized by properties with a net book value of $2.5 billion at December 31, 2008 and $2.3 billion at December 31, 2007.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 includes a $1.0 million charge for the write-off of financing costs related to the refinancing of the loan on Dolphin Mall (Dolphin) prior to maturity and a $2.1 million charge from the write-off of financing costs related to the pay-off of the loans on The Shops at Willow Bend (Willow Bend) prior to their maturity date.

The following table presents scheduled principal payments on notes payable as of December 31, 2008:

2009
  $ 14,433  
2010
    213,838  
2011
    648,489 (1)
2012
    11,413  
2013
    134,802  
Thereafter
    1,773,846  
    $ 2,796,821  

(1) Includes $229 million with a one year extension option and $325 million with two one-year extension options.

Debt Covenants and Guarantees

Certain loan agreements contain various restrictive covenants, including a minimum net worth requirement, a maximum payout ratio on distributions, a minimum debt yield ratio, a maximum leverage ratio, minimum interest coverage ratios and a minimum fixed charges coverage ratio, the latter being the most restrictive. The Operating Partnership is in compliance with all of its covenants as of December 31, 2008. The maximum payout ratio on distributions covenant limits the payment of distributions generally to 95% of funds from operations, as defined in the loan agreements, except as required to maintain the Company's tax status, pay preferred distributions, and for distributions related to the sale of certain assets.

Payments of principal and interest on the loans in the following table are guaranteed by the Operating Partnership as of December 31, 2008.

 
 
 
 
Center
 
 
Loan balance as of 12/31/08
   
TRG's
beneficial interest in loan balance as
of 12/31/08
   
Amount of loan balance guaranteed by TRG as of 12/31/08
   
% of loan
balance
guaranteed
by TRG
   
 
% of interest guaranteed by TRG
 
  (in millions of dollars)
Dolphin Mall
    139.0       139.0       139.0       100 %     100 %
Fairlane Town Center
    80.0       80.0       80.0       100 %     100 %
Twelve Oaks Mall
    10.0       10.0       10.0       100 %     100 %

The Operating Partnership has also guaranteed certain obligations of Partridge Creek, which is encumbered by a $72.8 million recourse construction loan (Note 2).

The Company is required to escrow cash balances for specific uses stipulated by its lenders. As of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company’s cash balances restricted for these uses were $2.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Such amounts are included within cash and cash equivalents in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Beneficial Interest in Debt and Interest Expense

The Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the debt, capital lease obligations, capitalized interest, and interest expense of its consolidated subsidiaries and its Unconsolidated Joint Ventures is summarized in the following table. The Operating Partnership's beneficial interest in the consolidated subsidiaries excludes debt and interest related to the minority interests in Cherry Creek (50%), International Plaza (49.9%), The Pier Shops (22.5% as of April 2007, Note 2), The Mall at Wellington Green (10%), and MacArthur Center (5%). The Operating Partnership’s beneficial interest in the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, prior to April 2007, excludes The Pier Shops.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

 
At 100%
 
At Beneficial Interest
   
 
 
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
 
Unconsolidated
Joint
Ventures
 
 
Consolidated
Subsidiaries
 
Unconsolidated
Joint
Ventures
   
Debt as of:
                 
December 31, 2008
$2,796,821
 
$1,103,903
 
$2,437,590
 
$566,437
   
December 31, 2007
2,700,980
 
1,003,463
 
2,416,292
 
517,228
   
                   
Capital lease obligations as of:
                 
December 31, 2008
$2,474
 
$167
 
$2,467
 
$84
   
December 31, 2007
5,521
 
504
 
5,507
 
252
   
                   
Capitalized interest:
                 
Year ended December 31, 2008
$7,972
 
$139
 
$7,819
 
$101
   
Year ended December 31, 2007
14,613
 
496
 
14,518
 
125
   
                   
Interest expense:
                 
Year ended December 31, 2008
$147,397
 
$65,002
 
$127,769
 
$33,777
   
Year ended December 31, 2007
131,700
 
66,232
 
$117,385
 
$33,311
   

Note 10 - Derivatives

The Company uses derivative instruments primarily to manage exposure to interest rate risks inherent in variable rate debt and refinancings. The Company routinely uses cap, swap, and treasury lock agreements to meet these objectives. None of the Company’s derivatives are designated as fair value hedges. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and were entered into to manage the Company’s exposure to interest rate movements and other identified risks, but do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements of FASB Statement No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

In March 2008, Fair Oaks, a 50% owned unconsolidated joint venture, entered into a $250 million forward starting swap to hedge interest rate risk associated with a $250 million financing in April 2008. The rate on this financing is swapped at an all-in rate, which includes credit spread, of 4.56% for the initial three-year term of the debt. The swap agreement has been designated, and is expected to be effective, as a cash flow hedge of the interest payments on the new debt. Changes in fair value of the swap agreement at each balance sheet date during the term of the agreement are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income.

In December 2007, the Company entered into a $325 million forward starting swap to hedge interest rate risk associated with a $325 million financing at International Plaza in January 2008. The rate on this financing is swapped at an all-in rate, which includes credit spread, of 5.375% for the initial three-year term of the debt. The swap agreement has been designated, and is expected to be effective, as a cash flow hedge of the interest payments on the new debt. Changes in fair value of the swap agreement at each balance sheet date during the term of the agreement are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income.

In 2006, the Operating Partnership entered into three forward starting swaps for $150 million to partially hedge interest rate risk associated with a planned long-term refinancing of International Plaza in January 2008. The Operating Partnership terminated the swaps in September 2007. As the swaps were no longer effective as hedges of the planned refinancing, the Operating Partnership recognized its $0.2 million share of the $0.4 million gain on the termination, included in “Gains on land sales and other nonoperating income” within results of operations.

The following table presents the effect that derivative instruments had on interest expense and equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures during the three years ended December 31, 2008:

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Receipts under swap and cap agreements
  $ (482 )   $ (69 )   $ (121 )
Payments under swap agreements
    3,785                  
Adjustment of accumulated other comprehensive income for amounts
recognized in net income
    1,260       1,261       1,391  
Change in fair value of cap agreements not designated as hedges
            8       59  
Net reduction to income
  $ 4,563     $ 1,200     $ 1,329  



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $5.1 million of net realized losses included in Accumulated OCI, related to terminated derivative instruments, that are being recognized as interest expense over the term of the hedged debt, as follows:

Hedged Items
OCI Amounts
 
Recognition Period
Beverly Center refinancing
$3,027
 
January 2004 through December 2013
Regency Square financing
795
 
November 2001 through October 2011
Westfarms refinancing
1,314
 
July 2002 through July 2012
 
$ 5,136
   

As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $23.2 million of net unrealized losses included in Accumulated OCI that will be recognized as interest expense over the effective periods of the derivative agreements, as follows:

Hedged Items
OCI Amounts
 
Effective Period
Fair Oaks refinancing
$4,236
 
April 2008 through March 2011
International Plaza refinancing
17,188
 
January 2008 through December 2010
Taubman Land Associates financing
1,738
 
January 2007 through October 2012
 
$ 23,162
   

The Company expects that approximately $8.8 million of the $29.8 million in Accumulated OCI at December 31, 2008 will be reclassified from Accumulated OCI and recognized as a reduction of income during 2009.

Note 11 - Leases

Shopping center space is leased to tenants and certain anchors pursuant to lease agreements. Tenant leases typically provide for minimum rent, percentage rent, and other charges to cover certain operating costs. Future minimum rent under operating leases in effect at December 31, 2008 for operating centers, assuming no new or renegotiated leases or option extensions on anchor agreements, is summarized as follows:

2009
$     331,270
2010
316,961
2011
283,714
2012
248,010
2013
223,779
Thereafter
775,041

Certain shopping centers, as lessees, have ground leases expiring at various dates through the year 2107. In addition, two centers have the option to extend the lease terms, one for five 10 year periods, and the other for one 25 year period. Ground rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. The Company also leases its office facilities and certain equipment. Office facility leases expire at various dates through the year 2015. Additionally, two of the leases have 5 year extension options and one lease has a 3 year extension option. The Company’s U.S. headquarters is rented from an affiliate of the Taubman family under a 10 year lease, with a 5 year extension option. Rental expense on a straight-line basis under operating leases was $10.8 million in 2008, $9.5 million in 2007, and $8.3 million in 2006. Included in these amounts are related party office rental expense of $2.3 million in 2008, $2.2 million in 2007 and $2.3 million in 2006. Payables representing straightline rent adjustments under lease agreements were $32.7 million and $31.5 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases:

2009
$    10,532
2010
10,443
2011
8,116
2012
7,542
2013
7,587
Thereafter
395,896


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The table above includes $2.4 million in 2009, $2.5 million in 2010 and $2.6 million in each year from 2011 through 2014 of related party amounts.

Certain shopping centers have entered into lease agreements for property improvements that qualify as capital leases. As of December 31, 2008, future minimum lease payments for these capital leases are as follows:

2009
  $ 1,855  
2010
    620  
2011
    155  
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 2,630  
Less amount representing interest
    (156 )
Capital lease obligations
  $ 2,474  

Note 12 - Transactions with Affiliates

The Taubman Company LLC (the Manager), which is 99% beneficially owned by the Operating Partnership, provides property management, leasing, development, and other administrative services to the Company, the shopping centers, Taubman affiliates, and other third parties. Accounts receivable from related parties include amounts due from Unconsolidated Joint Ventures or other affiliates of the Company, primarily relating to services performed by the Manager. These receivables include certain amounts due to the Manager related to reimbursement of third party (non-affiliated) costs.

A. Alfred Taubman and certain of his affiliates receive various management services from the Manager. For such services, Mr. Taubman and affiliates paid the Manager approximately $2.2 million, $2.1 million, and $1.9 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

Other related party transactions are described in Notes 1, 6, 11, 13, and 15.

Note 13 – Share-Based Compensation and Other Employee Plans

In May 2008, the Company’s shareowners approved The Taubman Company 2008 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (2008 Omnibus Plan). The 2008 Omnibus Plan provides for the award to directors, officers, employees, and other service providers of the Company of restricted shares, restricted units of limited partnership in the Operating Partnership, options to purchase shares or Operating Partnership units, unrestricted Shares or Operating Partnership units, and other awards to acquire up to an aggregate of 6,100,000 Company common shares or Operating Partnership units, of which 6,098,558 were available as of December 31, 2008. The Company anticipates that all future grants of share-based compensation will be made under the 2008 Omnibus Plan. In addition, non-employee directors have the option to defer their compensation, other than their meeting fees, under a deferred compensation plan.

Prior to the adoption of the 2008 Omnibus Plan, the Company provided share-based compensation through an incentive option plan, a long-term incentive plan, and non-employee directors' stock grant and deferred compensation plans.

The compensation cost charged to income for its share-based compensation plans was $7.6 million, $6.8 million, and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. Compensation cost capitalized as part of properties and deferred leasing costs was $0.9 million, $0.8 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.

The Company currently recognizes no tax benefits from the recognition of compensation cost or tax deductions incurred upon the exercise or vesting of share-based awards. Any allocations of compensation cost or deduction to the Company’s corporate taxable REIT subsidiaries from the Company's Manager, which is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, have resulted in a valuation allowance being recorded against its net deferred tax asset associated with the temporary differences related to share-based compensation. This is primarily due to prior year cumulative tax net operating losses incurred through the year ended December 31, 2008.



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Incentive Options

The Company’s incentive option plan (the Option Plan), which was shareowner approved, permitted the grant of options to employees. The Operating Partnership's units issued in connection with the Option Plan are exchangeable for new shares of the Company's common stock under the Continuing Offer (Note 15). Options for 1.4 million partnership units have been granted and are outstanding at December 31, 2008. Of the 1.4 million options outstanding, 0.9 million have vesting schedules with one-third vesting at each of the first, second, and third years of the grant anniversary, if continuous service has been provided or upon retirement or certain other events if earlier. Substantially all of the other 0.5 million options outstanding have vesting schedules with one-third vesting at each of the third, fifth, and seventh years of the grant anniversary, if continuous service has been provided and certain conditions dependent on the Company’s market performance in comparison to its competitors have been met, or upon retirement or certain events if earlier. The options have ten-year contractual terms.

The Company has estimated the value of the options issued during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 using a Black-Scholes valuation model based on the following assumptions:

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Expected volatility
    24.33 %     20.76 %     20.87%-21.14 %
Expected dividend yield
    3.50 %     3.00 %     3.50 %
Expected term (in years)
    6       7       7  
Risk-free interest rate
    3.08 %     4.45 %     4.74%-5.08 %
Weighted average grant-date fair value
    $9.31       $11.77       $8.11  

Expected volatility and dividend yields are based on historical volatility and yields of the Company’s common stock, respectively, as well as other factors. In developing the assumption of expected term, the Company has considered the vesting and contractual terms as required by the simplified method of developing expected term assumptions. The risk-free interest rates used are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curves in effect at the times of grants. The Company assumes no forfeitures under the Option Plan due to the small number of participants and low turnover rate.

A summary of option activity under the Option Plan for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 is presented below:

   
 
Number
of Options
   
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
   
Range of Exercise
Prices
 
                         
Outstanding at January 1, 2006
    852,139       $30.13      
9.2
      $29.38 - $31.31  
Granted
    263,237       40.37                  
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    1,115,376       $32.55      
8.5
      $29.38 - $40.39  
Granted
    226,875       55.90                  
Exercised
    (11,605 )     31.31                  
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    1,330,646       $36.54      
7.8
      $29.38 - $55.90  
Granted
    230,567       50.65                  
Exercised
    (210,736 )     31.55                  
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    1,350,477       $39.73      
7.2
      $29.38 - $55.90  
                                 
Fully vested options at December 31, 2008
    490,927       $37.05      
6.8 
         

There were 434,220 options that vested during the year ended December 31, 2008.

The aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the period end stock price and the option exercise price) of options outstanding and options fully vested as of December 31, 2008 were both zero due to the stock price being lower than the options’ exercise prices.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $4.1 million, $0.3 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises under the Option Plan for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $6.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively. No options were exercised in 2006.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

As of December 31, 2008 there were 0.9 million nonvested options outstanding, and $2.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

Under the Option Plan, vested unit options can be exercised by tendering mature units with a market value equal to the exercise price of the unit options. In 2002, Robert S. Taubman, the Company’s chief executive officer, exercised options for 3.0 million units by tendering 2.1 million mature units and deferring receipt of 0.9 million units under the unit option deferral election. As the Company declares distributions, the deferred option units receive their proportionate share of the distributions in the form of cash payments. These deferred option units will remain in a deferred compensation account until Mr. Taubman's retirement or ten years from the date of exercise. Beginning with the ten year anniversary of the date of exercise, the deferred partnership units will be paid in ten annual installments.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

The Taubman Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) was shareowner approved. The LTIP allowed the Company to make grants of restricted stock units (RSU) to employees. There were RSU for 0.3 million shares outstanding at December 31, 2008. Each RSU represents the right to receive upon vesting one share of the Company’s common stock plus a cash payment equal to the aggregate cash dividends that would have been paid on such share of common stock from the date of grant of the award to the vesting date. Each RSU is valued at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

A summary of activity under the LTIP is presented below:

   
Restricted Stock Units
   
Weighted average
Grant Date Fair Value
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2006
    138,904       31.31  
Granted
    131,698       40.38  
Forfeited
    (4,999 )     33.84  
Redeemed
    (3,918 )     33.53  
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    261,685       35.79  
Granted
    102,905       56.54  
Forfeited
    (5,621 )     43.71  
Redeemed
    (672 )     34.93  
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    358,297       41.63  
Granted
    121,037       50.65  
Forfeited
    (8,256 )     48.69  
Redeemed
    (136,200 )     32.15  
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    334,878       48.57  

These RSU vest on the third year anniversary of the grant if continuous service has been provided for that period, or upon retirement or certain other events if earlier. Based on an analysis of historical employee turnover, the Company has made an annual forfeiture assumption of 2.4% of grants when recognizing compensation costs relating to the RSU.

All of the RSU outstanding at December 31, 2008 were nonvested. As of December 31, 2008, there was $6.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested RSU outstanding under the LTIP. This cost is expected to be recognized over an average period of 1.8 years.

Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Grant and Deferred Compensation Plans

The Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Grant Plan (SGP), which was shareowner approved, provided for the annual grant to each non-employee director of the Company shares of the Company’s common stock based on the fair value of the Company's common stock on the last business day of the preceding quarter. Quarterly grants beginning in July of 2008 were made under the 2008 Omnibus Plan. The annual fair market value of the grant was $50,000 in 2008 and 2007, and $15,000 in 2006. As of December 31, 2008, 2,875 shares have been issued under the SGP and 506 shares have been issued under the 2008 Omnibus Plan. Certain directors have elected to defer receipt of their shares as described below.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP), which was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, allows each non-employee director of the Company the right to defer the receipt of all or a portion of his or her annual director retainer until the termination of his or her service on the Company’s Board of Directors and for such deferred compensation to be denominated in restricted stock units, representing the right to receive shares of the Company’s common stock at the end of the deferral period. During the deferral period, when the Company pays cash dividends on its common stock, the directors’ deferral accounts will be credited with dividend equivalents on their deferred restricted stock units, payable in additional restricted stock units based on the then-fair market value of the Company’s common stock. There were 24,296 restricted stock units outstanding under the DCP at December 31, 2008.

Other Employee Plans

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 the Company had fully vested awards outstanding for 82,718 and 79,760 notional shares of stock, respectively, under a previous long-term performance compensation plan. These awards will be settled in cash based on a twenty day average of the market value of the Company's common stock. The liability for the eventual payout of these awards is marked to market quarterly based on the twenty day average of the Company's stock price. The Company recorded compensation costs of $(1.9) million, $0.2 million, and $1.1 million relating to these awards for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The Company paid $0.5 million of this deferred liability in 2006. No payments were made in 2007 and 2008. The majority of the awards were paid out in early 2009, leaving awards for 16,392 notional shares of stock remaining.

The Company has a voluntary retirement savings plan established in 1983 and amended and restated effective January 1, 2001 (the Plan). The Plan is qualified in accordance with Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). The Company contributes an amount equal to 2% of the qualified wages of all qualified employees and matches employee contributions in excess of 2% up to 7% of qualified wages. In addition, the Company may make discretionary contributions within the limits prescribed by the Plan and imposed in the Code. The Company’s contributions and costs relating to the Plan were $2.0 million in 2008, $1.9 million in 2007, and $1.7 million in 2006.

Note 14 - Common and Preferred Stock and Equity of TRG

Outstanding Preferred Stock and Equity

The Company is obligated to issue to the minority interest, upon subscription, one share of Series B Non-Participating Convertible Preferred Stock (Series B Preferred Stock) for each of the Operating Partnership units held by the minority interest. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to the Company's shareowners. The holders of Series B Preferred Stock, voting as a class, have the right to designate up to four nominees for election as directors of the Company. On all other matters, including the election of directors, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock will vote with the holders of common stock. The holders of Series B Preferred Stock are not entitled to dividends or earnings of the Company. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into common stock at a ratio of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one share of common stock. During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, 95,000 shares, 1,589,662 shares, and 1,061,343 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, were converted to 4 shares, 104 shares, and 71 shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, as a result of tenders of units under the Continuing Offer (Note 15).

The Operating Partnership’s $30 million 8.2% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Partnership Equity (Series F Preferred Equity) is owned by institutional investors, and has no stated maturity, sinking fund, or mandatory redemption requirements. The Company, beginning in May 2009 can redeem the Series F Preferred Equity. The holders of Series F Preferred Equity have the right, beginning in 2014, to exchange $100 in liquidation value of such equity for one share of Series F Preferred Stock. The terms of the Series F Preferred Stock are substantially similar to those of the Series F Preferred Equity. The Series F Preferred Stock is non-voting.

