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Lend Lease Corp LtdAs filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2016
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
o REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
⌧ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to
o SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 000-29992
OPTIBASE LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of Registrant’s
name into English)
Israel
(Jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
15 Abba Even Street
Herzliya 4672533, Israel
+972-73-7073700
(Address of principal executive offices)
Mr. Amir Philips, Chief Executive Officer
Telephone Number: 972-73-7073700, Fax Number: 972-73-7073701, Email: amirp@optibase-holdings.com
15 Abba Even Street
Herzliya 4672533, Israel
(Name, Telephone, E-Mail and/or Facsimile and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Ordinary Shares,
par-value NIS 0.65 each
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The Nasdaq Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
Not Applicable
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 5,183,525 Ordinary
Shares, par value NIS 0.65 per share, including 49,895 Ordinary Shares held by the Registrant and 12,000 Ordinary Shares held by a trustee for the benefit of the Registrant’s employees
and directors under the Registrant’s incentive plan which have not vested on March 21, 2016, or within 60 days thereafter, both awarding their holders no voting or equity rights.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes
No ⌧
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes o
No ⌧
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes ⌧
No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer ⌧
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
Yes ⌧
No o
U.S. GAAP ⌧
International Financing Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board o
Other o
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Item 17 o
Item 18 o
Yes o
No ⌧
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTION FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATE PURCHASERS
ITEM 16F. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
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4
4
5
5
5
5
20
31
31
46
59
69
71
72
87
88
89
89
89
89
90
90
90
90
91
91
91
91
91
92
92
92
92
CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS
In this annual report, unless otherwise provided, references to the “Company,” “Optibase”, “we”, “us” or “our” are to Optibase Ltd., a company organized under the laws of Israel, and
its wholly owned subsidiaries. In addition, references to our financial statements are to our consolidated financial statements, except as the context otherwise requires. References to “U.S.” or
“United States” are to the United States of America, its territories and its possessions.
In this annual report, references to “$” or “dollars” or “U.S. dollars” or “USD” are to the legal currency of the United States, references to “CHF” are to Swiss Francs, references to “€ ”
or “Euro” or “EUR” are to the legal currency of the European Union and references to “NIS” are to New Israeli Shekels, the legal currency of Israel. The Company’s financial statements are
presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. Except as otherwise specified, financial information is presented in U.S. dollars. References
to a particular “fiscal” year are to the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31 of such year.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
IN ADDITION TO HISTORICAL INFORMATION, THIS ANNUAL REPORT CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A
OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED. THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
CONTAINED HEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE REFLECTED IN
THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT MIGHT CAUSE SUCH A DIFFERENCE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THOSE DISCUSSED IN THE SECTIONS
ENTITLED “RISK FACTORS”, “INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY” AND “OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS” AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT. READERS
ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH REFLECT MANAGEMENT’S BELIEFS, ASSUMPTIONS AND
EXPECTATIONS OF OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION. IN ADDITION, READERS
SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT AND IN THE COMPANY’S PERIODIC REPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION FROM TIME TO TIME. WE DO NOT UNDERTAKE ANY OBLIGATION TO UPDATE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHETHER
AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED UNDER APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
- 4 -
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
PART I
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
3.A. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
We derived the consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2015
from the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP, and audited by our independent registered public accounting firm. We derived the consolidated statement of operations data for the
years ended December 31, 2011 and 2012 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 from audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in
this Form 20-F that were also prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and audited by our independent registered public accounting firm. The selected financial data set forth below should be
read in conjunction with and are qualified by reference to “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the financial statements, and notes thereto and other financial information
included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 20-F.
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
2011
Year Ended December 31,
2014
2013
2012
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2015
Fixed income from real estate
$
12,479
$
13,676
$
13,711
$
13,938
$
15,273
Costs and expenses:
Cost of real estate operation
Real estate depreciation and amortization
General and Administrative
Other operating costs
Total costs and expenses
Gain on sale of operating properties
Operating income
Gain on bargain purchase
Other income (loss)
Financial expenses, net
Net income (loss) before taxes on income
Taxes on income
Equity share in earnings (losses) of associates, net
Net income from continuing operations
Net loss from discontinued operations
Net income
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to Optibase LTD
Net earnings (loss) per share :
Basic and Diluted net earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
Basic and diluted net loss per share from discontinued operations
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic
and diluted net earnings (loss) per share (in thousands):
Basic
Diluted
1,869
2,153
3,057
7,079
-
5,400
4,412
-
(7,481)
2,331
(481)
-
1,850
(51)
1,799
$
2,038
(239) $
(0.07) $
$
0.00
(0.07) $
3,642
3,642
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$
$
$
$
$
1,966
2,569
2,068
6,603
-
7,073
-
(100)
(1,243)
5,730
(1,643)
(32)
4,055
-
4,055
$
2,478
1,577
$
0.41
0.00
$
$
0.41
$
2,199
3,369
1,870
7,438
-
6,273
-
384
(1,343)
5,314
(1,518)
(172)
3,624
-
3,624
$
2,159
1,465
$
0.38
0.00
$
$
0.38
$
2,777
3,813
2,167
8,757
2,709
7,890
-
394
(1,151)
7,133
(1,502)
(186)
5,445
-
5,445
$
2,106
3,339
$
0.65
0.00
$
$
0.65
$
3,818
3,820
3,822
3,826
5,127
5,131
2,958
3,925
1,849
2,352
11,084
-
4,189
-
429
(1,807)
2,811
(1,609)
(31)
1,171
-
1,171
2,239
(1,068)
(0.21)
0.00
(0.21)
5,133
5,133
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
2011
2012
Year Ended December 31,
2013
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
2014
2015
$
$
22,945
16,361
192,173
219,885
126,135
131,478
61,261
$
$
19,142
11,985
194,826
224,882
126,895
131,568
66,552
$
$
18,811
10,112
209,761
238,748
127,741
138,813
78,924
$
$
22,902
14,500
185,204
218,004
112,481
138,886
77,075
$
$
23,806
10,360
214,840
262,944
161,100
138,949
75,584
Cash and cash equivalents
Working capital
Real estate property net
Total assets
Long term loans and bonds, including current maturities
Capital Stock
Total shareholders’ equity
3.B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not applicable.
3.C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
3.D. RISK FACTORS
Our business operations are subject to various risks resulting from changing economic, political, industry, business and financial conditions. In addition, this annual report
contains various forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial results. Below we attempt to identify and describe the principal
uncertainties and risk factors that in our view at the present time may affect our financial condition, cash flows and results of operations and our forward-looking statements. Readers are
reminded that the uncertainties and risks identified below in this annual report do not purport to constitute a comprehensive list of all the uncertainties and risks, which may affect our
business and the forward-looking statements in this annual report. In addition, we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
Risks Relating to the Economy, Our Financial Condition and Shareholdings
We have a history of losses and we might not be able to sustain profitability.
Prior to 2012, mainly during our engagement in the Video Solutions Business and except for several non-continuous quarters during 2010 and 2011, we have been operating at a loss.
Since 2012, except for the second quarter, and during 2013, 2014, we have been profitable. In 2015, we operated at a loss mainly due to acquisition-related costs of $2.4 million related to the
acquisition of the twenty-seven (27) supermarkets in Bavaria, Germany.
- 6 -
As of December 31, 2015, we have accumulated losses of $61 million. However, given current market conditions, the demand for our real estate properties and other expenses, we may
operate at a loss and may not be able to sustain profitability in the future, and our operating results for future periods will continue to be subject to numerous uncertainties and risks. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to increase our revenues and sustain profitability. For further details regarding our cash flow, see Item 5.B“Operating and Financial Review and Prospects -
Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
We may be affected by instability in the global economy, including the recent European economic and financial turmoil.
Instability in the global credit markets, including the recent European economic and financial turmoil related to sovereign debt issues in certain countries, the instability in the
geopolitical environment in many parts of the world and other disruptions, such as changes in energy costs, may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions. The world has recently
experienced a global macroeconomic downturn, and if global economic and market conditions, or economic conditions in key markets, remain uncertain, stagnant or deteriorate further, we may
experience material adverse impacts on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our ability to freely operate our business is limited as a result of certain covenants included in the deed of trust of our Series A Bonds.
The deed of trust governing the Series A Bonds, or the Series A Deed of Trust, contains a number of covenants that limit our operating and financial flexibility (such as our minimum
equity (excluding minority interest) will not be less than $33 million; our equity (including minority interest) to balance sheet ratio will not be less than 25%; the net financial debt to CAP ratio will
not be greater than 70%). For a description of Series A Deed of Trust, see Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
Our ability to continue to comply with these and other obligations depends in part on the future performance of our business. Such covenants may hinder our ability to finance our future
operations or the manner in which we operate our business. In particular, any non-compliance with our financial covenants and other undertakings under Series A Deed of Trust could result in
demand for immediate repayment of the outstanding amount under the Series A Bonds and restrict our ability to obtain additional funds, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and our results of operations.
We may continue to seek to expand our business through acquisitions that could result in a diversion of resources and our incurring additional expenses, which could disrupt our business
and harm our financial condition.
As we have done in the past, we may in the future continue to pursue acquisitions of businesses, or the establishment of joint ventures, that could expand our business. The
negotiation of potential acquisitions or joint ventures as well as the integration of an acquired or jointly developed business, could cause diversion of management’s time as well as our
resources. Future acquisitions could result in:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Additional operating expenses without additional revenues;
Potential dilutive issuances of equity securities;
The incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities;
Amortization of bargain purchase gain and other intangibles;
Impairment charges; and
Other acquisition-related expenses.
Acquired businesses or joint ventures may not be successfully integrated with our operations. If any acquisition or joint venture were to occur, we may not receive the intended benefits of the
acquisition or joint venture. If future acquisitions disrupt our operations, our business may suffer.
- 7 -
A large percentage of our ordinary shares are held by one shareholder who could significantly influence the outcome of actions.
The Capri Family Foundation, or Capri, a foundation organized under the laws of the Republic of Panama, beneficially own, directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, approximately 73.95%
of our outstanding ordinary shares. For further information, see Item 4.A. “History and Development of The Company” and Item 7.A. “Major Shareholders” below. As a result of such holdings
in our ordinary shares, Capri can significantly influence the outcome of corporate actions requiring an ordinary majority approval by our shareholders, including the election of directors and the
approval of mergers or other business combination transactions.
We are currently, and may be in the future, the target of securities class action, derivative claim or other litigation, which could be costly and time consuming to defend.
In the past, following a period of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action lawsuits, derivative claims and other actions have often been taken
against public companies and their directors and officers. Recent years have been characterized by a substantial increase in the number of requests for certification of class actions filed and
approved in Israel. Currently, we are engaged in one material legal proceeding, which is for substantial amounts. In May 2015 we were served with a motion to approve the filing of a derivative
claim (on behalf of the Optibase) against the Company's controlling shareholder, directors and CEO and against certain former controlling shareholder and directors. Should this request to certify
lawsuits against us as a derivative claim be approved and succeed, this may have a material adverse effect on our financial results. Additionally, and due to the nature of derivative claims,
regardless of its outcome, and even if the claims are without merits, it incurs substantial costs and our management resources that are diverted to defending such litigation. For further details see
Item 8. “Financial Information - Legal Proceedings”.
We have experienced significant fluctuations in our results of operations at times in the past and expect these fluctuations to continue. These fluctuations may result in volatility in our
share price.
We have experienced at times in the past, and may in the future experience, significant fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results. Factors that may contribute to the fluctuations in
our quarterly results of operations include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The purchase or failure to purchase real-estate assets;
Changes in rent prices for our properties;
Changes in presence of tenants and tenants' insolvency;
Changes in the availability, cost and terms of financing;
The ongoing need for capital improvements;
Changes in foreign exchange rates;
Changes in interest rates; and
General economic conditions, particularly in those countries or regions in which we operate.
It is likely that in some future periods, our operating results may be below expectations of public market analysts or investors. If this occurs, the market price of our ordinary shares may
drop.
The trading price of our ordinary shares has been volatile, and may continue to fluctuate due to factors beyond our control.
The trading price of our ordinary shares is and will continue to be subject to significant fluctuations in response to numerous factors, including:
•
•
Availability of funding resources for the acquisition of new real estate assets;
General market conditions and other factors, including factors unrelated to our operating performance or the operating performance of our competitors;
- 8 -
•
•
•
•
•
•
Seizure of a substantial business opportunity by our competitors or us;
Changes in interest rates;
Changes in foreign exchange rates;
The entering into new businesses;
Quarterly variations in our results of operations or in our competitors’ results of operations; and
Changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by securities analysts.
This volatility may continue in the future. In addition, any shortfall or changes in our revenues, operating income, earnings or other financial results could cause the market price of our
ordinary shares to fluctuate significantly. In recent years, the stock market has experienced significant price and trading volume fluctuations, which have particularly affected the market price of
many companies and which may not be related to the operating performance of those companies. These broad market fluctuations have affected and may continue to affect adversely the market
price of our ordinary shares. In recent years, the trading price of our ordinary shares has been highly volatile. From January 2014 through March 21, 2016, the closing price of our ordinary shares
listed on the NASDAQ Global Market fluctuated reaching a high of $9.29 and decreasing to a low of $5.15. The fluctuations and factors listed above, as well as general economic, political and
market conditions may further materially adversely affect the market price of our ordinary shares.
Our effective tax rate could be materially affected by several factors including, among others, changes in the amount of income taxed by or allocated to the various jurisdictions in
which we operate that have differing statutory tax rates, changing tax laws, regulations and interpretations of such tax laws in multiple jurisdictions.
We conduct business globally and file income tax returns in multiple jurisdictions. We report our results of operations based on our determination of the amount of taxes owed in the
various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination of our consolidated provision for income taxes and other tax liabilities requires estimation, judgment and calculations where the
ultimate tax determination may not be certain. Our determination of tax liability is always subject to review or examination by authorities in various jurisdictions.
If a tax authority in any jurisdiction reviews any of our tax returns and proposes an adjustment, including as a result of a determination that the transfer prices and terms we have applied are not
appropriate, such an adjustment could have a negative impact on our financial results.
Holders of our ordinary shares who are United States residents face income tax risks.
There is a substantial risk that we are a passive foreign investment company, commonly referred to as PFIC. Our treatment as a PFIC could result in a reduction in the after-tax return to
the holders of our ordinary shares and would likely cause a reduction in the value of such ordinary shares. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable
year in which either (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of all of our assets for the taxable year produce or are held for the production of
passive income. For this purpose, cash and real estate properties are considered to be an asset, which produces passive income. As a result of our substantial cash position and the decline in
the value of our stock, we believe that there is a substantial risk that we may have been a PFIC during the taxable year ended December 31, 2015, under a literal application of the asset test
described above, which looks solely to the market value. If we are classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, highly complex rules would apply to U.S. holders owning ordinary
shares. Accordingly, you are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the application of such rules. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will not be classified as a PFIC in the
future, because the determination of whether we are a PFIC is based upon the composition of our income and assets from time to time, and such determination cannot be made with certainty until
the end of a calendar year. United States residents should carefully read “Item 10.E. Taxation” under the heading “United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” below for a more complete
discussion of the U.S. federal income tax risks related to owning and disposing of our ordinary shares.
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We do not intend to pay dividends.
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance operations and expand our business and,
therefore, do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future.
We manage our available cash through investments in interest bearing bank deposits and money market funds with leading banks. We are exposed to the credit risk of such banks.
During 2015, our available cash was invested in interest bearing bank deposits and money market funds with various banks. Our available cash is subject to the credit risk of the banks
with which the funds are deposited and as such we may suffer losses if those banks fail to repay those deposits.
The extenuations given to us as a foreign private issuer impact our publicly available information.
As a foreign private issuer, we are permitted to file less information with the SEC than a company incorporated in the United States. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available
information concerning us than there is for companies incorporated in the United States.
We may fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes certain duties on us and our executives and directors. Our efforts to comply with the requirements of Section 404 have resulted in increased
general and administrative expense and a diversion of management time and attention, and we expect these efforts to require the continued commitment of resources. We have documented and
tested our internal control systems and procedures in order for us to comply with the requirements of Section 404. While our assessment of our internal control over financial reporting resulted in
our conclusion that as of December 31, 2015, our internal control over financial reporting was effective, we cannot predict the outcome of our testing in future periods. If we fail to maintain the
adequacy of our internal controls, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting. Failure to maintain
effective internal control over financial reporting could result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities, and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, investor
confidence in our reported financial information, and the market price of our ordinary shares.
Risks Relating to our Business
The real estate sector continues to be cyclical and affected by changes in general economic, or other business conditions that could materially adversely affect our business or financial
results.
The real estate sector has been cyclical historically and continues to be significantly affected by changes in industry conditions, as well as in general and local economic conditions,
such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
employment levels;
availability of financing for homebuyers and for real estate investors/funds;
interest rates;
consumer confidence and expenditure;
levels of new and existing homes for sale;
demographic trends;
urban development and changes;
housing demand;
local laws and regulations; and
acts of terror, floods or earthquakes.
- 10 -
These may occur on a global scale, like the recent housing downturn, or may affect some of the regions or markets in which we operate. An oversupply of alternatives to our real estate
properties can also reduce our ability to lease spaces and depress lease prices, thus reducing our margins.
As a result of the foregoing matters, we may face difficulties in the leasing of our projects and we may not be able to recapture any increased costs by raising lease payments.
We rely on one large property for a significant portion of our revenue.
As of December 31, 2015, our commercial property in Geneva, Switzerland, accounted for approximately 71% of our portfolio annualized rent. Our revenue would be materially adversely
affected if this property was materially damaged or destroyed. Additionally, our revenue would be materially adversely affected if rental payments at this property decrease or if tenants at this
property fail to timely make rental payments due to adverse financial conditions or otherwise, default under their leases or file for bankruptcy. For further information regarding our property in
Geneva, Switzerland, see Item 4.B. “Business Overview - Properties”.
