As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2009
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-11
FOR REGISTRATION
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Governing Instruments)
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321
El Segundo, California 90245
(310) 606-5900
(Address, Including Zip Code and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
Kevin A. Shields
President
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321
El Segundo, California 90245
(310) 606-5900
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Michael K. Rafter, Esq.
Howard S. Hirsch, Esq.
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz, PC
3414 Peachtree Road
Suite 1600
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 577-6000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable following effectiveness of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities are being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to rule 415 under the Securities Act 1933 check the following box. x
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, check the following box. ¨
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 ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer x Smaller reporting company ¨
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities Being Registered |
Amount Being
Registered |
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per Share |
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price (1) |
Amount of
Registration Fee |
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Common Stock, $0.001 par value |
75,000,000 | $10.00 | $750,000,000 | $41,850 | ||||
Common Stock, $0.001 par value (2) |
7,500,000 | $9.50 | $71,250,000 | $3,976 | ||||
(1) | Estimated solely for purposes of determining the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457. |
(2) | Represents shares issuable pursuant to the Registrants distribution reinvestment plan. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant files a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement will thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement becomes effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities pursuant to this prospectus until the registration statement filed with the SEC is effective . This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 12, 2009
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
Maximum Offering of 82,500,000 Shares of Common Stock
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. is a Maryland corporation that intends to qualify as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for federal income tax purposes not later than our taxable year ending December 31, 2009. We are offering up to a maximum of 75,000,000 shares of our common stock in our primary offering for $10.00 per share, with discounts available for certain categories of purchasers as described in Plan of Distribution. We are also offering up to 7,500,000 shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan at a purchase price during this offering of $9.50 per share. No person may own (actually or constructively) more than 9.8% of our outstanding common stock unless our board of directors waives this restriction. We will offer these shares until , 2011, which is two years after the effective date of this offering, unless extended by our board of directors for an additional year as permitted under applicable law, or extended with respect to shares offered pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. We reserve the right to reallocate shares between our primary offering and our distribution reinvestment plan. We also reserve the right to terminate this offering in our sole discretion.
The sponsor of this offering is Griffin Capital Corporation. On May , 2009, certain affiliates of our sponsor, including our President and Chairman, Kevin A. Shields, and our Vice President Acquisitions, Don Pescara, contributed to The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., our operating partnership, two single tenant net lease properties containing an aggregate of 743,000 gross rentable square feet having a $54.7 million total valuation with approximately $20.5 million of equity in exchange for 2.05 million units of limited partnership interest in our operating partnership.
We expect to use substantially all of the net proceeds from this offering to primarily invest in single tenant net lease properties diversified by corporate credit, physical geography, product type and lease duration. We are externally managed by The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC, our advisor, which is an affiliate of our sponsor.
See Risk Factors beginning on page 18 for a discussion of certain factors that should be carefully considered by prospective investors before making an investment in the shares offered hereby. These risks include but are not limited to the following:
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We have limited operating history. |
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This is a best efforts offering and some or all of our shares may not be sold. |
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No public market currently exists for shares of our common stock and we do not currently intend to list our shares on a national exchange during the next eight to 11 years, if at all. It may be difficult to sell your shares. If you sell your shares, it will likely be at a substantial discount. |
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We have no employees and must depend on our advisor to conduct our operations, and there is no guarantee that our advisor will devote adequate time or resources to us. |
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We will pay substantial fees and expenses to our advisor in connection with our acquisition of properties which will reduce cash available for investment and distribution. |
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There are substantial conflicts among us and our sponsor, advisor, dealer manager and property manager. |
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We may borrow funds, issue new securities or sell assets to make distributions, some of which may constitute a return of capital. |
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We may fail to qualify as a REIT which could adversely effect our operations and our ability to make distributions. |
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We may use substantial debt to acquire our properties, especially in the early years, which could hinder our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders or could decrease the value of your investment. |
This investment involves a high degree of risk. You should purchase these securities only if you can afford a complete loss of your investment.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Attorney General of the State of New York nor any other state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of our common stock, determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete or passed on or endorsed the merits of this offering. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The use of projections or forecasts in this offering is prohibited. Any representation to the contrary and any predictions, written or oral, as to the amount or certainty of any present or future cash benefit or tax consequence which may flow from an investment in our shares of common stock is prohibited.
Price
to Public |
Sales
Commissions* |
Dealer
Manager Fee* |
Net Proceeds
(Before Expenses) |
|||||||||
Primary Offering |
||||||||||||
Per Share |
$ | 10.00 | $ | 0.70 | $ | 0.30 | $ | 9.00 | ||||
Total Maximum |
$ | 750,000,000 | $ | 52,500,000 | $ | 22,500,000 | $ | 675,000,000 | ||||
Distribution Reinvestment Plan |
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Per Share |
$ | 9.50 | $ | | $ | | $ | 9.50 | ||||
Total Maximum |
$ | 71,250,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | 71,250,000 |
* | The maximum amount of sales commissions we will pay is 7% of the gross offering proceeds in our primary offering. The maximum amount of dealer manager fees we will pay is 3% of the gross offering proceeds in our primary offering. The sales commissions and, in some cases, the dealer manager fee will not be charged or may be reduced with regard to shares sold to or for the account of certain categories of purchasers. The reduction in these fees will be accompanied by a reduction in the per share purchase price, except that shares sold under the distribution reinvestment plan will be at $9.50 per share. See Plan of Distribution. |
The dealer manager of this offering, Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., a member firm of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is our affiliate and will offer the shares on a best efforts basis. The minimum permitted purchase is generally $1,000.
, 2009
An investment in our shares of common stock involves significant risks and is only suitable for persons who have adequate financial means, desire a relatively long-term investment and will not need immediate liquidity from their investment. Initially, there will be no public market for our shares and we cannot assure you that one will develop, which means that it may be difficult for you to sell your shares. This investment is not suitable for persons who require immediate liquidity or guaranteed income, or who seek a short-term investment.
In consideration of these factors, we have established suitability standards for an initial purchaser or subsequent transferee of our shares. These suitability standards require that a purchaser of shares have, excluding the value of a purchasers home, furnishings and automobiles, either:
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a net worth of at least $250,000; or |
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a gross annual income of at least $70,000 and a net worth of at least $70,000. |
Several states have established suitability requirements that are more stringent than our standards described above. Shares will be sold only to investors in these states who meet our suitability standards set forth above along with the special suitability standards set forth below:
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For Kansas Residents It is recommended by the office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner that Kansas investors not invest, in the aggregate, more than 10% of their liquid net worth in this and other direct participation investments. Liquid net worth is defined as that portion of net worth that consists of cash, cash equivalents and readily marketable securities. |
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For Alabama Residents Shares will only be sold to residents of the State of Alabama representing that they have a liquid net worth of at least ten times their investment in our shares and other similar direct participation programs and that they meet one of our suitability standards. |
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For Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon and Pennsylvania Residents Shares will only be sold to residents of the States of Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon and Pennsylvania representing that they have a liquid net worth of at least ten times their investment in our shares and that they meet one of our suitability standards. |
In all states, net worth is to be determined excluding the value of a purchasers home, furnishings and automobiles.
The minimum purchase is 100 shares ($1,000), except in certain states as described below. You may not transfer less shares than the minimum purchase requirement. In addition, you may not transfer or subdivide your shares so as to retain less than the number of shares required for the minimum purchase. In order to satisfy the minimum purchase requirements for retirement plans, unless otherwise prohibited by state law, a husband and wife may jointly contribute funds from their separate individual retirement accounts (IRAs), provided that each such contribution is made in increments of $100. You should note that an investment in shares of our common stock will not, in itself, create a retirement plan and that, in order to create a retirement plan, you must comply with all applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (Code).
The minimum purchase for New York residents is 250 shares ($2,500), except for IRAs which must purchase a minimum of 100 shares ($1,000). After you have purchased the minimum investment, any additional purchases must be in increments of at least $500, except for purchases of shares pursuant
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to our distribution reinvestment plan or our automatic investment plan, which may be in lesser amounts.
Our sponsor and each participating broker-dealer, authorized representative or any other person selling shares on our behalf are required to make every reasonable effort to determine that the purchase of shares is a suitable and appropriate investment for each investor based on information provided by the investor regarding the investors financial situation and investment objectives.
Our sponsor or the participating broker-dealer, authorized representative or any other person selling shares on our behalf will make this determination based on information provided by such investor to our sponsor or the participating broker-dealer, authorized representative or any other person selling shares on our behalf, including such investors age, investment objectives, investment experience, income, net worth, financial situation and other investments held by such investor, as well as any other pertinent factors.
Our sponsor or the participating broker-dealer, authorized representative or any other person selling shares on our behalf will maintain records for at least six years of the information used to determine that an investment in the shares is suitable and appropriate for each investor.
In making this determination, our sponsor or the participating broker-dealer, authorized representative or other person selling shares on our behalf will, based on a review of the information provided by you, consider whether you:
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meet the minimum income and net worth standards established in your state; |
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can reasonably benefit from an investment in our common stock based on your overall investment objectives and portfolio structure; |
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are able to bear the economic risk of the investment based on your overall financial situation; and |
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have an apparent understanding of: |
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the fundamental risks of an investment in our common stock; |
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the risk that you may lose your entire investment; |
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the lack of liquidity of our common stock; |
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the restrictions on transferability of our common stock; |
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the background and qualifications of our advisor and its affiliates; and |
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the tax consequences of an investment in our common stock. |
In the case of sales to fiduciary accounts, the suitability standards must be met by the fiduciary account, by the person who directly or indirectly supplied the funds for the purchase of the shares or by the beneficiary of the account. Given the long-term nature of an investment in our shares, our investment objectives and the relative illiquidity of our shares, our suitability standards are intended to help ensure that shares of our common stock are an appropriate investment for those of you who become investors.
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Risks Related to an Investment in The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. |
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Risks Related to Investments in Single Tenant Net Lease Real Estate |
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ERISA and Related Risks for Employee Benefit Plans, IRAs, and Other Tax-Favored Benefit Accounts |
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Limited Liability and Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Other Agents |
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CONSIDERATIONS FOR INVESTMENT BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND CERTAIN TAX-FAVORED BENEFIT ACCOUNTS |
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Prohibited Transactions Involving Assets of Plans or Accounts |
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Prohibited Transactions Involving Assets of Plans or Accounts Consequences |
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Compensation of Dealer Manager and Participating Broker-Dealers |
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS OFFERING
Below we have provided some of the more frequently asked questions and answers relating to an offering of this type. Please see Prospectus Summary and the remainder of this prospectus for more detailed information about this offering.
Q: | What is a real estate investment trust? |
A: | In general, a real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that: |
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combines the capital of many investors to acquire or provide financing for commercial real estate; |
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allows individual investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate under professional management; |
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pays distributions to investors of at least 90% of its taxable income; and |
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avoids the double taxation treatment of income that generally results from investments in a corporation because a REIT generally is not subject to federal corporate income taxes on its net income, provided certain income tax requirements are satisfied. |
In order to qualify as a REIT, an otherwise taxable domestic corporation must:
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be managed by an independent board of directors or trustees; |
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be jointly owned by 100 or more stockholders without five or fewer investors owning in total more than 50% of the REIT; |
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have 95% of its income derived from dividends, interest and property income; |
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invest at least 75% of its assets in real estate; and |
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derive at least 75% of its gross income from rents or mortgage interest. |
There are three basic types of REITs, which are as follows:
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equity REITs that invest in or own real estate and earn income through collecting rent; |
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mortgage REITs that lend money to owners and developers or invest in financial instruments; and |
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hybrid REITs that are a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. |
We intend to operate primarily as an equity REIT, although our charter does not prohibit us from investing in mortgages as well.
Q: | What is The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.? |
A: | The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. is a recently organized Maryland corporation that intends to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes not later than the taxable year ending December 31, 2009. We do not have any employees and are externally managed by our advisor, The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC. |
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Q: | Do you currently own any properties? |
A: | Yes. On May , 2009, certain Griffin affiliates contributed the Griffin properties to our operating partnership in exchange for 2.05 million units of limited partnership interest in our operating partnership pursuant to contribution agreements. The Griffin properties contain a total of approximately 743,000 gross rentable square feet and currently generate approximately $4.2 million in annual base rental revenues. |
The Griffin properties consist of the following:
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Renfro - The Renfro property is a single-story warehouse/distribution property containing approximately 565,000 rentable square feet located in Clinton, South Carolina. The Renfro property is leased in its entirety under a triple-net lease to Renfro Corporation, a privately-held corporation that manufactures socks under the Fruit of the Loom , Nike, Ralph Lauren, Dr. Scholls and Starter brands, among others. The Renfro lease commenced on July 24, 1998 and terminates on January 31, 2021. |
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Chicago Bridge & Iron - The Chicago Bridge & Iron property is an office/laboratory property containing a total of approximately 176,000 rentable square feet located in Plainfield, Illinois. The Chicago Bridge & Iron property is leased in its entirety under a triple-net lease to Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (Delaware), a subsidiary of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V., a publicly-traded corporation that is one of the worlds largest engineering, procurement and construction companies. The Chicago Bridge & Iron lease commenced on June 5, 2001 and terminates on October 31, 2022, with the tenant having the right, at its option, to extend the initial term of the lease for four additional five-year periods. Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. is a guarantor on the Chicago Bridge & Iron lease. |
In connection with the contribution of the Griffin properties, we assumed approximately $34.2 million of mortgage debt. Our advisor received approximately $ million in acquisition fees, plus reimbursement of all acquisition expenses in connection with the acquisition of the Griffin properties. Please see Our Real Estate Investments The Griffin Properties for more detailed information about the Griffin properties.
Q: | Do you currently have any stockholders? |
A: | Yes, we currently have approximately 129,132 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. On February 20, 2009, we commenced a private offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to a confidential private placement memorandum. We will terminate this private offering upon commencement of this offering. As of May 6, 2009, we had received aggregate gross offering proceeds of approximately $1.2 million from the sale of approximately 129,032 shares in our private offering. |
Q: | What will you do with the money raised in this offering? |
A: |
If we sell the maximum offering, we estimate that approximately 88.25% of the money you invest will be used to primarily invest in single tenant net lease properties in accordance with our investment objectives and to pay real estate related acquisition fees and expenses. The remaining 11.75% will be used to pay sales commissions, dealer manager fees and other organization and offering expenses. We expect our acquisition fees and acquisition expenses to constitute approximately 2.57% of our gross offering proceeds, which will allow us to invest approximately |
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85.68% in real estate investments. Until we invest the proceeds of this offering as described in this prospectus, we may invest in short-term, highly liquid or other authorized investments. Such short-term investments will not earn significant returns, and we cannot guarantee how long it will take to use the proceeds. See Estimated Use of Proceeds. |
Q: | What is your primary investment strategy? |
A: | We will seek to acquire a portfolio of single tenant net lease properties throughout the United States diversified by corporate credit, physical geography, product type and lease duration. We intend to acquire assets consistent with our single tenant net lease acquisition philosophy by focusing primarily on properties: |
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critical to the business operations of the tenant; |
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located in primary, secondary and certain select tertiary markets; |
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leased to tenants with stable and/or improving credit quality; and |
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subject to long-term leases with defined rental rate increases or with short-term leases with high-probability renewal and clear income acceleration potential. |
See Investment Objectives and Related Policies.
Q: | How will you own the properties? |
A: | The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., our operating partnership, will own, directly or indirectly through one or more special purpose entities, all of our properties. We are the sole general partner of our operating partnership, and therefore, we completely control the operating partnership. This structure is commonly known as an UPREIT. Due to the contribution of the Griffin properties, we currently own % of the limited partnership units of our operating partnership and the Griffin affiliates own % of the units of our operating partnership. As we raise additional offering proceeds, our ownership interest in the operating partnership will increase proportionately. |
Q: | What is an UPREIT? |
A: | UPREIT stands for Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust. An UPREIT is a REIT that holds all or substantially all of its properties through an operating partnership in which the REIT holds a controlling interest. Using an UPREIT structure may give us an advantage in acquiring properties from persons who might not otherwise sell their properties because of unfavorable tax results. Generally, a sale of property directly to a REIT, or a contribution in exchange for REIT shares, is a taxable transaction to the selling property owner. However, in an UPREIT structure, a seller of a property who desires to defer taxable gain on the sale of property may transfer the property to the UPREIT in exchange for limited partnership units in the UPREITs operating partnership without recognizing gain for tax purposes. |
Q: | What are the terms of your leases? |
A: |
We seek to secure leases with creditworthy tenants prior to or at the time of the acquisition of a property. Our leases are generally economically triple-net leases, which means that the tenant is responsible for the cost of repairs, maintenance, property taxes, utilities, insurance and other operating costs. In certain of our leases, we may be responsible for replacement of specific |
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structural components of a property such as the roof of the building or the parking lot. Our leases will generally have terms of seven to 15 years, many of which will have renewal options for additional five-year terms. |
Q: | Why single tenant net lease properties? |
A: | Our sponsor has been acquiring single tenant net lease properties for well over a decade. Our sponsors positive acquisition and ownership experience with single tenant net lease properties stems from the following: |
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the credit quality of the lease payment is determinable and equivalent to the senior unsecured credit rating of the tenant; |
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the critical nature of the asset to the tenants business provides greater default protection relative to the tenants balance sheet debt; |
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the percentage recovery in the event of a tenant default is empirically greater than that of an unsecured lender; and |
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long-term leases provide a consistent and predictable income stream across market cycles and shorter-term leases offer income appreciation upon renewal and reset. |
See Investment Objectives and Related Policies.
Q: | What is a taxable REIT subsidiary? |
A: | Our company is allowed to own up to 100% of the stock of taxable REIT subsidiaries that can perform activities unrelated to our leasing of space to tenants, such as third-party management, development and other independent business activities. A taxable REIT subsidiary is a fully taxable corporation and may be limited in its ability to deduct interest payments made to us. In addition, we will be subject to a 100% penalty tax on certain amounts if the economic arrangements among our tenants and customers, our taxable REIT subsidiary and us are not comparable to similar arrangements among unrelated parties. The GC Net Lease REIT TRS, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of our operating partnership, filed an election to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. The GC Net Lease REIT TRS, Inc. will conduct certain activities that, if conducted by us, could cause us to receive non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests. |
Q: | Will you acquire properties in joint ventures? |
A: | Possibly. We may acquire properties through one or more joint ventures in order to further diversify our portfolio of properties in terms of geographic region or property type. Increased portfolio diversification will reduce the risk to investors as compared to a program with a smaller number of investments. Our joint ventures may be with our affiliates or with third parties. |
Q: | What steps do you take to make sure you invest in environmentally compliant properties? |
A: |
Generally, we will obtain a Phase I environmental assessment for each property we purchase. These assessments, however, may not reveal all environmental hazards. In certain instances, we will rely upon the experience of our advisor and we expect that in most cases we will attempt to |
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obtain a representation from the seller that, to its knowledge, the property is not contaminated with hazardous materials. |
Q: | If I buy shares will I receive distributions and how often? |
A: | Yes. We commenced paying distributions on , 2009, and expect to continue to pay distributions on a monthly basis to our stockholders. See Description of Shares Distribution Policy and Distributions. |
Q: | Will the distributions I receive be taxable as ordinary income? |
A: | Yes and no. Generally, distributions that you receive, including distributions that are reinvested pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan, will be taxed as ordinary income to the extent they are from current or accumulated earnings and profits. We expect that some portion of your distributions may not be subject to tax in the year received because depreciation expense reduces taxable income but does not reduce cash available for distribution. The portion of your distribution that is not subject to tax immediately is considered a return of capital for tax purposes and will reduce the tax basis of your investment. This, in effect, defers a portion of your tax until your investment is sold or we are liquidated, at which time you would be taxed at capital gains rates. However, because each investors tax considerations are different, we suggest that you consult with your tax advisor. You also should review the section of this prospectus entitled Federal Income Tax Considerations. |
Q: | What kind of offering is this? |
A: | Through our dealer manager, we are offering a maximum of 75,000,000 shares of our common stock at $10.00 per share in our primary offering on a best efforts basis. We are also offering 7,500,000 shares of our common stock at $9.50 per share pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan to those stockholders who elect to participate in such plan as described in this prospectus. We reserve the right to reallocate the shares of common stock we are offering between our primary offering and our distribution reinvestment plan. |
Q: | How does a best efforts offering work? |
A: | When shares are offered on a best efforts basis, the participating broker-dealers are only required to use their best efforts to sell the shares and have no firm commitment or obligation to purchase any of the shares. Therefore, we may not sell all or any of the shares that we are offering. |
Q: | How long will this offering last? |
A: | The offering will not last beyond , 201 (two years after the effective date of this offering); provided, however, that the amount of shares of our common stock registered pursuant to this offering is the amount that we reasonably expect to be offered and sold within two years from the initial effective date of this offering and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, we may extend this offering for an additional year. We reserve the right to terminate this offering earlier at any time. |
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Q: | Who can buy shares? |
A: | Generally, you may buy shares pursuant to this prospectus provided that you have either (1) a net worth of at least $70,000 and a gross annual income of at least $70,000, or (2) a net worth of at least $250,000. For this purpose, net worth does not include your home, furnishings and automobiles. You should carefully read the more detailed description under Suitability Standards immediately following the cover page of this prospectus. |
Q: | For whom is an investment in our shares recommended? |
A: | An investment in our shares may be appropriate if you (1) meet the suitability standards as set forth above, (2) seek to diversify your personal portfolio with a finite-life, real estate-based investment, (3) seek to receive current income, (4) seek to preserve capital, (5) wish to obtain the benefits of potential long-term capital appreciation, and (6) are able to hold your investment for a long period of time. On the other hand, we caution persons who require immediate liquidity or guaranteed income, or who seek a short-term investment. |
Q: | May I make an investment through my IRA, SEP or other tax-favored account? |
A: | Yes. You may make an investment through your IRA, a simplified employee pension (SEP) plan or other tax-favored account. In making these investment decisions, you should consider, at a minimum, (1) whether the investment is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing your IRA, plan or other account, (2) whether the investment satisfies the fiduciary requirements associated with your IRA, plan or other account, (3) whether the investment will generate unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) to your IRA, plan or other account, (4) whether there is sufficient liquidity for such investment under your IRA, plan or other account, (5) the need to value the assets of your IRA, plan or other account annually or more frequently, and (6) whether the investment would constitute a prohibited transaction under applicable law. |
Q: | Is there any minimum investment required? |
A: | Yes. Generally, you must invest at least $1,000. Investors who already own our shares can make additional purchases for less than the minimum investment. You should carefully read the more detailed description of the minimum investment requirements appearing under Suitability Standards immediately following the cover page of this prospectus. |
Q: | How do I subscribe for shares? |
A: | If you meet the suitability standards described herein and choose to purchase shares in this offering, you must complete a subscription agreement, like the one contained in this prospectus as Appendix B, for a specific number of shares and pay for the shares at the time you subscribe. |
Q: | May I reinvest my distributions? |
A: |
Yes. Under our distribution reinvestment plan, you may reinvest the distributions you receive. The purchase price per share under our distribution reinvestment plan will be $9.50 per share during this offering. No sales commissions or dealer manager fees will be paid on shares sold |
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under the distribution reinvestment plan. Please see Description of Shares Distribution Reinvestment Plan for more information regarding our distribution reinvestment plan. |
Q: | If I buy shares in this offering, how may I later sell them? |
A: | At the time you purchase the shares, they will not be listed for trading on any national securities exchange. As a result, if you wish to sell your shares, you may not be able to do so promptly or at all, or you may only be able to sell them at a substantial discount from the price you paid. In general, however, you may sell your shares to any buyer that meets the applicable suitability standards unless such sale would cause the buyer to own more than 9.8% of the value of our then outstanding capital stock (which includes common stock and any preferred stock we may issue) or more than 9.8% of the value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of our then outstanding common stock. See Who May Invest and Description of Shares Restriction on Ownership and Transfer. We intend to offer a share redemption program, as discussed under Description of Shares Share Redemption Program, which may provide limited liquidity for some of our stockholders; however, we may suspend or terminate our share redemption program if our board of directors determines that such program is not in the best interests of our stockholders. |
Q: | What are some of the more significant risks involved in an investment in your shares? |
A: | An investment in our shares is subject to significant risks. You should carefully consider the information set forth under Risk Factors beginning on page 18 for a discussion of the material risk factors relevant to an investment in our shares. Some of the more significant risks include the following: |
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We have limited prior operating history or established financing sources, and the prior performance of real estate investment programs sponsored by affiliates of our advisor may not be an indication of our future results. |
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There is currently no public trading market for our shares and there may never be one; therefore, it will be difficult for you to sell your shares. |
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Our ability to operate profitably will depend upon the ability of our advisor to efficiently manage our day-to-day operations. |
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Our advisor and its officers and certain of our key personnel will face competing demands relating to their time, and this may cause our operating results to suffer. |
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Our advisor will face conflicts of interest relating to the incentive fee structure under our advisory agreement, which could result in actions that are not necessarily in the long-term best interests of our stockholders. |
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You are bound by the majority vote on matters on which our stockholders are entitled to vote and, therefore, your vote on a particular matter may be superseded by the vote of other stockholders. |
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Because our dealer manager is one of our affiliates, you will not have the benefit of an independent review of the prospectus or us as is customarily performed in underwritten offerings. |
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Payment of fees to our advisor and its affiliates will reduce cash available for investment and distribution. |
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Many of our properties will depend upon a single tenant for all or a majority of their rental income, and our financial condition and ability to make distributions may be adversely affected by the bankruptcy or insolvency, a downturn in the business, or a lease termination of a single tenant. |
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Adverse economic conditions may negatively affect our property values, returns and profitability. |
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Disruptions in the credit markets and real estate markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions to you. |
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We may not be able to sell our properties at a price equal to, or greater than, the price for which we purchased such properties, which may lead to a decrease in the value of our assets. |
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Increases in interest rates could increase the amount of our debt payments and adversely affect our ability to make distributions to you. |
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Failure to qualify as a REIT would adversely affect our operations and our ability to make distributions as we will incur additional tax liabilities. |
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You may have tax liability on distributions you elect to reinvest in our common stock. |
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There are special considerations that apply to employee benefit plans, IRAs, or other tax-favored benefit accounts investing in our shares which could cause an investment in our shares to be a prohibited transaction which could result in additional tax consequences. |
Q: | What is the experience of your officers and directors? |
A: | Kevin A. Shields , our President and Chairman of our Board of Directors, founded our sponsor, Griffin Capital Corporation, in 1995, and has been the President of our sponsor since that time. Mr. Shields is also the President of our advisor. Mr. Shields has over 25 years of experience in real estate and real estate-based securities and financing. Prior to 1995, Mr. Shields was a Senior Vice President and head of the Structured Real Estate Finance Group at Jefferies & Company, Inc., a Los Angeles-based investment bank. Prior to that, Mr. Shields was the President and Principal of Terrarius Incorporated, a firm engaged in the restructuring of real estate debt and equity on behalf of financial institutions, corporations, partnerships and developers. Prior to founding Terrarius, Mr. Shields served as a Vice President in the Real Estate Finance Department of Salomon Brothers Inc. in both New York and Los Angeles where he initiated, negotiated, drafted and closed engagement, purchase and sale and finance agreements. |
Michael J. Escalante , our Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, has also been our sponsors Chief Investment Officer since 2006. Mr. Escalante is also the Chief Investment Officer of our advisor. With over 20 years of real estate related investment experience, he has been responsible for completing in excess of $4.0 billion of commercial real estate transactions throughout the Western U.S. Prior to joining our sponsor, Mr. Escalante founded Escalante Property Ventures, a real estate investment management company that invested in value-added and development-oriented infill properties within California and other western states. Prior to founding Escalante Property Ventures, Mr. Escalante held several executive level positions with Trizec Properties, a publicly traded REIT, and The Yarmouth Group, an international investment advisor.
Joseph E. Miller , our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, joined our sponsor in 2007 as its Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Miller is also the Chief Financial Officer of our advisor. Mr. Miller has 20 years of real estate experience in pubic accounting and real estate investment firms. Prior to joining our sponsor, Mr. Miller served as the Vice President and Corporate Controller, and
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later the Senior Vice President of Business Operations, for PS Business Parks, a publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust. Prior to PS Business Parks, Mr. Miller was the Corporate Controller for Maguire Properties, and before joining Maguire, Mr. Miller was an audit Manager with Ernst & Young, LP.
Mary P. Higgins , our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, has been our sponsors primary real estate transaction counsel for more than eight years. Ms. Higgins is also the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of our advisor. During that time period Ms. Higgins has worked together with our sponsors principals on nearly all of the firms acquisition, due diligence, leasing, financing and disposition activities. Ms. Higgins has over 20 years experience representing both public and private real estate owners, tenants and investors in commercial real estate matters, including development, leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and securitized and non-securitized financings. Prior to joining our sponsor, Ms. Higgins was a partner at the law firm of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP in Chicago, Illinois.
Don G. Pescara , our Vice President Acquisitions, is also Managing Director Acquisitions of our sponsor and our advisor. Mr. Pescara is responsible for our sponsors activities in the Midwestern U.S. and is based in the firms Chicago office. Prior to joining our sponsor in 1997, Mr. Pescara was a Director at Cohen Financial in the Capital Markets Unit responsible for all types of real estate financing including private placements of both debt and equity, asset dispositions, and acquisitions on behalf of Cohens merchant banking group. During his 23-year career, Mr. Pescara has been responsible for many innovative financing programs, including structuring corporate sale/leaseback transactions utilizing synthetic and structured lease bond financing.
Julie A. Treinen , our Vice President Asset Management, has been with our sponsor as its Managing Director Asset Management since 2004. Ms. Treinen is also the Managing Director Asset Management of our advisor. Before joining our sponsor, Ms. Treinen was a Vice President at Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, Inc., an SEC-registered real estate investment and advisory firm with $4.6 billion of assets under management. During her time at Cornerstone, Ms. Treinen managed the acquisition diligence of approximately 1.2 million square feet of existing assets totaling $238 million, the development of five apartment joint venture projects totaling $152 million, and the disposition of five properties totaling $125 million.
Gregory M. Cazel , one of our independent directors, has over 24 years of commercial real estate finance, acquisition, loan origination and securitization, mortgage banking, underwriting, analysis, and investment experience. Mr. Cazel is President of Midwest Residential Partners, LLC, a private real estate investment firm. Prior to forming Midwest Residential Partners in 2008, Mr. Cazel was an Executive Director with Dexia Real Estate Capital Markets Company, a Division of Dexia Bank, a Belgium-based financial institution, where he was responsible for establishing the Chicago office and managing the Midwest presence for the CMBS loan program. Prior to Dexia, Mr. Cazel was a Vice President at JP Morgan Mortgage Capital where he ran a loan production team that closed over $3.4 billion in permanent, floating, and mezzanine loans.
Tim Rohner, one of our independent directors, brings over 25 years of large business consulting and entrepreneurial experience to the board. Currently, he is a co-owner of Mpell Solutions where he is responsible for new business development, sales, and marketing. Mpell Solutions is a promotional marketing company that specializes in designing and operating consumer promotion programs for large and medium size companies. Prior to founding Mpell Solutions in 2005, Mr. Rohner was a founding partner of Leucadia Ventures, an investment and advisory firm. Mr. Rohner was also a business consultant for Diamond Management and Technology Consultants (NASDAQ: DTPI), McKinsey & Co, and Accenture. At each company he advised senior
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management on issues related to business strategy, technology strategy, operational efficiency, and organizational effectiveness.
See Management Executive Officers and Directors for more detailed biographical information regarding our executive officers and directors.
Q: | Will I be notified of how my investment is doing? |
A: | Yes. We will provide you with periodic updates on the performance of your investment with us, including: |
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supplements to the prospectus during the offering period; |
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an annual report; and |
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an annual IRS Form 1099. |
We intend to prepare an annual report of the estimated value of our shares and to include this information in our annual report. Until 18 months after we have completed our last offering, we intend to use the most recent price paid to acquire a share in our offering (ignoring purchase price discounts for certain categories of purchasers) as our estimated per share value of our shares. This estimated per share value may bear little relationship and will likely exceed what you might receive for your shares if you tried to sell them or if we liquidated our portfolio. See the Risk Factors Risks Related to this Offering and Our Corporate Structure and the Considerations for Investment by Employee Benefit Plans and Certain Tax-Favored Benefit Accounts Annual Valuation Requirement sections of this prospectus.
Q: | When will I get my detailed tax information? |
A: | Your IRS Form 1099 will be placed in the mail by January 31 of each year. |
Q: | Who can help answer my questions? |
A: | If you have more questions about the offering or if you would like additional copies of this prospectus, you should contact your registered representative or contact: |
Griffin Capital Securities, Inc.
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321
El Segundo, California 90245
Telephone: (310) 606-5900
Attention: David W. Ford
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This prospectus summary highlights material information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. Because it is a summary, it may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand this offering fully, you should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the Questions and Answers About this Offering and Risk Factors sections, before making a decision to invest in our shares.
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. is a Maryland corporation incorporated on August 28, 2008 that intends to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes not later than the taxable year ending December 31, 2009. We expect to use substantially all of the net proceeds from this offering to primarily invest in single tenant net lease properties.
On February 20, 2009, we commenced a private offering of shares of our common stock to accredited investors only pursuant to a confidential private placement memorandum. As of May 6, 2009, we had received aggregate gross offering proceeds of approximately $1.2 million from the sale of approximately 129,032 million shares in our private offering. The private offering will terminate upon commencement of this offering.
Our office is located at 2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321, El Segundo, California 90245. Our telephone number is (310) 606-5900 and our fax number is (310) 606-5910.
The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC is our advisor and will be responsible for managing our affairs on a day-to-day basis and identifying and making acquisitions on our behalf, subject to oversight by our board of directors. Our advisor was formed in Delaware on August 27, 2008 and is owned by our sponsor. See the Management Our Advisor section of this prospectus.
Our advisor is managed by our sponsor, Griffin Capital Corporation. Our sponsor, formed as a California corporation in 1995, is a privately-owned real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition, financing and management of institutional-quality property in the U.S. Led by senior executives some of which have more than two decades of real estate experience, collectively encompassing over $14.0 billion of transaction value and more than 400 transactions, our sponsor has acquired or constructed more than 11 million square feet of space since 1996. As principal, our sponsor has engaged in a full spectrum of transaction risk and complexity, ranging from ground-up development, opportunistic acquisitions requiring significant re-tenanting or asset re-positioning to structured single tenant acquisitions. Our sponsor currently owns and/or manages a portfolio consisting of 39 assets with 8.2 million square feet of space, located in 12 states, with an aggregate asset value of approximately $907 million. Our sponsors current portfolio of properties consists of approximately 72% office, 13% industrial, 9% retail and 6% hospitality. Approximately 39% of our sponsors portfolio consists of
We operate under the direction of our board of directors, the members of which are accountable to us and our stockholders as fiduciaries. Currently, we have three directors, Kevin A. Shields, our President, and two independent directors, Tim Rohner and Gregory M. Cazel. Certain of our executive officers and directors are affiliated with our advisor. Our charter, which requires that a majority of our directors be independent of our advisor, requires that our independent directors will be responsible for reviewing the performance of our advisor and must approve other matters set forth in our charter. See the Conflicts of Interest Certain Conflict Resolution Procedures section of this prospectus. Our directors will be elected annually by our stockholders.
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Below is a chart showing our ownership structure and the entities that are affiliated with our advisor and sponsor.
* | The address of all of these entities is 2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321, El Segundo, California 90245. |
** | Griffin Capital Corporation is owned by Kevin A. Shields, our President and Chairman. |
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Our advisor will experience conflicts of interest in connection with the management of our business affairs, including the following:
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The management personnel of our advisor and its affiliates, each of whom also makes investment decisions for 18 other affiliated programs and 5 other properties, must determine which investment opportunities to recommend to us or an affiliated program or joint venture and must determine how to allocate resources among us and the other affiliated programs; |
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Our advisor may receive higher fees by providing an investment opportunity to an entity other than us; |
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The acquisition of the Griffin properties from affiliates of our sponsor including Kevin A. Shields, our President and our Chairman; |
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We may structure the terms of joint ventures between us and other programs sponsored by our advisor and its affiliates; |
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Our advisor and its affiliates, including The GC Net Lease REIT Property Management, LLC, our property manager, will have to allocate their time between us and other real estate programs and activities in which they are involved; |
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Our advisor and its affiliates will receive substantial fees in connection with transactions involving the purchase, management and sale of our properties regardless of the quality of the property acquired or the services provided to us; and |
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Our advisor may receive substantial compensation in connection with a potential listing or other liquidity event. |
These conflicts of interest could result in decisions that are not in our best interests. See the Conflicts of Interest and the Risk Factors Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest sections of this prospectus for a detailed discussion of the various conflicts of interest relating to your investment, as well as the procedures that we have established to mitigate a number of these potential conflicts.
Compensation to Our Advisor and its Affiliates
Our advisor and its affiliates will receive compensation and reimbursements for services relating to this offering and the investment and management of our assets. The most significant items of compensation are summarized in the table below. Please see the Management Compensation section for a complete discussion of the compensation payable to our advisor and its affiliates. The sales commissions and dealer manager fees may vary for different categories of purchasers as described in the Plan of Distribution section of this prospectus. The table below assumes that the maximum amount of shares will be sold through distribution channels associated with the highest possible sales commissions and dealer manager fees and accounts for the fact that shares will be sold through our distribution reinvestment plan at $9.50 per share with no sales commissions and no dealer manager fees.
Type of Compensation (Recipient) |
Determination of Amount |
Estimated Amount for Maximum Offering (82,500,000 shares) |
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Offering Stage | ||||
Sales Commissions (Participating Dealers) |
7.0% of gross proceeds of our primary offering; we will not pay any sales commissions on sales of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan; the dealer manager will reallow all sales commissions to participating broker-dealers. | $52,500,000 | ||
Dealer Manager Fee (Dealer Manager) |
3.0% of gross proceeds of our primary offering; we will not pay a dealer manager fee on sales of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan. | $22,500,000 |
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Type of Compensation (Recipient) |
Determination of Amount |
Estimated Amount for Maximum Offering (82,500,000 shares) |
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Other Organization and Offering Expenses (Advisor) |
Estimated to be 1.75% of gross offering proceeds from our primary offering for organization and offering expenses in the event we raise the maximum offering. | $13,125,000 | ||
Operational Stage | ||||
Acquisition Fees (Advisor) |
Up to 2.5% of the contract purchase price of each property or other real estate investments we acquire. | $16,065,000 (estimate without leverage) | ||
$40,160,000 (estimate assuming 60% leverage) |
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Acquisition Expenses (Advisor) |
Approximately 0.5% of the purchase price of each property. In no event will the total of all acquisition fees and acquisition expenses payable with respect to a particular investment exceed 6.0% of the contract purchase price. |
$3,213,000 (estimate without leverage)
$8,032,000 (estimate assuming 60% leverage) |
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Asset Management Fees (Advisor) |
A monthly fee up to 0.0625%, which is one-twelfth of 0.75%, of our aggregate asset value. | Not determinable at this time. | ||
Property Management Fees (Property Manager) |
Aggregate property management fees of up to 3.0% of gross revenues received for management of our properties. These property management fees may be paid or re-allowed to third party property managers. | Not determinable at this time. | ||
Operating Expenses (Advisor and Property Manager) |
We will reimburse the expenses incurred by our advisor in connection with its provision of administrative services, including related personnel costs. | Not determinable at this time. | ||
Incentive Plan Compensation (Independent Directors) |
We may issue stock based awards to our independent directors and to employees and affiliates of our advisor. The total number of shares of common stock we have reserved for issuance under our Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan may not exceed 10% of our outstanding shares at any time. | Not determinable at this time. | ||
Liquidation/ Listing Stage | ||||
Disposition Fee (Advisor) |
Up to one-half of the total real estate commission paid but in no event to exceed an amount equal to 3% of the contract price for property sold. | Not determinable at this time. | ||
Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds (payable only if we are not listed on an exchange) (Advisor) |
We will pay the advisor a share of net sale proceeds equal to:
5% if stockholders paid return of capital plus between 6% and 8% annual cumulative, non-compounded return;
10% if stockholders paid return of capital plus between 8% and 10% annual cumulative, non-compounded return;
15% if stockholders paid return of capital plus a 10% or more annual cumulative, non-compounded return. |
Not determinable at this time. | ||
Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination of Advisory Agreement (payable only if we are not listed on an exchange) (Advisor) |
We will pay the advisor a termination fee based on the appraised value of the assets minus liabilities (less any payments made to advisor for subordinated share of net sale proceeds) equal to:
5% if stockholders paid return of capital plus between 6% and 8% annual cumulative, non-compounded return;
10% if stockholders paid return of capital plus between 8% and 10% annual cumulative, non-compounded return; or
15% if stockholders paid return of capital plus a 10% or more annual cumulative, non-compounded return. |
Not determinable at this time. | ||
Subordinated Incentive Listing Fee (payable only if we are listed on an exchange) (Advisor) |
In the event we list our stock we must pay a listing fee equal to the following percentages of the amount by which the market value of our stock plus all prior distributions exceeds invested capital plus the below preferred returns:
5% if stockholders paid return of capital plus between 6% and 8% annual cumulative, non-compounded return;
10% if stockholders paid return of capital plus between 8% and 10% annual cumulative, non-compounded return; or
15% if stockholders paid return of capital plus a 10% or more annual cumulative, non-compounded return. |
Not determinable at this time. |
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See Management Compensation for a detailed explanation of these fees and various limitations related to these fees.
If we qualify as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on income that we distribute to our stockholders. Under the Internal Revenue Code (Code), a REIT is subject to numerous organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it distribute at least 90% of its annual taxable income to its stockholders. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any year, our income will be taxed at regular corporate rates, and we may be precluded from qualifying for treatment as a REIT for the four-year period following our failure to qualify. Even if we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we may still be subject to state and local taxes on our income and property and to federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
If we sell the maximum offering, we estimate that approximately 88.25% of the money you invest will be used to primarily invest in single tenant net lease properties in accordance with our investment objectives and to pay real estate related acquisition fees and expenses. The remaining 11.75% will be used to pay sales commissions, dealer manager fees and other organization and offering expenses. We expect our acquisition fees and acquisition expenses to be approximately 2.57% of gross offering proceeds, which will allow us to invest approximately 85.68% in real estate investments. We will not pay sales commissions or a dealer manager fee on shares sold under our distribution reinvestment plan. Please see the Estimated Use of Proceeds section of this prospectus.
Our primary investment objectives are to:
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invest in income-producing real property in a manner that allows us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; |
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provide regular cash distributions to our stockholders; |
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preserve and protect your invested capital; and |
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achieve appreciation in the value of our properties over the long term. |
See the Investment Objectives and Related Policies section of this prospectus for a more complete description of our investment policies and restrictions.
Subject to then existing market conditions and the sole discretion of our board of directors, we intend to achieve one or more of the following liquidity events within eight to 11 years after completion of this offering:
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list our shares on a national securities exchange or for quotation on a national market system; |
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merge, reorganize or otherwise transfer our company or its assets to another entity; |
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commence selling our properties and liquidate our company; or |
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otherwise create a liquidity event for our stockholders. |
However, we cannot assure you that we will achieve one or more of these liquidity events within the time frame contemplated or at all. Our board of directors has the sole discretion to continue operations beyond 11 years after completion of the offering if it deems such continuation is in the best interests of our stockholders.
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To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required to make aggregate annual distributions to our stockholders of at least 90% of our annual taxable
income (which does not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States). Our board of directors may authorize distributions in excess of those required for us to maintain
our REIT status depending on our financial condition and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant. We have not established a minimum distribution level. We calculate our monthly distributions based upon daily record and
distribution declaration dates so investors may be entitled to distributions immediately upon purchasing our shares. We commenced paying distributions on
, 2009 and expect to continue to pay distributions on a monthly basis to our stockholders. To the extent we pay
distributions in excess of our operating cash flow, we may pay such excess distributions from the proceeds of this offering or from borrowings. See the Description of Shares Distribution Policy section of this prospectus for a
Distribution Reinvestment Plan
Under our distribution reinvestment plan, you may reinvest the distributions you receive in additional shares of our common stock. The purchase price per share under our distribution reinvestment plan will be $9.50 per share during this offering. No sales commissions or dealer manager fees will be paid on shares sold under the distribution reinvestment plan. If you participate in the distribution reinvestment plan, you will not receive the cash from your distributions, other than special distributions that are designated by our board of directors. As a result, you may have a tax liability with respect to your share of our taxable income, but you will not receive cash distributions to pay such liability. We may terminate the distribution reinvestment plan at our discretion at any time upon ten days prior written notice to you. See the Description of Shares Distribution Reinvestment Plan section of this prospectus.
Our board of directors has adopted a share redemption program that enables our stockholders to sell their shares back to us in limited circumstances. Our share redemption program permits you to sell your shares back to us after you have held them for at least one year, subject to the significant conditions and limitations described below.
There are several restrictions on your ability to sell your shares to us under our share redemption program. You generally have to hold your shares for one year before selling your shares to us under the program; however, we may waive the one-year holding period in the event of the death, disability or bankruptcy of a stockholder. In addition, we will limit the number of shares redeemed pursuant to our share redemption program as follows: (1) during any calendar year, we will not redeem in excess of 5.0% of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year; and (2) funding for the redemption of shares will be limited to the amount of net proceeds we receive from the sale of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan. These limits may prevent us from accommodating all requests made in any year.
During the term of this offering, and subject to certain provisions described in Description of Shares Share Redemption Program, the redemption price per share, or Redemption Amount will depend on the length of time you have held such shares as follows: 92.5% of the Redemption Amount after one year from the purchase date; 95.0% of the Redemption Amount after two years from the purchase date; 97.5% of the Redemption Amount after three years from the purchase date; and 100% of the Redemption Amount after four years from the purchase date. The Redemption Amount shall equal the amount you paid for your shares until the offering price changes or net asset value is calculated, as described in more detail in Description of Shares Share Redemption Program.
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The section of this prospectus entitled Considerations for Investment by Employee Benefit Plans and Certain Tax-Favored Benefit Accounts
describes some of the effects the purchase of shares may have on IRAs, retirement plans subject to ERISA and/or the Code, or similar entities. ERISA is a federal law that regulates the operation of certain tax-favored retirement plans. Any
retirement plan trustee or individual considering purchasing shares for a retirement plan, an IRA, or similar entities should read the Considerations for Investment by Employee Benefit Plans and Certain Tax-Favored Benefit Accounts
Uncertificated Shares
Our board of directors has authorized the issuance of our shares without certificates. We expect that, unless and until our shares are listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on a national market system, we will not issue shares in certificated form. Our transfer agent will maintain a stock ledger that contains the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares that the stockholder holds. With respect to uncertificated stock, we will continue to treat the stockholder registered on our stock ledger as the owner of the shares until the record owner and the new owner deliver a properly executed stock transfer form to us, along with a fee to cover reasonable transfer costs, in an amount determined by our board of directors. We will provide the required form to you upon request.
Stockholder Voting Rights
We intend to hold annual meetings of our stockholders for the purpose of electing our directors and conducting other business matters that may be presented at such meetings. We may also call special meetings of stockholders from time to time. You are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock you own at any of these meetings.
Restrictions on Share Ownership
Our charter contains restrictions on ownership of the shares that prevent any one person from owning more than 9.8% in value of our outstanding shares and more than 9.8% in value or number, whichever is more restrictive, of any class or series of our outstanding shares of stock unless waived by our board of directors. These restrictions are designed to enable us to comply with ownership restrictions imposed on REITs by the Code. For a more complete description of the shares, including restrictions on the ownership of shares, please see the Description of Shares section of this prospectus. Our charter also limits your ability to transfer your shares to prospective stockholders unless (1) they meet the minimum suitability standards regarding income or net worth, and (2) the transfer complies with the minimum purchase requirements, which are both described in the Suitability Standards section immediately following the cover page of this prospectus.
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An investment in our shares involves various risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the following risk factors in conjunction with the other information contained in this prospectus before purchasing our shares. The risks discussed in this prospectus can adversely affect our business, operating results, prospects and financial condition. These risks could cause the value of our shares to decline and could cause you to lose all or part of your investment. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face but do represent those risks and uncertainties that we believe are material to our business, operating results, prospects and financial condition. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also harm our business.
Risks Related to an Investment in The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.
We have limited prior operating history or established financing sources, and the prior performance of real estate investment programs sponsored by affiliates of our advisor may not be an indication of our future results.
We have a limited operating history, and you should not rely upon the past performance of other real estate investment programs sponsored by affiliates of our advisor to predict our future results. We were incorporated in August 2008. As of May , 2009, we own two properties. Although members of our advisors management team have significant experience in the acquisition, finance, management and development of commercial real estate, this is the first REIT sponsored by our advisor or its affiliates. Accordingly, the prior performance of real estate investment programs sponsored by our advisor and its affiliates may not be indicative of our future results.
You should consider this prospectus in light of the risks, uncertainties and difficulties frequently encountered by companies that are, like us, in their early stage of development. To be successful in this market, we must, among other things:
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identify and acquire investments that further our investment objectives; |
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increase awareness of the The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. name within the investment products market; |
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expand and maintain our network of participating broker-dealers; |
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attract, integrate, motivate and retain qualified personnel to manage our day-to-day operations; |
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respond to competition for our targeted real estate properties and other investments as well as for potential investors; and |
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continue to build and expand our operational structure to support our business. |
We cannot guarantee that we will succeed in achieving these goals, and our failure to do so could cause you to lose all or a portion of your investment.
Because this is a blind pool offering, you will not have the opportunity to evaluate our investments before we make them, which makes an investment in us more speculative.
As of May , 2009, we own two properties. Additionally, we will generally not provide you with information to evaluate our investments prior to our acquisition of properties. We will seek to invest substantially all of the offering proceeds available for investment, after the payment of fees and expenses, primarily in the acquisition of single tenant net lease properties. We may also, in the discretion of our
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advisor, invest in other types of real estate or in entities that invest in real estate. For a more detailed discussion of our investment policies, see the Investment Objectives and Related Policies section of this prospectus.
There is currently no public trading market for our shares and there may never be one; therefore, it will be difficult for you to sell your shares.
There is currently no public market for our shares and there may never be one. You may not sell your shares unless the buyer meets applicable suitability and minimum purchase standards. Our charter also prohibits the ownership of more than 9.8% of our stock, unless waived by our board of directors, which may inhibit large investors from desiring to purchase your shares. Moreover, our share redemption program includes numerous restrictions that would limit your ability to sell your shares to us. Our board of directors could choose to amend, suspend or terminate our share redemption program upon 30 days notice. We describe these restrictions in more detail under the Description of Shares Share Redemption Program section of this prospectus. Therefore, it may be difficult for you to sell your shares promptly or at all. If you are able to sell your shares, you will likely have to sell them at a substantial discount to the price you paid for the shares. It also is likely that your shares would not be accepted as the primary collateral for a loan. You should purchase the shares only as a long-term investment because of the illiquid nature of the shares.
You may not be able to sell your shares under the share redemption program and, if you are able to sell your shares under the program, you may not be able to recover the amount of your investment in our shares.
Our board of directors has adopted a share redemption program, but there are significant conditions and limitations that limit your ability to sell your shares under the program. In addition, our board of directors may amend, suspend or terminate our share redemption program upon 30 days notice and without stockholder approval.
You would have to hold your shares for at least one year in order to participate in our share redemption program, except that we may waive this one-year holding period requirement in the event of the death, disability or bankruptcy of a stockholder. The share redemption program limits the number of shares that we may redeem under the program to 5% of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year, and if the share redemption program is oversubscribed, requesting stockholders will be redeemed on a pro rata basis.
During the term of this offering, and subject to certain provisions described in Description of Shares Share Redemption Program, the redemption price per share, or Redemption Amount, will depend on the length of time you have held such shares as follows: 92.5% of the Redemption Amount after one year from the purchase date; 95.0% of the Redemption Amount after two years from the purchase date; 97.5% of the Redemption Amount after three years from the purchase date; and 100% of the Redemption Amount after four years from the purchase date. The Redemption Amount shall equal the amount you paid for your shares until the offering price changes or net asset value is calculated, as described in more detail in Description of Shares Share Redemption Program.
These restrictions would severely limit your ability to sell your shares should you require liquidity and would limit your ability to recover the value you invested. See Description of Shares Share Redemption Program for additional restrictions contained in and more information about the share redemption program.
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If we, through our advisor, are unable to find suitable investments, then we may not be able to achieve our investment objectives or pay distributions.
Our ability to achieve our investment objectives and to pay distributions is dependent upon the performance of our advisor in selecting our investments and arranging financing. As of May , 2009, we own two properties. You will essentially have no opportunity to evaluate the terms of transactions or other economic or financial data concerning our investments. Therefore, you will have to rely entirely on the management ability of our advisor and the oversight of our board of directors. We cannot be sure that our advisor will be successful in obtaining suitable investments on financially attractive terms or that, if it makes investments on our behalf, our objectives will be achieved. If we are unable to find suitable investments, we will hold the proceeds of this offering in an interest-bearing account or invest the proceeds in short-term, investment-grade investments. In such an event, our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders would be adversely affected.
We may suffer from delays in locating suitable investments, which could adversely affect our ability to make distributions and the value of your investment.
We could suffer from delays in locating suitable investments, particularly as a result of our reliance on our advisor at times when management of our advisor is simultaneously seeking to locate suitable investments for other affiliated programs. Delays we encounter in the selection, acquisition and development of income-producing properties likely would adversely affect our ability to make distributions and the value of your investment. In such event, we may pay all or a substantial portion of our distributions from the proceeds of this offering or from borrowings in anticipation of future cash flow, which may constitute a return of your capital. See Description of Shares Distribution Policy for further information on our distribution policy and procedures. Distributions from the proceeds of this offering or from borrowings also could reduce the amount of capital we ultimately invest in properties. This, in turn, would reduce the value of your investment. In particular, if we acquire properties prior to the start of construction or during the early stages of construction, it will typically take several months to complete construction and rent available space. Therefore, you could suffer delays in the receipt of cash distributions attributable to those particular properties.
If our advisor loses or is unable to obtain key personnel, our ability to implement our investment objectives could be delayed or hindered, which could adversely affect our ability to make distributions and the value of your investment.
Our success depends to a significant degree upon the contributions of certain of our executive officers and other key personnel of our advisor and sponsor, including Kevin A. Shields, Michael J. Escalante, Joseph E. Miller, Mary P. Higgins, Don Pescara, Julie A. Treinen and David W. Ford, each of whom would be difficult to replace. Our advisor does not have an employment agreement with any of these key personnel and we cannot guarantee that all, or any particular one, will remain affiliated with us and/or our advisor. If any of our key personnel were to cease their affiliation with our advisor, our operating results could suffer. Further, we do not intend to separately maintain key person life insurance on any of these individuals. We believe that our future success depends, in large part, upon our advisors ability to hire and retain highly skilled managerial, operational and marketing personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure you that our advisor will be successful in attracting and retaining such skilled personnel. If our advisor loses or is unable to obtain the services of key personnel or does not establish or maintain appropriate strategic relationships, our ability to implement our investment strategies could be delayed or hindered, and the value of your investment may decline. See Management Our Advisor for more information on our advisor and its officers and key personnel.
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Our ability to operate profitably will depend upon the ability of our advisor to efficiently manage our day-to-day operations.
We will rely on our advisor to manage our business and assets. Our advisor will make all decisions with respect to our day-to-day operations. Thus, the success of our business will depend in large part on the ability of our advisor to manage our operations. Any adversity experienced by our advisor or problems in our relationship with our advisor could adversely impact the operation of our properties and, consequently, our cash flow and ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to recover claims against our officers, directors and our advisor are limited, which could reduce your and our recovery against them if they cause us to incur losses.
Maryland law provides that a director has no liability in that capacity if he or she performs his or her duties in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the corporations best interests and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. Our charter, in the case of our directors, officers, employees and agents, and the advisory agreement, in the case of our advisor, require us to indemnify our directors, officers, employees and agents and our advisor and its affiliates for actions taken by them in good faith. Additionally, our charter limits the liability of our directors and officers for monetary damages to the maximum extent permitted under Maryland law. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors, officers, employees and agents, and our advisor and its affiliates, than might otherwise exist under common law, which could reduce your and our recovery against them. In addition, we may be obligated to fund the defense costs incurred by our directors, officers, employees and agents or our advisor in some cases which would decrease the cash otherwise available for distribution to you. See the Management Limited Liability and Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Other Agents section of this prospectus.
Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest
Our advisor and its officers and certain of our key personnel will face competing demands relating to their time, and this may cause our operating results to suffer.
Our advisor and its officers and certain of our key personnel and their respective affiliates are key personnel, advisors, managers and sponsors of other real estate programs having investment objectives and legal and financial obligations similar to ours and may have other business interests as well. Because these persons have competing demands on their time and resources, they may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time between our business and these other activities. During times of intense activity in other programs and ventures, they may devote less time and fewer resources to our business than is necessary or appropriate. If this occurs, the returns on your investment may suffer.
Our officers and one of our directors face conflicts of interest related to the positions they hold with affiliated entities, which could hinder our ability to successfully implement our investment objectives and to generate returns to you.
Our executive officers and one of our directors are also officers of our sponsor, our advisor, our property manager, our dealer manager and other affiliated entities. As a result, these individuals owe fiduciary duties to these other entities and their owners, which fiduciary duties may conflict with the duties that they owe to our stockholders and us. Their loyalties to these other entities could result in actions or inactions that are detrimental to our business, which could harm the implementation of our investment objectives. Conflicts with our business and interests are most likely to arise from involvement in activities related to (1) allocation of new investments and management time and services between us and the other entities, (2) our purchase of properties from, or sale of properties to, affiliated entities, (3) the timing and terms of the investment in or sale of an asset, (4) development of our properties by
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affiliates, (5) investments with affiliates of our advisor, (6) compensation to our advisor, and (7) our relationship with our dealer manager and property manager. If we do not successfully implement our investment objectives, we may be unable to generate cash needed to make distributions to you and to maintain or increase the value of our assets.
Our advisor will face conflicts of interest relating to the purchase of properties, and such conflicts may not be resolved in our favor, which could adversely affect our investment opportunities.
We may be buying properties at the same time as one or more of the other programs managed by officers and key personnel of our advisor. Our advisor and its affiliates are actively involved in 18 other real estate programs and five other properties, including tenant in common programs and other real estate programs that may compete with us or otherwise have similar business interests. Our advisor and our property manager will have conflicts of interest in allocating potential properties, acquisition expenses, management time, services and other functions between various existing enterprises or future enterprises with which they may be or become involved. There is a risk that our advisor will choose a property that provides lower returns to us than a property purchased by another program sponsored by our sponsor. We cannot be sure that officers and key personnel acting on behalf of our advisor and on behalf of these other programs will act in our best interests when deciding whether to allocate any particular property to us. Such conflicts that are not resolved in our favor could result in a reduced level of distributions we may be able to pay to you and the value of your investment. If our advisor or its affiliates breach their legal or other obligations or duties to us, or do not resolve conflicts of interest in the manner described in this prospectus, we may not meet our investment objectives, which could reduce our expected cash available for distribution to you and the value of your investment.
We may face a conflict of interest if we purchase properties from affiliates of our advisor.
We may purchase properties from one or more affiliates of our advisor in the future, including the Griffin properties. A conflict of interest may exist if such acquisition occurs. The business interests of our advisor and its affiliates may be adverse to, or to the detriment of, our interests. Additionally, the prices we pay to affiliates of our advisor for our properties may be equal to, or in excess of, the prices paid by them, plus the costs incurred by them relating to the acquisition and financing of the properties. These prices will not be the subject of arms-length negotiations, which could mean that the acquisitions may be on terms less favorable to us than those negotiated in an arms-length transaction. Even though we will use an independent third-party appraiser to determine fair market value when acquiring properties from our advisor and its affiliates, we may pay more for particular properties than we would have in an arms-length transaction, which would reduce our cash available for investment in other properties or distribution to our stockholders. Furthermore, because any agreement that we enter into with affiliates of our advisor will not be negotiated in an arms-length transaction, and as a result of the affiliation between our advisor and its affiliates, our advisor may be reluctant to enforce the agreements against such entities. Our nominating and corporate governance committee of our board of directors will approve all transactions between us and our advisor and its affiliates. Please see Conflicts of Interest Certain Conflict Resolution Procedures.
Our advisor will face conflicts of interest relating to the incentive fee structure under our advisory agreement, which could result in actions that are not necessarily in the long-term best interests of our stockholders.
Our advisor and its affiliates will perform services for us in connection with the offer and sale of our shares and the selection, acquisition and management of our properties pursuant to our advisory agreement. In addition, our advisor will be entitled to fees that are structured in a manner intended to provide incentives to our advisor to perform in our best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders. The amount of such compensation has not been determined as a result of arms-length negotiations, and such amounts may be greater than otherwise would be payable to independent third parties. While affiliates of our sponsor, including our President, will have a significant equity interest in
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our operating partnership through the contribution of the Griffin properties, the advisor is entitled to receive substantial minimum compensation regardless of performance. Therefore, our advisors interests may not be wholly aligned with those of our stockholders. In that regard, our advisor could be motivated to recommend riskier or more speculative investments in order for us to generate the specified levels of performance or sales proceeds that would entitle our advisor to fees. In addition, our advisors entitlement to fees upon the sale of our assets and to participate in sale proceeds could result in our advisor recommending sales of our investments at the earliest possible time at which sales of investments would produce the level of return that would entitle our advisor to compensation relating to such sales, even if continued ownership of those investments might be in our best long-term interest.
Our advisory agreement will require us to pay a performance-based termination fee to our advisor in the event that we terminate our advisor prior to the listing of our shares for trading on an exchange or, absent such listing, in respect of its participation in net sale proceeds. To avoid paying this fee, our independent directors may decide against terminating the advisory agreement prior to our listing of our shares or disposition of our investments even if, but for the termination fee, termination of the advisory agreement would be in our best interest. In addition, the requirement to pay the fee to our advisor at termination could cause us to make different investment or disposition decisions than we would otherwise make in order to satisfy our obligation to pay the fee to the terminated advisor.
At the time it becomes necessary for our board of directors to determine which liquidity event, if any, is in the best interests of us and our stockholders, our advisor may not agree with the decision of our board as to which liquidity event, if any, we should pursue if there is a substantial difference in the amount of subordinated fees the advisor may receive for each liquidity event. Our advisor may prefer a liquidity event with higher subordinated fees. If our board of directors decides to list our shares for trading on an exchange, our board may also decide to merge with our advisor in anticipation of the listing process. Such merger may result in substantial compensation to the advisor which may create certain conflicts of interest. Please see Conflicts of Interest Certain Conflict Resolution Procedures.
Our advisor will face conflicts of interest relating to joint ventures that we may form with affiliates of our advisor, which conflicts could result in a disproportionate benefit to other joint venture partners at our expense.
We may enter into joint ventures with other Griffin Capital-sponsored programs, including other REITs, for the acquisition, development or improvement of properties. Our advisor may have conflicts of interest in determining which Griffin Capital sponsored program should enter into any particular joint venture agreement. The co-venturer may have economic or business interests or goals that are or may become inconsistent with our business interests or goals. In addition, our advisor may face a conflict in structuring the terms of the relationship between our interests and the interest of the affiliated co-venturer and in managing the joint venture. Since our advisor and its affiliates will control both the affiliated co-venturer and, to a certain extent, us, agreements and transactions between the co-venturers with respect to any such joint venture will not have the benefit of arms-length negotiation of the type normally conducted between unrelated co-venturers, which may result in the co-venturer receiving benefits greater than the benefits that we receive. In addition, we may assume liabilities related to the joint venture that exceed the percentage of our investment in the joint venture, and this could reduce the returns on your investment.
There is no separate counsel for us and our affiliates, which could result in conflicts of interest.
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC acts as legal counsel to us and also represents our sponsor, advisor, our dealer manager and some of their affiliates. There is a possibility in the future that the interests of the various parties may become adverse and, under the code of professional responsibility of the legal profession, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC may be precluded from representing any one or all of such parties. If any situation arises in which our interests
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appear to be in conflict with those of our advisor or its affiliates, additional counsel may be retained by one or more of the parties to assure that their interests are adequately protected. Moreover, should a conflict of interest not be readily apparent, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC may inadvertently act in derogation of the interest of the parties which could affect our ability to meet our investment objectives.
Risks Related to this Offering and Our Corporate Structure
The limit on the number of shares a person may own may discourage a takeover that could otherwise result in a premium price to our stockholders.
In order for us to qualify as a REIT, no more than 50% of our outstanding stock may be beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (including certain types of entities) at any time during the last half of each taxable year. To ensure that we do not fail to qualify as a REIT under this test, our charter restricts ownership by one person or entity to no more than 9.8% in value or number, whichever is more restrictive, of any class of our outstanding stock. This restriction may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price for holders of our common stock. See the Description of Shares Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer section of this prospectus.
Our charter permits our board of directors to issue stock with terms that may subordinate the rights of common stockholders or discourage a third party from acquiring us in a manner that might result in a premium price to our stockholders.
Our charter permits our board of directors to issue up to 900,000,000 shares of capital stock. In addition, our board of directors, without any action by our stockholders, may amend our charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares or the number of shares of any class or series of stock that we have authority to issue. Our board of directors may classify or reclassify any unissued common stock or preferred stock and establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption of any such stock. Thus, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have a priority as to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation over the rights of the holders of our common stock. Preferred stock could also have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us, including an extraordinary transaction (such as a merger, tender offer or sale of all or substantially all of our assets) that might provide a premium price for holders of our common stock. See the Description of Shares Preferred Stock section of this prospectus.
We will not be afforded the protection of Maryland law relating to business combinations.
Under Maryland law, business combinations between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:
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any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporations shares; or |
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an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation. |
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These prohibitions are intended to prevent a change of control by interested stockholders who do not have the support of our board of directors. Since our articles of incorporation contain limitations on ownership of 9.8% or more of our common stock, we opted out of the business combinations statute in our charter. Therefore, we will not be afforded the protections of this statute and, accordingly, there is no guarantee that the ownership limitations in our articles of incorporation would provide the same measure of protection as the business combinations statute and prevent an undesired change of control by an interested stockholder. See Description of Shares Business Combinations.
Your investment return may be reduced if we are required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act; if we become an unregistered investment company, we will not be able to continue our business.
We do not intend to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. As of May , 2009, we own two properties, and our intended investments in real estate will represent the substantial majority of our total asset mix, which would not subject us to the Investment Company Act. In order to maintain an exemption from regulation under the Investment Company Act, we must engage primarily in the business of buying real estate, and these investments must be made within a year after this offering ends. If we are unable to invest a significant portion of the proceeds of this offering in properties within one year of the termination of this offering, we may avoid being required to register as an investment company by temporarily investing any unused proceeds in government securities with low returns, which would reduce the cash available for distribution to investors and possibly lower your returns.
To maintain compliance with our Investment Company Act exemption, we may be unable to sell assets we would otherwise want to sell and may need to sell assets we would otherwise wish to retain. In addition, we may be required to acquire additional income- or loss-generating assets that we might not otherwise acquire or forego opportunities to acquire interests in companies that we would otherwise want to acquire. If we are required to register as an investment company but fail to do so, we would be prohibited from engaging in our business, and criminal and civil actions could be brought against us. In addition, our contracts would be unenforceable unless a court required enforcement, and a court could appoint a receiver to take control of us and liquidate our business.
You are bound by the majority vote on matters on which our stockholders are entitled to vote and, therefore, your vote on a particular matter may be superseded by the vote of other stockholders.
You may vote on certain matters at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, including the election of directors. However, you will be bound by the majority vote on matters requiring approval of a majority of the stockholders even if you do not vote with the majority on any such matter. See the Description of Shares Meetings and Special Voting Requirements section of this prospectus.
If you do not agree with the decisions of our board of directors, you only have limited control over changes in our policies and operations and may not be able to change such policies and operations.
Our board of directors determines our major policies, including our policies regarding investments, operations, capitalization, financing, growth, REIT qualification and distributions. Our board of directors may amend or revise these and other policies without a vote of our stockholders. Under the Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter, our stockholders have a right to vote only on the following:
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the election or removal of directors; |
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any amendment of our charter, except that our board of directors may amend our charter without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease the aggregate number of our shares, to |
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increase or decrease the number of our shares of any class or series that we have the authority to issue, or to classify or reclassify any unissued shares by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other rights, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications or terms and conditions of redemption of such shares, provided however, that any such amendment does not adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the stockholders; |
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our liquidation or dissolution; and |
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any merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of substantially all of our assets. |
All other matters are subject to the discretion of our board of directors. Therefore, you are limited in your ability to change our policies and operations.
We established the offering price on an arbitrary basis; as a result, the actual value of your investment may be substantially less than what you pay.
Our board of directors has arbitrarily determined the selling price of the shares and such price bears no relationship to our book or asset values, our projections of book or asset values or to any other established criteria for valuing issued or outstanding shares. Because the offering price is not based upon any independent valuation, the offering price may not be indicative of the proceeds that you would receive upon liquidation.
We will not calculate the net asset value per share for our shares until 18 months after completion of our last offering, therefore, you will not be able to determine the true value of your shares on an on-going basis during this offering and for a substantial period of time thereafter.
We do not intend to calculate the net asset value per share for our shares during this offering. Beginning 18 months after the completion of the last offering of our shares, our board of directors will determine the value of our properties and our other assets based on such information as our board determines appropriate, which may or may not include independent valuations of our properties or of our enterprise as a whole. Therefore, you will not be able to determine the true value of your shares on an on-going basis during this offering. See Considerations for Investment by Employee Benefit Plans and Certain Tax-Favored Benefit Accounts Annual Valuation Requirement.
Because our dealer manager is one of our affiliates, you will not have the benefit of an independent review of the prospectus or us as is customarily performed in underwritten offerings.
Our dealer manager, Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., is one of our affiliates and will not make an independent review of us or the offering. See Management Affiliated Companies for more information on our dealer manager. Accordingly, you will have to rely on your own broker-dealer to make an independent review of the terms of this offering. If your broker-dealer does not conduct such a review, you will not have the benefit of an independent review of the terms of this offering. Further, the due diligence investigation of us by our dealer manager cannot be considered to be an independent review and, therefore, may not be as meaningful as a review conducted by an unaffiliated broker-dealer or investment banker.
Your interest in us will be diluted as we issue additional shares.
Our stockholders will not have preemptive rights to any shares issued by us in the future. Subject to any limitations set forth under Maryland law, our board of directors may increase the number of authorized shares of stock (currently 900,000,000 shares), increase or decrease the number of shares of any class or series of stock designated, or reclassify any unissued shares without the necessity of obtaining stockholder approval. All of such shares may be issued in the discretion of our board of
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directors. Therefore, as we (1) sell shares in this offering or sell additional shares in the future, including those issued pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan, (2) sell securities that are convertible into shares of our common stock, (3) issue shares of our common stock in a private offering of securities to institutional investors, (4) issue shares of restricted common stock or stock options to our independent directors, (5) issue shares to our advisor, its successors or assigns, in payment of an outstanding fee obligation as set forth under our advisory agreement, or (6) issue shares of our common stock to sellers of properties acquired by us in connection with an exchange of limited partnership interests of our operating partnership, existing stockholders and investors purchasing shares in this offering will experience dilution of their equity investment in us. Because the limited partnership interests of our operating partnership may, in the discretion of our board of directors, be exchanged for shares of our common stock, any merger, exchange or conversion between our operating partnership and another entity ultimately could result in the issuance of a substantial number of shares of our common stock, thereby diluting the percentage ownership interest of other stockholders. As of May , 2009, we had shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and we own % of the limited partnership units of our operating partnership and the Griffin affiliates own % of the limited partnership units of our operating partnership. Because of these and other reasons described in this Risk Factors section, you should not expect to be able to own a significant percentage of our shares.
Payment of fees to our advisor and its affiliates will reduce cash available for investment and distribution.
Our advisor and its affiliates will perform services for us in connection with the offer and sale of our shares, the selection and acquisition of our investments, and the management of our properties. They will be paid substantial fees for these services, which will reduce the amount of cash available for investment in properties or distribution to stockholders. For a more detailed discussion of these fees, see the Management Compensation section of this prospectus.
We may be unable to pay or maintain cash distributions or increase distributions over time.
There are many factors that can affect the availability and timing of cash distributions to stockholders. Distributions will be based principally on cash available from our operations. The amount of cash available for distribution will be affected by many factors, such as our ability to buy properties as offering proceeds become available, and our operating expense levels, as well as many other variables. Actual cash available for distribution may vary substantially from estimates. We cannot assure you that we will be able to pay or maintain distributions or that distributions will increase over time. Nor can we give any assurance that rents from the properties will increase, or that future acquisitions of real properties will increase our cash available for distribution to stockholders. Our actual results may differ significantly from the assumptions used by our board of directors in establishing the distribution rate to stockholders. For a description of the factors that can affect the availability and timing of cash distributions to stockholders, see Description of Shares Distribution Policy.
We are uncertain of our sources of debt or equity for funding our future capital needs. If we cannot obtain funding on acceptable terms, our ability to make necessary capital improvements to our properties may be impaired or delayed.
The gross proceeds of the offering will be used to purchase real estate investments and to pay various fees and expenses. In addition, to qualify as a REIT, we generally must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our taxable income each year, excluding capital gains. Because of this distribution requirement, it is not likely that we will be able to fund a significant portion of our future capital needs from retained earnings. We have not identified any sources of debt or equity for future funding, and such sources of funding may not be available to us on favorable terms or at all. If we do not have access to sufficient funding in the future, we may not be able to make necessary capital improvements to our properties, pay other expenses or expand our business.
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Recent accounting pronouncements may impact our results of operations.
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations, or SFAS 141(R), which replaced SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, or SFAS 141. SFAS 141(R) significantly changes the accounting for acquisitions involving business combinations, including our acquisition of properties with existing leases in place, as it requires that the assets and liabilities of all business combinations be recorded at fair value, with limited exceptions. SFAS 141(R) requires that all expenses related to an acquisition be expensed as incurred, rather than capitalized into the cost of the acquisition as had been the previous accounting under SFAS 141. SFAS 141(R) is effective on a prospective basis for all business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual period subsequent to December 15, 2008. We anticipate that approximately 3.0% of the total acquisition price (2.5% in acquisition fees and 0.5% in acquisition expenses) will be expensed as part of an acquisition. We expect the expensing of acquisition costs will lower our earnings during 2009 and in future years in which we acquire new properties.
Risks Related to Investments in Single Tenant Net Lease Real Estate
Many of our properties will depend upon a single tenant for all or a majority of their rental income, and our financial condition and ability to make distributions may be adversely affected by the bankruptcy or insolvency, a downturn in the business, or a lease termination of a single tenant.
We expect that many of our properties, including the Griffin properties, will be occupied by only one tenant or will derive a majority of their rental income from one tenant and, therefore, the success of those properties will be materially dependent on the financial stability of such tenants. Lease payment defaults by tenants could cause us to reduce the amount of distributions we pay. A default of a tenant on its lease payments to us would cause us to lose the revenue from the property and force us to find an alternative source of revenue to meet any mortgage payment and prevent a foreclosure if the property is subject to a mortgage. In the event of a default, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-letting the property. If a lease is terminated or an existing tenant elects not to renew a lease upon its expiration, there is no assurance that we will be able to lease the property for the rent previously received or sell the property without incurring a loss. A default by a tenant, the failure of a guarantor to fulfill its obligations or other premature termination of a lease, or a tenants election not to extend a lease upon its expiration, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and our ability to pay distributions.
Until we acquire a diversified portfolio of properties, we will be substantially reliant upon Chicago Bridge & Iron, Co. and Renfro Corporation.
All of our current rental income is derived from Chicago Bridge & Iron, Co. and Renfro Corporation. The revenues generated by the properties these tenants occupy are substantially reliant upon the financial condition of these tenants or their parent companies and, accordingly, any event of bankruptcy, insolvency or a general downturn in the business of either of these tenants or their parent companies may result in the failure or delay of such tenants rental payments which may have a substantial adverse effect on our financial performance.
If a tenant declares bankruptcy, we may be unable to collect balances due under relevant leases.
Any of our tenants, or any guarantor of a tenants lease obligations, could be subject to a bankruptcy proceeding pursuant to Title 11 of the bankruptcy laws of the United States. Such a bankruptcy filing would bar all efforts by us to collect pre-bankruptcy debts from these entities or their properties, unless we receive an enabling order from the bankruptcy court. Post-bankruptcy debts would be paid currently. If a lease is assumed, all pre-bankruptcy balances owing under it must be paid in full. If a lease is rejected by a tenant in bankruptcy, we would have a general unsecured claim for damages. If a
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lease is rejected, it is unlikely we would receive any payments from the tenant because our claim is capped at the rent reserved under the lease, without acceleration, for the greater of one year or 15% of the remaining term of the lease, but not greater than three years, plus rent already due but unpaid. This claim could be paid only in the event funds were available, and then only in the same percentage as that realized on other unsecured claims.
A tenant or lease guarantor bankruptcy could delay efforts to collect past due balances under the relevant leases, and could ultimately preclude full collection of these sums. Such an event could cause a decrease or cessation of rental payments that would mean a reduction in our cash flow and the amount available for distributions to you. In the event of a bankruptcy, we cannot assure you that the tenant or its trustee will assume our lease. If a given lease, or guaranty of a lease, is not assumed, our cash flow and the amounts available for distributions to you may be adversely affected.
Net leases may not result in fair market lease rates over time.
We expect a large portion of our rental income to come from net leases and net leases frequently provide the tenant greater discretion in using the leased property than ordinary property leases, such as the right to freely sublease the property, to make alterations in the leased premises and to terminate the lease prior to its expiration under specified circumstances. Further, net leases are typically for longer lease terms and, thus, there is an increased risk that contractual rental increases in future years will fail to result in fair market rental rates during those years. As a result, our income and distributions to our stockholders could be lower than they would otherwise be if we did not engage in net leases.
Our real estate investments may include special use single tenant properties that may be difficult to sell or re-lease upon tenant defaults or early lease terminations.
We focus our investments on commercial and industrial properties, a number of which may include manufacturing facilities and special use single tenant properties. These types of properties are relatively illiquid compared to other types of real estate and financial assets. This illiquidity will limit our ability to quickly change our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions. With these properties, if the current lease is terminated or not renewed or, in the case of a mortgage loan, if we take such property in foreclosure, we may be required to renovate the property or to make rent concessions in order to lease the property to another tenant or sell the property. In addition, in the event we are forced to sell the property, we may have difficulty selling it to a party other than the tenant or borrower due to the special purpose for which the property may have been designed. These and other limitations may affect our ability to sell or re-lease properties and adversely affect returns to you.
A high concentration of our properties in a particular geographic area, or that have tenants in a similar industry, would magnify the effects of downturns in that geographic area or industry.
We expect that our properties will be diverse according to geographic area and industry of our tenants. However, in the event that we have a concentration of properties in any particular geographic area, any adverse situation that disproportionately effects that geographic area would have a magnified adverse effect on our portfolio. Similarly, if our tenants are concentrated in a certain industry or industries, any adverse effect to that industry generally would have a disproportionately adverse effect on our portfolio.
If a sale-leaseback transaction is re-characterized in a tenants bankruptcy proceeding, our financial condition could be adversely affected.
We may enter into sale-leaseback transactions, whereby we would purchase a property and then lease the same property back to the person from whom we purchased it. In the event of the bankruptcy of a tenant, a transaction structured as a sale-leaseback may be re-characterized as either a financing or a joint venture, either of which outcomes could adversely affect our business. If the sale-leaseback were re-
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characterized as a financing, we might not be considered the owner of the property, and as a result would have the status of a creditor in relation to the tenant. In that event, we would no longer have the right to sell or encumber our ownership interest in the property. Instead, we would have a claim against the tenant for the amounts owed under the lease, with the claim arguably secured by the property. The tenant/debtor might have the ability to propose a plan restructuring the term, interest rate and amortization schedule of its outstanding balance. If confirmed by the bankruptcy court, we could be bound by the new terms, and prevented from foreclosing our lien on the property. If the sale-leaseback were re-characterized as a joint venture, our lessee and we could be treated as co-venturers with regard to the property. As a result, we could be held liable, under some circumstances, for debts incurred by the lessee relating to the property. Either of these outcomes could adversely affect our cash flow and the amount available for distributions to you.
General Risks Related to Investments in Real Estate
Adverse economic conditions may negatively affect our property values, returns and profitability.
Recent geopolitical events have exacerbated the general economic slowdown that has affected the nation as a whole and the local economies where our properties may be located. Economic weakness combined with higher costs, especially for energy, food and commodities, has put considerable pressure on consumer spending, which, along with the lack of available debt, has resulted in many U.S. companies experiencing poorer financial and operating performance over the past twelve months than in prior periods. As a result, this slowdown has reduced demand for space and removed support for rents and property values. The following market and economic challenges may adversely affect our property values or operating results:
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poor economic times may result in a tenants failure to meet its obligations under a lease or bankruptcy; |
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re-leasing may require reduced rental rates under the new leases; and |
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increased insurance premiums, resulting in part from the increased risk of terrorism, may reduce funds available for distribution, or, to the extent we are able to pass such increased insurance premiums on to our tenants, may increase tenant defaults. |
A continuing environment of declining prices could further weaken real estate markets. We do not know how long the slowdown will last, or when, or even if, real estate markets will return to more normal conditions. Since we cannot predict when real estate markets may recover, the value of our properties may decline if market conditions persist or worsen. Further, the results of operations for a property in any one period may not be indicative of results in future periods, and the long-term performance of such property generally may not be comparable to, and cash flows may not be as predictable as, other properties owned by third parties in the same or similar industry. The already weak conditions in the real estate markets could be further exacerbated by a deterioration of national or regional economic conditions. Our property values and operations could be negatively affected to the extent that the current economic downturn is prolonged or becomes more severe.
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Disruptions in the credit markets and real estate markets could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions to you.
Domestic and international financial markets currently are experiencing significant disruptions which have been brought about in large part by failures in the U.S. banking system. These disruptions have severely impacted the availability of credit and have contributed to rising costs associated with obtaining credit. If debt financing is not available on terms and conditions we find acceptable, we may not be able to obtain financing for investments. If these disruptions in the credit markets persist, our ability to borrow monies to finance the purchase of, or other activities related to, real estate assets will be negatively impacted. If we are unable to borrow monies on terms and conditions that we find acceptable, we likely will have to reduce the number of properties we can purchase, and the return on the properties we do purchase may be lower. In addition, we may find it difficult, costly or impossible to refinance indebtedness which is maturing. If interest rates are higher when the properties are refinanced, our income could be reduced. In addition, if we pay fees to lock-in a favorable interest rate, falling interest rates or other factors could require us to forfeit these fees. All of these events would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions.
In addition to volatility in the credit markets, the real estate market is subject to fluctuation and can be impacted by factors such as general economic conditions, supply and demand, availability of financing and interest rates. To the extent we purchase real estate in an unstable market, we are subject to the risk that if the real estate market ceases to attract the same level of capital investment in the future that it attracts at the time of our purchases, or the number of companies seeking to acquire properties decreases, the value of our investments may not appreciate or may decrease significantly below the amount we pay for these investments.
Our operating results will be affected by economic and regulatory changes that have an adverse impact on the real estate market in general, and we cannot assure you that we will be profitable or that we will realize growth in the value of our real estate properties.
Our operating results will be subject to risks generally incident to the ownership of real estate, including:
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changes in general economic or local conditions; |
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changes in supply of or demand for similar or competing properties in an area; |
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changes in interest rates and availability of permanent mortgage funds that may render the sale of a property difficult or unattractive; |
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changes in tax, real estate, environmental and zoning laws; |
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changes in property tax assessments and insurance costs; and |
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increases in interest rates and tight money supply. |
These and other reasons may prevent us from being profitable or from realizing growth or maintaining the value of our real estate properties.
We may obtain only limited warranties when we purchase a property.
The seller of a property will often sell such property in its as is condition on a where is basis and with all faults, without any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose. In addition, purchase agreements may contain only limited warranties, representations and indemnifications that will only survive for a limited period after the closing. Also, many sellers of real estate are single purpose entities without significant other assets. The purchase of properties with limited
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warranties or from undercapitalized sellers increases the risk that we may lose some or all of our invested capital in the property as well as the loss of rental income from that property.
Our inability to sell a property when we desire to do so could adversely impact our ability to pay cash distributions to you.
The real estate market is affected by many factors, such as general economic conditions, availability of financing, interest rates and other factors, including supply and demand, that are beyond our control. We cannot predict whether we will be able to sell any property for the price or on the terms set by us, or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser would be acceptable to us. We cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of a property. Real estate generally cannot be sold quickly. Also, the tax laws applicable to REITs require that we hold our properties for investment, rather than for sale in the ordinary course of business, which may cause us to forego or defer sales of properties that otherwise would be in our best interest. Therefore, we may not be able to dispose of properties promptly, or on favorable terms, in response to economic or other market conditions, and this may adversely impact our ability to make distributions to you.
In addition, we may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot assure you that we will have funds available to correct such defects or to make such improvements.
In acquiring a property, we may agree to restrictions that prohibit the sale of that property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be placed or repaid on that property. These provisions would also restrict our ability to sell a property.
We may not be able to sell our properties at a price equal to, or greater than, the price for which we purchased such properties, which may lead to a decrease in the value of our assets.
We may be purchasing our properties at a time when cap rates are at historically low levels and purchase prices are high. Therefore, the value of our properties may not increase over time, which may restrict our ability to sell our properties, or in the event we are able to sell such property, may lead to a sale price less than the price that we paid to purchase the properties.
We may acquire or finance properties with lock-out provisions, which may prohibit us from selling a property, or may require us to maintain specified debt levels for a period of years on some properties.
Lock-out provisions are provisions that generally prohibit repayment of a loan balance for a certain number of years following the origination date of a loan. Such provisions are typically provided for by the Internal Revenue Code or the terms of the agreement underlying a loan. Lock-out provisions could materially restrict us from selling or otherwise disposing of or refinancing properties. These provisions would affect our ability to turn our investments into cash and thus affect cash available for distribution to you. Lock-out provisions may prohibit us from reducing the outstanding indebtedness with respect to any properties, refinancing such indebtedness on a non-recourse basis at maturity, or increasing the amount of indebtedness with respect to such properties.
Lock-out provisions could impair our ability to take actions during the lock-out period that would otherwise be in your best interests and, therefore, may have an adverse impact on the value of the shares, relative to the value that would result if the lock-out provisions did not exist. In particular, lock-out provisions could preclude us from participating in major transactions that could result in a disposition of our assets or a change in control even though that disposition or change in control might be in your best interests.
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If we suffer losses that are not covered by insurance or that are in excess of insurance coverage, we could lose invested capital and anticipated profits.
Material losses may occur in excess of insurance proceeds with respect to any property, as insurance may not be sufficient to fund the losses. However, there are types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as losses due to wars, acts of terrorism, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, pollution or environmental matters, which are either uninsurable or not economically insurable, or may be insured subject to limitations, such as large deductibles or co-payments. In addition, we may decide not to obtain any or adequate earthquake or similar catastrophic insurance coverage because the premiums are too high even in instances where it may otherwise be available. Insurance risks associated with potential terrorism acts could sharply increase the premiums we pay for coverage against property and casualty claims. Additionally, mortgage lenders in some cases have begun to insist that commercial property owners purchase specific coverage against terrorism as a condition for providing mortgage loans. It is uncertain whether such insurance policies will be available, or available at reasonable cost, which could inhibit our ability to finance or refinance our potential properties. In these instances, we may be required to provide other financial support, either through financial assurances or self-insurance, to cover potential losses. We cannot assure you that will have adequate coverage for such losses. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 is designed for a sharing of terrorism losses between insurance companies and the federal government. We cannot be certain how this act will impact us or what additional cost to us, if any, could result. If such an event damaged or destroyed one or more of our properties, we could lose both our invested capital and anticipated profits from such property.
Delays in the acquisition, development and construction of properties may have adverse effects on our results of operations and returns to you.
Delays we encounter in the selection, acquisition and development of real properties could adversely affect your returns. Although we expect that we will invest primarily in properties that have operating histories or whose construction is complete, from time to time we may acquire unimproved real property, properties that are in need of redevelopment, or properties that are under development or construction. Investments in such properties will be subject to the uncertainties associated with the development and construction of real property, including those related to re-zoning land for development, environmental concerns of governmental entities and/or community groups and our builders ability to build in conformity with plans, specifications, budgets and timetables. If a builder fails to perform, we may resort to legal action to rescind the purchase or the construction contract or to compel performance. A builders performance may also be affected or delayed by conditions beyond the builders control.
Where properties are acquired prior to the start of construction or during the early stages of construction, it will typically take several months to complete construction and lease available space. Therefore, you could suffer delays in the receipt of cash distributions attributable to those particular real properties. We may incur additional risks when we make periodic progress payments or other advances to builders before they complete construction. These and other factors can result in increased costs of a project or loss of our investment. We also must rely on rental income and expense projections and estimates of the fair market value of a property upon completion of construction when agreeing upon a purchase price at the time we acquire the property. If our projections are inaccurate, we may pay too much for a property, and the return on our investment could suffer.
Costs of complying with governmental laws and regulations, including those relating to environmental matters, may adversely affect our income and the cash available for distribution.
All real property we acquire, and the operations conducted on real property are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and safety. These laws and regulations generally govern wastewater discharges, air emissions, the operation and removal of underground and above-ground storage tanks, the use, storage, treatment, transportation and disposal of solid and hazardous materials, and the remediation of contamination associated with disposals.
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Some of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several liability on tenants, owners or operators for the costs to investigate or remediate contaminated properties, regardless of fault or whether the acts causing the contamination were legal. This liability could be substantial. In addition, the presence of hazardous substances, or the failure to properly remediate these substances, may adversely affect our ability to sell, rent or pledge such property as collateral for future borrowings.
Some of these laws and regulations have been amended so as to require compliance with new or more stringent standards as of future dates. Compliance with new or more stringent laws or regulations or stricter interpretation of existing laws may require us to incur material expenditures. Future laws, ordinances or regulations may impose material environmental liability. Additionally, our tenants operations, the existing condition of land when we buy it, operations in the vicinity of our properties, such as the presence of underground storage tanks, or activities of unrelated third parties may affect our properties. In addition, there are various local, state and federal fire, health, life-safety and similar regulations with which we may be required to comply, and that may subject us to liability in the form of fines or damages for noncompliance. Any material expenditures, fines, or damages we must pay will reduce our ability to make distributions to you and may reduce the value of your investment.
Further, we may not obtain an independent third-party environmental assessment for every property we acquire. In addition, we cannot assure you that any such assessment that we do obtain will reveal all environmental liabilities or that a prior owner of a property did not create a material environmental condition not known to us. We cannot predict what other environmental legislation or regulations will be enacted in the future, how existing or future laws or regulations will be administered or interpreted, or what environmental conditions may be found to exist in the future. We cannot assure you that our business, assets, results of operations, liquidity or financial condition will not be adversely affected by these laws, which may adversely affect cash available for distribution, and the amount of distributions to you.
Our costs associated with complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act may affect cash available for distribution.
Our properties will be subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or ADA. Under the ADA, all places of public accommodation are required to comply with federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. The ADA has separate compliance requirements for public accommodations and commercial facilities that generally requires that buildings and services, including restaurants and retail stores, be made accessible and available to people with disabilities. The ADAs requirements could require removal of access barriers and could result in the imposition of injunctive relief, monetary penalties, or, in some cases, an award of damages. We will attempt to acquire properties that comply with the ADA or place the burden on the seller or other third party to ensure compliance with the ADA. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to acquire properties or allocate responsibilities in this manner. If we cannot, our funds used for ADA compliance may affect cash available for distribution and the amount of distributions to you.
If we sell properties by providing financing to purchasers, defaults by the purchasers would adversely affect our cash flows.
If we decide to sell any of our properties, we intend to use our best efforts to sell them for cash. However, in some instances we may sell our properties by providing financing to purchasers. When we provide financing to purchasers, we will bear the risk that the purchaser may default, which could negatively impact our cash distributions to stockholders. Even in the absence of a purchaser default, the distribution of the proceeds of sales to our stockholders, or their reinvestment in other assets, will be delayed until the promissory notes or other property we may accept upon the sale are actually paid, sold, refinanced or otherwise disposed of. In some cases, we may receive initial down payments in cash and other property in the year of sale in an amount less than the selling price and subsequent payments will be
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spread over a number of years. If any purchaser defaults under a financing arrangement with us, it could negatively impact our ability to make distributions to you.
Increases in interest rates may adversely affect the demand for our shares.
One of the factors that influences the demand for purchase of our shares is the annual rate of distributions that we pay on our shares, as compared with interest rates. An increase in interest rates may lead potential purchasers of our shares to demand higher annual distribution rates, which could adversely affect our ability to sell our shares and raise proceeds in this offering, which could result in higher leverage or a less diversified portfolio of real estate.
We will be subject to risks associated with the co-owners in our co-ownership arrangements that otherwise may not be present in other real estate investments.
We may enter into joint ventures or other co-ownership arrangements with respect to a portion of the properties we acquire. Ownership of co-ownership interests involves risks generally not otherwise present with an investment in real estate such as the following:
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the risk that a co-owner may at any time have economic or business interests or goals that are or become inconsistent with our business interests or goals; |
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the risk that a co-owner may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our policies or objectives; |
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the possibility that an individual co-owner might become insolvent or bankrupt, or otherwise default under the applicable mortgage loan financing documents, which may constitute an event of default under all of the applicable mortgage loan financing documents or allow the bankruptcy court to reject the tenants-in-common agreement or management agreement entered into by the co-owner owning interests in the property; |
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the possibility that a co-owner might not have adequate liquid assets to make cash advances that may be required in order to fund operations, maintenance and other expenses related to the property, which could result in the loss of current or prospective tenants and may otherwise adversely affect the operation and maintenance of the property, and could cause a default under the mortgage loan financing documents applicable to the property and may result in late charges, penalties and interest, and may lead to the exercise of foreclosure and other remedies by the lender; |
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the risk that a co-owner could breach agreements related to the property, which may cause a default under, or result in personal liability for, the applicable mortgage loan financing documents, violate applicable securities law and otherwise adversely affect the property and the co-ownership arrangement; or |
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the risk that a default by any co-owner would constitute a default under the applicable mortgage loan financing documents that could result in a foreclosure and the loss of all or a substantial portion of the investment made by the co-owner. |
Any of the above might subject a property to liabilities in excess of those contemplated and thus reduce the amount available for distribution to our stockholders.
In the event that our interests become adverse to those of the other co-owners, we may not have the contractual right to purchase the co-ownership interests from the other co-owners. Even if we are given the opportunity to purchase such co-ownership interests in the future, we cannot guarantee that we will have sufficient funds available at the time to purchase co-ownership interests from the co-owners.
We might want to sell our co-ownership interests in a given property at a time when the other co-owners in such property do not desire to sell their interests. Therefore, we may not be able to sell our
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interest in a property at the time we would like to sell. In addition, we anticipate that it will be much more difficult to find a willing buyer for our co-ownership interests in a property than it would be to find a buyer for a property we owned outright.
Risks Associated with Debt Financing
If we our unable to make our debt payments when required, a lender could foreclose on the property or properties securing such debt, which could reduce the amount of distributions we pay to you and decrease the value of your investment.
We may have a significant amount of acquisition indebtedness secured by first priority mortgages on our properties. In addition, the Griffin properties contain, and any future acquisitions we make will likely contain, mortgage financing. If we are unable to make our debt payments when required, a lender could foreclose on the property or properties securing such debt. In any such event, we could lose some or all of our investment in these properties, which would reduce the amount of distributions we pay to you and decrease the value of your investment.
Lenders may require us to enter into restrictive covenants relating to our operations, which could limit our ability to make distributions to you.
When providing financing, a lender could impose restrictions on us that affect our distribution and operating policies and our ability to incur additional debt. Loan documents we enter into may contain covenants that limit our ability to further mortgage the property, discontinue insurance coverage or replace our advisor. These or other limitations may adversely affect our flexibility and limit our ability to make distributions to you.
Increases in interest rates could increase the amount of our debt payments and adversely affect our ability to make distributions to you.
We expect that we will incur indebtedness in the future. Interest we pay will reduce cash available for distribution. Additionally, if we incur variable rate debt, increases in interest rates would increase our interest costs, which could reduce our cash flows and our ability to make distributions to you. In addition, if we need to repay existing debt during periods of rising interest rates, we could be required to liquidate one or more of our investments in properties at times that may not permit realization of the maximum return on such investments.
We have broad authority to incur debt, and high debt levels could hinder our ability to make distributions and could decrease the value of your investment.
Although, technically, our board may approve unlimited levels of debt, our charter generally limits us to incurring debt no greater than 300% of our net assets before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves (equivalent to 75% leverage), unless any excess borrowing is approved by a majority of our independent directors and disclosed to our stockholders in our next quarterly report, along with a justification for such excess borrowing. High debt levels would cause us to incur higher interest charges, would result in higher debt service payments, and could be accompanied by restrictive covenants. These factors could limit the amount of cash we have available to distribute and could result in a decline in the value of your investment.
Failure to qualify as a REIT would adversely affect our operations and our ability to make distributions as we will incur additional tax liabilities.
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, our legal counsel, has rendered its opinion that we will qualify as a REIT, based upon our representations as to the manner in which we are
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and will be owned and our investment in assets and manner of operation, among other things. However, our qualification as a REIT will depend upon our ability to meet, through investments, actual operating results, distributions and satisfaction of specific stockholder rules, the various tests imposed by the Code. Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC will not review these operating results or compliance with the qualification standards on an ongoing basis. This means that we may fail to satisfy the REIT requirements in the future. Also, this opinion represents Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PCs legal judgment based on the law in effect as of the date of this prospectus. Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PCs opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts and we will not apply for a ruling from the IRS regarding our status as a REIT. Future legislative, judicial or administrative changes to the federal income tax laws could be applied retroactively, which could result in our disqualification as a REIT.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, we will be subject to federal income tax on our taxable income at corporate rates. In addition, we would generally be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year of losing our REIT status. Losing our REIT status would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to stockholders because of the additional tax liability. In addition, distributions to stockholders would no longer qualify for the distributions paid deduction, and we would no longer be required to make distributions. If this occurs, we might be required to borrow funds or liquidate some investments in order to pay the applicable tax. See Federal Income Tax Considerations Failure to Qualify as a REIT for more information on the consequences of failing to qualify as a REIT.
To qualify as a REIT, and to avoid the payment of federal income and excise taxes and maintain our REIT status, we may be forced to borrow funds, use proceeds from the issuance of securities (including this offering), or sell assets to pay distributions, which may result in our distributing amounts that may otherwise be used for our operations.
To obtain the favorable tax treatment accorded to REITs, we normally will be required each year to distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our real estate investment trust taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for distributions paid and by excluding net capital gains. We will be subject to federal income tax on our undistributed taxable income and net capital gain and to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on any amount by which distributions we pay with respect to any calendar year are less than the sum of (1) 85% of our ordinary income, (2) 95% of our capital gain net income, and (3) 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. These requirements could cause us to distribute amounts that otherwise would be spent on acquisitions of properties and it is possible that we might be required to borrow funds, use proceeds from the issuance of securities (including this offering) or sell assets in order to distribute enough of our taxable income to maintain our REIT status and to avoid the payment of federal income and excise taxes. These methods of obtaining funding could affect future distributions by increasing operating costs and decreasing available cash. In addition, such distributions may constitute a return of capital. See the Federal Income Tax Considerations section of this prospectus.
If our operating partnership fails to maintain its status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, its income would be subject to taxation and our REIT status would be terminated.
We intend to maintain the status of our operating partnership as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. However, if the IRS were to successfully challenge the status of our operating partnership as a partnership, it would be taxable as a corporation. In such event, this would reduce the amount of distributions that our operating partnership could make to us. This would also result in our losing REIT status and becoming subject to a corporate level tax on our own income. This would substantially reduce our cash available to pay distributions and the return on your investment. In addition, if any of the entities through which our operating partnership owns its properties, in whole or in part, loses its characterization as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, it would be subject to taxation as a
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corporation, thereby reducing distributions to our operating partnership. Such a recharacterization of our operating partnership or an underlying property owner could also threaten our ability to maintain REIT status. See the Federal Income Tax Considerations Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership section of this prospectus.
You may have tax liability on distributions you elect to reinvest in our common stock.
If you participate in our distribution reinvestment plan, you will be deemed to have received, and for income tax purposes will be taxed on, the amount reinvested in common stock to the extent the amount reinvested was not a tax-free return of capital. As a result, unless you are a tax-exempt entity, you may have to use funds from other sources to pay your tax liability on the value of the common stock received.
In certain circumstances, we may be subject to federal and state income taxes as a REIT, which would reduce our cash available for distribution to you.
Even if we qualify and maintain our status as a REIT, we may be subject to federal income taxes or state taxes. For example, net income from a prohibited transaction will be subject to a 100% tax. We may not be able to make sufficient distributions to avoid excise taxes applicable to REITs. We may also decide to retain income we earn from the sale or other disposition of our property and pay income tax directly on such income. In that event, our stockholders would be treated as if they earned that income and paid the tax on it directly. However, stockholders that are tax-exempt, such as charities or qualified pension plans, would have no benefit from their deemed payment of such tax liability. We may also be subject to state and local taxes on our income or property, either directly or at the level of the operating partnership or at the level of the other companies through which we indirectly own our assets. Any federal or state taxes we pay will reduce our cash available for distribution to you.
We may be required to pay some taxes due to actions of our taxable REIT subsidiary which would reduce our cash available for distribution to you.
Any net taxable income earned directly by our taxable REIT subsidiaries, or through entities that are disregarded for federal income tax purposes, which are wholly-owned by our taxable REIT subsidiaries, will be subject to federal and possibly state corporate income tax. We have filed an election to treat The GC Net Lease REIT TRS, Inc. as a taxable REIT subsidiary, and we may elect to treat other subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future. 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 a taxable REIT subsidiary if the economic arrangements between the REIT, the REITs customers, 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 you.
Distributions to tax-exempt investors may be classified as unrelated business taxable income.
Neither ordinary nor capital gain distributions with respect to our common stock nor gain from the sale of common stock should generally constitute unrelated business taxable income to a tax-exempt investor. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. In particular:
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Part of the income and gain recognized by certain qualified employee pension trusts with respect to our common stock may be treated as unrelated business taxable income if shares of |
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our common stock are predominately held by qualified employee pension trusts, and we are required to rely on a special look-through rule for purposes of meeting one of the REIT share ownership tests, and we are not operated in a manner to avoid treatment of such income or gain as unrelated business taxable income; |
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Part of the income and gain recognized by a tax exempt investor with respect to our common stock would constitute unrelated business taxable income if the investor incurs debt in order to acquire the common stock; and |
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Part or all of the income or gain recognized with respect to our common stock by social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts and qualified group legal services plans which are exempt from federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (9), (17) or (20) of the Code may be treated as unrelated business taxable income. |
See Federal Income Tax Considerations Treatment of Tax-Exempt Stockholders section of this prospectus for further discussion of this issue if you are a tax-exempt investor.
Complying with the REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities.
To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of shares of our common stock. We may be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution, or we may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments in order to comply with the REIT tests. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits.
Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect investors.
The tax rate applicable to qualifying corporate distributions received by individuals prior to 2011 has been reduced to a maximum rate of 15% for federal income tax purposes. This special tax rate is generally not applicable to distributions paid by a REIT, unless such distributions represent earnings on which the REIT itself has been taxed or in the case where REIT has received a taxable dividend from a regular C corporation such as from our taxable REIT subsidiary. As a result, distributions (other than capital gain distributions) we pay to individual investors generally will be subject to the tax rates that are otherwise applicable to ordinary income, which currently are as high as 35%. This change in law may make an investment in our shares comparatively less attractive to individual investors than an investment in the shares of non-REIT corporations, and could have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor with respect to the impact of recent legislation on your investment in our common stock and the status of legislative, regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our common stock. You should also note that our counsels tax opinion assumes that no legislation will be enacted after the date of this prospectus that will be applicable to an investment in our shares.
Foreign purchasers of our common stock may be subject to FIRPTA tax upon the sale of their shares.
A foreign person disposing of a U.S. real property interest, including shares of a U.S. corporation whose assets consist principally of U.S. real property interests, is generally subject to a tax, known as FIRPTA tax, on the gain recognized on the disposition. Such FIRPTA tax does not apply, however, to the disposition of stock in a REIT if the REIT is domestically controlled. A REIT is domestically controlled if less than 50% of the REITs stock, by value, has been owned directly or indirectly by
39
persons who are not qualifying U.S. persons during a continuous five-year period ending on the date of disposition or, if shorter, during the entire period of the REITs existence.
We cannot assure you that we will qualify as a domestically controlled REIT. If we were to fail to so qualify, gain realized by foreign investors on a sale of our shares would be subject to FIRPTA tax, unless our shares were traded on an established securities market and the foreign investor did not at any time during a specified testing period directly or indirectly own more than 5% of the value of our outstanding common stock. See Federal Income Tax Considerations Special Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Stockholders Sale of our Shares by a Non-U.S. Stockholder.
ERISA and Related Risks for Employee Benefit Plans, IRAs, and Other Tax-Favored Benefit Accounts
There are special considerations that apply to employee benefit plans, IRAs or other tax-favored benefit accounts investing in our shares which could cause an investment in our shares to be a prohibited transaction which could result in additional tax consequences.
ERISA and the Code impose certain restrictions on (i) employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), (ii) plans described in Code Section 4975(e)(1), including IRAs and Keogh plans, (iii) any entities whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of a plans investment in such entities, and (iv) persons who have certain specified relationships to such plans, i.e., parties-in-interest under ERISA and disqualified persons under the Code. If you are investing the assets of such a plan or account in our common stock, you should satisfy yourself that, among other things:
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your investment is consistent with your fiduciary obligations under ERISA, the Code, or other applicable law; |
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your investment is made in accordance with the documents and instruments governing your IRA, plan or other account, including any applicable investment policy; |
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your investment satisfies the prudence and diversification requirements of ERISA or other applicable law; |
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your investment will not impair the liquidity of the IRA, plan or other account; |
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your investment will not produce UBTI for the IRA, plan or other account; |
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you will be able to value the assets of the plan annually in accordance with the requirements of ERISA or other applicable law, to the extent applicable; and |
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your investment will not constitute a prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or constitute a violation of analogous provisions under other applicable law, to the extent applicable. |
For a more complete discussion of the foregoing issues and other risks associated with an investment in shares by retirement plans, please see the Considerations for Investment by Employee Benefit Plans and Certain Tax-Favored Benefit Accounts section of this prospectus.
Persons investing the assets of employee benefit plans, IRAs, and other tax-favored benefit accounts should consider ERISA and related risks of investing in our shares.
ERISA and Code Section 4975 prohibit certain transactions that involve a party-in-interest (under ERISA) or a disqualified person (under the Code) and any of the following: (i) employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), (ii) plans described in Code Section 4975(e)(1), including individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans, (iii) any entities whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason of a plans investment in such entities, and (iv) persons who have certain specified
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relationships to such plans, i.e., parties-in-interest under ERISA and disqualified persons under the Code. For example, based on the reasoning of the U.S. Supreme Court in John Hancock Life Ins. Co. v. Harris Trust and Savings Bank , 510 U.S. 86 (1993), an insurance companys general account may be deemed to include assets of plans investing in the general account (e.g., through the purchase of an annuity contract), and the insurance company might be treated as a party-in-interest or disqualified person with respect to a plan by virtue of such investment. Consequently, the fiduciary of a plan or trustee or custodian of an account contemplating an investment in our shares should consider whether we, any other person associated with the issuance of the shares, or any of their affiliates is or might become a party-in-interest or disqualified person with respect to the IRA, plan or other account and, if so, whether an exemption from such prohibited transaction rules is applicable.
In addition, the DOL plan asset regulations as modified by ERISA Section 3(42) provide that, subject to certain exceptions, the assets of an entity in which an IRA, plan or other account holds an equity interest may be treated as assets of an investing IRA, plan or other account, in which event the underlying assets of such entity (and transactions involving such assets) would be subject to the prohibited transaction provisions. Furthermore, if an employee benefit plan invests in our shares and we have significant participation by benefit plan investors (as defined in the DOL plan asset regulations), the standards of prudence and other provisions of ERISA could extend to us with respect to the Companys investments and the trustee or other fiduciary of such plan may be deemed to have improperly delegated fiduciary responsibilities to us in violation of ERISA. We intend to take such steps as may be necessary to qualify us for one or more of the exemptions available, and thereby prevent our assets from being treated as assets of any investing IRA, plan or other account.
For further discussion of issues and risks associated with an investment in the shares by IRAs, employee benefit plans and other benefit plan investors, see Considerations for Investments by Employee Benefit Plans and Certain Tax-Favored Benefit
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as anticipates, expects, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates, would, could, should and variations of these words and similar expressions. Although we believe that our expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, these expectations may not prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements include those set forth above, as well as general economic, business and market conditions, changes in federal and local laws and regulations and increased competitive pressures. In addition, any forward-looking statements are subject to unknown risks and uncertainties including those discussed in the Risk Factors section of this prospectus.
The following table estimates the use of the proceeds raised in our primary offering assuming that we sell the midpoint of 37,500,000 shares and the maximum of 75,000,000 shares. We have not given effect to any special sales or volume discounts that could reduce the sales commissions or dealer manager fees for sales pursuant to our primary offering. Reduction in these fees will be accompanied by a corresponding reduction in the per share purchase price, but will not affect the amounts available to us for investment. See Plan of Distribution for a description of the special sales.
The following table assumes that we do not sell any shares in our distribution reinvestment plan. As long as our shares are not listed on a national securities exchange, we anticipate that all or substantially all of the proceeds from the sale of shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan will
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be used to fund repurchases of shares under our share redemption program. Many of the figures set forth below represent managements best estimate since they cannot be precisely calculated at this time. If we sell the maximum offering, we estimate that approximately 88.25% of the money you invest will be used to primarily invest in single tenant net lease properties in accordance with our investment objectives and to pay real estate related acquisition fees and expenses. The remaining 11.75% will be used to pay sales commissions, dealer manager fees and other organization and offering expenses. We expect our acquisition fees and acquisition expenses to constitute approximately 2.57% of our gross offering proceeds, which will allow us to invest approximately 85.68% in real estate investments.
Midpoint Offering (37,500,000 Shares) |
Maximum Offering (75,000,000 Shares) |
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Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||
Gross Offering Proceeds |
$ | 375,000,000 | 100.00 | % | $ | 750,000,000 | 100.00 | % | ||||
Less Offering Expenses: |
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Sales Commissions |
26,250,000 | 7.00 | % | 52,500,000 | 7.00 | % | ||||||
Dealer Manager Fee |
11,250,000 | 3.00 | % | 22,500,000 | 3.00 | % | ||||||
Organization and Offering Expenses (1) |
7,500,000 | 2.00 | % | 13,125,000 | 1.75 | % | ||||||
Amount Available for Investment (2) |
330,000,000 | 88.00 | % | 661,875,000 | 88.25 | % | ||||||
Acquisition Fees (3) |
8,010,000 | 2.14 | % | 16,065,000 | 2.14 | % | ||||||
Amount Used for Investments |
321,990,000 | 85.86 | % | 645,810,000 | 86.11 | % | ||||||
Acquisition Expenses (4) |
1,602,000 | 0.43 | % | 3,213,000 | 0.43 | % | ||||||
Amount Invested in Properties |
320,388,000 | 85.43 | % | 642,597,000 | 85.68 | % |
(1) |
Organization and offering expenses (other than sales commissions and the dealer manager fee) may include, but are not limited to: (a) amounts to reimburse our advisor for all marketing related costs and expenses such as salaries and direct expenses of our advisors employees or employees of our advisors affiliates in connection with registering and marketing of our shares, including but not limited to, salaries related to broker-dealer accounting and compliance functions; (b) salaries, certain other compensation and direct expenses of our dealer managers employees while preparing for the offering and marketing of our shares and in connection with their wholesaling activities; (c) travel and entertainment expenses associated with the offering and marketing of our shares; (d) facilities and technology costs, insurance expenses and other costs and expenses associated with the offering and to facilitate the marketing of our shares; (e) costs and expenses of conducting educational conferences and seminars; (f) costs and expenses of attending broker-dealer sponsored conferences; and (g) payment or reimbursement of bona fide due diligence expenses. Our advisor has agreed to pay or reimburse us to the extent our organization and offering expenses exceed 3.5% of the gross offering proceeds from our primary offering. In the event we raise the maximum offering, we estimate that our organization and offering expenses will be 1.75% of gross offering proceeds raised in our primary offering. |
(2) |
Until we use our net proceeds to make investments, substantially all of the net proceeds of the offering may be invested in short-term, highly liquid investments, including government obligations, bank certificates of deposit, short-term debt obligations and interest-bearing accounts or other authorized investments as determined by our board of directors. |
(3) |
We will pay our advisor an acquisition fee equal to 2.5% of the contract purchase price for each property or real estate investment we acquire, which for purposes of this table we have assumed is an aggregate amount equal to our estimated amount invested in properties. For purposes of this table, we have assumed that no debt is used to acquire our properties or other real estate investments. In the event we raise the maximum offering of $750,000,000 pursuant to this offering and utilize 60% leverage to acquire our properties or make other real estate investments pursuant to our acquisition strategy, we will pay our advisor acquisition fees in excess of $40,160,000. |
(4) |
Acquisition expenses include customary third-party acquisition expenses such as legal fees and expenses, costs of appraisals, accounting fees and expenses, title insurance premiums and other |
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closing costs and miscellaneous expenses relating to the acquisition of real estate and reserves for capital improvements and maintenance and repairs of properties. For purposes of this table, we have assumed acquisition expenses of 0.5% of the purchase price of our properties, which we have assumed is our estimated amount invested in properties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to our charter, the total of all acquisition fees and acquisition expenses shall be reasonable, and shall not exceed an amount equal to 6% of the contract purchase price of the property. In the event we raise the maximum offering of $750,000,000 pursuant to this offering and utilize 60% leverage, we will incur acquisition expenses in excess of $8,032,000. |
On May , 2009, certain affiliates of our sponsor, including our President and Chairman, Kevin A. Shields, and our Vice President Acquisitions, Don Pescara, contributed to our operating partnership two single tenant net lease properties containing an aggregate of 743,000 gross rentable square feet having a $54.7 million total valuation with approximately $20.5 million of equity in exchange for 2.05 million units of limited partnership interest in our operating partnership. The valuation assigned to the Renfro property for purposes of the contribution was $21.7 million ($19.7 million for the value of the property and $2.0 million of cash held by the entity owning the Renfro property which was contributed to us). The value assigned to the Chicago Bridge & Iron property for purposes of the contribution was $33.0 million. These valuations were supported by appraisals performed by independent appraisers. See Conflicts of Interest Contribution Transactions. In connection with this transaction, we assumed approximately $34.2 million of mortgage debt. See Our Acquisition Indebtedness - Griffin Mortgage Debt below. Our advisor received approximately $ million in acquisition fees, plus reimbursement of $ in acquisition expenses in connection with the acquisition of the Griffin properties. In addition, we entered into a tax protection agreement obligating our operating partnership to reimburse the Griffin affiliates (or their partners) in the event that the operating partnership (i) disposes of any of the Griffin properties, (ii) refinances any of its indebtedness, or (iii) takes other actions with respect to the Griffin properties, the result of which causes the recognition of income or gain by any of the Griffin affiliates with respect to any of the Griffin properties prior to November 11, 2017 for tax liabilities resulting from the recognition of such income or gain.
The market and demographic data contained in following descriptions of the Renfro property and the Chicago Bridge & Iron property was primarily obtained from the appraisals of each property. Although we believe these independent sources are reliable as of their dates of issuance, the market and demographic information contained therein has not been independently verified and we cannot ensure the accuracy or completeness of this information. As a result, you should be aware that the market and demographic data contained in the following descriptions, and beliefs and estimates based on such data, may not be reliable.
Renfro
The Renfro property is a single-story warehouse/distribution property containing approximately 565,000 rentable square feet located at 1702 Springdale Drive, Clinton, South Carolina, part of the Greenville, South Carolina regional market. The property was built in 1986 and is located on an approximately 42.2 acre tract of land in Laurens County, approximately 45 miles southeast of Greenville. The Renfro property consists of a warehouse/distribution building, a small office building, a surface parking lot and a truck maintenance facility. The Renfro property is adjacent to U.S. Highway 76, which provides access to Interstate 26. The Greenville regional market is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies and includes a large percentage of international investment. Clinton is a community that is ideally situated within a one-hour drive of the metropolitan centers of Columbia, Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
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The Renfro property is leased in its entirety to Renfro Corporation under a triple-net lease. Renfro utilizes the property as its principal regional distribution center, which serves Renfros largest domestic manufacturing facility, located in nearby Whitmire, South Carolina. Renfro is a privately-held corporation, founded and headquartered in North Carolina since 1921. Renfro is the largest manufacturer of socks in the U.S. and the second largest manufacturer of all hosiery products in the world, with total disclosed annual revenues of approximately $350 million. Renfro manufactures socks under the Fruit of the Loom , Nike, Ralph Lauren, Dr. Scholls and Starter brands, among others, and is the largest supplier of hosiery products to Wal-Mart. Renfro employs over 4,500 people worldwide and operates manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, India, Turkey, Pakistan and Mexico. The proximity of the Renfro property to the Whitmire manufacturing facility combined with the relatively low occupancy cost and immediate access to the regional transportation network, by virtue of the propertys location at the confluence of four state highways and two interstate highways, make the Renfro property and its location critical to maintaining the low cost structure that Renfro desires and requires to maintain its competitive posture in the hosiery industry.
The Renfro lease originally commenced on July 24, 1998 and terminates on January 31, 2021. The rent schedule for the extended term of the Renfro lease is as follows:
Month Commencing |
Approximate Annual Base Rent |
$/Square Foot |
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February 2009 |
$1,863,000 | $3.30 | ||||||||
February 2014 |
$2,078,000 | $3.68 |
In connection with a lease amendment with Renfro, Renfro Properties, LLC, the property owning entity, is required to expend $2.0 million in cash reserves obtained in connection with the Renfro refinancing described below in Our Acquisition Indebtedness Renfro Mortgage Debt for tenant improvements, including repair of the roof. There are no known environmental issues associated with the Renfro property. In the opinion of management, the Renfro property is adequately covered by insurance.
Chicago Bridge & Iron
The Chicago Bridge & Iron property is an office/laboratory property containing a total of approximately 176,000 rentable square feet located at 1501 North Division Street, Plainfield, Illinois, part of the Chicago, Illinois regional market. The property was constructed between 1958 and 1991, with the buildings having a weighted average age of 27 years. The property sits on an approximately 29.1 acre tract of land in Will County, approximately 35 miles southwest of Chicago. The Chicago Bridge & Iron property consists of two office buildings and a laboratory. The Chicago Bridge & Iron property is located approximately 3 miles from Interstate 55 and is approximately 10 miles and 12 miles from Interstates 80 and 88, respectively. Plainfield and its adjacent suburban communities have experienced robust growth as of late because they constitute a relatively lower cost area in the Chicago regional market with excellent access to local and regional infrastructure.
The Chicago Bridge & Iron property is leased in its entirety to Chicago Bridge & Iron, Company (Delaware), under a triple-net lease. Chicago Bridge & Iron utilizes the property as the home office for its intellectual personnel, with the bulk of its engineers located at the property. Chicago Bridge & Iron N.V., the parent company of Chicago Bridge & Iron, is the guarantor of the Chicago Bridge & Iron lease. Chicago Bridge & Iron N.V. is a publicly-traded corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and is one of the worlds largest engineering, procurement and construction companies, with approximately 18,000 employees worldwide and total annual revenues of approximately $4.3 billion. Chicago Bridge & Iron N.V. has over 80 locations around the world, over 70 proprietary licensed technologies and over 1,500 patents and patent applications. The proximity of the Chicago Bridge & Iron property to the Chicago regional markets many institutions of higher learning and the corresponding access to a consistent flow of new intellectual talent makes the Chicago Bridge & Iron property critical to
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maintaining Chicago Bridge & Irons competitive edge in the highly technical industry in which it competes.
Since the Chicago Bridge & Iron property is leased to a single tenant on a long-term basis under a net lease, we believe that financial information about the guarantor of the lease, is more relevant to investors than financial statements of the property acquired. Chicago Bridge & Iron N.V., the guarantor of the Chicago Bridge & Iron lease, is a public company which currently files its financial statements in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and following is summary financial data regarding Chicago Bridge & Iron N.V. taken from its previously filed public reports:
For the Fiscal Year Ended | |||||||||
12/31/2008 | 12/31/2007 | 12/31/2006 | 12/31/2005 | ||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income |
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Revenues |
5,944,981 | 4,363,492 | 3,125,307 | 2,257,517 | |||||
Operating Income |
35,210 | 205,566 | 145,639 | 50,235 | |||||
Net Income (Loss) |
(21,146 | ) | 165,640 | 116,968 | 15,977 | ||||
12/31/2008 | 12/31/2007 | 12/31/2006 | 12/31/2005 | ||||||
(in thousands) | |||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets |
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Total Assets |
3,000,718 | 3,153,423 | 1,784,412 | 1,377,819 | |||||
Long-Term Debt |
120,000 | 160,000 | 0 | 25,000 | |||||
Shareholders Equity |
555,825 | 726,719 | 542,435 | 483,668 |
If you would like to review more detailed financial information regarding Chicago Bridge & Iron N.V., please refer to the financial statements of Chicago Bridge & Iron N.V., which are publicly available with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
The Chicago Bridge & Iron lease commenced on June 5, 2001 and terminates on October 31, 2022. Chicago Bridge & Iron has the right, at its option, to extend the initial term of the lease for four additional five-year periods. As part of the lease, in addition to the annual base rent, Chicago Bridge & Iron must contribute $100,000 annually toward a reserve fund that is escrowed for any unforeseen capital expenditures. The rent schedule for the remaining term of the Chicago Bridge & Iron lease is as follows:
Month Commencing |
Approximate Annual Base Rent |
$/Square Foot |
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October 2007 |
$2,415,000 | $13.72 | ||||||||
July 2011 |
$2,587,000 | $14.69 | ||||||||
July 2016 |
$2,776,000 | $15.77 | ||||||||
July 2021 |
$2,986,000 | $16.96 |
Chicago Bridge & Iron also has the right to terminate the lease, under certain conditions, if it provides notice that it intends to cease operations on the Chicago Bridge & Iron property. Upon giving such notice, Chicago Bridge & Iron would be required to assist in marketing the Chicago Bridge & Iron property for a period up to 15 months, in an effort to obtain the maximum sale price, taking into account all pertinent factors. Chicago Bridge & Iron would have a right of first refusal on any offer to purchase the Chicago Bridge & Iron property during such period. After a period of one-year from the date Chicago Bridge & Iron provided notice of its intention to cease operations, the highest offer, if any, received during such one-year period would be deemed accepted for purposes of calculating the liability of Chicago Bridge & Iron due to its termination of the lease, as described below.
