Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)

Registration Statement No. 333-161751

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To Prospectus dated September 4, 2009)

 

$120,000,000

 

BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

We have entered into separate equity distribution agreements with each of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, which we refer to individually as a sales agent and together as the sales agents, relating to the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In accordance with the terms of the equity distribution agreements, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $120,000,000 from time to time through the sales agents.

 

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BMR.” The last reported sale price of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on September 3, 2009 was $12.31 per share.

 

Sales of the common stock, if any, under this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, will be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange. The sales agents are not required to sell any specific number or dollar amount of our common stock, but each sales agent will make all sales on a best efforts basis using its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices, on mutually agreed terms between each applicable sales agent and us.

 

Each sales agent will receive from us a commission equal to 2% of the gross sales price of all shares sold through it as sales agent under the applicable equity distribution agreement. In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, the sales agents each may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the compensation of the sales agents may be deemed to be underwriting commissions and discounts.

 

To assist us in complying with certain federal income tax requirements applicable to real estate investment trusts, or REITs, our charter contains certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of our stock, including an ownership limit of 9.8% on our common stock. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer” beginning on page 22 of the accompanying prospectus.

 

You should consider the risks that we have described in “Risk Factors” beginning on page S-3 of this prospectus supplement and page 1 of the accompanying prospectus, as well as those described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, before buying shares of our common stock.

 

 

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus are truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is September 4, 2009.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not, and the sales agents have not, authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are offering to sell shares of common stock and seeking offers to buy shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as information we previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated herein by reference, is accurate only as of their respective dates or on other dates which are specified in those documents, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus supplement or of any sale of the common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents that we incorporate by reference in each contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act). Also, documents we subsequently file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporate by reference will contain forward-looking statements. In particular, statements pertaining to our capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods which may be incorrect or imprecise, and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:

 

 

While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see the section below entitled “Risk Factors,” including the risks incorporated therein from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as updated by our future filings.

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

Common stock offered by us		Shares having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $120,000,000.
Manner of offering		“At the market” offering that may be made from time to time through Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as sales agents using commercially reasonable efforts. See “Plan of Distribution.”
Use of proceeds		If we sell shares of our common stock under this prospectus supplement with an aggregate gross offering price of $120,000,000, we anticipate that our net proceeds, after deducting sales agent commissions and estimated expenses payable by us, will be approximately $117.3 million. We intend to contribute the net proceeds from any sale of shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement to our operating partnership. Our operating partnership intends to subsequently use the net proceeds to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our $600.0 million unsecured line of credit and for other general corporate and working capital purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.”
New York Stock Exchange symbol		BMR
Risk factors		See “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement, in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

 

Investment in the shares offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus involves risks. In addition to the information presented in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the risk factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings under the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should consider carefully the following risk factors before deciding to purchase these shares.

 

Risks Related to this Offering

 

The number of shares of our common stock available for future sale could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

We cannot predict whether future issuances of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares for resale in the open market will decrease the market price per share of our common stock. We may sell shares of our common stock under this prospectus supplement with an aggregate gross offering price of up to $120,000,000. As of August 31, 2009, we had 98,132,525 shares of our common stock outstanding, as well as our operating partnership units and long-term incentive plan, or LTIP, units which may be exchanged for 2,607,164 and 549,540 shares of our common stock, respectively. In addition, as of August 31, 2009, we had reserved an additional 3,294,439 shares of common stock for future issuance under our incentive award plan and 2,897,665 shares potentially issuable upon exchange of our 4.50% exchangeable senior notes. Sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock in the public market, or upon exchange of operating partnership units, LTIP units or our 4.50% exchangeable senior notes, or the perception that such sales might occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

 

Furthermore, under the rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission in December 2005 regarding registration and offering procedures, if we meet the definition of a “well-known seasoned issuer” under Rule 405 of the Securities Act, we are permitted to file an automatic shelf registration statement that will be immediately effective upon filing. On September 4, 2009, we filed such an automatic shelf registration statement, which may permit us, from time to time, to offer and sell debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants and other securities to the extent necessary or advisable to meet our liquidity needs.

 

Any of the following could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock:

 

 

Additionally, the existence of operating partnership units, LTIP units or our 4.50% exchangeable senior notes and shares of our common stock reserved for issuance upon exchange of operating partnership units, LTIP units or our 4.50% exchangeable senior notes and under our incentive award plan may adversely affect the terms upon which we may be able to obtain additional capital through the sale of equity securities. In addition, the sale of shares in this offering and future sales of shares of our common stock may be dilutive to existing stockholders.

 

From time to time we also may issue shares of our common stock or operating partnership units in connection with property, portfolio or business acquisitions. We may grant additional demand or piggyback registration rights in connection with these issuances. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock or may adversely affect the terms upon which we may be able to obtain additional capital through the sale of equity securities.

Our business operations may not generate the cash needed to make distributions on our capital stock or to service our indebtedness.

 

Our ability to make distributions on our common stock and payments on our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to make distributions on our common stock, to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs.

 

Holders of our outstanding shares of preferred stock have, and holders of any future outstanding shares of preferred stock will have, liquidation, dividend and other rights that are senior to the rights of the holders of our common stock.

 

Our board of directors has the authority to designate and issue preferred stock with liquidation, dividend and other rights that are senior to those of our common stock. Our preferred stock, including our issued and outstanding shares of 7.375% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock, as well as any other shares of preferred stock that may be issued in the future, would receive, upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, before any payment is made to holders of our common stock, their liquidation preferences as well as any accrued and unpaid distributions. These payments would reduce the remaining amount of our assets, if any, available for distribution to holders of our common stock.

 

The sales agents may have conflicts of interest that arise out of contractual relationships they or their affiliates have with us.

 

If we sell shares of our common stock under this prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our $600.0 million unsecured line of credit. This line of credit includes lenders who are affiliates of certain of our sales agents, including Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. As a result, a portion of the net proceeds of any sale of shares of our common stock under this prospectus supplement will be received by these affiliates. Because they will receive a portion of the net proceeds of any of these sales, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and their respective affiliates have an interest in these sales beyond the customary commissions received by our sales agents. This could result in a conflict of interest and cause them to act in a manner that is not in the best interests of us or our investors in connection with any sale of shares of our common stock under this prospectus supplement.

 

If we sell shares of our common stock under this prospectus supplement with an aggregate gross offering price of $120,000,000, we anticipate that our net proceeds, after deducting sales agent commissions and estimated expenses payable by us, will be approximately $117.3 million. We intend to contribute the net proceeds from any sale of shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement to our operating partnership. Our operating partnership intends to subsequently use the net proceeds to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under our $600.0 million unsecured line of credit and for other general corporate and working capital purposes. The lenders under our $600.0 million unsecured line of credit include affiliates of certain of our sales agents, including Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. If we sell shares of our common stock under this prospectus supplement through or to Raymond James & Associates, Inc. or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, a portion of the net proceeds will be received by these affiliates because we intend to use the net proceeds to repay borrowings under our $600.0 million unsecured line of credit.

 

At August 31, 2009, we had $341.1 million in outstanding borrowings on our unsecured line of credit, with a weighted average interest rate of 1.4% on the unhedged portion of the outstanding debt of approximately $191.1 million. These borrowings were used to fund property acquisitions and development activities and for other general corporate and working capital purposes. The unsecured line of credit bears interest at a floating rate equal to, at our option, either (1) reserve-adjusted LIBOR plus a spread which ranges from 100 to 155 basis points, depending on our leverage, or (2) the higher of (a) the prime rate then in effect plus a spread which ranges from 0 to 25 basis points, or (b) the federal funds rate then in effect plus a spread which ranges from 50 to 75 basis points, in each case, depending on our leverage. Subject to the administrative agent’s reasonable discretion, we may increase the amount of the unsecured line of credit to $1.0 billion upon satisfying certain conditions. In addition, we may, at our sole discretion, extend the maturity date of the unsecured line of credit from August 1, 2011 to August 1, 2012 after satisfying certain conditions and paying an extension fee based on the then current facility commitment.

 

Upon written instructions from us, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as applicable, will use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its sales and trading practices to solicit offers to purchase shares of our common stock over time and from time to time, under the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the equity distribution agreements. We will instruct each of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as to the amount of common stock to be sold by it. We may instruct Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC not to sell common stock if the sales cannot be effected at or above the price designated by us in any instruction. We or any of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC may suspend the offering of common stock upon proper notice and subject to other conditions.

 

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC will provide written confirmation to us no later than the opening of the trading day on the New York Stock Exchange following the trading day in which shares of our common stock are sold under the applicable equity distribution agreement. Each confirmation will include the number of shares sold on the preceding day, the net proceeds to us and the compensation payable by us to Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC in connection with the sales.

 

We will pay Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC commissions for their services in acting as agent and/or principal in the sale of our common stock. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC will be entitled to compensation equal to 2% of the gross sales price of all shares of our common stock sold through it under the applicable equity distribution agreement. We have agreed to reimburse Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC for certain of their legal expenses under the circumstances described in the equity distribution agreements. We estimate that the total expenses for the offering, excluding compensation payable to Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC under the terms of the equity distribution agreements, will be approximately $300,000.

 

Settlement for sales of common stock will occur on the third business day following the date on which any sales are made, or on some other date that is agreed upon by us and Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as applicable, in connection with a particular transaction, in return for payment of the net proceeds to us. There is no arrangement for funds to be received in an escrow, trust or similar arrangement.

 

We will report at least quarterly the number of shares of common stock sold through Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as agent, under the equity distribution agreements.

 

Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and their affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, various investment banking, commercial banking, fiduciary and advisory services for us and certain of our officers and directors from time to time for which they have received, and may in the future receive, customary fees and expenses. Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and their affiliates may, from time to time, engage in other transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of their business. As described under “Use of Proceeds,” we intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay borrowings outstanding under our $600.0 million unsecured line of credit. Because affiliates of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are lenders under our $600.0 million unsecured line of credit, those affiliates will receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering through the repayment of those borrowings.

 

In connection with the sale of the common stock on our behalf, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC may, and will with respect to sales effected in an “at the market” offering, be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and the compensation of Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts. We have agreed to indemnify Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the

Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC may be required to make because of those liabilities.

 

The offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to the equity distribution agreements will terminate upon the earlier of (1) the sale of all shares of our common stock subject to the equity distribution agreements or (2) the termination of the equity distribution agreements. The equity distribution agreements may be terminated by Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as applicable, or us at any time upon 10 days notice, and by Raymond James & Associates, Inc., UBS Securities LLC or Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as applicable, at any time in certain circumstances, including our failure to maintain the listing of our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange or the occurrence of a material adverse change in our company.

 

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, San Diego, California, and for the sales agents by DLA Piper LLP (US), Raleigh, North Carolina. Certain matters of Maryland law, including the validity of the common stock offered by this prospectus supplement, will be passed upon for us by Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland.

 

The consolidated financial statements, the related financial statement schedule III, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The audit report covering the December 31, 2008 consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule makes reference to the Company retrospectively applying certain adjustments upon the adoption of new accounting standards related to non-controlling interests, exchangeable senior notes, and earnings per share.

PROSPECTUS

BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.

 

Debt Securities
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants
Rights
Units

 

 

 

 

We may from time to time offer, in one or more classes or series, separately or together, and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus, the following securities:

 

 

We refer to the debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights and units registered hereunder collectively as the “securities” in this prospectus.

 

The specific terms of each series or class of the securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and will include, where applicable:

 

 

In addition, the specific terms may include limitations on actual or constructive ownership and restrictions on transfer of the securities, in each case as may be appropriate to preserve the status of our company as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, for United States federal income tax purposes.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about certain United States federal income tax consequences relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the securities covered by such prospectus supplement.

 

The securities may be offered directly by us or by any selling security holder from time to time, through agents designated by us or to or through underwriters or dealers. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between or among them will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. See the sections entitled “Plan of Distribution” and “About This Prospectus” for more information. No securities may be sold without delivery of this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such series of securities.

 

Our common stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “BMR.” On September 3, 2009, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $12.31 per share.

 

 

 

You should consider the risks that we have described in “Risk Factors” on page 1 before investing in our securities.

 

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus is September 4, 2009

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

References in this prospectus to “we,” “our,” “us” and “our company” refer to BioMed Realty Trust, Inc., a Maryland corporation, BioMed Realty, L.P., and any of our other subsidiaries. BioMed Realty, L.P. is a Maryland limited partnership of which we are the sole general partner and to which we refer in this prospectus as our operating partnership.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, in an accompanying prospectus supplement or incorporated by reference herein or therein. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information or make any representation that is different. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, and this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement is correct on any date after the respective dates of the prospectus and such prospectus supplement or supplements, as applicable, even though this prospectus and such prospectus supplement or supplements are delivered or shares are sold pursuant to the prospectus and such prospectus supplement or supplements at a later date. Since the respective dates of the prospectus contained in this registration statement and any accompanying prospectus supplement, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed. We may only use this prospectus to sell the securities if it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

We are a real estate investment trust, or REIT, focused on acquiring, developing, owning, leasing and managing laboratory and office space for the life science industry. Our tenants primarily include biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, scientific research institutions, government agencies and other entities involved in the life science industry. Our properties are generally located in markets with well-established reputations as centers for scientific research, including Boston, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York/New Jersey. At June 30, 2009, our portfolio consisted of 69 properties, representing 114 buildings with an aggregate of approximately 10.5 million rentable square feet.

 

Our senior management team has significant experience in the real estate industry, principally focusing on properties designed for life science tenants. We operate as a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed REIT, providing management, leasing, development and administrative services to our properties. As of June 30, 2009, we had 127 employees.