With respect to our commercial properties, we are dependent on the continued tenant demand for our properties. If there is a decrease in tenant demand and an increase in vacancy of our
commercial properties, it would adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We own, through our subsidiaries, certain holdings in several commercial real estate properties, which are currently leased to third parties. In all of our commercial properties we rely on
a few tenants which occupy a significant portion of the available rentable area in such properties. For further details regarding the leases of tenants in our properties see Item 4.B. “Business
Overview - Properties”. If the lease agreements with such tenants are terminated, there is no assurance that we will be able to attract new lessees in favorable terms or at all, which would
materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Economic recession, pressures that affect consumer confidence, job growth, energy costs and income gains can affect the financial condition of prospective tenants, and a continuing
soft economic cycle may impact our ability to find tenants for our properties. Failure to attract tenants, the termination of a tenant’s lease, or the bankruptcy or economic decline of a tenant may
adversely affect the rent fees for our properties and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We may have difficulties leasing real-estate properties.
The fixed income real-estate sector relies on the presence of tenants in the real-estate assets. The failure of a tenant to renew its lease, the termination of a tenant’s lease, or the
bankruptcy or economic decline of a tenant can have a material adverse effect on the economic performance of the real-estate asset. There can be no assurance that if a tenant were to fail to
renew its lease, we would be able to replace such tenant in a timely manner or that we could do so without incurring material additional costs. In addition, we are dependent on our ability to enter
into new leases on favorable terms with third parties, in order to receive a profitable price for each real-estate property. We may find it more difficult to engage tenants to enter into leases during
periods when market rents are increasing, or when general consumer activity is decreasing, or if there is competition for tenants from competing properties. The existence of competitive
alternatives could have a material adverse effect on our ability to lease space and on the level of rents we can obtain. The global economic condition, pressures that affect consumer confidence,
job growth, energy costs and income gains can affect retail sales growth, and a continuing soft economic cycle, may impact our ability to find tenants for our properties. Failure to attract tenants,
the termination of a tenant’s lease, or the bankruptcy or economic decline of a tenant may adversely affect the price obtainable for our real estate projects and adversely affect our financial
condition and results of operations. The failure of tenants to abide by the terms of their agreements may cause delays or result in a temporary or long term decline in rental income, the effects of
which we may not be able to offset due to difficulties in finding a suitable replacement tenant.
We are depended on the solvency of our tenants and may lease properties at below expected rental rates.
Rental leases may decrease below our expectations. In the case of such decrease, or if circumstances arise beyond our control, such as market prices, market demand and negative
trends, we may have to sell a project at a price below our projections. In addition, we could be in a position where there would be no demand at acceptable prices and we would be required to
hold, operate and maintain the project until the financial environment would improve and allow its disposal.
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In addition, the ability to collect rents depends on the solvency of the tenants. Tenants may be in default or not pay on time, or we may need to reduce the amount of rents invoiced by
lease incentives, to align lease payments with the financial situation of some tenants. In all of these cases, tenant insolvency may hurt our operational results.
We may experience future unanticipated expenses.
Our performance depends, among others, on our ability to pay for adequate maintenance, insurance and other operating costs, including real estate taxes. All of these expenditures
could increase over time, and may be more expensive than anticipated. Sources of labor and materials required for maintenance, repair, capital expenditure or development may also be more
expensive than we expected. An unplanned deviation from one of the above expenditures, and other, could increase our operating costs.
The fair value of our real estate may be harmed by certain factors, which may entail impairment losses not previously recorded which, in turn, will adversely affect our financial results.
Certain circumstances may affect the fair value of our real estate assets, including, among other things, (i) the absence of or modifications to permits or approvals required for the
operation of any real estate asset; (ii) lawsuits that are pending, whether or not we are a party thereto, may have a significant impact on our real estate assets and/or on certain of our
shareholding rights in the companies owning such assets. In addition, certain laws and regulations, applicable to our business in certain countries where the legislation process undergoes
constant changes, may be subject to frequent and substantially different interpretations; (iii) agreements which may be interpreted by governmental authorities so as to shorten the term of use of
real estate, and which may be accompanied with a demolition order with or without compensation, may significantly affect the value of such real estate asset. The fair value of our real estate
assets may be significantly decreased, thereby resulting in potential impairment losses not previously recorded in our financial results.
Since market conditions and other parameters (such as macroeconomic environment trends, and others), which affect the fair value of our real estate, vary from time to time, the fair value
may not be adequate on a date other than the date the measurement was executed (in general, immediately after the annual balance sheet date). In the event the projected forecasts regarding the
future cash flows generated by those assets are not met, we may have to record an additional impairment loss not previously recorded.
In addition, any change in the yield rate of any of our real estate assets may cause a significant decrease to the fair value of such assets, thereby resulting in potential impairment losses
not previously recorded in our financial results.
We may not be able to raise additional financing for our future capital needs on favorable terms, or at all, which could limit our growth and increase our costs and could adversely affect
the price of our ordinary shares.
Real estate activities are largely financed from external sources. We cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain financing on favorable terms for our future real estate activities, or at
all. In addition, an adverse change can occur in the terms of the financing that we receive. Any such occurrence could increase our financing costs and/or result in a material adverse effect on
our results and ability to develop our real estate business. The amount of long term loans currently outstanding may inhibit our ability to obtain additional financing for our future capital needs,
inhibit our long-term expansion plans, increase our costs and adversely affect the price of our ordinary shares.
It is probable that we will need to raise additional capital in the future to support our strategic plans. We cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain additional financing on
commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we are unable to obtain additional financing, this could inhibit our growth and increase our operating costs.
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In the event we are unable to continuously comply with the covenants, including with respect to financial covenants, which we undertook with respect to our properties, our results of
operations may be adversely affected.
In connection with the financing of most of our properties, we have long-term agreements with several banks. The agreements that govern the provision of financing include, among other things,
undertakings and financial covenants that we are required to maintain for the duration of such financing agreements. Those existing agreements allow the lender to demand an immediate
repayment of the loans in certain events (events of default), including, among other things, a material adverse change in the Company's business and noncompliance with the financial covenants
set forth in those agreements. The occurrences of any event of default may have an adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations and on our ability to obtain outside
financing for our continued growth.
Rapid and significant changes in interest rates may adversely affect our profitability.
We have financed the purchase of the CTN complex and the Rumlang property with loans bearing floating interest rates and further received during 2015 a loan secured by our
condominium units in Miami which bears floating interest rate (as of December 31, 2015 the balance of all such loans was $109.9 million, see also Item “Item 5.B Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”). As a result we are exposed to changes in the libor interest rate (libor on the US Dollar and libor on the CHF). An increase in the libor interest
rate could materially adversely affect our financial expenses and thereby our profitability. In light of the low interest rate environment we have also decided at this stage not to perform hedging
against our exposure to such changes in interest rates.
An adverse change in the Swiss real estate market will adversely affect our results of operations.
Two out of our investments, including our most significant property (the CTN complex in Geneva), are located in Switzerland. During 2013 and throughout 2015, as Swiss interest rates
declined further, the Swiss real estate prices remained stable in most segments, while other segments were showing signs of increase mainly due to the low interest rates and lack of investments
alternatives. Along with the historically low interest rates, the overall availability of financing has decreased significantly as LTV (Loan To Value) rates have been reduced by lenders, leading to
more pressure on leveraged transactions further decreasing investments yields. At the same time, there was no increase in the demand for new rental spaces and the rental market appeared to be
slowing down further, in particular the demand for prime office space and the price for such real estate properties. Any significant adverse change in the real estate market in Switzerland, such as
lack of attractive financing, a decline in the real estate rates or decrease in demand for the type of properties we own, will adversely affect our results of operations.
We may suffer adverse consequences if our revenues decline since our operating costs do not necessarily decline in proportion to our revenue.
We earn a significant portion of our income from renting our properties. Our operating costs, however, do not fluctuate in relation to changes in our rental revenue. As a result, our
costs will not necessarily decline even if our revenues do. Similarly, our operating costs could increase while our revenues stay flat or decline. In either such event, we may be forced to borrow to
cover our costs or we may incur losses.
Because of our small size, we rely on a small number of personnel who possess both executive and financial expertise, and the loss of any of these individuals would hurt our ability to
implement our strategy and may adversely affect our financial results.
Because of our small size and our reliance on a limited financial and management personnel, our continued growth and success depends upon the continued contribution of the
managerial skills of our financial and management personnel. If any of the current members of the management is unable or unwilling to continue in our employ, our results of operations could be
adversely affected.
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We may experience difficulties in finding suitable real-estate properties for investment, either at all or at viable prices.
Being a company that engages in investments in real-estate, finding a suitable real-estate property for investment is critical to our income. Such finding becomes difficult as the demand
for real-estates in the markets we are involved in grows, and the supply decreases. Therefore, difficulties in finding suitable real-estate properties for investment may affect our growth and the
number of assets we have to offer, and therefore materially affect our potential profit and our business and results of operation.
The choice of suitable locations for real estate projects is an important factor in the success of the individual projects. For example, office space should ideally be located within, or near,
the city center, with well-developed transportation infrastructure (road and rail) located in close proximity to facilitate customer access. If we are not able to find sites in the target cities which
meet our criteria or which meet our price range, this may materially adversely affect our business and results of operation.
In addition, we may be unable to proceed with the acquisition of properties because we cannot obtain financing on favorable terms or at all. We may require substantial up-front
expenditures for property acquisition. Accordingly, we may require substantial amounts of cash and financing from banks and other capital resources (such as institutional investors and/or the
public) for our real estate operations. We cannot be certain that such external financing would be available on favorable terms or on a timely basis or at all.
We face risks associated with property acquisitions.
We may acquire individual properties and portfolios of properties, including large portfolios that could significantly increase our size and alter our capital structure. Our acquisition
activities may be exposed to, and their success may be adversely affected by, the following risks:
•
even if we enter into an acquisition agreement for a property, it is usually subject to customary conditions to closing, including due diligence investigations to our satisfaction;
• we may be unable to finance acquisitions on favorable terms or at all;
•
acquired properties may fail to perform as we expected;
• we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for new properties; and
• we may be unable to quickly and efficiently integrate new acquisitions, particularly acquisitions of portfolios of properties, into our existing operations, and therefore our results
of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
We may acquire properties or property holding companies subject to liabilities and without any recourse, or with only limited recourse, with respect to unknown liabilities. As a result, if
a liability were asserted against us arising from our ownership of those properties, we might have to pay substantial sums to settle it, which could adversely affect our cash flow. Unknown
liabilities with respect to properties acquired might include:
•
•
•
•
liabilities for clean-up of undisclosed environmental contamination;
claims by tenants, vendors or other persons arising from dealing with the former owners of the properties;
liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business; and
claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the former owners of the properties.
The illiquidity of real-estate properties may affect our ability to sell our properties.
Real estate properties in general are relatively illiquid. Such illiquidity may affect the ability to dispose of or liquidate part of real-estate assets in a timely fashion and at satisfactory
prices in response to changes in the economic environment, the real estate market or other conditions.
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An adverse change in the German real estate market will adversely affect our results of operations.
Since 2015, we own through our wholly-owned subsidiary, a portfolio of supermarkets located mainly in Bavaria, Germany. In recent years the German real estate market was showing
signs of growth, and stabilization towards the end of 2015. As the European economy have been stagnant at best over the last few years, the German economy and its real estate sector have
shown significant signs of improvement also fueled by a steady decrease in interest rates, an increase in availability of financing and the increasing demand for real estate investments by foreign
investors drown to the German market for the reduced availability of other rewarding investment opportunities in the European market. Any significant adverse change in the real estate market in
Germany, such as an increase of interest rates, a decrease in availability of financing, a decline in the real estate rates or decrease in demand for the type of properties we own, will adversely
affect our results of operations.
An adverse change in the U.S. real estate market will adversely affect our results of operations.
We own, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, several real estate properties located in Philadelphia, Texas, Chicago and Miami, in the U.S. During 2013, the pressure on properties’
pricing have eased somewhat and the U.S. real estate market was showing signs of stabilization and an increase towards the end of the year. During 2014 and throughout 2015 the U.S. real estate
market has shown signs of improvement and a consistent increase in assets prices as the demand for investments increased significantly also driven by financial institutions increased
willingness to finance new transactions along with low interest rates. Any significant adverse change in the real estate market in the United States, such as an increase of interest rates, a decline
in the real estate rates or decrease in demand for the type of properties we own, will adversely affect our results of operations.
With respect to our residential properties in Miami, Florida, the success of our investment will depend on market conditions.
We own, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, 25 residential properties in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida, including 21 luxury condominium units and two penthouse units in the
Marquis Residences, one penthouse unit in Ocean One Condominium and one condominium units in the Continuum on South Beach Condominium. To date, 22 of the units have been fully
constructed and are in rentable condition, while three penthouses are still undergoing renovations and remodeling. Currently 20 of the units are occupied by tenants and the remaining units are
being marketed to potential tenants and potential buyers. For further information, see Item 4.B. “Business Overview - Real Estate Business”.
We intend to keep holding the units for investment purposes and will consider renting or selling the units in accordance with our business considerations and market conditions.
Depending on our decision, we may be unable to sell or lease up these condominium properties on schedule or on favorable terms, which may result in a decrease in expected rental revenues
and/or lower yields, if any.
We depend on partners in our partnerships and collaborative arrangements.
We are currently, with respect to our real-estate properties in Geneva, Switzerland, Philadelphia, Chicago and Texas, and we may, in the future, own interests in real-estate assets or real-
estate holding companies in partnership with other entities. Our investments in these partnerships may, under certain circumstances, be subject to (i) the risk that one of our partners may become
bankrupt or insolvent or may not fulfill its financial obligations under our partnership agreements, which may cause us to provide financing in excess of our ownership share or which may cause
us to be unable to fulfill our financial obligations, possibly triggering a default under our bank financing agreements or, in the event of a liquidation, preventing us from managing or
administering our business or entail a compulsory sale of the asset at less favorable terms; (ii) the risk that one of our partners may have economic or other interests or goals that are inconsistent
with our interests and goals, and that such partner may be in a position to veto actions which may be in our best interests; and (iii) the possibility that disputes may arise regarding the continued
operational requirements of our assets that are jointly owned. In addition, we hold approximately 30%, approximately 20% and approximately 4%, respectively, of the beneficial interest in the real-
estate properties located in Chicago, Philadelphia and Texas. Our minority interest causes us to rely on our partners to manage the properties, and our influence over decisions regarding the
properties and their management is limited.
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Cause of physical damages and other nature losses may affect our properties.
Properties could suffer physical damage caused by fire or other causes, resulting in losses which may not be fully compensated by insurance. In addition, there are certain types of
losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, floods, terrorism or acts of war that may be uninsurable or are not economically insurable. Inflation, changes in building codes
and ordinances, environmental considerations and other factors, including terrorism or acts of war, also might result in insurance proceeds being insufficient to repair or replace a property if it is
damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds may be inadequate to restore the economic position with respect to the affected properties. Should an uninsured loss
or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could lose capital invested in the affected property as well as anticipated profits from that property. No assurance can be given that material losses
in excess of insurance proceeds will not occur in the future.
Competition for acquisitions may reduce the number of acquisition opportunities available to us and increase the costs of those acquisitions.
We plan to continue acquiring properties as we are presented with attractive opportunities. We may face competition for acquisition opportunities from other investors, particularly
private investors who can incur more leverage, and this competition may adversely affect us by subjecting us to the following risks:
•
•
an inability to acquire a desired property because of competition from well-capitalized real estate investors, including publicly traded and privately held REITs, private real estate
funds, domestic and foreign financial institutions, life insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, pension trusts, partnerships and individual investors; and
an increase in the purchase price for such acquisition property, in the event we are able to acquire such desired property.
Environmental discoveries may have a significant impact on the value, viability and marketability of our assets.
We may encounter unforeseen decrease in value of our assets due to factors beyond our control caused by previously unknown soil contamination or the discovery of archaeological
findings which may have a significant impact and a detrimental effect on the value, viability or marketability of our assets or cause legal liability in connection with our real estate properties. We
may be liable for the costs of removal, investigation or remedy of hazardous or toxic substances located on or in a site owned or leased by us, regardless of whether we were responsible for the
presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The costs of any required removal, investigation or remedy of such substances may be substantial and/or may result in significant budget
overruns. The presence of such substances, or the failure to remedy such substances properly, may also adversely affect our ability to sell or lease such property or to obtain financing using the
real estate as security. Additionally, any future sale of such property will be generally subject to indemnities and warranties to be provided by us to the purchaser against such environmental
liabilities. Accordingly, we may continue to face potential environmental liabilities with respect to a particular property even after such property has been sold. Laws and regulations may also
impose liability for the release of certain materials into the air or water from a property, and such release can form the basis for liability to third persons for personal injury or other damages. Other
laws and regulations can limit the development of, and impose liability for, the disturbance of wetlands or the habitats of threatened or endangered species. Any environmental issue may
significantly cause decrease in value of our assets or vacancy periods in our leased properties, which could have a material adverse effect on the profitability of that asset and our results of
operations and cash flows.
We are exposed to cyber security risks that, if materialized, may affect our business and operations.
Our operations rely on computer, information and communications technology and various computer hardware and software applications. Despite our implementation of network
security measures, our tools and servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems and tools located at
customer sites, or could be subject to system failures or malfunctions for other reasons. System failures or malfunctioning could disrupt our operations and our ability to timely and accurately
process and report key components of our financial results.
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Risks Relating to the Sale of our Video Solutions Business
On March 16, 2010 we and our subsidiary, Optibase Inc., entered into an asset purchase agreement for the sale of all of the assets and liabilities related to our Video Solutions Business.
For further details see Item 10.C “Material Contracts”. The following is a risk related to the sale of our Video Solutions Business:
We have been and may, in the future, be subject to further review in connection with government programs that we participated in or received.
During our activities in the Vitec Solutions Business, we received grants from the Office of the Chief Scientist, or the OCS, in the Israeli Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor for
research and development programs that meet specified criteria. In addition, we were also involved in joint research projects with European Companies under the auspices of, and with financial
assistance from, the European Union Research and Development Framework Programs.
In that respect, during 2009 and 2010 we were audited by the European Union, or the EU, for grants received under three FP6 contracts. As a result of the audit findings implementation,
during 2012, we paid an aggregate amount of approximately Euro 340,000 which settled and concluded the financial audit.