Upon the earlier of the closing of a sale of the Chicago Bridge & Iron property or the end of the 15-month period commencing upon the date of Chicago Bridge & Irons notice, Chicago Bridge & Iron would be required to pay a termination price that amounts to the positive differential between the actual sale price or deemed sale price (pursuant to a deemed acceptance described above) and the combination
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of the following: (1) a threshold amount (defined in the lease as a certain amount decreasing over time from $21.5 million to $18.6 million); (2) certain prepayment premiums; and (3) certain yield maintenance payments, defeasance or similar fees and costs. Upon Chicago Bridge & Irons payment of this termination price, the lease would terminate. If Chicago Bridge & Iron provides notice of its intention to cease operations and subsequently exercises its right of first refusal to purchase the Chicago Bridge & Iron property, yet fails to voluntarily cease its operations on the Chicago Bridge & Iron property within 15 months following its notice, then Chicago Bridge & Iron would be required to pay, in addition to the termination price, a purchase price differential (defined in the lease as a certain amount increasing over time from $11.5 million to $37.5 million). This obligation for the purchase price differential would survive the termination of the lease upon payment of the termination fee.
In connection with a lease amendment dated October 30, 2007, Plainfield Partners, LLC, the property owning entity, provided Chicago Bridge & Iron with a $7.4 million tenant improvement allowance to pay, in part, for the $8.35 million of budgeted expenses the tenant intends to spend on substantial tenant improvements, including installation of a new HVAC system, new roof, new electrical systems and new ceiling grids and lighting. There are no known environmental issues associated with the Chicago Bridge & Iron property. In the opinion of management, the Chicago Bridge & Iron property is adequately covered by insurance.
As part of the contribution transactions, our sponsor assigned to us all of its interest in an option to purchase from Chicago Bridge & Iron an additional 3.2 acre plot adjacent to the Chicago Bridge & Iron property for $1.00. This option expires upon the earlier of July 1, 2041 or the expiration or termination, other than termination as a result of an instance of default by Chicago Bridge & Iron, of the underlying lease with Chicago Bridge & Iron.
In connection with the contribution transactions, we acquired certain indebtedness related to the Renfro property and the Chicago Bridge & Iron property.
Renfro Mortgage Debt
On January 29, 2009, Renfro Properties LLC refinanced the prior loan on the Renfro property with Inland Bank & Trust (Inland) in an aggregate amount of $13.0 million to fund the following: (1) $8.0 million to partially pay off the prior Renfro debt (the Renfro Term Debt); and (2) $5.0 million as a revolving line of credit to be used to pay off the balance of the prior Renfro debt and the balance of approximately $2.0 million to fund tenant improvements in connection with a lease amendment (the Renfro Line of Credit). The Renfro Term Debt has a term of three years and and expires on January 31, 2012. The Renfro Term Debt bears a floating interest rate of Prime plus 1.00% per annum, with a minimum interest rate of 6.50%, during the term of the loan. The Renfro Term Debt provides for monthly, interest-only payments during the tenant improvement period, with monthly, principal and interest payments, based upon a 25-year amortization schedule, thereafter for the remaining term of the Renfro Term Debt. The Renfro Line of Credit has an initial term of one year and shall be reviewed by Inland for annual renewal thereafter. The Renfro Line of Credit bears a floating interest rate of Prime plus 1.00% per annum, with a minimum interest rate of 6.50%, during its initial one-year term. In addition, the Renfro Line of Credit provides for monthly, interest-only payments, with the entire principal balance outstanding due upon the expiration of the initial one-year term, or January 29, 2010. The Renfro Term Debt and the Renfro Line of Credit are secured by a first mortgage and assignment of rents and leases on the Renfro property. In addition, Kevin A. Shields, our President, serves as a guarantor of both the Renfro Term Debt and the Renfro Line of Credit. Lender fees on the Renfro Term Debt and the Renfro Line of
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Credit were approximately $48,500. Renfro Properties LLC also paid a loan brokerage fee to Cohen Financial in the amount of $65,000 or 0.60% of the total balance of $13.0 million. The Renfro debt documents contain a number of customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities.
Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt
Upon our acquisition of the Griffin properties, in connection with the contribution transactions, we assumed the obligations of Plainfield Partners, LLC under a secured loan with Artesia Mortgage Capital Corporation evidenced by that certain Fixed Rate Note dated October 30, 2007 in the principal amount of $21.2 million (the Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt). The Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt note is secured by a first mortgage and security agreement on our interest in the underlying Chicago Bridge & Iron property, a fixture filing, and an assignment of leases, rents, income and profits. The Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt has an initial term of approximately ten years and matures November 11, 2017.
The Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt bears a fixed interest rate of 6.65% per annum for the term of the loan. The Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt provides for principal and interest payments due on the 11 th day of each calendar month, with such payments having commenced under the loan on December 11, 2007. If we default on the Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt, for any reason, the lender may accelerate the entire balance then-outstanding under the loan and impose certain late fees and/or default penalties. If certain conditions are met, we may elect to prepay a portion or the entire outstanding balance of the Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt upon no less than 30 days and no more than 60 days written notice to the lender, without a prepayment penalty, but only at certain times in the last two months prior to the maturity date of the loan. Otherwise, any prepayment by us is subject to a prepayment premium. The Chicago Bridge & Iron Mortgage Debt documents contain a number of customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND RELATED POLICIES
If we sell the maximum offering, we estimate that approximately 88.25% of the money you invest will be available for investment. The remaining 11.75% will be used to pay sales commissions, dealer manager fees and other organization and offering expenses and to pay real estate related acquisition fees and expenses. We expect our acquisition fees and acquisition expenses to constitute approximately 2.57% of our gross offering proceeds, which will allow us to invest approximately 85.68% in real estate investments. Substantially all of the net offering proceeds will be used to primarily invest in single tenant net lease properties in accordance with our investment objectives. Our investment objectives and policies may be amended or changed at any time by our board of directors. Although we have no plans at this time to change any of our investment objectives, our board of directors may change any and all such investment objectives, including our focus on single tenant net lease properties, if they believe such changes are in the best interests of our stockholders. In addition, we may invest in real estate properties other than single tenant net lease properties if our board deems such investments to be in the best interests of our stockholders. We cannot assure you that our policies or investment objectives will be attained or that the value of our common stock will not decrease.
Our primary investment objectives are to:
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invest in income-producing real property in a manner that allows us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes; |
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provide regular cash distributions to our stockholders; |
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preserve and protect your invested capital; and |
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achieve appreciation in the value of our properties over the long term. |
We cannot assure you that we will attain these primary investment objectives.
Exchange Listing and Other Liquidity Events
Our board will determine when, and if, to apply to have our shares of common stock listed for trading on a national securities exchange or included for quotation on a national market system, subject to satisfying then existing applicable listing requirements. Subject to then existing market conditions and the sole discretion of our board of directors, we intend to seek one or more of the following liquidity events within eight to 11 years after completion of this offering:
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list our shares on a national securities exchange or for quotation on a national quotation system; |
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merge, reorganize or otherwise transfer our company or its assets to another entity; |
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commence the sale of all of our properties and liquidate our company; or |
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otherwise create a liquidity event for our stockholders. |
However, we cannot assure you that we will achieve one or more of the above-described liquidity events within the time frame contemplated or at all. Our board of directors has the sole discretion to continue operations beyond 11 years after completion of the offering if it deems such continuation to be in the best interests of our stockholders. Even if we do accomplish one or more of these liquidity events, we cannot guarantee that a public market will develop for the securities listed or that such securities will trade at a price higher than what you paid for your shares in our offering. At the time it becomes necessary for our board of directors to determine which liquidity event, if any, is in the best interests of us and our stockholders, we expect that the board will take all relevant factors at that time into consideration when making a liquidity event decision. We expect that the board will consider various factors including, but not limited to, costs and expenses related to each possible liquidity event and the potential subordinated fees paid to our advisor listed in the Management Compensation section of this prospectus. See Conflicts of Interest Receipt of Fees and Other Compensation by Our Advisor and its Affiliates for a discussion of the potential conflicts of interest related to the fees paid to our advisor as a result of a liquidity event.
We will seek to acquire a portfolio of single tenant net lease properties throughout the United States diversified by corporate credit, physical geography, product type and lease duration. Although we have no current intention to do so, we may also invest a portion of the net proceeds in single tenant net lease properties outside the United States. We intend to acquire assets consistent with our single tenant acquisition philosophy by focusing primarily on properties:
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critical to the business operations of the tenant; |
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located in primary, secondary and certain select tertiary markets; |
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leased to tenants with stable and/or improving credit quality; and |
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subject to long-term leases with defined rental rate increases or with short-term leases with high-probability renewal and clear income acceleration potential. |
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Our sponsor has been acquiring single tenant net lease properties for well over a decade. Our sponsors positive acquisition and ownership experience with single tenant net lease properties stems from the following:
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the credit quality of the lease payment is determinable and equivalent to the senior unsecured credit rating of the tenant; |
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the critical nature of the asset to the tenants business provides greater default protection relative to the tenants balance sheet debt; |
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the percentage recovery in the event of a tenant default is empirically greater than an unsecured lender; and |
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long-term leases provide a consistent and predictable income stream across market cycles while short-term leases offer income appreciation upon renewal and reset. |
We will seek to provide investors the following benefits:
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a cohesive management team experienced in all aspects of real estate investment with a track record of acquiring single tenant net lease assets; |
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a clear alignment of interests between management and investors, as the affiliates of our sponsor invested over $20 million in our portfolio by contributing the Griffin properties; |
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stable cash flow backed by a portfolio of single tenant net lease real estate assets; |
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minimal exposure to operating and maintenance expense increases given our focus on single tenant net lease properties; |
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contractual lease rate increases enabling distribution growth; |
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insulation from short-term economic cycles resulting from the long-term nature of underlying asset leases; |
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enhanced stability resulting from diversified credit characteristics of corporate credits; and |
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portfolio stability promoted through geographic and product type investment diversification. |
General Acquisition and Investment Policies
We will seek to make investments that satisfy the primary investment objective of providing regular cash distributions to our stockholders. However, because a significant factor in the valuation of income-producing real property is its potential for future appreciation, we anticipate that some properties we acquire may have both the potential for growth in value and for providing regular cash distributions to our stockholders.
Our advisor has substantial discretion with respect to the selection of specific properties. However, each acquisition will be approved by our board of directors. In selecting a potential property for acquisition, we and our advisor consider a number of factors, including but not limited to the following:
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tenant creditworthiness; |
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lease terms, including length of lease term, scope of landlord responsibilities, presence and frequency of contractual rental increases, renewal option provisions, exclusive and permitted use provisions, co-tenancy requirements and termination options; |
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projected demand in the area; |
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a propertys geographic location and type; |
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proposed purchase price, terms and conditions; |
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historical financial performance; |
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projected net cash flow yield and internal rates of return; |
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a propertys physical location, visibility, curb appeal and access; |
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construction quality and condition; |
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potential for capital appreciation; |
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demographics of the area, neighborhood growth patterns, economic conditions, and local market conditions; |
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potential capital and tenant improvements and reserves required to maintain the property; |
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prospects for liquidity through sale, financing or refinancing of the property; |
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the potential for the construction of new properties in the area; |
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treatment under applicable federal, state and local tax and other laws and regulations; |
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evaluation of title and obtaining of satisfactory title insurance; and |
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evaluation of any reasonable ascertainable risks such as environmental contamination. |
There is no limitation on the number, size or type of properties that we may acquire or on the percentage of net offering proceeds that may be invested in any particular property type or single property. The number and mix of properties will depend upon real estate market conditions and other circumstances existing at the time of acquisition and the amount of proceeds raised in this offering. In determining whether to purchase a particular property, we may obtain an option on such property. The amount paid for an option, if any, is normally surrendered if the property is not purchased and may or may not be credited against the purchase price if the property is ultimately purchased.
We expect, in most instances, to acquire single tenant properties with existing net leases. When spaces in a property become vacant, existing leases expire, or we acquire properties under development or requiring substantial refurbishment or renovation, we anticipate entering into net leases. Net leases means leases that typically require tenants to pay all or a majority of the operating expenses, including real estate taxes, special assessments and sales and use taxes, utilities, insurance, common area maintenance charges, and building repairs related to the property, in addition to the lease payments. There are various forms of net leases, typically classified as triple-net or double-net. Under most commercial leases, tenants are obligated to pay a predetermined annual base rent. Some of the leases also will contain provisions that increase the amount of base rent payable at points during the lease term and/or that require the tenant to pay rent based upon a percentage of the tenants revenues. Percentage rent can be calculated based upon a number of factors. Triple-net leases typically require the tenant to pay all costs associated with a property in addition to the base rent and percentage rent, if any. Double-net leases typically hold the landlord responsible for the roof and structure, or other aspects of the property, while the tenant is responsible for all remaining expenses associated with the property. To the extent we acquire multi-tenant properties, we expect to have a variety of lease arrangements with the tenants of these properties. Since each lease is an individually negotiated contract between two or more parties, each lease will have different obligations of both the landlord and tenant. Many large national tenants have standard lease forms that generally do not vary from property to property. We will have limited ability to revise the terms of leases to those tenants.
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We anticipate that many of our acquisitions will have lease terms of seven to 15 years at the time of the property acquisition. We may acquire properties under which the lease term has partially expired. We also may acquire properties with shorter lease terms if the property is located in a desirable location, is difficult to replace, or has other significant favorable real estate attributes. Generally, the leases require each tenant to procure, at its own expense, commercial general liability insurance, as well as property insurance covering the building for the full replacement value and naming the ownership entity and the lender, if applicable, as the additional insured on the policy. As a precautionary measure, we may obtain, to the extent available, secondary liability insurance, as well as loss of rents insurance that covers one or more years of annual rent in the event of a rental loss.
Tenants will be required to provide proof of insurance by furnishing a certificate of insurance to our advisor on an annual basis. The insurance certificates will be tracked and reviewed for compliance by our property manager.
Our Borrowing Strategy and Policies
We may incur our indebtedness in the form of bank borrowings, purchase money obligations to the sellers of properties and publicly or privately-placed debt instruments or financing from institutional investors or other lenders. We may obtain a credit facility or separate loans for each acquisition. Our indebtedness may be unsecured or may be secured by mortgages or other interests in our properties. We may use borrowing proceeds to finance acquisitions of new properties, to pay for capital improvements, repairs or buildouts, to refinance existing indebtedness, to pay distributions, to fund redemptions of our shares or to provide working capital.
There is no limitation on the amount we can borrow for the purchase of any property. Our aggregate borrowings, secured and unsecured, must be reasonable in relation to our net assets and must be reviewed by our board of directors at least quarterly. We anticipate that we will utilize approximately 60% leverage in connection with our acquisition strategy. However, our charter limits our borrowing to 300% of our net assets (equivalent to 75% of the cost of our assets) unless any excess borrowing is approved by a majority of our independent directors and is disclosed to our stockholders in our next quarterly report, along with the justification for such excess.
We may borrow amounts from our advisor or its affiliates only if such loan is approved by a majority of our directors, including a majority of our independent directors not otherwise interested in the transaction, as fair, competitive, commercially reasonable and no less favorable to us than comparable loans between unaffiliated parties under the circumstances.
Except as set forth in our charter regarding debt limits, we may re-evaluate and change our debt strategy and policies in the future without a stockholder vote. Factors that we could consider when re-evaluating or changing our debt strategy and policies include then-current economic and market conditions, the relative cost of debt and equity capital, any acquisition opportunities, the ability of our properties to generate sufficient cash flow to cover debt service requirements and other similar factors. Further, we may increase or decrease our ratio of debt to book value in connection with any change of our borrowing policies.
Although we are not limited as to the form our investments may take, our investments in real estate will generally constitute acquiring fee title or interests in joint ventures or similar entities that own and operate real estate.
We will make acquisitions of our real estate investments directly or indirectly through our operating partnership, The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. See Prospectus Summary Our Structure and Our Operating Partnership Agreement. We will acquire interests in real estate
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either directly through our operating partnership or indirectly through limited liability companies or limited partnerships, or through investments in joint ventures, partnerships, co-tenancies or other co-ownership arrangements with other owners of properties, affiliates of our advisor or other persons. See Risk Factors Risks Associated with Co-Ownership of Real Estate.
Our advisor will be continually evaluating various potential property investments and engaging in discussions and negotiations with sellers, developers and potential tenants regarding the purchase and development of properties for us and other Griffin Capital-sponsored programs. At such time while this offering is being conducted, if we believe that a reasonable probability exists that we will acquire a specific property, this prospectus will be supplemented to disclose the negotiations and pending acquisition of such property. We expect that this will normally occur upon the signing of a purchase agreement for the acquisition of a specific property, but may occur before or after such signing or upon the satisfaction or expiration of major contingencies in any such purchase agreement, depending on the particular circumstances surrounding each potential investment. A supplement to this prospectus will also describe any improvements proposed to be constructed thereon and other information that we consider appropriate for an understanding of the transaction. Further data will be made available after any pending acquisition is consummated, also by means of a supplement to this prospectus, if appropriate. YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THE DISCLOSURE OF ANY PROPOSED ACQUISITION CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS AN ASSURANCE THAT WE WILL ULTIMATELY CONSUMMATE SUCH ACQUISITION OR THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED CONCERNING THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION WILL NOT CHANGE BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE SUPPLEMENT AND ANY ACTUAL PURCHASE. We intend to obtain what we believe will be adequate insurance coverage for all properties in which we invest. Some of our leases may require that we procure insurance for both commercial general liability and property damage; however, we expect that those leases will provide that the premiums will be fully reimbursable from the tenant. In such instances, the policy will list us as the named insured and the tenant as the additional insured. However, we may decide not to obtain any or adequate earthquake or similar catastrophic insurance coverage because the premiums are too high, even in instances where it may otherwise be available. See Risk Factors General Risks Related to Investments in Real Estate.
Conditions to Closing Acquisitions
We will not purchase any property unless and until we obtain at least a Phase I environmental assessment and history for each property purchased and we are sufficiently satisfied with the propertys environmental status. In addition, we will generally condition our obligation to close the purchase of any investment on the delivery and verification of certain documents from the seller or other independent professionals, including but not limited to, where appropriate:
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property surveys and site audits; |
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building plans and specifications, if available; |
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soil reports, seismic studies, flood zone studies, if available; |
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licenses, permits, maps and governmental approvals; |
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tenant estoppel certificates; |
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historical financial statements and tax statement summaries of the properties; |
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proof of marketable title, subject to such liens and encumbrances as are acceptable to us; and |
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liability and title insurance policies. |
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We may acquire some of our properties in joint ventures, some of which may be entered into with affiliates of our advisor. We may also enter into joint ventures, general partnerships, co-tenancies and other participations with real estate developers, owners and others for the purpose of owning and leasing real properties. See Conflicts of Interest. Among other reasons, we may want to acquire properties through a joint venture with third parties or affiliates in order to diversify our portfolio of properties in terms of geographic region or property type. Joint ventures may also allow us to acquire an interest in a property without requiring that we fund the entire purchase price. In addition, certain properties may be available to us only through joint ventures. In determining whether to recommend a particular joint venture, our advisor will evaluate the real property which such joint venture owns or is being formed to own under the same criteria described elsewhere in this prospectus.
We may enter into joint ventures with affiliates of our advisor for the acquisition of properties, but only provided that:
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A majority of our directors, including a majority of our independent directors, approve the transaction as being fair and reasonable to us; and |
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The investment by us and such affiliate are on substantially the same terms and conditions. |
To the extent possible and if approved by our board of directors, including a majority of our independent directors, we will attempt to obtain a right of first refusal or option to buy if such venture partner elects to sell its interest in the property held by the joint venture. In the event that the venture partner were to elect to sell property held in any such joint venture, however, we may not have sufficient funds to exercise our right of first refusal to buy the venture partners interest in the property held by the joint venture. Entering into joint ventures with affiliates of our advisor will result in certain conflicts of interest. See Conflicts of Interest Joint Ventures with Affiliates of our Advisor.
Construction and Development Activities
From time to time, we may construct and develop real estate assets or render services in connection with these activities. We may be able to reduce overall purchase costs by constructing and developing a property versus purchasing a completed property. Developing and constructing properties would, however, expose us to risks such as cost overruns, carrying costs of projects under construction or development, availability and costs of materials and labor, weather conditions and government regulation. See Risk Factors General Risks Related to Investments in Real Estate for additional discussion of these risks. To comply with the applicable requirements under federal income tax law, we intend to limit our construction and development activities to performing oversight and review functions, including reviewing the construction design proposals, negotiating and contracting for feasibility studies and supervising compliance with local, state or federal laws and regulations, negotiating contracts, overseeing construction, and obtaining financing. In addition, we may use taxable REIT subsidiaries or certain independent contractors to carry out these oversight and review functions. See Federal Income Tax Considerations Requirements for Qualification as a REIT Operational Requirements Gross Income Tests for a discussion of taxable REIT subsidiaries. We will retain independent contractors to perform the actual construction work.
Our business will be subject to many laws and governmental regulations. Changes in these laws and regulations, or their interpretation by agencies and courts, occur frequently.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, or ADA, all public accommodations and
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commercial facilities are required to meet certain federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. These requirements became effective in 1992. Complying with the ADA requirements could require us to remove access barriers. Failing to comply could result in the imposition of fines by the federal government or an award of damages to private litigants. Although we intend to acquire properties that substantially comply with these requirements, we may incur additional costs to comply with the ADA. In addition, a number of additional federal, state and local laws may require us to modify any properties we purchase, or may restrict further renovations thereof, with respect to access by disabled persons. Additional legislation could impose financial obligations or restrictions with respect to access by disabled persons. Although we believe that these costs will not have a material adverse effect on us, if required changes involve a greater amount of expenditures than we currently anticipate, our ability to make expected distributions could be adversely affected. See Risk Factors General Risks Related to Investments in Real Estate for additional discussion regarding compliance with the ADA.
Environmental Matters
Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may be held liable for the costs of removing or remediating hazardous or toxic substances. These laws often impose clean-up responsibility and liability without regard to whether the owner or operator was responsible for, or even knew of, the presence of the hazardous or toxic substances. The costs of investigating, removing or remediating these substances may be substantial, and the presence of these substances may adversely affect our ability to rent units or sell the property or to borrow using the property as collateral and may expose us to liability resulting from any release of or exposure to these substances. If we arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances at another location, we may be liable for the costs of removing or remediating these substances at the disposal or treatment facility, whether or not the facility is owned or operated by us. We may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from a site that we own or operate. Certain environmental laws also impose liability in connection with the handling of or exposure to asbestos-containing materials, pursuant to which third parties may seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with asbestos-containing materials and other hazardous or toxic substances. See Risk Factors General Risks Related to Investments in Real Estate for additional discussion regarding environmental matters.
Other Regulations
The properties we acquire likely will be subject to various federal, state and local regulatory requirements, such as zoning and state and local fire and life safety requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the imposition of fines by governmental authorities or awards of damages to private litigants. We intend to acquire properties that are in material compliance with all such regulatory requirements. However, we cannot assure you that these requirements will not be changed or that new requirements will not be imposed which would require significant unanticipated expenditures by us and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We generally intend to hold each property we acquire for an extended period. However, we may sell a property at any time if, in our judgment, the sale of the property is in the best interests of our stockholders.
The determination of whether a particular property should be sold or otherwise disposed of will generally be made after consideration of relevant factors, including prevailing economic conditions, other investment opportunities and considerations specific to the condition, value and financial performance of the property. In connection with our sales of properties, we may lend the purchaser all or a portion of the purchase price. In these instances, our taxable income may exceed the cash received in the sale.
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We may sell assets to third parties or to affiliates of our advisor. Our nominating and corporate governance committee of our board of directors, which is comprised solely of independent directors, must review and approve all transactions between us and our advisor and its affiliates. Please see Management Committees of the Board of Directors Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and Conflicts of Interest Certain Conflict Resolution Procedures.
Investment Limitations in our Charter
Our charter places numerous limitations on us with respect to the manner in which we may invest our funds, most of which are those typically required by various provisions of the Statement of Policy Regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts published by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA REIT Guidelines). These limitations cannot be changed unless our charter is amended, which requires the approval of our stockholders. Unless our charter is amended, we will not:
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Invest in equity securities unless a majority of our directors, including a majority of our independent directors, not otherwise interested in the transaction approve such investment as being fair, competitive and commercially reasonable. |
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Invest in commodities or commodity futures contracts, except for future contracts when used solely for the purpose of hedging in connection with our ordinary business of investing in real estate assets and mortgages. |
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Invest in real estate contracts of sale, otherwise known as land sale contracts, unless the contract is in recordable form and is appropriately recorded in the chain of title. |
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Make or invest in mortgage loans unless an appraisal is obtained concerning the underlying property, except for those mortgage loans insured or guaranteed by a government or government agency. In cases where our independent directors determine, and in all cases in which the transaction is with any of our directors or our advisor and its affiliates, we will obtain an appraisal from an independent appraiser. We will maintain such appraisal in our records for at least five years and it will be available to our stockholders for inspection and duplication. We will also obtain a mortgagees or owners title insurance policy as to the priority of the mortgage or condition of the title. |
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Make or invest in mortgage loans, including construction loans, on any one property if the aggregate amount of all mortgage loans on such property would exceed an amount equal to 85% of the appraised value of such property, as determined by an appraisal, unless substantial justification exists for exceeding such limit because of the presence of other loan underwriting criteria. |
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Make or invest in mortgage loans that are subordinate to any mortgage or equity interest of any of our directors, our advisor or their respective affiliates. |
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Make investments in unimproved property or indebtedness secured by a deed of trust or mortgage loans on unimproved property in excess of 10% of our total assets. |
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Issue equity securities on a deferred payment basis or other similar arrangement. |
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Issue debt securities in the absence of adequate cash flow to cover debt service. |
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Issue equity securities that are assessable after we have received the consideration for which our board of directors authorized their issuance. |
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Issue redeemable securities redeemable solely at the option of the holder, which restriction has no affect on our ability to implement our share redemption program. |
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When applicable, grant warrants or options to purchase shares to our advisor or its affiliates or to officers or directors affiliated with our advisor except on the same terms as options or warrants that are sold to the general public. Further, the amount of the options or warrants cannot exceed an amount equal to 10% of outstanding shares on the date of grant of the warrants and options. |
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Lend money to our directors, or to our advisor or its affiliates, except for certain mortgage loans described above. |
Changes in Investment Policies and Limitations
Our charter requires that our independent directors review our investment policies at least annually to determine that the policies we are following are in the best interests of our stockholders. Each determination and the basis therefor is required to be set forth in the applicable meeting minutes. The methods of implementing our investment policies may also vary as new investment techniques are developed. The methods of implementing our investment objectives and policies, except as otherwise provided in our charter, may be altered by a majority of our directors, including a majority of our independent directors, without the approval of our stockholders. Investment policies and limitations specifically set forth in our charter, however, may only be amended by a vote of the stockholders holding a majority of our outstanding shares.
While we intend to emphasize equity real estate investments and, hence, operate as what is generally referred to as an equity REIT, as opposed to a mortgage REIT, we may invest in first or second mortgage loans, mezzanine loans secured by an interest in the entity owning the real estate or other similar real estate loans consistent with our REIT status. We may make such loans to developers in connection with construction and redevelopment of real estate properties. Such mortgages may or may not be insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, the Veterans Administration or another third-party. We may also invest in participating or convertible mortgages if our directors conclude that we and our stockholders may benefit from the cash flow or any appreciation in the value of the subject property. Such mortgages are similar to equity participation.
Our board of directors has established a nominating and corporate governance committee, which will review and approve all matters the board believes may involve a conflict of interest. This committee is composed solely of independent directors. Please see Management Committees of the Board of Directors Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. This committee of our board of directors will approve all transactions between us and our advisor and its affiliates. Please see Conflicts of Interest Certain Conflict Resolution Procedures.
Investment Company Act and Certain Other Policies
We intend to operate in such a manner that we will not be subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the 1940 Act. Our advisor will continually review our investment activity to attempt to ensure that we do not come within the application of the 1940 Act. Among other things, our advisor will attempt to monitor the proportion of our portfolio that is placed in various investments so that we do not come within the definition of an investment company under the 1940 Act. If at any time the character of our investments could cause us to be deemed as an investment company for purposes of the 1940 Act, we will take all necessary actions to attempt to ensure that we are not deemed to be an investment company. Please see Risk Factors Risks Relating to this Offering and Our Corporate Structure.
In addition, we do not intend to:
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underwrite securities of other issuers; or |
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actively trade in loans or other investments. |
Subject to the restrictions we must follow in order to qualify to be taxed as a REIT, we may make investments other than as previously described, although we do not currently intend to do so. We have authority to purchase or otherwise reacquire our common shares or any of our other securities. We have no present intention of repurchasing any of our common shares except pursuant to our share redemption program, and we would only take such action in conformity with applicable federal and state laws and the requirements for qualifying as a REIT under the Code.
We operate under the direction of our board of directors, the members of which are accountable to us and our stockholders as fiduciaries. Our board is responsible for the management and control of our affairs. Our board has retained our advisor to manage our day-to-day affairs and the acquisition and disposition of our investments, subject to our boards supervision. Our advisor is also accountable to us and our stockholders as a fiduciary. Our charter has been reviewed and ratified by a majority of our board of directors, including a majority of our independent directors. This ratification by our board of directors was required by the NASAA REIT Guidelines.
Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of our directors may be established by a majority of the entire board of directors but may not be fewer than three nor more than 15. Currently, we have three directors, Kevin A. Shields, our President, and two independent directors, Gregory M. Cazel and Tim Rohner. An independent director is a person who is not one of our officers or employees or an officer or employee of our advisor or its affiliates, has not otherwise been affiliated with such entities for the previous two years and does not serve as a director of more than three REITs organized by or advised by our advisor. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or officers, or officers of our advisor. Each director who is not an independent director must have at least three years of relevant experience demonstrating the knowledge and experience required to successfully acquire and manage the type of assets being acquired by us. At least one of the independent directors must have at least three years of relevant real estate experience.
During the discussion and analysis of proposed transactions, independent directors may offer suggestions for ways in which transactions may be structured to offer us the greatest value, and our management will take these suggestions into consideration when structuring transactions. Each director will serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualifies. Although the number of directors may be increased or decreased, a decrease will not have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent director.
Any director may resign at any time and may be removed with or without cause by the stockholders upon the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting properly called for the purpose of the proposed removal. The notice of the meeting will indicate that the purpose, or one of the purposes, of the meeting is to determine if the director shall be removed. Neither our advisor, any member of our board of directors nor any of their affiliates may vote or consent on matters submitted to the stockholders regarding the removal of our advisor or any director. In determining the requisite percentage in interest required to approve such a matter, any shares owned by such persons will not be included.
Vacancies on the board, whether created by an increase in the number of directors or the death, resignation, removal, adjudicated incompetence or other incapacity of a director, may be filled only by a vote of a majority of the remaining directors. In cases of vacancies among the independent directors, the
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remaining independent directors shall nominate replacements for the vacant positions. If at any time we have no directors in office, our stockholders shall elect successor directors. Each of our directors will be bound by our charter and our bylaws.
Our directors are not required to devote all of their time to our business and we do not expect that our directors will be required to devote a substantial portion of their time to discharge their duties as our directors. Our directors are only required to devote the time to our affairs as their duties require. At a minimum, our directors will meet quarterly, or more frequently if necessary. Consequently, in the exercise of their responsibilities, our directors will be relying heavily on our advisor. Our directors shall have a fiduciary duty to our stockholders to supervise the relationship between us and our advisor.
Our board of directors will have written policies on investments and borrowing, the expected terms of which are set forth in this prospectus. See Investment Objectives and Related Policies. Our directors may establish further written policies on investments and borrowings and shall monitor our administrative procedures, investment operations and performance to ensure that the policies are fulfilled and are in the best interest of our stockholders.
Our board also will be responsible for reviewing our fees and expenses on at least an annual basis and with sufficient frequency to determine that the expenses incurred are in the best interest of our stockholders. Our board is empowered to fix the compensation of all officers that it selects and approve the payment of compensation to directors for services rendered to us in any other capacity. In addition, a majority of our directors, including a majority of the independent directors who are not otherwise interested in the transaction, must approve all transactions with our advisor or its affiliates. Our independent directors will also be responsible for reviewing the performance of our advisor and determining that the compensation to be paid to our advisor is reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of services to be performed and that the provisions of our advisory agreement are being carried out. Specifically, the independent directors will consider factors such as:
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the amount of the fees paid to our advisor in relation to the size, composition and performance of our investments; |
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the success of our advisor in generating appropriate investment opportunities; |
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rates charged to other REITs, especially REITs of similar structure, and other investments by advisors performing similar services; |
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additional revenues realized by our advisor and its affiliates through their relationship with us, whether we pay them or they are paid by others with whom we do business; |
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the quality and extent of service and advice furnished by our advisor and the performance of our investment portfolio; and |
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the quality of our portfolio relative to the investments generated by our advisor or its affiliates for its other clients. |
If our independent directors determine that the performance of our advisor is unsatisfactory or that the compensation to be paid to our advisor is unreasonable, the independent directors may take such actions as they deem to be in the best interests of us and our stockholders under the circumstances, including potentially termination of the advisory agreement and retention of a new advisor.
Neither our advisor nor any of its affiliates will vote or consent to the voting of shares of our common stock they now own or hereafter acquire on matters submitted to the stockholders regarding either (1) the removal of our advisor, any non-independent director or any of their respective affiliates, or (2) any transaction between us and our advisor, any non-independent director or any of their respective affiliates.
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Executive Officers and Directors
We have provided below certain information about our executive officers and directors.
Name | Age | Position(s) | ||||
Kevin A. Shields | 51 | Chairman of the Board of Directors and President | ||||
Michael J. Escalante | 48 | Vice President and Chief Investment Officer | ||||
Joseph E. Miller | 46 | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | ||||
Mary P. Higgins | 49 | Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | ||||
Don G. Pescara | 46 | Vice President Acquisitions | ||||
Julie A. Treinen | 49 | Vice President Asset Management | ||||
Gregory M. Cazel | 47 | Independent Director | ||||
Tim Rohner | 47 | Independent Director |
Kevin A. Shields , our President and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, has been an officer and director since our initial formation. Mr. Shields is also the President and founder of our sponsor, which he founded in 1995, and the President of our advisor. Before founding our sponsor, from 1993 to 1994, Mr. Shields was a Senior Vice President and head of the Structured Real Estate Finance Group at Jefferies & Company, Inc., a Los Angeles-based investment bank. During his tenure at Jefferies, Mr. Shields focused on originating structured lease bond product with a particular emphasis on sub-investment grade lessees. While there, he consummated the first securitized forward lease bond financing for a sub-investment grade credit tenant. From 1992 to 1993, Mr. Shields was the President and Principal of Terrarius Incorporated, a firm engaged in the restructuring of real estate debt and equity on behalf of financial institutions, corporations, partnerships and developers. Prior to founding Terrarius, from 1986 to 1992, Mr. Shields served as a Vice President in the Real Estate Finance Department of Salomon Brothers Inc. in both New York and Los Angeles. During his tenure at Salomon, Mr. Shields initiated, negotiated, drafted and closed engagement, purchase and sale and finance agreements. Mr. Shields holds a J.D. degree, an MBA, and a B.S. degree in Finance and Real Estate from the University of California at Berkeley. Mr. Shields is a Registered Securities Principal of Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., our dealer manager, and holds Series 7, 63, 24 and 27 licenses, and is also a licensed California Real Estate Broker.
Michael J. Escalante is our Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, and has held these positions since our formation. Mr. Escalante is also Chief Investment Officer of our advisor and has served as our sponsors Chief Investment Officer since 2006 , where he is responsible for overseeing all acquisition and disposition activities. With 20 years of real estate related investment experience, he has been responsible for completing in excess of $4.0 billion of commercial real estate transactions throughout the Western U.S. Prior to joining Our sponsor in 2006, Mr. Escalante founded Escalante Property Ventures in 2005, a real estate investment management company, to invest in value-added and development-oriented infill properties within California and other western states. From 1997 to 2005, Mr. Escalante served eight years at Trizec Properties, Inc., one of the largest publicly traded U.S. office REITs, with his final position being Executive Vice President Capital Transactions and Portfolio Management. While at Trizec, Mr. Escalante was directly responsible for all capital transaction activity for the Western U.S., which included the acquisition of several prominent office projects. Mr. Escalantes work experience at Trizec also included significant hands-on operations experience as the REITs Western U.S. Regional Director with bottom-line responsibility for asset and portfolio management of a 4.6 million square foot office/retail portfolio (11 projects / 23 buildings) and associated administrative support personnel (110 total / 65 company employees). Prior to joining Trizec, from 1987 to 1997, Mr. Escalante held various acquisitions, asset management and portfolio management positions with The Yarmouth Group, an international investment advisor. Mr. Escalante holds an MBA from the University of California at Los Angeles, and a B.S. in Commerce from the University of Santa Clara. Mr. Escalante is a full member of the Urban Land Institute and active in many civic organizations.
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Joseph E. Miller is our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Mr. Miller has been our Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since our formation. Mr. Miller is also our advisors Chief Financial Officer and has served as our sponsors Chief Financial Officer since 2007, where he is responsible for all of our sponsors and advisors accounting, finance, information technology systems and human resources functions. Mr. Miller has 20 years of real estate experience in pubic accounting and real estate investment firms. Prior to joining our sponsor, from 2001 to 2007, Mr. Miller served as the Vice President and Corporate Controller, and later the Senior Vice President of Business Operations, for PS Business Parks, a publicly traded REIT. Mr. Miller initially served PS Business Parks as their Vice President and Corporate Controller, where he was responsible for SEC filings, property-level accounting, and all financial reporting. Upon assuming the role of Senior Vice President of Business Operations, Mr. Miller was responsible for the financial operations of the real estate portfolio, policies and procedures of the organization, and information technology systems. From 1997 to 2001, Mr. Miller was the Corporate Controller for Maguire Properties, formerly Maguire Partners, where he was responsible for the accounting operations, treasury functions, and information technology systems. Before joining Maguire, from 1994 to 1997, Mr. Miller was an audit Manager with Ernst & Young, LP where he was responsible for attestation engagements for financial services and real estate companies, and he also worked on initial public offering teams for real estate investment companies going public. Mr. Miller also worked with KPMG, where he became a certified public accountant. Mr. Miller received a B.S. in Business Administration, Accounting from California State University and an MBA from the University of Southern California.
Mary P. Higgins is our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and has been with us since our formation. Ms. Higgins is also the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of our advisor and the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of our sponsor. Prior to joining us, Ms. Higgins was a partner at the law firm of Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP in Chicago, Illinois. Ms. Higgins has been our sponsors primary real estate transaction counsel for more than eight years and has worked together with our sponsors principals on nearly all of that firms acquisition, due diligence, leasing, financing and disposition activities during that time period. Ms. Higgins has over 20 years experience representing both public and private real estate owners, tenants and investors in commercial real estate matters, including development, leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, and securitized and non-securitized financings. Representative transactions include sales and dispositions of regional malls, including some of the premiere regional malls in the nation; sale of a golf course in an UPREIT structure; a $38 million credit tenant loan transaction; acquisition of various Florida office properties for a $150 million office property equity fund; representation of the ground lessor in a subordinated tenant development ground lease and a $350 million property roll up. Ms. Higgins additionally has extensive commercial leasing experience. Ms. Higgins is the author of the chapter entitled Due Diligence on Commercial Leases in the Real Estate Transactions volume published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, and she is active in many civic organizations. Ms. Higgins earned her undergraduate degree in Law Firm Administration from Mallinckrodt College (now part of Loyola University) and her J.D. degree from DePaul University College of Law.
Don G. Pescara is our Vice President Acquisitions and has been with us since our formation. Mr. Pescara is also the Managing Director Acquisitions for our advisor and the Managing Director Acquisitions for our sponsor. Mr. Pescara is responsible for our sponsors activities in the Midwestern U.S. and is based in the firms Chicago office. Prior to joining our sponsor in 1997, Mr. Pescara was a Director at Cohen Financial in the Capital Markets Unit responsible for all types of real estate financing including private placements of both debt and equity, asset dispositions, and acquisitions on behalf of Cohens merchant banking group. Prior to joining Cohen, Mr. Pescara was a Director at CB Commercial Mortgage Banking Group. During his 23-year career, Mr. Pescara has been responsible for many innovative financing programs, including structuring corporate sale/leaseback transactions utilizing synthetic and structured lease bond financing. Formerly Co-Chairman of the Asian Real Estate Association, Mr. Pescara was responsible for creating a forum for idea exchange between Pacific Rim
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realty investors and their United States counterparts. An active member of the Urban Land Institute, Mortgage Bankers Association and the International Council of Shopping Centers, Mr. Pescara is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a B.A. in Economics and a minor in Finance and is a licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker.
Julie A. Treinen is our Vice President Asset Management and has held that position since our formation. Ms. Treinen is also the Managing Director Asset Management for our advisor and the Managing Director Asset Management for our sponsor where she is responsible for all of the firms asset management activities. Before joining our sponsor in 2004, Ms. Treinen was a Vice President at Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers, Inc., a Hartford-based, SEC-registered real estate investment and advisory firm with $4.6 billion of assets under management. During her five years at Cornerstone, Ms. Treinen managed the acquisition diligence of approximately 1.2 million square feet of existing assets totaling $238 million, the development of five apartment joint venture projects totaling $152 million, and the disposition of five properties totaling $125 million. Ms. Treinen was also the senior asset manager for a $400 million portfolio of office, industrial and apartment investments. Prior to joining Cornerstone, from 1996 to 1999, Ms. Treinen was Director, Field Production at Northwestern Mutual Life in Newport Beach where she initiated, negotiated, and closed three development projects totaling over $100 million and three mortgage originations totaling over $100 million, and acquired four existing assets totaling over $50 million. Prior to joining Northwestern, from 1989 to 1996, Ms. Treinen was a Vice President at Prudential Realty Group in Los Angeles. Over the course of her seven year tenure at Prudential, Ms. Treinen originated over $235 million in new commercial mortgage loans, structured and negotiated problem loan workouts, note sale and foreclosures totaling over $140 million and managed a portfolio of office, industrial and apartment investments totaling approximately $500 million. Prior to the real estate industry, Ms. Treinen spent several years in finance and as a certified public accountant. Ms. Treinen holds an MBA degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and a B.A. degree in Economics from the University of California at Los Angeles.
Gregory M. Cazel is one of our independent directors of our board of directors. Since January 5, 2009, Mr. Cazel has served as a Principal with Prairie Realty Advisors, Inc., a mortgage banking firm. Mr. Cazel is also President of Midwest Residential Partners, LLC, a private real estate investment firm, which he formed in 2008. Mr. Cazel has more than 24 years of commercial real estate finance, acquisition, loan origination and securitization, mortgage banking, underwriting, analysis, and investment experience. Throughout his career, Mr. Cazel has been responsible for closing in excess of $4.0 billion of commercial real estate loans including fixed-rate, floating-rate, and mezzanine financings throughout the United States. From April 2007 to June 2008, Mr. Cazel was an Executive Director with Dexia Real Estate Capital Markets Company, a Division of Dexia Bank, a Belgium-based financial institution, where he was responsible for establishing the Chicago office and managing the Midwest presence for the CMBS loan program. For nine years, prior to his tenure at Dexia, Mr. Cazel was a Vice President at JP Morgan Mortgage Capital (JP Morgan) where he ran a loan production team that closed over $3.4 billion in permanent, floating, and mezzanine loans, representing the highest loan production volume in the country for JP Morgan during his tenure and earning Mr. Cazel the number one ranking throughout the JP Morgan branch office system. Mr. Cazel earned a B.A. in Finance with a concentration in Real Estate and Accounting from the University of Illinois.
Tim Rohner is one of our independent directors of our board of directors. Mr. Rohner brings over 25 years of large business consulting and entrepreneurial experience to the board. Currently, he is a co-owner of Mpell Solutions where he is responsible for new business development, sales, and marketing. Mpell Solutions is a promotional marketing company that specializes in designing and operating consumer promotion programs for large and medium size companies. Prior to founding Mpell Solutions in 2005, Mr. Rohner was a founding partner of Leucadia Ventures, an investment and advisory firm. Mr. Rohner was a business consultant for Diamond Management and Technology Consultants (NASDAQ: DTPI), McKinsey & Co, and Accenture from 1984 to 2002. At each company he advised senior management on issues related to business strategy, technology strategy, operational efficiency, and
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organizational effectiveness. He is the co-author of The Venture Imperative, published by the Harvard Business School Press in 2002. Mr. Rohner is a certified public accountant and holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our entire board of directors considers all major decisions concerning our business, including any property acquisitions. However, our bylaws provide that our board may establish such committees as the board believes appropriate. The board will appoint the members of such committees in the boards discretion. Our charter requires that a majority of the members of each committee of our board be comprised of independent directors.
Audit Committee
Our audit committee is comprised of Messrs. Cazel and Rohner, both independent directors. Mr. Rohner currently serves as chairman of the audit committee; however, he is not an audit committee financial expert. The audit committee will operate pursuant to a written charter adopted by our board of directors. The charter for the audit committee will set forth its specific functions and responsibilities. We anticipate that the primary responsibilities of the audit committee will include:
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selecting an independent registered public accounting firm to audit our annual financial statements; |
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reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the plans and results of the audit engagement; |
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approving the audit and non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm; |
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reviewing the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm; and |
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considering the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviewing the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. |
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our nominating and corporate governance committee is comprised of Messrs. Cazel and Rohner, both independent directors. Mr. Cazel currently serves as chairman of the nominating and corporate governance committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee will operate pursuant to a written charter adopted by our board of directors. The charter for the nominating and corporate governance committee will set forth its specific functions and responsibilities. We anticipate that the primary responsibilities of the nominating and corporate governance committee will include:
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identifying individuals qualified to serve on the board of directors, consistent with criteria approved by the board of directors, and recommending that the board of directors select a slate of director nominees for election by our stockholders at the annual meeting of our stockholders; |
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developing and implementing the process necessary to identify prospective members of our board of directors; |
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determining the advisability of retaining any search firm or consultant to assist in the identification and evaluation of candidates for membership on the board of directors; |
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overseeing an annual evaluation of the board of directors, each of the committees of the board and management; |
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developing and recommending to our board of directors a set of corporate governance principles and policies; |
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periodically reviewing our corporate governance principles and policies and suggesting improvements thereto to our board of directors; and |
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considering and acting on any conflicts-related matter required by our charter or otherwise permitted by the MGCL where the exercise of independent judgment by any of our directors (who is not an independent director) could reasonably be compromised, including approval of any transaction involving our advisor or its affiliates. |
Compensation Committee
Our board of directors will establish a compensation committee, which we expect will consist of Messrs. Cazel and Rohner, both independent directors. The compensation committee will operate pursuant to a written charter adopted by our board of directors. The charter for the compensation committee will set forth its specific functions and responsibilities. We anticipate that the primary responsibilities of the compensation committee will include:
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reviewing and approving our corporate goals with respect to compensation of officers and directors, if applicable; |
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recommending to the board compensation for all non-employee directors, including board and committee retainers, meeting fees and other equity-based compensation; |
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administering and granting stock options to our advisor, employees of our advisor and affiliates based upon recommendations from our advisor; and |
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setting the terms and conditions of such options in accordance with our Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan, which we describe further below. |
We currently do not intend to hire any employees. We intend for our compensation committee to have authority to amend the Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan or create other incentive compensation and equity-based plans. We did not pay any of our executive officers in 2008 and currently do not intend to pay our executive officers in the near future.
We pay each of our independent directors a retainer of $30,000 per year plus $1,000 for each board or board committee meeting the director attends in person ($2,000 for attendance by the chairperson of the audit committee at each meeting of the audit committee and $1,500 for attendance by the chairperson of any other committee at each committee meeting) and $1,000 for each regularly scheduled meeting the director attends by telephone ($250 for special board meetings conducted by telephone). In the event there are multiple meetings of the board and one or more committees in a single day, the fees will be limited to $2,000 per day ($2,500 for the chairperson of the audit committee if there is a meeting of such committee). In addition, we have reserved 10,000,000 shares of common stock for future issuance under our Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan (described below), including stock options that may be granted to our independent directors.
We expect to grant each of our independent directors either (1) options to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price equal to fair market value (or greater, if such higher price is necessary so that such option shall not be considered a nonqualified deferred compensation plan under Section 409A of the Code), or (2) restricted stock, as of the date each independent director is elected as a director. We expect that the independent directors will receive additional equity awards on the date of each annual meeting of stockholders. We currently have no agreements or arrangements in place with
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any directors to issue such equity awards. We may not grant these equity awards at any time when the issuance of the equity awards, when combined with those issued or issuable to our advisor, directors, officers or any of their affiliates, would exceed 10% of our outstanding shares. No equity award issued will be exercised if such exercise would jeopardize our status as a REIT under the Code.
All directors receive reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of our board of directors. If a director is also an employee of our advisor or its affiliates, we do not pay compensation for services rendered as a director.
Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan
Our board of directors adopted our Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan, which will:
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provide incentives to individuals who are granted stock awards because of their ability to improve our operations and increase profits; |
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encourage selected persons to accept or continue employment or service with us or with our advisor or its affiliates that we deem important to our long-term success; and |
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increase the interest of directors in our success through their participation in the growth in value of our stock. |
Our incentive plan provides for the grant of awards to our directors and full-time employees (if we ever have employees), executive officers and full-time employees of our advisor and its affiliates that provide services to us and who do not have any beneficial ownership of our advisor and its affiliates, entities and full-time employees of entities that provide services to us, and certain consultants to us, our advisor and its affiliates that provide services to us. Awards granted under our incentive plan may consist of restricted stock, nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, and distribution equivalent rights.
The total number of shares of our common stock (or common stock equivalents) reserved for issuance under our incentive plan is equal to 10% of our outstanding shares of stock at any time, but not to exceed 10,000,000 shares. As of the date of this prospectus, no awards have been granted under our incentive plan. At this time, we have no plans to issue any awards under our incentive plan, except for the granting of restricted stock or stock options to our independent directors as described in Compensation of Directors immediately above.
The term of our incentive plan will be ten years. In the event of an equity restructuring (meaning a nonreciprocal transaction between us and our stockholders that causes the per-share fair market value of the shares of stock underlying an award to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering, or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend), then the number of shares of stock and the class(es) of stock subject to the plan and each outstanding award and the exercise price (if applicable) of each outstanding award shall be proportionately adjusted. Upon our reorganization, merger or consolidation with one or more corporations as a result of which we are not the surviving corporation, or upon sale of all or substantially all of our assets, that, in each case, is not an equity restructuring, appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and exercise prices will be made either by the compensation committee or by such surviving entity. Such adjustment may provide for the substitution of such awards with new awards of the successor entity or the assumption of such awards by such successor entity. Alternatively, rather than providing for the adjustment, substitution or assumption of awards, the compensation committee may either (1) shorten the period during which awards are exercisable, or (2) cancel an award upon payment to the participant of an amount in cash that the compensation committee determines is equivalent to the amount of the fair market value of the consideration that the participant would have received if the participant exercised the award immediately prior to the effective time of the transaction.
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Subject to the terms of the plan, the compensation committee will set the term of the awards in its discretion, but no award will have a term greater than ten years. The compensation committee will set the period during which the right to exercise an award vests. No award issued may be exercised, however, if such exercise would jeopardize our status as a REIT under the Code or other applicable law. In addition, no award may be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred by an award holder in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent or distribution. We, our advisor, and its affiliates may, on a discretionary basis, each provide one or more loans to such entitys employees in connection with the exercise or receipt of an award granted under the plan, to the extent not prohibited by law or the terms of the plan.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock entitles the recipient to an award of shares of common stock that is subject to restrictions on transferability and such other restrictions, if any, as our compensation committee may impose at the date of grant. Grants of restricted stock will be subject to vesting schedules as determined by our compensation committee. The restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances, including, without limitation, a specified period of employment or other service or the satisfaction of pre-established criteria, in such installments or otherwise, as our compensation committee may determine. Except to the extent restricted under the award agreement relating to the restricted stock, a participant granted restricted stock has all of the rights of a stockholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive distributions on the restricted stock. Although distributions are paid on all restricted stock, whether vested or not, at the same rate and on the same date as our shares of common stock, we intend to require that such distributions on any shares of restricted stock that have not vested be retained by us until such shares have vested, at which time the relevant distributions will be transferred without interest thereon. Holders of restricted stock are prohibited from selling such shares until the restrictions applicable to such shares have lapsed.
Options
Options entitle the holder to purchase shares of our common stock during a specified period and for a specified exercise price. We may grant options under our incentive plan that are intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (incentive stock options) or options that are not incentive stock options (nonqualified stock options). Incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options will generally have an exercise price that is not less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock underlying the option on the date of grant and will expire, with certain exceptions, ten years after the grant date.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock appreciation rights entitle the recipient to receive from us, at the time of exercise, an amount in cash (or in some cases, shares of common stock) equal to the amount by which the fair market value of the common stock underlying the stock appreciation right on the date of exercise exceeds the price specified at the time of grant, which cannot be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date.
Distribution Equivalent Rights
Distribution equivalent rights entitle the recipient to receive, for a specified period, a payment equal to the periodic distribution declared and made by us on one share of common stock. Distribution equivalent rights are forfeited to us upon the termination of the recipients employment or other relationship with us. Distribution equivalent rights will not reduce the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under our incentive plan.
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Other Equity-Based Awards
Other equity-based awards include any awards other than restricted stock, options, stock appreciation rights or distribution equivalent rights which, subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the compensation committee, entitles a participant to receive shares of our common stock or rights or units valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, shares of common stock or dividends on shares of common stock. Awards settled in cash will not reduce the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be issued under our incentive plan.
Compliance with Section 409A
As part of our strategy for compensating our independent directors, we intend to issue restricted stock and/or options to purchase our common stock in our Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan, which is described above.
In general, equity and equity-based awards granted to employees, directors, or other service providers of a company may be subject to the new rules governing deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code. Awards that are subject to Section 409A must meet certain requirements regarding the timing and form of distributions or payments, the timing of elections to defer compensation, restrictions on the ability to change elections as to timing and form of distributions or elections to defer, and prohibitions on acceleration or deferral of distributions or payments, as well as certain other requirements. Violations of Section 409As requirements can result in additional income, additional taxes, and penalties being imposed on the employee, director, or other service provider who receives an equity award. If the affected individual is our employee, we would be required to withhold federal income taxes on this amount.
We expect that the awards we issue under the plan will either be exempt from or comply with Section 409As requirements. Options and stock appreciation rights granted under the plan are expected to be exempt from Section 409A because they are required to be granted with an exercise or base price that is not less than fair market value on the date of grant and they are denominated in our common stock. If, however, an option, or stock appreciation right is granted in connection with a distribution equivalent right or other equity-based award, it may lose its exemption and become subject to Section 409A. Distribution equivalent rights and other equity-based awards will generally be subject to Section 409A, unless they are structured to fit within a specific exemption from Section 409A.
Limited Liability and Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Other Agents
We are permitted to limit the liability of our directors, officers and other agents, and to indemnify them, only to the extent permitted by Maryland law and the NASAA REIT Guidelines.
Maryland law permits us to include in our charter a provision limiting the liability of our directors and officers to our stockholders and us for money damages, except for liability resulting from (1) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services, or (2) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment and that is material to the cause of action.
The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of his service in that capacity. The MGCL allows directors and officers to be indemnified against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and expenses actually incurred in a proceeding unless the following can be established:
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an act or omission of the director or officer was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding and was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; |
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the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; |
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with respect to any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe his act or omission was unlawful; or |
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in a proceeding by us or on our behalf, the director or officer was adjudged to be liable to us (although a court may order indemnification for expenses relating to an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received). |
Our charter provides that we will indemnify and hold harmless a director, an officer, an employee, an agent, our advisor or an affiliate against any and all losses or liabilities reasonably incurred by such party in connection with or by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted to be performed on our behalf in such capacity. This provision does not reduce the exposure of directors and officers to liability under federal or state securities laws, nor does it limit the stockholders ability to obtain injunctive relief or other equitable remedies for a violation of a directors or an officers duties to us, although the equitable remedies may not be an effective remedy in some circumstances. We are in the process of obtaining director and officer liability insurance that may cover all or a portion of the losses and liabilities, if any, which may arise from such events.
In addition to the above provisions of the MGCL, and as set forth in the NASAA REIT Guidelines, our charter further limits our ability to indemnify and hold harmless our directors, our officers, our employees, our agents, our advisor and our affiliates for losses arising from our operation by requiring that the following additional conditions be met:
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the directors, the officers, the employees, the agents, our advisor or our affiliates have determined, in good faith, that the course of conduct that caused the loss or liability was in our best interests; |
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the directors, the officers, the employees, the agents, our advisor or our affiliates were acting on our behalf or performing services for us; |
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in the case of non-independent directors, our advisor or our affiliates, the liability or loss was not the result of negligence or misconduct by the party seeking indemnification; |
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in the case of independent directors, the liability or loss was not the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the party seeking indemnification; and |
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the indemnification or agreement to hold harmless is recoverable only out of our net assets and not from our stockholders. |
We have agreed to indemnify and hold harmless our advisor and its affiliates performing services for us from specific claims and liabilities arising out of the performance of their obligations under the advisory agreement. As a result, our stockholders and we may be entitled to a more limited right of action than they and we would otherwise have if these indemnification rights were not included in the advisory agreement.
The general effect to investors of any arrangement under which any of our controlling persons, directors or officers are insured or indemnified against liability is a potential reduction in distributions resulting from our payment of premiums associated with insurance. In addition, indemnification could reduce the legal remedies available to our stockholders and us against the officers and directors.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) takes the position that indemnification against liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), is against public policy and unenforceable. Indemnification of our directors, our officers, our employees, our agents, our advisor or our affiliates and any persons acting as a broker-dealer will not be allowed for liabilities arising from or
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out of a violation of state or federal securities laws, unless one or more of the following conditions are met:
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there has been a successful adjudication on the merits of each count involving alleged securities law violations; |
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such claims have been dismissed with prejudice on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction; or |
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a court of competent jurisdiction approves a settlement of the claims against the indemnitee and finds that indemnification of the settlement and the related costs should be made, and the court considering the request for indemnification has been advised of the position of the SEC and of the published position of any state securities regulatory authority in which our securities were offered as to indemnification for violations of securities laws. |
Our charter provides that the advancement of our funds to our directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates for legal expenses and other costs incurred as a result of any legal action for which indemnification is being sought is permissible only if all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) the legal action relates to acts or omissions with respect to the performance of duties or services on our behalf; (2) our directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates provide us with written affirmation of their good faith belief that they have met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification; (3) the legal action is initiated by a third party who is not a stockholder or, if the legal action is initiated by a stockholder acting in his or her capacity as such, a court of competent jurisdiction specifically approves such advancement; and (4) our directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates agree in writing to repay the advanced funds to us together with the applicable legal rate of interest thereon, in cases in which such persons are found not to be entitled to indemnification.
Indemnification will be allowed for settlements and related expenses of lawsuits alleging securities laws violations and for expenses incurred in successfully defending any lawsuits, provided that a court either:
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approves the settlement and finds that indemnification of the settlement and related costs should be made; or |
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dismisses the lawsuit with prejudice or there is a successful adjudication on the merits of each count involving alleged securities law violations as to the particular indemnitee and a court approves the indemnification. |
Our advisor is The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC. Our advisor was formed in Delaware on August 27, 2008 and is owned by Griffin Capital Corporation, our sponsor. Some of our officers and directors are also officers of our advisor. Our advisor has contractual responsibility to us and our stockholders pursuant to the advisory agreement.
The officers and key personnel of our advisor are as follows:
Name | Age | Position(s) | ||||
Kevin A. Shields | 51 | President | ||||
Michael J. Escalante | 48 | Chief Investment Officer | ||||
Joseph E. Miller | 46 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Mary P. Higgins | 49 | Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | ||||
Don G. Pescara | 46 | Managing Director Acquisitions | ||||
Julie A. Treinen | 49 | Managing Director Asset Management |
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The backgrounds of Messrs. Shields, Escalante, Miller and Pescara and Mesdames Higgins and Treinen are described in the Management Executive Officers and Directors section of this prospectus.
In addition to the directors and executive officers listed above, our advisor and its affiliates employ personnel who have extensive experience in selecting and managing commercial properties similar to the properties sought to be acquired by us.
The following is a summary of certain provisions of our amended and restated advisory agreement with our advisor. This summary is not complete and is qualified by the specific language in our advisory agreement. You may obtain a copy of our advisory agreement free of charge upon your request.
Many of the services to be performed by our advisor in managing our day-to-day activities are summarized below. This summary is provided to illustrate the material functions that we expect our advisor will perform for us as our advisor, and it is not intended to include all of the services that may be provided to us by third parties. Under the terms of the advisory agreement, our advisor will undertake to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to present to us investment opportunities consistent with our investment policies and objectives as adopted by our board of directors. In its performance of this undertaking, our advisor, either directly or indirectly by engaging an affiliate, shall, among other duties and subject to the authority of our board of directors:
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find, evaluate, present and recommend to us investment opportunities consistent with our investment policies and objectives; |
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serve as our investment and financial advisor and provide research and economic and statistical data in connection with our assets and our investment policies; |
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acquire properties and make investments on our behalf in compliance with our investment objectives and policies; |
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structure and negotiate the terms and conditions of our real estate acquisitions, sales or joint ventures; |
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review and analyze each propertys operating and capital budget; |
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arrange, structure and negotiate financing and refinancing of properties; |
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perform all operational functions for the maintenance and administration of our assets, including the servicing of mortgages; |
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consult with our officers and board of directors and assist the board of directors in formulating and implementing our financial policies; |
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prepare and review on our behalf, with the participation of one designated principal executive officer and principal financial officer, all reports and returns required by the SEC, IRS and other state or federal governmental agencies; |
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provide the daily management and perform and supervise the various administrative functions reasonably necessary for our management and operations; and |
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investigate, select, and, on our behalf, engage and conduct business with such third parties as our advisor deems necessary to the proper performance of its obligations under the advisory agreement. |
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The term of the advisory agreement will end on its first anniversary and may be renewed for an unlimited number of successive one-year periods. However, a majority of our independent directors must approve the advisory agreement and the fees thereunder annually prior to any renewal, and the criteria for such renewal shall be set forth in the applicable meeting minutes. Additionally, either party may terminate the advisory agreement without penalty upon 60 days written notice, or upon 30 days written notice in the event that the other party materially breaches the advisory agreement. Upon such a termination of the advisory agreement, unless such termination is made by us because of a material breach of the advisory agreement by our advisor as a result of willful or intentional misconduct or bad faith on behalf of our advisor, we may be required to pay our advisor substantial fees in the form of a subordinated performance fee due upon termination. See the Management Compensation section of this prospectus for a detailed discussion of the subordinated performance fee due upon termination of the advisory agreement. Further, we may terminate the advisory agreement immediately upon the occurrence of various bankruptcy-related events involving the advisor. If we elect to terminate the agreement, we will be required to obtain the approval of a majority of our independent directors. In the event of the termination of our advisory agreement, our advisor will be required to cooperate with us and take all reasonable steps requested by us to assist our board in making an orderly transition of the advisory function.
Our advisor and its officers, employees and affiliates expect to engage in other business ventures and, as a result, their resources will not be dedicated exclusively to our business. However, pursuant to the advisory agreement, our advisor will be required to devote sufficient resources to our administration to discharge its obligations. Our advisor has the right to assign the advisory agreement to an affiliate subject to approval by our independent directors. We have the right to assign the advisory agreement to any successor to all of our assets, rights and obligations. Our board of directors shall determine whether any successor advisor possesses sufficient qualifications to perform the advisory function for us and whether the compensation provided for in its advisory agreement with us is justified. Our independent directors will base their determination on the general facts and circumstances that they deem applicable, including the overall experience and specific industry experience of the successor advisor and its management. Other factors that will be considered are the compensation to be paid to the successor advisor and any potential conflicts of interest that may occur.
For a detailed discussion of the fees payable to our advisor under the advisory agreement, see the Management Compensation section of this prospectus. We also describe in that section our obligation to reimburse our advisor for organization and offering expenses, administrative and management services and payments made by our advisor to third parties in connection with potential acquisitions. Some of the expenses we may reimburse our advisor and its affiliates for include but are not limited to:
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acquisition fees and expenses incurred by our advisor or its affiliates or those payable to unaffiliated persons incurred in connection with the selection and acquisition of properties; |
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actual out-of-pocket cost of goods and services we use and obtain from entities not affiliated with our advisor in connection with the purchase, operation and sale of assets; |
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interest and other costs for borrowed money, including discounts, points and other similar fees; |
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taxes and assessments on income or property and taxes as an expense of doing business; |
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costs associated with insurance required in connection with our business (such as title insurance, property and general liability coverage, including customer goods legal liability coverage, or insurance covering losses due to wars, acts of terrorism, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, pollution or environmental matters) or by our board (such as director and officer liability coverage); |
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expenses of managing and operating properties we own; |
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all expenses in connection with payments to our directors and meetings of our directors and our stockholders; |
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expenses connected with payments of distributions; |
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expenses of organizing, converting, modifying, merging, liquidating or dissolving us or of amending our charter or our bylaws; |
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expenses of maintaining communications with our stockholders; |
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administrative service expenses, including all direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred by our advisor in fulfilling its duties to us including certain personnel costs; provided, however, no reimbursement shall be made to the extent such personnel perform services in transactions for which the advisor receives the acquisition fee or disposition fee; |
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audit, accounting and legal fees, and other fees for professional services relating to our operations and all such fees incurred at the request, or on behalf of, our independent directors or any committee of our board; |
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out-of-pocket costs for us to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances; and |
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all other out-of-pocket costs necessary for our operation and our assets incurred by our advisor in performing its duties on our behalf. |
As of , 2009, we have paid our advisor $ in fees and $ in expense reimbursements under our advisory agreement.
Our Sponsor and its Principals
Griffin Capital Corporation is the sponsor of this offering. Our sponsor, formed as a California corporation in 1995, is a privately-owned real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition, financing and management of institutional-quality property in the U.S. Led by senior executives, some of which have more than two decades of real estate experience, collectively encompassing over $14.0 billion of transaction value and more than 400 transactions, our sponsor has acquired or constructed more than 11 million square feet of space since 1996. As principal, our sponsor has engaged in a full spectrum of transaction risk and complexity, ranging from ground-up development, opportunistic acquisitions requiring significant re-tenanting or asset re-positioning to structured single tenant acquisitions. Our sponsor currently owns and/or manages a portfolio consisting of 39 assets with 8.2 million square feet of space, located in 12 states, with an aggregate asset value of approximately $907 million. Our sponsors current portfolio of properties consists of approximately 72% office, 13% industrial, 9% retail and 6% hospitality. Approximately 39% of our sponsors portfolio consists of single tenant net lease assets.
Historically, our sponsor has consummated transactions either for its own account or with institutional equity partners. Commencing in 2004, our sponsor elected to pursue a strategy focused on attracting retail investment partners to participate in its acquisitions of real property. Our sponsor seeks to provide high quality services and products to its growing base of retail investment partners, and intends to continue to acquire institutional-quality assets and sell the equity through a network of established broker-dealers to individual real estate investors, whether such investment is made with fresh capital or pursuant to a tax-deferred exchange. Our sponsor typically seeks to acquire assets in primary markets throughout the United States that manifest: (i) strong physical property characteristics with sustaining curb appeal; (ii) a healthy and diverse mix of tenants, credit and rent roll exposure; and (iii) balanced or recovering supply and demand dynamics within the local product market. See Prior Performance Summary.
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Our sponsor is the sole member of our advisor and indirectly owns our property manager. The officers and key personnel of our sponsor are as follows:
Name | Age | Position(s) | ||||
Kevin A. Shields | 51 | President and Sole Director | ||||
Michael J. Escalante | 48 | Chief Investment Officer | ||||
Joseph E. Miller | 46 | Chief Financial Officer | ||||
Mary P. Higgins | 49 | Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | ||||
Don G. Pescara | 46 | Managing Director Acquisitions | ||||
David W. Ford | 55 | Managing Director Equity Sales | ||||
Julie A. Treinen | 49 | Managing Director Asset Management | ||||
Louis K. Sohn | 33 | Vice President Acquisitions | ||||
Travis W. Bushman | 31 | Vice President Asset Management |
The backgrounds of Messrs. Shields, Escalante, Miller and Pescara and Mesdames Higgins and Treinen are described in the Management Executive Officers and Directors section of this prospectus.
David W. Ford joined Griffin Capital in 2008 as Managing Director, Equity Sales. Mr. Ford is responsible for Griffin Capitals sales and marketing programs, broker-dealer relationships and broker-dealer operations and administration. Mr. Fords 25 year investment career includes roles as a financial advisor, regional wholesaler, marketing director, divisional sales manager, national sales manager and securities principal. During his career Mr. Ford has gained experience distributing a wide variety of investment products including REITS, equipment leasing programs, mutual funds, variable annuities and 401(k) products. From August 2007 to August 2008, Mr. Ford was the President and National Sales Manager of Carey Financial, the New York City based distributor of the CPA REIT for W.P. Carey. Prior to Carey, Mr. Ford served as Divisional Sales Manager for Hines Real Estate Securities, the distributor for Hines REIT, for two years; and, the Executive Director for ATEL Securities, the distributor of ATEL equipment leasing programs. Mr. Ford began his sales management career with Aetna, Inc. where he was responsible for distributing Aetna variable annuities and mutual funds to independent broker-dealers, wire-houses and banks. As a wholesaler, Mr. Ford participated in the organization, launch and distribution of variable annuities and mutual funds for Integrated Resources, Monarch Life and Fidelity Investments. Mr. Ford earned B.A. from the University of Colorado and a M.S. from Colorado State University and is a registered securities principal, with Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., our dealer manager, and holds Series 7, 63 and 24 securities licenses.
Louis K. Sohn joined Griffin Capital in 2006 as Vice President, Acquisitions. Mr. Sohn is responsible for sourcing and underwriting acquisition opportunities for Griffin Capital. During Mr. Sohns 10 year career in real estate he has been responsible for over $2 billion of transactional volume including participating in numerous debt placement, investment sales and note sale assignments. Most recently and prior to joining Griffin Capital, Mr. Sohn was an Associate Director with Holliday Fenoglio Fowler where he was instrumental in launching the firms note sale advisory business. Prior to Holliday Fenoglio Fowler Mr. Sohn was an Associate with Secured Capital Corp in Los Angeles. Mr. Sohn began his real estate career as an Analyst with Column Financial, a securitized lender, in 1997. Mr. Sohn earned his B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Travis W. Bushman joined Griffin Capital in 2008 as Vice President, Asset Management. Prior to joining Griffin Capital, Mr. Bushman served as Vice President and Associate-Acquisitions for Argus Realty Investors, a real estate investment management company specializing in tenant-in-common investments, private exchange programs and real estate funds. During his four years at Argus, Mr. Bushman was involved in the acquisition and due diligence of over $800 million of commercial real estate transactions throughout the United States. Prior to Argus, Mr. Bushman was the Senior
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Information Manager for CB Richard Ellis in Orange County, California for five years. Mr. Bushman earned his B.A. in Economics from University of Southern California.
The senior principals of our sponsor have been involved in a number of significant transactions prior to their affiliation with our sponsor. The following is a partial list of certain of those transactions and the role played by one or more principals of our sponsor:
Property | Property Type | Transaction |
Griffin Capital Principals Role |
Year |
Griffin Capital Principals Name, Employer and Title at Time of |
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Value | Transaction | |||||||||
Century Plaza Towers Los Angeles, CA |
Office | 500,000,000 | Asset Manager for 2.2 million s.f. trophy office building. |
1995- 1996 |
Treinen Prudential Realty Group Vice President |
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Bank of America Building 333 South Hope Street Los Angeles, CA |
Office | 435,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, Trizec Properties, in the purchase of a 1.4 million s.f. office building which was purchased from Beacon Capital Partners. In conjunction with the purchase the principal negotiated financing with Metropolitan Life Insurance. | 2004 |
Escalante Trizec Properties Executive Vice President |
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Portfolio of 240 Commercial Mortgage Loans Various States |
Office, Retail and Multi- Family |
400,000,000 | Represented Lender/Seller, Arizona State Retirement System, in the disposition of its portfolio of commercial mortgage loans as part of its strategy to exit the whole loan origination business. The disposition was consummated with multiple buyers. | 2001 |
Sohn Secured Capital Corporation Analyst |
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Portfolio of 17 Holiday Inn Hotels CA, WA and CT |
Hospitality | 325,000,000 | Represented Debtor/Seller, VMS Realty Partners, in the debt restructuring and portfolio liquidation to multiple purchasers. | 1992 |
Shields Salomon Brothers Inc. Vice President |
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Desert Passage Las Vegas, NV |
Retail | 241,000,000 | Represented Seller, Trizec Properties, in the sale of the 445,000 s.f. mixed-use property to RFR Holdings. | 2003 |
Escalante Trizec Properties Executive Vice President |
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Bank One Center Dallas, TX |
Office | 238,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, TrizecHahn, in the purchase and structuring of a 50% joint venture interest with Crescent Office Properties in a 1.5 million s.f. office tower. Also, negotiated a $155 million loan with Travelers Insurance. Purchased the property from a joint-venture controlled by Cigna Insurance and Texas Teachers pension fund. | 1997 |
Escalante TrizecHahn Senior Vice President |
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Property | Property Type | Transaction |
Griffin Capital Principals Role |
Year |
Griffin Capital Principals Name, Employer and Title at Time of |
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Value | Transaction | |||||||||
Symphony Towers San Diego, CA |
Office, Hospitality | 172,000,000 | Advised Purchaser, London & Edinburgh Trust, in the acquisition of an unfinished 571,000 s.f. office tower and an unfinished 254 room hotel. Upon completion, immediately sold the hotel to a Japanese institution for $45 million to realize a profit of $7 million. | 1988 |
Escalante The Yarmouth Group Acquisitions Officer |
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Wachovia Capitol Center & Alexander Square Raleigh, NC |
Office | 153,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, Argus Realty Investors, in the acquisition of an office property and detached parking facility from DRA advisors, a registered investment advisor. | 2007 |
Bushman Argus Realty Investors, LP Regional Vice President - Acquisitions |
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Ernst & Young Plaza Los Angeles, CA |
Office, Retail | 150,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, Trizec Properties, in the purchase of Whitehalls 75% joint-venture interest. | 2003 |
Escalante Trizec Properties Senior Vice President |
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Metropolitan Square St. Louis, MO |
Office | 136,250,000 | Represented Purchaser, TrizecHahn, in the purchase of a 1.0 million s.f. office tower, the largest office tower in the state of Missouri. Also, negotiated seller-financing in the amount of $96 million with Metropolitan Life Insurance. | 1997 |
Escalante TrizecHahn Senior Vice President |
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Plaza of the Americas Dallas, TX |
Office, Retail | 125,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, TrizecHahn, in the purchase of mixed-use office and retail project containing 1.2 million s.f. | 1998 |
Escalante TrizecHahn Senior Vice President |
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Tabor Center Denver, CO |
Office, Hotel, Retail | 125,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, Yarmouth Capital Partners I, one of the first institutional commingled funds, in the purchase and structuring of a 90% joint venture interest in a 574,000 s.f. office tower, 420 room Westin hotel, and 120,000 s.f. multi-story urban retail mall. Upon renovation, immediately sold the hotel for $54 million relative to the allocated basis of $43 million. The office, retail and parking components were subsequently sold to Equity Office Properties in 1998 for approximately $144 million. | 1995 |
Escalante The Yarmouth Group Vice President |
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Property | Property Type | Transaction |
Griffin Capital Principals Role |
Year |
Griffin Capital Principals Name, Employer and Title at Time of |
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Value | Transaction | |||||||||
Citicorp Center Los Angeles, CA |
Office, Retail | 124,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, TrizecHahn, in the purchase and structuring of a 25% joint venture interest with Goldman Sachs Whitehall Fund in a 915,000 s.f. office tower, and 335,000 s.f. multi-story urban retail mall. Purchased the property out of receivership from a Prudential Insurance entity. | 1997 |
Escalante TrizecHahn Senior Vice President |
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Portfolio of Six Commercial Mortgage Loans Various States |
Office and Retail | 120,000,000 | Represented Lender/Seller, The Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association, in the disposition of its portfolio of commercial mortgage loans as part of its strategy to exit the whole loan origination business. The portfolio was sold to the ARBA group and the First Bank of Oak Park. | 2003 |
Sohn Secured Capital Corporation Associate |
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Hollywood & Highland Entertainment Center Hollywood, CA |
Mixed-use Retail | 115,000,000 | Represented Seller, Trizec Properties, in the sale of the 645,000 s.f. mixed-use urban complex to an investment fund controlled by CIM and CalPers. The project is comprised of a five-story urban shopping and entertainment center, Wolfgang Pucks catering business, the Kodak Theatre (host to the annual Academy Awards) and a media business leased to Viacom. | 2004 |
Escalante Trizec Properties Executive Vice President |
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Paseo Colorado Pasadena, CA |
Retail | 114,000,000 | Represented Seller, Trizec Properties, in the sale of the 410,000 s.f. mixed-use property to a partnership of Developers Diversified and Lehman Brothers. | 2003 |
Escalante Trizec Properties Executive Vice President |
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Portfolio of 18 Office and Flex Properties Orange County, CA |
Office and Office Flex | 106,000,000 | Represented Lender, Prudential Realty, in the mortgage loan origination of cross collateralized and cross defaulted office building portfolio. | 1990 |
Treinen Prudential Realty Group Vice President |
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One & Two Securities Centre Atlanta, GA |
Office | 103,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, Argus Realty Investors, in the acquisition of two office properties from TA Associates Realty, a privately-held real estate advisor. | 2006 |
Bushman Argus Realty Investors, LP Regional Vice President - Acquisitions |
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Portman Hotel San Francisco, CA |
Hospitality | 100,000,000 | Represented Seller, The Portman Companies, in the disposition of hotel property to Pan Pacific Hotels (Tokyu Railway), a Japanese purchaser. | 1990 |
Shields Salomon Brothers Inc. Vice President |
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Property | Property Type | Transaction |
Griffin Capital Principals Role |
Year |
Griffin Capital Principals Name, Employer and Title at Time of |
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Value | Transaction | |||||||||
Portfolio of Eight Multi-Family Residential Properties Various Locations in CA |
Multi-Family | 100,000,000 | Represented Seller, The Grupe Company, in the disposition of multi-family residential portfolio to Prudential Realty, a domestic pension fund advisor. | 1986 |
Shields Salomon Brothers Inc. Associate |
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Mall of Georgia Buford, GA |
Retail | 100,000,000 | Represented Lender/Seller, Prudential Mortgage Capital, in the disposition of a 50% participating mortgage of a 1.8 million s.f. regional mall which was sold to Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association - College Retirement Equities Fund. | 2004 |
Sohn Secured Capital Corporation Associate |
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Manhattan Village Mall Manhattan Beach, CA |
Retail | 100,000,000 | Represented Borrower, Madison Marquette, in the financing of a 500,000 s.f. regional mall which debt was placed with JP Morgan Capital Markets. | 2002 |
Sohn Secured Capital Corporation Analyst |
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Kmart Triple-Net Portfolio Various States |
Retail | 100,000,000 | Represented Seller, Larsen Equities, in the structuring, disposition, and financing of six Kmart anchored and free standing assets. | 1996 |
Pescara Chesterton Binswanger Adv. Director |
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Purchase of Three Apartment Properties San Diego, CA |
Multi-Family | 90,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, Northwestern, in the acquisition underwriting, due diligence, and closing on portfolio of multi-family assets. | 1997 |
Treinen Northwestern Mutual Life Director, Field Production |
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Murdock Plaza Los Angeles, CA |
Office | 88,000,000 | Advised Purchaser, Sumitomo Life Insurance, in the origination of a Convertible Mortgage secured by the 225,000 s.f. property. | 1988 |
Escalante The Yarmouth Group Acquisitions Officer |
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Shoreline Square Long Beach, CA |
Office | 87,500,000 | Represented Seller, Trizec Properties, in the sale of the 383,000 s.f. office property to a partnership that included Guggenheim Real Estate. | 2005 |
Escalante Trizec Properties Executive Vice President |
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Landmark Square Long Beach, CA |
Office, Retail | 86,500,000 | Represented Purchaser, TrizecHahn, in the purchase of a mixed-use office and retail project containing 450,000 s.f. | 1998 |
Escalante TrizecHahn Senior Vice President |
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Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Hollywood, CA |
Hospitality | 86,000,000 | Represented Seller, Trizec Properties, in the sale of the 637 room flagship Renaissance hotel which was part of a larger mixed-use urban complex. The purchaser was an investment fund controlled by CIM and CalPers. | 2004 |
Escalante Trizec Properties Executive Vice President |
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200 W. Adams Chicago, IL |
Office | 80,000,000 | Represented Equitec Properties in the sale of a 700,000 square foot multi tenant office building. | 1991 |
Pescara Cushman & Wakefield Associate |
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Property | Property Type | Transaction |
Griffin Capital Principals Role |
Year |
Griffin Capital Principals Name, Employer and Title at Time of |
|||||
Value | Transaction | |||||||||
Victor Valley Mall Victor Valley, CA |
Retail | 72,000,000 | Advised Purchaser, State of Wisconsin Investment Fund, in the purchase and structuring of a 70% joint venture interest with Forest City in a regional mall totaling 500,000 s.f., including anchors. | 1991 |
Escalante The Yarmouth Group Vice President |
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Portfolio of 76 Jack-in-the-Box Restaurants Various States |
Retail | 70,000,000 | Represented Issuer, Foodmaker, Inc., in the structuring and issuance of an innovative structured lease obligation bond secured by lease payments of existing and to-be-constructed restaurant assets. | 1993 |
Shields Jefferies & Company Senior Vice President |
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Portfolio of 45 Super 8 Motels Various States |
Hospitality | 70,000,000 | Represented Issuer, Motels of America, Inc., in the structuring and issuance of first mortgage loan private placement. | 1987 |
Shields Salomon Brothers Inc. Associate |
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Capital Center II & III Sacramento, CA |
Office | 69,500,000 | Represented Seller, Trizec Properties, in the sale of a 10-building, 550,000 s.f. office park. The property was sold to Hines U.S. Office Value-Added Fund. | 2004 |
Escalante Trizec Properties Executive Vice President |
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Shoreline Square Long Beach, CA |
Office | 64,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, TrizecHahn, in the purchase of a 383,000 s.f. office building which was part of a larger mixed-use complex. | 1998 |
Escalante TrizecHahn Senior Vice President |
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Volkswagen of America Corporate Headquarters Auburn Hills, Michigan |
Office | 60,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, Kuwait Investment Authority, in the acquisition and structure of a long term bond type sale leaseback for 15 years. | 1993 |
Pescara Republic Realty Mortgage (GMAC) Vice President |
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Mandarin Oriental Hotel San Francisco, CA |
Hospitality | 60,000,000 | Represented Seller, Norland Properties, in the disposition of hotel property to LaiLai Sheraton, a Taiwanese purchaser. | 1988 |
Shields Salomon Brothers Inc. Vice President |
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Travelers Midwest Portfolio Metropolitan Chicago |
Office, Apartments | 60,000,000 | Represented Seller, Travelers Insurance, in the sale of a separate account portfolio. | 1993 |
Pescara Cushman & Wakefield Vice President |
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Pacific Plaza Walnut Creek, CA |
Office | 57,000,000 | Represented Seller, Cornerstone, in the selection of investment brokers, preparation of offering materials and managed sale of 250,000 s.f. office building. | 2003 |
Treinen Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers Vice President |
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Joint Venture Development of 524 Units Oceanside and Chino Hills, CA |
Apartments | 55,000,000 | Represented Purchaser/Owner in acquisition underwriting, monitored construction of the apartments and performed asset management functions. | 2000-2003 |
Treinen Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers Vice President |
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Joint Venture Development of Seven-Building Industrial Park Ontario, CA |
Industrial | 50,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, Northwestern, with joint venture valuation with development partner, monitored construction and leasing activity. | 1998 |
Treinen Northwestern Mutual Life Director, Field Production |
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Property | Property Type | Transaction |
Griffin Capital Principals Role |
Year |
Griffin Capital Principals Name, Employer and Title at Time of |
|||||
Value | Transaction | |||||||||
Capital Center II & III Sacramento, CA |
Office | 48,500,000 | Represented Purchaser, TrizecHahn, in the purchase of a 10-building, 550,000 s.f. office park. The property was 62% leased at the time of purchase contract execution and 87% leased by closing of the transaction. During due diligence, leases were executed with Bank of America, MCI, Travelers Insurance and Health Net. | 1998 |
Escalante TrizecHahn Senior Vice President |
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Meridian Plaza Carmel, IN |
Office | 37,600,000 | Represented Purchaser, Argus Realty Investors, in the acquisition and financing of three office properties from Talcott Realty Investors, LLC, an investment advisor. | 2006 |
Bushman Argus Realty Investors, LP Regional Vice President - Acquisitions |
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One Concord Center Concord, CA |
Office | 37,000,000 | Represented Purchaser, TrizecHahn, in the acquisition of a 346,000 s.f. office building which was part of a portfolio purchased from Equitable Life. Sold the project 18 months later to Lincoln Property Company for $54 million. | 1998 |
Escalante TrizecHahn Senior Vice President |
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Northmont Business Center Duluth, GA |
Office/Industrial | 25,600,000 | Represented Purchaser, Argus Realty Investors, in the acquisition and financing of three office/industrial properties from Principal Global Investors, an investment advisor. | 2006 |
Bushman Argus Realty Investors, LP Regional Vice President - Acquisitions |
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Onyx Plaza Southfield, MI |
Office | 25,200,000 | Represented Purchaser, Argus Realty Investors, in the acquisition and financing of an office property from DRA advisors, a registered investment advisor. | 2007 |
Bushman Argus Realty Investors, LP Regional Vice President - Acquisitions |
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Con Agra Corporation Carol Stream, IL |
Industrial | 20,000,000 | Represented Seller, Con Agra, in a long term Sale/Leaseback for 15 years | 1996 |
Pescara Chesterton Binswanger Adv. Director |
Our Property Manager
The GC Net Lease REIT Property Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company formed on August 28, 2008, is our property manager and will initially manage and lease our properties. Griffin Capital Property Management, LLC is the sole owner of the property manager. Our sponsor, Griffin Capital Corporation, is the sole owner of Griffin Capital Property Management, LLC. See Conflicts of Interest.
Our property manager was organized to manage the properties that we acquire. Our property manager will derive substantially all of its income from the property management services it performs for us. See Property Management Agreement below and Management Compensation for a discussion of the fees and expense reimbursements payable to our property manager for the performance of such
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services. Our property manager may enter into sub-property management agreements with third party management companies and pay part of its management fee to such sub-property manager.
In the event that our property manager assists with development or redevelopment of a property, we may pay a separate market-based fee for such services. Our property manager will only provide these services if it does not cause any of our income from the applicable property to be treated as other than rents from real property for purposes of the applicable REIT requirements described under Federal Income Tax Considerations below.
Our property manager (or sub-property manager) will hire, direct and establish policies for employees who will have direct responsibility for the operations of each property we acquire, which may include but not be limited to on-site and off-site managers and building and maintenance personnel. Certain employees of our property manager may be employed on a part-time basis and also may be employed by our advisor or certain of its affiliates. Our property manager also will direct the purchase of equipment and supplies and will supervise all maintenance activity.
The principal office location of our property manager is 2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321, El Segundo, California 90245.
Property Management Agreement
Pursuant to the form of property management agreement into which we anticipate we shall enter with our property manager, we will pay the property manager up to 3% of the gross revenues of each property it manages. Our property manager may pay some or all of these fees to third parties with whom it subcontracts to perform property management services. In the event that we contract directly with a non-affiliated third-party property manager with respect to a particular property, we will pay our property manager an oversight fee equal to 1% of the gross revenues of the property managed. In no event will we pay both a property management fee to the property manager and an oversight fee to our property manager with respect to a particular property.
In addition, we may pay our property manager or its designees a leasing fee in an amount equal to the fee customarily charged by others rendering similar services in the same geographic area. Further, although a substantial majority of the properties that we intend to acquire are leased under net leases in which the tenants are responsible for tenant improvements, we may also pay our property manager or its designees a construction management fee for planning and coordinating the construction of any tenant directed improvements for which we are responsible to perform pursuant to lease concessions, including tenant-paid finish-out or improvements. Our property manager shall also be entitled to a construction management fee of 5% of the cost of improvements.
All costs and expenses incurred by our property manager on our behalf in fulfilling its duties to us under the property management agreement are to be paid out of an account that is fully funded by us. Such costs and expenses may include, but are not limited to, reasonable wages and salaries of on-site and off-site employees of our property manager who are directly engaged in the operation, management, maintenance, leasing, construction, or access control of our properties, including taxes, insurance and benefits relating to such employees, along with the legal, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses that are directly related to the management and leasing of specific properties we own. Our property manager will also allocate a portion of its office, administrative and supplies expense to us to the extent directly related to the foregoing reasonable reimbursable expenses for the management of our properties.
We anticipate that the property management agreement with our property manager will have a term of one-year and shall be automatically extended for additional one-year periods unless we or our property manager give sixty (60) days prior written notice of such partys intention to terminate the property management agreement. Under the property management agreement, our property manager is not prevented from engaging in other activities or business ventures, whether or not such other activities
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or business ventures are in competition with us or our business, including, without limitation, property management services for other parties, including other REITs, or for other programs advised, sponsored or organized by our sponsor or its affiliates. See Conflicts of Interest.
As of , 2009, we had paid our property manager $ for services performed under our property management agreement.
Our Dealer Manager
Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., a California corporation and an affiliate of our advisor and our sponsor, serves as our dealer manager. Griffin Capital Securities, Inc. was formed in 1991 and became approved as a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in 1995. We will enter into a dealer manager agreement with our dealer manager in connection with this offering.
Our dealer manager will provide wholesaling, sales promotional and marketing services to us in connection with this offering. Specifically, our dealer manager will ensure compliance with SEC rules and regulations and NASD conduct rules under FINRA relating to the sales process. In addition, our dealer manager will oversee participating broker-dealer relationships, assist in the assembling of prospectus kits, assist in the due diligence process and ensure proper handling of investment proceeds. See Management Compensation and Plan of Distribution.
As of , 2009, we had paid our dealer manager $ for services performed under the dealer management agreement pertaining to our private placement offering, $ of which were reallocated to participating broker-dealers.
The primary responsibility for the investment decisions of our advisor and its affiliates, the negotiation of our investments, and the property management of our properties will reside with Kevin A. Shields, Michael J. Escalante, Joseph E. Miller, Mary P. Higgins, Don G. Pescara and Julie A. Treinen. Our advisor will seek to invest in commercial properties that satisfy our investment objectives. Our board of directors, including a majority of our independent directors, must approve all acquisitions of real estate properties.
We have no paid employees. Our advisor and its affiliates will manage our day-to-day affairs. The following table summarizes all of the compensation and fees we will pay to our advisor, our property manager, our dealer manager and their affiliates, including amounts to reimburse their costs in providing services. The sales commissions may vary for different categories of purchasers. See Plan of Distribution. This table assumes the shares are sold through distribution channels associated with the highest possible sales commissions and dealer manager fee.
Type of Compensation (Recipient)
|
Determination of Amount
|
Estimated Amount for Maximum Offering (1)
|
||
Offering Stage (2)
|
||||
Sales Commissions (3) (Participating Dealers) |
We will pay to our dealer manager, Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., 7.0% of the gross offering proceeds before reallowance of commissions earned by participating broker-dealers, except that no sales commission is payable on shares sold under our distribution reinvestment plan. Our dealer manager will reallow 100% of commissions earned to participating broker-dealers. |
$52,500,000 |
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Type of Compensation (Recipient)
|
Determination of Amount
|
Estimated Amount for Maximum Offering (1)
|
||
Dealer Manager Fee (3) (Dealer Manager) |
We will pay to our dealer manager 3.0% of the gross offering proceeds before reallowance to participating broker-dealers, except that no dealer manager fee is payable on shares sold under our distribution reinvestment plan. Our dealer manager will reallow a portion of its dealer manager fee to participating broker-dealers. See Plan of Distribution. |
$22,500,000 | ||
Reimbursement of Other Organization and Offering Expenses (4) (Advisor) |
Our advisor will incur or pay our organization and offering expenses (excluding sales commissions and the dealer manager fee). We will then reimburse our advisor for these amounts. In the event that we raise the maximum offering from our primary offering, we estimate that our organization and offering expenses will be approximately 1.75% of aggregate gross offering proceeds from our primary offering. |
$13,125,000 | ||
Acquisition and Operational Stage
|
||||
Acquisition Fees (5) (Advisor) |
We will pay to our advisor up to 2.5% of the contract purchase price of each property or other real estate investment we acquire. |
$16,065,000 (estimate without leverage)
$40,160,000 (estimate assuming 60% leverage) |
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Acquisition Expenses (5) (Advisor) |
We will reimburse our advisor for acquisition expenses incurred in the process of acquiring our properties. We expect these expenses to be approximately 0.5% of the purchase price of each property. |
$3,213,000 (estimate without leverage)
$8,032,000 (estimate assuming 60% leverage) |
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Asset Management Fee (6) (Advisor) |
We will pay to our advisor a monthly fee up to 0.0625%, which is one-twelfth of 0.75%, of the aggregate asset value. |
Actual amounts are dependent upon the asset value of our properties and, therefore, cannot be determined at the present time. | ||
Operating Expenses (7) (Advisor) |
We will reimburse the expenses incurred by our advisor in connection with its provision of administrative services, including related personnel costs. |
Actual amounts are dependent upon the expenses incurred and, therefore, cannot be determined at the present time. | ||
Property Management Fees (8) (Property Manager) |
For supervising the management of our properties, we will pay aggregate property management fees of up to 3.0% of the gross revenues received from the properties plus reimbursement of our property managers costs of managing the properties. Reimbursable costs and expenses include wages and salaries and other expenses of employees engaged in operating, managing and maintaining our properties. Our property manager may enter into sub-property management agreements with third-party property managers to manage certain of our properties and our property manager may pay some or all of its property management fees to such third-party property manager. |
Actual amounts are dependent upon the gross revenues from properties and, therefore, cannot be determined at the present time. | ||
Incentive Plan Compensation (Independent Directors) |
We may issue stock based awards to our independent directors and to employees and affiliates of our advisor. The total number of shares of common stock we have reserved for issuance under our Employee and Director Long-Term |
Our board has not yet granted any stock based awards. Not determinable at this time. |
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Type of Compensation (Recipient)
|
Determination of Amount
|
Estimated Amount for Maximum Offering (1)
|
||
Incentive Plan may not exceed 10% of our outstanding shares at any time. While our plan is broad in scope, we only intend to issue restricted stock and/or stock options to our independent directors at this time. See Management Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan. | ||||
Liquidation/Listing Stage
|
||||
Disposition Fee (9) (Advisor) |
Up to one-half of the total real estate commission paid but in no event to exceed an amount equal to 3.0% of the contract sale price for each property sold for substantial assistance in connection with the sale. The total disposition fees paid (including fees paid to third parties) may not exceed the lesser of a competitive real estate commission or an amount equal to 6.0% of the contract sale price of the property. | Not determinable at this time. | ||
Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds (payable only if we are not listed on an exchange) (10) (11)
(Advisor) |
After we pay stockholders cumulative distributions equal to their invested capital plus a 6.0% cumulative, non-compounded return, we will pay our advisor a subordinated share of net sale proceeds equal to a percentage of net sale proceeds, which is cumulative and set-up in a three-tier format as set forth below:
5.0% of net sale proceeds remaining after we have paid our stockholders distributions equal to invested capital and an investor return of 6.0% or more but less than 8.0%.
10.0% of net sale proceeds remaining after we have paid our stockholders distributions equal to invested capital and an investor return of 8% or more but less than 10.0%.
15.0% of net sale proceeds remaining after we have paid our stockholders distributions equal to invested capital and an investor return of 10.0%. |
Not determinable at this time. | ||
Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination of the Advisory Agreement (payable only if we are not listed on an exchange) (10) (Advisor) |
If we terminate the advisory agreement for any reason other than a material breach by our advisor as a result of willful or intentional misconduct or bad faith on behalf of our advisor or we fail to offer a renewal to our advisor on substantially similar terms as the year prior, or our advisor terminates the advisory agreement because of a material breach by us, the advisor will be entitled to a subordinated performance fee in accordance with the schedule below. The subordinated performance fee is based on the excess of the appraised value of our assets less liabilities secured by our assets plus the amount of all prior distributions we have paid through the termination date over the sum of stockholders invested capital plus total distributions required to be made to the stockholders in order to pay the stockholders a certain percentage (as defined below) cumulative, non-compounded annual return from inception through the termination date.
We will pay our advisor an amount equal to the following:
5.0% of the amount, if any, by which (a) the appraised value of our properties, less all debt secured by our assets, plus total distributions through the termination date exceeds (b) the sum of capital invested by our stockholders plus total distributions required to be made to our stockholders in order to pay our stockholders an investor return of 6.0% or more but less than 8.0%; or |
Not determinable at this time. |
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Type of Compensation (Recipient)
|
Determination of Amount
|
Estimated Amount for Maximum Offering (1)
|
||
10.0% of the amount, if any, by which (a) the appraised value of our properties, less all debt secured by our assets, plus total distributions through the termination date exceeds (b) the sum of capital invested by our stockholders plus total distributions required to be made to our stockholders in order to pay an investor return of 8.0% or more but less than 10.0%; or
15.0% of the amount, if any, by which (a) the appraised value of our properties, less all debt secured by our assets, plus total distributions through the termination date exceeds (b) the sum of capital invested by our stockholders plus total distributions required to be made to our stockholders in order to pay an investor return of 10.0%.
Such fee is reduced by any prior payment to our advisor of a subordinated share of net sale proceeds.
This subordinated performance fee will be paid in the form of a promissory note at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Payment of this note will be deferred until we receive net proceeds from the sale or refinancing of properties held at the termination date. If the promissory note has not been paid in full within three years from the termination date, then our advisor may elect to convert the balance of the fee into shares of our common stock. |
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Subordinated Incentive Listing Fee (payable only if we are listed on an exchange) (10) (11) (12)
(Advisor) |
In the event we list our stock for trading, we are required to pay our advisor a subordinated incentive listing fee. This fee equals a percentage of the amount by which the average market value of the shares issued and outstanding at listing over the 30 trading days beginning 180 days after the shares are first listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on a national market system plus all distributions we made before listing exceeds the sum of the total amount of capital raised from investors and the amount of distributions necessary to generate a specified percentage cumulative, non-compounded annual return to investors. We will pay our advisor an amount equal to the following:
5.0% of the amount, if any, by which (a) our market value plus total distributions through the listing date exceeds (b) the sum of capital invested by our stockholders plus total distributions required to be made to our stockholders in order to pay an investor return of 6.0% or more but less than 8.0%; or
10.0% of the amount, if any, by which (a) our market value plus total distributions through the listing date exceeds (b) the sum of capital invested by our stockholders plus total distributions required to be made to our stockholders in order to pay an investor return of 8.0% or more but less than 10.0%; or
15.0% of the amount, if any, by which (a) our market value plus total distributions through the listing date exceeds (b) the sum of capital invested by our stockholders plus total distributions required to be made to our stockholders in order to |
Not determinable at this time. |
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Type of Compensation (Recipient)
|
Determination of Amount
|
Estimated Amount for Maximum Offering (1)
|
||
pay an investor return of 10.0%.
This subordinated incentive listing fee will be paid in the form of a promissory note at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Payment of this note will be deferred until we receive net proceeds from the sale or refinancing of properties held after the listing date. If the promissory note has not been paid in full within three years from the listing date, then the advisor may elect to convert the balance of the fee into shares of our common stock. |
(1) |
The estimated maximum dollar amounts are based on the sale of the maximum of 75,000,000 shares in our primary offering. |
(2) |
In no event may the total organization and offering expenses (including sales commissions and dealer manager fees) exceed 15% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in this offering. |
(3) |
The sales commissions and, in some cases, the dealer manager fee will not be charged with regard to stock sold to or for the account of certain categories of purchasers. See Plan of Distribution. |
(4) |
Includes all expenses (other than sales commissions and the dealer manager fee) to be paid by us in connection with the offering, including our legal, accounting, printing, mailing and filing fees, and other accountable offering expenses, including, but not limited to: (a) amounts to reimburse our advisor for all marketing related costs and expenses such as salaries and direct expenses of employees of our advisor and its affiliates in connection with registering and marketing our shares; (b) travel and entertainment expenses associated with the offering and marketing of our shares; (c) technology costs associated with the offering of our shares; (d) issuers costs of conducting our training and education meetings; (e) issuers costs of attending retail seminars conducted by participating broker-dealers; and (f) payment or reimbursement of bona fide due diligence expenses. Our advisor has agreed to pay or reimburse us to the extent our organization and offering expenses exceed 3.5% of the gross offering proceeds from our primary offering. In the event we raise the maximum offering, we estimate that our organization and offering expenses will be 1.75% of gross offering proceeds raised in our primary offering. |
(5) |
We will pay our advisor an acquisition fee up to 2.5% of the contract purchase price of each property or real estate-related investment we acquire. Actual amounts are dependent upon the purchase price we pay for our properties. In addition, we will reimburse our advisor for direct costs our advisor incurs and amounts it pays to third parties in connection with the selection and acquisition of a property, whether or not ultimately acquired. Our charter also limits our ability to purchase a property if the total of all acquisition fees and expenses relating to the purchase is not reasonable or exceeds 6.0% of the contract purchase price. These maximum estimates assume all acquisitions are made either (a) only with net offering proceeds from this offering, or (b) assuming a 60% leverage to acquire our properties. Since the acquisition fees we pay our advisor are a percentage of the purchase price of an investment, the acquisition fees will be greater than that shown to the extent we also fund acquisitions through (i) the incurrence of debt, (ii) retained cash flow from operations, (iii) issuances of equity in exchange for properties and (iv) proceeds from the sale of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan to the extent not used to fund stock repurchases under our share redemption program. |
(6) |
The asset management fee we pay to our advisor is a monthly fee equal to one-twelfth of 0.75% of the sum of the aggregate GAAP basis book carrying values of our assets invested, directly or indirectly, in equity interests in and loans secured, directly or indirectly, by real estate before reserves for depreciation or bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves. The use of leverage would have the effect of increasing the asset management fee as a percentage of the amount of equity contributed by investors because the asset management fee is calculated as a percentage of average invested assets, which includes amounts invested in real estate using borrowed funds. |
(7) |
Commencing four fiscal quarters after the acquisition of our first real estate asset, our operating expenses shall (in the absence of a satisfactory showing to the contrary) be deemed to be excessive, and our advisor must reimburse us in the event our total operating expenses for the 12 months then ended exceed the greater of 2.0% of our average invested assets or 25.0% of our net income, unless a majority of our independent directors has determined that such excess expenses were justified based on unusual and non-recurring factors. For any fiscal |
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quarter for which total operating expenses for the 12 months then ended exceed the limitation, we will disclose this fact in our next quarterly report or within 60 days of the end of that quarter and send a written disclosure of this fact to our stockholders. In each case the disclosure will include an explanation of the factors that the independent directors considered in arriving at the conclusion that the excess expenses were justified. Average invested assets means, for a specified period, the average of the aggregate book value of our assets invested, directly or indirectly, in equity interests in and loans secured by real estate before reserves for depreciation or bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves, computed by taking the average of such values at the end of each month during such period. Total Operating Expenses means all costs and expenses incurred by us, as determined under generally accepted accounting principles, which in any way are related to our operation of our business, including advisory fees, but excluding (i) the expenses of raising capital such as organization and offering expenses, legal, audit, accounting, underwriting, brokerage, listing, registration, and other fees, printing and other such expenses and taxes incurred in connection with the issuance, distribution, transfer, registration and listing of our stock, (ii) interest payments, (iii) taxes, (iv) non-cash expenditures such as depreciation, amortization and bad debt reserves, (v) reasonable incentive fees based on the gain in the sale of our assets, (vi) acquisition fees and acquisition expenses (including expenses relating to potential acquisitions that we do not close) and (vii) real estate commissions on the sale of property, and other expenses connected with the acquisition, disposition, ownership of real estate interests, mortgage loans, or other property (such as the costs of foreclosure, insurance premiums, legal services, maintenance, repair and improvement of property). |
(8) |
Our charter does not impose a specific cap on property management fees. However, if we retain our advisor or an affiliate to manage some of our properties, our charter requires that the management fee be a market-based fee which is what other management companies generally charge for the management or leasing of similar properties, which may include reimbursement for some or all the costs and expenses our advisor or its affiliates incur in managing the properties. |
(9) |
Although we are most likely to pay disposition fees to our advisor or an affiliate in the event of our liquidation, these fees may also be earned during our operational stage. We will only pay disposition fees to our advisor or its affiliate in connection with the disposition of a property if our advisor or its affiliate provides a substantial amount of the services (as determined by a majority of our directors, including a majority of our independent directors). Disposition fees for a property will be paid to our advisor or its affiliate at the time the property is sold, but in no event will the amount we pay to our advisor or its affiliate when added to the sums paid to unaffiliated parties for real estate commissions in connection with the sale of a property exceed the lesser of a competitive real estate commission or an amount equal to 6.0% of the contract sale price of such property or properties. |
(10) |
The annual return on invested capital is calculated on an aggregate weighted-average daily basis. In calculating the subordinated share of net sale proceeds, the subordinated performance fee due upon termination of the advisory agreement and the subordinated incentive listing fee, we ignore distributions made to redeem shares under any share redemption program and distributions on such redeemed shares. Net sale proceeds generally means the net proceeds of any sale transaction less the amount of all real estate commissions, selling expenses, legal fees and other closing costs paid by us or our operating partnership. In the case of a sale transaction involving a property we owned in a joint venture, net sale proceeds means the net proceeds of any sale transaction actually distributed to our operating partnership from the joint venture less any expenses incurred by the operating partnership in connection with such transaction. Net sale proceeds shall not include any amounts used to repay outstanding indebtedness secured by the asset disposed of in the sale. |
(11) |
Our advisor cannot earn both the subordinated share of net sale proceeds and the subordinated incentive listing fee. |
(12) |
The market value of our outstanding stock for purposes of calculating the subordinated incentive listing fee due upon listing is measured by taking the average closing price or average of bid and asked price, as the case may be, during the consecutive 30-day period commencing 180 days following listing. This fee will be reduced by any prior payment to our advisor of a subordinated share of net sale proceeds. If we pay this subordinated incentive listing fee to our advisor following a listing of our common stock, we will have no obligation to pay any other performance fee to our advisor. |
If at any time our stock becomes listed on a national securities exchange, we will negotiate in good faith with our advisor a fee structure appropriate for an entity with a perpetual life. A majority of our independent directors must approve the new fee structure negotiated with our advisor. In negotiating
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a new fee structure, our independent directors must consider all of the factors they deem relevant, including but not limited to:
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the size of the advisory fee in relation to the size, composition and profitability of our portfolio; |
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the success of our advisor in generating opportunities that meet our investment objectives; |
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the rates charged to other REITs and to investors other than REITs by advisors performing similar services; |
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additional revenues realized by our advisor through its relationship with us; |
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the quality and extent of service and advice furnished by our advisor; |
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the performance of our investment portfolio, including income, conservation or appreciation of capital; |
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frequency of problem investments and competence in dealing with distress situations; and |
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the quality of our portfolio in relationship to the investments generated by our advisor for the account of other clients. |
Since our advisor and its affiliates are entitled to differing levels of compensation for undertaking different transactions on our behalf, such as the subordinated share of net sale proceeds, our advisor has the ability to affect the nature of the compensation it receives by recommending different transactions. However, as our fiduciary, our advisor is obligated to exercise good faith in all its dealings with respect to our affairs. Our board of directors also has a responsibility to monitor the recommendations of our advisor and review the fairness of those recommendations. See Management The Advisory Agreement.
The following table shows, as of , 2009, the amount of our common stock beneficially owned by (1) any person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our outstanding shares, (2) members of our board of directors and proposed directors, (3) our executive officers, and (4) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
Common Stock Beneficially Owned (2)
|
||||
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) |
Number of Shares
of Common Stock |
Percentage of Class | ||
The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC |
100 | * | ||
Kevin A. Shields, Chairman of the Board of Directors and President |
100 | * | ||
Michael J. Escalante, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer |
| | ||
Joseph E. Miller, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
| | ||
Mary P. Higgins, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
| | ||
Don G. Pescara, Vice President Acquisitions |
| | ||
Julie A. Treinen, Vice President Asset Management |
| | ||
Gregory M. Cazel, Independent Director |
| | ||
Tim Rohner, Independent Director |
| | ||
All directors and executive officers as a group |
100 | * |
* | Less than 1% of our outstanding common stock as of , 2009. |
(1) |
The address of each beneficial owner listed is 2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321, El Segundo, California 90245. |
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(2) |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC that deem shares to be beneficially owned by any person or group who has or shares voting and investment power with respect to such shares. The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC is directly or indirectly owned and controlled by Kevin A. Shields. |
We are subject to various conflicts of interest arising out of our relationship with our advisor and its affiliates, including conflicts related to the arrangements pursuant to which our advisor and its affiliates will be compensated by us. The agreements and compensation arrangements between us and our advisor and its affiliates were not determined by arms-length negotiations. See the Management Compensation section of this prospectus. Some of the conflicts of interest in our transactions with our advisor and its affiliates, and the limitations on our advisor adopted to address these conflicts, are described below.
Our advisor and its affiliates will try to balance our interests with their duties to other programs sponsored by our advisor. However, to the extent that our advisor or its affiliates take actions that are more favorable to other entities than to us, these actions could have a negative impact on our financial performance and, consequently, on distributions to you and the value of our stock. In addition, our directors, officers and certain of our stockholders may engage for their own account in business activities of the types conducted or to be conducted by us and our subsidiaries. For a description of some of the risks related to these conflicts of interest, see the section of this prospectus captioned Risk Factors Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest.
Our independent directors have an obligation to function on our behalf in all situations in which a conflict of interest may arise, and all of our directors have a fiduciary obligation to act on behalf of our stockholders. See Risk Factors Risks Related to Conflicts of Interest.
Certain Griffin affiliates, including our President and Chairman, Kevin A. Shields, and our Vice President Acquisitions, Don Pescara, were parties to contribution agreements with our operating partnership, pursuant to which the Griffin affiliates contributed their interests in two limited liability companies owning the Griffin properties in exchange for a total of 2,050,000 operating partnership units reflecting an equity valuation of $20,500,000. See Our Real Estate Investments The Griffin Properties. We have assumed or succeeded to all of the contributors rights, obligations and responsibilities (including the related mortgage indebtedness) with respect to the equity interests contributed and the Griffin properties. The contribution agreements provided as follows:
|
Mr. Shields beneficially received 1,755,000 operating partnership units (approximately % of the total outstanding operating partnership units on the date of contribution) having a value of approximately $17,550,000; |
|
David Rupert, formerly an officer of our sponsor, received the remaining 88,500 operating partnership units (approximately % of the total outstanding operating partnership units on the date of contribution) having a value of approximately $885,000. |
In addition, we entered into a tax protection agreement obligating our operating partnership to reimburse the Griffin affiliates contributing the Griffin properties to the operating partnership in the event that our operating partnership (i) disposes of any of the Griffin properties, (ii) refinances any of its indebtedness, or (iii) takes other actions with respect to the Griffin properties, the result of which causes
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the recognition of income or gain by any of the Griffin affiliates with respect to any of the Griffin properties prior to November 11, 2017 for tax liabilities resulting from the recognition of such income or gain.
Concurrently with the contribution of the Griffin properties, we amended and restated our operating partnership agreement to admit the contributors as limited partners of our operating partnership. See Our Operating Partnership Agreement. We are the sole general partner of our operating partnership. As of May , 2009, we own approximately % of the operating partnership units and the contributors own approximately % of the operating partnership units.
As a result of these transactions, the Griffin affiliates will continue to own a significant ownership interest in our operating partnership until we raise substantial offering proceeds in this offering. Therefore, the Griffin affiliates have certain conflicts of interest relating to the Griffin properties, including deciding when and if to ultimately sell the Griffin properties.
On April 21, 2009, at a joint meeting of the board of directors and the nominating and corporate governance committee, the contribution transactions, including the contribution agreements and tax protection agreement, were approved by the two independent directors, with Kevin Shields, director and President, abstaining from voting as an interested director. At this meeting, the independent directors determined that the contribution of the Griffin properties was fair and reasonable to us, that substantial justification exists for us to purchase the Griffin properties for purchase prices in excess of the cost of the Griffin properties to the Griffin affiliates and that the purchase prices did not exceed the then-current appraised values for the Griffin properties, as determined by an independent expert. In this regard, the nominating and corporate governance committee obtained and relied upon, in addition to independent appraisals obtained on the Griffin properties, a fairness opinion from Robert A, Stanger & Co., Inc. stating that the consideration paid by us for the $20.5 million net equity contribution (i.e., the Griffin properties containing an aggregate value of $54.7 million net of the mortgage financing of $34.2 million) was fair from a financial point of view to us.
Interests in Other Real Estate Programs
As described in the Prior Performance Summary section of this prospectus, affiliates of our advisor have sponsored or are sponsoring numerous private real estate programs with similar investment objectives to us. Affiliates of our advisor and entities owned or managed by such affiliates also may acquire or develop real estate for their own accounts, and have done so in the past. Furthermore, affiliates of our advisor and entities owned or managed by such affiliates intend to form additional real estate investment entities in the future, whether public or private, some of which may have similar investment objectives and policies as we do and which may be involved in the same geographic area, and such persons may be engaged in sponsoring one or more of such entities at approximately the same time as our shares of common stock are being offered. Although our advisor and its affiliates are not obligated under our charter to present to us any particular investment opportunity that comes to their attention, even if such opportunity is of a character that might be suitable for investment by us, our sponsor has agreed to present all single tenant net lease investment opportunities that fit our investment objectives to us first, prior to presenting such opportunities to any other programs sponsored by or affiliated with our sponsor. Our advisor and its affiliates likely will experience conflicts of interest as they simultaneously perform services for us and other affiliated real estate programs.
Any affiliated entity, whether or not currently existing, could compete with us in the sale or operation of our properties. We will seek to achieve any operating efficiency or similar savings that may result from affiliated management of competitive properties. However, to the extent that affiliates own or acquire a property that is adjacent, or in close proximity, to a property we own, our property may compete with the affiliates property for tenants or purchasers.
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Every transaction that we enter into with our advisor or its affiliates is subject to an inherent conflict of interest. Our board of directors may encounter conflicts of interest in enforcing our rights against any affiliate in the event of a default by or disagreement with an affiliate or in invoking powers, rights or options pursuant to any agreement between us and our advisor or any of its affiliates.
Other Activities of Our Advisor and its Affiliates
We will rely on our advisor for the day-to-day operation of our business pursuant to an advisory agreement. As a result of the interests of members of our advisors management in other programs and the fact that they have also engaged and will continue to engage in other business activities, our advisor and its affiliates will have conflicts of interest in allocating their time between us and other programs and other activities in which they are involved. However, our advisor believes that it and its affiliates have sufficient personnel to discharge fully their responsibilities to all of such programs and other ventures in which they are involved.
In addition, each of our executive officers also serves as an officer of our advisor, our property manager or other affiliated entities. As a result, these individuals owe fiduciary duties to these other entities, which may conflict with the fiduciary duties that they owe to us and our stockholders.
We may purchase properties or interests in properties from affiliates of our advisor. The prices we pay to affiliates of our advisor for these properties will not be the subject of arms-length negotiations, which could mean that the acquisitions may be on terms less favorable to us than those negotiated with unaffiliated parties. However, our charter provides that the purchase price of any property acquired from an affiliate may not exceed its fair market value as determined by a competent independent appraiser. In addition, the price must be approved by a majority of our directors who have no financial interest in the transaction, including a majority of our independent directors. If the price to us exceeds the cost paid by our affiliate, our board of directors must determine that there is substantial justification for the excess cost.
Competition in Acquiring, Leasing and Operating of Properties
Conflicts of interest will exist to the extent that we may acquire properties in the same geographic areas where properties owned by other programs sponsored by our advisor are located. In such a case, a conflict could arise in the leasing of properties in the event that we and another program sponsored by our advisor were to compete for the same tenants, or a conflict could arise in connection with the resale of properties in the event that we and another program sponsored by our advisor were to attempt to sell similar properties at the same time. Conflicts of interest may also exist at such time as we or our affiliates managing property on our behalf seek to employ developers, contractors or building managers, as well as under other circumstances. Our advisor will seek to reduce conflicts relating to the employment of developers, contractors or building managers by making prospective employees aware of all such properties seeking to employ such persons. In addition, our advisor will seek to reduce conflicts that may arise with respect to properties available for sale or rent by making prospective purchasers or tenants aware of all such properties. However, these conflicts cannot be fully avoided in that there may be established differing compensation arrangements for employees at different properties or differing terms for resales or leasing of the various properties.
Since Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., our dealer manager, is an affiliate of our sponsor, we will not have the benefit of an independent due diligence review and investigation of the type normally performed by an unaffiliated, independent underwriter in connection with the offering of securities. See the Plan of Distribution section of this prospectus.
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We anticipate that properties we acquire will be managed by our affiliated property manager, The GC Net Lease REIT Property Management, LLC, pursuant to property management agreements for each property we acquire. It is the duty of our board to evaluate the performance of our property manager. We expect affiliates of our property manager will serve as property manager for properties owned by affiliated real estate programs, some of which may be in competition with our properties. Management fees to be paid to our property manager are based on a percentage of the rental income received by the managed properties. For a more detailed discussion of the anticipated fees to be paid for property management services, see the Management Compensation section of this prospectus.
Lack of Separate Representation
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC acts, and may in the future act, as counsel to us, our advisor, our sponsor, our property manager, our dealer manager and their affiliates in connection with this offering or otherwise. There is a possibility that in the future the interests of the various parties may become adverse, and under the Code of Professional Responsibility of the legal profession, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC may be precluded from representing any one or all of such parties. In the event that a dispute were to arise between us, our advisor, our sponsor, our property manager, our dealer manager or any of their affiliates, separate counsel for such matters will be retained as and when appropriate.
Joint Ventures with Affiliates of Our Advisor
We expect to enter into joint ventures with other programs sponsored by our advisor (as well as other parties) for the acquisition, development or improvement of properties. See Investment Objectives and Related Policies Joint Venture Investments. Our advisor and its affiliates may have conflicts of interest in determining which program sponsored by our advisor should enter into any particular joint venture agreement. The co-venturer may have economic or business interests or goals which are or which may become inconsistent with our business interests or goals. In addition, should any such joint venture be consummated, our advisor may face a conflict in structuring the terms of the relationship between our interests and the interest of the co-venturer and in managing the joint venture. Since our advisor and its affiliates will control both us and any affiliated co-venturer, agreements and transactions between the co-venturers with respect to any such joint venture will not have the benefit of arms-length negotiation of the type normally conducted between unrelated co-venturers.
Receipt of Fees and Other Compensation by Our Advisor and its Affiliates
Our advisor and its affiliates will receive substantial fees from us. See Management Compensation. Some of these fees will be paid to our advisor and its affiliates regardless of the success or profitability of the property. Specifically, our advisor and its affiliates will receive:
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acquisition fees upon any acquisition, regardless of whether the property will be profitable in the future; and |
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asset management fees based on the aggregate asset value of the property, which initially will be based on the purchase price of the property and will not be based on performance of the property until we value the property in the future. |
Although these fees will be paid regardless of success or profitability of a property, our independent directors must approve all acquisitions as being in the best interests of us and our stockholders. Further, our independent directors review the performance of our advisor on an annual basis and may institute any and all remedies if our advisors performance is inadequate.
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The compensation arrangements between us and our advisor and its affiliates could influence our advisors advice to us, as well as the judgment of the affiliates of our advisor who may serve as our officers or directors. Among other matters, the compensation arrangements could affect their judgment with respect to:
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the continuation, renewal or enforcement of our agreements with our advisor and its affiliates, including the advisory agreement and the dealer manager agreement; |
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subsequent offerings of equity securities by us, which may entitle our dealer manager to earn sales commissions and dealer manager fees and may entitle our advisor to additional acquisition and asset management fees; |
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property sales, which may entitle our advisor to disposition fees and possible success-based share of net sale proceeds; |
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property acquisitions from other programs sponsored by affiliates of our advisor which may entitle such affiliates to disposition fees and possible incentive-based sale fees in connection with its services for the seller, as well as acquisition fees for our advisor; |
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property sales to other programs sponsored by affiliates of our advisor which may entitle such affiliates to acquisition fees and expenses for its services to the buyer, as well as disposition fees and subordinated share of net sale proceeds to our advisor; |
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whether and when we seek to list our stock on a national securities exchange, which listing could entitle our advisor to an incentive-based listing fee or a fee as a result of a merger with our advisor prior to any listing but could also adversely affect its sales efforts for other programs depending on the price at which our stock trades; and |
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whether and when we seek to sell our assets and liquidate, which sale may entitle our advisor to an incentive-based fee but could also adversely affect its sales efforts for other programs depending upon the sales price. |
Certain Conflict Resolution Procedures
Every transaction that we enter into with our advisor or its affiliates will be subject to an inherent conflict of interest. Our board of directors may encounter conflicts of interest in enforcing our rights against any affiliate in the event of a default by or disagreement with an affiliate or in invoking powers, rights or options pursuant to any agreement between us and our advisor or any of its affiliates. In order to reduce or eliminate certain potential conflicts of interest, we will address any conflicts of interest in two distinct ways.