 

Our principal offices are located at 17190 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, California 92128. Our telephone number at that location is (858) 485-9840. Our website is located at www.biomedrealty.com. The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, our website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this prospectus or any other report or document we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Investment in any securities offered pursuant to this prospectus involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors incorporated by reference to our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and the other information contained in this prospectus, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the risk factors and other information contained in the applicable prospectus supplement before acquiring any of such securities. The occurrence of any of these risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment in the offered securities. Please also refer to the section below entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, using a “shelf” registration process. Under this process, we may sell debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights and units in one or more offerings. In addition, selling security holders to be named in a prospectus supplement may sell certain of our securities from time to time. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we or any selling security holder may offer. Each time we or any selling security holder sells securities, we or the selling security holder will provide a prospectus supplement containing specific information about the terms of the applicable offering. Such prospectus supplement may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement together with additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

We or any selling security holder may offer the securities directly, through agents, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the plan of distribution and set forth the names of any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of the securities. See “Plan of Distribution” beginning on page 54 for more information on this topic. No securities may be sold without delivery of a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of those securities.

 

We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any document we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E.,

Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of all or a portion of the registration statement can be obtained from the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of prescribed fees. Our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our registration statement, are also available to you on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

We have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration statement on Form S-3, of which this prospectus is a part, including exhibits, schedules and amendments filed with, or incorporated by reference in, this registration statement, under the Securities Act with respect to the securities registered hereby. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to our company and the securities registered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to in, or incorporated by reference in, this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement are not necessarily complete and, where that contract is an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement is qualified in all respects by the exhibit to which the reference relates. Copies of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement, may be examined without charge at the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Copies of all or a portion of the registration statement can be obtained from the public reference room of the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of prescribed fees.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. The incorporated documents contain significant information about us, our business and our finances. Any information contained in this prospectus or in any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to have been modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus, in any other document we subsequently file with the Securities and Exchange Commission that also is incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in the applicable prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes the original statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to be a part of this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following documents we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

 

 

To the extent that any information contained in any current report on Form 8-K, or any exhibit thereto, was furnished to, rather than filed with, the Securities and Exchange Commission, such information or exhibit is specifically not incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

 

We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, on written or oral request of that person, a copy of any or all of the documents we are incorporating by reference into this prospectus, other than exhibits to those documents unless those exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. A request should be addressed to BioMed Realty Trust, Inc., 17190 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, California 92128, Attention: Secretary or by telephone at (858) 485-9840.

 

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents that we incorporate by reference in each contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act). Also, documents we subsequently file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporate by reference will contain forward-looking statements. In particular, statements pertaining to our capital resources, portfolio performance and results of operations contain forward-looking statements. Likewise, our pro forma financial statements and other pro forma information incorporated by reference and all our statements regarding anticipated growth in our funds from operations and anticipated market conditions, demographics and results of operations are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods which may be incorrect or imprecise, and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “pro forma,” “estimates” or “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements:

 

 

 

While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see the section above entitled “Risk Factors,” including the risks incorporated therein from our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as updated by our future filings.

 

Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to contribute the net proceeds from any sale of the securities pursuant to this prospectus to our operating partnership. Our operating partnership will subsequently use the net proceeds received from us to potentially acquire or develop additional properties and for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of existing indebtedness and improvements to the properties in our portfolio. Pending application of cash proceeds, we will invest the net proceeds in interest-bearing accounts and short-term, interest-bearing securities which are consistent with our intention to continue to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Further details regarding the use of the net proceeds from the sale of a specific series or class of the securities will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

If a prospectus supplement includes an offering by selling security holders, we will not receive any proceeds from such sales.

 

The following table sets forth ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods shown:

 

 

The ratios of earnings to fixed charges were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. Our ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are computed by dividing earnings by the sum of fixed charges and preferred dividends. For this purpose, earnings consist of income from continuing operations before minority interests and income/(loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures, plus amortization of capitalized interest, distributions from unconsolidated joint ventures and fixed charges, less capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest costs, whether expensed or capitalized. “Preferred stock dividends” consist of the amount of pre-tax earnings required to pay dividends on our Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, or Series A preferred stock.

 

This prospectus describes the general terms and provisions of our debt securities. When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a supplement to this prospectus. We will also indicate in the prospectus supplement whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

 

The debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee. We have summarized select portions of the indenture below. The summary is not complete. The form of the indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, and you should read the indenture and our debt securities carefully for provisions that may be important to you. Capitalized terms used in the summary and not defined in this prospectus have the meaning specified in the indenture.

 

General

 

The terms of each series of debt securities will be established by or pursuant to a resolution of our board of directors and set forth or determined in the manner provided in an officer’s certificate or by a supplemental indenture. The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to such series, including any pricing supplement.

 

Each indenture will provide that we may, but need not, designate more than one trustee for the indenture, each with respect to one or more series of our debt securities. Any trustee under an indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of our debt securities, and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to that series. If two or more persons are acting as trustee to different series of our debt securities, each trustee shall be a trustee of a trust under the applicable indenture separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee and, except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus, any action taken by a trustee may be taken by that trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the applicable indenture.

 

Unless otherwise specified in a supplement to this prospectus, the debt securities will be our direct, unsecured obligations and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. We can issue an unlimited amount of debt securities under the indenture that may be in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount. We will set forth in a prospectus supplement, including any pricing supplement, relating to any series of debt securities being offered, the aggregate principal amount and the following terms of the debt securities, to the extent applicable:

 

 

 

In addition, the indenture does not limit our ability to issue convertible or subordinated debt securities. Any conversion or subordination provisions of a particular series of debt securities will be set forth in the officer’s certificate or supplemental indenture related to that series of debt securities and will be described in the relevant prospectus supplement. Such terms may include provisions for conversion, either mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option, in which case the number of shares of common stock, cash or other securities to be received by the holders of debt securities would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the prospectus supplement.

 

We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of and any premium and interest on any series of debt securities is payable

in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, specific terms and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Transfer and Exchange

 

Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, as depositary, or a nominee (we will refer to any debt security represented by a global debt security as a “book-entry debt security”), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (we will refer to any debt security represented by a certificated security as a “certificated debt security”) as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Except as set forth under the heading “Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System” below, book-entry debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.

 

Certificated Debt Securities.  You may transfer or exchange certificated debt securities at any office we maintain for this purpose in accordance with the terms of the indenture. No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange.

 

You may effect the transfer of certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, and premium and interest on, certificated debt securities only by surrendering the certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either reissuance by us or the trustee of the certificate to the new holder or the issuance by us or the trustee of a new certificate to the new holder.

 

Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System.  Each global debt security representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the depositary, and registered in the name of the depositary or a nominee of the depositary.

 

We will require the depositary to agree to follow the following procedures with respect to book-entry debt securities.

 

Ownership of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities will be limited to persons who have accounts with the depositary for the related global debt security, which we refer to as participants, or persons who may hold interests through participants. Upon the issuance of a global debt security, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the participants’ accounts with the respective principal amounts of the book-entry debt securities represented by such global debt security beneficially owned by such participants. The accounts to be credited will be designated by any dealers, underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the book-entry debt securities. Ownership of book-entry debt securities will be shown on, and the transfer of such ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary for the related global debt security (with respect to interests of participants) and on the records of participants (with respect to interests of persons holding through participants). The laws of some states may require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to own, transfer or pledge beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities.

 

So long as the depositary for a global debt security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of that global debt security, the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the book-entry debt securities represented by such global debt security for all purposes under the indenture. Except as described below, beneficial owners of book-entry debt securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of a certificate in definitive form representing securities and will not be considered the owners or holders of those securities under the indenture. Accordingly, each person beneficially owning book-entry debt securities must rely on the procedures of the depositary for the related global debt security and, if such person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.

 

We understand, however, that under existing industry practice, the depositary will authorize the persons on whose behalf it holds a global debt security to exercise certain rights of holders of debt securities, and the indenture provides that we, the trustee and our respective agents will treat as the holder of a debt security the persons specified

in a written statement of the depositary with respect to that global debt security for purposes of obtaining any consents or directions required to be given by holders of the debt securities pursuant to the indenture.

 

We will make payments of principal of, and premium and interest on, book-entry debt securities to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of the related global debt security. We, the trustee and any other agent of ours or agent of the trustee will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to beneficial ownership interests.

 

We expect that the depositary, upon receipt of any payment of principal of, and premium or interest on, a global debt security, will immediately credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to the respective amounts of book-entry debt securities held by each participant as shown on the records of such depositary. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities held through those participants will be governed by standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of those participants.

 

We will issue certificated debt securities in exchange for each global debt security if the depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act is not appointed by us within 90 days. In addition, we may at any time and in our sole discretion determine not to have the book-entry debt securities of any series represented by one or more global debt securities and, in that event, will issue certificated debt securities in exchange for the global debt securities of that series. Global debt securities will also be exchangeable by the holders for certificated debt securities if an event of default with respect to the book-entry debt securities represented by those global debt securities has occurred and is continuing. Any certificated debt securities issued in exchange for a global debt security will be registered in such name or names as the depositary shall instruct the trustee. We expect that such instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of book-entry debt securities relating to such global debt security.

 

We have obtained the foregoing information concerning the depositary and the depositary’s book-entry system from sources we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.

 

No Protection in the Event of a Change of Control

 

Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control) that could adversely affect holders of debt securities.

 

Covenants

 

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement any restrictive covenants applicable to any issue of debt securities.

 

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

 

We may not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any person, which we refer to as a successor person, unless:

 

 

Events of Default

 

Event of default means, with respect to any series of debt securities, any of the following:

 

 

No event of default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of an event of default may constitute an event of default under our bank credit agreements in existence from time to time. In addition, the occurrence of certain events of default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time.

 

If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. In the case of an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may rescind and annul the acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an event of default.

 

The indenture provides that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any holder of outstanding debt securities, unless the trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.

No holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, premium and any interest on that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.

 

The indenture requires us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a statement as to compliance with the indenture. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any default or event of default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.

 

Modification and Waiver

 

We may modify and amend the indenture with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by the modifications or amendments. We may not make any modification or amendment without the consent of the holders of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment will:

 

 

Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium or any interest on, any debt security of that series or in respect of a covenant or provision, which cannot be

modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.

 

Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

 

Legal Defeasance.  The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of such series, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities of such series, and to maintain paying agencies and certain provisions relating to the treatment of funds held by paying agents). We will be so discharged upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. dollars, foreign government obligations, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay and discharge each installment of principal, premium and interest on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities.

 

This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable United States federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to United States federal income tax on the same amounts and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.

 

Defeasance of Certain Covenants.  The indenture provides that, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the applicable series of debt securities, upon compliance with certain conditions:

 

 

The conditions include:

 

 

Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default.  In the event we exercise our option to effect covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt securities and the debt securities of that series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. government

obligations or foreign government obligations on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. In such a case, we would remain liable for those payments.

 

“Foreign Government Obligations” means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars:

 

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York.

 

General

 

This prospectus describes the general terms of our common stock. For a more detailed description of these securities, you should read the applicable provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, and our charter and bylaws. When we offer to sell a particular class or series of stock, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a prospectus supplement. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of any class or series of stock, you must refer to both the prospectus supplement relating to that class or series and the description of stock in this prospectus. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

 

Our charter provides that we may issue up to 150,000,000 shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share. Our charter authorizes our board of directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of any class or series without stockholder approval. As of August 31, 2009, 98,132,525 shares of our common stock were issued and outstanding. Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally are not liable for our debts or obligations.

 

All shares of our common stock offered hereby will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends on such stock if, as and when authorized by our board of directors out of assets legally available therefor and declared by us and to share ratably in the assets of our company legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up after payment of or adequate provision for all known debts and liabilities of our company.

 

Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, each outstanding share of our common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of such shares will possess the exclusive voting power. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our board of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all of the directors then standing for election and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors.

 

Holders of shares of our common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, shares of our common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.

Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, 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 such action is advised by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is set forth in the corporation’s charter. Our charter provides, except with respect to an amendment to the section relating to the removal of directors and the corresponding reference in the general amendment provision, that the foregoing items may be approved by a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, Maryland law permits a corporation to transfer all or substantially all of its assets without the approval of the stockholders of the corporation to one or more persons if all of the equity interests of the person or persons are owned, directly or indirectly, by the corporation. Because operating assets may be held by a corporation’s subsidiaries, as in our situation, this may mean that our subsidiary can merge or transfer all of its assets without a vote of our stockholders.

 

Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock into other classes or series of stock. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our board of directors is required by the MGCL and our charter to set, subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on transfer of stock, 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 such class or series.

 

Power to Increase Authorized Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Our Common Stock

 

We believe that the power of our board of directors to amend our charter to increase the number of authorized shares of stock, to cause us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of our common stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of our common stock and thereafter to cause us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs which might arise. The additional classes or series, as well as the common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless stockholder consent is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our board of directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium price for our stockholders or otherwise be in their best interest.

 

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

 

To assist us in complying with certain federal income tax requirements applicable to REITs, we have adopted certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of our stock. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Mellon Investor Services LLC.

 

General

 

This prospectus describes the general terms of our preferred stock. For a more detailed description of these securities, you should read the applicable provisions of the MGCL and our charter and bylaws. When we offer to sell a particular class or series of stock, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a prospectus supplement. Accordingly, for a description of the terms of any class or series of stock, you must refer to both the prospectus supplement relating to that class or series and the description of stock in this prospectus. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

Our charter provides that we may issue up to 15,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share. Our charter authorizes our board of directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of any class or series without stockholder approval.