The 8.0% Series G Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series G Preferred Stock), which was issued in 2004, has no stated maturity, sinking fund, or mandatory redemption requirements and is not convertible into any other security of the Company. The Series G Preferred Stock has liquidation preferences of $100 million ($25 per share). Dividends are cumulative and are payable in arrears on or before the last day of each calendar quarter. All accrued dividends have been paid. The Series G Preferred Stock will be redeemable by the Company at $25 per share, plus accrued dividends, beginning in November 2009. The Company owns corresponding Series G Preferred Equity interests in the Operating Partnership that entitle the Company to income and distributions (in the form of guaranteed payments) in amounts equal to the dividends payable on the Company's Series G Preferred Stock. The Series G Preferred Stock is non-voting.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The $87 million 7.625% Series H Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series H Preferred Stock), which was issued in 2005, has no stated maturity, sinking fund, or mandatory redemption requirements and are not convertible into any other security of the Company. Dividends are cumulative and are payable in arrears on or before the last day of each calendar quarter. All accrued dividends have been paid. The Series H Preferred Stock will be redeemable by the Company at $25 per share (par), plus accrued dividends, beginning in July 2010. The Company owns corresponding Series H Preferred Equity interests in the Operating Partnership that entitle the Company to income and distributions (in the form of guaranteed payments) in amounts equal to the dividends payable on the Company’s Series H Preferred Stock. The Series H Preferred Stock is non-voting.

Redemption of Preferred Stock and Equity

In May 2006, the Company redeemed the remaining $113 million of its 8.3% Series A Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred Stock). Emerging Issues Task Force Topic D-42, “The Effect on the Calculation of Earnings Per Share for the Redemption or Induced Conversion of Preferred Stock,” provides that any excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred to the holders of preferred stock redeemed over the carrying amount of the preferred stock should be subtracted from net earnings to determine net earnings available to common shareowners. As a result of application of Topic D-42, the Company recognized a charge of $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2006, representing the difference between the carrying value and the redemption price of the Series A Preferred Stock.

This Series A Preferred Stock was redeemed with the proceeds of a $113 million private preferred stock issuance, the Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (Series I Preferred Stock). The Series I Preferred Stock paid dividends at a floating rate equal to 3-month LIBOR plus 1.25%, an effective rate of 6.4225% for the period the shares were outstanding. The Company redeemed the Series I Preferred Stock on June 30, 2006, using available cash. The Company recognized a charge of $0.6 million at that time, representing the difference between the carrying value, which includes original issuance costs, and the redemption price of the Series I Preferred Stock.

Common Stock and Equity

In July 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $100 million of the Company’s common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. During August 2007, the Company repurchased 987,180 shares of its common stock at an average price of $50.65 per share, for a total of $50 million under the authorization. During May and June 2007, the Company repurchased 923,364 shares of its common stock on the open market at an average price of $54.15 per share, for a total of $50 million, the maximum amount permitted under the program approved by the Board of Directors in December 2005. All shares repurchased have been cancelled. For each share of stock repurchased, an equal number of Operating Partnership units owned by the Company were redeemed. Repurchases of common stock were financed through general corporate funds, including borrowings under existing lines of credit. As of December 31, 2008, $50 million remained of the July 2007 authorization.

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies

At the time of the Company's initial public offering and acquisition of its partnership interest in the Operating Partnership in 1992, the Company entered into an agreement (the Cash Tender Agreement) with A. Alfred Taubman, who owns an interest in the Operating Partnership, whereby he has the annual right to tender to the Company units of partnership interest in the Operating Partnership (provided that the aggregate value is at least $50 million) and cause the Company to purchase the tendered interests at a purchase price based on a market valuation of the Company on the trading date immediately preceding the date of the tender. At A. Alfred Taubman's election, his family and certain others may participate in tenders. The Company will have the option to pay for these interests from available cash, borrowed funds, or from the proceeds of an offering of the Company's common stock. Generally, the Company expects to finance these purchases through the sale of new shares of its stock. The tendering partner will bear all market risk if the market price at closing is less than the purchase price and will bear the costs of sale. Any proceeds of the offering in excess of the purchase price will be for the sole benefit of the Company. The Company accounts for the Cash Tender Agreement between the Company and Mr. Taubman as a freestanding written put option. As the option put price is defined by the current market price of the Company's stock at the time of tender, the fair value of the written option defined by the Cash Tender Agreement is considered to be zero.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Based on a market value at December 31, 2008 of $25.46 per common share, the aggregate value of interests in the Operating Partnership that may be tendered under the Cash Tender Agreement was approximately $647 million. The purchase of these interests at December 31, 2008 would have resulted in the Company owning an additional 32% interest in the Operating Partnership.

The Company has made a continuing, irrevocable offer to all present holders (other than certain excluded holders, including A. Alfred Taubman), assignees of all present holders, those future holders of partnership interests in the Operating Partnership as the Company may, in its sole discretion, agree to include in the continuing offer, and all existing optionees under the Option Plan all existing and future optionees under the 2008 Omnibus Plan to exchange shares of common stock for partnership interests in the Operating Partnership (the Continuing Offer). Under the Continuing Offer agreement, one unit of the Operating Partnership interest is exchangeable for one share of the Company's common stock. Upon a tender of Operating Partnership units, the corresponding shares of Series B Preferred Stock, if any, will automatically be converted into the Company’s common stock at a rate of 14,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for one common share.

The disposition of Woodland in 2005 by one of the Company's Unconsolidated Joint Ventures was structured in a tax efficient manner to facilitate the investment of the Company's share of the sales proceeds in a like-kind exchange in accordance with Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder. The structuring of the disposition has included the continued existence and operation of the partnership that previously owned the shopping center. In connection with the disposition, the Company entered into a tax indemnification agreement with the Woodland joint venture partner, a life insurance company. Under this tax indemnification agreement, the Company has agreed to indemnify the joint venture partner in the event an unfavorable tax determination is received as a result of the structuring of the sale in the tax efficient manner described. The maximum amount that the Company could be required to pay under the indemnification is equal to the taxes incurred by the joint venture partner as a result of the unfavorable tax determination by the IRS or the state of Michigan within their respective three and four year statutory assessment limitation periods, in excess of those that would have otherwise been due if the Unconsolidated Joint Venture had sold Woodland, distributed the cash sales proceeds, and liquidated the owning entities. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the maximum amount of the indemnity, as the Company is not privy to or does not have knowledge of its joint venture partner's tax basis or tax attributes in the Woodland entities or its life insurance-related assets. However, the Company believes that the probability of having to perform under the tax indemnification agreement is remote. The Company and the Woodland joint venture partner have also indemnified each other for their shares of costs or revenues of operating or selling the shopping center in the event additional costs or revenues are subsequently identified.

In November 2007, three developers of a project called Blue Back Square (BBS) in West Hartford, Connecticut, filed a lawsuit in the Connecticut Superior Court, Judicial District of Hartford at Hartford (Case No. CV-07-5014613-S) against the Company, the Westfarms Unconsolidated Joint Venture, and its partners and its subsidiary, alleging that the defendants (i) filed or sponsored vexatious legal proceedings and abused legal process in an attempt to thwart the development of the competing BBS project, (ii) interfered with contractual relationships with certain tenants of BBS, and (iii) violated Connecticut fair trade law. The lawsuit alleges damages in excess of $30 million and seeks double and treble damages and punitive damages. Also in early November 2007, the Town of West Hartford and the West Hartford Town Council filed a substantially similar lawsuit against the same entities in the same court (Case No. CV-07-5014596-S). The second lawsuit did not specify any particular amount of damages but similarly requests double and treble damages and punitive damages. The lawsuits are in their early legal stages and the Company is vigorously defending both. The outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with any certainty and management is currently unable to estimate an amount or range of potential loss that could result if an unfavorable outcome occurs. While management does not believe that an adverse outcome in either lawsuit would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, there can be no assurance that an adverse outcome would not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations for any particular period.

See Note 1 regarding the put option held by the noncontrolling member in Taubman Asia, Note 5 regarding the Company's Oyster Bay project, Note 9 for the Operating Partnership's guarantees of certain notes payable and other obligations, and Note 13 for obligations under existing share-based compensation plans.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Note 16 - Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding for the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of potential common stock. Potential common stock includes outstanding partnership units exchangeable for common shares under the Continuing Offer (Note 15), outstanding options for units of partnership interest under the Option Plan, RSU under the LTIP and Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (Note 13), and unissued partnership units under unit option deferral election. In computing the potentially dilutive effect of potential common stock, partnership units are assumed to be exchanged for common shares under the Continuing Offer, increasing the weighted average number of shares outstanding. The potentially dilutive effects of partnership units outstanding and/or issuable under the unit option deferral elections are calculated using the if-converted method, while the effects of other potential common stock are calculated using the treasury stock method.

As of December 31, 2008, there were 8.8 million partnership units outstanding and 0.9 million unissued partnership units under unit option deferral elections, that may be exchanged for common shares of the Company under the Continuing Offer (Note 15). These outstanding partnership units and unissued units were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive in all periods presented. These outstanding units and unissued units could only be dilutive to earnings per share if the minority interests' ownership share of the Operating Partnership's income was greater than their share of distributions. Potentially dilutive securities under share based compensation plans (Note 13) were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2008 because they were anti-dilutive due to the net loss in 2008.


   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners (Numerator)
  $ (86,659 )   $ 48,490     $ 21,394  
                         
Shares (Denominator) – basic
    52,866,050       52,969,067       52,661,024  
Effect of dilutive securities
            652,950       318,429  
Shares (Denominator) – diluted
    52,866,050       53,622,017       52,979,453  
                         
Earnings (loss) per common share:
                       
 Basic
  $ (1.64 )   $ 0.92     $ 0.41  
 Diluted
  $ (1.64 )   $ 0.90     $ 0.40  

Note 17 – Fair Value Disclosures

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

The fair value of mortgage notes and other notes payable is estimated based on quoted market prices, if available. If no quoted market prices are available, the fair value of mortgages and other notes payable are estimated using cash flows discounted at current market rates. When selecting discount rates for purposes of estimating the fair value of mortgage and other notes, in 2007 the Company employed the credit spreads at which the debt was originally issued. The December 31, 2008 fair value includes an additional 2% credit spread to account for current market conditions. This additional spread is an estimate and is not necessarily indicative of what the Company could obtain in the market at the reporting date. The Company does not believe that the use of different interest rate assumptions would have resulted in a materially different fair value of mortgage and other notes payable as of December 31, 2008 or 2007. To further assist financial statement users, the Company has included with its fair value disclosures an analysis of interest rate sensitivity.

See (Note 5) regarding the fair value of CDD assessment bonds.


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

The fair value of interest rate hedging instruments is the amount that the Company would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the reporting date. The Company’s valuation of its derivative instruments are determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative and therefore fall into level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The valuation reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including forward curves. To comply with the provisions of SFAS 157 in the December 31, 2008 fair value measurement of interest rate hedging instruments, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk.

The Company's valuation of marketable securities, which are considered to be available-for-sale, and an insurance deposit utilize unadjusted quoted prices determined by active markets for the specific securities the Company has invested in, and therefore fall into Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.

The estimated fair values of notes payable at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are as follows:

 
2008
 
2007
 
Carrying Value
Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Notes payable
$2,796,821
$2,871,252
 
$2,700,980
$2,791,341

The fair value of the notes payable are dependent on the interest rates employed used in estimating the value (Note 1). An overall 1% increase in rates employed in making these estimates would have decreased the fair value of the debt shown above by $112 million, or 3.9%.

For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, quantitative disclosure of the fair value for each major category of assets and liabilities is presented below:

   
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31 , 2008 Using
 
Description
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Available-for-sale securities
  $ 4,351        
Insurance deposit
    8,957        
Derivative assets
          $ 217  
Total assets
  $ 13,308     $ 217  
                 
Derivative interest rate instruments liabilities (Note 10)
          $ (17,188)  
Total liabilities
          $ (16,971)  

The insurance deposit shown above represents an escrow account maintained in connection with a property and casualty insurance arrangement for the Company’s shopping centers, and is classified within Deferred Charges and Other Assets. A corresponding deferred revenue relating to amounts billed to tenants for this arrangement has been classified within Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities.

The Company has one delinquent land contract receivable with a book value of $1.0 million as of December 31, 2008. The original maturity of this note was July 2007. The fair value of the land, which was determined by using observable market data including comparable parcels of land in similar locations, serves as collateral and is at least equal to the book value of the receivable.

The carrying and fair values of derivative interest rate instruments were both $1.1 million at December 31, 2007.



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Note 18 - Cash Flow Disclosures and Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities

Interest paid in 2008, 2007, and 2006, net of amounts capitalized of $8.0 million, $14.6 million, and $9.8 million, respectively, approximated $144.3 million, $126.0 million, and $119.8 million, respectively. The following non-cash investing and financing activities occurred during 2008, 2007, and 2006:

 
2008
2007
2006
Non-cash additions to properties
$14,820
$61,131
 
$24,051
 
Additions to capital lease obligations
 
2,138
     

Non-cash additions to properties primarily represent accrued construction and tenant allowance costs of new centers and development projects. Additionally, consolidated assets and liabilities increased upon consolidation of the accounts of The Pier Shops in 2007 (Note 2) and Cherry Creek in 2006 (Note 1).

Note 19 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for 2008 and 2007:

 
2008 (1)
 
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
 
Revenues
$157,417
$160,412
$163,713
$189,956
 
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
9,234
8,491
11,289
6,342
 
Income (loss) before minority and preferred interests
23,516
21,414
27,836
(80,818
 )
Net income (loss)
8,205
4,032
12,855
(97,117
 )
Net income (loss) allocable to common shareowners
4,547
373
9,197
(100,776
 )
Basic and Diluted earnings per common share -
 
 
     
Net income (loss)
$  0.09
$ 0.01
$ 0.17
$ (1.90
 )

 
2007
 
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
 
Revenues
$145,026
$152,274
$150,653
$178,869
Equity in income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures
8,186
9,239
11,275
11,798
Income before minority and preferred interests
26,550
26,002
25,461
38,223
Net income
14,056
12,493
11,507
25,068
Net income allocable to common shareowners
10,398
8,834
7,849
21,409
Basic earnings per common share -
       
Net income
$ 0.19
$ 0.17
$ 0.15
$ 0.41
Diluted earnings per common share -
       
Net income
$ 0.19
$ 0.16
$ 0.15
$ 0.40

 
(1)
Amounts include the impairment charges recognized in the fourth quarter of 2008 of $117.9 million and $8.3 million related to the Company’s investment in its Oyster Bay and Sarasota projects, respectively (Notes 5 and 6).

Note 20 - New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2008, the FASB ratified Emerging Issue Task Force Issue No. 08-6, "Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations." EITF 08-6 addresses certain issues that arise from a company's application of the equity method under Opinion 18 due to a change in accounting for business combinations and consolidated subsidiaries resulting from the issuance of Statement 141(R) and Statement 160. EITF 08-6 addresses issues regarding the initial carrying value of an equity method investment, tests of impairment performed by the investor over an investee's underlying assets, changes in ownership resulting from the issuance of shares by an investee, and changes in an investment from the equity method to the cost method. This Issue is effective and will be applied on a prospective basis in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, consistent with the effective dates of Statement 141(R) and Statement 160.



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161 “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” This Statement amends Statement No. 133 to provide additional information about how derivative and hedging activities affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The Statement requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivatives and hedging activities. Statement No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company anticipates the Statement will not have an effect on its results of operations or financial position as the Statement only provides for new disclosure requirements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160 "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51.” This Statement amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (previously referred to as a minority interest) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Statement No. 160 generally requires noncontrolling interests to be treated as a separate component of equity (not as a liability or other item outside of permanent equity) and consolidated net income and comprehensive income to include the noncontrolling interest’s share. The calculation of earnings per share will continue to be based on income amounts attributable to the parent. Statement No. 160 also establishes a single method of accounting for transactions that change a parent's ownership interest in a subsidiary by requiring that all such transactions be accounted for as equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest in the subsidiary. The Statement also amends certain of ARB 51's consolidation procedures for consistency with the requirements of FASB Statement No. 141 (Revised) "Business Combinations" and eliminates the requirement to apply purchase accounting to a parent’s acquisition of noncontrolling ownership interests in a subsidiary. Statement No. 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Except for certain presentation and disclosure requirements, Statement No. 160 will be applied on a prospective basis. In March 2008, the SEC announced revisions to EITF Topic No. D-98 "Classification and Measurement of Redeemable Securities" that provide interpretive guidance on the interaction between Topic No. D-98 and Statement No. 160.

Upon the Company's adoption of Statement No. 160 on January 1, 2009, the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership and certain consolidated joint ventures will no longer need to be carried at zero balances in the Company’s balance sheet. As a result, the income allocated to these noncontrolling interests will no longer be required to be equal, at a minimum, to the share of distributions, which will result in a material increase to the Company’s net income. See Note 1 regarding current accounting for minority interests.

Also in December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (Revised) "Business Combinations.” This Statement establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, and any goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase. This Statement requires most identifiable assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests, and goodwill acquired in a business combination to be recorded at “full fair value.” Statement No. 141 (Revised) also requires most acquisition related costs to be separately identified and expensed . Statement No. 141 (Revised) must be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements.” This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement applies to accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, except for share-based payments transactions under FASB Statement No. 123 (Revised) “Share-Based Payment.” This Statement was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, except for non-financial assets and liabilities, for which this Statement will be effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The deferral to this Statement applies to all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities including but not limited to initial measurements of fair value of: nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities in a business combination or other new basis event, asset retirement obligations, and nonfinancial liabilities for exit or disposal activities, as well as impairment assessments of nonfinancial long lived assets and goodwill. This Statement does not require any new fair value measurements or remeasurements of previously reported fair values. The Company will account for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities under this Standard beginning on January 1, 2009.



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)

Note 21 - Subsequent Events

In January 2009, in response to the decreased level of active projects due to the downturn in the economy, the Company reduced its workforce by about 40 positions, primarily in areas that directly or indirectly affect its development initiatives in the U.S. and Asia. A restructuring charge of approximately $2.6 million will be recorded in the first quarter of 2009, which primarily represents the cost of terminations of personnel. The majority of the restructuring costs will be paid during the first quarter of 2009.


Schedule II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006
(in thousands)


         
Additions
                 
   
Balance at
beginning of year
   
Charged to costs
and expenses
 
Charged to
other accounts
 
Write-offs
   
Transfers, net
   
Balance at
end of year
 
Year ended December 31, 2008
                               
Allowance for doubtful receivables
  $ 6,694     $ 6,088       $ (2,887 )         $ 9,895  
                                         
Year ended December 31, 2007
                                       
Allowance for doubtful receivables
  $ 7,581     $ 1,830       $ (3,423 )   $ 706 (1)   $ 6,694  
                                           
Year ended December 31, 2006
                                         
Allowance for doubtful receivables
  $ 5,497     $ 5,110       $ (3,055 )   $ 29 (2)   $ 7,581  

(1)  
Represents the transfer in of The Pier Shops. Prior to April 13, 2007, the Company accounted for its interest in The Pier Shops under the equity method.
(2)  
Represents the transfer in of Cherry Creek. Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for its interest in Cherry Creek under the equity method.

See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.



TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.                                                             Schedule III
        REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
     December 31, 2008
   (in thousands)

 
Initial Cost
to Company
     
Gross Amount at Which
Carried at Close of Period
                 
 
Land
 
Buildings, Improvements, and Equipment
 
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
 
Land
 
BI&E
 
Total
 
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)
 
Total Cost Net of A/D
 
Encumbrances
 
Date of Completion of Construction
or Acquisition
Depreciable Life
Shopping Centers:
                                       
Beverly Center, Los Angeles, CA
   
$209,093
 
$   56,430
     
$265,523
 
$265,523
 
$119,914
 
$145,609
 
$333,736
 
1982
40 Years
Cherry Creek Shopping Center,
Denver, CO
   
 
99,260
 
 
110,371
 
 
 
 
209,631
 
 
209,631
 
 
100,424
 
 
109,207
 
 
280,000
 
 
1990
 
40 Years
Dolphin Mall, Miami, FL
$34,881
 
238,252
 
43,545
 
$34,881
 
281,797
 
316,678
 
63,877
 
252,801
 
139,000 (1)
 
2001
50 Years
Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn, MI
17,330
 
104,668
 
45,857
 
17,330
 
150,525
 
167,855
 
54,306
 
113,549
 
80,000 (1)
 
1996
40 Years
Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills, MI
15,506
 
194,093
 
24,870
 
15,506
 
218,963
 
234,469
 
87,561
 
146,908
 
137,877
 
1998
50 Years
International Plaza, Tampa, FL
   
308,648
 
11,962
 
 
 
320,610
 
320,610
 
79,144
 
241,466
 
325,000
 
2001
50 Years
MacArthur Center, Norfolk, VA
   
145,768
 
13,946
     
159,714
 
159,714
 
46,055
 
113,659
 
132,500
 
1999
50 Years
Northlake Mall, Charlotte, NC
22,540
 
147,756
 
2,291
 
22,540
 
150,047
 
172,587
 
32,111
 
140,476
 
215,500
 
2005
50 Years
The Mall at Partridge Creek,
Clinton Township, MI
 
14,098
 
 
122,974
 
 
12,766
 
 
14,098
 
 
135,740
 
 
149,838
 
 
11,176
 
 
138,662
 
 
72,791
 
 
2007
 
50 Years
The Pier Shops at Caesars,
Atlantic City, NJ
   
 
176,835
         
 
176,835
 
 
176,835
 
 
15,806
 
 
161,029
 
 
135,000
 
 
2006
 
50 Years
Regency Square, Richmond, VA
18,635
 
101,600
 
10,148
 
18,635
 
111,748
 
130,383
 
41,711
 
88,672
 
75,388
 
1997
40 Years
The Mall at Short Hills, Short Hills, NJ
25,114
 
168,004
 
119,982
 
25,114
 
287,986
 
313,100
 
122,562
 
190,538
 
540,000
 
1980
40 Years
Stony Point Fashion Park, Richmond, VA
10,677
 
98,365
 
890
 
10,677
 
99,255
 
109,932
 
30,834
 
79,098
 
108,884
 
2003
50 Years
Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi, MI
25,410
 
191,185
 
74,780
 
25,410
 
265,965
 
291,375
 
88,235
 
203,140
 
10,000
 (1)
1977
50 Years
The Mall at Wellington Green,
Wellington, FL
 
18,967
 
 
191,698
 
 
9,452
 
 
21,439
 
 
198,678
 
 
220,117
 
 
62,496
 
 
157,621
 
 
200,000
 
 
2001
 
50 Years
The Shops at Willow Bend, Plano, TX
26,192
 
229,058
 
9,262
 
26,192
 
238,320
 
264,512
 
60,642
 
203,870
     
2001
50 Years
Other:
   
 
                                 
Office Facilities
       
28,180
     
28,180
 
28,180
 
14,522
 
13,658
         
Peripheral Land
27,633
         
27,633
     
27,633
     
27,633
         
Construction in Process and
Development Pre-Construction Costs
   
 
61,573
 (3)
 
10,650
     
 
72,223
 
 
72,223
     
 
72,223
         
Assets under CDD obligations
4,164
 
61,411
     
4,164
 
61,411
 
65,575
 
17,518
 
48,057
         
Other
   
2,710
         
2,710
 
2,710
 
732
 
1,978
         
Total
$ 261,147
 
$ 2,852,951
 
$ 585,382
 
$ 263,619
 
$3,435,861
 
$3,699,480
  (2)
$ 1,049,626
 
$ 2,649,854
         

The changes in total real estate assets and accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 are as follows:

   
Total Real
Estate Assets
   
Total Real
Estate Assets
   
Total Real Estate Assets
     
Accumulated Depreciation
   
Accumulated Depreciation
   
Accumulated Depreciation (6)
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
     
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 3,781,136     $ 3,398,122     $ 3,081,324  
Balance, beginning of year
  $ (933,275 )   $ (821,384 )   $ (651,665 )
New development and improvements
    58,259       229,199       151,428  
Depreciation for year
    (138,741 )     (128,358 )     (128,488 )
Disposals/Write-offs
    (136,579 ) (3)     (23,179 )     (39,672 )
Disposals/Write-offs
    22,425       23,179       39,195  
Transfers In/(Out)
    (3,336 )     176,994 (4)     205,042 (5)
Transfers In/(Out)
    (35 )     (6,712 ) (4)     (80,426 ) (5)
Balance, end of year
  $ 3,699,480     $ 3,781,136     $ 3,398,122  
Balance, end of year
  $ (1,049,626 )   $ (933,275 )   $ (821,384 )

(1)   
These centers are collateral for the Company’s $550 million line of credit. Borrowings under the line of credit are primary obligations of the entities owning these centers.
(2)  
The unaudited aggregate costs for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2008 was $3.664 billion.
(3)  
Primarily includes the write-off of certain Oyster Bay costs. In 2008, the Company recognized a $117.9 million impairment charge on the Oyster Bay project.  The remaining  balance of  $39.8 million as of December 31, 2008 is included in development pre-construction costs.
(4)  
Includes costs related to The Pier Shops at Caesars, which became a consolidated center in 2007.
(5)  
Includes costs related to Cherry Creek Shopping Center, which became a consolidated center in 2006.
(6)  
Does not include depreciation of assets recoverable from tenants.

 See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

   
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
     
Date: February 24, 2009
By:
/s/ Robert S. Taubman                                                               
   
Robert S. Taubman, Chairman of the Board, President,
and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
Title
Date
     
/s/ Robert S. Taubman
Chairman of the Board, President,
February 24, 2009
Robert S. Taubman
Chief Executive Officer, and Director
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
     
/s/ Lisa A. Payne
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial
February 24, 2009
Lisa A. Payne
Officer, and Director (Principal Financial Officer)
 
     
/s/ William S. Taubman
Chief Operating Officer,
February 24, 2009
William S. Taubman
and Director
 
     
/s/ Esther R. Blum
Senior Vice President, Controller, and
February 24, 2009
Esther R. Blum
Chief Accounting Officer
 
     
*
Director
February  24, 2009
Graham Allison
   
     
*
Director
February  24, 2009
Jerome A. Chazen
   
     
*
Director
February  24, 2009
Craig M. Hatkoff
   
     
*
Director
February  24, 2009
Peter Karmanos, Jr.
   
     
*
Director
February  24, 2009
William U. Parfet
   
     
*
Director
February  24, 2009
Ronald W. Tysoe
   


*By:
/s/ Lisa A. Payne
 
Lisa A. Payne,
as Attorney-in-Fact



 



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number

3(a)
--
Restated By-Laws of Taubman Centers, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 filed with the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005).
 
       
3(b)
--
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Taubman Centers, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 filed with the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006).
 
       
4(a)
--
Loan Agreement dated as of January 15, 2004 among La Cienega Associates, as Borrower, Column Financial, Inc., as Lender (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 ("2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q")).
 
       
4(b)
--
Assignment of Leases and Rents, La Cienega Associates, Assignor, and Column Financial, Inc., Assignee, dated as of January 15, 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 filed with the 2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q).
 
       
4(c)
--
Leasehold Deed of Trust, with Assignment of Leases and Rents, Fixture Filing, and Security Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2004, from La Cienega Associates, Borrower, to Commonwealth Land Title Company, Trustee, for the benefit of Column Financial, Inc., Lender (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 filed with the 2004 First Quarter Form 10-Q).
 
       
4(d)
--
Amended and Restated Promissory Note A-1, dated December 14, 2005, by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
 
       
4(e)
--
Amended and Restated Promissory Note A-2, dated December 14, 2005, by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
 
       
4(f)
--
Amended and Restated Promissory Note A-3, dated December 14, 2005, by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
 
     
4(g)
--
Amended and Restated Mortgage, Security Agreement and Fixture Filings, dated December 14, 2005 by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
     
4(h)
--
Amended and Restated Assignment of Leases, dated December 14, 2005, by Short Hills Associates L.L.C. to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 16, 2005).
     
4(i)
--
Second Amended and Restated Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and among Dolphin Mall Associates Limited Partnership, Fairlane Town Center LLC and Twelve Oaks Mall, LLC, as Borrowers, Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent and Lead Arranger, and the various lenders and agents on the signature pages thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
     
4(j)
--
Third Amended and Restated Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Security Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Dolphin Mall Associates Limited Partnership and Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).

 
 

 


4(k)
--
Second Amended and Restated Mortgage, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Fairlane Town Center LLC and Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
     
4(l)
--
Second Amended and Restated Mortgage, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and between Twelve Oaks Mall, LLC and Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
     
4(m)
--
Guaranty of Payment, dated as of November 1, 2007, by and among The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, Fairlane Town Center LLC and Twelve Oaks Mall, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2007).
 
       
4(n)
--
Loan Agreement dated January 8, 2008, by and between Tampa Westshore Associates Limited Partnership and Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Joint Lead Arranger and Joint Book Runner and the various lenders and agents on the signature pages thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008).
 
       
4(o)
--
Amended and Restated Leasehold Mortgage, Security Agreement and Financing Statement dated January 8, 2008, by Tampa Westshore Associates Limited Partnership, in favor of Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008).
 
       
4(p)
--
Assignment of Leases and Rents dated January 8, 2008, by Tampa Westshore Associates Limited Partnership, in favor of Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008).
 
       
4(q)
--
Carveout Guaranty dated January 8, 2008, by The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership to and for the benefit of Eurohypo AG, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 2008).
 
       
*10(a)
--
The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Option Plan, as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997).
 
       
*10(b)
--
First Amendment to The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Option Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997, effective January 1, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (“2001 Form 10-K”)).
 
       
*10(c)
--
Second Amendment to The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (“2004 Form 10-K”)).
 
       
*10(d)
--
Third Amendment to The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(d) filed with the 2004 Form 10-K).
 
       
*10(e)
--
Fourth Amendment to The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated Effective as of September 30, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007).
 

 
 

 


*10(f)
--
The Form of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership 1992 Incentive Option Plan Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(e) filed with the 2004 Form 10-K).
     
10(g)
--
Master Services Agreement between The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership and the Manager (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(f) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992).
     
10(h)
--
Amended and Restated Cash Tender Agreement among Taubman Centers, Inc., The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, and A. Alfred Taubman, A. Alfred Taubman, acting not individually but as Trustee of the A. Alfred Taubman Restated Revocable Trust, and TRA Partners, (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 (a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000 (“2000 Second Quarter Form 10-Q”)).
     
*10(i)
--
Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(i) filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994).
     
*10(j)
--
The Taubman Company Long-Term Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 (c) filed with the 2000 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
     
*10(k)
--
First Amendment to the Taubman Company Long-Term Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000)(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(m) filed with the 2004 Form 10-K).
     
*10(l)
--
Second Amendment to the Taubman Company Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan (as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000)(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(n) filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005).
     
*10(m)
--
The Taubman Company 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to the Form DEF14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 5, 2005).
     
*10(n)
--
Employment Agreement between The Taubman Company Limited Partnership and Lisa A. Payne (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997).
     
*10(o)
--
Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement, dated December 18, 2008, by and among the Company, Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, and Lisa A. Payne (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(p)
--
Form of Amended and Restated Change of Control Employment Agreement, dated December 18, 2008 (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
10(q)
--
Second Amended and Restated Continuing Offer, dated as of May 16, 2000. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 (b) filed with the 2000 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
     
10(r)
--
The Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership dated September 30, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated September 30, 1998).
     
10(s)
--
Annex II to Second Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(p) filed with Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999).

 
 

 


10(t)
--
Annex III to The Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated as of May 27, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) filed with the 2004 Second Quarter Form 10-Q).
 
     
10(u)
--
Second Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership effective as of September 3, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999).
     
10(v)
--
Third Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated May 2, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
     
10(w)
--
Fourth Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated December 31, 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(x) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003).
     
10(x)
--
Fifth Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated February 1, 2005 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2005).
     
10(y)
--
Sixth Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated March 29, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006).
     
10(z)
--
Seventh Amendment to the Second Amendment and Restatement of Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, dated December 14, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(z) filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007).
     
10(aa)
--
Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement dated as of October 30, 2001 among Taub-Co Management, Inc., The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, The A. Alfred Taubman Restated Revocable Trust, and Taub-Co Holdings LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(q) filed with the 2001 Form 10-K).
     
*10(ab)
--
The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership and The Taubman Company LLC Election and Option Deferral Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(r) filed with the 2001 Form 10-K).
 
     
10(ac)
--
Operating Agreement of Taubman Land Associates, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, dated October 20, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(ab) filed with the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (“2006 Form 10-K”)).
 
       
10(ad)
--
Amended and Restated Agreement of Partnership of Sunvalley Associates, a California general partnership (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Amended Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2002).
 
       
*10(ae)
--
Summary of Compensation for the Board of Directors of Taubman Centers, Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(ae) filed with the 2006 Form 10-K).
 
       
*10(af)
--
The Form of The Taubman Company Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2005).
 
       
*10(ag)
--
The Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2005).
 

 
 

 


*10(ah)
--
The Form of The Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 filed with the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 18, 2005).
     
*10(ai)
--
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Taubman Properties Asia LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(a) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).
     
*10(aj)
--
Employment Agreement between The Taubman Company Asia Limited and Morgan Parker (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(b) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).
     
*10(ak)
--
First Amendment to the Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(c) filed with the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008).
     
*10(al)
--
The Taubman Company 2008 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the Commission on April 15, 2008).
     
*10(am)
--
Letter Agreement regarding the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Taubman Properties Asia LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, dated November 25, 2008.
     
*10(an)
--
Second Amendment to the Master Services Agreement between The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership and the Manager, dated December 23, 2008.
     
*10(ao)
--
Summary of modification to the Employment Agreement between The Taubman Company Asia Limited and Morgan Parker.
     
*10(ap)
--
Form of Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan Amendment Agreement (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(aq)
--
First Amendment to The Taubman Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, dated December 12, 2008 (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(ar)
--
Amendment to The Taubman Centers, Inc. Change of Control Severance Program, dated December 12, 2008 (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(as)
--
Form of The Taubman Company Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan Amendment Agreement (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
*10(at)
--
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated December 22, 2008, for Lisa A. Payne (revised for Code Section 409A compliance).
     
 *10(au)  --  First Amendment to the Master Service Agreement between The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership and the Manager, dated September 30, 1998.
     
12
--
Statement Re: Computation of Taubman Centers, Inc. Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends.
     
21
--
Subsidiaries of Taubman Centers, Inc.
     
23
--
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
     
24
--
Powers of Attorney.
     
31(a)
--
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 10A, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31(b)
--
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 10A, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32(a)
--
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32(b)
--
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99(a)
--
Debt Maturity Schedule.
     
99(b)
--
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Schedule of the Unconsolidated Joint Ventures of The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership.
     
     
     

*
A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed.


 
 

 


AMENDED AND RESTATED
CHANGE OF CONTROL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Taubman Centers, Inc., a Michigan   corporation (together with its successors, “ Taubman ”), The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (together with its successors, “ TRG ”) and Lisa A. Payne (“ Executive ”) previously entered into a Change of Control Employment Agreement on July 17, 2006 (the “ Original Agreement ”).  Taubman, TRG and the Executive now amend and restate the Original Agreement in this document, effective December 18, 2008, to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (“ Code Section 409A ”).  The amendment and restatement of the Original Agreement as set forth in this document is the “ Agreement .”  This Agreement replaces and supersedes any prior change of control agreement between Taubman and the Executive.
 
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Taubman (“ Board ”), has determined that it is in the best interests of Taubman and its stockholders   to assure that the Company (as defined below) will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined herein).  The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control and to encourage the Executive’s full attention and dedication to the current Company in the event of any threatened or pending Change of Control, and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon a Change of Control that ensure that the Executive’s compensation and benefits expectations will be satisfied and such compensation and benefits are competitive with those of other corporations.  Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused Taubman to enter into this Agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
 
Section 1.                                 Certain Definitions .
 
(a)  
Affiliated Company ” means any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with Taubman.
 
(b)  
Change of Control ” means the first to occur of any of the following events:
 
(1)  
The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“ Exchange Act ”)) other than an Existing Shareholder (“ Person ”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 33% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of Taubman (“ Outstanding Taubman Common Stock ”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of Taubman entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“ Outstanding Taubman Voting Securities ”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this Section 1(b), the following acquisitions will not constitute a Change of Control:  (i) any acquisition directly from Taubman; (ii) any acquisition by Taubman; (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Taubman or any Affiliated Company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections 1(b)(3)(A), 1(b)(3)(B) and 1(b)(3)(C) of this Agreement.
 
(2)  
Any time at which individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (“ Incumbent Board ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by Taubman’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board will be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.
 
(3)  
Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving Taubman or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Taubman, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by Taubman or any of its subsidiaries (each, “ Business Combination ”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Taubman Common Stock and the Outstanding Taubman Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that, as a result of such transaction, owns Taubman or all or substantially all of Taubman’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Taubman Common Stock and the Outstanding Taubman Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Taubman or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 33% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination.
 
(4)  
Approval by the stockholders   of Taubman of a complete liquidation or dissolution of Taubman.
 
(5)  
Termination, non-renewal, material amendment or material modification of the Master Services Agreement between TRG and The Taubman Company LLC dated as of November 30, 1992, as amended through the date hereof or the Corporate Services Agreement between the Taubman and the Taubman Company LLC dated as of November 30, 1992, as amended through the date hereof, other than any such termination, non-renewal, amendment or modification which has been previously approved by a majority of the Independent Directors (as defined in Taubman’s Restated Articles of Incorporation) serving on the Incumbent Board.
 
(c)  
Company ” means Taubman and the Affiliated Companies.
 
(d)  
Coverage Period ” means the period commencing on the date this Agreement is executed and ending on the third anniversary of that date; provided, however, that, commencing on the date one year after the date this Agreement is executed, and on each annual anniversary of that date (such date and each annual anniversary thereof, “ Renewal Date ”), unless previously terminated, the Coverage Period will be automatically extended so as to terminate three years from such Renewal Date, unless, at least 60 days prior to the Renewal Date, Taubman gives notice to the Executive that the Coverage Period will not be so extended.
 
(e)  
Existing Shareholder ” means A. Alfred Taubman or any of his issue or any of his or their respective descendants, heirs, beneficiaries or donees or any trust, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity if substantially all of the economic interests in such entity are held by or for the benefit of such persons.
 
(f)  
Qualification Date ” means the first date during the Coverage Period on which a Change of Control occurs.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if a Change of Control occurs and if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change of Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (1) was at the request of a third party that has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change of Control, or (2) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control, then “Qualification Date” means the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.
 
(g)  
Termination of employment ”, and similar terms used in this Agreement that denote a termination of employment, means a “separation from service” as defined under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
Section 2.                                  Employment Period .   Taubman hereby agrees to continue, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to continue, the Executive in its employ, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the Qualification Date and ending on the third anniversary of the Qualification Date (“ Employment Period ”).  The Employment Period will terminate upon the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason.
 

2147736.3│120408
 
 

 

Section 3.                                 Terms of Employment .
 
(a)  
Position and Duties
 
(1)  
During the Employment Period, (A) the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities will be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date and (B) the Executive’s services will be performed at the office where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Qualification Date or at any other location less than 35 miles from such office.
 
(2)  
During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities.  During the Employment Period, it will not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions or (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement.  It is expressly understood and agreed that, to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Qualification Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Qualification Date will not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities to the Company.
 
(b)  
Compensation and Benefits
 
(1)  
Base Salary .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will receive an annual base salary (“ Annual Base Salary ”) at an annual rate at least equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary paid or payable, including any base salary that has been earned but deferred, to the Executive by the Company in respect of the 12-month period immediately preceding the month in which the Qualification Date occurs.  The Annual Base Salary will be paid at such intervals as the Company pays executive salaries generally.  During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary will be reviewed for increase, but not decrease, at least annually, beginning no more than 12 months after the last salary increase awarded to the Executive prior to the Qualification Date.  Any increase in the Annual Base Salary will not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement.  The Annual Base Salary will not be reduced after any such increase and the term “Annual Base Salary” will refer to the Annual Base Salary as so increased.
 