First, the nominating and corporate governance committee will consider and act on any conflicts-related matter required by our charter or otherwise permitted by the MGCL where the exercise of independent judgment by any of our directors (who is not an independent director) could reasonably be compromised, including approval of any transaction involving our advisor and its affiliates.
Second, our charter contains a number of restrictions relating to (1) transactions we enter into with our advisor and its affiliates, (2) certain future offerings, and (3) allocation of investment opportunities among affiliated entities. These restrictions include, among others, the following:
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We will not purchase or lease properties in which our advisor, any of our directors or any of their respective affiliates has an interest without a determination by a majority of the directors, including a majority of the independent directors, not otherwise interested in such transaction, that such transaction is fair and reasonable to us and at a price to us no greater than the cost of the property to the seller or lessor unless there is substantial justification for any amount that exceeds such cost and such excess amount is determined to be reasonable. |
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In no event will we acquire any such property at an amount in excess of its appraised value. We will not sell or lease properties to our advisor, any of our directors or any of their respective affiliates unless a majority of the directors, including a majority of the independent directors, not otherwise interested in the transaction, determines that the transaction is fair and reasonable to us.
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We will not make any loans to our advisor, any of our directors or any of their respective affiliates, except that we may make or invest in mortgage loans involving our advisor, our directors or their respective affiliates, provided that an appraisal of the underlying property is obtained from an independent appraiser and the transaction is approved as fair and reasonable to us and on terms no less favorable to us than those available from third parties. In addition, our advisor, any of our directors and any of their respective affiliates will not make loans to us or to joint ventures in which we are a joint venture partner unless approved by a majority of the directors, including a majority of the independent directors, not otherwise interested in the transaction, as fair, competitive and commercially reasonable, and no less favorable to us than comparable loans between unaffiliated parties. |
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Our advisor and its affiliates will be entitled to reimbursement, at cost, for actual expenses incurred by them on behalf of us or joint ventures in which we are a joint venture partner. |
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In the event that an investment opportunity becomes available that is suitable, under all of the factors considered by our advisor, for both us and one or more other entities affiliated with our sponsor, our sponsor has agreed to present such investment opportunities to us first, prior to presenting such opportunities to any other programs sponsored by or affiliated with our sponsor. In determining whether or not an investment opportunity is suitable for more than one program, our advisor, subject to approval by our board of directors, shall examine, among others, the following factors: |
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anticipated cash flow of the property to be acquired and the cash requirements of each program; |
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effect of the acquisition on diversification of each programs investments; |
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policy of each program relating to leverage of properties; |
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income tax effects of the purchase to each program; |
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size of the investment; and |
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amount of funds available to each program and the length of time such funds have been available for investment. |
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If a subsequent development, such as a delay in the closing of a property or a delay in the construction of a property, causes any such investment, in the opinion of our advisor, to be more appropriate for a program other than the program that committed to make the investment, our advisor may determine that another program affiliated with our advisor or its affiliates will make the investment. Our board has a duty to ensure that the method used by our advisor for the allocation of the acquisition of properties by two or more affiliated programs seeking to acquire similar types of properties is applied fairly to us. |
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We will not accept goods or services from our advisor or its affiliates or enter into any other transaction with our advisor or its affiliates unless a majority of our directors, including a majority of the independent directors, not otherwise interested in the transaction, approve such transaction as fair and reasonable to us and on terms and conditions not less favorable to us than those available from unaffiliated third parties. |
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The following chart shows our ownership structure and entities that are affiliated with our advisor.
* | The address of all of these entities is 2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321, El Segundo, California 90245. |
** | Griffin Capital Corporation is owned by Kevin A. Shields, our President and Chairman. |
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The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the notes thereto as of December 31, 2008 contained in the prospectus.
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. was formed on August 28, 2008 under the Maryland General Corporation Law for the purpose of engaging in the business of investing in single tenant net lease properties. We are newly formed and are subject to the general risks associated with a start-up enterprise, including the risk of business failure. Our year end is December 31.
Our advisor was formed on August 27, 2008. Our sponsor is the sole member of our advisor. Our advisor is responsible for managing our affairs on a day-to-day basis and identifying and making acquisitions and investments on our behalf under the terms of an advisory agreement. The officers of our advisor are also officers of our sponsor.
On August 27, 2008, our advisor purchased 100 shares of common stock for $1,000 and became our initial stockholder. Our charter authorizes 700,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 and 200,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $.0001. On February 20, 2009, we commenced a private placement offering to accredited investors of up to 10,000,000 shares of common stock, which includes shares for sale pursuant to the our distribution reinvestment plan pursuant to a confidential private placement memorandum. Pursuant to this offering, we are registering an offering of a maximum of 82,500,000 shares of common stock, consisting of 75,000,000 shares for sale to the public and 7,500,000 shares for sale pursuant to the our distribution reinvestment plan.
As of December 31, 2008, we had engaged only in organizational and offering activities, and no shares had been sold in the private offering. Our dealer manager is one of our affiliates. Our dealer manager is responsible for marketing our shares.
We expect to use substantially all of the net proceeds from this offering to invest in single tenant net lease properties.
Our property manager was formed in August 2008 to manage our properties. Our property manager will derive substantially all of its income from the property management services it will perform for us.
Our operating partnership was formed in August 2008. On December 26, 2008, our advisor purchased a 99% limited partnership interest in our operating partnership for $200,000 and on December 26, 2008, we contributed the initial $1,000 capital contribution we received to our operating partnership in exchange for a 1% general partner interest. Our operating partnership will own, directly or indirectly through one or more special purpose entities, all of the properties that we acquire.
We will conduct certain activities through our taxable REIT subsidiary, The GC Net Lease REIT TRS, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed on September 2, 2008, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of our operating partnership. Our financial statements and the financial statements of our operating partnership are consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statement. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
We have no paid employees and are externally advised and managed by our advisor.
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We have not entered into any arrangements to acquire any specific properties with the net proceeds from this offering. The number of properties we may acquire will depend upon the number of shares sold and the resulting amount of the net proceeds available for investment in properties.
Our advisor may, but will not be required to, establish reserves from gross offering proceeds, out of cash flow generated by operating properties or out of non-liquidating net sale proceeds from the sale of our properties. Working capital reserves are typically utilized for non-operating expenses such as major repairs, tenant improvements or capital expenditures. Alternatively, a lender may require its own formula for escrow of working capital reserves. We do not anticipate establishing a general working capital reserve out of the proceeds of this offering.
The net proceeds of this offering will provide funds to enable us to purchase properties. We may acquire properties free and clear of permanent mortgage indebtedness by paying the entire purchase price of each property in cash or for equity securities, or a combination thereof, or we may selectively encumber all or certain properties, if favorable financing terms are available, in connection with or following acquisition in accordance with our financing strategy. In the event that this offering is not fully sold, our ability to diversify our investments may be diminished.
Summary of Critical Accounting Policies
Real Estate Purchase Price Allocation
We will account for all acquisitions in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141, Business Combinations (FAS 141). Upon the acquisition of real properties, it will be our policy to allocate the purchase price of properties to acquired tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases, other value of in-place leases and value of tenant relationships, based in each case on their fair values. We will utilize independent appraisals to determine the fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land and building).
The fair values of above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (a) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (b) an estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, which is generally obtained from independent appraisals, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. The above-market and below-market lease values are capitalized as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment of rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
The aggregate fair value of in-place leases include direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals which are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, and tenant relationships. Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant include commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs and are estimated using methods similar to those used by independent appraisals and managements consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct costs are included as intangible lease assets in the consolidated balance sheet and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The value of opportunity costs is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid, including real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses, pursuant to the in-place leases over a market lease-up period for a similar lease. Customer relationships are valued based on managements evaluation of certain characteristics of each tenants lease and our overall relationship with that respective tenant. Characteristics management will consider in allocating these values include the nature and extent of our existing business relationships with tenants, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenants credit quality and expectations of lease renewals (including those existing under the terms of the lease agreement), among
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other factors. These intangibles will be included in intangible lease assets in the balance sheet and are amortized to expense over the remaining term of the respective leases.
The determination of the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired requires the use of significant assumptions with regard to the current market rental rates, rental growth rates, discount rates and other variables. The use of inappropriate estimates would result in an incorrect assessment of the purchase price allocations, which could impact the amount of our reported net income.
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141(R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), to create greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations. SFAS 141R requires a company to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity to be measured at their fair values as of the acquisition date. SFAS 141R also requires companies to recognize the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in acquisitions of less than a 100% interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity. In addition, SFAS 141R requires that acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs be recognized separately from the business combination and expensed as incurred. SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations for when the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited. The adoption of SFAS 141R on January 1, 2009 could materially impact our future financial results to the extent that we acquire significant amounts of real estate, as related acquisition cost will be expensed as incurred compared to our practice prior to adoption of SFAS 141R to capitalizing such costs and amortizing them over the estimated useful life of the assets acquired.
Valuation of Real Estate Assets
We will continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present that indicate that the carrying amounts of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the assets by determining whether the carrying value of the assets will be recovered through the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the assets and the eventual disposition. If based on this analysis we do not believe that it will be able to recover the carrying value of the asset, we will record an impairment loss to the extent the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset as defined by SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets .
Projections of expected future undiscounted cash flows require management to estimate future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, discount rates, the number of months it takes to re-lease the property and the number of years the property is held for investment. The use of inappropriate assumptions in the future cash flow analysis would result in an incorrect assessment of the propertys future cash flow and fair value and could result in the overstatement of the carrying value of our real estate and related intangible assets and net income.
Consolidation Considerations for our Investments in Joint Ventures
The FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46R) (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (ARB 51), which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity. Before concluding that it is appropriate to apply the ARB 51 voting interest consolidation model to an entity, an enterprise must first determine that the entity is not a variable interest entity (VIE). We will evaluate, as appropriate, our interests, if any, in joint ventures and other arrangements to determine if consolidation is appropriate.
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Revenue Recognition
Upon the acquisition of real estate, certain properties will have leases where minimum rent payments increase during the term of the lease. We will record rental revenue for the full term of each lease on a straight-line basis. When we acquire a property, the term of existing leases is considered to commence as of the acquisition date for the purposes of this calculation. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, we will defer the recognition of contingent rental income, such as percentage rents, until the specific target that triggers the contingent rental income is achieved. Cost recoveries from tenants are included in tenant reimbursement income in the period the related costs are incurred.
Depreciation of Real Property Assets
Real estate costs related to the acquisition, development, construction, and property improvements will be capitalized. Repairs and maintenance costs include all costs that do not extend the useful life of the real estate asset and will be charged to expense as incurred. We consider the period of future benefit of an asset to determine the appropriate useful life. We anticipates the estimated useful lives of its assets by class to be generally as follows:
Buildings | 25-40 years | |
Building Improvements | 5-20 years | |
Land Improvements | 15-25 years | |
Tenant Improvements | Shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life |
Organizational and Offering Costs
Our advisor will fund organization and offering costs on our behalf. We are required to reimburse our advisor for such organization and offering costs up to 3.5% of the cumulative capital raised in the primary offering. Offering costs will be recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital, and organization costs will be recorded as an expense at the time we become liable for the payment of these amounts.
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiary
On December 26, 2008 our operating partnership issued limited partnership interests to our advisor in exchange for an initial contribution of $200,000.
Due to our control through the general partnership interest in our operating partnership and the limited rights of the limited partners, our operating partnership, including its wholly owned subsidiary, is consolidated with us and the limited partner interest is reflected as minority interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51, (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, and requires all entities to report noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries within equity in the consolidated financial statements, but separate from the parent shareholders equity. SFAS 160 also requires any acquisitions or dispositions of noncontrolling interests that do not result in a change of control to be accounted for as equity transactions. In addition, SFAS 160 requires that a parent company recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated upon a change in control. SFAS 160 applies to us beginning January 1, 2009 and will be adopted prospectively. The presentation and disclosure requirements shall be applied to all periods presented retroactively. Early adoption is prohibited. The adoption of SFAS 160 will result in a reclassification of minority interest to a separate component of total equity and net income attributable to
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noncontrolling interest will no longer be treated as a reduction to new income but will be shown as a reduction from new income in calculating new income available to common stockholders. Additionally, upon adoption, any future purchase or sale of interest in an entity that results in a change of control may have a material impact on our financial statements as our interest in the entity will be recognized at fair value with gains and losses included in net income.
Share-Based Compensation
We have adopted an employee and director long-term incentive plan pursuant to which we may issue awards to our independent directors and to affiliates of our advisor. We will account for such incentive plan in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, which covers a wide range of stock-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted stock plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights, and employee stock purchase plans. The stock-based payment is measured at fair value and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period.
Income Taxes
We expect to make an election to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and expect to be taxed as such commencing not later than our taxable year ending December 31, 2009. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to currently distribute at least 90% of the REITs ordinary taxable income to stockholders. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will then be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for four years following the year during which qualification is lost unless the IRS grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders. However, we believe that we will be organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT and intend to operate in the foreseeable future in such a manner that we will remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.
We will monitor the various qualification tests that we must meet to maintain our status as a REIT. Ownership of our shares will be monitored to ensure that no more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals at any time after the first taxable year for which we make an election to be taxed as a REIT. We will also determine, on a quarterly basis, that the gross income, asset and distribution tests as described in the section of this prospectus entitled Federal Income Tax Considerations Requirements for Qualification as a REIT are met.
Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local taxes on our income and property, and federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
We have elected to treat the TRS as a taxable REIT subsidiary. In general, the TRS may perform additional services for tenants of the Company and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. The TRS will be subject to corporate federal and state income tax. The TRS will follow SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes will represent the tax effect of future differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2009, the TRS has not commenced operations.
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Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statement in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statement and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
We expect we will meet our short-term operating liquidity requirements from advances from our advisor and its affiliates, proceeds received in this offering and operating cash flows generated from the Griffin Properties and other properties we acquire in the future. Any advances from our advisor will be repaid, without interest, as funds are available after meeting our current liquidity requirements, subject to the limitations on reimbursement set forth in the Management Compensation section of this prospectus. Our advisory agreement provides that expenses advanced to us by our advisor shall be reimbursed no less frequently than monthly. The offering and organizational costs associated with this offering will initially be paid by our advisor, which may be reimbursed for such costs up to 3.5% of the gross offering proceeds raised by us in this offering. Operating cash flows are expected to increase as properties are added to our portfolio.
On a long-term basis, our principal demands for funds will be for property acquisitions, either directly or through entity interests, for the payment of operating expenses and distributions, and for the payment of interest on our outstanding indebtedness and other investments. Generally, cash needs for items, other than property acquisitions, will be met from operations and proceeds received from this offering. However, there may be a delay between the sale of our shares and our purchase of properties that could result in a delay in the benefits to our stockholders, if any, of returns generated from our investment operations. Our advisor will evaluate potential additional property acquisitions and engage in negotiations with sellers on our behalf. Investors should be aware that after a purchase contract is executed that contains specific terms, the property will not be purchased until the successful completion of due diligence, which includes review of the title insurance commitment, an appraisal and an environmental analysis. In some instances, the proposed acquisition will require the negotiation of final binding agreements, which may include financing documents. During this period, we may decide to temporarily invest any unused proceeds from the offering in certain investments that could yield lower returns than the properties. These lower returns may affect our ability to make distributions.
Our board of directors will determine the amount and timing of distributions to our stockholders and will base such determination on a number of factors, including funds available for payment of distributions, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements and annual distribution requirements needed to maintain our status as a REIT under the Code.
Potential future sources of capital include proceeds from this offering, proceeds from secured or unsecured financings from banks or other lenders, proceeds from the sale of properties and undistributed funds from operations. If necessary, we may use financings or other sources of capital in the event of unforeseen significant capital expenditures. Currently, we do not have a credit facility or other third party source of liquidity. To the extent we do not secure a credit facility or other third party source of liquidity, we will be dependent upon the proceeds of this offering and income from operations in order to meet our long term liquidity requirements and to fund our distributions.
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The information presented in this section represents the historical experience of certain real estate programs sponsored by Griffin Capital Corporation, our sponsor, and other affiliates of our advisor, including certain officers and directors of our advisor. You should not assume that you will experience returns, if any, comparable to those experienced by investors in such prior real estate programs.
The information in this section and in the Prior Performance Tables included in this prospectus as Appendix A shows relevant summary information regarding programs sponsored by our sponsor. Some programs, remaining in operation, may acquire additional properties in the future. Our sponsor intends to continue to sponsor private offerings of real estate programs. To the extent that such future offerings or programs remaining in operation share the same or similar investment objectives or acquire properties in the same or nearby markets, such programs may be in competition with the investments made by us. See the Conflicts of Interest section of this prospectus for additional information. Programs that list substantially the same investment objectives as we do in the private offering memorandum are considered to have investment objectives similar to ours, regardless of the particular emphasis that a program places on each objective. As described in Investment Objectives and Related Policies Investment Strategy, we believe that only those single tenant net lease private programs previously sponsored by our sponsor have similar investment objectives to ours because of, among other things, the reliance on the creditworthiness of single tenants, the net lease nature and duration of the leases, the predictability of the cash flows, and the focus on assets that are critical to the business operations of the tenant.
The information in this summary represents the historical experience of Griffin Capital Corporation sponsored programs. The Prior Performance Tables set forth information as of the dates indicated regarding certain of these prior programs as to: (1) experience in raising and investing funds (Table I); (2) compensation to sponsor (Table II); (3) annual operating results of prior real estate programs (Table III); and (4) certain additional information relating to properties acquired by the prior real estate programs (Table VI). The results of completed programs (Table IV) and sale or disposals of properties by prior real estate programs (Table V) are not applicable to the existing investments and have been excluded from this presentation. The purpose of this prior performance information is to enable you to evaluate accurately our sponsors experience with like programs. The following discussion is intended to summarize briefly the objectives and performance of the prior real estate programs and to disclose any material adverse business developments sustained by them.
The prior privately-offered programs sponsored by our sponsor include eight single tenant real estate tenant-in-common offerings, eight multi-tenant real estate tenant-in-common offerings, one Delaware Statutory Trust offering consisting of nine assets, and one hotel asset tenant-in-common offering. Investors in these offerings (other than the Delaware Statutory Trust offering) acquired an undivided interest in the property that was the subject of such offering. These 18 privately-offered programs have raised approximately $268.9 million of gross offering proceeds from approximately 524 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, these 18 privately-offered programs invested approximately $753.9 million (including acquisition costs and funded reserves) in 29 properties.
See Tables I and II of the Prior Performance Tables for more detailed information about the experience of the affiliates of our advisor in raising and investing funds for private offerings closed during the previous three years and compensation paid to the sponsors of these programs.
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Based on the aggregate amount of acquisition costs, the assets in these 18 programs can be categorized as indicated in the chart below.
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the diversification of these 18 programs by geographic area is as follows:
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for these 18 programs is as follows:
See Table III of the Prior Performance Tables for more detailed information as to the operating results of such programs whose offerings closed during the previous five years.
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The percentage of these programs with investment objectives similar to ours is approximately 39% and contain an aggregate of approximately 2.5 million square feet of gross leasable space. For more detailed information regarding acquisitions of properties by such programs during the previous three years, see Table VI contained in Part II of the registration statement which is not a part of this prospectus. Copies of Table VI will be provided to prospective investors upon request at no charge. Below is a summary of the nine private programs previously sponsored by our sponsor that we believe have similar investment objectives to The GC Net Lease REIT.
Single Tenant Net Lease Programs
The seven single tenant single-asset real estate tenant-in-common offerings, the one single tenant two-asset real estate tenant-in-common offering and the one single tenant nine-asset Delaware Statutory Trust are presented individually in the Prior Performance Tables in Appendix A, as these assets are considered to have similar investment objectives to The GC Net Lease REIT. These nine privately offered programs have raised approximately $104.2 million of gross offering proceeds from 246 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, these nine privately-offered programs having similar investment objectives invested approximately $305.8 million (including acquisition costs and funded reserves) in 18 properties.
Will Partners Investors, LLC
Will Partners Investors, LLC (Will Partners) is a privately-offered real estate tenant-in-common offering. Will Partners completed its offering in January 2005 and raised approximately $6.34 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of four investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, Will Partners has invested approximately $24.00 million (including acquisition costs) in the following asset:
Tenant: | World Kitchen, LLC | |
Location: | 5800 Industrial Drive, Monee, Illinois 60449 | |
Square Footage: | 700,200 square feet | |
Land Area: | 34.2 acres | |
Asset Class: | Industrial; Warehouse Distribution Facility | |
No. of Stories: | Single-Story | |
Lease Type: | Absolute Triple-Net |
The property is a 700,200 square foot, Class A industrial building, located in Monee (suburban Chicago), Illinois. The property is 100% leased to and occupied by World Kitchen, LLC and serves as their Midwest distribution center, pursuant to a long-term, bond-type triple-net lease. World Kitchen manufactures bakeware, dinnerware, kitchen and household tools, range top cookware and cutlery products sold under well-known brands including CorningWare, Pyrex, Corelle, Revere, EKCO, Bakers Secret, Magnalite, Chicago Cutlery, and Olfa . The company employs approximately 2,900 people, and has major manufacturing and distribution operations in the United States, Canada, and Asia-Pacific regions. Their products are sold through multiple channels, including mass merchants, department stores, specialty retailers, retail food stores, and catalog showrooms.
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As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for this property is as follows:
Griffin Capital (Carlsbad Pointe) Investors, LLC
Griffin Capital (Carlsbad Pointe) Investors, LLC (Carlsbad Pointe) is a privately-offered real estate tenant-in-common offering. Carlsbad Pointe completed its offering in February 2006 and raised approximately $15.50 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of 29 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, Carlsbad Pointe has invested approximately $52.50 million (including acquisition costs) in the following asset:
Tenant: | Invitrogen Corporation | |
Location: | 5781 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad, California 92008 | |
Square Footage: | 328,655 square feet | |
Land Area: | 27.91 acres | |
Asset Class: | Office (Bio-Medical Facility) | |
No. of Stories: | Single-Story | |
Lease Type: | Bond-Type Triple-Net |
The property is located in the northern San Diego County market of Carlsbad, California, in Carlsbad Research Center, considered by many the most prestigious business park in San Diego. The property is leased to Invitrogen Corporation, a very successful and profitable biotech company, and serves as its worldwide headquarters, main research, development and manufacturing facility, and is the core of the tenants long term corporate campus plan.
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for this property is as follows:
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Griffin Capital (Shellmound) Investors, LLC
Griffin Capital (Shellmound) Investors, LLC (Shellmound) is a privately-offered real estate tenant-in-common offering. Shellmound completed its offering in June 2006 and raised approximately $7.40 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of 18 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, Shellmound has invested approximately $17.90 million (including acquisition costs) in the following asset:
Tenant: | Expression College for Digital Arts | |
Location: | 6601-6603 Shellmound Street, Emeryville, California 94608 | |
Square Footage: | 63,273 square feet | |
Land Area: | 2.20 acres | |
Asset Class: | Office (Flex) | |
No. of Stories: | Single-Story | |
Lease Type: | Triple-Net |
The property is 100% leased to and occupied by Expression College for Digital Arts pursuant to a 10-year, 10 month triple-net lease expiring in November 2016. Expression is a rapidly growing, profitable and accredited media arts college. The property serves as its main campus.
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for this property is as follows:
Griffin Capital (Puente Hills) Investors, LLC
Griffin Capital (Puente Hills) Investors, LLC (Puente Hills) is a privately-offered real estate tenant-in-common offering. Puente Hills completed its offering in November 2006 and raised approximately $9.15 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of 27 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, Puente Hills has invested approximately $24.75 million (including acquisition costs) in the following asset:
Tenant: | Superior Chrysler | |
Location: | 17320 Gale Avenue, Puente Hills, California 91748 | |
Square Footage: | 76,109 square feet | |
Land Area: | 3.41 acres | |
Asset Class: | Retail (Car Dealership) | |
No. of Stories: | Single-Story | |
Lease Type: | Triple-Net |
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The property is located in City of Industry (suburban Los Angeles), California. The property is currently leased to Superior Chrysler of Puente Hills, LLC pursuant to a long-term triple-net lease. Superior Chrysler of Puente Hills, part of the Superior Auto Group, LLC. The lease is personally guaranteed by the president and majority owner of Superior Auto Group, LLC.
Due to the current strained circumstances of the economy over the past several months, and the additional stress the economy has had on the automotive industry and the financial industry, Superior Auto Group LLC, the parent of Superior Chrysler, has been beset with a severe liquidity crisis. In late February, Superior Automotive Groups principal lender elected to cease its funding of Superiors operations, and Superior was forced to shut down all of its remaining dealerships, including Superior Chrysler. Our sponsor, with the assistance of Superior Chrysler, is currently aggressively pursuing negotiations with multiple-property dealers that would consider bringing a franchise to the property. These negotiations have resulted in an indication of interest from one multiple dealer entity that is interested in moving a specific dealership franchise to the property; this specific dealership franchise has been made available to this dealer entity only to the extent it is located at the Superior property.
Our sponsor has also been in communication with the loan servicer and is working to negotiate a time period in which to find a replacement tenant. The loan on this property is in a monetary default; however, the loan servicer is not currently seeking to foreclose on the property. Should our sponsor fail to locate a replacement tenant, it is likely that the asset value of the property will be well below the current debt balance, and our sponsor will be forced to pursue the president and majority owner of Superior Auto Group pursuant to the terms of his personal guaranty. However, given the financial condition of the president and majority owner, the sponsor does not consider the guaranty as having any value. Also, if the president and majority owner chooses to file for bankruptcy, our sponsor expects to recover very little thereunder. Distributions have currently ceased to investors on Puente Hills as a result of these events.
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for this property is as follows:
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants) Investors, DST
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants) Investors, DST (ARG Restaurants) is a privately-offered real estate Delaware Statutory Trust offering. ARG Restaurants completed its offering in October 2007 and raised approximately $12.90 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of 58 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, ARG Restaurants has invested approximately $39.90 million (including acquisition costs) in the following assets:
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Tenant: |
American Restaurant Group, Inc. operating as Black Angus Steakhouse Restaurants |
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Locations: | 1625 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, California 95864 | |
1011 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose, California 95123 | ||
1000 Graves Avenue, El Cajon, California 92021 | ||
707 E Street, Chula Vista, California 91910 | ||
1616 Sisk Road, Modesto, California 95350 | ||
3610 Park Sierra Boulevard, Riverside, California 92505 | ||
7111 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California 90621 | ||
23221 Lake Center Drive, El Toro, California 92630 | ||
3601 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, California 93308 | ||
Square Footage: | 88,686 Square Feet in total | |
Asset Class: | Retail (Free Standing Restaurants) | |
No. of Stories: | Single-Story | |
Lease Type: | Bond-Type Triple-Net |
The portfolio consists of nine Black Angus Steakhouse restaurants located throughout California. The properties are all well-located, freestanding restaurants situated throughout in-fill locations entirely in major metropolitan areas. The properties are leased to American Restaurant Group, Inc. (ARG, Inc.), which operates under the Black Angus Steakhouse brand name, pursuant to a long-term, bond-type, triple-net lease.
On January 15, 2009, ARG, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware. Since that time, ARG, Inc. has moved and successfully rejected 13 out of 82 locations, which restaurants had already been shut down. While ARG, Inc. is in bankruptcy, and until such time as it rejects its lease, it is obligated to continue to pay rent on its properties.
In addition, ARG, Inc. recently filed a motion in bankruptcy court seeking to reject the leases on six of the nine locations in this DST. The sponsor filed an objection to this motion, but subsequently determined that such objection would cause ARG, Inc. to reject the entire master lease. As such, ARG, Inc. has rejected four of the leases, affirmed three of the leases and is negotiating with the sponsor to restructure the leases as it relates to two other sites. ARG, Inc. has filed a motion allowing it to reject the two leases to the extent it fails to reach terms with the sponsor. ARG, Inc.s bankruptcy filing creates a non-monetary event of default under the loan with the current lender on the property. A loan default provides the lender with the right to sweep all of the excess cash flow above and beyond the mortgage payment. Given the rejection of the four leases, as of April 1, 2009, there is insufficient cash flow necessary to support the monthly debt service. In order to cover the remaining debt service or pay down the loan to reduce the debt service, the sponsor must sublease or sell the four properties that ARG, Inc. has closed. If the sponsor is not successful in subleasing the properties, it is unlikely that any equity will be recovered from this investment. The sponsor has contacted seven brokerage firms specializing in retail leases and/or investment sales, and the lender has agreed to allow the sponsor a short time in which to negotiate a replacement lease. Distributions have currently ceased to investors on ARG Restaurants as a result of these events.
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As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for these properties is as follows:
Griffin Capital (Redwood) Investors, LLC
Griffin Capital (Redwood) Investors, LLC (Redwood) is a privately-offered real estate tenant-in-common offering. Redwood completed its offering in March 2007 and raised approximately $11.38 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of 27 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, Redwood has invested approximately $26.88 million (including acquisition costs) in the following asset:
Tenant: | DPR Construction, Inc | |
Location: | 1450 Veterans Boulevard, Redwood City, California 94063 | |
Square Footage: | 53,000 Square Feet | |
Land Area: | 1.81 acres | |
Asset Class: | Office | |
No. of Stories: | Three-Story | |
Lease Type: | Triple-Net |
The property is a 53,000 square foot, Class A office building, located in Redwood City, California. The property is 100% leased to and occupied by DPR Construction, Inc. and serves as its headquarters facility, pursuant to a long-term, triple-net lease. DPR Construction, Inc. is a privately-held national commercial contractor and construction manager which specializes in technically-challenging and environmentally-complex developments. For the past 10 years, DPR has ranked among the top 50 general contractors in the country and is in the top 4% of general contractors based upon its four core markets: advanced technology, biopharmaceutical, corporate office and healthcare.
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for this property is as follows:
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Griffin Capital (Independence) Investors, LLC
Griffin Capital (Independence) Investors, LLC (Independence) is a privately-offered real estate tenant-in-common offering. Independence completed its offering in June 2007 and raised approximately $13.40 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of 22 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, Independence has invested approximately $39.80 million (including acquisition costs) in the following asset:
Tenant: | L.D. Kichler Company | |
Location: | 7711 East Pleasant Valley Road, Independence, Ohio 44131 | |
Square Footage: | 630,000 square feet | |
Land Area: | 38.83 acres | |
Asset Class: | Industrial (Office/Warehouse-Distribution Facility) | |
No. of Stories: | Single-Story | |
Lease Type: | Bond-Type Triple-Net |
The property is an office/warehouse-distribution center 100% leased pursuant to a long-term, bond-type triple-net lease to L. D. Kichler Company. Located in Independence, Ohio just 15 minutes south of Clevelands central business district, the property serves as Kichlers headquarters and Midwest distribution center. Founded in 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio, and privately-held, Kichler is one of the worlds leading designers and distributors of decorative lighting fixtures. Over the past 15 years, Kichler has doubled in size, adding over 200 employees in Cleveland, Las Vegas and Atlanta. This growth has propelled Kichler to more than $246 million in annual sales, making Kichler the second largest residential lighting wholesaler in the U.S.
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for this property is as follows:
Griffin Capital (Bolingbrook) Investors, LLC
Griffin Capital (Bolingbrook) Investors, LLC (Bolingbrook) is a privately-offered real estate tenant-in-common offering. Bolingbrook completed its offering in October 2007 and raised approximately $11.05 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of 26 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, Bolingbrook has invested approximately $35.26 million (including acquisition costs) in the following assets:
Tenant: | Quantum Foods, Inc | |
Locations: | 750 South Schmidt Road & 525 Crossroads Pkwy, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440 | |
Square Footage: | 265,870 square feet in total | |
Land Area: | One (1) 10.0 acre site and one (1) 4.30 acre site | |
Asset Class: | Industrial/Office; Freezer/Cooler Warehouse Distribution Facility | |
No. of Stories: | Single-Story | |
Lease Type: | Bond-Type Triple-Net |
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The Quantum Foods properties are two single-story, freezer-cooler production and distribution properties consisting of 265,870 square feet leased in its entirety pursuant to a long-term, bond-type triple-net lease to Quantum Foods, LLC. The properties house Quantums headquarters and main production operations. Founded in 1990, headquartered in 750 Schmidt Road and privately-held, Quantum Foods is one of the worlds leading and most technologically advanced providers of portion-controlled steaks and multiple protein food products. Over the past 17 years, Quantum has grown from 15 employees to over 1,000, and is on pace to surpass $480 million in annual sales, making Quantum one of the top 25 portion-controlled protein suppliers in the U.S.
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for these properties is as follows:
Griffin Capital (Westmont) Investors, LLC
Griffin Capital (Westmont) Investors, LLC (Westmont) is a privately-offered real estate tenant-in-common offering. Westmont completed its offering in February 2008 and raised approximately $17.10 million of gross offering proceeds from a total of 25 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, Westmont has invested approximately $44.80 million (including acquisition costs) in the following asset:
Tenant: | SIRVA, Inc | |
Location: | 700 Oakmont Lane, Westmont, Illinois 60559 | |
Square Footage: | 269,715 square feet | |
Land Area: | 17.93 acres | |
Asset Class: | Office | |
No. of Stories: | Multi-Story | |
Lease Type: | Triple-Net |
The property is a 269,715 square foot, Class A office building located in Westmont, Illinois. The property is leased in its entirety pursuant to a triple-net lease to North American Van Lines, a subsidiary of SIRVA, Inc. SIRVA is the worlds largest moving and relocation services company with nearly $4 billion in revenues and an international workforce of approximately 5,700 employees, spanning more than 40 countries. In addition to SIRVAs core relocation services business, other business services include transferee counseling, home purchase programs, mortgage originations, expense management and the provision of destination settling in services. SIRVA conducts more than 300,000 relocations every year. SIRVA markets these services under several, well-recognized, brand names including SIRVA, North American Van Lines, Allied Worldwide, Global Van Lines , and Pickfords .
On February 5, 2008, SIRVA filed for bankruptcy protection. In the time since the bankruptcy filing, the tenant executed a lease amendment that called for SIRVA to affirm its lease in exchange for the landlord reimbursing SIRVA for a substantial portion of its letter of credit fees. The bankruptcy plan was successfully confirmed on May 7, 2008. SIRVA is required to maintain an evergreen letter of credit in the amount of $4 million, which will decrease by $500,000 each year in conjunction with the contractual rent
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increase. Further, SIRVA agreed to maintain the letter of credit in the minimum amount of $2.0 million for the balance of its lease term. SIRVA is currently paying a letter of credit facility fee in the amount of 6.5% of the stated amount of the letter of credit. Our sponsor agreed to reimburse SIRVA all but 1% of the actual cost to maintain the letter of credit (the normal letter of credit fee), not to exceed, 5.5%. As a part of the lease amendment, our sponsor was able to secure a right to terminate SIRVAs lease upon 12-months advance notice, which will allow our sponsor to continually seek a replacement tenant, which process our sponsor commenced in the first quarter 2009. As a result of the extra and unforeseen cost to the investors, the original pro forma distribution has been adjusted and will remain lower than pro forma for the remainder of the projected holding period.
As a percentage of acquisition costs, the allocation of financing proceeds for this property is as follows:
Other Private Programs and Sponsor Investments
In addition to the programs having similar investment objectives to The GC Net Lease REIT, which were previously mentioned, our sponsor has sponsored privately-offered programs we do not view as having similar investment objectives to The GC Net Lease REIT. These offerings include one hotel and eight multi-tenant asset real estate tenant-in-common offerings. These nine privately-offered programs have raised approximately $164.7 million of gross offering proceeds from 278 investors. With a combination of debt and offering proceeds, these privately-offered programs have invested approximately $448.1 million (including acquisition costs) in 11 properties. The properties are located in California, Georgia, Illinois and Minnesota.
The investments of the above mentioned programs have all occurred during the previous four years. There were no investments made by these programs prior to this four year period and our sponsor did not sponsor any programs prior to the four year period. See Tables I, II and III of the Prior Performance Tables for aggregated performance of these nine privately-offered programs.
Certain of these nine privately-offered programs have experienced tenant vacancies due to bankruptcies, mergers or lease expirations or other similar adverse developments. Since these programs are each tenant-in-common offerings made primarily to investors exchanging properties in a tax-deferred manner pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, it is impractical for these investors to make additional capital contributions to fund tenant improvements or other required capital expenditures. Therefore, our sponsor is compelled to take a very conservative approach to preserving capital to address the leasing needs at each of these properties and, accordingly, has suspended or reduced distributions for most of these programs.
In the five years prior to our sponsors first private offering, our sponsor focused on acquiring, developing and re-developing single tenant net lease assets for its own account. The assets acquired were leased to tenants of varying credit quality, in a broad section of geographical locations, with lease durations of 15 years (an average lease duration of six years remains on these assets). The acquisitions focused mainly on industrial (warehouse and manufacturing) and office properties and consisted of approximately 3.71 million square feet and had an aggregate value of over $153 million. The seven
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investment examples that follow demonstrate the breadth and depth of our sponsors ability to source, structure, negotiate, finance and close new opportunities.
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A warehouse/distribution facility located in University Park, Illinois consisting of 186,560 square feet, leased in its entirety to Anvil International. A subsidiary of Muller Water Products, Anvil International is a manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of water infrastructure and flow control products for use in water distribution networks and treatment facilities. Anvil operates 12 manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada and five regional distribution facilities. Anvil employs approximately 2,000 employees and has total annual revenues of $556 million. |
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A warehouse/distribution facility located in Wadesboro, North Carolina consisting of 327,785 square feet, leased in its entirety to Broder Brothers Company. Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Trevose, Pennsylvania Broder Brothers is a leading distributor of imprintable sportswear and accessories in the United States and are the exclusive or near-exclusive distributor for several well established brands such as Adidas Golf, Columbia Sportswear and Champion . Broder Brothers operates the largest distribution network in its industry, which consists of 16 facilities strategically located throughout the United States, one of which is located in Wadesboro, North Carolina. Broder Brothers employs approximately 2,000 employees worldwide and has total annual revenues of $930 million. |
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A manufacturing facility located in Jefferson City, Missouri consisting of 660,000 square feet, and in a second transaction, a four property industrial manufacturing portfolio located in Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia consisting of 1,480,703 square feet, combining to a total 2.14 million square feet with all five properties leased to ABB Power T&D Company, Inc. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland with its North American operations headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, ABB is a global leader in power and automation technologies. The company serves customers in more than 30 industries including the automotive, building, chemical, electrical, marine, metal, mineral, paper, power and water industries. ABB employs approximately 120,000 employees in 100 countries. ABB has total annual revenues in excess of $22 billion. |
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A manufacturing facility located in Emporia, Kansas consisting of 320,764 square feet, leased in its entirety to Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation. Headquartered in Emporia, Kansas, Hopkins is a leading manufacturer and marketer of specialized towing products and functional accessories for the automotive and recreational vehicle aftermarkets, as well as industrial products for automobile manufacturers, dealers, repair shops and safety inspection facilities. Hopkins employs approximately 650 people over 500,000 square feet of production, warehousing, shipping and receiving space in the United State and Mexico. Hopkins has total annual revenues of approximately $60 million. |
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A warehouse/distribution facility located in Clinton, South Carolina consisting of 565,000 square feet, leased in its entirety to Renfro Corporation under a triple-net lease. Founded in 1921 and located in Mount Airy, North Carolina Renfro Corporation is the largest manufacturer of socks in the United States. Renfro has an exclusive license for Fruit of the Loom, Ralph Lauren and Dr. Scholls and is one of only three suppliers to Nike. Renfro employs approximately 4,500 employees worldwide and has total annual revenues of approximately $350 million. Our sponsor contributed this property to The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. See Our Real Estate Investments The Griffin Properties Renfro. |
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A office/laboratory property located in Plainfield, Illinois consisting of 176,000 square feet, leased in its entirety to Chicago Bridge and Iron under a triple-net lease. Chicago Bridge & Iron is a publicly-traded corporation and is one of the worlds largest engineering, |
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procurement and construction companies, with approximately 18,000 employees worldwide and total annual revenues of approximately $4.3 billion. Our sponsor intends to contribute this property to The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. See Our Real Estate Investments The Griffin Properties Chicago Bridge & Iron. |
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary describes all of the material federal income tax considerations associated with an investment in shares of our common stock. This summary does not constitute tax advice. Moreover, this summary does not deal with all tax aspects that might be relevant to you, as a prospective stockholder in light of your personal circumstances, nor does it deal with particular types of stockholders that are subject to special treatment under the Code, such as insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions or broker-dealers.
The provisions of the Code governing the federal income tax treatment of REITs are highly technical and complex, and this summary is qualified in its entirety by the express language of applicable Code provisions, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof.
We urge you, as a prospective investor, to consult your own tax advisor regarding the specific tax consequences to you of a purchase of shares, ownership and sale of the shares and of our election to be taxed as a REIT. These consequences include the federal, state, local, foreign and other tax consequences of such purchase, ownership, sale and election.
Opinion of Counsel
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC has acted as our counsel, has reviewed this summary and is of the opinion that it fairly summarizes the federal income tax considerations addressed that are material to our stockholders. It is also the opinion of our counsel that we will qualify to be taxed as a REIT under the Code for our taxable year ending December 31, 2009, provided that we have operated and will continue to operate in accordance with various assumptions and the factual representations we made to counsel concerning our business, properties and operations. We must emphasize that all opinions issued by Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC are based on various assumptions and are conditioned upon the assumptions and representations we made concerning certain factual matters related to our business and properties. Moreover, our qualification for taxation as a REIT depends on our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code discussed below, the results of which will not be reviewed by Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the actual results of our operations for any one taxable year will satisfy these requirements. See Risk Factors Federal Income Tax Risks. The statements made in this section of the prospectus and in the opinion of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC are based upon existing law and Treasury Regulations, as currently applicable, currently published administrative positions of the IRS and judicial decisions, all of which are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. We cannot assure you that any changes will not modify the conclusions expressed in counsels opinion. Moreover, an opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS, and we cannot assure you that the IRS will not successfully challenge our status as a REIT.
Taxation as a REIT
We plan to make an election to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, effective for our taxable year ending December 31, 2009. We believe that, commencing with such taxable year, we will be organized and will operate in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code. We intend to continue to operate in such a manner, but no assurance can be given that
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we will operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. Pursuant to our charter, our board of directors has the authority to make any tax elections on our behalf that, in their sole judgment, are in our best interest. This authority includes the ability to elect not to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes or, after qualifying as a REIT to revoke or otherwise terminate our status as a REIT. Our board of directors has the authority under our charter to make these elections without the necessity of obtaining the approval of our stockholders. However, our board of directors has fiduciary duties to us and to all investors and could only cause such changes in our tax treatment if it determines in good faith that such changes are in the best interest of our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors has the authority to waive any restrictions and limitations contained in our charter that are intended to preserve our status as a REIT during any period in which our board of directors has determined not to pursue or preserve our status as a REIT.
Although we currently intend to operate so as to be taxed as a REIT, changes in the law could affect that decision. For example, in 2003, Congress passed major federal tax legislation that illustrates the changes in tax law that could affect that decision. One of the changes reduced the tax rate on recipients of distributions paid by corporations to individuals to a maximum of 15%. REIT distributions generally do not qualify for this reduced rate. The tax changes did not, however, reduce the corporate tax rates. Therefore, the maximum corporate tax rate of 35% has not been affected. Even with the reduction of the rate of tax on distributions received by individuals, the combined maximum corporate and individual federal income tax rate is 44.75% and with the effect of state income taxes, the combined tax rate can exceed 50%. If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on that portion of our ordinary income or capital gain that we distribute currently to our stockholders. Thus, REIT status generally continues to result in substantially reduced tax rates when compared to the taxation of corporations. However, major federal tax legislation of this type, if enacted in the future, could be a basis for changing the decision to elect or to continue to be taxed as a REIT.
If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on that portion of our ordinary income or capital gain that we distribute currently to our stockholders, because the REIT provisions of the Code generally allow a REIT to deduct distributions paid to its stockholders. This substantially eliminates the federal double taxation on earnings (taxation at both the corporate level and stockholder level) that usually results from an investment in a corporation.
Even if we qualify for taxation as a REIT, however, we will be subject to federal income taxation as follows:
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we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on our undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains; |
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under some circumstances, we will be subject to alternative minimum tax; |
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if we have net income from the sale or other disposition of foreclosure property that is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business or other non-qualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at the highest corporate rate on that income; |
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if we have net income from prohibited transactions (which are, in general, sales or other dispositions of property other than foreclosure property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business), that net income will be subject to a 100% tax; |
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if we fail to satisfy either of the 75% or 95% gross income tests (discussed below) but have nonetheless maintained our qualification as a REIT because applicable conditions have been met, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to the greater of the amount by |
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which we fail the 75% or 95% test multiplied by a fraction calculated to reflect our profitability; |
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if we fail to distribute during each year at least the sum of (i) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for the year, (ii) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the amounts actually distributed; and |
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if we acquire any asset from a C corporation (i.e., a corporation generally subject to corporate-level tax) in a carryover-basis transaction and we subsequently recognize gain on the disposition of the asset during the ten-year period beginning on the date on which we acquired the asset, then a portion of the gains may be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate, pursuant to guidelines issued by the IRS. |
Requirements for Qualification as a REIT
In order for us to qualify, and continue to qualify, as a REIT, we must meet, generally on a continuing basis, the requirements discussed below relating to our organization, sources of income, nature of assets, distributions of income to our stockholders and recordkeeping.
Organizational Requirements
In order to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code, we must:
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be a domestic corporation; |
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elect to be taxed as a REIT and satisfy relevant filing and other administrative requirements; |
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be managed by one or more trustees or directors; |
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have transferable shares; |
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not be a financial institution or an insurance company; |
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use a calendar year for federal income tax reporting purposes; |
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have at least 100 stockholders for at least 335 days of each taxable year of twelve months; and |
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not be closely held. |
As a Maryland corporation, we satisfy the first requirement, and we intend to file an election to be taxed as a REIT with the IRS. In addition, we are managed by a board of directors, we have transferable shares and we do not intend to operate as a financial institution or insurance company. We utilize the calendar year for federal income tax reporting purposes. We would be treated as closely held only if five or fewer individuals or certain tax-exempt entities own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% (by value) of our shares at any time during the last half of our taxable year. For purposes of the closely held test, the Code generally permits a look-through for pension funds and certain other tax-exempt entities to the beneficiaries of the entity to determine if the REIT is closely held. We anticipate issuing sufficient shares with sufficient diversity of ownership pursuant to this offering to allow us to satisfy these requirements after our 2009 taxable year. In addition, our charter provides for restrictions regarding transfer of shares that are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy these share ownership requirements. Such transfer restrictions are described in Description of Shares Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer. These provisions permit us to refuse to recognize certain transfers of shares that would tend to violate these REIT provisions. We can offer no assurance that our refusal to recognize a transfer will be effective. However, based on the foregoing, we should currently satisfy the
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organizational requirements, including the share ownership requirements, for qualifying as a REIT under the Code. Notwithstanding compliance with the share ownership requirements outlined above, tax-exempt stockholders may be required to treat all or a portion of their distributions from us as unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) if tax-exempt stockholders, in the aggregate, exceed certain ownership thresholds set forth in the Code. See Treatment of Tax-Exempt Stockholders below.
Ownership of Interests in Partnerships and Qualified REIT Subsidiaries
In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT is deemed to own its proportionate share, based on its interest in partnership capital, of the assets of the partnership and is deemed to have earned its allocable share of partnership income. Also, if a REIT owns a qualified REIT subsidiary, which is defined as a corporation wholly owned by a REIT that does not elect to be taxed as a taxable REIT subsidiary under the Code, the REIT will be deemed to own all of the subsidiarys assets and liabilities and it will be deemed to be entitled to treat the income of that subsidiary as its own. In addition, the character of the assets and gross income of the partnership or qualified REIT subsidiary shall retain the same character in the hands of the REIT for purposes of satisfying the gross income tests and asset tests set forth in the Code.
Operational Requirements Gross Income Tests
To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must, on an annual basis, satisfy the following gross income requirements:
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At least 75% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, for each taxable year must be derived directly or indirectly from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property. Gross income includes rents from real property and, in some circumstances, interest, but excludes gross income from dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. Such dispositions are referred to as prohibited transactions. This is known as the 75% Income Test. |
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At least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, for each taxable year must be derived from the real property investments described above and from dividends, interest and gains from the sale or disposition of stock or securities or from any combination of the foregoing. This is known as the 95% Income Test. |
The rents we receive, or that we are deemed to receive, qualify as rents from real property for purposes of satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT only if the following conditions are met:
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the amount of rent received from a tenant generally must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person; however, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term rents from real property solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage of gross receipts or sales; |
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rents received from a tenant will not qualify as rents from real property if an owner of 10% or more of the REIT directly or constructively owns 10% or more of the tenant or a subtenant of the tenant (in which case only rent attributable to the subtenant is disqualified); |
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if rent attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to the personal property will not qualify as rents from real property; and |
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the REIT must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to tenants, other than through an independent contractor who is adequately compensated and from |
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whom the REIT does not derive any income. However, a REIT may provide services with respect to its properties, and the income derived therefrom will qualify as rents from real property, if the services are usually or customarily rendered in connection with the rental of space only and are not otherwise considered rendered to the occupant. Even if the services with respect to a property are impermissible tenant services, the income derived therefrom will qualify as rents from real property if such income does not exceed 1% of all amounts received or accrued with respect to that property. Services (or management or operation) generally are deemed not to be provided by the REIT if they are provided through (i) an independent contractor who is adequately compensated and from whom the REIT does not derive revenue or (ii) a taxable REIT subsidiary. |
A taxable REIT subsidiary is a subsidiary of a REIT that makes a joint election with the REIT to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. The separate existence of a taxable REIT subsidiary or other taxable corporation, unlike a qualified REIT subsidiary as discussed above, is not ignored for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, a taxable REIT subsidiary is generally subject to corporate income tax on its earnings, which may reduce the cash flow generated by such entity. Because a parent REIT does not include the assets and income of a taxable REIT subsidiary in determining the parents compliance with the REIT qualification requirements, a taxable REIT subsidiary may be used by the parent REIT to undertake activities indirectly that the REIT might otherwise be precluded from undertaking directly or through pass-through subsidiaries. Certain restrictions imposed on taxable REIT subsidiaries are intended to ensure that such entities and their parent REITs will be subject to appropriate levels of U.S. federal income taxation. The GC Net Lease REIT TRS, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, will be our taxable REIT subsidiary. We may make similar elections with respect to other corporate subsidiaries that we might acquire in the future.
Prior to the making of investments in properties, we may satisfy the 75% Income Test and the 95% Income Test by investing in liquid assets such as government securities or certificates of deposit, but earnings from those types of assets are qualifying income under the 75% Income Test only for one year from the receipt of proceeds. Accordingly, to the extent that offering proceeds have not been invested in properties prior to the expiration of this one-year period, in order to satisfy the 75% Income Test, we may invest the offering proceeds in less liquid investments such as mortgage-backed securities, maturing mortgage loans purchased from mortgage lenders or shares in other REITs. We expect to receive proceeds from the offering periodically over the offering period and to trace those proceeds for purposes of determining the one-year period for new capital investments. No rulings or regulations have been issued under the provisions of the Code governing new capital investments however, so there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with this method of calculation.
Except for amounts received with respect to certain investments of cash reserves, we anticipate that substantially all of our gross income will be derived from sources that will allow us to satisfy the income tests described above. We can give no assurance in this regard however. Notwithstanding our failure to satisfy one or both of the 75% Income and the 95% Income Tests for any taxable year, we may still qualify as a REIT for that year if we are eligible for relief under specific provisions of the Code. These relief provisions generally will be available if:
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our failure to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect; |
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we attach a schedule of our income sources to our federal income tax return; and |
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any incorrect information on the schedule is not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. |
It is not possible, however, to state whether, in all circumstances, we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. For example, if we fail to satisfy the gross income tests because nonqualifying income that we intentionally earn exceeds the limits on this income, the IRS could conclude that our failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. As discussed above in
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General Taxation as a REIT, even if these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed with respect to the excess net income.
Operational Requirements Asset Tests
At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we also must satisfy the following three tests relating to the nature and diversification of our assets:
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First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items, and government securities. The term real estate assets includes real property, mortgages on real property, shares in other qualified REITs and a proportionate share of any real estate assets owned by a partnership in which we are a partner or of any qualified REIT subsidiary of ours. |
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Second, no more than 25% of our total assets may be represented by securities other than those in the 75% asset class. |
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Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class (other than stock of a taxable REIT subsidiary), the value of any one issuers securities that we own may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets. Additionally, we may not own more than 10% of any one issuers outstanding securities (based on either voting rights or value). |
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Finally, the value of all of the securities of our taxable REIT subsidiaries may not exceed 25% of the value of our total assets. |
The 5% test must generally be met for any quarter in which we acquire securities. Further, if we meet the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our REIT status for a failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter if such failure occurs solely because of changes in asset values. If our failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, we can cure the failure by disposing of a sufficient amount of nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We maintain, and will continue to maintain, adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests and will take other action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.
There are special rules with respect to foreign currency transactions which may arise from investing in property outside of the United States or from investing in foreign currency. We are not currently involved in any foreign real property or currency transactions, and to the extent we engage in such transactions in the future, we intend to comply with the applicable rules for purposes of the income and asset tests.
Operational Requirements Annual Distribution Requirement
In order to be taxed as a REIT, we are required to make distributions, other than capital gain distributions, to our stockholders each year in the amount of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, which is computed without regard to the distributions paid deduction and our capital gain, and is subject to certain other potential adjustments.
While we must generally make distributions in the taxable year to which they relate, we may also pay distributions in the following taxable year if they are (1) declared before we timely file our federal income tax return for the taxable year in question, and if (2) made on or before the first regular distribution payment date after the declaration.
Even if we satisfy the foregoing distribution requirement and, accordingly, continue to qualify as a REIT for tax purposes, we will still be subject to tax on the excess of our net capital gain and our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, over the amount of distributions made to stockholders.
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In addition, if we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of:
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85% of our ordinary income for that year; |
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95% of our capital gain net income; and |
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any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, |
we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of the amount of such required distributions over amounts actually distributed during such year.
We intend to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy this requirement; however, it is possible that we may experience timing differences between (1) the actual receipt of income and payment of deductible expenses, and (2) the inclusion of that income. It is also possible that we may be allocated a share of net capital gain attributable to the sale of depreciated property that exceeds our allocable share of cash attributable to that sale.
In such circumstances, we may have less cash than is necessary to meet our annual distribution requirement or to avoid income or excise taxation on certain undistributed income. We may find it necessary in such circumstances to arrange for financing or raise funds through the issuance of additional shares in order to meet our distribution requirements, or we may pay taxable stock distributions to meet the distribution requirement.
If we fail to satisfy the distribution requirement for any taxable year by reason of a later adjustment to our taxable income made by the IRS, we may be able to pay deficiency distributions in a later year and include such distributions in our deductions for distributions paid for the earlier year. In such event, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency distributions, but we would be required in such circumstances to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency distributions for the earlier year.
As noted above, we may also elect to retain, rather than distribute, our net long-term capital gains. The effect of such an election would be as follows:
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we would be required to pay the tax on these gains; |
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our stockholders, while required to include their proportionate share of the undistributed long-term capital gains in income, would receive a credit or refund for their share of the tax paid by us; and |
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the basis of a stockholders shares would be increased by the difference between the designated amount included in the stockholders long-term capital gains and the tax deemed paid with respect to such shares. |
In computing our REIT taxable income, we will use the accrual method of accounting and compute depreciation under the alternative depreciation system. We are required to file an annual federal income tax return, which, like other corporate returns, is subject to examination by the IRS. Because the tax law requires us to make many judgments regarding the proper treatment of a transaction or an item of income or deduction, it is possible that the IRS will challenge positions we take in computing our REIT taxable income and our distributions. Issues could arise, for example, with respect to the allocation of the purchase price of properties between depreciable or amortizable assets and non-depreciable or non-amortizable assets such as land and the current deductibility of fees paid to our advisor and its affiliates. If the IRS were to successfully challenge our characterization of a transaction or determination of our REIT taxable income, we could be found to have failed to satisfy a requirement for qualification as a REIT. If, as a result of a challenge, we are determined to have failed to satisfy the distribution requirements for a taxable year, we would be disqualified as a REIT unless we were permitted to pay a
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deficiency distribution to our stockholders and pay interest thereon to the IRS, as provided by the Code. A deficiency distribution cannot be used to satisfy the distribution requirement however, if the failure to meet the requirement is not due to a later adjustment to our income by the IRS.
Operational Requirements Recordkeeping
In order to continue to qualify as a REIT, we must maintain records as specified in applicable Treasury Regulations. Further, we must request, on an annual basis, information designed to disclose the ownership of our outstanding shares. We intend to comply with such requirements.
If we fail to qualify as a REIT for any reason in a taxable year and applicable relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. We will not be able to deduct distributions paid to our stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT. We also will be disqualified for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost unless we are entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions. See Risk Factors Federal Income Tax Risks.
Definition
In this section, the phrase U.S. stockholder means a holder of shares that for federal income tax purposes:
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is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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is a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof; |
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is an estate or trust, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or |
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a trust, if a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. |
For any taxable year for which we qualify for taxation as a REIT, amounts distributed to taxable U.S. stockholders will be taxed as described below.
Distributions Generally
Distributions to U.S. stockholders, other than capital gain distributions discussed below, will constitute dividends up to the amount of our current or accumulated earnings and profits and will be taxable to the stockholders as ordinary income, which, in the case of an individual, will be taxed currently at graduated rates of up to 35% in 2009. Individuals receiving qualified dividends, dividends from domestic and certain qualifying foreign subchapter C corporations, may be entitled to a lower rate on such dividends (at rates applicable to long-term capital gains, currently at a maximum rate of 15%) provided certain holding period requirements are met. However, individuals receiving distributions from us, a REIT, will generally not be eligible for the new lower rates on distributions except with respect to the portion of any distribution which (a) represents distributions being passed through to us from a regular C corporation (such as our taxable REIT subsidiary) in which we own shares (but only if such distributions would be eligible for the new lower rates on distributions if paid by the corporation to its individual stockholders), (b) is equal to our REIT taxable income (taking into account the dividends paid deduction available to us) less any taxes paid by us on these items during our previous taxable year, or
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(c) are attributable to built-in gains realized and recognized by us from disposition of properties acquired by us in non-recognition transactions, less any taxes paid by us on these items during our previous taxable year. These distributions are not eligible for the dividends received deduction generally available to corporations. To the extent that we make a distribution in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital, reducing the tax basis in each U.S. stockholders shares, and the amount of each distribution in excess of a U.S. stockholders tax basis in its shares will be taxable as gain realized from the sale of its shares. Distributions that we declare in October, November or December of any year payable to a stockholder of record on a specified date in any of these months will be treated as both paid by us and received by the stockholder on December 31 of the year, provided that we actually pay the distribution during January of the following calendar year. U.S. stockholders may not include any of our losses on their own federal income tax returns.
We will be treated as having sufficient earnings and profits to treat as a distribution any distribution by us up to the amount required to be distributed in order to avoid imposition of the 4% excise tax discussed above. Moreover, any deficiency dividend will be treated as an ordinary or capital gain distribution, as the case may be, regardless of our earnings and profits. As a result, stockholders may be required to treat as taxable some distributions that would otherwise result in a tax-free return of capital.
Capital Gain Distributions
Distributions to U.S. stockholders that we properly designate as capital gain distributions will be treated as long-term capital gains, to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital gain, for the taxable year without regard to the period for which the U.S. stockholder has held his or her shares. These distributions may be subject to federal income tax at rates lower (in some cases as low as 15%) than the rate of federal income tax imposed on distributions of our ordinary income. Because of the nature of our intended operations, a significant portion of any distributed capital gains dividends that we may pay will likely be taxable at a minimum rate of 25% due to unrecaptured Section 1250 gain on the depreciation of real property improvements.
Passive Activity Loss and Investment Interest Limitations
Our distributions and any gain you realize from a disposition of shares will not be treated as passive activity income, and stockholders may not be able to utilize any of their passive losses to offset this income on their personal tax returns. Our distributions (to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital) will generally be treated as investment income for purposes of the limitations on the deduction of investment interest. Net capital gain from a disposition of shares and capital gain distributions generally will be included in investment income for purposes of the investment interest deduction limitations only if, and to the extent, you so elect, in which case any such capital gains will be taxed as ordinary income.
Certain Dispositions of the Shares
In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares by a U.S. stockholder who is not a dealer in securities, including any disposition pursuant to our share redemption program, will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year and as short-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for one year or less. If, however, a U.S. stockholder has received any capital gains distributions with respect to his shares, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares held for six months or less, to the extent of the capital gains distributions received with respect to his shares, will be treated as long-term capital loss. Also, the IRS is authorized to issue Treasury Regulations that would subject a portion of the capital gain a U.S. stockholder recognizes from selling his shares or from a capital gain distribution to a tax at a 25% rate, to the extent the capital gain is attributable to depreciation previously deducted.
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Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding for U.S. Stockholders
Under some circumstances, U.S. stockholders may be subject to backup withholding at a rate of 30% on payments made with respect to, or cash proceeds of a sale or exchange of, our shares. Backup withholding will apply only if the stockholder:
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fails to furnish his or her taxpayer identification number, which, for an individual, would be his or her Social Security Number; |
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furnishes an incorrect tax identification number; |
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is notified by the IRS that he or she has failed properly to report payments of interest and distributions, or is otherwise subject to backup withholding; or |
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under some circumstances, fails to certify, under penalties of perjury, that he or she has furnished a correct tax identification number and that he or she has (a) not been notified by the IRS that he or she is subject to backup withholding for failure to report interest and distribution payments or (b) been notified by the IRS that he or she is no longer subject to backup withholding. |
Backup withholding will not apply with respect to payments made to some stockholders, such as corporations and tax-exempt organizations. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of any backup withholding with respect to a payment to a U.S. stockholder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. stockholders U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. stockholder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their qualifications for exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining an exemption.
Treatment of Tax-Exempt Stockholders
Tax-exempt entities such as employee pension benefit trusts, individual retirement accounts and charitable remainder trusts generally are exempt from federal income taxation. Such entities are subject to taxation, however, on any UBTI as defined in the Code. Our payment of distributions to a tax-exempt employee pension benefit trust or other domestic tax-exempt stockholder generally will not constitute UBTI to such stockholder unless such stockholder has borrowed to acquire or carry its shares.
In the event that we were deemed to be predominately held by employee benefit plans that are tax-qualified under Code Section 401(a) (qualified employee pension benefit trusts), some qualified employee pension benefit trusts may be required to treat a certain percentage of the distributions paid to them as UBTI. We will be deemed to be predominately held by qualified employee pension benefit trusts if either (i) one qualified employee pension benefit trust owns more than 25% in value of our shares, or (ii) any group of such trusts, each owning more than 10% in value of our shares, holds in the aggregate more than 50% in value of our shares. If either of these ownership thresholds were ever met, any qualified employee pension benefit trust holding more than 10% in value of our shares would be subject to tax on that portion of our distributions made to such trust that is equal to the percentage of our income that would be UBTI if we were a qualified trust, rather than a REIT (unless such percentage of UBTI income is less than five percent). We will attempt to monitor the concentration of ownership by employee pension benefit trusts of our shares, and we do not expect our shares to be deemed to be predominately held by qualified employee pension benefit trusts, as defined in the Code, to the extent that it would result in taxation of our distributions (either all or a portion) made to such trusts as UBTI.
For social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts and qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, income from an investment in
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our shares will constitute UBTI unless the stockholder in question is able to deduct amounts set aside or placed in reserve for certain purposes so as to offset the UBTI generated. Any such organization that is a prospective stockholder should consult its own tax advisor concerning these set aside and reserve requirements.
Special Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Stockholders
The rules governing U.S. income taxation of non-resident alien individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships and foreign trusts and estates (non-U.S. stockholders) are complex. The following discussion is intended only as a summary of these rules. Non-U.S. stockholders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state and local income tax laws on an investment in our shares, including any reporting requirements.
Income Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business
In general, non-U.S. stockholders will be subject to regular U.S. federal income taxation with respect to their investment in our shares if the income derived therefrom is effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholders conduct of a trade or business in the United States. A non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation and receives income that is (or is treated as) effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business also may be subject to a branch profits tax under Section 884 of the Code, which is payable in addition to the regular U.S. federal corporate income tax.
The following discussion will apply to non-U.S. stockholders whose income derived from ownership of our shares is deemed to be not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business.
Distributions Not Attributable to Gain from the Sale or Exchange of a United States Real Property Interest
A distribution to a non-U.S. stockholder that is not attributable to gain realized by us from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest within the meaning of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, as amended (FIRPTA), and that we do not designate as a capital gain distribution will be treated as an ordinary income distribution to the extent that it is made out of current or accumulated earnings and profits. Generally, any ordinary income distribution will be subject to a U.S. federal income tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution unless this tax is reduced by the provisions of an applicable tax treaty. Any such distribution in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a return of capital that will reduce each non-U.S. stockholders basis in its shares (but not below zero) and then as gain from the disposition of those shares, the tax treatment of which is described under the rules discussed below with respect to dispositions of shares.
Distributions Attributable to Gain from the Sale or Exchange of a United States Real Property Interest
Distributions to a non-U.S. stockholder that are attributable to gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest by the REIT (i.e., such as a distribution that is designated a capital gain distribution) will be taxed to a non-U.S. stockholder under Code provisions enacted by FIRPTA. Under FIRPTA, such distributions are taxed to a non-U.S. stockholder as if the distributions were gains effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. Accordingly, a non-U.S. stockholder will be taxed at the normal capital gain rates applicable to a U.S. stockholder (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals). Distributions subject to FIRPTA also may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax when made to a corporate non-U.S. stockholder that is not entitled to a treaty exemption.
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Withholding Obligations With Respect to Distributions to Non-U.S. Stockholders
Although tax treaties may reduce our withholding obligations, based on current law, we will generally be required to withhold from distributions to non-U.S. stockholders, and remit to the IRS:
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35% of designated capital gain distributions or, if greater, 35% of the amount of any distributions that could be designated as capital gain distributions; and |
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30% of ordinary income distributions (i.e., distributions paid out of our earnings and profits). |
In addition, if we designate prior distributions as capital gain distributions, subsequent distributions, up to the amount of the prior distributions, will be treated as capital gain distributions for purposes of withholding. A distribution in excess of our earnings and profits will be subject to 30% withholding if at the time of the distribution it cannot be determined whether the distribution will be in an amount in excess of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. If the amount of tax we withhold with respect to a distribution to a non-U.S. stockholder exceeds the stockholders U.S. tax liability with respect to that distribution, the non-U.S. stockholder may file a claim with the IRS for a refund of the excess.
Sale of Our Shares by a Non-U.S. Stockholder
A sale of our shares by a non-U.S. stockholder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless our shares constitute a United States real property interest. Our shares will not constitute a United States real property interest if we are a domestically controlled REIT. A domestically controlled REIT is a REIT that at all times during a specified testing period has less than 50% in value of its shares held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. stockholders. We currently anticipate that we will be a domestically controlled REIT. Therefore, sales of our shares should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. However, we do expect to sell our shares to non-U.S. stockholders and we cannot assure you that we will continue to be a domestically controlled REIT. If we were not a domestically controlled REIT, whether a non-U.S. stockholders sale of our shares would be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a United States real property interest would depend on whether our shares were regularly traded on an established securities market and on the size of the selling stockholders interest in us. Our shares currently are not regularly traded on an established securities market.
If the gain on the sale of shares were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, a non-U.S. stockholder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to the gain, subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals. In addition, distributions that are treated as gain from the disposition of shares and are subject to tax under FIRPTA also may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax when made to a corporate non-U.S. stockholder that is not entitled to a treaty exemption. Under FIRPTA, the purchaser of our shares may be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and remit this amount to the IRS.
Even if not subject to FIRPTA, capital gains will be taxable to a non-U.S. stockholder if the non-U.S. stockholder is a non-resident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and some other conditions apply, in which case the non-resident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on his or her U.S. source capital gains.
Recently promulgated Treasury Regulations may alter the procedures for claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty. Our non-U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors concerning the effect, if any, of these Treasury Regulations on an investment in our shares.
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Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding for Non-U.S. Stockholders
Additional issues may arise for information reporting and backup withholding for non-U.S. stockholders. Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors with regard to U.S. information reporting and backup withholding requirements under the Code.
We are required to demand annual written statements from the record holders of designated percentages of our shares disclosing the actual owners of the shares. Any record stockholder who, upon our request, does not provide us with required information concerning actual ownership of the shares is required to include specified information relating to his or her shares in his or her federal income tax return. We also must maintain, within the Internal Revenue Service District in which we are required to file, our federal income tax return, permanent records showing the information we have received about the actual ownership of shares and a list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with our demand.
We and any operating subsidiaries that we may form may be subject to state and local tax in states and localities in which they or we do business or own property. The tax treatment of us, the operating partnership, any operating subsidiaries we may form and the holders of our shares in local jurisdictions may differ from the federal income tax treatment described above.
Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership
The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax considerations applicable to our investment in our operating partnership. The discussion does not cover state or local tax laws or any federal tax laws other than income tax laws.
Classification as a Partnership
We will be entitled to include in our income a distributive share of our operating partnerships income and to deduct our distributive share of our operating partnerships losses only if our operating partnership is classified for federal income tax purposes as a partnership, rather than as an association taxable as a corporation. Under applicable Treasury Regulations known as Check-the-Box-Regulations, an unincorporated entity with at least two members may elect to be classified either as an association taxable as a corporation or as a partnership. If such an entity fails to make an election, it generally will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Our operating partnership intends to be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and will not elect to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation under the Check-the-Box-Regulations.
Even though our operating partnership will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, it may be taxed as a corporation if it is deemed to be a publicly traded partnership. A publicly traded partnership is a partnership whose interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market, or the substantial equivalent thereof. However, even if the foregoing requirements are met, a publicly traded partnership will not be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes if at least 90% of such partnerships gross income for a taxable year consists of qualifying income under Section 7704(d) of the Code. Qualifying income generally includes any income that is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% Income Test applicable to REITs (called the 90% Passive-Type Income Exception). See Requirements for Qualification as a REIT Operational Requirements Gross Income Tests above.
Under applicable Treasury Regulations known as the PTP Regulations, limited safe harbors from the definition of a publicly traded partnership are provided. Pursuant to one of those safe harbors (the Private Placement Exclusion), interests in a partnership will not be treated as readily tradable on a
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secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof if (i) all interests in the partnership were issued in a transaction (or transactions) that was not required to be registered under the Securities Act, and (ii) the partnership does not have more than 100 partners at any time during the partnerships taxable year. In determining the number of partners in a partnership, a person owning an interest in a flow-through entity, such as a partnership, grantor trust or S corporation, that owns an interest in the partnership is treated as a partner in such partnership only if (a) substantially all of the value of the owners interest in the flow-through is attributable to the flow-through entitys interest, direct or indirect, in the partnership and (b) a principal purpose of the use of the flow-through entity is to permit the partnership to satisfy the 100 partner limitation. Our operating partnership should qualify for the Private Placement Exclusion. There can be no assurance, however, that we will not issue partnership interests (i) in a transaction required to be registered under the Securities Act, or (ii) issue partnership interests to more than 100 partners. However, even if our operating partnership were considered a publicly traded partnership under the PTP Regulations, we believe our operating partnership should not be treated as a corporation because we expect it would be eligible for the 90% Passive-Type Income Exception described above.
We have not requested, and do not intend to request, a ruling from the IRS that our operating partnership will be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC is of the opinion, however, that based on certain factual assumptions and representations, our operating partnership will be treated for federal income tax purposes as a partnership and not as an association taxable as a corporation, or as a publicly traded partnership. Unlike a tax ruling, however, an opinion of counsel is not binding upon the IRS, and we can offer no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the status of our operating partnership as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If such challenge were sustained by a court, our operating partnership would be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, as described below. In addition, the opinion of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC is based on existing law, which is to a great extent the result of administrative and judicial interpretation. No assurance can be given that administrative or judicial changes would not modify the conclusions expressed in the opinion.
If for any reason our operating partnership were taxable as a corporation, rather than a partnership, for federal income tax purposes, we would not be able to qualify as a REIT. See Requirements for Qualification as a REIT Operational Requirements Gross Income Tests and Operational Requirements Asset Tests above. In addition, any change in our operating partnerships status for tax purposes might be treated as a taxable event, in which case we might incur a tax liability without any related cash distribution. Further, items of income and deduction of our operating partnership would not pass through to its partners, and its partners would be treated as stockholders for tax purposes. Consequently, our operating partnership would be required to pay income tax at corporate tax rates on its net income, and distributions to its partners would not be deductible in computing our operating partnerships taxable income.
Income Taxation of our Operating Partnership and Its Partners
Partners, Not a Partnership, Subject to Tax
A partnership is not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. As a partner in our operating partnership, we will be required to take into account our allocable share of our operating partnerships income, gains, losses, deductions and credits for any taxable year of our operating partnership ending within or with our taxable year, without regard to whether we have received or will receive any distributions from our operating partnership.
Partnership Allocations
Although a partnership agreement generally determines the allocation of income and losses among partners, such allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes under Section 704(b) of the Code if they do not comply with the provisions of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations
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promulgated thereunder. If an allocation is not recognized for federal income tax purposes, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners interests in the partnership, which will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item. Our operating partnerships allocations of taxable income and loss are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.
Tax Allocations With Respect to Contributed Properties
Pursuant to Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deductions attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated for federal income tax purposes in a manner such that the contributor is charged with, or benefits from, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of such unrealized gain or unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value of the contributed property at the time of contribution and the adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of contribution. Under applicable Treasury Regulations, partnerships are required to use a reasonable method for allocating items subject to Section 704(c) of the Code, and several reasonable allocation methods are described therein.
Under the partnership agreement for our operating partnership, depreciation or amortization deductions of our operating partnership generally will be allocated among the partners in accordance with their respective interests in our operating partnership, except to the extent that our operating partnership is required under Section 704(c) of the Code to use a method for allocating depreciation deductions attributable to contributed properties that results in the contributing partner receiving a disproportionately large share of such deductions when compared to the tax basis of such property. In this case, the contributing partner may be allocated (1) lower amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes with respect to contributed properties than would be allocated to such contributing partner if each such property were to have a tax basis equal to its fair market value at the time of contribution, and/or (2) taxable gain in the event of a sale of such contributed properties in excess of the economic profit allocated to such contributing partner as a result of such sale. These allocations may cause the contributing partner to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds received by the contributing partner, which might require such partner to utilize cash from other sources to satisfy his or her tax liability or, if the REIT happens to be the contributing partner, adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements.
We anticipate that the REIT primarily will be contributing cash to the partnership, in which case we do not anticipate that these rules will adversely impact the allocations of income and gain from the operating partnership to the REIT. However, we (us and the operating partnership) have entered into contribution agreements with certain Griffin affiliates pursuant to which the operating partnership acquired real properties having a lower basis than the fair market value of these properties. Accordingly, the tax principles discussed in this section could require lower allocations of depreciation expense and, in the event of a sale of one or more of these properties, higher allocations of income or gain to those contributing partners. While the application of these tax principles would not ordinarily have an adverse impact on any allocations of income, deduction, and/or gain to us as a REIT, the operating partnership also has entered into a tax protection agreement with the contributing partners that generally limits the operating partnerships ability to dispose of these properties during specified periods. Further, if the operating partnership were to dispose of one (or more) of these properties, the operating partnership could be obligated to make certain payments to the contributing partners to compensate them for the additional taxes payable as a result of the gains that are recognized prematurely and allocated to the contributing partners under these tax principles. As a result, the net proceeds available for distribution to us by the operating partnership after making any such tax payments to the contributing partners would be reduced.
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The foregoing principles also could affect the calculation of our earnings and profits for purposes of determining which portion of our distributions is taxable as a distribution. The allocations described in the above paragraphs may result in a higher portion of our distributions being taxed as a distribution if we acquire properties in exchange for units of our operating partnership than would have occurred had we purchased such properties for cash.
Basis in Operating Partnership Interest
The adjusted tax basis of a partners interest in the operating partnership generally is equal to (1) the amount of cash and the basis of any other property contributed to the operating partnership by the partner, (2) increased by the partners (a) allocable share of the operating partnerships income and (b) allocable share of indebtedness of the operating partnership, and (3) reduced, but not below zero, by (a) the partners allocable share of the operating partnerships loss and (b) the amount of cash distributed to the partner, including constructive cash distributions resulting from a reduction in the partners share of indebtedness of the operating partnership.
If the allocation of a partners distributive share of the operating partnerships loss would reduce the adjusted tax basis of such partners partnership interest in the operating partnership below zero, the recognition of such loss will be deferred until such time as the recognition of such loss would not reduce an adjusted tax basis below zero. If a distribution from the operating partnership or a reduction in a partners share of the operating partnerships liabilities (which is treated as a constructive distribution for tax purposes) would reduce such partners adjusted tax basis below zero, any such distribution, including a constructive distribution, would constitute taxable income to such partner. The gain realized by the partner upon the receipt of any such distribution or constructive distribution would normally be characterized as capital gain, and if the partners partnership interest in the operating partnership has been held for longer than the long-term capital gain holding period (currently more than one year), the distribution would constitute long-term capital gain.
Depreciation Deductions Available to Our Operating Partnership
Our operating partnership will use a portion of contributions made by us from offering proceeds to acquire interests in properties. To the extent that our operating partnership acquires properties for cash, our operating partnerships initial basis in such properties for federal income tax purposes generally will be equal to the purchase price paid by our operating partnership for the properties. Our operating partnership plans to depreciate each such depreciable property for federal income tax purposes under the alternative depreciation system of depreciation. Under this system, our operating partnership generally will depreciate such buildings and improvements over a 40-year recovery period using a straight-line method and a mid-month convention and will depreciate furnishings and equipment over a 12-year recovery period. To the extent that our operating partnership acquires properties in exchange for units of our operating partnership, our operating partnerships initial basis in each such property for federal income tax purposes should be the same as the transferors basis in that property on the date of acquisition by our operating partnership. Although the law is not entirely clear, our operating partnership generally intends to depreciate such depreciable property for federal income tax purposes over the same remaining useful lives and under the same methods used by the transferors.
Sale of Our Operating Partnerships Property
Generally, any gain realized by our operating partnership on the sale of property held for more than one year will be long-term capital gain, except for any portion of such gain that is treated as depreciation or cost recovery recapture. Any gain recognized by our operating partnership upon the disposition of a property acquired by our operating partnership for cash will be allocated among the partners in accordance with their respective percentage interests in our operating partnership.
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The REITs share of any gain realized by our operating partnership on the sale of any property held by our operating partnership as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our operating partnerships trade or business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. Such prohibited transaction income also may have an adverse effect upon our ability to satisfy the income tests for maintaining our REIT status. See Requirements for Qualification as a REIT Operational Requirements Gross Income Tests above. We, however, do not currently intend to acquire or hold or allow our operating partnership to acquire or hold any property that represents inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our, or our operating partnerships, trade or business.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INVESTMENT BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND CERTAIN
TAX-FAVORED BENEFIT ACCOUNTS
The following is a summary of some additional considerations associated with an investment in our shares by certain Plans or Accounts. Plans include tax-qualified pension, stock bonus or profit-sharing plans, employee benefit plans described in Section 3(3) of ERISA, and annuities described in Section 403(a) or (b) of the Code. Accounts include an individual retirement account or annuity described in Sections 408 or 408A of the Code (also known as IRAs), an Archer MSA described in Section 220(d) of the Code, a health savings account described in Section 223(d) of the Code, and a Coverdell education savings account described in Section 530 of the Code. This discussion may also be relevant for any other plan or arrangement subject to Title 1 of ERISA or Code Section 4975. THE FOLLOWING IS MERELY A SUMMARY, HOWEVER, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE OR AS COMPLETE IN ALL RELEVANT RESPECTS. ALL INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR LEGAL ADVISORS BEFORE INVESTING ASSETS OF A PLAN OR ACCOUNT IN US AND TO MAKE THEIR OWN INDEPENDENT DECISIONS. This summary is based on provisions of ERISA and the Code, including amendments thereto through the date of this prospectus, and relevant regulations and opinions issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the IRS through the date of this prospectus. We cannot assure you that adverse tax decisions or legislative, regulatory or administrative changes that would significantly modify the statements expressed herein will not occur. Any such changes may or may not apply to transactions entered into prior to the date of their enactment.
Our management has attempted to structure us in such a manner that we will be an attractive investment vehicle for Plans and Accounts. However, in considering an investment in our shares, those involved with making such an investment decision should consider applicable provisions of the Code, ERISA or other law applicable to such Plan or Account. While each of the ERISA and Code issues discussed below may not apply to all Plans and Accounts, individuals involved with making investment decisions with respect to Plans and Accounts should carefully review the rules and exceptions described below, and determine their applicability to their situation.
In general, individuals making investment decisions with respect to Plans and Accounts should, at a minimum, consider:
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whether your investment is consistent with your fiduciary obligations under ERISA, the Code, or other applicable law; |
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whether your investment is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing your Plan or Account, including any applicable investment policy; |
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whether your investment satisfies the diversification requirements of ERISA Section 404(a)(1)(C) or other applicable law; |
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whether under Section 404(a)(1)(B) of ERISA or other applicable law, the investment is prudent or permissible, considering the nature of an investment in us and our compensation structure and the fact that there is not expected to be a market created in which the fiduciary can sell or otherwise dispose of the shares; |
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whether your investment will impair the liquidity of the Plan or Account; |
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whether your investment will produce UBTI under the Code for the Plan or Account; |
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whether you will be able to value the assets of the Plan annually in accordance with the requirements of ERISA or other applicable law; |
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whether our assets are considered Plan Assets (as defined below) under ERISA and the Code; |
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whether we or any affiliate is a fiduciary or a party in interest or disqualified person with respect to the Plan or Account; and |
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whether the investment in or holding of the shares may result in a prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code or constitute a violation of analogous provisions under other applicable law, to the extent applicable. |
Additionally, individuals making investment decisions with respect to Plans and Accounts must remember that ERISA requires that the assets of an employee benefit plan must generally be held in trust, and that the trustee, or a duly authorized named fiduciary or investment manager, must have authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of an employee benefit plan.
Minimum Distribution Requirements Plan Liquidity
Potential Plan or Account investors who intend to purchase our shares should consider the limited liquidity of an investment in our shares as it relates to the Plans or Accounts ability to make distributions when they are due including pursuant to the minimum distribution requirements under the Code, if applicable. If the shares are held in an Account or Plan and, before we sell our properties, distributions are required to be made to the participant or beneficiary of such Account or Plan, then this distribution requirement may require that a distribution of the shares be made in kind to such participant or beneficiary, which may not be permissible under the terms and provisions of such Account or Plan. Even if permissible, a distribution of shares in kind must be included in the taxable income of the recipient for the year in which the shares are received at the then current fair market value of the shares, even though there would be no corresponding cash distribution with which to pay the income tax liability arising because of the distribution of shares. See Risk Factors Federal Income Tax Risks. The fair market value of any such distribution-in-kind can be only an estimated value per share because no public market for our shares exists or is likely to develop. See Annual Valuation Requirement below. Further, there can be no assurance that such estimated value could actually be realized by a stockholder because estimates do not necessarily indicate the price at which our shares could be sold. Also, for distributions subject to mandatory income tax withholding under Section 3405 or other tax withholding provisions of the Code, the trustee of a Plan may have an obligation, even in situations involving in-kind distributions of shares, to liquidate a portion of the in-kind shares distributed in order to satisfy such withholding obligations, although there may not be a market for such shares. There may also be similar state and/or local tax withholding or other tax obligations that should be considered.
Fiduciaries of Plans are required to determine the fair market value of the assets of such Plans on at least an annual basis. If the fair market value of any particular asset is not readily available, the fiduciary is required to make a good faith determination of that assets value. Also, a trustee or custodian of an Account must provide an Account participant and the IRS with a statement of the value of the
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Account each year. However, currently, neither the IRS nor the DOL has promulgated regulations specifying how fair market value should be determined.
Unless and until our shares are listed on a national securities exchange or are included for quotation on a national market system, it is not expected that a public market for our shares will develop. To assist fiduciaries of Plans subject to the annual reporting requirements of ERISA and Account trustees or custodians to prepare reports relating to an investment in our shares, we intend to provide reports of our quarterly and annual determinations of the current value of our net assets per outstanding share to those fiduciaries (including Account trustees and custodians) who identify themselves to us and request the reports. Until 18 months after the completion of any subsequent offerings of our shares, we intend to use the offering price of shares in our most recent offering as the per share net asset value (unless we have made a special distribution to stockholders of net sales proceeds from the sale of one or more properties prior to the date of determination of net asset value, in which case we will use the offering price less the per share amount of the special distribution). Beginning 18 months after the completion of the last offering of our shares, our board of directors will determine the value of the properties and our other assets based on such information as our board determines appropriate, which may or may not include independent valuations of our properties or of our enterprise as a whole.
We anticipate that we will provide annual reports of our determination of value (1) to Account trustees and custodians not later than January 15 of each year, and (2) to other Plan fiduciaries within 75 days after the end of each calendar year. Each determination may be based upon valuation information available as of October 31 of the preceding year, updated, however, for any material changes occurring between October 31 and December 31.
There can be no assurance, however, with respect to any estimate of value that we prepare, that:
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the estimated value per share would actually be realized by our stockholders upon liquidation, because these estimates do not necessarily indicate the price at which properties can be sold; |
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our stockholders would be able to realize estimated net asset values if they were to attempt to sell their shares, because no public market for our shares exists or is likely to develop; or |
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that the value, or method used to establish value, would comply with ERISA or Code requirements described above. |
Fiduciary Obligations Prohibited Transactions
Any person identified as a fiduciary with respect to a Plan incurs duties and obligations under ERISA as discussed herein. For purposes of ERISA, any person who exercises any authority or control with respect to the management or disposition of the assets of a Plan is considered to be a fiduciary of such Plan. Further, many transactions between Plans or Accounts and parties-in-interest or disqualified persons are prohibited by ERISA and/or the Code. Generally, ERISA also requires that the assets of Plans be held in trust and that the trustee, or a duly authorized investment manager, have exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the Plan.
In the event that our properties and other assets were deemed to be assets of a Plan or Account, referred to herein as Plan Assets, our directors would, and employees of our affiliates might be deemed fiduciaries of any Plans or Accounts investing as stockholders. If this were to occur, certain contemplated transactions between us and our directors and employees of our affiliates could be deemed to be prohibited transactions by ERISA or the Code. Additionally, ERISAs fiduciary standards applicable to investments by Plans would extend to our directors and possibly employees of our affiliates as Plan fiduciaries with respect to investments made by us, and the requirement that Plan Assets be held in trust could be deemed to be violated.
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The Code does not define Plan Assets. The DOL has issued regulations (29 C.F.R. §2510.3-101) concerning the definition of what constitutes the assets of an Plan or Account, or the Plan Asset Regulation. The Plan Asset Regulation was modified in 2006 by the enactment of Section 3(42) of ERISA. This regulation provides that, as a general rule, the underlying assets and properties of corporations, partnerships, trusts and certain other entities in which a Plan or Account purchases an equity interest will be deemed, for purposes of ERISA, to be assets of the investing Plan or Account unless certain exceptions apply. The Plan Asset Regulation defines an equity interest as any interest in an entity other than an instrument that is treated as indebtedness under applicable local law and which has no substantial equity features. Our shares offered hereby should be treated as equity interests for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulation. Generally, the exceptions to the Plan Asset Regulation require that the investment in the entity be one of the following:
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in securities issued by an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act; |
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in publicly offered securities, defined generally as interests that are freely transferable, widely held and registered with the SEC; |
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in an operating company, which includes venture capital operating companies and real estate operating companies; or |
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in which equity participation by benefit plan investors is not significant. |
Plan Assets Registered Investment Company Exception
The shares we are offering will not be issued by a registered investment company. Therefore we do not anticipate that we will qualify for the exception for investments issued by a registered investment company.
Plan Assets Publicly Offered Securities Exception
As noted above, if a Plan acquires publicly offered securities, the assets of the issuer of the securities will not be deemed to be Plan Assets under the Plan Asset Regulation. The definition of publicly offered securities requires that such securities be widely held, freely transferable and satisfy registration requirements under federal securities laws.
Under the Plan Asset Regulation, a class of securities will meet the registration requirements under federal securities laws if they are (i) part of a class of securities registered under section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange Act or (ii) sold to the Plan or Account as part of an offering of securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act and the class of securities of which such security is a part is registered under the Exchange Act within 120 days (or such later time as may be allowed by the SEC) after the end of the fiscal year of the issuer during which the offering of such securities to the public occurred. We anticipate that we will meet the registration requirements under the Plan Asset Regulation. Also under the Plan Asset Regulation, a class of securities will be widely held if it is held by 100 or more persons independent of the issuer. We anticipate that this requirement will be easily met. Although our shares are intended to satisfy the registration requirements under this definition, and we expect that our securities will be widely-held, the freely transferable requirement must also be satisfied in order for us to qualify for the publicly offered securities exception.
The Plan Asset Regulation provides that whether a security is freely transferable is a factual question to be determined on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances. Our shares are subject to certain restrictions on transferability typically found in REITs, and are intended to ensure that we continue to qualify for federal income tax treatment as a REIT. The Plan Asset Regulation provides,
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however, that where the minimum investment in a public offering of securities is $10,000 or less, the presence of a restriction on transferability intended to prohibit transfers that would result in a termination or reclassification of the entity for state or federal tax purposes will not ordinarily affect a determination that such securities are freely transferable. The minimum investment in our shares is less than $10,000. Thus, the restrictions imposed in order to maintain our status as a REIT should not prevent the shares from being deemed freely transferable. Therefore, we anticipate that we will meet the publicly offered securities exception, although there are no assurances that we will qualify for this exception.
Plan Assets Operating Company Exception
If we are deemed not to qualify for the publicly offered securities exemption, the Plan Asset Regulation also provides an exception with respect to securities issued by an operating company, which includes venture capital operating companies and real estate operating companies. To constitute a venture capital operating company, 50% of more of the assets of the entity must be invested in venture capital investments. A venture capital investment is an investment in an operating company (other than a venture capital operating company) as to which the entity has or obtains direct management rights. We do not anticipate that our investments will qualify as a venture capital investment for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulation and therefore we do not believe we will qualify for the venture capital operating company exception.
To constitute a real estate operating company, 50% or more of the assets of an entity must be invested in real estate which is managed or developed and with respect to which such entity has the right to substantially participate directly in the management or development activities. An example in the Plan Asset Regulation indicates that if 50% or more of an entitys properties are subject to long-term leases under which substantially all management and maintenance activities with respect to the properties are the responsibility of the lessee, such that the entity merely assumes the risk of ownership of income-producing real property, then the entity may not be eligible for the real estate operating company exception. Since most, if not all of our properties will be subject to long-term net leases, we do not anticipate that we or our operating partnership will qualify as a real estate operating company under the Plan Asset Regulation.
However, changes in the law or in the structure or objectives of our business may make the operating company exception available. If the operating company exception becomes available, and if another exception does not apply, our board of directors may decide to structure our business such that we fit within the operating company exception.
Plan Assets Not Significant Investment Exception
The Plan Asset Regulation provides that equity participation in an entity by benefit plan investors is significant if at any time 25% or more of the value of any class of equity interests is held by benefit plan investors. Benefit plan investors are defined to include (i) employee benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, subject to Title I, Part 4 of ERISA), (ii) plans described in Code Section 4975(e)(1), (iii) entities whose assets include Plan Assets by reason of a Plans or Accounts investment in the entity (including but not limited to an insurance companys general account), and (iv) an entity that otherwise constitutes a benefit plan investor (for example, a fund, and the assets of that fund, are deemed to be Plan Assets under the Plan Asset Regulations by application of the look through rule under the Plan Asset Regulations). However, the following are not benefit plan investors: (i) governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), (ii) church plans (defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) that have not made an election under Section 410(d) of the Code, (iii) plans maintained solely for the purpose of complying with applicable workmens compensation laws or unemployment compensation or disability insurance laws, (iv) plans maintained outside the United States primarily for the benefit of persons substantially all of whom are nonresident aliens, and (v) excess benefit plans (defined in Section 3(36) of ERISA) that are unfunded.
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For purposes of determining if benefit plan investors hold 25% of each class of equity interests, (i) equity interests held by a person who has discretionary authority or control over the entitys assets or who provides investment advice for a fee (direct or indirect) with respect to the entitys assets, and affiliates of such persons, are disregarded, and (ii) only the proportion of an insurance companys general accounts equity investment in the entity that represents Plan Assets is taken into account.
Our board of directors intend to take such steps as may be necessary to qualify for one or more of the exceptions available under the Plan Asset Regulations and thereby prevent our assets from being treated as assets of any investing Plan or Account.
Whether the 25% limit is violated is determined without regard to the value of any such interests held by our advisor, property manager, or affiliates of our advisor or property manager, or other persons with discretionary authority or control with respect to our assets or who provide investment advice for a fee with respect to our assets or their affiliates (other than benefit plan investors).
In the event we determine that we fail to meet the publicly offered securities exception, as a result of a failure to sell an adequate number of shares or otherwise, and we cannot ultimately establish that we are an operating company, we may be required to restrict the sale of our shares to benefit plan investors so that less than 25% of our shares are owned by benefit plan investors at any time (determined without regard to our shares which are held by our advisor, property manager, or affiliates of our advisor or property manager, other persons with discretionary authority or control over our assets or who provide investment advice for a fee with respect to our assets, or their affiliates). In such event, and unless and until such time as we comply with another exception under the Plan Asset Regulations, the sale, transfer or disposition of our shares may only be made if, immediately after such transaction, less than 25% of the value of such shares is held by benefit plan investors (determined without regard to the value of our shares which are held by our advisor, property manager, or affiliates of our advisor or property manager, other persons with discretionary authority or control over our assets or who provide investment advise for a fee with respect to our assets, or their affiliates).
Consequences of Holding Plan Assets
In the event that our underlying assets were treated by the DOL as Plan Assets, the assets of any Plan or Account investing in our equity interests would include an undivided interest in a portion of the assets held by us. In such event, (i) such assets, transactions involving such assets and the persons with authority or control over and otherwise providing services with respect to such assets would be subject to the fiduciary responsibility provisions of Title I of ERISA and the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and Code Section 4975, and we cannot assure you that any statutory or administrative exemption from the application of such rules would be available, (ii) our assets could be subject to ERISAs reporting and disclosure requirements, (iii) the fiduciary causing the Plan or Account to make an investment in our shares could be deemed to have delegated his, her, or its responsibility to manage the assets of such Plan or Account, (iv) an investment in our shares might expose the fiduciaries of the Plan or Account to co-fiduciary liability under ERISA for any breach by our management of the fiduciary duties mandated under ERISA, and (v) an investment by a Plan or Account in our shares might be deemed to result in an impermissible commingling of Plan Assets with other property.
If our management or affiliates were treated as fiduciaries with respect to Plan or Account stockholders, the prohibited transaction restrictions of ERISA and the Code would apply to any transaction involving our assets. These restrictions could, for example, require that we avoid transactions with entities that are affiliated with our affiliates or us or restructure our activities in order to obtain an administrative exemption from the prohibited transaction restrictions. Alternatively, we might have to provide Plan or Account stockholders with the opportunity to sell their shares to us or we might dissolve or terminate.
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Prohibited Transactions Involving Assets of Plans or Accounts
Generally, both ERISA and the Code prohibit Plans and Accounts from engaging in certain transactions involving Plan Assets with specified parties, such as sales or exchanges or leases of property, loans or other extensions of credit, furnishing goods or services, or transfers to, or use of, Plan Assets. The specified parties are referred to as parties-in-interest under ERISA and as disqualified persons under the Code. These definitions generally include both parties owning threshold percentage interests in an investment entity and persons providing services to the Plan or Account, as well as employer sponsors of the Plan or Account, fiduciaries and other individuals or entities affiliated with the foregoing.
A person generally is a fiduciary with respect to a Plan or Account for these purposes if, among other things, the person has discretionary authority or control with respect to Plan Assets or provides investment advice for a fee with respect to Plan Assets. Under DOL regulations, a person will be deemed to be providing investment advice if that person renders advice as to the advisability of investing in our shares, and that person regularly provides investment advice to the Plan or Account pursuant to a mutual agreement or understanding that such advice will serve as the primary basis for investment decisions, and that the advice will be individualized for the Plan or Account based on its particular needs. Thus, if we are deemed to hold Plan Assets, our management could be characterized as fiduciaries with respect to such assets, and each would be deemed to be a party-in-interest under ERISA and a disqualified person under the Code with respect to investing Plans and Accounts. Whether or not we are deemed to hold Plan Assets, if we or our affiliates are affiliated with a Plan or Account investor, we might be considered a disqualified person or party-in-interest with respect to such Plan or Account investor, resulting in a prohibited transaction merely upon investment by such Plan or Account in our shares.
Any Plan fiduciary or Account trustee or custodian that proposes to cause a Plan or Account to purchase shares should consult with its counsel with respect to the potential applicability of ERISA and the Code to such investment and determine on its own whether any exceptions or exemptions are applicable and whether all conditions of any such exceptions or exemptions have been satisfied. Moreover, each Plan fiduciary should determine whether, under the general fiduciary standards of investment prudence and diversification, an investment in the shares is appropriate for the Plan, taking into account the overall investment policy of the Plan and the composition of the Plans investment portfolio. The sale of our shares is in no respect a representation by our sponsor, us or any other person that such an investment meets all relevant legal requirements with respect to investments by Plans or Accounts generally or that such an investment is appropriate for any particular Plan or Account.
In addition, certain Plans not subject to ERISA, such as governmental plans (as defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA) and church plans (defined in Section 3(33) of ERISA) that have not made an election under Section 410(d) of the Code, may be subject to state, local, or other applicable law or regulatory requirement that imposes restrictions similar to those imposed on Plans subject to ERISA. Any person investing the assets of such a Plan in our stock should satisfy himself, herself, or itself that the investment of such assets in our stock will not violate any provision of applicable law or regulatory requirement.
Prohibited Transactions Involving Assets of Plans or Accounts Consequences
ERISA and the Code forbid Plans and Accounts from engaging in prohibited transactions with respect to such Plan or Account. Fiduciaries of a Plan that allow such a prohibited transaction to occur will breach their fiduciary responsibilities under ERISA, and may be liable for any damage sustained by the Plan, as well as civil (and criminal, if the violation was willful) penalties. If it is determined by the DOL or the IRS that such a prohibited transaction has occurred, any disqualified person or party-in-interest involved with the prohibited transaction would be required to reverse or unwind the transaction and, for a Plan, compensate the Plan for any loss resulting therefrom. For Accounts, if an Account engages in a prohibited transaction, the tax-exempt status of the Account may be lost. The same may be
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true for Plans depending upon the provisions of such Plans. Additionally, the Code requires that a disqualified person involved with a prohibited transaction with a Plan or Account must pay an excise tax equal to a percentage of the amount involved in such transaction for each year in which the transaction remains uncorrected. The percentage is generally 15%, but is increased to 100% if the
We were formed under the laws of the State of Maryland. The rights of our stockholders are governed by Maryland law as well as our charter and bylaws. The following summary of the terms of our common stock is only a summary, and you should refer to the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, and our charter and bylaws for a full description. You may obtain a copy of our charter and bylaws free of charge upon your request.
Our charter authorizes us to issue up to 900,000,000 shares of stock, of which 700,000,000 shares are designated as common stock at $0.001 par value per share and 200,000,000 shares are designated as preferred stock at $0.001 par value per share. As of May 6, 2009, approximately 129,132 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding and no shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding. Our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the entire board of directors and without any action by our stockholders, may amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of our authorized shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we have authority to issue without any action by our stockholders.
Our charter also contains a provision permitting our board of directors, with the approval of a majority of the board of directors and without any action by our stockholders, to classify or reclassify any unissued common stock or preferred stock into one or more classes or series by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions or other distributions, qualifications, or terms or conditions of redemption of any new class or series of stock, subject to certain restrictions, including the express terms of any class or series of stock outstanding at the time. We believe that the power to classify or reclassify unissued shares of stock and thereafter issue the classified or reclassified shares provides us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise.
Our charter and bylaws contain certain provisions that could make it more difficult to acquire control of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of our company to negotiate first with our board of directors. We believe that these provisions increase the likelihood that proposals initially will be on more attractive terms than would be the case in their absence and facilitate negotiations that may result in improvement of the terms of an initial offer that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders. See Risk Factors Risks Related to this Offering and Our Corporate Structure.
Subject to any preferential rights of any other class or series of stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding the restriction on the transfer of common stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to such distributions as may be authorized from time to time by our board of directors out of legally available funds and declared by us and, upon our liquidation, are entitled to receive all assets available for distribution to our stockholders. Upon issuance for full payment in accordance with the terms of this offering, all common stock issued in the offering will be fully paid and non-assessable. Holders of common stock will not have preemptive rights, which means that they will not have an automatic option to purchase any new shares that we issue, or preference, conversion, exchange,
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cumulative, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights. Shares of our common stock have equal distribution, liquidation and other rights.
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to designate and issue one or more classes or series of preferred stock without stockholder approval and to fix the voting rights, liquidation preferences, distribution rates, conversion rights, redemption rights and terms, including sinking fund provisions, and certain other rights and preferences with respect to such preferred stock. The issuance of one or more series or classes of preferred stock must be approved by a majority of our board of directors. Because our board of directors has the power to establish the preferences and rights of each class or series of preferred stock, it may afford the holders of any series or class of preferred stock preferences, powers, and rights senior to the rights of holders of common stock. If we ever created and issued preferred stock with a distribution preference over common stock, payment of any distribution preferences of outstanding preferred stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of distributions on the common stock. Further, holders of preferred stock are normally entitled to receive a preference payment in the event we liquidate, dissolve, or wind up before any payment is made to the common stockholders, likely reducing the amount common stockholders would otherwise receive upon such an occurrence.
We currently have no preferred stock issued or outstanding. Our board has no present plans to issue shares of preferred stock.
Meetings and Special Voting Requirements
Subject to our charter restrictions on transfers of our stock, and subject to the express terms of any series of preferred stock, each holder of common stock is entitled at each meeting of stockholders to one vote per share owned by such stockholder on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our board of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of shares of our outstanding common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election and the holders of the remaining shares of common stock will not be able to elect any directors.
Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve or liquidate, amend its charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders holding at least two-thirds of the shares entitled to vote on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our charter provides for approval of these matters by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast.
However, under the MGCL and our charter, the following events do not require stockholder approval:
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stock exchanges in which we are the successor; |
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mergers with or into a 90% or more owned subsidiary, provided that the charter of the successor is not amended and that the contract rights of any stock issued in the merger are identical to those of the stock that was exchanged; |
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mergers in which we do not: |
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reclassify or change the terms of any of shares that are outstanding immediately before the effective time of the merger; |
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amend our charter; and |
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issue more than 20% of the number of shares of any class or series of shares outstanding immediately before the merger; and |
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transfers of less than substantially all of our assets. |
Also, because our operating assets are held by our subsidiaries, these subsidiaries may be able to merge or sell all or substantially all of their assets without the approval of our stockholders; provided, however, the merger or sale of all or substantially all of the operating assets held by our operating partnership will require the approval of our stockholders.
An annual meeting of our stockholders will be held each year, at least 30 days after delivery of our annual report to our stockholders. Special meetings of stockholders may be called only upon the request of a majority of our directors, a majority of the independent directors, the president, the chief executive officer or upon the written request of stockholders holding at least 10% of our outstanding shares. Upon receipt of a written request of stockholders holding at least 10% of our outstanding shares stating the purpose of the special meeting, our secretary will provide all of our stockholders written notice of the meeting and the purpose of such meeting within ten days of such request. The meeting must be held not less than 15 nor more than 60 days after the distribution of the notice of meeting. The presence of stockholders, either in person or by proxy, entitled to cast fifty percent (50%) of all the votes entitled to be cast at a meeting constitutes a quorum.
Our stockholders are entitled to receive a copy of our stockholder list upon request. The list provided by us will include each stockholders name, address and telephone number, if available, and the number of shares owned by each stockholder and will be sent within ten days of the receipt by us of the request. A stockholder requesting a list will be required to pay reasonable costs of postage and duplication. Stockholders and their representatives shall also be given access to our corporate records at reasonable times. We have the right to request that a requesting stockholder represent to us that the list and records will not be used to pursue commercial interests.
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, we must meet the following criteria regarding our stockholders ownership of our shares:
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five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain tax exempt organizations and trusts) may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares during the last half of a taxable year; and |
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100 or more persons must beneficially own our shares during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. |
See Federal Income Tax Considerations for further discussion of this topic. We may prohibit certain acquisitions and transfers of shares so as to ensure our initial and continued qualification as a REIT under the Code. However, we cannot assure you that this prohibition will be effective. Because we believe it is essential for us to qualify as a REIT, and, once qualified, to continue to qualify, our charter provides (subject to certain exceptions) that no stockholder may own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% in value of our outstanding shares of stock or more than 9.8% of the number or value (in either case as determined in good faith by our board of directors) of any class or series of our outstanding shares of common stock. The 9.8% ownership limit must be measured in terms of the more restrictive of value or number of shares.
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Our board of directors, in its sole discretion, may waive this ownership limit if evidence satisfactory to our board is presented that such ownership will not then or in the future jeopardize our status as a REIT. Also, these restrictions on transferability and ownership will not apply if our directors determine that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT.
Additionally, our charter further prohibits the transfer or issuance of our stock if such transfer or issuance:
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with respect to transfers only, results in our common stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons; |
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results in our being closely held within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code; |
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results in our owning, directly or indirectly, more than 9.9% of the ownership interests in any tenant or subtenant; or |
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otherwise results in our disqualification as a REIT. |
Any attempted transfer of our stock which, if effective, would result in our stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons will be null and void. In the event of any attempted transfer of our stock which, if effective, would result in (1) violation of the ownership limit discussed above, (2) in our being closely held under Section 856(h) of the Code, (3) our owning (directly or indirectly) more than 9.9% of the ownership interests in any tenant or subtenant, or (4) our otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then the number of shares causing the violation (rounded to the nearest whole share) will be automatically transferred to a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries, and the proposed transferee will not acquire any rights in the shares. Such shares held in trust will remain issued and outstanding shares and will be entitled to the same rights and privileges as all other shares of the same class or series. The trustee of the beneficial trust, as holder of the shares, will be entitled to receive all distributions authorized by the board of directors on such securities for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary. Our charter further entitles the trustee of the beneficial trust to vote all shares held in trust.
The trustee of the beneficial trust may select a transferee to whom the shares may be sold as long as such sale does not violate the 9.8% ownership limit or the other restrictions on transfer. Upon sale of the shares held in trust, the intended transferee (the transferee of the shares held in trust whose ownership would violate the 9.8% ownership limit or the other restrictions on transfer) will receive from the trustee of the beneficial trust the lesser of such sale proceeds, or the price per share the intended transferee paid for the shares (or, in the case of a gift or devise to the intended transferee, the price per share equal to the market value per share on the date of the transfer to the intended transferee). The trustee of the beneficial trust will distribute to the charitable beneficiary any amount the trustee receives in excess of the amount to be paid to the intended transferee.
In addition, we have the right to purchase any shares held in trust at the lesser of (1) the price per share paid in the transfer that created the shares held in trust, or (2) the current market price, until the shares held in trust are sold by the trustee of the beneficial trust. An intended transferee must pay, upon demand, to the trustee of the beneficial trust (for the benefit of the beneficial trust) the amount of any distribution we pay to an intended transferee on shares held in trust prior to our discovery that such shares have been transferred in violation of the provisions of our charter. If any legal decision, statute, rule, or regulation deems or declares the transfer restrictions included in our charter to be void or invalid, then we may, at our option, deem the intended transferee of any shares held in trust to have acted as an agent on our behalf in acquiring such shares and to hold such shares on our behalf.
Any person who (1) acquires or attempts to acquire shares in violation of the foregoing ownership restriction, transfers or receives shares subject to such limitations, or would have owned shares that resulted in a transfer to a charitable trust, or (2) proposes or attempts any of the transactions in
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clause (1), is required to give us 15 days written notice prior to such transaction. In both cases, such persons must provide to us such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such transfer on our status as a REIT. The foregoing restrictions will continue to apply until our board of directors determines it is no longer in our best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT.
The ownership restriction does not apply to the underwriter in a public offering of shares or to a person or persons so exempted from the ownership limit by our board of directors based upon appropriate assurances that our qualification as a REIT is not jeopardized. Any person who owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares during any taxable year will be asked to deliver a statement or affidavit setting forth the number of shares beneficially owned, directly or indirectly.
Distribution Policy and Distributions
We commenced making distributions to our stockholders on , 2009, and we intend to continue to pay regular distributions to our stockholders. We currently calculate our monthly distributions on a daily record and declaration date. Therefore, new investors will be entitled to distributions immediately upon the purchase of their shares. Because substantially all of our operations will be performed indirectly through our operating partnership, our ability to pay distributions depends in large part on our operating partnerships ability to pay distributions to its partners, including to us. In the event we do not have enough cash from operations to fund the distribution, we may borrow, issue additional securities or sell assets in order to fund the distributions or make the distributions out of net proceeds from this offering.
Our board of directors declared distributions equal to $0.00184932 per day per share on the outstanding shares of common stock (equivalent to an annual distribution rate of 6.75% assuming the share was purchased for $10) payable to stockholders of record at the close of business on each day during the period from May 6, 2009 through June 30, 2009. At this time, we intend to fund all of our distributions for the second quarter of 2009 from proceeds raised in this offering and operating revenues generated from the Griffin properties upon their contribution to our operating partnership. Our board of directors intends to continue this distribution policy for so long as it decides this policy is in the best interests of our stockholders. We have declared the following distributions:
Period | Distribution Declared Per Share | |
2 nd Quarter 2009 |
$0.17 (1) |
(1) | Distributions declared per share are rounded to the nearest $0.01. We anticipate paying distributions one month in arrears. |
Distributions will be paid to our stockholders as of the record date selected by our board of directors. We expect to continue to pay distributions monthly based on daily declaration and record dates so that investors may be entitled to distributions immediately upon purchasing our shares. We expect to regularly pay distributions unless our results of operations, our general financial condition, general economic conditions, or other factors inhibit us from doing so. Distributions will be authorized at the discretion of our board of directors, which will be directed, in substantial part, by its obligation to cause us to comply with the REIT requirements of the Code. The funds we receive from operations that are available for distribution may be affected by a number of factors, including the following:
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the amount of time required for us to invest the funds received in the offering; |
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our operating and interest expenses; |
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the amount of distributions or dividends received by us from our indirect real estate investments; |
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our ability to keep our properties occupied; |
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our ability to maintain or increase rental rates; |
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tenant improvements, capital expenditures and reserves for such expenditures; |
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the issuance of additional shares; and |
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financings and refinancings. |
Distributions to stockholders are characterized for federal income tax purposes as ordinary income, capital gains, non-taxable return of capital or a combination of the three. Distributions that exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits (calculated for tax purposes) constitute a return of capital for tax purposes rather than a distribution and reduce the shareholders basis in our common shares. To the extent that a distribution exceeds both current and accumulated earnings and profits and the shareholders basis in the common shares, it will generally be treated as a capital gain. We will annually notify stockholders of the taxability of distributions paid during the preceding year.
We must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our taxable income each year in order to meet the requirements for being treated as a REIT under the Code. This requirement is described in greater detail in the Federal Income Tax Considerations Requirements For Qualification as a REIT Operational Requirements Annual Distribution Requirement section of this prospectus. Our directors may authorize distributions in excess of this percentage as they deem appropriate. Because we may receive income from interest or rents at various times during our fiscal year, distributions may not reflect our income earned in that particular distribution period, but may be made in anticipation of cash flow that we expect to receive during a later period and may be made in advance of actual receipt of funds in an attempt to make distributions relatively uniform. To allow for such differences in timing between the receipt of income and the payment of expenses, and the effect of required debt payments, among other things, could require us to borrow funds from third parties on a short-term basis, issue new securities, or sell assets to meet the distribution requirements that are necessary to achieve the tax benefits associated with qualifying as a REIT. These methods of obtaining funding could affect future distributions by increasing operating costs and decreasing available cash. In addition, such distributions may constitute a return of capital. See Federal Income Tax Considerations Requirements for Qualification as a REIT.
The MGCL provides that our stockholders:
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are not liable personally or individually in any manner whatsoever for any debt, act, omission or obligation incurred by us or our board of directors; and |
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are under no obligation to us or our creditors with respect to their shares other than the obligation to pay to us the full amount of the consideration for which their shares were issued. |
Under Maryland law, business combinations between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, share exchange, or, in circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. An interested stockholder is defined as:
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any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the corporations shares; or |
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an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation. |
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A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which he otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board.
After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:
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80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares voting stock of the corporation; and |
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two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with those affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder. |
These super-majority voting requirements do not apply if the corporations stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.
The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. As permitted by the MGCL, our charter contains a provision opting out of the business combination statute.
With some exceptions, Maryland law provides that control shares of a Maryland corporation acquired in a control share acquisition have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of stockholders holding two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding control shares:
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owned by the acquiring person; |
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owned by our officers; and |
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owned by our employees who are also directors. |
Control shares mean voting shares which, if aggregated with all other voting shares owned by an acquiring person or shares for which the acquiring person can exercise or direct the exercise of voting power, would entitle the acquiring person to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
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one-tenth or more but less than one-third; |
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one-third or more but less than a majority; or |
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a majority or more of all voting power. |
Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A control share acquisition occurs when, subject to some exceptions, a person directly or indirectly acquires ownership or the power to direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy) of issued and outstanding control shares. A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of some specific conditions, including an undertaking to pay expenses, may compel our board of directors to call a special meeting of our stockholders to be held within 50 days of a demand to consider the voting rights of the
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control shares. If no request for a meeting is made, we may present the question at any stockholders meeting.
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then, subject to some conditions and limitations, we may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have been previously approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquiror or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved. If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to vote a majority of the shares entitled to vote, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition. The control share acquisition statute does not apply to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation, or share exchange if we are a party to the transaction or to acquisitions approved or exempted by our charter or bylaws.
As permitted by the MGCL, our charter contains a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of our common stock.
Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of the following five provisions:
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A classified board; |
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a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director; |
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a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the directors; |
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a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred; and |
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a majority requirement for the calling of a special meeting of stockholders. |
Pursuant to Subtitle 8, we have elected to provide that vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by the remaining directors and for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred. Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already vest in the board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships.
Our charter provides that, if we become subject to the NASAA REIT Guidelines, we may not take advantage of the following permissive provisions of Subtitle 8: (1) we may not elect to be subject to a two-thirds voting requirement for removing a director; (2) we may not elect to be subject to a majority voting requirement for the calling of a special meeting of stockholders; and (3) we may not elect to adopt a classified board.
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to the board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by the board of directors, or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice
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procedures of the bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to the board of directors at a special meeting may be made only (A) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (B) by the board of directors, or (C) provided that the board of directors has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws.
Distribution Reinvestment Plan
Our distribution reinvestment plan allows you to have distributions otherwise distributable to you invested in additional shares of our common stock. We are offering 7,500,000 shares of stock under our distribution reinvestment plan. The sale of these shares has been registered on the registration statement for this offering and are in addition to the 75,000,000 shares being sold in our primary offering. The following discussion summarizes the principal terms of our distribution reinvestment plan. The full text of our distribution reinvestment plan is included as Appendix C to this prospectus.
Eligibility
Participation in our distribution reinvestment plan is limited to investors who have purchased stock in this offering or any prior offering. See Plan of Distribution Compensation of Dealer Manager and Participating Broker-Dealers below for other restrictions on eligibility to purchase stock under our distribution reinvestment plan. We may elect to deny your participation in our distribution reinvestment plan if you reside in a jurisdiction or foreign country where, in our judgment, the burden or expense of compliance with applicable securities laws makes your participation impracticable or inadvisable.
Election to Participate
Assuming you are eligible, you may elect to participate in our distribution reinvestment plan by completing the purchaser questionnaire and subscription agreement or other approved enrollment form available from our dealer manager or a participating broker-dealer. Your participation in our distribution reinvestment plan will begin with the next distribution made after receipt of your enrollment form. Once enrolled, you may continue to purchase stock under our distribution reinvestment plan until we have terminated our distribution reinvestment plan. You can choose to have all or a portion of your distributions reinvested through our distribution reinvestment plan. You may also change the percentage of your distributions that will be reinvested at any time if you complete a new enrollment form or other form provided for that purpose. Any election to increase your level of participation must be made through your participating broker-dealer or, if you purchased your stock in this offering other than through a participating broker-dealer, through our dealer manager.
Stock Purchases
Stock will be purchased under our distribution reinvestment plan on our distribution payment dates. The purchase of fractional shares is a permissible and likely result of the reinvestment of distributions under our distribution reinvestment plan.
During our primary offering, the purchase price per share will be $9.50 per share of our common stock. The offering price for shares purchased under our distribution reinvestment plan may increase after the closing of our primary offering. Fees are included in the price. We will not charge you any other fees in connection with your purchase of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan. The price for shares purchased under our distribution reinvestment plan bears little relationship to, and will likely exceed, what you might receive for your shares if you tried to sell them or if we liquidated our portfolio. Purchase of our stock under our distribution reinvestment plan may effectively lower the total return on your investment with us. Our board reserves the right to designate that certain cash or other distributions
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attributable to net sale proceeds will be excluded from distributions that may be reinvested in shares under our distribution reinvestment plan.
Account Statements
Our dealer manager or a participating broker-dealer will provide a confirmation of your periodic purchases under our distribution reinvestment plan. Within 90 days after the end of each calendar year, we will provide you with an individualized report on your investment, including the purchase dates, purchase price, number of shares owned, and the amount of distributions made in the prior year. We will send to all participants in the plan, without charge, all supplements to and updated versions of this prospectus which we are required to provide under applicable securities laws.
Fees and Commissions
We will not pay a commission in connection with your purchase of stock in our distribution reinvestment plan. No dealer manager fees or due diligence expense allowance will be paid on stock sold under the plan. We will not receive a fee for selling stock under our distribution reinvestment plan. See Plan of Distribution.
Voting
You may vote all shares of stock acquired through our distribution reinvestment plan.
Tax Consequences of Participation
If you elect to participate in our distribution reinvestment plan and are subject to federal income taxation, you will incur a tax liability for distributions allocated to you even though you have elected not to receive the distributions in cash but rather to have the distributions withheld and reinvested pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
Specifically, you will be treated as if you have received the distribution in cash and then applied such distribution to the purchase of additional stock. You will be taxed on the amount of such distribution as a dividend to the extent such distribution is from current or accumulated earnings and profits, unless we have designated all or a portion of the distribution as a capital gain dividend. See Federal Income Tax Considerations Taxation of U.S. Stockholders Distributions Generally. We will withhold 28% of the amount of distributions paid if you fail to furnish a valid taxpayer identification number, fail to properly report interest or dividends or fail to certify that you are not subject to withholding. See Federal Income Tax Considerations Taxation of U.S. Stockholders Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding for U.S. Stockholders.
Termination of Participation
You may terminate your participation in our distribution reinvestment plan at any time by providing us with written notice. Any transfer of your stock will effect a termination of the participation of those shares of stock in our distribution reinvestment plan. You must promptly notify us should you no longer meet the suitability standards described above at Suitability Standards immediately following the cover page of this prospectus or cannot make the other representations or warranties set forth in the subscription agreement at any time prior to the listing of the stock on a national securities exchange or quotation on a national market system. We will terminate your participation to the extent that a reinvestment of your distributions in our stock would cause you to exceed the ownership limitation contained in our charter.
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Amendment or Termination of Plan
We may amend or terminate our distribution reinvestment plan for any reason at any time upon ten days prior written notice to participants; provided, however, no such amendment shall add compensation to the plan or remove the opportunity for you to terminate your participation in the plan, as specified above.
Our board of directors has adopted a share redemption program that enables our stockholders to sell their shares to us in limited circumstances. Our share redemption program permits you to sell your shares back to us after you have held them for at least one year, subject to the significant conditions and limitations described below.
Our common stock is currently not listed on a national securities exchange, or included for quotation on a national market system, and we will not seek to list our stock until such time as our independent directors believe that the listing of our stock would be in the best interest of our stockholders. In order to provide stockholders with the benefit of interim liquidity, stockholders who have held their shares for at least one year may present all or a portion consisting of at least 25%, of the holders shares to us for redemption at any time in accordance with the procedures outlined below. At that time, we may, subject to the conditions and limitations described below, redeem the shares presented for redemption for cash to the extent that we have sufficient funds available to us to fund such redemption. We will not pay to our board of directors, our advisor or their affiliates any fees to complete any transactions under our share redemption program.