 

As of August 31, 2009, 9,200,000 shares of Series A preferred stock were issued and outstanding. Dividends are cumulative on the Series A preferred stock from the date of original issuance in the amount of $1.84375 per share each year, which is equivalent to 7.375% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share. Dividends on the Series A preferred stock are payable quarterly in arrears on or about the 15th day of January, April, July and October of each year. Following a change in control, if the Series A preferred stock is not listed on the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange or NASDAQ, holders will be entitled to receive (when and as authorized by the board of directors and declared by us), cumulative cash dividends from, but excluding, the first date on which both the change of control and the delisting occurred at an increased rate of 8.375% per annum of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share (equivalent to an annual rate of $2.09375 per share) for as long as the Series A preferred stock is not listed. The Series A preferred stock does not have a stated maturity date and is not subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption provisions. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the Series A preferred stock will rank senior to the common stock with respect to the payment of distributions and other amounts. We are not allowed to redeem the Series A preferred stock before January 18, 2012, except in limited circumstances to preserve our status as a REIT or at any time following a change of control that the Series A preferred stock is not listed on the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange or NASDAQ. On or after January 18, 2012, we may, at our option, redeem the Series A preferred stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends on such Series A preferred stock up to, but excluding the redemption date. Holders of the Series A preferred stock generally have no voting rights except for limited voting rights if we fail to pay dividends for six or more quarterly periods (whether or not consecutive) and in certain other circumstances. The Series A preferred stock is not convertible into or exchangeable for any of our other property or securities.

 

Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify any unissued shares of preferred stock and to reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of any class or series. Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series, our board of directors is required by the MGCL and our charter to set 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 such class or series.

 

The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power, dividend rights and other rights of holders of our common stock. Although the board of directors does not have the intention at this present time, it could establish a series of preferred stock, that could, depending on the terms of the series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control of us that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of the holders thereof. Management believes that the availability of preferred stock will provide the company with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financing and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise.

 

Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally are not liable for our debts or obligations.

 

The description of preferred stock set forth below and the description of the terms of a particular class or series of preferred stock set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the articles supplementary relating to that class or series.

 

The preferences and other terms of the preferred stock of each class or series will be fixed by the articles supplementary relating to such class or series. A prospectus supplement, relating to each class or series, will specify the terms of the preferred stock as follows:

 

 

 

Rank

 

Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, rank: (1) senior to all classes or series of our common stock, and to any other class or series of our stock expressly designated as ranking junior to the preferred stock; (2) on parity with any class or series of our stock expressly designated as ranking on parity with the preferred stock; and (3) junior to any other class or series of our stock expressly designated as ranking senior to the preferred stock.

 

Conversion Rights

 

The terms and conditions, if any, upon which any shares of any class or series of preferred stock are convertible into our common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of our common stock into which the shares of preferred stock are convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of such class or series of preferred stock, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion in the event of the redemption of such class or series of preferred stock.

 

Power to Increase Authorized Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Our Preferred Stock

 

Our board of directors has the power to amend our charter to increase the number of authorized shares of stock, to cause us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of our preferred stock and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of our preferred stock and thereafter to cause us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock. The additional classes or series will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless stockholder consent is required by applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded. Although our board of directors does not intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium price for our stockholders or otherwise be in their best interest.

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

 

To assist us in complying with certain United States federal income tax requirements applicable to REITs, we have adopted certain restrictions relating to the ownership and transfer of our stock. We expect to adopt similar restrictions with respect to any additional class or series of preferred stock offered pursuant to this prospectus under the articles supplementary for each such class or series. The applicable prospectus supplement will specify any additional ownership limitation relating to such class or series. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

 

Transfer Agent

 

The transfer agent and registrar for our preferred stock is Mellon Investor Services LLC.

 

We may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares rather than full shares of preferred stock. Each depositary share will represent ownership of and entitlement to all rights and preferences of a fraction of a share of preferred stock of a specified series (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights). The applicable fraction will be specified in a prospectus supplement. The shares of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares will be deposited with a depositary named in the applicable prospectus supplement, under a deposit agreement, among us, the depositary and the holders of the certificates representing depositary shares, or depositary receipts. Depositary receipts will be delivered to those persons purchasing depositary shares in the offering. The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to take certain actions such as filing proof of residence and paying certain charges.

 

The summary of the terms of the depositary shares contained in this prospectus does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the deposit agreement, our charter and the form of articles supplementary for the applicable class or series of preferred stock.

 

Dividends

 

The depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of the series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion to the number of depositary shares owned by such holders on the relevant record date, which will be the same date as the record date fixed by us for the applicable series of preferred stock. The depositary, however, will distribute only such amount as can be distributed without attributing to any depositary share a fraction of one cent, and any balance not so distributed will be added to and treated as part of the next sum received by the depositary for distribution to record holders of depositary receipts then outstanding.

 

In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts entitled thereto, in proportion, as nearly as may be practicable, to the number of depositary shares owned by such holders on the relevant record date, unless the depositary determines (after consultation with us) that it is not feasible to make such distribution, in which case the depositary may (with our approval) adopt any other method for such distribution as it deems equitable and appropriate, including the sale of such property (at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem equitable and appropriate) and distribution of the net proceeds from such sale to such holders.

 

No distribution will be made in respect of any depositary share to the extent that it represents any preferred stock transferred to a trust for the benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries. See “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

 

Liquidation Preference

 

In the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of our company, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each depositary share will be entitled to the fraction of the liquidation preference accorded each share of the applicable series of preferred stock as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Redemption

 

If the series of preferred stock represented by the applicable series of depositary shares is redeemable, such depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of preferred stock held by the depositary. Whenever we redeem any preferred stock held by the depositary, the depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date the number of depositary shares representing the preferred stock so redeemed. The depositary will mail the notice of redemption promptly upon receipt of such notice from us and not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for redemption of the preferred stock and the depositary shares to the record holders of the depositary receipts.

 

Voting

 

Promptly upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the series of preferred stock represented by the applicable series of depositary shares are entitled to vote, the depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the depositary receipts as of the record date for such meeting. Each such record holder of depositary receipts will be entitled to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of preferred stock represented by such record holder’s depositary shares. The depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote such preferred stock represented by such depositary shares in accordance with such instructions, and we will agree to take all action which may be deemed necessary by the depositary in order to enable the depositary to do so. The depositary will abstain from voting any of the preferred stock to the extent that it does not receive specific instructions from the holders of depositary receipts.

 

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

 

Upon surrender of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary and payment of any unpaid amount due the depositary, and subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the owner of the depositary shares represented thereby is entitled to delivery of the number of whole shares of preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented by such depositary shares. Partial shares of preferred stock will not be issued. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder represent a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to such holder at the same time a new depositary receipt representing such excess number of depositary shares. Holders of preferred stock thus withdrawn will not thereafter be entitled to deposit such shares under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary receipts representing depositary shares therefor.

 

Amendment and Termination of Deposit Agreement

 

The form of depositary receipt representing the depositary shares and any provision of the deposit agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement between us and the depositary. However, any amendment which materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders (other than any change in fees) of depositary shares will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. No such amendment may impair the right, subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, of any owner of any depositary shares to surrender the depositary receipt representing such depositary shares with instructions to the depositary to deliver to the holder of the preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, except in order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.

 

The deposit agreement will be permitted to be terminated by us upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice to the applicable depositary if (1) such termination is necessary to preserve our status as a REIT or (2) a majority of each series of preferred stock affected by such termination consents to such termination, whereupon such depositary will be required to deliver or make available to each holder of depositary receipts, upon surrender of the depositary receipts held by such holder, such number of whole or fractional shares of preferred stock as are represented by the depositary shares represented by such depositary receipts together with any other property held by such depositary with respect to such depositary receipts. We will agree that if the deposit agreement is terminated to preserve our status as a REIT, then we will use our best efforts to list the preferred stock issued upon surrender of the related depositary shares on a national securities exchange. In addition, the deposit agreement will automatically terminate if (a) all outstanding depositary shares thereunder shall have been redeemed, (b) there shall have been a final

distribution in respect of the related preferred stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company and such distribution shall have been distributed to the holders of depositary receipts representing the depositary shares representing such preferred stock or (c) each share of the related preferred stock shall have been converted into stock of our company not so represented by depositary shares.

 

Charges of Depositary

 

We will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. We will pay charges of the depositary in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock and initial issuance of the depositary shares, and redemption of the preferred stock and all withdrawals of preferred stock by owners of depositary shares. Holders of depositary receipts will pay transfer, income and other taxes and governmental charges and certain other charges as are provided in the deposit agreement to be for their accounts. In certain circumstances, the depositary may refuse to transfer depositary shares, may withhold dividends and distributions and sell the depositary shares represented by such depositary receipt if such charges are not paid. The applicable prospectus supplement will include information with respect to fees and charges, if any, in connection with the deposit or substitution of the underlying securities, the receipt and distribution of dividends, the sale or exercise of rights, the withdrawal of the underlying security, and the transferring, splitting or grouping of receipts. The applicable prospectus supplement will also include information with respect to the right to collect the fees and charges, if any, against dividends received and deposited securities.

 

Miscellaneous

 

The depositary will forward to the holders of depositary receipts all notices, reports and proxy soliciting material from us which are delivered to the depositary and which we are required to furnish to the holders of the preferred stock. In addition, the depositary will make available for inspection by holders of depositary receipts at the principal office of the depositary, and at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable, any notices, reports and proxy soliciting material received from us which are received by the depositary as the holder of preferred stock. The applicable prospectus supplement will include information about the rights, if any, of holders of receipts to inspect the transfer books of the depositary and the list of holders of receipts.

 

Neither the depositary nor our company assumes any obligation or will be subject to any liability under the deposit agreement to holders of depositary receipts other than for its negligence or willful misconduct. Neither the depositary nor our company will be liable if it is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control in performing its obligations under the deposit agreement. The obligations of our company and the depositary under the deposit agreement will be limited to performance in good faith of their duties thereunder, and they will not be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. Our company and the depositary may rely on written advice of counsel or accountants, on information provided by holders of the depositary receipts or other persons believed in good faith to be competent to give such information and on documents believed to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

 

In the event the depositary shall receive conflicting claims, requests or instructions from any holders of depositary receipts, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand, the depositary shall be entitled to act on such claims, requests or instructions received from us.

 

Resignation and Removal of Depositary

 

The depositary may resign at any time by delivering to us notice of its election to do so, and we may at any time remove the depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment. Such successor depositary must be appointed within 60 days after delivery of the notice for resignation or removal and must be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $150,000,000.

 

We may issue warrants for the purchase of debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares and may issue warrants independently or together with debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares or attached to or separate from such securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement between us and a bank or trust company as warrant agent, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not act for or on behalf of warrant holders. The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that may be offered under this registration statement. Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Debt Warrants

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the debt warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following:

 

 

Debt warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new debt warrant certificates of different denominations and debt warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their debt warrants, holders of debt warrants will not have any of the rights of holders, and will not be entitled to payments of principal, premium or interest on, the securities purchasable upon the exercise of debt warrants.

Equity Warrants

 

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the warrants to purchase depositary shares, common stock or preferred stock, or equity warrants, in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following:

 

 

Equity warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new equity warrant certificates of different denominations and warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of their equity warrants, holders of equity warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise or to any dividend payments or voting rights as to which holders of the depositary shares, common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon such exercise may be entitled.

 

Except as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, the exercise price and the number of depositary shares, shares of common stock or shares of preferred stock purchasable upon the exercise of each equity warrant will be subject to adjustment in certain events, including the issuance of a stock dividend to the holders of the underlying common stock or preferred stock or a stock split, reverse stock split, combination, subdivision or reclassification of the underlying common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be. In lieu of adjusting the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of each equity warrant, we may elect to adjust the number of equity warrants. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, no adjustments in the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of the equity warrants will be required until all cumulative adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% thereof. We may, at our option, reduce the exercise price at any time. No fractional shares will be issued upon exercise of equity warrants, but we will pay the cash value of any fractional shares otherwise issuable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, in case of any consolidation, merger or sale or conveyance of our property as an entirety or substantially as an entirety, the holder of each outstanding equity warrant will have the right to the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property, including cash, receivable by a holder of the number of depositary shares, shares of common stock or shares of preferred stock into which each equity warrant was exercisable immediately prior to the particular triggering event.

Exercise of Warrants

 

Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such number of debt securities, depositary shares, shares of common stock or shares of preferred stock, at such exercise price as shall, in each case, be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, warrants may be exercised at any time up to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date set forth in applicable prospectus supplement. After 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date, unexercised warrants will be void.

 

Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants. Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the warrants that are represented by such warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants.

 

We may issue rights to our stockholders to purchase shares of our common stock. Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates relating to the rights of the series of certificates and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. The statements made in this section relating to the rights are summaries only. These summaries are not complete. When we issue rights, we will provide the specific terms of the rights and the applicable rights agreement in a prospectus supplement. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement. For more detail, we refer you to the applicable rights agreement itself, which we will file as an exhibit to, or incorporate by reference in, the registration statement.

 

We will provide in a prospectus supplement the following terms of the rights being issued:

 

 

Exercise of Rights

 

Each right will entitle the holder of rights to purchase for cash the principal amount of shares of common stock at the exercise price provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights will be void.

 

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the shares of common

stock purchasable upon exercise of the rights. If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

We may issue units consisting of two or more other constituent securities. These units may be issuable as, and for a specified period of time may be transferable only as a single security, rather than as the separate constituent securities comprising such units. The statements made in this section relating to the units are summaries only. These summaries are not complete. When we issue units, we will provide the specific terms of the units in a prospectus supplement. To the extent the information contained in the prospectus supplement differs from this summary description, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

 

When we issue units, we will provide in a prospectus supplement the following terms of the units being issued:

 

 

The following summary with respect to restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock sets forth certain general terms and provisions of our charter documents to which any prospectus supplement may relate. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our charter documents, as amended and supplemented from time to time, including any articles supplementary relating to any issuance of preferred stock pursuant to this prospectus. Copies of our existing charter documents are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Any amendment or supplement to our charter documents relating to an issuance of securities pursuant to this prospectus shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and shall be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the applicable prospectus supplement. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

 

In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Also, not more than 50% of the value of our outstanding shares of stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).

 

Our charter contains restrictions on the amount of shares of our stock that a person may own. No person may acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, in excess of 9.8% in value of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of capital stock. In addition, no person may acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, (1) common stock in excess of 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding shares of common stock or (2) Series A preferred stock in excess of 9.8% (in value or in number of shares, whichever is more restrictive) of our outstanding Series A preferred stock.

