http://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/32776/000003277608000014/empiredef14a.htm
Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.
c/o Wien & Malkin llc
60 East 42nd Street
New York, New York 10165
Telephone: (212) 687-8700
Telecopier: (212) 986-7679
STATEMENT BY THE AGENTS
IN THE
SOLICITATION OF PARTICIPANT CONSENTS
Dated: June 9, 2008
This Statement is issued in connection with the Solicitation of Participant Consents by Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin, and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr., as the agents (the "Agents") for the participants (the "Participants") in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Associates").
Associates was created by Lawrence A. Wien in 1961 to acquire the master lease of the Empire State Building at 350 Fifth Avenue in New York City ("ESB") and the underlying land (collectively, the "Property"). Associates simultaneously net subleased the Property under a net operating sublease (the "Operating Sublease") to Empire State Building Company L.L.C. ("Lessee"). See Section I. - Background.
The Agents recommend and request that Participants consent to a financing program which will permit Associates to fund improvements at ESB and to utilize a portion of its equity to acquire additional, complementary property on favorable terms.
The improvement program will be undertaken jointly with Associates' tenant, Empire State Building Company L.L.C. ("Lessee"), and will follow the model being successfully utilized at other Wien & Malkin supervised properties in conjunction with (a) engagement of a new top-tier leasing agent and installation of best-in-class management, (b) comprehensive, cost-efficient property upgrade, (c) re-branding and repositioning as part of the W&H Portfolio, and (d) strategic marketing for higher occupancy with better credit tenants at increased rents. From the experience to date of implementing this program at ESB, the Agents believe this program will greatly enhance Participants' investment.
This program is based on budgeting and borrowing parameters specific to ESB. Participants' approval at this time will permit the financing and improvements to be completed at favorable borrowing rates. The work will consist of improvements which the Agents, in consultation with Lessee, ESB's on-site management team and the new leasing agent, have determined to be necessary to improve ESB's competitive market position in its retail, office, Observatory, and broadcast operations, and long-term investment return and to maintain and enhance ESB's physical plant.
CB Richard Ellis, Inc. was engaged as Lessee's managing and leasing agent in 2006. It is working under the direction of Wien & Malkin with Lessee's new on-site management team to effect improvements and marketing for ESB. Early last year, ESB joined the W&H Portfolio, now comprised of four almost fully occupied New York City office buildings aggregating about 2.7 million square feet (the Lincoln Building at 60 East 42nd Street, 250 West 57th Street, 1359 Broadway, and 501 Seventh Avenue) where similar improvement programs delivered enhanced property performance, tenancy, and value and four other buildings presently being similarly upgraded and leased (1333, 1350 and 1400 Broadway and 112 West 34th Street). Please see the enclosed announcement.
The program will require significant expenditures for enhancements to the base building, Observatory visitor facilities, broadcast facilities, compliance with Local Law 26 (mandatory sprinklering of the entire building), and marketing and certain commissions and tenant installation costs. Without a mortgage financing, Lessee has been and will continue paying these costs from operating cash flow. At the rate of expenditures now underway, if Lessee were to continue to pay such costs out of cash flow without this financing program, overage rent distributions to Participants are projected to be severely reduced, and in certain periods eliminated, for years.
The proposed financing for these improvements will (a) permit efficient execution of work already underway and projected and leasing, (b) spread the cost of long-term improvements, and (c) increase and stabilize distributions to Participants.
The proposed financing for acquisitions will enable Associates to utilize a conservative portion of its equity build-up in ESB to exploit favorable buying opportunities in additional, complementary property. The Agents believe such opportunities are, and will continue to be, available in the current market. Following recent credit market dislocations, highly leveraged investors can no longer buy property and may be forced to sell. Associates, with moderate existing and projected debt, retains large equity resources to take advantage of these investment market conditions.
Associates will make an investment in additional property only if Peter and Anthony Malkin believe (a) the terms are favorable and (b) the projected investment results would increase Associates' total distributions over time. Associates may permit Lessee to join Associates in an investment using ESB debt only if Lessee increases its basic rent to pay the resulting debt service on the same format as for improvement debt.
Peter and Anthony Malkin have employed this strategy successfully in other Wien & Malkin supervised investments in which they received prior authorization as is sought herein. Approval now will permit Associates to act in its best interest in the future within market-imposed timing. Associates will avoid the delay and expense of a separate investment offering for each new prospect, and all Participants will be included in any actual transaction without being subject to individual disqualification under securities laws and without any new capital contribution.
Under this financing program, debt will not be incurred at any time for improvements or investments when it would cause aggregate mortgage debt to exceed 50% of the appraised value of all property subordinate to mortgage lien(s).