The redemption price per share will depend on the length of time you have held such shares as follows (in each case, as adjusted for any stock dividends, combinations, splits, recapitalizations and the like with respect to our common stock):
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after one year from the purchase date 92.5% of the Redemption Amount (as defined below); |
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after two years from the purchase date 95.0% of the Redemption Amount; |
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after three years from the purchase date 97.5% of the Redemption Amount; and |
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after four years from the purchase date 100% of the Redemption Amount. |
At any time we are engaged in an offering of shares, the Redemption Amount for shares purchased under our share redemption program will always be equal to or lower than the applicable per share offering price. As long as we are engaged in an offering at $10 per share, the Redemption Amount shall be the lesser of the amount you paid for your shares or $10 per share. If at any time we are engaged in an offering of shares at a different amount than $10 per share, the Redemption Amount shall be the per share price of the current offering of shares. For 18 months after our last completed offering of shares, the Redemption Amount shall be the per share price of such offering. Thereafter the per share Redemption Amount will be based on the then-current net asset value of the shares (as adjusted for any stock dividends, combinations, splits, recapitalizations and the like with respect to our common stock). See Considerations for Investment by Employee Benefit Plans and Certain Tax-Favored Benefit Accounts Annual Valuation Requirement. Our board will announce any redemption price adjustment and the time period of its effectiveness as a part of its regular communications with our stockholders. At any time the redemption price is determined by any method other than the net asset value of the shares, if we have sold property and have made one or more special distributions to our stockholders of all or a portion of the net proceeds from such sales, the per share redemption price will be reduced by the net sale proceeds per share distributed to investors prior to the redemption date as a result of the sale of such property in the special distribution. Our board will, in its sole discretion, determine which distributions,
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if any, constitute a special distribution. While our board does not have specific criteria for determining a special distribution, we expect that a special distribution will only occur upon the sale of a property and the subsequent distribution of the net sale proceeds.
You generally have to hold your shares for one year before selling your shares to us under the program; however, we may waive the one-year holding period in the event of the death, disability or bankruptcy of a stockholder. Shares redeemed in connection with the death or disability of a stockholder may be repurchased at a purchase price equal to the price actually paid for the shares.
During any calendar year, we will not redeem in excess of 5% of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the prior calendar year. The cash available for redemption will be limited to the proceeds from the sale of shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.
We will redeem our shares on the last business day of the month following the end of each quarter. Requests for redemption would have to be received on or prior to the end of the quarter in order for us to repurchase the shares as of the end of the next month. You may withdraw your request to have your shares redeemed at any time prior to the last day of the applicable quarter.
If we could not purchase all shares presented for redemption in any quarter, based upon insufficient cash available and the limit on the number of shares we may redeem during any calendar year, we would attempt to honor redemption requests on a pro rata basis. We would treat the unsatisfied portion of the redemption request as a request for redemption the following quarter. At such time, you may then (1) withdraw your request for redemption at any time prior to the last day of the new quarter or (2) ask that we honor your request at such time, if, any, when sufficient funds become available. Such pending requests will generally be honored on a pro rata basis. We will determine whether we have sufficient funds available as soon as practicable after the end of each quarter, but in any event prior to the applicable payment date.
Our board of directors may choose to amend, suspend or terminate our share redemption program upon 30 days notice at any time. Additionally, we will be required to discontinue sales of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan on the earlier of , 2011, which is two years from the effective date of this offering, or the date we sell 7,500,000 shares under the plan, unless we file a new registration statement with the SEC and applicable states. Because the redemption of shares will be funded with the net proceeds we receive from the sale of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan, the discontinuance or termination of our distribution reinvestment plan will adversely affect our ability to redeem shares under our share redemption program. We would notify you of such developments (1) in the annual or quarterly reports mentioned above or (2) by means of a separate mailing to you, accompanied by disclosure in a current or periodic report under the Exchange Act. During this offering, we would also include this information in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the registration statement, as then required under federal securities laws.
Our share redemption program is only intended to provide interim liquidity for stockholders until a liquidity event occurs, such as the listing of our shares on a national securities exchange, inclusion of our shares for quotation on a national market system, or our merger with a listed company. Our share redemption program will be terminated if our shares become listed on a national securities exchange or included for quotation on a national market system. We cannot guarantee that a liquidity event will occur.
The shares we redeem under our share redemption program will be cancelled and return to the status of authorized but unissued shares. We do not intend to resell such shares to the public unless they are first registered with the SEC under the Securities Act and under appropriate state securities laws or otherwise sold in compliance with such laws.
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Restrictions on Roll-up Transactions
A roll-up transaction is a transaction involving the acquisition, merger, conversion or consolidation, directly or indirectly, of us and the issuance of securities of an entity (roll-up entity) that is created or would survive after the successful completion of a roll-up transaction. This term does not include:
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a transaction involving our securities that have been listed on a national securities exchange or included for quotation on a national market system for at least 12 months; or |
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a transaction involving our conversion to trust, or association form if, as a consequence of the transaction, there will be no significant adverse change in stockholder voting rights, the term of our existence, compensation to our advisor or our investment objectives. |
In connection with any roll-up transaction involving the issuance of securities of a roll-up entity, an appraisal of all of our assets shall be obtained from a competent independent appraiser. The assets shall be appraised on a consistent basis, and the appraisal will be based on the evaluation of all relevant information and will indicate the value of the assets as of a date immediately prior to the announcement of the proposed roll-up transaction. The appraisal shall assume an orderly liquidation of assets over a 12-month period. The terms of the engagement of the independent appraiser shall clearly state that the engagement is for the benefit of us and our stockholders. A summary of the appraisal, indicating all material assumptions underlying the appraisal, shall be included in a report to stockholders in connection with any proposed roll-up transaction. If the appraisal will be included in a prospectus used to offer the securities of the roll-up entity, the appraisal shall be filed with the SEC and the states as an exhibit to the registration statement for the offering.
In connection with a proposed roll-up transaction, the sponsor of the roll-up transaction must offer to stockholders who vote no on the proposal the choice of:
(1) accepting the securities of the roll-up entity offered in the proposed roll-up transaction; or
(2) one of the following:
(a) remaining as holders of our common stock and preserving their interests therein on the same terms and conditions as existed previously, or
(b) receiving cash in an amount equal to the stockholders pro rata share of the appraised value of our net assets.
We are prohibited from participating in any roll-up transaction that would result in the stockholders having voting rights in a roll-up entity that are less than those provided in our charter and described elsewhere in this prospectus, including rights with respect to the election and removal of directors, annual reports, annual and special meetings, amendment of our charter, and our dissolution:
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that includes provisions that would materially impede or frustrate the accumulation of shares by any purchaser of the securities of the roll-up entity, except to the minimum extent necessary to preserve the tax status of the roll-up entity, or which would limit the ability of an investor to exercise the voting rights of its securities of the roll-up entity on the basis of the number of shares held by that investor; |
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in which our investors rights to access of records of the roll-up entity will be less than those provided in the section of this prospectus entitled Meetings and Special Voting Requirements above; or |
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in which any of the costs of the roll-up transaction would be borne by us if the roll-up transaction is not approved by the stockholders. |
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OUR OPERATING PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., our operating partnership, was formed in August 2008 to acquire, own and operate properties on our behalf. It will be an Umbrella Partnership Real Estate Investment Trust, or UPREIT, which structure is utilized generally to provide for the acquisition of real property from owners who desire to defer taxable gain that would otherwise be recognized by them upon the disposition of their property. These owners may also desire to achieve diversity in their investment and other benefits afforded to owners of stock in a REIT. For purposes of satisfying the asset and income tests for qualification as a REIT for tax purposes, the REITs proportionate share of the assets and income of an UPREIT, such as the operating partnership, will be deemed to be assets and income of the REIT.
A property owner may contribute property to an UPREIT in exchange for limited partnership units on a tax-free basis. In addition, our operating partnership is structured to make distributions with respect to limited partnership units that will be equivalent to the distributions made to holders of our common stock. Finally, a limited partner in our operating partnership may later exchange his or her limited partnership units in our operating partnership for shares of our common stock in a taxable transaction.
The First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of our operating partnership, or our operating partnership agreement, which was executed at the time of the contribution of the Griffin properties to our operating partnership, contains provisions that would allow, under certain circumstances, other persons, including other Griffin Capital-sponsored programs, to merge into or cause the exchange or conversion of their interests for interests of our operating partnership. In the event of such a merger, exchange or conversion, our operating partnership would issue additional limited partnership interests, which would be entitled to the same exchange rights as other limited partnership interests of our operating partnership. As a result, any such merger, exchange or conversion ultimately could result in the issuance of a substantial number of shares of our common stock, thereby diluting the percentage ownership interest of other stockholders.
We intend to hold substantially all of our assets through our operating partnership or in single purpose entity subsidiaries of our operating partnership. We are the sole general partner of our operating partnership. Our advisor has contributed $200,000 to our operating partnership. As the sole general partner of our operating partnership, we have the exclusive power to manage and conduct the business of our operating partnership.
Concurrently with the contribution of the Griffin properties to our operating partnership, the contributors, including the Griffin affiliates, were issued 2.05 million operating partnership units and initially own approximately % of the operating partnership units. See Conflicts of Interest Contribution Transactions. Even if we raise the maximum offering, we will own approximately 97.3% of the operating partnership units and the contributors and their affiliates will own approximately 2.7% of the operating partnership units.
The following is a summary of certain provisions of our operating partnership agreement. This summary is not complete and is qualified by the specific language in our operating partnership agreement. You may obtain a copy of our operating partnership agreement free of charge upon your request.
As we accept subscriptions for shares, we will transfer substantially all of the net proceeds of the offering to our operating partnership as a capital contribution. However, we will be deemed to have made capital contributions in the amount of the gross offering proceeds received from investors. Our operating
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partnership will be deemed to have simultaneously paid the sales commissions and other costs associated with the offering. If our operating partnership requires additional funds at any time in excess of capital contributions made by our advisor and us (which are minimal in amount), or from borrowings, we may borrow funds from a financial institution or other lender and lend such funds to our operating partnership on the same terms and conditions as are applicable to our borrowing of such funds. In addition, we are authorized to cause our operating partnership to issue partnership interests for less than fair market value if we conclude in good faith that such issuance is in the best interests of our operating partnership and us.
Our operating partnership agreement requires that our operating partnership be operated in a manner that will enable us to (1) satisfy the requirements for being classified as a REIT for tax purposes, (2) avoid any federal income or excise tax liability, and (3) ensure that our operating partnership will not be classified as a publicly traded partnership for purposes of Section 7704 of the Code, which classification could result in our operating partnership being taxed as a corporation, rather than as a partnership. See Federal Income Tax Considerations Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership Classification as a Partnership.
Distributions and Allocations of Profits and Losses
Our operating partnership agreement provides that our operating partnership will distribute cash flow from operations to its partners in accordance with their relative percentage interests on at least a quarterly basis in amounts we, as general partner, determine. The effect of these distributions will be that a holder of one operating partnership unit will receive the same amount of annual cash flow distributions as the amount of annual distributions made to the holder of one of our shares.
Similarly, our operating partnership agreement provides that profits and taxable income are allocated to the partners of our operating partnership in accordance with their relative percentage interests. Subject to compliance with the provisions of Sections 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code and corresponding Treasury Regulations, the effect of these allocations will be that a holder of one operating partnership unit will be allocated, to the extent possible, taxable income for each taxable year in an amount equal to the amount of taxable income to be recognized by a holder of one of our shares. Losses, if any, will generally be allocated among the partners in accordance with their respective percentage interests in our operating partnership.
If our operating partnership liquidates, debts and other obligations must be satisfied before the partners may receive any distributions. Any distributions to partners then will be made to partners in accordance with their respective positive capital account balances. If we were to have a negative balance in our capital account following a liquidation, we would be obligated to contribute cash to our operating partnership equal to such negative balance for distribution to other partners, if any, having positive balances in such capital accounts.
Rights, Obligations and Powers of the General Partner
As our operating partnerships general partner, we generally have complete and exclusive discretion to manage and control our operating partnerships business and to make all decisions affecting its assets. This authority generally includes, among other things, the authority to:
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acquire, purchase, own, operate, lease and dispose of any real property and any other property; |
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construct buildings and make other improvements on owned or leased properties; |
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authorize, issue, sell, redeem or otherwise purchase any debt or other securities; |
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borrow money; |
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make or revoke any tax election; |
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maintain insurance coverage in amounts and types as we determine is necessary; |
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retain employees or other service providers; |
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form or acquire interests in joint ventures; and |
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merge, consolidate or combine our operating partnership with another entity. |
In addition to the administrative and operating costs and expenses incurred by our operating partnership in acquiring and operating real properties, our operating partnership will pay or cause our advisor or property manager to be reimbursed for all of our administrative and operating costs and expenses, and such expenses will be treated as expenses of our operating partnership. Such expenses will include:
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all expenses relating to the formation and continuity of our existence; |
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all expenses relating to this offering of securities; |
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all expenses associated with the preparation and filing of any periodic reports by us under federal, state or local laws or regulations; |
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all expenses associated with compliance by us with applicable laws, rules and regulations; |
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all costs and expenses relating to any issuance or redemption of partnership interests; and |
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all of our other operating or administrative costs incurred in the ordinary course of our business on behalf of our operating partnership (including reimbursements to our advisor and property manager for personnel costs; provided, however, no reimbursement shall be made to the extent such personnel perform services in transactions for which the advisor receives the acquisition fee or disposition fee). |
The limited partners of our operating partnership, including our advisor and the Griffin affiliates, have the right to cause their operating partnership units to be redeemed by our operating partnership or purchased by us for cash. In either event, the cash amount to be paid will be equal to the cash value of the number of our shares that would be issuable if the operating partnership units were exchanged for our shares based on the conversion ratio set forth in our operating partnership agreement. Alternatively, we may elect to purchase the operating partnership units by issuing shares of our common stock for operating partnership units exchanged based on the conversion ratio set forth in our operating partnership agreement. The conversion ratio is initially one to one, but is adjusted based on certain events including: (i) if we declare or pay a distribution in shares on our outstanding shares, (ii) if we subdivide our outstanding shares, or (iii) if we combine our outstanding shares into a smaller number of shares. These exchange rights may not be exercised, however, if and to the extent that the delivery of shares upon exercise would (1) result in any person owning shares in excess of our ownership limits, (2) result in shares being owned by fewer than 100 persons, (3) cause us to be closely held within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, or (4) cause us to own 9.9% or more of the ownership interests in a tenant within the meaning of Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code.
Subject to the foregoing, limited partners of our operating partnership may exercise their exchange rights at any time after one year following the date of issuance of their operating partnership units. However, a limited partner may not deliver more than two exchange notices each calendar year
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and may not exercise an exchange right for less than 1,000 operating partnership units, unless such limited partner holds less than 1,000 units, in which case, it must exercise his exchange right for all of its units. We do not expect to issue any of the shares of common stock offered hereby to limited partners of the operating partnership in exchange for their operating partnership units. Rather, in the event a limited partner of our operating partnership exercises its exchange rights, and we elect to purchase the operating partnership units with shares of our common stock, we expect to issue unregistered shares of common stock, or subsequently registered shares of common stock, in connection with such transaction.
Amendments to Our Operating Partnership Agreement
Our consent, as the general partner of our operating partnership, is required for any amendment to our operating partnership agreement. We, as the general partner of our operating partnership, and without the consent of any limited partner, may amend our operating partnership agreement in any manner, provided, however, that the consent of partners holding more than 50% of the partnership interests (other than partnership interests held by us, our advisor, the Griffin affiliates and other affiliates of our sponsor) is required for the following:
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any amendment affecting the conversion factor or the exchange right in a manner adverse to the limited partners; |
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any amendment that would adversely affect the rights of the limited partners to receive the distributions payable to them pursuant to our operating partnership agreement (other than the issuance of additional limited partnership interests); |
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any amendment that would alter the allocations of our operating partnerships profit and loss to the limited partners (other than the issuance of additional limited partnership interests); |
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any amendment that would impose on the limited partners any obligation to make additional capital contributions to our operating partnership; and |
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any amendment pursuant to a plan of merger, plan of exchange or plan of conversion. |
Termination of Our Operating Partnership
Our operating partnership will have perpetual duration, unless it is dissolved earlier upon the first to occur of the following:
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we declare for bankruptcy or withdraw from the partnership, provided, however , that the remaining partners may decide to continue the business; |
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90 days after the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the partnership; |
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the exchange of all limited partnership interests (other than such interests we, or are affiliates, hold); or |
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we elect, as the general partner, to dissolve our operating partnership. |
We may not (1) voluntarily withdraw as the general partner of our operating partnership, (2) engage in any merger, consolidation or other business combination, or (3) transfer our general partnership interest in our operating partnership (except to a wholly owned subsidiary), unless the transaction in which such withdrawal, business combination or transfer occurs results in the limited partners receiving or having the right to receive an amount of cash, securities or other property equal in value to the amount they would have received if they had exercised their exchange rights immediately
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prior to such transaction or unless, in the case of a merger or other business combination, the successor entity contributes substantially all of its assets to our operating partnership in return for an interest in our operating partnership and agrees to assume all obligations of the general partner of our operating partnership. We may also enter into in any merger, consolidation or other business combination upon the receipt of the consent of partners holdings more than 50% of the partnership interests, including partnership interests held by us, our advisor, the Griffin affiliates and other affiliates of our sponsor. If we voluntarily seek protection under bankruptcy or state insolvency laws, or if we are involuntarily placed under such protection for more than 90 days, we would be deemed to be automatically removed as the general partner. Otherwise, the limited partners have no right to remove us as general partner. With certain exceptions, a limited partner may not transfer its interests in our operating partnership, in whole or in part, without our written consent as general partner. In addition, our advisor may not transfer
We are publicly offering a maximum of 82,500,000 shares through Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., our dealer manager, a registered broker-dealer affiliated with our sponsor. Of this amount, we are offering 75,000,000 shares in our primary offering at a price of $10.00 per share (except as noted below) on a best efforts basis, which means that our dealer manager must use only its best efforts to sell the stock and has no firm commitment or obligation to purchase any of the stock. We are offering the remaining 7,500,000 shares through our distribution reinvestment plan at a purchase price of $9.50 per share. Our primary offering of 75,000,000 shares will terminate on or before , 2011 (two years after the effective date of this prospectus); provided, however, that the amount of shares of our common stock registered pursuant to this offering is the amount which, we reasonably expect to be offered and sold within two years from the initial effective date of this offering and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, we may extend this offering for an additional year. We reserve the right to reallocate shares between our primary offering and our distribution reinvestment plan. We also reserve the right to terminate the primary offering or the distribution reinvestment plan offering at any time.
Compensation of Dealer Manager and Participating Broker-Dealers
Except as provided below, our dealer manager will receive sales commissions of up to 7.0% of the gross offering proceeds for shares sold in our primary offering. Except for shares sold under our distribution reinvestment plan, for which there will be no dealer manager fee, and in other instances described below, our dealer manager will receive up to 3.0% of the gross offering proceeds from our primary offering as compensation for managing and coordinating the offering, working with participating broker-dealers and providing sales and marketing assistance. Our dealer manager will pay all wholesaling costs, including but not limited to the salaries and commissions of its wholesalers, out of the dealer manager fee. We will not pay referral or similar fees to any accountants, attorneys or other persons in connection with the distribution of the stock.
Our dealer manager will enter into participating dealer agreements with certain other broker-dealers which are members of FINRA, referred to as participating broker-dealers, to authorize them to sell our shares. Upon sale of our shares by such participating broker-dealers, our dealer manager will re-allow all of the sales commissions paid in connection with sales made by these participating broker-dealers.
Our dealer manager may re-allow to participating broker-dealers a portion of the 3.0% dealer manager fee earned on the proceeds raised by the participating broker-dealers as marketing fees, reimbursement of the costs and expenses of attending training and education meetings sponsored by our dealer manager, payment of attendance fees required for employees of our dealer manager or other
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affiliates to attend retail seminars sponsored by participating broker-dealers, or to defray other distribution-related expenses. The marketing fees portion of the re-allowance will be paid to any particular participating broker-dealer based upon the projected volume of sales, the amount of marketing assistance and level of marketing support we expect such participating broker-dealer to provide in this offering.
We will pay an additional amount of up to 0.5% of gross offering proceeds as reimbursements to our dealer manager and participating broker-dealers for bona fide due diligence expenses incurred by our dealer manager and such participating broker-dealers in discharging their responsibility to ensure that all material facts pertaining to this offering are adequately and accurately disclosed in the prospectus. Such reimbursement of due diligence expenses may include travel, lodging, meals and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by participating broker-dealers and their personnel when visiting our office to verify information relating to us and this offering and, in some cases, reimbursement of actual costs of third-party professionals retained to provide due diligence services to our dealer manager and participating broker-dealers. We or our dealer manager shall have the right to require that any participating broker-dealer provide a detailed and itemized invoice for any such due diligence expenses.
We may sell shares in our primary offering to participating broker-dealers, their retirement plans, their representatives and their family members, IRAs and qualified plans of their representatives for $9.30 per share, reflecting that sales commissions in the amount of $0.70 per share will not be payable in consideration of the services rendered by such broker-dealers and representatives in the offering. The net proceeds to us from such sales made net of commissions will be substantially the same as the net proceeds we receive from other sales of shares.
Our shares will also be distributed through registered investment advisors who are generally compensated on a fee-for-service basis by the investor. In the event of the sale of shares in our primary offering through an investment advisor compensated on a fee-for-service basis by the investor, our dealer manager will waive its right to a commission and we may waive in our discretion a portion of the dealer manager fee.
Our directors and officers, as well as directors, officers and employees of our advisor or its affiliates, including sponsors and consultants, may purchase shares in our primary offering at a reduced price. The purchase price for such shares shall be $9.00 per share reflecting the fact that sales commissions and dealer manager fees in the aggregate amount of $1.00 per share will not be payable in connection with such sales. The net proceeds to us from such sales made net of commissions will be substantially the same as the net proceeds we receive from other sales of shares. Our advisor and its affiliates are expected to hold their shares purchased as stockholders for investment and not with a view towards distribution. Sales to our affiliates will not count toward the minimum offering amount.
Any reduction in commissions in instances where lesser or no commissions or dealer manager fees are paid by us in connection with the sale of our shares will reduce the effective purchase price per share of shares to the investor involved but will not alter the net proceeds payable to us as a result of such sale. Distributions will be the same with respect to all shares whether or not the purchaser received a discount. Investors for whom we pay reduced commissions or dealer manager fees will receive higher returns on their investments in our shares as compared to investors for whom we do not pay reduced commissions and dealer manager fees.
Underwriting Compensation and Organization and Offering Expenses
The following table shows the estimated maximum compensation payable to our dealer manager and participating broker-dealers, and estimated organization and offering expenses in connection with this offering, including amounts deemed to be underwriting compensation under applicable NASD Conduct Rules under FINRA.
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Type of Compensation and Expenses |
Maximum
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Percentage of
DRP Shares) |
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Sales Commissions (2) |
$ | 52,500,000 | 7.00% | ||||
Dealer Manager Fee (3) |
$ | 22,500,000 | 3.00% | ||||
Organization and Offering Expenses (4) |
$ | 13,125,000 | 1.75% | ||||
Total |
$ | 88,125,000 | 11.75% |
(1) |
Assumes the sale of the maximum offering in our primary offering of 75,000,000 shares of common stock, excluding shares sold under our distribution reinvestment plan. |
(2) |
For purposes of this table, we have assumed no volume discounts or waived commissions as discussed elsewhere in this Plan of Distribution section. We will not pay commissions for sales of shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. |
(3) |
For purposes of this table, we have assumed no waived dealer manager fees as discussed elsewhere in this Plan of Distribution section. We will not pay a dealer manager fee for sales of shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. |
(4) |
Organization and offering expenses (other than sales commissions and the dealer manager fee) may include, but are not limited to: (a) amounts to reimburse our advisor for all marketing related costs and expenses such as salaries and direct expenses of our advisors employees or employees of our advisors affiliates in connection with registering and marketing of our shares, including but not limited to, salaries related to broker-dealer accounting and compliance functions; (b) salaries, certain other compensation and direct expenses of our dealer managers employees while preparing for the offering and marketing of our shares and in connection with their wholesaling activities; (c) travel and entertainment expenses associated with the offering and marketing of our shares; (d) facilities and technology costs, insurance expenses and other costs and expenses associated with the offering and to facilitate the marketing of our shares; (e) costs and expenses of conducting educational conferences and seminars; (f) costs and expenses of attending broker-dealer sponsored conferences; and (g) payment or reimbursement of bona fide due diligence expenses. Of the total estimated organization and offering expenses, it is estimated that approximately $75,000,000 of this amount would be considered underwriting compensation under applicable NASD Conduct Rules under FINRA, and that approximately $13,125,000 of this amount would be treated as issuer or sponsor costs or bona fide due diligence expenses and, accordingly, would not be treated as underwriting compensation under applicable NASD Conduct Rules under FINRA. |
Our dealer manager employs wholesalers who attend local, regional and national conferences of the participating broker-dealers and who contact participating broker-dealers and their registered representatives to make presentations concerning us and this offering and to encourage them to sell our shares. The wholesalers receive base salaries and bonuses as compensation for their efforts. Our dealer manager sponsors training and education meetings for broker-dealers and their representatives. Our dealer manager will pay the travel, lodging and meal costs of invitees. The other costs of the training and education meetings will be borne by programs sponsored by our advisor, including us. Our estimated costs associated with these training and education meetings are included in our estimates of our organization and offering expenses.
In accordance with the NASD rules under FINRA, in no event will our total underwriting compensation, including but not limited to sales commissions, the dealer manager fee and expense reimbursements to our dealer manager and participating broker-dealers, exceed 10% of our gross offering
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proceeds, in the aggregate, except for an additional amount of up to 0.5% of gross offering proceeds which may be paid for bona fide due diligence expenses. We may also reimburse our advisor for all expenses incurred by our advisor, our dealer manager and their affiliates in connection with this offering and our organization. FINRA and many states also limit our total organization and offering expenses to 15% of gross offering proceeds.
We will indemnify the participating broker-dealers and our dealer manager against some civil liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act and liabilities arising from breaches of our representations and warranties contained in the participating dealer agreement. If we are unable to provide this indemnification, we may contribute to payments the indemnified parties may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
We are offering, and participating broker-dealers and their registered representatives will be responsible for implementing, volume discounts to investors who purchase $250,000 or more in shares from the same participating broker-dealer, whether in a single purchase or as the result of multiple purchases. Any reduction in the amount of the sales commissions as a result of volume discounts received may be credited to the investor in the form of the issuance of additional shares.
The volume discounts operate as follows:
Amount of Shares Purchased |
Commission Percentage |
Price Per Share to the Investor |
Amount of Commission Paid Per Share |
Net Offering Proceeds Per Share |
||||||
Up to $249,999 |
7.0% | $10.00 | $ 0.70 | $ 9.30 | ||||||
$250,000 to $499,999 |
6.0% | $ 9.90 | $ 0.60 | $ 9.30 | ||||||
$500,000 to $749,999 |
5.0% | $ 9.80 | $ 0.50 | $ 9.30 | ||||||
$750,000 to $999,999 |
4.0% | $ 9.70 | $ 0.40 | $ 9.30 | ||||||
$1,000,000 to $1,249,999 |
3.0% | $ 9.60 | $ 0.30 | $ 9.30 | ||||||
$1,250,000 to $1,499,999 |
2.0% | $ 9.50 | $ 0.20 | $ 9.30 | ||||||
$1,500,000 and over |
1.5% | $ 9.45 | $ 0.15 | $ 9.30 |
For example, if you purchase $600,000 in shares, the sales commissions on such shares will be reduced to 5.0%, in which event you will receive 61,225 shares instead of 60,000 shares, the number of shares you would have received if you had paid $10.00 per share. The net offering proceeds we receive from the sale of shares are not affected by volume discounts.
If you qualify for a particular volume discount as the result of multiple purchases of our shares, you will receive the benefit of the applicable volume discount for the individual purchase which qualified you for the volume discount, but you will not be entitled to the benefit for prior purchases. Additionally, once you qualify for a volume discount, you will receive the benefit for subsequent purchases. For this purpose, if you purchased shares issued and sold in our initial public offering, you will receive the benefit of such share purchases in connection with qualifying for volume discounts in future offerings.
As set forth below, a single purchaser may combine purchases by other persons for the purpose of qualifying for a volume discount, and for determining commissions payable to participating broker-dealers. You must request that your share purchases be combined for this purpose by designating such on your subscription agreement. For the purposes of such volume discounts, the term single purchaser includes:
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an individual, his or her spouse and their parents or children under the age of 21 who purchase the common shares for his, her or their own accounts; a corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company, trust fund or any organized group of persons, whether incorporated or not; |
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an employees trust, pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code; and |
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all commingled trust funds maintained by a given bank. |
Any request to combine purchases of our shares will be subject to our verification that such purchases were made by a single purchaser.
Requests to combine subscriptions as part of a combined order for the purpose of qualifying for volume discounts must be made in writing by the participating broker-dealer, and any resulting reduction in commissions will be pro rated among the separate subscribers. As with volume discounts provided to qualifying single purchasers, the net proceeds we receive from the sale of shares will not be affected by volume discounts provided as a result of a combined order.
Regardless of any reduction in any commissions for any reason, any other fees based upon gross proceeds of the offering will be calculated as though the purchaser paid $10.00 per share. An investor qualifying for a volume discount will receive a higher percentage return on his or her investment than investors who do not qualify for such discount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, after you have acquired our common shares and if you are a participant in our distribution reinvestment plan, you may not receive a discount greater than 5% on any subsequent purchase of our shares. This restriction may limit the amount of the volume discounts available to you after your initial investment.
California and Minnesota residents should be aware that volume discounts will not be available in connection with the sale of shares made to such investors to the extent such discounts do not comply with the laws of California and Minnesota. Pursuant to this rule, volume discounts can be made available to California or Minnesota residents only in accordance with the following conditions:
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there can be no variance in the net proceeds to us from the sale of the shares to different purchasers of the same offering; |
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all purchasers of the shares must be informed of the availability of volume discounts; |
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the minimum amount of shares as to which volume discounts are allowed cannot be less than $10,000; |
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the variance in the price of the shares must result solely from a different range of commissions, and all discounts allowed must be based on a uniform scale of commissions; and |
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no discounts are allowed to any group of purchasers. |
Accordingly, volume discounts for California and Minnesota residents will be available in accordance with the foregoing table of uniform discount levels based on dollar amount of shares purchased for single purchasers. However, no discounts will be allowed to any group of purchasers, and no subscriptions may be aggregated as part of a combined order for purposes of determining the dollar amount of shares purchased.
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For sales of $10,000,000 or more, our dealer manager may agree to waive all or a portion of the dealer manager fee such that shares purchased in any such transaction may be at a discount of up to 8.5% or $9.15 per share, reflecting a reduction in selling commissions from 7.0% to 1.5% as the result of volume discounts and an additional reduction of 3.0% due to the dealer managers waiver of its fee. The net offering proceeds we receive will not be affected by any such waiver of the dealer manager fee.
You should ask your financial advisor and broker-dealer about the ability to receive volume discounts through any of the circumstances described above.
General
To purchase shares in this offering, you must complete the subscription agreement, a sample of which is contained in this prospectus as Appendix B. You should pay for your shares by check payable to The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. or as otherwise instructed by your participating broker-dealer. Subscriptions will be effective only upon our acceptance, and we reserve the right to reject any subscription in whole or in part. Subscription payments will be deposited into a special account in our name under the joint authorization of our dealer manager and us until such time as we have accepted or rejected the subscription. Subscriptions will be accepted or rejected within 30 days of receipt by us and, if rejected, all funds shall be returned to the rejected subscribers within ten business days thereafter. If accepted, the funds will be transferred into our general account. We may not accept a subscription for shares until at least five business days after the date you receive this prospectus. You will receive a confirmation of your subscription. We generally accept investments from stockholders on a daily basis.
Automatic Investment Plan
Investors who desire to purchase shares during the offering period at regular intervals may be able to do so through their participating broker-dealer or, if they are investing in this offering other than through a participating broker-dealer, through our dealer manager by completing the appropriate section in the subscription agreement or by completing an automatic investment plan enrollment form. Participation in the automatic investment plan is limited to investors who have already met the minimum purchase requirement in this offering of $1,000. The minimum periodic investment is $100 per month. The opportunity to make periodic investments under the automatic investment plan is available only during the offering period. The automatic investment plan is not available to residents of Alabama or Ohio.
We will provide a confirmation of your monthly purchases under the automatic investment plan within five business days after the end of each month. The confirmation will disclose the following information:
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the amount of the investment; |
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the date of the investment; |
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the number and price of the shares purchased by you; and |
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the total number of shares in your account. |
We will pay the same commissions, dealer manager fees and other offering expenses in connection with sales made under the automatic investment plan that we pay in connection with all other sales made in our primary offering of 75,000,000 shares, of which shares issued under the automatic investment plan are included. For this reason, at the time you complete your enrollment in the automatic investment plan, you must still be associated with a participating broker-dealer and identify your
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registered representative and participating broker-dealer as part of your enrollment. For purchases made after you enroll, unless we are notified in writing that you have changed your broker-dealer firm, we will continue to pay sales commissions and dealer manager fees to the broker-dealer you identified through your initial enrollment.
You may terminate your participation in the automatic investment plan at any time by providing us with written notice. Your participation in the plan will also terminate should you no longer meet the suitability standards described above in the Suitability Standards section immediately following the cover page of this prospectus.
Subscription Agreement
The general form of subscription agreement that investors will use to subscribe for the purchase of shares in this offering is included as Appendix B to this prospectus. The subscription agreement requires all investors subscribing for shares to make the following certifications or representations:
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your tax identification number set forth in the subscription agreement is accurate and you are not subject to backup withholding; |
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you received a copy of this prospectus; |
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you meet the minimum income, net worth and any other applicable suitability standards established for you, as described in the Suitability Standards section of this prospectus; |
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you are purchasing the shares for your own account; and |
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you acknowledge that there is no public market for the shares and, thus, your investment in shares is not liquid. |
The above certifications and representations are included in the subscription agreement in order to help satisfy the responsibility of participating broker-dealers and our dealer manager to make every reasonable effort to determine that the purchase of our shares is a suitable and appropriate investment for you and that appropriate income tax reporting information is obtained. We will not sell any shares to you unless you are able to make the above certifications and representations by executing the subscription agreement. By executing the subscription agreement, you will not, however, be waiving any rights you may have under the federal securities laws.
Our sponsor and participating broker-dealers and others selling shares on our behalf have the responsibility to make every reasonable effort to determine that the purchase of shares in this offering is a suitable and appropriate investment based on information provided by the stockholder regarding the stockholders financial situation and investment objectives. In making this determination, our sponsor or those selling shares on our behalf have a responsibility to ascertain that the prospective stockholder:
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meets the applicable minimum income and net worth standards set forth in the Suitability Standards section immediately following the cover page of this prospectus; |
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can reasonably benefit from an investment in our common stock based on the prospective stockholders overall investment objectives and portfolio structure; |
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is able to bear the economic risk of the investment based on the prospective stockholders overall financial situation; and |
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has apparent understanding of: |
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the fundamental risks of an investment in our common stock; |
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the risk that the stockholder may lose your entire investment; |
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the lack of liquidity of our common stock; |
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the restrictions on transferability of our common stock; |
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the background and qualifications of our advisor and its affiliates; and |
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the tax consequences of an investment in our common stock. |
Relevant information for this purpose will include at least the age, investment objectives, investment experience, income, net worth, financial situation and other investments of the prospective stockholder, as well as any other pertinent factors. Our sponsor or those selling shares on our behalf must maintain, for a six-year period, records of the information used to determine that an investment in stock is suitable and appropriate for each stockholder.
For your initial purchase, you must invest at least $1,000 (except for New York), which is the same minimum requirement for IRAs, Keoghs and tax-qualified retirement plans. In order to satisfy the minimum purchase requirement for retirement plans, unless otherwise prohibited by state law, a husband and wife may jointly contribute funds from their separate IRAs, provided that each such contribution is made in increments of $100. You should note that an investment in our shares will not, in itself, create a retirement plan and that, in order to create a retirement plan, you must comply with all applicable provisions of the Code.
If you are an investor who resides in the state of New York, you must invest at least $2,500, except for IRAs which only require a minimum of $1,000. After you have purchased the minimum investment, any additional purchases must be in increments of at least $500, except for purchases of shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan or our automatic investment plan, which may be in lesser amounts.
Until our shares are listed on a national securities exchange, you may not transfer your shares in a manner that causes you or your transferee to own fewer than the number of shares of stock required for the minimum purchase described above, except in the following circumstances: transfers by gift; transfers by inheritance; intrafamily transfers; family dissolutions; transfers to affiliates; and transfers by operation of law.
Investors who meet the applicable suitability standards and minimum purchase requirements described in the Suitability Standards section of this prospectus may purchase shares of common stock. If you want to purchase shares, you must proceed as follows:
(1) Receive a copy of the prospectus and the current supplement(s), if any, accompanying this prospectus.
(2) Complete the execution copy of the subscription agreement. A specimen copy of the subscription agreement, including instructions for completing it, is included in this prospectus as Appendix B.
(3) Deliver a completed subscription agreement and a check to Griffin Capital Securities, Inc. or its designated agent for the full purchase price of the shares being subscribed for, payable to The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. or as otherwise instructed by your participating broker-dealer. Certain
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participating broker-dealers who have net capital, as defined in the applicable federal securities regulations, of $250,000 or more may instruct their customers to make their checks payable directly to the dealer. In such case, the dealer will issue a check made payable as described herein for the purchase price of your subscription. The name of the participating dealer appears on the subscription agreement.
(4) By executing the subscription agreement and paying the full purchase price for the shares subscribed for, you will attest that you meet the suitability standards as provided in the Suitability Standards section of this prospectus and as stated in the subscription agreement and agree to be bound by the terms of the subscription agreement.
An approved trustee must process through us and forward us subscriptions made through IRAs, Keogh plans, 401(k) plans and other tax-deferred plans. If you want to purchase shares through an IRA, SEP or other tax-deferred account, has agreed to serve as IRA custodian for such purpose. has agreed to provide this service to our stockholders with annual maintenance fees charged at a discounted rate. We will pay the fees related to the establishment of investor accounts with that exceed $5,000, and we will also pay the fees related to the maintenance of any such account for the first year following its establishment.
In addition to this prospectus, we may utilize certain sales material in connection with the offering of the shares, although only when accompanied by or preceded by the delivery of this prospectus. The sales materials may include information relating to this offering, the past performance of our advisor, and its affiliates, property brochures and articles and publications concerning the commercial real estate industry or real estate in general. In certain jurisdictions, some or all of our sales material may not be permitted and will not be used in those jurisdictions.
The offering of shares is made only by means of this prospectus. Although the information contained in our supplemental sales material will not conflict with any of the information contained in this prospectus, the supplemental materials do not purport to be complete, and should not be considered a part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this
Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC will pass upon the legality of the common stock and legal matters in connection with our status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC does not purport to represent our stockholders or potential investors, who should consult their own counsel. Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC also provides legal services to our advisor as well as certain of our affiliates and may continue to do so in the future.
The Balance Sheet of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. as of December 31, 2008, appearing in this prospectus and registration statement has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and is included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses of the Renfro Property for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, included in the prospectus and registration statement, has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and is included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement on Form S-11 with the SEC in connection with our initial public offering. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement and, as allowed by SEC rules, does not include all of the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. For additional information relating to us, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or document referred to are necessarily summaries of such contract or document and in each instance, if the contract or document is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, we refer you to the copy of the contract or document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. You can read our registration statement and the exhibits thereto and our future SEC filings over the Internet at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington D.C. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or e-mail at publicinfo@sec.gov for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.
After commencement of the offering, we will file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We intend to furnish our stockholders with annual reports containing consolidated financial statements certified by an independent public accounting firm.
In addition, you may request and obtain a copy of these filings, at no cost to you, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
Griffin Capital Securities, Inc.
Attention: David W. Ford
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321
El Segundo, California 90245
Telephone: (310) 606-5900
We maintain an Internet site at www. .com , at which there is additional information about us. The contents of that site are not incorporated by reference in, or otherwise a part of, this prospectus.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS
Subject to availability, you may authorize us to provide prospectuses, prospectus supplements, annual reports and other information (documents) electronically by so indicating on the subscription agreement, or by sending us instructions in writing in a form acceptable to us to receive such documents electronically. Unless you elect in writing to receive documents electronically, all documents will be provided in paper form by mail. You must have Internet access to use electronic delivery. While we impose no additional charge for this service, there may be potential costs associated with electronic delivery, such as on-line charges. Documents will be available on our Internet web site. You may access and print all documents provided through this service. As documents become available, we will notify you of this by sending you an e-mail message that will include instructions on how to retrieve the document. If our e-mail notification is returned to us as undeliverable, we will contact you to obtain your updated e-mail address. If we are unable to obtain a valid e-mail address for you, we will resume sending a paper copy by regular U.S. mail to your address of record. You may revoke your consent for electronic delivery at any time and we will resume sending you a paper copy of all required documents. However, in order for us to be properly notified, your revocation must be given to us a reasonable time before electronic delivery has commenced. We will provide you with paper copies at any time upon request. Such request will not constitute revocation of your consent to receive required documents electronically.
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: | ||
F-2 | ||
F-3 | ||
F-4 | ||
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR RENFRO PROPERTY | ||
Audited Financial Statements | ||
F-14 | ||
Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 |
F-15 | |
F-16 | ||
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information | ||
Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet |
F-18 | |
F-19 | ||
Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement |
F-20 | |
F-21 | ||
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements |
F-22 |
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2008. This consolidated balance sheet is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this consolidated balance sheet 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 the balance sheet is free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., as of December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 28, 2009
F-2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2008
See accompanying notes
F-3
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
1. | Organization |
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the Company), was formed on August 27, 2008 under the Maryland General Corporation Law and intends to qualify as a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Company was organized primarily with the purpose of acquiring single tenant net lease properties, and expects to use substantially all of the net proceeds from the Private Offering and the Public Offering to invest in these properties. The Companys year end is December 31.
Griffin Capital Corporation, a California corporation (the Sponsor), is the sponsor of the Companys initial public offering. The Companys Sponsor was formed in 1995 to principally engage in acquiring and developing office and industrial properties.
The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC; a Delaware limited liability company (the Advisor) was formed on August 27, 2008. The Sponsor is the sole member of the Advisor. The Advisor is responsible for managing the Companys affairs on a day-to-day basis and identifying and making acquisitions and investments on behalf of the Company under the terms of an advisory agreement. The officers of the Advisor are also officers of the Sponsor.
As of December 31, 2008, the Companys Articles of Incorporation authorized 30,000 shares of common stock. On August 27, 2008, the Advisor purchased 100 shares of common stock for $1,000 and became the initial stockholder. The Companys Articles of Amendment and Restatement (as amended), dated February 12, 2009, authorize 700,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 and 200,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001. On February 20, 2009, the Company began to offer a maximum of 10,000,000 shares of common stock, which includes shares for sale pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan pursuant to a private placement offering to accredited investors (the Private Offering). The minimum offering for the Private Offering is $1,000,000. The Company is also registering an offering of a maximum of 82,500,000 shares of common stock, consisting of 75,000,000 shares for sale to the public (the Primary Public Offering) and 7,500,000 shares for sale pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan (collectively, the Public Offering).
As of December 31, 2008, the Company engaged only in organizational and offering activities, and no shares had been sold in the Private Offering. Griffin Capital Securities, Inc. (the Dealer Manager), is one of the Companys affiliates. The Dealer Manager is responsible for marketing the Companys shares being offered pursuant to the Private Offering and the Public Offering.
The Companys property manager is The GC Net Lease REIT Property Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Property Manager), which was formed on August 28, 2008 to manage our properties. The Property Manager will derive substantially all of its income from the property management services it will perform for us.
The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Operating Partnership), was formed on August 29, 2008. On December 26, 2008, The Advisor purchased a 99% limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership for $200,000 and on December 26, 2008, the Company contributed the initial $1,000 capital contribution we received to our operating partnership in exchange for a 1% general partner interest. The Operating Partnership will own, directly or indirectly, all of the properties acquired. The Operating Partnership will conduct certain activities through our taxable REIT subsidiary, The GC Net Lease REIT TRS, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the TRS) formed on September 2, 2008, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Operating Partnership.
F-4
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying financial statement of the Company is prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and in accordance with principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The consolidated financial statement includes accounts of the Company and the Operating Partnership. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statement in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statement and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents may include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. There are no restrictions on the use of the Companys cash balance, as of December 31, 2008.
The Company maintains its cash accounts with major financial institutions. The cash balances consist of business checking accounts. These accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000 at each institution. The Company has not experienced any losses with respect to cash balances in excess of government provided insurance. Management believes there was no significant concentration of credit risk with respect to these cash balances at December 31, 2008.
Real Estate Assets
Real Estate Purchase Price Allocation
The Company will account for all acquisitions in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141, Business Combinations (FAS 141). Upon the acquisition of real properties the purchase price of the property(ies) acquired will be allocated to (i) tangible assets, consisting of land and building, and (ii) identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases, other value of in-place leases and value of tenant relationships, based in each case on their fair values. The Company will utilize independent appraisals to determine the fair values of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land and building).
The fair value of above-market and below-market in-place lease values will be recorded based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (a) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (b) managements estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. The above-market and below-market lease values are capitalized as intangible lease assets or liabilities and amortized as an adjustment of rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases.
F-5
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
The aggregate fair value of in-place leases include direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant, opportunity costs associated with lost rentals which are avoided by acquiring an in-place lease, and tenant relationships. Direct costs associated with obtaining a new tenant include commissions, tenant improvements, and other direct costs and are estimated using methods similar to those used by independent appraisals and managements consideration of current market costs to execute a similar lease. These direct costs are included as intangible lease assets in the consolidated balance sheet and are amortized to expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The value of opportunity costs is calculated using the contractual amounts to be paid, including real estate taxes, insurance, and other operating expenses, pursuant to the in-place leases over a market lease-up period for a similar lease. Customer relationships are valued based on managements evaluation of certain characteristics of each tenants lease and the Companys overall relationship with that respective tenant. Characteristics management will consider in allocating these values include the nature and extent of the Companys existing business relationships with tenants, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenants credit quality and expectations of lease renewals (including those existing under the terms of the lease agreement), among other factors. These intangibles will be included in intangible lease assets in the balance sheet and are amortized to expense over the remaining term of the respective leases.
The determination of the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired requires the use of significant assumptions with regard to the current market rental rates, rental growth rates, discount rates and other variables. The use of inappropriate estimates would result in an incorrect assessment of the purchase price allocations, which could impact the amount of the Companys reported net income.
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 141(R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), to create greater consistency in the accounting and financial reporting of business combinations. SFAS 141R requires a company to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity to be measured at their fair values as of the acquisition date. SFAS 141R also requires companies to recognize the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in acquisitions of less than a 100% interest when the acquisition constitutes a change in control of the acquired entity. In addition, SFAS 141R requires that acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs be recognized separately from the business combination and expensed as incurred. SFAS 141R is effective for business combinations for when the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2009. Early adoption is prohibited. The adoption of SFAS 141R on January 1, 2009 could materially impact our future financial results to the extent that we acquire significant amounts of real estate, as related acquisition cost will be expensed as incurred compared to our practice prior to adoption of SFAS 141R to capitalizing such costs and amortizing them over the estimated useful life of the assets acquired.
Depreciation of Real Property Assets
Real estate costs related to the acquisition, development, construction, and property improvements will be capitalized. Repairs and maintenance costs include all costs that do not extend the useful life of the real estate asset and will be charged to expense as incurred. The Company considers the period of future benefit of an asset to determine the appropriate useful life. The Company anticipates the estimated useful lives of its assets by class to be generally as follows:
Buildings | 25-40 years | |||
Building Improvements | 5-20 years | |||
Land Improvements | 15-25 years | |||
Tenant Improvements | Shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life |
F-6
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Impairment of Real Estate and Related Intangible Assets and Liabilities
The Company will continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment are present that indicate that the carrying amounts of real estate and related intangible assets may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the assets by determining whether the carrying value of the assets will be recovered through the undiscounted future operating cash flows expected from the use of the assets and the eventual disposition. If based on this analysis the Company does not believe that it will be able to recover the carrying value of the asset, the Company will record an impairment loss to the extent the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset as defined by SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets .
Projections of expected future undiscounted cash flows require management to estimate future market rental income amounts subsequent to the expiration of current lease agreements, property operating expenses, discount rates, the number of months it takes to re-lease the property and the number of years the property is held for investment. The use of inappropriate assumptions in the future cash flow analysis would result in an incorrect assessment of the propertys future cash flow and fair value and could result in the overstatement of the carrying value of the Companys real estate and related intangible assets and net income.
Consolidation Considerations for our Investments in Joint Ventures
The FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46R) (revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (ARB 51), which addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling interest in an entity through means other than voting rights and accordingly should consolidate the entity. Before concluding that it is appropriate to apply the ARB 51 voting interest consolidation model to an entity, an enterprise must first determine that the entity is not a variable interest entity (VIE). We will evaluate, as appropriate, our interests, if any, in joint ventures and other arrangements to determine if consolidation is appropriate.
Revenue Recognition
Upon the acquisition of real estate, certain properties will have leases where minimum rent payments increase during the term of the lease, or certain minimum rent payments are abated. The Company will record rental revenue for the full term of each lease on a straight-line basis. The term of acquired lease is considered to commence as of the acquisition date for the purposes of the straight-line rent calculation. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, the Company will defer the recognition of contingent rental income, such as percentage rents, until the specific target that triggers the contingent rental income is achieved. The Company will record any operating expense reimbursement due from the tenant, including real estate taxes and insurance, in the period the related expenses are incurred.
Organizational and Offering Costs
Organizational and offering costs of the Private Offering and the Public Offering are being paid by the Sponsor, on behalf of the Advisor, for the Company and will be reimbursed from the proceeds of the Private Offering and Public Offering. Organizational and offering costs consist of all expenses (other than sales commissions and the dealer manager fee) to be paid by the Company in connection with the offering, including our legal, accounting, printing, mailing and filing fees, charges from the escrow holder and other accountable offering expenses, including, but not limited to, (i) amounts to reimburse the Advisor for all marketing related costs and expenses such as salaries and direct expenses of employees of
F-7
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
the Advisor and its affiliates in connection with registering and marketing the Companys shares; (ii) technology costs associated with the offering of the Companys shares; (iii) costs of conducting training and education meetings; (iv) costs of attending seminars conducted by participating broker-dealers; and (v) payment or reimbursement of bona fide due diligence expenses.
In no event will the Company have any obligation to reimburse the Advisor for organizational and offering costs totaling in excess of 3.5% (excluding sales commissions and the dealer manager fee) of the gross proceeds from the Private Offering and the Primary Public Offering, and organization and offering expenses that exceed 15% (including sales commission and the dealer manager fee) of the gross proceeds raised in the completed Private Offering and the Primary Public Offering. As of December 31, 2008, approximately $12,000 of organization and offering costs had been incurred. The Advisor and its affiliates funded these costs on the Companys behalf for the Private Offering and the Primary Public Offering. These costs are not recorded in the accompanying balance sheet because such costs are not a liability of the Company until the minimum amount of shares in the Private Offering is sold. Offering costs will be recorded as an offset to additional paid-in capital, and organization costs will be recorded as an expense at the time we become liable for the payment of these amounts.
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiary
On December 26, 2008 the Operating Partnership issued limited partnership interests to the Advisor in exchange for an initial contribution of $200,000.
Due to the Companys control through the general partnership interest in the Operating Partnership and the limited rights of the limited partner, the Operating Partnership, including its wholly owned subsidiary, is consolidated with the Company and the limited partner interest is reflected as minority interest in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements an amendment of ARB No. 51, (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, and requires all entities to report noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries within equity in the consolidated financial statements, but separate from the parent shareholders equity. SFAS 160 also requires any acquisitions or dispositions of noncontrolling interests that do not result in a change of control to be accounted for as equity transactions. In addition, SFAS 160 requires that a parent company recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated upon a change in control. SFAS 160 applies to the Company beginning January 1, 2009 and will be adopted prospectively. The presentation and disclosure requirements shall be applied to all periods presented retroactively. Early adoption is prohibited. The adoption of SFAS 160 will result in a reclassification of minority interest to a separate component of total equity and net income attributable to noncontrolling interest will no longer be treated as a reduction to net income but will be shown as a reduction from net income in calculating new income available to common stockholders. Additionally, upon adoption, any future purchase or sale of interest in an entity that results in a change of control may have a material impact on our financial statements as our interest in the entity will be recognized at fair value with gains and losses included in net income.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company intends to adopt an Employee and Independent Director Stock Plan (the Plan) pursuant to which the Company may issue stock-based awards to its independent directors and to affiliates of the Advisor. The Company will account for such stock plan in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, which covers a wide range of stock-based compensation arrangements
F-8
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
including stock options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights, and employee stock purchase plans. The stock-based payment is measured at fair value and recognized as compensation expense over the vesting period.
Income Taxes
The Company expect to make an election to be taxed as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) and expect to be taxed as such commencing not later than our taxable year ending December 31, 2009. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to currently distribute at least 90% of the REITs ordinary taxable income to stockholders. As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax on taxable income that is distributed to stockholders. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, the Company will then be subject to federal income taxes on the taxable income at regular corporate rates and will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for four years following the year during which qualification is lost unless the IRS grants the Company relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders. However, the Company believes that it will be organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT and intends to operate in the foreseeable future in such a manner that it will remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.
The Company could engage in certain business activities that could have an adverse effect on its REIT qualification. The Company has elected to isolate these business activities in the books and records of a taxable REIT subsidiary (the TRS). In general, the TRS may perform additional services for the Companys tenants and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. The TRS will be subject to corporate federal and state income tax. The TRS will follow SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes will represent the tax effect of future differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2008, the TRS has not commenced operations.
Significant Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (SFAS 162), the objective of which is to improve financial reporting by indentifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP for nongovernment entities. Prior to the issuance of SFAS 162, GAAP hierarchy was defined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statements on Auditing Standards 69, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (SAS 69). SAS 69 has been criticized because it is not directed to the entity, but directed to the entitys independent public accountants. SFAS 162 addresses these issues by establishing that the GAAP hierarchy should be directed to entities because it is the entity (not its independent public accountants) that is responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. SFAS 162 was effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commissions approval on September 16, 2008 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The adoption of SFAS 162 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
F-9
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
3. | Related Party Transactions |
Advisory and Dealer Manager Agreements
The Company does not expect to have any employees. The Advisor will be primarily responsible for managing the business affairs and carrying out the directives of the Companys board of directors. The Company has executed an advisory agreement with the Advisor and a dealer manager agreement with the dealer manager for the Private Offering and the Company expects to execute an amended and restated advisory agreement with the Advisor and a new dealer manager agreement with the dealer manager for the Public Offering. Each of the agreements entitles the Advisor and the dealer manager to specified fees and incentives upon the provision of certain services with regard to the Private Offering and the Public Offering and investment of funds in real estate properties, among other services, as well as reimbursement for organizational and offering costs incurred by the Advisor on the Companys behalf and reimbursement of certain costs and expenses incurred by the Advisor in providing services to the Company.
Dealer Manager Agreement
Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., (the Dealer Manager), will be entitled to receive a sales commission of up to 7% of gross proceeds from sales in the Private Offering and the Primary Public Offering and a dealer manager fee up to 3% of gross proceeds from sales in the Private Offering and the Primary Public Offering. The Dealer Manager has entered into participating dealer agreements with certain other broker-dealers to authorize them to sell shares of the Company in the Private Offering, and will enter into new participating dealer agreements with certain other broker-dealers to authorize them to sell shares of the Company in the Public Offering. Upon sale of shares of the Company by such broker-dealers, the Dealer Manager will re-allow all of the sales commissions paid in connection with sales made by these broker-dealers. The Dealer Manager may also re-allow to these broker-dealers a portion of the 3.0% dealer manager fee as marketing fees, reimbursement of certain costs and expenses of attending training and education meetings sponsored by the Dealer Manager, payment of attendance fees required for employees of the Dealer Manager or other affiliates to attend retail seminars and public seminars sponsored by these broker-dealers, or to defray other distribution-related expenses. The Dealer Manager is also entitled to receive a reimbursement of bona fide due diligence expenses up to 0.5% of the gross proceeds from sales in the Private Offering and the Primary Public Offering.
Organization and Offering Expenses
As discussed above, the Company is required under the amended and restated advisory agreement to reimburse the Advisor for organization and offering costs up to 3.5%. The amended and restated advisory agreement also requires the Advisor to reimburse the Company to the extent that offering expenses including sales commissions, dealer manager fees and organization and offering expenses are in excess of 15% of gross proceeds from the Primary Public Offering.
Acquisition and Disposition Fees
Under both the advisory agreement and the amended and restated advisory agreement the Advisor receives acquisition and advisory fees equal to 2.5% of the contract purchase price of each property acquired by the Company, and reimbursement of acquisition expenses estimated to be 0.5% of the contract purchase price. Under both the advisory agreement and the amended and restated
F-10
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
advisory agreement, the Advisor receives fees in an amount up to one-half of the total real estate commission paid but in no event to exceed an amount equal to 3% of the contract sale price for each property the Company sells as long as the Advisor provides substantial assistance in connection with the sale. The total disposition fees paid (including fees paid to third parties) may not exceed the lesser of a competitive real estate commission or an amount equal to 6% of the contract sale price of the property. In addition, the Advisor is entitled to receive a Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds, if the Companys stockholders are paid their return of capital plus an annual cumulative, non-compounding return. The Subordinated Share of Net Sales Proceeds is as follows: (1) 5.0% if the stockholders are paid return of capital plus a 6.0% to 8.0% annual cumulative, non-compounding return; (2) 10.0% if the stockholders are paid return of capital plus a 8.0% to 10.0% annual cumulative, non-compounding return; or (3) 15.0% if the stockholders are paid return of capital plus a 10.0% or more annual cumulative, non-compounding return.
Asset Management Fee
The Advisor will also receive an annual asset management fee for managing the Companys assets equal to 0.75% of the aggregate asset value of its assets. The fee will be paid monthly.
Property Management Agreement
The Property Manager, will be entitled to receive a fee for its services in managing the Companys properties up to 3% of the gross revenues from the properties plus reimbursement of the direct costs of managing the properties. In the event that the Property Manager assists with the development or redevelopment of a property, the Company may pay a separate market-based fee for such services. In the event that the Company contracts directly with a non-affiliated third-party property manager with respect to a particular property, the Company will pay the Property Manager an oversight fee equal to 1% of the gross revenues of the property managed. In no event will the Company pay both a property management fee to the Property Manager and an oversight fee to the Property Manager with respect to a particular property.
In addition, the Company may pay the Property Manager or its designees a leasing fee in an amount equal to the fee customarily charged by others rendering similar services in the same geographic area. The Company may also pay the Property Manager or its designees a construction management fee for planning and coordinating the construction of any tenant directed improvements for which the Company is responsible to perform pursuant to lease concessions, including tenant-paid finish-out or improvements. The Property Manager shall also be entitled to a construction management fee of 5% of the cost of improvements.
Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination of Advisory Agreement and Subordinated Incentive Listing Fee
The Advisor may be entitled to various subordinated fees if the Company (1) lists its shares of common stock on a national exchange, or (2) in the alternative the Company terminates the amended and restated advisory agreement or liquidates the portfolio. The structure for both fees is as follows: (1) 5.0% if the stockholders are paid return of capital plus a 6.0% to 8.0% annual cumulative, non-compounding return; (2) 10.0% if the stockholders are paid return of capital plus a 8.0% to 10.0% annual cumulative, non-compounding return; or (3) 15.0% if the stockholders are paid return of capital plus a 10.0% or more annual cumulative, non-compounding return.
F-11
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan
On February 12, 2009, the Companys board of directors adopted the Plan, which provides for the grant of awards to directors and full-time employees (should the Company ever have employees), directors and full-time employees of the Advisor, affiliate entities and full-time employees of such entities that provide services, and certain consultants and to the Advisor or to affiliate entities that provide services. Awards granted under the Plan may consist of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, distribution equivalent rights and other equity-based awards. The term of the Plan is ten years. The total number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan is equal to 10% of the outstanding shares of stock at any time. No awards have been granted under the Plan as of December 31, 2008.
Conflicts of Interest
All of the Companys executive officers and one of the directors are also executive officers, managers and/or holders of a direct or indirect controlling interest in the Advisor, the Dealer Manager, and other affiliates of the Company. The director and these executive officers, managers, and/or holders of a direct or indirect controlling interest have a fiduciary responsibility to all affiliated entities.
Some of the material conflicts that the Advisor, the Dealer Manager or its affiliates will face are (1) competing demand for time of the Advisors executive officers and other key personnel from the Sponsor and other affiliated entities; (2) determining if a certain investment opportunity should be recommended to the Company or another program of the Sponsor; and (3) influence of the fee structure under the advisory agreement that could result in actions not necessarily in the long-term best interest of the stockholders.
Economic Dependency
The Company will be dependent on the Advisor and the Dealer Manager for certain services that are essential to the Company, including the sale of the Companys shares of common and preferred stock available for issue, the identification, evaluation, negotiation, purchase and disposition of properties and other investments, management of the daily operations of the Companys real estate portfolio, and other general and administrative responsibilities. In the event that these companies are unable to provide the respective services, the Company will be required to obtain such services from other resources.
4. | Commitments and Contingencies |
Distribution Reinvestment Plan
The Company has adopted a distribution reinvestment plan that allows stockholders to have dividends and other distributions otherwise distributable to them invested in additional shares of common stock. The Company registered 7,500,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan. The plan will become effective on the effective date of the Companys initial public offering. The purchase price per share is to be the higher of $9.50 per share or 95% of the fair market value of a share of the Companys common stock as estimated by the Companys board of directors or a firm chosen by the Companys board of directors, until the earliest to occur (A) the date that all the DRP shares have been issued or (B) all offerings terminate and the Company elects to deregister with the SEC any unsold public DRP shares, if any. No sales commission or dealer manager fee will be paid on shares sold through the distribution reinvestment plan. The Company may amend or terminate the distribution reinvestment plan for any reason at any time upon ten days prior written notice to stockholders.
F-12
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Share Redemption Program
The Company has adopted a share redemption program that will enable stockholders to sell their stock to the Company in limited circumstances. As long as the common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter market, stockholders who have held their stock for at least one year may be able to have all or any portion of their shares of stock redeemed by the Company. The Company may redeem the shares of stock presented for redemption for cash to the extent that there are sufficient funds available to fund such redemptions. In no event shall the Company redeem more than 5.0% of the weighted average shares outstanding during the prior calendar year, and the cash available for redemption will be limited to the proceeds from the sale of shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan. The amount paid to redeem stock is expected to be the redemption price set forth in the following table which is based upon the number of years the stock is held:
Number Years Held | Redemption Price | |||||
Less than 1 | No Redemption Allowed | |||||
1 or more but less than 2 | 92.5% of redemption amount | |||||
2 or more but less than 3 | 95.0% of redemption amount | |||||
3 or more but less than 4 | 97.5% of redemption amount | |||||
4 or more | 100.0% of redemption amount |
For 18 months after the most recent offering of shares, the redemption amount shall be the per share price of the most recent offering. Thereafter, the per share redemption amount will be based on the then-current net asset value. The redemption amount is subject to adjustment as determined from time to time by the board of directors. As of December 31, 2008 no issued and outstanding shares were eligible for redemption.
Redemption Rights
The limited partners of the Operating Partnership will have the right to cause the Operating Partnership to redeem their limited partnership units for cash equal to the value of an equivalent number of shares, or, at the Companys option, may purchase their limited partnership units by issuing one share of common stock for each limited partnership unit redeemed. These rights may not be exercised under certain circumstances which could cause the Company to lose its REIT election. Furthermore, limited partners may exercise their redemption rights only after their limited partnership units have been outstanding for one year.
5. | Subsequent Events (Unaudited) |
On April 21, 2009, affiliates of the Sponsor signed contribution agreements whereby they agreed to contribute to the Operating Partnership two single tenant net lease properties (the Griffin Properties) in exchange for units of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. The Griffin Properties will be contributed upon reaching the minimum offering, among other events, in our Private Offering. In connection with this transaction, we will assume approximately $34.2 million of mortgage debt. Our Advisor will receive approximately $1.37 million in acquisition fees, plus reimbursement of all acquisition expenses in connection with the acquisition of the Griffin Properties. In addition, the Company entered into a tax protection agreement obligating the Operating Partnership to reimburse the affiliates of the Sponsor for tax liabilities incurred in connection with certain dispositions in connection with the Griffin Properties.
F-13
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of revenues and certain expenses (the Statement) of the Renfro Property (the Property) for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008. This statement of revenues and certain expenses is the responsibility of management of the Property. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the statement of revenue and certain expenses based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with 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 statement of revenue and certain expenses is free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Propertys internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal controls over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Propertys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the Statement, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Statement. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The accompanying statement of revenues and certain expenses was prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain revenues and expenses (described in Note 2) that would not be comparable to those resulting from the proposed future operations of the Property are excluded and the statement is not intended to be a complete presentation of the revenue and expenses of the Property.
In our opinion, the statement of revenues and certain expenses presents fairly, in all material respects, the revenue and certain expenses, as described in Note 2, of the Property for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Los Angeles, California
April 28, 2009
F-14
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND CERTAIN EXPENSES
FOR RENFRO PROPERTY
Renfro Property Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||
For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||
Rentals |
$ | 1,315,000 | $ | 1,315,000 | $ | 1,397,000 | ||||||||||||
Property Tax Recovery |
132,000 | 139,000 | 150,000 | |||||||||||||||
Total Revenue |
1,447,000 | 1,454,000 | 1,547,000 | |||||||||||||||
Property Tax Expense |
(132,000 | ) | (139,000 | ) | (150,000 | ) | ||||||||||||
Excess of Revenue Over Certain Expense |
$ | 1,315,000 | $ | 1,315,000 | $ | 1,397,000 |
See accompanying notes
F-15
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND CERTAIN OPERATING EXPENSES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2007 AND 2008
1. Organization
Affiliates of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. (the Company) will contribute a property (the Property) leased to Renfro Corporation (Renfro) to The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (the Operating Partnership) upon the Company fulfilling its minimum offering in its private placement offering, in exchange for limited partnership interests. The Company will assume the existing financing of approximately $13.0 million, with an interest rate of 6.50%. The Property is located in Clinton, South Carolina and fully occupied by Renfro. The Property is a single-story facility consisting of a warehouse/distribution building, a small office building, a surface parking lot, and a truck maintenance facility. The lease associated with the Property is a full net lease in that Renfro is responsible for all expenses and costs of operating and maintaining the Property, including capital expenditures.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying statement has been prepared to comply with Regulation S-X Rule 3-14 of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The accompanying statement of revenue and certain expenses includes only those costs for which the Company would be responsible.
The Property is not a legal entity and the accompanying statement is not representative of the actual operations for the period presented, as certain revenue and expenses that may not be comparable to the revenue and expense the Company expects to incur in the future operations of the Property have been excluded. Excluded items consist of interest income, straight-line rent, certain operating expenses as a result of the type of lease, depreciation and amortization, management fees, and interest costs associated with the in-place debt. See Note 4 below.
An audited statement is being presented for the three most recent years due to the Property being contributed by affiliates of the Company. Management is not aware of any factors related to the Property that would cause this financial information not to be indicative of future operating results.
Revenue Recognition
The lease of the Property is accounted for as an operating lease. Revenue is recognized based on the contractual provisions of the lease. Property taxes are paid directly by Renfro. Property tax recovery, however, is reflected in the statement as the Company has ultimate responsibility for these expenses.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and certain expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
3. Related Party Transactions
The Property is being contributed to the Company, through the Operating Partnership, by affiliates of the Company. The affiliates will receive limited partnership units in exchange for the Property.
F-16
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND CERTAIN OPERATING EXPENSES
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2006, 2007 AND 2008
4. Subsequent Event
Secured Debt Financing
On January 29, 2009 the affiliates of the Company refinanced the prior debt of the Property. The aggregate loan amount is $13.0 million and consists of: (i) $8.0 million (term debt) to partially pay off the prior loan, and (ii) $5.0 million as a revolving line of credit (line of credit) to pay off the remaining balance of the prior loan and approximately $2.0 million to fund the tenant improvement allowance. The term debt has a three year term, and expires on January 31, 2012. The interest rate on the term debt is prime plus 1.0%, with a minimum of 6.5%, for the term of the loan. The term debt calls for monthly, interest only payments during the tenant improvement period, then monthly payments of principal and interest, based on a 25 year amortization schedule, for the remainder of the term. The line of credit has an initial term of one year, expires on January 29, 2010, and is to be reviewed by the lender for annual renewal thereafter. The interest rate on the line of credit is prime plus 1.0%, with a minimum of 6.5%, during the one year term. The line of credit provides for monthly, interest only payments, with the balance due upon the expiration of the initial one year term. Both loans are guaranteed by an affiliate, and are secured by a first mortgage and assignment of rents and leases on the Property.
The scheduled principal repayments for the combined term debt and line of credit are as follows:
2009 |
$- | |||
2010 |
5,114,984 | |||
2011 |
132,606 | |||
2012
|
7,752,410 | |||
Total |
$13,000,000 |
Lease Renewal
In conjunction with the refinancing of the prior debt, the Renfro lease was amended to, among other terms, extend the lease term from the original lease expiration, July, 2013, to a date twelve (12) years from the date the refinance was complete, or January 29, 2021. In consideration for extended the lease term Renfro was provided an allowance of $2.0 million for certain tenant improvements. The tenant improvement allowance was financed in the aggregate loan amount as part of the refinance. The future minimum lease payments to be received under the noncancelable operating lease upon renewal are as follows:
2009 |
$1,707,750 | |||
2010 |
1,863,000 | |||
2011 |
1,863,000 | |||
2012 |
1,863,000 | |||
2013 |
1,863,000 | |||
Thereafter |
14,701,250 | |||
Total |
$23,861,000 |
F-17
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., (the Company), as of December 31, 2008 is presented as if (1) affiliates of the Company contributed two single-tenant, full net lease properties; (2) the Company assumed the related secured mortgage debt; (3) the affiliates received 2.05 million limited partnership units of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, LP, in exchange; and (4) the issuance of 129,032 shares, at $9.30 per share, and the receipt of cash are included. The pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet is presented as if the contribution of the properties, assumption of the debt, and issuance of limited partnership units occurred on December 31, 2008.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet should be read in conjunction with the Consolidate Balance Sheet of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. and accompanying notes thereto, as of December 31, 2008. In the Companys opinion, all adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of the properties contributed, the secured mortgage debt assumed, and the issuance of limited partnership units have been made.
The pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet is not necessarily indicative of what the actual financial position would have been had the properties been contributed on December 31, 2008, nor do they purport to represent our future financial position.
F-18
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Pro Forma | |||||||||||||||
Historical | Adjustments (A) | Pro Forma | |||||||||||||
Assets: |
|||||||||||||||
Rental properties, net |
$ | | $ | 46,220,137 | $ | 46,220,137 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
201,000 | 1,212,544 | 1,413,544 | ||||||||||||
Restricted cash |
| 9,216,047 | 9,216,047 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets |
201,000 | 56,849,728 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities: |
|||||||||||||||
Mortgage payable |
$ | | $ | 34,189,476 | $ | 34,189,476 | |||||||||
In-place rent, below market |
| 628,151 | 628,151 | ||||||||||||
Lender reserves |
| 108,033 | 108,033 | ||||||||||||
Total Liabilities |
| 34,929,660 | |||||||||||||
Minority Interest |
200,000 | 20,523,068 | 20,723,068 | ||||||||||||
Stockholders Equity: |
|||||||||||||||
Common Stock, $0.001 par value, 700,000,000 shares
authorized,
|
1 | 1,200 | 1,201 | ||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
999 | 1,198,800 | 1,199,799 | ||||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
1,000 | 1,201,000 | |||||||||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 201,000 | $ | 56,849,728 | |||||||||||
Book value per share |
$ | 10.00 | $ | 9.30 |
See accompanying notes
F-19
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., (the Company), as of December 31, 2008 is presented as if (1) affiliates of the Company contributed two single-tenant, full net lease properties; (2) the Company assumed the related secured mortgage debt; and (3) the Company issued 129,032 shares at $9.30 per share. The pro forma condensed consolidated income statement is presented as if the contribution of the properties and assumption of the debt occurred on January 1, 2008.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement should be read in conjunction with the Consolidate Balance Sheet of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. and accompanying notes thereto, as of December 31, 2008. In the Companys opinion, all adjustments necessary to reflect the effects of the properties contributed, the secured mortgage debt assumed, and the issuance of limited partnership units have been made.
The pro forma condensed consolidated income statement is not necessarily indicative of what the actual operating results would have been had the properties been contributed on January 1, 2008, nor do they purport to represent our future operating results.
F-20
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Pro Forma | ||||||||||||||
Historical | Adjustments (B) | Pro Forma | ||||||||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||||||||
Rent revenue |
| $ | 5,452,181 | $ | 5,452,181 | |||||||||
Tenant recoveries |
| 374,926 | 374,926 | |||||||||||
Total revenue |
| 5,827,107 | ||||||||||||
Property tax expenses |
| 374,926 | 374,926 | |||||||||||
Asset management fee |
| 410,250 | 410,250 | |||||||||||
Property management fee |
| 163,003 | 163,003 | |||||||||||
Interest expense |
| 2,298,546 | 2,298,546 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense |
| 1,233,347 | 1,233,347 | |||||||||||
Total expenses |
| 4,480,072 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
| 1,347,035 | ||||||||||||
Minority interest |
| 1,266,842 | 1,266,842 | |||||||||||
Net income available to common stockholders |
| $ | 80,193 | |||||||||||
Earning per sharebasic |
| $ | 0.62 | |||||||||||
Earning per sharediluted |
| $ | 0.62 | |||||||||||
Weighted average sharesbasic |
| 129,132 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average sharesdiluted |
| 129,132 |
See accompanying notes
F-21
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Rental Properties
On April 21, 2009, the board of directors approved the contribution of certain properties from affiliates of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. (the Company), Plainfield Partners, LLC and Renfro Partners, LLC, (the Properties). The Properties are occupied by Chicago Bridge & Iron and Renfro Corporation, respectively, and are full net leases, obligating the respective tenant for all expenses and costs of operating and maintaining the Property, including capital expenditures. The properties will be contributed upon the Company fulfilling its minimum offering requirement, among other events, pursuant to the prospectus.
The Renfro Partners, LLC debt was refinanced and the corresponding lease was amended on January 29, 2009. The effects of the refinance and lease amendment are reflected in the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements, as if in place as of December 31, 2008.
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations, (FAS 141), the Company performs the following procedures when making an allocation of the contribution of real estate: (1) estimate the value of the real estate as of the contribution date on an as if vacant basis; (2) allocate the as if vacant value among land, building, and tenant improvements; (3) calculate the value of the intangible assets and liabilities as the difference between the as if vacant value and the contributed value; and (4) allocate the intangible value to the above, below and at market leases, leasing costs associated with in-place leases, tenant relationships and other intangible assets. The contributed value has been allocated on a preliminary basis to the respective assets contributed and liabilities assumed. The Company expects to finalize the purchase accounting no later than the end of the calendar year in which the assets were contributed.
The value allocated to building is depreciated and tenant improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life. The building is depreciated over a 40 year useful life and tenant improvements are amortized over the remaining contractual, non-cancelable term of the in-place lease. The value of above and below market leases are amortized over the remaining contractual, non-cancelable term of the in-place lease and recorded as either an increase (for below market leases) or a decrease (for above market leases) to rental income. Costs associated with originating these lease are amortized over the remaining contractual, non-cancelable term of the in-place lease, and are included in other assets in the accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
The pro forma adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:
A. | The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet reflects the contribution of the Properties to the Operating Partnership, in exchange for limited partnership units. The Properties are reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company at fair market value. Rental properties is comprised of: |
Building at fair market value |
$40,150,000 | |||
Land at fair market value |
5,150,000 | |||
In place lease valuation |
628,151 | |||
Tenant improvements expended |
291,986
|
|||
Total |
$46,220,137 |
F-22
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet reflects the assumption of approximately $34.2 million of existing debt as part of the transaction. On January 29, 2009 the Renfro Partners, LLC property debt was refinanced. The aggregate loan amount is $13.0 million and consists of: (i) $8.0 million (term debt) to partially pay off the prior loan, and (ii) $5.0 million as a revolving line of credit (line of credit) to pay off the remaining balance of the prior loan and approximately $2.0 million to fund the tenant improvement allowance. The term debt has a three year term, and expires on January 31, 2012. The interest rate on the term debt is prime plus 1.0%, with a minimum of 6.50%, for the term of the loan. The term debt calls for monthly, interest only payments during the tenant improvement period, then monthly payments of principal and interest, based on a 25 year amortization schedule, for the remainder of the term. The line of credit has an initial term of one year, expires on January 29, 2010, and is to be reviewed by the lender for annual renewal thereafter. The interest rate on the line of credit is prime plus 1.0%, with a minimum of 6.50%, during the one year term. The line of credit provides for monthly, interest only payments, with the balance due upon the expiration of the initial one year term. Both loans are guaranteed by an affiliate, and are secured by a first mortgage and assignment of rents and leases on the Property.
In October 2007 the Plainfield Partners, LLC debt was refinanced. The gross loan amount was $21.5 million, and is fixed at 6.65%. The terms of the loan require monthly principal and interest payments. The loan is secured by a first mortgage and security agreement on our interest in the underlying Chicago Bridge & Iron property, fixture, filing, and assignment of leases, rents, income and profits. The loan has an initial term of 10 years and matures in November 2017. As of December 31, 2008 the unamortized loan principal was approximately $21.2 million.
In exchange for the properties, the Operating Partnership will issue limited partnership units, which is reflected in minority interest. As of December 31, 2008, approximately 2.05 million limited partnership units would have been issued.
Restricted cash consists of tenant improvement allowances, initially $2.0 million and $7.4 million for Renfro Corporation and Chicago Bridge & Iron, respectively. These allowances were funded in conjunction with the respective property debt. As of December 31, 2008 approximately $292,000 of Chicago Bridge & Iron tenant improvement allowance was expended, and is included as part of rental properties. The remaining restricted cash is a replacement reserve for the Plainfield Partners, LLC property, which is funded monthly by the tenant.
On May 6, 2009, the Company issued 129,032 shares of the Companys common stock, at the discounted price of $9.30 per share. The cash received and the common stock issued are reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet as if the transaction occurred on December 31, 2008.
Adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
The pro forma adjustments to the Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement are as follows:
F-23
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
B. | The pro forma adjustments reflect the contribution of the properties as of January 1, 2008 and include adjustments to reflect the following: |
Rental income is recorded on a straight-line basis for each of the Properties. In addition, rental income includes the recognition of above and below market, in-place rent in accordance with SFAS 141:
Renfro Corporation | Chicago Bridge & Iron | ||||||||||
Contractual Base Rent |
$ | 1,862,633 | $ | 3,195,885 | |||||||
Adjustment to Straight-line |
125,416 | 228,315 | |||||||||
(Above)/Below market, in-place rent |
(12,646 | ) | 52,578 | ||||||||
Total Base Rent |
$ | 1,975,403 | $ | 3,476,778 |
Property tax expense and the recovery of the property tax expense are reflected in the pro forma as if the Company paid the property tax and invoiced the tenant as incurred. Currently, the property taxes are paid directly by the tenants.
Asset management fees are paid monthly to the Advisor at 0.0625%, or 0.75% annually, based on the aggregate book value of the properties, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement dated February 10, 2009.
Property management fees are paid to The GC Net Lease REIT Property Management, LLC monthly at 3.0% of gross property revenues, pursuant to the Property Management Agreement.
Interest expense related to the assumed property debt is reflected in the pro forma based on the interest rates and terms noted in Note A. The interest rate used to compute pro forma interest expense is the minimum interest rate, 6.50%, as discussed in Note A. As of December 31, 2008 the prime rate was 3.25%. The prime rate plus 1.00% would have yielded a rate of 4.25% at that time, which is below the minimum rate allowed under the loan agreement.
Depreciation expense is reflected in the pro forma based on an estimated useful life of 40 years and at the new contributed basis. Amortization expense for tenant improvements is not reflected as the tenant improvement projects will not be completed and in place until the beginning of the second year. Intangible lease costs are included and amortized over the remaining lease term.
The expenses reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated income statement by property are as follows:
Renfro Corporation | Chicago Bridge & Iron | |||||||||
Property Taxes |
$ | 150,134 | $ | 224,792 | ||||||
Asset Management Fees |
162,750 | 247,500 | ||||||||
Property Management Fees |
60,383 | 102,620 | ||||||||
Interest Expense |
856,736 | 1,441,810 | ||||||||
Depreciation Expense |
576,075 | 657,272 | ||||||||
Total Expenses |
$ | 1,806,078 | $ | 2,673,994 |
F-24
PRIOR PERFORMANCE OF OUR SPONSOR AND ITS AFFILIATES
The following Prior Performance Tables provide historical unaudited financial information relating to nine private real estate investment programs sponsored by Griffin Capital Corporation, our sponsor (Prior Real Estate Programs). These Prior Real Estate Programs, with similar investment objectives to ours, include seven single tenant single-asset real estate tenant-in-common offerings, one single tenant two-asset real estate tenant-in-common offering and one single tenant nine-asset Delaware Statutory Trust offering consisting of nine assets.
Our advisor is responsible for the acquisition, operation, maintenance and resale of our real estate properties. Griffin Capital Corporation is our sponsor and is the sponsor of the Prior Real Estate Programs and related companies. The Prior Real Estate Programs presented provide an overview of prior Griffin Capital Corporation-managed real estate programs and the performance of these programs. However, the general condition of the economy, as well as other factors, can affect the real estate market and operations and impact the financial performance significantly.
The following tables are included herein:
Table I Experience in Raising and Investing Funds Table I summarizes information of the prior performance of our sponsor in raising funds for the Prior Real Estate Programs, the offerings of which closed during the previous three years. The information in Table I is unaudited.
Table II Compensation to Sponsor Table II summarizes the compensation paid to our sponsor and affiliates for the Prior Real Estate Programs, the offerings of which closed during the previous three years. The information in Table II is unaudited.
Table III Annual Operating Results of Prior Real Estate Programs Table III summarizes the operating results for the Prior Real Estate Programs, the offerings of which closed during the previous five years. The information in Table III is unaudited.
Table IV Results of Completed Prior Real Estate Programs Table IV summarizes the results for the Prior Real Estate Programs that have completed operations during the previous five years. The information in Table IV is unaudited.
Table V Sales or Disposals of Properties for Prior Real Estate Programs Table V includes all sales or disposals of properties by Prior Real Estate Programs within the most recent three years. The information in Table V is unaudited.
Additional information is contained in Table VI Acquisitions of Properties by Programs, which is included in Part II of the registration statement which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of which this prospectus is a part. Copies of Table VI will be provided to prospective investors at no charge upon request.
The investment objectives of the nine single tenant private programs described in the Prior Performance Summary section of this Prospectus and presented individually in the Prior Performance Tables are considered to have similar investment objectives as ours. We intend to invest in income
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-1
producing properties and achieve appreciation in the value of our properties over the long-term with returns anticipated from income and any increase in the value of the properties. Our stockholders will not own any interest in any Prior Real Estate Program and should not assume that they will experience returns, if any, comparable to those experienced by investors in the Prior Real Estate Programs. Please see Risk Factors General Risks Related to Investments in Real Estate. Due to the risks involved in the ownership of and investment in real estate, there is no guarantee of any level of return on your investment in us and you may lose some or all of your investment.
These tables are presented on a tax basis rather than on a GAAP basis. Tax basis accounting does not take certain income or expense accruals into consideration at the end of each fiscal year. Income may be understated in the tables as compared to GAAP, as GAAP accounting would require certain amortization or leveling of rental revenue, the amount of which is undetermined at this time. Expenses may be understated by monthly operating expenses, which are typically paid in arrears.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-2
TABLE I
EXPERIENCE IN RAISING AND INVESTING FUNDS (UNAUDITED)
This table provides a summary of the experience of our sponsor in investing and raising funds in Prior Real Estate Programs for which the offerings have closed in the most recent three years through December 31, 2008. Information is provided with regard to the manner in which the proceeds of the offerings have been applied. Also set forth below is information pertaining to the timing and length of these offerings and the time period over which the proceeds have been invested in the properties.
Griffin Capital (Shellmound)
Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital (Puente
Hills) Investors, LLC |
|||||||||
Dollar Amount | Percentage | Dollar Amount | Percentage | |||||||
Dollar Amount Offered |
$ | 7,400,000 | $ | 9,150,000 | ||||||
Dollar Amount Raised |
7,400,000 | 100.0% | 9,150,000 | 100.0% | ||||||
Less Offering Expenses: |
||||||||||
Selling Commissions and Discounts by Affiliates 4 |
592,000 | 8.0% | 732,000 | 8.0% | ||||||
Organizational Expenses 5 |
148,000 | 2.0% | 183,000 | 2.0% | ||||||
Other 6 |
148,000 | 2.0% | 183,000 | 2.0% | ||||||
Funded Reserves |
250,000 | 3.4% | 250,000 | 1.6% | ||||||
Percent Available for Investment |
88.0% | 88.0% | ||||||||
Acquisition Costs: |
||||||||||
Prepaid Items and Fees Related to Purchase of Property 3 |
539,500 | 7.3% | 558,750 | 6.1% | ||||||
Cash Down Payment 1 |
5,250,000 | 70.9% | 6,675,000 | 73.0% | ||||||
Acquisition Fees |
472,500 | 6.4% | 668,250 | 7.3% | ||||||
Other 2 |
250,000 | 3.4% | 150,000 | 1.6% | ||||||
Total Acquisition Costs |
$ | 6,512,000 | 88.0% | $ | 8,052,000 | 88.0% | ||||
Percent Leveraged |
66.7% | 70.0% | ||||||||
Date Offering Commenced 7 |
5/8/2006 | 9/8/2006 | ||||||||
Length of Offering (mos.) |
1 | 2 | ||||||||
Months to Invest 90% of Amount Available for Investment |
1 | 2 |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-3
TABLE I
EXPERIENCE IN RAISING AND INVESTING FUNDS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (ARG
Restaurants) Investors, DST |
Griffin Capital (Redwood)
Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital
Investors, LLC |
|||||||||||||
Dollar Amount | Percentage | Dollar Amount | Percentage | Dollar Amount | Percentage | ||||||||||
Dollar Amount Offered |
$ | 12,900,000 | $ | 11,375,000 | $ | 13,400,000 | |||||||||
Dollar Amount Raised |
12,900,000 | 100.0% | 11,375,000 | 100.0% | 13,400,000 | 100.0% | |||||||||
Less Offering Expenses: |
|||||||||||||||
Selling Commissions and Discounts by Affiliates 4 |
1,032,000 | 8.0% | 910,000 | 8.0% | 1,072,000 | 8.0% | |||||||||
Organizational Expenses 5 |
258,000 | 2.0% | 227,500 | 2.0% | 268,000 | 2.0% | |||||||||
Other 6 |
258,000 | 2.0% | 227,500 | 2.0% | 268,000 | 2.0% | |||||||||
Funded Reserves |
1,250,000 | 9.7% | - | 0.0% | - | 0.0% | |||||||||
Percent Available for Investment |
88.0% | 88.0% | 88.0% | ||||||||||||
Acquisition Costs: |
|||||||||||||||
Prepaid Items and Fees Related to Purchase of Property 3 |
352,000 | 2.7% | 910,000 | 8.0% | 1,584,250 | 11.8% | |||||||||
Cash Down Payment 1 |
9,750,000 | 75.6% | 8,500,000 | 74.7% | 9,350,000 | 69.8% | |||||||||
Acquisition Fees |
- | 0.0% | 600,000 | 5.3% | 893,750 | 6.7% | |||||||||
Other 2 |
1,250,000 | 9.7% | - | 0.0% | - | 0.0% | |||||||||
Total Acquisition Costs |
$ | 11,352,000 | 88.0% | $ | 10,010,000 | 88.0% | $ | 11,828,000 | 88.3% | ||||||
Percent Leveraged |
73.5% | 64.6% | 73.9% | ||||||||||||
Date Offering Commenced 7 |
11/7/2006 | 1/11/2007 | 5/1/2007 | ||||||||||||
Length of Offering (mos.) |
12 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||
Months to Invest 90% of Amount Available for Investment |
12 | 2 | 2 |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-4
TABLE I
EXPERIENCE IN RAISING AND INVESTING FUNDS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital
Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital (Westmont)
Investors, LLC |
Multi-Tenant Assets (in aggregate) |
|||||||||||||
Dollar Amount | Percentage | Dollar Amount | Percentage | Dollar Amount | Percentage | ||||||||||
Dollar Amount Offered |
$ | 11,050,000 | $ | 17,100,000 | $ | 164,705,000 | |||||||||
Dollar Amount Raised |
11,050,000 | 100.0% | 17,100,000 | 100.0% | 164,705,000 | 100.0% | |||||||||
Less Offering Expenses: |
|||||||||||||||
Selling Commissions and Discounts by Affiliates 4 |
884,000 | 8.0% | 1,368,000 | 8.0% | 13,176,400 | 8.0% | |||||||||
Organizational Expenses 5 |
221,000 | 2.0% | 342,000 | 2.0% | 3,294,100 | 2.0% | |||||||||
Other 6 |
221,000 | 2.0% | 342,000 | 2.0% | 3,294,100 | 2.0% | |||||||||
Funded Reserves |
250,000 | 2.3% | 5,580,000 | 32.6% | 27,300,000 | 16.6% | |||||||||
Percent Available for Investment |
88.0% | 88.0% | 88.0% | ||||||||||||
Acquisition Costs: |
|||||||||||||||
Prepaid Items and Fees Related to Purchase of Property 3 |
759,335 | 6.9% | 568,000 | 3.3% | 11,660,100 | 7.1% | |||||||||
Cash Down Payment 1 |
8,069,134 | 73.0% | 8,000,000 | 46.8% | 94,710,000 | 57.5% | |||||||||
Acquisition Fees |
645,531 | 5.8% | 900,000 | 5.3% | 11,270,300 | 6.8% | |||||||||
Other 2 |
250,000 | 2.3% | 5,580,000 | 32.6% | 27,300,000 | 16.6% | |||||||||
Total Acquisition Costs |
$ | 9,724,000 | 88.0% | $ | 15,048,000 | 88.0% | $ | 145,000,400 | 88.0% | ||||||
Percent Leveraged |
75.0% | 77.6% | 74.3% | ||||||||||||
Date Offering Commenced 7 |
8/13/2007 | 10/8/2007 | Various | ||||||||||||
Length of Offering (mos.) |
2 | 4 | 3 | ||||||||||||
Months to Invest 90% of Amount Available for Investment |
2 | 4 | 3 |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-5
TABLE I
EXPERIENCE IN RAISING AND INVESTING FUNDS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
NOTES TO TABLE I
Acquisition Costs
1) Cash Down Payment : This is the net number, after deducting Griffin Capitals acquisition fee and any initial funded reserves required by the lender for future tenant improvements and leasing commissions, which is applied to the contract purchase price.
2) Other : This consists of all initial lender required reserves for future tenant improvements and leasing commissions.
3) Prepaid Items and Fees Related to Purchase of Property : This represents fixed costs related to the following (i) lender and mortgage banker fees, (ii) transfer taxes, title charges, escrow fees, prorations, document preparation fees, legal fees, third party costs and recording fees and (iii) a lender required reserve for insurance and taxes. This number consists of the original offerings Loan Fees and Costs, Closing and Carrying Costs and Insurance and Tax Reserve.
Offering Expenses
4) Selling Commissions and Discounts by Affiliates : Per each TIC offering, the Selling Group, which consists of multiple Broker-Dealers, was entitled to sales commissions for the sale of interests in the offering. This number consists of the original offerings Sales Commissions.
5) Organizational Expenses : Per each TIC offering, the Selling Group, which consists of multiple Broker-Dealers, was entitled to a reimbursement for marketing, diligence and expenses in connection with the sale of interests in the offering. This number consists of the original offerings Organizational and Offering Expenses Allowance.
6) Other Expenses : Per each TIC offering, Griffin Capital was to receive a non-accountable marketing and due diligence allowance in the amount of 2.00% of the Gross Proceeds. This number consists of the original offerings Marketing and Due Diligence Expenses.
Other Notes
7) Date Offering Commenced : This is the date of original private offering memorandum.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-6
TABLE II
COMPENSATION TO SPONSOR (UNAUDITED)
This table sets forth the compensation paid to our sponsor and its affiliates for Prior Real Estate Programs for which the offerings have closed in the most recent three years through December 31, 2008. The table includes compensation paid out of the offering proceeds and compensation paid in connection with the ongoing operations of Prior Real Estate Programs. Each of the Prior Real Estate Programs for which information is presented below has similar or identical investment objectives to this program.
Griffin Capital
(Shellmound) Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital
(Puente Hills) Investors, LLC |
|||||
Date Offering Commenced | 5/8/2006 | 9/8/2006 | ||||
Dollar Amount Raised |
$ | 7,400,000 | $ | 9,150,000 | ||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Proceeds of Offering: |
||||||
Selling Commissions 1 |
592,000 | 732,000 | ||||
Due Diligence Expense 2 |
539,500 | 558,750 | ||||
Marketing Fee 3 |
148,000 | 183,000 | ||||
Organizational and Offering Expenses 4 |
148,000 | 183,000 | ||||
Acquisition Fees: |
||||||
Advisory Fees 5 |
472,500 | 668,250 | ||||
Acquisition Expenses |
- | - | ||||
Other |
- | - | ||||
Dollar Amount Generated from Operations Before Deducting Payments to Sponsor |
1,631,885 | 1,391,595 | ||||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Operations: |
||||||
Property Management Fees 6 |
134,836 | 69,282 | ||||
Partnership Management Fees |
- | - | ||||
Reimbursements |
- | - | ||||
Leasing Commissions |
- | - | ||||
Other |
- | - | ||||
Dollar Amount of Property Sales and Refinancing Before Deducting Payments to Sponsor: |
||||||
Cash |
- | - | ||||
Notes |
- | - | ||||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Property Sales and Refinancing: |
||||||
Incentive Fees |
- | - | ||||
Real Estate Commission |
- | - | ||||
Other |
- | - |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-7
TABLE II
COMPENSATION TO SPONSOR (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (ARG
Restaurants) Investors, DST |
Griffin Capital
(Redwood) Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital
(Independence) Investors, LLC |
|||||||
Date Offering Commenced | 11/7/2006 | 1/11/2007 | 5/1/2007 | ||||||
Dollar Amount Raised |
$ | 12,900,000 | $ | 11,375,000 | $ | 13,400,000 | |||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Proceeds of Offering: |
|||||||||
Selling Commissions 1 |
1,032,000 | 910,000 | 1,072,000 | ||||||
Due Diligence Expense 2 |
352,000 | 910,000 | 1,548,250 | ||||||
Marketing Fee 3 |
258,000 | 227,500 | 268,000 | ||||||
Organizational and Offering Expenses 4 |
258,000 | 227,500 | 268,000 | ||||||
Acquisition Fees: |
|||||||||
Advisory Fees 5 |
- | 600,000 | 893,750 | ||||||
Acquisition Expenses |
- | - | - | ||||||
Other |
- | - | - | ||||||
Dollar Amount Generated from Operations Before Deducting Payments to Sponsor |
1,937,042 | 1,610,850 | 1,967,978 | ||||||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Operations: |
|||||||||
85,292 |
85,292 | 85,675 | 119,418 | ||||||
Partnership Management Fees |
- | - | - | ||||||
Reimbursements |
- | - | - | ||||||
Leasing Commissions |
- | - | - | ||||||
Other |
- | - | - | ||||||
Dollar Amount of Property Sales and Refinancing Before Deducting Payments to Sponsor: |
|||||||||
Cash |
- | - | - | ||||||
Notes |
- | - | - | ||||||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Property Sales and Refinancing: |
|||||||||
Incentive Fees |
- | - | - | ||||||
Real Estate Commission |
- | - | - | ||||||
Other |
- | - | - |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-8
TABLE II
COMPENSATION TO SPONSOR (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital
(Bolingbrook) Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital
(Westmont) Investors, LLC |
Multi-Tenant Assets
(in aggregate) |
|||||||
Date Offering Commenced | 8/13/2007 | 10/8/2007 | Various | ||||||
Dollar Amount Raised |
$ | 11,050,000 | $ | 17,100,000 | $ | 164,705,000 | |||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Proceeds of Offering: |
|||||||||
Selling Commissions 1 |
884,000 | 1,368,000 | 13,176,400 | ||||||
Due Diligence Expense 2 |
759,335 | 568,000 | 11,660,100 | ||||||
Marketing Fee 3 |
221,000 | 342,000 | 3,284,100 | ||||||
Organizational and Offering Expenses 4 |
221,000 | 342,000 | 3,284,100 | ||||||
Acquisition Fees: |
|||||||||
Advisory Fees 5 |
645,531 | 900,000 | 11,270,300 | ||||||
Acquisition Expenses |
- | - | - | ||||||
Other |
- | - | - | ||||||
Dollar Amount Generated from Operations Before Deducting Payments to Sponsor |
1,439,657 | 967,812 | 32,650,415 | ||||||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Operations: |
|||||||||
Property Management Fees 6 |
63,232 | 31,201 | 2,461,010 | ||||||
Partnership Management Fees |
- | - | - | ||||||
Reimbursements |
- | - | - | ||||||
Leasing Commissions |
- | - | - | ||||||
Other |
- | - | - | ||||||
Dollar Amount of Property Sales and Refinancing Before Deducting Payments to Sponsor: |
|||||||||
Cash |
- | - | - | ||||||
Notes |
- | - | - | ||||||
Amount Paid to Sponsor from Property Sales and Refinancing: |
|||||||||
Incentive Fees |
- | - | - | ||||||
Real Estate Commission |
- | - | - | ||||||
Other |
- | - | - |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-9
TABLE II
COMPENSATION TO SPONSOR (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
NOTES TO TABLE II
Amount Paid to Sponsor From Proceeds of Offering
1) Selling Commissions : Per each TIC offering, the Selling Group, which consists of multiple Broker-Dealers, was entitled to sales commissions for the sale of interests in the offering. This number consists of the original offerings Sales Commissions.
2) Due Diligence Expenses : This represents third-party costs related to the following (i) lender and mortgage banker fees, (ii) transfer taxes, title charges, escrow fees, prorations, document preparation fees, legal fees, third party costs and recording fees and (iii) a lender required reserve for insurance and taxes. This number consists of the original offerings Loan Fees and Costs, Closing and Carrying Costs and Insurance and Tax Reserve.
3) Marketing Fee : Per each TIC offering, Griffin Capital was to receive a non-accountable marketing and due diligence allowance in the amount of 2.00% of the Gross Proceeds. This number consists of the original offerings Marketing and Due Diligence Expenses.
4) Organizational Expenses : Per each TIC offering, the Selling Group, which consists of multiple Broker-Dealers, was entitled to a reimbursement for marketing, diligence and expenses in connection with the sale of interests in the offering. This number consists of the original offerings Organizational and Offering Expenses Allowance.
5) Advisory Fees : These are Griffin Capitals acquisition fees.
Amount Paid to Sponsor From Operations
6) Property Management Fees : These are Griffin Capitals asset management fee and non-recoverable management fee. Amounts reflected are from inception through December 31, 2008.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-10
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED)
The following sets forth the unaudited operating results of Prior Real Estate Programs sponsored by our sponsor, the offerings of which have closed in the most recent five years through December 31, 2008. The information relates only to programs with investment objectives similar to this program. All amounts are as of and for the year ended December 31 for the year indicated.
Will Partners Investors, LLC | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | 2,092,921 | $ | 2,278,472 | $ | 2,285,460 | $ | 2,279,976 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | 67,385 | 75,252 | 75,398 | 65,462 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | 1,384,586 | 1,525,449 | 1,509,095 | 1,519,984 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | 640,950 | $ | 677,771 | $ | 700,967 | $ | 694,530 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | 640,950 | $ | 677,771 | $ | 700,967 | $ | 694,530 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | 640,950 | 677,771 | 700,967 | 694,530 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | 640,950 | 677,771 | 700,967 | 694,530 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | 456,998 | 504,000 | 504,000 | 504,000 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) After Cash Distributions |
- | 183,952 | 173,771 | 196,967 | 190,530 | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) After Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | 183,952 | $ | 173,771 | $ | 196,967 | $ | 190,530 | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | 101.10 | $ | 106.90 | $ | 110.56 | $ | 109.55 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | 72.08 | 79.50 | 79.50 | 79.50 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | 72.08 | 79.50 | 79.50 | 79.50 | ||||||||||
Other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at the End of Last Year reported in the table |
100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-11
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (Carlsbad Pointe) Investors, LLC | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 3,297,281 | $ | 3,755,097 | $ | 3,806,523 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | - | 134,290 | 168,507 | 172,523 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | - | 1,746,370 | 2,144,567 | 2,122,825 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,416,621 | $ | 1,442,023 | $ | 1,511,175 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,416,621 | $ | 1,442,023 | $ | 1,511,175 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | - | 1,416,621 | 1,442,023 | 1,511,175 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | - | 1,416,621 | 1,442,023 | 1,511,175 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | - | 785,816 | 981,151 | 1,021,838 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
- | - | 630,805 | 460,872 | 489,337 | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 630,805 | $ | 460,872 | $ | 489,337 | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 91.39 | $ | 93.03 | $ | 97.50 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | - | 50.70 | 63.30 | 65.93 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | - | 50.70 | 63.30 | 65.93 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at the End of Last Year reported in the table |
100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-12
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (Shellmound) Investors, LLC | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 723,462 | $ | 1,258,498 | $ | 1,287,222 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | - | 26,031 | 54,249 | 55,831 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | - | 331,272 | 655,274 | 649,476 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 366,159 | $ | 548,975 | $ | 581,915 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 366,159 | $ | 548,975 | $ | 581,915 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | - | 366,159 | 548,975 | 581,915 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | - | 366,159 | 548,975 | 581,915 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | - | 231,496 | 481,929 | 488,708 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
- | - | 134,663 | 67,047 | 93,207 | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 134,663 | $ | 67,047 | $ | 93,207 | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 49.48 | $ | 74.19 | $ | 78.64 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | - | 31.28 | 65.13 | 66.04 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | - | 31.28 | 65.13 | 66.04 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at the End of Last Year reported in the table |
100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-13
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (Puente Hills) Investors, LLC | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 447,526 | $ | 1,633,534 | $ | 1,496,247 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | - | 4,542 | 33,150 | 34,044 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | - | 190,797 | 994,868 | 997,594 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 252,188 | $ | 605,516 | $ | 464,609 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 252,188 | $ | 605,516 | $ | 464,609 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | - | 252,188 | 605,516 | 464,609 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | |||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | - | 252,188 | 605,516 | 464,609 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | - | 85,677 | 617,487 | 589,844 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | |||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
- | - | 166,511 | (11,971) | (125,235) | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 166,511 | $ | (11,971) | $ | (125,235) | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | 27.56 | $ | 66.18 | $ | 50.78 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | - | 9.36 | 67.48 | 64.46 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | - | 9.36 | 66.18 | 50.78 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | 1.31 | 13.69 | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at The End of Last Year reported in the table |
100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-14
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants) Investors, DST | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 2,749,638 | $ | 2,744,803 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | - | - | 42,513 | 44,452 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | - | - | 1,692,726 | 1,863,000 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,014,399 | $ | 837,351 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,014,399 | $ | 837,351 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | - | - | 1,014,399 | 837,351 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | 1,014,399 | 837,351 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | - | - | 761,903 | 838,584 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
- | - | - | 252,496 | (1,233) | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 252,496 | $ | (1,233) | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 78.64 | $ | 64.91 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | - | - | 59.06 | 65.01 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | - | - | 59.06 | 64.91 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | - | 0.10 | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at The End of Last Year reported in the table |
100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-15
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (Redwood) Investors, LLC | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,443,484 | $ | 1,785.523 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | - | - | 35,556 | 50,119 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | - | - | 688,415 | 929,742 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 719,513 | $ | 805,662 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 719,513 | $ | 805,662 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | - | - | 719,513 | 805,662 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | 719,513 | 805,662 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | - | - | 565,540 | 786,771 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
- | - | - | 153,973 | 18,891 | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 153,973 | $ | 18,891 | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 63.25 | $ | 70.83 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | - | - | 49.72 | 69.17 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | - | - | 49.72 | 69.17 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at the End of Last Year reported in the table |
100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-16
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (Independence) Investors, LLC | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,414,719 | $ | 2,781,155 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | - | - | 35,318 | 84,100 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | - | - | 665,808 | 1,562,088 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 713,593 | $ | 1,134,967 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 713,593 | $ | 1,134,967 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | - | - | 713,593 | 1,134,967 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | 713,593 | 1,134,967 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | - | - | 472,339 | 1,118,900 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
- | - | - | 241,254 | 16,067 | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 241,254 | $ | 16,067 | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 53.25 | $ | 84.70 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | - | - | 35.25 | 83.50 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | - | - | 35.25 | 83.50 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at the End of Last Year reported in the table |
100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-17
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (Bolingbrook) Investors, LLC | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 1,234,889 | $ | 2,432,445 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | - | - | 8,782 | 57,500 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | - | - | 661,837 | 1,562,790 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 564,270 | $ | 812,155 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 564,270 | $ | 812,155 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | - | - | 564,270 | 812,155 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | 564,270 | 812,155 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | - | - | 113,218 | 773,500 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
- | - | - | 451,052 | 38,655 | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 451,052 | $ | 38,655 | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 51.07 | $ | 73.50 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | - | - | 10.25 | 70.00 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | - | - | 10.25 | 70.00 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at the End of Last Year reported in the table | - | - | - | - | 100% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-18
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (Westmont) Investors, LLC | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 482,770 | $ | 2,728,518 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
- | - | - | - | 269,660 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
- | - | - | 188,591 | 1,816,427 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 294,180 | $ | 642,431 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 294,180 | 642,431 | ||||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
- | - | - | 294,180 | 642,431 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | 294,180 | 642,431 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
- | - | - | - | 1,247,196 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
- | - | - | 294,180 | (604,765) | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 294,180 | $ | (604,765) | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 17.20 | $ | 37.57 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
- | - | - | - | 72.94 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
- | - | - | - | 37.57 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | - | 35.37 | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at the End of Last Year reported in the table | 100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-19
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Multi-Tenant Assets (in aggregate) | |||||||||||||||
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|||||||||||
Gross Revenue |
$ | 1,465,830 | $ | 10,183,203 | $ | 28,052,628 | $ | 43,714,564 | $ | 45,998,639 | |||||
Profit (loss) on Sale of Property |
|||||||||||||||
Less: |
|||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
542,637 | 4,195,219 | 12,115,827 | 18,019,455 | 19,362,485 | ||||||||||
Interest Expense |
254,764 | 3,014,295 | 9,459,058 | 15,463,374 | 16,405,225 | ||||||||||
Depreciation |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) - Tax Basis |
$ | 668,429 | $ | 2,973,689 | $ | 6,117,383 | $ | 10,198,975 | $ | 10,230,929 | |||||
Taxable Income |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | 668,429 | $ | 2,973,689 | $ | 6,117,383 | $ | 10,198,975 | $ | 10,230,929 | |||||
from gain on sale |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from operations |
668,429 | 2,973,689 | 6,117,383 | 10,198,975 | 10,230,929 | ||||||||||
from sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated from operations, sales and refinancing |
668,429 | 2,973,689 | 6,117,383 | 10,198,975 | 10,230,929 | ||||||||||
Less: Cash Distributions to Investors |
|||||||||||||||
from operating cash flow |
269,653 | 2,138,612 | 6,079,876 | 7,846,016 | 7,776,160 | ||||||||||
from sales and refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
from other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions |
398,776 | 835,077 | 37,508 | 2,352,959 | 2,454,769 | ||||||||||
Less: Special Items (not including sales and refinancing) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Generated (deficiency) after Cash Distributions and Special Items | $ | 398,776 | $ | 835,077 | $ | 37,508 | $ | 2,352,959 | $ | 2,454,769 | |||||
Tax and Distribution Data Per $1,000 Invested |
|||||||||||||||
Federal Income Tax Results: |
|||||||||||||||
Ordinary Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
from operations |
$ | 4.06 | $ | 18.05 | $ | 37.14 | $ | 61.92 | $ | 62.12 | |||||
from recapture |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Capital Gain (Loss) |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Cash Distributions to Investors: |
|||||||||||||||
Source (on tax basis) |
|||||||||||||||
investment income |
1.64 | 12.98 | 36.91 | 47.64 | 47.21 | ||||||||||
return of capital |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Source (on cash basis) |
|||||||||||||||
sales |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
refinancing |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
operations |
1.64 | 12.98 | 36.91 | 47.64 | 47.21 | ||||||||||
other |
- | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Amount (pct.) remaining Invested in Program Properties at the End of Last Year reported in the table | 100.0% |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-20
TABLE III
OPERATING RESULTS OF PRIOR REAL ESTATE PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
NOTES TO TABLE III
1) Griffin Capital Corporation maintains the books and records of each investment on a cash basis which approximates the reportable tax information for each tenant-in-common investor. Specifically, (1) tax accounting does not take into consideration certain income and expense accruals at the end of each calendar year; and (2) rental income is recognized for tax purposes when received rather then on a straight-line basis as required by generally accepted accounting principles. These differences typically create timing differences between years but total income over the life of the investment will not be significantly different between the two bases of accounting.
2) Operating expenses, including real estate taxes and property insurance, are the responsibility of the tenant pursuant to the lease agreement.
3) Griffin Capital Corporation does not calculate depreciation for the tenant-in-common and Delaware Statutory Trust investment due to the co-tenancy interests held by the individual investors.
4) Griffin Capital Corporation has not disposed of a property since acquisition as these properties continue to be held within the original holding period. Further, Griffin Capital Corporation has not generated cash from the refinancing of debt associated with the investment.
5) Distributions are made from cash flow generated from operations, which may also be funded from time to time with funds in a liquidity/working capital reserve that may have been established at close and/or funded over time with excess cash that exceeds investor distributions in prior periods.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
Appendix A
A-21
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
1 | YOUR INITIAL INVESTMENT |
Make all checks* payable to: THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
*Cash, cashiers checks/official bank checks under $10,000, foreign checks, money orders, third party checks, or travelers checks are not accepted.
The minimum investment is $1,000**
All additional investments must be for at least $100. |
Investment Amount: $ |
** The minimum purchase for New York residents is 250 shares ($2,500), except for IRAs which must purchase a minimum of 100 shares ($1,000).
¨ Waiver of Commission Please check this box if you are eligible for a waiver of commission. Waivers of commissions are available to: purchases through an affiliated investment advisor, participating Broker-Dealer or its retirement plan, or for a representative of a participating Broker-Dealer or his or her retirement plan or family member(s).
2 | FORM OF OWNERSHIP |
(Select only one)
¨ INDIVIDUAL OR |
¨ PENSION PLAN (Include Plan Documents) |
|||
¨ JOINT TENANT |
¨ TRUST (Include title and signature pages)
|
|||
Type of Joint Tenancy |
||||
(Joint accounts will be registered as joint tenants with rights of survivorship unless otherwise indicated) ¨ TRANSFER ON DEATH (optional designation of beneficiaries for individual, joint owners with rights of survivorship, or tenants by the entireties) |
¨ CORPORATION OR PARTNERSHIP (Include Corporate Resolution or Partnership Agreement) ¨ PROFIT SHARING |
|||
¨ UNIFORM GIFT/TRANSFER TO MINORS (UGMA/UTMA) Under the UGMA/UTMA of the State of |
¨ OTHER (Include title and signature pages) |
|||
¨ IRA (Third Party Administered IRA) |
3 | INVESTOR & CUSTODIAL INFORMATION |
Please print name(s) in which shares are to be registered. If establishing a retirement plan, include both custodian and investor names and Taxpayer ID numbers.
¨ U.S. Citizen ¨ Resident Alien Country of Origin | ¨ Non-resident Alien Country of Origin |
Individual/Custodian/Trustee (All fields must be completed)
Custodial Name
|
Tax ID
|
First Name
|
(MI)
|
Last Name
|
Gender (M/F)
|
Social Security Number/Tax ID Number
|
Drivers License Number/State
|
Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
|
Joint Owner/Minor/Beneficial Owner/Co-Trustee (All fields must be completed)
First Name
|
(MI)
|
Last Name
|
Gender (M/F)
|
Social Security Number
|
Drivers License Number/State
|
Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY)
|
Transfer on Death Beneficiary Information (For Individual or Joint Tenant Accounts only)
First Name
|
(MI)
|
Last Name
|
Social Security Number
|
Primary
|
%
|
First Name
|
(MI)
|
Last Name
|
Social Security Number
|
Primary Contingent
|
%
|
Trust/Corporation/Partnership/Other (Trustee information must be provided above)
Entity Name
|
Tax ID Number
|
Date of Trust
|
Transfer Agent Use Only
|
||||||
Sub. #
|
Admit Date
|
Amount
|
Check #
|
Appendix B
B-1
4 | ADDRESS INFORMATION |
A. | Custodian (Section 4D must be completed if mailing address in Section 4A is a P.O. Box) |
Street Address
|
Apt. # |
City
|
State | Zip Code |
B. | Individual/Trustee/Corporation (Section 4D must be completed if mailing address in Section 4B is a P.O. Box) |
Street Address
|
Apt. # |
City
|
State | Zip Code |
If Non-U.S., Specify Country
|
Daytime Phone Number | E-mail Address |
C. | Joint Owner/Minor/Beneficial Owner/Co-Trustee (If different than address of record) |
Street Address
|
Apt. # |
City
|
State | Zip Code |
If Non-U.S., Specify Country
|
Daytime Phone Number | E-mail Address |
D. | Residential Street Address (Section 4D must be completed if mailing address in Section 4A or 4B is a P.O. Box) |
Street Address
|
Apt. # |
City
|
State | Zip Code |
If Non-U.S., Specify Country
|
Daytime Phone Number |
5 | DISTRIBUTIONS |
Complete this section to enroll in the Distribution Reinvestment Plan or to elect to receive distributions by check mailed to you, by check mailed to a third-party or alternate address, or by direct deposit.
IRA accounts may not direct distributions without the custodians approval.
I hereby subscribe for shares of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. and elect the distribution option indicated below: (Select each that apply must equal 100%)
1. ¨ Participate in the Distribution Reinvestment Plan (see Prospectus for details) %
2. ¨ Check mailed to the address set forth in Section 4A above %
3. ¨ Check mailed to the address set forth in Section 4B above %
4. ¨ Check Mailed to Third-Party/Alternate Address %
To direct distributions to a party other than the registered owner, please provide applicable information below.
5. ¨ Direct Deposit Please attach a pre-printed voided check. (Non-Custodian Investors Only) %
I authorize The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. or its agent to deposit my distribution to my checking or savings account. This authority will remain in force until I notify The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. in writing to cancel it. In the event that The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. deposits funds erroneously into my account, they are authorized to debit my account for an amount not to exceed the amount of the erroneous deposit.
Name/Entity Name/Financial Institution
|
Mailing Address |
City
|
State | Zip Code |
Please Attach a Pre-printed Voided Check Here* | ||||
|
* The above services cannot be established without a pre-printed voided check.
For Electronic Funds Transfers, signatures of bank account owners are required exactly as they appear on bank records. If the registration at the bank differs from that on this Subscription Agreement, all parties must sign below. |
|||
Signature
|
||||
Signature
|
||||
Your Banks ABA Routing Number Your Bank Account Number
|
¨ Checking Account ¨ Savings Account |
Appendix B
B-2
6 | ACCOUNT OPTIONS | (You may select more than one option) | ||
A. ¨ Automatic Investment Plan. Electronic Funds Transfer from your bank account directly to your The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. investment account ($100 Minimum). I authorize The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. or its agent to draft from my checking or savings account. This authority will remain in force until I notify The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. in writing to cancel it. In the event that The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. drafts funds erroneously from my account, they are authorized to credit my account for an amount not to exceed the amount of the erroneous draft.* *Automatic Investment Plan is not available to residents of Alabama or Ohio. |
Name of Financial Institution | Mailing Address | |||
City | State | Zip Code | ||||||
I Authorize The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. or its agent to draft from my checking or savings account $ (MONTHLY AMOUNT) on the second day of each month, starting on / / (START DATE). MM / DD / YY |
B. ¨ Electronic Delivery of Reports and Updates. I authorize The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. to make available on its website at www.____________.com its quarterly reports, annual reports, proxy statements, prospectus supplements or other reports required to be delivered to me, as well as any property or marketing updates, and to notify me via e-mail when such reports or updates are available in lieu of receiving paper documents. (You must provide an e-mail address if you choose this option) |
E-mail address: |
|
7 | BROKER-DEALER/FINANCIAL ADVISOR INFORMATION | (All fields must be completed) | ||
The Financial Advisor must sign below to complete order. The Financial Advisor hereby warrants that he/she is duly licensed and may lawfully sell shares in the state designated as the investors legal residence. |
Broker-Dealer Name | BD Mailing Address | |||||
City | State | Zip Code | ||||||
Broker-Dealer Number |
Telephone Number | Fax Number | ||||||
Financial Advisor Firm Name & Branch Number |
Financial Advisor Name | |||
Advisor Mailing Address |
||
City |
State | Zip Code | ||||||
Advisor Number | Branch Number | Telephone Number | ||||||
E-mail Address |
Fax Number | |||||||
¨ Registered Investment Advisor ( RIA ): All sales of securities must be made through a Broker-Dealer. If an RIA has introduced a sale, the sale must be conducted through (1) the RIA in his or her capacity as a Registered Representative of a Broker-Dealer, if applicable; (2) a Registered Representative of a Broker-Dealer which is affiliated with the RIA, if applicable; or (3) if neither (1) nor (2) is applicable, an unaffiliated Broker-Dealer. (Section 7 must be filled in.) |
The undersigned confirm on behalf of the Broker-Dealer that they (1) have reasonable grounds to believe that the information and representations concerning the investor identified herein are true, correct and complete in all respects; (2) have discussed such investors prospective purchase of shares with such investor; (3) have advised such investor of all pertinent facts with regard to the lack of liquidity and marketability of the shares, (4) have delivered a current Prospectus and related supplements, if any, to such investor; (5) have reasonable grounds to believe that the investor is purchasing these shares for his or her own account; and (6) have reasonable grounds to believe that the purchase of shares is a suitable investment for such investor, that such investor meets the suitability standards applicable to such investor set forth in the Prospectus and related supplements, if any, and that such investor is in a financial position to enable such investor to realize the benefits of such an investment and to suffer any loss that may occur with respect thereto. |
Appendix B
B-3
X | X | |||||||||||||
Financial Advisor Signature | Date |
Branch Manager Signature (If required by Broker-Dealer) |
Date |
8 | SUBSCRIBER SIGNATURES |
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER CONFIRMATION (required): The investor signing below, under penalties of perjury, certifies that (1) the number shown on this subscription agreement is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), (2) I am not subject to backup withholding because I am exempt from backup withholding, I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and (3) I am a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien), unless I have otherwise indicated in Section 3 above.
I understand that I will not be admitted as a stockholder until my investment has been accepted. Depositing of my check alone does not constitute acceptance. The acceptance process includes, but is not limited to, reviewing the Subscription Agreement for completeness and signatures, conducting an Anti-Money Laundering check as required by the USA PATRIOT Act and depositing funds.
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. is required by law to obtain, verify and record certain personal information from you or persons on your behalf in order to establish the account. Required information includes name, date of birth, permanent residential address and social security/taxpayer identification number. We may also ask to see other identifying documents. If you do not provide the information, The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. may not be able to open your account. By signing the Subscription Agreement, you agree to provide this information and confirm that this information is true and correct. If we are unable to verify your identity, or that of another person(s) authorized to act on your behalf, or if we believe we have identified potentially criminal activity, we reserve the right to take action as we deem appropriate which may include closing your account.
Please separately initial each of the representations below. Except in the case of fiduciary accounts, you may not grant any person a power of attorney to make such representations on your behalf. In order to induce The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. to accept this subscription, I hereby represent and warrant to you as follows: |
[ALL ITEMS MUST BE READ AND INITIALED.] |
Owner | Joint Owner | ||||||||||
(1) | I have received the Prospectus of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., and I fully understand that I am entitled to a refund of my subscription amount upon written request to The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. if the request received within five (5) business days of either (i) completion of the Subscription Agreement or (ii) my receipt of the Prospectus, whichever is earlier. | |||||||||||
Initials | Initials | |||||||||||
(2) | I have (x) a net worth (exclusive of home, home furnishings and automobiles) of $250,000 or more, or (y) a net worth (as described above) of at least $70,000 and had during the last tax year or estimate that I will have during the current tax year a minimum of $70,000 gross annual income, or that I meet the higher suitability requirements imposed by my state of primary residence as set forth in the Prospectus under SUITABILITY STANDARDS. I will not purchase additional shares unless I meet those suitability requirements at the time of purchase. | |||||||||||
Initials | Initials | |||||||||||
(3) | I acknowledge that there is no public market for the shares and, thus, my investment in shares is not liquid. | |||||||||||
Initials | Initials | |||||||||||
(4) | I am purchasing the shares for my own account. | |||||||||||
Initials | Initials |
If you participate in the Distribution Reinvestment Plan or make subsequent purchases of shares of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., including purchases made pursuant to our Automatic Investment Program, you agree that, if you fail to meet the suitability requirements for making an investment in shares or can no longer make the other representations or warranties set forth in this Section 8, you are required to promptly notify The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. and your Broker-Dealer in writing.