Our charter further prohibits (1) any person from owning shares of our stock that would result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT and (2) any person from transferring shares of our stock if the transfer would result in our stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons. Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire shares of our stock that may violate any of these restrictions, or who is the intended transferee of shares of our stock which are transferred to a trust, as described below, is required to give us immediate written notice and provide us with such information as we may request in order to determine the effect of the transfer on our status as a REIT. The above restrictions will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT.

 

Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, waive the ownership limit with respect to a particular stockholder if it:

 

 

As a condition of our waiver, our board of directors may require an opinion of counsel or Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, ruling satisfactory to our board of directors, and/or representations or undertakings from the applicant with respect to preserving our REIT status.

 

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. Any attempted transfer of our stock which, if effective, would result in violation of the ownership limits discussed above or in our being “closely held” under Section 856(a)(6) of the Code or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, will cause the number of shares causing the violation (rounded up to the nearest whole share) to 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. The automatic transfer will be deemed to be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the transfer. Shares of our stock held in the trust will be issued and outstanding shares. The proposed transferee will not benefit economically from ownership of any shares of stock held in the trust, will have no rights to dividends, to vote the shares, or to any other rights attributable to the shares of stock held in the trust. The trustee of the trust will have all voting rights and rights to dividends or other distributions with respect to shares held in the trust. These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of a charitable beneficiary. Any dividend or other distribution paid prior to our discovery that shares of stock have been transferred to the trust must be paid by the recipient to the trustee upon demand. Any dividend or other distribution authorized but unpaid will be paid when due to the trustee. Any dividend or distribution paid to the trustee will be held in trust for the charitable beneficiary. Subject to Maryland law, the trustee will have the authority (1) to rescind as void any vote cast by the proposed transferee prior to our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the trust and (2) to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary. However, if we have already taken irreversible corporate action, then the trustee will not have the authority to rescind and recast the vote.

 

Within 20 days of receiving notice from us that shares of our stock have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will sell the shares to a person designated by the trustee, whose ownership of the shares will not violate the above ownership limitations. Upon the sale, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate and the trustee will distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the proposed transferee and to the charitable beneficiary as follows. The proposed transferee will receive the lesser of (1) the price paid by the proposed transferee for the shares or, if the proposed transferee did not give value for the shares in connection with the event causing the shares to be held in the trust (e.g., a gift, devise or other similar transaction), the market price of the shares on the day of the event causing the shares to be held in the trust and (2) the price received by the trustee (net of any commissions and other expenses of the sale) from the sale or other disposition of the shares. Any net sale proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the proposed transferee will be paid immediately to the charitable beneficiary. If, prior to our discovery that shares of our stock have been transferred to the trust, the shares are sold by the proposed transferee, then (1) the

shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and (2) to the extent that the proposed transferee received an amount for the shares that exceeds the amount he was entitled to receive, the excess must be paid to the trustee upon demand.

 

In addition, shares of our stock held in the trust will be deemed to have been offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price per share in the transaction that resulted in the transfer to the trust (or, in the case of a devise or gift, the market price at the time of the devise or gift) and (2) the market price on the date we, or our designee, accept the offer. We will have the right to accept the offer until the trustee has sold the shares. Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold will terminate and the trustee will distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the proposed transferee.

 

If any shares of our stock are represented by certificates, such certificates will bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.

 

Every owner of 5% or more (or such lower percentage as required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of our stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, is required to give us written notice, stating his name and address, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock which he beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the shares are held. Each such owner will provide us with such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of his or her beneficial ownership on our status as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limits. In addition, each stockholder will upon demand be required to provide us with such information as we may request in good faith in order to determine our status as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.

 

These ownership limits could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.

 

The material terms and provisions of the Agreement of Limited Partnership of BioMed Realty, L.P. which we refer to as the “partnership agreement” are summarized below. For more detail, you should refer to the partnership agreement itself, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.” For purposes of this section, references to “we,” “our,” “us” and “our company” refer to BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.

 

Management of Our Operating Partnership

 

Our operating partnership, BioMed Realty, L.P., is a Maryland limited partnership that was formed on April 30, 2004. Our company is the sole general partner of our operating partnership, and we conduct substantially all of our business in or through it. As sole general partner of our operating partnership, we exercise exclusive and complete responsibility and discretion in its day-to-day management and control. We can cause our operating partnership to enter into certain major transactions including acquisitions, dispositions and refinancings, subject to limited exceptions. The limited partners of our operating partnership may not transact business for, or participate in the management activities or decisions of, our operating partnership, except as provided in the partnership agreement and as required by applicable law. Some restrictions in the partnership agreement restrict our ability to engage in a business combination as more fully described in “— Termination Transactions” below.

 

The limited partners of our operating partnership expressly acknowledged that we, as general partner of our operating partnership, are acting for the benefit of our operating partnership, the limited partners and our stockholders collectively. Our company is under no obligation to give priority to the separate interests of the limited partners or our stockholders in deciding whether to cause our operating partnership to take or decline to take any actions. If there is a conflict between the interests of our stockholders on one hand and the limited partners on the other, we will endeavor in good faith to resolve the conflict in a manner not adverse to either our stockholders or the limited partners; provided, however, that for so long as we own a controlling interest in our operating partnership, any conflict that cannot be resolved in a manner not adverse to either our stockholders or the limited partners will be resolved in favor of our stockholders. We are not liable under the partnership agreement to our

operating partnership or to any partner for monetary damages for losses sustained, liabilities incurred or benefits not derived by limited partners in connection with such decisions, so long as we have acted in good faith.

 

The partnership agreement provides that substantially all of our business activities, including all activities pertaining to the acquisition and operation of properties, must be conducted through our operating partnership, and that our operating partnership must be operated in a manner that will enable our company to satisfy the requirements for being classified as a REIT.

 

Transferability of Interests

 

Except in connection with a transaction described in “— Termination Transactions” below, we, as general partner, may not voluntarily withdraw from our operating partnership, or transfer or assign all or any portion of our interest in our operating partnership, without the consent of the holders of a majority of the limited partnership interests (including our 96.5% limited partnership interest therein) except for permitted transfers to our affiliates. Currently, any transfer of units by the limited partners, except to us, as general partner, to an affiliate of the transferring limited partner, to other original limited partners, to immediate family members of the transferring limited partner, to a trust for the benefit of a charitable beneficiary, or to a lending institution as collateral for a bona fide loan, subject to specified limitations, will be subject to a right of first refusal by us and must be made only to “accredited investors” as defined under Rule 501 of the Securities Act.

 

Capital Contributions

 

We contributed to our operating partnership all of the net proceeds of our IPO as our initial capital contribution in exchange for a 91.5% partnership interest. Some of our directors, executive officers and their affiliates contributed properties and assets to our operating partnership and became limited partners and, together with other limited partners, initially owned the remaining 8.5% limited partnership interest. As of August 31, 2009, we owned a 96.9% partnership interest and other limited partners, including some of our directors, executive officers and their affiliates, owned the remaining 3.1% partnership interest (including long-term incentive plan units).

 

The partnership agreement provides that we, as general partner, may determine that our operating partnership requires additional funds for the acquisition of additional properties or for other purposes. Under the partnership agreement, we are obligated to contribute the proceeds of any offering of stock as additional capital to our operating partnership. Our operating partnership is authorized to cause partnership interests to be issued for less than fair market value if we conclude in good faith that such issuance is in the interests of our operating partnership.

 

The partnership agreement provides that we may make additional capital contributions, including properties, to our operating partnership in exchange for additional partnership units. If we contribute additional capital and receive additional partnership interests for the capital contribution, our percentage interests will be increased on a proportionate basis based on the amount of the additional capital contributions and the value of our operating partnership at the time of the contributions. Conversely, the percentage interests of the other limited partners will be decreased on a proportionate basis. In addition, if we contribute additional capital and receive additional partnership interests for the capital contribution, the capital accounts of the partners may be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any unrealized gain or loss attributable to the properties as if there were an actual sale of the properties at the fair market value thereof. Limited partners have no preemptive right or obligation to make additional capital contributions.

 

Our operating partnership could issue preferred partnership interests in connection with acquisitions of property or otherwise. Any such preferred partnership interests would have priority over common partnership interests with respect to distributions from our operating partnership, including the partnership interests that our wholly owned subsidiaries own.

 

Amendments of the Partnership Agreement

 

Amendments to the partnership agreement may be proposed by us, as general partner, or by limited partners owning at least 25% of the units held by limited partners.

Generally, the partnership agreement may be amended, modified or terminated only with the approval of partners holding 50% of all outstanding units (including the units held by us as general partner and as a limited partner). However, as general partner, we will have the power to unilaterally amend the partnership agreement without obtaining the consent of the limited partners as may be required to:

 

 

Amendments that would convert a limited partner’s interest into a general partner’s interest, adversely affect the limited liability of a limited partner, alter a partner’s right to receive any distributions or allocations of profits or losses or materially alter or modify the redemption rights described below (other than a change to reflect the seniority of any distribution or liquidation rights of any preferred units issued in accordance with the partnership agreement) must be approved by each limited partner that would be adversely affected by such amendment; provided that any such amendment does not require the unanimous consent of all the partners who are adversely affected unless the amendment is to be effective against all adversely affected partners.

 

In addition, without the written consent of limited partners holding a majority of the units, we, as general partner, may not do any of the following:

 

 

Redemption/Exchange Rights

 

Limited partners who acquired units in our formation transactions have the right to require our operating partnership to redeem part or all of their units for cash based upon the fair market value of an equivalent number of shares of our common stock at the time of the redemption. Alternatively, we may elect to acquire those units in exchange for shares of our common stock. Our acquisition will be on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment in

the event of stock splits, stock dividends, issuance of stock rights, specified extraordinary distributions and similar events. With each redemption or exchange, we increase our company’s percentage ownership interest in our operating partnership. Limited partners who hold units may exercise this redemption right from time to time, in whole or in part, except when, as a consequence of shares of our common stock being issued, any person’s actual or constructive stock ownership would exceed our company’s ownership limits, or violate any other restriction as provided in our charter as described under the section entitled “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.” In all cases, unless we agree otherwise, no limited partner may exercise its redemption right for fewer than 1,000 units or, if a limited partner holds fewer than 1,000 units, all of the units held by such limited partner.

 

Issuance of Additional Units, Common Stock or Convertible Securities

 

As sole general partner, we have the ability to cause our operating partnership to issue additional units representing general and limited partnership interests. These additional units may include preferred limited partnership units. In addition, we may issue additional shares of our common stock or convertible securities, but only if we cause our operating partnership to issue to us partnership interests or rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities of our operating partnership having parallel designations, preferences and other rights, so that the economic interests of our operating partnership’s interests issued are substantially similar to the securities that we have issued.

 

Tax Matters

 

We are the tax matters partner of our operating partnership. We have authority to make tax elections under the Code on behalf of our operating partnership.

 

Allocations of Net Income and Net Losses to Partners

 

The net income or net loss of our operating partnership generally will be allocated to us, as the general partner, and to the limited partners in accordance with our respective percentage interests in our operating partnership. However, in some cases losses may be disproportionately allocated to partners who have guaranteed debt of our operating partnership. The allocations described above are subject to special allocations relating to depreciation deductions and to compliance with the provisions of Sections 704(b) and 704(c) of the Code and the associated Treasury regulations. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations — Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies.”

 

Operations and Distributions

 

The partnership agreement provides that we, as general partner, will determine and distribute the net operating cash revenues of our operating partnership, as well as the net sales and refinancing proceeds, in such amount as determined by us in our sole discretion, quarterly, pro rata in accordance with the partners’ percentage interests.

 

The partnership agreement provides that our operating partnership will assume and pay when due, or reimburse us for payment of all costs and expenses relating to the operations of, or for the benefit of, our operating partnership.

 

Termination Transactions

 

The partnership agreement provides that our company may not engage in any merger, consolidation or other combination with or into another person, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or any reclassification or any recapitalization or change in our outstanding equity interests, each a termination transaction, unless in connection with a termination transaction either:

 

(1) all limited partners will receive, or have the right to elect to receive, for each unit an amount of cash, securities, or other property equal to the product of:

 

 

provided that, if, in connection with a termination transaction, a purchase, tender or exchange offer is made to and accepted by the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, each holder of units will receive, or will have the right to elect to receive, the greatest amount of cash, securities, or other property which such holder would have received had it exercised its redemption right and received shares of our common stock in exchange for its units immediately prior to the expiration of such purchase, tender or exchange offer and accepted such purchase, tender or exchange offer, or

 

(2) the following conditions are met:

 

 

Term

 

Our operating partnership will continue in full force and effect until December 31, 2104, or until sooner dissolved in accordance with its terms or as otherwise provided by law.

 

Indemnification and Limitation of Liability

 

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the partnership agreement requires our operating partnership to indemnify us, as general partner, and our officers, directors and any other persons we may designate from and against any and all claims arising from operations of our operating partnership in which any indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, unless it is established that:

 

 

Similarly, we, as general partner of our operating partnership, and our officers, directors, agents or employees, are not liable or accountable to our operating partnership for losses sustained, liabilities incurred or benefits not derived as a result of errors in judgment or mistakes of fact or law or any act or omission so long as we acted in good faith.

 

The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and of our charter and bylaws is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law and our charter and bylaws, copies of which are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information” and “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.”

 

Our Board of Directors

 

Our charter and bylaws provide that our board of directors may establish the number of directors of our company as long as the number is not fewer than the minimum required under the MGCL nor, unless our bylaws are amended, more than 15. Any vacancy on the board of directors may be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum.

 

Pursuant to our charter, each of our directors is elected by our stockholders to serve until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. Holders of shares of our common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock will be able to elect all of our directors.

 

Removal of Directors

 

Our charter provides that a director may be removed only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. This provision, when coupled with the provision in our bylaws authorizing our board of directors to fill vacant directorships, precludes stockholders from removing incumbent directors and filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees.

 

Business Combinations

 

Maryland law prohibits “business combinations” between us and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder 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 certain circumstances specified in the statute, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. Maryland law defines an interested stockholder as:

 

 

A person is not an interested stockholder if our board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, our 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 our board of directors.