The loan will be structured so that (a) loan proceeds will be applied to ESB improvements and investments, (b) the lender will have a mortgage lien on all the interests of Associates and/or the fee owner, which is a subsidiary of Associates, and (c) for all ESB improvements and any joint Associates-Lessee investment, the increase in debt will be serviced by an increase in Lessee's basic rent (subject to an automatic adjustment in basic rent as needed to match any charge from time to time in such debt service for the authorized debt), and payments will generally be borne equally by Associates and Lessee through overage rent. Lessee's leasehold will not be subordinated to such mortgage lien. The legal borrower of the loan and owner of the improvements will be Associates and/or the fee owner, as determined by the Supervisor based on its evaluation of loan pricing, tax and operating efficiency, and lender requirements.
The improvement program includes authorization for any future refinancings of the new mortgage debt by Associates, to be serviced on its then existing format, so long as the refinancing in each case is with an institutional lender, non-recourse, and the aggregate principal amount does not exceed the then existing debt plus refinancing costs.
[TO PAST NON-CONSENTERS TO VOL COMP: The Agents also seek the consent of each Participant on a voluntary basis to share with Associates' Supervisor Wien & Malkin a portion of excess of distributions from any capital transaction, without changing the existing payment to Wien & Malkin. Approving Participants receive each year a pro rata portion of an additional payment to which Wien & Malkin is otherwise entitled from reductions in master lease rent. Approximately 90.5% in interest of Participants have previously approved this voluntary payment program.
I. BACKGROUND
A. Organization of Associates
Associates was organized as a general partnership by Lawrence A. Wien and Peter L. Malkin in 1961. Lawrence A. Wien served until his death as one of Associates' three Agents on behalf of Participants. Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr., now serve as the members of Associates and the Agents for the Participants.
Each member acts as the Agent for a group of Participants under a participating agreement (together, the "Participating Agreements"). The terms of the Participating Agreements are identical. Participants have the right to approve or disapprove certain Agent actions, including this improvement and financing program. The percentage of Participants required to approve each proposal is described in Section X - Terms of Solicitation of Consents.
On October 1, 2001, Associates was converted to a limited liability company to insulate Agents and Participants from third party claims without changing any right of the Agents and Participants. In 2002, Associates acquired fee title to the Property through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Empire State Building Land Associates L.L.C. (the "Fee Owner"), leaving Associates' master lease of the Property in place on its original terms.
B. The Building
ESB is 102 stories tall, was completed in 1931, and contains approximately 2,528,163 rentable square feet of office space and 219,870 rentable square feet of retail space. Observatory facilities are located on the second, 80th, 86th, and 102nd floors, and broadcast antenna facilities are located below, on, and in ESB's mast and on its transmission tower and supported by equipment located in the higher floors.
C. The Leases
- Master Lease
- Operating Sublease
- Other Material Master Lease and Operating Sublease Terms
The Property is net leased under a master lease (the "Master Lease"), the term of which will expire after all extensions on January 5, 2076. The annual rent payable by Associates during the term of the Master Lease is $1,970,000 through January 5, 2013 and $1,723,750 thereafter.
The Operating Sublease requires Lessee to pay the following rent for each calendar year:
a. Basic rent ("Basic Rent") equal to $6,018,750 a year through January 5, 2013 and $5,895,625 thereafter, payable monthly, currently applied to pay Master Lease rent, basic supervisory fees to Wien & Malkin LLC, Associates' Supervisor, and regular distributions to Participants.
b. Overage rent ("Overage Rent") equal to 50% of Lessee's annual net operating profit in excess of $1,000,000, payable annually within 60 days after year-end.
For the year ended December 31, 2007, Lessee paid Overage Rent of $17,025,749. Overage Rent was $18,791,329 for 2006, $16,324,979 for 2005 and $9,469,543 for 2004.
The Operating Sublease may be renewed through January 4, 2076.
The Operating Sublease obligates Lessee to satisfy all Associates' obligations under the Master Lease, including real estate taxes, insurance, and property maintenance, other than payment of Master Lease net rent to the Fee Owner.
D. Senior Mortgage
The Fee Owner's $60,500,000 mortgage (the "Senior Mortgage") was incurred in 2002 to finance acquisition of the land by the Fee Owner, which with Associates pays the debt service on the Senior Mortgage from Master Lease and Operating Sublease rent revenues. The Senior Mortgage allows for subordinate mortgage financing so long as total mortgage debt on ESB does not exceed 50% of the then fair market value of all mortgaged property.
E. Current Market
As of May 22, 2008, ESB was approximately 77.78% occupied. The rental rate (exclusive of electricity charges) on new office leases at ESB currently ranges from approximately $53 to $63 per square foot, as compared with $32 to $42 a year ago.
The office market along 34th Street and in the Penn Plaza area continues to be active. With the benefits of the W&H Portfolio brand and CB Richard Ellis' marketing, ESB has an opportunity greatly to improve performance through the upgrade and leasing strategies being implemented at ESB in connection with this financing, including space consolidation and pre-built programs.