(2)  
Annual Bonus .   In addition to the Annual Base Salary, the Executive will be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Period, an annual bonus (“ Annual Bonus ”) in cash at least equal to the Executive’s highest bonus earned under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plans, or any comparable bonus under any predecessor or successor plan, for the last three full fiscal years prior to the Qualification Date (or for such lesser number of full fiscal years prior to the Qualification Date for which the Executive was eligible to earn such a bonus, and annualized in the case of any bonus earned for a partial fiscal year) (“ Recent Annual Bonus ”).  (If the Executive has not been eligible to earn such a bonus for any period prior to the Qualification Date, “Recent Annual Bonus” means the Executive’s target annual bonus for the year in which the Qualification Date occurs.)  Each such Annual Bonus will be paid in a lump sum in cash between the first day of the first month of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded and the last day of the third month of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded, unless the Executive elects to defer the receipt of such Annual Bonus pursuant to the terms of an applicable nonqualified deferred compensation plan in which the Executive is currently a participant or in which the Executive in future becomes a participant.
 
(3)  
Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to participate in all cash incentive, equity incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies, and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company, but in no event will such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Executive with incentive (but not savings or retirement) opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided by the Company for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date.  Notwithstanding any provision in any plan or award agreement to the contrary, effective as of the Qualification Date, each and every stock option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award and other equity-based award held by the Executive that is outstanding as of the Change of Control, and that is not considered to be a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A, will immediately vest and, if applicable, become exercisable; any stock option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award and other equity-based award held by the Executive that is outstanding as of the Change of Control, and that is considered to be a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A, will vest and, if applicable, become exercisable or payable only as provided in its governing plan document or award and shall not be subject to the terms of this Plan.
 
(4)  
Welfare Benefit Plans .   During the Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as the case may be, will be eligible for participation in and will receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company.
 
(5)  
Expenses .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the most favorable policies, practices and procedures of the Company in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company; provided, however, that any expense reimbursement under this Section 3(b)(5) will be made no later than before the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an expense was incurred, will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
(6)  
Fringe Benefits .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to fringe benefits, including, without limitation, tax and financial planning services, payment of club dues, and, if applicable, use of an automobile and payment of related expenses, in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs and policies of the Company in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company; provided, however, that any payment or other reimbursement under this Section 3(b)(6) will be made no later than before the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an expense was incurred, will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
(7)  
Office and Support Staff .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to exclusive personal secretarial and other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the foregoing provided to the Executive by the Company at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company.
 
(8)  
Vacation .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company as in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company.
 

2147736.3│120408                                                                    
 
 

 

Section 4.                                 Termination of Employment .
 
(a)  
Death or Disability.   The Executive’s employment will terminate automatically if the Executive dies during the Employment Period.  If Taubman determines in good faith that a Disability (as defined herein) of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability), it may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 11(b) of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment.  In such event, the Executive’s employment with the Company will terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (“ Disability Effective Date ”), provided   that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive has not returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties.  “ Disability ” means the absence of the Executive from the Executive’s duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness that is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative.
 
(b)  
Cause .  The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period with or without Cause.  “ Cause ” means:
 
(1)  
the willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform substantially the Executive’s duties (as contemplated by Section 3(a)(1)(A)) with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following the Executive’s delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of Taubman that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of Taubman believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties; or
 
(2)  
the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct, or gross misconduct, that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.
 
For purposes of this Section 4(b), no act, or failure to act, on the part of the Executive will be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.  Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or on the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of Taubman or a senior officer of Taubman or based on the advice of counsel for the Company will be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.  The cessation of employment of the Executive will not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board (excluding the Executive, if the Executive is a member of the Board) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel for the Executive, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in Section 4(b)(1) or 4(b)(2), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
 
(c)  
Good Reason.   The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Executive voluntarily without Good Reason.  “ Good Reason ” means:
 
(1)  
the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3(a), or any other diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities (whether or not occurring solely as a result of Taubman’s ceasing to be a publicly-traded entity), excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
 
(2)  
any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Section 3(b), other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
 
(3)  
the Company’s requiring the Executive (A) to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(B), (B) to be based at a location other than the principal executive offices of the Company if the Executive was employed at such location immediately preceding the Qualification Date, or (C) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Qualification Date; or
 
(4)  
any failure by Taubman to comply with and satisfy Section 10(c).
 
For purposes of this Section 4(c), any good faith determination of Good Reason made by the Executive will be conclusive.  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, a termination by the Executive for any reason pursuant to a Notice of Termination given during the 90-day period immediately following the Qualification Date (“ Window Period Termination ”) will be deemed to be a termination for Good Reason for all purposes of this Agreement.  The Executive’s mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (5) will not affect the Executive’s ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.
 
(d)  
Notice of Termination.   Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, will be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 11(b).  “ Notice of Termination ” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination will be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice).  The failure by Taubman or the Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Cause or Good Reason will not waive any right of Taubman or the Executive, respectively, hereunder or preclude Taubman or the Executive, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Taubman’s or the Executive’s respective rights hereunder.
 
(e)  
Date of Termination.   “ Date of Termination ” means:  (1) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be more than 30 days after the giving of such notice), as the case may be; (2) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by Taubman other than for Cause or Disability, the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination; (3) if the Executive resigns without Good Reason, the date on which the Executive notifies the Company of such termination; or (4) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be.
 
Section 5.                                 Obligations of the Company Upon Termination .
 
(a)  
Good Reason or Other Than for Cause, Death, or Disability.   If, during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment other than for Cause, death or Disability or the Executive terminates employment for Good Reason:
 
(1)  
Taubman will pay, or will cause one of the Affiliated Companies to pay, to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination, the aggregate of the following amounts:
 
A.  
The sum of:  (i) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid; (ii) the Executive’s business expenses that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 3(b)(5) but have not been reimbursed by the Company as of the Date of Termination; (iii) the Executive’s Annual Bonus for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs if such bonus has not been paid as of the Date of Termination; (iv) the product of (A) the higher of (I) the Recent Annual Bonus and (II) the Annual Bonus paid or payable, including any bonus or portion thereof that has been earned but deferred (and annualized for any fiscal year consisting of less than 12 full months or during which the Executive was employed for less than 12 full months), for the most recently completed fiscal year during the Employment Period, if any (such higher amount, the “ Highest Annual Bonus ”) and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is 365; (v) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and that is not considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A; (vi) and any accrued vacation pay, in each case, to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi), “ Accrued Obligations ”); and
 
B.  
In the case of a Window Period Termination, the amount equal to the product of (i) two and (ii) the sum of (A) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary and (B) the Executive’s target bonus under the Senior Short Term Incentive Plan or any successor plan for the year in which the Date of Termination occurs, or, in any case other than a Window Period Termination, the amount equal to the product of (i) two and one-half (2.5)   and (ii) the sum of (A) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary and (B) the Highest Annual Bonus.
 
(2)  
Other than in the event of a Window Period Termination, for 30 months after the Executive’s Date of Termination, or such longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, the Company will continue medical and other welfare benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and their families; provided, however, that, if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive comparable benefits under another employer-provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein will terminate.  For purposes of determining eligibility (but not the time of commencement of benefits) of the Executive for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, the Executive will be considered to have remained employed until three years after the Date of Termination and to have retired on the last day of such period.  Any Company cost for any medical or other welfare benefits provided under the preceding sentences of this Section 5(a)(2) will be paid on a monthly basis, and the Executive will pay any employee or retiree share of the cost of any such benefits on a monthly basis.  Any medical or other welfare benefit provided for under the preceding sentences of this Section 5(a)(2) that provides for a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A because it does not meet the exemption requirements under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(B) or (D), will be made or reimbursed on or before the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an expense was incurred, will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
(3)  
Other than in the event of a Window Period Termination, Taubman will provide, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide, the Executive with outplacement benefits through the services of an independent outplacement consulting firm selected by Taubman, at prevailing rates, during the 12-month period following the Date of Termination.
 
(4)  
To the extent not theretofore paid or provided, Taubman will timely pay or provide, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to timely pay or provide, to the Executive any Other Benefits (as defined in Section 6).
 
(b)  
Death.   If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during the Employment Period, Taubman will provide, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide, to the Executive’s beneficiary provided to Taubman in writing (“ Beneficiary ”) or, in the event the Executive has no living Beneficiary or has not identified a Beneficiary, the Executive’s estate, the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery of the Other Benefits, and will have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.  The Accrued Obligations will be paid to the Executive’s Beneficiary or estate, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.  With respect to the provision of the Other Benefits, the term “ Other Benefits ” as utilized in this Section 5(b) includes, without limitation, and the Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries will be entitled to receive, benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by the Company to the estates and beneficiaries of peer executives of the Company under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to death benefits, if any, as in effect with respect to other peer executives and their beneficiaries at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive’s estate and/or the Executive’s beneficiaries, as in effect on the date of the Executive’s death with respect to other peer executives of the Company and their beneficiaries; provided, however, that the additional Other Benefits specified in the preceding clauses of this sentence will not include any benefits that are considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A.
 
(c)  
Disability.   If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company by reason of the Executive’s Disability during the Employment Period, Taubman will provide, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide, the Executive with the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery of the Other Benefits, and will have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.  The Accrued Obligations will be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.  With respect to the provision of the Other Benefits, the term “ Other Benefits ” as utilized in this Section 5(c) includes, and the Executive will be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those generally provided by the Company to disabled executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect generally with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as in effect at any time thereafter generally with respect to other peer executives of the Company and their families; provided, however, that the additional Other Benefits specified in the preceding clauses of this sentence will not include any benefits that are considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A.
 
(d)  
Cause or Other Than For Good Reason.   If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause during the Employment Period, Taubman will provide to the Executive, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide to Executive, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination:  (1) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination; (2) the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive and that is not considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A; (3) any accrued vacation pay; (4) the Executive’s business expenses that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 3(b)(5) but have not been reimbursed by the Company as of the Date of Termination; and (5) the Other Benefits, in each case, to the extent theretofore unpaid, and will have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.  If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason, Taubman will provide to the Executive, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide to the Executive, the Accrued Obligations, and the timely payment or delivery of Other Benefits, and will have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.  In such case, all the Accrued Obligations will be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.
 
(e)  
Six-Month Payment Delay.   Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, for any payment under this Agreement that is considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A and that is made on account of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive is a ‘specified employee’ as determined under the default rules under Code Section 409A on the date of her termination of employment, the payment will be made on the day next following the date that is the six-month anniversary of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death; any payments that would have been paid prior to the six-month anniversary will be accrued and paid on the six-month anniversary plus one day payment date specified above.
 
Section 6.                                  Non-Exclusivity of Rights .   Nothing in this Agreement will prevent or limit the Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company and for which the Executive may qualify, nor, subject to Section 11(f), will anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any other contract or agreement with the Company.  Amounts that are vested benefits or that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any other contract or agreement with Taubman or any of the Affiliated Companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination (“ Other Benefits ”) will be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive receives payments and benefits pursuant to Section 5(a) of this Agreement, the Executive will not be entitled to any severance pay or benefits under any severance plan, program or policy of the Company (“ Other Severance Obligations ”), unless otherwise specifically provided therein in a specific reference to this Agreement; provided, however, that the preceding clause will not apply to the extent that any loss of entitlement to any Other Severance Obligations that are subject to Code Section 409A would constitute a substitution of any amount of such Other Severance Obligations by an amount payable under this Agreement, as determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(f).
 
Section 7                        Full Settlement; Legal Proceedings .
 
(a)  
Full Settlement.   Taubman’s obligation to make or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder will not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others.  In no event will the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts will not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
 
(b)  
Legal Proceedings.   Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement must be settled by arbitration, conducted at a location in Michigan or at such other location as the parties may mutually agree, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  The decision of the arbitrator(s) in that proceeding will be binding on all parties.  Taubman will pay, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to pay, as incurred (within 15 days following Taubman’s receipt of an invoice from the Executive), to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses that the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any dispute or controversy (regardless of the outcome thereof) by Taubman, any of the Affiliated Companies, the Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus, in each case, interest on any delayed payment at the applicable federal rate provided for in Code Section 7872(f)(2)(A); provided, however, that any reimbursements provided for under this sentence will not affect the fees or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
Section 8                       Possible Reduction; Gross-Up .
 
(a)  
Definitions Relating to this Section.   For purposes of this Section 8:  (1) “ Payment ” means any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise that would be considered payments contingent on a change in the ownership or effective control or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of Taubman, as described in Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code; (2) “ Separation Payment ” means a Payment paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement (disregarding this Section); (3) “ Present Value ” means such value determined in accordance with Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code; and (4) “ Reduced Amount ” means an amount expressed in Present Value that maximizes the aggregate Present Value of Separation Payments without causing any Payment to be nondeductible because of Section 280G of the Code.
 
(b)  
Accounting Firm.   Taubman will select, prior to any Change of Control, in its discretion, a nationally recognized accounting firm (“ Accounting Firm ”) to make the determinations contemplated by this Section 8.  All determinations made by the Accounting Firm under this Section 8 will be binding on Taubman and the Affiliated Companies and the Executive and will be made within 60 days of a termination of employment of the Executive, except as set forth in Section 8(e).  All determinations by the Accounting Firm under this Section 8 are made solely for calculating amounts payable under this Agreement and not for calculating the Executive’s tax liability for amounts paid under this Agreement or for advising the Executive as to such liability.
 
(c)  
Reduction or Gross-Up.   Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Accounting Firm determines that Payments to the Executive would equal or exceed 100%, but would not exceed 110%, of three times the Executive’s base amount, as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code (“ Base Amount ”), the aggregate Separation Payments will be reduced (but not below zero) to the Reduced Amount.  If, however, the Accounting Firm determines that Payments to the Executive would exceed 110% of three times the Executive’s Base Amount, Separation Payments will not be reduced and Taubman will pay the Executive an additional amount sufficient to pay the excise tax on the Payments imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (“ Excise Tax ”), plus the amount necessary to pay all of the Executive’s federal, state and local taxes arising from Taubman’s payments to the Executive pursuant to this sentence.  This is intended to be a full gross-up of the taxes owed by the Executive on account of the Excise Tax.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 8(c), the taxes gross-up will be paid by the Company to the Executive in cash in a single lump sum no later than the last day of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the taxes.
 
(d)  
Reduction Calculations.   If the Accounting Firm determines that aggregate Separation Payments should be reduced to the Reduced Amount, Taubman will promptly give the Executive notice to that effect and a copy of the detailed calculation thereof, and the Executive may then elect, in his or her sole discretion, which and how much of the Separation Payments will be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the Present Value of the aggregate Separation Payments equals the Reduced Amount), and will advise Taubman in writing of his or her election within ten days of his or her receipt of notice.  If no such election is made by the Executive within such ten-day period, Taubman may elect which of such Separation Payments will be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the Present Value of the aggregate Separation Payments equals the Reduced Amount) and will notify the Executive promptly of such election.  As promptly as practicable following such determination, Taubman will pay or distribute, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to pay or distribute, to or for the benefit of the Executive such Separation Payments as are then due to the Executive under this Agreement, and will promptly pay or distribute, or cause to be paid or distributed, to or for the benefit of the Executive in the future such Separation Payments as become due to the Executive under this Agreement, taking into account, in each case, the possible reduction or elimination of Separation Payments pursuant to the preceding provisions of this Section 8.
 
(e)  
Overpayment or Underpayment.   As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that amounts will have been paid or distributed to or for the benefit of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement that should not have been so paid or distributed (“ Overpayment ”) or that additional amounts which will have not been paid or distributed to or for the benefit of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement could have been so paid or distributed (“ Underpayment ”), in each case, consistent with the calculation of the Payments, Base Amount and Reduced Amount hereunder.  In the event that the Accounting Firm, based upon the assertion of a deficiency by the Internal Revenue Service against Taubman or any of the Affiliated Companies or the Executive that the Accounting Firm believes has a high probability of success, determines that an Overpayment has been made, any such Overpayment paid or distributed to or for the benefit of the Executive will be repaid by the Executive, together with interest at the applicable federal rate provided in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code; provided, however, that no such payment will be made by the Executive if and to the extent such payment would neither reduce the amount on which the Executive is subject to tax under Section 1 and Section 4999 of the Code nor generate a refund of such taxes.  In the event that the Accounting Firm, based on controlling precedent or substantial authority, determines that an Underpayment has occurred, any such Underpayment will be promptly paid to or for the benefit of the Executive together with interest at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code.
 
(f)  
Fees and Expenses.   All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm in implementing the provisions of this Section 8 will be borne by the Company.
 
(g)  
Tax Controversies .  In the event of any controversy with the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority with regard to the Excise Tax, the Executive will permit Taubman to control issues related to the Excise Tax, at its expense, provided that such issues do not materially adversely affect the Executive.  In the event issues are interrelated, the Executive and Taubman will cooperate in good faith so as to avoid jeopardizing resolution of either issue.  In the event of any conference with any taxing authority as to the Excise Tax or associated taxes, the Executive will permit a representative of Taubman to accompany the Executive, and the Executive and the Executive’s representative will cooperate with Taubman and its representative.
 
Section 9                       Protection of Company Interests .
 
(a)  
Confidentiality.   The Executive will hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to Taubman or any of the Affiliated Companies, and their respective businesses, which information, knowledge or data was obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment by the Company and which information, knowledge or data will not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement).  After termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive will not, without the prior written consent of Taubman or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those persons designated by the Company.  In no event will an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 9 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement.
 
(b)  
Release.   Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any payment to be made to the Executive under Section 5(a) of this Agreement is conditioned on the Executive signing a release agreement, on behalf of himself, his heirs, administrators, executors, agents, and assigns, that will forever release and discharge the Company and its agents from any and all charges, claims, demands, judgments, actions, causes of action, damages, expenses, costs, attorneys’ fees, and liabilities of any kind whatsoever related in any way to the Company’s employment of the Executive, whether known or unknown, vested or contingent, in law, equity or otherwise, that the Executive has ever had, now has, or may hereafter have against the Company or its agents for or on account of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever that has occurred prior to the date of the signing this Agreement.  The release will include, but not be not limited to:  all federal and state statutory and common law claims, claims related to employment or the termination of employment or related to breach of contract, tort, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, defamation, fraud, wages, or benefits, or claims for any form of equity or compensation.  This release will not include, however, release of any right of indemnification, or director or officer insurance protection, the Executive may have under this Agreement or for any liabilities and costs of defense arising from the Executive’s actions within the course and scope of employment with the Company.
 
Section 10                                 Successors .
 
(a)  
This Agreement is personal to the Executive, and, without the prior written consent of Taubman, will not be assignable by the Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s (or, in the event of the Executive’s death, the Executive’s Beneficiary’s) legal representatives.
 
(b)  
This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Taubman and its successors and assigns.  Except as provided in Section 10(c), without the prior written consent of the Executive this Agreement will not be assignable by Taubman.
 
(c)  
Each of Taubman and TRG will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of its business and/or assets to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that it would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  Any such successor is included in the definition of “Taubman” or “TRG.”
 
Section 11                                 Miscellaneous .
 
(a)  
This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.  The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and will have no force or effect.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
 
(b)  
All notices and other communications hereunder will be in writing and will be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
If to the Executive :
 
At the most recent address on file at the Company.
 
If to Taubman :
 
Taubman Centers, Inc.
200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
Attention:  General Counsel

If to TRG :
 
The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership
200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
Attention:  General Counsel

or to such other address as either party will have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith.  Notice and communications will be effective when actually received by the addressee.
 
(c)  
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
 
(d)  
Taubman may withhold or cause to be withheld from any amounts payable under this Agreement such United States federal, state, local, employment or foreign taxes as required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
 
(e)  
The Executive’s or Taubman’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or Taubman may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Sections 4(c)(1) through 4(c)(5), will not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
 
(f)  
The Executive, Taubman and TRG acknowledge that, except as may otherwise be provided under any other written agreement between the Executive and Taubman or any of the Affiliated Companies, the employment of the Executive by the Company is “at will” and, subject to Section 1(f), prior to the Qualification Date, the Executive’s employment may be terminated by either the Executive or the Company at any time prior to the Qualification Date, in which case the Executive will have no further rights under this Agreement.  From and after the Qualification Date, except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement will supersede any other agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including without limitation the Employment Agreement between The Taubman Company Limited Partnership, a Michigan Limited Partnership, and the Executive dated as of January 3, 1997 (the “ Other Agreements ”); provided, however, that the preceding clauses of this sentence will not apply to the extent that any such superseding effect would constitute a substitution of any payment under any Other Agreement that is considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A by an amount payable under this Agreement, as determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(f).
 