Furthermore, we are currently undergoing an audit by the OCS for royalties paid before the sale of our Video Solutions Business. A payment to the OCS will adversely affect our cash
flow, although from financial prospective, at this time, we believe that we have sufficient provisions to cover the final outcome of such review processes. For further details see Item 4.B
“Business Overview - Remaining items of the Video Solution Business”.
In addition to such audits, we may in the future be subject to further reviews in connection with government programs that we participated in or received during our activities in the
Video Solutions Business. Any review of such kind could result in substantial cost which would have a negative impact on our financial condition.
Risks Relating to Operations in Israel
The rights and responsibilities of our shareholders are governed by Israeli law and differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders under U.S. law.
We are incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of our ordinary shares are governed by our articles of association and by the Israeli Companies Law,
1999, or the Companies Law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. In particular, pursuant to
the Companies Law each shareholder of an Israeli company has to act in good faith in exercising his or her rights and fulfilling his or her obligations toward the company and other shareholders
and to refrain from abusing his or her power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders and class meetings, on amendments to a company’s
articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers, and transactions requiring shareholders’ approval under the Companies Law. In addition, a controlling
shareholder of an Israeli company or a shareholder who knows that it possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote, or who has the power to appoint or prevent the
appointment of a director or officer in the company, or has other powers toward the company, has a duty of fairness toward the company. However, Israeli law does not define the substance of
this duty of fairness. Because Israeli corporate law has undergone extensive revision in recent years, there is little case law available to assist in understanding the implications of these
provisions that govern shareholder behavior.
Because a significant amount of our revenues is generated in Swiss Francs and in Euro but a portion of our expenses are incurred in New Israeli Shekels and in US dollars, our results of
operations may be harmed by currency fluctuations.
Our management believes that the U.S. dollar is the currency in the primary economic environment in which we operate. Thus, our functional and reporting currency is the U.S. dollar.
Notwithstanding, we generate a significant amount of our revenues in CHF (Swiss Franc) and in Euro and incur a portion of our expenses in NIS and in U.S. dollars. As a result, we are exposed to
currency fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against the CHF the Euro and the NIS.
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The fluctuations in the dollar costs of our operations in Israel related primarily to the costs of salaries in Israel, which are paid in NIS and constitute a portion of our expenses and the
interest and principal payments of our series A bonds are made in NIS. We cannot assure you that we will not be adversely affected in the future if inflation in Israel exceeds the fluctuation of
NIS against the U.S dollars or if the timing of such fluctuation lags behind increases in inflation in Israel.
Our operations could also be adversely affected if we are unable to guard against currency fluctuations in the future. Accordingly, we perform hedging transactions from time to time
according to our board's approval. In the future we may enter into additional currency hedging transactions to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations. These measures,
however, may not adequately protect us from adverse effects due to the impact of inflation in Israel.
The inflation rate in Israel was approximately 1.8% in 2013, and a deflation of approximately (0.2)% in 2014 and (1)% in 2015. The changes of the NIS against the dollar was an
appreciation of approximately 7% in 2013, and a devaluation of approximately (12)% in 2014 and (0.3)% in 2015. The change of the CHF against the dollar was an appreciation of approximately
2.8% in 2013, and a devaluation of approximately (10)% in 2014 and (0.2)% in 2015. The change of the Euro against the dollar was a devaluation of (10)% 2015.
Our shares are listed for trade on more than one stock exchange, and this may result in price variations.
Our ordinary shares are listed for trade on The NASDAQ Global Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd., or TASE. This may result in price variations. Our ordinary shares are
traded on these markets in different currencies, U.S. dollars on The NASDAQ Global Market and New Israeli Shekels on the TASE. These markets have different opening times and close on
different days. Different trading times and differences in exchange rates, among other factors, may result in our shares being traded at a price differential on these two markets. In addition, market
influences in one market may influence the price at which our shares are traded on the other.
Potential political, economic and military instability in Israel and its region may adversely affect our results of operations.
We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel, our principle offices are located in central Israel and some of our officers, employees and directors are residents of Israel.
Accordingly, political, economic and military conditions in Israel and the surrounding region may directly influence us. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed
conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors, and a state of hostility, varying from time to time in intensity and degree, has led to security and economic problems for Israel.
Any hostilities involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade within Israel or between Israel and its trading partners could adversely affect our operations and results of operations
and could make it more difficult for us to raise capital. In addition, recent political uprisings and conflicts in various countries in the Middle East, including Egypt and Syria, are affecting the
political stability of those countries. It is not clear how this instability will develop and how it will affect the political and security situation in the Middle East. This instability has raised concerns
regarding security in the region and the potential for armed conflict. It is also widely believed that Iran, which has previously threatened to attack Israel, has been stepping up its efforts to
achieve nuclear capability. Iran is also believed to have a strong influence among extremist groups in the region, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The tension between Israel
and Iran and/or these groups may escalate in the future and turn violent, which could affect the Israeli economy generally and us in particular. Any armed conflicts, terrorist activities or political
instability in the region could adversely affect our business conditions, harm our results of operations and adversely affect our share price. No predictions can be made as to whether or when a
final resolution of the area’s problems will be achieved or the nature thereof and to what extent the situation will impact Israel’s economic development or our operations.
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Anti-takeover provisions could negatively impact our shareholders.
The Companies Law provides that certain purchases of securities of a public company are subject to tender offer rules. As a general rule, the Companies Law prohibits any acquisition
of shares in a public company that would result in the purchaser holding 25% or more, or more than 45% of the voting power in the company, if there is no other person holding 25% or more, or
more than 45% of the voting power in a company, respectively, without conducting a special tender offer.
The Companies Law further provides that a purchase of shares or voting rights of a public company or a class of shares of a public company, which will result in the purchaser's holding
90% or more of the company’s shares or class of shares, is prohibited unless the purchaser conducts a full tender offer for all of the company’s shares or class of shares. The purchaser will be
allowed to purchase all of the company's shares or class of shares (including those shares held by shareholders who did not respond to the offer), if either (i) the shareholders who do not accept
the offer hold, in the aggregate, less than 5% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company or of the applicable class, and more than half of the shareholders who do not have a
personal interest in the offer accept the offer, or (ii) the shareholder who do not accept the offer hold less than 2% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company or of the applicable
class. The shareholders, including those who indicated their acceptance of the tender offer (except if otherwise detailed in the tender offer document), may, at any time within six months
following the completion of the tender offer, petition the court to alter the consideration for the acquisition. At the request of an offeree of a full tender offer which was accepted, the court may
determine that the consideration for the shares purchased under the tender offer, was lower than their fair value and compel the offeror to pay to the offerees the fair value of the shares. Such
application to the court may be filed as a class action.
Israeli courts might not enforce judgments rendered outside of Israel, which may make it difficult to collect on judgments rendered against us.
We are incorporated in Israel. Most of our directors and officers are not residents of the United States and some of their assets and our assets are located outside the United States.
Service of process upon our non-U.S. resident directors and officers and enforcement of judgments obtained in the United States against us, and our directors and executive officers may be
difficult to obtain within the United States.
We have been informed by our Israeli legal counsel, that there is doubt as to the enforceability of civil liabilities under U.S. securities laws in original actions instituted in Israel.
However, subject to certain time limitations, an Israeli court may declare a foreign civil judgment enforceable if it finds that all of the following terms are met:
• The judgment was rendered by a court which was, according to the laws of the state of the court, competent to render the judgment;
• The judgment can no longer be appealed;
• The obligation imposed by the judgment is enforceable according to the rules relating to the enforceability of judgments in Israel and the substance of the judgment is not
contrary to public policy; and
• The judgment is executory in the state in which it was given.
Even if the above conditions are satisfied, an Israeli court will not enforce a foreign judgment if it was given in a state whose laws do not provide for the enforcement of judgments of
Israeli courts (subject to exceptional cases) or if its enforcement is likely to prejudice the sovereignty or security of the State of Israel. An Israeli court will also not declare a foreign judgment
enforceable in the occurrence of any of the following:
• The judgment was obtained by fraud;
• There was no due process;
• The judgment was rendered by a court not competent to render it according to the laws of private international law in Israel;
• The judgment is at variance with another judgment that was given in the same matter between the same parties and which is still valid; or
• At the time the action was brought in the foreign court a suit in the same matter and between the same parties was pending before a court or tribunal in Israel.
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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
4.A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
History
We are a real estate company engaged through our subsidiaries in purchasing and operating of real estate properties intended for leasing and resale primarily for the purpose of
commercial, industrial, office space use as well as for residential purposes.
We were founded and incorporated in the State of Israel in 1990 under the name of Optibase Advanced Systems (1990) Ltd. In November 1993 we changed our name to Optibase Ltd.
Our ordinary shares have been trading on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “OBAS” since our initial public offering on April 7, 1999.
We listed our ordinary shares for trade on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd., or the TASE, on August 6, 2007. On September 23, 2008, we decided to delist our ordinary shares from trade
on the TASE. The delisting of our ordinary shares from trade on the TASE was effective on September 28, 2008. The last day for trading of our ordinary shares on the TASE was September 24,
2008. In April 2015, we listed again our ordinary shares for trade on the TASE. According to the Israeli legislation, Israeli companies whose shares are traded on certain stock exchanges outside
of Israel are allowed to be registered on the TASE, while reporting, in substance, in accordance with the provision of the relevant foreign securities law applicable to the Company. In August
2015, we completed an offering of NIS 60 million non-convertible bonds to the public in Israel and such bonds have been traded on the TASE. For further information, see “Item 5.B Operating
and Financial Review and Prospects – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Commencing in February 2001, Festin Management Corp., a British Virgin Island corporation jointly owned by Shlomo (Tom) Wyler and Arthur Mayer-Sommer started to acquire our
ordinary shares on the open market. On September 10, 2004, Festin Management Corp. transferred all of its holdings in us to its shareholders. In addition, during 2008 and 2011, we issued an
aggregate number of 1,063,381 ordinary shares in a private placement to Mr. Wyler, who was considered, until September 12, 2012, our controlling shareholder, and as of the date of this annual
report, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary Optibase Inc. Since 2012, Capri, our current controlling shareholder, and Gesafi Real Estate S.A., a Panama Corporation, or Gesafi,
acquired 1,797,290 of our ordinary shares from Mr. Wyler. In addition, during November 2013, Gesafi transferred all of our ordinary shares held by it to Capri and on December 31, 2013, we issued
a net sum of 1,300,580 of our ordinary shares to Capri, in consideration for twelve luxury condominium units purchased by us. During January-February 2015, Capri acquired additional 71,229 of
our ordinary shares in two different transactions with an unrelated third party and on the Nasdaq Global Market. For additional information see Item 7.A. “Major Shareholders”.
Since our foundation we were engaged in the Video Solution Business. On May 11, 2009, our board of directors resolved to expand and diverse our operations and enter into the fixed-
income real estate sector. At a special shareholders meeting held on June 25, 2009, our shareholders approved the diversification of our operations by entering into the fixed income real-estate
sector. Such approval was sought solely for cautionary purposes and without any obligation to do so. As of the date hereof, we have entered into certain agreements for the purchase of real
estate assets. For further information, see Item 4.B “Business Overview” and Item 10.C “Material Contracts”.
On March 16, 2010, we and our subsidiary, Optibase Inc., entered into an asset purchase agreement with Optibase Technologies Ltd. and Stradis Inc., wholly owned subsidiaries of S.A.
Vitec (also known as Vitec Multimedia), pursuant to which Optibase Technologies Ltd. and Stradis Inc. purchased all of the assets and liabilities related to our video solutions business. The
closing of the transaction occurred on July 1, 2010.
In addition, we held, on a fully diluted basis, approximately 2.04% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Mobixell Networks Inc., or Mobixell, a private company which designs,
develops and markets solutions for mobile rich media adaptation, optimization and delivery. As of December 31, 2012, such investment was written off completely in our financial reports for 2012.
In January 2014 we sold all of our holdings in Mobixell to Flash Networks Ltd., or FN, without consideration, since Mobixell entered into a share acquisition agreement with FN.
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Our principal executive offices are located at 15 Abba Even Street, Herzliya 4672533, Israel, and our telephone number at that location is +972-73-7073700. Our website is located at
www.optibase-holdings.com. We use a local agent in California for administrative purposes and domestic filings, which is Formation Solutions Inc. 400 Continental Boulevard, 6th Floor El
Segundo, CA 90245.
4.B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The real estate market includes the purchasing and operating of real estate properties intended for leasing and resale primarily for the purpose of commercial, industrial, office space,
parking garage, warehouse use as well as for residential purposes. The real estate market is affected by growth or slowdown in the economy, and by changes in the demand and the available
supply of commercial and/or residential properties, as well as the construction of additional commercial and/or residential properties. The real estate market is also affected by governmental,
municipal and tax authority policies regarding planning, building, marketing and taxation of land.
Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2008 and as a result of the global economic and financial market crisis, there has been a slowdown in the real estate market which is evidenced by a
decline in the number of real estate transactions, a reduction in the availability of credit sources, an increase in financing costs and stricter requirements by banks for providing such financing.
During the last year, the situation has changed in some of the real estate markets we are active in (i.e. Central and Western Europe and North America) as interest rates decreased and financial
institutions are more inclined to grant financing for qualified assets. This has led to increased demand for real estate properties and an increased volume of transactions in most asset classes.
Our strategy in our real estate activities is to become a substantial owner of properties. To achieve this goal, we intend to pursue a number of operating and growth strategies, which
include:
•
•
•
•
•
purchase of real estate mainly in Central and Western Europe, North America and Israel;
developing and improving existing real estate;
maximize the leasing of existing properties to commercial users;
increase and develop unused building rights in our existing properties; and
acquire additional commercial, residential and other real estate assets in light of market conditions, while diversifying our real estate property base.
As of the date of this annual report, our portfolio includes the holdings of interests in six operating commercial properties as well as condominium units in three residential projects.
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Properties
The following table provides details regarding real-estate assets properties wholly owned or controlled by us or by our subsidiaries, as of the date of this annual report:
Property
Location
Acquisition
Date
Company Stake
Nature of
Rights
Property Type
Net
Rentable
Square Meters
Excluding
Redevelopment
Space(1)
Annualized
Rent
($000)(2)
Rate of
Occupancy (3)
Annualized
Rent per
Occupied
Square
Meter
($)(4)
NOI ($000)
(5)
Centre des
Technologies
Nouvelles (CTN)
Geneva,
Switzerland
March 2, 2011
51%
Ownership with
land lease
Commercial
34,720
10,406
Edeka supermarkets
Bavaria,
Germany
June 2, 2015 and
July 8, 2015
Rümlang
Rümlang,
Switzerland
October 29,
2009
100%
Ownership
Commercial
37,000
100%
Ownership
Commercial
12,500
3,288
1,654
Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida
2010-2013
100%
Ownership
Residential -
Condominium
Units
4,260
970
Portfolio Total/
Weighted Average
-
-
-
-
-
88,480
16,318
93%
99%
92%
80%
95%
323
90
144
285
196
9,350
1,733
1,438
(206)
12,315
(1) Net rentable square meters at a building represents the current square meter at that building under lease as specified in the lease agreements plus management’s estimate of space available for
lease based on engineering drawings. Net rentable square meter includes tenants’ proportional share of common areas but excludes space held for redevelopment.
(2) Annualized rent represents the monthly contractual rent under existing leases as of December 31, 2015 multiplied by 12.
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(3) Excludes space held for redevelopment. Includes unoccupied space for which we are receiving rent and excludes space for which leases had been executed as of December 31, 2015, but for
which we are not receiving rent. We estimate the total square meter available for lease based on a number of factors in addition to contractually leased square meter, including available power,
required support space and common area.
(4) Annualized rent per square meter represents annualized rent as computed above, divided by the total square meter under lease as of the same date.
(5) Net Operating Income, or NOI, is a non-GAAP financial measure. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is operating income, which, to calculate NOI, is adjusted to add back
real estate depreciation and amortization and general and administrative expenses less gain on sale of operating properties. We use NOI internally as a performance measure and believe that NOI
(when combined with the primary GAAP presentations) provides useful information to investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations because it reflects only those income
and expense item that are incurred at the property level.
A reconciliation of operating income to NOI is as follows:
Net operating income NOI (Non-GAAP):
CTN
Edeka
Rumlang
Miami
Total (“NOI”) (Non-GAAP)
Less:
Real estate depreciation and amortization
General and administrative
Other operating costs (*)
Gain on sale of operating properties (**)
Operating income
Year Ended December 31
Thousands US$
2014
2015
2013
9,785
-
1,612
115
11,512
3,369
1,870
-
-
6,273
9,696
-
1,558
(93)
11,161
3,813
2,167
-
2,709
7,890
9,350
1,733
1,438
(206)
12,315
3,925
1,849
2,352
-
4,189
(*) Acquisition-related costs related to the acquisition of the twenty-seven (27) supermarkets in Bavaria, Germany.
(**) Sell of residential condominium units located in Florida.
We consider the NOI to be an appropriate supplemental non-GAAP measure to operating income because it assists management, and thereby investors, to understand the core property
operations prior to depreciation and amortization expenses and general and administrative costs. In addition, because prospective buyers of real estate have different overhead
structures, with varying marginal impact to overhead by acquiring real estate, we consider the NOI to be a useful measure for determining the value of a real estate asset or groups of
assets.
The metric NOI should only be considered as supplemental to the metric operating income as a measure of our performance. NOI should not be used as a measure of our liquidity, nor is
it indicative of funds available to fund our cash needs, including our ability to pay dividends or make distributions. NOI should also not be used as a supplement to, or substitute for,
cash flow from operating activities (computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States).
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Funds From Operation
Funds from operation, or FFO, is a non-GAAP financial measure. The most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is net income, which, to calculate FFO, is adjusted to add back
depreciation and amortization and after adjustments for unconsolidated associates. We make certain adjustments to FFO, which it refers to as recurring FFO, to account for items we do not
believe are representative of ongoing operating results, including transaction costs associated with acquisitions. We use FFO internally as a performance measure and we believe FFO (when
combined with the primary GAAP presentations) is a useful, supplemental measure of our operating performance as it’s a recognized metric used extensively by the real estate industry. We also
believe that Recurring FFO is a useful, supplemental measure of our core operating performance. The company believes that financial analysts, investors and shareholders are better served by
the presentation of operating results generated from its FFO and Recurring FFO measures.