F. Financial Information
The Participants have received the following distributions for 2005, 2006 and 2007:
Year
Distributions
Pct. Return on
Original Investment
2005
$17,484,730
53.0%
2006
$19,033,355
57.7%
2007
$17,259,877
52.3%
These percentages were calculated by dividing the cash payments to the Participants in each year by the Participants' $33,000,000 original cash investment in the Property. Certain Participants may have purchased their interests after the original offering for amounts different than the original cash investment, so their return on investment will be different.
Each monthly installment of Basic Rent paid by Lessee is applied to pay monthly Master Lease rents, the monthly basic supervisory fee to Wien & Malkin, and regular distributions to the Participants. Overage Rent is applied to pay additional distributions to the Participants, any required additional payment to Wien & Malkin, and a portion of debt service on the Senior Mortgage. See Section I.
Enclosed are audited financial statements of Associates as of December 31, 2007, including the balance sheets and the related statements of income, members' equity, and cash flows. Also, See Section VII. - Agents' Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.
Margolin, Winer & Evans now serves as Associates' independent public accountant and has performed certain other financial accounting work for Associates, including tax return preparation.
G. Supervisory Services to Associates
No Agent receives remuneration from Associates for serving as Agent. Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin, and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. are the Agents.
Wien & Malkin has acted as Supervisor for each of Associates and Lessee from inception. Wien & Malkin's regular supervisory services for Associates include maintaining Associates' organizational and Participant records, performing physical inspections of the Property, reviewing violation searches and insurance coverage, conducting annual supervisory review meetings, receiving monthly rent from Lessee, paying Master Lease rent, paying monthly and additional distributions to the Participants, confirming payment of real estate taxes and BID assessments, reviewing financial statements submitted to Associates by Lessee and financial statements and tax information prepared by Associates' independent certified public accountants, distributing annual Schedule K-1 tax information and reports to the Participants, and preparing certain filings with governmental authorities.
In consideration of its supervisory services to Associates, Wien & Malkin receives a basic supervisory fee of $159,417 (increasing to $166,805 in 2013), including an additional payment equal to 6% of any distribution of Operating Sublease overage rent, 6% of one-half of the savings from the satisfaction of the original 1961 leasehold acquisition mortgage in 1984, and 6% of the savings from the 1992 and 2013 Master Lease rent reductions. Wien & Malkin pays the costs relating to its regular supervisory services for Associates, including regular accounting fees, filing and search fees, report preparation, and related mailing costs. In the years 2005, 2006 and 2007, Wien & Malkin received the following supervisory fees and additional payments from Associates:
Year
Basic
Supervisory Fee
Additional
Payment
Total
2005
$159,417
$867,791
$1,027,208
2006
$159,417
$966,640
$1,126,057
2007
$159,417
$853,439
$1,012,856
Associates paid Wien & Malkin other fees for services of $0 in 2005, $0 in 2006 and $104,094 in 2007.
II. OPERATIONS MATTERS
A. Leasing and Needed Building Improvements
Under the program, smaller spaces are being aggregated, demolished, and re-demised to assemble larger, more efficient spaces with improved lay-outs for modern tenant uses. Such consolidation should also result in greater efficiencies for ESB. Certain floors will be set aside for full floor users to which ESB is leasing successfully presently. Suites between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet are being pre-built.
Pre-built spaces include new ceilings, lighting, and base building systems (including electric distribution, mechanicals, air handling units, and pantries) for immediate occupancy. Experience elsewhere in the portfolio indicates pre-built suites require only minor tenant installations, such as painting and carpeting, for re-leasing and have proven successful in attracting new, better credit tenants at higher rents for longer lease terms.
To enhance ESB's stature as an office building while operating its Observatory, a lobby renovation and restoration is underway which will result in a clearly defined and identifiable office tenant and tenant visitor area with modern reception and security and a designated entrance and exit for tourists. Led by the renowned firm of Beyer, Blinder, Belle, the Landmarks-approved lobby renovation is sensitive to historic features, such as the recreation of the original ceiling and to modern needs for service and security.
ESB's market share of New York metro area broadcasters has increased substantially in recent years. Ongoing investment in the antenna, masthead and electric power infrastructure is being made to ensure ESB's dominant position for this important income source.
The overall improvement plan anticipates costs to complete deferred maintenance and base building enhancements and to upgrade Observatory and broadcast facilities, as well as major expenditures for tenant installation and leasing commissions and compliance with law to reposition ESB to increased occupancy with quality tenants. As leasing activity increases, funds will be applied to certain commissions, base building work in tenant spaces, and tenant installation allowances.
Projects are planned for elevator equipment modernization, replacement of 50 year old handlers, common area hallway upgrades (with air conditioning), lobby restoration and improvement, designated separate entrances for office tenants and observatory tourists, upgrade and standardization of retail storefronts and signage, plumbing repairs, Local Law 26 (sprinklering) compliance, emergency generator for emergency elevator service as well as costs for space consolidations, and the pre-built program.
Also anticipated are borrowings to defray the cost of estimated mortgage taxes, loan fees, expenses of the transaction including compensation to Wien & Malkin at its normal rates for services rendered, and contingencies for uncertainties and inflation.