(g)  
The Executive acknowledges that the Company has not provided any advice to the Executive regarding the Executive’s potential or actual tax liabilities in connection with this Agreement and that the Company has advised the Executive to retain qualified tax counsel.
 
Section 12                                  Guarantee .   TRG hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally guarantees the payment of all compensation and benefits (“ Benefits ”) that Taubman or the Company is obligated to provide or cause to be provided to the Executive under this Agreement.  This is a guarantee of payment and not a collection, and is the primary obligation of TRG, and the Executive may enforce this guarantee against TRG without any prior enforcement of the obligation to make the Benefits against Taubman.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from the Board, Taubman and TRG have each caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.
 

 /s/ Lisa A. Payne                                                                                                         
Lisa A. Payne


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC. ,
a Michigan corporation

By: /s/ Chris B. Heaphy                                                                                                 

Its: Assistant Secretary


As guarantor of Taubman Centers, Inc.:

THE TAUBMAN REALTY GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ,
a Delaware limited partnership

By: /s/ Chris B. Heaphy                                                                                                   

Its Authorized Signatory

2147736.3│120408                                                                    
 
 

 



FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED
CHANGE OF CONTROL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Taubman Centers, Inc., a Michigan   corporation (together with its successors, “ Taubman ”), The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (together with its successors, “ TRG ”) and [_________] (“ Executive ”) previously entered into a Change of Control Employment Agreement on on [   ] [   ], 200[   ] (the “ Original Agreement ”).  Taubman, TRG and the Executive now amend and restate the Original Agreement in this document, effective December [___], 2008, to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (“ Code Section 409A ”).  The amendment and restatement of the Original Agreement as set forth in this document is the “ Agreement .”  This Agreement replaces and supersedes any prior change of control agreement between Taubman and the Executive.
 
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of Taubman (“ Board ”), has determined that it is in the best interests of Taubman and its stockholders   to assure that the Company (as defined below) will have the continued dedication of the Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined herein).  The Board believes it is imperative to diminish the inevitable distraction of the Executive by virtue of the personal uncertainties and risks created by a pending or threatened Change of Control and to encourage the Executive’s full attention and dedication to the current Company in the event of any threatened or pending Change of Control, and to provide the Executive with compensation and benefits arrangements upon a Change of Control that ensure that the Executive’s compensation and benefits expectations will be satisfied and such compensation and benefits are competitive with those of other corporations.  Therefore, in order to accomplish these objectives, the Board has caused Taubman to enter into this Agreement.
 
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
 
Section 1.                                 Certain Definitions .
 
(a)  
Affiliated Company ” means any company controlled by, controlling or under common control with Taubman.
 
(b)  
Change of Control ” means the first to occur of any of the following events:
 
(1)  
The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“ Exchange Act ”)) other than an Existing Shareholder (“ Person ”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 33% or more of either (A) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of Taubman (“ Outstanding Taubman Common Stock ”) or (B) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of Taubman entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (“ Outstanding Taubman Voting Securities ”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this Section 1(b), the following acquisitions will not constitute a Change of Control:  (i) any acquisition directly from Taubman; (ii) any acquisition by Taubman; (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by Taubman or any Affiliated Company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a transaction that complies with Sections 1(b)(3)(A), 1(b)(3)(B) and 1(b)(3)(C) of this Agreement.
 
(2)  
Any time at which individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (“ Incumbent Board ”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by Taubman’s stockholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board will be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.
 
(3)  
Consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar corporate transaction involving Taubman or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Taubman, or the acquisition of assets or stock of another entity by Taubman or any of its subsidiaries (each, “ Business Combination ”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (A) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Taubman Common Stock and the Outstanding Taubman Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation that, as a result of such transaction, owns Taubman or all or substantially all of Taubman’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Taubman Common Stock and the Outstanding Taubman Voting Securities, as the case may be, (B) no Person (excluding any corporation resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of Taubman or such corporation resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 33% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such corporation, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (C) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination.
 
(4)  
Approval by the stockholders   of Taubman of a complete liquidation or dissolution of Taubman.
 
(5)  
Termination, non-renewal, material amendment or material modification of the Master Services Agreement between TRG and The Taubman Company LLC dated as of November 30, 1992, as amended through the date hereof or the Corporate Services Agreement between the Taubman and the Taubman Company LLC dated as of November 30, 1992, as amended through the date hereof, other than any such termination, non-renewal, amendment or modification which has been previously approved by a majority of the Independent Directors (as defined in Taubman’s Restated Articles of Incorporation) serving on the Incumbent Board.
 
(c)  
Company ” means Taubman and the Affiliated Companies.
 
(d)  
Coverage Period ” means the period commencing on the date this Agreement is executed and ending on the third anniversary of that date; provided, however, that, commencing on the date one year after the date this Agreement is executed, and on each annual anniversary of that date (such date and each annual anniversary thereof, “ Renewal Date ”), unless previously terminated, the Coverage Period will be automatically extended so as to terminate three years from such Renewal Date, unless, at least 60 days prior to the Renewal Date, Taubman gives notice to the Executive that the Coverage Period will not be so extended.
 
(e)  
Existing Shareholder ” means A. Alfred Taubman or any of his issue or any of his or their respective descendants, heirs, beneficiaries or donees or any trust, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity if substantially all of the economic interests in such entity are held by or for the benefit of such persons.
 
(f)  
Qualification Date ” means the first date during the Coverage Period on which a Change of Control occurs.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if a Change of Control occurs and if the Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated prior to the date on which the Change of Control occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive that such termination of employment (1) was at the request of a third party that has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change of Control, or (2) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change of Control, then “Qualification Date” means the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of employment.
 
(g)  
Termination of employment ”, and similar terms used in this Agreement that denote a termination of employment, means a “separation from service” as defined under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h).
 
Section 2.                                  Employment Period .   Taubman hereby agrees to continue, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to continue, the Executive in its employ, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the period commencing on the Qualification Date and ending on the third anniversary of the Qualification Date (“ Employment Period ”).  The Employment Period will terminate upon the Executive’s termination of employment for any reason.
 
Section 3.                                 Terms of Employment .
 
(a)  
Position and Duties
 
(1)  
During the Employment Period, (A) the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties and responsibilities will be at least commensurate in all material respects with the most significant of those held, exercised and assigned at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date and (B) the Executive’s services will be performed at the office where the Executive was employed immediately preceding the Qualification Date or at any other location less than 35 miles from such office.
 
(2)  
During the Employment Period, and excluding any periods of vacation and sick leave to which the Executive is entitled, the Executive agrees to devote reasonable attention and time during normal business hours to the business and affairs of the Company and, to the extent necessary to discharge the responsibilities assigned to the Executive hereunder, to use the Executive’s reasonable best efforts to perform faithfully and efficiently such responsibilities.  During the Employment Period, it will not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (A) serve on corporate, civic or charitable boards or committees, (B) deliver lectures, fulfill speaking engagements or teach at educational institutions or (C) manage personal investments, so long as such activities do not significantly interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities as an employee of the Company in accordance with this Agreement.  It is expressly understood and agreed that, to the extent that any such activities have been conducted by the Executive prior to the Qualification Date, the continued conduct of such activities (or the conduct of activities similar in nature and scope thereto) subsequent to the Qualification Date will not thereafter be deemed to interfere with the performance of the Executive’s responsibilities to the Company.
 
(b)  
Compensation and Benefits
 
(1)  
Base Salary .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will receive an annual base salary (“ Annual Base Salary ”) at an annual rate at least equal to 12 times the highest monthly base salary paid or payable, including any base salary that has been earned but deferred, to the Executive by the Company in respect of the 12-month period immediately preceding the month in which the Qualification Date occurs.  The Annual Base Salary will be paid at such intervals as the Company pays executive salaries generally.  During the Employment Period, the Annual Base Salary will be reviewed for increase, but not decrease, at least annually, beginning no more than 12 months after the last salary increase awarded to the Executive prior to the Qualification Date.  Any increase in the Annual Base Salary will not serve to limit or reduce any other obligation to the Executive under this Agreement.  The Annual Base Salary will not be reduced after any such increase and the term “Annual Base Salary” will refer to the Annual Base Salary as so increased.
 
(2)  
Annual Bonus .   In addition to the Annual Base Salary, the Executive will be awarded, for each fiscal year ending during the Employment Period, an annual bonus (“ Annual Bonus ”) in cash at least equal to the Executive’s highest bonus earned under the Company’s Annual Incentive Plans, or any comparable bonus under any predecessor or successor plan, for the last three full fiscal years prior to the Qualification Date (or for such lesser number of full fiscal years prior to the Qualification Date for which the Executive was eligible to earn such a bonus, and annualized in the case of any bonus earned for a partial fiscal year) (“ Recent Annual Bonus ”).  (If the Executive has not been eligible to earn such a bonus for any period prior to the Qualification Date, “Recent Annual Bonus” means the Executive’s target annual bonus for the year in which the Qualification Date occurs.)  Each such Annual Bonus will be paid in a lump sum in cash between the first day of the first month of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded and the last day of the third month of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year for which the Annual Bonus is awarded, unless the Executive elects to defer the receipt of such Annual Bonus pursuant to the terms of an applicable nonqualified deferred compensation plan in which the Executive is currently a participant or in which the Executive in future becomes a participant.
 
(3)  
Incentive, Savings and Retirement Plans .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to participate in all cash incentive, equity incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies, and programs applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company, but in no event will such plans, practices, policies and programs provide the Executive with incentive (but not savings or retirement) opportunities (measured with respect to both regular and special incentive opportunities, to the extent, if any, that such distinction is applicable), less favorable, in the aggregate, than the most favorable of those provided by the Company for the Executive under such plans, practices, policies and programs as in effect at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date.  Notwithstanding any provision in any plan or award agreement to the contrary, effective as of the Qualification Date, each and every stock option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award and other equity-based award held by the Executive that is outstanding as of the Change of Control, and that is not considered to be a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A, will immediately vest and, if applicable, become exercisable; any stock option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award and other equity-based award held by the Executive that is outstanding as of the Change of Control, and that is considered to be a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A, will vest and, if applicable, become exercisable or payable only as provided in its governing plan document or award and shall not be subject to the terms of this Plan.
 
(4)  
Welfare Benefit Plans .   During the Employment Period, the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as the case may be, will be eligible for participation in and will receive all benefits under welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company (including, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the extent applicable generally to other peer executives of the Company.
 
(5)  
Expenses .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the most favorable policies, practices and procedures of the Company in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company; provided, however, that any expense reimbursement under this Section 3(b)(5) will be made no later than before the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an expense was incurred, will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
(6)  
Fringe Benefits .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to fringe benefits, including, without limitation, tax and financial planning services, payment of club dues, and, if applicable, use of an automobile and payment of related expenses, in accordance with the most favorable plans, practices, programs and policies of the Company in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company; provided, however, that any payment or other reimbursement under this Section 3(b)(6) will be made no later than before the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an expense was incurred, will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
(7)  
Office and Support Staff .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to an office or offices of a size and with furnishings and other appointments, and to exclusive personal secretarial and other assistance, at least equal to the most favorable of the foregoing provided to the Executive by the Company at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as provided generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company.
 
(8)  
Vacation .   During the Employment Period, the Executive will be entitled to paid vacation in accordance with the most favorable plans, policies, programs and practices of the Company as in effect for the Executive at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive, as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company.
 
Section 4.                                 Termination of Employment .
 
(a)  
Death or Disability.   The Executive’s employment will terminate automatically if the Executive dies during the Employment Period.  If Taubman determines in good faith that a Disability (as defined herein) of the Executive has occurred during the Employment Period (pursuant to the definition of Disability), it may give to the Executive written notice in accordance with Section 11(b) of its intention to terminate the Executive’s employment.  In such event, the Executive’s employment with the Company will terminate effective on the 30th day after receipt of such notice by the Executive (“ Disability Effective Date ”), provided   that, within the 30 days after such receipt, the Executive has not returned to full-time performance of the Executive’s duties.  “ Disability ” means the absence of the Executive from the Executive’s duties with the Company on a full-time basis for 180 consecutive business days as a result of incapacity due to mental or physical illness that is determined to be total and permanent by a physician selected by the Company or its insurers and acceptable to the Executive or the Executive’s legal representative.
 
(b)  
Cause .  The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment during the Employment Period with or without Cause.  “ Cause ” means:
 
(1)  
the willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform substantially the Executive’s duties (as contemplated by Section 3(a)(1)(A)) with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness or following the Executive’s delivery of a Notice of Termination for Good Reason), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of Taubman that specifically identifies the manner in which the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of Taubman believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties; or
 
(2)  
the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct, or gross misconduct, that is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.
 
For purposes of this Section 4(b), no act, or failure to act, on the part of the Executive will be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.  Any act, or failure to act, based on authority given pursuant to a resolution duly adopted by the Board or on the instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of Taubman or a senior officer of Taubman or based on the advice of counsel for the Company will be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.  The cessation of employment of the Executive will not be deemed to be for Cause unless and until there have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the entire membership of the Board (excluding the Executive, if the Executive is a member of the Board) at a meeting of the Board called and held for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel for the Executive, to be heard before the Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is guilty of the conduct described in Section 4(b)(1) or 4(b)(2), and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.
 
(c)  
Good Reason.   The Executive’s employment may be terminated by the Executive for Good Reason or by the Executive voluntarily without Good Reason.  “ Good Reason ” means:
 
(1)  
the assignment to the Executive of any duties inconsistent in any respect with the Executive’s position (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), authority, duties or responsibilities as contemplated by Section 3(a), or any other diminution in such position, authority, duties or responsibilities (whether or not occurring solely as a result of Taubman’s ceasing to be a publicly-traded entity), excluding for this purpose an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
 
(2)  
any failure by the Company to comply with any of the provisions of Section 3(b), other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after receipt of notice thereof given by the Executive;
 
(3)  
the Company’s requiring the Executive (A) to be based at any office or location other than as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(B), (B) to be based at a location other than the principal executive offices of the Company if the Executive was employed at such location immediately preceding the Qualification Date, or (C) to travel on Company business to a substantially greater extent than required immediately prior to the Qualification Date; or
 
(4)  
any failure by Taubman to comply with and satisfy Section 10(c).
 
For purposes of this Section 4(c), any good faith determination of Good Reason made by the Executive will be conclusive.  The Executive’s mental or physical incapacity following the occurrence of an event described above in clauses (1) through (5) will not affect the Executive’s ability to terminate employment for Good Reason.
 
(d)  
Notice of Termination.   Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, will be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 11(b).  “ Notice of Termination ” means a written notice that (1) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (2) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated, and (3) if the Date of Termination (as defined herein) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination (which Date of Termination will be not more than 30 days after the giving of such notice).  The failure by Taubman or the Executive to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or circumstance that contributes to a showing of Cause or Good Reason will not waive any right of Taubman or the Executive, respectively, hereunder or preclude Taubman or the Executive, respectively, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing Taubman’s or the Executive’s respective rights hereunder.
 
(e)  
Date of Termination.   “ Date of Termination ” means:  (1) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, or by the Executive for Good Reason, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later date specified in the Notice of Termination (which date may not be more than 30 days after the giving of such notice), as the case may be; (2) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by Taubman other than for Cause or Disability, the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination; (3) if the Executive resigns without Good Reason, the date on which the Executive notifies the Company of such termination; or (4) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the date of death of the Executive or the Disability Effective Date, as the case may be.
 
Section 5.                                 Obligations of the Company Upon Termination .
 
(a)  
Good Reason or Other Than for Cause, Death, or Disability.   If, during the Employment Period, the Company terminates the Executive’s employment other than for Cause, death or Disability or the Executive terminates employment for Good Reason:
 
(1)  
Taubman will pay, or will cause one of the Affiliated Companies to pay, to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Date of Termination, the aggregate of the following amounts:
 
A.  
The sum of:  (i) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination to the extent not theretofore paid; (ii) the Executive’s business expenses that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 3(b)(5) but have not been reimbursed by the Company as of the Date of Termination; (iii) the Executive’s Annual Bonus for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Date of Termination occurs if such bonus has not been paid as of the Date of Termination; (iv) the product of (A) the higher of (I) the Recent Annual Bonus and (II) the Annual Bonus paid or payable, including any bonus or portion thereof that has been earned but deferred (and annualized for any fiscal year consisting of less than 12 full months or during which the Executive was employed for less than 12 full months), for the most recently completed fiscal year during the Employment Period, if any (such higher amount, the “ Highest Annual Bonus ”) and (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal year through the Date of Termination and the denominator of which is 365; (v) any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and that is not considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A; and (vi) any accrued vacation pay, in each case, to the extent not theretofore paid (the sum of the amounts described in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) (v) and (vi), “ Accrued Obligations ”); and
 
B.  
The amount equal to the product of (i) two and one-half (2.5)   and (ii) the sum of (A) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary and (B) the Highest Annual Bonus.
 
(2)  
For 30 months after the Executive’s Date of Termination, or such longer period as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or policy, the Company will continue medical and other welfare benefits to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family as in effect generally at any time thereafter with respect to other peer executives of the Company and their families; provided, however, that, if the Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive comparable benefits under another employer-provided plan, the medical and other welfare benefits described herein will terminate.  For purposes of determining eligibility (but not the time of commencement of benefits) of the Executive for retiree benefits pursuant to such plans, practices, programs and policies, the Executive will be considered to have remained employed until three years after the Date of Termination and to have retired on the last day of such period.  Any Company cost for any medical or other welfare benefits provided under the preceding sentences of this Section 5(a)(2) will be paid on a monthly basis, and the Executive will pay any employee or retire share of the cost of any such benefits on a monthly basis.  Any medical or other welfare benefit provided for under the preceding sentences of this Section 5(a)(2) that provides for a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A because it does not meet the exemption requirements under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(B) or (D), will be made or reimbursed on or before the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an expense was incurred, will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
(3)  
Taubman will provide, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide, the Executive with outplacement benefits through the services of an independent outplacement consulting firm selected by Taubman, at prevailing rates, during the 12-month period following the Date of Termination.
 
(4)  
To the extent not theretofore paid or provided, Taubman will timely pay or provide, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to timely pay or provide, to the Executive any Other Benefits (as defined in Section 6).
 
(b)  
Death.   If the Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of the Executive’s death during the Employment Period, Taubman will provide, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide, to the Executive’s beneficiary provided to Taubman in writing (“ Beneficiary ”) or, in the event the Executive has no living Beneficiary or has not identified a Beneficiary, the Executive’s estate, the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery of the Other Benefits, and will have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.  The Accrued Obligations will be paid to the Executive’s Beneficiary or estate, as applicable, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.  With respect to the provision of the Other Benefits, the term “ Other Benefits ” as utilized in this Section 5(b) includes, without limitation, and the Executive’s estate and/or beneficiaries will be entitled to receive, benefits at least equal to the most favorable benefits provided by the Company to the estates and beneficiaries of peer executives of the Company under such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to death benefits, if any, as in effect with respect to other peer executives and their beneficiaries at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive’s estate and/or the Executive’s beneficiaries, as in effect on the date of the Executive’s death with respect to other peer executives of the Company and their beneficiaries; provided, however, that the additional Other Benefits specified in the preceding clauses of this sentence will not include any benefits that are considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A.
 