A reconciliation of net income to FFO and Recurring FFO is as follows:
Year Ended December 31
Thousands US$
2014
2015
2013
Net income (loss) attributable to Optibase Ltd.
1,465
3,339
Adjustments:
Real estate depreciation and amortization
Pro rata share of real estate depreciation and amortization from unconsolidated associates
Non controlling interests share in the above adjustments
Fund from Operation (“FFO”) (Non-GAAP)
Other operating costs (*)
Gain on sale of operating properties (**)
Recurring Fund from Operation (“Recurring FFO”) (Non-GAAP)
3,369
505
(1,651)
3,688
-
-
3,688
3,813
541
(1,868)
5,825
-
(2,709)
3,116
(1,068)
3,925
541
(1,923)
1,475
2,352
-
3,827
(*) Acquisition-related costs related to the acquisition of the twenty-seven (27) supermarkets in Bavaria, Germany.
(**) Sell of residential condominium units located in Florida.
We consider the FFO and Recurring FFO to be an appropriate supplemental non-GAAP measure to operating income because it assists management, and thereby investors, in analyzing
our operating performance.
The metric’s FFO and Recurring FFO should only be considered as supplemental to the metric net income as a measure of our performance. FFO (i) does not represent cash flow from
operations as defined by GAAP, (ii) is not indicative of cash available to fund all cash flow needs, including the ability to make distributions, (iii) is not an alternative to cash flow as a
measure of liquidity, and (iv) should not be considered as an alternative to net income (which is determined in accordance with GAAP) for purposes of evaluating our operating
performance.
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The following table provides details regarding our non-controlled real-estate assets or projects in which we indirectly own a minority stake, as of the date of this annual report:
Property
Location
Acquisition
date
Company Stake Nature of Rights Property Type
Net
Rentable
Square Feet
Excluding
Redevelopment
Space(1)
Annualized
Rent
($000)(2)
Rate of
Occupancy (3)
2 Penn Center Plaza
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
October 12, 2012
19.66%
Texas Shopping
Centers Portfolio
Houston, Dallas, San
Antonio, Texas
December 31, 2012
4%
South Riverside Plaza
Office Tower (5)
300 South Riverside
Plaza, Chicago
December 29, 2015
30%
Beneficial interest
in the owner of
the property
Beneficial interest
in the portfolio
Beneficial interest
in the owner of
the property
Commercial
514,300
11,772
93
Commercial
2,514,000
29,699
95.5
Commercial
1,056,900
17,365
98.98
Portfolio Total/
Weighted Average
-
-
-
-
-
4,085,200
58,836
96
Annualized
Rent per
Occupied
Square
Feet
($)(4)
25
12
17
15
(1) Net rentable square feet at a building represents the current square meter at that building under lease as specified in the lease agreements plus management’s estimate of space available for
lease based on engineering drawings. Net rentable square meter includes tenants’ proportional share of common areas but excludes space held for redevelopment.
(2) Annualized rent represents the monthly contractual rent under existing leases as of December 31, 2015 multiplied by 12.
(3) Excludes space held for redevelopment. Includes unoccupied space for which we are receiving rent and excludes space for which leases had been executed as of December 31, 2015, but for
which we are not receiving rent. We estimate the total square meter available for lease based on a number of factors in addition to contractually leased square meter, including available power,
required support space and common area.
(4) Annualized rent per square meter represents annualized rent as computed above, divided by the total square meter under lease as of the same date.
(5) Was purchased on December 29, 2015.
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Set forth below is additional information with respect to our projects:
Geneva, Switzerland
On March 3, 2011, we acquired, through our newly owned subsidiary, an office building complex in Geneva, Switzerland known as Centre des Technologies Nouvelles, or CTN
complex. The acquisition was undertaken by OPCTN S.A., or OPCTN, a Luxembourg company owned 51% by Optibase and 49% by The Phoenix Insurance Company Ltd and The Phoenix
Comprehensive Pension, or, collectively, The Phoenix. OPCTN executed the transaction by acquiring all of the shares of the property owner, Eldista. The seller, Apollo CTN. S.a.r.l, is an entity
majority owned by area property partners.
The CTN complex is a six-building complex located in the Plan-Les-Ouates business park in the outskirts of Geneva. The complex includes approximately 35,000 square meters of leasable
space (approximately 377,000 square feet), is currently leased to 49 tenants, primarily in the field of advanced industries including biotech electronic and information technology industries, and is
currently 93% occupied.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding leases of tenants in the CTN Complex, as of December 31, 2015:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Sub-total
Vacant
Total
Number of tenants
whose
leases will expire*
14
8
8
5
9
5
49
-
49
Total area covered
by these leases
Area covered
by these leases
(%)
Annual rent
at expiration
($000)
Percent of annual
rent at expiration
(%)
1,808
5,667
7,296
811
12,098
4,560
32,240
2,480
34,720
5.2
16.3
21
2.3
34.8
13.2
93
7
100
611
1,584
2,403
319
4,020
1,469
10,406
-
10,406
5.9
15.2
23.1
3.1
38.6
14.1
100
-
100
* The leases with the tenants described in the above table include either fixed end date, or notice periods ranging from one to twelve months.
In connection with the transaction, Optibase and The Phoenix entered into an agreement regarding their shareholdings in OPCTN. The agreement provides that Optibase will make day-
to-day decisions and provide The Phoenix with customary protective rights. For further information see Item 10.C “Material Contracts”.
For a summary of the principal terms of the financing agreement entered by us for the purchase of the CTN complex, see Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects -
Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
Rümlang, Switzerland
On October 29, 2009, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase RE 1 s.a.r.l., acquired a commercial building located at Riedmattstrasse 9, Rümlang from the Swiss property company Zublin
Immobilien AG. Rümlang is situated 15 km from Zurich and as many commercial buildings due to its strategic location in proximity to Zurich international airport. The purchase price for the
transaction was approximately CHF 23.5 million of which CHF 18.8 million (approximately $22.8 million and $18.1 million respectively, as of the purchase date) was financed by a local Swiss bank
pursuant to a mortgage agreement.
- 26 -
The five-story building includes 12,500 square meters (approximately 135,000 square feet) of rentable space with office, laboratory and retail uses. The office building in Rümlang is
currently leased to 14 tenants, and is currently 92% occupied.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding leases of tenants in the Rümlang property, as of December 31, 2015:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Sub-total
Vacant
Total
Number of tenants
whose
leases will expire*
3
3
3
2
2
1
14
-
14
Total area covered
by these leases
Area covered
by these leases
(%)
Annual rent
at expiration
($000)
Percent of annual
rent at expiration
(%)
4,088
974
1,379
1,208
431
3,369
11,449
1,051
12,500
32.7
7.8
11
9.7
3.4
27.4
92
8
100
583
171
181
202
99
419
1,654
-
1,654
35.3
10.3
10.9
12.2
6
25.3
100
-
100
* The leases with the tenants described in the above table include either fixed end date, or notice periods ranging from three to six months.
For details regarding an option agreement granted to Swiss Pro for the purchase of twenty percent (20%) of the shares of Optibase RE 1 s.a.r.l, the owner of the property, see Item 10.C
“Material Contracts”. For details on a demand received from Swiss Pro to receive certain data in connection with the option agreement, see Item 8. “Financial Information - Legal Proceedings”.
For a summary of the principal terms of the financing agreement entered by us for the purchase of the Rumlang property, see Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects -
Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
Two Penn Center Plaza
On October 12, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase 2 Penn, LLC, acquired an approximately twenty percent (20%) beneficial interest in the owner of a Class A twenty story
commercial office building in Philadelphia known as Two Penn Center Plaza.
The transaction was based on a valuation of Two Penn Center Plaza of approximately $66 million including existing nonrecourse mortgage financing in the principal amount of
approximately $51.7 million provided by UBS Real Estate Securities, or UBS. The UBS mortgage loan has a fixed interest rate of 5.61%, maturing in May 2021, and requiring monthly payments of
principal and interest of approximately $300,000. We made a capital contribution of approximately $4 million to acquire a 19.66% indirect beneficial interest in the owner of the property. For further
information, see Item 7.B. “Related Party Transactions”.
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Optibase 2 Penn, LLC is a limited partner in a larger joint venture that acquired 88% of the beneficial interests in the owner of the Two Penn Center Plaza. Two Penn Center Plaza has
approximately 500,000 rentable square feet and is located in the Center City neighborhood of Philadelphia opposite City Hall and Love Park. The building is currently leased to 137 tenants,
primarily for general office and retail related usage. As of December 31, 2015, the Two Penn Center Plaza was 93% occupied and the annual rental income for the year 2015 totaled to approximately
10.4 million.
Texas Shopping Centers Portfolio
On December 31, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, OPTX Equity LLC, acquired an approximately 4% beneficial interest in a portfolio of Texas shopping centers. OPTX Equity LLC
undertook this investment as an approximately 16.5% limited partner in Global Texas, LP a Florida limited partnership that is controlled by Global Fund Investments. Global Texas, LP is a limited
partner in Global Texas Portfolio, LP a joint venture that acquired 49% of the beneficial interests in the shopping center portfolio. The partnership agreement of Global Texas, LP provides for
contributions of capital and distributions of proceeds pro rata among the partners according to their respective partnership interests. OPTX Equity LLC has the right to participate in certain
major decisions of Global Texas, LP that require the approval of 51% of the Global Texas, LP partnership interests.
In connection with the transaction, our wholly-owned subsidiary, OPTX Lender LLC, became an owner of approximately 16.5% of the partnership interests in Global Texas Lender, LP a
Florida limited partnership. Global Texas Lender, LP provided a loan to Global Texas Portfolio, LP to finance the purchase price paid by Global Texas Portfolio, LP to acquire its 49% beneficial
interest in the shopping center portfolio. The terms of the partnership agreement of Global Texas Lender, LP are substantially similar to the terms of the partnership agreement of Global Texas, LP.
The transaction was based on a portfolio valuation of approximately $342 million including existing nonrecourse mortgage financing in the principal amount of approximately $252
million. The primary mortgage loan has a fixed interest rate of 5.73% and matures in April 2016.
At the closing of the transaction, which occurred on December 31, 2012, we made an aggregate capital contribution of approximately $4 million to OPTX Equity LLC and OPTX Lender
LLC in order to fund our share in the transaction.
The shopping centers portfolio includes more than two million square feet of leasable area and is located in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio areas of Texas. The leasable area is
currently 96% occupied. For the year ended on December 31, 2015, Texas shopping centers portfolio annual rental income totaled to approximately 29 million.
Marquis Residences in Miami, Florida
On December 30, 2010, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase Real Estate Miami LLC, had acquired 21 luxury condominium units in the Marquis Residences in Miami, Florida. The
condominium units were sold by Leviev Boymelgreen Marquis Developers, L.L.C., a Florida limited liability company. In consideration for the 21 condominium units, we paid a net purchase price
of approximately $8.6 million. In addition to the purchase price, we have invested approximately $823,000 in finishing the units.
The Marquis Residences is a 67-story tower with 292 luxury residential units ranging from 1,477 to 4,200 square feet, a restaurant, a hotel, a spa and fitness center.
To date, 20 of the 21 units are rented out and the remaining unit is being offered for rental or sale. We intend to hold the units for investment purposes and will consider to continue
renting or selling the units in accordance with our business considerations and market conditions.
21 units are pledged in connection with a financing agreement entered into by us, see Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity and Capital Resources”.
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Penthouses Units in Miami
On April 9, 2013 and on August 22, 2013, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase Real Estate Miami LLC, had acquired two luxury condominium penthouses located in the Marquis
Residence in Miami and one condominium penthouse located in the Ocean One condominium in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. In consideration for the three penthouses, we paid a net purchase
price of approximately $4.8 million.
The Ocean One condominium in Sunny Isles Beach is a twin tower project with 241 luxury residential units ranging from 1,990 to 2,610 square feet, with penthouses containing more
square footage, and the amenities include, 700 feet of ocean frontage, a private beach club, a health and fitness center, a pool and spa and two tennis courts.
To date two penthouses are still undergoing renovations and remodeling, while the third unit’s renovation has been recently completed. We intend to hold the remaining two units for
investment purposes and will consider renting or selling the units in accordance with our business considerations and market conditions.
Condominium Units in Miami Beach, Florida
On December 31, 2013, our two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Optibase FMC LLC and Optibase Real Estate Miami LLC, had acquired twelve luxury condominium units located in the
Flamingo-South Beach One Condominium and in the Continuum on South Beach Condominium, both located in Miami Beach, Florida, in consideration for the issuance of our 1.37 million newly
issued ordinary shares (of which approximately 67,000 ordinary shares were off set against the lease of one unit), representing, as of the date of the approval of the transaction by our board of
directors, a value of approximately $8.8 million. The condominium units were sold by private companies indirectly controlled by Capri, our controlling shareholder. At closing, and following the
approval of the transaction by our shareholders, we issued to Capri a net sum of 1,300,580 of our ordinary shares. The net fair value of the condominium units as recorded in our financial
statement as of the closing date was approximately $7.2 million, representing the fair value of the ordinary shares issued as of the closing date.
The eleven units at the Flamingo-South Beach One Condominium, or Flamingo Condominium, are located on various floors of the South Building of the Flamingo Condominium, and
ranging in size from 924 to 2,347 square feet. The Flamingo Condominium is a 15-story tower with 513 luxury residential units ranging in size from approximately 450 to approximately 2,347 square
feet. On October 20, 2014, we sold the eleven units located in the Flamingo Condominium, in consideration for an aggregated gross price of $6.4 million, and we recorded a capital gain of
approximately $2.7 million resulting from such transaction. For further details on the transaction to sell such eleven units, see Item 7.B. “Related Party Transactions” and Item 10.C. “Material
Contracts”.
The unit at the Continuum on South Beach Condominium, or Continuum, is located on the 33rd floor of the North Tower of the Continuum on South Beach Condominium located at 50 S.
Pointe Drive, Miami Beach, Florida. The Continuum on South Beach Condominium is a 37-story ocean-front tower with 203 luxury residential units ranging in size from 1,554 to 3,497 square feet.
Residences of the Continuum on South Beach Condominium enjoy the right to use the common areas of the residence, including swimming pool, tennis courts, spa and a sporting club. At the
closing of the acquisition of the Continuum Unit, the seller of the unit leased the Continuum Unit from us for a term of 36 months. We intend to hold the unit for investment purposes and will
consider to continue renting or selling the unit in accordance with our business considerations and market conditions.
Four units are pledged in connection with a financing agreement entered into by us, see Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity and Capital Resources” .For
further information, see Item 7.B. “Related Party Transactions”.
German Commercial Properties Portfolio
On December 18, 2014, our wholly owned European subsidiary, Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co. KG, or Optibase Bavaria, entered into a purchase agreement with Lincoln Dreizehnte
Deutche Grundstucksgellschaft mbH and Lincoln Land Passau GmbH, unrelated third parties, or the Sellers, to acquire a retail portfolio of 26 separate commercial properties in Bavaria, Germany,
and one commercial property in Saxony, Germany, or the Transaction Portfolio. On June 2, 2015 the closing of the transaction occurred and at the first stage we acquired 25 supermarkets in
Bavaria. In consideration for the 25 supermarkets, we paid a net purchase price of € 24 million. On July 8, 2015 we acquired the two remaining supermarkets for an additional purchase price of € 4.75
million.
- 29 -
The Transaction Portfolio represents a homogenous retail portfolio in established retail locations. It has approximately 37,000 square meters of total rental space and currently generates
annual net rental income of approximately EUR 3 million (approximately $3.3 million). The properties have an average tenancy rate of more than 90% of the total rental area, and an average
remaining lease term of approximately seven years.
The tenants currently operate on the properties includes 26 supermarkets, and one commercial building with partly office use. The largest tenant in the Transaction Portfolio is EDEKA
Handelsgesellschaft Südbayern mbH, or Edeka, one of the largest supermarket chain in the German market, which currently leases 22 of the rental properties in the Transaction Portfolio. In
addition to the supermarkets, smaller shops (such as bakeries and post offices) operate on several locations as subtenants of Edeka.
For a summary of the principal terms of the financing agreement entered by us for the purchase of the portfolio, see Item 5.B “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity
and Capital Resources”.
South Riverside Plaza Office Tower, Chicago
On December 29, 2015, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase Chicago 300 LLC, completed an investment in 300 River Holdings, LLC, or the Joint Venture Company, which beneficially
owns the rights to a 23-story Class A office building located at 300 South Riverside Plaza in Chicago under a 99 year ground lease expiring in 2114. We invested $12,900,000 in exchange for a
thirty percent (30%) interest in the Joint Venture Company.
The property is located in Chicago’s premier West Loop submarket, along the Chicago River. The building, situated on the riverfront, offering 360 degree views at every level of the
building. The building is currently approximately 98% occupied, including major tenants JP Morgan Chase, Zurich American Insurance, DeVry, Inc., National Futures Association, Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation and Newark Corporation.
JPMorgan Chase currently anchors the building occupying approximately 486,000 square feet, or 46% of the rentable area and has exercised its option to terminate its entire office space
at no penalty after September 2016. As a result, we are currently seeking and negotiating alternative tenants to fulfil the vacant space.
Material Tenants
Our commercial properties in Switzerland are supported by anchor tenants who, due to size, reputation and other factors are considered as such. Our largest tenants in Switzerland are
Lem SA and Novimune SA, located in the CTN complex. As of December 31, 2015, these tenants occupied approximately 13,000 square meters and accounted for approximately $4.5 million of rent
income, or approximately 37% of our gross leasable area in Switzerland and approximately 28%, of our annual rent in Switzerland. Our Commercial Properties Portfolio in Germany is supported by
anchor tenants who, due to size, reputation and other factors are considered as such. Our largest tenant in Germany is Edeka. As of December 31, 2015, Edeka occupied approximately 32,290
square meters and accounted for approximately $3 million of rent income, or approximately 87% of our gross leasable area and approximately 91%, of our annual rent. Our other tenant in Germany
is Buchbauer Handelsmärkte GmbH. Or Buchbauer. As of December 31, 2015, Buchbauer occupied approximately 4,710 square meters and accounted for approximately $300,000 of rent income, or
approximately 13% of our gross leasable area and approximately 8%, of our annual rent. No other tenant accounted for over 10% of our annual rent (on a consolidated basis).