B. Use of the Proposed New Financing for Investments
New investment opportunities are continually reviewed by Peter and Anthony Malkin and their affiliates. Select opportunities would benefit Associates, and the Agents believe pricing is more attractive currently, since credit market problems have effectively eliminated the recently dominant investors who rely on cheap, abundant debt for high-leverage purchases.
Associates owns its interest in ESB with minimal debt in relation to total value. Its equity can be borrowed against, very conservatively, to allow pursuit of sound investment opportunities. Taking advantage of an investment opportunity requires prompt action. Commitments must be made and exposures taken in a time period shorter than allowed by Associates' requirements for consent on each property. Your approval now will permit Associates to act in its best interest on a timely basis.
Any borrowing for new investments will be made only if Peter and Anthony Malkin believe (a) the terms are favorable and (b) the projected investment results would increase Associates' total distributions over time.
C. Recommended New Mortgage
The Agents recommend that Participants consent to incur new mortgage debt (the "New Mortgage"), as needed from time to time for ESB work and leasing costs and for new investments, all as described herein, so long as mortgage debt is not incurred at any time which would cause aggregate mortgage debt on ESB to exceed 50% of the then appraised value of all property subordinate to the mortgage lien(s). Only funds required and approved by Lessee will be borrowed for improvements, and if improvement costs are less than projected, the mortgage debt will be less.
This consent will allow for the full program of borrowing as projected. As agreed with Lessee to date, there will be an initial borrowing of up to $29.4 million for 2008 improvements, plus closing costs and fees. Actual borrowing for improvements will be reviewed and determined from time to time with Lessee. The improvement program contemplates a total per square foot borrowing over a 10 year period that is consistent with the Agents' experience to date in the balance of the portfolio, with adjustment for ESB's additional, unique Observatory and broadcasting elements. Projected debt for that purpose by the end of year 10 will be approximately $300 per square foot, subject to adjustment for future inflation and any new investment.
To preserve flexibility and minimize interest and other costs, advances will be drawn only as required. It is expected that there will be separate debt tranches: the only debt planned at this time is for immediate and mid-term work and leasing needs, and at a floating rate of interest which can be prepaid.
Based on relationships established and track records earned through the successful financing and improvement programs for the other W&H Portfolio buildings, discussions are already underway with several institutional lenders who have indicated an ability and desire to proceed now with the improvement financing on the above terms.
D. Loan Structure
For the New Mortgage, it is currently contemplated that the Fee Owner and/or Associates will be the borrower and grant a mortgage lien on the fee title and Master Lease of the Property. The Senior Mortgage will continue with the Fee Owner as sole borrower. Principal amortization will be determined from time to time as borrowings are made.
Under this structure, Associates will own the improvements paid from the New Mortgage, and Participants will receive the applicable income tax shelter from depreciation deductions except at any time when non-deductible amortization payments exceed depreciation to create phantom income. Under the recently enacted stimulus package, there is a 50% "bonus" depreciation for tenant improvements incurred in 2008. Phantom income is not expected to occur for at least 15 years.
Associates will own any new investment acquired with proceeds from the New Mortgage, except to the extent Associates may permit Lessee to join in such investment based on increasing Lessee's basic rent to service the resulting debt.
The final loan structure, which will seek to minimize interest and other loan costs and to maximize tax and operating efficiency, will be determined by the Supervisor based on then existing authorizations, market conditions and lender requirements.
E. Payment of Debt Service; Basic Rent
For all debt-financed improvements and any investment made jointly by Associates and Lessee, the annual Basic Rent payable by Lessee to Associates under the Operating Sublease will be increased to cover increased debt service on the New Mortgage as required from time to time. The increased Basic Rent, and any expenditure not covered by the New Mortgage proceeds, will be paid from ESB revenue and deducted in computing Overage Rent, so to the extent there is annual operating profit above $1,000,000, all costs under this structure will be borne equally by Associates and Lessee.
For any debt-financed investment made solely for the account of Associates, the debt service will be paid by Associates and its subsidiary the Fee Owner from their earnings from ESB and their new investments.
F. Financing; Authority of the Agents to Refinance in the Future
Neither Associates nor the Participants will be personally responsible for the New Mortgage debt. To minimize interest charges, the New Mortgage proceeds may be advanced in installments and/or through a line of credit to be accessed in the future.
If Lessee were to pay the cost of the planned improvements without financing proceeds Overage Rent distributions might be reduced or eliminated for years. For 2007, $13,370,544 of the distributions to Participants were derived from Overage Rent.
The proposed New Mortgage will instead spread these costs over a longer term, stabilize distributions, and accelerate the payment of Overage Rent by Lessee for distribution to Participants.
The Agents and their successors will be authorized to refinance the New Mortgage on its then existing format from time to time in the future, so long as the debt is with an institutional lender, non-recourse, and the aggregate principal amount does not exceed the then existing New Mortgage debt plus refinancing costs.