(c)  
Disability.   If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company by reason of the Executive’s Disability during the Employment Period, Taubman will provide, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide, the Executive with the Accrued Obligations and the timely payment or delivery of the Other Benefits, and will have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.  The Accrued Obligations will be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.  With respect to the provision of the Other Benefits, the term “ Other Benefits ” as utilized in this Section 5(c) includes, and the Executive will be entitled after the Disability Effective Date to receive, disability and other benefits at least equal to the most favorable of those generally provided by the Company to disabled executives and/or their families in accordance with such plans, programs, practices and policies relating to disability, if any, as in effect generally with respect to other peer executives and their families at any time during the 120-day period immediately preceding the Qualification Date or, if more favorable to the Executive and/or the Executive’s family, as in effect at any time thereafter generally with respect to other peer executives of the Company and their families; provided, however, that the additional Other Benefits specified in the preceding clauses of this sentence will not include any benefits that are considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A.
 
(d)  
Cause or Other Than For Good Reason.   If the Executive’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause during the Employment Period, Taubman will provide to the Executive, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide to Executive, in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination:  (1) the Executive’s Annual Base Salary through the Date of Termination; (2) the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive and that is not considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A; (3) any accrued vacation pay; (4) the Executive’s business expenses that are reimbursable pursuant to Section 3(b)(5) but have not been reimbursed by the Company as of the Date of Termination; and (5) the Other Benefits, in each case, to the extent theretofore unpaid, and will have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.  If the Executive voluntarily terminates employment during the Employment Period, excluding a termination for Good Reason, Taubman will provide to the Executive, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to provide to the Executive, the Accrued Obligations, and the timely payment or delivery of Other Benefits, and will have no other severance obligations under this Agreement.  In such case, all the Accrued Obligations will be paid to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30 days of the Date of Termination.
 
(e)  
Six-Month Payment Delay.   Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, for any payment under this Agreement that is considered to be deferred compensation subject to Code Section 409A and that is made on account of the Executive’s termination of employment, and the Executive is a ‘specified employee’ as determined under the default rules under Code Section 409A on the date of her termination of employment, the payment will be made on the day next following the date that is the six-month anniversary of the date of the Executive’s termination of employment, or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death; any payments that would have been paid prior to the six-month anniversary will be accrued and paid on the six-month anniversary plus one day payment date specified above.
 
Section 6.                                  Non-Exclusivity of Rights .   Nothing in this Agreement will prevent or limit the Executive’s continuing or future participation in any plan, program, policy or practice provided by the Company and for which the Executive may qualify, nor, subject to Section 11(f), will anything herein limit or otherwise affect such rights as the Executive may have under any other contract or agreement with the Company.  Amounts that are vested benefits or that the Executive is otherwise entitled to receive under any plan, policy, practice or program of or any other contract or agreement with Taubman or any of the Affiliated Companies at or subsequent to the Date of Termination (“ Other Benefits ”) will be payable in accordance with such plan, policy, practice or program or contract or agreement, except as explicitly modified by this Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Executive receives payments and benefits pursuant to Section 5(a) of this Agreement, the Executive will not be entitled to any severance pay or benefits under any severance plan, program or policy of the Company (“ Other Severance Obligations ”), unless otherwise specifically provided therein in a specific reference to this Agreement; provided, however, that the preceding clause will not apply to the extent that any loss of entitlement to any Other Severance Obligations that are subject to Code Section 409A would constitute a substitution of any amount of such Other Severance Obligations by an amount payable under this Agreement, as determined pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(f).
 
Section 7                        Full Settlement; Legal Proceedings .
 
(a)  
Full Settlement.   Taubman’s obligation to make or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to make the payments provided for in this Agreement and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder will not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense, or other claim, right or action that the Company may have against the Executive or others.  In no event will the Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to the Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and such amounts will not be reduced whether or not the Executive obtains other employment, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
 
(b)  
Legal Proceedings.   Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement must be settled by arbitration, conducted at a location in Michigan or at such other location as the parties may mutually agree, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect.  The decision of the arbitrator(s) in that proceeding will be binding on all parties.  Taubman will pay, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to pay, as incurred (within 15 days following Taubman’s receipt of an invoice from the Executive), to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses that the Executive may reasonably incur as a result of any dispute or controversy (regardless of the outcome thereof) by Taubman, any of the Affiliated Companies, the Executive or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Executive about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement), plus, in each case, interest on any delayed payment at the applicable federal rate provided for in Code Section 7872(f)(2)(A); provided, however, that any reimbursements provided for under this sentence will not affect the fees or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
Section 8                       Possible Reduction; Gross-Up .
 
(a)  
Definitions Relating to this Section.   For purposes of this Section 8:  (1) “ Payment ” means any payment or distribution in the nature of compensation to or for the benefit of the Executive, whether paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise that would be considered payments contingent on a change in the ownership or effective control or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of Taubman, as described in Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code; (2) “ Separation Payment ” means a Payment paid or payable pursuant to this Agreement (disregarding this Section); (3) “ Present Value ” means such value determined in accordance with Sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Code; and (4) “ Reduced Amount ” means an amount expressed in Present Value that maximizes the aggregate Present Value of Separation Payments without causing any Payment to be nondeductible because of Section 280G of the Code.
 
(b)  
Accounting Firm.   Taubman will select, prior to any Change of Control, in its discretion, a nationally recognized accounting firm (“ Accounting Firm ”) to make the determinations contemplated by this Section 8.  All determinations made by the Accounting Firm under this Section 8 will be binding on Taubman and the Affiliated Companies and the Executive and will be made within 60 days of a termination of employment of the Executive, except as set forth in Section 8(e).  All determinations by the Accounting Firm under this Section 8 are made solely for calculating amounts payable under this Agreement and not for calculating the Executive’s tax liability for amounts paid under this Agreement or for advising the Executive as to such liability.
 
(c)  
Reduction or Gross-Up.   Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event that the Accounting Firm determines that Payments to the Executive would equal or exceed 100%, but would not exceed 110%, of three times the Executive’s base amount, as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code (“ Base Amount ”), the aggregate Separation Payments will be reduced (but not below zero) to the Reduced Amount.  If, however, the Accounting Firm determines that Payments to the Executive would exceed 110% of three times the Executive’s Base Amount, Separation Payments will not be reduced and Taubman will pay the Executive an additional amount sufficient to pay the excise tax on the Payments imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (“ Excise Tax ”), plus the amount necessary to pay all of the Executive’s federal, state and local taxes arising from Taubman’s payments to the Executive pursuant to this sentence.  This is intended to be a full gross-up of the taxes owed by the Executive on account of the Excise Tax.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 8(c), the taxes gross-up will be paid by the Company to the Executive in cash in a single lump sum no later than the last day of the calendar year next following the calendar year in which the Executive remits the taxes.
 
(d)  
Reduction Calculations.   If the Accounting Firm determines that aggregate Separation Payments should be reduced to the Reduced Amount, Taubman will promptly give the Executive notice to that effect and a copy of the detailed calculation thereof, and the Executive may then elect, in his or her sole discretion, which and how much of the Separation Payments will be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the Present Value of the aggregate Separation Payments equals the Reduced Amount), and will advise Taubman in writing of his or her election within ten days of his or her receipt of notice.  If no such election is made by the Executive within such ten-day period, Taubman may elect which of such Separation Payments will be eliminated or reduced (as long as after such election the Present Value of the aggregate Separation Payments equals the Reduced Amount) and will notify the Executive promptly of such election.  As promptly as practicable following such determination, Taubman will pay or distribute, or cause one of the Affiliated Companies to pay or distribute, to or for the benefit of the Executive such Separation Payments as are then due to the Executive under this Agreement, and will promptly pay or distribute, or cause to be paid or distributed, to or for the benefit of the Executive in the future such Separation Payments as become due to the Executive under this Agreement, taking into account, in each case, the possible reduction or elimination of Separation Payments pursuant to the preceding provisions of this Section 8.
 
(e)  
Overpayment or Underpayment.   As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Accounting Firm hereunder, it is possible that amounts will have been paid or distributed to or for the benefit of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement that should not have been so paid or distributed (“ Overpayment ”) or that additional amounts which will have not been paid or distributed to or for the benefit of the Executive pursuant to this Agreement could have been so paid or distributed (“ Underpayment ”), in each case, consistent with the calculation of the Payments, Base Amount and Reduced Amount hereunder.  In the event that the Accounting Firm, based upon the assertion of a deficiency by the Internal Revenue Service against Taubman or any of the Affiliated Companies or the Executive that the Accounting Firm believes has a high probability of success, determines that an Overpayment has been made, any such Overpayment paid or distributed to or for the benefit of the Executive will be repaid by the Executive, together with interest at the applicable federal rate provided in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code; provided, however, that no such payment will be made by the Executive if and to the extent such payment would neither reduce the amount on which the Executive is subject to tax under Section 1 and Section 4999 of the Code nor generate a refund of such taxes.  In the event that the Accounting Firm, based on controlling precedent or substantial authority, determines that an Underpayment has occurred, any such Underpayment will be promptly paid to or for the benefit of the Executive together with interest at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2) of the Code.
 
(f)  
Fees and Expenses.   All fees and expenses of the Accounting Firm in implementing the provisions of this Section 8 will be borne by the Company.
 
(g)  
Tax Controversies .  In the event of any controversy with the Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority with regard to the Excise Tax, the Executive will permit Taubman to control issues related to the Excise Tax, at its expense, provided that such issues do not materially adversely affect the Executive.  In the event issues are interrelated, the Executive and Taubman will cooperate in good faith so as to avoid jeopardizing resolution of either issue.  In the event of any conference with any taxing authority as to the Excise Tax or associated taxes, the Executive will permit a representative of Taubman to accompany the Executive, and the Executive and the Executive’s representative will cooperate with Taubman and its representative.
 
Section 9                       Protection of Company Interests .
 
(a)  
Confidentiality.   The Executive will hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company all secret or confidential information, knowledge or data relating to Taubman or any of the Affiliated Companies, and their respective businesses, which information, knowledge or data was obtained by the Executive during the Executive’s employment by the Company and which information, knowledge or data will not be or become public knowledge (other than by acts by the Executive or representatives of the Executive in violation of this Agreement).  After termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company, the Executive will not, without the prior written consent of Taubman or as may otherwise be required by law or legal process, communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone other than the Company and those persons designated by the Company.  In no event will an asserted violation of the provisions of this Section 9 constitute a basis for deferring or withholding any amounts otherwise payable to the Executive under this Agreement.
 
(b)  
Release.   Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any payment to be made to the Executive under Section 5(a) of this Agreement is conditioned on the Executive signing a release agreement, on behalf of himself, his heirs, administrators, executors, agents, and assigns, that will forever release and discharge the Company and its agents from any and all charges, claims, demands, judgments, actions, causes of action, damages, expenses, costs, attorneys’ fees, and liabilities of any kind whatsoever related in any way to the Company’s employment of the Executive, whether known or unknown, vested or contingent, in law, equity or otherwise, that the Executive has ever had, now has, or may hereafter have against the Company or its agents for or on account of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever that has occurred prior to the date of the signing this Agreement.  The release will include, but not be not limited to:  all federal and state statutory and common law claims, claims related to employment or the termination of employment or related to breach of contract, tort, wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, defamation, fraud, wages, or benefits, or claims for any form of equity or compensation.  This release will not include, however, release of any right of indemnification, or director or officer insurance protection, the Executive may have under this Agreement or for any liabilities and costs of defense arising from the Executive’s actions within the course and scope of employment with the Company.
 
Section 10                                 Successors .
 
(a)  
This Agreement is personal to the Executive, and, without the prior written consent of Taubman, will not be assignable by the Executive other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s (or, in the event of the Executive’s death, the Executive’s Beneficiary’s) legal representatives.
 
(b)  
This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon Taubman and its successors and assigns.  Except as provided in Section 10(c), without the prior written consent of the Executive this Agreement will not be assignable by Taubman.
 
(c)  
Each of Taubman and TRG will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of its business and/or assets to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that it would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place.  Any such successor is included in the definition of “Taubman” or “TRG.”
 
Section 11                                 Miscellaneous .
 
(a)  
This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.  The captions of this Agreement are not part of the provisions hereof and will have no force or effect.  This Agreement may not be amended or modified other than by a written agreement executed by the parties hereto or their respective successors and legal representatives.
 
(b)  
All notices and other communications hereunder will be in writing and will be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
 
If to the Executive :
 
At the most recent address on file at the Company.
 

If to Taubman :
 
Taubman Centers, Inc.
200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
Attention:  General Counsel

If to TRG :
 
The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership
200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304
Attention:  General Counsel

or to such other address as either party will have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith.  Notice and communications will be effective when actually received by the addressee.
 
(c)  
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
 
(d)  
Taubman may withhold or cause to be withheld from any amounts payable under this Agreement such United States federal, state, local, employment or foreign taxes as required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.
 
(e)  
The Executive’s or Taubman’s failure to insist upon strict compliance with any provision of this Agreement or the failure to assert any right the Executive or Taubman may have hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Executive to terminate employment for Good Reason pursuant to Sections 4(c)(1) through 4(c)(5), will not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision or right or any other provision or right of this Agreement.
 
(f)  
The Executive, Taubman and TRG acknowledge that, except as may otherwise be provided under any other written agreement between the Executive and Taubman or any of the Affiliated Companies, the employment of the Executive by the Company is “at will” and, subject to Section 1(f), prior to the Qualification Date, the Executive’s employment may be terminated by either the Executive or the Company at any time prior to the Qualification Date, in which case the Executive will have no further rights under this Agreement.  From and after the Qualification Date, except as specifically provided herein, this Agreement will supersede any other agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
 
(g)  
The Executive acknowledges that the Company has not provided any advice to the Executive regarding the Executive’s potential or actual tax liabilities in connection with this Agreement and that the Company has advised the Executive to retain qualified tax counsel.
 
Section 12                                  Guarantee .   TRG hereby irrevocably, absolutely and unconditionally guarantees the payment of all compensation and benefits (“ Benefits ”) that Taubman or the Company is obligated to provide or cause to be provided to the Executive under this Agreement.  This is a guarantee of payment and not a collection, and is the primary obligation of TRG, and the Executive may enforce this guarantee against TRG without any prior enforcement of the obligation to make the Benefits against Taubman.
 

2133226.5│120408
 
 

 

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set the Executive’s hand and, pursuant to the authorization from the Board, Taubman and TRG have each caused this Agreement to be executed in its name on its behalf, all as of the day and year first above written.

                                                                                                                                                                     
[ Executive ]


TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC. ,
a Michigan corporation

By:                                                                 

Its :                                                                 


As guarantor of Taubman Centers, Inc.:

THE TAUBMAN REALTY GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP ,
a Delaware limited partnership

By:                                                                

Its Authorized Signatory
DETROIT.2133226.5

2133226.5│120408                                                                  
 
 

 



TAUBMAN ASIA MANAGEMENT II LLC
c/o The Taubman Company LLC
200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300
Bloomfield Hills, MI  48304






                                                           November 25, 2008




Mr. Morgan Parker
Unit 5
179 Baroona Road
Rosaile QLD
4046, Austrialia

Re:          Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company of Taubman
Properties Asia LLC, dated January 23, 2008, between Morgan Parker
and Taubman Asia Management II LLC (the “Operating Agreement”)

Dear Mr. Parker:

This letter shall confirm for your records that in the event of your death, your membership interest under the Operating Agreement, along with the put and call attached to and imbodied in your membership interest, will continue into your estate, as your successor, and be binding on and inure to the benefit of your estate.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   TAUBMAN ASIA MANAGEMENT II LLC,
                                   a Delaware limited liability company

                                   By:            /s/ Chris B. Heaphy                                            
                                   Chris B. Heaphy
                                   Its:           Authorized Signatory


Accepted and Agreed:


 /s/ Morgan Parker                                            
MORGAN PARKER

Doc ID: 4250.1
 
 
 

 


SECOND AMENDMENT TO MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT (“ Amendment ”), made and entered into as of December 23, 2008, by and between THE TAUBMAN REALTY GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership, whose address is 200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan  48304 (“ Owner ”), and THE TAUBMAN COMPANY LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (successor by conversion to The Taubman Company Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership), whose address is 200 East Long Lake Road, Suite 300, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan  48304 (“ Manager ”), is based upon the following:
 
         A.           Owner and Manager entered into a certain Master Services Agreement, dated November 30, 1992, as amended by that First Amendment to Master Services Agreement, dated September 30, 1998 (as amended, the “ Master Services Agreement ”), relating to the engagement of Manager, on a sole and exclusive basis, to provide the services described in the Master Services Agreement.
 
         B.           The parties have agreed to amend the Master Services Agreement in the manner provided herein.
 
                 NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
  1.           Section 8.1 of the Master Services Agreement is hereby deleted and the following is substituted in its place and stead.
 
          “ Section 8.1                                  Compensation.
 
     (1)           As Manager’s compensation for providing all of the Development Services, Acquisition Services, and Administrative Services contemplated under this Agreement, Owner shall pay to Manager each month a multiple of total compensation expense (current and deferred, excluding only contributions to currently funded pension plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, paid time off, insurance, and other fringe benefits) of all personnel employed by Manager who are performing any of the foregoing services.  The multiple shall vary depending on the nature of the services being performed, as is set forth on Schedule 8.1 hereto.

(2)           As Manager’s compensation for providing all of the Management Services contemplated under this Agreement, Manager shall be compensated as set forth in separate property management agreements between Manager and each Owning Entity.  As used herein, “ Manager’s Compensation ” shall mean and include all of Manager’s compensation described in this subsection (2) and subsection (1) above.

(3)           Manager shall invoice Owner monthly and Owner shall pay such invoice within thirty (30) days.

(4)           Manager’s estimate of Manager’s Compensation shall be set forth in the annual budget for each Fiscal Year, and Manager’s Compensation shall not exceed such estimate without Owner’s prior approval.”

2.             Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Master Services Agreement.
 
                3.             As modified and amended by this Amendment, the Master Services Agreement remains in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed.
The parties hereto have executed this Amendment on the date first above written.


 
 

 


                                                     THE TAUBMAN REALTY GROUP
                                                     LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware
                                                     limited partnership

                                                     By:            /s/ Chris B. Heaphy                                                       
                                                     Chris B. Heaphy
                                                     Its:           Authorized Signatory
 
“Owner”



                                                     THE TAUBMAN COMPANY LLC, a
                                                     Delaware limited liability company

                                                     By:            /s/ Steven Eder
                                                     Steven Eder
 
Its:
Senior Vice President, Capital Markets and Treasurer

“Manager”





SUMMARY OF MODIFICATION TO THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TAUBMAN COMPANY ASIA LIMITED AND MORGAN PARKER
(THE “EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT”)



Provision 2.3 of the Employment Agreement has been modified to provide that vacation time may be accrued by Mr. Parker up to 150% of the annual leave provided for in the Employment Agreement. This change was made to conform this provision to the standard policy for employees of the Company.



 
 For use with Plan participants who do not elect to use the 401A transition rule.
 
 
 

FORM OF TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC. NON-EMPLOYEE
DIRECTORS’ DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT

 
Participant Name:     (the “Participant”)
 
 
                                                                            
Pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Taubman Centers, Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), Taubman Centers, Inc. (the “Company”) and the Participant amend the Plan as follows for compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, amended (“Code Section 409A”).  This Amendment Agreement (the “Amendment” amends the Plan, as it applies to the Participant and the Company, is effective immediately.
 
1.   Section 1.6 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
1.6                       ‘ Change of Control ’ means either:
 
(a)           a majority of the Board of Directors is replaced during a 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election was not approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors comprising the Board of Directors on the date immediately preceding the removal or election; or
 
(b)           the acquisition by any person or more than one person acting as a group other than A. Alfred Taubman or any of his immediate family members or lineal descendents, any heir of the foregoing, any trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing, any private charitable foundation, or any partnership, limited liability company, or corporation owned or controlled by some or all of the foregoing, of ownership of more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the outstanding voting capital stock of the Company.”
 
2.   Article I of the Plan is amended by the addition of a new Section 1.14 at the end thereof, reading as follows:
 
1.14                       ‘ Termination ’ or ‘ termination ’ means, as regards a Director’s termination of service on the Board of Directors, a ‘separation from service’ as that term is defined under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules at Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h).”
 
3.   Section 3.4 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
3.4  Vesting and Payment of Accounts .  Each Account shall be 100% veseted at all times, and shall be Paid to the Director within 30 days following the termination of the Director’s service on the Board of Directors.”
 