The IRS does not require your consent to any provision of this document other than the certifications required to avoid backup withholding. |
X | X | |||||||||||||
Signature of Owner or Custodian | Date |
Signature of Joint Owner or Beneficial Owner (if applicable) |
Date |
(MUST BE SIGNED BY CUSTODIAN OR TRUSTEE IF IRA OR QUALIFIED PLAN IS ADMINISTERED BY A THIRD PARTY) All items on the Subscription Agreement must be completed in order for your subscription to be processed. Subscribers are encouraged to read the Prospectus in its entirety for a complete explanation of an investment in The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. |
Overnight Return to : INSERT TRANSFER AGENT INFO HERE
Regular Return Mail: INSERT TRANSFER AGENT INFO HERE
Accepted by The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | ||||||
By |
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Sub # |
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Appendix B
B-4
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
DISTRIBUTION REINVESTMENT PLAN
Effective As of , 2009
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the Company), has adopted a distribution reinvestment plan (the DRP), the terms and conditions of which are set forth below.
1. Distribution Reinvestment . As agent for the stockholders of the Company (Stockholders) who (A) purchase shares of the Companys Common Stock (the Shares) through the private offering detailed in that certain private placement memorandum dated February 20, 2009 (the Private Offering), (B) purchase Shares pursuant to any potential future initial public offering of the Company (Initial Public Offering), or (C) purchase Shares pursuant to any potential future offering of the Company (a Future Offering) and who elect to participate in the DRP (the Participants), the Company will apply all distributions declared and paid in respect of the Shares held by each participating Stockholder (the Distributions), including Distributions paid with respect to any full or fractional Shares acquired under the DRP, to the purchase of the Shares for such participating Stockholders directly, if permitted under state securities laws and, if not, through the dealer manager or participating dealers registered in the participating Stockholders state of residence (Participating Dealers).
2. Effective Date . The DRP became effective on February 20, 2009. Any amendment to the DRP shall be effective as provided in Section 12.
3. Eligibility and Procedure for Participation . Any Stockholder who purchases Shares pursuant to the Private Offering, an Initial Public Offering or any other Future Offering, and who has received a Memorandum in the Private Offering or a Prospectus, as contained in a registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), may elect to become a Participant by completing and executing a subscription agreement, an enrollment form or any other appropriate authorization form as may be available from the Company, the dealer manager or participating dealer. The Company may elect to deny a Stockholder participation in the DRP if the Stockholder resides in a jurisdiction or foreign country where, in the Companys judgment, the burden or expense of compliance with applicable securities laws makes the Stockholders participation impracticable or inadvisable. Participation in the DRP will begin with the next Distribution payable after receipt of a Participants accepted subscription, enrollment or authorization.
Once enrolled, a Participant may continue to purchase stock under the DRP until all of the shares of stock registered have been sold, the Company has terminated a current offering, or the Company has terminated the DRP. A Participant can choose to have all or a portion of distributions reinvested through the DRP. A Participant may also change the percentage of distributions that will be reinvested at any time by completing a new enrollment form or other form provided for that purpose. Any election to increase a Participants level of participation must be made through a participating dealer or, if purchased other than through a participating dealer, through the Companys dealer manager. Shares will be purchased under the DRP on the date that Distributions are paid by the Company.
Each Participant agrees that if, at any time prior to the listing of the Shares on a national securities exchange or inclusion of the Shares for quotation on a national market system, he or she fails to meet the suitability requirements for making an investment in the Company or cannot make the other
Appendic C
C-1
representations or warranties set forth in the Subscription Agreement, he or she will promptly so notify the Company in writing.
4. Purchase of Shares . Participants may acquire DRP Shares from Company at a price equal to the higher of $9.50 per share or 95% of the fair market value of a share of the Companys common stock as estimated by the Companys board of directors or a firm chosen by the Companys board of directors, until the earliest of (A) the date that all of the DRP Shares have been issued or (B) all offerings terminate and the Company elects to deregister with the SEC any unsold public DRP Shares, if any. The DRP Share price was determined by the Companys board of directors in its business judgment. The Companys board of directors may set or change the DRP Share price for the purchase of DRP Shares at any time in its sole and absolute discretion based upon such factors as it deems appropriate. Participants in the DRP may also purchase fractional Shares so that 100% of the Distributions will be used to acquire Shares; however, a Participant will not be able to acquire DRP Shares to the extent that any such purchase would cause such Participant to exceed the ownership limit as set forth in the Companys charter or otherwise would cause a violation of the share ownership restrictions set forth in the Companys charter.
Shares to be distributed by the Company in connection with the DRP may (but are not required to) be supplied from: (A) the DRP Shares issued in connection with the Companys Private Offering, (B) the DRP Shares registered with the SEC in connection with an Initial Public Offering of the Company, (C) Shares to be registered with the SEC in a Future Offering for use in the DRP (a Future Registration), or (D) Shares of the Companys common stock purchased by the Company for the DRP in a secondary market (if available) or on a national securities exchange or national market system (if listed) (collectively, the Secondary Market).
Shares purchased in any Secondary Market will be purchased at the then-prevailing market price, which price will be used for purposes of issuing Shares in the DRP. Shares acquired by the Company in any Secondary Market or registered in a Future Registration for use in the DRP may be at prices lower or higher than the Share price which will be paid for the DRP Shares pursuant to the Initial Public Offering.
If the Company acquires Shares in any Secondary Market for use in the DRP, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to acquire Shares at the lowest price then reasonably available. However, the Company does not in any respect guarantee or warrant that the Shares so acquired and purchased by the Participant in the DRP will be at the lowest possible price. Further, irrespective of the Companys ability to acquire Shares in any Secondary Market or to make a Future Offering for Shares to be used in the DRP, the Company is in no way obligated to do either, in its sole discretion.
5. No Commissions or Other Charges . No dealer manager fee and no commissions will be paid with respect to the DRP Shares.
6. Exclusion of Certain Distributions . The board of directors of the Company reserves the right to designate that certain cash or other distributions attributable to net sale proceeds will be excluded from Distributions that may be reinvested in shares under the DRP.
7. Taxation of Distributions . The reinvestment of Distributions in the DRP does not relieve Participants of any taxes which may be payable as a result of those Distributions and their reinvestment pursuant to the terms of this Plan.
8. Stock Certificates . The ownership of the Shares purchased through the DRP will be in book-entry form unless and until the Company issues certificates for its outstanding common stock.
Appendix C
C-2
9. Voting . A Participant may vote all shares acquired through the DRP.
10. Reports . Within 90 days after the end of the Companys fiscal year, the Company shall provide each Stockholder with an individualized report on his or her investment, including the purchase date(s), purchase price and number of Shares owned, as well as the dates of Distribution payments and amounts of Distributions paid during the prior fiscal year.
11. Termination by Participant . A Participant may terminate participation in the DRP at any time, without penalty by delivering to the Company a written notice. Prior to listing of the Shares on a national securities exchange or quotation on a national market system, any transfer of Shares by a Participant to a non-Participant will terminate participation in the DRP with respect to the transferred Shares. Upon termination of DRP participation for any reason, Distributions paid subsequent to termination will be distributed to the Stockholder in cash.
12. Amendment or Termination of DRP by the Company . The board of directors of the Company may be majority vote (including a majority of the independent directors) amend, modify, suspend or terminate the DRP for any reason upon 10 days written notice to the Participants; provided, however, no such amendment shall add compensation to the DRP or remove the opportunity for a Participant to terminate participation in the DRP, as specified above.
13. Liability of the Company . The Company shall not be liable for any act done in good faith, or for any good faith omission to act, including, without limitation, any claims or liability (A) arising out of failure to terminate a Participants account upon such Participants death prior to receipt of notice in writing of such death, or (B) with respect to the time and the prices at which Shares are purchased or sold for a Participants account. To the extent that indemnification may apply to liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of a particular state, the Company has been advised that, in the opinion of the SEC and certain state securities commissioners, such indemnification is contrary to public policy and, therefore, unenforceable.
Appendix C
C-3
Until , 200 , all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as soliciting dealers.
We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or other individual to give any information or to make any representations that are not contained in this prospectus. If any such information or statements are given or made, you should not rely upon such information or representation. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell any securities other than those to which this prospectus relates, or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to any person in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful. This prospectus speaks as of the date set forth below. You should not assume that the delivery of this prospectus or that any sale made pursuant to this prospectus implies that the information contained in this prospectus will remain fully accurate and correct as of any time subsequent to the date of this prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1 | ||
11 | ||
18 | ||
41 | ||
41 | ||
43 | ||
47 | ||
57 | ||
80 | ||
86 | ||
87 | ||
94 | ||
100 | ||
112 | ||
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INVESTMENT BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND CERTAIN TAX-FAVORED BENEFIT ACCOUNTS |
128 | |
135 | ||
148 | ||
152 | ||
159 | ||
160 | ||
160 | ||
160 | ||
161 | ||
161 | ||
F-1 | ||
A-1 | ||
B-1 | ||
C-1 |
The GC Net
Lease REIT, Inc.
Maximum Offering of
82,500,000 Shares
of Common Stock
PROSPECTUS
Griffin Capital Securities, Inc.
, 2009
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 30. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk |
As a result of our expected use of debt, primarily to acquire properties, we will be exposed to interest rate changes. Our interest rate risk management objectives are to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flow primarily through a moderate level of overall borrowings. We will manage our ratio of fixed to floating rate debt with the objective of achieving a mix that we believe is appropriate. Our floating rate debt will be based on variable interest rates in order to provide the necessary financing flexibility; however, we are closely monitoring interest rates and will continue to consider the sources and terms of our future borrowing facilities to determine whether we have appropriately guarded ourselves against the risk of increasing interest rates in future periods.
As of the date of this Registration Statement, since our date of incorporation, we have had no debt.
We do not have any foreign operations or assets. As a result, we are not exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency rates.
Item 31. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution |
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses to be paid by us, other than the dealer manager fee and sales commissions, while issuing and distributing the common stock being registered. All amounts are estimates except the registration fee and the FINRA filing fee.
SEC Registration Fee |
$ | 45,826 | |
FINRA Filing Fee |
75,500 | ||
Printing Expenses |
* | ||
Legal Fees and Expenses |
* | ||
Accounting Fees and Expenses |
* | ||
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses |
* | ||
Educational Seminars and Conferences |
* | ||
Due Diligence Expenses |
* | ||
Advertising and Sales Literature |
* | ||
Miscellaneous |
* | ||
Total Expenses |
$ | * | |
* | To be filed by amendment |
Item 32. | Sales to Special Parties |
Not Applicable
Item 33. | Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities |
In connection with our incorporation, we issued 100 shares of our common stock to The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC for $10 per share in a private offering on August 27, 2008. Such offering was exempt from the registration requirements pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Act) and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
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We are engaged in a private placement offering to accredited investors pursuant to a confidential private placement memorandum dated February 20, 2009. From February 20, 2009 through May 6, 2009, we sold approximately 129,032 shares of common stock at $10.00 (subject to discount) per share in this private placement offering. We received net proceeds of approximately $1.2 million from this private placement after commissions, fees and expenses.
Each of the purchasers of our common shares has represented to us that he or she is an accredited investor. Based upon these representations, we believe that the issuances of our common shares were exempt from the registration requirements pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
Item 34. | Indemnification of the Directors and Officers |
The Maryland General Corporation Law, as amended (the MGCL), permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action.
The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporations receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification and (b) a written undertaking by or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was not met. It is the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission that indemnification of directors and officers for liabilities arising under the Act is against public policy and is unenforceable pursuant to Section 14 of the Act.
Subject to the significant conditions below, our charter provides that we shall indemnify and hold harmless a director, officer, employee, agent, advisor or affiliate against any and all losses or liabilities reasonably incurred by such director, officer, employee, agent, advisor or affiliate in connection with or by reason of any act or omission performed or omitted to be performed on our behalf in such capacity.
However, under our charter, we shall not indemnify our directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or any affiliate for any liability or loss suffered by the directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors or affiliates, nor shall we provide that the directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors or affiliates be held harmless for any loss or liability suffered by us, unless all of the following conditions are met: (i) the directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates have determined, in good faith, that the course of conduct which caused the loss or liability was in our best interests; (ii) the directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates were acting on our behalf or performing services for us;
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(iii) such liability or loss was not the result of (A) negligence or misconduct by the directors, excluding the independent directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates; or (B) gross negligence or willful misconduct by the independent directors; and (iv) such indemnification or agreement to hold harmless is recoverable only out of our net assets and not from stockholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates and any persons acting as a broker-dealer shall not be indemnified by us for any losses, liabilities or expenses arising from or out of an alleged violation of federal or state securities laws by such party unless one or more of the following conditions are met: (i) there has been a successful adjudication on the merits of each count involving alleged securities law violations as to the particular indemnitee; (ii) such claims have been dismissed with prejudice on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction as to the particular indemnitee; and (iii) a court of competent jurisdiction approves a settlement of the claims against a particular indemnitee and finds that indemnification of the settlement and the related costs should be made, and the court considering the request for indemnification has been advised of the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission and of the published position of any state securities regulatory authority in which our securities were offered or sold as to indemnification for violations of securities laws.
Our charter provides that the advancement of funds to our directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates for legal expenses and other costs incurred as a result of any legal action for which indemnification is being sought is permissible only if all of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) the legal action relates to acts or omissions with respect to the performance of duties or services on our behalf; (ii) the legal action is initiated by a third party who is not a stockholder or the legal action is initiated by a stockholder acting in his or her capacity as such and a court of competent jurisdiction specifically approves such advancement; (iii) the directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates undertake to repay the advanced funds to us together with the applicable legal rate of interest thereon, in cases in which such directors, officers, employees, agents, advisor or affiliates are found not to be entitled to indemnification.
We also have purchased and maintain insurance on behalf of all of our directors and executive officers against liability asserted against or incurred by them in their official capacities with us, subject to our limitations on indemnification.
Item 35. | Treatment of Proceeds from Stock Being Registered |
Not Applicable
Item 36. | Financial Statements and Exhibits |
(a) Financial Statements: The following financial statements are filed as part of this registration statement and included in the prospectus:
Consolidated Financial Statements:
(1) | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
(2) | Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008 |
(3) | Notes to Consolidated Balance Sheet |
Audited Financial Statements for Renfro Property:
(1) | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
(2) | Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 |
(3) | Notes to Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses for the Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 |
II - 3
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information Related to Renfro Property:
(1) | Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet |
(2) | Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet |
(3) | Summary of Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement |
(4) | Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Income Statement |
(5) | Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements |
(b) Exhibits:
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
1.1 | Form of Dealer Manager Agreement and Participating Dealer Agreement | |
3.1 | Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | |
3.2 | Bylaws of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | |
4.1 | Form of Subscription Agreement and Subscription Agreement Signature Page (included as Appendix B to prospectus) | |
5.1 | Form of Opinion of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC as to legality of securities | |
8.1 | Form of Opinion of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC as to tax matters | |
10.1 | Form of First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. | |
10.2 | Form of Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement | |
10.3 | The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan | |
10.4 | The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. Distribution Reinvestment Plan (included as Appendix C to prospectus) | |
10.5 | Tax Protection Agreement by and among The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., Kevin A. Shields, Don G. Pescara and David C. Rupert | |
10.6 | Form of Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement | |
21.1 | Subsidiaries of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | |
23.1 | Consent of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |
23.2 | Consent of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC with respect to tax opinion (included in Exhibit 8.1) | |
23.3 | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |
24.1 | Power of Attorney |
Item 37. | Undertakings |
(a) The Registrant undertakes to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.
(b) The Registrant undertakes (i) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof, (ii) that all post-effective amendments will comply with the applicable forms, rules and regulations of the Commission in effect at the time such post-effective amendments are
II - 4
filed, and (iii) to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(c) The Registrant undertakes that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Act to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness; provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(d) For the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the Registrant or used or referred to by the Registrant; (iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the Registrant; and (iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the Registrant to the purchaser.
(e) The Registrant undertakes to send to each stockholder, at least on an annual basis, a detailed statement of any transaction with our advisor or its affiliates, and of fees, commissions, compensation and other benefits paid or accrued to our advisor or its affiliates for the fiscal year completed, showing the amount paid or accrued to each recipient and the services performed.
(f) The Registrant undertakes to file a sticker supplement pursuant to Rule 424(c) under the Act during the distribution period describing each property not identified in the prospectus at such time as there arises a reasonable probability that such property will be acquired and to consolidate all such stickers into a post-effective amendment filed at least once every three months with the information contained in such amendment provided simultaneously to the existing stockholders. Each sticker supplement will disclose all compensation and fees received by our advisor and its affiliates in connection with any such acquisition. The post-effective amendment shall include audited financial statements meeting the requirements of Rule 3-14 of Regulation S-X only for properties acquired during the distribution period.
(g) The Registrant undertakes to file, after the end of the distribution period, a current report on Form 8-K containing the financial statements and any additional information required by Rule 3-14 of Regulation S-X, to reflect each commitment (i.e., the signing of a binding purchase agreement) made after the end of the distribution period involving the use of 10% or more (on a cumulative basis) of the net proceeds of the offering and to provide the information contained in such report to the stockholders at least once each quarter after the distribution period of the offering has ended.
(h) The Registrant undertakes to provide to the stockholders the financial statements required by Form 10-K for the first full fiscal year of operations.
(i) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
II - 5
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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TABLE VI
ACQUISITIONS OF PROPERTIES BY PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED)
Table VI presents summary information on properties acquired in the previous three years through March 31, 2009 by Prior Real Estate Programs with similar investment objectives. This table provides information regarding the general type and location of the properties and the manner in which they were acquired.
Griffin Capital (Shellmound)
Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital (Puente Hills)
Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
|||||||
Name of property |
Expressions College | Superior Nissan | Black Angus Steakhouse | ||||||
Address |
6601-6603 Shellmound Street | 17320 Gale Avenue | 1625 Watt Avenue | ||||||
City, State, Zip Code |
Emeryville, CA 94608 | Puente Hills, CA 91748 | Sacramento, CA 95864 | ||||||
Property Type |
Office | Auto Dealership | Restaurant | ||||||
Net Rentable Square Footage |
63,273 | 76,109 | 9,584 | ||||||
Date Acquired (Closing Date) 1 |
6/7/2006 | 11/8/2006 | 10/3/2007 | ||||||
Mortgage Financing |
$ | 10,500,000 | $ | 15,600,000 | $ | 3,105,000 | |||
Cash Down Payment |
5,250,000 | 6,675,000 | 1,121,250 | ||||||
Acquisition Fee |
472,500 | 668,250 | | ||||||
Contract Purchase Price plus Acquisition Fee |
16,222,500 | 22,943,250 | 4,226,250 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Expensed 2 |
1,427,500 | 1,656,750 | 218,500 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Capitalized 3 |
250,000 | 150,000 | 143,750 | ||||||
Total Acquisition Cost |
$ | 17,900,000 | $ | 24,750,000 | $ | 4,588,500 | |||
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
|||||||
Name of property |
Black Angus Steakhouse | Black Angus Steakhouse | Black Angus Steakhouse | ||||||
Address |
1011 Blossom Hill Road | 1000 Graves Avenue | 707 E Street | ||||||
City, State, Zip Code |
San Jose, CA 95123 | El Cajon, CA 92021 | Chula Vista, CA 91910 | ||||||
Property Type |
Restaurant | Restaurant | Restaurant | ||||||
Net Rentable Square Footage |
10,215 | 10,300 | 10,300 | ||||||
Date Acquired (Closing Date) 1 |
10/3/2007 | 10/3/2007 | 10/3/2007 | ||||||
Mortgage Financing |
$ | 3,240,000 | $ | 3,172,500 | $ | 3,240,000 | |||
Cash Down Payment |
1,170,000 | 1,145,625 | 1,170,000 | ||||||
Acquisition Fee |
| | | ||||||
Contract Purchase Price plus Acquisition Fee |
4,410,000 | 4,318,125 | 4,410,000 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Expensed 2 |
228,000 | 223,250 | 228,000 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Capitalized 3 |
150,000 | 146,875 | 150,000 | ||||||
Total Acquisition Cost |
$ | 4,788,000 | $ | 4,688,250 | $ | 4,788,000 |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
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TABLE VI
ACQUISITIONS OF PROPERTIES BY PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
|||||||
Name of property |
Black Angus Steakhouse | Black Angus Steakhouse | Black Angus Steakhouse | ||||||
Address |
1616 Sisk Road | 3610 Park Sierra Boulevard | 7111 Beach Boulevard | ||||||
City, State, Zip Code |
Modesto, CA 95350 | Riverside, CA 92505 | Buena Park, CA 90621 | ||||||
Property Type |
Restaurant | Restaurant | Restaurant | ||||||
Net Rentable Square Footage |
9,487 | 9,200 | 9,700 | ||||||
Date Acquired (Closing Date) 1 |
10/3/2007 | 10/3/2007 | 10/3/2007 | ||||||
Mortgage Financing |
$ | 3,240,000 | $ | 2,902,500 | $ | 2,160,000 | |||
Cash Down Payment |
1,170,000 | 1,048,125 | 780,000 | ||||||
Acquisition Fee |
| | | ||||||
Contract Purchase Price plus Acquisition Fee |
4,410,000 | 3,950,625 | 2,940,000 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Expensed 2 |
228,000 | 204,250 | 152,000 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Capitalized 3 |
150,000 | 134,375 | 100,000 | ||||||
Total Acquisition Cost |
$ | 4,788,000 | $ | 4,289,250 | $ | 3,192,000 | |||
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants)
Investors, DST 4 |
Griffin Capital (Redwood)
Investors, LLC |
|||||||
Name of property |
Black Angus Steakhouse | Black Angus Steakhouse | DPR Construction | ||||||
Address |
23221 Lake Center Drive | 3601 Rosedale Highway | 1450 Veterans Boulevard | ||||||
City, State, Zip Code |
Lake Forest, CA 92630 | Bakersfield, CA 93308 | Redwood City, CA 94063 | ||||||
Property Type |
Restaurant | Restaurant | Office | ||||||
Net Rentable Square Footage |
9,700 | 10,200 | 53,000 | ||||||
Date Acquired (Closing Date) 1 |
10/3/2007 | 10/3/2007 | 3/5/2007 | ||||||
Mortgage Financing |
$ | 2,430,000 | $ | 3,510,000 | $ | 15,500,000 | |||
Cash Down Payment |
877,500 | 1,267,500 | 8,500,000 | ||||||
Acquisition Fee |
| | 600,000 | ||||||
Contract Purchase Price plus Acquisition Fee |
3,307,500 | 4,777,500 | 24,600,000 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Expensed 2 |
171,000 | 247,000 | 2,275,000 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Capitalized 3 |
112,500 | 162,500 | | ||||||
Total Acquisition Cost |
$ | 3,591,000 | $ | 5,187,000 | $ | 26,875,000 |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
II - 8
TABLE VI
ACQUISITIONS OF PROPERTIES BY PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
Griffin Capital (Independence)
Investors, LLC |
Griffin Capital (Bolingbrook)
Investors, LLC 5 |
Griffin Capital (Bolingbrook)
Investors, LLC 5 |
|||||||
Name of property |
Kichler Lighting | 750 South Schmidt | 525 West Crossroads | ||||||
Address |
711 E. Pleasant Valley Road | 750 S. Schmidt Road | 525 W. Crossroads Parkway | ||||||
City, State, Zip Code |
Independence, OH 44131 | Bolingbrook, IL 60440 | Bolingbrook, IL 60440 | ||||||
Property Type |
Industrial | Industrial | Industrial | ||||||
Net Rentable Square Footage |
630,000 | 187,000 | 78,870 | ||||||
Date Acquired (Closing Date) 1 |
6/28/2007 | 10/17/2007 | 10/17/2007 | ||||||
Mortgage Financing |
$ | 26,400,000 | $ | 17,344,287 | $ | 6,863,116 | |||
Cash Down Payment |
9,350,000 | 5,781,429 | 2,287,705 | ||||||
Acquisition Fee |
893,750 | 462,515 | 183,016 | ||||||
Contract Purchase Price plus Acquisition Fee |
36,643,750 | 23,588,231 | 9,333,837 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Expensed 2 |
3,156,250 | 1,494,115 | 591,220 | ||||||
Other Cash Expenditures Capitalized 3 |
| 179,122 | 70,878 | ||||||
Total Acquisition Cost |
$ | 39,800,000 | $ | 25,261,467 | $ | 9,995,936 |
Griffin Capital (Westmont)
Investors, LLC |
Multi-Tenant Assets
(in aggregate) |
|||||
Name of property |
SIRVA Headquarters | Various | ||||
Address |
700 Oakmont Lane | |||||
City, State, Zip Code |
Westmont, IL 60559 | |||||
Property Type |
Office | Various | ||||
Net Rentable Square Footage |
269,715 | 2,026,497 | ||||
Date Acquired (Closing Date) 1 |
2/8/2008 | Various | ||||
Mortgage Financing |
$ | 27,700,000 | $ | 283,400,000 | ||
Cash Down Payment |
8,000,000 | 94,710,000 | ||||
Acquisition Fee |
900,000 | 11,270,300 | ||||
Contract Purchase Price plus Acquisition Fee |
36,600,000 | 389,380,300 | ||||
Other Cash Expenditures Expensed 2 |
2,620,000 | 31,424,700 | ||||
Other Cash Expenditures Capitalized 3 |
5,580,000 | 27,300,000 | ||||
Total Acquisition Cost |
$ | 44,800,000 | $ | 448,105,000 |
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
II - 9
TABLE VI
ACQUISITIONS OF PROPERTIES BY PROGRAMS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
NOTES TO TABLE VI
1) The date acquired is defined as the date on which the last equity closing occurred.
2) Other Cash Expenditures Expensed :
(i) Third-party fixed cost related to the following (a) lender and mortgage banker fees, (b) transfer taxes, title charges, escrow fees, prorations, document preparation fees, legal fees, third party costs and recording fees and (c) a lender required reserve for insurance and taxes. This number consists of the original offerings Loan Fees and Costs, Closing and Carrying Costs and Insurance and Tax Reserve.
(ii) Per each TIC offering, the Selling Group, which consists of multiple Broker-Dealers, was entitled to sales commissions for the sale of interests in the offering. This number consists of the original offerings Sales Commissions.
(iii) Per each TIC offering, the Selling Group, which consists of multiple Broker-Dealers, was entitled to a reimbursement for marketing, diligence and expenses in connection with the sale of interests in the offering. This number consists of the original offerings Organizational and Offering Expenses Allowance.
(iv) Per each TIC offering, Griffin Capital was to receive a non-accountable marketing and due diligence allowance in the amount of 2% of the Gross Proceeds. This number consists of the original offerings Marketing and Due Diligence Expenses.
3) Other Cash Expenditures Capitalized : This consists of all initial lender required reserves for future tenant improvements and leasing commissions.
4) Griffin Capital (ARG Restaurants) Investors, DST : The original offering was a portfolio of nine assets; an allocation for debt, down payment, fees and expenses has been based on the as is appraised value at time of acquisition.
5) Griffin Capital (Bolingbrook) Investors, LLC : The original offering was a portfolio of two assets; an allocation for debt, down payment, fees and expenses has been based on the as is appraised value at time of acquisition.
Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results
II - 10
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all the requirements for filing on Form S-11 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of El Segundo, State of California, on the 11th day of May, 2009.
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Kevin A. Shields |
|
Kevin A. Shields | ||
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
Title |
Date |
||
/s/ Kevin A. Shields |
President and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | May 11, 2009 | ||
Kevin A. Shields | ||||
/s/ Joseph E. Miller |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | May 11, 2009 | ||
Joseph E. Miller | (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||
/s/ Gregory M. Cazel |
Independent Director | May 11, 2009 | ||
Gregory M. Cazel | ||||
/s/ Tim Rohner |
Independent Director | May 11, 2009 | ||
Tim Rohner |
II - 11
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
1.1 |
Form of Dealer Manager Agreement and Participating Dealer Agreement | |
3.1 |
Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | |
3.2 |
Bylaws of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | |
4.1 |
Form of Subscription Agreement and Subscription Agreement Signature Page (included as Appendix B to prospectus) | |
5.1 |
Form of Opinion of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC as to legality of securities | |
8.1 |
Form of Opinion of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC as to tax matters | |
10.1 |
Form of First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. | |
10.2 |
Form of Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement | |
10.3 |
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. 2009 Long Term Incentive Plan | |
10.4 |
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. Distribution Reinvestment Plan (included as Appendix C to prospectus) | |
10.5 |
Tax Protection Agreement by and among The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., Kevin A. Shields, Don G. Pescara and David C. Rupert | |
10.6 |
Form of Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement | |
21.1 |
Subsidiaries of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | |
23.1 |
Consent of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC (included in Exhibit 5.1) | |
23.2 |
Consent of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC with respect to tax opinion (included in Exhibit 8.1) | |
23.3 |
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | |
24.1 |
Power of Attorney |
EXHIBIT 1.1
FORM OF DEALER MANAGER AGREEMENT
AND
PARTICIPATING DEALER AGREEMENT
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
DEALER MANAGER AGREEMENT
Up to 82,500,000 Shares of Common Stock/$821,250,000
, 2009
Griffin Capital Securities, Inc.
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321
El Segundo, California 90245
Re: | Dealer Manager Agreement for Shares of Common Stock Offered by Griffin Capital Securities, Inc. |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the Company), is registering for public sale a maximum of 82,500,000 shares (the Shares) of its common stock, $.001 par value per share (the Offering), to be issued and sold for an aggregate purchase price of $825,250,000 (75,000,000 shares to be offered to the public at a purchase price of $10.00 per share and 7,500,000 shares to be offered pursuant to the Companys distribution reinvestment plan at a purchase price of $9.50 per share). The minimum purchase by any one person shall be 100 Shares except as otherwise indicated in the Prospectus or in any letter or memorandum from the Company to Griffin Capital Securities, Inc. (the Dealer Manager). It is anticipated that the Dealer Manager will enter into Participating Dealer Agreements in the form attached to this Dealer Manager Agreement as Exhibit A with other broker-dealers participating in the Offering (each dealer being referred to herein as a Dealer and said dealers being collectively referred to herein as the Dealers). The Company shall have the right to approve any material modifications or addendums to the form of the Participating Dealer Agreement. Terms not defined herein shall have the same meaning as in the Prospectus. In connection therewith, the Company hereby agrees with the Dealer Manager, as follows:
1. | Representations and Warranties of the Company |
The Company represents and warrants to the Dealer Manager and each Dealer with whom the Dealer Manager enters into a Participating Dealer Agreement that:
1.1 A registration statement with respect to the Company has been prepared by the Company in accordance with applicable requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and the applicable rules and regulations (the Rules and Regulations) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) promulgated thereunder, covering the Shares. Said registration statement, which includes a preliminary prospectus, was initially filed with the SEC on May 12, 2009. Copies of such registration statement and each amendment thereto have been or will be delivered to the Dealer Manager. The registration statement and prospectus contained therein, as finally amended and revised as of the effective date of the registration statement, and as may be revised, amended or modified from time to time thereafter by any amendments (as to the registration statement) and/or supplements (as to the prospectus), are respectively hereinafter referred to as the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, except that if the Prospectus filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act shall differ from the Prospectus, the term Prospectus shall also include the Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b).
1.2 The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland, has the power and authority to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus.
1.3 The Registration Statement and Prospectus comply with the Securities Act and the Rules and Regulations, and the Prospectus and any and all authorized printed sales literature or other sales materials prepared and authorized by the Company for use with potential investors in connection with the Offering (Authorized Sales Materials), when used in conjunction with the Prospectus, do not contain any untrue statements of material facts or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading; provided , however , that the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.3 will not extend to such statements contained in or omitted from the Registration Statement or Prospectus or Authorized Sales Materials as are primarily within the knowledge of the Dealer Manager or any of the Dealers and are based upon information either (a) furnished by a Dealer in writing to the Dealer Manager or the Company, or (b) furnished by the Dealer Manager in writing to the Company specifically for inclusion therein.
1.4 The Company intends to use the funds received from the sale of the Shares as set forth in the Prospectus.
1.5 No consent, approval, authorization or other order of any governmental authority is required in connection with the execution or delivery by the Company of this Dealer Manager Agreement or the issuance and sale by the Company of the Shares, except such as may be required under the Securities Act or applicable state securities laws.
1.6 There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company at law or in equity or before or by any federal or state commission, regulatory body or administrative agency or other governmental body, domestic or foreign, which will have a material adverse effect on the business or property of the Company.
1.7 The execution and delivery of this Dealer Manager Agreement, the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated and compliance with the terms of this Dealer Manager Agreement by the Company will not conflict with or constitute a default under any charter, bylaw, indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, lease, rule, regulation, writ, injunction or decree of any government, governmental instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company, except to the extent that the enforceability of the indemnity and/or contribution provisions contained in Section 4 of this Dealer Manager Agreement may be limited under applicable securities laws.
1.8 The Company has full legal right, power and authority to enter into this Dealer Manager Agreement and to perform the transactions contemplated hereby, except to the extent that the enforceability of the indemnity and/or contribution provisions contained in Section 4 of this Dealer Manager Agreement may be limited under applicable securities laws.
1.9 The Shares, when subscribed for, paid for and issued, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will conform to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus; no holder thereof will be subject to personal liability for the obligations of the Company solely by reason of being such a holder; such Shares are not subject to the preemptive rights of any
2
stockholder of the Company; and all corporate action required to be taken for the authorization, issuance and sale of such Shares shall have been validly and sufficiently taken.
1.10 The Company is not in violation of its Articles of Incorporation or its Bylaws.
1.11 The financial statements of the Company filed as part of the Registration Statement and those included in the Prospectus present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company as of the date indicated and the results of its operations for the periods indicated; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis.
1.12 The Company does not intend to conduct its business so as to be an investment company as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulation thereunder, and it will exercise reasonable diligence to ensure that it does not become an investment company within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
2. | Covenants of the Company |
The Company covenants and agrees with the Dealer Manager that:
2.1 It will prepare and file with the SEC and each appropriate state securities commission, at no expense to the Dealer Manager, the Registration Statement, including all amendments and exhibits thereto. In addition, it will furnish the Dealer Manager, at no expense to the Dealer Manager, with such number of printed copies of the Registration Statement, including all amendments and exhibits thereto, as the Dealer Manager may reasonably request. It will similarly furnish to the Dealer Manager and others designated by the Dealer Manager as many copies as the Dealer Manager may reasonably request in connection with the offering of the Shares of: (a) the Prospectus in preliminary and final form and every form of supplemental or amended prospectus; and (b) this Dealer Manager Agreement.
2.2 It will prepare and file with the appropriate regulatory authorities, at no expense to the Dealer Manager, the Authorized Sales Materials. In addition, it will furnish the Dealer Manager, at no expense to the Dealer Manager, with such number of printed copies of Authorized Sales Materials as the Dealer Manager may reasonably request.
2.3 It will furnish such proper information and execute and file such documents as may be necessary for the Company to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as the Dealer Manager may reasonably designate and will file and make in each year such statements and reports as may be required. The Company will furnish to the Dealer Manager a copy of such papers filed by the Company in connection with any such qualification.
2.4 It will use its best efforts to cause the Registration Statement to become effective with the SEC and each state securities commission which it deems appropriate in its sole discretion. If at any time the SEC or any state securities commission shall issue any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, and to the extent the Company determines that such action is in the best interest of its stockholders, it will use its best efforts to obtain the lifting of such order at the earliest possible time.
2.5 If at any time when a Prospectus is required to be delivered under the Securities Act any event occurs as a result of which, in the opinion of either the Company or the Dealer Manager, the Prospectus or any other prospectus then in effect would include an untrue statement of a material fact or, in view of the circumstances under which they were made, omit to state any material fact necessary to
3
make the statements therein not misleading, the Company will promptly notify the Dealer Manager thereof (unless the information shall have been received from the Dealer Manager) and will effect the preparation of an amended or supplemental prospectus which will correct such statement or omission. The Company will then promptly prepare such amended or supplemental prospectus or prospectuses as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.
2.6 Each of the representations and warranties contained in this Dealer Manager Agreement are true and correct and the Company will comply with each covenant and agreement contained in this Dealer Manager Agreement.
2.7 It will be duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which it will own or lease property of a nature, or transact business of a type that will make such qualification necessary.
2.8 It intends to satisfy the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), for qualification of the Company as a real estate investment trust. The Company will elect to be treated as a real estate investment trust under the Code at such time as it so qualifies and will direct the investment of the proceeds of the offering of the Shares in such a manner, and will exercise reasonable diligence to operate the business of the Company so as to comply with such requirements.
3. | Obligations and Compensation of Dealer Manager |
3.1 The Company hereby appoints the Dealer Manager as its agent and principal distributor for the purpose of selling for cash up to a maximum of 82,500,000 Shares through the Dealers, all of whom shall be members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) (a successor entity to the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD)). The Dealer Manager may also sell Shares for cash directly to its own clients and customers at the public offering price and subject to the terms and conditions stated in the Prospectus. The Dealer Manager hereby accepts such agency and distributorship and agrees to use its best efforts to sell the Shares on said terms and conditions. The Dealer Manager represents to the Company that it is a member of FINRA and that it and its employees and representatives have all required licenses and registrations to act under this Dealer Manager Agreement.
3.2 Promptly after the effective date of the Registration Statement, the Dealer Manager and the Dealers shall commence the offering of the Shares for cash to the public in jurisdictions in which the Shares are registered or qualified for sale or in which such offering is otherwise permitted. The Dealer Manager and the Dealers will suspend or terminate offering of the Shares upon request of the Company at any time and will resume offering the Shares upon subsequent request of the Company.
3.3 Except as otherwise provided in the Plan of Distribution section of the Prospectus, as compensation for the services rendered by the Dealer Manager, the Company agrees that it will pay to the Dealer Manager sales commissions in the amount of 7.0% of the gross proceeds of the Shares sold plus a dealer manager fee in the amount of 3.0% of the gross proceeds of the Shares sold to the public. No selling commissions or dealer manager fee shall be paid with respect to Shares sold pursuant to the Companys distribution reinvestment plan. The Company will not be liable or responsible to any Dealer for direct payment of commissions to any Dealer, it being the sole and exclusive responsibility of the Dealer Manager for payment of commissions to Dealers. Notwithstanding the above, at the discretion of the Company, the Company may act as agent of the Dealer Manager by making direct payment of commissions to Dealers on behalf of the Dealer Manager without incurring any liability. In addition, the Company may reimburse the Dealer Manager for certain employee compensation and other expenses relating to the Offering as described in the Prospectus.
4
3.4 The Dealer Manager represents and warrants to the Company and each person that signs the Registration Statement that the information under the caption Plan of Distribution in the Prospectus and all other information furnished to the Company by the Dealer Manager in writing expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
3.5 The Dealer Manager represents and warrants to the Company that it will not use any sales literature not authorized and approved by the Company, use any broker-dealer use only materials with members of the public, or make any unauthorized verbal representations in connection with offers or sales or the Shares.
4. | Indemnification |
4.1 The Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Dealer Manager, its officers and directors and each person, if any, who controls such Dealer Manager within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which Dealer Manager, its officers and directors, or such controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any (i) Registration Statement (including the Prospectus as a part thereof), (ii) Authorized Sales Material, or (iii) blue sky application or other document executed by the Company or on its behalf specifically for the purpose of qualifying any or all of the Shares for sale under the securities laws of any jurisdiction or based upon written information furnished by the Company under the securities laws thereof (Blue Sky Application), or (b) the omission or alleged omission to state in the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus as a part thereof), any Authorized Sales Material or any Blue Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Company will reimburse the Dealer Manager, as appropriate, and their officers and directors and controlling persons, for any reasonable legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Dealer Manager, and their officers and directors and controlling persons, in connection with investigating or defending such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of, or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished (x) to the Company by the Dealer Manager or (y) to the Company or the Dealer Manager by or on behalf of any Dealer specifically for use in the preparation of the Registration Statement or any such post-effective amendment thereof, any such Authorized Sales Materials, any such Blue Sky Application or any such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto; and further provided that the Company will not be liable in any such case if it is determined that the Dealer Manager had knowledge of the matter or event giving rise to or resulting in such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.
4.2 The Dealer Manager will indemnify and hold harmless the Company its officers and directors (including any persons named in any of the Registration Statements with his consent, as about to become a director), each person who has signed any of the Registration Statements and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which any of the aforesaid parties may become subject, under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (a) any untrue statement of a material fact contained (i) in the Registration Statement
5
(including the Prospectus as a part thereof) or any post-effective amendment thereof, or (ii) in any Authorized Sales Materials, or (iii) in any Blue Sky Application, or (b) the omission to state in the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus as a part thereof) or any post-effective amendment thereof or in the Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or in any Authorized Sales Materials or in any Blue Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case described in clauses (a) and (b) to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by or on behalf of the Dealer Manager specifically for use with reference to the Dealer Manager in the preparation of the Registration Statement or any such post-effective amendments thereof or any Authorized Sales Materials or any such Blue Sky Application or any such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or (c) any use of sales literature not authorized or approved by the Company or any use of broker-dealer use only materials with members of the public or unauthorized verbal representations concerning the Shares by the Dealer Manager, or (d) any untrue statement made by the Dealer Manager or its representatives or agents or omission to state a fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares, or (e) any material violation of this Dealer Manager Agreement, or (f) any failure to comply with applicable laws governing money laundry abatement and anti-terrorist financing efforts, including applicable NASD Rules under FINRA, SEC Rules and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, or (g) any other failure to comply with applicable NASD Rules under FINRA or SEC Rules. The Dealer Manager will reimburse the aforesaid parties, in connection with investigation or defending such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which the Dealer Manager may otherwise have.
4.3 The Company and the Dealer Manager will jointly and severally indemnify and hold harmless each Dealer, its officers and directors and each person, if any, who controls such Dealer within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such Dealer, its officers and directors, or any such controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus as a part thereof), Authorized Sales Materials (when read in conjunction with the Prospectus) or any Blue Sky Application, or (b) the omission or alleged omission to state in the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus as a part thereof), Authorized Sales Materials (when read in conjunction with the Prospectus) or in any Blue Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Company and the Dealer Manager will reimburse Dealers and their officers and directors and controlling persons, for any reasonable legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Dealers and their officers and directors and controlling persons, in connection with investigating or defending such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided that the Company and the Dealer Manager will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of, or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company or the Dealer Manager by or on behalf of the Dealers specifically for use in the preparation of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, such Authorized Sales Materials or any such Blue Sky Application; and further provided that neither the Company nor the Dealer Manager will be liable in any such case if it is determined in a legal proceeding that the Dealers had knowledge of the matter or event giving rise to or resulting in such loss, claim, damage, liability or action.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not indemnify or hold harmless the Dealer Manager, any Dealer or any of their affiliates in any manner that would be inconsistent with the
6
provisions of its charter or Section II.G. of the Statement of Policy Regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts of the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. (the NASAA REIT Guidelines). In particular, but without limitation, the Company may not indemnify or hold harmless the Dealer Manager, any Dealer or any of their affiliates for liabilities arising from or out of an alleged violation of federal or state securities laws, unless one or more of the following conditions are met: (1) there has been a successful adjudication on the merits of each count involving alleged securities law violations; (2) such claims have been dismissed with prejudice on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (3) a court of competent jurisdiction approves a settlement of the claims against the indemnitee and finds that indemnification of the settlement and the related costs should be made, and the court considering the request for indemnification has been advised of the position of the SEC and of the published position of any state securities regulatory authority in which the securities were offered or sold as to indemnification for violations of securities laws.
4.4 Each Dealer severally will indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Dealer Manager and each of their officers and directors (including any persons named in any of the Registration Statements with his consent, as about to become a director), each person who has signed any of the Registration Statements and each person, if any, who controls the Company and the Dealer Manager within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company, the Dealer Manager, any such director or officer, or controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (a) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained (i) in the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus as a part thereof) or any post-effective amendment thereof, or (ii) in any Authorized Sales Materials, or (iii) in any Blue Sky Application, or (b) the omission or alleged omission to state in the Registration Statement (including the Prospectus as a part thereof) or any post-effective amendment thereof or in the Prospectus or in any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or in any Authorized Sales Materials or in any Blue Sky Application a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, in each case described in clauses (a) and (b) to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company or the Dealer Manager by or on behalf of such Dealer specifically for use with reference to such Dealer in the preparation of the Registration Statement or any such post-effective amendments thereof or any such Authorized Sales Materials or any such Blue Sky Application or any such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or any such amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or (c) any use of sales literature not authorized or approved by the Company or use of broker-dealer use only materials with members of the public or unauthorized verbal representations concerning the Shares by such Dealer or Dealers representatives or agents, or (d) any untrue statement made by such Dealer or its representatives or agents or omission to state a fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading in connection with the offer and sale of the Shares, or (e) any failure to comply with Section VII or Section X or any other material violation of the Participating Dealer Agreement, or (f) any failure to comply with applicable laws governing money laundry abatement and anti-terrorist financing efforts, including applicable NASD Rules under FINRA, SEC Rules and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, or (g) any other failure to comply with applicable NASD Rules under FINRA or SEC Rules. Each such Dealer will reimburse the Company and the Dealer Manager and any such directors or officers, or controlling person, in connection with investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. This indemnity agreement will be in addition to any liability which such Dealer may otherwise have.
4.5 Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 4 of notice of the commencement of any action (but in no event in excess of 30 days after receipt of actual notice), such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under
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this Section 4, notify in writing the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof and the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will relieve it from any liability under this Section 4 as to the particular item for which indemnification is then being sought, but not from any other liability which it may have to any indemnified party. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party, and it notifies an indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party will be entitled, to the extent it may wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to participate in the defense thereof, with separate counsel. Such participation shall not relieve such indemnifying party of the obligation to reimburse the indemnified party for reasonable legal and other expenses (subject to Section 4.6) incurred by such indemnified party in defending itself, except for such expenses incurred after the indemnifying party has deposited funds sufficient to effect the settlement, with prejudice, of the claim in respect of which indemnity is sought. Any such indemnifying party shall not be liable to any such indemnified party on account of any settlement of any claim or action effected without the consent of such indemnifying party.
4.6 The indemnifying party shall pay all reasonable legal fees and expenses of the indemnified party in the defense of such claims or actions; provided, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be obliged to pay legal expenses and fees to more than one law firm in connection with the defense of similar claims arising out of the same alleged acts or omissions giving rise to such claims notwithstanding that such actions or claims are alleged or brought by one or more parties against more than one indemnified party. If such claims or actions are alleged or brought against more than one indemnified party, then the indemnifying party shall only be obliged to reimburse the expenses and fees of the one law firm that has been selected by a majority of the indemnified parties against which such action is finally brought; and in the event a majority of such indemnified parties is unable to agree on which law firm for which expenses or fees will be reimbursable by the indemnifying party, then payment shall be made to the first law firm of record representing an indemnified party against the action or claim. Such law firm shall be paid only to the extent of services performed by such law firm and no reimbursement shall be payable to such law firm on account of legal services performed by another law firm.
4.7 The indemnity agreements contained in this Section 4 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (a) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Dealer, or any person controlling any Dealer or by or on behalf of the Company, the Dealer Manager or any officer or director thereof, or by or on behalf of the Company or the Dealer Manager, (b) delivery of any Shares and payment therefor, and (c) any termination of this Dealer Manager Agreement or any Participating Dealer Agreement. A successor of any Dealer or of any of the parties to this Dealer Manager Agreement, as the case may be, shall be entitled to the benefits of the indemnity agreements contained in this Section 4.
5. | Survival of Provisions |
The respective agreements, representations and warranties of the Company and the Dealer Manager set forth in this Dealer Manager Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (a) any termination of this Dealer Manager Agreement, (b) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Dealer Manager or any Dealer or any person controlling the Dealer Manager or any Dealer or by or on behalf of the Company or any person controlling the Company, and (c) the acceptance of any payment for the Shares.
6. | Applicable Law and Venue |
This Dealer Manager Agreement was executed and delivered in, and its validity, interpretation and construction shall be governed by, the laws of the State of California; provided however, that causes of action for violations of federal or state securities laws shall not be governed by this Section. The
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Company, the Dealer Manager and each Dealer hereby agree that venue for any action brought in connection with this Dealer Manager Agreement shall lie exclusively in Los Angeles, California.
7. | Counterparts |
This Dealer Manager Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts. Each counterpart, when executed and delivered, shall be an original contract, but all counterparts, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement.
8. | Successors and Amendment |
8.1 This Dealer Manager Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Dealer Manager and the Company and their respective successors, and to the benefit of the Dealers to the extent set forth in Sections 1 and 4 hereof. Nothing in this Dealer Manager Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give to any other person any right, remedy or claim, except as otherwise specifically provided herein.
8.2 This Dealer Manager Agreement may be amended by the written agreement of the Dealer Manager and the Company.
9. | Term |
This Dealer Manager Agreement may be terminated by either party (a) immediately upon notice to the other party in the event that the other party shall have materially failed to comply with any of the material provisions of this Dealer Manager Agreement on its part to be performed during the term of this Dealer Manager Agreement or if any of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements of such party contained herein shall not have been materially complied with or satisfied within the times specified or (b) by either party on 60 days written notice.
In any case, this Dealer Manager Agreement shall expire at the close of business on the effective date that the Offering is terminated. The provisions of Sections 4 and 6 hereof shall survive such termination. In addition, the Dealer Manager, upon the expiration or termination of this Dealer Manager Agreement, shall (1) promptly deposit any and all funds in its possession which were received from investors for the sale of Shares into such account as the Company may designate; and (2) promptly deliver to the Company all records and documents in its possession which relate to the Offering which are not designated as dealer copies. The Dealer Manager, at its sole expense, may make and retain copies of all such records and documents, but shall keep all such information confidential. The Dealer Manager shall use its best efforts to cooperate with the Company to accomplish any orderly transfer of management of the Offering to a party designated by the Company. Upon expiration or termination of this Dealer Manager Agreement, the Company shall pay to the Dealer Manager all commissions to which the Dealer Manager is or becomes entitled under Section 3 at such time as such commissions become payable.
10. | Confirmations |
The Company hereby agrees to prepare and send confirmations to all purchasers of Shares whose subscriptions for the purchase of Shares are accepted by the Company.
11. | Suitability of Investors |
The Dealer Manager will offer Shares, and in its agreements with Dealers will require that the Dealers offer Shares, only to persons who meet the suitability standards set forth in the Prospectus or in any suitability letter or memorandum sent to it by the Company and will only make offers to persons in
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the states in which it is advised in writing that the Shares are qualified for sale or that such qualification is not required. In offering Shares, the Dealer Manager will, and in its agreements with Dealers, the Dealer Manager will, require that the Dealer comply with the provisions of all applicable rules and regulations relating to suitability of investors, including without limitation, the provisions of Articles III.C. and III.E.1. of the NASAA REIT Guidelines.
12. | Submission of Orders |
12.1 Those persons who purchase Shares will be instructed by the Dealer Manager or the Dealer to make their checks payable to the Company. The Dealer Manager and any Dealer receiving a check not conforming to the foregoing instructions shall return such check directly to such subscriber not later than the end of the next business day following its receipt. Checks received by the Dealer Manager or Dealer which conform to the foregoing instructions shall be transmitted for deposit pursuant to one of the methods described in this Section 12. Transmittal of received investor funds will be made in accordance with the following procedures.
12.2 Where, pursuant to a Dealers internal supervisory procedures, internal supervisory review is conducted at the same location at which subscription documents and checks are received from subscribers, checks will be transmitted by the end of the next business day following receipt by the Dealer to the Company for deposit with the Company.
12.3 Where, pursuant to a Dealers internal supervisory procedures, final internal supervisory review is conducted at a different location, checks will be transmitted by the end of the next business day following receipt by the Dealer to the office of the Dealer conducting such final internal supervisory review (the Final Review Office). The Final Review Office will in turn transmit by the end of the next business day following receipt at a different location by the Final Review Office such checks to the Company for deposit directly with the Company.
13. | Notice |
Any notice in this Dealer Manager Agreement permitted to be given, made or accepted by either party to the other, must be in writing and may be given or served by (1) overnight courier, (2) depositing the same in the United States mail, postpaid, certified, return receipt requested, or (3) facsimile transfer. Notice deposited in the United States mail shall be deemed given when mailed. Notice given in any other manner shall be effective when received at the address of the addressee. For purposes hereof the addresses of the parties, until changed as hereafter provided, shall be as follows:
To Company: | The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | |
Attention: Kevin A. Shields | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
Fax: 310-606-5910 | ||
To Dealer Manager: | Griffin Capital Securities, Inc. | |
Attention : David W. Ford | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
Fax: 310-606-5910 |
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14. | Severability |
In the event that any court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision of this Dealer Manager Agreement invalid, such invalidity shall have no effect on the other provisions hereof, which shall remain valid and binding and in full force and effect, and to that end the provisions of this Dealer Manager Agreement shall be considered severable.
15. | No Waiver |
Failure by either party to promptly insist upon strict compliance with any of the obligations of the other party under this Dealer Manager Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of the right to enforce strict compliance with respect to any obligation hereunder.
16. | Assignment |
This Dealer Manager Agreement may not be assigned by either party, except with the prior written consent of the other party. This Dealer Manager Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.
[Signatures appear on next page]
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If the foregoing correctly sets forth our understanding, please indicate your acceptance thereof in the space provided below for that purpose, whereupon this letter and your acceptance shall constitute a binding agreement between us as of the date first above written.
Very truly yours, | ||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. | ||
By: |
|
|
Kevin A. Shields, President |
Accepted and agreed as of the
date first above written.
GRIFFIN CAPITAL SECURITIES, INC. | ||
By: |
|
|
Kevin A. Shields, President |
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Exhibit A
To
Dealer Manager Agreement
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
PARTICIPATING DEALER AGREEMENT
Up to 82,500,000 Shares of Common Stock/$821,250,000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., as the dealer manager (Dealer Manager) for The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. (the Company), a Maryland corporation, invites you (the Dealer) to participate in the distribution of shares of common stock (Shares) of the Company subject to the following terms:
I. | Dealer Manager Agreement |
The Dealer Manager and the Company have entered into that certain Dealer Manager Agreement dated , 2009, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. By your acceptance of this Participating Dealer Agreement, you will become one of the Dealers referred to in such Dealer Manager Agreement between the Company and the Dealer Manager and will be entitled and subject to the indemnification provisions contained in such Dealer Manager Agreement, including specifically the provisions of Section 4.4 of such Dealer Manager Agreement wherein each Dealer severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Dealer Manager and each officer and director thereof, and each person, if any, who controls the Company and the Dealer Manager within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) for the matters set forth in Section 4.4 of the Dealer Manager Agreement. Such indemnification obligations shall survive the termination of this Participating Dealer Agreement. Except as otherwise specifically stated herein, all terms used in this Participating Dealer Agreement have the meanings provided in the Dealer Manager Agreement. The Shares are offered solely through broker-dealers who are members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Dealer hereby agrees to use its best efforts to sell the Shares for cash on the terms and conditions stated in the Prospectus. Nothing in this Participating Dealer Agreement shall be deemed or construed to make Dealer an employee, agent, representative or partner of the Dealer Manager or of the Company, and Dealer is not authorized to act for the Dealer Manager or the Company or to make any representations except as set forth in the Prospectus and Authorized Sales Materials.
II. | Submission of Orders |
Those persons who purchase Shares will be instructed by the Dealer to make their checks payable to The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. Any Dealer receiving a check not conforming to the foregoing instructions shall return such check directly to such subscriber not later than the end of the next business day following its receipt. Checks received by the Dealer which conform to the foregoing instructions shall be transmitted for deposit pursuant to one of the methods in this Article II. Transmittal of received investor funds will be made in accordance with the following procedures:
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Where, pursuant to the Dealers internal supervisory procedures, internal supervisory review is conducted at the same location at which subscription documents and checks are received from subscribers, checks will be transmitted by the end of the next business day following receipt by the Dealer to the Company for deposit directly with the Company.
Where, pursuant to the Dealers internal supervisory procedures, final and internal supervisory review is conducted at a different location, checks will be transmitted by the end of the next business day following receipt by the Dealer to the office of the Dealer conducting such final internal supervisory review (the Final Review Office). The Final Review Office will in turn transmit by the end of the next business day following receipt at a different location by the Final Review Office such checks to the Company for deposit directly with the Company.
III. | Pricing |
Except as may be otherwise provided for in the Plan of Distribution section of the Prospectus, Shares shall be offered to the public at the offering price of $10.00 per Share and Shares shall be offered pursuant to the Companys distribution reinvestment plan at $9.50 per Share. Except as otherwise indicated in the Prospectus or in any letter or memorandum sent to the Dealer by the Company or Dealer Manager, a minimum initial purchase of 100 Shares is required. The Shares are nonassessable.
IV. | Representations and Warranties of Dealer |
Dealer represents and warrants to the Company and the Dealer Manager and agrees that:
A. Dealer will undertake all reasonable investigation, review, and inquiry to ensure, to the best of its reasonable knowledge and belief, that the investment is suitable for such potential investor upon the basis of the information known to Dealer or disclosed by such potential investor as to his other security holdings and as to his financial situation and needs. Dealer shall keep written records supporting this representation and warranty and such records shall be made available to the Company or Dealer Manager promptly upon request.
B. Dealer shall deliver to each prospective investor, prior to any submission by such prospective investor, a written offer to buy any Shares, a copy of the Prospectus.
C. Dealer will not deliver to any offeree any written documents pertaining to the Company or the Shares, other than the Prospectus, and any other materials specifically designated for distribution to prospective investors that are supplied to Dealer by the Company or its affiliates. Without intending to limit the generality of the foregoing, Dealer shall not deliver to any prospective investor any material pertaining to the Company or any of its affiliates that has been furnished as broker/dealer information only.
D. Dealer will make reasonable inquiry to determine whether a prospective investor is acquiring Shares for his own account or on behalf of other persons and not for the purpose of resale or other distribution thereof.
E. Dealer will not give any information or make any representation or warranty in connection with the Offering, the Company or the Shares other than those contained in the Prospectus.
F. Dealer will abide by, and will take reasonable precautions to ensure compliance by prospective investors from whom Dealer has solicited an offer to purchase, all provisions contained in the Prospectus regulating the terms and manner of the Offering.
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G. In its solicitation of offers for the Shares, Dealer will comply with all applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, as well as the published rules and regulations thereunder, and the rules and regulations of all state securities authorities, as applicable, to the best of its knowledge, after due inquiry and investigation and to the extent within its direct control.
H. Dealer is (and will continue to be) a member in good standing with FINRA, will abide by the rules and regulations of FINRA, is in full compliance with all applicable requirements under the Exchange Act, and is registered as a broker-dealer in all of the jurisdictions in which Dealer solicits offers to purchase the Shares.
I. Dealer will not take any action in conflict with, or omit to take any action the omission of which would cause Dealer to be in conflict with, the conditions and requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or applicable state securities or blue sky laws.
J. Dealer will use reasonable efforts to ensure that all investors who are acquiring Shares have and will satisfy all conditions described in the Prospectus and the Subscription Agreement.
K. Each of the representations and warranties made by each prospective investor to the Company under the Subscription Agreement, is, to the Dealers best knowledge, information, and belief, after due inquiry, true and correct as of the date thereof and as of the date of purchase of the Shares by such investor.
V. | Dealers Commissions |
Except for volume discounts described in the Plan of Distribution section of the Prospectus, which volume discounts shall be the responsibility of the Dealer to provide to investors who qualify, and except as otherwise provided in the Plan of Distribution section of the Prospectus, the Dealers sales commission applicable to the Shares sold by Dealer which it is authorized to sell hereunder is 7.0% of the gross proceeds of Shares sold by it and accepted and confirmed by the Company, which commission will be payable by the Dealer Manager. No sales commissions shall be paid with respect to Shares issued and sold pursuant to the Companys distribution reinvestment plan. For these purposes, shares shall be deemed to be sold if and only if a transaction has closed with a subscriber for Shares pursuant to all applicable offering and subscription documents, the Company has accepted the subscription agreement of such subscriber, and such Shares have been fully paid for. The Dealer affirms that the Dealer Managers liability for commissions payable is limited solely to the proceeds of commissions receivable from the Company, and the Dealer hereby waives any and all rights to receive payment of commissions due until such time as the Dealer Manager is in receipt of the commission from the Company. In addition, as set forth in the Prospectus, the Dealer Manager may, in its sole discretion, reallow a portion of its dealer manager fee to Dealers participating in the offering of Shares as marketing fees, reimbursement of costs and expenses of attending educational conferences or to defray other distribution-related expenses.
The parties hereby agree that the foregoing commission is not in excess of the usual and customary distributors or sellers commission received in the sale of securities similar to the Shares, that Dealers interest in the offering is limited to such commission from the Dealer Manager and Dealers indemnity referred to in Section 4 of the Dealer Manager Agreement, and that the Company is not liable or responsible for the direct payment of such commission to the Dealer. In addition, as set forth in the Prospectus, the Dealer Manager may reimburse Dealer up to 0.5% of gross proceeds for bona fide due diligence expenses incurred by such Dealer. The Dealer Manager shall have the right to require the Dealer to provide a detailed and itemized invoice as a condition to the reimbursement of any such due diligence expenses.
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VI. | Applicability of Indemnification |
Each of the Dealer and Dealer Manager hereby acknowledges and agrees that it will be subject to the obligations set forth in, and entitled to the benefits of all the provisions of, the Dealer Manager Agreement, including but not limited to, the representations and warranties and the indemnification obligations contained in such Dealer Manager Agreement, including specifically the provisions of Sections 4.3 and 4.4 of the Dealer Manager Agreement. Such indemnification obligations shall survive the termination of this Participating Dealer Agreement and the Dealer Manager Agreement.
VII. | Payment |
Payments of sales commissions will be made by the Dealer Manager (or by the Company as provided in the Dealer Manager Agreement) to Dealer within 30 days of the receipt by the Dealer Manager of the gross commission payments from the Company.
VIII. | Right to Reject Orders or Cancel Sales |
All orders, whether initial or additional, are subject to acceptance by and shall only become effective upon confirmation by the Company, which reserves the right to reject any order. Orders not accompanied by a Subscription Agreement Signature Page and the required check in payment for the Shares may be rejected. Issuance of the Shares will be made only after actual receipt of payment. If any check is not paid upon presentment, or if the Company is not in actual receipt of clearinghouse funds or cash, certified or cashiers check or the equivalent in payment for the Shares within 15 days of sale, the Company reserves the right to cancel the sale without notice. In the event an order is rejected, canceled or rescinded for any reason, Dealer agrees to return to the Dealer Manager any commission theretofore paid with respect to such order within 30 days thereafter and, failing to do so, the Dealer Manager shall have the right to offset amounts owed against future commissions due and otherwise payable to Dealer.
IX. | Prospectus and Authorized Sales Materials |
Dealer is not authorized or permitted to give, and will not give, any information or make any representation (written or oral) concerning the Shares, except as set forth in the Prospectus and any Authorized Sales Materials. The Dealer Manager will supply Dealer with reasonable quantities of the Prospectus, any supplements thereto and any amended Prospectus, as well as any Authorized Sales Materials, for delivery to investors, and Dealer will deliver a copy of the Prospectus and all supplements thereto and any amended Prospectus to each investor to whom an offer is made prior to or simultaneously with the first solicitation of an offer to sell the Shares to an investor. Dealer agrees that it will not send or give any Authorized Sales Materials to an investor unless it has previously sent or given a Prospectus to that investor or has simultaneously sent or given a Prospectus with such Authorized Sales Materials. Dealer agrees that it will not show or give to any investor or prospective investor or reproduce any material or writing which is supplied to it by the Dealer Manager and marked broker-dealer use only or otherwise bearing a legend denoting that it is not to be used in connection with the sale of Shares to members of the public. Dealer agrees that it will not use in connection with the offer or sale of Shares any material or writing supplied to it by the Company or the Dealer Manager bearing a legend which states that such material may not be used in connection with the offer or sale of the Shares or any other securities. Dealer further agrees that it will not use in connection with the offer or sale of Shares any materials or writings which have not been previously authorized or approved by the Dealer Manager. Dealer agrees to furnish a copy of any revised preliminary Prospectus to each person to whom it has furnished a copy of any previous preliminary Prospectus, and further agrees that it will itself mail or otherwise deliver all preliminary and final Prospectuses required for compliance with the provisions of Rule 15c2-8 under the Exchange Act. Regardless of the termination of this Participating Dealer
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Agreement, Dealer will deliver a Prospectus in transactions in the Shares for a period of 90 days from the effective date of the Registration Statement or such longer period as may be required by the Exchange Act. On becoming a Dealer, and in offering and selling Shares, Dealer agrees to comply with all the applicable requirements under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
X. | License and Association Membership |
Dealers acceptance of this Participating Dealer Agreement constitutes a representation to the Company and the Dealer Manager that Dealer is a properly registered broker-dealer under the Exchange Act, is duly licensed as a broker-dealer and authorized to sell Shares under Federal and state securities laws and regulations and in all states where it offers or sells Shares, and that it is a member in good standing of FINRA. Dealer agrees to notify the Dealer Manager immediately in writing and this Participating Dealer Agreement shall automatically terminate if Dealer ceases to be a member in good standing of FINRA, is subject to a FINRA suspension, or its registration as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act is terminated or suspended. Dealer hereby agrees to abide by all applicable NASD Rules under FINRA, including, but not limited to, NASD Rules 2420, 2730, 2740, 2750 and 2810.
Dealer Manager represents and warrants that it is currently, and at all times while performing its functions under this Participating Dealer Agreement will be, a properly registered broker-dealer under the Exchange Act and under state securities laws to the extent necessary to perform the duties described in this Participating Dealer Agreement, and that it is a member in good standing of FINRA. The Dealer Manager agrees to notify Dealer immediately in writing if it ceases to be a member in good standing with FINRA, is subject to a FINRA suspension, or its registration as a broker-dealer under the Exchange Act is terminated or suspended. The Dealer Manager hereby agrees to abide by all applicable NASD Rules under FINRA, specifically including, but not limited to, NASD Rules 2420, 2730, 2740, 2750 and 2810.
XI. | Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Programs |
Dealers acceptance of this Participating Dealer Agreement constitutes a representation to the Company and the Dealer Manager that Dealer has established and implemented an anti-money laundering compliance program (AML Program) in accordance with applicable law, including applicable NASD Rules under FINRA, SEC Rules and Section 352 of the Money Laundering Abatement Act, reasonably expected to detect and cause the reporting of suspicious transactions in connection with the sale of Shares of the Company. Dealer hereby agrees to furnish, upon request, a copy of its AML Program to the Dealer Manager for review and to promptly notify the Dealer Manager of any material changes to its AML Program.
XII. | Limitation of Offer and Suitability |
Dealer will offer Shares only to persons who meet the suitability standards set forth in the Prospectus or in any suitability letter or memorandum sent to it by the Company or the Dealer Manager and will only make offers to persons in the states in which it is advised in writing that the Shares are qualified for sale or that such qualification is not required.
In offering Shares, Dealer will comply with the provisions of the Rules of Fair Practice set forth in the NASD Manual under FINRA, as well as all other applicable rules and regulations relating to suitability of investors, including without limitation, the provisions of Article III.C. of the Statement of Policy Regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts of the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. Nothing contained in this Participating Dealer Agreement shall be construed to impose upon the Company or the Dealer Manager the responsibility of assuring that prospective investors meet the suitability standards set forth in the Prospectus, or to relieve Dealer from the responsibility of assuring
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that prospective investors meet the suitability standards in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Prospectus.
Dealer further represents, warrants and covenants that no Dealer, or person associated with Dealer, shall offer or sell Shares in any jurisdiction except to investors who satisfy the investor suitability standards and minimum investment requirements under the most restrictive of the following: (1) applicable provisions of the Prospectus; (2) the laws of the jurisdiction of which such investor is a resident; or (3) the NASD Rules of Fair Practice under FINRA and NASD Conduct Rules 2710 and 2810 under FINRA, in particular. Dealer agrees to ensure that, in recommending the purchase, sale or exchange of Shares to an investor, each Dealer, or person associated with Dealer, shall have reasonable grounds (as required by NASD Rule 2810(b)(2)(B)(i)) to believe, on the basis of information obtained from the investor (and thereafter maintained in the manner and for the period provided in such Rules) concerning his age, investment objectives, other investments, financial situation and needs, and any other information known to Dealer, or person associated with Dealer, that: (A) the investor is or will be in a financial position appropriate to enable him to realize to a significant extent the benefits described in the Prospectus, including the tax benefits to the extent they are a significant aspect of the Company; (B) the investor has a fair market net worth sufficient to sustain the risks inherent in an investment in Shares in the amount proposed, including loss, and lack of liquidity of such investment; (C) that the investor has an apparent understanding of the fundamental risks of an investment in Shares, the lack of liquidity of the Shares, the background and qualifications of the sponsor, the advisor to the Company and their affiliates, and the tax consequences of an investment in the Shares; and (D) an investment in Shares is otherwise suitable for such investor. Dealer further represents, warrants and covenants that Dealer, or a person associated with Dealer, will make every reasonable effort to determine the suitability and appropriateness of an investment in Shares of each proposed investor by reviewing documents and records disclosing the basis upon which the determination as to suitability was reached as to each purchaser of Shares pursuant to a subscription solicited by Dealer, whether such documents and records relate to accounts which have been closed, accounts which are currently maintained, or accounts hereafter established. Dealer agrees to retain such documents and records in Dealers records for a period of six years from the date of the applicable sale of Shares and to make such documents and records available to (i) the Dealer Manager and the Company upon request, and (ii) to representatives of the SEC, FINRA and applicable state securities administrators upon your firms receipt of an appropriate document subpoena or other appropriate request for documents from any such agency. Dealer shall not purchase any Shares for a discretionary account without obtaining the prior written approval of Dealers customer and his or her signature on a Subscription Agreement.
XIII. | Due Diligence and Adequate Disclosure |
Prior to offering the Shares for sale, Dealer shall have conducted an inquiry such that Dealer has reasonable grounds to believe, based on information made available to Dealer by the Company or the Dealer Manager through the Prospectus or other materials, that all material facts are adequately and accurately disclosed and provide a basis for evaluating a purchase of Shares. In determining the adequacy of disclosed facts pursuant to the foregoing, each Dealer may obtain, upon request, information on material facts relating at a minimum to the following: (1) items of compensation; (2) physical properties; (3) tax aspects; (4) financial stability and experience of the Company and its advisor; (5) conflicts and risk factors; and (6) appraisals and other pertinent reports.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Dealer may rely upon the results of an inquiry conducted by an independent third party retained for that purpose or another Dealer, provided that: (1) such Dealer has reasonable grounds to believe that such inquiry was conducted with due care by said independent third party or such other Dealer; (2) the results of the inquiry were provided to Dealer with the consent of the
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other Dealer conducting or directing the inquiry; and (3) no Dealer that participated in the inquiry is an affiliate of the Company.
Prior to the sale of the Shares, each Dealer shall inform each prospective purchaser of Shares of pertinent facts relating to the Shares including specifically the lack of liquidity and lack of marketability of the Shares during the term of the investment.
XIV. | Compliance with Record Keeping Requirements |
Dealer agrees to comply with the record keeping requirements of the Exchange Act, including but not limited to, Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4 promulgated under the Exchange Act. Dealer further agrees to keep such records with respect to each customer who purchases Shares, his suitability and the amount of Shares sold and to retain such records for such period of time as may be required by the SEC, any state securities commission, FINRA or the Company.
XV. | Customer Complaints |
Each party hereby agrees to promptly provide to the other party copies of any written or otherwise documented complaints from customers of Dealer received by such party relating in any way to the Offering (including, but not limited to, the manner in which the Shares are offered by the Dealer Manager or Dealer), the Shares or the Company.
XVI. | Effectiveness, Termination and Amendments |
This Participating Dealer Agreement shall become effective upon the execution hereof by Dealer and receipt of such executed Participating Dealer Agreement by the Dealer Manager; provided, however, that in the event of the execution of this Participating Dealer Agreement prior to the time that the Registration Statement, as defined in the Dealer Manager Agreement, becomes effective with the SEC, this Participating Dealer Agreement shall not become effective prior to the Registration Statement becoming effective with the SEC and shall instead become effective simultaneously with the effectiveness of the Registration Statement.
Dealer will immediately suspend or terminate its offer and sale of Shares upon the request of the Company or the Dealer Manager at any time and will resume its offer and sale of Shares hereunder upon subsequent request of the Company or the Dealer Manager. Any party may terminate this Participating Dealer Agreement by written notice. Such termination shall be effective 48 hours after the mailing of such notice. This Participating Dealer Agreement and the exhibits hereto are the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, if any, between the parties hereto.
This Participating Dealer Agreement may be amended at any time by the Dealer Manager by written notice to the Dealer, and any such amendment shall be deemed accepted and agreed to by Dealer upon placing an order for sale of Shares after he has received such notice.
XVII. | Privacy Laws |
The Dealer Manager and Dealer (each referred to individually in this section as party) agree as follows:
A. Each party agrees to abide by and comply with (1) the privacy standards and requirements of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (GLB Act), (2) the privacy standards and
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requirements of any other applicable Federal or state law, and (3) its own internal privacy policies and procedures, each as may be amended from time to time.
B. Dealer agrees to provide privacy policy notices required under the GLB Act resulting from purchases of Shares made by its customers pursuant to this Participating Dealer Agreement.
C. Each party agrees to refrain from the use or disclosure of nonpublic personal information (as defined under the GLB Act) of all customers who have opted out of such disclosures except as necessary to service the customers or as otherwise necessary or required by applicable law; and
D. Each party shall be responsible for determining which customers have opted out of the disclosure of nonpublic personal information by periodically reviewing and, if necessary, retrieving a list of such customers (the List) to identify customers that have exercised their opt-out rights. In the event either party uses or discloses nonpublic personal information of any customer for purposes other than servicing the customer, or as otherwise required by applicable law, that party will consult the List to determine whether the affected customer has exercised his or her opt-out rights. Each party understands that each is prohibited from using or disclosing any nonpublic personal information of any customer that is identified on the List as having opted out of such disclosures.
XVIII. | Notice |
Any notice in this Participating Dealer Agreement permitted to be given, made or accepted by either party to the other, must be in writing and may be given or served by (1) overnight courier, (2) depositing the same in the United States mail, postpaid, certified, return receipt requested, or (3) facsimile transfer. Notice deposited in the United States mail shall be deemed given when mailed. Notice given in any other manner shall be effective when received at the address of the addressee. For purposes hereof the addresses of the parties, until changed as hereafter provided, shall be as follows:
To Dealer Manager: | Griffin Capital Securities, Inc. | |
Attention : David W. Ford | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
Fax: 310-606-5910 | ||
To Dealer: | Address Specified By Dealer on Dealer Signature Page |
XIX. | Attorneys Fees, Applicable Law and Venue |
In any action to enforce the provisions of this Participating Dealer Agreement or to secure damages for its breach, the prevailing party shall recover its costs and reasonable attorneys fees. This Participating Dealer Agreement shall be construed under the laws of the State of California and shall take effect when signed by Dealer and countersigned by the Dealer Manager. Dealer and Dealer Manager hereby acknowledge and agree that venue for any action brought hereunder shall lie exclusively in Los Angeles, California.
XX. | Severability |
In the event that any court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision of this Participating Dealer Agreement invalid, such invalidity shall have no effect on the other provisions hereof, which shall remain valid and binding and in full force and effect, and to that end the provisions of this Participating Dealer Agreement shall be considered severable.
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XXI. | No Waiver |
Failure by either party to promptly insist upon strict compliance with any of the obligations of the other party under this Participating Dealer Agreement shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver of the right to enforce strict compliance with respect to any obligation hereunder.
XXII. | Assignment |
This Participating Dealer Agreement may not be assigned by either party, except with the prior written consent of the other party. This Participating Dealer Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.
XXIII. | Authorization |
Each party represents to the other that all requisite corporate proceedings have been undertaken to authorize it to enter into and perform under this Participating Dealer Agreement as contemplated herein, and that the individual who has signed this Participating Dealer Agreement below on its behalf is a duly elected officer that has been empowered to act for and on behalf of such party with respect to the execution of this Participating Dealer Agreement.
THE DEALER MANAGER: | ||
GRIFFIN CAPITAL SECURITIES, INC. | ||
By: |
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Kevin A. Shields, President |
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We have read the foregoing Participating Dealer Agreement and we hereby accept and agree to the terms and conditions therein set forth. We hereby represent that the list below of jurisdictions in which we are registered or licensed as a broker or dealer and are fully authorized to sell securities is true and correct, and we agree to advise you of any changes to the information listed on this signature page during the term of this Participating Dealer Agreement.
1. | Identity of Dealer: |
Name: |
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Type of entity: |
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(to be completed by Dealer) |
(corporation, partnership or proprietorship) |
Organized in the State of: |
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(to be completed by Dealer) |
(State) |
Licensed as broker-dealer in the following States: |
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(to be completed by Dealer) |
Tax I.D. #: |
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2. | Person to receive notice pursuant to Section XVIII. |
Name: |
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Company: |
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Address: |
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City, State and Zip Code: |
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Telephone No.:( ) |
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Fax No.:( ) |
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AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED BY THE DEALER:
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(Dealers Firm Name) | ||
By: |
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Signature | ||
Title: |
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Date: |
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EXHIBIT 3.1
SECOND ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
SECOND ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT
OF
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
FIRST : The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation, desires to amend and restate its charter as currently in effect and as hereinafter amended.
SECOND : The following provisions are all the provisions of the charter currently in effect and as hereinafter amended:
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of the corporation is The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. (the Corporation).
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
The Corporation is formed for the purpose of carrying on any lawful business or activity, which may include qualifying as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856 through 860, or any successor sections, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).
ARTICLE III
PRINCIPAL OFFICE IN STATE AND RESIDENT AGENT
The name and address of the resident agent for service of process of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is The Corporation Trust Incorporated, 300 East Lombard Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The address of the Corporations principal office in the State of Maryland is 300 East Lombard Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The Corporation may have such other offices and places of business within or outside the State of Maryland as the board may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE IV
DEFINITIONS
As used herein, the following terms shall have the following meanings unless the context otherwise requires:
Acquisition Expenses . Expenses related to the Corporations sourcing, selection, evaluation and acquisition of, and investment in, properties, whether or not acquired or made, including but not limited to legal fees and expenses, travel and communications expenses, costs of financial analysis, appraisals and surveys, nonrefundable option payments on property not acquired, accounting fees and expenses, computer use-related expenses, architectural and engineering reports, environmental reports, title insurance and escrow fees.
Acquisition Fees . The total of any and all fees and commissions, excluding Acquisition Expenses, paid by any Person to any Person (including fees or commissions paid by or to any Affiliate of the Corporation or the Advisor) in connection with making or investing in mortgage loans or the
purchase, development or construction of property by the Corporation. Included in the computation of such fees or commissions shall be any real estate commissions, selection fees, Development Fees, Construction Fees, nonrecurring management fees, consulting fees, loan fees or points or any fee of a similar nature, however designated. Excluded shall be Development Fees and Construction Fees paid to any Person not affiliated with the Sponsor or Advisor in connection with the actual development and construction of any property.
Advisor . The Person responsible for directing or performing the day-to-day business affairs of the Corporation, including a Person to which an Advisor subcontracts substantially all such functions.
Advisory Agreement . The agreement, as it may be amended or restated from time to time, between the Corporation and the Advisor pursuant to which the Advisor will direct or perform the day-to-day business affairs of the Corporation.
Affiliate . An Affiliate of another Person includes any of the following:
(a) any Person directly or indirectly owning, controlling or holding, with power to vote, 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of such other Person;
(b) any Person 10% or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held, with power to vote, by such other Person;
(c) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with such other Person;
(d) any executive officer, director, trustee or general partner of such other Person; and
(e) any legal entity for which such Person acts as an executive officer, director, trustee or general partner.
Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit . 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of Stock. The value of the outstanding shares of Stock shall be determined by the board of directors in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes hereof.
Average Invested Assets . For a specified period, the average of the aggregate book value of the assets of the Corporation invested, directly or indirectly in equity interests in and loans secured by real estate, before reserves for depreciation, bad debts or other non-cash reserves, computed by taking the average of such values at the end of each month during such period.
Beneficial Ownership . Ownership of Stock by a Person, whether the interest in the shares of Stock is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 544 of the Code, as modified by Section 856(h)(1)(B) of the Code. The terms Beneficial Owner, Beneficially Owns, Beneficially Owning and Beneficially Owned shall have the correlative meanings.
Business Day . Any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.
Charitable Beneficiary . One or more beneficiaries of the Trust as determined pursuant to Section 6.2.6, provided that each such organization must be described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code
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and contributions to each such organization must be eligible for deduction under each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055 and 2522 of the Code.
Code . The term shall have the meaning as provided in Article II herein.
Common Stock . The term shall have the meaning as provided in Section 5.1 herein.
Common Stock Ownership Limit . 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation. The number and value of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation shall be determined by the board of directors in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes hereof.
Common Stockholders . The holders of record of Common Stock.
Competitive Real Estate Commission . A real estate or brokerage commission paid for the purchase or sale of a property that is reasonable, customary and competitive in light of the size, type and location of the property.
Construction Fee . A fee or other remuneration for acting as general contractor and/or construction manager to construct, supervise and coordinate leasehold or other improvements or projects or to provide major repairs or rehabilitation on a property.
Constructive Ownership . Ownership of Stock by a Person, whether the interest in the shares of Stock is held directly or indirectly (including by a nominee), and shall include interests that would be treated as owned through the application of Section 318(a) of the Code, as modified by Section 856(d)(5) of the Code. The terms Constructive Owner, Constructively Owns, Constructively Owning and Constructively Owned shall have the correlative meanings.
Contract Purchase Price . The amount actually paid or allocated in respect of the purchase, development, construction or improvement of an asset or property exclusive of Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses.
Corporation . The term shall have the meaning as provided in Article I herein.
Development Fee . A fee for the packaging of the Corporations property, including the negotiation and approval of plans and any assistance in obtaining zoning and necessary variances and financing for a specific property, either initially or at a later date.
Equity Securities . Equity securities that are publicly traded as that term is used in Rule 10b-17 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Equity Securities shall not include any investment security represented by an interest in, or secured by, one or more pools of mortgage loans.
Excepted Holder . A stockholder of the Corporation for whom an Excepted Holder Limit is created by this charter or by the board of directors pursuant to Section 6.1.7.
Excepted Holder Limit . The percentage limit established by the board of directors pursuant to Section 6.1.7 provided that the affected Excepted Holder agrees to comply with the requirements established by the board of directors pursuant to Section 6.1.7, and subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 6.1.8.
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Independent Directors . The directors of the Corporation who are not associated and have not been associated within the last two years, directly or indirectly, with the Sponsor or Advisor of the Corporation.
(a) A director shall be deemed to be associated with the Sponsor or Advisor if he or she:
(i) owns an interest in the Sponsor, Advisor or any of their Affiliates;
(ii) is employed by the Sponsor, Advisor or any of their Affiliates;
(iii) is an officer or director of the Sponsor, Advisor or any of their Affiliates;
(iv) performs services, other than as a director, for the Corporation;
(v) is a director or trustee for more than three REITs organized by the Sponsor or Advisor or advised by the Advisor; or
(vi) has any material business or professional relationship with the Sponsor, Advisor or any of their Affiliates.
(b) Consistent with (a)(v) above, serving as an Independent Director of or receiving Independent Director fees from or owning an interest in a REIT or other real estate program organized by the Sponsor or advised or managed by the Advisor or its Affiliates shall not, by itself, cause a director to be deemed associated with the Sponsor or the Advisor.
(c) For purposes of determining whether or not a business or professional relationship is material pursuant to (a)(vi) above, the annual gross revenue derived by the director from the Sponsor, Advisor and their Affiliates shall be deemed material per se if it exceeds 5% of the directors:
(i) annual gross revenue, derived from all sources, during either of the last two years; or
(ii) net worth, on a fair market value basis.
(d) An indirect relationship shall include circumstances in which a directors spouse, parent, child, sibling, mother- or father-in-law, sons- or daughters-in-law or brothers- or sisters-in-law is or has been associated with the Sponsor, Advisor any of their Affiliates or the Corporation.
Independent Expert . A Person (selected by the Independent Directors) with no material current or prior business or personal relationship with the Advisor or a director who is engaged to a substantial extent in the business of rendering opinions regarding the value of assets of the type held by the Corporation.
Initial Investment . An investment of $200,000 by the Advisor or an Affiliate thereof to acquire an equity interest in the Corporation or an Affiliate of the Corporation through which the Corporation intends to conduct substantially all of its operations.
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Joint Venture . Joint venture or general partnership arrangements in which the Corporation or its subsidiaries is a co-venturer or general partner which are established to acquire properties or other real estate investments.
Leverage . The aggregate amount of indebtedness of the Corporation for money borrowed (including purchase money mortgage loans) outstanding at any time, both secured and unsecured.
Listed . Approved for trading on any securities exchange registered as a national securities exchange under Section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or for quotation on a national market system. The term Listing shall have the correlative meaning.
Market Price . With respect to any class or series of outstanding shares of Stock, the Closing Price for such Stock on such date. The Closing Price on any date shall mean the last sale price for such Stock, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, for such Stock, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to trading on the principal national securities exchange on which such Stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if such Stock is not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange, the last quoted price, or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation System or, if such system is no longer in use, the principal other automated quotation system that may then be in use or, if such Stock is not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such Stock selected by the board of directors or, in the event that no trading price is available for such Stock, the fair market value of the Stock, as determined in good faith by the board of directors.
MGCL . The Maryland General Corporation Law, as amended from time to time.
NASAA REIT Guidelines . The Statement of Policy Regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts as revised and adopted by the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. membership on May 7, 2007, as may be amended from time to time.
Net Assets . The total assets of the Corporation (other than intangibles) at cost, before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves, less total liabilities, calculated quarterly by the Corporation on a basis consistently applied.
Net Income . For any period, net income as calculated in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied as used in the United States. If the Advisor receives an incentive fee, Net Income, for purposes of calculating Total Operating Expenses in Section 8.8, shall exclude the gain from the sale of the Corporations assets.
Organization and Offering Expenses . Any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Corporation, the Advisor or any Affiliate of either in connection with and in preparing the Corporation for offering and distributing its Stock, which may include but are not limited to total underwriting and brokerage discounts and commissions (including fees of the underwriters attorneys), legal, accounting and escrow fees, expenses for printing, engraving, amending, supplementing and mailing, distribution costs, compensation to employees while engaged in marketing, selling and wholesaling the Stock, telegraph and telephone costs, all advertising and marketing expenses (including the costs related to investor and broker-dealer sales meetings), charges of transfer agents, registrars, trustees, escrow holders, depositories, experts, and fees, expenses and taxes related to the qualification or exemption of the sale of the Stock under federal and state laws, including accountants and attorneys fees and other accountable
5
offering expenses. Organization and Offering Expenses may include, but are not limited to: (a) amounts to reimburse the Advisor for all marketing related costs and expenses such as compensation to and direct expenses of the Advisors employees or employees of the Advisors Affiliates in connection with marketing the Stock; (b) compensation to and direct expenses of employees of the dealer manager while preparing for the offering and marketing of the Stock and in connection with their wholesaling activities but not sales commissions; (c) travel and entertainment expenses related to the offering and marketing of the Stock; (d) facilities and technology costs and other costs and expenses associated with the offering and to facilitate the marketing of the Stock including web site design and management; (e) costs and expenses of conducting training and educational conferences and seminars; (f) costs and expenses of attending broker-dealer sponsored retail seminars or conferences; and (g) payment or reimbursement of bona fide due diligence expenses.
Person . An individual, corporation, association, estate, trust (including a trust qualified under Sections 401(a) or 501(c)(17) of the Code), a portion of a trust permanently set aside for or to be used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 642(c) of the Code, private foundation within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Code, joint stock company, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity and also includes a group as that term is used for purposes of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and a group to which an Excepted Holder Limit (as defined in Article VI) applies.
Preferred Stock . The term shall have the meaning as provided in Section 5.1 herein.
Prohibited Owner . With respect to any purported Transfer, any Person who but for the provisions of Section 6.1.1 would Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Stock and, if appropriate in the context, shall also mean any Person who would have been the record owner of the shares that the Prohibited Owner would have so owned.
REIT . A corporation, trust or association which is engaged in investing in equity interests in real estate (including fee ownership and leasehold interests and interests in partnerships and Joint Ventures holding real estate) or in loans secured by mortgages on real estate or both and that qualifies as a real estate investment trust under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.
Restriction Termination Date . The first day on which the Corporation determines pursuant to Section 7.7 of the charter that it is no longer in the best interests of the Corporation to attempt to, or continue to, qualify as a REIT or that compliance with the restrictions and limitations on Beneficial Ownership, Constructive Ownership and Transfers of shares of Stock set forth herein is no longer required in order for the Corporation to qualify as a REIT.
Roll-Up Entity . A partnership, REIT, corporation, trust or similar entity that would be created or would survive after the successful completion of a proposed Roll-Up Transaction.
Roll-Up Transaction . A transaction involving the acquisition, merger, conversion or consolidation, either directly or indirectly, of the Corporation and the issuance of securities of a Roll-Up Entity to the stockholders of the Corporation.
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Such term does not include:
(a) a transaction involving securities of the Corporation that have been Listed for at least 12 months; or
(b) a transaction involving the conversion to corporate, trust or association form of only the Corporation, if, as a consequence of the transaction, there will be no significant adverse change in any of the following:
(i) the voting rights of Common Stockholders;
(ii) the term of existence of the Corporation;
(iii) Sponsor or Advisor compensation; or
(iv) the Corporations investment objectives.
SDAT . The State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland.
Sponsor . Any Person directly or indirectly instrumental in organizing, wholly or in part, the Corporation or any Person who will control, manage or participate in the management of the Corporation, and any Affiliate of such Person. Not included is any Person whose only relationship with the Corporation is as that of an independent property manager of the Corporations assets and whose only compensation is as such. Sponsor does not include wholly independent third parties such as attorneys, accountants and underwriters whose only compensation is for professional services. A Person may also be deemed a Sponsor of the Corporation by:
(a) taking the initiative, directly or indirectly, in founding or organizing the business or enterprise of the Corporation, either alone or in conjunction with one or more other Persons;
(b) receiving a material participation in the Corporation in connection with the founding or organizing of the business of the Corporation, in consideration of services or property, or both services and property;
(c) having a substantial number of relationships and contacts with the Corporation;
(d) possessing significant rights to control the Corporations properties;
(e) receiving fees for providing services to the Corporation which are paid on a basis that is not customary in the industry; or
(f) providing goods or services to the Corporation on a basis which was not negotiated at arms length with the Corporation.
Stock . All classes or series of stock of the Corporation, including, without limitation, Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
Stockholder List . The term shall have the meaning as provided in Section 11.6 herein.
Total Operating Expenses . All expenses paid or incurred by the Corporation, as determined under generally accepted accounting principles, that are in any way related to the operation of the Corporation or to Corporation business, including advisory fees, but excluding: (a) the expenses of raising
7
capital such as Organization and Offering Expenses, legal, audit, accounting, underwriting, brokerage, listing, registration and other fees, printing and other such expenses and taxes incurred in connection with the issuance, distribution, transfer, registration and stock exchange listing of the Stock; (b) interest payments; (c) taxes; (d) non-cash expenditures such as depreciation, amortization and bad debt reserves; (e) incentive fees paid in compliance with Section 8.6, notwithstanding the next succeeding clause (f); and (f) Acquisition Fees, Acquisition Expenses, real estate commissions on the resale of property and other expenses connected with the acquisition, disposition and ownership of real estate interests, mortgage loans or other property (including the costs of foreclosure, insurance premiums, legal services, maintenance, repair and improvement of property).
Transfer . Any issuance, sale, transfer, gift, assignment, devise or other disposition as well as any other event that causes any Person to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership, or any agreement to take any such actions or cause any such events, of Stock or the right to vote or receive distributions on Stock, including (a) the granting or exercise of any option (or any disposition of any option), (b) any disposition of any securities or rights convertible into or exchangeable for Stock or any interest in Stock or any exercise of any such conversion or exchange right, and (c) Transfers of interests in other entities that result in changes in Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Stock; in each case, whether voluntary or involuntary, whether owned of record, Constructively Owned or Beneficially Owned, and whether by operation of law or otherwise. The terms Transferring and Transferred shall have the correlative meanings.
Trust . Any trust provided for in Section 6.2.1.
Trustee . The Person unaffiliated with the Corporation and a Prohibited Owner that is appointed by the Corporation to serve as trustee of the Trust.
Unimproved Real Property . The real property of the Corporation that has the following three characteristics:
(a) such property was not acquired for the purpose of producing rental or other operating income;
(b) there is no development or construction in progress on such land; and
(c) no development or construction on such land is planned in good faith to commence on such land within one year.
ARTICLE V
STOCK
Section 5.1. Authorized Shares . The Corporation has authority to issue 700,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share (Common Stock), and 200,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share (Preferred Stock). The aggregate par value of all authorized shares of Stock having par value is $900,000. The board of directors, without any action by the stockholders of the Corporation, may amend the charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of Stock or the number of shares of Stock of any class or series that the Corporation has the authority to issue. If shares of one class of stock are classified or reclassified into shares of another class of stock pursuant to this Article V, the number of authorized shares of the former class shall be automatically decreased and the number of shares of the latter class shall be automatically increased, in each case by the number of shares so classified or reclassified, as the case may be, so that the aggregate
8
number of shares of Stock of all classes that the Corporation has authority to issue shall not be more than the total number of shares of Stock set forth in the first sentence of this Section 5.1.
Section 5.2. Common Stock . Subject to the provisions of Article VI, each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote. The Common Stock shall be subject to the express terms of any series of Preferred Stock. Shares of a particular class of Common Stock shall have equal dividend, distribution, liquidation and other rights, and shall have no preference, cumulative, preemptive, conversion or exchange rights. The board of directors may reclassify any unissued shares of Common Stock from time to time in one or more classes or series of Stock.
Section 5.3. Preferred Stock . The board of directors may increase or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares, or alter the designation or classify or reclassify any unissued shares of a particular series of Preferred Stock, by fixing or altering, in one or more respects, from time to time before issuing the shares, the terms, rights, restrictions and qualifications of the shares of any such series of Preferred Stock. The board of directors is granted the authority to authorize from time to time the issuance of one or more series of Preferred Stock. Prior to the issuance of each such class or series, the board of directors, by resolution, shall fix the number of shares to be included in each series, and the designation, preferences, terms, rights, restrictions, limitations, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the shares of each class or series, if any. The authority of the board of directors with respect to each series shall include, but not be limited to, determination of the following:
(a) The designation of the series, which may be by distinguishing number, letter or title.
(b) The dividend rate on the shares of the series, if any, whether any dividends shall be cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates, and the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of dividends on shares of the series.
(c) The redemption rights, including conditions and the price or prices, if any, for shares of the series.
(d) The terms and amounts of any sinking fund for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series.
(e) The rights of the shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, and the relative rights of priority, if any, of payment of shares of the series.
(f) Whether the shares of the series shall be convertible into shares of any other class or series or any other security of the Corporation or any other corporation or other entity, and, if so, the specification of such other class or series of such other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any adjustments thereof, the date or dates on which such shares shall be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which such conversion may be made.
(g) Restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series.
(h) The voting rights of the holders of shares of the series subject to the limitations contained in this Section 5.3.
(i) Any other relative rights, preferences and limitations on that series, subject to the express provisions of any other series of Preferred Stock then outstanding.
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Section 5.4.
Classified or Reclassified Shares
. Prior to the issuance of classified
or reclassified shares of any class or series, the board of directors by resolution shall: (a) designate that class or series to distinguish it from all other classes and series of Stock of the Corporation; (b) specify the number of shares
to be included in the class or series; (c) set or change, subject to the provisions of Article VI and subject to the express terms of any class or series of Stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time, the preferences, conversion or other
rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series; and (d) cause the Corporation to file articles supplementary with the
SDAT. Any of the terms of any class or series of Stock set or changed pursuant to clause (c) of this Section 5.4 may be made dependent upon facts or events ascertainable outside the charter (including determinations by the board of
directors or other facts or events within the control of the Corporation) and may vary among holders thereof, provided that the manner in which such facts, events or variations shall operate upon the terms of such class or series of Stock is clearly
Section 5.5. Charter and Bylaws . All Persons who shall acquire Stock in the Corporation shall acquire the same subject to the provisions of the charter and the bylaws.
Section 5.6. No Preemptive Rights . No holder of shares of Stock of any class shall have any preemptive right to subscribe to or purchase any additional shares of any class, or any bonds or convertible securities of any nature; provided, however, that the board of directors may, in authorizing the issuance of shares of Stock of any class, confer any preemptive right that the board or directors may deem advisable in connection with such issuance.
Section 5.7. Issuance of Shares Without Certificates . The board of directors may authorize the issuance of shares of Stock without certificates. The Corporation shall continue to treat the holder of uncertificated Stock registered on its stock ledger as the owner of the shares noted therein until the new owner delivers a properly executed form provided by the Corporation for that purpose.
Section 5.8. Suitability and Minimum Investment of Stockholders . Until the Common Stock is Listed, the following provisions shall apply:
(a) To purchase Common Stock in a private offering, the purchaser must be an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.
(b) To purchase Common Stock in a public offering, the purchaser must represent to the Corporation that the purchaser meets the following suitability standards (or higher suitability standards of the state with jurisdiction over the sale if applicable):
(i) that such purchaser (or, in the case of sales to fiduciary accounts, that the beneficiary, the fiduciary account or the grantor or donor who directly or indirectly supplies the funds to purchase the shares if the grantor or donor is the fiduciary) has a minimum annual gross income of $70,000 and a net worth (excluding home, home furnishings and automobiles) of not less than $70,000; or
(ii) that such purchaser (or, in the case of sales to fiduciary accounts, that the beneficiary, the fiduciary account or the grantor or donor who directly or indirectly supplies the funds to purchase the shares if the grantor or donor is the fiduciary) has a net worth (excluding home, home furnishings and automobiles) of not less than $250,000.
(c) The Sponsor and each Person selling shares on behalf of the Sponsor or the Corporation shall make every reasonable effort to determine that the purchase of shares is a suitable and
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appropriate investment for each Common Stockholder. In making this determination, the Sponsor or each Person selling shares on behalf of the Sponsor or the Corporation shall ascertain that the prospective Common Stockholder: (i) meets the minimum income and net worth standards set forth in Section 5.8(a) or 5.8(b), as applicable; (ii) can reasonably benefit from the Corporation based on the prospective stockholders overall investment objectives and portfolio structure; (iii) is able to bear the economic risk of the investment based on the prospective stockholders overall financial situation; and (iv) has apparent understanding of (1) the fundamental risks of the investment; (2) the risk that the stockholder may lose the entire investment; (3) the lack of liquidity of the shares; (4) the restrictions on transferability of the shares; (5) the background and qualifications of the Sponsor or the Advisor; and (6) the tax consequences of the investment. The Sponsor or each Person selling shares on behalf of the Sponsor or the Corporation shall make this determination on the basis of information it has obtained from a prospective stockholder, including information indirectly obtained from a prospective stockholder through such stockholders investment adviser, financial advisor or fiduciary. Relevant information for this purpose will include at least the age, investment objectives, investment experience, income, net worth, financial situation and other investments of the prospective stockholder, as well as any other pertinent factors. The Sponsor or each Person selling shares on behalf of the Sponsor or the Corporation shall maintain for at least six years records of the information used to determine that an investment in shares is suitable and appropriate for a Common Stockholder.
(d) Each issuance or transfer of shares of Common Stock shall comply with the requirements regarding minimum initial and subsequent cash investment amounts set forth in a private placement memorandum or a prospectus, as applicable, as of the date of such issuance or transfer or any lower applicable state requirements with respect to minimum initial and subsequent cash investment amounts in effect as of the date of the issuance or transfer.
Section 5.9. Distribution Reinvestment Plans . The board may establish, from time to time, a distribution reinvestment plan or plans. Under any distribution reinvestment plan, (a) all material information regarding distributions to the Common Stockholders and the effect of reinvesting such distributions, including the tax consequences thereof, shall be provided to the Common Stockholders not less often than annually, and (b) each Common Stockholder participating in such plan shall have a reasonable opportunity to withdraw from the plan not less often than annually after receipt of the information required in clause (a) above.
Section 5.10. Distributions . Only the board of directors may authorize payments to stockholders in connection with their Stock. The decision to authorize a distribution, like all other board decisions, shall be made in good faith, in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the Corporation and with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances. Until the board of directors determines that it is no longer in the best interest of the Corporation to qualify as a REIT, the board of directors shall authorize dividends to the extent necessary to preserve the status of the Corporation as a REIT. The exercise of the powers and rights of the board of directors pursuant to this section shall be subject to the provisions of any class or series of Stock at the time outstanding.
Distributions in kind shall not be permitted, except for distributions of readily marketable securities, distributions of beneficial interests in a liquidating trust established for the dissolution of the Corporation and the liquidation of its assets in accordance with the terms of the charter or distributions that meet all of the following conditions: (a) the board of directors advises each Common Stockholder of the risks associated with direct ownership of the property; (b) the board of directors offers each Common Stockholder the election of receiving such in-kind distributions; and (c) in-kind distributions are made only to those Common Stockholders who accept such offer.
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ARTICLE VI
RESTRICTION ON TRANSFER AND OWNERSHIP OF SHARES
Section 6.1. Stock .
Section 6.1.1. Ownership Limitations . Prior to the Restriction Termination Date:
(a) Basic Restrictions .
(i) (1) No Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Stock in excess of the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit, (2) no Person, other than an Excepted Holder, shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Common Stock in excess of the Common Stock Ownership Limit, and (3) no Excepted Holder shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Stock in excess of the Excepted Holder Limit for such Excepted Holder.
(ii) No Person shall Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Stock to the extent that such Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of Stock would result in the Corporation (1) being closely held within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year), or (2) otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT (including, but not limited to, Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership that would result in the Corporation actually owning or Constructively Owning an interest in a tenant that is described in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code if the income derived by the Corporation from such tenant would cause the Corporation to fail to satisfy any of the gross income requirements of Section 856(c) of the Code); provided , however , that Section 6.1.1(a)(ii)(1) shall not apply to the Corporations first taxable year for which a REIT election is made.
(iii) Notwithstanding any other provisions contained herein, any Transfer of shares of Stock (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the facilities of any national securities exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system) that, if effective, would result in the Stock being Beneficially Owned by less than 100 Persons (determined under the principles of Section 856(a)(5) of the Code) shall be void ab initio , and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares of Stock; provided , however , that (1) this Section 6.1.1(a)(iii) shall not apply to a Transfer of shares of Stock occurring in the Corporations first taxable year for which a REIT election is made and (2) the board of directors may waive this Section 6.1.1(a)(iii) if, in the opinion of the board of directors, such Transfer would not adversely affect the Corporations ability to qualify as a REIT.
(b) Transfer in Trust . If any Transfer of shares of Stock (whether or not such Transfer is the result of a transaction entered into through the facilities of any national securities exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system) occurs that, if effective, would result in any Person Beneficially Owning or Constructively Owning shares of Stock in violation of Section 6.1.1(a)(i) or Section 6.1.1(a)(ii),
(i) then that number of shares of Stock the Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of which otherwise would cause such Person to violate Section 6.1.1(a)(i) or Section 6.1.1(a)(ii) (rounded to the nearest whole share) shall be automatically transferred to a Trust for the benefit of a Charitable Beneficiary, as described in Section 6.2, effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the date of such Transfer and such Person shall acquire no rights in such shares; provided, however,
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(ii) if the Transfer to the Trust described in clause (i) of this sentence would not be effective for any reason to prevent the violation of Section 6.1.1(a)(i) or Section 6.1.1(a)(ii), then the Transfer of that number of shares of Stock that otherwise would cause any Person to violate Section 6.1.1(a)(i) or Section 6.1.1(a)(ii) shall be void ab initio and the intended transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares of Stock.
Section 6.1.2. Remedies for Breach . If the board of directors shall at any time determine in good faith that a Transfer or other event has taken place that results in a violation of Section 6.1.1(a) or that a Person intends to acquire or has attempted to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of any shares of Stock in violation of Section 6.1.1(a) (whether or not such violation is intended), the board of directors or a committee thereof shall take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such Transfer or other event, including, without limitation, causing the Corporation to redeem shares, refusing to give effect to such Transfer on the books of the Corporation or instituting proceedings to enjoin such Transfer or other event; provided , however , that any Transfers or attempted Transfers or other events in violation of Section 6.1.1(a) shall automatically result in the Transfer to the Trust described above and, where applicable, such Transfer (or other event) shall be void ab initio as provided above irrespective of any action (or non-action) by the board of directors.
Section 6.1.3. Notice of Restricted Transfer . Any Person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of shares of Stock that will or may violate Section 6.1.1(a) or any Person who would have owned shares of Stock that resulted in a Transfer to the Trust pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1.1(b) shall immediately give written notice to the Corporation of such event or, in the case of such a proposed or attempted transaction, give at least 15 days prior written notice and shall provide to the Corporation such other information as the Corporation may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Transfer on the Corporations status as a REIT.
Section 6.1.4. Owners Required to Provide Information . Prior to the Restriction Termination Date:
(a) every owner of 5% or more (or such higher percentage as required by the Code or the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) of the outstanding shares of Stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, shall give written notice to the Corporation stating the name and address of such owner, the number of shares of Stock and other shares of the Stock Beneficially Owned and a description of the manner in which such shares are held. Each such owner shall provide to the Corporation such additional information as the Corporation may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of such Beneficial Ownership on the Corporations status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit.
(b) each Person who is a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner of Stock and each Person (including the stockholder of record) who is holding Stock for a Beneficial Owner or Constructive Owner shall provide to the Corporation such information as the Corporation may request, in good faith, in order to determine the Corporations status as a REIT and to comply with requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.
Section 6.1.5. Remedies Not Limited . Subject to Section 7.7, nothing contained in this Section 6.1 shall limit the authority of the board of directors to take such other action as it deems necessary or advisable to protect the Corporation and the interests of its stockholders in preserving the Corporations status as a REIT.
Section 6.1.6. Ambiguity . In the case of an ambiguity in the application of any of the provisions of this Section 6.1, Section 6.2 or any definition contained herein, the board of directors shall
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have the power to determine the application of the provisions of this Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 with respect to any situation based on the facts known to it. In the event Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 requires an action by the board of directors and the charter fails to provide specific guidance with respect to such action, the board of directors shall have the power to determine the action to be taken so long as such action is not contrary to the provisions of Sections 6.1 or 6.2.
Section 6.1.7. Exceptions .
(a) Subject to Section 6.1.1(a)(ii), the board of directors, in its sole discretion, may exempt a Person from the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit and the Common Stock Ownership Limit, as the case may be, and may establish or increase an Excepted Holder Limit for such Person if:
(i) the board of directors obtains such representations and undertakings from such Person as are reasonably necessary to ascertain that no Persons Beneficial Ownership or Constructive Ownership of such shares of Stock will violate Section 6.1.1(a)(ii);
(ii) such Person does not and represents that it will not own, actually own or Constructively Own, an interest in a tenant of the Corporation (or a tenant of any entity owned or controlled by the Corporation) that would cause the Corporation to actually own or Constructively Own more than a 9.9% interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code) in such tenant and the board of directors obtains such representations and undertakings from such Person as are reasonably necessary to ascertain this fact (for this purpose, a tenant from whom the Corporation (or an entity owned or controlled by the Corporation) derives (and is expected to continue to derive) a sufficiently small amount of revenue such that, in the opinion of the board of directors, rent from such tenant would not adversely affect the Corporations ability to qualify as a REIT shall not be treated as a tenant of the Corporation); and
(iii) such Person agrees that any violation or attempted violation of such representations or undertakings (or other action which is contrary to the restrictions contained in Sections 6.1.1 through 6.1.6) will result in such shares of Stock being automatically transferred to a Trust in accordance with Section 6.1.1(b) and Section 6.2.
(b) Prior to granting any exception pursuant to Section 6.1.7(a), the board of directors may require a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of counsel, in either case, in form and substance satisfactory to the board of directors in its sole discretion, as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure the Corporations status as a REIT. Notwithstanding the receipt of any ruling or opinion, the board of directors may impose such conditions or restrictions as it deems appropriate in connection with granting such exception.
(c) Subject to Section 6.1.1(a)(ii), an underwriter which participates in a public offering or a private placement of Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Stock) may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Stock (or securities convertible into or exchangeable for Stock) in excess of the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit, the Common Stock Ownership Limit or both such limits, but only to the extent necessary to facilitate such public offering or private placement.
(d) The board of directors may only reduce the Excepted Holder Limit for an Excepted Holder: (i) with the written consent of such Excepted Holder at any time; or (ii) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the agreements and undertakings entered into with such Excepted Holder in
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connection with the establishment of the Excepted Holder Limit for that Excepted Holder. No Excepted Holder Limit shall be reduced to a percentage that is less than the Common Stock Ownership Limit.
Section 6.1.8. Increase in Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit and Common Stock Ownership Limit . The board of directors may from time to time increase the Common Stock Ownership Limit and the Aggregate Stock Ownership Limit.
Section 6.1.9. Legend . Each certificate for shares of Stock shall bear substantially the following legend:
The shares represented by this certificate are subject to restrictions on Beneficial Ownership, Constructive Ownership and Transfer for the purpose of the Corporations maintenance of its status as a Real Estate Investment Trust under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code). Subject to certain further restrictions and except as expressly provided in the Corporations charter: (a) no Person may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of the Corporations Common Stock in excess of 9.8% (in value or number of shares) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation unless such Person is an Excepted Holder (in which case the Excepted Holder Limit for such Excepted Holder shall be applicable); (b) no Person may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Stock of the Corporation in excess of 9.8% of the value of the total outstanding shares of Stock of the Corporation, unless such Person is an Excepted Holder (in which case the Excepted Holder Limit for such Excepted Holder shall be applicable); (c) no Person may Beneficially Own or Constructively Own Stock that would result in the Corporation being closely held under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause the Corporation to fail to qualify as a REIT; and (d) other than as provided in the Corporations charter, no Person may Transfer shares of Stock if such Transfer would result in the Stock of the Corporation being owned by fewer than 100 Persons. Any Person who Beneficially Owns or Constructively Owns or attempts to Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Stock which causes or will cause a Person to Beneficially Own or Constructively Own shares of Stock in excess or in violation of the above limitations must immediately notify the Corporation. If any of the restrictions on Transfer or ownership are violated, the shares of Stock represented hereby will be automatically transferred to a Trustee of a Trust for the benefit of one or more Charitable Beneficiaries. In addition, upon the occurrence of certain events, attempted Transfers in violation of the restrictions described above may be void ab initio .
All capitalized terms in this legend have the meanings defined in the charter of the Corporation, as the same may be amended from time to time, a copy of which, including the restrictions on Transfer and ownership, will be furnished to each holder of Stock of the Corporation on request and without charge.
Instead of the foregoing legend, the certificate may state that the Corporation will furnish a full statement about certain restrictions on transferability to a stockholder on request and without charge. Such
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statement shall also be sent on request and without charge to stockholders who are issued shares without a certificate.
Section 6.2. Transfer of Stock in Trust .
Section 6.2.1. Ownership in Trust . Upon any purported Transfer or other event described in Section 6.1.1(b) that would result in a transfer of shares of Stock to a Trust, such shares of Stock shall be deemed to have been Transferred to the Trustee as trustee of a Trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more Charitable Beneficiaries. Such Transfer to the Trustee shall be deemed to be effective as of the close of business on the Business Day prior to the purported Transfer or other event that results in the Transfer to the Trust pursuant to Section 6.1.1(b). The Trustee shall be appointed by the Corporation and shall be a Person unaffiliated with the Corporation and any Prohibited Owner. Each Charitable Beneficiary shall be designated by the Corporation as provided in Section 6.2.6.
Section 6.2.2. Status of Shares Held by the Trustee . Shares of Stock held by the Trustee shall be issued and outstanding shares of Stock of the Corporation. The Prohibited Owner shall have no rights in the shares held by the Trustee. The Prohibited Owner shall not benefit economically from ownership of any shares held in trust by the Trustee and shall have no rights to dividends or other distributions attributable to the shares held in the Trust.
Section 6.2.3. Distributions and Voting Rights . The Trustee shall have all voting rights and rights to distributions with respect to shares of Stock held in the Trust, which rights shall be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary. Any distribution paid prior to the discovery by the Corporation that the shares of Stock have been transferred to the Trustee shall be paid by the recipient of such distribution to the Trustee upon demand, and any distribution authorized but unpaid shall be paid when due to the Trustee. Any distribution so paid to the Trustee shall be held in trust for the Charitable Beneficiary. The Prohibited Owner shall have no voting rights with respect to shares held in the Trust, and, subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares of Stock have been transferred to the Trustee, the Trustee shall have the authority with respect to the shares held in the Trust (at the Trustees sole discretion) (a) to rescind as void any vote cast by a Prohibited Owner prior to the discovery by the Corporation that the shares of Stock have been transferred to the Trustee and (b) to recast such vote in accordance with the desires of the Trustee acting for the benefit of the Charitable Beneficiary; provided, however, that if the Corporation has already taken irreversible corporate action, then the Trustee shall not have the authority to rescind and recast such vote. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article VI, until the Corporation has received notification that shares of Stock have been transferred into a Trust, the Corporation shall be entitled to rely on its share transfer and other stockholder records for purposes of preparing lists of stockholders entitled to vote at meetings, determining the validity and authority of proxies and otherwise conducting votes of stockholders.
Section 6.2.4. Sale of Shares by Trustee . Within 20 days of receiving notice from the Corporation that shares of Stock have been transferred to the Trust, the Trustee of the Trust shall sell the shares held in the Trust to a Person, designated by the Trustee, whose ownership of the shares will not violate the ownership limitations set forth in Section 6.1.1(a). Upon such sale, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the shares sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner and to the Charitable Beneficiary as provided in this Section 6.2.4. The Prohibited Owner shall receive the lesser of (a) the price paid by the Prohibited Owner for the shares or, if the Prohibited Owner did not give value for the shares in connection with the event causing the shares to be held in the Trust ( e.g. , in the case of a gift, devise or other such transaction), the Market Price of the shares on the day of the event causing the shares to be held in the Trust or (b) the price per share received by the Trustee from the sale or other disposition of the shares held in the Trust. Any net sale proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the Prohibited Owner shall be immediately paid to the
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Charitable Beneficiary. If, prior to the discovery by the Corporation that shares of Stock have been transferred to the Trustee, such shares are sold by a Prohibited Owner, then (i) such shares shall be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the Trust and (ii) to the extent that the Prohibited Owner received an amount for such shares that exceeds the amount that such Prohibited Owner was entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 6.2.4, such excess shall be paid to the Trustee upon demand.
Section 6.2.5. Purchase Right in Stock Transferred to the Trustee . Shares of Stock transferred to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been offered for sale to the Corporation, or its designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (a) the price per share in the transaction that resulted in such Transfer to the Trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the Market Price at the time of such devise or gift) or (b) the Market Price on the date the Corporation, or its designee, accepts such offer. The Corporation shall have the right to accept such offer until the Trustee has sold the shares held in the Trust pursuant to Section 6.2.4. Upon such a sale to the Corporation, the interest of the Charitable Beneficiary in the shares sold shall terminate and the Trustee shall distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the Prohibited Owner.
Section 6.2.6. Designation of Charitable Beneficiaries . By written notice to the Trustee, the Corporation shall designate one or more nonprofit organizations to be the Charitable Beneficiary of the interest in the Trust such that (a) the shares of Stock held in the Trust would not violate the restrictions set forth in Section 6.1.1(a) in the hands of such Charitable Beneficiary and (b) each such organization must be described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code and contributions to each such organization must be eligible for deduction under each of Sections 170(b)(1)(A), 2055 and 2522 of the Code.
Section 6.3. Settlement . Nothing in this Article VI shall preclude the settlement of any transaction entered into through the facilities of any national securities exchange or automated inter-dealer quotation system. The fact that the settlement of any transaction is so permitted shall not negate the effect of any other provision of this Article VI and any transferee in such a transaction shall be subject to all of the provisions and limitations set forth in this Article VI.
Section 6.4. Enforcement . The Corporation is authorized specifically to seek equitable relief, including injunctive relief, to enforce the provisions of this Article VI.
Section 6.5. Non-Waiver . No delay or failure on the part of the Corporation or the board of directors in exercising any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any right of the Corporation or the board of directors, as the case may be, except to the extent specifically waived in writing.
ARTICLE VII
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 7.1. Number of Directors . The number of directors of the Corporation shall be three. The number of directors of the Corporation may be increased or decreased from time to time pursuant to the bylaws but shall never be less than three. A majority of the seats on the board of directors shall be for Independent Directors. The Independent Directors shall nominate replacements for vacancies amongst the Independent Director positions. No reduction in the number of directors shall cause the removal of any director from office prior to the expiration of his term, except as may otherwise be provided in the terms of any Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation. The names of the directors who shall serve on the board until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and until their successor are duly elected and qualified, subject to the filling of vacancies or an increase in the number of directors prior to the next annual meeting of the stockholders, are:
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Kevin A. Shields
Gregory M. Cazel
Eric Kaplan
Section 7.2. Term of Directors . Each director shall hold office for one year, until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Directors may be elected to an unlimited number of successive terms.
Section 7.3. Experience . Each director who is not an Independent Director shall have at least three years of relevant experience demonstrating the knowledge and experience required to successfully acquire and manage the type of assets being acquired by the Corporation. At least one of the Independent Directors shall have three years of relevant real estate experience.
Section 7.4. Committees . The board may establish such committees as it deems appropriate, provided that the majority of the members of each committee are Independent Directors.
Section 7.5. Fiduciary Obligations . The directors are fiduciaries of the Corporation and its stockholders. The directors have a fiduciary duty to the stockholders to supervise the relationship between the Corporation and the Advisor.
Section 7.6. Ratification of Charter . At or before the first meeting of the board of directors which includes Independent Directors, the board of directors and the Independent Directors shall each review and ratify the charter by majority vote.
Section 7.7. REIT Qualification . If the Corporation elects to qualify for federal income tax treatment as a REIT, the board of directors shall use its reasonable best efforts to take such actions as are necessary or appropriate to preserve the status of the Corporation as a REIT; however, if the board of directors determines that it is no longer in the best interests of the Corporation to continue to be qualified as a REIT, the board of directors may revoke or otherwise terminate the Corporations REIT election pursuant to Section 856(g) of the Code. The board of directors also may determine that compliance with any restriction or limitation on ownership and Transfers of Stock set forth in Article VI is no longer required for REIT qualification. The determination by the board of directors that it is no longer in the best interests of the Corporation to continue to be qualified as a REIT shall require the concurrence of two-thirds of the board of directors.
Section 7.8. Determinations by the Board . The determination as to any of the following matters, made in good faith by or pursuant to the direction of the board of directors or the Independent Directors consistent with the charter and in the absence of actual receipt of an improper benefit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty established by a court, shall be final and conclusive and shall be binding upon the Corporation and every holder of shares of its Stock: (a) the amount of the net income of the Corporation for any period and the amount of assets at any time legally available for the payment of dividends, redemption of its Stock or the payment of other distributions on its Stock; (b) the amount of paid-in surplus, net assets, other surplus, annual or other net profit, net assets in excess of capital, undivided profits or excess of profits over losses on sales of assets; (c) the amount, purpose, time of creation, increase or decrease, alteration or cancellation of any reserves or charges and the propriety thereof (whether or not any obligation or liability for which such reserves or charges shall have been created shall have been paid or discharged); (d) the fair value, or any sale, bid or asked price to be applied in determining the fair value, of any asset owned or held by the Corporation; (e) the application of any provision of this charter in the case of any ambiguity, including, without limitation: (i) any provision of
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the definitions of any of the following: Affiliate, Independent Director and Sponsor; (ii) which amounts paid to the Advisor or its Affiliates are property-level expenses connected with the ownership of real estate interests, mortgage loans or other property, which expenses are excluded from the definition of Total Operating Expenses; and (iii) whether expenses qualify as Organization and Offering Expenses; (f) whether substantial justification exists to invest in or make a mortgage loan contemplated by Section 9.11(b) because of the presence of other underwriting criteria; (g) the existence of any conflict involving provisions of the charter, the NASAA REIT Guidelines, the MGCL, the REIT provisions of the Code or other applicable federal or state laws contemplated in Article XIV; and (h) any matters relating to the acquisition, holding and disposition of any assets by the Corporation.
Section 7.9. Removal of Directors . Subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of Preferred Stock to elect or remove one or more directors, any director, or the entire board of directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. At a meeting in which there is a quorum, the holders of a majority of shares can elect to remove any director, or the entire board of directors.
Section 7.10. Business Combination Statute . Notwithstanding any other provision of this charter or any contrary provision of law, the Maryland Business Combination Statute, found in Title 3, subtitle 6 of the MGCL, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto, shall not apply to any business combination (as defined in Section 3.601(e) of the MGCL, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto) of the Corporation, and any Person, Advisor or any Affiliate of the Advisor.
Section 7.11. Control Share Acquisition Statute . Notwithstanding any other provision of this charter or any contrary provision of law, the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Statute, found in Title 3, subtitle 7 of the MGCL, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto shall not apply to any acquisition of Stock of the Corporation by any Person.
ARTICLE VIII
ADVISOR
Section 8.1. Appointment and Initial Investment of Advisor . The board of directors may appoint an Advisor to direct and/or perform the day-to-day business affairs of the Corporation. The board of directors may exercise broad discretion in allowing the Advisor to administer and regulate the operations of the Corporation, to act as agent for the Corporation, to execute documents on behalf of the Corporation and to make executive decisions that conform to general policies and principles established by the board of directors. The term of retention of any Advisor shall not exceed one year, although there is no limit to the number of times that a particular Advisor may be retained. Before the Initial Public Offering of the Corporation, the Advisor shall have made the Initial Investment. The Advisor or any such Affiliate may not sell the equity interest acquired with its Initial Investment while the Advisor remains the advisor to the Corporation but may transfer the interest in the Corporation acquired with its Initial Investment to its Affiliates.