G. Operating Sublease Modification
For all debt-financed improvements and any investment made jointly by Associates and Lessee, the Operating Sublease will be modified to confirm the increase in Basic Rent and permit Lessee to deduct such increase in calculating Overage Rent. To the extent there is annual operating profit above $1,000,000, all costs will be borne equally by Associates and Lessee.
H. Solicitation and Program Expenses; Indemnity
The expenses for the consent solicitations for Associates and Lessee, the refinancing, ESB work, any investment acquisition, any Operating Sublease or other lease amendment, leasing costs, unrelated third party financing brokerage fees, and associated costs will be paid from the New Mortgage proceeds or Lessee's cash flow, if applicable. In either case, to the extent of ESB work or joint investments, all such payments will generally be shared equally between Associates and Lessee by operation of the Overage Rent computation. Wien & Malkin will provide services to Associates and Lessee in connection with the consent and the improvement and investment financing program and will be paid at hourly rates. For acquisition brokerage services, Associates may engage affiliates of Messrs. Malkin on market terms. Associates will indemnify Wien & Malkin, Associates' Agents, Lessee's members and agents, and their affiliates and advisers against any claim or expense in connection with this program.
III. CERTAIN EFFECTS OF THE IMPROVEMENT AND FINANCING PROGRAM
A. Generally
Payment for the improvement program will be deductible in computing Overage Rent, whether by repayment of the New Mortgage through increased Basic Rent from Lessee, or by Lessee's direct payment for services and materials. Therefore, each of Associates and Lessee will ultimately bear one-half of the cost of the improvement program. Stated differently, the value of the Property and of Associates' interest in it will be enhanced, and Lessee will have contributed half the cost.
The Agents believe there is a good prospect that increases in rental income from tenants will offset and ultimately be greater than the increases in Lessee's expense for Basic Rent, thus moderating or avoiding any reduction of Overage Rent and distributions.
The improvement and financing program will have no direct effect on the Agents as such and will not change the basic supervisory fee or the formula under which Wien & Malkin receives the basic supervisory fee and additional payment. See Section V. - Potential Conflicts of Interest.
B. Tax Consequences
The improvements paid through the New Mortgage will be installed by Lessee as agent for Associates and deemed to be the property of Associates. The applicable income tax deductions for depreciation shall benefit the Participants. To the extent the improvement program is funded from the New Mortgage, non-deductible amortization payments by Associates under the New Mortgage will ultimately equal the tax benefits of the depreciation.
The terms for the proposed New Mortgage are expected to require amortization payments at no more than on a 25-year schedule, and Participants will receive a timing benefit because depreciation deductions during the early years will exceed loan amortization.
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
The Agents recommend that the Participants approve this improvement and investment financing program, including discretionary refinancing, for the following reasons:
-- The planned improvement financing will permit the execution of needed work, including deferred maintenance and base building work, market competitive tenant inducements, and improvements that are necessary to maintain ESB's physical plant and competitive position in its retail, office, Observatory and broadcast operations, as well as to exploit opportunities in today's market with Lessee's new leasing agent and W&H Portfolio brand, and to comply with law. The Agents believe this program is essential to continue to preserve the Participants' investment and enhance their future income.
-- Financing of the improvements through the New Mortgage will spread the costs over a period of years and thus stabilize distributions to Participants. In the absence of improvement financing, Lessee has been and will continue paying these costs from operating cash flow. If Lessee were to proceed and pay the planned costs solely with current cash flow without this financing program, Overage Rent distributions to Participants would be reduced or eliminated for years.
The Agents believe this improvement program is essential to continue to preserve Associates' investment and enhance its future income, and Lessee will proceed to implement the upgrades and investments out of cash flow if financing is not approved.
-- Granting authority now for Associates to acquire and finance additional property will permit timely action on market opportunities. Associates should be able to exploit its equity resources, expand its assets without any new cash contribution by Participants, and increase returns to Participants.
-- The Agents are asking for authority now on all these items to avoid the need for costly and time-consuming future consents. Today's interest rates remain low compared to historic levels, and with total debt less than 50% of the value of the subordinated property, the New Mortgage should still be very conservative. It is expected that this financing program for improvements and new investments will not adversely impact Associates' distributions and will over time increase monthly and annual distributions.
The data and background materials regarding this improvement and financing program are on file in the office of Wien & Malkin and are available for review by the Participants. Appointments to inspect and copy such data, and requests for copies for such data, may be made by contacting Rodney Gomes at 212-687-8700.
V. POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A. Certain Ownership by Participants
As of May 1, 2008, the Agents and their families beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, Participations equal to 7.6144% in Associates:
Other persons at Wien & Malkin own beneficially an additional 0.5334% of Associates as Participants. No other Agent or person at Wien & Malkin is a Participant.