 

After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between us and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of at least:

 

 

These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if our common stockholders receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their stock in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its stock.

The statute permits various exemptions from its provisions, including business combinations that are approved or exempted by the board of directors before the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. Our board of directors has adopted a resolution exempting any business combination between us and any person from the business combination provisions of the MGCL, provided such business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of the directors who are not affiliates or associates of such person). However, this resolution may be altered or repealed in whole or in part at any time.

 

We can provide no assurance that our board of directors will not amend or rescind this resolution in the future. If this resolution is repealed, or our board of directors does not otherwise approve a business combination, the business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.

 

Control Share Acquisitions

 

The MGCL provides that “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved at a special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Shares owned by the acquiring person, or by officers or by directors who are our employees, are excluded from shares entitled to vote on the matter. “Control shares” are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock previously acquired by the acquiror or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of 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” means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions.

 

A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses), may compel our board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.

 

If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the 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 (1) to shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (2) to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.

 

Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of our common stock. We can provide no assurance that our board of directors will not amend or eliminate such provision in the future. Should this happen, the control share acquisition statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.

Other Anti-Takeover Provisions of Maryland Law

 

Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and with at least three independent directors to elect to be subject to any or all of five provisions:

 

 

A corporation can elect into this statute by provision in its charter or bylaws or by a resolution of its board of directors. Furthermore, a corporation can elect to be subject to the above provisions regardless of any contrary provisions in the charter or bylaws.

 

Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, (1) vacancies on the board may be filled exclusively by the remaining directors, (2) the number of directors may be fixed only by the vote of the directors, (3) a two-thirds vote is required to remove any director from the board and (4) unless called by our chairman of the board, chief executive officer, president or the board of directors, the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting is required to call a special meeting.

 

Amendment to Our Charter and Bylaws

 

Our charter may generally be amended only if declared advisable by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter under consideration. However, the provision regarding director removal and the corresponding amendment provision may be amended only if advised by the board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of the stockholders entitled to cast not less than two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our bylaws provide that only our board of directors may amend or repeal our bylaws or adopt new laws.

 

Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business

 

Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to our board of directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only:

 

 

With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our company’s notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting of stockholders and nominations of persons for election to our board of directors may be made only:

 

 

Generally, under our bylaws, a stockholder seeking to nominate a director or bring other business before our annual meeting of stockholders must deliver a notice to our secretary not later than the close of business on the 120th day nor earlier than the 150th day prior to the first anniversary of the date of the proxy statement for the prior year’s annual meeting. For a stockholder seeking to nominate a candidate for our board of directors, the notice must describe various matters regarding the nominee, including name, address, occupation and number of shares held, and other specified matters. For a stockholder seeking to propose other business, the notice must include a description of the proposed business, the reasons for the proposal and other specified matters.

 

Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws

 

The provisions of our charter on removal of directors and the advance notice provisions of the bylaws could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control of our company that might involve a premium price for our common stockholders or otherwise be in their best interest. Likewise, if our company’s board of directors were to rescind the resolution exempting business combinations from the business combination provisions of the MGCL (or does not otherwise approve a business combination) or if the provision in the bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL were rescinded, these provisions of the MGCL could have similar anti-takeover effects.

 

Ownership Limit

 

Our charter provides that no person or entity may actually or beneficially own, or be deemed to own by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of our outstanding shares of capital stock or more than 9.8% in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of (i) our common stock or (ii) our Series A preferred stock. We refer to this restriction as the “ownership limit.” For a more detailed description of this restriction and the constructive ownership rules, see “Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer.”

 

The following is a general summary of the material United States federal income tax considerations regarding our election to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, and the ownership and disposition of certain of the securities offered by this prospectus which are anticipated to be material to purchasers of such securities. The United States federal income tax considerations relevant to your ownership of the securities offered by this prospectus may be supplemented in the applicable prospectus supplement or other offering materials that relates to those securities. Your tax treatment will vary depending upon the terms of the specific securities that you acquire, as well as your particular situation. For purposes of this section under the heading “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations,” references to “BioMed,” “we,” “our,” and “us” mean only BioMed Realty Trust Inc., and not its subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated. This summary is based on current law, is for general information only and is not tax advice.

 

This summary assumes that the securities offered by this prospectus are held as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code). Your tax treatment will vary depending on your particular situation, and this discussion does not address all the tax consequences that may be relevant to you in light of your particular circumstances. This discussion does not address the tax consequences relevant to persons who receive special treatment under the United States federal income tax law, except to the extent discussed specifically herein. Holders receiving special treatment include, without limitation:

 

 

 

When we use the term “U.S. holder,” we mean a beneficial holder of our securities who, for United States federal income tax purposes:

 

 

If you hold our securities and are not a U.S. holder, you are a “non-U.S. holder.”

 

The information in this summary is based on current law, including:

 

 

in each case, as of the date of this prospectus. In addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS include its practices and policies as expressed in private letter rulings which are not binding on the IRS except with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings. Future legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations and practices and/or court decisions may adversely affect the tax considerations described in this prospectus. Any such change could apply retroactively to transactions preceding the date of the change. We have not requested and do not intend to request a ruling from the IRS that we qualify as a REIT or concerning the treatment of the securities offered by this prospectus, and the statements in this summary are not binding on the IRS or any court. Thus, we can provide no assurance that the tax considerations contained in this summary will not be challenged by the IRS or will be sustained by a court if so challenged. State, local and foreign income tax laws may differ substantially from any corresponding federal income tax laws. This discussion does not address any aspect of the laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction, or any federal tax other than the income tax.

You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the tax consequences to you of:

 

 

Taxation of Our Company

 

General.  We elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2004. We believe that we have been organized and have operated in a manner that has allowed us to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2004, and we intend to continue to be organized and operate in this manner. However, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code, including through our actual annual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that we have been organized and have operated, or will continue to be organized and operated, in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT. See “— Failure to Qualify.”

 

The sections of the Code and the corresponding Treasury regulations that relate to qualification and operation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following sets forth the material aspects of the sections of the Code that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT and the holders of certain of its securities. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, relevant rules and regulations promulgated under the Code, and administrative and judicial interpretations of the Code and these rules and regulations.

 

Latham & Watkins LLP has acted as our tax counsel in connection with this prospectus and our election to be taxed as a REIT. In connection with the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, Latham & Watkins LLP has rendered an opinion to us to the effect that, commencing with our taxable year ending December 31, 2004, we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, and our proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. It must be emphasized that this opinion was based on various assumptions and representations as to factual matters, including representations made by us in a factual certificate provided by one of our officers. In addition, this opinion was based upon our factual representations set forth in this prospectus. Moreover, our qualification and taxation as a REIT depend upon our ability to meet the various qualification tests imposed under the Code which are discussed below, including through actual annual operating results, asset composition, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the results of which have not been and will not be reviewed by Latham & Watkins LLP. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that our actual results of operation for any particular taxable year have satisfied or will satisfy those requirements. Latham & Watkins LLP has no obligation to update its opinion subsequent to its date. Further, the anticipated income tax treatment described in this summary may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative, administrative or judicial action at any time. See “— Failure to Qualify.”

 

Provided we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be required to pay federal corporate income taxes on our REIT taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the “double taxation” that ordinarily results from investment in a C corporation. A C corporation is a corporation that is generally required to pay tax at the corporate level. Double taxation means taxation that occurs once at the corporate level when income is earned and once again at the stockholder level when that income is distributed. We will, however, be required to pay federal income tax as follows:

 

 

 

Requirements for Qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust.  The Code defines a “REIT” as a corporation, trust or association:

 

(1) that is managed by one or more trustees or directors,

 

(2) that issues transferable shares or transferable certificates to evidence its beneficial ownership,

 

(3) that would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for special Code provisions applicable to REITs,

(4) that is not a financial institution or an insurance company within the meaning of certain provisions of the Code,

 

(5) that is beneficially owned by 100 or more persons,

 

(6) not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals, including specified entities, during the last half of each taxable year, and

 

(7) that meets other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions.

 

The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than twelve months. Conditions (5) and (6) do not apply until after the first taxable year for which an election is made to be taxed as a REIT. For purposes of condition (6), the term “individual” generally includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes, but does not include a qualified pension plan or profit sharing trust.

 

We believe that we have been organized, have operated and have issued sufficient shares of capital stock with sufficient diversity of ownership to allow us to satisfy conditions (1) through (7) inclusive during the relevant time periods. In addition, our charter provides for restrictions regarding the ownership and transfer of our shares that are intended to assist us in continuing to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in (5) and (6) above. These restrictions, however, may not ensure that we will, in all cases, be able to satisfy the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above. If we fail to satisfy these share ownership requirements, except as provided in the next sentence, our status as a REIT will terminate. If, however, we comply with the rules contained in applicable Treasury regulations that require us to ascertain the actual ownership of our shares and we do not know, or would not have known through the exercise of reasonable diligence, that we failed to meet the requirement described in condition (6) above, we will be treated as having met this requirement. See the section below entitled “— Failure to Qualify.”

 

In addition, we may not maintain our status as a REIT unless our taxable year is the calendar year. We have and will continue to have a calendar taxable year.

 

Ownership of Interests in Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.  In the case of a REIT which is a partner in a partnership, Treasury regulations provide that the REIT will be deemed to own its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership based on its interest in partnership capital, subject to special rules relating to the 10% asset test described below. Also, the REIT will be deemed to be entitled to its proportionate share of the income of the partnership. The assets and gross income of the partnership retain the same character in the hands of the REIT, including for purposes of satisfying the gross income tests and the asset tests. Thus, our pro rata share of the assets and items of income of our operating partnership, including our operating partnership’s share of these items of any partnership in which it owns an interest, are treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of applying the requirements described in this summary, including the REIT income and asset tests described below. A brief summary of the rules governing the federal income taxation of partnerships and limited liability companies is set forth below in “— Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies.” The treatment described above also applies with respect to the ownership of interests in limited liability companies that are treated as partnerships for tax purposes.

 

We have control of our operating partnership and the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies and intend to continue to operate them in a manner consistent with the requirements for our qualification as a REIT. In the future, we may be a limited partner or non-managing member in a partnership or limited liability company. If such a partnership or limited liability company were to take actions which could jeopardize our status as a REIT or require us to pay tax, we could be forced to dispose of our interest in such entity. In addition, it is possible that a partnership or limited liability company could take an action which could cause us to fail a REIT income or asset test, and that we would not become aware of such action in time to dispose of our interest in the applicable entity or take other corrective action on a timely basis. In that case, we could fail to qualify as a REIT unless we were entitled to relief, as described below. See “— Failure to Qualify.”

Ownership of Interests in Qualified REIT Subsidiaries.  We may from time to time own certain wholly-owned subsidiaries that we intend to be treated as “qualified REIT subsidiaries” under the Code. A corporation will qualify as our qualified REIT subsidiary if we own 100% of the corporation’s outstanding stock and we do not elect with the corporation to treat it as a “taxable REIT subsidiary,” as described below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not treated as a separate corporation for federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit (as the case may be) of the parent REIT for all purposes under the Code, including the REIT qualification tests. Thus, in applying the federal income tax requirements described in this summary, any corporation in which we own a 100% interest (other than a taxable REIT subsidiary) is ignored, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of such corporation are treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. A qualified REIT subsidiary is not required to pay federal income tax, and our ownership of the stock of a qualified REIT subsidiary will not violate the restrictions on ownership of securities described below under “— Asset Tests.”

 

Ownership of Interests in Taxable REIT Subsidiaries.  A taxable REIT subsidiary is a corporation other than a REIT in which a REIT directly or indirectly holds stock, and that has made a joint election with the REIT to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary. A taxable REIT subsidiary also includes any corporation, other than a REIT, with respect to which a taxable REIT subsidiary owns securities possessing more than 35% of the total voting power or value. Other than some activities relating to lodging and health care facilities, a taxable REIT subsidiary may generally engage in any business, including the provision of customary or non-customary services to tenants of its parent REIT. A taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to federal income tax as a regular C corporation. In addition, a taxable REIT subsidiary may be prevented from deducting interest on debt funded directly or indirectly by its parent REIT if certain tests regarding the taxable REIT subsidiary’s debt to equity ratio and interest expense are not satisfied. A REIT’s ownership of securities of its taxable REIT subsidiaries will not be subject to the 10% or 5% asset tests described below. See “Asset Tests.”

 

We currently hold an interest in one taxable REIT subsidiary and may acquire securities in additional taxable REIT subsidiaries in the future.

 

Income Tests.  We must satisfy two gross income requirements annually to maintain our qualification as a REIT. First, in each taxable year, we must derive directly or indirectly at least 75% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain hedging transactions entered into after July 30, 2008, and certain foreign currency gains recognized after July 30, 2008, from (a) investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including “rents from real property” and, in certain circumstances, interest, or (b) some types of temporary investments. Second, in each taxable year, we must derive at least 95% of our gross income, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions, certain designated hedges of indebtedness, and certain foreign currency gains recognized after July 30, 2008, from the real property investments described above, dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, or from any combination of the foregoing. For these purposes, the term “interest” generally does not include any amount received or accrued, directly or indirectly, if the determination of all or some of the amount depends in any way on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “interest” solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales.

 

Rents we receive from a tenant will qualify as “rents from real property” for the purpose of satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if all of the following conditions are met:

 

 

 

We generally do not intend, and as a general partner of our operating partnership, do not intend to permit our operating partnership, to take actions we believe will cause us to fail to satisfy the rental conditions described above. However, we may intentionally fail to satisfy some of these conditions to the extent we conclude, based on the advice of our tax counsel, the failure will not jeopardize our tax status as a REIT. In addition, with respect to the limitation on the rental of personal property, we have not obtained appraisals of the real property and personal property leased to tenants. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with our determinations of value.