Competition
The real estate market is highly competitive and is characterized by a large number of competitors. The main factor affecting competition in this market is geographic location of property.
There are properties in close proximity to some of our properties that are similar in purpose and use, which has the effect of increasing competition for the leasing of those properties as well as
reducing the rental rates for those properties. Other factors affecting competition are the leasing price, the physical condition of the properties and their energy efficiency rate, the finishing of the
properties and the level of the management services provided to tenants. Furthermore, the overall economic and financial trends as reflected, among other things, in interest rates, may further
increase competition, leading to a reduction of rental fees and a decline in demand for properties. However, as most of our real estate is leased under medium to long term agreements, we believe
that our exposure is limited to most of the effects of slowdown in the real estate market, although a significant change in market conditions may adversely affect our ability to maintain current
rates of occupancy or current rent levels.
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Remaining items of the Video Solution Business
In connection with the sale of our Video Solutions Business to Vitec, we transferred all rights related to the support of the OCS for the period ending on the date of the closing of the
Vitec Transaction to Vitec. Although we have no further obligation to pay royalties on revenues generated by our Video Solutions Business subsequent to its sale, we are currently undergoing
an audit by the OCS, for royalties paid before the sale of our Video Solution Business. We believe we have sufficient provisions to cover the outcome of such review process.
4.C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
As of December 31, 2015, we have been managing our activity through our two wholly-owned direct subsidiaries: Optibase Inc. which was incorporated in California, the United States
in 1991, Optibase Real Estate Europe SARL, or Optibase SARL, which was incorporated in Luxembourg in October 2009, and through our 51% held subsidiary OPCTN S.A., which was
incorporated in Luxembourg on February 24, 2011. Our subsidiaries hold the following companies: Optibase Inc. wholly owns Optibase Real Estate Miami LLC, Optibase 2Penn LLC, OPTX Equity
LLC, OPTX Lender LLC, Optibase FMC LLC, and Optibase 300 Chicago LLC, all limited liability companies which were incorporated in Delaware or Florida, United States. Optibase SARL wholly
owns Optibase RE1 SARL and Optibase RE2 SARL, which were incorporated in Luxemburg. Optibase SARL wholly owns Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co. KG, a German partnership, and Optibase
Bavaria Holding GmbH, a German corporation. OPCTN S.A. wholly owns Eldista GmbH, which was incorporated in Switzerland.
Our real estate activity is managed through several subsidiaries held directly and indirectly by Optibase Ltd. or its abovementioned subsidiaries.
4.D. PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
Since December 2011, our headquarters were located in offices occupying approximately 1,399 square feet in Herzliya Pituach, Israel. Our lease for this space expired in December 2015.
Currently our headquarters are located in offices occupying approximately 1,080 square feet in Herzliya Pituach, Israel. Our lease for this space expires in April 2016. We have leased new
headquarters occupying approximately 3,412 square feet in Herzliya Pituach, our lease commence in April 2016 and ends in 2026
Our European subsidiaries occupy offices totaling approximately 646 square feet in Luxembourg. The current leases do not have an expiration date and can be terminated at any time
with a three months prior notice.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following discussion and analysis about our financial condition and results of operations contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual
results could differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those set
forth under “Item 3.D. Risk Factors” above and “Item 5.D. Trend Information” below, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this annual report. You should read the following discussion
and analysis in conjunction with the “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report.
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Overview
Since our foundation we were engaged in the Video Solution Business. We sold that business to Vitec in July 2010 and we are currently engaged in the real estate sector. See Item 4.B
“Business Overview”
Our consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S., or U.S. GAAP.
Our functional currency is the U.S dollar.
The functional currencies of our subsidiaries are CHF, EUR and U.S dollar. We have elected to use the U.S. dollar as our reporting currency for all years presented.
The functional currency of our subsidiaries in the United States is the U.S dollars, the functional currency of the subsidiaries in Switzerland is their lead currency, i.e., CHF and the
functional currency of our subsidiary in Germany is the EUR. Since our functional and reporting currency is the U.S dollars, the financial statements of Optibase Real Estate SARL and OPCTN
S.A whose functional currency has been determined to be CHF and the financial statements of Optibase Bavaria whose functional currency has been determined to be Euro have been translated
into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of this subsidiary are translated at the year-end exchange rates and their statement of operations items are translated using the actual exchange rates at the
dates on which those items are recognized. Such translation adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.
As of December 31, 2015, we had available cash, cash equivalents, long term investments, restricted cash and other financial investments net of approximately 23.8 million. As of March
24, 2016, we have available cash, cash equivalents, long term investments, restricted cash and other financial investments net of approximately $24.8 million. For information regarding the
investment of our available cash, see Item 5.B. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.
Our business may be affected by the condition in Israel, see Item 3.D. “Risk Factors”.
Fixed income from real estate rent
Fixed income real-estate consists primarily of revenues derived from real estate properties, held through our subsidiaries, in Switzerland (Rümlang and Geneva), Miami and Germany.
Cost of real estate operations
Cost of real estate operations consist primarily of direct costs associated with operating the real estate properties such as building insurance, management company fees and property
tax.
Real estate depreciation and amortization
Real estate depreciation and amortization consist primarily of depreciation expenses related to the value of properties net of amounts accounted for land, as well as amortization
expenses associated with intangible assets derived from the purchase of real estate properties.
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General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of fees to outside consultants, legal and accounting fees, expenses related to the purchase of real estate assets, stock option
compensation charges and certain office maintenance costs.
Other operating cost
Other operating cost consists of acquisition related cost of $2.4 million related to the acquisition of the 27 supermarkets in Bavaria, Germany.
Gain on sale of operating properties
Gain on sale of operating properties consists of sale of eleven condominium units located in Miami Beach, Florida during 2014.
Equity share in earnings (losses) of associates, net
Associates in which we have significant influence over the financial and operating policies without having control are accounted for using the equity method of accounting, accordingly
we recorded during 2015 an equity loss in associate of our holdings of Two Penn Center Plaza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Other income (loss)
Other income (expenses), net, consists of dividend received and interest income on loan to associated company and impairment expenses.
Financial income (expenses), Net
Financial expenses consist primarily of interest we paid in connection with bank loans, debt issuance, currency hedging transactions, and losses from realization of securities and
financial instruments. Financial income consists mainly of interest received on deposits and other financial assets held in our bank accounts and gains from realization of securities and financial
instruments. Our exchange differences occur primarily as a result of the change of the NIS, CHF and Euro value relative to the U.S. dollar.
Taxes
As of 2015, Israeli companies are generally subject to a corporate income tax rate of 26.5%. On 5 January 2016, the Israeli Parliament officially published the Law for the Amendment of
the Israeli Tax Ordinance (Amendment 216), that reduces the standard corporate income tax rate from 26.5% to 25%.
Taxable income of Luxemburg, Switzerland, Germany and the United States is subject to tax at the rate of approximately 29%, 24%, 16% and 34% respectively in 2015.
We have final tax assessments through the tax year 2011.
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $61 million of net operating loss carry-forwards for Israeli tax purposes. These net operating loss carry-forwards have no expiration date.
Optibase Inc. had U.S. federal net operating loss carry-forward of approximately $32 million that can be carried forward and offset against taxable income for 20 years, no later than 2035.
Utilization of U.S. net operating losses may be subject to the substantial annual limitation due to the “change in ownership” provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and similar state
provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses before utilization.
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Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest.
Net income attributed to non-controlling interest following the acquisition of the CTN property in Geneva, Switzerland in March 2011. We have entered into the said transaction with
The Phoenix group, who owns 49% of the property. Thus, 49% of the net operating results of the property are attributed to them.
5.A. OPERATING RESULTS
The following table sets forth, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014 and 2015 statements of operations data as percentages of our total revenues:
Fixed income real estate
Costs and expenses:
Cost of real estate operations
Real estate depreciation and amortization
General and administrative
Other operating expenses
Total costs and expenses
Gain on sale of operating properties
Operating income
Other income, net
Financial expenses, net
Income before provision for tax
Provision for tax
Equity share in losses of associates, net
Net income
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to Optibase
Results of Operations for the Years Ended 2015 and 2014
2013
Year Ended December 31
2014
2015
100.0%
100.0%
100.0%
16
24.6
13.6
-
54.2
-
45.8
2.8
(9.8)
37.5
(11.1)
(1.3)
26.4
15.7
10.7
19.9
27.4
15.5
-
62.8
19.4
56.6
2.8
(8.3)
49.8
(10.8)
(1.3)
39
15
24
19.4
25.7
12.1
15.4
72.6
-
27.4
2.8
(11.8)
18.4
(10.5)
(0.2)
7.6
14.6
(7)
Fixed income from real estate rent. Our fixed income real estate rent increased in 2015 to $15.3 million compared to $13.9 million in 2014. The increase is mainly attributed to rental income
deriving from our German portfolio purchased on June and July 2015 partially offset by decrease of rental income derived from the sale of eleven condominium units located in Miami Florida sold
on September 2014.
Cost of real estate operations. Our cost of real estate operation increased in 2015 to $3 million compared to $2.8 million in 2014. Such costs increased in 2015 mainly due to an increase in
building maintenance expenses related to the new portfolio purchased in Germany partially offset by decrease of operation expenses derived from the sale of eleven condominium units located in
Miami Florida sold on September 2014.
Real estate depreciation and amortization. Our real estate depreciation and amortization in 2015 increased to $3.9 million compared to $3.4 million in 2014. Such costs increased in 2015
mainly due to increase in depreciation expenses related to the new portfolio purchased in Germany partially offset by decrease of depreciation expenses derived from the sale of eleven
condominium units located in Miami Florida sold on September 2014.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased to $1.8 million in 2015 from $2.2 million in 2014. The decrease can be mainly attributed to a one-
time, non-recurring expenses in 2014 in connection to the settlement agreement between us and Swiss Pro, partially offset by a one-time non-recurring legal expenses in 2015 due to a motion to
the company to approve filing of a derivative claim as detailed in Item 8. “Financial Information - Legal Proceedings”.
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Other operating cost. Other operating cost consists of acquisition related cost of $2.4 million related to the acquisition of the twenty-seven (27) supermarkets in Bavaria, Germany.
Gain on sale of operating properties. On 2014 we recorded a gain on sale of operating properties of $2.7 million in 2014 due to the sale of eleven condominium units located in Miami
Beach, Florida during 2014.
Operating Income. As a result of the foregoing, we recorded operating income of $4.2 million in 2015 compared with an operating income of $7.9 in 2014. The decrease in our operating
income in 2015 is mainly due to acquisition related cost of $2.4 million and due to the decrease in gain on sale of operating properties in 2014 and partially, increase in rental income offset by
increase in operation expenses and depreciation expenses and by overall decrease in one-time, non-recurring general and administrative expense.
Equity share in losses of associates, net. We recorded equity loss of $31,000 in 2015, compared with equity loss of $186,000 in 2014 associated with 2 Penn Philadelphia LP, a limited
partnership of which our wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase 2 Penn, LLC, is a limited partner.
Other income (loss). We recorded other income of $429,000 in 2015 compared with other income of $394,000 in 2014, related to dividend received and interest income on loan to an
associated company.
Financial Expenses, Net. We recorded financial expenses, net of $1.8 million in 2015, compared with financial expenses, net of $1.1 million in 2014. The increase can be mainly attributed
to loan interest of Miami long term loan, Germany long term loan and bonds issuance transactions as well as foreign currency translation differences.
Taxes on Income. We and our subsidiaries account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes”, or ASC 740. Under the requirements of ASC 740, we reviewed
all of our tax positions and determined whether the position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by regulatory authorities. Accordingly, we recorded tax expenses of $1.6
million in 2015, compared with $1.5 in 2014, respectively, mainly related to our Luxemburg and Germany subsidiaries.
Net Income. As a result of the forgoing, we recorded net income of $1.2 million in 2015, compared with a net income of $5.4 million in 2014.
Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest. Net income attributed to non-controlling interest was first recorded in 2011 following the acquisition of the CTN property in
Geneva, Switzerland in March 2011. We have entered into the said transaction with The Phoenix group, who owns 49% of the property. Thus, 49% of the net operating results of the property are
attributed to them.
Net income (loss) attributable to Optibase Ltd. Net income (loss) attributed to Optibase Ltd., is the result of net income as affected by net income attributed to non-controlling interest.
Results of Operations for the Years Ended 2014 and 2013
Fixed income from real estate rent. Our fixed income real estate rent increased in 2014 to $13.9 million compared to $13.7 million in 2013. The increase is mainly attributed to rental income
deriving from the twelve luxury condominium units in Miami purchased in December 2013.
Cost of real estate operations. Our cost of real estate operation increased in 2014 to $2.8 million compared to $2.2 million in 2013. Such costs increased in 2014 mainly due to an increase
in building maintenance expenses related to the new properties purchased in Miami, Florida.
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Real estate depreciation and amortization. Our real estate depreciation and amortization in 2014 increased to $3.8 million compared to $3.4 million in 2013. Such costs increased in 2014
mainly due to increase in depreciation expenses related to the new properties purchased in Miami, Florida.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to $2.2 million in 2014 from $1.9 million in 2013. The increase can be mainly attributed to a one-time,
non-recurring expenses in connection the settlement agreement between us and Swiss Pro, as detailed in Item 8. “Financial Information - Legal Proceedings”.
Gain on sale of operating properties. We recorded a gain on sale of operating properties of $2.7 million in 2014 due to the sale of eleven condominium units located in Miami Beach,
Florida during 2014.
Operating Income. As a result of the foregoing, we recorded operating income of $7.9 million in 2014 compared with an operating income of $6.3 in 2013. The increase in our operating
income in 2014 is mainly due to gain on sale of operating properties and partially, increase in rental income offset by increase in depreciation expenses and by one-time, non-recurring general and
administrative expense, in connection the settlement agreement between us and Swiss Pro, as detailed in Item 8. “Financial Information - Legal Proceedings”.
Other income (loss). We recorded other income of $394,000 in 2014 related to dividend received and interest income on loan to an associated company.
Financial Expenses, Net. We recorded financial expenses, net of $1.1 million in 2014, compared with financial expenses, net of $1.3 million in 2013. The change can be mainly attributed
to interest SWAP transaction, as well as foreign currency translation differences.
Taxes on Income. We and our subsidiaries account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes”, or ASC 740. Under the requirements of ASC 740, we reviewed
all of our tax positions and determined whether the position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by regulatory authorities. Accordingly, we recorded tax expenses of $1.5
million in 2014 and 2013, respectively, mainly related to our Luxemburg subsidiaries.
Equity share in losses of associates, net. We recorded $186,000 equity loss associated with 2 Penn Philadelphia LP, a limited partnership of which our wholly-owned subsidiary,
Optibase 2 Penn, LLC, is a limited partner.
Net Income. As a result of the forgoing, we recorded net income of $5.4 million in 2014, compared with a net income of $3.6 million in 2013.
Net Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interest. Net income attributed to non-controlling interest was first recorded in 2011 following the acquisition of the CTN property in
Geneva, Switzerland in March 2011. We have entered into the said transaction with The Phoenix group, who owns 49% of the property. Thus, 49% of the net operating results of the property are
attributed to them.
Net income (loss) attributable to Optibase Ltd. Net income (loss) attributed to Optibase Ltd., is the result of net income as effected by net income attributed to non-controlling interest.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles require management to make certain estimates, judgments and
assumptions based upon information available at the time that they are made, historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These
estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the periods presented.
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In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas
in which management’s judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. Our management reviewed these critical accounting policies and related
disclosures with our audit committee. See Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which contain additional information regarding our accounting policies and other disclosures required
by U.S. GAAP.
Our management believes the significant accounting policies which affect management’s more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements and which are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
v Long-lived assets including intangible assets
v
Investment in companies
v Contingencies; and
v
Income Taxes.
Long- Lived Assets including intangible assets
The Company and its subsidiaries long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”, whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset
to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which
the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
The Company reviewed assets on a component-level basis, which is the lowest level of assets for which there are identifiable cash flows that can be distinguished operationally and for
financial reporting purposes. The carrying amount of the asset group was compared with the related expected undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by those assets over the estimated
remaining useful life of the primary asset. In cases where the expected future cash flows were less than the carrying amounts of the assets, those assets were considered impaired and written
down to their fair values. Fair value was established based on discounted cash flows.
Investment in companies
Investments in non-marketable equity securities of companies in which the Company does not have control or the ability to exercise significant influence over their operation and
financial policies are recorded at cost.
Management evaluates investments in non-marketable equity securities for evidence of other-than temporary declines in value. When relevant factors indicate a decline in value that is
other-than temporary the Company recognizes an impairment loss for the decline in value.
Contingencies
We periodically estimate the impact of various conditions, situations and/or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes to our financial condition and operating results. These events
are called “contingencies”, and the accounting treatment for such events is prescribed by the ASC 450 “Contingencies”. ASC 450 defines a contingency as “an existing condition, situation, or
set of circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible gain or loss to an enterprise that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur”. Legal proceedings
are a form of such contingencies.
In accordance with ASC 450, accruals for exposures or contingencies are being provided when the expected outcome is probable. It is possible, however, that future results of
operations for any particular quarter or annual period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions, the actual outcome of such proceedings or as a result of the effectiveness of
our strategies related to these proceedings.
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Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” or ASC 740, which prescribes the use of the liability method, whereby
deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax
rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company and its subsidiaries provide a valuation allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to
amounts more likely than not to be realized.
ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes by establishing minimum standards for the recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken
in a tax return. Under the requirements of ASC 740, the Company must review all of its tax positions and make a determination as to whether its position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained
upon examination by regulatory authorities. If a tax position meets the more-likely–than-not standard, then the related tax benefit is measured based on a cumulative probability analysis of the
amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement or disposition of the underlying issue. Our policy is to accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax
benefits in our financial expenses.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09) "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU
2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)”, and requires entities to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. As currently issued and amended, ASU 2014-09 is
effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, though early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods
beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements, implementing accounting
system changes related to the adoption, and considering additional disclosure requirements. We are still evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on our consolidated financial
statements and related disclosures.
In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 (ASU 2015-17) “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes”. ASU 2015-
17 simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by eliminating the separate classification of deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the
consolidated balance sheet statement of financial position. The amendments in the update require that all deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance
sheet. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to
all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. We have early adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2015 on a retrospective basis. Prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-period Adjustments." This new guidance requires an acquirer in a business
combination to recognize adjustments to the provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period to be reported in the period in which the adjustment amounts are determined.
In addition, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization and other items as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been complete
as of the acquisition date, must be recorded in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015
and must be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We have not yet adopted ASU 2015-16 and do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our
consolidated financial position or results of operations.
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In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, as part of its initiative to reduce
complexity in accounting standards. To simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be
presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest-
Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs
Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update), which allows an entity to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the
deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The updated
standards are effective for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The updated standards are not expected to materially impact our financial
position or disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both
parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of
whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a
straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their
classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using
an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The ASU is expected to impact our consolidated financial
statements as we have certain operating and land lease arrangements for which we are the lessee. ASU 2016-02 supersedes the previous leases standard, Leases (Topic 840). The standard is
effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our financial position or results of
operations.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The
ASU makes the following targeted changes for financial assets and liabilities: i) requiring equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be measured at fair value with changes
recognized in net income; ii) simplifying the impairment assessment of equity securities without readily determinable fair values using a qualitative approach; iii) eliminating disclosure of the
method and significant assumptions used to fair value instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; iv) requiring use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of
instruments for disclosure purposes; v) for financial liabilities where the fair value option has been elected, requiring the portion of the fair value change related to instrument-specific credit risk
(which includes a Company's own credit risk) to be separately reported in other comprehensive income; vi) requiring the separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement
category and form of financial asset (liability) on the balance sheet or accompanying notes; and vii) clarifying that the evaluation of a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to
available-for-sale securities should be performed in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including
interim periods within those years Early adoption of item (v) above is permitted for financial statements (both annual and interim periods) that have not yet been issued. We have not determined
when we will adopt item (v) above of this ASU. We will adopt the remaining provisions of the ASU on January 1, 2018. We are evaluating the impact of this ASU on Ambac's financial
statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (Topic 810), requiring entities to evaluate whether they should
consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. The revised consolidation model: (1) modifies the evaluation of whether
limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, (2) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited
partnership, (3) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, and (4) provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with
interests in certain legal entities. The updated standard is effective for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted.
The updated standard may be applied retrospectively or using a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of
adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements and related disclosures.
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5.B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We have funded our operations primarily through private and public sales of our equity securities and banks credit. As of December 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents, long
term investments, restricted cash and other financial investments net of $23.8 million, and as of March 24, 2016, we have available cash, and cash equivalents of approximately $24.8 million.
NOI increased by $1.2 million, or 10%, for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in NOI was primarily driven by an increase in
minimum rent deriving from our German portfolio purchased on June and July 2015, and to contractual rent increases.
Recurrent FFO increased by $711,000, or 23%, for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase in FFO is due primarily to an increase
in cash generated from our German portfolio purchased on June and July 2015, partially offset by increase in financial expenses associated with assumptions of Miami long term loan and bonds
issuance transactions in 2015.
Net cash provided by our operating activities was $4 million, $5.3 million and $7.4 million in December 31 of each of the years 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Net cash provided for operating activities in 2015 was primarily the result of net income for the period, as adjusted for depreciation and amortization, decrease in other accounts
receivable and prepaid expenses, decrease in trade receivables, increase in other long term liabilities, minority interests in losses of a subsidiary offset by the increase accrued expenses and other
accounts payables, decrease in short term liabilities and in land lease liabilities, and by decrease in deferred tax liabilities.
Net cash provided for operating activities in 2014 was primarily the result of net income for the period, as adjusted for depreciation and amortization, minority interests in losses of a
subsidiary, increase in accrued expenses and other accounts payables, offset by the decrease in short term liabilities, decrease in deferred tax liabilities, increase in other accounts receivable and
prepaid expenses, and by gain on sale of real estate. . Net cash provided for operating activities in 2013 was primarily the result of net income for the period, as adjusted for depreciation and
amortization, increase in accrued expenses and other accounts payables, minority interests in losses of a subsidiary, partially offset by the decrease in long term liabilities and decrease in trade
receivable.
Net cash used for investment activities in 2015 totaling $49.4 million reflects primarily the investments we have entered into during 2015 for the acquisition of a portfolio in Germany and
the acquisition of 30% beneficial interest in Class A office building in Chicago, investment in long term deposits and investment in building improvements. Net cash provided from investment
activities in 2014 totaling $5.2 million reflects primarily the sale of 11 residential condominium units located in Florida through our wholly-owned subsidiary, offset by investments in building
improvements. Net cash used for investment activities in 2013 totaling $5.7 million reflects primarily the investments we have entered into during 2013 for the acquisition of three condominium
units through our wholly-owned subsidiary Optibase Inc.
Net cash provided for financial activities in 2015 totaling $47.2 million reflects proceeds from bonds offering, bank loan relates to loan received for the acquisition of the portfolio in
Germany and loan received for certain condominium units the Company own in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida partially offset by loan repayment and dividend distribution. Net cash used for
financial activities in 2014 totaling $4.7 million reflects loans repayment and dividend distribution. Net cash used for financial activities in 2013 totaling $2.6 million reflects loans repayment.
During 2015, we invested our available cash solely in interest bearing bank deposits and money market funds with various banks. As of the date hereof, we do not have any material
contractual commitments related to capital expenditure.
In July 2013, our audit committee and board of directors approved, in accordance with the Israeli Companies Regulations (Relieves for Transactions with Interested Parties) of 2000, or
the Regulations, the receipt of guarantees, or the Guarantees, from our controlling shareholder or any affiliate thereof, or collectively, the Controlling Shareholder, to financing institutions in
connection with our subsidiaries' or affiliated companies' real estate and real estate related activities, or the Real Estate Activities, all in accordance with the terms detailed below. The purpose of
the receipt of the Guarantees is to increase our financial resources in order to expand our Real Estate Activities. The Guarantees will be provided by the Controlling Shareholder to financing
institutions in for a credit or loan to be provided to us, our subsidiaries or affiliated companies by such financing institutions in the event we are unable to provide sufficient equity in connection
with the Real Estate Activities. The Guarantees will be provided for credit or loan amounts that will not exceed US $20 million per year, effective as of July 18, 2013, and up to US $60 million for a
three-year period. The Guarantees will be in effect for the entire duration of the credit agreement or loan facility. We, our subsidiaries or our affiliated companies will not bear any costs or
expenses in connection with the provision of the Guarantees and will not indemnify the Controlling Shareholder in case such Guarantees are exercised. As of the date of this annual report, we
have not received any Guarantee from the Controlling Shareholder.
- 40 -
The following table summarizes the principal terms of all of our financing agreements:
Type of Facility
Borrower
Original Date
and Maturity
Date
Original
Amount*
Outstanding
Amount (as of
December 31,
2015)**
Annual Interest Payment Terms
Principal
Securities
Principal
Covenants
Additional Information
The Company
Public offering of
non-convertible
Series A Bonds
by the Company
Original Date-
August 9, 2015;
Maturity Date-
December 31,
2021
NIS 60 million
(app. $15
million)
NIS 60 million
(app. $ 15
million)
6.7%
Interest - payable
in semi-annual
payments
none
Principal -
payable in semi-
annual payments
on June 30 and on
December 31 of
each of the years
of 2016 through
2021 (last
payment on
December 31,
2021)
Refinancing
agreement of the
CTN complex
OPCTN, S.A.
(Mezzanine
Borrower)
CHF 15 million
(app. $16.5
million).
CFH 6.5 million
(app. $6.6
million).
Original Date-
October 3, 2011;
Maturity Date-
Up to 5 years
from the original
date
A
senior mortgage
over the property
+ a pledge of
Eldista's shares
LIBOR + either:
(a) 1.30%; or (b)
a maximum of
2.50% if the
lender's risk
assessment
requires such a
change.
Interest due
quarterly,
beginning March
31, 2012.
CHF 2 million to
be paid per year
on a quarterly
basis, beginning
31.12.2011.
Eldista GmbH
(Senior Borrower)
Original Date-
October 3, 2011;
CHF 85 million
(app. $93.5
million).
CFH 85 million
(app. $86.6
million).
LIBOR + 0.75%
per annum.
Interest due
quarterly,
beginning March
31.
CHF 2 million to
be paid per year
on a quarterly
basis, beginning
31.12.2018.
- 41 -
The bonds are rated at
a rating of
"Baa1/Stable" on a
local scale by Midroog
Ltd., an affiliate of
Moody’s.
Events of default
include, among which,
the existence of a real
concern that the
Company will not meet
its material
undertakings towards
the bondholders;
breach of the
Company's financial
covenants during two
consecutives fiscal
quarters; cross default
provisions; the sale of
the majority of the
Company's assets,
subject to certain
exceptions; and
occurrence of certain
'change of control'
events.
No restriction on the
issuance of any new
series of debt
instruments, subject to
certain exceptions.
Expansion of the series
is subject to
maintaining the rating
assigned to the bonds
prior to the expansion
date and continued
compliance with the
financial covenants.
• negative pledge
regarding the
creation of a
floating charge on
all of the
Company's
assets, subject to
certain
exceptions.
• no distributions
in an amount
greater than 35%
of the profits
• no distributions
that immediately
following which
the Company's
equity (excluding
minority interest)
will decrease
below $50 million
• increase of
interest rate in
case of certain
decreases in the
bonds' rating.
• minimum equity
(excluding
minority interest)
will not be less
than $33 million
• equity
(including
minority interest)
to balance sheet
ratio will not be
less than 25%
• net financial
debt to CAP ratio
will not be greater
than 70%
• net financial
debt to EBITDA
ratio will not be
greater than 16.
As of December
31, 2015, the
Company meets
all the required
covenants.
• Transfers/sales of
property are
prohibited. Any sale
will result in the loan
being repayable and a
prepayment fee of
0.1%, plus difference
between interest rate at
time of termination and
interest rate that bank
can achieve for residual
interest (LIBOR) term.
• Distributions of
dividends/shareholder
loans are only
permitted in line with
available yearly profit
after loan payments.
• Distributions of
dividends/shareholder
loans are only
permitted: (a) to
OPCTN to make its loan
payments; and (b)
otherwise in line with
available yearly profit
after loan payments.
Type of Facility
Borrower
Original Date
and Maturity
Date
Original
Amount*
Outstanding
Amount (as of
December 31,
2015)**
Annual Interest Payment Terms Principal Securities Principal Covenants Additional Information
Financing agreement
(as amended) of the
Edeka Portfolio
Optibase Bavaria
GmbH & Co. KG
Original Date-
May 2015;
Maturity Date-
May 31, 2020
€ 21 million
(app. $23
million) of
which € 20
million (app.
$22 million)
has been
drawn down
€ 19.7 (app. $21.5) 3 month Euro
quarterly
amortization of
€ 105,000 each from
June 30, 2015
until the maturity
date
Interbank Offer
Rate + either: (a)
1.75%; or (b) if
certain mortgage
requirements
under German
law are not met,
1.89%.
There is a Hedge
Agreement in
place securing
an interest rate
of a maximum of
2.15% per
annum.
- 42 -
Land charges over
the Portfolio
properties
Assignment of rent,
insurance right and
claims as well as
claims of all future
purchase
agreements;
Pledge of rent
accounts;
Enforceable abstract
promise of debt;
Assignment of right
and claims under the
Hedge Agreement.
• Debt service cover
ratio ("DSCR") of at
least 130% (breach
is a "Soft Default",
requiring surplus
income from the
portfolio properties
to be used to
remedy the breach)
or of at least 110%
(breach is a "Hard
Default" requiring
payment by
Borrower to fully
remedy the breach-
DSCR of 130% must
be restored). DSCR
must be proven
towards the bank by
the Borrower every
six months from
December 31, 2015.
• Loan to value of
70% in the first three
years and 65% in the
fourth and fifth
years (breach
requires Borrower to
make payment by
the Borrower to
remedy the
breach). Portfolio
was valued at
€ 32,422,000 on
December 3, 2014,
and new valuations
may be done at
intervals of two
years (first on
September 30, 2016)
at the cost of the
Borrower or at any
other time at the
Lender's cost.
As of December 31,
2015, the Company
meets all the
required covenants.
• The Borrower should
pay certain release
amounts (as set out in
the loan agreement) if a
mortgaged property is
sold prior to the
maturity date. The
release amount is the
higher of (i) the
minimum re-payment
amount agreed for the
sold property or (ii) 75%
of the net sales
proceeds received for
the sold property.
• Exit Fee for
prepayment prior to
Maturity Date equal to
0.30% per remaining
year of the term plus
compensation for loss
of interest to the Lender.
• The Bank has a claim
for damages in the event
of a partial or full
prepayment of the loan
amount.
• If the Borrower fulfils
certain requirements
with respect to
expanding the Lenggries
property on or by
December 31, 2017, a
part of the undrawn loan
in the amount of
€ 525,884 will be paid out
to the Borrower. If the
conditions are not met
on or by December 31,
2017 then the loan will
be reduced by € 525,884
and Borrower will repay
an amount of € 74,116 on
December 31, 2017.
• If the Borrower fulfils
certain requirements
with respect to the
leasehold agreement for
the Chamerau property
on or by June 30, 2016, it
will have to repay
€ 474,116 by December
31, 2016, a part of the
undrawn loan in an
amount of € 474,116 will
be paid out to the
Borrower. If the
conditions are not met
on or by June 30, 2016
then the loan will be
reduced by € 474,116.
• The Lender is
authorized to syndicate
or transfer parts or the
entire loan at its own
cost.
Type of Facility
Borrower
Original Date
and Maturity
Date
Original
Amount*
Outstanding
Amount (as of
December 31,
2015)**
Annual Interest Payment Terms
Principal
Securities
Principal Covenants Additional Information
$15 million
$15 million
Financing
agreement of
condominium units
in Miami
Optibase Real
Estate Miami,
LLC
Original Date-
July 7, 2015;
Maturity Date-
July 7, 2018,
with an option
to extend for 12
months upon
satisfaction of
certain
conditions.
Libor (30-day
rate) + either: (a)
2.65%; or (b)
3,25% if
Borrower and
Guarantor fail to
maintain
depository
accounts with
the Lender
totaling $1.5
million.
Interest –
payable monthly
commencing in
August 1, 2015
Principal: Payments
to reduce the
principal to: (a)
$13,753,252 on July
7, 2016; (b)
$11,883,180 on
December 7, 2016;
(c) $9,389,723 on
July 7, 2017; and (d)
$6,896,266 on
December 7, 2017
(i) A senior
mortgage spread
over 25 residential
condominium units;
and (ii) Guaranty
from Optibase, Inc.,
under which
Optibase, Inc.
guarantees the
obligations of the
Borrower, including
the punctual
payment of amounts
owed under the loan
documents
• The Mortgage will be
partially released so
that a sale of a Unit can
occur, provided: no
Event of Default exists
at the time the Borrower
presents a contract for
sale to the Lender
executed by a buyer;
the sale is to a bona-
fide third party
purchaser upon the
terms and conditions
set out in Exhibit B of
the Loan Agreement.
• Lender may obtain a
new or updated
Appraisal of the Project
at Borrower’s expense
once annually, or more
often if an Event of
Default exists or if
required by a
governmental or
banking agency or
authority.
• Borrower to keep $1
million in a Restricted
Account, from which
interest payments are
deducted if such
payments are not paid
in cash.
• Guarantor and the
Borrower must
collectively maintain
unrestricted and
unencumbered Liquid
Assets of at least
$2,000,000.00,
including any amounts
held as Interest
Reserve under the
Loan Agreement.
Guarantor not to
transfer a material
portion of its assets,
other than in the
ordinary course of
business, for fair
market terms, and such
transfer will not have
material adverse effect
on its ability to
perform its
obligations. Guarantor
can make advances to
affiliates in ordinary
course of business
without consent.
Financing
agreement of the
property in Rumlang
Optibase RE 1
SARL
Original Date-
October 2009;
CHF 18.8
million ($18.4
million)
CHF 16.5 million
(app. $16.7
million)
A senior mortgage
over the property +
Pledge over the
holdings in
borrower
Libor (for a
period
determined by
borrower per
each interest
payment for the
next payment)
+ 0.8%
Interest - payable in
four quarterly
payments annually
The principal
amount is payable
in four quarterly
amortization
payments annually,
each in the amount
of CHF 94,000
(approximately
$92,000 as of the
purchase date).
As of December 31,
2015, the Company
meets all the required
covenants.
• undertaking not to
grant any
encumbrance or
mortgage on the
Rümlang property
without the lender's
approval.
As of December 31,
2015, the Company
meets all the required
covenants
• The lender may adjust
the margin at its sole
discretion on account
of deterioration in
Optibase RE 1's credit
standing or the value of
the property.
• The principal
payments may be
adjusted at the lender's
sole discretion if the
lease of major tenants is
terminated and no
replacement tenant is
found within 6 months.
• Borrower may repay
the mortgage at any
time, subject to a prior
notice of three months
with no subject penalty.
• The lender holds the
right to accelerate
future loan payments,
upon occurrence of
certain default
conditions.
* Translation of the amounts into US Dollar was made in accordance with the representative rate of exchange of the relevant currency into US Dollar as of the date the loan was taken.
** Translation of the amounts into US Dollar was made in accordance with the representative rate of exchange of the relevant currency into US Dollar as of December 31, 2015.