Section 8.2. Supervision of Advisor . The board of directors shall evaluate the performance of the Advisor before entering into or renewing an Advisory Agreement, and the criteria used in such evaluation shall be reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the board of directors. The board of directors may exercise broad discretion in allowing the Advisor to administer and regulate the operations of the Corporation, to act as agent for the Corporation, to execute documents on behalf of the Corporation and to make executive decisions that conform to general policies and principles established by the board. The Independent Directors shall determine at least annually whether the expenses incurred by the
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Corporation are reasonable in light of the investment performance of the Corporation, its Net Assets, its Net Income and the fees and expenses of other comparable unaffiliated REITs. The Independent Directors shall determine, from time to time and at least annually, that the compensation to be paid to the Advisor is reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of services performed and that such compensation is within the limits prescribed by the charter. Each such determination shall be reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the board. The Independent Directors shall also supervise the performance of the Advisor and the compensation paid to the Advisor by the Corporation to determine that the provisions of the Advisory Agreement are being met. Each such determination shall be based on factors such as: (a) the amount of the fee paid to the Advisor in relation to the size, composition and performance of the Corporations portfolio; (b) the success of the Advisor in generating opportunities that meet the investment objectives of the Corporation; (c) rates charged to other REITs and to investors other than REITs by advisors performing the same or similar services; (d) additional revenues realized by the Advisor and its Affiliates through their relationship with the Corporation, including loan administration, underwriting or broker commissions, servicing, engineering, inspection and other fees, whether paid by the Corporation or by others with whom the Corporation does business; (e) the quality and extent of service and advice furnished by the Advisor; (f) the performance of the Corporations portfolio, including income, conservation or appreciation of capital, frequency of problem investments and competence in dealing with distress situations; and (g) the quality of the Corporations portfolio relative to the investments generated by the Advisor for its own account. The Independent Directors may also consider all other factors that it deems relevant, and its findings on each of the factors considered shall be recorded in the minutes of the board of directors. The Corporation may not enter into, renew or amend the Advisory Agreement without the approval (by majority vote) of the Independent Directors. The board shall determine whether any successor Advisor possesses sufficient qualifications to perform the advisory function for the Corporation and whether the compensation provided for in its Advisory Agreement with the Corporation is justified.
Section 8.3. Fiduciary Obligations . The Advisor is a fiduciary of the Corporation and its stockholders.
Section 8.4. Termination . Either the Independent Directors (by majority vote) or the Advisor may terminate the Advisory Agreement on 60 days written notice without cause or penalty, and, in such event, the Advisor will cooperate with the Corporation and the board of directors in making an orderly transition of the advisory function.
Section 8.5. Disposition Fee on Sale of Property . If the Advisor or a director or Sponsor or any Affiliate thereof provides a substantial amount of the services in the effort to sell the property of the Corporation, that Person may receive an amount up to one-half of the total real estate commissions paid but in no event to exceed an amount equal to 3% of the sales price of such property or properties; provided, however, that the amount paid when added to all other real estate commissions paid to unaffiliated parties in connection with such sale shall not exceed the lesser of the Competitive Real Estate Commission or an amount equal to 6% of the sales price of such property or properties.
Section 8.6. Incentive Fees . An interest in the gain from the sale of assets of the Corporation (as opposed to real estate commissions, which are the subject of Section 8.5) may be paid to the Advisor or an entity affiliated with the Advisor provided that (a) the interest in the gain must be reasonable, and (b) if multiple Advisors are involved, incentive fees must be distributed by a proportional method reasonably designed to reflect the value added to the Corporations assets by each respective Advisor and its Affiliates. Such an interest in gain from the sale of assets of the Corporation shall be considered presumptively reasonable if it does not exceed 15% of the balance of such net proceeds remaining after payment to Common Stockholders, in the aggregate, of an amount equal to 100% of the original issue price of the Common Stock, plus an amount equal to 6% of the original issue price of the Common Stock
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per annum cumulative. Distribution of incentive fees to the Advisor or an entity affiliated with the Advisor in proportion to the length of time served as Advisor while such property was held by the Corporation or in proportion to the fair market value of the asset at the time of the Advisors termination and the fair market value of the asset upon its disposition by the Corporation shall be considered reasonable methods by which to apportion incentive fees. For purposes of this Section 8.6, the original issue price of the Common Stock shall be reduced by prior cash distributions to Common Stockholders of net proceeds from the sale of assets of the Corporation.
Section 8.7. Acquisition Fees . The Corporations combined Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses shall be reasonable and shall not exceed 6% of the Contract Purchase Price or, in the case of a mortgage loan, 6% of the funds advanced, unless the Independent Directors approve (by majority vote) the Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses and determine the transaction to be commercially competitive, fair and reasonable to the Corporation. The Corporation may pay Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses in advance of acquisitions provided that the method of allocating such Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses to subsequent property or mortgage investments for purposes of the limit set forth in the preceding sentence has been approved by the Independent Directors.
Section 8.8. Reimbursement for Total Operating Expenses . To the extent the NASAA REIT Guidelines apply to the Corporation, commencing four fiscal quarters after the Corporations acquisition of its first real estate asset, the Independent Directors shall have the responsibility of limiting Total Operating Expenses to amounts that do not exceed the greater of 2% of Average Invested Assets or 25% of Net Income (the 2%/25% Guidelines) for the 12 months then ended unless it has made a finding that, based on unusual and non-recurring factors that it deems sufficient, a higher level of expenses (an Excess Amount) is justified. Any such finding and the reasons in support thereof shall be reflected in the minutes of the meetings. After the end of any fiscal quarter of the Corporation for which there is an Excess Amount for the 12 months then ended, such fact shall be disclosed in writing and sent to the Common Stockholders within 60 days of such quarter-end (or shall be disclosed to the Common Stockholders in the next quarterly report of the Corporation), together with an explanation of the factors the Independent Directors considered in determining that such Excess Amount was justified. In the event that the Independent Directors do not determine that excess expenses are justified (and therefore deemed excessive), the Advisor shall reimburse the Corporation at the end of the 12-month period the amount by which the aggregate annual expenses paid or incurred by the Corporation exceeded the 2%/25% Guidelines.
Section 8.9. Corporate Opportunities . For so long as the Corporation is externally advised by the Advisor, the Corporation has no interest in any opportunity known to the Advisor or an Affiliate thereof unless it has been recommended to the Corporation by the Advisor. The preceding sentence shall be of no consequence except in connection with the application of the corporate opportunity doctrine.
ARTICLE IX
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND LIMITATIONS
Section 9.1. Investment Objectives . The board of directors shall establish written policies on investments and borrowing and shall monitor the administrative procedures, investment operations and performance of the Corporation and the Advisor to assure that such policies are carried out. The Independent Directors shall review the investment policies of the Corporation with sufficient frequency (not less often than annually) to determine that the policies being followed by the Corporation are in the best interests of the Common Stockholders. Each such determination and the basis therefore shall be set forth in the minutes of the meetings of the board of directors.
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Section 9.2. Approval of Acquisitions . The Corporation may not purchase any property without the approval of a majority of the board of directors or the approval of a majority of a committee of the board, provided that the members of the committee approving the transaction would also constitute a majority of the board. The consideration paid for any property acquired by the Corporation will ordinarily be based on the fair market value of such property. The Corporation may not purchase or lease properties in which the Advisor, a Sponsor, a director or an Affiliate thereof has an interest without a determination by the Independent Directors (by majority vote) that such transaction is fair and reasonable to the Corporation and at a price to the Corporation no greater than the cost of the property to the Affiliated seller or lessor unless there is substantial justification for the excess amount. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in no event may the Corporation acquire any such property at an amount in excess of its current appraised value as determined by an Independent Expert. An appraisal is current for purposes of the preceding sentence if obtained within the 12-month period preceding the transaction.
Section 9.3. Limitations on Sales to Affiliates . The Corporation shall not transfer or lease assets to a Sponsor, the Advisor, a director or an Affiliate thereof unless approved by a majority of directors (including a majority of Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction as being fair and reasonable to the Corporation.
Section 9.4. Limitations on Joint Ventures . The Corporation shall not invest in a Joint Venture or Equity Securities unless a majority of directors (including a majority of Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction approves such investment as being fair, competitive and commercially reasonable. The Corporation shall not invest in a Joint Venture with the Sponsor, Advisor, a director or any Affiliate thereof unless a majority of directors (including a majority of Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction approves the transaction as being fair and reasonable to the Corporation and the transaction is on substantially the same terms and conditions as those received by the other joint venturers.
Section 9.5. Limitations on Other Transactions Involving Affiliates . A majority of directors (including a majority of Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in such transactions must conclude that all other transactions between the Corporation and a Sponsor, the Advisor, a director or an Affiliate thereof are fair and reasonable to the Corporation and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Corporation than those available from unaffiliated third parties.
Section 9.6. Limitations on the Repurchase of Stock . The Corporation may not pay a fee to the Advisor, a Sponsor, a director or an Affiliate thereof in connection with the Corporations repurchase of shares of Stock.
Section 9.7. Limitations on Loans . The Corporation will not make any loans to a Sponsor, the Advisor, a director or an Affiliate thereof except (a) as provided in Section 9.11 or (b) to wholly owned subsidiaries (directly or indirectly) of the Corporation. The Corporation will not borrow from such parties unless a majority of directors (including a majority of Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction approves the transaction as being fair, competitive and commercially reasonable and no less favorable to the Corporation than comparable loans between unaffiliated parties. These restrictions on loans apply to advances of cash that are commonly viewed as loans, as determined by the board of directors. By way of example only, the prohibition on loans would not restrict advances of cash for legal expenses or other costs incurred as a result of any legal action for which indemnification is being sought nor would the prohibition limit the Corporations ability to advance reimbursable expenses incurred by directors or officers or the Advisor or its Affiliates.
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Section 9.8. Limitations on Leverage . The aggregate borrowings of the Corporation, secured and unsecured, shall be reviewed by the board of directors at least quarterly. The maximum amount of such borrowings in relation to the Net Assets shall not exceed 300% in the absence of a satisfactory showing that a higher level of borrowings is appropriate. Any excess in borrowings over such 300% level shall be approved by the Independent Directors (by majority vote) and disclosed to the Common Stockholders in the next quarterly report of the Corporation, along with justification for such excess.
Section 9.9. Limitations on the Issuance of Options and Warrants .
(a) The Corporation shall not issue options or warrants to purchase Stock (i) with an exercise price that is less than the fair market value of such Stock on the date of grant or (ii) for consideration (which may include services) that the Independent Directors conclude (by majority vote) has a fair market value that is less than the value of such option or warrant on the date of grant.
(b) The Corporation shall not issue options or warrants to purchase Stock to the Advisor, a Sponsor, a director or an Affiliate thereof (i) on terms more favorable than the Corporation offers such options or warrants to the general public or (ii) in excess of an amount equal to 10% of the outstanding Stock on the date of grant.
Section 9.10. Limitations on Investments in Commodities Contracts . The Corporation may not invest in commodities or commodity futures contracts, except for futures contracts used solely for the purpose of hedging in connection with the ordinary business of investing in real estate assets and mortgages.
Section 9.11. Limitations Regarding Mortgage Loans . The Corporation may not make or invest in mortgage loans unless an appraisal is obtained concerning the underlying property, except for those mortgage loans insured or guaranteed by a government or government agency. In cases in which the Independent Directors (by majority vote) so determine, and in all cases in which the transaction is with the Advisor, a director, a Sponsor or an Affiliate thereof, such an appraisal must be obtained from an Independent Expert concerning the underlying property. The Corporation shall keep the appraisal for at least five years and make it available for inspection and duplication by any Common Stockholder. The Corporation shall obtain a mortgagees or owners title insurance policy or commitment as to the priority of the mortgage or the condition of the title. Further, the Advisor and the board of directors shall observe the following policies in connection with investing in or making mortgage loans:
(a) The Corporation shall not invest in real estate contracts of sale, otherwise known as land sale contracts, unless such contracts of sale are in recordable form and appropriately recorded in the chain of title.
(b) The Corporation shall not make or invest in mortgage loans, including construction loans, on any one property if the aggregate amount of all mortgage loans outstanding on the property, including the loans of the Corporation, would exceed an amount equal to 85% of the appraised value of the property as determined by appraisal unless the board determines that a substantial justification exists because of the presence of other underwriting criteria. For purposes of this subsection, the aggregate amount of all mortgage loans outstanding on the property, including the loans of the Corporation, shall include all interest (excluding contingent participation in income and/or appreciation in value of the mortgaged property), the current payment of which may be deferred pursuant to the terms of such loans, to the extent that deferred interest on each loan exceeds 5% per annum of the principal balance of the loan.
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(c) The Corporation may not make or invest in any mortgage loans that are subordinate to any mortgage or equity interest of the Advisor, a Sponsor, a director or an Affiliate of the Corporation.
Section 9.12. Limitations on Investments in Unimproved Real Property . The Corporation may not make investments in Unimproved Real Property or mortgage loans on Unimproved Real Property in excess of 10% of the Corporations total assets.
Section 9.13. Limitations on Issuances of Securities . The Corporation may not (a) issue Equity Securities on a deferred payment basis or other similar arrangement, (b) issue debt securities unless the historical debt service coverage (in the most recently completed fiscal year) as adjusted for known changes is sufficient to service that higher level of debt as determined by the board of directors or a duly authorized executive officer of the Corporation, (c) issue Equity Securities that are assessable after receipt by the Corporation of the consideration for which the board authorized their issuance, or (d) issue Equity Securities redeemable solely at the option of the holder, which restriction has no affect on the Corporations ability to implement a share redemption program. The Corporation may issue shares of Preferred Stock with voting rights; provided that, when a privately issued share of Preferred Stock is entitled to vote on a matter with the holders of shares of Common Stock, the relationship between the number of votes per such share of Preferred Stock and the consideration paid to the Corporation for such share shall not exceed the relationship between the number of votes per any publicly offered share of Common Stock and the book value per outstanding share of Common Stock. Nothing in this Section 9.13 is intended to prevent the Corporation from issuing Equity Securities pursuant to a plan whereby the commissions on the sales of such securities are in whole or in part deferred and paid by the purchaser thereof out of future distributions on such securities or otherwise.
Section 9.14. Limitations on Roll-Up Transactions . In connection with any proposed Roll-Up Transaction, an appraisal of all of the Corporations assets shall be obtained from a competent Independent Expert. The assets shall be appraised on a consistent basis, and the appraisal shall be based on the evaluation of all relevant information and shall indicate the value of the assets as of a date immediately prior to the announcement of the proposed Roll-Up Transaction. The appraisal shall assume an orderly liquidation of the assets over a 12-month period. The terms of the engagement of the Independent Expert shall clearly state that the engagement is for the benefit of the Corporation and its stockholders. A summary of the appraisal, indicating all material assumptions underlying the appraisal, shall be included in a report to stockholders in connection with a proposed Roll-Up Transaction. If the appraisal will be included in a prospectus used to offer the securities of the Roll-Up Entity, the appraisal shall be filed with the SEC and the states as an exhibit to the registration statement for the offering. In connection with a proposed Roll-Up Transaction, the Person sponsoring the Roll-Up Transaction shall offer to each Common Stockholder who votes against the proposed Roll-Up Transaction the choice of:
(a) accepting the securities of the Roll-Up Entity offered in the proposed Roll-Up Transaction; or
(b) one of the following:
(i) remaining as a Common Stockholder of the Corporation and preserving its interests therein on the same terms and conditions as existed previously; or
(ii) receiving cash in an amount equal to the stockholders pro rata share of the appraised value of the Net Assets of the Corporation.
The Corporation is prohibited from participating in any proposed Roll-Up Transaction:
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(A) that would result in the Common Stockholders having voting rights in a Roll-Up Entity that are less than the rights set forth in Article XI hereof;
(B) that includes provisions that would operate as a material impediment to, or frustration of, the accumulation of shares by any purchaser of the securities of the Roll-Up Entity (except to the minimum extent necessary to preserve the tax status of the Roll-Up Entity), or that would limit the ability of an investor to exercise the voting rights of its securities of the Roll-Up Entity on the basis of the number of shares held by that investor;
(C) in which investors rights of access to the records of the Roll-Up Entity will be less than those described in Section 11.5 and Section 11.6 hereof; or
(D) in which any of the costs of the Roll-Up Transaction would be borne by the Corporation if the Roll-Up Transaction is not approved by the Common Stockholders.
ARTICLE X
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Section 10.1. Sales and Leases to the Corporation . The Corporation may purchase or lease an asset or assets from the Sponsor, the Advisor, a director, or any Affiliate thereof upon a finding by a majority of directors (including a majority of Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction that such transaction is fair and reasonable to the Corporation and at a price to the Corporation no greater than the cost of the asset to such Sponsor, Advisor, director or Affiliate, or, if the price to the Corporation is in excess of such cost, that substantial justification for such excess exists and such excess is reasonable. In no event shall the purchase price of any property to the Corporation exceed its current appraised value.
Section 10.2. Sales and Leases to the Sponsor, Advisor, Directors or Affiliates . An Advisor, Sponsor, director or Affiliate thereof may purchase or lease assets from the Corporation if a majority of directors (including a majority of Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction determines that the transaction is fair and reasonable to the Corporation.
Section 10.3. Other Transactions .
(a) No goods or services will be provided by the Advisor or its Affiliates to the Corporation unless a majority of the directors (including a majority of the Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in such transaction approves such transaction as fair and reasonable to the Corporation and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Corporation than those available from unaffiliated third parties.
(b) The Corporation shall not make loans to the Sponsor, Advisor, directors or any Affiliates thereof except mortgage loans pursuant to Section 9.11 hereof or loans to wholly owned subsidiaries of the Corporation. The Sponsor, Advisor, directors and any Affiliates thereof shall not make loans to the Corporation, or to Joint Ventures in which the Corporation is a co-venturer, unless approved by a majority of the directors (including a majority of the Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in such transaction as fair, competitive, and commercially reasonable, and no less favorable to the Corporation than comparable loans between unaffiliated parties.
Section 10.4. Conflict Resolution Procedures . In the event that an investment opportunity becomes available that is suitable for both the Corporation and a public or private entity with which the
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Advisor or its Affiliates are affiliated, for which both entities have sufficient uninvested funds, then the entity that has had the longest period of time elapse since it was offered an investment opportunity will first be offered the investment opportunity. An investment opportunity will not be considered suitable for an entity if the 2%/25% Guidelines could not be satisfied if the entity were to make the investment. In determining whether or not an investment opportunity is suitable for more than one entity, the board of directors and the Advisor will examine such factors, among others, as the cash requirements of each entity, the effect of the acquisition both on diversification of each entitys investments by type of property and geographic area and on diversification of the tenants of its properties, the policy of each entity relating to leverage of properties, the anticipated cash flow of each entity, the income tax effects of the purchase to each entity, the size of the investment and the amount of funds available to each program and the length of time such funds have been available for investment. If a subsequent development, such as a delay in the closing of the acquisition of such investment or a delay in the construction of a property, causes any such investment, in the opinion of the board of directors and the Advisor, to be more appropriate for an entity other than the entity that committed to make the investment, the Advisor may determine that the other entity affiliated with the Advisor or its Affiliates will make the investment. It shall be the duty of the board of directors, including the Independent Directors, to ensure that the method used by the Advisor for the allocation of the acquisition of investments by two or more affiliated programs seeking to acquire similar types of assets is applied fairly to the Corporation.
ARTICLE XI
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 11.1. Meetings of Stockholders . There shall be an annual meeting of the stockholders, to be held at such time and place as shall be determined by or in the manner prescribed in the bylaws, at which the directors shall be elected and any other proper business may be conducted. The annual meeting will be held on a date that is a reasonable period of time following the distribution of the Corporations annual report to stockholders but not less than 30 days after delivery of such report; the board of directors and the Independent Directors shall take reasonable efforts to ensure that this requirement is met. Stockholders holding a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at an annual meeting of stockholders at which a quorum is present may, without the necessity for concurrence by the board, vote to elect the directors. The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast fifty percent (50%) of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting constitutes a quorum. Special meetings of stockholders may be called in the manner provided in the bylaws, including by the president or by a majority of the directors or a majority of the Independent Directors, and shall be called by an officer of the Corporation upon written request of Common Stockholders holding in the aggregate not less than 10% of the outstanding shares entitled to be cast on any issue proposed to be considered at any such special meeting. Upon receipt of a written request stating the purpose of such special meeting, the Advisor shall provide all stockholders within 10 days of receipt of said request notice, whether in person or by mail, of a special meeting and the purpose of such special meeting to be held on a date not less than 15 days nor more than 60 days after the delivery of such notice. If the meeting is called by written request of stockholders as described in this Section 11.1, the special meeting shall be held at the time and place specified in the stockholder request; provided, however, that if none is so specified, at such time and place convenient to the stockholders.
Section 11.2. Extraordinary Actions . Notwithstanding any provision of law permitting or requiring any action to be taken or approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of shares entitled to cast a greater number of votes, any such action shall be effective and valid if taken or approved by the affirmative vote of holders of shares entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
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Section 11.3. Voting Rights of Stockholders . The concurrence of the board shall not be required in order for the stockholders to remove directors or to amend the charter or dissolve the corporation. Without the approval of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on the matter, the board of directors may not: (a) amend the charter to adversely affect the rights, preferences and privileges of the Common Stockholders; (b) amend charter provisions relating to director qualifications, fiduciary duties, liability and indemnification, conflicts of interest, investment policies or investment restrictions; (c) liquidate or dissolve the Corporation other than before the initial investment in a property; (d) sell all or substantially all of the Corporations assets other than in the ordinary course of the Corporations business; or (e) cause the merger or other reorganization of the Corporation.
Section 11.4. Voting Limitations on Shares Held by the Advisor, Directors and Affiliates . No shares of Common Stock may be transferred or issued to the Advisor, a director, or any Affiliate thereof unless such prospective stockholder agrees that it will not vote or consent on matters submitted to the stockholders regarding (a) the removal of such Advisor, director or any of its Affiliates or (b) any transaction between the Corporation and any such Advisor, director or any of its Affiliates. To the extent permitted by the MGCL, in determining the requisite percentage in interest of shares necessary to approve a matter on which the Advisor, a director and any of their Affiliates may not vote or consent, any shares owned by any of them shall not be included.
Section 11.5. Right of Inspection . Any stockholder and any designated representative thereof shall be permitted access to the records of the Corporation to which it is entitled under applicable law at all reasonable times and may inspect and copy any such records for a reasonable charge. Inspection of the Corporations books and records by the office or agency administering the securities laws of a jurisdiction shall be permitted upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours.
Section 11.6. Access to Stockholder List . An alphabetical list of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Common Stockholders of the Corporation, along with the number of shares of Stock held by each of them (the Stockholder List), shall be maintained as part of the books and records of the Corporation and shall be available for inspection by any Common Stockholder or the stockholders designated agent at the home office of the Corporation upon the request of the Common Stockholder. The Stockholder List shall be updated at least quarterly to reflect changes in the information contained therein. A copy of such list shall be mailed to any Common Stockholder so requesting within 10 days of receipt by the Corporation of the request. The copy of the Stockholder List shall be printed in alphabetical order, on white paper and in a readily readable type size (in no event smaller than 10-point type). The Corporation may impose a reasonable charge for expenses incurred in reproduction pursuant to the stockholder request. A Common Stockholder may request a copy of the Stockholder List in connection with matters relating to stockholders voting rights, the exercise of stockholder rights under federal proxy laws or for any other proper and legitimate purpose. If the Advisor or the board neglects or refuses to exhibit, produce or mail a copy of the Stockholder List as requested, the Advisor or the board, as the case may be, shall be liable to any Common Stockholder requesting the list for the costs, including reasonable attorneys fees incurred by that stockholder for compelling the production of the Stockholder List and for actual damages suffered by any Common Stockholder by reason of such refusal or neglect. It shall be a defense that the actual purpose and reason for the request for inspection or for a copy of the Stockholder List is to secure such list of stockholders or other information for the purpose of selling such list or copies thereof or using the same to solicit the acquisition of shares of Common Stock or for another commercial purpose other than in the interest of the applicant as a stockholder relative to the affairs of the Corporation. The Corporation may require the stockholder requesting the Stockholder List to represent that the list is not requested for a commercial purpose unrelated to the stockholders interest in the Corporation. The rights provided hereunder to stockholders requesting copies of the Stockholder List are in addition to and shall not in any way limit other rights available to stockholders under federal law or the laws of any state.
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Section 11.7. Reports . The Corporation shall cause to be prepared and mailed or delivered to each Common Stockholder as of a record date after the end of the fiscal year within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which it relates an annual report for each fiscal year ending after the first offering of its securities that shall include: (a) financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and, to the extent required under federal or state securities laws, that are audited and reported on by independent certified public accountants; (b) the ratio of the costs of raising capital during the period to the capital raised; (c) the aggregate amount of advisory fees and the aggregate amount of other fees paid to the Advisor and any Affiliate of the Advisor by the Corporation, including fees or charges paid to the Advisor and any Affiliate of the Advisor by third parties doing business with the Corporation; (d) the Total Operating Expenses of the Corporation, stated as a percentage of Average Invested Assets and as a percentage of its Net Income; (e) a report from the Independent Directors that the policies being followed by the Corporation are in the best interests of its Common Stockholders and the basis for such determination; and (f) separately stated, full disclosure of all material terms, factors and circumstances surrounding any and all transactions involving the Corporation and the Advisor, Sponsor, a director or any Affiliate thereof occurring in the year for which the annual report is made, and the Independent Directors shall be specifically charged with a duty to examine and comment in the report on the fairness of such transactions. Alternatively, such information may be provided in a proxy statement delivered with the annual report. The board of directors, including the Independent Directors, shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the requirements of this Section 11.7 are met.
Section 11.8. Rights of Objecting Stockholders . Holders of shares of Stock shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL unless the board, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire board, shall determine that such rights shall apply, with respect to all or any classes or series of Stock, to a particular transaction or all transactions occurring after the date of such approval in connection with which holders of such shares of Stock would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.
Section 11.9. Liability of Stockholders . The shares of Common Stock of the Corporation shall be non-assessable by the Corporation upon receipt by the Corporation of the consideration for which the board of directors authorized their issuance.
Section 11.10. Unsolicited Takeover Statute . To the extent and so long as the Corporation is subject to the NASAA REIT Guidelines, the Corporation may not take advantage of the following permissive provisions of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL: (i) the Corporation may not elect to be subject to a two-thirds voting requirement for removing a director; (ii) the Corporation may not elect to be subject to a majority requirement for the calling of a special meeting of stockholders; and (iii) the Corporation may not elect to adopt a classified board.
ARTICLE XII
LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS,
OFFICERS, ADVISORS AND OTHER AGENTS
Section 12.1. Limitation of Director and Officer Liability . Except as prohibited by the restrictions provided in Section 12.3, no director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Section 12.1, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the charter or bylaws inconsistent with this Section 12.1, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding sentence with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption. The limitations on liability and indemnification contained in Section 12.3 below shall only apply to the extent that the Corporation is or becomes subject to the NASAA REIT Guidelines.
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Section 12.2. Indemnification .
(a) Except as prohibited by the restrictions provided in Section 12.3, the Corporation shall indemnify and pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding to: (i) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of the Corporation; (ii) any individual who, while a director of the Corporation and at the request of the Corporation, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner or trustee of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise from and against any claim or liability to which such person may become subject or which such person may incur by reason of his service in such capacity; or (iii) the Advisor or any of its Affiliates acting as an agent of the Corporation. Except as provided in Section 12.3, the Corporation shall have the power with the approval of the board of directors to provide such indemnification and advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation or any employee of the Advisor or any of the Advisors Affiliates acting as an agent of the Corporation.
(b) No amendment of the charter or repeal of any of its provisions shall limit or eliminate the right of indemnification or advancement of expenses provided hereunder with respect to acts or omissions occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
Section 12.3. Limitation on Liability and Indemnification . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not provide for indemnification of the directors or the Advisor or its Affiliates for any liability or loss suffered by any of them, nor shall any of them be held harmless for any loss or liability suffered by the Corporation, unless all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The directors or the Advisor or its Affiliates have determined, in good faith, that the course of conduct that caused the loss or liability was in the best interests of the Corporation;
(b) The directors or the Advisor or its Affiliates were acting on behalf of or performing services for the Corporation;
(c) Such liability or loss was not the result of:
(i) negligence or misconduct by the directors (excluding the Independent Directors) or the Advisor or its Affiliates; or
(ii) gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Independent Directors; and
(d) Such indemnification or agreement to hold harmless is recoverable only out of the Corporations Net Assets and not from its stockholders.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall not indemnify the directors or the Advisors or its Affiliates or any Person acting as a broker-dealer for any loss, liability or expense arising from or out of an alleged violation of federal or state securities laws by such party unless one or more of the following conditions are met: (i) there has been a successful adjudication on the merits of each count involving alleged material securities law violations as to the particular indemnitee; (ii) such claims have been dismissed with prejudice on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction as to the particular indemnitee; or (iii) a court of competent jurisdiction approves a settlement of the claims against a particular indemnitee and finds that indemnification of the settlement and the related costs should be made, and the court considering the request for indemnification has been advised of the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission and of the published position of any state securities regulatory authority in which securities of the Corporation were offered or sold as to indemnification for violations of securities laws.
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(f) The Corporation shall pay or reimburse reasonable legal expenses and other costs incurred by the directors or the Advisors or its Affiliates in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding only if (in addition to the procedures required by the MGCL) all of the following are satisfied: (a) the proceeding relates to acts or omissions with respect to the performance of duties or services on behalf of the Corporation; (b) the legal proceeding was initiated by a third party who is not a stockholder or, if by a stockholder acting in his or her capacity as such, a court of competent jurisdiction approves such advancement; and (c) the directors or the Advisor or its Affiliates undertake to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the Corporation, together with the applicable legal rate of interest thereon, if it is ultimately determined that the particular indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENT
Subject to Section 11.3, the Corporation reserves the right from time to time to make any amendment to the charter, now or hereafter authorized by law, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in the charter, of any shares of outstanding Stock.
ARTICLE XIV
GOVERNING LAW
Section 14.1. Governing Law . The rights of all parties and the validity, construction and effect of every provision hereof shall be subject to and construed according to the laws of the State of Maryland without regard to conflicts of laws provisions thereof; provided, however, that to the extent that the MGCL conflicts with the provisions set forth in the NASAA REIT Guidelines and the Corporation is subject to NASAA REIT Guidelines, the NASAA REIT Guidelines control to the extent any provisions of the MGCL are not mandatory. Determinations regarding the existence of any such conflict between the NASAA REIT Guidelines and the provisions of the MGCL shall be made by the board of directors in accordance with the provisions of Section 14.2 hereof.
Section 14.2 Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations .
(a) The provisions of this charter are severable, and if the board of directors shall determine that any one or more of such provisions are in conflict with the REIT provisions of the Code, or other applicable federal or state laws, the conflicting provisions shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of this charter, even without any amendment of this charter pursuant to Article XIII hereof; provided, however, that such determination by the board of directors shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions of this charter or render invalid or improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination. No director shall be liable for making or failing to make such a determination.
(b) If any provision of this charter shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such holding shall not in any manner affect or render invalid or unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of this charter in any jurisdiction.
THIRD : The amendment and restatement of the charter of the Corporation as hereinabove set forth has been duly advised by the board of directors and approved by the stockholders of the Corporation as required by law.
FOURTH : The current address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is as set forth in Article III of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the charter.
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FIFTH : The name and address of the Corporations current resident agent are as set forth in Article III of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the charter.
SIXTH : The number of directors of the Corporation and the names of those currently in office are as set forth in Section 7.1 of the foregoing amendment and restatement of the charter.
SEVENTH : The undersigned President acknowledges the foregoing amendment and restatement of the charter to be the corporate act of the Corporation and as to all matters and facts required to be verified under oath, the undersigned President acknowledges that to the best of his knowledge, information and belief, these matters and facts are true in all material respects and that this statement is made under the penalties for perjury.
[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., has caused the foregoing second amendment and restatement of the charter to be signed in its name and on its behalf by its President and attested to by its Secretary on this 25 th day of February, 2009.
ATTEST: | THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. | |||||||
By: |
/s/ Mary P. Higgins |
By: |
/s/ Kevin A. Shields |
|||||
Mary P. Higgins | Kevin A. Shields | |||||||
Secretary | President |
EXHIBIT 3.2
BYLAWS OF THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. (the Corporation) in the State of Maryland shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may designate from time to time.
Section 2. ADDITIONAL OFFICES. The Corporation may have additional offices, including a principal executive office, at such places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. PLACE. All meetings of stockholders shall be held at the principal executive office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be set by the Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 2. ANNUAL MEETING. An annual meeting of the stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business within the powers of the Corporation shall be held on a date and at the time set by the Board of Directors; provided, however, such meeting shall not be held less than 30 days after delivery of the annual report to stockholders. The purpose of each annual meeting of the stockholders shall be to elect directors of the Corporation and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Section 3. SPECIAL MEETINGS. The president, the chief executive officer, a majority of the Board of Directors or a majority of the Independent Directors as defined in the Corporations charter (the Charter), may call special meetings of the stockholders. Special meetings of stockholders shall also be called by the secretary of the Corporation upon the written request of the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than ten percent (10%) of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting. Such request shall state the purpose of such meeting and the matters proposed to be acted on at such meeting. The secretary shall, within ten (10) days of his or her receipt of such written request, provide written notice, either in person or by mail, to all stockholders of the Corporation of a meeting and the purpose of such meeting, to be held on a date not less than 15 nor more than 60 days after the distribution of such notice, at a time and place specified in the request, or if none is specified, at a time and place convenient to the stockholders.
Section 4. NOTICE. Except as provided in Section 3 of this Article II, not less than ten nor more than 90 days before each meeting of stockholders, the secretary shall give to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting and to each stockholder not entitled to vote who is entitled to notice of the meeting written or printed notice stating the time and place of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting or as otherwise may be required by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the MGCL), the purpose for which the meeting is called. Notice shall be deemed delivered to a stockholder upon (i) presenting it to such stockholder personally, (ii) leaving it at the stockholders residence or usual place of business, (iii) mailing it to the stockholder, (iv) transmitting it to the stockholder by electronic mail to any electronic mail address of the stockholder or by any other electronic means, or (v) by any other means
permitted by Maryland law. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the stockholder at the stockholders address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid.
Subject to Section 12(a) of this Article II, any business of the Corporation may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders without being specifically designated in the notice, except such business as is required by the MGCL to be stated in such notice. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting of stockholders except as specifically designated in the notice.
Section 5. ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT. Every meeting of stockholders shall be conducted by an individual appointed by the Board of Directors to be chairman of the meeting or, in the absence of such appointment, by the chairman of the board or, in the case of a vacancy in the office or absence of the chairman of the board, by one of the following officers present at the meeting: the vice chairman of the board, if there be one; the president; the vice presidents in their order of rank and seniority; or, in the absence of such officers, a chairman chosen by the stockholders by the vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders present in person or by proxy. The secretary, or, in the secretarys absence, an assistant secretary, or in the absence of both the secretary and assistant secretaries, a person appointed by the Board of Directors or, in the absence of such appointment, a person appointed by the chairman of the meeting shall act as secretary. In the event that the secretary presides at a meeting of the stockholders, an assistant secretary, or in the absence of assistant secretaries, an individual appointed by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, shall record the minutes of the meeting. The order of business and all other matters of procedure at any meeting of stockholders shall be determined by the chairman of the meeting. The chairman of the meeting may prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and take such action as, in the discretion of such chairman, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation: (a) restricting admission to the time set for the commencement of the meeting; (b) limiting attendance at the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized proxies and other such individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (c) limiting participation at the meeting on any matter to stockholders of record of the Corporation entitled to vote on such matter, their duly authorized proxies and other such individuals as the chairman of the meeting may determine; (d) limiting the time allotted to questions or comments by participants; (e) determining when the polls should be opened and closed; (f) maintaining order and security at the meeting; (g) removing any stockholder or any other individual who refuses to comply with meeting procedures, rules or guidelines as set forth by the chairman of the meeting; and (h) concluding a meeting or recessing or adjourning the meeting to a later date and time and at a place announced at the meeting. Unless otherwise determined by the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure.
Section 6. QUORUM. At any meeting of stockholders, the presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast fifty percent (50%) of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting on any matter shall constitute a quorum; but this section shall not affect any requirement under any statute, the Charter or these Bylaws for the vote necessary for the adoption of any measure. If, however, such quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the stockholders, the chairman of the meeting shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice other than announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.
The stockholders present either in person or by proxy, at a meeting which has been duly called and convened, may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less than a quorum.
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Section 7. VOTING. Stockholders holding a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to cast a vote who are present in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present, may, without the necessity for concurrence by the Board of Directors, vote to elect a director. Each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be voted. A majority of the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to approve any other matter which may properly come before a meeting duly called and at which a quorum is present, unless more than a majority of the votes cast is required by the MGCL, the Charter or these Bylaws. Unless otherwise provided by statute or by the Charter, each outstanding share, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders.
Section 8. PROXIES. A stockholder may cast the votes entitled to be cast by the shares of stock owned of record by the stockholder in person or by proxy executed by the stockholder or by the stockholders duly authorized agent in any manner permitted by law. Such proxy or evidence of authorization of such proxy shall be filed with the secretary of the Corporation before or at the meeting. No proxy shall be valid more than 11 months after its date unless otherwise provided in the proxy.
Section 9. VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Stock of the Corporation registered in the name of a corporation, partnership, trust or other entity, if entitled to be voted, may be voted by the president or a vice president, a general partner or trustee thereof, as the case may be, or a proxy appointed by any of the foregoing individuals, unless some other person who has been appointed to vote such stock pursuant to a bylaw or a resolution of the governing body of such corporation or other entity or agreement of the partners of a partnership presents a certified copy of such bylaw, resolution or agreement, in which case such person may vote such stock. Any director or other fiduciary may vote stock registered in his or her name as such fiduciary, either in person or by proxy.
Shares of stock of the Corporation directly or indirectly owned by it shall not be voted at any meeting and shall not be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at any given time, unless they are held by it in a fiduciary capacity, in which case they may be voted and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares at any given time.
The Board of Directors may adopt by resolution a procedure by which a stockholder may certify in writing to the Corporation that any shares of stock registered in the name of the stockholder are held for the account of a specified person other than the stockholder. The resolution shall set forth the class of stockholders who may make the certification, the purpose for which the certification may be made, the form of certification and the information to be contained in it; if the certification is with respect to a record date or closing of the stock transfer books, the time after the record date or closing of the stock transfer books within which the certification must be received by the Corporation; and any other provisions with respect to the procedure which the Board of Directors considers necessary or desirable. On receipt of such certification, the person specified in the certification shall be regarded as, for the purposes set forth in the certification, the stockholder of record of the specified stock in place of the stockholder who makes the certification.
Section 10. INSPECTORS. The Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, in advance of any meeting, may, but need not, appoint one or more individual inspectors or one or more entities that designate individuals as inspectors to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. If an inspector or inspectors are not appointed, the person presiding at the meeting may, but need not, appoint one or more inspectors. In case any person who may be appointed as an inspector fails to appear or act, the vacancy may be filled by appointment made by the Board of Directors in advance of the meeting or at the meeting by the chairman of the meeting. The inspectors, if any, shall determine the number of shares outstanding and the voting power of each, the shares represented at the meeting, the existence of a
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quorum, the validity and effect of proxies, and shall receive votes, ballots or consents, hear and determine all challenges and questions arising in connection with the right to vote, count and tabulate all votes, ballots or consents, determine the result, and do such acts as are proper to conduct the election or vote with fairness to all stockholders. Each such report shall be in writing and signed by him or her or by a majority of them if there is more than one inspector acting at such meeting. If there is more than one inspector, the report of a majority shall be the report of the inspectors. The report of the inspector or inspectors on the number of shares represented at the meeting and the results of the voting shall be prima facie evidence thereof.
Section 11. VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election may be viva voce unless the presiding officer shall order, or any stockholder shall demand, that voting be by ballot.
Section 12. NOMINATIONS AND STOCKHOLDER BUSINESS.
(a) Annual Meetings of Stockholders .
(1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders (A) pursuant to the Corporations notice of such meeting, (B) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (C) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (i) was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 12(a) and at the time of the annual meeting in question, (ii) is entitled to vote at such meeting, and (iii) has complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 12(a).
(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought at an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to this paragraph (a)(2) or paragraph (a)(1) of this Section 12, the stockholder must give timely notice thereof in writing to the secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholders notice shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of mailing of the notice for the preceding years annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the date of mailing of the notice for the annual meeting is advanced or delayed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the date of mailing of the notice for the preceding years annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to the date of mailing of the notice for such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to the date of mailing of the notice for such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which disclosure of the date of mailing of the notice for such meeting is first made. In no event shall the public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above. Such stockholders notice shall set forth (A) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director (i) the name, age, business address, and residence address of such person, (ii) the class and number of shares of stock of the Corporation that are beneficially owned by such person, and (iii) all other information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest (even if an election contest is not involved), or is otherwise required pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) (including such persons written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected), (B) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, (ii) the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting, and (iii) any material interest in such business that such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, may have, and (C) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (i) the name and address of such stockholder
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and beneficial owner, if any, as such appears on the Corporations books, and (ii) the number of shares of each class of stock of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (a)(2) of this Section 12 to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for directors or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors made by the Corporation at least 100 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of mailing of the notice for the preceding years annual meeting, a stockholders notice required by this Section 12(a) shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation no later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.
(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders . Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporations notice of said meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (i) pursuant to the Corporations notice of said meeting, (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, or (iii) provided the Board of Directors has determined that directors shall be elected at such special meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who (A) is a stockholder of record both at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 12(b) at the time of the special meeting, (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (C) complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 12(b). In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board of Directors, any such stockholder may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position as specified in the Corporations notice of meeting, if the stockholders notice containing the information required by paragraph (a)(2) of this Section 12 shall be delivered to the secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall the public announcement of a postponement or adjournment of a special meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above.
(c) General .
(1) Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 12 shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 12. The presiding officer of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 12, and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with this Section 12, to declare that such defective nomination or proposal, if any, be disregarded.
(2) For purposes of this Section 12, (i) the date of mailing of the notice shall mean the date of the proxy statement for the solicitation of proxies for election of directors and (ii) public announcement shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
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(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of state law and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 12. Nothing in this Section 12 shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporations proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 1. GENERAL POWERS. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of its Board of Directors.
Section 2. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. At any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, a majority of the entire Board of Directors may establish, increase or decrease the number of directors, provided that except as provided in the Charter, the number thereof shall never be less than the minimum number required by the MGCL or the Charter, whichever is greater, nor more than 15, and further provided that the tenure of office of a director shall not be affected by any decrease in the number of directors.
Section 3. ANNUAL AND REGULAR MEETINGS. An annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately after and at the same place as the annual meeting of stockholders, no notice other than this Bylaw being necessary. In the event such meeting is not so held, the meeting may be held at such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of regular meetings of the Board of Directors, either within or without the State of Maryland, without other notice than such resolution.
Section 4. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the president or by a majority of the directors then in office. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by them. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place for the holding of special meetings of the Board of Directors without other notice than such resolution.
Section 5. NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally or by telephone, electronic mail, facsimile transmission, United States mail or courier to each director at his or her business or residence address. Notice by personal delivery, telephone, electronic mail or facsimile transmission shall be given at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Notice by United States mail shall be given at least three days prior to the meeting. Notice by courier shall be given at least two days prior to the meeting. Telephone notice shall be deemed to be given when the director or his or her agent is personally given such notice in a telephone call to which the director or his or her agent is a party. Electronic mail notice shall be deemed to be given upon transmission of the message to the electronic mail address given to the Corporation by the director. Facsimile transmission notice shall be deemed to be given upon completion of the transmission of the message to the number given to the Corporation by the director and receipt of a completed answer-back indicating receipt. Notice by United States mail shall be deemed to be given when deposited in the United States mail properly addressed, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice by courier shall be deemed to be given when deposited with or delivered to a courier properly addressed. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be stated in the notice, unless specifically required by statute or these Bylaws.
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Section 6. QUORUM. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such directors are present at said meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, and provided further that if, pursuant to applicable law, the Charter or these Bylaws, the vote of a majority of a particular group of directors is required for action, a quorum must also include a majority of such group.
The directors present at a meeting which has been duly called and convened may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough directors to leave less than a quorum.
Section 7. VOTING.
(a) The action of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable law, the Charter or these Bylaws. If enough directors have withdrawn from a meeting to leave less than a quorum but the meeting is not adjourned, the action of the majority of that number of directors necessary to constitute a quorum at such meeting shall be the action of the Board of Directors, unless the concurrence of a greater proportion is required for such action by applicable law, the Charter or these Bylaws.
(b) Any action pertaining to any transaction in which the Corporation is purchasing, selling, leasing or mortgaging any real estate asset, making a joint venture investment or engaging in any other transaction in which an advisor, director or officer of the Corporation, any affiliated lessee or affiliated contract manager of any property of the Corporation, or any affiliate of the foregoing, has any direct or indirect interest other than as a result of their status as a director, officer, or stockholder of the Corporation, shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Independent Directors, even if the Independent Directors constitute less than a quorum.
Section 8. ORGANIZATION. At each meeting of the Board of Directors, the chairman of the board or, in the absence of the chairman, the vice chairman of the board, if any, shall act as chairman of the meeting. In the absence of both the chairman and vice chairman of the board, the chief executive officer or in the absence of the chief executive officer, the president or in the absence of the president, a director chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall act as chairman of the meeting. The secretary or, in his or her absence, an assistant secretary of the Corporation, or in the absence of the secretary and all assistant secretaries, a person appointed by the Chairman, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
Section 9. TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
Section 10. CONSENT BY DIRECTORS WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action is given by each director and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.
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Section 11. REMOVAL; VACANCIES.
(a) At any meeting of stockholders called expressly, but not necessarily solely, for that purpose, any director or the entire Board of Directors may be removed, with our without cause, by a vote of the holders of a majority of the shares then entitled to vote on the election of directors.
(b) If for any reason any or all the directors cease to be directors, such event shall not terminate the Corporation or affect these Bylaws or the powers of the remaining directors hereunder (even if fewer than three directors remain). Except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a majority of the Independent Directors shall nominate replacements for vacancies among the Independent Directors positions. Any director elected to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies.
Section 12. COMPENSATION. Directors, by resolution of the Board of Directors, may receive compensation per year or per month, fixed sums per meeting and/or per visit to real property or other facilities owned or leased by the Corporation and for any service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors. Directors may be reimbursed for expenses of attendance, if any, at each annual, regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof and for their expenses, if any, in connection with each property visit and any other service or activity they performed or engaged in as directors; but nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any directors from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
Section 13. LOSS OF DEPOSITS. No director shall be liable for any loss which may occur by reason of the failure of the bank, trust company, savings and loan association, or other institution with whom moneys or stock have been deposited.
Section 14. SURETY BONDS. Unless required by law, no director shall be obligated to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties.
Section 15. RELIANCE. Each director, officer, employee and agent of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties with respect to the Corporation, be fully justified and protected with regard to any act or failure to act in reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation, upon an opinion of counsel or upon reports made to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees or by the adviser, accountants, appraisers or other experts or consultants selected by the Board of Directors or officers of the Corporation, regardless of whether such counsel or expert may also be a director.
Section 16. CERTAIN RIGHTS OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS. The directors shall have no responsibility to devote their full time to the affairs of the Corporation. Any director or officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, in his or her personal capacity or in a capacity as an affiliate, employee, or agent of any other person, or otherwise, may have business interests and engage in business activities similar to, in addition to or in competition with those of or relating to the Corporation, subject to any restrictions set forth in the Charter.
Section 17. PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT. A director of the Corporation who is present at any meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action unless his or her dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he or she shall file a written dissent to such action with the person acting as secretary of the meeting before
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the adjournment thereof, or shall forward any dissent by certified or registered mail to the secretary of the Corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action.
ARTICLE IV
COMMITTEES
Section 1. NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS. The Board of Directors may, by a resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, designate an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee, and any other committee it deems appropriate and in the best interest of the Corporation. Each committee shall be composed of two or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The majority of the members of all committees shall be Independent Directors.
Section 2. POWERS. Subject to the limitations contained herein and the limitations contained in the resolution establishing such committees, to the extent permitted by law, the Board of Directors may delegate to committees appointed under Article IV, Section 1 any of the powers of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. MEETINGS. Notice of committee meetings shall be given in the same manner as notice for special or regular meetings of the Board of Directors, as applicable. A majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the committee. The act of a majority of the committee members present at a meeting shall be the act of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate a chairman of any committee, and such chairman or, in the absence of a chairman, any two members of any committee (if there are at least two members of the Committee) may fix the time and place of its meeting unless the Board shall otherwise provide. In the absence of any member of any such committee, the members thereof present at any meeting, whether or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint another director to act in the place of such absent member. Each committee shall keep minutes of its proceedings.
Section 4. TELEPHONE MEETINGS. Members of a committee of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Participation in a meeting by these means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
Section 5. CONSENT BY COMMITTEES WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if a consent in writing or by electronic transmission to such action is given by each member of the committee and is filed with the minutes of proceedings of such committee.
Section 6. VACANCIES. Subject to the provisions hereof, the Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to change the membership of any committee, to fill all vacancies, to designate alternate members to replace any absent or disqualified member or to dissolve any such committee.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS. The officers of the Corporation shall include a president, a secretary and a treasurer and may include a chairman of the board, a vice chairman of the board, a chief executive officer, one or more vice presidents, a chief operating officer, a chief financial officer, one or more assistant secretaries and one or more assistant treasurers. In addition, the Board of
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Directors may from time to time elect such other officers with such powers and duties as they shall deem necessary or desirable. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors, except that the chief executive officer or president may from time to time appoint one or more vice presidents, assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers or other officers. If an election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as may be convenient. Each officer shall hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualifies or until his or her death, or his or her resignation or removal in the manner hereinafter provided. In its discretion, the Board of Directors may leave unfilled any office except that of president, treasurer and secretary. Any two or more offices except president and vice president may be held by the same person. Election of an officer or agent shall not of itself create contract rights between the Corporation and such officer or agent.
Section 2. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, by the Board of Directors if in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer of the Corporation may resign at any time by giving written notice of his or her resignation to the Board of Directors, the chairman of the board, the president or the secretary. Any resignation shall take effect immediately upon its receipt or at such later time specified in the notice of resignation. The acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective unless otherwise stated in the resignation. Such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation.
Section 3. VACANCIES. A vacancy in any office may be filled by the Board of Directors for the balance of the term.
Section 4. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief executive officer. In the absence of such designation, the chairman of the board shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. The chief executive officer shall have general responsibility for implementation of the policies of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of Directors, and for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation. He may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of chief executive officer and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.
Section 5. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief operating officer. The chief operating officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.
Section 6. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. The Board of Directors may designate a chief financial officer. The chief financial officer shall have the responsibilities and duties as set forth by the Board of Directors or the chief executive officer.
Section 7. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. The Board of Directors shall designate a chairman of the board. The chairman of the board shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the stockholders at which he shall be present. The chairman of the board shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors.
Section 8. PRESIDENT. In the absence of a chief executive officer, the president shall in general supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the Corporation. In the absence of a designation of a chief operating officer by the Board of Directors, the president shall be the chief
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operating officer. He or she may execute any deed, mortgage, bond, contract or other instrument, except in cases where the execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise executed; and in general shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors from time to time.
Section 9. VICE PRESIDENTS. In the absence of the president or in the event of a vacancy in such office, the vice president (or in the event there be more than one vice president, the vice presidents in the order designated at the time of their election or, in the absence of any designation, then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president; and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to such vice president by the president or by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may designate one or more vice presidents as executive vice president, senior vice president, or as vice president for particular areas of responsibility.
Section 10. SECRETARY. The secretary shall (a) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the stockholders, the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose, (b) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law, (c) be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the Corporation, (d) keep a register of the post office address of each stockholder which shall be furnished to the secretary by such stockholder, (e) have general charge of the stock transfer books of the Corporation, and (f) in general perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the chief executive officer, the president or by the Board of Directors.
Section 11. TREASURER. The treasurer shall have the custody of the funds and securities of the Corporation and shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors. In the absence of a designation of a chief financial officer by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Corporation.
The treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the president and Board of Directors, at the regular meetings of the Board of Directors or whenever it may so require, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.
If required by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his or her office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his or her death, resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, moneys and other property of whatever kind in his or her possession or under his or her control belonging to the Corporation.
Section 12. ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The assistant secretaries and assistant treasurers, in general, shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the secretary or treasurer, respectively, or by the president or the Board of Directors. The assistant treasurers shall, if required by the Board of Directors, give bonds for the faithful performance of their duties in such sums and with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the Board of Directors.
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Section 13. SALARIES. The salaries and other compensation of the officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary or other compensation by reason of the fact that he is also a director.
ARTICLE VI
CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS
Section 1. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors within the scope of its delegated authority may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Any agreement, deed, mortgage, lease or other document shall be valid and binding upon the Corporation when duly authorized or ratified by action of the Board of Directors or such committee and executed by an authorized person.
Section 2. CHECKS AND DRAFTS. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by such officer or agent of the Corporation in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. DEPOSITS. All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may designate.
ARTICLE VII
STOCK
Section 1. CERTIFICATES; REQUIRED INFORMATION. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock represented by certificates, such certificates shall be signed by the officers of the Corporation in the manner permitted by the MGCL and contain the statements and information required by the MGCL. In the event that the Corporation issues shares of stock without certificates, the Corporation shall provide to holders of such shares a written statement of the information required by the MGCL to be included on stock certificates.
Section 2. TRANSFERS. Upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a stock certificate duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, the Corporation shall issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.
The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holder of record of any share of stock as the holder in fact thereof and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of the State of Maryland.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfers of shares of any class of stock will be subject in all respects to the Charter and all of the terms and conditions contained therein.
Section 3. REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE. Any officer designated by the Board of Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate previously issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing the issuance of a new certificate, an officer designated by the Board of Directors may, in his or her discretion and as a condition
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precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or the owners legal representative to advertise the same in such manner as he shall require and/or to give bond, with sufficient surety, to the Corporation to indemnify it against any loss or claim which may arise as a result of the issuance of a new certificate, and any other reasonable requests imposed by the Board of Directors. When a certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen and the stockholder of record fails to notify the Corporation within a reasonable time after he or she has notice of it, if the Corporation registers a transfer of the shares represented by the certificate before receiving such notification, the stockholder of record is precluded from making any claim against the Corporation for the transfer or for a new certificate.
Section 4. CLOSING OF TRANSFER BOOKS OR FIXING OF RECORD DATE. The Board of Directors may set, in advance, a record date for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or determining stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or the allotment of any other rights, or in order to make a determination of stockholders for any other proper purpose. Such date, in any case, shall not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed and shall be not more than 90 days and, in the case of a meeting of stockholders, not less than ten days, before the date on which the meeting or particular action requiring such determination of stockholders of record is to be held or taken.
In lieu of fixing a record date, the Board of Directors may provide that the stock transfer books shall be closed for a stated period but not longer than 20 days. If the stock transfer books are closed for the purpose of determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders, such books shall be closed for at least ten days before the date of such meeting.
If no record date is fixed and the stock transfer books are not closed for the determination of stockholders, (a) the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day on which the notice of meeting is mailed or the 30th day before the meeting, whichever is the closer date to the meeting, and (b) the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend or an allotment of any other rights shall be the close of business on the day on which the resolution of the directors, declaring the dividend or allotment of rights, is adopted, provided that the payment or allotment may not be made more than 60 days after the date on which such resolution is adopted.
When a determination of stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders has been made as provided in this section, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof, except when (i) the determination has been made through the closing of the transfer books and the stated period of closing has expired, or (ii) the meeting is adjourned to a date more than 120 days after the record date fixed for the original meeting, in either of which case a new record date shall be determined as set forth herein.
Section 5. STOCK LEDGER. The Corporation shall maintain at its principal office or at the office of its counsel, accountants or transfer agent, an original or duplicate share ledger containing the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of each class held by such stockholder.
Section 6. FRACTIONAL STOCK; ISSUANCE OF UNITS. The Board of Directors may issue fractional stock or provide for the issuance of scrip, all on such terms and under such conditions as it may determine. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Charter or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may issue units consisting of different securities of the Corporation. Any security issued in a unit shall have the same characteristics as any identical securities issued by the Corporation, except that the Board of Directors may provide that for a specified period securities of the Corporation issued in such unit may be transferred on the books of the Corporation only in such unit.
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ARTICLE VIII
ACCOUNTING YEAR
The Board of Directors shall have the power, from time to time, to fix the fiscal year of the Corporation by a duly adopted resolution.
ARTICLE IX
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 1. AUTHORIZATION. Dividends and other distributions upon the stock of the Corporation may be authorized by the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter. Dividends and other distributions may be paid in cash, property or stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of law and the Charter.
Section 2. CONTINGENCIES. Before payment of any dividends or other distributions, there may be set aside out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends or other distributions such sum or sums as the Board of Directors may from time to time, in its absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve fund for contingencies, for equalizing dividends or other distributions, for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall determine to be in the best interest of the Corporation, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve.
ARTICLE X
INVESTMENT POLICY
Subject to the provisions of the Charter, the Board of Directors may from time to time adopt, amend, revise or terminate any policy or policies with respect to investments by the Corporation as it shall deem appropriate in its sole discretion.
ARTICLE XI
SEAL
Section 1. SEAL. The Board of Directors may authorize the adoption of a seal by the Corporation. The seal shall contain the name of the Corporation and the year of its incorporation and the words Incorporated Maryland. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof.
Section 2. AFFIXING SEAL. Whenever the Corporation is permitted or required to affix its seal to a document, it shall be sufficient to meet the requirements of any law, rule or regulation relating to a seal to place the word (SEAL) adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to execute the document on behalf of the Corporation.
ARTICLE XII
WAIVER OF NOTICE
Whenever any notice is required to be given pursuant to the Charter or these Bylaws or pursuant to applicable law, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at nor the purpose of any meeting need be set forth in the waiver of notice, unless specifically required by statute. The attendance of any person at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such person attends a meeting for the express
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purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of these Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.
As adopted on this 28th day of August, 2008.
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EXHIBIT 5.1
FORM OF OPINION OF BAKER, DONELSON, BEARMAN, CALDWELL & BERKOWITZ, PC
AS TO LEGALITY OF SECURITIES
, 2009
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321
El Segundo, California 90245
Re: | Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333- ) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have served as Maryland counsel to The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the Company), in connection with certain matters of Maryland law arising out of the registration of 82,500,000 shares (the Shares) of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (Common Stock) covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement, and all amendments thereto (the Registration Statement), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act). Up to 75,000,000 of the Shares are issuable pursuant to subscription agreements (the Subscription Agreements) and up to 7,500,000 of the Shares are issuable pursuant to the Companys distribution reinvestment plan. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Registration Statement.
In connection with our representation of the Company, and as a basis for the opinion hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (herein collectively referred to as the Documents):
1. | the Registration Statement and the related form of prospectus included therein (including, without limitation, the form of Subscription Agreement attached thereto as Appendix B and the DRP attached thereto as Appendix C) in the form in which it was transmitted to the Commission under the 1933 Act; |
2. | the charter of the Company (the Charter), certified as of a recent date by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the SDAT); |
3. | the bylaws of the Company, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company; |
4. | a certificate of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Company, dated as of a recent date; |
5. | resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company relating to the sale, issuance and registration of the Shares and the adoption of the DRP (the Resolutions), certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company; |
6. | a certificate executed by an officer of the Company, dated as of the date hereof; and |
7. | such other documents and matters, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinion set forth below, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein. |
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, 2009
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In expressing the opinion set forth below, we have assumed the following:
1. | Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is legally competent and duly authorized to do so. |
2. | Other than with respect to the Company, all of the Documents have been duly authorized by, have been duly executed and delivered by, and constitute the valid, binding and enforceable obligations of, all of the parties to the Documents, all of the signatories to such Documents have been duly authorized, and all such parties are duly organized and validly existing and have the power and authority (corporate or other) to execute, deliver and perform such Documents. |
3. | All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. The form and content of all Documents submitted to us as unexecuted drafts do not differ in any respect relevant to this opinion from the form and content of such Documents as executed and delivered. All Documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the original documents. All signatures on all such Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All representations, warranties, statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification of or amendment to any of the Documents, and there has been no waiver by the Company of any provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the parties or otherwise. When relevant facts were not independently established, we have relied without independent investigation as to matters of fact upon statements of governmental officials and upon representations made in or pursuant to the Documents and certificates and statements of appropriate representatives of the Company. |
4. | The Shares will not be issued or transferred in violation of any restriction or limitation on transfer and ownership of shares of stock of the Company contained in the Charter. |
Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein, it is our opinion that the issuance of the Shares has been duly authorized and, if issued and delivered as of the date of the Registration Statement against payment therefor in accordance with the Resolutions, Subscription Agreements, the Registration Statement and any applicable Blue Sky laws, the Shares will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
In addition to the assumptions, comments, qualifications, limitations and exceptions set forth above, the opinions set forth herein are further limited by, subject to and based upon the following assumptions, comments, qualifications, limitations and exceptions:
Wherever this opinion letter refers to matters known to us, or to our knowledge, or words of similar import, such reference means that, during the course of our representation of the Company with respect to the Registration Statement, we have requested information of the Company concerning the matter referred to and no information has come to the attention of (either as a result of such request for information or otherwise) the attorneys of our Firm currently devoting substantive attention or a material amount of time thereto, which has given us actual knowledge of
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, 2009
Page 3
the existence (or absence) of facts to the contrary. Except as otherwise stated herein, we have undertaken no independent investigation or verification of such matters, and no inference should be drawn to the contrary from the fact of our representation of the Company.
The foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Maryland and we do not express any opinion herein concerning the laws of any other jurisdiction. We express no opinion as to compliance with any federal or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Maryland. To the extent that any matter as to which our opinion is expressed herein would be governed by any jurisdiction other than the State of Maryland, we do not express any opinion on such matter.
The opinion expressed herein is limited to the matters specifically set forth herein and no other opinion shall be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated. The opinion set forth herein is made as of the date hereof and is subject to, and may be limited by, future changes in factual matters, and we undertake no duty to advise you of the same. We assume no obligation to supplement this opinion if any applicable law changes by legislation, judicial decision or otherwise after the date hereof or if we become aware of any fact that might change the opinion expressed herein after the date hereof.
The opinion contained herein may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, moratorium or similar laws affecting or relating to the rights and remedies of creditors generally including, without limitation, laws relating to fraudulent transfers or conveyances, preferences and equitable subordination, (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), and (iii) an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
This opinion is being delivered by us solely in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the 1933 Act. By your acceptance of this opinion letter, you agree that it may not be relied upon, circulated, quoted or otherwise referenced to for any other purpose without our prior written consent in each instance.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5 to the Registration Statement and to the use of the name of our firm under the caption Legal Matters in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.
Very truly yours, |
BAKER, DONELSON, BEARMAN, |
CALDWELL & BERKOWITZ, PC |
EXHIBIT 8.1
FORM OF OPINION OF BAKER, DONELSON, BEARMAN, CALDWELL & BERKOWITZ, PC
AS TO TAX MATTERS
, 2009
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.
The Plaza, Suite 3321
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
El Segundo, California 90245
Re: | Registration Statement on Form S-11 (Registration No. 333- ) |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have served as tax counsel to The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the Company), in connection with certain matters of federal income tax law arising out of the registration of 82,500,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Company (Common Stock) covered by the above-referenced Registration Statement, and all amendments thereto (the Registration Statement), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act). Up to 75,000,000 of the Shares are issuable pursuant to subscription agreements and up to 7,500,000 of the Shares are issuable pursuant to the Companys distribution reinvestment plan. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Registration Statement. This opinion is being furnished at the request of the Company so that the Registration Statement may fulfill the requirements of Item 601(b)(8) of Regulation S-K.
In giving this opinion letter, we have examined the following:
1. | the Registration Statement and the related form of prospectus included therein (including, without limitation, the form of Subscription Agreement attached thereto as Appendix B and the DRP attached thereto as Appendix C) in the form in which it was transmitted to the Commission under the 1933 Act; |
2. | the charter of the Company, certified as of a recent date by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland; |
3. | the bylaws of the Company, certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company; |
4. | the amended and restated limited partnership agreement of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (the Operating Partnership) certified as of the date hereof by an officer of the Company; |
5. | the TRS election for The GC Net Lease REIT TRS, Inc.; and |
6. | such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary or appropriate to express the opinions set forth below, subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications stated herein. |
In connection with the opinions rendered below, we have assumed, with your consent, that:
1. | each of the documents referred to above has been duly authorized, executed, and delivered by all parties other than the Company; is authentic, if an original, or is accurate, if a copy; and has not been amended; |
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, 2009
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2. | during its taxable year ending December 31, 2009, and future taxable years, the Company will operate in a manner that will make the factual representations contained in a certificate, dated the date hereof and executed by a duly appointed officer of the Company (the Company Officers Certificate), true for such years; |
3. | the Company will not make any amendments to its organizational documents after the date of this opinion that would affect the opinions expressed below; and |
4. | no action will be taken by the Company after the date hereof that would have the effect of altering the facts upon which the opinions set forth below are based. |
In connection with the opinions rendered below, we also have relied upon the correctness of the factual representations contained in the Company Officers Certificate. After reasonable inquiry, we are not aware of any facts that are inconsistent with the representations contained in the Company Officers Certificate. Furthermore, where the factual representations in the Company Officers Certificate involve terms defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), the Treasury regulations thereunder (the Regulations), published rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (the Service), or other relevant authority, we have reviewed with the individuals making such representations the relevant provisions of the Code, the applicable Regulations, the published rulings of the Service, and other relevant authority.
Based on the documents and assumptions set forth above, the representations set forth in the Company Officers Certificate, and the discussion in the Registration Statement under the caption Federal Income Tax Considerations (which is incorporated herein by reference), we are of the opinion that:
(A) | the Company has been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT pursuant to sections 856 through 860 of the Code beginning with the Companys taxable year ending December 31, 2009, and the Companys organization and proposed method of operation will enable it to meet the qualifications and requirements for taxation as a REIT under the Code for its taxable year ending December 31, 2009 and thereafter: and |
(B) | the descriptions of the law and the legal conclusions contained in the Registration Statement under the caption Federal Income Tax Considerations are correct in all material respects, and the discussions thereunder fairly summarize the U.S federal income tax considerations that are likely to be material to a holder of shares of the Common Stock. |
We will not review on a continuing basis the Companys compliance with the documents or assumptions set forth above, or the representations set forth in the Company Officers Certificate. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the the Operating Partnerships operations for any given taxable year will satisfy the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT or that the actual results of the Companys operations for any given taxable year will allow it to be taxed as partnership, and not as an association or a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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, 2009
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We do not assume any responsibility for, and make no representation that we have independently verified, the accuracy, completeness, or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration Statement (other than the descriptions of the law and the legal conclusions contained in the Registration Statement under the caption Federal Income Tax Considerations as set forth in (B) above).
The opinion regarding the Companys ability to qualify as a REIT depends upon the Companys ability, through its actual operations, to meet the numerous REIT qualification tests imposed by the Code. No prediction as to those actual operating results is implied by our opinion. Further, our opinion is subject to and limited by the assumption that the Offering will be made as provided in the Registration Statement, including the assumption that all purchasers of the shares of Common Stock will meet the suitability standards provided in the Registration Statement, will complete and execute the subscription agreement, and will pay the subscription price. We will not review on a continuing basis the Companys compliance with such qualification tests, documents, assumptions or representations.
The foregoing opinions are limited to the U.S. federal income tax matters addressed herein, and no other opinions are rendered with respect to other U.S. federal income tax matters or to any issues arising under the tax laws of any other country, or any state or locality. We undertake no obligation to update the opinions expressed herein after the date of this letter. This opinion letter speaks only as of the date hereof. This opinion letter may not be distributed, quoted in whole or in part or otherwise reproduced in any document, or filed with any governmental agency without our express written consent.
This opinion is being furnished to you for submission to the Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of the name of our firm therein. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the 1933 Act.
CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE
TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THE SERVICE, WE INFORM YOU THAT (A) ANY UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX ADVICE CONTAINED HEREIN (INCLUDING ANY ATTACHMENTS OR ENCLOSURES) WAS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF AVOIDING UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX PENALTIES, (B) ANY SUCH ADVICE WAS WRITTEN TO SUPPORT THE PROMOTION OR MARKETING OF THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS ADDRESSED HEREIN AND (C) ANY TAXPAYER TO WHOM THE TRANSACTIONS OR MATTERS ARE BEING PROMOTED, MARKETED OR RECOMMENDED SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR.
Very truly yours, |
BAKER, DONELSON, BEARMAN, |
CALDWELL & BERKOWITZ, PC |
EXHIBIT 10.1
FORM OF FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
THE GC NET LEASE REIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
THE GC NET LEASE REIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE 1 |
DEFINED TERMS | 1 | ||
ARTICLE 2 |
PARTNERSHIP FORMATION AND IDENTIFICATION | 7 | ||
2.1 |
Formation | 7 | ||
2.2 |
Name, Office and Registered Agent | 7 | ||
2.3 |
Partners | 8 | ||
2.4 |
Term and Dissolution | 8 | ||
2.5 |
Filing of Certificate and Perfection of Limited Partnership | 8 | ||
2.6 |
Certificates Describing Partnership Units | 8 | ||
ARTICLE 3 |
BUSINESS OF THE PARTNERSHIP | 9 | ||
ARTICLE 4 |
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACCOUNTS | 9 | ||
4.1 |
Capital Contributions | 9 | ||
4.2 |
Additional Capital Contributions and Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests | 9 | ||
4.3 |
Additional Funding | 11 | ||
4.4 |
Capital Accounts | 11 | ||
4.5 |
Percentage Interests | 11 | ||
4.6 |
No Interest on Contributions | 12 | ||
4.7 |
Return of Capital Contributions | 12 | ||
4.8 |
No Third Party Beneficiary | 12 | ||
ARTICLE 5 |
PROFITS AND LOSSES; DISTRIBUTIONS | 12 | ||
5.1 |
Allocation of Profit and Loss | 12 | ||
5.2 |
Distribution of Cash | 14 | ||
5.3 |
REIT Distribution Requirements | 15 | ||
5.4 |
No Right to Distributions In Kind | 15 | ||
5.5 |
Limitations of Return of Capital Contributions | 15 | ||
5.6 |
Distributions Upon Liquidation | 15 | ||
5.7 |
Substantial Economic Effect | 16 | ||
ARTICLE 6 |
RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS AND POWERS OF THE GENERAL PARTNER | 16 | ||
6.1 |
Management of the Partnership | 16 | ||
6.2 |
Delegation of Authority | 18 | ||
6.3 |
Indemnification and Exculpation of Indemnitees | 18 | ||
6.4 |
Liability of the General Partner | 20 | ||
6.5 |
Reimbursement of General Partner | 21 | ||
6.6 |
Outside Activities | 21 | ||
6.7 |
Employment or Retention of Affiliates | 21 | ||
6.8 |
General Partner Participation | 22 | ||
6.9 |
Title to Partnership Assets | 22 | ||
6.10 |
Miscellaneous | 22 |
i
ARTICLE 7 |
CHANGES IN GENERAL PARTNER | 22 | ||
7.1 |
Transfer of the General Partners Partnership Interest | 22 | ||
7.2 |
Admission of a Substitute or Additional General Partner | 24 | ||
7.3 |
Effect of Bankruptcy, Withdrawal, Death or Dissolution of a General Partner | 24 | ||
7.4 |
Removal of a General Partner | 25 | ||
ARTICLE 8 |
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE LIMITED PARTNERS | 26 | ||
8.1 |
Management of the Partnership | 26 | ||
8.2 |
Power of Attorney | 26 | ||
8.3 |
Limitation on Liability of Limited Partners | 26 | ||
8.4 |
Exchange Right | 26 | ||
ARTICLE 9 |
TRANSFERS OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS | 28 | ||
9.1 |
Purchase for Investment | 28 | ||
9.2 |
Restrictions on Transfer of Limited Partnership Interests | 28 | ||
9.3 |
Admission of Substitute Limited Partner | 29 | ||
9.4 |
Rights of Assignees of Partnership Interests | 30 | ||
9.5 |
Effect of Bankruptcy, Death, Incompetence or Termination of a Limited Partner | 30 | ||
9.6 |
Joint Ownership of Interests | 31 | ||
9.7 |
Redemption of Partnership Units | 31 | ||
ARTICLE 10 |
ADMISSION OF ADDITIONAL LIMITED PARTNERS | 31 | ||
10.1 |
Admission of Additional Limited Partners | 31 | ||
10.2 |
Allocations to Additional Limited Partners | 31 | ||
10.3 |
Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership | 32 | ||
ARTICLE 11 |
BOOKS AND RECORDS; ACCOUNTING; TAX MATTERS | 32 | ||
11.1 |
Books and Records | 32 | ||
11.2 |
Custody of Partnership Funds; Bank Accounts | 32 | ||
11.3 |
Fiscal and Taxable Year | 32 | ||
11.4 |
Annual Tax Information and Report | 32 | ||
11.5 |
Tax Matters Partner; Tax Elections; Special Basis Adjustments | 32 | ||
11.6 |
Reports Made Available to Limited Partners | 33 | ||
ARTICLE 12 |
AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT; MERGER | 33 | ||
ARTICLE 13 |
GENERAL PROVISIONS | 34 | ||
13.1 |
Notices | 34 | ||
13.2 |
Survival of Rights | 34 | ||
13.3 |
Additional Documents | 34 | ||
13.4 |
Severability | 34 | ||
13.5 |
Entire Agreement | 34 | ||
13.6 |
Pronouns and Plurals | 34 | ||
13.7 |
Headings | 34 | ||
13.8 |
Counterparts | 34 | ||
13.9 |
Governing Law | 35 | ||
EXHIBIT A |
General Partner and Original Limited Partner, Capital Contributions and Percentage Interests | 37 | ||
EXHIBIT B |
NOTICE OF EXERCISE OF EXCHANGE RIGHT | 38 |
ii
FIRST AMENDED AND RESTATED
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
OF
THE GC NET LEASE REIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P.
The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. (the Partnership) was formed as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware, pursuant to a Certificate of Limited Partnership filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on August 29, 2008. This First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement (Agreement) is entered into effective as of May , 2009 between The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the General Partner) and the Limited Partners set forth on Exhibit A hereto. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given them in Article 1.
WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Original Limited Partner entered into an Agreement of Limited Partnership of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. dated as of August 29, 2008, pursuant to which the Partnership was formed (the Original Agreement); and
WHEREAS, the Additional Limited Partners have, pursuant to the Contribution Agreements agreed to contribute their respective membership interests in Renfro Properties LLC, which owns the Renfro Property, and Plainfield Partners, LLC, which owns the CB&I Property, to the Partnership in exchange for Partnership Interests;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, of mutual covenants between the parties hereto, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety and continue the Partnership as a limited partnership under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, as amended from time to time, as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINED TERMS
The following defined terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings specified below:
Act means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, as it may be amended from time to time.
Additional Funds has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.
Additional Limited Partner means a Person admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 10.2 hereof and who is shown as a Limited Partner on the Partnership Registry.
Additional Securities means any additional REIT Shares (other than REIT Shares issued in connection with an exchange pursuant to Section 8.5 hereof or REIT Shares issued pursuant to a distribution reinvestment plan of the General Partner) or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities containing the right to subscribe for or purchase REIT Shares, as set forth in Section 4.2(a)(ii).
Administrative Expenses means (i) all administrative and operating costs and expenses incurred by the Partnership, (ii) those administrative costs and expenses of the General Partner, including any salaries or other payments to directors, officers or employees of the General Partner, and any accounting and legal expenses of the General Partner, which expenses, the Partners have agreed, are expenses of the
1
Partnership and not the General Partner, and (iii) to the extent not included in clause (ii) above, REIT Expenses; provided, however, that Administrative Expenses shall not include any administrative costs and expenses incurred by the General Partner that are attributable to Properties or partnership interests in a Subsidiary Partnership (other than this Partnership) that are owned by the General Partner directly.
Advisor or Advisors means the Person or Persons, if any, appointed, employed or contracted with by the General Partner and responsible for directing or performing the day-to-day business affairs of the General Partner, including any Person to whom the Advisor subcontracts substantially all of such functions.
Advisory Agreement means the agreement between the General Partner and the Advisor pursuant to which the Advisor will direct or perform the day-to-day business affairs of the General Partner.
Affiliate or Affiliated means, as to any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or other legal entity (other than this Partnership), (i) any Person, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controlling, controlled by, or under common control with another person; (ii) any Person, directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with power to vote ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of another Person; (iii) any officer, director, general partner or trustee of such Person; (iv) any Person ten percent (10%) or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held, with power to vote, by such other Person; and (v) if such other Person is an officer, director, general partner, or trustee of a Person, the Person for which such Person acts in any such capacity. For purposes of this definition, under common control shall mean that one Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) owns 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of two or more Persons, in which case the Person so owned would be affiliates of each other.
Agreed Value means the fair market value of a Partners non-cash Capital Contribution as of the date of contribution as agreed to by such Partner and the General Partner. The names and addresses of the General Partner, the Original Limited Partner and the Additional Limited Partners, the number of Partnership Units issued to each of them, and their respective Capital Contributions as of the date of contribution is set forth on Exhibit A .
Agreement means this First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, as the context requires.
Articles of Incorporation means the Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the General Partner filed with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, as amended or restated from time to time.
Capital Account has the meaning provided in Section 4.4 hereof.
Capital Contribution means the total amount of cash, cash equivalents, and the Agreed Value of any Property or other asset (other than cash) contributed or agreed to be contributed, as the context requires, to the Partnership by each Partner pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Any reference to the Capital Contribution of a Partner shall include the Capital Contribution made by a predecessor holder of the Partnership Interest of such Partner.
Cash Amount means an amount of cash equal to the product of the Value of one REIT Share and the REIT Shares Amount on the date of receipt by the General Partner of a Notice of Exchange.
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CB&I Property means that certain three-story officel laboratory property containing a total of approximately 176,000 rentable square feet located in Plainfield, Illinois and leased to Chicago Bridge & Iron, Co.
Certificate means any instrument or document that is required under the laws of the State of Delaware, or any other jurisdiction in which the Partnership conducts business, to be signed and sworn to by the Partners of the Partnership (either by themselves or pursuant to the power-of-attorney granted to the General Partner in Section 8.2 hereof) and filed for recording in the appropriate public offices within the State of Delaware or such other jurisdiction to perfect or maintain the Partnership as a limited partnership, to effect the admission, withdrawal, or substitution of any Partner of the Partnership, or to protect the limited liability of the Limited Partners as limited partners under the laws of the State of Delaware or such other jurisdiction.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and as hereafter amended from time to time. Reference to any particular provision of the Code shall mean that provision in the Code at the date hereof and any successor provision of the Code.
Contribution Agreements means that certain Contribution Agreement (Renfro Property) dated April 21, 2009 and that certain Contribution Agreement (CB&I Property) dated April 21, 2009.
Conversion Factor means 1.0, provided that in the event that the General Partner (i) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding REIT Shares in REIT Shares or makes a distribution to all holders of its outstanding REIT Shares in REIT Shares, (ii) subdivides its outstanding REIT Shares, or (iii) combines its outstanding REIT Shares into a smaller number of REIT Shares, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted by multiplying the Conversion Factor by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of REIT Shares issued and outstanding on the record date for such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination (assuming for such purposes that such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination has occurred as of such time), and the denominator of which shall be the actual number of REIT Shares (determined without the above assumption) issued and outstanding on such date and, provided further, that in the event that an entity other than an Affiliate of the General Partner shall become General Partner pursuant to any merger, consolidation or combination of the General Partner with or into another entity (the Successor Entity), the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted by multiplying the Conversion Factor by the number of shares of the Successor Entity into which one REIT Share is converted pursuant to such merger, consolidation or combination, determined as of the date of such merger, consolidation or combination. Any adjustment to the Conversion Factor shall become effective immediately after the effective date of such event retroactive to the record date, if any, for such event; provided, however, that if the General Partner receives a Notice of Exchange after the record date, but prior to the effective date of such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination, the Conversion Factor shall be determined as if the General Partner had received the Notice of Exchange immediately prior to the record date for such dividend, distribution, subdivision or combination.
Event of Bankruptcy as to any Person means the filing of a petition for relief as to such Person as debtor or bankrupt under the Bankruptcy Code of 1978 or similar provision of law of any jurisdiction (except if such petition is contested by such Person and has been dismissed within 90 days); insolvency or bankruptcy of such Person as finally determined by a court proceeding; filing by such Person of a petition or application to accomplish the same or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee for such Person or a substantial part of his assets; commencement of any proceedings relating to such Person as a debtor under any other reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, adjustment of debt or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now in existence or hereinafter in effect, either by such Person or by another, provided that if such proceeding is commenced by another, such Person indicates his approval of such proceeding, consents thereto or acquiesces therein, or such proceeding
3
is contested by such Person and has not been finally dismissed within 90 days.
Exchange Amount means either the Cash Amount or the REIT Shares Amount, as selected by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion pursuant to Section 8.5(b) hereof.
Exchange Right has the meaning provided in Section 8.5(a) hereof.
Exchanging Partner has the meaning provided in Section 8.5(a) hereof.
General Partner means The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and any Person who becomes a substitute or additional General Partner as provided herein, and any of their successors as General Partner.
General Partnership Interest means a Partnership Interest held by the General Partner that is a general partnership interest.
Indemnitee means (i) the General Partner or a director, officer or employee of the General Partner or Partnership, (ii) the Advisor or a director, officer, manager, member, employee of the Advisor or another agent of the Advisor if such agent is an Affiliate of the Advisor and (iii) such other Persons (including Affiliates of the General Partner, the Advisor or the Partnership) as the General Partner may designate from time to time, in its sole and absolute discretion.
Independent Director means a director of the General Partner who is not an officer or employee of the General Partner and meets the requirements for independence as defined by the General Partners Articles of Incorporation.
Limited Partner means any Person named as a Limited Partner on Exhibit A attached hereto, and any Person who becomes a Substitute Limited Partner or Additional Limited Partner, in such Persons capacity as a Limited Partner in the Partnership.
Limited Partnership Interest means the ownership interest of a Limited Partner in the Partnership at any particular time, including the right of such Limited Partner to any and all benefits to which such Limited Partner may be entitled as provided in this Agreement and in the Act, together with the obligations of such Limited Partner to comply with all the provisions of this Agreement and of such Act.
Listing means the approval of the REIT Shares, issued by the General Partner pursuant to an effective registration statement, on a National Securities Exchange or over-the-counter market. Upon Listing, the shares shall be deemed Listed.
Loss has the meaning provided in Section 5.1(f) hereof.
National Securities Exchange means any securities exchange registered with the SEC pursuant to Section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Notice of Exchange means the Notice of Exercise of Exchange Right substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B hereto.
Offer has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b)(ii) hereof.
OP Unitholders means all holders of Partnership Interests.
4
Original Limited Partner means the Limited Partner designated as Original Limited Partner on Exhibit A hereto.
Partner means any General Partner or Limited Partner.
Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-2(i). A Partners share of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(5).
Partnership means The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Interest means an ownership interest in the Partnership held by either a Limited Partner or the General Partner and includes any and all benefits to which the holder of such a Partnership Interest may be entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of such Person to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
Partnership Minimum Gain has the meaning set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-2(d). In accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(d), the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain is determined by first computing, for each Partnership nonrecourse liability, any gain the Partnership would realize if it disposed of the property subject to that liability for no consideration other than full satisfaction of the liability, and then aggregating the separately computed gains. A Partners share of Partnership Minimum Gain shall be determined in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(g)(1).
Partnership Record Date means the record date established by the General Partner for the distribution of cash pursuant to Section 5.2 hereof, which record date shall be the same as the record date established by the General Partner for a distribution to its stockholders of some or all of its portion of such distribution.
Partnership Unit means a fractional, undivided share of the Partnership Interests of all Partners issued hereunder. The allocation of Partnership Units among the Partners shall be as set forth on Exhibit A , as such Exhibit may be amended from time to time.
Percentage Interest means the percentage ownership interest in the Partnership of each Partner, as determined by dividing the Partnership Units owned by a Partner by the total number of Partnership Units then outstanding.
Person means any individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, joint venture, trust or other entity.
Profit has the meaning provided in Section 5.1(f) hereof.
Property means the Renfro Property and the CB&I Property and any future real estate property or other investment in which the Partnership holds an ownership interest.
Regulations means the Federal income tax regulations promulgated under the Code, as amended and as hereafter amended from time to time. Reference to any particular provision of the Regulations shall mean that provision of the Regulations on the date hereof and any successor provision of the Regulations.
Regulatory Allocations has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(i) hereof.
5
REIT means a real estate investment trust under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.
REIT Expenses means (i) costs and expenses relating to the formation and continuity of existence and operation of the General Partner and any Subsidiaries thereof (which Subsidiaries shall, for purposes hereof, be included within the definition of General Partner), including taxes, fees and assessments associated therewith, any and all costs, expenses or fees payable to any director, officer, or employee of the General Partner, (ii) costs and expenses relating to any offering and registration of securities by the General Partner and all statements, reports, fees and expenses incidental thereto, including, without limitation, underwriting discounts and sales commissions applicable to any such offering of securities, and any costs and expenses associated with any claims made by any holders of such securities or any underwriters or placement agents thereof, (iii) costs and expenses associated with any repurchase of any securities by the General Partner, (iv) costs and expenses associated with the preparation and filing of any periodic or other reports and communications by the General Partner under federal, state or local laws or regulations, including filings with the SEC, (v) costs and expenses associated with compliance by the General Partner with laws, rules and regulations promulgated by any regulatory body, including the SEC and any National Securities Exchange, (vi) costs and expenses associated with any 401(k) plan, incentive plan, bonus plan or other plan providing for compensation for the employees of the General Partner, (vii) costs and expenses incurred by the General Partner relating to any issuance or redemption of Partnership Interests, and (viii) all other operating or administrative costs of the General Partner incurred in the ordinary course of its business on behalf of or in connection with the Partnership.
REIT Share means a share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, in the General Partner (or successor entity, as the case may be).
REIT Shares Amount means a number of REIT Shares equal to the product of the number of Partnership Units offered for exchange by an Exchanging Partner, multiplied by the Conversion Factor as adjusted to and including the Specified Exchange Date; provided that in the event the General Partner issues to all holders of REIT Shares rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities entitling the stockholders to subscribe for or purchase REIT Shares, or any other securities or property (collectively, the rights), and the rights have not expired at the Specified Exchange Date, then the REIT Shares Amount shall also include the rights issuable to a holder of the REIT Shares Amount of REIT Shares on the record date fixed for purposes of determining the holders of REIT Shares entitled to rights.
Renfro Property means that certain single-story warehouse/distribution property containing approximately 565,000 rentable square feet located in Clinton, South Carolina and leased to Renfro Corporation.
SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Service means the Internal Revenue Service.
Specified Exchange Date means the first business day of the month that is at least 60 business days after the receipt by the General Partner of the Notice of Exchange.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which a majority of (i) the voting power of the voting equity securities or (ii) the outstanding equity interests is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.
6
Subsidiary Partnership means any partnership of which the partnership interests therein are owned by the General Partner or a direct or indirect subsidiary of the General Partner.
Substitute Limited Partner means any Person admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section 9.3 hereof.
Successor Entity has the meaning provided in the definition of Conversion Factor contained herein.
Surviving General Partner has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c) hereof.
Transaction has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(b) hereof.
Transfer has the meaning set forth in Section 9.2(a) hereof.
Value means, with respect to REIT Shares, the average of the daily market price of such REIT Share for the ten (10) consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of such valuation. The market price for each such trading day shall be: (i) if the REIT Shares are Listed, the sale price, regular way, on such day, or if no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, on such day; (ii) if the REIT Shares are not Listed, the last reported sale price on such day or, if no sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner; or (iii) if the REIT Shares are not Listed and no such last reported sale price or closing bid and asked prices are available, the average of the reported high bid and low asked prices on such day, as reported by a reliable quotation source designated by the General Partner, or if there shall be no bid and asked prices on such day, the average of the high bid and low asked prices, as so reported, on the most recent day (not more than ten (10) days prior to the date in question) for which prices have been so reported; provided that if there are no bid and asked prices reported during the ten (10) days prior to the date in question, the value of the REIT Shares shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its reasonable judgment, appropriate. In the event the REIT Shares Amount includes rights that a holder of REIT Shares would be entitled to receive, then the value of such rights shall be determined by the General Partner acting in good faith on the basis of such quotations and other information as it considers, in its reasonable judgment, appropriate.
ARTICLE 2
PARTNERSHIP FORMATION AND IDENTIFICATION
2.1 Formation . The Partnership was formed as a limited partnership pursuant to the Act for the purposes and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.
2.2 Name, Office and Registered Agent . The name of the Partnership is The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. The specified office and place of business of the Partnership shall be 2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321, El Segundo, CA 90245 (telephone number (310) 606-5900; facsimile number (310) 606-5910). The General Partner may at any time change the location of such office, provided the General Partner gives notice to the Partners of any such change. The name and address of the Partnerships registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The sole duty of the registered agent as such is to forward to the Partnership any notice that is served on him as registered agent.
7
2.3 Partners .
(a) The General Partner of the Partnership is The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation. Its principal place of business is the same as that of the Partnership.
(b) The Limited Partners are those Persons identified as Limited Partners on Exhibit A hereto, as amended from time to time.
2.4 Term and Dissolution .
(a) The Partnership shall have perpetual duration, except that the Partnership shall be dissolved upon the first to occur of any of the following events:
(i) The occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to a General Partner or the dissolution, death, removal or withdrawal of a General Partner unless the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 7.3(b) hereof; provided that if a General Partner is on the date of such occurrence a partnership, the dissolution of such General Partner as a result of the dissolution, death, withdrawal, removal or Event of Bankruptcy of a partner in such partnership shall not be an event of dissolution of the Partnership if the business of such General Partner is continued by the remaining partner or partners, either alone or with additional partners, and such General Partner and such partners comply with any other applicable requirements of this Agreement;
(ii) The passage of 90 days after the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership (provided that if the Partnership receives an installment obligation as consideration for such sale or other disposition, the Partnership shall continue, unless sooner dissolved under the provisions of this Agreement, until such time as such note or notes are paid in full);
(iii) The exchange of all Limited Partnership Interests (other than any of such interests held by the General Partner or Affiliates of the General Partner) for REIT Shares or the securities of any other entity; or
(iv) The election by the General Partner that the Partnership should be dissolved.
(b) Upon dissolution of the Partnership (unless the business of the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 7.3(b) hereof), the General Partner (or its trustee, receiver, successor or legal representative) shall amend or cancel the Certificate and liquidate the Partnerships assets and apply and distribute the proceeds thereof in accordance with Section 5.6 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the liquidating General Partner may either (i) defer liquidation of, or withhold from distribution for a reasonable time, any assets of the Partnership (including those necessary to satisfy the Partnerships debts and obligations), or (ii) distribute the assets to the Partners in kind.
2.5 Filing of Certificate and Perfection of Limited Partnership . The General Partner shall execute, acknowledge, record and file at the expense of the Partnership, the Certificate any and all amendments thereto and all requisite fictitious name statements and notices in such places and jurisdictions as may be necessary to cause the Partnership to be treated as a limited partnership under, and otherwise to comply with, the laws of each state or other jurisdiction in which the Partnership conducts business.
2.6 Certificates Describing Partnership Units . At the request of a Limited Partner, the General Partner, at its option, may issue a certificate summarizing the terms of such Limited Partners
8
interest in the Partnership, including the number of Partnership Units owned and the Percentage Interest represented by such Partnership Units as of the date of such certificate. Any such certificate (i) shall be in form and substance as approved by the General Partner, (ii) shall not be negotiable and (iii) shall bear a legend to the following effect:
This certificate is not negotiable. The Partnership Units represented by this certificate are governed by and transferable only in accordance with the provisions of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., as amended from time to time.
ARTICLE 3
BUSINESS OF THE PARTNERSHIP
The purpose and nature of the business to be conducted by the Partnership is (i) to conduct any business that may be lawfully conducted by a limited partnership organized pursuant to the Act, provided, however, that such business shall be limited to and conducted in such a manner as to permit the General Partner at all times to qualify as a REIT, unless the General Partner otherwise ceases to qualify as a REIT, (ii) to enter into any partnership, joint venture or other similar arrangement to engage in any of the foregoing or the ownership of interests in any entity engaged in any of the foregoing, and (iii) to do anything necessary or incidental to the foregoing. In connection with the foregoing, and without limiting the General Partners right in its sole and absolute discretion to cease qualifying as a REIT, the Partners acknowledge that the General Partners current status as a REIT and the avoidance of income and excise taxes on the General Partner inures to the benefit of all the Partners and not solely to the General Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Limited Partners agree that the General Partner may terminate its status as a REIT under the Code at any time to the full extent permitted under the Articles of Incorporation. The General Partner shall also be empowered to do any and all acts and things necessary or prudent to ensure that the Partnership will not be classified as a publicly traded partnership for purposes of Section 7704 of the Code.
ARTICLE 4
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACCOUNTS
4.1 Capital Contributions . The General Partner and the Limited Partners have made Capital Contributions to the Partnership in exchange for the Partnership Interests set forth opposite their names on Exhibit A , as amended from time to time.
4.2 Additional Capital Contributions and Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests . Except as provided in this Section 4.2 or in Section 4.3, the Partners shall have no right or obligation to make any additional Capital Contributions or loans to the Partnership. The General Partner may contribute additional capital to the Partnership, from time to time, and receive additional Partnership Interests in respect thereof, in the manner contemplated in this Section 4.2.
(a) Issuances of Additional Partnership Interests.
(i) General . The General Partner is hereby authorized to cause the Partnership to issue such additional Partnership Interests in the form of Partnership Units for any Partnership purpose at any time or from time to time, to the Partners (including the General Partner) or to other Persons for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as shall be established by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, all without the approval of any Limited Partner. Any additional Partnership Interests issued thereby may be issued in one or more classes, or one or more series of any of such classes, with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, powers and duties, including rights, powers and duties senior to Limited Partnership Interests, all as shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion and without
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the approval of any Limited Partner, subject to Delaware law, including, without limitation: (i) the allocations of items of Partnership income, gain, loss, deduction and credit to each such class or series of Partnership Interests; (ii) the right of each such class or series of Partnership Interests to share in Partnership distributions; and (iii) the rights of each such class or series of Partnership Interests upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; provided, however, that no additional Partnership Interests shall be issued to the General Partner unless:
(1) (A) the additional Partnership Interests are issued in connection with an issuance of REIT Shares of or other interests in the General Partner, which shares or interests have designations, preferences and other rights, all such that the economic interests are substantially similar to the designations, preferences and other rights of the additional Partnership Interests issued to the General Partner by the Partnership in accordance with this Section 4.2 and (B) the General Partner shall make a Capital Contribution to the Partnership in an amount equal to the proceeds raised in connection with the issuance of such shares of stock of or other interests in the General Partner;
(2) the additional Partnership Interests are issued in exchange for property owned by the General Partner with a fair market value, as determined by the General Partner, in good faith, equal to the value of the Partnership Interests; or
(3) additional Partnership Interests are issued to all Partners holding Partnership Units in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests.
In addition, the General Partner may acquire Partnership Interests from other Partners pursuant to this Agreement. In the event that the Partnership issues Partnership Interests pursuant to this Section 4.2(a), the General Partner shall make such revisions to this Agreement (without any requirement of receiving approval of the Limited Partners) as it deems necessary to reflect the issuance of such additional Partnership Interests and any special rights, powers, and duties associated therewith.
Without limiting the foregoing, the General Partner is expressly authorized to cause the Partnership to issue Partnership Units for less than fair market value, so long as the General Partner concludes in good faith that such issuance is in the best interests of the General Partner and the Partnership.
(ii) Upon Issuance of Additional Securities . The General Partner shall not issue any additional REIT Shares (other than REIT Shares issued in connection with an exchange pursuant to Section 8.5 hereof) or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities containing the right to subscribe for or purchase REIT Shares (collectively, Additional Securities) other than to all holders of REIT Shares, unless (A) the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to issue to the General Partner, as the General Partner may designate, Partnership Interests or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities of the Partnership having designations, preferences and other rights, all such that the economic interests are substantially similar to those of the Additional Securities, and (B) the General Partner contributes the net proceeds from the issuance of such Additional Securities and from any exercise of rights contained in such Additional Securities, directly and through the General Partner, to the Partnership; provided, however, that the General Partner is allowed to issue Additional Securities in connection with an acquisition of a property to be held directly by the General Partner, but if and only if, such direct acquisition and issuance of Additional Securities have been approved and determined to be in the best interests of the General Partner and the Partnership by a majority of the Independent Directors (as defined in the General Partners Articles of Incorporation). Without limiting the foregoing, the General Partner is expressly authorized to issue Additional Securities for less than fair market value, and to cause the Partnership to issue to the General Partner corresponding Partnership Interests, so long as (x) the General Partner concludes in good faith that such issuance is in
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the best interests of the General Partner and the Partnership, including without limitation, the issuance of REIT Shares and corresponding Partnership Units pursuant to an employee share purchase plan providing for employee purchases of REIT Shares at a discount from fair market value or employee stock options that have an exercise price that is less than the fair market value of the REIT Shares, either at the time of issuance or at the time of exercise, and (y) the General Partner contributes all proceeds from such issuance to the Partnership. For example, in the event the General Partner issues REIT Shares for a cash purchase price and contributes all of the proceeds of such issuance to the Partnership as required hereunder, the General Partner shall be issued a number of additional Partnership Units equal to the product of (A) the number of such REIT Shares issued by the General Partner, the proceeds of which were so contributed, multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is 100%, and the denominator of which is the Conversion Factor in effect on the date of such contribution.
(b) Certain Deemed Contributions of Proceeds of Issuance of REIT Shares . In connection with any and all issuances of REIT Shares, the General Partner shall make Capital Contributions to the Partnership of the proceeds therefrom, provided that if the proceeds actually received and contributed by the General Partner are less than the gross proceeds of such issuance as a result of any underwriters discount or other expenses paid or incurred in connection with such issuance, then the General Partner shall be deemed to have made Capital Contributions to the Partnership in the aggregate amount of the gross proceeds of such issuance and the Partnership shall be deemed simultaneously to have paid such offering expenses in accordance with Section 6.5 hereof and in connection with the required issuance of additional Partnership Units to the General Partner for such Capital Contributions pursuant to Section 4.2(a) hereof.
4.3 Additional Funding . If the General Partner determines that it is in the best interests of the Partnership to provide for additional Partnership funds (Additional Funds) for any Partnership purpose, the General Partner may (i) cause the Partnership to obtain such funds from outside borrowings, or (ii) elect to have the General Partner or any of its Affiliates provide such Additional Funds to the Partnership through loans or otherwise.
4.4 Capital Accounts . A separate capital account (a Capital Account) shall be established and maintained for each Partner in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). If (i) a new or existing Partner acquires an additional Partnership Interest in exchange for more than a de minimis Capital Contribution, (ii) the Partnership distributes to a Partner more than a de minimis amount of Partnership property as consideration for a Partnership Interest, (iii) the Partnership is liquidated within the meaning of Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) or (iv) a Partnership Interest (other than a de minimis interest) is granted as consideration for the provisions of services to or for the benefit of the Partnership by an existing Partner acting in a partner capacity, or by a new Partner acting in a partner capacity in anticipation of being a Partner, the General Partner shall revalue the property of the Partnership to its fair market value (as determined by the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, and taking into account Section 7701(g) of the Code) in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f). When the Partnerships property is revalued by the General Partner, the Capital Accounts of the Partners shall be adjusted in accordance with Regulations Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) and (g), which generally require such Capital Accounts to be adjusted to reflect the manner in which the unrealized gain or loss inherent in such property (that has not been reflected in the Capital Accounts previously) would be allocated among the Partners pursuant to Section 5.1 if there were a taxable disposition of such property for its fair market value (as determined by the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, and taking into account Section 7701(g) of the Code) on the date of the revaluation.
4.5 Percentage Interests . If the number of outstanding Partnership Units increases or decreases during a taxable year, each Partners Percentage Interest shall be adjusted by the General Partner effective as of the effective date of each such increase or decrease to a percentage equal to the
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number of Partnership Units held by such Partner divided by the aggregate number of Partnership Units outstanding after giving effect to such increase or decrease. If the Partners Percentage Interests are adjusted pursuant to this Section 4.5, the Profits and Losses for the taxable year in which the adjustment occurs shall be allocated between the part of the year ending on the day when the Partnerships property is revalued by the General Partner and the part of the year beginning on the following day either (i) as if the taxable year had ended on the date of the adjustment or (ii) based on the number of days in each part. The General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine which method shall be used to allocate Profits and Losses for the taxable year in which the adjustment occurs. The allocation of Profits and Losses for the earlier part of the year shall be based on the Percentage Interests before adjustment, and the allocation of Profits and Losses for the later part shall be based on the adjusted Percentage Interests.
4.6 No Interest on Contributions . No Partner shall be entitled to interest on its Capital Contribution.
4.7 Return of Capital Contributions . No Partner shall be entitled to withdraw any part of its Capital Contribution or its Capital Account or to receive any distribution from the Partnership, except as specifically provided in this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, there shall be no obligation to return to any Partner or withdrawn Partner any part of such Partners Capital Contribution for so long as the Partnership continues in existence.
4.8 No Third Party Beneficiary . No creditor or other third party having dealings with the Partnership shall have the right to enforce the right or obligation of any Partner to make Capital Contributions or loans or to pursue any other right or remedy hereunder or at law or in equity, it being understood and agreed that the provisions of this Agreement shall be solely for the benefit of, and may be enforced solely by, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. None of the rights or obligations of the Partners herein set forth to make Capital Contributions or loans to the Partnership shall be deemed an asset of the Partnership for any purpose by any creditor or other third party, nor may such rights or obligations be sold, transferred or assigned by the Partnership or pledged or encumbered by the Partnership to secure any debt or other obligation of the Partnership or of any of the Partners. In addition, it is the intent of the parties hereto that no distribution to any Limited Partner shall be deemed a return of money or other property in violation of the Act. However, if any court of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement, any Limited Partner is obligated to return such money or property, such obligation shall be the obligation of such Limited Partner and not of the General Partner. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a deficit Capital Account of a Partner shall not be deemed to be a liability of such Partner nor an asset or property of the Partnership and upon a liquidation within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), if any Partner has a deficit Capital Account (after giving effect to all contributions, distributions, allocations and other Capital Account adjustments for all taxable years, including the year during which such liquidation occurs), such Partner shall have no obligation to make any Capital Contribution to reduce or eliminate the negative balance of such Partners Capital Account.
ARTICLE 5
PROFITS AND LOSSES; DISTRIBUTIONS
5.1 Allocation of Profit and Loss .
(a) General . Profit and Loss of the Partnership for each fiscal year or other applicable period of the Partnership shall be allocated among the Partners in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.
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(b) Minimum Gain Chargeback . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, (i) any expense of the Partnership that is a nonrecourse deduction within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(1) shall be allocated in accordance with the Partners respective Percentage Interests, (ii) any expense of the Partnership that is a partner nonrecourse deduction within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(2) shall be allocated to the Partner that bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the partner nonrecourse debt within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-2(b)(4) to which such partner nonrecourse deduction is attributable in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(1), (iii) if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-2(f)(1) for any Partnership taxable year, then, subject to the exceptions set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-2(f)(2),(3), (4) and (5), items of gain and income shall be allocated among the Partners in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(f) and the ordering rules contained in Regulations Section 1.704-2(j), and (iv) if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4) for any Partnership taxable year, then, subject to the exceptions set forth in Regulations Section 1.704-(2)(g), items of gain and income shall be allocated among the Partners in accordance with Regulations Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and the ordering rules contained in Regulations Section 1.704-2(j). A Partners interest in partnership profits for purposes of determining its share of the nonrecourse liabilities of the Partnership within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3) shall be such Partners Percentage Interest.
(c) Qualified Income Offset . If a Partner unexpectedly receives in any taxable year an adjustment, allocation, or distribution described in subparagraphs (4), (5), or (6) of Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) that causes or increases a deficit balance in such Partners Capital Account that exceeds the sum of such Partners shares of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, as determined in accordance with Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i), such Partner shall be allocated specially for such taxable year (and, if necessary, later taxable years) items of income and gain in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate such deficit Capital Account balance as quickly as possible as provided in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d); provided, that an allocation pursuant to this Section 5.1(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit Capital Account balance after all other allocations provided for in Article 5 have been tentatively made as if this Section 5.1(c) were not in this Agreement. This Section 5.1(c) is intended to constitute a qualified income offset under Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) of the Regulations and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.
(d) Capital Account Deficits . Loss shall not be allocated to a Limited Partner to the extent that such allocation would cause or increase a deficit in such Partners Capital Account at the end of any fiscal year (after reduction to reflect the items described in Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), (5) and (6)) in excess of the sum of such Partners shares of Partnership Minimum Gain and Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain, as determined in accordance with Regulations Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i).
(e) Allocations Between Transferor and Transferee . If a Partner transfers any part or all of its Partnership Interest, the distributive shares of the various items of Profit and Loss allocable among the Partners during such fiscal year of the Partnership shall be allocated between the transferor and the transferee Partner either (i) as if the Partnerships fiscal year had ended on the date of the transfer, or (ii) based on the number of days of such fiscal year that each was a Partner without regard to the results of Partnership activities in the respective portions of such fiscal year in which the transferor and the transferee were Partners. The General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, shall determine which method shall be used to allocate the distributive shares of the various items of Profit and Loss between the transferor and the transferee Partner.
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(f) Definition of Profit and Loss . Profit and Loss and any items of income, gain, expense, or loss referred to in this Agreement shall be determined in accordance with federal income tax accounting principles, as modified by Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv), except that Profit and Loss shall not include items of income, gain and expense that are specially allocated pursuant to Sections 5.1(b), 5.1(c) or 5.1(d). All allocations of income, Profit, gain, Loss and expense (and all items contained therein) for federal income tax purposes shall be identical to all allocations of such items set forth in this Section 5.1, except as otherwise required by Section 704(c) of the Code and Regulations Section 1.704-1(b)(4). The General Partner shall have the authority to elect the method to be used by the Partnership for allocating items of income, gain, and expense as required by Section 704(c) of the Code including a method that may result in a Partner receiving a disproportionately larger share of the Partnership tax depreciation deductions, and such election shall be binding on all Partners.
(g) Curative Allocations . The allocations set forth in Section 5.1(c), (d) and (e) of this Agreement (the Regulatory Allocations) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Regulations. The General Partner is authorized to offset all Regulatory Allocations either with other Regulatory Allocations or with special allocations of other items of Partnership income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to this Section 5.1(g). Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 5.1 (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the General Partner shall make such offsetting special allocations of Partnership income, gain, loss or deduction in whatever manner it deems appropriate so that, after such offsetting allocations are made, each Partners Capital Account is, to the extent possible, equal to the Capital Account balance such Partner would have had if the Regulatory Allocations were not part of this Agreement and all Partnership items were allocated pursuant to Section 5.1(a) and (e).
5.2 Distribution of Cash .
(a) The Partnership shall distribute cash on a quarterly (or, at the election of the General Partner, more frequent) basis, in an amount determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, to the Partners who are Partners on the Partnership Record Date with respect to such quarter (or other distribution period) in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests on the Partnership Record Date; provided, however, that if a new or existing Partner acquires an additional Partnership Interest in exchange for a Capital Contribution on any date other than the next day after a Partnership Record Date, the cash distribution attributable to such additional Partnership Interest relating to the Partnership Record Date next following the issuance of such additional Partnership Interest (or relating to the Partnership Record Date if such Partnership Interest was acquired on a Partnership Record Date) shall be reduced in the proportion to (i) the number of days that such additional Partnership Interest is held by such Partner bears to (ii) the number of days between such Partnership Record Date (including such Partnership Record Date) and the immediately preceding Partnership Record Date.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner is authorized to take any action that it determines to be necessary or appropriate to cause the Partnership to comply with any withholding requirements established under the Code or any other federal, state or local law including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1446 of the Code. To the extent that the Partnership is required to withhold and pay over to any taxing authority any amount resulting from the allocation or distribution of income to any Partner or assignee (including by reason of Section 1446 of the Code), either (i) if the actual amount to be distributed to the Partner equals or exceeds the amount required to be withheld by the Partnership, the amount withheld shall be treated as a distribution of cash in the amount of such withholding to such Partner, or (ii) if the actual amount to be distributed to the Partner is less than the amount required to be withheld by the Partnership, the excess of the amount required to be withheld over the actual amount to be distributed shall be treated as a loan (a Partnership Loan) from the Partnership to the Partner on the day the Partnership pays over such amount to a taxing authority. A Partnership Loan shall be repaid through withholding by the Partnership with
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respect to subsequent distributions to the applicable Partner or assignee. In the event that a Limited Partner (a Defaulting Limited Partner) fails to pay any amount owed to the Partnership with respect to the Partnership Loan within 15 days after demand for payment thereof is made by the Partnership on the Limited Partner, the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, may elect to make the payment to the Partnership on behalf of such Defaulting Limited Partner. In such event, on the date of payment, the General Partner shall be deemed to have extended a loan (a General Partner Loan) to the Defaulting Limited Partner in the amount of the payment made by the General Partner and shall succeed to all rights and remedies of the Partnership against the Defaulting Limited Partner as to that amount. Without limitation, the General Partner shall have the right to receive any distributions that otherwise would be made by the Partnership to the Defaulting Limited Partner until such time as the General Partner Loan has been paid in full, and any such distributions so received by the General Partner shall be treated as having been received by the Defaulting Limited Partner and immediately paid to the General Partner.
Any amounts treated as a Partnership Loan or a General Partner Loan pursuant to this Section 5.2(b) shall bear interest at the lesser of (i) the base rate on corporate loans at large United States money center commercial banks, as published from time to time in The Wall Street Journal, or (ii) the maximum lawful rate of interest on such obligation, such interest to accrue from the date the Partnership or the General Partner, as applicable, is deemed to extend the loan until such loan is repaid in full.
(c) In no event may a Partner receive a distribution of cash with respect to a Partnership Unit if such Partner is entitled to receive a cash distribution as the holder of record of a REIT Share for which all or part of such Partnership Unit has been or will be exchanged.
5.3 REIT Distribution Requirements . The General Partner shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Partnership to distribute amounts sufficient to enable the General Partner to pay stockholder dividends that will allow the General Partner to (i) meet its distribution requirement for qualification as a REIT as set forth in Section 857 of the Code and (ii) avoid any federal income or excise tax liability imposed by the Code.
5.4 No Right to Distributions In Kind . No Partner shall be entitled to demand property other than cash in connection with any distributions by the Partnership.
5.5 Limitations of Return of Capital Contributions . Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Article 5, no Partner shall have the right to receive and the General Partner shall not have the right to make, a distribution that includes a return of all or part of a Partners Capital Contributions, unless after giving effect to the return of a Capital Contribution, the sum of all Partnership liabilities, other than the liabilities to a Partner for the return of his Capital Contribution, does not exceed the fair market value of the Partnerships assets.
5.6 Distributions Upon Liquidation . Upon liquidation of the Partnership, after payment of, or adequate provision for, debts and obligations of the Partnership, including any Partner loans, any remaining assets of the Partnership shall be distributed to all Partners with positive Capital Accounts in accordance with their respective positive Capital Account balances. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the Capital Account of each Partner shall be determined after all adjustments have been made in accordance with Sections 4.4, 5.1 and 5.2 resulting from Partnership operations and from all sales and dispositions of all or any part of the Partnerships assets. To the extent deemed advisable by the General Partner, appropriate arrangements (including the use of a liquidating trust) may be made to assure that adequate funds are available to pay any contingent debts or obligations.
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5.7 Substantial Economic Effect . It is the intent of the Partners that the allocations of Profit and Loss under this Agreement have substantial economic effect (or be consistent with the Partners interests in the Partnership in the case of the allocation of losses attributable to nonrecourse debt) within the meaning of Section 704(b) of the Code as interpreted by the Regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Article 5 and other relevant provisions of this Agreement shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with such intent.
ARTICLE 6
RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS AND
POWERS OF THE GENERAL PARTNER
6.1 Management of the Partnership .
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the General Partner shall have full, complete and exclusive discretion to manage and control the business of the Partnership for the purposes herein stated, and shall make all decisions affecting the business and assets of the Partnership. Subject to the restrictions specifically contained in this Agreement, the powers of the General Partner shall include, without limitation, the authority to take the following actions on behalf of the Partnership:
(i) to acquire, purchase, own, operate, lease and dispose of any real property and any other property or assets including, but not limited to notes and mortgages, that the General Partner determines are necessary or appropriate or in the best interests of the business of the Partnership;
(ii) to construct buildings and make other improvements on the Properties owned or leased by the Partnership;
(iii) to authorize, issue, sell, redeem or otherwise purchase any Partnership Interests or any securities (including secured and unsecured debt obligations of the Partnership, debt obligations of the Partnership convertible into any class or series of Partnership Interests, or options, rights, warrants or appreciation rights relating to any Partnership Interests) of the Partnership;
(iv) to borrow or lend money for the Partnership, issue or receive evidences of indebtedness in connection therewith, refinance, increase the amount of, modify, amend or change the terms of, or extend the time for the payment of, any such indebtedness, and secure such indebtedness by mortgage, deed of trust, pledge or other lien on the Partnerships assets;
(v) to pay, either directly or by reimbursement, for all Administrative Expenses to third parties or to the General Partner or its Affiliates as set forth in this Agreement;
(vi) to guarantee or become a co-maker of indebtedness of the General Partner or any Subsidiary thereof, refinance, increase the amount of, modify, amend or change the terms of, or extend the time for the payment of, any such guarantee or indebtedness, and secure such guarantee or indebtedness by mortgage, deed of trust, pledge or other lien on the Partnerships assets;
(vii) to use assets of the Partnership (including, without limitation, cash on hand) for any purpose consistent with this Agreement, including, without limitation, payment, either directly or by reimbursement, of all Administrative Expenses of the General Partner, the Partnership or any Subsidiary of either, to third parties or to the General Partner as set forth in this Agreement;
(viii) to lease all or any portion of any of the Partnerships assets, whether or not the terms of such leases extend beyond the termination date of the Partnership and whether or not any portion of the Partnerships assets so leased are to be occupied by the lessee, or, in turn, subleased in whole or in part to others, for such consideration and on such terms as the General Partner may determine;
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(ix) to prosecute, defend, arbitrate, or compromise any and all claims or liabilities in favor of or against the Partnership, on such terms and in such manner as the General Partner may reasonably determine, and similarly to prosecute, settle or defend litigation with respect to the Partners, the Partnership, or the Partnerships assets;
(x) to file applications, communicate, and otherwise deal with any and all governmental agencies having jurisdiction over, or in any way affecting, the Partnerships assets or any other aspect of the Partnership business;
(xi) to make or revoke any election permitted or required of the Partnership by any taxing authority;
(xii) to maintain such insurance coverage for public liability, fire and casualty, and any and all other insurance for the protection of the Partnership, for the conservation of Partnership assets, or for any other purpose convenient or beneficial to the Partnership, in such amounts and such types, as it shall determine from time to time;
(xiii) to determine whether or not to apply any insurance proceeds for any Property to the restoration of such Property or to distribute the same;
(xiv) to establish one or more divisions of the Partnership, to hire and dismiss employees of the Partnership or any division of the Partnership, and to retain legal counsel, accountants, consultants, real estate brokers, and such other persons, as the General Partner may deem necessary or appropriate in connection with the Partnership business and to pay therefor such reasonable remuneration as the General Partner may deem reasonable and proper;
(xv) to retain other services of any kind or nature in connection with the Partnership business, and to pay therefor such remuneration as the General Partner may deem reasonable and proper;
(xvi) to negotiate and conclude agreements on behalf of the Partnership with respect to any of the rights, powers and authority conferred upon the General Partner;
(xvii) to maintain accurate accounting records and to file promptly all federal, state and local income tax returns on behalf of the Partnership;
(xviii) to distribute Partnership cash or other Partnership assets in accordance with this Agreement;
(xix) to form or acquire an interest in, and contribute property to, any further limited or general partnerships, limited liability companies, joint ventures or other relationships that it deems desirable (including, without limitation, the acquisition of interests in, and the contributions of property to, its Subsidiaries and any other Person in which it has an equity interest from time to time);
(xx) to establish Partnership reserves for working capital, capital expenditures, contingent liabilities, or any other valid Partnership purpose;
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(xxi) to merge, consolidate or combine the Partnership with or into another Person;
(xxii) to do any and all acts and things necessary or prudent to ensure that the Partnership will not be classified as a publicly traded partnership for purposes of Section 7704 of the Code; and
(xxiii) to take such other action, execute, acknowledge, swear to or deliver such other documents and instruments, and perform any and all other acts that the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate for the formation, continuation and conduct of the business and affairs of the Partnership (including, without limitation, all actions consistent with allowing the General Partner at all times to qualify as a REIT unless the General Partner voluntarily terminates its REIT status) and to possess and enjoy all of the rights and powers of a general partner as provided by the Act.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, to the extent the duties of the General Partner require expenditures of funds to be paid to third parties, the General Partner shall not have any obligations hereunder except to the extent that Partnership funds are reasonably available to it for the performance of such duties, and nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or require the General Partner, in its capacity as such, to expend its individual funds for payment to third parties or to undertake any individual liability or obligation on behalf of the Partnership.
6.2 Delegation of Authority . The General Partner may delegate any or all of its powers, rights and obligations hereunder, and may appoint, employ, contract or otherwise deal with any Person for the transaction of the business of the Partnership, which Person may, under supervision of the General Partner, perform any acts or services for the Partnership as the General Partner may approve.
6.3 Indemnification and Exculpation of Indemnitees .
(a) The Partnership shall indemnify an Indemnitee from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, that relate to the operations of the Partnership as set forth in this Agreement in which any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership shall not provide for indemnification for an Indemnitee for any liability or loss suffered by any of them in contravention of Delaware law and unless all of the following conditions are met:
(i) The Indemnitee determined, in good faith, that the course of conduct that caused the loss or liability was in the best interests of the Partnership.
(ii) The Indemnitee was acting on behalf of or performing services for the Partnership.
(iii) Such liability or loss was not the result of:
(A) negligence or misconduct by the Indemnitee (excluding the Independent Directors); or
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(B) gross negligence or willful misconduct by the Independent Directors.
Any indemnification pursuant to this Section 6.3 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Partnership shall not indemnify an Indemnitee or any Person acting as a broker-dealer for any loss, liability or expense arising from or out of an alleged violation of federal or state securities laws by such party unless one or more of the following conditions are met: (i) there has been a successful adjudication on the merits of each count involving alleged material securities law violations as to the particular Indemnitee; (ii) such claims have been dismissed with prejudice on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction as to the particular Indemnitee; or (iii) a court of competent jurisdiction approves a settlement of the claims against a particular Indemnitee and finds that indemnification of the settlement and the related costs should be made, and the court considering the request for indemnification has been advised of the position of the Securities and Exchange Commission and of the published position of any state securities regulatory authority in which securities were offered or sold as to indemnification for violations of securities laws.
(c) The Partnership shall pay or reimburse reasonable legal expenses and other costs incurred by the Indemnitee in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding only if (in addition to the procedures required by the Act) all of the following are satisfied: (a) the proceeding relates to acts or omissions with respect to the performance of duties or services on behalf of the Partnership, (b) the legal proceeding was initiated by a third party who is not a Limited Partner or, if by a Limited Partner acting in his or her capacity as such, a court of competent jurisdiction approves such advancement, and (c) the Indemnitee undertakes to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the Partnership, together with the applicable legal rate of interest thereon, if it is ultimately determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.
(d) The indemnification provided by this Section 6.3 shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee or any other Person may be entitled under any agreement, pursuant to any vote of the Partners, as a matter of law or otherwise, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity.
(e) The Partnership may purchase and maintain insurance, on behalf of the Indemnitees and such other Persons as the General Partner shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against or expenses that may be incurred by such Person in connection with the Partnerships activities, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.
(f) For purposes of this Section 6.3, the Partnership shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall constitute fines within the meaning of this Section 6.3; and actions taken or omitted by the Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is not opposed to the best interests of the Partnership.
(g) In no event may an Indemnitee subject the Limited Partners to personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement.
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(h) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under this Section 6.3 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
(i) The provisions of this Section 6.3 are for the benefit of the Indemnitees, their heirs, successors, assigns and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.
(j) Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Section 6.3, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Agreement inconsistent with Section 6.3, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.
6.4 Liability of the General Partner .
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the General Partner shall not be liable for monetary damages to the Partnership or any Partners for losses sustained or liabilities incurred as a result of errors in judgment or of any act or omission if the General Partner acted in good faith. The General Partner shall not be in breach of any duty that the General Partner may owe to the Limited Partners or the Partnership or any other Persons under this Agreement or of any duty stated or implied by law or equity provided the General Partner, acting in good faith, abides by the terms of this Agreement.
(b) The Limited Partners expressly acknowledge that the General Partner is acting on behalf of the Partnership, itself and its stockholders collectively, that the General Partner is under no obligation to consider the separate interests of the Limited Partners (including, without limitation, the tax consequences to Limited Partners or the tax consequences of some, but not all, of the Limited Partners) in deciding whether to cause the Partnership to take (or decline to take) any actions. In the event of a conflict between the interests of its stockholders on one hand and the Limited Partners on the other, the General Partner shall endeavor in good faith to resolve the conflict in a manner not adverse to either its stockholders or the Limited Partners; provided, however, that for so long as the General Partner directly owns a controlling interest in the Partnership, any such conflict that the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, determines cannot be resolved in a manner not adverse to either its stockholders or the Limited Partner shall be resolved in favor of the stockholders. The General Partner shall not be liable for monetary damages for losses sustained, liabilities incurred, or benefits not derived by Limited Partners in connection with such decisions, provided that the General Partner has acted in good faith.