Electing investors in Associates and their successors representing approximately 90.5% of Associates have agreed to an individual voluntary additional payment program pursuant to consent solicitations in 1991 and 2001, whereby Wien & Malkin is to receive:
(i) 10% of funds distributable to each electing investor from net sale or financing proceeds after return of the original cash investment;
(ii) 10% of funds distributable to each electing investor from any reduction in Master Lease rent (other than the reductions scheduled to occur in 1992 and 2013 and any reduction arising as a result of the acquisition and financing of the fee title to the Property); and
(iii) 10% of funds distributable to each electing investor from the amount by which annual financing charges in connection with the Senior Mortgage or any refinancing thereof is less than $1,970,000 through 2012 and $1,723,750 thereafter.
As part of the voluntary payment program, Wien & Malkin agreed to pay each electing investor in Associates a pro rata share of Wien & Malkin's payment from the scheduled reductions in Master Lease rent effective in 1992 and 2013. For each $10,000 original investment, such annual payments were $13.64 for 2007 (increasing to $15.88 in 2013).
B. Relationships with Lessee
Peter L. Malkin is the agent member for participants in two member interests in Lessee and is also the managing partner in a partnership member in Lessee. As of May 1, 2008, Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin, and their families own beneficially 4.9088% of Lessee. Other persons at Wien & Malkin own beneficially participations equal to 0.5556% of Lessee. The requisite members of Lessee have approved the program.
Wien & Malkin, which has from inception been Lessee's Supervisor, for which it receives a basic supervisory fee of $270,000 annually, plus an additional equal to 10% of all distributions above defined thresholds to partners in one member of Lessee. For each of the last four years Wien & Malkin received supervisory fees of $270,000 from Lessee. Wien & Malkin received fees for other services to Lessee of $140,087 in 2004, $281,436 in 2005, $314,259 in 2006, and $301,271 in 2007.
Under separate agreements to which Lessee is not a party, (a) participants in a 10% interest in Lessee held of record by Peter L. Malkin pay members of Mr. Malkin's immediate family 12.5%, and other persons having no management role or ownership interest in Wien & Malkin 12.5%, of their share of the group's operating distributions in excess of $252,000 for any year and capital transaction distributions in excess of such annual priority plus return of capital, (b) participants in a 5% interest in Lessee held of record by Peter L. Malkin pay such Malkin family members 12.5%, and such other persons 12.5%, of their share of the group's operating distributions in excess of $126,000 for any year and capital transaction distributions in excess of such annual priority plus return of capital, (c) participants in an 8.3125% interest in Lessee pay Wien & Malkin 10%, such Malkin family members 22.5%, and such other persons 22.5%, of their share of the group's operating distributions in excess of $149,625 for any year and capital transaction distributions in excess of such annual priority plus return of capital, and (d) certain other holders aggregating less than 5% of the interests in Lessee pay a portion of their distributions to Wien & Malkin and such other persons. These third party payments (which totaled $460,732 to Wien & Malkin and such Malkin family members in 2007) do not impose any obligation upon Lessee or affect its assets and liabilities.
The Agents, Lessee's agents for participants and Wien & Malkin and their affiliates and advisers are being indemnified by Lessee and Associates in connection with the program.
VI. FEES AND EXPENSES
The expenses for the consent solicitations of Associates and Lessee, the refinancing, ESB work, any investment acquisition, any Operating Sublease or other lease amendment, leasing costs, unrelated third party mortgage brokerage fees, and associated costs, will be paid from the New Mortgage proceeds or Lessee's cash flow, if applicable. In either case, to the extent of ESB work or joint investments, all such payments will generally be shared equally between Associates and Lessee by operation of the Overage Rent computation. Wien & Malkin will provide services to Associates and Lessee in connection with the consent and the improvement and investment financing program and will be paid at its standard hourly rates. For acquisition brokerage services, Associates may engage affiliates of Messrs. Malkin on market terms.
VII. AGENTS' DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
In 2007 for each original $10,000 Participation, Associates made regular monthly distributions from Basic Rent aggregating $1,179 plus an additional distribution from Overage Rent of $4,051, for total distributions aggregating $5,230. See Section I.C. - The Leases.
The following summarizes certain material factors affecting Associates for the two years ended December 31, 2007.
a. Total income decreased in 2007 compared with the prior year, attributable primarily to decreased Overage Rent in 2007.
b. Total income increased in 2006 compared with the prior year, attributable primarily to increased Overage Rent in 2006.
VIII. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
There has been no significant reduction in Associates' liquidity for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2007, as compared with the 12-month period ended December 31, 2006. Associates does not maintain material reserves, since it does not operate the Property.
IX. INFLATION
Inflationary trends in the economy would likely impact the operations of Lessee, and therefore, Overage Rent. Historically, inflation generally has resulted in an increase in Overage Rent.
X. TERMS OF SOLICITATION OF CONSENTS
Each Agent acts for a group of Participants owning one-third ($11,000,000) of the original $33,000,000 investment in Associates. At April 1, 2008, no person held participations aggregating more than 10% of the total outstanding Participations.