4.   Section 4.2 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
4.2  Change of Control Event .  On the occurrence of a Change of Control Event, the Plan shall terminate immediately, without any further action on the part of the Committee, and each Director shall be Paid his Account within 30 days following the date of the Change of Control Event.”
 
5.   The capitalized terms used in this Amendment that are not otherwise defined in this Amendment are defined under the Plan document.
 
By their signatures below, the Participant and the Company agree to and accept the terms of this Agreement.
 
 
 
 
  SIGNED:        TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
     
By:
 
 Director (Plan Participant)  
Printed Name:
 
 Printed Name  
 Title: 
 
Date  
Date::
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


FIRST AMENDMENT
TO
THE TAUBMAN COMPANY SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN

 

The Taubman Company LLC (the “Company”, and formerly known as “The Taubman Company Limited Partnership”) has adopted and maintains The Taubman Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, originally effective January 1, 1994 (the “Plan”).
 
Pursuant to Article X of the Plan, the Company has the right to amend the Plan at any time.
 
The Company desires to amend the Plan for compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
Accordingly, the Plan is amended, effective immediately, in the following respects:
 
1.   The term “Supplemental Employer Contribution” is replaced with the term “Employer Fixed Contribution” wherever it appears in the Plan, so as to reflect the current Employer contribution nomenclature made under the 401(k) Plan as amended and restated effective as of January 1, 2007.
 
2.   Article II of the Plan is amended by the addition of a new Section 2.13 at the end thereof, reading as follows:
 
“2.13                      ‘ Termination of employment ’ and similar terms means a ‘separation from service’ as that term is defined under Code Section 409A and the regulations promulgated thereunder.”
 
3.   Section 4.2 of the Plan is amended by the addition of the following sentence at the end thereof, reading as follows:
 
“Any change in the amount of Employer Matching Contributions to be made by the Company for the benefit of an Employee for a Plan Year under the preceding formula that is caused by any action or inaction by the Employee shall be limited as provided under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-2(a)(9).”
 
4.   Article VI of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
“All vested amounts credited to an Employee’s Account shall be paid to the Employee by the Company in cash in a single lump sum within 30 days of the Employee’s termination of employment.  If the Employee dies before full payment of the amount in his Account has been made, any remaining amount shall be paid in the same manner as in the preceding sentence to the Employee’s Beneficiary.  No amounts credited to an Employee’s Account shall be paid at any other time or in any other form.
 
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, if payment is made on account of the Employee’s termination of employment, and the Employee is a ‘specified employee’ as determined under the default rules under Code Section 409A on such date, then the payment will be made on the date that is the six-month anniversary of the date of the Employee’s termination of employment, or, if earlier, the date of the Employee’s death.”
 
5.   Article X of the Plan is amended by the addition of the following sentence at the end thereof, reading as follows:
 
“Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Article X, upon Plan termination, each Employee’s vested Account shall be paid in cash in a single lump sum under the circumstances permitted in Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix), pertaining to plan terminations and liquidations,  including but not limited to the requirement that the Company and its controlled group member affiliate companies not establish another account-based deferred compensation plan covering the Employees at any time during the succeeding three calendar years.”
 
The Taubman Company LLC has caused this First Amendment to The Taubman Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan to be executed by its duly authorized representative this 12 th day of December, 2008.
 

 
 
 
THE TAUBMAN COMPANY LLC
 
 
By: /s/ Chris B. Heaphy                                   
 
Printed Name: Chris B. Heaphy
 
Title: Senior Vice President, General Counseland Secretary
 
Date: December 12, 2008

 

 
 
 


AMENDMENT TO THE
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC. CHANGE OF CONTROL SEVERANCE PROGRAM
 
 
 
 
Taubman Centers, Inc. (the “Company”) has adopted and maintains the Taubman Centers, Inc. Change of Control Severance Program, as effective May 11, 2005 (the “Plan”).
 
Pursuant to Section 7 of the Plan, the Company has the right to amend the Plan at any time.
 
The Company desires to amend the Plan for compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
Accordingly, the Plan is amended, effective immediately, in the following respects:
 
1.   Section 2(v) of the Plan is amended by the addition of a new sentence at the end thereof, reading as follows:
 
“For purposes of this definition, ‘termination of employment’ means a ‘separation from service’ as that term is defined under Code Section 409A and the rules at Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(h).”
 
2.   Section 4(c) of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
“(c)            Welfare Benefits; Outplacement; T-I REIT Share .  A Participant entitled to a Separation Benefit will continue to be provided, during the Separation Period, with medical, dental and vision benefits, and executive long-term disability benefits (if the Participant was eligible for such executive long-term disability benefits immediately prior to the Change of Control or at any time thereafter), in each case, comparable in scope and cost to the Participant to the benefits that would have been provided if the Participant had continued to be an Associate, for the Separation Period (the ‘Welfare Benefits’); provided , that if the Participant becomes re-employed with another employer and is eligible to receive any such benefits from such employer, the benefits provided pursuant to this sentence shall terminate.  Any Company cost for any Welfare Benefits provided under the preceding sentence will be paid on a monthly basis, and the Participant will pay any Associate share of the cost of any Welfare Benefits on a monthly basis.  Any Welfare Benefit that provides for a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A because it does not meet the exemption requirements under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(B), will be made or reimbursed on or before the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an expense was incurred, will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.  In addition, a Participant entitled to a Separation Benefit (i) will be provided with the Outplacement Benefits.  Also, a Participant entitled to a Separation Benefit shall, as of the Date of Termination, tender any T-I REIT share that was granted to such Participant by the Taubman Company Limited Partnership (the ‘Partnership’) pursuant to a Bonus Award Agreement and the Partnership shall redeem the tendered T-I REIT share for $1000, together with any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon; provided, however, that, to the extent that the tender and redemption provisions of the preceding clause apply to any T-I REIT share right and/or accrued but unpaid dividend right held by the Participant that constitutes a deferred compensation arrangement subject to Code Section 409A, such clause will not be operative to the extent it provides for any acceleration of the payment under such arrangement, and in such event, the payment terms of the arrangement will continue to solely apply.”
 
3.   Section 4(d) of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
“(d)            Compensation; Equity-Based Awards .  Notwithstanding any provision in any plan or award agreement to the contrary, effective as of the Change of Control, each and every stock option, restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, and other equity-based award held by the Participant that is outstanding as of the Change of Control shall immediately vest and become exercisable or payable, unless such option or award is considered to be a deferral of compensation subject to Code Section 409A, in which case it shall be vested and become exercisable or payable only as provided in its governing plan document or award and shall not be subject to the terms of this Plan.”
 
4.   Section 4 of the Plan is amended by the addition of a new paragraph (i) at the end thereof, reading as follows:
 
“(i)            Specified Employees .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, for any payment under this Plan that is made on account of a Participant’s termination of employment, and the Participant is a ‘specified employee’ as determined under the default rules under Code Section 409A on such date, the payment will be made on the day next following the date that is the six-month anniversary of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death; any payments that would have been paid prior to the six-month anniversary plus one day payment date specified above.”
 
5.   Section 5 of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
“5.            Full Settlement .  Subject to Section 4(g), the Company’s obligation to make the payments provided for in this Plan and otherwise to perform its obligations hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other claim, right or action which the Company may have against a Participant or others. In no event shall a Participant be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to such Associate under any of the provisions of this Plan. The Company shall pay in cash in a lump sum as incurred (within 15 days following the Company’s receipt of an invoice from a Participant), to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses that the Participant may reasonably incur as a result of any contest by the Company, the Participant or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Plan or any guarantee of performance thereof (including as a result of any contest by the Participant about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Plan), plus, in each case, interest on any delayed payment at the applicable federal rate provided for in Section 7872(f)(2)(A) of the Code; provided, that the Company shall not be obligated to reimburse a Participant for legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with a claim that is frivolous or maintained in bad faith and the Company shall be entitled to recoup any such fees and expenses which it has already paid on be-half of the Participant; and, provided, further, that any reimbursements provided for under this sentence will not affect the fees or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.”
 
Taubman Centers, Inc. has caused this Amendment to the Taubman Centers, Inc. Change of Control Severance Program to be executed by its duly authorized representative this 12 th day of December, 2008.
 

 
 
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
 
 
By:  /s/ Chris B. Heaphy                                            
 
Printed Name: Chris B. Heaphy
 
Title: Assistant Secretary
 
Date: December 12, 2008

 
 

 


 
 

 

FORM OF THE TAUBMAN COMPANY
LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE COMPENSATION PLAN
AMENDMENT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
Participant Name:     (the “Participant”)


 
Pursuant to Section 7.1 of The Taubman Company Long-Term Performance Compensation Plan (the “Plan”), The Taubman Company LLC (the “Company”) and the Participant amend Plan as follows for compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, amended (“Code Section 409A”).   The amendment set forth in this document constitutes the “Agreement” and is effective immediately.
 
1.           Section 2.8A of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
2.8A      Notwithstanding the above, for any 409A Award, ‘ Change of Control Event ’ means either:
 
(a)           a majority of the Board of Directors is replaced during a 12-month period by directors whose appointment or election was not approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors comprising the Board of Directors on the date immediately preceding the removal or election; or
 
(b)           the acquisition by any person or more than one person acting as a group other than A. Alfred Taubman or any of his immediate family members or lineal descendents, any heir of the foregoing, any trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing, any private charitable foundation, or any partnership, limited liability company, or corporation owned or controlled by some or all of the foregoing, of ownership of more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the outstanding voting capital stock of TCO.”
 
2.           The first paragraph of Section 2.17A of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
“Notwithstanding the above, for any 409A Award ‘ Disability ’ or ‘ Disabled ’ means an Employee’s being unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.”
 
3.           Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, for any 409A Award, if payment is made on account of the Participant’s Termination, and the Participant is a “specified employee” as determined under the default rules under Code Section 409A on such date, then the payment will be made on the day next following the date that is the six-month anniversary of the date of the Participant’s Termination, or, if earlier, the date of the Participant’s death.

3411729.2/120408
 
 

 

4.           Section 6.6A of the Plan is amended to read as follows:
 
6.6A Deferral of Settlement Date.
 
Notwithstanding the above, for each 409A Award, each Participant may elect to change the Settlement Date of such 409A Award to a later date in compliance with Code Section 409A and only if the following conditions are met:
 
(a)           An election with respect to a 409A Award payable at a fixed time may not be made less than 12 months before the date the payment is scheduled to be paid.
 
(b)           The election will not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which the election is made.
 
(c)           The new Settlement Date that is elected is not less than five years from the original Settlement Date.”
 
5.           Section 4.3 of the Plan is deleted; and, further, no additional Award will be granted to the Participant under the Plan.
 
6.           Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, the capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the same meanings as defined in the Plan.
 
7.           This Agreement will not become effective unless it is executed by the Participant and the Company on or before December 19, 2008.
 
8.           This Agreement is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the Participant and the Company and their respective successors and assigns.
 
By their signatures below, the Participant and the Company agree to and accept the terms of this Agreement.
 
 
 
  SIGNED:    
   TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
a Delaware limited liability company
     
By:
 
   
Printed Name:
 
 Participant  
 Its:: 
 
Date  
Date::
 
   
 
 
 
 
 

 3417729.2/120408
 
 

 


AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

The Taubman Company LLC (formerly known as The Taubman Company Limited Partnership) (the “Company”) and Lisa A. Payne (“Payne”) agree to amend Payne’s January 3, 1997 Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) for compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 409A”) as follows:
 
1.  As used in the Agreement, “termination of employment” and similar terms means a “separation from service” as that term is defined under Section 409A.
 
2.  Any reimbursement of a taxable expense or in-kind benefit made by the Company under the Agreement, will be made no later than on or before the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which an expense was incurred, will not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year, and cannot be liquidated or exchanged for any other benefit.
 
Payne and the Company have duly executed this Amendment by their signatures below, effective immediately.

 
 
Signed: /s/ Lisa A. Payne                                                                                    
Lisa A. Payne
 
Dated:  December 22, 2008
 
 
THE TAUBMAN COMPANY LLC
 
By: /s/ Chris B. Heaphy                                                                          
 
Its:Senior Vice President, General Counsel
and Secretary
 
Dated:  December 19, 2008
 


 
DETROIT.3438119.1

 
 

 


FIRST AMENDMENT TO MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE TAUBMAN REALTY GROUP LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP AND THE TAUBMAN COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT (this " Amendment "), made and entered into as of the 30th day of September, 1998, by and between THE TAUBMAN REALTY GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership, having an address at 200 East Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304 (" Owner" ), and THE TAUBMAN COMPANY LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership, having an address at 200 East Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304 ("Manager"), is based upon the following:


RECITALS:

A.           Owner and Manager entered into that certain Master Services Agreement (the "Agreement") dated as of November 30, 1992.

B.           Owner and Manager now wish to amend the Agreement to provide for provisions relating to the term of the Agreement and for certain other purposes.

NOW THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree that the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:

1.           Section 3.14 of the Agreement is hereby amended to add the following new paragraph at the end thereof:

"(3) In the event this Agreement is terminated in accordance with the last sentence of Section 9.1 hereof, Owner shall have the right, but not the obligation, to cause any or all of the Owning Entities to terminate their respective Property Services Agreements by delivering written notice of such termination to Manager at the time of delivering written notice pursuant to the last sentence of Section 9.1 hereof, such termination(s) to be effective on the date of termination of this Agreement."

2.           Section 9.1 of the Agreement is hereby amended to add the following at the end thereof:

"Such mutual consent shall be deemed given absent written notice to the contrary from one party to the other party given not less than one (1) year prior to the end of the then-current term. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 9.1 to the contrary, Owner shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time by written notice to Manager, such termination to be effective thirty (30) Days after the date of receipt of such notice and to be considered a failure by Owner to renew this Agreement."

3.           Inasmuch as Owner's Partnership Committee has been eliminated, references in the Agreement to "Partnership Committee" are hereby deleted.

4.           Except as expressly set forth herein, the terms of the Agreement continue unmodified and are hereby ratified and confirmed.





IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.


THE TAUBMAN REALTY GROUP LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP , a Delaware limited partnership

By: /s/ Lisa A. Payne                                                                            
       Lisa A. Payne

Its: Authorized Signatory
"Owner"

THE TAUBMAN COMPANY LIMITED
PARTNERSHIP , a Delaware limited Partnership

By: /s/ Robert S. Taubman                                                                            
      Robert S. Taubman

Its: Authorized Signatory
"Manager"


 
 

 

                   
Exhibit 12
                     
                     
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
                     
Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends
(in thousands, except ratios)
                     
                     
                     
   
Year Ended December 31
   
2008
 
2007
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
                     
Earnings from continuing operations before income
               
     from equity investees (1)
 $    (42,291)
 
 $      75,738
 
 $     61,596
 
 $   14,982
 
 $   19,900
                     
Add back:
                 
   Fixed charges
       163,667
 
       154,332
 
      146,103
 
    137,837
 
    116,584
   Amortization of previously capitalized interest
           4,575
 
           4,391
 
           4,329
 
         3,843
 
         3,612
   Distributed income of Unconsolidated Joint
                 
        Ventures (2)
         35,356
 
         40,498
 
         33,544
 
       95,249
 
       40,070
                     
Deduct:
                 
   Capitalized interest
          (7,972)
 
       (14,613)
 
         (9,803)
 
       (9,940)
 
       (5,995)
   Preferred distributions
          (2,460)
 
          (2,460)
 
         (2,460)
 
       (2,460)
 
     (12,244)
                     
Earnings available for fixed charges and
                 
     preferred dividends
 $   150,875
 
 $   257,886
 
 $   233,309
 
 $ 239,511
 
 $ 161,927
                     
                     
                     
Fixed Charges
                 
   Interest expense (3)
 $   147,397
 
 $   131,700
 
 $   128,643
 
 $ 121,612
 
 $   95,934
   Capitalized interest
           7,972
 
         14,613
 
           9,803
 
         9,940
 
         5,995
   Interest portion of rent expense
           5,838
 
           5,559
 
           5,197
 
         3,825
 
         2,411
   Preferred distributions (4)
           2,460
 
           2,460
 
           2,460
 
         2,460
 
       12,244
                     
     Total Fixed Charges
 $   163,667
 
 $   154,332
 
 $   146,103
 
 $ 137,837
 
 $ 116,584
                     
Preferred dividends (5)
         14,634
 
         14,634
 
         23,723
 
       27,622
 
       17,444
                     
Total fixed charges and preferred dividends
 $   178,301
 
 $   168,966
 
 $   169,826
 
 $ 165,459
 
 $ 134,028
                     
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and
                 
     preferred dividends
                0.8
(6)
                1.5
 
                1.4
 
              1.4
 
              1.2
                     
                     
(1)
Earnings from continuing operations before income from equity investees for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes a $117.9 million impairment charge related to our Oyster Bay project.
                     
(2)
Distributed income of Unconsolidated Joint Ventures for the year ended December 31, 2008 includes an $8.3 million impairment charge related to our investment in University Town Center.  In December 2005, a 50% owned unconsolidated joint venture sold its interest in Woodland.  The Company's $52.8 million equity in the gain on the sale is separately presented on the face of the income statement.
                     
(3)
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 includes charges of $3.1 million in connection with the write-off of financing costs.  Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 includes a $12.7 million charge incurred in connection with a prepayment premium and the write-off of financing costs.
                     
(4)
TRG preferred distributions for the year ended December 31, 2004 include a $2.7 million charge relating to the redemption of the Series C and D Preferred Equity.
                     
(5)
Preferred dividends for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 include $4.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively, of charges recognized in connection with the redemption of Preferred Stock.
                     
(6)
Earnings available for fixed charges and preferred dividends were less than total fixed charges and preferred dividends by $27.4 million.  See Notes 1 and 2.