 

Income we receive that is attributable to the rental of parking spaces at the properties will constitute rents from real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests if certain services provided with respect to the parking facilities are performed by independent contractors from whom we derive no income, either directly or indirectly, or by a taxable REIT subsidiary, and certain other conditions are met. We believe that the income we receive that is attributable to parking facilities meets these tests and, accordingly, will constitute rents from real property for purposes of the REIT gross income tests.

 

From time to time, we enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. The term “hedging transaction” generally means any transaction we enter into in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of (1) interest rate changes or fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made by us to acquire or carry real estate assets, or (2) for hedging transactions entered into after July 30, 2008, currency fluctuations with respect to an item of qualifying income under the 75% or 95% gross income test. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. Income we derive from a hedging transaction, including gain from the sale or disposition thereof, that is clearly identified as a hedging transaction as specified in the Code will not constitute gross income and thus will be exempt from the 95% gross income test to the extent such a hedging transaction is entered into on or after January 1, 2005, and from the 75% gross income test to the extent such hedging transaction is entered into after July 30, 2008. Income and gain from a hedging transaction, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction will be treated as nonqualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test if entered into on or prior to July 30, 2008 and will be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test if entered into prior to January 1, 2005. To the extent that we do not properly identify such transactions as hedges, we hedge

other risks or we hedge with other types of financial instruments, the income from those transactions is not likely to be treated as qualifying income for purposes of the gross income tests. We intend to structure our hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.

 

To the extent our taxable REIT subsidiary pays dividends, we generally will derive our allocable share of such dividend income through our interest in our operating partnership. Such dividend income will qualify under the 95%, but not the 75%, REIT gross income test. We will monitor the amount of the dividend and other income from our taxable REIT subsidiary and we will take actions intended to keep this income, and any other nonqualifying income, within the limitations of the REIT income tests. While we expect these actions will prevent a violation of the REIT income tests, we cannot guarantee that such actions will in all cases prevent such a violation.

 

We believe that the aggregate amount of our nonqualifying income, from all sources, in any taxable year will not exceed the limit on nonqualifying income under the gross income tests. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. Commencing with our taxable year beginning January 1, 2005, we generally may make use of the relief provisions if:

 

 

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 accrue or receive exceeds the limits on nonqualifying income, the IRS could conclude that our failure to satisfy the tests was not due to reasonable cause. If these relief provisions do not apply to a particular set of circumstances, we will not qualify as a REIT. As discussed above in “— Taxation of Our Company — General,” even if these relief provisions apply, and we retain our status as a REIT, a tax would be imposed with respect to our nonqualifying income. We may not always be able to comply with the gross income tests for REIT qualification despite our periodic monitoring of our income.

 

Prohibited Transaction Income.  Any gain that we realize on the sale of property held as inventory or otherwise held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, including our share of any such gain realized by our operating partnership, either directly or through its subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies, will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. This prohibited transaction income may also adversely affect our ability to satisfy the income tests for qualification as a REIT. Under existing law, whether property is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business is a question of fact that depends on all the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction. Our operating partnership intends to hold its properties for investment with a view to long-term appreciation, to engage in the business of acquiring, developing and owning its properties and to make occasional sales of the properties as are consistent with our operating partnership’s investment objectives. We do not intend to enter into any sales that are prohibited transactions. However, the IRS may successfully contend that some or all of the sales made by our operating partnership or its subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies are prohibited transactions. We would be required to pay the 100% penalty tax on our allocable share of the gains resulting from any such sales.

 

Penalty Tax.  Any redetermined rents, redetermined deductions or excess interest we generate will be subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, redetermined rents are rents from real property that are overstated as a result of services furnished by our taxable REIT subsidiary to any of our tenants, and redetermined deductions and excess interest represent amounts that are deducted by a taxable REIT subsidiary for amounts paid to us that are in excess of the amounts that would have been deducted based on arm’s-length negotiations. Rents we receive will not constitute redetermined rents if they qualify for certain safe harbor provisions contained in the Code.

 

From time to time, our taxable REIT subsidiary may provide services to our tenants. We intend to set the fees paid to our taxable REIT subsidiary for such services at arm’s length rates, although the fees paid may not satisfy the safe harbor provisions described above. These determinations are inherently factual, and the IRS has broad

discretion to assert that amounts paid between related parties should be reallocated to clearly reflect their respective incomes. If the IRS successfully made such an assertion, we would be required to pay a 100% penalty tax on the excess of an arm’s length fee for tenant services over the amount actually paid.

 

Asset Tests.  At the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy four tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets, including our allocable share of the assets held by our operating partnership, either directly or through its subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies, must be represented by real estate assets, cash, cash items and government securities. For purposes of this test, the term “real estate assets” generally means real property (including interests in real property and interests in mortgages on real property) and shares (or transferable certificates of beneficial interest) in other REITs, as well as any stock or debt instrument attributable to the investment of the proceeds of a stock offering or a public offering of debt with a term of at least five years, but only for the one-year period beginning on the date we receive such proceeds.

 

Second, not more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by securities, other than those securities includable in the 75% asset test.

 

Third, of the investments included in the 25% asset class, and except for investments in other REITs, our qualified REIT subsidiaries and our taxable REIT subsidiaries, the value of any one issuer’s securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets, and we may not own more than 10% of the total vote or value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. Solely for purposes of the 10% value test, however, certain securities including, but not limited to “straight debt” securities having specified characteristics, loans to an individual or an estate, obligations to pay rents from real property and securities issued by a REIT, are disregarded as securities. In addition, commencing with our taxable year beginning January 1, 2005, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, the determination of our interest in the assets of a partnership or limited liability company in which we own an interest will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership or limited liability company, excluding for this purpose certain securities described in the Code.

 

Fourth, not more than 25% (20% for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009) of the value of our total assets may be represented by the securities of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries.

 

To the extent that we own an interest in an issuer that does not qualify as a REIT, a qualified REIT subsidiary, or a taxable REIT subsidiary, we believe that the value of the securities of any such issuer has not exceeded 5% of the total value of our assets. Moreover, with respect to each issuer in which we own an interest that does not qualify as a qualified REIT subsidiary or a taxable REIT subsidiary, we believe that our ownership of the securities of any such issuer has complied with the 10% voting securities limitation, the 10% value limitation and the 75% asset test. We believe that the value of our taxable REIT subsidiary has not exceeded, and believe that in the future it will not exceed, the limitations set forth above. No independent appraisals have been obtained to support these conclusions. In addition, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with our determinations of value.

 

The asset tests described above must be satisfied at the close of each calendar quarter of our taxable year. After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values unless we (directly or through our operating partnership) acquire securities in the applicable issuer, increase our ownership of securities of such issuer (including as a result of increasing our interest in our operating partnership or other partnerships and limited liability companies which own such securities), or acquire other assets. For example, our indirect ownership of securities of each issuer will increase as a result of our capital contributions to our operating partnership or as limited partners exercise their redemption/exchange rights. If we fail to satisfy an asset test because we acquire securities or other property during a quarter, including as a result of an increase in our interest in our operating partnership, we may cure this failure by disposing of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We believe that we have maintained and intend to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests. In addition, we intend to take such actions within the 30 days after the close of any calendar quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.

 

Certain relief provisions may be available to us if we discover a failure to satisfy the asset tests described above after the 30 day cure period. Under these provisions, we will be deemed to have met the 5% and 10% asset tests if the value of our nonqualifying assets (1) does not exceed the lesser of (a) 1% of the total value of our assets at the end of

the applicable quarter or (b) $10,000,000, and (2) we dispose of the nonqualifying assets or otherwise satisfy such asset tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury regulations to be issued. For violations of any of the asset tests due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect and that are, in the case of the 5% and 10% asset tests, in excess of the de minimis exception described above, we may avoid disqualification as a REIT after the 30 day cure period by taking steps including (1) the disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets, or the taking of other actions, which allow us to meet the asset tests within (a) six months after the last day of the quarter in which the failure to satisfy the asset tests is discovered or (b) the period of time prescribed by Treasury regulations to be issued and (2) disclosing certain information to the IRS. In such case, we will be required to pay a tax equal to the greater of (a) $50,000 or (b) the highest corporate tax rate multiplied by the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets.

 

Although we believe that we have satisfied the asset tests described above and plan to take steps to ensure that we satisfy such tests for any calendar quarter with respect to which retesting is to occur, there can be no assurance that we will always be successful, or a reduction in our operating partnership’s overall interest in an issuer will not be required. If we fail to timely cure any noncompliance with the asset tests in a timely manner, and the relief provisions described above are not available, we would cease to qualify as a REIT. See “— Failure to Qualify” below.

 

Annual Distribution Requirements.  To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to the sum of:

 

 

For these purposes, our “REIT taxable income” is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain. In addition, for purposes of this test, non-cash income means income attributable to leveled stepped rents, original issue discount on purchase money debt, cancellation of indebtedness or a like-kind exchange that is later determined to be taxable.

 

In addition, if we dispose of any asset we acquired from a corporation which is or has been a C corporation in a transaction in which our basis in the asset is determined by reference to the basis of the asset in the hands of that C corporation, within the ten-year period following our acquisition of such asset, we would be required to distribute at least 90% of the after-tax gain, if any, we recognize on the disposition of the asset, to the extent that gain does not exceed the excess of (a) the fair market value of the asset, over (b) our adjusted basis in the asset, in each case, on the date we acquired the asset.

 

We generally must pay, or be treated as paying, the distributions described above in the taxable year to which they relate. At our election, a distribution will be treated as paid in a taxable year if it is declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration, provided such payment is made during the twelve-month period following the close of such year. These distributions generally are taxable to our stockholders, other than tax-exempt entities, in the year in which paid. This is so even though these distributions relate to the prior year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement. The amount distributed must not be preferential — i.e., every stockholder of the class of stock to which a distribution is made must be treated the same as every other stockholder of that class, and no class of stock may be treated other than according to its dividend rights as a class. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain, or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our “REIT taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be required to pay tax on the undistributed amount at regular corporate tax rates. We believe we have made, and intend to continue to make timely distributions sufficient to satisfy these annual distribution requirements and to minimize our corporate tax obligations. In this regard, the partnership agreement of our operating partnership authorizes us, as general partner, to take such steps as may be necessary to cause our operating partnership to distribute an amount sufficient to permit us to meet these distribution requirements.

 

We expect that our REIT taxable income will be less than our cash flow because of depreciation and other non-cash charges included in computing REIT taxable income. Accordingly, we anticipate that we will generally have sufficient cash or liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the distribution requirements described above. However, from

time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to meet these distribution requirements due to timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses, and the inclusion of income and deduction of expenses in determining our taxable income. If these timing differences occur, we may be required to borrow funds to pay cash dividends or to pay dividends in the form of taxable stock dividends in order to meet the distribution requirements, while preserving our cash. In addition, we may decide to retain our cash, rather than distribute it, in order to repay debt or for other reasons. Revenue Procedure 2009-15 sets forth a safe harbor pursuant to which certain part-stock and part-cash dividends distributed by publicly traded REITs for calendar years 2008 and 2009 will satisfy the REIT distribution requirements. Under the terms of this Revenue Procedure, up to 90% of our distributions could be paid in shares of our common stock.

 

Under some circumstances, we may be able to rectify an inadvertent failure to meet the 90% distribution requirements for a year by paying “deficiency dividends” to our stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. Thus, we may be able to avoid being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, subject to the 4% excise tax described below. However, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction claimed for deficiency dividends.

 

Furthermore, we will be required to pay a 4% excise tax to the extent we fail to distribute during each calendar year, or in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar year, by the end of January immediately following such year, at least the sum of 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for the year and any undistributed taxable income from prior periods. Any ordinary income and net capital gain on which this excise tax is imposed for any year is treated as an amount distributed during that year for purposes of calculating such tax.

 

For purposes of the distribution requirements and excise tax described above, distributions declared during the last three months of the taxable year, payable to stockholders of record on a specified date during such period and paid during January of the following year, will be treated as paid by us and received by our stockholders on December 31 of the year in which they are declared.

 

Like-Kind Exchanges.  We may dispose of properties in transactions intended to qualify as like-kind exchanges under the Code. Such like-kind exchanges are intended to result in the deferral of gain for federal income tax purposes. The failure of any such transaction to qualify as a like-kind exchange could subject us to federal income tax, possibly including the 100% prohibited transaction tax, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the particular transaction.

 

Failure to Qualify

 

Specified cure provisions are available to us in the event that we discover a violation of a provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT. Except with respect to violations of the REIT income tests and asset tests (for which the cure provisions are described above), and provided the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, these cure provisions generally impose a $50,000 penalty for each violation in lieu of a loss of REIT status.

 

If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions of the Code do not apply, we will be required to pay tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify as a REIT will not be deductible by us, and we will not be required to distribute any amounts to our stockholders. As a result, we anticipate that our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as regular corporate dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. In this event, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction and individuals may be eligible for the preferential tax rates on the qualified dividend income. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we will also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we lost our qualification. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to this statutory relief.

Tax Aspects of Our Operating Partnership, the Subsidiary Partnerships and the Limited Liability Companies

 

General.  All of our investments are held through our operating partnership. In addition, our operating partnership holds certain of its investments indirectly through subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies which we expect will be treated as partnerships (or disregarded entities) for federal income tax purposes. In general, entities that are classified as partnerships (or disregarded entities) for federal income tax purposes are treated as “pass-through” entities which are not required to pay federal income tax. Rather, partners or members of such entities are allocated their shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of the entity, and are potentially required to pay tax thereon, without regard to whether the partners or members receive a distribution of cash from the entity. We include in our income our pro rata share of the foregoing items for purposes of the various REIT income tests and in the computation of our REIT taxable income. Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests and subject to special rules relating to the 10% asset test described above, we will include our pro rata share of the assets held by our operating partnership, including its share of its subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies, based on our capital interest. See “— Taxation of Our Company.”