(c) Subject to its obligations and duties as General Partner set forth in Section 6.1 hereof, the General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted to it under this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents. The General Partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent appointed by it in good faith.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or the Act, any action of the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or any decision of the General Partner to refrain from acting on behalf of the Partnership, undertaken in the good faith belief that such action or omission is necessary or advisable in order (i) to protect the ability of the General Partner to continue to qualify as a REIT or (ii) to prevent the General Partner from incurring any taxes under Section 857, Section 4981, or any other provision of the Code, is expressly authorized under this Agreement and is deemed approved by all of the Limited Partners.
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(e) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section 6.4 or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the General Partners liability to the Partnership and the Limited Partners under this Section 6.4 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when claims relating to such matters may arise or be asserted.
6.5 Reimbursement of General Partner .
(a) Except as provided in this Section 6.5 and elsewhere in this Agreement (including the provisions of Articles 5 and 6 regarding distributions, payments, and allocations to which it may be entitled), the General Partner shall not be compensated for its services as general partner of the Partnership.
(b) The General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such other basis as the General Partner may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, for all Administrative Expenses.
6.6 Outside Activities . Subject to the Articles of Incorporation and any agreements entered into by the General Partner or its Affiliates with the Partnership or a Subsidiary, any officer, director, employee, agent, trustee, Affiliate or stockholder of the General Partner shall be entitled to and may have business interests and engage in business activities in addition to those relating to the Partnership, including business interests and activities substantially similar or identical to those of the Partnership. Neither the Partnership nor any of the Limited Partners shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any such business ventures, interest or activities. None of the Limited Partners nor any other Person shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement or the partnership relationship established hereby in any such business ventures, interests or activities, and the General Partner shall have no obligation pursuant to this Agreement to offer any interest in any such business ventures, interests and activities to the Partnership or any Limited Partner, even if such opportunity is of a character which, if presented to the Partnership or any Limited Partner, could be taken by such Person.
6.7 Employment or Retention of Affiliates .
(a) Any Affiliate of the General Partner may be employed or retained by the Partnership and may otherwise deal with the Partnership (whether as a buyer, lessor, lessee, manager, furnisher of goods or services, broker, agent, lender or otherwise) and may receive from the Partnership any compensation, price, or other payment therefor which the General Partner determines to be fair and reasonable.
(b) The Partnership may lend or contribute to its Subsidiaries or other Persons in which it has an equity investment, and such Persons may borrow funds from the Partnership, on terms and conditions established in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner. The foregoing authority shall not create any right or benefit in favor of any Subsidiary or any other Person.
(c) The Partnership may transfer assets to joint ventures, other partnerships, corporations or other business entities in which it is or thereby becomes a participant upon such terms and subject to such conditions as the General Partner deems are consistent with this Agreement and applicable law.
(d) Except as expressly permitted by this Agreement, neither the General Partner nor any of its Affiliates shall sell, transfer or convey any property to, or purchase any property from, the Partnership, directly or indirectly, except pursuant to transactions that are on terms that are fair and reasonable to the Partnership.
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6.8 General Partner Participation . The General Partner agrees that all business activities of the General Partner, including activities pertaining to the acquisition, development or ownership of Properties, shall be conducted through the Partnership or one or more Subsidiary Partnerships; provided, however, that the General Partner is allowed to make a direct acquisition, but if and only if, such acquisition is made in connection with the issuance of Additional Securities, which direct acquisition and issuance have been approved and determined to be in the best interests of the General Partner and the Partnership by a majority of the Independent Directors.
6.9 Title to Partnership Assets . Title to Partnership assets, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, shall be deemed to be owned by the Partnership as an entity, and no Partner, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any or all of the Partnership assets may be held in the name of the Partnership, the General Partner or one or more nominees, as the General Partner may determine, including Affiliates of the General Partner. The General Partner hereby declares and warrants that any Partnership assets for which legal title is held in the name of the General Partner or any nominee or Affiliate of the General Partner shall be held by the General Partner for the use and benefit of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided, however, that the General Partner shall use its best efforts to cause beneficial and record title to such assets to be vested in the Partnership as soon as reasonably practicable. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the property of the Partnership in its books and records, irrespective of the name in which legal title to such Partnership assets is held.
6.10 Miscellaneous . In the event the General Partner redeems any REIT Shares (other than REIT Shares redeemed in accordance with the share redemption program of the General Partner through proceeds received from the General Partners distribution reinvestment plan), then the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to purchase from the General Partner a number of Partnership Units as determined based on the application of the Conversion Factor on the same terms that the General Partner exchanged such REIT Shares. Moreover, if the General Partner makes a cash tender offer or other offer to acquire REIT Shares, then the General Partner shall cause the Partnership to make a corresponding offer to the General Partner to acquire a equal number of Partnership Units held by the General Partner. In the event any REIT Shares are exchanged by the General Partner pursuant to such offer, the Partnership shall redeem an equivalent number of the General Partners Partnership Units for an equivalent purchase price based on the application of the Conversion Factor.
ARTICLE 7
CHANGES IN GENERAL PARTNER
7.1 Transfer of the General Partners Partnership Interest .
(a) The General Partner shall not transfer all or any portion of its General Partnership Interest or withdraw as General Partner except as provided in or in connection with a transaction contemplated by Section 7.1(b), (c) or (d).
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.1(c) or (d) hereof, the General Partner shall not engage in any merger, consolidation or other combination with or into another Person or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, (other than in connection with a change in the General Partners state of incorporation or organizational form) in each case which results in a change of control of the General Partner (a Transaction), unless:
(i) the approval of the holders of a majority of the Partnership Units (including the Partnership Units held by the General Partner or an Affiliate thereof) is obtained;
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(ii) as a result of such Transaction all Limited Partners will receive for each Partnership Unit an amount of cash, securities, or other property equal to the product of the Conversion Factor and the greatest amount of cash, securities or other property paid in the Transaction to a holder of one REIT Share in consideration of one REIT Share, provided that if, in connection with the Transaction, a purchase, tender or exchange offer (Offer) shall have been made to and accepted by the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding REIT Shares, each holder of Partnership Units shall be given the option to exchange its Partnership Units for the greatest amount of cash, securities, or other property which a Limited Partner would have received had it (A) exercised its Exchange Right and (B) sold, tendered or exchanged pursuant to the Offer the REIT Shares received upon exercise of the Exchange Right immediately prior to the expiration of the Offer; or
(iii) the General Partner is the surviving entity in the Transaction and either (A) the holders of REIT Shares do not receive cash, securities, or other property in the Transaction or (B) all Limited Partners (other than the General Partner or any Subsidiary) receive an amount of cash, securities, or other property (expressed as an amount per REIT Share) that is no less than the product of the Conversion Factor and the greatest amount of cash, securities, or other property (expressed as an amount per REIT Share) received in the Transaction by any holder of REIT Shares.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 7.1(b), the General Partner may merge with or into or consolidate with another entity if immediately after such merger or consolidation (i) substantially all of the assets of the successor or surviving entity (the Surviving General Partner), other than Partnership Units held by the General Partner, are contributed, directly or indirectly, to the Partnership as a Capital Contribution in exchange for Partnership Units with a fair market value equal to the value of the assets so contributed as determined by the Surviving General Partner in good faith and (ii) the Surviving General Partner expressly agrees to assume all obligations of the General Partner, as appropriate, hereunder. Upon such contribution and assumption, the Surviving General Partner shall have the right and duty to amend this Agreement as set forth in this Section 7.1(c). The Surviving General Partner shall in good faith arrive at a new method for the calculation of the Cash Amount, the REIT Shares Amount and Conversion Factor for a Partnership Unit after any such merger or consolidation so as to approximate the existing method for such calculation as closely as reasonably possible. Such calculation shall take into account, among other things, the kind and amount of securities, cash and other property that was receivable upon such merger or consolidation by a holder of REIT Shares or options, warrants or other rights relating thereto, and to which a holder of Partnership Units could have acquired had such Partnership Units been exchanged immediately prior to such merger or consolidation. Such amendment to this Agreement shall provide for adjustment to such method of calculation, which shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for with respect to the Conversion Factor. The Surviving General Partner also shall in good faith modify the definition of REIT Shares and make such amendments to Sections 8.5 and 8.7 hereof so as to approximate the existing rights and obligations set forth in Sections 8.5 and 8.7 as closely as reasonably possible. The above provisions of this Section 7.1(c) shall similarly apply to successive mergers or consolidations permitted hereunder.
In respect of any transaction described in the preceding paragraph, the General Partner is required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to structure such transaction to avoid causing the Limited Partners to recognize a gain for federal income tax purposes by virtue of the occurrence of or their participation in such transaction, provided such efforts are consistent with the exercise of the Board of Directors fiduciary duties to the stockholders of the General Partner under applicable law.
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(d) Notwithstanding Section 7.1(b),
(i) a General Partner may transfer all or any portion of its General Partnership Interest to (A) a wholly-owned Subsidiary of such General Partner or (B) the owner of all of the ownership interests of such General Partner, and following a transfer of all of its General Partnership Interest, may withdraw as General Partner; and
(ii) the General Partner may engage in Transactions not required by law or by the rules of any National Securities Exchange on which the REIT Shares are listed to be submitted to the vote of the holders of the REIT Shares.
7.2 Admission of a Substitute or Additional General Partner . A Person shall be admitted as a substitute or additional General Partner of the Partnership only if the following terms and conditions are satisfied:
(a) the Person to be admitted as a substitute or additional General Partner shall have accepted and agreed to be bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by executing a counterpart thereof and such other documents or instruments as may be required or appropriate in order to effect the admission of such Person as a General Partner, and a certificate evidencing the admission of such Person as a General Partner shall have been filed for recordation and all other actions required by Section 2.5 hereof in connection with such admission shall have been performed;
(b) if the Person to be admitted as a substitute or additional General Partner is a corporation or a partnership it shall have provided the Partnership with evidence satisfactory to counsel for the Partnership of such Persons authority to become a General Partner and to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement; and
(c) counsel for the Partnership shall have rendered an opinion (relying on such opinions from other counsel and the state or any other jurisdiction as may be necessary) that the admission of the person to be admitted as a substitute or additional General Partner is in conformity with the Act, that none of the actions taken in connection with the admission of such Person as a substitute or additional General Partner will cause (i) the Partnership to be classified other than as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, or (ii) the loss of any Limited Partners limited liability.
7.3 Effect of Bankruptcy, Withdrawal, Death or Dissolution of a General Partner .
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to a General Partner (and its removal pursuant to Section 7.4(a) hereof) or the death, withdrawal, removal or dissolution of a General Partner (except that, if a General Partner is on the date of such occurrence a partnership, the withdrawal, death, dissolution, Event of Bankruptcy as to, or removal of a partner in, such partnership shall be deemed not to be a dissolution of such General Partner if the business of such General Partner is continued by the remaining partner or partners), the Partnership shall be dissolved and terminated unless the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 7.3(b) hereof. The merger of the General Partner with or into any entity that is admitted as a substitute or successor General Partner pursuant to Section 7.2 hereof shall not be deemed to be the withdrawal, dissolution or removal of the General Partner.
(b) Following the occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to a General Partner (and its removal pursuant to Section 7.4(a) hereof) or the death, withdrawal, removal or dissolution of a General Partner (except that, if a General Partner is on the date of such occurrence a partnership, the withdrawal, death, dissolution, Event of Bankruptcy as to, or removal of a partner in, such partnership shall be deemed not to be a dissolution of such General Partner if the business of such General Partner is
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continued by the remaining partner or partners), the Limited Partners, within 90 days after such occurrence, may elect to continue the business of the Partnership for the balance of the term specified in Section 2.4 hereof by selecting, subject to Section 7.2 hereof and any other provisions of this Agreement, a substitute General Partner by consent of a majority in interest of the Limited Partners. If the Limited Partners elect to continue the business of the Partnership and admit a substitute General Partner, the relationship with the Partners and of any Person who has acquired an interest of a Partner in the Partnership shall be governed by this Agreement.
7.4 Removal of a General Partner .
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to, or the dissolution of, a General Partner, such General Partner shall be deemed to be removed automatically; provided, however, that if a General Partner is on the date of such occurrence a partnership, the withdrawal, death, dissolution, Event of Bankruptcy as to or removal of a partner in such partnership shall be deemed not to be a dissolution of the General Partner if the business of such General Partner is continued by the remaining partner or partners. The Limited Partners may not remove the General Partner, with or without cause.
(b) If a General Partner has been removed pursuant to this Section 7.4 and the Partnership is continued pursuant to Section 7.3 hereof, such General Partner shall promptly transfer and assign its General Partnership Interest in the Partnership to the substitute General Partner approved by a majority in interest of the Limited Partners in accordance with Section 7.3(b) hereof and otherwise admitted to the Partnership in accordance with Section 7.2 hereof. At the time of assignment, the removed General Partner shall be entitled to receive from the substitute General Partner the fair market value of the General Partnership Interest of such removed General Partner as reduced by any damages caused to the Partnership by such General Partner. Such fair market value shall be determined by an appraiser mutually agreed upon by the General Partner and a majority in interest of the Limited Partners within 10 days following the removal of the General Partner. In the event that the parties are unable to agree upon an appraiser, the removed General Partner and a majority in interest of the Limited Partners each shall select an appraiser. Each such appraiser shall complete an appraisal of the fair market value of the removed General Partners General Partnership Interest within 30 days of the General Partners removal, and the fair market value of the removed General Partners General Partnership Interest shall be the average of the two appraisals; provided, however, that if the higher appraisal exceeds the lower appraisal by more than 20% of the amount of the lower appraisal, the two appraisers, no later than 40 days after the removal of the General Partner, shall select a third appraiser who shall complete an appraisal of the fair market value of the removed General Partners General Partnership Interest no later than 60 days after the removal of the General Partner. In such case, the fair market value of the removed General Partners General Partnership Interest shall be the average of the two appraisals closest in value.
(c) The General Partnership Interest of a removed General Partner, during the time after default until transfer under Section 7.4(b), shall be converted to that of a special Limited Partner; provided, however, such removed General Partner shall not have any rights to participate in the management and affairs of the Partnership, and shall not be entitled to any portion of the income, expense, profit, gain or loss allocations or cash distributions allocable or payable, as the case may be, to the Limited Partners. Instead, such removed General Partner shall receive and be entitled only to retain distributions or allocations of such items that it would have been entitled to receive in its capacity as General Partner, until the transfer is effective pursuant to Section 7.4(b).
(d) All Partners shall have given and hereby do give such consents, shall take such actions and shall execute such documents as shall be legally necessary and sufficient to effect all the foregoing provisions of this Section.
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ARTICLE 8
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE LIMITED PARTNERS
8.1 Management of the Partnership . The Limited Partners shall not participate in the management or control of Partnership business nor shall they transact any business for the Partnership, nor shall they have the power to sign for or bind the Partnership, such powers being vested solely and exclusively in the General Partner.
8.2 Power of Attorney . Each Limited Partner hereby irrevocably appoints the General Partner its true and lawful attorney-in-fact, who may act for each Limited Partner and in its name, place and stead, and for its use and benefit, to sign, acknowledge, swear to, deliver, file or record, at the appropriate public offices, any and all documents, certificates, and instruments as may be deemed necessary or desirable by the General Partner to carry out fully the provisions of this Agreement and the Act in accordance with their terms, which power of attorney is coupled with an interest and shall survive the death, dissolution or legal incapacity of the Limited Partner, or the transfer by the Limited Partner of any part or all of its Partnership Interest.
8.3 Limitation on Liability of Limited Partners . No Limited Partner shall be liable for any debts, liabilities, contracts or obligations of the Partnership. A Limited Partner shall be liable to the Partnership only to make payments of its Capital Contribution, if any, as and when due hereunder. After its Capital Contribution is fully paid, no Limited Partner shall, except as otherwise required by the Act, be required to make any further Capital Contributions or other payments or lend any funds to the Partnership.
8.4 Exchange Right .
(a) Subject to Sections 8.4(b), 8.4(c), 8.4(d), 8.4(e) and 8.4(f) and the provisions of any agreements between the Partnership and one or more Limited Partners with respect to Partnership Units held by them, each Limited Partner shall have the right (the Exchange Right) to require the Partnership to redeem on a Specified Exchange Date all or a portion of the Partnership Units held by such Limited Partner at an exchange price equal to and in the form of the Cash Amount to be paid by the Partnership, provided that such Partnership Units shall have been outstanding for at least one year. The Exchange Right shall be exercised pursuant to a Notice of Exchange delivered to the Partnership (with a copy to the General Partner) by the Limited Partner who is exercising the Exchange Right (the Exchanging Partner); provided, however, that the Partnership shall not be obligated to satisfy such Exchange Right if the General Partner elects to purchase the Partnership Units subject to the Notice of Exchange pursuant to Section 8.4(b); and provided, further, that no Limited Partner may deliver more than two Notices of Exchange during each calendar year. A Limited Partner may not exercise the Exchange Right for less than 1,000 Partnership Units or, if such Limited Partner holds less than 1,000 Partnership Units, all of the Partnership Units held by such Partner. The Exchanging Partner shall have no right, with respect to any Partnership Units so exchanged, to receive any distribution paid with respect to Partnership Units if the record date for such distribution is on or after the Specified Exchange Date.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.4(a), a Limited Partner that exercises the Exchange Right shall be deemed to have offered to sell the Partnership Units described in the Notice of Exchange to the General Partner, and the General Partner may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to purchase directly and acquire such Partnership Units by paying to the Exchanging Partner either the Cash Amount or the REIT Shares Amount, as elected by the General Partner (in its sole and absolute discretion), on the Specified Exchange Date, whereupon the General Partner shall acquire the Partnership Units offered for exchange by the Exchanging Partner and shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as the owner of such Partnership Units. If the General Partner shall elect to exercise its right
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to purchase Partnership Units under this Section 8.4(b) with respect to a Notice of Exchange, it shall so notify the Exchanging Partner within five Business Days after the receipt by the General Partner of such Notice of Exchange. Unless the General Partner (in its sole and absolute discretion) shall exercise its right to purchase Partnership Units from the Exchanging Partner pursuant to this Section 8.4(b), the General Partner shall have no obligation to the Exchanging Partner or the Partnership with respect to the Exchanging Partners exercise of the Exchange Right. In the event the General Partner shall exercise its right to purchase Partnership Units with respect to the exercise of a Exchange Right in the manner described in the first sentence of this Section 8.4(b), the Partnership shall have no obligation to pay any amount to the Exchanging Partner with respect to such Exchanging Partners exercise of such Exchange Right, and each of the Exchanging Partner, the Partnership, and the General Partner, as the case may be, shall treat the transaction between the General Partner, as the case may be, and the Exchanging Partner for federal income tax purposes as a sale of the Exchanging Partners Partnership Units to the General Partner, as the case may be. Each Exchanging Partner agrees to execute such documents as the General Partner may reasonably require in connection with the issuance of REIT Shares upon exercise of the Exchange Right.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.4(a) and 8.4(b), a Limited Partner shall not be entitled to exercise the Exchange Right if the delivery of REIT Shares to such Partner on the Specified Exchange Date by the General Partner pursuant to Section 8.4(b) (regardless of whether or not the General Partner would in fact exercise its rights under Section 8.4(b)) would (i) result in such Partner or any other person owning, directly or indirectly, REIT Shares in excess of the Ownership Limit (as defined in the Articles of Incorporation and calculated in accordance therewith), except as provided in the Articles of Incorporation, (ii) result in REIT Shares being owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution), except as provided in the Articles of Incorporation, (iii) result in the General Partner being closely held within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code, or (iv) cause the General Partner to own, directly or constructively, 9.9% or more of the ownership interests in a tenant within the meaning of Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code. The General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, may waive the restriction on exchange set forth in this Section 8.4(c).
(d) Any Cash Amount to be paid to an Exchanging Partner pursuant to this Section 8.4 shall be paid on the Specified Exchange Date; provided, however, that the General Partner may elect to cause the Specified Exchange Date to be delayed for up to an additional 180 days to the extent required for the General Partner to cause additional REIT Shares to be issued to provide financing to be used to make such payment of the Cash Amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner agrees to use its best efforts to cause the closing of the acquisition of exchanged Partnership Units hereunder to occur as quickly as reasonably possible.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner shall place appropriate restrictions on the ability of the Limited Partners to exercise their Exchange Rights as and if deemed necessary to ensure that the Partnership does not constitute a publicly traded partnership under section 7704 of the Code. If and when the General Partner determines that imposing such restrictions is necessary, the General Partner shall give prompt written notice thereof (a Restriction Notice) to each of the Limited Partners, which notice shall be accompanied by a copy of an opinion of counsel to the Partnership which states that, in the opinion of such counsel, restrictions are necessary in order to avoid the Partnership being treated as a publicly traded partnership under section 7704 of the Code.
(f) Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement to the contrary, The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC is prohibited from exchanging or otherwise transferring the Partnership Units purchased by it on December 26, 2008 for $200,000 cash, so long as it acting as the Advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreement.
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(g) Each Limited Partner covenants and agrees with the General Partner that all Partnership Units delivered for exchange shall be delivered to the Partnership or the General Partner, as the case may be, free and clear of all liens; and, notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, neither the General Partner nor the Partnership shall be under any obligation to acquire Partnership Units which are or may be subject to any liens. Each Limited Partner further agrees that, if any state or local property transfer tax is payable as a result of the transfer of its Partnership Units to the Partnership or the General Partner, such Limited Partner shall assume and pay such transfer tax.
ARTICLE 9
TRANSFERS OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
9.1 Purchase for Investment .
(a) Each Limited Partner hereby represents and warrants to the General Partner and to the Partnership that the acquisition of its Partnership Interests is made as a principal for its account for investment purposes only and not with a view to the resale or distribution of such Partnership Interest.
(b) Each Limited Partner agrees that it will not sell, assign or otherwise transfer its Partnership Interest or any fraction thereof, whether voluntarily or by operation of law or at judicial sale or otherwise, to any Person who does not make the representations and warranties to the General Partner set forth in Section 9.1(a) above and similarly agree not to sell, assign or transfer such Partnership Interest or fraction thereof to any Person who does not similarly represent, warrant and agree.
9.2 Restrictions on Transfer of Limited Partnership Interests .
(a) Subject to the provisions of 9.2(b), (c) and (d), no Limited Partner may offer, sell, assign, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise transfer all or any portion of its Limited Partnership Interest, or any of such Limited Partners economic rights as a Limited Partner, whether voluntarily or by operation of law or at judicial sale or otherwise (collectively, a Transfer) without the consent of the General Partner, which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole and absolute discretion. Any such purported transfer undertaken without such consent shall be considered to be null and void ab initio and shall not be given effect. The General Partner may require, as a condition of any Transfer to which it consents, that the transferor assume all costs incurred by the Partnership in connection therewith.
(b) No Limited Partner may withdraw from the Partnership other than as a result of a permitted Transfer (i.e., a Transfer consented to as contemplated by clause (a) above or clause (c) below or a Transfer pursuant to Section 9.5 below) of all of its Partnership Units pursuant to this Article 9 or pursuant to an exchange of all of its Partnership Units pursuant to Section 8.4. Upon the permitted Transfer or redemption of all of a Limited Partners Partnership Interest, such Limited Partner shall cease to be a Limited Partner.
(c) Subject to 9.2(d), (e) and (f) below, a Limited Partner may Transfer, with the consent of the General Partner, all or a portion of its Partnership Units to (i) a parent or parents spouse, natural or adopted descendant or descendants, spouse of such descendant, or brother or sister, or a trust created by such Limited Partner for the benefit of such Limited Partner and/or any such Person(s), of which trust such Limited Partner or any such Person(s) is a trustee, (ii) a corporation controlled by a Person or Persons named in (i) above, or (iii) if the Limited Partner is an entity, its beneficial owners.
(d) No Limited Partner may effect a Transfer of its Limited Partnership Interest, in whole or in part, if, in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, such proposed Transfer would otherwise violate any applicable federal or state securities or blue sky law (including investment suitability standards).
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(e) No Transfer by a Limited Partner of its Partnership Units, in whole or in part, may be made to any Person if (i) in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, the transfer would result in the Partnerships being treated as an association taxable as a corporation (other than a qualified REIT subsidiary within the meaning of Section 856(i) of the Code), (ii) in the opinion of legal counsel for the Partnership, it would adversely affect the ability of the General Partner to continue to qualify as a REIT or subject the General Partner to any additional taxes under Section 857 or Section 4981 of the Code, or (iii) such transfer is effectuated through an established securities market or a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof) within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code.
(f) No transfer of any Partnership Units may be made to a lender to the Partnership or any Person who is related (within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.752-4(b)) to any lender to the Partnership whose loan constitutes a nonrecourse liability (within the meaning of Regulations Section 1.752-1(a)(2)), without the consent of the General Partner, which may be withheld in its sole and absolute discretion, provided that as a condition to such consent the lender will be required to enter into an arrangement with the Partnership and the General Partner to exchange or redeem for the Cash Amount any Partnership Units in which a security interest is held simultaneously with the time at which such lender would be deemed to be a partner in the Partnership for purposes of allocating liabilities to such lender under Section 752 of the Code.
(g) Any Transfer in contravention of any of the provisions of this Article 9 shall be void and ineffectual and shall not be binding upon, or recognized by, the Partnership.
(h) Prior to the consummation of any Transfer under this Article 9, the transferor and/or the transferee shall deliver to the General Partner such opinions, certificates and other documents as the General Partner shall request in connection with such Transfer.
9.3 Admission of Substitute Limited Partner .
(a) Subject to the other provisions of this Article 9, an assignee of the Limited Partnership Interest of a Limited Partner (which shall be understood to include any purchaser, transferee, donee, or other recipient of any disposition of such Limited Partnership Interest) shall be deemed admitted as a Limited Partner of the Partnership only with the consent of the General Partner and upon the satisfactory completion of the following:
(i) The assignee shall have accepted and agreed to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement by executing a counterpart or an amendment thereof, including a revised Exhibit A , and such other documents or instruments as the General Partner may require in order to effect the admission of such Person as a Limited Partner.
(ii) To the extent required, an amended Certificate evidencing the admission of such Person as a Limited Partner shall have been signed, acknowledged and filed for record in accordance with the Act.
(iii) The assignee shall have delivered a letter containing the representation set forth in Section 9.1(a) hereof and the agreement set forth in Section 9.1(b) hereof.
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(iv) If the assignee is a corporation, partnership or trust, the assignee shall have provided the General Partner with evidence satisfactory to counsel for the Partnership of the assignees authority to become a Limited Partner under the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
(v) The assignee shall have executed a power of attorney containing the terms and provisions set forth in Section 8.2 hereof.
(vi) The assignee shall have paid all legal fees and other expenses of the Partnership and the General Partner and filing and publication costs in connection with its substitution as a Limited Partner.
(vii) The assignee has obtained the prior written consent of the General Partner to its admission as a Substitute Limited Partner, which consent may be given or denied in the exercise of the General Partners sole and absolute discretion.
(b) For the purpose of allocating Profits and Losses and distributing cash received by the Partnership, a Substitute Limited Partner shall be treated as having become, and appearing in the records of the Partnership as, a Partner upon the filing of the Certificate described in Section 9.3(a)(ii) hereof or, if no such filing is required, the later of the date specified in the transfer documents or the date on which the General Partner has received all necessary instruments of transfer and substitution.
(c) The General Partner shall cooperate with the Person seeking to become a Substitute Limited Partner by preparing the documentation required by this Section and making all official filings and publications. The Partnership shall take all such action as promptly as practicable after the satisfaction of the conditions in this Article 9 to the admission of such Person as a Limited Partner of the Partnership.
9.4 Rights of Assignees of Partnership Interests .
(a) Subject to the provisions of Sections 9.1 and 9.2 hereof, except as required by operation of law, the Partnership shall not be obligated for any purposes whatsoever to recognize the assignment by any Limited Partner of its Partnership Interest until the Partnership has received notice thereof.
(b) Any Person who is the assignee of all or any portion of a Limited Partners Limited Partnership Interest, but does not become a Substitute Limited Partner and desires to make a further assignment of such Limited Partnership Interest, shall be subject to all the provisions of this Article 9 to the same extent and in the same manner as any Limited Partner desiring to make an assignment of its Limited Partnership Interest.
9.5 Effect of Bankruptcy, Death, Incompetence or Termination of a Limited Partner . The occurrence of an Event of Bankruptcy as to a Limited Partner, the death of a Limited Partner or a final adjudication that a Limited Partner is incompetent (which term shall include, but not be limited to, insanity) shall not cause the termination or dissolution of the Partnership, and the business of the Partnership shall continue if an order for relief in a bankruptcy proceeding is entered against a Limited Partner, the trustee or receiver of his estate or, if he dies, his executor, administrator or trustee, or, if he is finally adjudicated incompetent, his committee, guardian or conservator, shall have the rights of such Limited Partner for the purpose of settling or managing his estate property and such power as the bankrupt, deceased or incompetent Limited Partner possessed to assign all or any part of his Partnership Interest and to join with the assignee in satisfying conditions precedent to the admission of the assignee as a Substitute Limited Partner.
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9.6 Joint Ownership of Interests . A Partnership Interest may be acquired by two individuals as joint tenants with right of survivorship, provided that such individuals either are married or are related and share the same home as tenants in common. The written consent or vote of both owners of any such jointly held Partnership Interest shall be required to constitute the action of the owners of such Partnership Interest; provided, however, that the written consent of only one joint owner will be required if the Partnership has been provided with evidence satisfactory to the counsel for the Partnership that the actions of a single joint owner can bind both owners under the applicable laws of the state of residence of such joint owners. Upon the death of one owner of a Partnership Interest held in a joint tenancy with a right of survivorship, the Partnership Interest shall become owned solely by the survivor as a Limited Partner and not as an assignee. The Partnership need not recognize the death of one of the owners of a jointly-held Partnership Interest until it shall have received notice of such death. Upon notice to the General Partner from either owner, the General Partner shall cause the Partnership Interest to be divided into two equal Partnership Interests, which shall thereafter be owned separately by each of the former owners.
9.7 Redemption of Partnership Units . The General Partner will cause the Partnership to redeem Partnership Units, to the extent it shall have legally available funds therefor, at any time the General Partner redeems shares of beneficial interest in itself. The number and class or series of Partnership Units redeemed and the redemption price shall equal the number (multiplied by the Conversion Factor) of shares of beneficial interest the General Partner redeems and the redemption price at which the General Partner redeems such shares, respectively.
ARTICLE 10
ADMISSION OF ADDITIONAL LIMITED PARTNERS
10.1 Admission of Additional Limited Partners . No Person shall be admitted as an Additional Limited Partner without the consent of the General Partner, which consent shall be given or withheld in the General Partners sole and absolute discretion. A Person who makes a Capital Contribution to the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement or who exercises an option to receive Partnership Units shall be admitted to the Partnership as an Additional Limited Partner only with the consent of the General Partner and only upon furnishing to the General Partner (i) evidence of acceptance in form satisfactory to the General Partner of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, the power of attorney granted in Section 8.2 and (ii) such other documents or instruments as may be required in the discretion of the General Partner to effect such Persons admission as an Additional Limited Partner. The admission of any Person as an Additional Limited Partner shall become effective on the date upon which the name of such Person is recorded on the books and records of the Partnership, following the consent of the General Partner to such admission.
10.2 Allocations to Additional Limited Partners . If any Additional Limited Partner is admitted to the Partnership on any day other than the first day of a Fiscal Year, then Net Income, Net Losses, each item thereof and all other items allocable among Partners and assignees for such Fiscal Year shall be allocated among such Additional Limited Partner and all other Partners and assignees by taking into account their varying interests during the Fiscal Year in accordance with Section 706(d) of the Code, using the interim closing of the books method (unless the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, elects to adopt a daily, weekly or monthly proration method, in which event Net Income, Net Losses, and each item thereof would be prorated based upon the applicable period selected by the General Partner). Solely for purposes of making such allocations, each of such items for the calendar month in which an admission of any Additional Limited Partner occurs shall be allocated among all the Partners and assignees including such Additional Limited Partner. All distributions of Available Cash with respect to which the Partnership Record Date is before the date of such admission shall be made solely to Partners
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and assignees other than the Additional Limited Partner, and all Distributions of Cash thereafter shall be made to all the Partners and assignees including such Additional Limited Partner.
10.3 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership . For the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the General Partner shall take all steps necessary and appropriate under the Act to amend the records of the Partnership and, if necessary, to prepare as soon as practical an amendment of this Agreement (including an amendment to the Partner Registry) and, if required by law, shall prepare and file an amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership and may for this purpose exercise the power of attorney granted pursuant to Section 8.2 hereof.
ARTICLE 11
BOOKS AND RECORDS; ACCOUNTING; TAX MATTERS
11.1 Books and Records . At all times during the continuance of the Partnership, the Partners shall keep or cause to be kept at the Partnerships specified office true and complete books of account in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, including: (a) a current list of the full name and last known business address of each Partner, (b) a copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all certificates of amendment thereto, (c) copies of the Partnerships federal, state and local income tax returns and reports, (d) copies of this Agreement and amendments thereto and any financial statements of the Partnership for the three most recent years and (e) all documents and information required under the Act. Any Partner or its duly authorized representative, upon paying the costs of collection, duplication and mailing, shall be entitled to inspect or copy such records during ordinary business hours.
11.2 Custody of Partnership Funds; Bank Accounts .
(a) All funds of the Partnership not otherwise invested shall be deposited in one or more accounts maintained in such banking or brokerage institutions as the General Partner shall determine, and withdrawals shall be made only on such signature or signatures as the General Partner may, from time to time, determine.
(b) All deposits and other funds not needed in the operation of the business of the Partnership may be invested by the General Partner in investment grade instruments (or investment companies whose portfolio consists primarily thereof), government obligations, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and municipal notes and bonds. The funds of the Partnership shall not be commingled with the funds of any other Person except for such commingling as may necessarily result from an investment in those investment companies permitted by this Section 11.2(b).
11.3 Fiscal and Taxable Year . The fiscal and taxable year of the Partnership shall be the calendar year.
11.4 Annual Tax Information and Report . Within 75 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership, the General Partner shall furnish to each person who was a Limited Partner at any time during such year the tax information necessary to file such Limited Partners individual tax returns as shall be reasonably required by law.
11.5 Tax Matters Partner; Tax Elections; Special Basis Adjustments .
(a) The General Partner shall be the Tax Matters Partner of the Partnership within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code. As Tax Matters Partner, the General Partner shall have the right and obligation to take all actions authorized and required, respectively, by the Code for the Tax Matters Partner. The General Partner shall have the right to retain professional assistance in respect of
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any audit of the Partnership by the Service and all out-of-pocket expenses and fees incurred by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership as Tax Matters Partner shall constitute Partnership expenses. In the event the General Partner receives notice of a final Partnership adjustment under Section 6223(a)(2) of the Code, the General Partner shall either (i) file a court petition for judicial review of such final adjustment within the period provided under Section 6226(a) of the Code, a copy of which petition shall be mailed to all Limited Partners on the date such petition is filed, or (ii) mail a written notice to all Limited Partners, within such period, that describes the General Partners reasons for determining not to file such a petition.
(b) All elections required or permitted to be made by the Partnership under the Code or any applicable state or local tax law shall be made by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion.
(c) In the event of a transfer of all or any part of the Partnership Interest of any Partner, the Partnership, at the option of the General Partner, may elect pursuant to Section 754 of the Code to adjust the basis of the Partnerships assets. Notwithstanding anything contained in Article 5 of this Agreement, any adjustments made pursuant to Section 754 of the Code shall affect only the successor in interest to the transferring Partner and in no event shall be taken into account in establishing, maintaining or computing Capital Accounts for the other Partners for any purpose under this Agreement. Each Partner will furnish the Partnership with all information necessary to give effect to such election.
(d) The Partnership shall elect to deduct expenses, if any, incurred by it in organizing the Partnership ratably over a sixty (60) month period as provided in Section 709 of the Code.
11.6 Reports Made Available to Limited Partners .
(a) As soon as practicable after the close of each fiscal quarter (other than the last quarter of the fiscal year), upon written request by a Limited Partner to the General Partner, the General Partner will make available, without cost, to each Limited Partner a quarterly report containing financial statements of the Partnership, or of the General Partner if such statements are prepared solely on a consolidated basis with the General Partner, for such fiscal quarter, presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. As soon as practicable after the close of each fiscal year, upon written request by a Limited Partner to the General Partner, the General Partner will make available, without cost, to each Limited Partner an annual report containing financial statements of the Partnership, or of the General Partner if such statements are prepared solely on a consolidated basis with the General Partner, for such fiscal year, presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
(b) Any Partner shall further have the right to a private audit of the books and records of the Partnership at the expense of such Partner, provided such audit is made for Partnership purposes and is made during normal business hours.
ARTICLE 12
AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT; MERGER
The General Partners consent shall be required for any amendment to this Agreement. The General Partner, without the consent of the Limited Partners, may amend this Agreement in any respect or merge or consolidate the Partnership with or into any other partnership or business entity (as defined in Section 17-211 of the Act) in a transaction pursuant to Section 7.1(b), (c) or (d) hereof; provided, however, that the following amendments and any other merger or consolidation of the Partnership shall require the consent of the holders of a majority of the Partnership Units (excluding the Partnership Units held by the General Partner or an Affiliate thereof):
(a) any amendment affecting the operation of the Conversion Factor or the Exchange Right (except as provided in Section 8.4(d) or 7.1(c) hereof) in a manner adverse to the Limited Partners;
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(b) any amendment that would adversely affect the rights of the Limited Partners to receive the distributions payable to them hereunder, other than with respect to the issuance of additional Partnership Units pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof;
(c) any amendment that would alter the Partnerships allocations of Profit and Loss to the Limited Partners, other than with respect to the issuance of additional Partnership Units pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof; or
(d) any amendment that would impose on the Limited Partners any obligation to make additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership.
ARTICLE 13
GENERAL PROVISIONS
13.1 Notices . All communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered personally or upon deposit in the United States mail, registered, postage prepaid return receipt requested, to the Partners at the addresses set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto; provided, however, that any Partner may specify a different address by notifying the General Partner in writing of such different address. Notices to the Partnership shall be delivered at or mailed to its specified office.
13.2 Survival of Rights . Subject to the provisions hereof limiting transfers, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Partners and the Partnership and their respective legal representatives, successors, transferees and assigns.
13.3 Additional Documents . Each Partner agrees to perform all further acts and execute, swear to, acknowledge and deliver all further documents which may be reasonable, necessary, appropriate or desirable to carry out the provisions of this Agreement or the Act.
13.4 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared illegal, invalid, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, then such provision shall be deemed to be severable from this Agreement (to the extent permitted by law) and in any event such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remainder hereof.
13.5 Entire Agreement . This Agreement and exhibits attached hereto constitute the entire Agreement of the Partners and supersede all prior written agreements and prior and contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject matter hereof.
13.6 Pronouns and Plurals . When the context in which words are used in the Agreement indicates that such is the intent, words in the singular number shall include the plural and the masculine gender shall include the neuter or female gender as the context may require.
13.7 Headings . The Article headings or sections in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used in construing the scope of this Agreement or any particular Article.
13.8 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original copy and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument binding on all parties hereto, notwithstanding that all parties shall not have signed the same counterpart.
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13.9 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware; provided, however, that causes of action for violations of federal or state securities laws shall not be governed by this Section 13.9.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunder affixed their signatures to this First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, all as of the day of May, 2009.
GENERAL PARTNER: | ||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. | ||
By: | ||
Kevin A. Shields, President | ||
LIMITED PARTNERS: | ||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT ADVISOR, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Kevin A. Shields, President | ||
PLAINFIELD ACQUISITIONS, LLC | ||
By: | ||
Kevin A. Shields, Managing Member | ||
Kevin A. Shields | ||
Don G. Pescara | ||
David C. Rupert |
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EXHIBIT A
GENERAL PARTNER AND ORIGINAL LIMITED PARTNER, CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
AND PERCENTAGE INTERESTS AS OF MAY __, 2009
Name |
Cash/
Property Contribution |
Agreed Value of
Capital Contribution |
Partnership
Units |
Percentage
Interest |
|||||||||
GENERAL PARTNER: The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. 2121 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 3321 El Segundo, CA 90245 |
$ | [___+$1,000 | ] | $ | [___+$1,000 | ] | ______ | __ | % | ||||
ORIGINAL LIMITED PARTNER: The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC 2121 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 3321 El Segundo, CA 90245 |
$ | 200,000 | $ | 200,000 | 20,000 | __ | % | ||||||
ADDITIONAL LIMITED PARTNERS: Kevin A. Shields 2121 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 3321 El Segundo, CA 90245 |
$ | 17,433,510 | $ | 17,433,510 | 1,743,351 | __ | % | ||||||
Plainfield Acquisitions, LLC 2121 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 3321 El Segundo, CA 90245 |
$ | 116,490 | $ | 116,490 | 11,649 | __ | % | ||||||
Don G. Pescara 2121 Rosecrans Avenue Suite 3321 El Segundo, CA 90245 |
$ | 2,065,000 | $ | 2,065,000 | 206,500 | __ | % | ||||||
David C. Rupert 173 Hamilton Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 |
$ | 885,000 | $ | 885,000 | 88,500 | __ | % | ||||||
Totals |
$ | $ | 100 | % |
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EXHIBIT B
NOTICE OF EXERCISE OF EXCHANGE RIGHT
In accordance with Section 8.4 of the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement (the Agreement) of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., the undersigned hereby irrevocably (i) presents for exchange Partnership Units in The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership,\, L.P. in accordance with the terms of the Agreement and the Exchange Right referred to in Section 8.4 thereof, (ii) surrenders such Partnership Units and all right, title and interest therein, and (iii) directs that the Cash Amount or REIT Shares Amount (as defined in the Agreement) as determined by the General Partner deliverable upon exercise of the Exchange Right be delivered to the address specified below, and if REIT Shares (as defined in the Agreement) are to be delivered, such REIT Shares be registered or placed in the name(s) and at the address(es) specified below.
Dated: , | ||||
(Name of Limited Partner) | ||||
(Signature of Limited Partner) | ||||
(Mailing Address) | ||||
(City) (State) (Zip Code) | ||||
Signature Guaranteed by: | ||||
If REIT Shares are to be issued, issue to: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Social Security or Tax I.D. Number: | ||||
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EXHIBIT 10.2
FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AMENDED AND RESTATED ADVISORY AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
AND
THE GC NET LEASE REIT ADVISOR, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE |
||||
ARTICLE I |
DEFINITIONS | 1 | ||
ARTICLE II |
APPOINTMENT | 10 | ||
ARTICLE III |
AUTHORITY OF THE ADVISOR | 10 | ||
Section 3.1 |
General | 10 | ||
Section 3.2 |
Powers of the Advisor | 11 | ||
Section 3.3 |
Approval by Directors | 11 | ||
Section 3.4 |
Modification or Revocation of Authority of Advisor | 11 | ||
ARTICLE IV |
DUTIES OF THE ADVISOR | 11 | ||
Section 4.1 |
Organizational and Offering Services | 11 | ||
Section 4.2 |
Acquisition Services | 12 | ||
Section 4.3 |
Asset Management Services and Administrative Services | 12 | ||
ARTICLE V |
BANK ACCOUNTS | 14 | ||
ARTICLE VI |
RECORDS; ACCESS | 14 | ||
ARTICLE VII |
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE ADVISOR | 15 | ||
Section 7.1 |
General | 15 | ||
Section 7.2 |
Policy with Respect to Allocation of Investment Opportunities | 15 | ||
ARTICLE VIII |
LIMITATIONS ON ACTIVITIES | 16 | ||
ARTICLE IX |
FEES | 16 | ||
Section 9.1 |
Advisor Acquisition Fees | 16 | ||
Section 9.2 |
Asset Management Fee | 16 | ||
Section 9.3 |
Disposition Fees | 16 | ||
Section 9.4 |
Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds | 16 | ||
Section 9.5 |
Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing | 17 | ||
Section 9.6 |
Changes to Fee Structure | 17 | ||
ARTICLE X |
EXPENSES | 17 | ||
Section 10.1 |
Reimbursable Expenses | 17 | ||
Section 10.2 |
Other Services | 19 | ||
Section 10.3 |
Timing of and Limitations on Reimbursements | 19 | ||
ARTICLE XI |
FIDELITY BOND | 20 | ||
ARTICLE XII |
RELATIONSHIP OF THE ADVISOR AND COMPANY | 20 | ||
ARTICLE XIII |
RELATIONSHIP WITH DIRECTORS | 20 | ||
ARTICLE XIV |
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 20 |
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Section 14.1 |
The Company | 20 | ||
Section 14.2 |
The Advisor | 21 | ||
ARTICLE XV |
TERM; TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT | 21 | ||
Section 15.1 |
Term | 21 | ||
Section 15.2 |
Termination by Either Party | 22 | ||
Section 15.3 |
Termination by the Advisor | 22 | ||
Section 15.4 |
Termination by the Company | 22 | ||
Section 15.5 |
Survival | 22 | ||
ARTICLE XVI |
PAYMENTS TO AND DUTIES OF ADVISOR UPON TERMINATION | 22 | ||
Section 16.1 |
Reimbursable Expenses and Earned Fees | 22 | ||
Section 16.2 |
Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination | 22 | ||
Section 16.3 |
Advisors Duties Upon Termination | 23 | ||
ARTICLE XVII |
ASSIGNMENT TO AN AFFILIATE | 23 | ||
ARTICLE XVIII |
INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY | 23 | ||
Section 18.1 |
Conditions of Indemnification | 23 | ||
Section 18.2 |
Advancement of Funds. | 24 | ||
ARTICLE XIX |
INDEMNIFICATION BY ADVISOR | 24 | ||
ARTICLE XX |
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY | 25 | ||
ARTICLE XXI |
NOTICES | 25 | ||
ARTICLE XXII |
MODIFICATION | 25 | ||
ARTICLE XXIII |
SEVERABILITY | 26 | ||
ARTICLE XXIV |
CONSTRUCTION/GOVERNING LAW | 26 | ||
ARTICLE XXV |
ENTIRE AGREEMENT | 26 | ||
ARTICLE XXVI |
INDULGENCES, NOT WAIVERS | 26 | ||
ARTICLE XXVII |
GENDER | 26 | ||
ARTICLE XXVIII |
TITLES NOT TO AFFECT INTERPRETATION | 26 | ||
ARTICLE XXIX |
EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS | 27 | ||
ARTICLE XXX |
INITIAL INVESTMENT | 27 |
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AMENDED AND RESTATED ADVISORY AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED ADVISORY AGREEMENT (the Advisory Agreement), dated as of , 2009, is entered into between THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC., a Maryland corporation (the Company), and THE GC NET LEASE REIT ADVISOR, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Advisor).
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Company and Advisor entered into that certain original advisory agreement dated February 10, 2009 (the Initial Advisory Agreement);
WHEREAS, the Company has been offering and selling shares of Common Stock in the Private Offering;
WHEREAS, the Company has recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a Registration Statement on Form S-11 (No. 333- ) (the Registration Statement) to register for sale additional shares of Common Stock, and the Company may subsequently issue additional shares of Common Stock;
WHEREAS, the Company intends to qualify as a REIT, and to invest its funds in investments permitted by the terms of the Companys charter and Sections 856 through 860 of the Code;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to avail itself of the experience, sources of information, advice, assistance and certain facilities available to the Advisor and its Affiliates and to have the Advisor continue in this capacity and undertake the amended duties and responsibilities hereinafter set forth, on behalf of, and subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Company all as provided herein; and
WHEREAS, the Advisor is willing to undertake to render such amended services, subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors, on the amended terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Advisory Agreement, the following terms have the definitions hereinafter indicated:
Acquisition Expenses means expenses related to the Companys sourcing, selection, evaluation and acquisition of, and investment in, Properties, whether or not acquired or made, including but not limited to legal fees and expenses, travel and communications expenses, costs of financial analysis, appraisals and surveys, nonrefundable option payments on Property not acquired, accounting fees and expenses, computer use-related expenses, architectural and engineering reports, environmental reports, title insurance and escrow fees, and personnel and other direct expenses related to the selection and acquisition of Properties.
Acquisition Fee means any and all fees and commissions, exclusive of Acquisition Expenses, paid by any Person to any other Person (including any fees or commissions paid by or to any
1
Affiliate of the Company or the Advisor) in connection with the making or investing in mortgage loans or the purchase, development or construction of a Property, including, without limitation, real estate commissions, acquisition fees, finders fees, selection fees, Development Fees and Construction Fees (except as provided in the following sentence), nonrecurring management fees, consulting fees, loan fees, points, or any other fees or commissions of a similar nature. Excluded shall be any commissions or fees incurred in connection with the leasing of any Property, and Development Fees or Construction Fees paid to any Person or entity not affiliated with the Advisor in connection with the actual development and construction of any Property. This fee is paid to the Advisor in the amount established pursuant to Section 9.1 for the services provided to the Company described in Section 4.2.
Advisor means the Person responsible for directing or performing the day-to-day business affairs of the Company, including a Person to which an Advisor subcontracts substantially all such functions. The Advisor is The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC or any Person which succeeds it in such capacity.
Advisory Agreement means this Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement between the Company and the Advisor pursuant to which the Advisor will direct or perform the day-to-day business affairs of the Company, as it may be amended or restated from time to time.
Affiliate or Affiliated means, as to any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or other legal entity (other than the Company): (a) any Person or entity, directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with power to vote ten percent (10%) or more of the outstanding voting Securities of another Person or entity; (b) any Person ten percent (10%) or more of whose outstanding voting Securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled or held, with power to vote, by such other Person; (c) any Person or entity directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controlling, controlled by, or under common control with another Person or entity; (d) any officer, director, general partner or trustee of such Person or entity; and (e) if such other Person or entity is an officer, director, general partner, or trustee of a Person or entity, the Person or entity for which such Person or entity acts in any such capacity.
Appraised Value means value according to an appraisal made by an Independent Appraiser.
Assets means any and all GAAP assets including but not limited to all real estate investments (real, personal or otherwise), tangible or intangible, owned or held by, or for the account of, the Company, whether directly or indirectly through another entity or entities, including Properties.
Average Invested Assets means, for a specified period, the average of the aggregate GAAP basis book carrying values of the Assets invested, directly or indirectly, in equity interests in and loans secured, directly or indirectly, by real estate before reserves for depreciation or bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves, computed by taking the average of such values at the end of each month during such period.
Asset Management Fee means the fee paid to the Advisor in the amount established pursuant to Section 9.2 for the services provided to the Company described in Section 4.3.
Board of Directors or Board means the individuals holding such office, as of any particular time, under the Charter of the Company, whether they are the Directors named therein or additional or successor Directors.
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Bylaws means the bylaws of the Company, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Capped O&O Expenses means all Organizational and Offering Expenses (excluding Sales Commissions and the dealer manager fee) in excess of 3.5% of the Gross Proceeds raised in a completed Offering other than Gross Proceeds from Stock sold pursuant to the Distribution Reinvestment Plan.
Cash from Financings means the net cash proceeds realized by the Company from the financing of Property or from the refinancing of any Company indebtedness.
Cash from Sales means the net cash proceeds realized by the Company from the sale, exchange or other disposition of any of its Properties after deduction of all expenses incurred in connection therewith. Cash from Sales shall not include Cash from Financings.
Charter means the charter of the Company, including the articles of incorporation and all articles of amendment, articles of amendment and restatement, articles supplementary and other modifications thereto as filed with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of the State of Maryland.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statute thereto. Reference to any provision of the Code shall mean such provision as in effect from time to time, as the same may be amended, and any successor provision thereto, as interpreted by any applicable regulations as in effect from time to time.
Common Stock means shares of the Companys common stock, $.001 par value per share, the terms and conditions of which are set forth in the Charter.
Common Stockholders means holders of shares of Common Stock.
Company means The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland.
Competitive Real Estate Commission means a real estate or brokerage commission paid for the purchase or sale of a Property that is reasonable, customary and competitive in light of the size, type and location of the Property.
Construction Fee means a fee or other remuneration for acting as general contractor and/or construction manager to construct, supervise or coordinate leasehold or other improvements or projects, or to provide major repairs or rehabilitation for a Property.
Contract Purchase Price means the amount actually paid or allocated in respect of the purchase, development, construction, or improvement of a Property, exclusive of Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses.
Contract Sales Price means the total consideration provided for in the sales contract for the sale of a Property.
Dealer Manager means Griffin Capital Securities, Inc., an Affiliate of the Advisor, or such other Person or entity selected by the Board of Directors to act as the dealer manager for the
3
Offering of the Stock. Griffin Capital Securities, Inc. is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Development Fee means a fee for the packaging of a Property, including negotiating and approving plans, and undertaking to assist in obtaining zoning and necessary variances and financing for the specific Property, either initially or at a later date.
Director means an individual who is a member of the Board of Directors.
Disposition Fee means the fee paid to the Advisor in connection with the sale of a Property as described in Section 9.3 of this Advisory Agreement.
Distribution Reinvestment Plan has the meaning set forth in Section 8.8 of the Charter.
Distributions means any dividends or other distributions of money or other property paid by the Company to the holders of Common Stock or preferred stock, including distributions that may constitute a return of capital for federal income tax purposes.
Excess Expense Guidelines has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3(b) hereof.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied as used in the United States.
Gross Proceeds means the aggregate purchase price of all Stock sold for the account of the Company, including Stock sold pursuant to the Distribution Reinvestment Plan, without deduction for Sales Commissions, volume discounts, fees paid to the Dealer Manager or other Organization and Offering Expenses. Gross Proceeds does not include Stock issued in exchange for OP Units.
Independent Appraiser means a person or entity, who is not an Affiliate of the Advisor or the Directors, who is engaged to a substantial extent in the business of rendering opinions regarding the value of assets of the type held by the Company, and who is a qualified appraiser of real estate as determined by the Board. Membership in a nationally recognized appraisal society such as the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers or the Society of Real Estate Appraisers shall be conclusive evidence of such qualification.
Independent Director means a Director who is not, and within the last two (2) years has not been, directly or indirectly associated with the Advisor or the Sponsor by virtue of (a) ownership of an interest in the Advisor, the Sponsor or their Affiliates, (b) employment by the Advisor, the Sponsor or their Affiliates, (c) service as an officer or director of the Advisor, the Sponsor or their Affiliates, (d) performance of services, other than as a Director, for the Company, (e) service as a director or trustee of more than three (3) real estate investment trusts organized by the Advisor or the Sponsor or advised by the Advisor, or (f) maintenance of a material business or professional relationship with the Advisor, the Sponsor or any of their Affiliates. A business or professional relationship is considered material if the gross revenue derived by the Director from the Advisor, the Sponsor and Affiliates exceeds five percent (5%) of either the Directors annual gross revenue during either of the last two (2) years or the Directors net worth on a fair market value basis. An indirect relationship shall include circumstances in which a Directors spouse, parents, children, siblings, mothers- or fathers-in-law, sons- or daughters-in-law or brothers- or sisters-in-law are or have been associated with the Advisor, the Sponsor, any of their Affiliates or the Company.
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Initial Public Offering means the offering and sale of Common Stock of the Company pursuant to the Companys first effective registration statement covering such Common Stock filed under the Securities Act.
Invested Capital means the amount calculated by multiplying the total number of shares of Common Stock purchased by Stockholders by (a) the Offering Price for the Stock or (b) for Stock not purchased in an Offering, the issue price for the Stock; in each case reduced by any Distributions, other than stock dividends which represent a return of capital, and any amounts paid by the Company to repurchase shares of Stock pursuant to a plan for repurchase of the Companys Stock.
Joint Venture or Joint Ventures means those joint venture or general partnership arrangements in which the Company or the Operating Partnership is a co-venturer or general partner which are established to acquire Properties.
Listed means the Securities are approved for trading on a national securities exchange or for quotation on a national market system. The term Listing shall have the correlative meaning.
Memorandum means the confidential private placement memorandum for the offering and sale of common stock of the Company dated February 20, 2009 in the Private Offering.
Market Value means the aggregate market value of all of the outstanding Common Stock, measured by taking the average closing price or average of bid and asked price, as the case may be, during the consecutive 30-day period commencing one hundred eighty (180) days following Listing.
NASAA means the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc.
NASAA Net Income means for any period, the total revenues applicable to such period, less the total expenses applicable to such period excluding additions to reserves for depreciation, bad debts or other similar non-cash reserves; provided, however, NASAA Net Income for purposes of calculating total allowable Operating Expenses shall exclude the gain or loss from the sale of the Companys Assets.
NASAA REIT Guidelines means the Statement of Policy Regarding Real Estate Investment Trusts published by the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. as revised and adopted by the NASAA membership on May 7, 2007, as may be amended from time to time.
Net Asset Value means the total Assets including intangible assets relating to SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (but not including other GAAP intangibles) at cost before deducting depreciation or other non-cash reserves less total liabilities, calculated at least quarterly on a basis consistently applied.
Net Sale Proceeds means in the case of a transaction described in clause (a) of the definition of Sale, the net proceeds of any such transaction less the amount of all real estate commissions and closing costs paid by the Operating Partnership. In the case of a transaction described in clause (b) of such definition, Net Sale Proceeds means the net proceeds of any such transaction less the amount of any legal and other selling expenses incurred by the Operating Partnership in connection with such transaction. In the case of a transaction described in clause (c) of such definition, Net Sale Proceeds means the net proceeds of any such transaction actually distributed to the Operating Partnership from the Joint Venture less any expenses incurred by the Operating Partnership in connection with such transaction. In the case of a transaction or series of transactions described in clause (d) of the definition of Sale, Net Sale Proceeds means the net proceeds of any such transaction less the amount of all
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commissions and closing costs paid by the Operating Partnership. In the case of a transaction described in clause (e) of such definition, Net Sale Proceeds means the net proceeds of any such transaction less the amount of all selling costs and other expenses incurred by the Operating Partnership in connection with such transaction. Net Sale Proceeds shall also include, in the case of any lease of a Property consisting of a building only, any amounts from tenants, borrowers or lessees that the Company, as general partner of the Operating Partnership determines, in its discretion, to be economically equivalent to the proceeds of a Sale. Net Sale Proceeds shall not include any amounts used to repay outstanding indebtedness secured by the asset disposed of in the sale.
Offering means an offering of Stock that is registered with the SEC or exempt from registration, including the Private Offering and the Public Offering, but excluding Stock offered under any employee benefit plan.
Offering Price means, with respect to each share of Stock, the highest price at which such Stock was offered by the Company in the Offering pursuant to which such Stock was issued, without regard to any price reductions for certain types of purchasers or volume discounts.
Operating Expenses means all direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred by the Company, as determined under GAAP, which in any way are related to the operation of the Company or to Company business, including advisory fees, but excluding (a) the expenses of raising capital such as Organizational and Offering Expenses, legal, audit, accounting, underwriting, brokerage, listing, registration, and other fees, printing and other such expenses and taxes incurred in connection with the issuance, distribution, transfer, registration and Listing of the Stock, (b) interest payments, (c) taxes, (d) non-cash expenditures such as depreciation, amortization and bad debt reserves, (e) Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses, (f) real estate commissions on the Sale of Property, and other expenses connected with the acquisition and ownership of real estate interests, mortgage loans, or other property (such as the costs of foreclosure, insurance premiums, legal services, maintenance, repair, and improvement of property) and (g) any incentive fees which may be paid in compliance with the NASAA REIT Guidelines. The definition of Operating Expenses set forth above is intended to encompass only those expenses which are required to be treated as Operating Expenses under the NASAA REIT Guidelines. As a result, and notwithstanding the definition set forth above, any expense of the Company which is not an Operating Expense under the NASAA REIT Guidelines shall not be treated as an Operating Expense for purposes hereof.
Operating Partnership means The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. which is the partnership through which the Company may directly or indirectly own Properties.
Operating Partnership Agreement means the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the Operating Partnership, as amended and restated from time to time.
OP Unit means a unit of limited partnership interest in the Operating Partnership.
Organizational and Offering Expenses means any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Company, the Advisor or any Affiliate of either in connection with and in preparing the Company for registration of and subsequently offering and distributing its Stock to the public, which may include but are not limited to total underwriting and brokerage discounts and commissions (including fees of the underwriters attorneys), legal, accounting and escrow fees, expenses for printing, engraving, amending, supplementing and mailing, distribution costs, compensation to employees while engaged in registering, marketing and wholesaling the Stock, telegraph and telephone costs, all advertising and marketing expenses (including the costs related to investor and broker-dealer sales meetings), charges of transfer agents, registrars, trustees, escrow holders, depositories, experts, and fees, expenses and taxes related to
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the filing, registration and qualification of the sale of the Securities under Federal and State laws, including accountants and attorneys fees and other accountable offering expenses. Organization and Offering Expenses may include, but are not limited to: (a) amounts to reimburse the Advisor for all marketing related costs and expenses such as compensation to and direct expenses of the Advisors employees or employees of the Advisors Affiliates in connection with registering and marketing the Stock; (b) compensation to and direct expenses of employees of the Dealer Manager while preparing for the offering and marketing of the Stock and in connection with their wholesaling activities but not Sales Commissions; (c) travel and entertainment expenses related to the offering and marketing of the Stock; (d) facilities and technology costs and other costs and expenses associated with the offering and to facilitate the marketing of the Stock including web site design and management; (e) costs and expenses of conducting training and educational conferences and seminars; (f) costs and expenses of attending broker-dealer sponsored retail seminars or conferences; and (g) payment or reimbursement of bona fide due diligence expenses.
Performance Fee Note has the meaning set forth in Section 16.2 hereof.
Person shall mean any natural person, partnership, corporation, association, trust, limited liability company or other legal entity.
Private Offering means the offering and sale of Common Stock of the Company pursuant to the Memorandum.
Property or Properties means the real properties or real estate investments which are acquired by the Company either directly or through the Operating Partnership, Joint Ventures, partnerships or other entities.
Property Manager means any entity that has been retained to perform and carry out property management services at one or more of the Properties.
Prospectus means any document, notice, or other communication satisfying the standards set forth in Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, and contained in a currently effective registration statement filed by the Company with, and declared effective by, the SEC, or if no registration statement is currently effective, then the Prospectus contained in the most recently effective registration statement.
Public Offering means the Initial Public Offering or any subsequent offering of Stock that is registered with the SEC, excluding Stock offered under any employee benefit plan.
REIT means a corporation, trust or association which is engaged in investing in equity interests in real estate (including fee ownership and leasehold interests and interests in partnerships and Joint Ventures holding real estate) or in loans secured by mortgages on real estate or both and that qualifies as a real estate investment trust under the REIT Provisions of the Code.
REIT Provisions of the Code means Sections 856 through 860 of the Code and any successor or other provisions of the Code relating to real estate investment trusts (including provisions as to the attribution of ownership of beneficial interests therein) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Sale or Sales means any transaction or series of transactions whereby: (a) the Operating Partnership sells, grants, transfers, conveys or relinquishes its ownership of any Property or portion thereof, including the lease of any Property consisting of the building only, and including any event with respect to any Property which gives rise to a significant amount of insurance proceeds or condemnation awards; (b) the Operating Partnership sells, grants, transfers, conveys or relinquishes its
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ownership of all or substantially all of the interest of the Operating Partnership in any Joint Venture in which it is a co-venturer or partner; (c) any Joint Venture in which the Operating Partnership is a co-venturer or partner sells, grants, transfers, conveys or relinquishes its ownership of any Property or portion thereof, including any event with respect to any Property which gives rise to insurance claims or condemnation awards; (d) the Operating Partnership sells, grants, conveys, or relinquishes its interest in any asset, or portion thereof, including any event with respect to any asset which gives rise to a significant amount of insurance proceeds or similar awards; or (e) the Operating Partnership sells or otherwise disposes of or distributes all of its assets in liquidation of the Operating Partnership.
Sales Commissions means any and all commissions payable to underwriters, dealer managers or other broker-dealers in connection with the sale of Stock, including, without limitation, commissions payable to the Dealer Manager.
Securities means any class or series of units or shares of the Company or the Operating Partnership, including common shares or preferred units or shares and any other evidences of equity or beneficial or other interests, voting trust certificates, bonds, debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness, secured or unsecured, convertible, subordinated or otherwise, or in general any instruments commonly known as Securities or any certificates of interest, shares or participations in, temporary or interim certificates for, receipts for, guarantees of, or warrants, options or rights to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Sponsor means Griffin Capital Corporation, a California corporation.
Stock means shares of stock of the Company of any class or series, including Common Stock or preferred stock.
Stockholder(s) means the registered holder(s) of the Companys Stock.
Stockholders 10% Return means, as of any date, an aggregate amount equal to a 10% cumulative, non-compounded, annual return on Invested Capital; provided, however, that for purposes of calculating the Stockholders 10% Return, any stock dividend shall not be included as a Distribution; and provided further that for purposes of determining the Stockholders 10% Return, the return for each portion of the Invested Capital shall commence for purposes of the calculation upon the issuance of the shares issued in connection with such capital.
Stockholders 8% Return means, as of any date, an aggregate amount equal to a 8% cumulative, non-compounded, annual return on Invested Capital; provided, however, that for purposes of calculating the Stockholders 8% Return, any stock dividend shall not be included as a Distribution; and provided further that for purposes of determining the Stockholders 8% Return, the return for each portion of the Invested Capital shall commence for purposes of the calculation upon the issuance of the shares issued in connection with such capital.
Stockholders 6% Return means, as of any date, an aggregate amount equal to a 6% cumulative, non-compounded, annual return on Invested Capital; provided, however, that for purposes of calculating the Stockholders 6% Return, any stock dividend shall not be included as a Distribution; and provided further that for purposes of determining the Stockholders 6% Return, the return for each portion of the Invested Capital shall commence for purposes of the calculation upon the issuance of the shares issued in connection with such capital.
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Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing means:
(a) 5% of the amount by which (i) the Market Value, plus the total of all Distributions paid to Stockholders of Common Stock (excluding any stock dividends and Distributions paid on shares of Common Stock redeemed by the Company) from the Companys inception until the date that Market Value is determined, exceeds (ii) the sum of (A) Invested Capital and (B) the total Distributions required to be paid to Stockholders of Common Stock in order to pay the Stockholders 6% Return or more but less than Stockholders 8% Return from inception through the date Market Value is determined; or
(b) 10% of the amount by which (i) the Market Value, plus the total of all Distributions paid to Common Stockholders (excluding any stock dividends and Distributions paid on shares of Common Stock redeemed by the Company) from the Companys inception until the date that Market Value is determined, exceeds (ii) the sum of (A) Invested Capital and (B) the total Distributions required to be paid to Common Stockholders in order to pay the Stockholders 8% Return or more but less than Stockholders 10% Return from inception through the date Market Value is determined; or
(c) 15% of the amount by which (i) the Market Value, plus the total of all Distributions paid to Common Stockholders (excluding any stock dividends and Distributions paid on shares of Common Stock redeemed by the Company) from the Companys inception until the date that Market Value is determined, exceeds (ii) the sum of (A) Invested Capital and (B) the total Distributions required to be paid to Common Stockholders in order to pay the Stockholders 10% Return or more from inception through the date Market Value is determined.
In the event that the Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing is paid to the Advisor, thereafter, the Advisor will not be entitled to receive any payments of Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination or Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds.
Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination means:
(a) 5% of the amount, if any, by which (i) the Appraised Value of the Properties at the Termination Date, less amounts of all indebtedness secured by the Properties, plus total Distributions (excluding any stock dividend and Distributions paid on shares of Common Stock redeemed by the Company pursuant to its share redemption program) through the Termination Date exceeds (ii) the sum of Invested Capital plus total Distributions required to be made to the Common Stockholders in order to pay the Stockholders 6% Return or more but less than Stockholders 8% Return from inception through the Termination Date; or
(b) 10% of the amount, if any, by which (i) the Appraised Value of the Properties at the Termination Date, less amounts of all indebtedness secured by the Properties, plus total Distributions (excluding any stock dividend and Distributions paid on shares of Common Stock redeemed by the Company pursuant to its share redemption program) through the Termination Date exceeds (ii) the sum of Invested Capital plus total Distributions required to be made to the Common Stockholders in order to pay the Stockholders 8% Return or more but less than Stockholders 10% Return from inception through the Termination Date; or
(c) 15% of the amount, if any, by which (i) the Appraised Value of the Properties at the Termination Date, less amounts of all indebtedness secured by the Properties, plus total Distributions (excluding any stock dividend and Distributions paid on shares of Common Stock redeemed by the Company pursuant to its share redemption program) through the Termination Date exceeds (ii) the
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sum of Invested Capital plus total Distributions required to be made to the Common Stockholders in order to pay the Stockholders 10% Return or more from inception through the Termination Date;
Such fee shall be reduced by any prior payment to the Advisor of a Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds.
Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds means a fee equal to:
(a) 5% of Net Sale Proceeds remaining after the Common Stockholders have received Distributions of Net Sale Proceeds such that the owners of all outstanding shares of Common Stock have received Distributions in an aggregate amount equal to the sum of (i) Invested Capital and (ii) the Stockholders 6% Return or more but less than Stockholders 8% Return.
(b) 10% of Net Sale Proceeds remaining after the Common Stockholders have received Distributions of Net Sale Proceeds such that the owners of all outstanding shares of Common Stock have received Distributions in an aggregate amount equal to the sum of (i) Invested Capital and (ii) the Stockholders 8% Return or more but less than Stockholders 10% Return.
(c) 15% of Net Sale Proceeds remaining after the Common Stockholders have received Distributions of Net Sale Proceeds such that the owners of all outstanding shares of Common Stock have received Distributions in an aggregate amount equal to the sum of (i) Invested Capital and (ii) the Stockholders 10% Return or more.
When determining whether the above thresholds have been met: (y) Distributions paid on shares of Common Stock redeemed by the Company (and thus not included in the determination of Invested Capital), shall not be included as a Distribution; and (z) Net Sale Proceeds shall not be considered available for purposes of determining whether the thresholds in subparagraphs (b) and (c) have been met to the extent of payments out of Net Sale Proceeds are used to pay the Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds pursuant to subparagraphs (a) and (b), respectively. Following Listing, no Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds will be paid to the Advisor.
Termination Date means the date of termination of this Advisory Agreement.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT
The Company, through the powers vested in the Board of Directors including a majority of all Independent Directors, hereby appoints the Advisor to serve as its advisor and asset manager on the terms and conditions set forth in this Advisory Agreement, and the Advisor hereby accepts such appointment. The Advisor undertakes to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to present to the Company potential investment opportunities and to provide a continuing and suitable investment program consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Company as determined and adopted from time to time by the Board.
ARTICLE III
AUTHORITY OF THE ADVISOR
Section 3.1 General . All rights and powers to manage and control the day-to-day business and affairs of the Company shall be vested in the Advisor. The Advisor shall have the power to delegate all or any part of its rights and powers to manage and control the business and affairs of the Company to such officers, employees, Affiliates, agents and representatives of the Advisor or the
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Company as it may from time to time deem appropriate. Any authority delegated by the Advisor to any other Person shall be subject to the limitations on the rights and powers of the Advisor specifically set forth in this Advisory Agreement, the Charter and the Bylaws.
Section 3.2 Powers of the Advisor . Subject to the express limitations set forth in this Advisory Agreement and subject to the supervision of the Board, the power to direct the management, operation and policies of the Company shall be vested in the Advisor, which shall have the power by itself and shall be authorized and empowered on behalf and in the name of the Company to carry out any and all of the objectives and purposes of the Company and to perform all acts and enter into and perform all contracts and other undertakings that it may in its sole discretion deem necessary, advisable or incidental thereto to perform its obligations under this Advisory Agreement.
Section 3.3 Approval by Directors . Notwithstanding the foregoing, any investment in Properties, including any acquisition of a Property by the Company or any investment by the Company in a joint venture, limited partnership or similar entity owning real properties, will require the prior approval of the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board constituting a majority of the Board. The Advisor will deliver to the Board of Directors all documents required by it to properly evaluate the proposed investment.
Section 3.4 Modification or Revocation of Authority of Advisor . The Board may, at any time upon the giving of notice to the Advisor, modify or revoke the authority or approvals set forth in Articles III and IV, provided however, that such modification or revocation shall be effective upon receipt by the Advisor and shall not be applicable to investment transactions to which the Advisor has committed the Company prior to the date of receipt by the Advisor of such notification.
ARTICLE IV
DUTIES OF THE ADVISOR
The Advisor undertakes to use its commercially reasonable best efforts to present to the Company potential investment opportunities and to provide a continuing and suitable investment program consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Company as determined and adopted from time to time by the Board. In connection therewith, the Advisor agrees to perform the following services on behalf of the Company.
Section 4.1 Organizational and Offering Services . The Advisor shall manage and supervise:
(a) the structure and development of any Offering, including the determination of the specific terms of the Securities to be offered by the Company;
(b) the preparation of all organizational and offering related documents, and obtaining of all required regulatory approvals of such documents;
(c) along with the Dealer Manager, approval of the participating broker dealers and negotiation of the related selling agreements;
(d) coordination of the due diligence process relating to participating broker dealers and their review of the Prospectus and other Offering and Company documents;
(e) preparation and approval of all marketing materials contemplated to be used by the Dealer Manager or others in an Offering;
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(f) along with the Dealer Manager, negotiation and coordination with the transfer agent for the receipt, collection, processing and acceptance of subscription agreements, commissions, and other administrative support functions;
(g) creation and implementation of various technology and electronic communications related to an Offering; and
(h) all other services related to organization of the Company or the Offering, whether performed and incurred by the Advisor or its Affiliates.
Section 4.2 Acquisition Services . The Advisor shall:
(a) serve as the Companys investment and financial advisor and provide relevant market research and economic and statistical data in connection with the Companys assets and investment objectives and policies;
(b) subject to Article III hereof and the investment objectives and policies of the Company: (i) locate, analyze and select potential investments; (ii) structure and negotiate the terms and conditions of transactions pursuant to which investments in Assets will be made; (iii) acquire Assets on behalf of the Company; and (iv) arrange for financing related to acquisitions of Assets;
(c) perform due diligence on prospective investments and create due diligence reports summarizing the results of such work;
(d) prepare reports regarding prospective investments which include recommendations and supporting documentation necessary for the Board to evaluate the proposed investments;
(e) obtain reports (which may be prepared by the Advisor or its Affiliates), where appropriate, concerning the value of contemplated investments of the Company; and
(f) negotiate and execute investments and other transactions approved by the Board.
Section 4.3 Asset Management Services and Administrative Services .
(a) Asset Management and Property Related Services . The Advisor shall:
(i) negotiate and service the Companys debt facilities and other financings;
(ii) monitor applicable markets and obtain reports (which may be prepared by the Advisor or its Affiliates) where appropriate, concerning the value of investments of the Company;
(iii) monitor and evaluate the performance of investments of the Company; provide daily management services to the Company and perform and supervise the various management and operational functions related to the Companys investments;
(iv) coordinate with the Property Manager on its duties under any property management agreement and assist in obtaining all necessary approvals of major property transactions as governed by the applicable property management agreement;
(v) coordinate and manage relationships between the Company and any joint venture partners;
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(vi) consult with the officers and Directors of the Company and provide assistance with the evaluation and approval of potential property dispositions, sales or refinancings; and
(vii) provide the officers and Directors of the Company periodic reports regarding prospective investments in Properties.
(b) Accounting, SEC Compliance and Other Administrative Services . The Advisor shall:
(i) coordinate with the Companys independent accountants and auditors to prepare and deliver to the Board an annual report covering the Advisors compliance with certain material aspects of this Advisory Agreement;
(ii) maintain accounting systems, records and data and any other information requested concerning the activities of the Company as shall be required to prepare and to file all periodic financial reports and returns required to be filed with the SEC and any other regulatory agency, including annual financial statements;
(iii) provide tax and compliance services and coordinate with appropriate third parties, including independent accountants and other consultants, on related tax matters;
(iv) maintain all appropriate books and records of the Company;
(v) provide the officers of the Company and the Board with timely updates related to the overall regulatory environment affecting the Company, as well as managing compliance with such matters, including but not limited to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
(vi) consult with the officers of the Company and the Board relating to the corporate governance structure and appropriate policies and procedures related thereto;
(vii) perform all reporting, record keeping, internal controls and similar matters in a manner to allow the Company to comply with applicable law including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
(viii) investigate, select, and, on behalf of the Company, engage and conduct business with such Persons as the Advisor deems necessary to the proper performance of its obligations hereunder, including but not limited to consultants, accountants, lenders, technical advisors, attorneys, brokers, underwriters, corporate fiduciaries, escrow agents, depositaries, custodians, agents for collection, insurers, insurance agents, banks, builders, developers, property owners, mortgagers, construction companies and any and all Persons acting in any other capacity deemed by the Advisor necessary or desirable for the performance of any of the foregoing services;
(ix) supervise the performance of such ministerial and administrative functions as may be necessary in connection with the daily operations of the Assets;
(x) provide the Company with all necessary cash management services;
(xi) consult with the officers of the Company and the Board and assist the Board in evaluating and obtaining adequate insurance coverage based upon risk management determinations;
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(xii) manage and perform the various administrative functions necessary for the management of the day-to-day operations of the Company;
(xiii) provide or arrange for administrative services and items, legal and other services, office space, office furnishings, personnel and other overhead items necessary and incidental to the Companys business and operations;
(xiv) provide financial and operational planning services and portfolio management functions; and
(xv) from time-to-time, or at any time reasonably requested by the Board, make reports to the Board on the Advisors performance of services to the Company under this Advisory Agreement.
(c) Stockholder Services . The Advisor shall:
(i) retain a transfer agent on behalf of the Company to perform all necessary transfer agent functions;
(ii) manage and coordinate with the transfer agent the distribution process and payments to Stockholders;
(iii) manage communications with Stockholders, including answering phone calls, preparing and sending written and electronic reports and other communications; and
(iv) establish technology infrastructure to assist in providing Stockholder support and service.
ARTICLE V
BANK ACCOUNTS
The Advisor may establish and maintain one or more bank accounts in its own name for the account of the Company or in the name of the Company and may collect and deposit into any such account or accounts, and disburse from any such account or accounts, any money on behalf of the Company, under such terms and conditions as the Board may approve, provided that no funds shall be commingled with the funds of the Advisor; and the Advisor shall from time to time render appropriate accountings of such collections and payments to the Board and to the auditors of the Company.
ARTICLE VI
RECORDS; ACCESS
The Advisor shall maintain appropriate records of all its activities hereunder and make such records available for inspection by the Board and by counsel, auditors and authorized agents of the Company, at any time or from time to time during normal business hours. The Advisor, in the conduct of its responsibilities to the Company, shall maintain adequate and separate books and records for the Companys operations in accordance with GAAP, which shall be supported by sufficient documentation to ascertain that such books and records are properly and accurately recorded. Such books and records shall be the property of the Company. Such books and records shall include all information necessary to calculate and audit the fees or reimbursements paid under this Advisory Agreement. The Advisor shall utilize procedures to attempt to ensure such control over accounting and financial transactions as is reasonably required to protect the Companys assets from theft, error or fraudulent activity. All financial statements that the Advisor delivers to the Company shall be prepared on an accrual basis in accordance
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with GAAP, except for special financial reports which by their nature require a deviation from GAAP. The Advisor shall maintain necessary liaison with the Companys independent accountants and shall provide such accountants with such reports and other information as the Company shall request. The Advisor shall at all reasonable times have access to the books and records of the Company.
ARTICLE VII
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE ADVISOR
Section 7.1 General . Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Advisor from engaging in other activities, including, without limitation, the rendering of advice to other Persons (including other REITs) and the management of other programs advised, sponsored or organized by the Advisor or its Affiliates; nor shall this Advisory Agreement limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, employee, or stockholder of the Advisor or its Affiliates to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association. The Advisor may, with respect to any investment in which the Company is a participant, also render advice and service to each and every other participant therein. The Advisor shall report to the Board the existence of any condition or circumstance, existing or anticipated, of which it has knowledge, which creates or could create a conflict of interest between the Advisors obligations to the Company and its obligations to or its interest in any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association.
Section 7.2 Policy with Respect to Allocation of Investment Opportunities . Before the Advisor presents an investment opportunity that would in its judgment be suitable for the Company to another Advisor-sponsored program, the Advisor shall determine in its sole discretion that the investment opportunity is more suitable for such other program than for the Company based on factors such as the following: the investment objectives and criteria of each program; the cash requirements and anticipated cash flow of each entity; the size of the investment opportunity; the effect of the acquisition on diversification of each entitys investments; the income tax consequences of the purchase on each entity; the policies of each program relating to leverage; the amount of funds available to each program and the length of time such funds have been available for investment. In the event that an investment opportunity becomes available that is, in the sole discretion of the Advisor, equally suitable for both the Company and another Advisor-sponsored program, then the Advisor may offer the other program the investment opportunity if it has had the longest period of time elapse since it was offered an investment opportunity. The Advisor will use its reasonable efforts to fairly allocate investment opportunities in accordance with such allocation method and will promptly disclose any material deviation from such policy or the establishment of a new policy, which shall be allowed provided (a) the Board is provided with notice of such policy at least 60 days prior to such policy becoming effective and (b) such policy provides for the reasonable allocation of investment opportunities among such programs. The Advisor shall provide the Independent Directors with any information reasonably requested so that the Independent Directors can ensure that the allocation of investment opportunities is applied fairly. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent the Advisor or an Affiliate from pursuing an investment opportunity directly rather than offering it to the Company or another Advisor-sponsored program so long as the Advisor is fulfilling its obligation to present a continuing and suitable investment program to the Company which is consistent with the investment policies and objectives of the Company. If a subsequent development, such as a delay in the closing of a property or a delay in the construction of a property, causes any such investment, in the opinion of the Board of Directors and the Advisor, to be more appropriate for an entity other than the entity which committed to make the investment, however, the Advisor has the right to agree that the other entity affiliated with the Advisors or its Affiliates may make the investment.
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ARTICLE VIII
LIMITATIONS ON ACTIVITIES
Anything else in this Advisory Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Advisor shall refrain from taking any action which, in its sole judgment made in good faith, would (a) adversely affect the status of the Company as a REIT, (b) subject the Company to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (c) violate any law, rule, regulation or statement of policy of any governmental body or agency having jurisdiction over the Company, its Stock or its other Securities, or (d) violate the Charter or Bylaws, except if such action shall be ordered by the Board, in which case the Advisor shall notify promptly the Board of the Advisors judgment of the potential impact of such action and shall refrain from taking such action until it receives further clarification or instructions from the Board. In such event the Advisor shall have no liability for acting in accordance with the specific instructions of the Board so given. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Advisor, its members, managers, officers and employees, and stockholders, directors members, managers, officers and employees of the Advisors Affiliates shall not be liable to the Company or to the Board or Stockholders for any act or omission by the Advisor, its members, managers, officers or employees, or stockholders, directors, members, managers, officers or employees of the Advisors Affiliates except as provided in this Advisory Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
FEES
Section 9.1 Acquisition Fees . The Company will pay the Advisor, as compensation for the services described in Section 4.2, Acquisition Fees in an amount up to 2.5% of the Contract Purchase Price of each Property at the time and in respect of funds expended for the acquisition or development of a Property. The total of all Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses shall be limited in accordance with the Charter.
Section 9.2 Asset Management Fee . Commencing on the date hereof, the Company shall pay the Advisor an Asset Management Fee in an amount up to one-twelfth of 0.75% of the Average Invested Assets, calculated on a monthly basis as of the last day of each month for the asset management services included in the services described in Section 4.3.
Section 9.3 Disposition Fees . If the Advisor or an Affiliate provides a substantial amount of the services (as determined by a majority of the Directors, including a majority of the Independent Directors) in connection with the Sale of one or more Properties, the Advisor or such Affiliate shall receive at closing a Disposition Fee of up to 3% of the Contract Sales Price of such Property or Properties. Any Disposition Fee payable under this section may be paid in addition to real estate commissions paid to non-Affiliates, provided that the total real estate commissions (including such Disposition Fee) paid to all Persons by the Company for each Property shall not exceed an amount equal to the lesser of (i) 6% of the aggregate Contract Sales Price of each Property or (ii) the Competitive Real Estate Commission for each Property. The Company will pay the Disposition Fee for a Property at the time the Property is sold.
Section 9.4 Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds . The Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds shall be payable to the Advisor at the time or times that the Company determines that the Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds has been earned by the Advisor, provided that no Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds will be paid if the Company has paid or is obligated to pay the Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing. In the case of multiple advisors, advisors and Affiliates shall be allowed incentive fees in accordance with the foregoing limitation, provided such fees are
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distributed by a proportional method reasonably designed to reflect the value added to the Companys Assets by each respective advisor or Affiliate.
Section 9.5 Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing . Upon Listing, and as soon as practicable following the determination of Market Value, the Advisor shall be entitled to the Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing. The Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing shall be due and payable to the Advisor no earlier than one hundred eighty (180) days after Listing (the Valuation Date) in the form of a promissory note at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points (the Listing Fee Note). In the event the Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing is paid to the Advisor following Listing, the Advisor will not be entitled to receive any payments of Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination or Subordinated Share of Net Sale Proceeds following receipt of the Subordinated Incentive Fee Due Upon Listing. The Company shall repay the Listing Fee Note at such time as the Company completes the first Sale or refinancing of a Property held at the Valuation Date using Cash from Sales or Cash from Financings in an amount equal to the value such Property contributed to the Listing Fee Note. If such amount is insufficient to pay the Listing Fee Note in full, then the Listing Fee Note shall be paid in part from the Cash from Sales from the first Sale or Cash from Financings from the first refinancing of a Property held at the Valuation Date, and in part from the Cash from Sales from each successive Sale or Cash from Financings from each successive refinancing of Properties held at the Valuation Date in an amount equal to the value such Properties contributed to the Listing Fee Note until the Listing Fee Note is repaid in full. If the Listing Fee Note has not been paid in full within three (3) years after the Valuation Date, then the holder of the Listing Fee Note, its successors or assigns, may elect to convert the balance of the fee into Common Stock at a price per share equal to the average closing price of the shares of Common Stock over the ten (10) trading days immediately preceding the date of such election if the Common Stock is Listed at such time.
Section 9.6 Changes to Fee Structure . In the event of Listing, the Company and the Advisor shall negotiate in good faith to establish a fee structure appropriate for a perpetual-life entity. A majority of the Independent Directors must approve the new fee structure negotiated with the Advisor. In negotiating a new fee structure, the Independent Directors shall consider all of the factors they deem relevant, including, but not limited to: (a) the amount of the advisory fee in relation to the asset value, composition and profitability of the Companys portfolio; (b) the success of the Advisor in generating opportunities that meet the investment objectives of the Company; (c) the rates charged to other REITs and to investors other than REITs by advisors performing the same or similar services; (d) additional revenues realized by the Advisor and its Affiliates through their relationship with the Company, including loan administration, underwriting or broker commissions, servicing, engineering, inspection and other fees, whether paid by the REIT or by others with whom the REIT does business; (e) the quality and extent of service and advice furnished by the Advisor; (f) the performance of the investment portfolio of the REIT, including income, conversion or appreciation of capital, and number and frequency of problem investments; and (g) the quality of the Property portfolio of the Company in relationship to the investments generated by the Advisor for its own account. The new fee structure can be no more favorable to the Advisor than the current fee structure.
ARTICLE X
EXPENSES
Section 10.1 Reimbursable Expenses . In addition to the compensation paid to the Advisor pursuant to Article IX hereof, the Company shall pay directly or reimburse the Advisor for all of the expenses paid or incurred by the Advisor (to the extent not reimbursable by another party, such as the Dealer Manager) in connection with the services it provides to the Company pursuant to this Advisory Agreement, including, but not limited to:
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(a) reimbursements for Organizational and Offering Expenses in connection with an Offering, provided, however, that within 60 days after the end of the month in which a Public Offering terminates, the Advisor shall reimburse the Company to the extent (i) there are Capped O&O Expenses borne by the Company and (ii) Organization and Offering Expenses borne by the Company (including selling commissions, dealer manager fees and non-accountable due diligence expense allowance but not including Acquisition Fees or Acquisition Expenses) exceed 15% of the Gross Proceeds raised in a completed Public Offering;
(b) subject to the limitation set forth below, Acquisition Expenses incurred by the Advisor or its Affiliates;
(c) subject to the limitation set forth below, Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses payable to unaffiliated Persons incurred in connection with the selection and acquisition of Properties;
(d) the actual out-of-pocket cost of goods and services used by the Company and obtained from entities not affiliated with the Advisor including brokerage and other fees paid in connection with the purchase, operation and sale of Assets;
(e) interest and other costs for borrowed money, including discounts, points and other similar fees;
(f) taxes and assessments on income or Property and taxes as an expense of doing business and any taxes otherwise imposed on the Company, its business or income;
(g) costs associated with insurance required in connection with the business of the Company or by the Board;
(h) expenses of managing and operating Properties owned by the Company, whether payable to an Affiliate of the Company or a non-affiliated Person;
(i) all expenses in connection with payments to Directors and meetings of the Directors and Stockholders;
(j) expenses associated with Listing or with the issuance and distribution of Securities other than the Stock issued in the Private Offering or a Public Offering, such as selling commissions and fees, advertising expenses, taxes, legal and accounting fees, listing and registration fees;
(k) expenses connected with payments of Distributions in cash or otherwise made or caused to be made by the Company to the Stockholders;
(l) expenses of organizing, converting, modifying, merging, liquidating or dissolving the Company or of amending the Charter or the Bylaws;
(m) expenses of maintaining communications with Stockholders, including the cost of preparation, printing, and mailing annual reports and other Stockholder reports, proxy statements and other reports required by governmental entities;
(n) administrative service expenses, including all direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred by the Advisor in fulfilling its duties hereunder and including personnel costs;
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provided, however, that no reimbursement shall be made for costs of personnel to the extent that such personnel perform services in transactions for which the Advisor receives the Acquisition Fee or Disposition Fee. Such direct and indirect costs and expenses may include reasonable wages and salaries and other employee-related expenses of all employees of the Advisor who are directly engaged in the operation, management, administration, and marketing of the Company, including taxes, insurance and benefits relating to such employees, and legal, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses which are directly related to their services provided by the Advisor pursuant to this Advisory Agreement;
(o) audit, accounting and legal fees, and other fees for professional services relating to the operations of the Company and all such fees incurred at the request, or on behalf of, the Independent Directors or any committee of the Board; and
(p) out-of-pocket costs for the Company to comply with all applicable laws, regulation and ordinances; and all other out-of-pocket costs necessary for the operation of the Company and its Assets incurred by the Advisor in performing its duties hereunder.
The Company shall also reimburse the Advisor or Affiliates of the Advisor for all direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred on behalf of the Company prior to the execution of this Advisory Agreement.
The total of all Acquisition Fees and Acquisition Expenses paid by the Company in connection with the purchase of a Property by the Company shall be reasonable, and shall in no event exceed an amount equal to 6% of the Contract Purchase Price, or in the case of a mortgage loan, 6% of the funds advanced; provided, however, that a majority of the Directors (including the majority of the Independent Directors) not otherwise interested in the transaction may approve fees and expenses in excess of these limits if they determine the transaction to be commercially competitive, fair and reasonable to the Company.
Section 10.2 Other Services . Should the Directors request that the Advisor or any member, manager, officer or employee thereof render services for the Company other than set forth in Article IV, such services shall be separately compensated at such rates and in such amounts as are agreed by the Advisor and a majority of the Independent Directors, subject to the limitations contained in the Charter, and shall not be deemed to be services pursuant to the terms of this Advisory Agreement.
Section 10.3 Timing of and Limitations on Reimbursements .
(a) Expenses incurred by the Advisor on behalf of the Company and payable pursuant to this Article X shall be reimbursed no less frequently than monthly to the Advisor. The Advisor shall prepare a statement documenting the expenses of the Company during each quarter, and shall deliver such statement to the Company within 45 days after the end of each quarter. Subject to the Excess Expense Guidelines, the Company may advance funds to the Advisor for expenses the Advisor anticipates will be incurred by the Advisor within the current month and any such advances shall be deducted from the amounts reimbursed by the Company to the Advisor.
(b) The Company shall not reimburse the Advisor at the end of any fiscal quarter (commencing four fiscal quarters after the Companys acquisition of its first real estate asset) Operating Expenses that, in the four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended (the Expense Year) exceed (the Excess Amount) the greater of 2% of Average Invested Assets or 25% of NASAA Net Income (the Excess Expense Guidelines) for such year unless a majority of the Independent Directors determines that such excess was justified, based on unusual and nonrecurring factors which they deem sufficient. If a majority of the Independent Directors does not approve such excess as being so justified, any Excess
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Amount paid to the Advisor during a fiscal quarter shall be repaid to the Company. If a majority of the Independent Directors determines such excess was justified, then within 60 days after the end of any fiscal quarter of the Company for which total reimbursed Operating Expenses for the Expense Year exceed the Excess Expense Guidelines, the Advisor, at the direction of the a majority of the Independent Directors, shall send to the Stockholders a written disclosure of such fact, together with an explanation of the factors that a majority of the Independent Directors considered in determining that such excess expenses were justified. The Company will ensure that such determination will be reflected in the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors. All figures used in the foregoing computation shall be determined in accordance with GAAP.
ARTICLE XI
FIDELITY BOND
The Advisor shall endeavor to maintain a fidelity bond for the benefit of the Company which bond shall insure the Company from losses of up to $1 million per occurrence and shall be of the type customarily purchased by entities performing services similar to those provided to the Company by the Advisor.
ARTICLE XII
RELATIONSHIP OF THE ADVISOR AND COMPANY
The Company and the Advisor are not partners or joint venturers with each other, and nothing in this Advisory Agreement shall be construed to make them such partners or joint venturers or impose any liability as such on either of them, and neither shall have the power to bind or obligate the other except as set forth herein. In all respects, the status of the Advisor under this Advisory Agreement is that of an independent contractor.
ARTICLE XIII
RELATIONSHIP WITH DIRECTORS
Subject to Article VIII of this Advisory Agreement and to restrictions set forth in the Charter or deemed advisable with respect to the qualification of the Company as a REIT, members, managers, officers and employees of the Advisor or directors, stockholders, members, managers, officers or employees of an Affiliate of the Advisor may serve as a Director and as officers of the Company, except that no officer or employee of the Advisor or its Affiliates who also is a Director or officer of the Company shall receive any compensation from the Company for serving as a Director or officer other than reasonable reimbursement for travel and related expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Directors. Directors who are not Independent Directors will be individuals nominated by the Advisor, provided that such director nominees are either directors of the Advisor or have been elected by the board of directors of the Advisor as executive officers of the Advisor.
ARTICLE XIV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Section 14.1 The Company . To induce the Advisor to enter into this Advisory Agreement, the Company hereby represents and warrants that:
(a) The Company is a corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Maryland with all requisite corporate power and authority and all material licenses, permits and authorizations necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Advisory Agreement.
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(b) The Companys execution, delivery and performance of this Advisory Agreement has been duly authorized by the Board of Directors including a majority of all Independent Directors of the Company. This Advisory Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. The Companys execution and delivery of this Advisory Agreement and its fulfillment of and compliance with the respective terms hereof do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, (ii) constitute a default under, (iii) result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon the Assets of the Company pursuant to, (iv) give any third party the right to modify, terminate or accelerate any obligation under, (v) result in a violation of or (vi) require any authorization, consent, approval, exception or other action by or notice to any court or administrative or governmental body pursuant to, the Charter or Bylaws or any law, statute, rule or regulation to which the Company is subject, or any agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree by which the Company is bound, in any such case in a manner that would have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Company to perform any of its obligations under this Advisory Agreement.
Section 14.2 The Advisor . To induce the Company to enter into this Advisory Agreement, the Advisor represents and warrants that:
(a) The Advisor is a limited liability company, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware with all requisite company power and authority and all material licenses, permits and authorizations necessary to carry out the transactions contemplated by this Advisory Agreement.
(b) The Advisors execution, delivery and performance of this Advisory Agreement has been duly authorized. This Advisory Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Advisor, enforceable against the Advisor in accordance with its terms. The Advisors execution and delivery of this Advisory Agreement and its fulfillment of and compliance with the respective terms hereof do not and will not (i) conflict with or result in a breach of the terms, conditions or provisions of, (ii) constitute a default under, (iii) result in the creation of any lien, security interest, charge or encumbrance upon the Advisors assets pursuant to, (iv) give any third party the right to modify, terminate or accelerate any obligation under, (v) result in a violation of or (vi) require any authorization, consent, approval, exemption or other action by or notice to any court or administrative or governmental body pursuant to, the Advisors limited liability company agreement, or any law, statute, rule or regulation to which the Advisor is subject, or any agreement, instrument, order, judgment or decree by which the Advisor is bound, in any such case in a manner that would have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Advisor to perform any of its obligations under this Advisory Agreement.
(c) The Advisor has received copies of the Charter, the Bylaws, the Prospectus and the Operating Partnership Agreement and is familiar with the terms thereof, including without limitation the investment limitations included therein. The Advisor warrants that it will use reasonable care to avoid any act or omission that would conflict with the terms of the Charter, the Bylaws, the Prospectus, or the Operating Partnership Agreement in the absence of the express direction of a majority of the Independent Directors.
ARTICLE XV
TERM; TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
Section 15.1 Term . This Advisory Agreement shall continue in force until the first anniversary of the date hereof. Thereafter, this Advisory Agreement may be renewed for an unlimited number of successive one-year terms upon mutual consent of the parties. The Company, acting through
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the Board, will evaluate the performance of the Advisor annually before renewing the Advisory Agreement, and each such renewal shall be for a term of no more than one year.
Section 15.2 Termination by Either Party . This Advisory Agreement may be terminated upon 60 days written notice without cause or penalty, by either party (by a majority of the Independent Directors of the Company or the manager of the Advisor).
Section 15.3 Termination by the Advisor . Subject to Section 16.2, this Advisory Agreement may be terminated immediately by the Advisor in the event of any material breach of this Advisory Agreement by the Company not cured by the Company within 30 days after written notice thereof.
Section 15.4 Termination by the Company . This Advisory Agreement may be terminated immediately by the Company in the event of (a) any material breach of this Advisory Agreement by the Advisor not cured by the Advisor within 30 days after written notice thereof; (b) a decree or order is rendered by a court having jurisdiction (i) adjudging the Advisor as bankrupt or insolvent, or (ii) approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or similar relief for Advisor under the federal bankruptcy laws or any similar applicable law or practice, or (iii) appointing a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of the Advisor or a substantial part of the property of the Advisor, or for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs; or (c) the Advisor (i) institutes proceedings to be adjudicated a voluntary bankrupt or an insolvent, (ii) consents to the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding against it, (iii) files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or relief under any similar applicable law or practice, (iv) consents to the filing of any such petition, or to the appointment of a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency for it or for a substantial part of its property, (v) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (vi) is unable to or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due unless such inability shall be the fault of the Company or the Operating Partnership, or (vii) takes corporate or other action in furtherance of any of the aforesaid purposes.
Section 15.5 Survival . The provisions of Articles I, VI, VII and XVI through XX survive termination of this Advisory Agreement.
ARTICLE XVI
PAYMENTS TO AND DUTIES OF
ADVISOR UPON TERMINATION
Section 16.1 Reimbursable Expenses and Earned Fees . After the Termination Date, other than the Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination, the Advisor shall not be entitled to compensation for further services hereunder except it shall be entitled to receive from the Company within 30 days after the effective date of such termination all unpaid reimbursable expenses and all earned but unpaid fees payable to the Advisor prior to termination of this Advisory Agreement.
Section 16.2 Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination . Upon termination, unless such termination is by the Company because of a material breach of this Advisory Agreement by the Advisor as a result of willful or intentional misconduct or bad faith on behalf of the Advisor, the Advisor shall be entitled to receive from the Company the Subordinated Performance Fee Due Upon Termination payable in the form of an interest bearing promissory note bearing interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points (the Performance Fee Note). The Company shall repay the Performance Fee Note at such time as the Company completes the first Sale or refinancing of a Property held at the Termination Date using Cash from Sales or Cash from Financings in an amount equal to the value such Property contributed to the Performance Fee Note. If such amount is insufficient to pay the
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Performance Fee Note in full, then the Performance Fee Note shall be paid in part from the Cash from Sales from the first Sale or Cash from Financings from the first refinancing of a Property held at the Termination Date, and in part from the Cash from Sales from each successive Sale or Cash from Financings from each successive refinancing of Properties held at the Termination Date in an amount equal to the value such Properties contributed to the Performance Fee Note until the Performance Fee Note is repaid in full. If the Performance Fee Note has not been paid in full on the earlier of (a) the date the Common Stock is Listed, or (b) within three (3) years from the Termination Date, then the holder of the Performance Fee Note, its successors or assigns, may elect to convert the balance of the fee into Common Stock at a price per share equal to the average closing price of the shares of Common Stock over the ten (10) trading days immediately preceding the date of such election if the Common Stock is Listed at such time. If the Common Stock is not Listed within three (3) years from the Termination Date, the holder of the Performance Fee Note, its successors or assigns, may elect to convert the balance of the fee into shares of Common Stock at a price per share equal to the fair market value for such Shares as determined by the Board of Directors based upon the Appraised Value of the Properties, loans, and other investments, net of any debt thereon, on the date of election.
Section 16.3 Advisors Duties Upon Termination . The Advisor shall promptly upon termination:
(a) pay over to the Company all money collected and held for the account of the Company pursuant to this Advisory Agreement, after deducting any accrued compensation and reimbursement for its expenses to which it is then entitled;
(b) deliver to the Board a full accounting, including a statement showing all payments collected by it and a statement of all money held by it, covering the period following the date of the last accounting furnished to the Board;
(c) deliver to the Board all Assets, including Properties, and documents of the Company then in the custody of the Advisor; and
(d) cooperate with the Company to provide an orderly management transition.
ARTICLE XVII
ASSIGNMENT TO AN AFFILIATE
This Advisory Agreement may be assigned by the Advisor to an Affiliate with the approval of a majority of the Independent Directors. The Advisor may assign any rights to receive fees or other payments under this Advisory Agreement without obtaining the approval of the Directors. This Advisory Agreement shall not be assigned by the Company without the consent of the Advisor, except in the case of an assignment by the Company to a corporation or other organization which is a successor to all of the Assets, rights and obligations of the Company, in which case such successor organization shall be bound hereunder and by the terms of said assignment in the same manner as the Company is bound by this Advisory Agreement.
ARTICLE XVIII
INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY
Section 18.1 Conditions of Indemnification . The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Advisor and its Affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, stockholders, members, managers, partners and employees, from all liability, claims, damages or losses arising in the performance of their duties hereunder, and related expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees, to the
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extent such liability, claims, damages or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance, subject to any limitations imposed by the laws of the State of Maryland and Article XII of the Charter and only if all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The directors or the Advisor or its Affiliates have determined, in good faith, that the course of conduct that caused the loss or liability was in the best interests of the Company;
(b) The Advisor or its Affiliates were acting on behalf of or performing services for the Company;
(c) Such liability or loss was not the result of negligence or misconduct by the Advisor or its Affiliates; and
(d) Such indemnification or agreement to hold harmless is recoverable only out of the Companys Net Asset Value and not from its Stockholders.
(e) With respect to losses, liabilities or expenses arising from or out of an alleged violation of federal or state securities laws, one or more of the following conditions are met: (i) there has been a successful adjudication on the merits of each count involving alleged securities law violations as to the particular indemnitee; (ii) such claims have been dismissed with prejudice on the merits by a court of competent jurisdiction as to the particular indemnitee; or (iii) a court of competent jurisdiction approves a settlement of the claims against a particular indemnitee and finds that indemnification of the settlement and the related costs should be made, and the court considering the request for indemnification has been advised of the position of the SEC and of the published position of any state securities regulatory authority in which securities of the Company were offered or sold as to indemnification for violations of securities laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Advisor shall not be entitled to indemnification or be held harmless pursuant to this Article XVIII for any activity which the Advisor shall be required to indemnify or hold harmless the Company pursuant to Article XIX.
Section 18.2 Advancement of Funds . The Company may advance funds to the Advisor and its Affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, stockholders, members, managers and employees, for reasonable and actual legal expenses and other costs incurred as a result of any legal action for which indemnification is being sought only if all of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) the legal action relates to acts or omissions with respect to the performance of duties or services on behalf of the Company; (ii) the legal action is initiated by a third-party who is not a Stockholder or the legal action is initiated by a Stockholder acting in his or her capacity as such and a court of competent jurisdiction specifically approves such advancement; and (iii) the Advisor or its Affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, stockholders, members, managers and employees, undertake to repay the advanced funds to the Company together with the applicable legal rate of interest thereon, in cases in which such Advisor or its Affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, stockholders, members, managers and employees, are found not to be entitled to indemnification.
ARTICLE XIX
INDEMNIFICATION BY ADVISOR
The Advisor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company from contract or other liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses including attorneys fees, to the extent that such liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance and are incurred by reason of the Advisors bad faith, fraud, willful misfeasance, misconduct, or reckless disregard of its duties, but Advisor shall not be held responsible for any action of the Board in declining to follow any advice or recommendation given by the Advisor.
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ARTICLE XX
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
In no event will either party be liable for damages based on loss of income, profit or savings or indirect, incidental, consequential, exemplary, punitive or special damages of the other party or person, including third parties, even if such party has been advised of the possibility of such damages in advance, and all such damages are expressly disclaimed.
ARTICLE XXI
NOTICES
Any notice in this Advisory Agreement permitted to be given, made or accepted by either party to the other, must be in writing and may be given or served by (1) overnight courier, (2) depositing the same in the United States mail, postpaid, certified, return receipt requested, or (3) facsimile transfer. Notice deposited in the United States mail shall be deemed given when mailed. Notice given in any other manner shall be effective when received at the address of the addressee. For purposes hereof the addresses of the parties, until changed as hereafter provided, shall be as follows:
To Company: | The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. | |
Attention: Kevin A. Shields | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
Fax: 310-606-5910 | ||
With a copy to: | Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance | |
Committee | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
Fax: 310-606-5910 | ||
To Advisor: | The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC | |
Attention: Kevin A. Shields | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
Fax: 310-606-5910 |
Either party may at any time give notice in writing to the other party of a change in its address for the purposes of this Article XXI.
ARTICLE XXII
MODIFICATION
This Advisory Agreement shall not be changed, modified, terminated, or discharged, in whole or in part, except by an instrument in writing signed by both parties hereto, or their respective successors or assignees.
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ARTICLE XXIII
SEVERABILITY
The provisions of this Advisory Agreement are independent of and severable from each other, and no provision shall be affected or rendered invalid or unenforceable by virtue of the fact that for any reason any other or others of them may be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part.
ARTICLE XXIV
CONSTRUCTION/GOVERNING LAW
The provisions of this Advisory Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
ARTICLE XXV
ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Advisory Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, inducements and conditions, express or implied, oral or written, of any nature whatsoever with respect to the subject matter hereof. The express terms hereof control and supersede any course of performance and/or usage of the trade inconsistent with any of the terms hereof. This Advisory Agreement may not be modified or amended other than by an agreement in writing.
ARTICLE XXVI
INDULGENCES, NOT WAIVERS
Neither the failure nor any delay on the part of a party to exercise any right, remedy, power or privilege under this Advisory Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
ARTICLE XXVII
GENDER
Words used herein regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires.
ARTICLE XXVIII
TITLES NOT TO AFFECT INTERPRETATION
The titles of paragraphs and subparagraphs contained in this Advisory Agreement are for convenience only, and they neither form a part of this Advisory Agreement nor are they to be used in the construction or interpretation hereof.
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ARTICLE XXIX
EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS
This Advisory Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original as against any party whose signature appears thereon, and all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This Advisory Agreement shall become binding when the counterparts hereof, taken together, bear the signatures of all of the parties reflected hereon as the signatories.
ARTICLE XXX
INITIAL INVESTMENT
The Advisor has purchased 100 shares of Common Stock for $1,000.00. The Advisor has purchased 20,000 OP Units for $200,000 (the NASAA Contribution Units). In addition, the Advisor may not sell any of the NASAA Contribution Units while the Advisor acts in such advisory capacity to the Company, provided, that such NASAA Contribution Units may be transferred to Affiliates of the Advisor. Affiliates of the Advisor may not sell any of the NASAA Contribution Units while the Advisor acts in such advisory capacity to the Company, provided, that such NASAA Contribution Units may be transferred to the Advisor or other Affiliates of the Advisor. The restrictions included above shall not apply to any other Securities acquired by the Advisor or its Affiliates, including the OP Units issued to Affiliates of the Advisor in connection with the contribution of the two initial Properties acquired by the Operating Partnership from such Affiliates of the Advisor. With respect to any Securities owned by the Advisor, the Directors, or any of their Affiliates, neither the Advisor, nor the Directors, nor any of their Affiliates may vote or consent on matters submitted to the Stockholders regarding the removal of the Advisor, Directors or any of their Affiliates or any transaction between the Company and any of them. In determining the requisite percentage in interest of Securities necessary to approve a matter on which the Advisor, Directors and any of their Affiliates may not vote or consent, any Securities owned by any of them shall not be included.
[SIGNATURES APPEAR ON NEXT PAGE]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amended and Restated Advisory Agreement as of the date and year first above written.
THE COMPANY: | ||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. | ||
By: |
|
|
Kevin A. Shields | ||
President | ||
THE ADVISOR: | ||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT ADVISOR, LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Kevin A. Shields | ||
President |
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EXHIBIT 10.3
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. 2009 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. | PURPOSES OF THE PLAN AND DEFINITIONS | 1 | ||||
1.1 | P URPOSES | 1 | ||||
1.2 | D EFINITIONS | 1 | ||||
2. | ELIGIBLE PERSONS | 6 | ||||
3. | SHARES OF STOCK SUBJECT TO THIS PLAN | 6 | ||||
4. | ADMINISTRATION | 7 | ||||
4.1 | C OMMITTEE | 7 | ||||
4.2 | D URATION , R EMOVAL , E TC | 7 | ||||
4.3 | M EETINGS AND A CTIONS OF C OMMITTEE | 7 | ||||
4.4 | C OMMITTEE S P OWERS | 8 | ||||
4.5 | T ERM OF P LAN | 9 | ||||
5. | GRANT OF OPTIONS | 9 | ||||
5.1 | W RITTEN A GREEMENT | 9 | ||||
5.2 | A NNUAL $100,000 L IMITATION ON ISO S | 9 | ||||
6. | CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS AND OTHER AWARDS | 9 | ||||
6.1 | A LL A WARDS | 9 | ||||
6.2 | T ERMS AND C ONDITIONS TO W HICH O NLY NQO S A RE S UBJECT | 12 | ||||
6.3 | T ERMS AND C ONDITIONS TO W HICH O NLY ISO S A RE S UBJECT | 13 | ||||
6.4 | S URRENDER OF O PTIONS | 13 | ||||
7. | RESTRICTED STOCK | 14 | ||||
7.1 | G RANT | 14 | ||||
7.2 | R ESTRICTIONS | 14 | ||||
7.3 | D ISTRIBUTIONS | 14 | ||||
7.4 | A UTOMATIC G RANTS TO N ON -E MPLOYEE D IRECTORS | 14 | ||||
8. | STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT | 14 | ||||
9. | DIVIDEND EQUIVALENT RIGHTS | 15 | ||||
9.1 | G ENERAL | 15 | ||||
9.2 | R IGHTS AND O PTIONS | 15 | ||||
9.3 | P AYMENTS | 15 | ||||
10. | OTHER EQUITY-BASED AWARDS | 15 | ||||
10.1 | G RANT | 15 | ||||
10.2 | T ERMS AND C ONDITIONS | 15 | ||||
10.3 | P AYMENT OR S ETTLEMENT | 16 | ||||
11. | COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS | 16 | ||||
12. | EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER RELATIONSHIP | 16 | ||||
13. | AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION OF THIS PLAN | 17 | ||||
14. | LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF THE COMMITTEE | 17 | ||||
15. | SECURITIES LAW LEGENDS | 17 | ||||
16. | SEVERABILITY | 17 | ||||
17. | EFFECTIVE DATE AND STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL | 18 | ||||
18. | MISCELLANEOUS | 18 | ||||
18.1 | L OANS | 18 | ||||
18.2 | F ORFEITURE P ROVISIONS | 18 | ||||
18.3 | L IMITATIONS A PPLICABLE TO S ECTION 16 | 18 | ||||
18.4 | E FFECT OF P LAN U PON O THER I NCENTIVE AND C OMPENSATION P LANS | 18 | ||||
18.5 | S ECTION 83( B ) E LECTION P ROHIBITED | 19 |
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EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTOR LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
OF
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
1. | PURPOSES OF THE PLAN AND DEFINITIONS |
1.1 Purposes . The purposes of the Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan (the Plan) of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. (the Company) are to:
(a) provide incentives to individuals chosen to receive share-based awards because of their ability to improve operations and increase profits;
(b) encourage selected persons to accept or continue employment or other service relationship with the Company or any Advisor or Affiliate of the Company; and
(c) increase the interest of Directors in the Companys welfare through their participation in the growth in value of the Companys Stock.
To accomplish these purposes, this Plan provides a means whereby Employees of the Company or any Advisor or its Affiliates that the Committee deems important to the Companys long-term success, Directors and other enumerated persons may receive Awards.
1.2. Definitions . For purposes of this Plan, the following terms have the following meanings:
Advisor means the Person or Persons, if any, appointed, employed or contracted with by the Company responsible for directing or performing the day-to-day business affairs of the Company, including any Person to whom the Advisor subcontracts substantially all of such functions. The initial Advisor is The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC.
Affiliate means any Person (other than an Advisor), whose employees (as such term is defined in the Form S-8 registration statement under the Securities Act) are eligible to receive Awards under the Plan. The determination of whether a Person is an Affiliate shall be made by the Committee acting in its sole and absolute discretion.
Applicable Laws means the requirements relating to the administration of Awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. Federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares of Stock are listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under the Plan.
Articles of Incorporation means the articles of incorporation of the Company as the same may be amended from time to time.
Award means any award under this Plan, including any grant of Options, Restricted Shares, Stock Appreciation Rights, Distribution Equivalent Rights or Other Equity-Based Awards.
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Award Agreement means, with respect to each Award, the written agreement executed by the Company and the Participant or other written document approved by the Committee setting forth the terms and conditions of the Award.
Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
Cause, unless otherwise defined in an Employees employment agreement, means (i) gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) an uncured breach of any of the Employees material duties under his or her employment agreement, (iii) fraud or other conduct against the material best interests of his or her employer or the Company, or (iv) a conviction of a felony, if such conviction has a material adverse effect on his or her employer. If Cause is otherwise defined in an Employees employment agreement, the definition in the employment agreement shall be effective for purposes of the Plan with respect to the Employee in question.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
Committee has the meaning given it in Section 4.1.
Common Stock or Stock means common shares of capital stock of the Company, $0.001 par value per share.
Company has the meaning given it in Section 1.1.
Director means a person elected or appointed and serving as director of the Company in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation and the Maryland General Corporation Law.
Distribution Equivalent Right means an Award of rights pursuant to Section 8.
Effective Date has the meaning given it in Section 16.
Employee has the meaning ascribed to it for purposes of Section 3401(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations adopted under that Section. An employee includes an officer or a Director who is an employee of the Company.
Employment Termination means that a Participant has ceased, for any reason and with or without Cause, to be an Employee or Director of, or a consultant to, the Company, the Advisor or any Affiliate of the Company. However, the term Employment Termination shall not include a Non-Employee Directors ceasing to be a Director or a transfer of a Participant from the Company to the Advisor or an Affiliate or vice versa, or from one Affiliate to another, or a leave of absence duly authorized by the Company unless the Committee has provided otherwise.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
Exercise Notice has the meaning given it in Section 6.1(f).
Fair Market Value means with respect to Stock:
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(i) if the Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including, without limitation, the NASDAQ National Market System, the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock shall be the closing sales price for the Stock, or the mean between the high bid and low asked prices if no sales were reported, as quoted on such system or exchange (or, if the Stock is listed on more than one exchange, then on the largest such exchange) for the date the value is to be determined (or if there are no sales or bids for such date, then for the last preceding business day on which there were sales or bids), as reported in The Wall Street Journal or similar publication; or
(ii) if the Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, or if there is no market for the Stock, the Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock shall be determined in good faith by the Committee by the reasonable application of a reasonable valuation method, with reference to all information material to the value of the Company, including by way of example, the Companys net worth, prospective earning power, distribution-paying capacity and other relevant factors, including the goodwill of the Company, the economic outlook in the Companys industry, the Companys position in the industry and its management, and the values of stock of other enterprises in the same or similar lines of business;
provided, however, that for purposes of granted Nonqualified Share Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, Fair Market Value of Stock shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 409A, and for purposes of granting Incentive Stock Options, Fair Market Value of Stock shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 422.
Grant Date has the meaning given it in Section 6.1(c).
Incentive Stock Option or ISO means any Option intended to be and designated as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, and any successor provision.
Non-Employee Director means a person who is a non-employee director as defined in Rule 16b-3 or a person who is an outside director as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.162-27(e)(3).
Non-Qualified Share Option or NQO means any Option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
Option means an option granted under Section 5.
Other Equity-Based Award means any award other than an Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Distribution Equivalent Right Award which, subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Committee, entitles a Participant to receive shares of Common Stock or rights or units valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, shares of Common Stock or distributions on shares of Common Stock.
Participant means an eligible person who is granted an Award.
Performance Goals means any one or more of the following performance goals, intended by the Committee to constitute objective goals for purposes of Code Section 162(m), either individually, alternatively or in any combination, applied to either the Company as
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a whole or to a business unit or Affiliate, either individually, alternatively or in combination, and measured either quarterly, annually or cumulatively over a period of quarters or years, on an absolute basis or relative to a pre-established target, to previous quarters or years results or to a designated comparison group, any of which may be measured on an aggregate or per share basis, in each case as specified by the Committee in the Award Agreement:
(i) earnings before any one or more of the following: interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization,
(ii) net income (loss) (either before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization),
(iii) changes in the market price of the Stock (on a per share or aggregate basis),
(iv) economic value added,
(v) funds from operations or similar measure,
(vi) sales or revenue,
(vii) acquisitions or strategic transactions,
(viii) operating income (loss),
(ix) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow and free cash flow),
(x) return on capital, assets, equity, or investment,
(xi) stockholder returns (including total returns calculated to include aggregate Stock appreciation and total dividends paid, assuming full reinvestment of dividends, during the applicable period),
(xii) cash available,
(xiii) return on sales,
(xiv) gross or net profit levels,
(xv) productivity,
(xvi) expense levels or management,
(xvii) margins,
(xviii) operating efficiency,
(xix) customer/tenant satisfaction,
(xx) working capital,
(xxi) earnings (loss) per share of Stock,
(xxii) revenue or earnings growth,
(xxiii) number of securities sold,
(xxiv) the Companys ranking against selected peer groups,
(xxv) same-store performance from period to period,
(xxvi) leasing or occupancy rates,
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(xxvii) objectively determinable capital deployment,
(xxviii) objectively determined expense management,
(xxix) sales or market shares,
(xxx) number of customers,
(xxxi) productivity of employees as measured by revenues, cost, or earnings per employee,
(xxxii) establishment of a trading market for the Companys Stock, and
(xxxiii) any combination of the foregoing.
The Committee may appropriately adjust any evaluation of performance under a Performance Goal to remove the effect of equity compensation expense under FAS 123R, amortization of acquired technology and intangibles, asset write-downs; litigation or claim judgments or settlements; the effect of changes in or provisions under tax law, accounting principles or other such laws or provisions affecting reported results; accruals for reorganization and restructuring programs; discontinued operations; and any items that are extraordinary, unusual in nature, non-recurring or infrequent in occurrence, except where such action would result in the loss of the otherwise available exemption of the Award under Section 162(m) of the Code, if applicable.
Performance Period means, with respect to an Award, a period of time within which the Performance Goals relating to such Award are to be measured. The Performance Period will be established by the Committee at the time the Award is granted.
Person means a corporation, partnership, trust, association or any other entity.
Plan means this Employee and Director Long-Term Incentive Plan of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.
Related Corporation means a parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code.
Restricted Stock means an Award granted under Section 7.
Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 adopted under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or any successor rule, as it may be amended from time to time, and references to paragraphs or clauses of Rules 16b-3 refer to the corresponding paragraphs or clauses of Rule 16b-3 as it exists at the Effective Date or the comparable paragraph or clause of Rule 16b-3 or successor rule, as that paragraph or clause may thereafter be amended.
Section 16(b) means Section 16(b) under the Exchange Act.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
Stock Appreciation Right means an Award granted under Section 8.
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Ten Percent Stockholder means any person who, at the time this definition is being applied, owns, directly or indirectly (or is treated as owning by reason of attribution rules currently set forth in Code Section 424 or any successor statute), shares of the Company constituting more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding capital stock of the Company or any Related Corporation.
2. | ELIGIBLE PERSONS |
Every person who, at or as of the Grant Date, is (a) a full-time Employee of the Company, (b) a Director of the Company, (c) is an executive officer or full-time employee of the Advisor or its Affiliates who provides services to the Company and who does not have any beneficial ownership of the Advisor and its Affiliates, or (d) someone whom the Committee designates as eligible for an Award (other than for Incentive Stock Options) because the person (i) performs bona fide consulting or advisory services for the Company, the Advisor or any Affiliate of the Company pursuant to a written agreement (other than services in connection with the offer or sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction), and (ii) has a direct and significant effect on the financial development of the Company or any Affiliate of the Company, shall be eligible to receive Awards hereunder; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to an Employee of the Company or a Related Corporation.