- 43 -
We believe that, considering the use of cash in our ongoing operations, together with the existing sources of liquidity described above, our working capital will be sufficient to meet our
present requirements and our needs for cash for at least the next 12 months. However, our liquidity and capital requirements are affected by many factors, some of which are based on the normal
ongoing operations of our businesses and some of which arise from uncertainties related to global economies and the markets that we target for our services. In addition, we routinely review
potential acquisitions, including the transaction we recently entered into for the acquisition of a real estate properties portfolio in Germany (see Item 10.C. “Material Contracts”), which requires
more funds than are currently available. Therefore, we would likely seek additional equity or debt financing, although we cannot assure you that we would be successful in obtaining such
financing on favorable terms or at all.
5.C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
For grants received from certain entities, see Item 4.B. “Business Overview - Research and Development” above.
5.D. TREND INFORMATION
Starting in 2008 the global economic downturn caused a slowdown in the real estate market. In the later part of 2008 and through 2010, banks have lowered interest rates, but at the same
time were reluctant to provide financing or perform refinancing of existing debt. Although interest rates have increased during 2011, banks are still reluctant to provide financing or perform
refinancing of existing debt. Moreover, in the past few years, several European countries were experiencing difficulties refinancing their governmental debts. Such difficulties influenced the
European and entire world economy, and eventually brought to a sovereign debt crisis in Europe during 2011.
In 2012, the economy showed signs of improvement, but recovery has been slow and volatile. Furthermore, severe financial and structural strains on the banking and financial systems
have led to significant lack of trust and confidence in the global credit and financial system. Consumers and money managers have liquidated and may liquidate equity investments, and
consumers and banks have held and may hold cash and other lower-risk investments, resulting in significant declines in the equity capitalization of companies and failures of financial
institutions. The recent economic downturn resulted in many companies shifting to a more cautionary mode with respect to leasing of real estate properties. Potential tenants may be looking to
consolidate, reduce overhead and preserve operating capital. The downturn also impacted the financial condition of some our tenants and their ability to fulfill their lease commitments which, in
turn, impacted our ability in some of our regions to maintain or increase the occupancy level and/or rental rates of our properties.
Recent U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional downgrades of sovereign credit ratings and economic slowdowns. In August 2011,
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. from “AAA” to “AA+”. The impact of this or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s
sovereign credit rating, or its perceived creditworthiness, is inherently unpredictable and could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. These
developments, and the U.S. government’s credit concerns in general, could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise. In addition, the lowered credit rating could create broader financial
turmoil and uncertainty. In addition, during 2013, the pressure on properties’ pricing have eased somewhat and the U.S. real estate market was showing signs of stabilization and an increase
towards the end of the year. During 2014 and through 2015 the U.S. real estate market has shown signs of improvement and a consistent increase in assets prices as the demand for investments
increased significantly also driven by financial institutions increased willingness to finance new transactions along with low interest rates. Economically, that had been supported by moderate
job growth, record housing affordability and fewer distressed property sales. Throughout 2015, we have witnessed yet a further increase in demand for quality projects both in the residential and
the commercial markets. More recently we have seen an ease in that demand, especially for high end residential projects in the U.S. market.
- 44 -
In addition, the Swiss economy led to a slight increase in demand in the office property market in 2011. In particular, Switzerland remains an attractive location for international service
providers and corporate headquarters. There is also still a demand for high-quality, modern spaces, which ultimately allows for a certain stability on the rent level. However, while jobs were still
being created at the beginning of 2011, the Swiss economy slowed down and consumer sentiment dimmed somewhat in the second half of the year. Towards the end of the year, the demand for
office space slowed down due to announced and expected job losses. During 2013, 2014 and throughout 2015, as Swiss interest rates declined further, the Swiss real estate prices remained stable
in most segments, while other segments were showing signs of increase mainly due to the low interest rates and lack of investments alternatives. At the same time, there was no increase in the
demand for new rental spaces and the rental market appeared to be slowing down further, in particular the demand for prime office space and the price for such real estate properties. Although
economic conditions were promising in 2013, stagnating sales, depressed income and ongoing structural challenges meant that demand for retail floor space was modest. In addition, the two
most highly developed tenant markets, Zurich and Geneva, are still exposed to growing oversupply of office space. Despite the above, during 2013 and 2014, market values on direct investments
generally continued to rise, mainly due to low interest rates, but have been stable during 2015. As this was accompanied by moderate demand for rents and stability in rental prices, the overall
yields on such investments have decreased further. During 2015, the Swiss Central Bank has set negative interest rates for CHF deposits. This in-turn pushed investors to further invest in the
real estate market while looking for investments alternatives to generate positive returns on their investments.
Over the course of 2015, the German real estate market continued its expansion and growth. While the majority of European countries are still suffering from the world economic
downturn which have started back in 2008, the German economy and its real estate sector have shown significant signs of improvement supported by a decrease in interest rates and an increase
in availability of financing. In addition, an increasing demand by foreign investors also supported the increase in assets value as well as the gradual devaluation of the Euro against the USD
which made the German market also appealing for U.S. investors.
Our financial income is affected by changes in the 6-month Libor rate, see Item 3.D. “Risk Factors - Risks Relating to the Economy, Our Financial Condition and Shareholdings” above.
Since the quarter ended June 30, 2004 and except for several non-continuous quarters during 2009 and 2010 and 2011, we operated at a loss. During 2012, except for the second quarter,
and during 2013 and 2014 we have been profitable. During 2015 we operated at a loss mainly due to acquisition-related costs of $2.4 million related to the acquisition of the twenty-seven (27)
supermarkets in Bavaria, Germany.
5.E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
There are no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or
expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.
5.F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Set forth below are our contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2015:
Contractual Obligations
Long-Term Debt
Capital Lease Obligations
Lease Obligations
Bonds
Purchase Obligations
Severance pay
Other Long-Term Obligations
Total Contractual Cash Obligations
Total
146,055
6,412
1,183
15,045
Less than 1 year
5,973
106
116
2,562
Payments Due by Period
(USD in thousands)
1- 3 years
4-5 years
After 5 years
17,252
211
227
5,124
24,924
211
216
5,124
97,906
5,884
624
2,235
168,695
8,757
22,814
30,475
106,649
- 45 -
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
6.A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the individuals who are currently our directors and executive officers. All of these individuals are presently serving in the
respective capacities described below:
Name
Alex Hilman
Amir Philips
Shlomo (Tom) Wyler
Yakir Ben-Naim
Orli Garti Seroussi (1)(2)(3)
Danny Lustiger(1)(3)
Chaim Labenski(1)(2)(3)
Reuwen Schwarz
Position
Age
64
48
65
44
56
48
68
40
Executive Chairman of the board of directors
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer of Optibase Inc.
Chief Financial Officer
Director
Director
Director
Director
(1) Member of our audit committee and financial statements review committee
(2) External director
(3) Member of our compensation committee
On January 6, 2016, our shareholders approved the re-election of Alex Hilman, Danny Lustiger and Reuwen Schwarz as directors of the Company. On December 19, 2013, our
shareholders approved the re-election of Orli Garti Seroussi and Chaim Labenski, as external directors of the Company, and the compensation terms of Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler as the Chief
Executive Officer of Optibase Inc., our subsidiary.
Shlomo (Tom) Wyler serves as the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary Optibase Inc. Until December 19, 2013, Mr. Wyler has served as a president and a member our board of
directors. Since his investment in us in September 2001 (then through Festin Management Corp.), Mr. Wyler has served in various senior executive positions. His other areas of involvement
include investment banking, foreign exchange, financial futures and real-estate. In the early 1990s, Mr. Wyler turned his efforts to real estate interests. Mr. Wyler holds a Masters degree in
Business Economics from the University of Zurich.
Amir Philips serves as our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Philips has been serving in this position since June 2011. Prior to this position, Mr. Philips served as our Chief Financial Officer
from May 2007, and as Vice President Finance of Optibase Inc. from July 2004. From 2000 until 2004, Mr. Philips held the position of Group Controller and Financial Manager at Optibase Ltd.
Before joining Optibase, Mr. Philips was an accountant and auditor at Lotker Stein Toledano and Co., currently a member of BDO Ziv Haft. Mr. Philips is a Certified Public Accountant in Israel.
He holds an MBA from the Kellogg-Recanati School of Business and a B.B. degree in Accounting and Business Management from the Israeli College of Management.
Yakir Ben-Naim serves as our Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Ben-Naim has been serving in this position since June 2011. From 2004 until May 2011, Ms. Ben-Naim held the position of
Corporate Controller and Financial Manager at Optibase Ltd. Before joining Optibase, Ms. Ben-Naim was a controller at V.Box Communications Ltd., and an accountant at Ernst & Young. Ms.
Ben-Naim is a Certified Public Accountant in Israel.
Alex Hilman serves as Executive Chairman of our board of directors since September 2009. He has joined our board of directors in February 2002. Mr. Hilman is a certified accountant in
Israel (C.P.A ISR.), and a partner in Hilman & Co., accountancy firm which provides auditing, tax and business consulting services to corporations. Mr. Hilman serves as a board member in other
companies in Israel and abroad. Mr. Hilman was the president of the Israeli Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Israel, served on the board of IFAC (International Federation of
Accountants), and was a member of the Small & Medium Practices committee in IFAC. Mr. Hilman has published professional works on tax and accounting, among them, The Israel Tax Guide.
Mr. Hilman has also held professional and management positions at the ITA (the Israeli Tax Authorities) and lectured Taxation in Tel Aviv University. Mr. Hilman holds a B.A. in Accountancy
and Economics from Tel-Aviv University.
- 46 -
Orli Garti Seroussi joined our board of directors on January 31, 2008 as an external director. Ms. Garti-Seroussi serves as an Independent Business Consultant and as an external
director of Apio (Africa) Ltd. And of Gamatronic Ltd. During 2012 and 2013, Ms. Garti-Seroussi served as the Deputy Director and CFO of the Jerusalem Cinematheque - Israel Film Archive. From
August 2001 until June 2011, Ms. Garti-Seroussi served as the General Manager of the Bureau of Municipal Corporation in the municipality of Tel-Aviv Jaffa. From June 1999 until July 2001 Ms.
Garti-Seroussi served as manager of consulting department in Shif-Hazenfrats & Associations, CPA firm. Prior to that, Ms. Garti-Seroussi served as Deputy Director of the Department of Market
Regulation in the Israel Securities Authority and as an Auditor in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. Ms. Garti-Seroussi holds an M.P.A from Harvard University and M.B.A degree and a B.A degree
in economics and accounting from Tel Aviv University. Ms. Garti-Seroussi is a Certified Public Accountant in Israel.
Danny Lustiger joined our board of directors in October 2009. Mr. Lustiger is the president and Chief Executive Officer of Cupron Scientific Ltd. and has over 22 years of experience in
various aspects of Hi-Tech industry at senior positions together with Real estate and infrastructure industries, experience at senior position in public companies. From 2007 until 2009, Mr.
Lustiger served as the Chief Financial officer of Shikun & Binui Holdings Ltd. From 1996 and until 2005, Mr. Lustiger served at different managerial positions at Optibase including Chief Financial
Officer. From 1993 to 1996 Mr. Lustiger held the position of an accountant and auditor at Igal Brightman & Co. (currently Brightman Almagor & Co., a member of Deloitte & Touche Tomatsu
International). Mr. Lustiger is a Certified Public Accountant in Israel. Mr. Lustiger holds a B.A. degree in Accounting and Economics and an MBA in Finance and International management from
the Tel-Aviv University.
Chaim Labenski joined our board of directors in December 2010. From 1977 to 1999, Mr. Labenski held a number of positions at Securities Division of Bank Hapoalim BM, including
being First Vice president and Head of Foreign Securities and was involved in consulting, securities research, trading and I.P.O coordination with global investment houses. Since 1999 he acts as
a private investor. Mr. Labenski holds a B.Sc degree in Civil Engineering from Astor University, U.K, a M.Sc degree in Engineering Management from Leeds University and D.B.A degree in
Business Administration from Manchester Business School.
Reuwen Schwarz joined our board of directors in July 2014. Mr. Schwarz serves as an independent contractor providing services to the Company since November 2013. Since 2012, Mr.
Schwarz serves as a real estate manager for a private company. From 2008 through 2012 Mr. Schwarz has served as a manager for Centris Capital AG. From 2006 through 2008 Mr. Schwarz has
served as a banker for Meinl Bank AG, Vienna. Mr. Schwarz holds a Magister (MA) degree from the University of Economic and Business Administration Vienna, Austria.
6.B. COMPENSATION
The compensation terms for the Company’s directors and officers is derived from their employment and services agreements and comply with our Compensation Policy for Executive
Officers and Directors as approved by the Company’s shareholders on December 19, 2013, or the Compensation Policy.
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The table and summary below outline the compensation granted to the five highest compensated directors and officers of the Company during the year ended December 31, 2015. The
compensation detailed in the table below refers to actual compensation granted or paid to the director or officer during the year 2015.
Name and Position of director or officer
Salary or Monthly
Payment (1)
Value of Social
Benefits (2)
Bonuses
Value of Equity
Based
Compensation
Granted (3)
All Other
Compensation (4)
Total
Amir Philips,
Chief Executive Officer (5)
Shlomo (Tom) Wyler,
Chief Executive Officer of Optibase Inc. (6)
Yakir Ben-Naim,
Chief Financial Officer (7)
Alex Hilman,
Executive Chairman of our board of directors (8)
Reuwen Schwarz,
Director (9)
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
172
170
86
62
59
59
10
28
-
-
-
-
26
-
-
40(10)
21(11)
-
41(12)
-
21
-
13
-
5
292
201
153
103
64
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
“Salary” means yearly gross base salary with respect to our Executive Officers (Mr. Philips, Mr. Wyler and Ms. Ben-Naim). “Monthly Payment” means the aggregate gross
monthly payments with respect to the members of our board of directors (Mr. Hilman and Mr. Schwarz) for the year 2015.
“Social Benefits” include payments to the National Insurance Institute, advanced education funds, managers’ insurance and pension funds; vacation pay; and recuperation
pay as mandated by Israeli law.
Consists of amounts recognized as share-based compensation (options and restricted shares) expense on our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015.
“All Other Compensation” includes, among other things, car-related expenses (including tax gross-up), telephone, basic health insurance, and holiday presents.
Mr. Philips’ employment terms as our Chief Executive Officer provide that Mr. Philips is entitled to a monthly base gross salary of NIS 55,000 (approximately $14,000). Mr.
Philips is further entitled to vacation days, sick days and convalescence pay in accordance with market practice and applicable law, monthly remuneration for a study fund,
contribution by us to an insurance policy and pension fund, and additional benefits, including communication expenses. In addition, Mr. Philips is entitled to reimbursement of
car-related expenses from us (including tax gross-up). Mr. Philips’ employment terms include an advance notice period of six months. During such advance notice period, Mr.
Philips will be entitled to all of the compensation elements, and to the continuation of vesting of any options or restricted shares granted to him. In March 2016, our
compensation committee and board of directors approved the following amendments to the compensation terms of Mr. Philips: (i) the monthly gross base salary will be updated
to NIS 65,000 for a full time position, as of January 1, 2016 and to NIS 75,000 as of January 1, 2017; and (ii) the grant of a special bonus in the amount of NIS120,000. The
amendments are subject to shareholders' approval.
For details on Mr. Wyler’s compensation terms as approved by our shareholders on December 19, 2013, see Item 7.B. “Related Party Transactions”, below. In March 2016, our
compensation committee and board of directors approved an amendment to Mr. Wyler's compensation terms in a manner that Mr. Wyler's annual gross base salary shall be
$200,000 for a full time position, as of January 1, 2016. This amendment is subject to shareholders' approval.
Ms. Ben-Naim’s employment terms as our Chief Financial Officer provide that Ms. Ben-Naim is entitled to a monthly base gross salary of NIS 28,000 (approximately $7,000). Ms.
Ben-Naim is further entitled to vacation days, sick days and convalescence pay in accordance with market practice and applicable law, monthly remuneration for a study fund,
contribution by us to an insurance policy and pension fund, and additional benefits including communication expenses. In addition, Ms. Ben-Naim is entitled to reimbursement
of car-related expenses from us. Ms. Ben-Naim’s employment terms include an advance notice period of three months. During such advance notice period, Ms. Ben-Naim may
be entitled to all of the compensation elements, and to the continuation of vesting of her options or restricted shares, if granted. In March 2016, our compensation committee
and board of directors approved an amendment to Ms. Ben-Naim's compensation terms in a manner that Ms. Ben-Naim's monthly base gross salary will be updated to NIS
36,000 for a full time position, as of January 1, 2016.
The compensation terms of Mr. Hilman as the Executive Chairman of our board of directors were approved by our shareholders on October 19, 2009. For details on Mr. Hilman’s
compensation terms, including options and restricted shares granted to him, see Item 7.B. “Related Party Transactions”, below.
Mr. Reuwen Schwarz entered into a service agreement with us, for the provision of real estate related consulting services to us, our subsidiaries and affiliates. Such agreement,
including the compensation terms of Mr. Schwarz in consideration for the services under the agreement, were approved by our shareholders on December 19, 2013. For further
details see Item 7.B. “Related Party Transactions”, below.
See footnote no. 3 above. We granted Mr. Philips 41,161 options and 10,000 restricted shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days as of March 21, 2016. In
addition, we granted Mr. Philips 6,000 restricted shares issued to a trustee under our 2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan which have equity rights, but no voting rights as
of March 21, 2016 or within 60 days thereafter.
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(11)
(12)
See footnote no. 3 above. We granted Mr. Wyler 20,000 options and 2,400 restricted shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days as of March 21, 2016.
See footnote no. 3 above. We granted Mr. Hilman 41,850 options and 10,800 restricted shares that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days as of March 21, 2016. In
addition, we granted Mr. Hilman 6,000 restricted shares issued to a trustee under our 2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan which have equity rights, but no voting rights as
of March 21, 2016 or within 60 days thereafter.
In addition, all of our directors and officers are entitled to benefit from coverage under our directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies and were granted letters of indemnification
by us. For further details see “Indemnification, exemption and insurance of Directors and Officers”, below.