 

Entity Classification.  Our interests in our operating partnership and the subsidiary partnerships and limited liability companies involve special tax considerations, including the possibility that the IRS might challenge the status of one or more of these entities as a partnership (or disregarded entity), as opposed to an association taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. If our operating partnership, or a subsidiary partnership or limited liability company, were treated as an association, it would be taxable as a corporation and would be required to pay an entity-level tax on its income. In this situation, the character of our assets and items of gross income would change and could prevent us from satisfying the REIT asset tests and possibly the REIT income tests. See “— Taxation of Our Company — Asset Tests” and “— Income Tests.” This, in turn, could prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See “— Failure to Qualify” for a discussion of the effect of our failure to meet these tests for a taxable year. In addition, a change in the tax status of our operating partnership’s or a subsidiary partnership’s or limited liability company’s status might be treated as a taxable event. In that case, we might incur a tax liability without any related cash distributions. We believe our operating partnership and each of our other partnerships and limited liability companies will be classified as a partnership or a disregarded entity for federal income tax purposes.

 

Allocations of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction.  The operating partnership agreement generally provides that items of operating income and loss will be allocated to the holders of units in proportion to the number of units held by each such unit holder. Certain limited partners have agreed to guarantee debt of our operating partnership, either directly or indirectly through an agreement to make capital contributions to our operating partnership under limited circumstances. As a result of these guarantees or contribution agreements, and notwithstanding the foregoing discussion of allocations of income and loss of our operating partnership to holders of units, such limited partners could under limited circumstances be allocated a disproportionate amount of net loss upon a liquidation of our operating partnership, which net loss would have otherwise been allocable to us.

 

If an allocation of partnership income or loss does not comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury regulations thereunder, the item subject to the allocation would be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership. This reallocation 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 partnership’s 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 the Properties.  Under Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership, must be allocated in a manner so that the contributing partner is charged with the unrealized gain or benefits from the unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss generally is equal to the difference between the fair market value or book value and the adjusted tax basis of the contributed property at the time of contribution, as adjusted from time to time. These allocations are solely for federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. Appreciated property was contributed to our operating partnership in exchange for interests in our operating partnership in connection with our formation. The partnership

agreement requires that these allocations be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of accounting for book-tax differences. We and our operating partnership have agreed to use the “traditional method” for accounting for book-tax differences for the properties initially contributed to our operating partnership. Under the traditional method, which is the least favorable method from our perspective, the carryover basis of contributed interests in the properties in the hands of our operating partnership (1) will or could cause us to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if all contributed properties were to have a tax basis equal to their fair market value at the time of the contribution and (2) could cause us to be allocated taxable gain in the event of a sale of such contributed interests or properties in excess of the economic or book income allocated to us as a result of such sale, with a corresponding benefit to the other partners in our operating partnership. An allocation described in (2) above might cause us or the other partners to recognize taxable income in excess of cash proceeds in the event of a sale or other disposition of property, which might adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See “— Taxation of Our Company — Requirements for Qualification as a Real Estate Investment Trust” and “— Annual Distribution Requirements.” To the extent our depreciation is reduced, or our gain on sale is increased, stockholders may recognize additional dividend income without an increase in distributions.

 

Any property acquired by our operating partnership in a taxable transaction will initially have a tax basis equal to its fair market value, and Section 704(c) of the Code will not apply.

 

Federal Income Tax Considerations for Holders of Our Capital Stock

 

The following summary describes certain of the federal income tax consequences to you of owning and disposing of our capital stock. If you are considering purchasing our capital stock, you should consult your tax advisors concerning the application of United States federal income tax laws to your particular situation as well as any consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our capital stock arising under other federal laws and the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.

 

Taxable U.S. Holders Generally

 

Distributions Generally.  Distributions out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, other than capital gain dividends and certain amounts subject to corporate level taxation as discussed below, will constitute dividends taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as ordinary income when actually or constructively received. See “— Tax Rates” below. As long as we qualify as a REIT, these distributions will not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of U.S. holders that are corporations or, except to the extent provided in “— Tax Rates” below, the preferential tax rates on qualified dividend income applicable to non-corporate taxpayers. For purposes of determining whether distributions to holders of our capital stock are out of current or accumulated earnings and profits, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to distributions on our outstanding preferred stock, and then to distributions on our outstanding common stock.

 

To the extent that we make distributions on our capital stock in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, these distributions will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to a U.S. holder. This treatment will reduce the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our capital stock by the amount of the distribution, but not below zero. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and in excess of a U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares will be taxable as capital gains. Such gain will be taxable as long-term capital gain if the shares have been held for more than one year. Dividends we declare in October, November, or December of any year and which are 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 that year, provided we actually pay the dividend on or before January 31 of the following year. U.S. holders may not include in their income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.

 

Certain stock dividends, including dividends partially paid in our common stock and partially paid in cash that comply with Revenue Procedure 2009-15, will be taxable to recipient U.S. holders to the same extent as if paid in cash. See “Taxation of the Company — Annual Distribution Requirements” above.

Capital Gain Dividends.  Dividends that we properly designate as capital gain dividends will be taxable to our taxable U.S. holders as a gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset, to the extent that such gain does not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year. These dividends may be taxable to non-corporate U.S. holders at a 15% or 25% rate. U.S. holders that are corporations, however, may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. If we properly designate any portion of a dividend as a capital gain dividend then, except as otherwise required by law, we presently intend to allocate a portion of the total capital gain dividends paid or made available to holders of all classes of our stock for the year to the holders of our capital stock in proportion to the amount that our total dividends, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, paid or made available to the holders of such class of capital stock for the year bears to the total dividends, as determined for United States federal income tax purposes, paid or made available to holders of all classes of our stock for the year.

 

Retention of Net Capital Gains.  We may elect to retain, rather than distribute as a capital gain dividend, all or a portion of our net capital gains. If we make this election, we would pay tax on our retained net capital gains. In addition, to the extent we so elect, a U.S. holder generally would:

 

 

Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations.  Distributions we make and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. holder of our shares will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. holders generally will not be able to apply any “passive losses” against this income or gain. A U.S. holder may elect to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of stock and qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation, but in such case, the stockholder will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amount. Other distributions made by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation.

 

Dispositions of Our Capital Stock.  If a U.S. holder sells or disposes of shares of our capital stock, except as set forth below under “Redemption or Repurchase by Us”, it will recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received on the sale or other disposition and the holder’s adjusted basis in the shares for tax purposes. This gain or loss, except as provided below, will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holder has held the capital stock for more than one year at the time of such sale or disposition. If, however, a U.S. holder recognizes loss upon the sale or other disposition of our capital stock that it has held for six months or less, after applying certain holding period rules, the loss recognized will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent the U.S. holder received distributions from us which were required to be treated as long-term capital gains.

 

Redemption or Repurchase by Us.  A redemption or repurchase of shares of our stock will be treated under Section 302 of the Code as a distribution taxable as a dividend to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, generally at ordinary income rates, unless the redemption or repurchase satisfies one of the tests set forth in Section 302(b) of the Code and is therefore treated as a sale or exchange of the redeemed or repurchased shares. The redemption or repurchase will be treated as a sale or exchange if it:

 

 

all within the meaning of Section 302(b) of the Code.

 

In determining whether any of these tests have been met, shares of capital stock, including common stock and other equity interests in us, considered to be owned by the U.S. holder by reason of certain constructive ownership rules set forth in the Code, as well as shares of our capital stock actually owned by the U.S. holder, must generally be taken into account. Because the determination as to whether any of the alternative tests of Section 302(b) of the Code will be satisfied with respect to the U.S. holder depends upon the facts and circumstances at the time that the determination must be made, U.S. holders are advised to consult their tax advisors to determine such tax treatment.

 

If a redemption or repurchase of shares of our stock is treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend, the amount of the distribution will be measured by the amount of cash and the fair market value of any property received. See “— Distributions Generally.” A U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in the redeemed or repurchased shares of the stock for tax purposes will be transferred to its remaining shares of our capital stock, if any. If a U.S. holder owns no other shares of our capital stock, such basis may, under certain circumstances, be transferred to a related person or it may be lost entirely.

 

If a redemption or repurchase of shares of our stock is not treated as a distribution taxable as a dividend, it will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange in the manner described above under “— Dispositions of Our Capital Stock.”

 

Backup Withholding

 

We report to our U.S. holders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year, and the amount of any tax withheld. Under the backup withholding rules, a U.S. holder may be subject to backup withholding with respect to dividends paid unless the U.S. holder is a corporation or comes within certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact, or provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A U.S. holder that does not provide us with its correct taxpayer identification number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against the U.S. holder’s federal income tax liability, provided the required information is timely filed with the IRS. In addition, we may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to any stockholders who fail to certify their non-foreign status. See “— Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders.”

 

Tax Rates

 

The maximum tax rate for non-corporate taxpayers for (1) capital gains, including certain “capital gain dividends,” has generally been reduced to 15% (although depending on the characteristics of the assets which produced these gains and on designations which we may make, certain capital gain dividends may be taxed at a 25% rate) and (2) “qualified dividend income” has generally been reduced to 15%. In general, dividends payable by REITs are not eligible for the reduced tax rate on corporate dividends, except to the extent that certain holding requirements have been met and the REIT’s dividends are attributable to dividends received from taxable corporations (such as its taxable REIT subsidiaries) or to income that was subject to tax at the corporate/REIT level (for example, if it distributed taxable income that it retained and paid tax on in the prior taxable year). The currently applicable provisions of the United States federal income tax laws relating to the 15% tax rate are currently scheduled to “sunset” or revert to the provisions of prior law effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010, at which time the capital gains tax rate will be increased to 20% and the rate applicable to dividends will be increased to the tax rate then applicable to ordinary income. In addition, U.S. holders that are corporations may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income.

 

Taxation of Tax-Exempt Stockholders

 

Dividend income from us and gain arising upon a sale of our capital stock generally should not be unrelated business taxable income to a tax-exempt stockholder, except as described below. This income or gain will be unrelated business taxable income, however, if a tax-exempt stockholder holds its shares as “debt-financed property” within the meaning of the Code or if the shares are used in a trade or business of the tax-exempt

stockholder. Generally, “debt-financed property” is property, the acquisition or holding of which is financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt stockholder.

 

For tax-exempt stockholders which are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, or qualified group legal services plans exempt from federal income taxation under Sections 501(c)(7), (c)(9), (c)(17) or (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, income from an investment in our shares will constitute unrelated business taxable income unless the organization is able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by its investment in our shares. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these “set aside” and reserve requirements.

 

Notwithstanding the above, a portion of the dividends paid by a “pension-held REIT” may be treated as unrelated business taxable income as to certain trusts that hold more than 10%, by value, of the interests in the REIT. A REIT will not be a “pension-held REIT” if it is able to satisfy the “not closely held” requirement without relying on the “look-through” exception with respect to certain trusts or if such REIT is not “predominantly held” by “qualified trusts.” As a result of limitations on the transfer and ownership of stock contained in our charter, we do not expect to be classified as a “pension-held REIT,” and as a result, the tax treatment described in this paragraph should be inapplicable to our stockholders. However, because our stock will be publicly traded, we cannot guarantee that this is or will always be the case.

 

Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders

 

The following discussion addresses the rules governing United States federal income taxation of the ownership and disposition of our capital stock by non-U.S. holders. These rules are complex, and no attempt is made herein to provide more than a brief summary of such rules. Accordingly, the discussion does not address all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be relevant to a non-U.S. holder in light of its particular circumstances and does not address any state, local or foreign tax consequences. We urge non-U.S. holders to consult their tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state, local and foreign income tax laws on the purchase, ownership, and disposition of shares of our capital stock, including any reporting requirements.

 

Distributions Generally.  Distributions (including certain stock dividends) that are neither attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of United States real property interests nor designated by us as capital gain dividends will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions ordinarily will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty unless the distributions are treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. holder of a United States trade or business. Under certain treaties, however, lower withholding rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from a REIT. Certain certification and disclosure requirements must be satisfied to be exempt from withholding under the effectively connected income exemption. Dividends that are treated as effectively connected with such a trade or business will be subject to tax on a net basis at graduated rates, in the same manner as dividends paid to U.S. holders are subject to tax, and are generally not subject to withholding. Any such dividends received by a non-U.S. holder that is a corporation may also be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

 

Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a non-U.S. holder to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the non-U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in our capital stock, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of such capital stock. To the extent that these distributions exceed a non-U.S. holder’s adjusted basis in our capital stock, they will give rise to gain from the sale or exchange of such stock. The tax treatment of this gain is described below.

 

For withholding purposes, we expect to treat all distributions as made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. As a result, except with respect to certain distributions attributable to the sale of United States

real property interests as described below, we expect to withhold United States income tax at the rate of 30% on any distributions made to a non-U.S. holder unless:

 

 

However, amounts withheld should generally be refundable if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

 

Capital Gain Dividends and Distributions Attributable to a Sale or Exchange of United States Real Property Interests.  Distributions to a non-U.S. holder that we properly designate as capital gain dividends, other than those arising from the disposition of a United States real property interest, generally should not be subject to United States federal income taxation, unless:

 

(1) the investment in our capital stock is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s United States trade or business, in which case the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. holders with respect to such gain, except that a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax, as discussed above; or

 

(2) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met, in which case the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual’s capital gains.

 

Pursuant to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, or FIRPTA, distributions to a non-U.S. holder that are attributable to gain from our sale or exchange of United States real property interests (whether or not designated as capital gain dividends) will cause the non-U.S. holder to be treated as recognizing such gain as income effectively connected with a United States trade or business. Non-U.S. holders would generally be taxed at the same rates applicable to U.S. holders, subject to a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals. We also will be required to withhold and to remit to the IRS 35% (or 15% to the extent provided in Treasury regulations) of any distribution to non-U.S. holders that is designated as a capital gain dividend, or, if greater, 35% (or 15% to the extent provided in Treasury regulations) of a distribution to the non-U.S. holders that could have been designated as a capital gain dividend. The amount withheld is creditable against the non-U.S. holder’s United States federal income tax liability. However, any distribution with respect to any class of stock which is regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States is not subject to FIRPTA, and therefore, not subject to the 35% U.S. withholding tax described above, if the non-U.S. holder did not own more than 5% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of the distribution. Instead, such distributions generally will be treated in the same manner as ordinary dividend distributions.