3. | SHARES OF STOCK SUBJECT TO THIS PLAN |
The total number of shares of Stock that may be issued under Awards is a number of shares equal to ten percent (10%) of the Companys outstanding Stock, but may never exceed ten million (10,000,000) shares. The maximum number of shares of Stock with respect to which ISOs may be granted under the Plan is the lesser of the total number of shares of Stock that may be issued under Awards or ten million (10,000,000) shares. Such shares of Stock may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Stock or shares of Stock reacquired in private transactions or open market purchases, but all shares of Stock issued under the Plan, regardless of their source, shall be counted against the Stock limitation. Any shares of Stock that are retained by the Company upon exercise or settlement of an Award in order to satisfy the exercise price in whole or in part, or to pay withholding taxes due with respect to such exercise or settlement, shall be treated as issued to the Participant and will thereafter not be available under the Plan. Any shares of Stock subject to unexercised portions of Options granted under the Plan which shall have been terminated, cancelled or that have expired may again be subject to Options hereunder. Awards settled in cash will not reduce the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan. The number of shares of Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan is subject to adjustment in accordance with the provisions for adjustment in Section 6.1. To the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, as applicable, for compensation to be treated as qualified performance-based compensation, subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 6.1, the maximum number of shares of Stock with respect to which (a) Options, (b) Stock Appreciation Rights, or (c) other Awards to the extent they are granted with the intent that they qualify as qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code may be granted during any calendar year to any employee may not exceed one million (1,000,000). If, after grant, an Option is cancelled, the cancelled Option shall continue to be counted against the maximum number of shares for which options may be granted to an employee during any calendar year as described in this Section 3. If, after grant, the exercise price of an Option is reduced or the base amount on which a Stock Appreciation Right is calculated is reduced, the transaction shall be treated as the cancellation of the Option or the Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable, and the grant of a new Option or Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable. If an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is
6
deemed to be cancelled as described in the preceding sentence, the Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is deemed to be canceled and the Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is deemed to be granted shall both be counted against the maximum number of shares for which Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to an employee during any calendar year as described in this Section 3.
4. | ADMINISTRATION |
4.1. Committee .
(a) In General. This Plan shall be administered by the compensation committee (the Committee) appointed by the Board. The number of persons who shall constitute the Committee shall be determined from time to time by a majority of all the members of the Board; provided, however, that the Committee shall not consist of fewer than two persons.
(b) Section 162(m). To the extent the Board desires to qualify Awards granted under this Plan as performance based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan shall be administered by a Committee of two or more outside directors as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.162-27(e)(3).
(c) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions under this Plan as exempt under Rule 16b-3, a Committee consisting solely of two or more non-employee directors as defined in Rule 16b-3, must approve such transactions.
4.2. Duration, Removal, Etc . The members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, which shall have the power, at any time and from time to time, to remove members from or add members to the Committee. Removal from the Committee may be with or without cause. Any individual serving as a member of the Committee shall have the right to resign from the Committee by giving at least three days prior written notice to the Board. The Board, and not the remaining members of the Committee, shall have the power and authority to fill vacancies on the Committee, however caused. The Board shall promptly fill any vacancy that causes the number of members of the Committee to be fewer than two or any other minimum number required to comply with Rule 16b-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code, (unless the Board expressly determines not to have Awards under the Plan comply with Rule 16b-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code, respectively).
4.3. Meetings and Actions of Committee . The Board shall designate which of the Committee members shall be the chairperson of the Committee. If the Board fails to designate a chairperson for the Committee, the members of the Committee shall elect one of the Committee members as chairperson, who shall act as chairperson until he or she ceases to be a member of the Committee or until the Board (or the Committee) elects a new chairperson. The Committee may make any rules and regulations for the conduct of its business that are not inconsistent with this Plan, the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws of the Company or Applicable Laws.
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4.4. Committees Powers . Subject to the express provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall have the authority, in its sole discretion:
(a) to grant Awards upon such terms and conditions (not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan), as the Committee may consider appropriate;
(b) to adopt, amend and rescind administrative and interpretive rules and regulations relating to the Plan;
(c) to determine the eligible persons to whom, and the time or times at which, Awards shall be granted;
(d) to determine the number of shares of Stock that shall be the subject of each Award;
(e) to determine the terms and provisions of each Award Agreement (which need not be identical) and any amendments thereto, including provisions defining or otherwise relating to:
(i) the period or periods and extent of exercisability of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right;
(ii) the methods by which the exercise price of an Option may be paid, the form of payment, including, without limitation, cash, Stock, or other property (including cashless exercise arrangements), and the methods by which Stock shall be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants; provided, however, that if Stock is used to pay the exercise price of an Option, such Stock must have been held by the Participant for at least six months;
(iii) the extent to which the transferability of shares of Stock issued or transferred pursuant to any Award is restricted;
(iv) the effect of Employment Termination on an Award; and
(v) the effect of approved leaves of absence;
(f) to accelerate the time of exercisability of any Option, Distribution Equivalent Right, Stock Appreciation Right or Other Equity-Based Award;
(g) to construe the respective Award Agreements and the Plan;
(h) to make determinations of the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock;
(i) to waive any provision, condition or limitation set forth in an Award Agreement;
(j) to delegate its duties under the Plan to such agents as it may appoint from time to time; provided, however, that the Committee may not delegate its duties with respect to making or exercising discretion with respect to Awards to eligible persons if such delegation would cause Awards not to qualify for the exemptions provided by Rule 16b-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code (unless the Board expressly determines not to have Awards under the Plan comply with Rule 16b-3 or Section 162(m) of the Code, respectively); and
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(k) to make all other determinations, perform all other acts and exercise all other powers and authority necessary or advisable for administering the Plan.
The Committee may discriminate among Participants and among Awards granted to a Participant in exercising its discretion pursuant to this Plan. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan, in any Award or in any Award Agreement in the manner and to the extent it deems necessary or desirable to implement the Plan, and the Committee shall be the sole and final judge of that necessity or desirability. The determinations of the Committee on the matters referred to in this Section 4.4 shall be final and conclusive.
4.5. Term of Plan . No Awards shall be granted under this Plan after 10 years from the Effective Date of this Plan.
5. | GRANT OF OPTIONS |
5.1. Written Agreement . Each Option shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. The Award Agreement shall specify whether each Option it evidences is an NQO or an ISO.
5.2. Annual $100,000 Limitation on ISOs . To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of Stock with respect to which ISOs first become exercisable by a Participant in any calendar year exceeds $100,000, taking into account ISOs granted under this Plan and any other plan of the Company or any Related Corporation, the Options covering such additional shares of Stock becoming exercisable in that year shall cease to be ISOs and thereafter be NQOs. For this purpose, the Fair Market Value of shares of Stock subject to Options shall be determined as of the date the Options were granted. In reducing the number of Options treated as ISOs to meet this $100,000 limit, the most recently granted Options shall be reduced first.
6. | CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS AND OTHER AWARDS |
Each Option shall be designated as an ISO or an NQO and shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 6.1. The Committee may provide for different terms and conditions in any Award Agreement or amendment thereto as provided in Section 4.4 to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan.
6.1. All Awards . All Options and other Awards shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) Changes in Capital Structure. If the number of outstanding shares of Stock is increased or decreased by means of a nonreciprocal transaction between an entity and its shareholders that causes the per-share Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock underlying an Award to change, such as a stock dividend, stock split, spinoff, rights offering, or recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, (each an Equity Restructuring) then, from and after the record date for such Equity Restructuring, the number of shares of Stock and class of Stock subject to this Plan and each outstanding Award shall be adjusted in proportion to such increase or decrease in outstanding Stock and the then-applicable exercise price of each outstanding Award shall be correspondingly decreased or increased, as applicable.
(b) Certain Corporate Transactions. In the case of any reclassification or change of outstanding Stock issuable upon exercise of an outstanding Award or in the case of any consolidation or merger of the Company with or into another entity (other than a merger in which
9
the Company is the surviving entity and which does not result in any reclassification or change in the then-outstanding Stock) or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another entity of the property of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, in each case that is not an Equity Restructuring, then, as a condition of such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance, the Company or such successor or purchasing entity, as the case may be, shall make lawful and adequate provision whereby the holder of each outstanding Award shall thereafter have the right, on exercise of such Award, to receive the kind and amount of securities, property and/or cash receivable upon such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance by a holder of the number of securities issuable upon exercise of such Award immediately before such reclassification, change, consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance. Such provision shall include adjustments that shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments provided for in Section 6.1(a). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such a transaction occurs, in lieu of causing such rights to be substituted for outstanding Awards, the Committee may, upon 20 days prior written notice to Participants in its sole discretion: (i) shorten the period during which Awards are exercisable, provided they remain exercisable, to the extent otherwise exercisable, for at least 20 days after the date the notice is given, or (ii) cancel an Award upon payment to the Participant in cash, with respect to each Award to the extent then exercisable, of an amount which, in the sole discretion of the Committee, is determined to be equivalent to the amount, if any, by which the Fair Market Value (at the effective time of the transaction) of the consideration that the Participant would have received if the Award had been exercised before the effective time exceeds the exercise price of the Award. The actions described in this Section 6.1(b) may be taken without regard to any resulting tax consequences to the Participant.
(c) Grant Date. Each Award Agreement shall specify the date as of which it shall be effective (the Grant Date), which shall not be earlier than the date on which the Committee has approved the terms and conditions of the Award and has determined the recipient of the Award and the number of shares, if any, covered by the Award, and has taken all such other actions necessary to complete the grant of the Award.
(d) Time of Exercise; Vesting. Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be exercisable or may vest, and restrictions may lapse, including without limitation, upon the achievement of any Performance Goals, if any, that may be established by the Committee as a condition to vesting or settlement of the Award, as the case may be, at such times and in such amounts as may be specified by the Committee in the grant of the Award Performance Goals, if any, shall be established before twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period has elapsed, but in no event later than within ninety (90) days after the first day of a Performance Period. At the time any Performance Goals are established, the outcome as to whether the Performance Goals will be met must be substantially uncertain. If any Performance Goals are established as a condition to vesting or settlement of an Award and such Performance Goal is not based solely on the increase in the Fair Market Value of the Stock, the Committee shall certify in writing that the applicable Performance Goals were in fact satisfied before such Award is vested or settled, as applicable. To the extent an Award is subject to Performance Goals with the intent that the Award constitute performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m), the Committee shall comply with all applicable requirements under Code Section 162(m) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder in granting, modifying, and settling such Award. The Committee may, but is not required to, structure any Award so as to qualify as performance-based compensation under Code Section 162(m) and may establish other performance criteria that do not qualify as Performance Goals hereunder.
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(e) Nonassignability of Rights. Awards shall not be transferable other than with the consent of the Committee (which consent will not be granted in the case of ISOs unless the conditions for transfer of ISOs specified in the Code have been satisfied) or by will or the laws of the descent and distribution. Awards requiring exercise shall be exercisable during the Participants lifetime, only by the Participant; or in the event the Participant is disabled (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), by the legal representative of the Participant; or in the event of death of the Participant, by the legal representative of the Participants estate or if no legal representative has been appointed within ninety (90) days of the Participants death, by the person(s) taking under the laws of descent and distribution governing the State in which the Participant was domiciled at the time of the Participants death; except to the extent that the Committee may provide otherwise as to any Awards other than Incentive Stock Options.
(f) Notice and Payment. To the extent it is exercisable, an Award shall be exercisable only by written or recorded electronic notice of exercise, in the manner specified by the Committee from time to time, delivered to the Company or its designated agent during the term of the Award (the Exercise Notice). The Exercise Notice shall: (i) state the number of shares of Stock with respect to which the Award is being exercised; (ii) be signed by the holder of the Award or by the person authorized to exercise the Award pursuant to Section 6.1(e); and (iii) include such other information, instruments and documents as may be required to satisfy any other condition to exercise set forth in the Award Agreement. Except as provided below, payment in full, in cash or check, shall be made for all shares of Stock purchased at the time notice of exercise of an Award is given to the Company. The proceeds of any payment shall constitute general funds of the Company. At the time an Award is granted or before it is exercised, the Committee, in the exercise of its sole discretion, may authorize any one or more of the following additional methods of payment:
(i) for all Participants other than officers of the Company and Directors, acceptance of each such Participants full recourse promissory note for some or all (to the extent permitted by law) of the exercise price of the Stock being acquired, payable on such terms and rate of interest as determined by the Committee, and secured in such manner, if at all, as the Committee shall approve, including, without limitation, by a security interest in the Stock which are the subject of the Award or other securities;
(ii) for all Participants, delivery by each such Participant of Stock already owned by such Participant for all or part of the exercise price of the Award being exercised, provided that the Fair Market Value of such Stock is equal on the date of exercise to the exercise price of the Award being exercised, or such portion thereof as the Participant is authorized to pay and elects to pay by delivery of such shares of Stock;
(iii) for all Participants, surrender by each such Participant, or withholding by the Company from the Stock issuable upon exercise of the Award, of a number of shares of Stock subject to the Award being exercised with a Fair Market Value equal to some or all of the exercise price of the Stock being acquired, together with such documentation as the Committee and the broker, if applicable, shall require; or
(iv) for all Participants, payment may be made pursuant to a cashless exercise arrangement approved by the Committee.
(g) Termination of Employment from the Company, the Advisor or any Affiliate of the Company; Removal of a Director for Cause. The Committee shall establish, in respect of each Award when granted, the effect of an Employment Termination on the rights and
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benefits thereunder and in so doing may, but need not, make distinctions based upon the cause of termination (such as retirement, death, disability or other factors) or which party effected the termination (the employer or the Employee). All Awards granted to a Director whether or not an Employee will lapse on the date the Director ceases to be a Director of the Company as a result of his removal for Cause. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan or the Award Agreement, the Committee may decide in its discretion at the time of any Employment Termination (or within a reasonable time thereafter) to extend the exercise period of an Award (but not beyond the period specified in Section 6.2(b) or 6.3(b), as applicable) and not decrease the number of shares of Stock covered by the Award with respect to which the Award is exercisable or vested. A transfer of a Participant from the Company to the Advisor or an Affiliate or vice versa, or from one Affiliate to another, or a leave of absence duly authorized by the Company, shall not be deemed an Employment Termination or a break in continuous employment unless the Committee has provided otherwise.
(h) Other Provisions. Each Award Agreement may contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with this Plan, as may be determined by the Committee, and each ISO granted under this Plan shall include such provisions and conditions as are necessary to qualify such Option as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(i) Withholding and Employment Taxes. At the time of exercise of an Award, the lapse of restrictions on an Award, the Participant shall remit to the Company in cash all applicable Federal and state withholding and employment taxes. If and to the extent authorized and approved by the Committee in its sole discretion, a Participant may elect, by means of a form of election to be prescribed by the Committee, to have shares of Stock which are acquired upon exercise of an Award withheld by the Company or tender other shares of Stock owned by the Participant to the Company at the time that the amount of such taxes is determined, in order to pay the amount of such tax obligations, subject to any limitations as the Committee determines are necessary or appropriate. Any shares of Stock so withheld or tendered shall be valued by the Company as of the date they are withheld or tendered.
(j) Employee Status. If the terms of any Award provides that it may be earned or exercised only during employment or continued service or within a specified period of time after termination of employment or continued service, the Committee may decide to what extent leaves of absence for governmental or military service, illness, temporary disability or other reasons shall not be deemed interruptions of continuous employment or service.
(k) Stockholder Rights. A Participant, as a result of receiving an Award, shall not have any rights as a stockholder until, and then only to the extent that, the Award is earned and settled in shares of Common Stock.
6.2. Terms and Conditions to Which Only NQOs Are Subject . Options granted under this Plan which are designated as NQOs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) Exercise Price. The exercise price of an NQO shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that the exercise price of an NQO shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the Stock subject to the Option on the Grant Date.
(b) Option Term. Unless the Committee specifies an earlier expiration date at the Grant Date, each NQO shall expire 10 years after the Grant Date.
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6.3. Terms and Conditions to Which Only ISOs Are Subject . Options granted under this Plan which are designated as ISOs shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) Exercise Price. The exercise price of an ISO shall be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Code and shall in no event be less than the Fair Market Value of the Stock covered by the ISO at the Grant Date; provided, however, that the exercise price of an ISO granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder shall not be less than 110% of such fair market value.
(b) Option Term. Unless an earlier expiration date is specified by the Committee at the Grant Date, each ISO shall expire 10 years after the Grant Date; provided, however, that an ISO granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder shall expire no later than five years after the Grant Date.
(c) Disqualifying Dispositions. If shares of Stock acquired by exercise of an ISO are disposed of within two years after the Grant Date or within one year after the transfer of the Stock to the optionee, the holder of the Stock immediately before the disposition shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the date and terms of the disposition, shall provide such other information regarding the disposition as the Company may reasonably require.
(d) Termination of Employment. All vested ISOs must be exercised within three months of the Employment Termination of the optionee, or at any time specified in the Award Agreement that is otherwise permissible in the case of a Participant who dies while employed or within three months of Employment Termination, unless such Employment Termination is due to the employees being disabled (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code), in which case the ISO shall be exercised within one year of the Employment Termination; provided, however, that such time limits may be exceeded by the Committee under the terms of the Award, in which case, the ISO will be a NQO if it is exercised after the time limits that would otherwise apply.
6.4. Surrender of Options . The Committee, acting in its sole discretion, may include a provision in an Award Agreement allowing the optionee to surrender the Option covered by the agreement, in whole or in part in lieu of exercise in whole or in part, on any date that the Fair Market Value of the Stock subject to the Option exceeds the exercise price and the Option is exercisable (to the extent being surrendered). The surrender shall be effected by the delivery of the Award Agreement, together with a signed statement which specifies the number of shares of Stock as to which the optionee is surrendering the Option, together with a request for such type of payment. Upon such surrender, the optionee shall receive (subject to any limitations imposed by Rule 16b-3), at the election of the Committee, payment in cash or shares of Stock, or a combination of the two, equal to (or equal in Fair Market Value to) the excess of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock covered by the portion of the Option being surrendered on the date of surrender over the exercise price for such shares of Stock. The Committee, acting in its sole discretion, shall determine the form of payment, taking into account such factors as it deems appropriate. To the extent necessary to satisfy Applicable Laws, the Committee may terminate an optionees rights to receive payments in cash for fractional shares of Stock. Any Award Agreement providing for such surrender privilege shall also incorporate such additional restrictions on the exercise or surrender of Options as may be necessary to satisfy Applicable Law.
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7. | RESTRICTED STOCK |
Restricted Stock shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
7.1. Grant . The Committee may grant one or more Awards of Restricted Stock to any Participant. Each Award of Restricted Stock shall specify the number of shares of Stock to be issued to the Participant, the date of issuance and the restrictions imposed on the shares of Stock including the conditions of release or lapse of such restrictions. Pending the lapse of restrictions, certificates evidencing Restricted Stock (if any) shall bear a legend referring to the restrictions and shall be held by the Company. Prior to the issuance of any Restricted Stock, the Participant receiving such Restricted Stock shall pay to the Company an amount of cash equal to the exercise price of the Restricted Stock, if any, specified by the Committee in the Award Agreement. Upon the issuance of Restricted Stock, the Participant may be required to furnish such additional documentation or other assurances as the Committee may require in order to enforce the restrictions applicable thereto.
7.2. Restrictions . Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Plan or the Award Agreement regarding Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of or encumbered, either voluntarily or involuntarily, until the restrictions have lapsed and the rights to the shares of Restricted Stock have vested. The Committee may in its sole discretion provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions, in whole or in part, based on service, performance or such other factors or criteria as the Committee may determine.
7.3. Distributions . Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, cash distributions with respect to Restricted Stock shall be paid to the recipient of the Award of Restricted Stock on the normal distribution payment dates, and distributions payable in shares of Stock shall be paid in the form of Restricted Stock having the same terms as the Restricted Stock upon which such distribution is paid. Each Award Agreement for Awards of Restricted Stock shall specify whether and, if so, the extent to which the Participant shall be obligated to return to the Company any cash distributions paid with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock which are subsequently forfeited.
7.4. Automatic Grants to Non-Employee Directors . Each individual who is elected or re-elected to the Board (whether through stockholder meeting or by Directors to fill a vacancy on the Board) shall be granted 1,000 shares of Restricted Stock (the Director Restricted Stock) on the date of such election or re-election. The Director Restricted Stock shall fully vest if the Non-Employee Director completes the term or partial term for which he or she was elected. Except as provided otherwise in this Section 7.4, such Director Restricted Stock shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as are applicable to Restricted Stock.
8. | STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS |
The Committee may grant Stock Appreciation Rights to eligible persons. A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle its holder to receive from the Company, at the time of exercise of the right, an amount in cash equal to (or, at the Committees discretion, shares of Stock equal in Fair Market Value to) the excess of the Fair Market Value (at the date of exercise) of a share of Stock over a specified price fixed by the Committee in the governing Award Agreement multiplied by the number of shares of Stock as to which the holder is exercising the Stock Appreciation Right. The specified price fixed by the Committee shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of the shares of Stock on the Grant Date of the Stock Appreciation Right. Stock
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Appreciation Rights may be granted in tandem with any previously or contemporaneously granted Option or independent of any Option. The specified price of a tandem Stock Appreciation Right shall be the exercise price of the related Option. Any Stock Appreciation Rights granted in connection with an ISO shall contain such terms as may be required to comply with Section 422 of the Code.
9. | DISTRIBUTION EQUIVALENT RIGHTS |
9.1. General . The Committee shall have the authority to grant Distribution Equivalent Rights to Participants upon such terms and conditions as it shall establish, subject in all events to the following limitations and provisions of general application set forth in this Plan. Each Distribution Equivalent Right shall entitle a holder to receive, for a period of time to be determined by the Committee, a payment equal to the periodic distributions declared and paid by the Company on one share of Stock. If the Distribution Equivalent Right relates to a specific Option, the period shall not extend beyond the earliest of the date the Option is exercised, the date any Stock Appreciation Right related to the Option is exercised, or the expiration date set forth in the Option. To the extent the Committee deems advisable, it shall structure the Distribution Equivalent Rights such that they are either exempt from or compliant with Code Section 409A.
9.2. Rights and Options . Each Distribution Equivalent Right may relate to a specific Option granted under this Plan and may be granted to the optionee either concurrently with the grant of such Option or at such later time as determined by the Committee, or each Distribution Equivalent Right may be granted independent of any Option.
9.3. Payments . The Committee shall determine at the time of grant whether payment pursuant to a Distribution Equivalent Right shall be immediate or deferred and if immediate, the Company shall make payments pursuant to each Distribution Equivalent Right concurrently with the payment of the periodic distributions to holders of Common Stock. If deferred, the payments shall not be made until a date or the occurrence of an event specified by the Committee and then shall be made within 30 days after the occurrence of the specified date or event, unless the Distribution Equivalent Right is forfeited under the terms of the Plan or applicable Award Agreement; provided, however, that the Committee may not make payment of a Distribution Equivalent Right contingent upon the exercise of the related Option or Stock Appreciation Right, to the extent the Committee desires to preserve such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights exemption from Section 409A of the Code. The Committee shall also determine in its sole discretion whether any portion of any payment shall be made in shares of Stock.
10. | OTHER EQUITY-BASED AWARDS |
10.1. Grant . The Committee may grant one or more Other Equity-Based Awards to any Participant. Each Award specify the number of shares of Common Stock or other equity interests covered by such awards.
10.2. Terms and Conditions . The Committee, at the time an Other Equity-Based Award is made, shall specify the terms and conditions which govern the award. The terms and conditions of an Other Equity-Based Award may prescribe that a Participants rights in the Other Equity-Based Award shall be forfeitable, nontransferable or otherwise restricted for a period of time or subject to such other conditions as may be determined by the Committee, in its discretion and set forth in the Agreement. Other Equity-Based Awards may be granted to Participants, either alone or in addition to other awards granted under the Plan, and Other Equity-Based Awards may be granted in the settlement of other Awards granted under the Plan. To the extent the Committee
15
deems advisable, it shall structure such Other Equity-Based Awards such that they are either exempt from or compliant with Code Section 409A.
10.3. Payment or Settlement . Other Equity-Based Awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, shares of Common Stock, shall be payable or settled in shares of Common Stock, cash or a combination of Common Stock and cash, as determined by the Committee in its discretion. Other Equity-Based Awards denominated as equity interests other than shares of Common Stock may be paid or settled in shares or units of such equity interests or cash or a combination of both as determined by the Committee in its discretion.
11. | COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS |
This Plan, the granting and vesting of Awards under this Plan, the issuance and delivery of Stock, and the payment of money or other consideration allowable under this Plan or under Awards awarded hereunder are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations (including, but not limited to, state and federal securities laws and federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Committee, the Board or the Company, be necessary or advisable in connection therewith. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, rescind, limit, amend, suspend, or alter any Award or limit a Participants ability to exercise, or refuse to settle, any Award hereunder to the extent that the granting, issuance, or exercise of such Award (or any settlement thereof) or any term of such Award would jeopardize the status of the Company as a real estate investment trust under the Code or other applicable state or federal law. Any securities delivered under this Plan shall be subject to such restrictions, and the person acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company, provide such assurances and representations to the Company as the Committee, the Board or the Company may deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal requirements. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations. Nothing in this Plan or in any Award or Award Agreement shall require the Company to issue any Stock with respect to any Award if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, that issuance could constitute a violation of any Applicable Laws. As a condition to the grant or exercise of any Award, the Company may require the Participant (or, in the event of the Participants death, the Participants legal representatives, heirs, legatees or distributees) to provide written representations concerning the Participants (or such other persons) intentions with regard to the retention or disposition of the Stock covered by the Award and written covenants as to the manner of disposal of such Stock as may be necessary or useful to ensure that the grant, exercise or disposition thereof will not violate the Securities Act, any other law or any rule of any applicable securities exchange or securities association then in effect. The Company shall not be required to register any Stock under the Securities Act or register or qualify any Stock under any state or other securities laws.
12. | EMPLOYMENT OR OTHER RELATIONSHIP |
Nothing in this Plan or any Award shall in any way interfere with or limit the right of the Company, the Advisor or any Affiliate of the Company to terminate any Participants employment or status as a consultant or Director at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ of, or as a Director or consultant of, the Company, the Advisor or any Affiliate of the Company.
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13. | AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION OF THIS PLAN |
The Board may at any time amend, suspend or discontinue this Plan provided that such amendment, suspension or discontinuance meets the requirements of Applicable Laws, including without limitation, the requirements for stockholder approval. Notwithstanding the above, an amendment, alteration, suspension or discontinuation shall not be made if it would impair the rights of any Participant under any Award previously granted, without the Participants consent, except to conform this Plan and Awards granted to the requirements of Applicable Laws or Section 10 hereof.
14. | LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF THE COMMITTEE |
No person constituting, or member of the group constituting, the Committee shall be liable for any act or omission on such persons part, including but not limited to the exercise of any power or discretion given to such member under this Plan, except for those acts or omissions resulting from such members gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Company shall indemnify each present and future person constituting, or member of the group constituting, the Committee against, and each person or member of the group constituting the Committee shall be entitled without further act on his or her part to indemnity from the Company for, all expenses (including the amount of judgments and the amount of approved settlements made with a view to the curtailment of costs of litigation) reasonably incurred by such person in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by law and by the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company.
15. | SECURITIES LAW LEGENDS |
Certificates of shares of Stock and Restricted Stock, if issued, may have the following legend and statements of other applicable restrictions endorsed thereon:
THE SHARES OF STOCK REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE LAWS. THE SHARES MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE, SOLD, PLEDGED, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNTIL THE HOLDER HEREOF PROVIDES EVIDENCE SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER (WHICH, IN THE SOLE DISCRETION THE ISSUER, MAY INCLUDE AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER) THAT SUCH OFFER, SALE, PLEDGE, TRANSFER OR OTHER DISPOSITION WILL NOT VIOLATE ANY APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAWS.
This legend shall not be required for any shares of Stock issued pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.
16. | SEVERABILITY |
If any provision of this Plan is held to be illegal or invalid for any reason, that illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining portions of the Plan, but such provision shall be fully severable and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had
17
never been included in this Plan. Such an illegal or invalid provision shall be replaced by a revised provision that most nearly comports to the substance of the illegal or invalid provision. If any of the terms or provisions of this Plan or any Award Agreement conflict with the requirements of Applicable Laws, those conflicting terms or provisions shall be deemed inoperative to the extent they conflict with Applicable Law.
17. | EFFECTIVE DATE |
The effective date of this Plan is the earlier of the date this Plan was originally approved by the Companys Board February 12, 2009) or the date it was approved in that form by the holders of a majority of the Companys voting stock February 12, 2009 (the Effective Date).
18. | MISCELLANEOUS |
18.1. Loans . An employer may, in its discretion, extend one or more loans to Employees in connection with the exercise or receipt of an Award granted under this Plan, to the extent not prohibited by law or the terms of the Plan. The terms and conditions of any such loan shall be set by the board of directors of the employer.
18.2. Forfeiture Provisions . Pursuant to its general authority to determine the terms and conditions applicable to Awards granted under the Plan, the Committee shall have the right (to the extent consistent with the applicable exemptive conditions of Rule 16b-3) to provide, in the terms of an Award Agreement, or by separate written instrument, that (i) any proceeds, gains or other economic benefit actually or constructively received by a Participant upon the receipt or exercise of the Award, or upon the receipt or resale of any Stock underlying such Award, must be paid to the Company, and (ii) the Award shall terminate and any unexercised portion of such Award (whether or not vested) shall be forfeited, if (a) Employment Termination occurs prior to a specified date, or within a specified time period following receipt or exercise of the Award, or (b) the Participant, at any time, or during a specified time period, engages in any activity in competition with his employer or the Company, or which is inimical, contrary or harmful to the interests of his employer or the Company, as may be further defined from time to time by the Committee.
18.3. Limitations Applicable to Section 16 . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, this Plan, and any Award granted to any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
18.4. Effect of Plan Upon Other Incentive and Compensation Plans . The adoption of this Plan shall not affect any other options or compensation or incentive plans in effect for the Company. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to limit the right of the Company (i) to establish any other forms of incentives or compensation for employees of the Company, the Advisor or its Affiliates, or (ii) to grant or assume options or other rights or awards otherwise than under this Plan in connection with any proper corporate purpose including, but not by way of limitation, the grant or assumption of options in connection with the acquisition by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise of the business, stock or assets of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, firm or association.
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18.5. Section 83(b) Election Prohibited . No Participant may make an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to any Award granted under this Plan without the Companys consent. Each Award for which an election under Section 83(b) of the Code could be made without regard to this Section 17.5 shall, to the extent the Committee deems advisable, contain an acknowledgment by the Participant that such election may not be made without the Companys consent.
[End of Plan.]
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EXHIBIT 10.5
TAX PROTECTION AGREEMENT BY AND AMONG THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.,
THE GC NET LEASE REIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P., KEVIN A. SHIELDS, DON G.
PESCARA AND DAVID C. RUPERT
TAX PROTECTION AGREEMENT
THIS TAX PROTECTION AGREEMENT (this Agreement) is made and entered into as of April 21, 2009 by and among THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC., a Maryland corporation (the REIT), THE GC NET LEASE REIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), KEVIN A. SHIELDS, DON PESCARA, and DAVID RUPERT (each a Protected Partner and collectively the Protected Partners).
WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Contribution Agreement Renfro Property, dated as of April 21, 2009 and that certain Contribution Agreement CB&I Property, dated as of April 21, 2009, (the Contribution Agreements), the Protected Partners transferred to the Partnership all of such Protected Partners interests in the various entities that own or lease real estate properties, as identified in such Contribution Agreements, subject to specified liabilities, in exchange for 2,020,000 units of limited partnership interest (Units) in the Partnership (the Transaction);
WHEREAS, it is intended for federal income tax purposes that the Transaction be treated as a contribution by the Protected Partners of all of the contributed assets, subject to the assumed liabilities, to the Partnership in exchange for partnership interests under Section 721 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code);
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 3.2(b) of the Contribution Agreements and in consideration for the agreement of the Protected Partners to consummate the Transaction, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement regarding certain tax matters associated with the Transaction; and
WHEREAS, the REIT and the Partnership desire to evidence their agreement regarding amounts that may be payable as a result of certain actions being taken by the Partnership regarding the disposition of certain of the contributed assets and certain debt obligations of the Partnership and its subsidiaries.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein and in the Contribution Agreements, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
To the extent not otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings ascribed to them in the Partnership Agreement (as defined below).
Closing Date means the closing date of the Transaction.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Consent means the prior written consent to do the act or thing for which the consent is required or solicited, which consent may be executed by a duly authorized officer or agent of the party granting such consent.
Guaranteed Amount means the aggregate amount of each Guaranteed Debt that is guaranteed at any time by Partner Guarantors.
Guaranteed Debt means any loans incurred (or assumed) by the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries that are guaranteed by Partner Guarantors at any time after the Closing Date pursuant to Article 3 hereof.
Minimum Liability Amount means, for each Protected Partner, the amount set forth on Schedule 3.1 hereto next to such Protected Partners name.
Nonrecourse Liability has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations § 1.752-1(a)(2).
Partner Guarantors means those Protected Partners who have guaranteed any portion of the Guaranteed Debt. The Partner Guarantors and each Partner Guarantors dollar amount share of the Guaranteed Amount with respect to the Guaranteed Debt is zero as of the Closing Date and will be set forth on Exhibit B to Schedule 3.7 hereto, as may be amended from time to time.
Partnership means The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
Partnership Agreement means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., dated as of the Closing Date as amended, and as the same may be further amended in accordance with the terms thereof.
Protected Gain shall mean the gain that would be allocable to and recognized by a Protected Partner under Section 704(c) of the Code in the event of the sale of a Protected Property in a fully taxable transaction (excluding its corresponding share of book gain, if any). The initial amount of Protected Gain with respect to each Protected Partner shall be determined as if the Partnership sold a Protected Property in a fully taxable transaction on the Closing Date for consideration equal to the Section 704(c) Value of such Protected Property on the Closing Date, and is set forth on Schedule 2.1(b) hereto. Gain that would be allocated to a Protected Partner upon a sale of a Protected Property that is book gain (for example, gain attributable to appreciation in the actual value of the Protected Property following the Closing Date or gain resulting from reductions in the book value of the Protected Property following the Closing Date) would not be considered Protected Gain. (As used in this definition, book gain is any gain that would not be required under Section 704 (c) of the Code and the applicable regulations to be specially allocated to the Protected Partners, but rather would be allocated to all partners in the Partnership, including the REIT, in accordance with their respective economic interests in the Partnership.)
Protected Partner means those persons set forth on Schedule 2.1(a) hereto as Protected Partners, any person who acquires Units from a Protected Partner in a transaction in which gain or loss is not recognized in whole or in part and in which such transferees adjusted basis, as determined for federal income tax purposes, is determined in whole or in part by reference to the adjusted basis of a Protected Partner in such Units.
Protected Property means (i) each of the properties identified as a Protected Property on Schedule 2.1(b) hereto; (ii) any other properties or assets hereafter acquired by the Partnership or direct or indirect interest owned by the Partnership in any Subsidiary that owns an interest in a Protected Property, if the disposition of such properties, assets or interest would result in the recognition of Protected Gain with respect to a Protected Property by a Protected Partner; and (iii) any other property that the Partnership directly or indirectly receives that is in whole or in part a substituted basis property as defined in Section 7701(a)(42) of the Code with respect to a Protected Property.
Qualified Guarantee has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
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Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2.
Section 704(c) Value means the fair market value of any Protected Property as agreed to by the Partnership and the Protected Partners and as set forth next to each Protected Property on Schedule 2.1(b) hereto, as applicable. For purposes of this Agreement, the aggregate Section 704(c) Value for all properties contributed to the Partnership by the Protected Partners in the Transaction will be the agreed value of the Units to be issued in the Transaction plus the mortgage debt secured by or allocable to such properties outstanding on the Closing Date. The Section 704(c) Value for each Protected Property shall be as determined by agreement between the Protected Partners and the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement. The Partnership shall initially carry the Protected Property on its books at a value equal to the Section 704(c) Value as set forth above.
Subsidiary means any entity in which the Partnership owns a direct or indirect interest that owns a Protected Property on the Closing Date, after giving effect to the Transaction, or that thereafter is a successor to the Partnerships direct or indirect interests in a Protected Property.
Tax Protection Period means the period commencing on the Closing Date and ending at 12:01 AM on November 11, 2017; provided , however , that with respect to a Protected Partner, the Tax Protection Period shall terminate at such time as such Protected Partner disposes of 50% or more of the Units received, directly or indirectly, in the Transaction by such Protected Partner and gain or loss is fully recognized as a result of such disposition.
Units means units of limited partnership interest of the Partnership, as described in the Partnership Agreement.
ARTICLE 2
RESTRICTIONS ON DISPOSITIONS OF
PROTECTED PROPERTIES
2.1 General Prohibition on Disposition of Protected Properties . The Partnership agrees for the benefit of each Protected Partner, for the term of the Tax Protection Period, not to directly or indirectly sell, exchange, transfer, or otherwise dispose of a Protected Property or any interest therein (without regard to whether such disposition is voluntary or involuntary) in a transaction that would cause any of the Protected Partners to recognize any Protected Gain. Without limiting the foregoing, the term sale, exchange, transfer or disposition by the Partnership shall be deemed to include, and the prohibition shall extend to:
(a) any direct or indirect disposition by any direct or indirect Subsidiary of any Protected Property or any interest therein;
(b) any direct or indirect disposition by the Partnership of any Protected Property (or any direct or indirect interest therein) that is subject to Section 704(c)(1)(B) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder; and
(c) any distribution by the Partnership to a Protected Partner that is subject to Section 737 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder;
Without limiting the foregoing, a disposition shall include any transfer, voluntary or involuntary, by the Partnership or any Subsidiary in a foreclosure proceeding, pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or in a bankruptcy proceeding.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 2.1 shall not apply to a voluntary, actual disposition by a Protected Partner of Units in connection with a merger or consolidation of the Partnership pursuant to which (1) the Protected Partner is offered either cash or property treated as cash pursuant to Section 731 of the Code (Cash Consideration) or partnership interests in a partnership that would be treated as the continuing partnership under the principles of Section 708 of the Code and the receipt of such partnership interests would not result in the recognition of gain for federal income tax purposes by the Protected Partner (Partnership Interest Consideration); (2) the Protected Partner has the ability to elect to receive solely Partnership Interest Consideration in exchange for his Units and the continuing partnership has agreed in writing to assume the obligations of the Partnership under this Agreement; (3) no Protected Gain is recognized by the Partnership as a result of any partner of the Partnership receiving Cash Consideration; and (4) the Protected Partner elects to receive Cash Consideration.
2.2 Exceptions Where No Gain Recognized . Notwithstanding the restriction set forth in Section 2.1, the Partnership or any Subsidiary may dispose of any Protected Property (or any interest therein) if such disposition qualifies as a like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Code, or an involuntary conversion under Section 1033 of the Code, or other transaction (including, but not limited to, a contribution of property to any entity that qualifies for the non-recognition of gain under Section 721 or Section 351 of the Code, or a merger or consolidation of the Partnership with or into another entity that qualifies for taxation as a partnership for federal income tax purposes (a Successor Partnership)) that, as to each of the foregoing, does not result in the recognition of any taxable income or gain to any Protected Partner with respect to any of the Units; provided, however, that:
(a) in the case of a Section 1031 like-kind exchange, if such exchange is with a related party within the meaning of Section 1031(f)(3) of the Code, any direct or indirect disposition by such related party of the Protected Property or any other transaction prior to the expiration of the two (2) year period following such exchange that would cause Section 1031(f)(1) to apply with respect to such Protected Property (including by reason of the application of Section 1031(f)(4)) shall be considered a violation of Section 2.1 by the Partnership; and
(b) in the event that at the time of the exchange or other disposition the Protected Property is secured, directly or indirectly, by indebtedness that is guaranteed by a Protected Partner (or for which a Protected Partner otherwise has personal liability) and that is not then in default and the transferee is not a Subsidiary of the Partnership that both is more than 50% owned, directly or indirectly, by the Partnership and is and will continue to be under the legal control of the Partnership (which shall include a partnership or limited liability company in which the Partnership or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership is the sole managing general partner or sole managing member, as applicable), (i) either (A) such indebtedness shall be repaid in full or (B) the Partnership shall obtain from the lenders with respect to such indebtedness a full and complete release of liability for each of the Protected Partners that has guaranteed, or otherwise has liability for, such indebtedness, and (ii) if such indebtedness is a Guaranteed Debt and the Tax Protection Period shall not have expired, the Partnership shall comply with its covenants set forth in Article 3 below with respect to such Guaranteed Debt and the Partner Guarantors that are considered to have liability for such Guaranteed Debt (determined under Section 3.4 treating such events as a repayment of the Guaranteed Debt).
The taxes payable by any such Protected Partner shall equal the sum of the highest federal income tax rate applicable to such Protected Gain based upon its characterization in the year of disposition plus the highest income rates, if any, which such Protected Gain is subject to in the hands of such Protected Partner, times such Protected Partners share of such Protected Gain.
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ARTICLE 3
ALLOCATION OF LIABILITIES;
GUARANTEE OPPORTUNITY
3.1 Minimum Liability Allocation . During the Tax Protection Period, the Partnership will offer to each Protected Partner the opportunity to enter into Qualified Guarantees of Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness in such amount or amounts so as to cause the amount of partnership liabilities allocated to such Protected Partner for purposes of Section 752 of the Code to be not less than such Protected Partners Minimum Liability Amount, as provided in this Article 3. In order to minimize the need for Protected Partners to enter into Qualified Guarantees, the Partnership will use the optional method under Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(3) to allocate Nonrecourse Liabilities considered secured by a Protected Property to the Protected Partners to the extent that the built-in gain with respect to those properties exceeds the amount of the Nonrecourse Liabilities considered secured by such Protected Property allocated to the Protected Partners under Treasury Regulations Section 1.752-3(a)(2).
3.2 Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness and Qualified Guarantee; Treatment of Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness as Guaranteed Debt . In order for an offer by the Partnership of an opportunity to guarantee indebtedness to satisfy the requirements of this Article 3, (i) the indebtedness to be guaranteed must satisfy all of the conditions set forth in this Section 3.2 (indebtedness satisfying all such conditions is referred to as Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness); (ii) the guarantee by the Partner Guarantors must be pursuant to a Guarantee Agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Schedule 3.7 that satisfies the conditions set forth in Sections 3.2(a) and (c) (a Qualified Guarantee); (iii) the amount of debt required to be guaranteed by the Partner Guarantor must not exceed the portion of the Guaranteed Amount for which a replacement guarantee is being offered; and (iv) the debt to be guaranteed must be considered indebtedness of the Partnership for purposes of determining the adjusted tax basis of the interests of partners in the Partnership in their partnership interests. If, and to the extent that, a Partner Guarantor elects to guarantee Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness pursuant to an offer made in accordance with this Article 3, such indebtedness thereafter shall be considered a Guaranteed Debt and subject to all of this Article 3. The conditions that must be satisfied at all times with respect to any additional or replacement Guaranteed Debt offered pursuant to this Article 3 hereof and the guarantees with respect thereto are as follows:
(a) each such guarantee shall be a bottom dollar guarantee in that the lender for the Guaranteed Debt is required to pursue all other collateral and security for the Guaranteed Debt (other than any bottom dollar guarantees permitted pursuant to this clause (i) and/or Section 3.3 below) prior to seeking to collect on such a guarantee, and the lender shall have recourse against the guarantee only if, and solely to the extent that, the total amount recovered by the lender with respect to the Guaranteed Debt after the lender has exhausted its remedies as set forth above is less than the aggregate of the Guaranteed Amounts with respect to such Guaranteed Debt (plus the aggregate amounts of any other guarantees (x) that are in effect with respect to such Guaranteed Debt at the time the guarantees pursuant to this Article 3 are entered into, or (y) that are entered into after the date the guarantees pursuant to this Article 3 are entered into with respect to such Guaranteed Debt and that comply with Section 3.5 below, but only to the extent that, in either case, such guarantees are bottom dollar guarantees with respect to the Guaranteed Debt), and the maximum aggregate liability of each Partner Guarantor for all Guaranteed Debt shall be limited to the amount actually guaranteed by such Partner Guarantor;
(b) the fair market value of the collateral against which the lender has recourse pursuant to the Guaranteed Debt, determined as of the time the guarantee is entered into (an independent appraisal relied upon by the lender in making the loan shall be conclusive evidence of such fair market value when the guarantee is being entered into in connection with the closing of such loan), shall not be less than 150% of the sum of (1) the aggregate of the Guaranteed Amounts with respect to such
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Guaranteed Debt, plus (2) the dollar amount of any other indebtedness that is senior to or pari passu with the Guaranteed Debt and as to which the lender thereunder has recourse against property that is collateral of the Guaranteed Debt, plus (3) the aggregate amounts of any other guarantees that are in effect with respect to such Guaranteed Debt at the time the guarantees pursuant to this Article 3 are entered into with respect to such Guaranteed Debt and that comply with Section 3.2(e) below, but only to the extent that such guarantees are bottom dollar guarantees with respect to the Guaranteed Debt);
(c) (1) the executed guarantee must be delivered to the lender and (2) the execution of the guarantee by the Partner Guarantors must be acknowledged by the lender as an inducement to it to make a new loan, to continue an existing loan (which continuation is not otherwise required), or to grant a material consent under an existing loan (which consent is not otherwise required to be granted) or, alternatively, the guarantee otherwise must be enforceable under the laws of the state governing the loan and in which the property securing the loan is located or in which the lender has a significant place of business (with any bona fide branch or office of the lender through which the loan is made, negotiated, or administered being deemed a significant place of business for the purposes hereof);
(d) as to each Partner Guarantor that is executing a guarantee pursuant to this Agreement, there must be no other Person that would be considered to bear the economic risk of loss, within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.752-2, or would be considered to be at risk for purposes of Section 465(b) with respect to that portion of such debt for which such Partner Guarantor is being made liable for purposes of satisfying the Partnerships obligations to such Partner Guarantor under this Article 3;
(e) the aggregate Guaranteed Amounts with respect to the Guaranteed Debt will not exceed 25% of the amount of the Guaranteed Debt outstanding at the time the guarantee is executed. Except for guarantees already in place at the time a guarantee opportunity is presented to the Protected Partners, at no time can there be guarantees with respect to the Guaranteed Debt that are provided by other persons that are pari passu with or at a lower level of risk than the guarantees provided by the Protected Partners. If there are guarantees already in place at the time a guarantee opportunity is presented to the Protected Partners that are pari passu with or at a lower level of risk than the guarantees provided by the Protected Partners, then the amount of Guaranteed Debt subject to such existing guarantees shall be added to the Guaranteed Amount for purposes of calculating the 25% limitation set forth in this Section 3.2(e); and
(f) the obligor with respect to the Guaranteed Debt is the Partnership or an entity which is and will continue to be under the legal control of the Partnership (which shall include a partnership or limited liability company in which the Partnership or a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership is the sole managing general partner or sole managing member, as applicable).
3.3 Covenant With Respect to Guaranteed Debt Collateral . The Partnership covenants with the Partner Guarantors with respect to the Guaranteed Debt that (i) it will comply with the requirements set forth in Section 2.2(b) upon any disposition of any collateral for a Guaranteed Debt, whether during or following the Guarantee Protection Period, and (ii) it will not at any time, whether during or following the Guarantee Protection Period, pledge the collateral with respect to a Guaranteed Debt to secure any other indebtedness (unless such other indebtedness is, by its terms, subordinate in all respects to the Guaranteed Debt for which such collateral is security) or otherwise voluntarily dispose of or reduce the amount of such collateral unless either (A) after giving effect thereto the conditions in Section 3.2(b) would continue to be satisfied with respect to the Guaranteed Debt and the Guaranteed Debt otherwise would continue to be Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness, or (B) the Partnership (x) obtains from the lender with respect to the original Guaranteed Debt a full and complete release of any Partner Guarantor unless the Partner Guarantor expressly requests that it not be released, and (y) if the Tax
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Protection Period has not expired, offers to each Partner Guarantor with respect to such original Guaranteed Debt, not less than 30 days prior to such pledge or disposition, the opportunity to enter into a Qualified Guarantee of other the Partnership indebtedness that constitutes Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness (with such replacement indebtedness thereafter being considered a Guaranteed Debt and subject to this Article 3) in an amount equal to the amount of such original Guaranteed Debt that was guaranteed by such Partner Guarantor.
3.4 Repayment or Refinancing of Guaranteed Debt . The Partnership shall not, at any time during the Tax Protection Period applicable to a Partner Guarantor, repay or refinance all or any portion of any Guaranteed Debt unless (i) after taking into account such repayment, each Partner Guarantor would be entitled to include in its basis for its Units an amount of Guaranteed Debt equal to its Minimum Liability Amount, or (ii) alternatively, the Partnership, not less than 30 days prior to such repayment or refinancing, offers to the applicable Partner Guarantors the opportunity to enter into a Qualified Guarantee with respect to other Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness in an amount the Partner would be entitled to include in its adjusted tax basis of its Units equal to the Minimum Liability Amount for such Partner Guarantor.
3.5 Limitation on Additional Guarantees With Respect to Debt Secured by Collateral for Guaranteed Debt . The Partnership shall not offer the opportunity or make available to any person or entity other than a Protected Partner a guarantee of any Guaranteed Debt or other debt that is secured, directly or indirectly, by any collateral for Guaranteed Debt unless (i) such debt by its terms is subordinate in all respects to the Guaranteed Debt or, if such other guarantees are of the Guaranteed Debt itself, such guarantees by their terms must be paid in full before the lender can have recourse to the Partner Guarantors (i.e., the first dollar amount of recovery by the applicable lenders must be applied to the Guaranteed Amount); provided that the foregoing shall not apply with respect to additional guarantees of Guaranteed Debt so long as the conditions set forth in Sections 3.2(b) and (e) would be satisfied immediately after the implementation of such additional guarantee (determined in the case of Section 3.2(b), based upon the fair market value of the collateral for such Guaranteed Debt at the time the additional guarantee is entered into and adding the amount of such additional guarantee(s) to the sum of the applicable Guaranteed Amounts plus any other preexisting bottom dollar guarantee previously permitted pursuant to this Section 3.5 or Sections 3.2(a) and (b) above, for purposes of making the computation provided for in Section 3.2(b)), and (ii) such other guarantees do not have the effect of reducing the amount of the Guaranteed Debt that is includible by any Partner Guarantor in its adjusted tax basis for its Units pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.752-2.
3.6 Process . Whenever the Partnership is required under this Article 3 to offer to one or more of the Partner Guarantors an opportunity to guarantee Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness, the Partnership shall be considered to have satisfied its obligation if the other conditions in this Article 3 are satisfied and, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the date that such guarantee would be required to be executed in order to satisfy this Article 3, the Partnership sends by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the last known address of each such Partner Guarantor (as reflected in the records of the Partnership) the Guarantee Agreement to be executed (which in the case of Guarantee Agreement shall be substantially in the form of Schedule 3.7 hereto, with such changes thereto as are necessary to reflect the relevant facts) and a brief letter explaining the relevant circumstances (including, as applicable, that the offer is being made pursuant to this Article 3, the circumstances giving rise to the offer, a brief summary of the terms of the Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness to be guaranteed, a brief description of the collateral for the Qualified Guarantee Indebtedness, a statement of the amount to be guaranteed, the address to which the executed Guarantee Agreement must be sent and the date by which it must be received, and a statement to the effect that, if the Protected Partner fails to execute and return such Agreement within the time period specified, the Partner Guarantor thereafter would lose its rights under this Article 3 with respect to the amount of debt that the Partnership is required to offer to be guaranteed, and depending
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upon the Partner Guarantors circumstances and other circumstances related to the Partnership, the Partner Guarantor could be required to recognize taxable gain as a result thereof, either currently or prior to the expiration of the Tax Protection Period, that otherwise would have been deferred). If a notice is properly sent in accordance with this procedure, the Partnership shall have not responsibility as a result of the failure of a Partner Guarantor either to receive such notice or to respond thereto within the specified time period.
3.7 Presumption as to Schedule 3.7 . The form of the Guarantee Agreement attached hereto as Schedule 3.7 shall be conclusively presumed to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 3.2(a) and to have caused the Guaranteed Debt to be considered allocable to the Guarantor Partner who enters into such Guarantee Agreement pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.752-2 and Section 465 of the Code so long as all of the following conditions are met with respect such Guaranteed Debt:
(a) there are no other guarantees in effect with respect to such Guaranteed Debt (other than the guarantees contemporaneously being entered into by the Partner Guarantors pursuant to this Article 3);
(b) the collateral securing such Guaranteed Debt is not, and shall not thereafter become, collateral for any other indebtedness that is senior to or pari passu with such Guaranteed Debt;
(c) no additional guarantees with respect to such Guaranteed Debt will be entered into during the applicable Tax Protection Period pursuant to the proviso set forth in Section 3.3;
(d) the lender with respect to such Guaranteed Debt is not the Partnership, any Subsidiary or other entity in which the Partnership owns a direct or indirect interest, the REIT, any other partner in the Partnership, or any person related to any partner in the Partnership as determined for purposes of Treasury Regulation § 1.752-2 or any person that would be considered a related party as determined for purposes of Section 465 of the Code; and
(e) none of the REIT, nor any other partner in the Partnership, nor any person related to any partner in the Partnership as determined for purposes of Treasury Regulation § 1.752-2 shall have provided, or shall thereafter provide, collateral for, or otherwise shall have entered into, or shall thereafter enter into, a relationship that would cause such person or entity to be considered to bear the risk of loss with respect to such Guaranteed Debt, as determined for purposes of Treasury Regulation § 1.752-2 or that would cause such entity to be considered at risk with respect to such Guaranteed Debt, as determined for purposes of Section 465 of the Code.
ARTICLE 4
REMEDIES FOR BREACH
4.1 Monetary Damages . In the event that the Partnership breaches its obligations set forth in Article 2, Article 3, or Article 6 with respect to a Protected Partner, the Protected Partners sole right shall be to receive from the Partnership, and the Partnership shall pay to such Protected Partner as damages, an amount equal to:
(a) in the case of a violation of Articles 3 or 6, the aggregate federal, state and local income taxes incurred by the Protected Partner as a result of the income or gain allocated to, or otherwise recognized by, such Protected Partner with respect to its Units by reason of such breach; and
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(b) in the case of a violation of Article 2, the aggregate federal state, and local income taxes incurred with respect the Protected Gain incurred with respect to the Protected Property that is allocable to such Protected Partner under the Partnership Agreement;
plus in the case of either (a) or (b), an amount equal to the aggregate federal, state, and local income taxes payable by the Protected Partner as a result of the receipt of any payment required under this Section 4.1.
For purposes of computing the amount of federal, state, and local income taxes required to be paid by a Protected Partner, (i) any deduction for state income taxes payable as a result thereof actually allowed in computing federal income taxes shall be taken into account, and (ii) a Protected Partners tax liability shall be computed using the highest federal, state and local marginal income tax rates that would be applicable to such Protected Partners taxable income (taking into account the character and type of such income or gain) for the year with respect to which the taxes must be paid, without regard to any deductions, losses or credits that may be available to such Protected Partner that would reduce or offset its actual taxable income or actual tax liability if such deductions, losses or credits could be utilized by the Protected Partner to offset other income, gain or taxes of the Protected Partner, either in the current year, in earlier years, or in later years.
4.2 Process for Determining Damages . If the Partnership has breached or violated any of the covenants set forth in Article 2, Article 3 or Article 6 (or a Protected Partner asserts that the Partnership has breached or violated any of the covenants set forth in Article 2, Article 3 or Article 6), the Partnership and the Protected Partner agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve any disagreements regarding any such breach or violation and the amount of damages, if any, payable to such Protected Partner under Section 4.1 (and to the extent applicable, Section 4.4). If any such disagreement cannot be resolved by the Partnership and such Protected Partner within sixty (60) days after the receipt of notice from the Partnership of such breach and the amount of income to be recognized by reason thereof, the Partnership and the Protected Partner shall jointly retain a nationally recognized independent public accounting firm (an Accounting Firm) to act as an arbitrator to resolve as expeditiously as possible all points of any such disagreement (including, without limitation, whether a breach of any of the covenants set forth Article 2, Article 3, Article 6 or Article 7 has occurred and, if so, the amount of damages to which the Protected Partner is entitled as a result thereof, determined as set forth in Section 4.1 (and to the extent applicable, Section 4.4). All determinations made by the Accounting Firm with respect to the resolution of any breach or violation of any of the covenants set forth in Article 2, Article 3 or Article 6 and the amount of damages payable to the Protected Partner under Section 4.1 (and to the extent applicable, Section 4.4) shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Partnership and the Protected Partner. The fees and expenses of any Accounting Firm incurred in connection with any such determination shall be shared equally by the Partnership and the Protected Partner; provided, however, that (i) if the amount determined by the Accounting Firm to be owed by the Partnership to the Protected Partner is more than ten percent (10%) higher than the amount proposed by the Partnership to be owed to such Protected Partner prior to the submission of the matter to the Accounting Firm, then all of the fees and expenses of any Accounting Firm incurred in connection with any such determination shall be paid by the Partnership, and (ii) if the amount determined by the Accounting Firm to be owed by the Partnership to the Protected Partner is more than ten percent (10%) less than the amount proposed by the Partnership to be owed to such Protected Partner prior to the submission of the matter to the Accounting Firm, then all of the fees and expenses of any Accounting Firm incurred in connection with any such determination shall be paid by the Protected Partner.
4.3 Required Notices; Time for Payment . In the event that there has been a breach of Article 2, Article 3 or Article 6, the Partnership shall provide to the Protected Partner notice of the transaction or event giving rise to such breach not later than at such time as the Partnership provides to the Protected Partners the Schedule K-1s to the Partnerships federal income tax return as required in
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accordance with Section 7.4 below. All payments required under this Article 4 to any Protected Partner shall be made to such Protected Partner on or before April 15 of the year following the year in which the gain recognition event giving rise to such payment took place; provided that, if the Protected Partner is required to make estimated tax payments that would include such gain, the Partnership shall make a payment to the Protected Partner on or before the due date for such estimated tax payment and such payment from the partnership shall be in an amount that corresponds to the amount of the estimated tax being paid by such Protected Partner at such time. In the event of a payment required after the date required pursuant to this Section 4.3, interest shall accrue on the aggregate amount required to be paid from such date to the date of actual payment at a rate equal to the prime rate of interest, as published in the Wall Street Journal (or if no longer published there, as announced by Citibank) effective as of the date the payment is required to be made.
4.4 Additional Damages for Breaches of Section 2.2(b) and/or Section 3.3 . Notwithstanding any of the foregoing in this Article 4, in the event that the Partnership should breach any of its covenants set forth in Section 2.2(b) and/or Section 3.3 and a Protected Partner is required to make a payment in respect of such indebtedness that it would not have had to make if such breach had not occurred (an Excess Payment), then, in addition to the damages provided for in the other Sections of this Article 4, the Partnership shall pay to such Protected Partner an amount equal to the sum of (i) the Excess Payment plus (ii) the aggregate federal, state and local income taxes, if any, computed or set forth in Section 4.1, required to be paid by such Protected Partner by reason of Section 4.4 becoming operative (for example, because the breach by the Partnership and this Section 4.4 caused all or any portion of the indebtedness in question no longer to be considered debt includible in basis by the affected Protected Partner pursuant to Treasury Regulations § 1.752-2(a)), plus (iii) an amount equal to the aggregate federal, state and local income taxes required to be paid by the Protected Partner (computed as set forth in Section 4.1) as a result of any payment required under this Section 4.4.
ARTICLE 5
SECTION 704(C) METHOD AND ALLOCATIONS
Notwithstanding any provision of the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership shall use the traditional method under Regulations § 1.704-3(b) for purposes of making all allocations under Section 704(c) of the Code (with no curative allocations to offset the effects of the ceiling rule, including upon any sale of a Protected Property).
ARTICLE 6
ALLOCATIONS OF LIABILITIES
PURSUANT TO REGULATIONS UNDER SECTION 752
6.1 Allocation Methods to be Followed . Except as provided in Section 6.2, all tax returns prepared by the Partnership with respect to the Protected Period (and to the extent arrangements have been entered into pursuant to Section 3.9, for so long thereafter as such arrangements are in effect) that allocate liabilities of the Partnership for purposes of Section 752 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder shall treat each Partner Guarantor as being allocated for federal income tax purposes an amount of recourse debt (in addition to any nonrecourse debt otherwise allocable to such Partner Guarantor in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and Treasury Regulations § 1.752-3 and any other recourse liabilities allocable to such Partner Guarantor by reason of guarantees of indebtedness entered into pursuant other agreements with the Partnership) pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.752-2 equal to such Partner Guarantors Minimum Liability Amount, as set forth on Schedule 3.1 hereto and as may be reduced pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and the Partnership and the REIT shall not, during or with respect to the Protected Period, take any contrary or inconsistent position in any federal or state income tax returns (including, without limitation, information returns, such as Forms K-1, provided to
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partners in the Partnership and returns of Subsidiaries of the Partnership) or any dealings involving the Internal Revenue Service (including, without limitation, any audit, administrative appeal or any judicial proceeding involving the income tax returns of the Partnership or the tax treatment of any holder of partnership interests the Partnership).
6.2 Exception to Required Allocation Method . Notwithstanding the provisions of this Agreement, the Partnership shall not be required to make allocations of Guaranteed Debt or other recourse debt of the Partnership to the Protected Partners as set forth in this Agreement if and to the extent that the Partnership determines in good faith that there may not be substantial authority (within the meaning of Section 6662(d)(2)(B)(i)) of the Code for such allocation; provided that the Partnership shall provide to each Protected Partner (or in the event of their death or disability, their executor, guardian or custodian, as applicable), notice of such determination and if, within forty-five (45) days after the receipt thereof, the Partnership is provided an opinion of a law firm recognized as expert in such matters or a nationally recognized public accounting firm to the effect that there is substantial authority (within the meaning of Section 6662(d)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) for such allocations, the Partnership shall continue to make allocations of Guaranteed Debt or other recourse debt of the Partnership to the Protected Partners as set forth in this Agreement; provided further that if there shall have been a judicial determination in a proceeding to which the Partnership is a party and as to which the general partner(s) has(ve) been allowed to participate as and to the extent contemplated in Article 7 to the effect that such allocations are not correct, Section 6.1 shall not apply unless the matter is being appealed to an applicable court of appeals, the requirements of Section 9.10 shall have been satisfied in connection therewith, and the opinion described above from counsel or accountants engaged by a Protected Partner shall have been provided, except that such opinion shall be to the effect that it is more likely than not that such allocations will be respected. In no event shall this Section 6.2 be construed to relieve the Partnership for liability arising from a failure by the Partnership to comply with one or more of the provisions of Article 3 of this Agreement.
6.3 Cooperation in the Event of a Change . If a change in the Partnerships allocations of Guaranteed Debt or other recourse debt of the Partnership to the Protected Partners is required by reason of circumstances described in Section 6.2, the Partnership and its professional tax advisors shall cooperate in good faith with each Protected Partner (or in the event of their death or disability, their executor, guardian or custodian, as applicable) and their professional tax advisors to develop alternative allocation arrangements and/or other mechanisms that protect the federal income tax positions of the Protected Partners in the manner contemplated by the allocations of Guaranteed Debt or other recourse debt of the Partnership to the Protected Partners as set forth in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 7
TAX PROCEEDINGS
7.1 Notice of Tax Audits . If any claim, demand, assessment (including a notice of proposed assessment) or other assertion is made with respect to taxes against the Protected Partners or the Partnership the calculation of which involves a matter covered in this Agreement that could result in tax liability to a Protected Partner (Tax Claim) or if the REIT or the Partnership receives any notice from any jurisdiction with respect to any current or future audit, examination, investigation or other proceeding (Tax Proceeding) involving the Protected Partners or the Partnership or that otherwise could involve a matter covered in this Agreement and could directly or indirectly affect the Protected Partners (adversely or otherwise), then the REIT or the Partnership, as applicable shall promptly notify the Protected Partners of such Tax Claim or Tax Proceeding.
7.2 Control of Tax Proceedings . The REIT, as the general partner of the Partnership, shall have the right to control the defense, settlement or compromise of any Proceeding or Tax Claim;
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provided, however, that the REIT shall not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to such Tax Claim or Tax Proceeding that could result in tax liability to a Protected Partner without the prior written consent of the Protected Partners (unless, and only to the extent, that any taxes required to be paid by the Protected Partners as a result thereof would be required to be reimbursed by the Partnership and the REIT under Article 4 and the Partnership and the REIT agree in connection with such settlement or consent, to make such required payments); provided further that the Partnership shall keep the Protected Partners duly informed of the progress thereof to the extent that such Proceeding or Tax Claim could directly or indirectly affect (adversely or otherwise) the Protected Partners and that the Protected Partners shall have the right to review and comment on any and all submissions made to the to Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a court, or other governmental body with respect to such Tax Claim or Tax Proceeding and that the Partnership will consider such comments in good faith.
7.3 Timing of Tax Returns; Periodic Tax Information . The Partnership shall cause to be delivered to each Protected Partner, as soon as practicable each year, the Schedules K-1 that the Partnership is required to deliver to such Protected Partners with respect to the prior taxable year. In addition, the Partnership agrees to provide to the Protected Partners, upon request, an estimate of the taxable income expected to be allocable for a specified taxable year from the Partnership to each Protected Partner and the entities that they control, provided that such estimates shall not be required to be provided more frequently than once each calendar quarter.
ARTICLE 8
AMENDMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT; WAIVER OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS;
APPROVAL OF CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
8.1 Amendment . This Agreement may not be amended, directly or indirectly (including by reason of a merger between the Partnership and another entity) except by a written instrument signed by both the REIT, as general partner of the Partnership, and each of the Protected Partners.
8.2 Waiver . Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon written request by the Partnership, each Protected Partner, in its sole discretion, may waive the payment of any damages that is otherwise payable to such Protected Partner pursuant to Article 4 hereof. Such a waiver shall be effective only if obtained in writing from the affected Protected Partner.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Additional Actions and Documents . Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees to take or cause to be taken such further actions, to execute, deliver, and file or cause to be executed, delivered and filed such further documents, and will obtain such consents, as may be necessary or as may be reasonably requested in order to fully effectuate the purposes, terms and conditions of this Agreement.
9.2 Assignment . No party hereto shall assign its or his rights or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, except by operation of law, without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any such assignment contrary to the terms hereof shall be null and void and of no force and effect.
9.3 Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Protected Partners and their respective successors and permitted assigns, whether so expressed or not. This Agreement shall be binding upon the REIT, the Partnership, and any entity that is a direct or indirect successor, whether by merger, transfer, spin-off or otherwise, to all or substantially all of the assets of either the REIT or the Partnership (or any prior successor thereto as set forth in the preceding
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portion of this sentence), provided that none of the foregoing shall result in the release of liability of the REIT and the Partnership hereunder. The REIT and the Partnership covenant with and for the benefit of the Protected Partners not to undertake any transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of either entity (whether by merger, transfer, spin-off or otherwise) unless the transferee has acknowledged in writing and agreed in writing to be bound by this Agreement, provided that the foregoing shall not be deemed to permit any transaction otherwise prohibited by this Agreement.
9.4 Modification; Waiver . No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the parties hereunder are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which they would otherwise have. No modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement, nor consent to any departure by any party therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice to or demand on any party in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
9.5 Representations and Warranties Regarding Authority; Noncontravention .
(a) Representations and Warranties of the REIT and the Partnership . Each of the REIT and the Partnership has the requisite corporate or other (as the case may be) power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its respective obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the REIT and the Partnership and the performance of each of its respective obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary trust, partnership, or other (as the case may be) action on the part of each of the REIT and the Partnership. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the REIT and the Partnership and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each of the REIT and the Partnership, enforceable against each of the REIT and the Partnership in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws (or other laws affecting creditors rights generally) or (ii) general principles of equity. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the REIT and the Partnership do not, and the performance by each of its respective obligations hereunder will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of (x) the Partnership Agreement or (y) any other agreement applicable to the REIT and/or the Partnership, other than, in the case of clause (y), any such conflicts or violations that would not materially adversely affect the performance by the Partnership and the REIT of their obligations hereunder.
(b) Representations and Warranties of the Protected Partners . Each of the Protected Partners has the requisite corporate or other (as the case may be) power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its respective obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by each of the Protected Partners and the performance of each of its respective obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary trust, partnership, or other (as the case may be) action on the part of each of the Protected Partners. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Protected Partners and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of each of the Protected Partners.
9.6 Captions . The Article and Section headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement for any purpose, and shall not in any way define or affect the meaning, construction or scope of any of the provisions hereof.
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9.7 Notices . All notices and other communications given or made pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made as of the date delivered, mailed or transmitted, and shall be effective upon receipt, if delivered personally, mailed by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like changes of address) or sent by electronic transmission to the telecopier number specified below:
(i) | if to the Partnership or the REIT, to: |
The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc.
Suite 3321
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
El Segundo, California 90245
Attention: Kevin A. Shields
Facsimile: (310) 606-5910
(ii) | if to a Protected Partner, to the address on file with the Partnership. |
Each party may designate by notice in writing a new address to which any notice, demand, request or communication may thereafter be so given, served or sent. Each notice, demand, request, or communication which shall be hand delivered, sent, mailed, telecopied or telexed in the manner described above, or which shall be delivered to a telegraph company, shall be deemed sufficiently given, served, sent, received or delivered for all purposes at such time as it is delivered to the addressee (with the return receipt, the delivery receipt, or (with respect to a telecopy or telex) the answerback being deemed conclusive, but not exclusive, evidence of such delivery) or at such time as delivery is refused by the addressee upon presentation.
9.8 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and each of which shall be deemed an original.
9.9 Governing Law . The interpretation and construction of this Agreement, and all matters relating thereto, shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to the choice of law provisions thereof.
9.10 Consent to Jurisdiction; Enforceability .
(a) This Agreement and the duties and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable against any of the parties in the courts of the State of California. For such purpose, each party hereto hereby irrevocably submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of this Agreement may be heard and determined in any of such courts.
(b) Each party hereto hereby irrevocably agrees that a final judgment of any of the courts specified above in any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
9.11 Severability . If any part of any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid or unenforceable in any respect, such part shall be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability only, without in any way affecting the remaining parts of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.
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9.12 Costs of Disputes . Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, the nonprevailing party in any dispute arising hereunder shall bear and pay the costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys fees and expenses) incurred by the prevailing party or parties in connection with resolving such dispute.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the REIT, the Partnership, and the Protected Partners have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers (or general partners) thereunto duly authorized all as of the date first written above.
THE REIT: | ||||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC., a Maryland corporation | ||||
By: |
/s/ Kevin A. Shields |
|||
Kevin A. Shields, President | ||||
THE PARTNERSHIP: | ||||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership | ||||
By: | THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC., a Maryland corporation, its General Partner | |||
By: |
/s/ Kevin A. Shields |
|||
Kevin A. Shields, President | ||||
THE PROTECTED PARTNERS: | ||||
KEVIN A. SHIELDS | ||||
/s/ Kevin A. Shields |
||||
DON PESCARA | ||||
/s/ Don Pescara |
||||
DAVID RUPERT | ||||
/s/ David Rupert |
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EXHIBIT 10.6
FORM OF MASTER PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LEASING
AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Master Property Management, Leasing
and Construction Management Agreement
This Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement ( Agreement ) is made and entered into as of the day of May, 2009, by and among The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation ( The GC Net Lease REIT ), The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Operating Partnership ), and The GC Net Lease REIT Property Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Manager ).
Background
The Operating Partnership was organized to acquire, own, operate, lease and manage real estate properties on behalf of The GC Net Lease REIT. Owner (as defined below) intends to retain Manager to manage, coordinate the leasing of, and manage construction activities related to, certain real estate properties acquired for the benefit of The GC Net Lease REIT under the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Agreement
Now, Therefore , in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
1. Definitions . Except as otherwise specified or as the context may otherwise require, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below for all purposes of this Agreement, and the definitions of such terms are equally applicable both to the singular and plural forms thereof:
1.1. Advisor means The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or any person or entity to which The GC Net Lease REIT Advisor, LLC, or any successor advisor transfers, assigns or subcontracts substantially all of its functions under that certain Advisory Agreement dated January 1, 2009, as amended.
1.2. Affiliate of another Person includes only the following: (i) any Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such other Person; (ii) any Person directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with the power to vote 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of such other Person; (iii) any legal entity for which such Person acts as an executive officer, director, trustee, or general partner; (iv) any Person 10% or more of whose outstanding voting securities are directly or indirectly owned, controlled, or held, with power to vote, by such other Person; and (v) any executive officer, director, trustee, or general partner of such other Person. Manager shall not be deemed to control or be under common control with another Griffin Capital Corporation-sponsored program unless (i) Manager owns 10% or more of the voting equity interests of such program or (ii) a majority of the board (or equivalent governing body) of such program is comprised of Affiliates of Manager.
1.3. Improvements means buildings, structures, and equipment from time to time located on the Properties and all parking and common areas located on the Properties.
1.4. Lease means, unless the context otherwise requires, any lease or sublease made by Owner as landlord or by its predecessor.
1.5. Owner means the Operating Partnership, The GC Net Lease REIT, each of their direct and indirect subsidiaries and any joint venture, limited liability company or other Affiliate of Owner in which Owner owns an interest and which owns, in whole or in part, any Properties or Improvements.
1.6. Ownership Agreements has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3.B hereof.
1.7. Person means any natural person, partnership, corporation, association, trust, limited liability company or other legal entity.
1.8. Properties means all real estate properties owned by Owner and all tracts acquired by Owner in the future containing income-producing Improvements or on which Owner will construct income-producing Improvements.
1.9 Total Management Fees has the meaning set forth in Section 4 hereof.
2. Appointment of Manager; Services To Be Performed .
2.1. Appointment of Manager . Owner hereby engages and retains Manager as the sole and exclusive manager of the Properties to perform such functions as are specified herein. Manager hereby accepts such appointment on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. It being understood that this Agreement causes Manager to be, at law, Owners agent with respect to the Properties but only for the limited purposes set forth herein upon the terms contained herein. Owner represents that it has authority to grant such agency power.
2.2. Dealings with Advisor . Unless Owner specifically informs Manager to the contrary, Advisor may perform any of the obligations or exercise any of the rights of Owner under this Agreement; provided that any actions that Advisor takes on behalf of Owner pursuant hereto are subject to the terms of any agreements between Advisor and Owner, and this Section 2.2 does not expand or modify the authority of Advisor to act on behalf of Owner.
2.3. General .
A. Efforts of Manager . Manager agrees to perform its duties under this Agreement and to use reasonable commercial efforts to enhance the Properties ability to generate income. Managers services are to be of scope and quality not less than those generally performed by professional managers of other similar properties in the areas in which Properties are located. Manager shall make available to Owner the full benefit of the judgment, experience and advice of the members of Managers organization and staff with respect to the policies to be pursued by Owner relating to the management, operation, leasing, construction and/or buildout of the Properties.
B. Ownership Agreements . Manager has received copies of agreements of limited partnership, joint venture partnership agreements, operating agreements, articles of incorporation and bylaws of Owner and its Affiliates (collectively, the Ownership Agreements ), as applicable, and mortgages on all Properties and is familiar with the terms thereof. Manager will use reasonable care to avoid any act or omission which, in the performance of its duties hereunder, in any way conflicts with the terms of the Ownership Agreements or the mortgages in the absence of the express direction of the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT, and Manager shall promptly notify Owner if any such conflict arises.
2.4. Specific Duties as Property Manager . Managers duties as property manager for the Properties include the following:
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A. Monies Collected . Manager will collect all rent and other monies from tenants and any sums otherwise due Owner with respect to the Properties in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the terms and conditions of all Leases and other agreements for the use and occupancy of the Properties, including any other charges that may become due at any time from any tenant or from others for services provided in connection with the use and occupancy of the Properties. In collecting such monies, Manager will inform tenants of the Properties that all remittances are to be in the form of a check, money order or wire transfer. Owner authorizes Manager to request, demand, collect and receipt for all such rent and other monies and to institute legal proceedings in the name of Owner for the collection thereof and for the dispossession of any tenant in default under its Lease. All monies so collected shall be deposited in an Account (as defined in Section 2.4.K(1)). Manager shall not write-off any income items without the prior approval of Owner.
B. Lease and Mortgage Obligations . Manager will perform all duties of the landlord under all Leases insofar as such duties relate to operation, maintenance, and day-to-day management. Manager will also provide or cause to be provided, at Owners expense, all services normally provided to tenants of like premises, including where applicable and without limitation, gas, electricity or other utilities required to be furnished to tenants under Leases, normal repairs and maintenance, and cleaning and janitorial service. Manager shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with the terms and conditions of all Leases and shall promptly advise Owner of any material breaches. Manager shall also perform all covenants and obligations required to be performed under the provisions of all mortgages, deeds of trust, deeds to secure debt or other like instrument to the extent that the performance of such covenants and obligations are within the day-to-day control of Manager or as may be requested by Owner.
C. Building Inspections . Manager will conduct complete inspections of the Properties and the surrounding common areas and all of their mechanical facilities as is prudent to determine that the same are in good order and repair, but no less frequently than once per calendar quarter during the term of this Agreement; provided, however, that any Properties subject to triple-net Leases need only be inspected semi-annually.
D. Maintenance . Manager will cause the Properties to be maintained in the same manner as similar properties in the area. Managers duties and supervision in this respect include, without limitation, cleaning of the interior and the exterior of the Improvements and the public common areas on the Properties and the making and supervision of repairs, alterations, and decoration of the Improvements, subject to and in strict compliance with this Agreement and the Leases.
E. Limitations on Expenditures . Manager will not incur any costs other than those estimated in any approved budget or approved pro forma statements except for:
(1) costs incurred in emergency situations in which action is immediately necessary for the preservation or safety of a Property, or for the safety of occupant or other person (or to avoid the suspension of any necessary service of the Property);
(2) expenditures for real estate taxes and assessments that exceed the amount budgeted but only to the extent that such additional amounts are the result of a tax rate increase, Property value reassessment or other assessment that occurs after the preparation of the budget;
(3) maintenance and repair costs that are individually under $10,000 so long as such costs in the aggregate do not exceed the amount budgeted for such items by more than 5%; and
(4) maintenance supplies calling for an aggregate purchase price of less than $5,000.
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F. Notice of Violations . Manager will forward to Owner promptly upon receipt all notices of violation or other notices from any governmental authority, and board of fire underwriters or any insurance company, and shall make such recommendations regarding compliance with such notice as shall be appropriate.
G. Personnel . Any personnel Manager hires to maintain and operate a Property shall be the employees or independent contractors of Manager and not of Owner. Manager agrees to use due care in the selection and supervision of such employees or independent contractors. Manager is responsible for the preparation of and shall timely file all payroll tax reports and timely make payments of all withholding and other payroll taxes with respect to each employee.
H. Utilities and Supplies . Manager shall enter into or renew contracts for electricity, gas, steam, landscaping, fuel, oil, maintenance and other services as are customarily furnished or rendered in connection with the operation of similar properties in the area and shall order all necessary supplies and equipment required for the proper operation, maintenance and repair of the Properties.
I. Tenant Complaints . Manager shall maintain business-like relations with the tenants of the Properties and respond to tenant complaints in a prudent, business-like manner. Manager shall maintain a record of all tenant complaints and Managers response to such complaints which record shall be available for review by Owner.
J. Signs . Manager shall place and remove, or cause to be placed and removed, such signs upon the Properties as Manager deems appropriate, subject, however, to the terms and conditions of the Leases and to any applicable ordinances and regulations.
K. Banking Accommodations .
(1) Operating and Maintaining Bank Accounts . Manager shall establish and maintain one or more separate checking accounts (each, an Account ) in Owners name for funds relating to the Properties. All monies deposited from time to time in each Account shall be and remain the property of Owner and shall be withdrawn and disbursed by Manager for the account of Owner only as expressly permitted by this Agreement for the purposes of performing the obligations of Manager hereunder. No monies collected by Manager on Owners behalf shall be commingled with funds of Manager. Each Account shall be maintained, and monies shall be deposited therein and withdrawn therefrom, in accordance with the following:
(a) All sums received from rents and other income from the Properties shall be promptly deposited by Manager in an Account. All checks drawn to the order of Owner or Advisor should be endorsed by Manager for deposit only and deposited in an Account.
(b) Manager shall have the right to designate two or more persons who shall be authorized to draw against each Account, but only for purposes authorized by this Agreement. Manager may not under any circumstances write a check on an Account payable to or in favor of Manager or any Affiliate of Manager other than (i) to reimburse itself for expenditures made on behalf of the Properties, and (ii) to pay itself the Total Management Fees payable hereunder, provided that any such expenditure, reimbursement or fee shall be reflected in the monthly operating statement provided with respect to the month in which such expenditure or reimbursement is paid, and all proper procedures for payment have been followed.
(c) All sums due to Manager hereunder, whether for compensation, reimbursement for expenditures, or otherwise, as herein provided, shall be a charge against the operating revenues of the Properties and shall be paid and/or withdrawn by Manager from an Account in accordance with the terms
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of the approved budgets or pro formas and to the extent funds are available therefor after taking into account other required expenses of the Properties; provided, that if Manager has received a notice in accordance with Section 7.1 that it is in default of any material provision hereof and has not cured such default within ten (10) business days, then Manager shall refrain from and be prohibited from withdrawing funds from an Account pursuant to this Section 2.4.K(1)(c) until such default is cured and Owner has consented to a normal resumption of the activity provided for in this Section 2.4.K(1)(c). In the event that Manager determines that there are insufficient funds in the Accounts for the Properties to pay sums due to Manager hereunder and to pay the other expenses of the Properties, then Manager shall notify Owner in writing and Owner shall promptly make sufficient funds available to satisfy such obligations.
(d) Unless otherwise directed by Owner, by the 30 th day of the first month following each calendar quarter, Manager shall forward to Owner net operating proceeds from the preceding quarter, retaining at all times, however a reserve for each Property provided in the budget as approved by Owner to meet unbudgeted contingencies.
(2) Closing Bank Accounts . All items relating to bank account closings are to be coordinated through Owner. Manager is required to process cash activity in accordance with any applicable termination agreement, purchase and sale agreement, merger agreement, etc. Manager is responsible for final bank account reconciliation at the time of close out or transfer of the account.
(3) Bank Account Statements & Reconciliation .
(a) Bank account statements will be delivered (via U.S. Mail) to a mailing address stipulated by Manager directly from the banking institution to Managers accounting offices.
(b) Manager should reconcile all bank accounts in a timely manner and make available such reconciliation(s) on request. Manager shall provide explanations for any large, unusual or recurring reconciling items along with an indication as to when they will be resolved. Bank reconciliations must be reviewed, approved, and initialed by at least one accounting supervisor independent from the individual preparing the bank reconciliation.
(c) Any issues relating to timely receipt of the monthly bank account statement (based on the established bank account statement cut-off date) should be directed towards the banking institution. Recurring problems relating to the timely receipt of statements should be brought to the attention of Owner.
(d) Unless Owner specifically requires otherwise, bank account service charges/fees will be set up to be billed (by the banking institution) directly to the account.
(e) Outstanding checks (over 6 months old) should be researched and resolved in accordance with instructions from Owner.
(4) Failure of Depository Institution at which an Account is Located . Manager shall have no liability to Owner for any amounts in an Account which are lost or not covered by insurance if the depository institution at which the Account is maintained fails or is otherwise placed in the control of a governmental or quasi governmental authority and the assets of the Account are thereby forfeited in whole or in part, provided such depository institution was selected with reasonable care.
L. Expenses . Manager shall analyze all bills received for services, work and supplies in connection with the maintaining and operating the Properties, pay all such bills, and pay utility and water charges, sewer rent and assessments, and any other amount payable in respect to the Properties. Manager
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shall use reasonable commercial efforts to pay all bills within the time required to obtain discounts, if any. Owner may from time to time request that Manager forward certain bills to Owner promptly after receipt, and Manager shall comply with any such request. It is understood that the payment of real property taxes and assessment and insurance premiums will be paid out of an Account by Manager. All expenses shall be billed at net cost (i.e., less all commissions, discounts and allowances, however designed, but excluding rebates). Additionally, Manager will be held responsible for all Property Form 1099 reporting to the IRS. Form 1099s must be filed under Manager name and Manager taxpayer identification number (TIN), listing Manager as the payer. Manager will provide annually a signed declaration indicating compliance with Form 1099 reporting; Manager will provide this declaration to Owner with the February Quarterly Reporting Package. Penalties for misfilings are not to be charged to the Property, but are payable by Manager.
M. Other Cash Management Items .
(1) To the extent funds are available in an Account, Manager shall pay the operating expenses of the Properties (including, without limitation, sums due Manager under this Agreement) and any other payments relative to the Properties as required by the terms of this Agreement.
(2) Any interest or other income earned on the assets of an Account shall be re-deposited in the Account, and shall for federal and state income tax purposes be deemed to be income of Owner.
(3) Unless the bank account structure utilizes an automated cash concentration to Owner (e.g., zero balance account structure), amounts held in reserve should be forecasted for significant expenditures (e.g. real estate tax payments) and must be held in interest bearing vehicles until the funds are disbursed.
(4) If a Property has petty cash, it is Managers responsibility to ensure that petty cash is reconciled to general ledger and replenished on a monthly basis.
N. Books and Records .
(1) General . Manager shall cause to be kept account books and records for the Properties. Books and records must show all receipts, expenditures and all other records necessary or convenient for the recording of the results of operations of the Properties. Such account books and records shall be kept in a secure location at the office(s) where Manager normally keeps all of its records and shall be open to inspection by Owner and its representatives at any reasonable time. Upon the effective date of expiration or termination of this Agreement, all such books and records shall be forthwith turned over to Owner so as to ensure the orderly continuance of the operations of the Properties. Manager shall take necessary measures to ensure such control over accounting and financial transactions as is reasonably required to protect Owners assets, from theft, error or fraudulent activity on the part of Managers employees or other agents. Manager shall indemnify and hold Owner harmless from all such losses, including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Theft of assets by Managers employees or other agents;
(b) Penalties and interest due to delay in payment of invoices, bills or other like charges if funds of Owner or funds in an Account were available to make said payments and delays were not the result of any action or inaction on the part of Owner;
(c) Overpayment or duplicate payment of invoices arising from either fraud or error;
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(d) Overpayment of labor costs arising from either fraud or error;
(e) A sum equal to the value of any form of payment from purveyors to Managers employees or associates arising from the purchase of goods or services for the Properties; and
(f) Unauthorized use of facilities by Managers employees or associates.
(2) Charts of Accounts . The format of all financial reports, documents and other statements prepared by Manager pursuant to this Agreement shall utilize the format required by Owner, as the same may be changed by Owner from time to time.
(3) Fixed Asset Accounting . For Properties in portfolios requiring maintenance of fixed asset accounting detail and related depreciation (as specified in the Accounting Policies set forth in Section 2.4.O), Manager will be required to maintain and submit to Owner on a monthly basis, a detailed schedule of all fixed asset additions and the related depreciation/amortization and accumulated depreciation/ amortization utilizing the useful lives and various depreciation methods specified within the Accounting Policies. All such schedules shall agree to the amounts posted within the general ledger. Manager shall not be responsible for any errors in data made prior to Managers involvement with the data.
(4) Periodic Meetings . As reasonably required by Owner, Manager and other personnel engaged or involved in the management and operation of the Properties shall meet to discuss the historical results of operations and to consider deviations from budget.
(5) Right to Conduct Audit . Owner shall have the right to conduct an audit of the Properties operations by using its own internal auditors or by employing independent auditors. Costs associated with conducting such audits by internal or independent auditors shall be borne by Owner. Should such audits result in the discovery of either weaknesses in internal control or errors in record keeping, these shall be communicated to Manager in writing. Manager shall correct such discrepancies either upon discovery or within a reasonable period of time after notification. Manager shall inform Owner in writing of the action taken and to be taken to correct such audit discrepancies. If any audit conducted by or on behalf of Owner reveals a discrepancy in excess of ten percent (10%), and greater than $10,000, for any material line item (i.e. base rent, operating escalation income, total cleaning, total repairs and maintenance, etc.), Manager shall be responsible for the reasonable expenses of such audit.
(6) Ownership of Books and Records . The books of accounts and all other records relating to or reflecting the operations of the Properties shall at all times be the property of Owner, as applicable.
O. Accounting Policies . Manager shall use the accrual method of accounting with GAAP adjustments shown below (unless and until GAAP changes):
(1) Straight-Line Rent Adjustment Record straight-line rent over the entire Lease period on a Lease by Lease basis;
(2) Free Rent Adjustment Recognize any Free Rent as part of the straight-line rent calculation on a Lease by Lease basis;
(3) Capitalization Policy Capitalize any expenditure that replace, improve, or otherwise extend the economic life of an asset in excess of $5,000 for any given project. This includes tenant improvements and Lease acquisition costs (leasing commissions, space planning fees, legal fees, etc) that are in excess of $5,000;
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(4) Depreciation Expense Record monthly depreciation expense on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of a given asset;
(5) Amortization Expense Record monthly amortization expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the Lease for which the cost was incurred; and
(6) Other Adopt such other accounting policies as Owner may direct from time to time with written notice to Manager.
P. Reporting .
(1) Monthly Financial Reporting Package . Not later than the 20th day of each month, Manager shall cause to be delivered to Owner at least two copies of the standard reporting package and the specific financial and property information and reports set forth on Exhibit A hereto. Manager acknowledges that the transmittal and specific financial statements and/ or schedules required by Owner are subject to change from time to time and may vary based on specific Property or portfolio requirements. All such reports shall be in a form prescribed by Owner. In addition, Manager shall prepare any forms required by Owner to facilitate the input of financial information into Owners accounting system.
(2) Quarterly Reports . On or before the 30 th day of the first month following each calendar quarter for which such report or statement is prepared and during the term of this Agreement, Manager shall prepare and submit to Owner the reports and statements detailed on Exhibit B hereto.
(3) Final Accounting . Following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, by virtue of the termination of this Agreement by Owner for cause or otherwise, Manager shall nonetheless be responsible for preparing a final accounting within sixty (60) days of said expiration or earlier termination for any or all Properties subject to such termination or expiration. Such final accounting shall set forth all current income, all current expenses and all other expenses contracted for on Owners behalf but not yet incurred in connection with the applicable Properties. The final accounting shall also include all other items reasonably requested by Owner.
(4) Certification . All financial statements other than those audited by Owners independent public accounting firm shall be certified by an officer of Manager as true and correct in all respects and fairly presenting the financial results of the operation of the Properties.
(5) Other Reports and Statements . Manager will furnish to Owner, at Managers expense, as promptly as practicable, such other reports, statements and other information with respect to the operations of the Properties as Owner may reasonably request from time to time.
Q. Budgets and Leasing Plans . Not later than October 1 of each calendar year, Manager shall prepare and submit to Owner for its approval an operating budget and, if Manager is also the leasing agent, a marketing and leasing plan on the Properties for the calendar year immediately following such submission. The budget and leasing plan shall be in the form of the budget and plan approved by Owner prior to the date thereof and shall note (1) how the Property will be managed and leased, (2) market conditions, (3) demographics, (4) annual planned maintenance schedule, (5) major leasing assumptions, (6) detail schedules for all revenue and expense items with assumptions, and (7) capital expenditure plans. As often as reasonably necessary during the period covered by any such budget, Manager may submit to Owner for its approval an updated budget or plan incorporating such changes as shall be necessary to reflect cost over-runs and the like during such period. If Owner does not disapprove any such budget within 30 days after receipt thereof by Owner, such budget shall be deemed approved. If Owner shall
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disapprove any such budget or plan, it shall so notify Manager within said 30-day period and explain the reasons therefor.
R. Governmental Approvals . Obtain all governmental approvals and permits necessary for the operation of the Properties and recommend to Owner such actions or steps as are necessary to cause the Properties to comply with any and all applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and directives of federal, state or local governmental authorities.
S. Coordination with Property Manager . To the extent Manager is not also the leasing agent performing the functions described in Section 2.5, Manager will coordinate and cooperate with the leasing agent of the respective Properties to ensure the full leasing and efficient operation of the Properties.
T. Other Actions . Manager will take such other action and perform such other functions as Manager or Owner deems advisable or necessary for the efficient and economic management, operation and maintenance of the Properties.
2.5. Specific Duties as Leasing Agent . Managers duties as leasing agent for the Properties include the following:
A. Leasing Functions . Manager will coordinate the leasing of the Properties and negotiate and use reasonable commercial efforts to secure executed Leases from qualified tenants for available space in the Properties. Such Leases must be consistent with form and terms approved by Owner. Manager will use its reasonable commercial efforts to bring about complete leasing of the Properties. Manager shall be responsible for the hiring of all leasing agents, as necessary for the leasing of the Properties, and to otherwise oversee and manage the leasing process on behalf of Owner. Such duties include, without limitation, (1) the preparation and distribution of listings to potential tenants in the market, as well as to reputable and active real estate agents within a reasonable effective area surrounding each Property and (2) the supplying of sufficient information to cooperating agents to enable them at all times to promote the rental of the Properties. Owner agrees to refer to Manager all offerings and inquiries it receives regarding leasing activity at the Properties.
B. Advertising . Owner authorizes Manager to advertise and to place signage on the Properties regarding the leasing, provided, that, such signage complies with all applicable governmental laws, regulations and requirements. Manager, at its expense, will provide its marketing package, signage and a two-sided flyer. Any additional advertising and promotion will be done at Owners expense pursuant to a program and budget agreed upon by Owner and Manager.
C. Payments . Manager will pay such other reimbursable expenses and costs as Owner has approved and deems advisable or necessary for the efficient and economic leasing of the Properties.
D. Coordination with Property Manager . To the extent Manager is not also the property manager performing the functions described in Section 2.4, Manager will coordinate and cooperate with the property manager of the respective Properties to ensure the full leasing and efficient operation of the Properties.
E. Other Actions . Manager will take such other action and perform such other functions as Manager or Owner deems reasonably advisable or necessary for the efficient and economic leasing of the Properties.
2.6. Specific Duties as Construction Manager . Managers duties as construction manager for the Properties include the following:
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A. General .
(1) Manager shall secure or assist in securing all licenses, registrations, or permits required by law and shall comply with all ordinances, laws, orders, codes, rules, and regulations pertaining to building of an Improvement or the services described herein.
(2) In the event a project is suspended for a period of more than thirty (30) days, Manager shall have the right to re-assign the personnel managing such project to other projects, and upon resumption of the project, Manager shall be given a reasonable amount of time to assign new personnel to the management of the project. In addition, the compensation of Manager shall be equitably adjusted to account for the suspension of services. If the project is abandoned at any time for any reason, Owner shall give Manager written notice of such decision, and Owner shall pay Manager for amounts due under this Agreement through the date of abandonment, and for any costs, expenses and damages incurred by Manager as a result of the abandonment of the project.
B. Duties with Respect to New Construction, Tenant Improvements, and Redevelopments . Manager will perform the following duties for construction of Improvements on undeveloped land ( New Construction ) and for construction of Improvements that are to be made at the direction of, or in conformity with Lease obligations to, tenants ( Tenant Improvements ) or for the improvement to Improvements that change the size or nature of such Improvements or for the redevelopment of Improvements (collectively, Redevelopments ):
(1) Provide updated and detailed project budgets to Owner;
(2) Arrange for, coordinate, supervise and advise Owner with respect to the selection of architects, contractors, design firms and consultants, and the execution of design, construction and consulting contracts;
(3) Review design documents, and drafts thereof, submitted by the architect or other consultants, and notify Owner in writing of any mistakes, errors or omissions that Manager observes in the documents and any recommendations it may have with respect to such mistakes, errors or omissions;
(4) Evaluate and make recommendations to Owner concerning cost estimates prepared by others;
(5) Review and evaluate proposed schedules for construction;
(6) Procure subcontractors through a minimum of three quotes for any jobs estimated to involve in excess of $50,000;
(7) Coordinate the work of subcontractors;
(8) Monitor the progress of construction;
(9) Endeavor to identify any deficiencies in the work performed by subcontractors;
(10) Provide Owner with monthly written status reports;
(11) Advise Owner with respect to alterations and modifications in any design documents submitted by the architect or other consultants that may be in Owners interest, including obtaining advantages in terms of cost savings, scheduling, leasing, operation and maintenance issues and other matters affecting the overall benefit of the project;
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(12) Review and advise Owner on change order proposals and requests for additional services submitted to Owner;
(13) Schedule, coordinate, and attend necessary or appropriate project meetings;
(14) Monitor and coordinate punch list preparation and resolution by the subcontractors;
(15) Make recommendations to Owner concerning, and monitor, the use of the site by subcontractors, particularly as it relates to staging and storage, ingress and egress, temporary signage, fencing, barricades, restrictions on hours of operation, safety considerations and similar considerations;
(16) Coordinate, monitor, supervise and advise Owner with respect to preparation, execution, completion and filing of project-related documents, including, but not limited to, contracts, permit applications, licenses, certifications, zoning requirements, land use restrictions, governmental filings applicable to the Project and any other similar documents;
(17) Review and advise Owner with respect to draw requests submitted on the project;
(18) Upon completion of construction, walk the completed New Construction, Tenant Improvements, or Redevelopments with Owner to ensure that everything has been completed in accordance with the specifications. Manager shall cause the subcontractors to repair or replace any items that are determined to be deficient during this walk;
(19) As instructed by Owner, perform additional related project management functions; and
(20) Collect warranties and operation manuals, certificates, guarantees, as-builts and any similar documentation for the benefit of Owner.
C. Additional Duties with Respect to New Construction and Redevelopments . Manager will perform the following duties with respect to New Construction and Redevelopments:
(1) Provide Owner with a budget for each Improvement to be built prior to beginning construction of the respective Improvement;
(2) Meet on a regular basis with Owners leasing agents and representatives of prospective tenants; and
(3) Arrange for, coordinate, supervise and advise Owner with respect to various development services prior to design and construction of the Project, including due diligence, site investigations, land use and zoning matters, and similar development services.
D. Additional Duties with Respect to Tenant Improvements . Manager will perform the following duties related to Tenant Improvements:
(1) Arrange for and supervise the performance of all installations and improvements in space leased to any tenant which are either expressly required under the terms of a Lease of such space or which are customarily provided to tenants;
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(2) Meet with tenants and prospective tenants and their architects, engineers, consultants and contractors to facilitate design and construction of leasehold improvements;
(3) Maintain separate files as to each tenant, and thereby document the entire design and construction process for each tenant; and
(4) Compile and disseminate such data regarding each tenant as Owner may reasonably require.
E. Duties with Respect to Tenant Directed Improvements . Manager will perform the following duties for construction of Improvements that are to be made by or under the supervision of tenants ( Tenant Directed Improvements )
(1) Schedule, coordinate, and attend necessary or appropriate project meetings;
(2) Review and evaluate Lease exhibit language that identifies the scope and nature of tenant construction of the Tenant Directed Improvements;
(3) Meet with tenants and prospective tenants and their architects, engineers, consultants and contractors to facilitate design and construction of Tenant Directed Improvements;
(4) Review tenant construction documents for compliance with landlord criteria and requirements applicable to the Tenant Directed Improvements;
(5) Review and evaluate proposed schedules for tenant construction;
(6) Coordinate delivery of shell space to tenants for construction of Tenant Directed Improvements;
(7) Observe tenant construction with attention to adherence of actual construction with construction documents;
(8) Evaluate and make recommendations to Owner concerning the coordination of tenant work and any landlord work;
(9) Make recommendations to Owner concerning, and monitor, the use of the site by tenant contractors, particularly as it relates to staging and storage, ingress and egress, temporary signage, fencing, barricades, restrictions on hours of operation, safety considerations and similar considerations;
(10) Monitor the progress of tenant construction, and verify such key aspects of tenant construction such as compliance with scheduling requirements, compliance with rules and regulations of Owner, verifying the tenant has obtained proper permits, etc.;
(11) Serve as an information conduit to Owner from the tenants consultants and contractors when questions arise as to matters at the project site, and ensure that questions and issues are being addressed in a timely manner;
(12) Ensure that tenant design and construction properly ties into building systems and does not adversely affect their proper operation;
(13) Review and make recommendations to Owner concerning any requests by tenants for draws against allowances established by Owner;
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(14) Maintain separate files as to each tenant, and thereby document the entire design and construction process for each tenant; and
(15) Compile and disseminate such data regarding each tenant as Owner may reasonably require.
3. Expenses .
3.1. Owners Expenses . Except as otherwise specifically provided, all costs and expenses incurred hereunder by Manager in fulfilling its duties to Owner shall be for the account of and on behalf of Owner. Such costs and expenses may include reasonable wages and salaries and other employee-related expenses of all on-site and off-site employees of Manager who are directly engaged in the operation, management, maintenance, leasing, construction, or access control of the Properties, including taxes, insurance and benefits relating to such employees ( Employee Expenses ), along with legal, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses which are directly related to the management of specific Properties. Manager shall also allocate a portion of its office, administrative and supplies expense to the extent directly related to the foregoing reimbursable expenses. All costs and expenses for which Owner is responsible under this Agreement shall be paid by Manager out of an Account. In the event said Account does not contain sufficient funds to pay all said expenses, Owner shall fund all sums necessary to meet such additional costs and expenses.
3.2. Managers Expenses . Manager shall, out of its own funds, pay all of its general overhead and administrative expenses not appropriately allocable pursuant to the second or third sentence of the preceding Section 3.1.
4. Managers Compensation . For the services provided related to each Property, Owner will pay Manager a fee (collectively, the Total Management Fees ) as provided in this Section 4.
4.1. Property Management Fee . For each Property for which Manager provides property management services, Owner shall pay Manager a property management fee (the Property Management Fee ) up to 3% of the gross monthly income actually collected from each Property for the preceding month. Manager may pay some or all of these Property Management Fees to third parties with whom it subcontracts to perform property management services, pursuant to Section 7.3. In the event that Owner contracts directly with a non-affiliated third-party property manager with respect to a particular Property, Owner shall pay Manager an oversight fee equal to 1% of the total gross revenues of the Property managed (an Oversight Fee ). In no event will Owner pay both a Property Management Fee and an Oversight Fee to Manager with respect to a particular Property. For all purposes hereof, gross monthly income shall mean the total gross monthly collections received from a Property, including, without limitation, rents (and any interest or penalties accrued thereon), and miscellaneous gross income items of Owner, as applicable; provided, however, gross monthly income specifically excludes:
A. Interest paid on any depository accounts, including all Accounts and any Accounts holding security deposits;
B. Security deposits unless and not until such deposits are applied as rental income upon termination of a Lease;
C. Parking revenues when a third party operator is engaged, sales taxes, taxes paid in lieu of ad valorem taxes, and termination payments, except to the extent of previously uncollected rent or termination payments based in part on and to the extent of the remaining rent payable pursuant to a Lease terminated prior to its stated expiration date;
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D. Imputed revenue related to employee occupied Improvements or spaces and space allocated or utilized for administrative purposes such as office use or model Improvements;
E. Rents paid in advance of the due date until the month in which such payments are to apply as rental income;
F. Monies collected for any capital items that are paid by tenants (such as tenant finish or other improvements); and
G. Proceeds from a sale, refinancing, condemnation, hazard or liability insurance, title insurance, tax abatement awards of all or any portion of a Property, other than rental loss insurance payments. Unless otherwise directed by Owner, Manager shall be entitled to withdraw its compensation pursuant to this Section directly from an Account monthly in arrears, on the tenth (10th) day of each calendar month, except for the reporting period during which this Agreement is terminated, in which case Owner will pay Manager the prorated fees due to Manager for the month of termination.
4.2. Leasing Commissions . For each Property for which Manager provides leasing agent services, Owner shall pay Manager fees as follows:
A. Initial Lease-Up Fee . Manager shall be entitled to receive a separate fee for the one-time initial rent-up or leasing-up of New Construction in an amount not to exceed [ one-months rent ]. For this purpose, a Redevelopment constituting a total rehabilitation shall be included in the term New Construction.
B. Leasing Commissions .
(1) New Lease Commission . For each Property for which Manager serves as leasing agent, Owner will pay Manager, for each new tenant Lease entered into during the term hereof, a commission equal to the fee that is customarily charged by others rendering similar services in the same geographic area, as determined by the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT, in its sole discretion.
(2) Renewal Commissions . Owner shall pay to Manager a commission equal to the fee that is customarily charged by others rendering similar services in the same geographic area, as determined by the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT, in its sole discretion. For purposes of this Section 4.2.B(2), a renewal shall include (i) a renewal of any tenant Lease in a Property pursuant to a new agreement that is executed during the term of this Agreement and (ii) a renewal of an existing tenant Lease pursuant to a new agreement that is executed during the term of this Agreement and prior to the expiration of the term of the existing tenant Lease. Renewal commissions shall be paid out within thirty (30) days of the execution of the applicable renewal or extension.
(3) Expansion Commissions . Owner shall pay to Manager a commission equal to the fee that is customarily charged by others rendering similar services in the same geographic area, as determined by the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT, in its sole discretion with respect to expansion space in a Property for the remaining portion of the initial Lease term. For purposes of this Section 4.2.B(3), an expansion shall include (i) an expansion of any tenant Lease in the Property pursuant to a new agreement that is executed during the term of this Agreement and (ii) an expansion of an existing tenant Lease pursuant to a new agreement that is executed during the term of this Agreement and prior to the expiration of the term of the existing tenant Lease. Expansion commissions shall be paid out within thirty (30) days of the execution of such expansion.
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(4) Co-Brokerage . As the exclusive leasing agent for the Properties, Manager shall cooperate with any independent, affiliated or non-affiliated licensed real estate brokers or agents and may offer co-agency but not sub-agencies with respect to the leasing of the Properties. Notwithstanding any language to the contrary contained in this Section 4.2 providing for a fee or commission to be paid to Manager, in the event that any such independent, affiliated or non-affiliated broker participates, in good faith (and has a rightful claim to a brokerage commission), as a procuring cause of a tenant Lease or any renewal, extension, expansion or other modification of any tenant Lease with respect to which Manager would otherwise be due a commission pursuant to Sections 4.2.B(1) through 4.2.B(3) above (such broker or agent being hereinafter referred to as Co-Agent ), then the commission payable by Owner shall only be as set forth in writing pursuant to a co-brokerage commission agreement by and among Owner, Manager and Co-Agent. [ Any such co-brokerage commissions shall be shared between Manager and Co-Agent as they shall agree. ]
C. Pending Leases . Within fifteen (15) days after the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, Manager shall deliver to Owner a list of all parties to whom Manager has presented a bona fide Letter of Proposal or has otherwise taken substantial and material steps evidenced in a manner acceptable to Owner, in Owners reasonable discretion, with respect to a good faith effort to enter into a Lease at a Property during the term of this Agreement regarding the possible leasing of space in a Property, or a possible renewal, extension or of any existing tenant Lease covering space in a Property. Owner agrees that it will pay the commission that would otherwise be due in accordance with Section 4.2.B hereof in the event Owner or its successor or assign enters into any Lease with any tenant validly included in Managers list or any affiliate thereof, or enters into any renewal, extension or expansion of an existing tenant Lease included in Managers list so long as negotiations commence and are a final written agreement is executed by all necessary parties during one hundred eighty (180) days after such expiration or termination of this Agreement. Owner covenants and agrees that it shall not delay entering into any Lease, or any renewal, extension or expansion thereof, for the purpose of depriving Manager of any commission due Manager pursuant to this Section 4.2.C.
4.3. Construction Management Fees . For each Property for which Manager provides construction management services, Manager shall be entitled to fee from Owner equal to a percentage of the cost of tenant improvements, as determined by the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT, in its sole discretion (the Construction Management Fee ). The Construction Management Fee shall equal 5% of the cost of such improvements. Owner shall ensure that any Lease or Lease renewal contains a provision requiring tenant to pay Manager a comparable Construction Management Fee for any tenant-paid finish-out or improvements not covered by such Lease concessions (i.e., paid by tenant).
4.4. Audit Adjustment . If any audit of the records, books or accounts relating to the Properties discloses an overpayment or underpayment of the Total Management Fees, Owner or Manager shall promptly pay to the other party the amount of such overpayment or underpayment, as the case may be. If such audit discloses an overpayment of the Total Management Fees for any fiscal year of more than 10% of the correct aggregate Total Management Fees for such fiscal year, Manager shall bear the cost of such audit.
5. Insurance And Indemnification .
5.1. Insurance to be Carried .
A. Manager shall obtain and keep in full force and effect, or cause to be obtained and kept in full force and effect, at Owners expense insurance, unless paid directly by a tenant at a Property, (1) on the Properties and (2) on activities at the properties against such hazards as Owner and Manager shall deem appropriate. In any event, Manager shall procure, for the Properties for which Manager is property manager, insurance sufficient to comply with the Leases and the Ownership Agreements. All liability
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policies shall provide sufficient insurance satisfactory to both Owner and Manager and shall contain waivers of subrogation for the benefit of Manager and the applicable Owner.
B. Manager shall obtain and keep in full force and effect, in accordance with the laws of the state in which each Property is located, workers compensation insurance covering all employees of Manager at the Properties and all persons engaged in the performance of any work required hereunder. Manager shall also obtain and keep in full force and effect, in accordance with the laws of the state in which each Property is located, employers liability, employee theft, commercial general liability, and umbrella insurance, and Manager shall furnish Owner certificates of insurers naming Advisor or Owner as co-insureds and evidencing that such insurance is in effect. If any work under this Agreement is subcontracted as permitted herein, Manager shall include in each subcontract a provision that the subcontractor shall also furnish Owner with such a certificate evidencing coverage (and any other coverage Manager deems appropriate in the circumstances) and the naming of Advisor or Owner as co-insureds and evidencing that such insurance is in effect, as well as indemnification as is customary in the discretion of Manager. The cost of such insurance procured by Manager shall be reimbursable to the same extent as provided in Section 3.1.
5.2. Cooperation with Insurers . Manager shall cooperate with and provide reasonable access to the Properties to representatives of insurance companies and insurance brokers or agents with respect to insurance which is in effect or for which application has been made. Manager shall use its best efforts to comply with all requirements of insurers.
5.3. Accidents and Claims . With respect to Properties for which Manager is property manager, and with respect to Properties for which Manager is construction manager, Manager shall promptly investigate and shall report in detail to Owner and insurance carriers as applicable all accidents, claims for damage relating to the ownership, operation or maintenance of the Properties, and any damage or destruction to the Properties and the estimated costs of repair thereof, and shall prepare for approval by Owner all reports required by an insurance company in connection with any such accident, claim, damage, or destruction. Such reports shall be given to Owner promptly and any report not so given within 10 days after the occurrence of any such accident, claim, damage or destruction shall be noted in the monthly report delivered to Owner pursuant to Section 2.4.P(1). Manager is authorized to settle any claim against an insurance company arising out of any policy and, in connection with such claim, to execute proofs of loss and adjustments of loss and to collect and receipt for loss proceeds.
5.4. Indemnification .
A. The Operating Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless Manager and its Affiliates, including their respective officers, directors, partners and employees, from all liability, claims, damages or losses arising in the performance of their duties hereunder, and related expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees, to the extent such liability, claims, damages or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance, subject to any limitations imposed by the laws of the State of Delaware, the limited partnership agreement of the Operating Partnership, or as specifically provided otherwise in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Manager shall not be entitled to indemnification or be held harmless pursuant to this Section 5.4.A for any activity for which Manager shall be required to indemnify or hold harmless the Operating Partnership pursuant to Paragraph 5.4.B or pursuant to another specific provision of this Agreement. Any indemnification of Manager may be made only out of the net assets of the Operating Partnership and not from the partners of the Operating Partnership.
B. Manager shall indemnify and hold harmless Owner from contract or other liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses including attorneys fees, to the extent that such liability, claims, damages, taxes or losses and related expenses are not fully reimbursed by insurance and
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are incurred by reason of Managers bad faith, fraud, willful misfeasance, misconduct, reckless disregard of its duties, gross negligence, or material breaches of this Agreement.
6. Term, Termination .
6.1. Term . This Agreement shall commence on the date first above written and shall continue until terminated in accordance with the earliest to occur of the following:
A. One year from the date of the commencement of the term hereof. However, this Agreement will be automatically extended for an additional one-year period at the end of each year unless Owner or Manager gives sixty (60) days written notice of its intention to terminate the Agreement;
B. Sixty (60) days after prior written notice of intention to terminate the Agreement given by Owner or Manager; or
C. Immediately upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) A decree or order is rendered by a court having jurisdiction (A) adjudging Manager as bankrupt or insolvent, or (B) approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or similar relief for Manager under the federal bankruptcy laws or any similar applicable law or practice, or (C) appointing a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency of Manager or a substantial part of the property of Manager, or for the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, or
(2) Manager (A) institutes proceedings to be adjudicated a voluntary bankrupt or an insolvent, (B) consents to the filing of a bankruptcy proceeding against it, (C) files a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization, readjustment, arrangement, composition or relief under any similar applicable law or practice, (D) consents to the filing of any such petition, or to the appointment of a receiver or liquidator or trustee or assignee in bankruptcy or insolvency for it or for a substantial part of its property, (E) makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (F) is unable to or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due unless such inability shall be the fault of Owner, or (G) takes corporate or other action in furtherance of any of the aforesaid purposes.
Upon termination, the obligations of the parties hereto shall cease, provided that Manager shall comply with the provisions hereof applicable in the event of termination and shall be entitled to receive all compensation which may be due Manager up to the date of such termination and as may otherwise be provided in this Agreement, and provided, further, that if this Agreement terminates pursuant to Section 6.1.C above, Owner shall have other remedies as may be available at law or in equity.
6.2. Managers Obligations after Termination . Upon the termination of this Agreement, Manager shall have the following duties:
A. Manager shall deliver to Owner, or its designee, all books and records (including data files in magnetic or other similar storage media but specifically excluding any licensed software) with respect to the Properties.
B. Manager shall transfer and assign to Owner or its designee, all service contracts and personal property relating to or used in the operation and maintenance of the Properties, except personal property paid for and owned by Manager. Manager shall also, for a period of sixty (60) days immediately following the date of such termination, make itself available to consult with and advise Owner, or its designee, regarding the operation, maintenance and leasing of the Properties.
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C. Manager shall render to Owner an accounting of all funds of Owner in its possession and shall deliver to Owner a statement of the Total Management Fees claimed to be due Manager and shall cause funds of Owner held by Manager relating to the Properties to be paid to Owner or its designee and shall assist in the transferring of approved signatories on all Accounts.
7. Miscellaneous .
7.1. Notices . All notices, approvals, consents and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, and, except when receipt is required to start the running of a period of time, shall be deemed given when delivered in person or on the fifth day after its mailing by a party by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, to another party, at the addresses set forth after such partys respective name below or at such different addresses as such party shall have theretofore advised the other party in writing in accordance with this Section 7.1.
The GC Net Lease REIT: |
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. | |
Attn: Kevin Shields | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
The Operating Partnership: |
THE GC NET LEASE REIT OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | |
C/O THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. | ||
Attn: Kevin Shields | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
With copy to Advisor: |
THE GC NET LEASE REIT ADVISOR, LLC | |
Attn: Kevin Shields | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 | ||
Manager: |
THE GC NET LEASE REIT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC | |
Attn: Julie Treinen | ||
2121 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3321 | ||
El Segundo, California 90245 |
7.2. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
7.3. Assignment . Manager may delegate partially or in full its duties and rights under this Agreement but only with the prior written consent of Owner. Except as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns. Owner acknowledges and agrees that any or all of the duties of Manager as contained herein may be delegated by Manager and performed by a person or entity (a Sub-Manager ) with whom Manager contracts for the purpose of performing such duties. Owner specifically grants Manager the authority to enter into such a contract with a Sub-Manager; provided that, unless Owner otherwise agrees in writing with such Sub-Manager, Owner shall have no liability or responsibility to such Sub-Manager for the payment of such Sub-Managers fee or for reimbursement to such Sub-Manager of its expenses or to indemnify such Sub-Manager in any manner for any matter; and provided further that Manager shall require such Sub-Manager to agree, in the written agreement setting forth the
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duties and obligations of such Sub-Manager, to indemnify Owner for all losses incurred by Owner as a result of the willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Sub-Manager, except that such indemnity shall not be required to the extent that Owner recovers issuance proceeds with respect to such matter. Any contract entered into between Manager and a Sub-Manager pursuant to this Section 7.3 shall be consistent with the provisions of this Agreement, except to the extent Owner otherwise specifically agrees in writing.
7.4. No Waiver . The failure of Owner to seek redress for violation or to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant or condition of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver thereof for the future.
7.5. Amendments . This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the amendment is sought.
7.6. Headings . The headings of the various subdivisions of this Agreement are for reference only and shall not define or limit any of the terms or provisions hereof.
7.7. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and it shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement to produce or account for more than one such counterpart.
7.8. Entire Agreement . This Agreement and Exhibits hereto contains the entire understanding and all agreements between Owner and Manager respecting the management of the Properties. There are no representations, agreements, arrangements or understandings, oral or written, between Owner and Manager relating to the management of the Properties that are not fully expressed herein.
7.9. Disputes . If there shall be a dispute between Owner and Manager relating to this Agreement resulting in litigation, the prevailing party in such litigation shall be entitled to recover from the other party to such litigation such amount as the court shall fix as reasonable attorneys fees.
7.10. Other Activities of Manager .
A. General . Nothing herein contained shall prevent Manager from engaging in other activities or business ventures, whether or not such other activities or ventures are in competition with Owner or the business of Owner, including, without limitation, property management activities for other Persons (including other REITs) and the provision of services to other programs advised, sponsored or organized by Manager or its Affiliates; nor shall this Agreement limit or restrict the right of any director, officer, employee, or stockholder of Manager or its Affiliates to engage in any other business or to render services of any kind to any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association. Manager may, with respect to any investment in which Owner is a participant, also render advice and service to each and every other participant therein. Manager shall report to the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT the existence of any condition or circumstance, existing or anticipated, of which it has knowledge, which creates or could create a conflict of interest between Managers obligations to Owner and its obligations to or its interest in any other partnership, corporation, firm, individual, trust or association.
B. Policy with Respect to Allocation of Tenant Rental Opportunities . Before Manager markets leasable space owned by an Affiliate of Owner to a prospective tenant, the needs of which would in Managers judgment be met by leasable space owned by Owner, Manager shall determine in its sole discretion that the prospective tenants needs would be better met by leasable space owned by another owner. In the event that Manager is marketing to a prospective tenant whose needs would, in the sole
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discretion of Manager, equally be met by leasable space owned by Owner and another Griffin Capital Corporation-sponsored program, then Manager may more aggressively market the leasable space owned by the other program if it has had the longest period of time elapse since space owned by it was aggressively marketed by Manager. Manager will use its reasonable efforts to fairly allocate prospective tenant opportunities in accordance with such allocation method and will promptly disclose any material deviation from such policy or the establishment of a new policy, which shall be allowed, provided (1) the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT is provided with notice of such policy at least 60 days prior to such policy becoming effective and (2) such policy provides for the reasonable allocation of prospective tenant marketing opportunities among such programs. Manager shall provide the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT with any information reasonably requested so that the Board of Directors of The GC Net Lease REIT may determine that the allocation of prospective tenant marketing opportunities is applied fairly. Nothing herein shall be deemed to prevent Manager or an Affiliate from marketing leasable space that it may own rather than aggressively marketing space owned by Owner or an Affiliate of Owner so long as Manager is fulfilling its obligation to market vacant space owned by Owner in a manner consistent with the policies and objectives of Owner.
7.11. Severability . If any term, covenant or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be held to be invalid or unenforceable, then the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such term, covenant or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held to be invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term, covenants or condition of this Agreement shall be valid and shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
[Signatures appear on next page]
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In Witness Whereof , the parties have executed this Master Property Management, Leasing and Construction Management Agreement as of the date first above written.
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. | ||
By: | ||
Kevin A. Shields | ||
President | ||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT | ||
OPERATING PARTNERSHIP, L.P. | ||
By: The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. (as General Partner of The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P.) |
||
By: | ||
Kevin A. Shields | ||
President | ||
THE GC NET LEASE REIT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC |
||
By: | ||
Kevin A. Shields | ||
President |
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EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
1. | The GC Net Lease REIT Operating Partnership, L.P. |
2. | The GC Net Lease REIT TRS, Inc. |
EXHIBIT 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption Experts and to the use of our report dated April 28, 2009 with respect to the Consolidated Balance Sheet of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 included in the Registration Statement on Form S-11 and related Prospectus of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. for the registration of 82,500,000 shares of its common stock.
We also consent to the use of our report dated April 28, 2009 with respect to the Statement of Revenue and Certain Expenses of the Renfro Property for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008 included in the Registration Statement on Form S-11 and related Prospectus of The GC Net Lease REIT, Inc. for the registration of 82,500,000 shares of its common stock.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Los Angeles, California
May 11, 2009
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned directors and officers of THE GC NET LEASE REIT, INC. (the Company) hereby constitute and appoint Joseph E. Miller and Kevin A. Shields, or either of them acting singly, the true and lawful agents and attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned, with full power and authority in said agents and the attorneys-in-fact to act in the name of and on behalf of the undersigned to sign for the undersigned and in their respective names as directors and officers of the Company and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), a Registration Statement on Form S-11 to be filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the registration of up to 82,500,000 shares of the Companys common stock, to sign any and all amendments, including any Post-Effective Amendments, to such Registration Statement, to perform any and all such acts necessary or proper in connection with the filing of such Registration Statement, and, generally, to act for and in the name of the undersigned with respect to such filing.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Power of Attorney has been signed below, effective as of April 30, 2009, by the following persons in the capacities indicated below.
Signature |
Title |
Date |
||
/s/ Kevin A. Shields Kevin A. Shields |
President and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | April 30, 2009 | ||
/s/ Joseph E. Miller Joseph E. Miller |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
April 30, 2009 | ||
/s/ Gregory M. Cazel Gregory M. Cazel |
Independent Director | April 30, 2009 | ||
/s/ Tim Rohner Tim Rohner |
Independent Director | April 30, 2009 |