On May 1, 2008, there were 2,764 Participants holding participations in one or more of the three groups of Participants. Each Participant's voting percentage in his or her group is determined by a fraction, whose numerator is the face amount of the participation and denominator is the group's original $11,000,000 investment in Associates.
Each Participating Agreement requires 100% consent for each Item of the improvement and investment financing program, including future refinancing, as recommended by the Agents in this Statement, subject to the participation buy-out arrangement described below.
Each Participating Agreement states that, if owners of 80% in interest of the Participants in any Agent's group consent to any such Item, the Agent or his designee shall have the right to purchase the interest of any Participant in such Agent's group who has not given such consent within 10 days after the Agent's mailing of the request therefor by certified or registered mail. The purchase price shall be the lesser of (i) the book value of the participation interest (original cost less capital repaid thereon) and (ii) the value of such interest valued as an interest in the Agent's membership in Associates and not as an interest in the Master Lease. As of May 1, 2008, the book value of an original $10,000 participating interest was approximately $950.
If 80% or more of the Participants in an Agent's group consent to any Item of the program, each Agent presently intends to purchase for the benefit of the consenting Participants or a non-profit organization the interest of any non-consenting Participant through such procedure. Any Participant whose participation is purchased by an Agent (or his designee) will not receive any further distributions from any source, including any Overage Rent paid in respect of the year of purchase or thereafter.
There is no record date establishing the identity of the Participants entitled to vote for the program. Holders of participations as of May 1, 2008 will be recognized as entitled to vote. However, if any participation is transferred before the consent with respect to that participation is given, the transferee will be entitled to vote. If consent to any Item has been given prior to the transfer of a participation, the transferee will be bound by the vote of the transferor. In addition, the Agents and their designees will be entitled to vote the participation of any non-consenting Participant whose interest is purchased by them under the participation buy-out arrangement as described above.
Wien & Malkin has been authorized by the Agents to solicit the consents of Participants by print and electronic mail, telecopier, and telephone after the mailing of this Statement. Consent Forms which are signed and returned without a choice indicated will be deemed to constitute a binding consent to all Items. If the Consent Form is returned undated, it will be deemed dated as of the date received by the Agents. Any consent (including a deemed consent) is irrevocable.
Participations are not traded on an established securities market, nor are they readily tradable on a secondary or equivalent market. Based on Associates' transfer records, participations are sold by holders from time to time in privately negotiated transactions, and, in many instances, Associates is unaware of the prices at which such transactions occur. In the last two years, mini-tender offers from unrelated third parties have been made seeking to acquire participations at prices near $50,000 for an original $10,000 unit.
[THE FOLLOWING SECTION IS INCLUDED ONLY IN COPIES BEING SENT
TO PARTICIPANTS WHO DID NOT APPROVE THE VOLUNTARY PAYMENT PROGRAM IN 1991 OR 2001:
XI. VOLUNTARY PAYMENT PROGRAM FOR CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS
The late Lawrence A. Wien, founder of Wien & Malkin, and Peter L. Malkin organized Associates in 1961 as original Agents for the Participants. Since that time, Wien & Malkin has acted as Associates' Supervisor. No Agent receives remuneration for serving as Agent.
As Supervisor, Wien & Malkin receives a fixed annual supervisory fee of $100,000, plus an additional payment equal to 6% of (1) one-half of the savings from the elimination of leasehold mortgage charges in 1984 and from the reductions in Master Lease rent in 1992 and 2013 and (2) any Overage Rent paid to Associates by the Operating Sublessee. From these receipts, Wien & Malkin pays certain costs related to its regular supervisory services for Associates, including regular accounting fees, filing and search fees, report preparation, related mailing costs, and certain other expenses of Associates and supervisory costs. For a description of Wien & Malkin's services to Associates and related fees, see "POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST."
Without changing the original payment payable from operating income, the Agents in 1991 and again in 2001 sought Participants' approval for a voluntary individual program to share with Wien & Malkin a portion of excess distributions from any capital transaction income. The program also provided that approving Participants would receive each year a pro rata portion of Wien & Malkin's additional payment from reductions in Master Lease rent. Approximately 90.5% in interest of the Participants have approved the program.
This "VOLUNTARY PAYMENT PROGRAM FOR CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS" section is included in this Statement only for any Participant whose interest in Associates is not yet subject to any such program, so that such Participant may now consider approving the same 1991 and 2001 voluntary individual program (the "Voluntary Program") which approximately 90.5% of the Participants have approved.
The Agents request that each such Participant now approve the Voluntary Program by signing Item D of the enclosed Consent, to confirm the following agreement with Wien & Malkin:
- The Participant will pay Wien & Malkin (a) 10% of the Participant's share of Net Proceeds from any Capital Transaction after a return to the Participant of such Participant's Remaining Cash Investment; (b) 10% of the Participant's share of any reduction in Master Lease rent (other than the reduction that occurred in 1992, is scheduled to occur in 2013, or arising as a result of the acquisition of the fee title to the Property); (c) 10% of the Participant's share of the excess of (i) during the period from the date that each Participant agrees to the voluntary payment program through 2012, $1,970,000, and (ii) thereafter, $1,723,750, over the financing charges incurred in any such year in connection with the purchase of the fee title to the Property or any refinancing thereof; and (d) if Associates should enter into a joint venture or similar arrangement, 10% of the Participant's share of the excess of (i) during the period from the date that each Participant agrees to the voluntary payment program through 2012, $1,970,000, and (ii) thereafter, $1,723,750, over the financing charges incurred in any such year in connection with the organization of the joint venture or the refinancing thereof.