 

Retention of Net Capital Gains.  Although the law is not clear on the matter, it appears that amounts designated by us as retained capital gains in respect of the capital stock held by U.S. holders generally should be treated with respect to non-U.S. holders in the same manner as actual distributions by us of capital gain dividends. Under this approach, a non-U.S. holder would be able to offset as a credit against its United States federal income tax liability resulting from its proportionate share of the tax paid by us on such retained capital gains, and to receive from the IRS a refund to the extent of the non-U.S. stockholder’s proportionate share of such tax paid by us exceeds its actual United States federal income tax liability.

 

Sale of Our Capital Stock.  Gain recognized by a non-U.S. holder upon the sale or exchange of our capital stock generally will not be subject to United States federal income taxation unless such stock constitutes a “United States real property interest” within the meaning of FIRPTA. Our capital stock will not constitute a “United States real property interest” so long as we are a “domestically-controlled qualified investment entity.” A domestically-controlled qualified investment entity includes a REIT if at all times during a specified testing period, less than 50% in value of such REIT’s stock is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. holders. We believe, but cannot guarantee, that we have been a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity, and because our capital

stock is publicly traded, no assurance can be given that we will continue to be a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, gain from the sale or exchange of our capital stock not otherwise subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to a non-U.S. holder if either (1) the investment in our capital stock is treated as effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s United States trade or business or (2) the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are met. In addition, even if we qualify as a domestically controlled qualified investment entity, upon disposition of our capital stock (subject to the 5% exception applicable to “regularly traded” stock described above), a non-U.S. holder may be treated as having gain from the sale or exchange of United States real property interest if the non-U.S. holder (1) disposes of our capital stock within a 30-day period preceding the ex-dividend date of a distribution, any portion of which, but for the disposition, would have been treated as gain from the sale or exchange of a United States real property interest and (2) acquires, or enters into a contract or option to acquire, other shares of our capital stock during the 61-day period beginning with the first day of the 30-day period described in clause (1). Non-U.S. holders should contact their tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of any sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition of our capital stock.

 

Even if we do not qualify as a domestically-controlled qualified investment entity at the time a non-U.S. holder sells or exchanges our capital stock, gain arising from such a sale or exchange would not be subject to United States taxation under FIRPTA as a sale of a United States real property interest if:

 

(1) our capital stock is “regularly traded,” as defined by applicable Treasury regulations, on an established securities market such as the NYSE; and

 

(2) such non-U.S. holder owned, actually and constructively, 5% or less of our capital stock throughout the applicable testing period.

 

If gain on the sale or exchange of our capital stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. holder would be subject to regular United States federal income tax with respect to such gain in the same manner as a taxable U.S. holder (subject to any applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). In addition, if the sale or exchange of our capital stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, and if shares of our capital stock were not “regularly traded” on an established securities market, the purchaser of such capital stock would be required to withhold and remit to the IRS 10% of the purchase price. If amounts withheld on a sale, redemption, repurchase, or exchange of our capital stock exceed the non-U.S. holder’s substantive tax liability resulting from such disposition, such excess may be refunded or credited against such non-U.S. holder’s federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is provided to the IRS on a timely basis. Amounts withheld on any such sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our capital stock may not satisfy a non-U.S. holder’s entire tax liability under FIRPTA, and such non-U.S. holder remains liable for the timely payment of any remaining tax liability.

 

Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting.  Generally, we must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid to a non-U.S. holder, such holder’s name and address, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. A similar report is sent to the non-U.S. holder. Pursuant to tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may make its reports available to tax authorities in the non-U.S. holder’s country of residence.

 

Payments of dividends or of proceeds from the disposition of stock made to a non-U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless such holder establishes an exemption, for example, by properly certifying its non-United States status on an IRS Form W-8BEN or another appropriate version of IRS Form W-8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding and information reporting may apply if either we or our paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that a non-U.S. holder is a United States person.

 

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the United States income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund or credit may be obtained, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Taxation of Holders of Our Debt Securities

 

The following summary describes the principal United States federal income tax consequences to you purchasing, owning and disposing of our debt securities. This discussion assumes the debt securities will be issued without original issue discount, or OID. OID with respect to a debt security is the excess, if any, of the debt security’s “stated redemption price at maturity” over its “issue price.” The “stated redemption price at maturity” is the sum of all payments provided by the debt security, whether designated as interest or as principal, other than payments of “qualified stated interest.” Interest on debt security generally will constitute qualified stated interest if the interest is unconditionally payable, or will be constructively received under Section 451 of the Code, in cash or in property, other than debt instruments issued by us, at least annually at a single fixed rate. The “issue price” of a debt security is the first price at which a substantial amount of the debt securities in the issuance that includes such debt security is sold for money, excluding sales to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers. The amount of OID with respect to a debt security will be treated as zero if the OID is less than an amount equal to 0.0025 multiplied by the product of the stated redemption price at maturity and the number of complete years to maturity, or, in the case of a debt security that provides for payment of any amount other than qualified stated interest prior to maturity, the weighted average maturity of the debt security. If one or more series of debt securities are issued with OID, disclosure concerning the tax considerations arising therefrom will be included with the applicable prospectus supplement. If you are considering purchasing our debt securities, you should consult your tax advisors concerning the application of United States federal income tax laws to your particular situation as well as any consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our debt securities arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction.

 

Taxable U.S. Holders of Our Debt Securities

 

Stated Interest.  U.S. holders generally must include interest on the debt securities in their federal taxable income as ordinary income:

 

 

If we redeem or otherwise repurchase the debt securities, we may be obligated to pay additional amounts in excess of stated principal and interest. Unless otherwise provided in an applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to take the position that the debt securities should not be treated as contingent payment debt instruments because of this additional payment. Assuming such position is respected, a U.S. holder would be required to include in income the amount of any such additional payment at the time such payment is received or accrued in accordance with such U.S. holder’s method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes. If the IRS successfully challenged this position, and the debt securities were treated as contingent payment debt instruments, U.S. holders could be required to accrue interest income at a rate higher than the stated interest rate on the debt securities and to treat as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, any gain recognized on a sale, exchange or redemption of a debt security. U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application to the debt securities of the contingent payment debt instrument rules and the consequences thereof.

 

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of the Debt Securities.  Unless a nonrecognition provision applies, U.S. holders must recognize taxable gain or loss on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a debt security. The amount of gain or loss equals the difference between (i) the amount the U.S. holder receives for the debt security in cash or other property, valued at fair market value, less the amount thereof that is attributable to accrued but unpaid interest on the debt security and (ii) the U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in the debt security. A U.S. holder’s initial tax basis in a debt security generally will equal the price the U.S. holder paid for the debt security.

 

Gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time the debt security is disposed of it has been held for more than one year. Otherwise, it will be a short-term capital gain or loss.

 

Payments attributable to accrued interest which have not yet been included in income will be taxed as ordinary interest income. The maximum federal income tax rate on long-term capital gain on most capital assets held by an

individual is currently 15%. The federal income tax laws relating to this 15% tax rate are scheduled to “sunset” or revert to provisions of prior law effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010, at which time the capital gains tax rate will be increased to 20%. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding.  Backup withholding at the applicable statutory rate may apply when a U.S. holder receives interest payments on a debt security or proceeds upon the sale or other disposition of a debt security. Certain holders including, among others, corporations, financial institutions and certain tax-exempt organizations, are generally not subject to backup withholding. In addition, backup withholding will not apply to a U.S. holder who provides his or her social security or other taxpayer identification number in the prescribed manner unless:

 

 

A U.S. holder of debt securities who provides us or our paying agent with an incorrect taxpayer identification number may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. If backup withholding does apply, the U.S. holder may request a refund of the amounts withheld or use the amounts withheld as a credit against the U.S. holder’s United States federal income tax liability as long as the U.S. holder timely provides the required information to the IRS. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors as to their qualification for exemption from backup withholding and the procedures for obtaining the exemption.

 

We will be required to furnish annually to the IRS and to holders of debt securities information relating to the amount of interest paid on the debt securities, and that information reporting may also apply to payments of proceeds from the sale of the debt securities to those holders. Some holders, including corporations, financial institutions and certain tax-exempt organizations, generally are not subject to information reporting.

 

Non-U.S. Holders of Our Debt Securities

 

This section applies to you if you are a non-U.S. holder of our debt securities. Special rules may apply to certain non-U.S. holders such as “controlled foreign corporations” and “passive foreign investment companies.” Such entities are encouraged to consult their tax advisors to determine the United States federal, state, local and other tax consequences that may be relevant to them.

 

Payments of Interest.  Interest paid to a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to United States federal income taxes or withholding tax if the interest is not effectively connected with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States, and the non-U.S. holder:

 

 

If a non-U.S. holder does not qualify for an exemption under these rules, interest income from the debt securities may be subject to withholding tax at the rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) at the time such interest is paid. The payment of interest effectively connected with a United States trade or business, however, would not be subject to a 30% withholding tax so long as the non-U.S. holder provides us or our paying agent an adequate certification (currently on IRS Form W-8ECI), but such interest would be subject to United States federal income tax on a net basis at the rates applicable to United States persons generally. In addition, if the payment of interest is effectively connected with a foreign corporation’s conduct of a United States trade or business, that foreign corporation may also be subject to a 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) branch profits tax. To claim the benefit of a tax treaty, a non-U.S. holder must provide a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN claiming exemption from or reduction in withholding before the payment of interest, and a non-U.S. holder may be required to obtain a United States taxpayer identification number and provide documentary evidence issued by foreign governmental authorities to prove residence in the foreign country.

 

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Debt Securities.  Non-U.S. holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax on any amount which constitutes capital gain upon a sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a debt security, unless either of the following is true:

 

 

For non-U.S. holders described in the first bullet point above, the net gain derived from the retirement or disposition of the debt securities generally would be subject to United States federal income tax at the rates applicable to United States persons generally (or lower applicable treaty rate). In addition, foreign corporations may be subject to a 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) branch profits tax if the investment in the debt security is effectively connected with the foreign corporation’s conduct of a United States trade or business. Non-U.S. holders described in the second bullet point above will be subject to a flat 30% United States federal income tax on the gain derived from the retirement or disposition of their debt securities, which may be offset by United States source capital losses, even though non-U.S. holders are not considered residents of the United States.

 

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.  Backup withholding and information reporting generally will not apply to payments made to a non-U.S. holder with respect to the debt securities, provided that we do not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the non-U.S. holder is a U.S. person and the holder has given us the certification described above under “Non-U.S. Holders of Our Debt Securities — Payments of Interest.” In addition, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting with respect to the proceeds of the sale of debt securities within the United States or conducted through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, if the payor receives the statement described above and does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a United States person, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption. However, we may be required to report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to a non-U.S. holder the amount of, and the tax withheld with respect to, any interest (including any OID) paid to the non-U.S. holder, regardless of whether any tax was actually withheld. Copies of these information returns may also be made available under the provisions of a specific treaty or agreement to the tax authorities of the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides.

 

A non-U.S. holder generally will be entitled to credit any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules against the holder’s United States federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner. Non-U.S. holders of debt securities should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of backup withholding and information reporting in their particular situation, the availability of an exemption therefrom, and the procedure for obtaining an exemption, if available.

Other Tax Consequences

 

State, local and foreign income tax laws may differ substantially from the corresponding federal income tax laws, and this discussion does not purport to describe any aspect of the tax laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction or any federal tax other than income tax. You should consult your tax advisors regarding the effect of state and local tax laws with respect to our tax treatment as a REIT and on an investment in our securities.

 

We may sell the securities domestically or abroad to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them or may sell the securities to investors directly or through dealers or agents, or through a combination of methods. Any underwriter, dealer or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at: (1) a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, (2) market prices prevailing at the time of sale, (3) prices related to the prevailing market prices at the time of sale or (4) negotiated prices. We also may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as their agents to offer and sell the securities upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of securities, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent. Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and the dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

 

Any underwriting compensation paid by us to underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering of securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. The maximum compensation to be received by any FINRA member will not exceed 8% of the gross offering proceeds in connection with the sale of the securities registered hereunder. Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us and our operating partnership, to indemnification against and contribution toward civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. We will describe any indemnification agreement in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Unless we specify otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, any series of securities issued hereunder will be a new issue with no established trading market (other than our common stock and Series A preferred stock, which are listed on the NYSE). If we sell any shares of our common stock or Series A preferred stock pursuant to a prospectus supplement, such shares will be listed on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. We may elect to list any other securities issued hereunder on any exchange, but we are not obligated to do so. Any underwriters or agents to or through whom such securities are sold by us or our operating partnership for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. We cannot assure you as to the liquidity of the trading market for any such securities.

 

If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by institutions or other suitable purchasers to purchase the securities from us at the public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement, pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on the date or dates stated in the prospectus supplement. These purchasers may include, among others, commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies and educational and charitable institutions. Delayed delivery contracts will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the securities covered by the delayed delivery contracts will not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction in the United States to which the purchaser is subject. The underwriters and agents will not have any responsibility with respect to the validity or performance of these contracts.

To facilitate the offering of the securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involves the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover the over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

 

The underwriters, dealers and agents and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with and perform services for us and our operating partnership in the ordinary course of business.

 

Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Latham & Watkins LLP, San Diego, California. Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, has issued an opinion to us regarding certain matters of Maryland law.

 

The consolidated financial statements, the related financial statement schedule III, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December, 31, 2008, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 have been incorporated by reference herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

The audit report covering the December 31, 2008 consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule makes reference to the Company retrospectively applying certain adjustments upon the adoption of new accounting standards related to non-controlling interests, exchangeable senior notes, and earnings per share.

 

 

$120,000,000

 

 

BioMed Realty Trust, Inc.

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

 

 

Raymond James

 

UBS Investment Bank

 

Wells Fargo Securities

 

 

September 4, 2009