 
 

 

Exhibit 21
 
TAUBMAN CENTERS, INC.
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES

 
NAME
JURISDICTION
OF FORMATION
 
DOING BUSINESS AS
Atlantic Pier Associates LLC
Delaware
The Pier Shops at Caesars
Atlantic Pier Signage, LLC
Delaware
N/A
Beverly Associates L.P. 1
Delaware
N/A
Beverly Partners 1, Inc.
Delaware
N/A
Biltmore Holdings Associates 1 LLC
Arizona
N/A
Biltmore Holdings Associates 2 LLC
Arizona
N/A
Cherry Creek Holdings LLC
Delaware
N/A
City Creek Center Associates LLC
Delaware
N/A
Dolphin Mall Associates LLC
Delaware
Dolphin Mall
Fairlane Town Center LLC
Michigan
Fairlane Town Center
Great Lakes Crossing, L.L.C.
Delaware
N/A
International Plaza Holding Company, LLC
Delaware
N/A
La Cienega Partners Limited Partnership
Delaware
Beverly Center
Lakeside/Novi Land Partnership LLC
Michigan
N/A
LCA Holdings, LLC
Delaware
N/A
MacArthur Holdings, Inc.
Delaware
N/A
MacArthur Shopping Center LLC
Delaware
MacArthur Center
Mall Financing, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Millenia SPE, L.L.C.
Delaware
N/A
Mountain Ventures Oysterbay One, LLC
Delaware
N/A
Northlake Land LLC
Delaware
N/A
Oyster Bay Associates Limited Partnership
Delaware
N/A
Oyster Bay Holdings LLC
Delaware
N/A
Partridge Creek Fashion Park LLC
Delaware
The Mall at Partridge Creek
Partridge Creek Land LLC
Delaware
N/A
Partridge Creek LLC
Delaware
N/A
Plano Holdings, LLC
Delaware
N/A
Short Hills Associates, L.L.C.
Delaware
The Mall at Short Hills
Short Hills Holdings LLC
Delaware
N/A
Short Hills SPE LLC
Delaware
N/A
Stony Point  Associates LLC
Delaware
N/A
Stony Point Fashion Park Associates, L.L.C.
Delaware
Stony Point Fashion Park
Stony Point Land LLC
Delaware
N/A
Tampa Westshore Associates Limited Partnership
Delaware
International Plaza
Taub-Co Asia Management, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Taub-Co Biltmore, Inc.
Delaware
N/A
Taub-Co Fairfax, Inc.
Delaware
N/A
Taub-Co Finance LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taub-Co Finance II, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Taub-Co Kemp, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Taub-Co Land Holdings, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Taub-Co Landlord LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taub-Co License LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taub-Co Management, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Taub-Co Management IV, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Taub-Co Oyster Bay LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taub-Co TRS Services, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Taub-Co Woodland LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taubman Asia Holdings, Inc.
Michigan
N/A
Taubman Asia Investments Limited
Cayman Islands
N/A
Taubman Asia Limited
Cayman Islands
N/A
Taubman Asia Management Limited
Cayman Islands
N/A
Taubman Auburn Hills Associates Limited Partnership
Delaware
Great Lakes Crossing
Taubman-Cherry Creek Limited Partnership
Colorado
Cherry Creek (west end)
Taubman Cherry Creek Shopping Center, L.L.C.
Delaware
Cherry Creek (enclosed mall)
Taubman India LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taubman MacArthur Associates Limited Partnership
Delaware
N/A
Taubman Macau Limited
Macau
N/A
Taubman MSC LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taubman Palm Beach LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taubman Properties Asia LLC
Delaware
N/A
Taubman Regency Square Associates, LLC
Delaware
Regency Square
Taubman Stamford Holdings LLC
Delaware
N/A
The Taubman Company Asia Limited
Cayman Islands
N/A
The Taubman Company LLC
Delaware
The Taubman Company
The Taubman Realty Group Limited Partnership
Delaware
N/A
T-I REIT, Inc.
Delaware
N/A
TJ Palm Beach Associates Limited Partnership
Delaware
The Mall at Wellington Green
TRG Auburn Hills LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG Charlotte, LLC
Delaware
Northlake Mall
TRG Charlotte Land LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG-Fairfax L.L.C.
Delaware
N/A
TRG Forsyth LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG Net Investors, LL C
Delaware
N/A
TRG Port St. Lucie LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG Properties - Orlando L.L.C.
Delaware
N/A
TRG Properties-Waterside L.L.C.
Delaware
N/A
TRG Realcom LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG Regency Corporation
Delaware
N/A
TRG Regency SPE, LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG Sarasota Company LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG Short Hills LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG Stamford Holdings LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG SunValley LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG Telecom LLC
Delaware
N/A
TRG The Pier LLC
Delaware
N/A
TTC Transportation, LLC
Delaware
N/A
Twelve Oaks Mall, LLC
Michigan
Twelve Oaks Mall
Willow Bend Associates Limited Partnership
Delaware
N/A
Willow Bend Holdings 1 LLC
Delaware
N/A
Willow Bend Holdings 2 LLC
Delaware
N/A
Willow Bend Kemp Limited Partnership
Delaware
N/A
Willow Bend Realty Limited Partnership
Delaware
N/A
Willow Bend Shopping Center Limited Partnership
Delaware
The Shops at Willow Bend
Willow Bend SPE LLC
Delaware
N/A
Woodland GP, Inc.
Delaware
N/A
Woodland Holdings Investments LLC
Delaware
N/A
Woodland Investment Associates Limited Partnership
Delaware
N/A
Woodland Shopping Center Limited Partnership
Delaware
N/A



 
 

 


Exhibit 23


Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
Taubman Centers, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements, including amendments thereto, on Forms S-8 (Nos. 33-65934, 333-81577, 333-125066, and 333-151982) and on Form S-3 (Nos. 33-73038 and 333-125065) of Taubman Centers, Inc. of our reports dated February 23, 2009, with respect to the consolidated balance sheet of Taubman Centers, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareowners’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, and all related financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, which reports appear in the December 31, 2008 annual report on Form 10-K of Taubman Centers, Inc.
 



KPMG LLP

Chicago, Illinois
February 23, 2009


 
 

 

Exhibit 24
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY


The undersigned, a Director of Taubman Centers, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the " Company "), does hereby constitute and appoint Robert S. Taubman and Lisa A. Payne and each of them, with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name and on his behalf, as a Director of the Company, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and any and all amendments thereto, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " Commission ") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the " Act "), and any and all instruments that such attorneys and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Act and the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Commission.  The undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm as his own act and deed all that such attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  Each such attorney or agent shall have, and may exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto subscribed his signature this 5th day of February, 2009.



 /s/ Graham T. Allison
Graham T. Allison


 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


The undersigned, a Director of Taubman Centers, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the " Company "), does hereby constitute and appoint Robert S. Taubman and Lisa A. Payne and each of them, with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name and on his behalf, as a Director of the Company, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and any and all amendments thereto, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " Commission ") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the " Act "), and any and all instruments that such attorneys and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Act and the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Commission.  The undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm as his own act and deed all that such attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  Each such attorney or agent shall have, and may exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto subscribed his signature this 2nd day of February, 2009.



/s/ Jerome A. Chazen
Jerome A. Chazen




 
 

 


POWER OF ATTORNEY


The undersigned, a Director of Taubman Centers, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the " Company "), does hereby constitute and appoint Robert S. Taubman and Lisa A. Payne and each of them, with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name and on his behalf, as a Director of the Company, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and any and all amendments thereto, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " Commission ") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the " Act "), and any and all instruments that such attorneys and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Act and the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Commission.  The undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm as his own act and deed all that such attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  Each such attorney or agent shall have, and may exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto subscribed his signature this 20th day of February, 2009.



/s/ Craig M. Hatkoff
Craig M. Hatkoff


 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


The undersigned, a Director of Taubman Centers, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the " Company "), does hereby constitute and appoint Robert S. Taubman and Lisa A. Payne and each of them, with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name and on his behalf, as a Director of the Company, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and any and all amendments thereto, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " Commission ") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the " Act "), and any and all instruments that such attorneys and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Act and the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Commission.  The undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm as his own act and deed all that such attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  Each such attorney or agent shall have, and may exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto subscribed his signature this 5th day of February, 2009.



/s/ Peter Karmanos, Jr.
Peter Karmanos, Jr.




 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


The undersigned, a Director of Taubman Centers, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the " Company "), does hereby constitute and appoint Robert S. Taubman and Lisa A. Payne and each of them, with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name and on his behalf, as a Director of the Company, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and any and all amendments thereto, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " Commission ") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the " Act "), and any and all instruments that such attorneys and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Act and the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Commission.  The undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm as his own act and deed all that such attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  Each such attorney or agent shall have, and may exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto subscribed his signature this 9th day of February, 2009.



/s/ William U. Parfet
William U. Parfet


 
 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY


The undersigned, a Director of Taubman Centers, Inc., a Michigan corporation (the " Company "), does hereby constitute and appoint Robert S. Taubman and Lisa A. Payne and each of them, with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful attorney and agent to execute in his name and on his behalf, as a Director of the Company, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and any and all amendments thereto, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " Commission ") pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the " Act "), and any and all instruments that such attorneys and agents, or either of them, may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Act and the rules, regulations, and requirements of the Commission.  The undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm as his own act and deed all that such attorneys and agents, and each of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.  Each such attorney or agent shall have, and may exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto subscribed his signature this 5th day of February, 2009.



/s/ Ronald W. Tysoe
Ronald W. Tysoe







 
 

 

Exhibit 31 (a)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 10A, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Robert S. Taubman, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Taubman Centers, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2009
/s/ Robert S. Taubman
 
Robert S. Taubman
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer


 
 

 


Exhibit 31 (b)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 10A, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Lisa A. Payne, certify that:

1.           I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Taubman Centers, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures  and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting, which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 24, 2009
/s/ Lisa A. Payne                                                                 
 
Lisa A. Payne
 
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, and Director (Principal Financial Officer)


 
 

 



Exhibit 32 (a)


Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002




I, Robert S. Taubman, Chief Executive Officer of Taubman Centers, Inc. (the "Registrant"), certify that based upon a review of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 (the "Report"):

 
(i)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 
(ii)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.


/s/ Robert S. Taubman
Date: February 24, 2009
Robert S. Taubman
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer
 


 
 

 



Exhibit 32 (b)


Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002




I, Lisa A. Payne, Chief Financial Officer of Taubman Centers, Inc. (the "Registrant"), certify that based upon a review of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2008 (the "Report"):

 
(i)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

 
(ii)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.




/s/ Lisa A. Payne                                                                 
Date: February 24, 2009
Lisa A. Payne
 
Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer, and Director (Principal Financial Officer)
 



 
 

 

                                     
Exhibit 99 (a)
 
MORTGAGE AND OTHER NOTES PAYABLE (a)
 
INCLUDING WEIGHTED AVERAGE INTEREST RATES AT DECEMBER 31, 2008
(in millions of dollars, amounts may not add due to rounding)
                                         
           
Beneficial
Effective
 LIBOR
 
 
                 
       
100%
 
Interest
Rate
 
 Rate
 Principal Amortization and Debt Maturities
       
12/31/08
 
12/31/08
12/ 31 /08
(b)
Spread
 
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Total
                                 
Consolidated Fixed Rate Debt:
                               
Beverly Center
   
333.7
 
333.7
5.28%
     
5.4
5.7
6.0
6.3
6.6
303.8
     
333.7
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
50.00%
280.0
 
140.0
5.24%
                   
140.0
 
140.0
Great Lakes Crossing
 
137.9
 
137.9
5.25%
     
2.7
2.9
3.0
3.2
126.0
       
137.9
MacArthur Center
95.00%
132.5
 
125.9
6.93%
(c)
   
3.0
122.9
             
125.9
Northlake Mall
   
215.5
 
215.5
5.41%
                   
215.5
 
215.5
Regency Square
   
75.4
 
75.4
6.75%
     
1.3
1.4
72.7
           
75.4
Stony Point Fashion Park
108.9
 
108.9
6.24%
     
1.6
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.1
99.5
     
108.9
The Mall at Short Hills
 
540.0
 
540.0
5.47%
                 
540.0
   
540.0
The Mall at Wellington Green
90.00%
200.0
 
180.0
5.44%
                 
180.0
   
180.0
The Pier Shops at Caesars
77.50%
135.0
 
104.6
6.01%
                     
104.6
104.6
Total Consolidated Fixed
2,158.9
 
1,962.0
       
14.1
134.6
83.6
11.4
134.8
403.3
720.0
355.5
104.6
1,962.0
Weighted Rate
   
5.59%
 
5.61%
       
5.88%
6.81%
6.58%
5.44%
5.27%
5.52%
5.46%
5.34%
6.01%
 
                                         
Consolidated Floating Rate Debt:
                               
International Plaza
50.10%
325.0
 
162.8
5.01%
(d)
       
162.8
(e)
         
162.8
The Mall at Partridge Creek (f)
72.8
 
72.8
2.27%
(g)
1.15%
   
72.8
             
72.8
Other (h)
   
0.2
 
0.1
3.25%
     
0.1
               
0.1
TRG Revolving Credit
 
10.9
 
10.9
1.13%
(i)
       
10.9
           
10.9
  TRG $550M Revolving Credit Facility:                              
  Dolphin Mall (j)
   
139.0
 
139.0
2.60%
(g)
0.70%
     
139.0
(k)
         
139.0
  Fairlane Town Center (j)
80.0
 
80.0
2.60%
(g)
0.70%
     
80.0
(k)
         
80.0
  Twelve Oaks Mall (j)
 
10.0
 
10.0
2.60%
(g)
0.70%
     
10.0
(k)
         
10.0
Total Consolidated Floating
637.9
 
475.6
       
0.1
72.8
402.7
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
475.6
Weighted Rate
   
3.76%
 
3.34%
       
3.25%
2.27%
3.53%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
 
                                         
Total Consolidated
 
2,796.8
 
2,437.6
       
14.2
207.4
486.3
11.4
134.8
403.3
720.0
355.5
104.6
2,437.6
Weighted Rate
   
5.18%
 
5.17%
       
5.85%
5.22%
4.06%
5.44%
5.27%
5.52%
5.46%
5.34%
6.01%
 
                                         
Joint Ventures Fixed Rate Debt:
                               
Arizona Mills
 
50.00%
134.1
 
67.1
7.90%
     
1.0
66.0
             
67.1
The Mall at Millenia
50.00%
208.2
 
104.1
5.46%
     
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.6
98.1
       
104.1
Sunvalley
 
50.00%
123.7
 
61.9
5.67%
     
1.2
1.2
1.3
58.2
         
61.9
Waterside Shops
25.00%
165.0
 
41.3
5.54%
                   
41.3
 
41.3
Westfarms
 
78.94%
192.2
 
151.7
6.10%
     
2.7
2.9
3.1
142.9
         
151.7
Total Joint Venture Fixed
823.3
 
426.0
       
6.3
71.7
6.0
202.7
98.1
0.0
0.0
41.3
0.0
426.0
Weighted Rate
   
6.05%
 
6.11%
       
6.17%
7.73%
5.84%
5.97%
5.46%
0.00%
0.00%
5.54%
0.00%
 
                                         
Joint Ventures Floating Rate Debt:
                               
Fair Oaks
 
50.00%
250.0
 
125.0
4.22%
(l)
       
125.0
(e)
         
125.0
Taubman Land Associates
50.00%
30.0
 
15.0
5.95%
(m)
       
15.0
         
15.0
Other (h)
   
0.6
 
0.4
3.25%
     
0.3
0.1
             
0.4
Total Joint Venture Floating
280.6
 
140.4
       
0.3
0.1
125.0
15.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
140.4
Weighted Rate
   
4.40%
 
4.40%
       
3.25%
3.25%
4.22%
5.95%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
 
                                         
Total Joint Venture
 
1,103.9
 
566.4
       
6.6
71.8
131.0
217.7
98.1
0.0
0.0
41.3
0.0
566.4
Weighted Rate
   
5.63%
 
5.69%
       
6.05%
7.73%
4.29%
5.97%
5.46%
0.00%
0.00%
5.54%
0.00%
 
                                         
TRG Beneficial Interest Totals
                               
Fixed Rate Debt
   
2,982.2
 
2,388.0
       
20.4
206.3
89.6
214.1
232.9
403.3
720.0
396.8
104.6
2,388.0
       
5.72%
 
5.70%
       
5.97%
7.13%
6.53%
5.94%
5.35%
5.52%
5.46%
5.36%
6.01%
 
Floating Rate Debt
 
918.5
 
616.0
       
0.4
72.9
527.7
15.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
616.1
       
3.96%
 
3.58%
       
3.25%
2.27%
3.70%
5.95%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
 
Total
   
3,900.7
 
3,004.0
       
20.8
279.2
617.3
229.1
232.9
403.3
720.0
396.8
104.6
3,004.0
       
5.31%
 
5.26%
       
5.91%
5.86%
4.11%
5.94%
5.35%
5.52%
5.46%
5.36%
6.01%
 
                                         
           
Average Maturity Fixed Debt
             5
               
           
Average Maturity Total Debt
             5
               
                                         
                                         
                                         
 
(a)  All debt is secured and non-recourse to TRG unless otherwise indicated.
           
(b)  Includes the impact of interest rate swaps, if any, but does not include effect of amortization of debt issuance costs,
       losses on settlement of derivatives used to hedge the refinancing of certain fixed rate debt, or interest rate cap premiums.
(c)  Debt includes $1.3 million of purchase accounting premium from acquisition which reduces the stated rate on the
       debt of 7.59% to an effective rate of 6.93%.
                                 
(d)  Debt is swapped to an effective rate of 5.01% until maturity.
                     
(e)  Two one year extension options available.
                                 
(f)   TRG has guaranteed certain obligations of Partridge Creek.
                   
(g)  The debt is floating month to month at LIBOR plus spread.
                       
(h)   Debt is unsecured.
                                           
(i)    $40 million available; rate floats daily.
                                   
(j)    TRG revolving credit facility of $550 million.  Dolphin, Fairlane and Twelve Oaks are the direct
 
        borrowers under this facility.  Debt is guaranteed by TRG.
                       
(k)   One year extension option available.
                                   
(l)    Debt is swapped to an effective rate of 4.22% until maturity.
                   
(m)  Debt is swapped to an effective rate of 5.95% until maturity.
                   
                                                 

 
 

 


Exhibit 99 (b)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES OF THE TAUBMAN REALTY GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2008
(in thousands)

 
Initial Cost
to Company
     
Gross Amount at Which
Carried at Close of Period
             
 
Land
 
Buildings, Improvements,
and 
Equipment
 
Cost Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition
 
Land
 
BI&E
 
Total
 
Accumulated Depreciation (A/D)
 
Total Cost Net of A/D
Encumbrances
Date of Completion of  Construction
or Acquisition
Depreciable Life
Shopping Centers:
                                   
Arizona Mills, Tempe, AZ
  $22,017
 
$150,581
 
$6,529
 
$22,017
 
$157,110
 
$179,127
 
$51,214
 
$127,913
$134,139
1997
50 Years
Fair Oaks, Fairfax, VA
      7,667
 
36,043
 
64,957
 
7,667
 
101,000
 
108,667
 
53,814
 
54,853
250,000
1980
55 Years
The Mall at Millenia, Orlando, FL
    22,516
 
177,774
 
7,032
 
22,516
 
184,806
 
207,322
 
46,494
 
160,828
208,246
2002
50 Years
Stamford Town Center, Stamford, CT
      9,537
 
41,668
 
84,088
 
9,537
 
125,756
 
135,293
 
49,190
 
86,103
 
1982
40 Years
Sunvalley, Concord, CA
         350
 
66,010
 
13,090
 
350
 
79,100
 
79,450
 
52,649
 
26,801
123,708
1967
40 Years
Waterside Shops, Naples, FL
  12,604
 
67,115
 
  86,050
 
12,604
 
        153,165
 
165,769
 
  36,315
 
129,454
165,000
2003
40 Years
Westfarms, Farmington, CT
5,287
 
38,638
 
120,931
 
5,287
 
159,569
 
164,856
 
76,492
 
88,364
192,200
1974
34 Years
Other:
                                   
Taubman Land Associates
(Sunvalley), Concord, CA
 
 42,697
         
42,697
     
  42,697
     
 
     42,697
 
               30,000
 
2006
 
Peripheral Land
     1,547
         
      1,547
     
       1,547
     
         1,547
     
Construction in Process and
    Development Pre-Construction  
    Costs
       
 
     2,613
     
2 ,613
 
 
            2 ,613
     
 
    2,613
     
Total
$124,222
 
$      577,829
 
$ 385,290
 
$ 124,222
 
$ 963,119
 
$1,087,341
(1) 
$ 366,168
 
$ 721,173
     

 
The changes in total real estate assets and accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 are as follows:

   
Total Real
Estate Assets
   
Total Real
Estate Assets
   
Total Real
Estate Assets
     
Accumulated Depreciation
   
Accumulated Depreciation
   
Accumulated Depreciation
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
     
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 1,056,380     $ 1,157,872     $ 1,076,743  
Balance, beginning of year
  $ (347,459 )   $ (320,256 )   $ (363,394 )
New development and improvements
    47,908       78,885       48,800  
Depreciation for year
    (36,108 )     (33,173 )     (40,224 )
Acquisitions
                    42,697 (2)
Disposals/Write-offs
    16,676       3,928       8,270  
Disposals/Write-offs
    (16,947 )     (3,907 )     (8,272 )
Transfers In/(Out)
    723       2,042 (3)     75,092 (4)
Transfers In/(Out)
            (176,470 ) (3)     (2,096 ) (4)
Balance, end of year
  $ (366,168 )   $ (347,459 )   $ (320,256 )
Balance, end of year
  $ 1,087,341     $ 1,056,380     $ 1,157,872                            

(1)  
The unaudited aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes as of December 31, 2008 was $1.331 billion.
(2)  
Includes costs related to the purchase of the land under Sunvalley, acquired by a 50% owned joint venture.
(3)  
Includes costs related to The Pier Shops at Caesars, which became a consolidated center in 2007.
(4)  
Primarily includes a $174.8 million transfer out of costs relating to Cherry Creek Shopping Center, which became a consolidated center in 2006, offset by a $176.5 million transfer in of costs relating to The Pier Shops at Caesars.