- Wien & Malkin will assign, effective retroactively to January 1, 1992 and thereafter through January 5, 2076, to each approving Participant hereunder a pro rata portion of Wien & Malkin's additional payment which arises each year from the 1992 and 2013 reductions in Master Lease rent. This assignment will terminate if Associates no longer has any interest in the Property or Wien & Malkin is no longer receiving this additional payment. Payment to the Participant of all amounts arising from 1992 to date will be made by Wien & Malkin within 60 days after receipt of the Participant's approval. Thereafter, payment to the Participant will be made at least annually.
- The Authorization will be a binding and irrevocable agreement between the Participant and Wien & Malkin and their successors and assigns. Associates will be authorized to effect the payment and compensation arrangements on behalf of both parties.
"Capital Transaction" shall mean any one or more of the following transactions: (i) the original incurrence or refinancing of any indebtedness of Associates or any joint venture in which Associates has an interest, (ii) the sale, exchange, condemnation (or similar eminent domain taking), casualty or other disposition of all or any substantial part of the property, the Master Lease or Associates' interest in the fee title to the Property, the Property or the Master Lease held through any joint venture in which Associates has an interest, (iii) the liquidation and dissolution of Associates or (iv) any similar transaction or event, the proceeds of which are deemed attributable to capital in accordance with generally accepted tax or accounting principles.
"Net Proceeds" shall mean the gross proceeds from any Capital Transaction less (i) all expenses incurred in connection with such transaction, (ii) in the case of any original incurrence of indebtedness or any refinancing, the amount of such indebtedness, after making or setting aside cash for making any expenditure to be financed by such indebtedness, (iii) in the case of any casualty or condemnation, any insurance proceeds or condemnation award to the extent applied to the restoration or repair of the Property and (iv) any reasonable reserve.
"Remaining Cash Investment" shall mean the capital contribution in Associates by the approving Participant or the original predecessor in interest, i.e., the Participant's pro rata share of Associates' $33,000,000 in contributions by original investors, less any return of such original capital contribution from any Capital Transaction.
It is not now possible to quantify the actual amount of the payment, if any, an authorizing Participant will pay to Wien & Malkin under the Voluntary Program. Such payment to Wien & Malkin will be payable, if at all, only from excess distributions from a capital transaction such as a sale or financing, and the occurrence of any such transaction and the amount of any such distribution has not been estimated. No sale of Associates' interest in the Property is now planned.
The Agents request that each Participant sign Item D of the enclosed Consent not in expectation of receiving substantial payments from Wien & Malkin, but rather on the basis that such a payment to Wien & Malkin from any capital transaction such as a sale or financing would be appropriate for the following reasons:
- It is customary for sponsors of real estate investments to share substantially in both capital transaction income and operating income. The 10% share proposed here for Wien & Malkin is modest in relation to current investment programs and is payable only after the Participant has received a return of the original investment, in addition to all prior distributions from operating income.
- Wien & Malkin will not share in any distribution from any capital transaction, except with respect to distributions to a Participant who has approved the Voluntary Program.
- The payment to Wien & Malkin from capital transaction income under the Voluntary Program will approximate the capitalized value of its additional payment from operating income.
- Wien & Malkin has been Associates' Supervisor from inception for the life of this investment to date. Distributions on each original $10,000 investment have totaled $133,141.
EACH FINANCING PROGRAM FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND INVESTMENTS AND THE VOLUNTARY PROGRAM FOR CAPITAL TRANSACTION PAYMENTS IS AN INDEPENDENT PROGRAM. A PARTICIPANT MAY CONSENT OR WITHHOLD CONSENT TO ALL SUCH PROGRAMS OR CONSENT TO ANY ONE OR MORE PROGRAMS BUT NOT TO ANY OTHER. Any Participant who does not consent to the Voluntary Program will not be assigned the indicated portion of Wien & Malkin's additional payment, including the retroactive payment for amounts arising since 1992.]
Each Participant may wish to consult with such Participant's legal or other adviser. Separately, any Participant who desires any additional information available to Wien & Malkin should communicate with Alvin Silverman or Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. of Wien & Malkin at 60 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10165; telephone 212-687-8700 or telecopier 212-986-7679.
THE AGENTS RECOMMEND YOUR CONSENT.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND IMMEDIATELY RETURN THE COLORED
COPY OF THE CONSENT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
ONCE GIVEN, CONSENT MAY NOT BE REVOKED.