Following the approval by our shareholders on December 19, 2013 and in accordance with our Compensation Policy (for further information, see item 6.D. “The Compensation
Committee”), each of our directors (including external directors and independent directors, but excluding the executive chairman of our board of directors and directors who serve in other roles at
the Company) is entitled to a grant of compensation pursuant to the fixed amounts permitted to be paid to external directors (depending on our equity level), all in accordance with applicable
regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, or the 'External Directors' Compensation Regulations, as may be from time to time. This remuneration is paid plus value added tax (as
applicable). Directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred as part of their service as directors. None of the directors have agreements with us that provide for benefits upon termination of
service.
As of March 21, 2016, our directors and executive officers beneficially owned 309,509 shares (of which 115,644 shares are issuable upon exercise of options that are currently vested or
will vest within 60 days as of March 21, 2016). For further information, see item 6.E. “Share Ownership”.
Indemnification, exemption and insurance of Directors and Officers
The Companies Law permits a company to insure its directors and officers, provide them with indemnification, either in advance or retroactively, and exempt its directors and officers
from liability resulting from their breach of their duty of care towards the company, all in accordance with the terms and conditions specified under Israeli law. Our articles of association include
clauses allowing us to provide our directors and officers with insurance, indemnification and to exempt them from liability subject to the terms and conditions set forth by the Companies Law, as
described below.
In addition, the Israeli Securities Law of 1968, or the Securities Law, includes provisions to make the enforcement of violations of the Securities Law and certain provisions of the
Companies Law more efficient by the Israel Securities Authority, or the ISA. Under the Securities Law, the ISA is allowed to initiate administrative proceedings against entities and individuals
with respect to such violations, and to impose various sanctions, including fines, payment of damages to the person or entities harmed as a result of such violations, limitations on the service of
any individual as director or officer and suspension or cancellation of certain permits granted to the entity. Under the Securities Law, a company is not allowed to indemnify or insure its directors
and officers in connection with administrative proceedings initiated against them by the ISA, except that a company is allowed to insure and indemnify its directors and officers for any of the
following: (i) financial liability imposed on any director or officer for payment to persons or entities harmed as a result of any violation for which an administrative proceedings has been initiated;
(ii) expenses incurred by any director or officer in connection with administrative proceedings, including reasonable litigation fees, and including attorney fees.
Subject to statutory limitations, our articles of association provide that we may insure the liability of our directors and offices to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Law.
Without derogating from the aforesaid we may enter into a contract to insure the liability of our directors and officer for an obligation or payment imposed on such director or officer in
consequence of an act done in his capacity as a director or officer of Optibase, in any of the following cases:
v A breach of the duty of care vis-a-vis us or vis-a-vis another person;
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v A breach of the fiduciary duty vis-a-vis us, provided that the director or officer acted in good faith and had a reasonable basis to believe that the act would not harm us;
v A monetary obligation imposed on him or her in favor of another person;
v Financial liability imposed on him or her for payment to persons or entities harmed as a result of violations in Administrative Proceedings, as detailed in section 52(54)(A)(1)(a) of the Israeli
Securities Law;
v Expenses incurred by him or her in connection with Administrative Proceedings (as defined above) he was involved in, including reasonable litigation fees, and including attorney fees; or
v Any other matter in respect of which it is permitted or will be permitted under applicable law to insure the liability of our director or officer.
Our articles of association further provide that we may indemnify our directors and officers, to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Law. Without derogating from the aforesaid,
we may indemnify our directors and officers for liability or expense imposed on them in consequence of an action made by them in the capacity of their position as directors or officers of
Optibase, as follows:
v Any financial liability he or she incurs or imposed on him or her in favor of another person in accordance with a judgment, including a judgment given in a settlement or a judgment of an
arbitrator, approved by a court.
v Reasonable litigation expenses, including legal fees, incurred by the director or officer or which he or she was ordered to pay by a court, within the framework of proceedings filed against
him or her by or on behalf of Optibase, or by a third party, or in a criminal proceeding in which he or she was acquitted, or in a criminal proceeding in which he or she was convicted of a
felony which does not require a finding of criminal intent.
v Reasonable litigation expenses, including legal fees he or she incurs due to an investigation or proceeding conducted against him or her by an authority authorized to conduct such an
investigation or proceeding, and which was ended without filing an indictment against him or her and without being subject to a financial obligation as a substitute for a criminal proceeding,
or that was ended without filing an indictment against him, but with the imposition of a financial obligation, as a substitute for a criminal proceeding relating to an offence which does not
require criminal intent, within the meaning of the relevant terms in the Companies Law.
v Financial liability he or she incurs for payment to persons or entities harmed as a result of violations in Administrative Proceedings, as detailed in section 52(54)(A)(1)(a) of the Securities
Law. For this purpose “Administrative Proceeding” shall mean a proceeding pursuant to Chapters H3 (Imposition of Monetary Sanction by the Israel Securities Authority), H4 (Imposition of
Administrative Enforcement Means by the Administrative Enforcement Committee) or I1 (Settlement for the Avoidance of Commencing Proceedings or Cessation of Proceedings,
Conditioned upon Conditions) of the Securities Law, as shall be amended from time to time.
v Expenses that he or she incurs in connection with Administrative Proceedings (as defined above) he was involved in, including reasonable litigation fees, and including attorney fees.
v Any other obligation or expense in respect of which it is permitted or will be permitted under law to indemnify a director or officer of Optibase.
In addition, our articles of association provide that we may give an advance undertaking to indemnify a director and/or an officer in respect of all of the matters above, provided that
with respect to the first matter above, the undertaking is restricted to events, which in the opinion of our board of directors, are anticipated in light of our actual activity at the time of granting the
obligation to indemnify and is limited to a sum or measurement determined by our board of directors as reasonable under the circumstances. We may further indemnify an officer therein, save for
the events subject to any applicable law.
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Our articles of association further provide that we may exempt a director in advance and retroactively for all or any of his or her liability for damage in consequence of a breach of the
duty of care vis-a-vis Optibase, to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Companies Law prohibits a company to exempt any of its directors and
officers in advance from their liability towards such company for the breach of its duty of care in distribution, as defined in the Companies Law, for such company’s shareholders (including
distribution of dividend and purchase of such company’s shares by the company or an entity held by it).
The above provisions with regard to insurance, exemption and indemnity are not and shall not limit the Company in any way with regard to its entering into an insurance contract and/or
with regard to the grant of indemnity and/or exemption in connection with a person who is not an officer of the Company, including employees, contractors or consultants of the Company, all
subject to any applicable law.
All of the above shall apply mutatis mutandis in respect of the grant of insurance, exemption and/or indemnification for persons serving on behalf of the Company as officers in
companies controlled by the Company, or in which the Company has an interest.
The Companies Law provides that companies may not give insurance, indemnification (including advance indemnification), or exempt their directors and/or officers from their liability in
the following events:
v a breach of the fiduciary duty, except for a breach of the fiduciary duty vis-à-vis the company with respect to indemnification and insurance if the director or officer acted in good
faith and had a reasonable basis to believe that the act would not harm the company;
v an intentional or reckless breach of the duty of care, except for if such breach was made in negligence;
v an act done with the intention of unduly deriving a personal profit; or
v Fine, civil penalty, a financial sanction or penalty imposed on the directors or officers.
We have a directors and officers liability insurance policy, as described below.
On December 19, 2013, following the approval by our compensation committee and board of directors, our shareholders approved the purchase by the Company (including for the
avoidance of doubt, any renewals or extensions), from time to time, of directors' and officers' liability insurance policies, including as directors or officers of our subsidiaries, in Israel or overseas,
for a period of three years commencing on December 19, 2013, or until the annual general meeting of our shareholders to be held in 2016, whichever is later; provided however, that policies
purchased under this framework comply with all of the following conditions:
v
the maximum coverage amount under each policy shall not exceed the higher of: (i) US $10,000,000; or (ii) 25% of our shareholders equity based on our most recent financial
statements at the time of approval by our compensation committee;
v
the maximum yearly premium to be paid by us for each policy shall not exceed 1% of the aggregate coverage of such policy;
v
the terms of the policy shall comply with our Compensation Policy for directors and officers; and
v
the purchase of the policy (including any renewal or extension) shall be approved by our compensation committee (and, if required by law, by our board of directors) which shall
determine whether the coverage amount and the relevant premium sums are reasonable considering our exposures, the scope of coverage and market conditions and that the policy
reflects the current market conditions, and it shall not materially affect our profitability, assets or liabilities.
We currently have an insurance policy for our directors' and officers' liability, including as directors or officers of our subsidiaries, for the period commencing on September 1, 2015 and
ending on August 31, 2016, as approved by our compensation committee and board of directors. The coverage amount under such policy and the yearly premium to be paid by us for such policy
are US $19,000,000 and US $50,000, respectively. The terms of such policy are in accordance with our Compensation Policy and in accordance with the framework resolution with respect to the
purchase by us, from time to time, of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies, including as directors or officers of our subsidiaries, as approved by our shareholders at the annual
general meeting held at December 19, 2013.
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We have undertaken to indemnify all of our directors and officers, including Mr. Tom Wyler, the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary Optibase Inc., to the fullest extent permitted by
the Companies Law and our articles of association and entered into an indemnity letter with each of our directors and executive officers. The aggregate indemnification amount shall not exceed
the higher of: (i) 25% of our shareholders’ equity, as set forth in our financial statements prior to such payment; or (ii) $10 million. On November 17, 2011, our shareholders approved an
amendment to the letters of indemnification issued by us to all of our directors and officers, with respect to recent amendments to the Israeli Securities Law, in connection with administrative
proceedings. In addition, on October 22, 2014, our shareholders further approved the following amendments to the letters of indemnification issued by us to all of our directors and officers: (a)
inclusion of additional events upon the occurrence of which we may indemnify our current and future directors and officers; and (b) increase of the aggregate and accumulated indemnification
amount that we may pay our directors and officers, to an amount that shall not exceed the higher of: (i) 25% of the shareholders’ equity of the Company, as set forth in our most recent
consolidated financial statements prior to such payment; (ii) $10 million.
6.C. BOARD PRACTICES
Pursuant to our articles of association, our board of directors is required to consist of three to nine members. Directors are elected at the annual general meeting of our shareholders by a
vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power represented at such meeting. Each director holds office until the annual general meeting of shareholders following the annual general
meeting at which the director was elected or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. A director may be re-elected for subsequent terms. At present, our board of directors consists of five
members, including two external directors appointed in accordance with the Israeli law requirements, as detailed herein. Our articles of association provide that our directors may at any time and
from time to time, appoint any other person as a director, either to fill in a vacancy or to increase the number of members of our board of directors.
Under the Companies Law, each Israeli public company is required to determine the minimum number of directors with “accounting and financial expertise” that such company believes
is appropriate in light of the particulars of such company and its activities. A director with “accounting and financial expertise” is a person that, due to education, experience and qualifications, is
highly skilled and has an understanding of business-accounting issues and financial statements in a manner that enables him/her to understand in depth the company’s financial statements and
stimulate discussion regarding the manner of presentation of the financial data. Our board of directors resolved on March 30, 2006 and on June 27, 2010 that the minimum number of directors with
accounting and financial expertise appropriate for us in light of the size of the board of directors and nature and volume of the Company’s operations is one director (such director may serve as
an external director, see below).
External Directors
Under the Companies Law, Israeli public companies are required to appoint at least two external directors to serve on their board of directors (following Amendment 27 to the Companies
Law all of such external directors are no longer required to be Israeli residents if a company's shares are listed on a foreign stock exchange, such as our Company). Our shareholders approved on
December 19, 2013 the re-appointment of Mr. Chaim Labenski and Ms. Orli Garti-Seroussi as our external directors as of December 29, 2013 and as of January 31, 2014, respectively, for a three-
year term. In addition, each committee of the board of directors entitled to exercise any powers of the board is required to include at least one external director. The audit committee must include
all the external directors, see “Committees of the Board of Directors” below.
Pursuant to the Companies Law, at least one external director is required to have “accounting and financial expertise” and the other is required to have “professional qualification” or
“accounting and financial expertise”. A director has “professional qualification” if he or she satisfies one of the following:
(i)
the director holds an academic degree in one of these areas: economics, business administration, accounting, law or public administration;
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(ii)
(iii)
(i)
the director holds an academic degree or has other higher education, all in the main business sector of the company or in a relevant area for the board position; or
the director has at least five years’ experience in one or more of the following or an aggregate five years’ experience in at least two or more of these: (a) senior management
position in a corporation of significant business scope; (b) senior public office or senior position in the public sector; or (c) senior position in the main business sector of the
company.
A director with “accounting and financial expertise” is a person that in light of his or her education, experience and skills has high skills and understanding of business-
accounting issues and financial reports which allow him or her to deeply understand the financial reports of the company and hold a discussion relating to the presentation of
financial information. The company’s board of directors will take into consideration in determining whether a director has “accounting and financial expertise”, among other
things, his or her education, experience and knowledge in any of the following: accounting issues and accounting control issues characteristic to the segment in which the
company operates and to companies of the size and complexity of the company;
(ii)
the functions of the external auditor and the obligations imposed on such auditor;
(iii)
preparation of financial reports and their approval in accordance with the companies law and the securities law.
A company whose shares are traded in certain exchanges outside of Israel, including The NASDAQ Global Market, such as our company, is not required to nominate at least one
external director who has accounting and financial expertise so long as another independent director for audit committee purposes who has such expertise serves on board of directors pursuant
to the applicable foreign securities laws. In such case, all external directors will have professional qualification.
Under Israeli law, a person may not serve as an external director if he or she is a relative of any of the controlling shareholders or at the date of the person’s appointment or within the
prior two years the person, or his or her relatives, partners, employers or entities under the person’s control or entities which he or she are subject to their control, have or had any affiliation with
us, with our controlling shareholder, or its relative or any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with us. Under the Companies Law, “affiliation” includes an employment
relationship, a business or professional relationship maintained on a regular basis or control or service as an executive officer, excluding service as a director in anticipation of serving as an
external director in a company that is about to offer its shares to the public for the first time.
Furthermore, under Israeli law, a person may not serve as an external director if he or she, or his or her relatives, partners, employers or a person or entity he or she is subordinate to
directly or indirectly, or an entity controlled by the external director has business or professional relations (excluding insignificant relations) with a person or entity whose affiliation with such
external director is forbidden.
A person may not serve as an external director if that person’s position or other business activities create, or may create, a conflict of interest with the person’s service as an external
director or may otherwise interfere with the person’s ability to serve as an external director. If at the time any external director is appointed, all members of the board (who are not a controlling
shareholder or its relative) are the same gender, then the external director to be appointed must be of the other gender.
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External directors are elected by a majority vote at a shareholders’ meeting, so long as either:
(i)
(ii)
the majority of shares voted for the election includes the majority of the shares of non-controlling shareholders or with no personal interest excluding a personal interest not
resulting from relation with controlling shareholders, voted at the meeting; or
the total number of shares to total amount of shareholders listed in subsection (i) above, who voted against the election of the external director does not exceed two percent
(2%) of the aggregate voting rights of the company.
The Companies Law provides for an initial three-year term for an external director which may be extended, for two additional three-year terms subject to provision specified in the
Companies Law. In the case of a company whose shares are traded in certain exchanges outside of Israel, including The Nasdaq Global Market, such as our company, regulations promulgated
under the Companies Law provide that the service of an external director can be extended to additional three-year terms, if both the audit committee and the board of directors confirm that in light
of the expertise and contribution of the external director, the extension of such external director's term would be in the interest of the company. Election of external directors requires a special
majority, as described above and that the period which that person served as an external director together with the reasons for the extension given by the audit committee presented to the
shareholders prior to such approval. External directors may be removed only by the same special majority required for their election or by a court, and then only if the external directors cease to
meet the statutory qualifications for their appointment or if they violate their duty of loyalty to the company. In the event the number of external directors is less than two external directors, our
board of directors is required under the Companies Law to call a shareholders' meeting to appoint a new external director.
External directors may be compensated only in accordance with regulations adopted under the Companies Law.
Our board of directors has a majority of independent directors required pursuant to the NASDAQ Global Market rules.
Independent Directors
Under the Companies Law, the majority of the members of the audit committee must be independent directors. In addition, the Companies Law includes a corporate governance
recommendation according to which the majority of the members of the board of directors in a public company that does not have a controlling shareholder should be independent directors, and
in a company with a controlling shareholder at least third of the board of directors should be independent directors. A public company may classify an external director or an individual serving
as a director, as an independent director only if (i) the audit committee has determined that he or she is qualified to serve as an external director (with the exception that such director does not
have to have professional qualifications or accounting and financial expertise in order to serve as an independent director), and (ii) he or she is not serving as a director in the company for more
than consecutive nine years (only a period of two or more years, in which such person did not serve as a director in the company, shall be deemed to discontinue the nine year sequence).
Committees of the Board of Directors
As of the date of this annual report, we have three committees of the board of directors, which includes our audit committee, our financial statements review committee and our
compensation committee, as described below.
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The Audit Committee
The Companies Law requires public companies to appoint an audit committee. The responsibilities of the audit committee include, among others, identifying irregularities and
deficiencies in the management of the company’s business and approval of related party transactions as required by law. An audit committee must consist of at least three members, and include
all of the company’s external directors. In addition, the majority of its members shall be independent directors in accordance with the requirements of The Companies Law. However, the chairman
of the board of directors, any director employed by the company or by its controlling shareholder or by any other entity controlled by such controlling shareholder or a director providing, on a
regular basis, services to the company, to any controlling shareholder or to other entity controlled by such controlling shareholder, or any director whose livelihood relies on any controlling
shareholder, may not be a member of the audit committee. Any controlling shareholder and any relative of a controlling shareholder may also not be a member of the audit committee. The
chairman of the audit committee must be an external director, who has not been serving as a chairman of the audit committee for more than nine years. An audit committee recommends approval
of transactions that are deemed interested party transactions, including directors’ compensation and transactions between a company and its controlling shareholder or transactions between a
company and another person in which its controlling shareholder has a personal interest. The audit committee must also determine whether a transaction constitute an extraordinary transaction.
Pursuant to Amendment 22 to the Companies Law, effective as of January 10, 2014, the responsibilities of the audit committee under the Companies Law also include the following matters: (i) to
ensure that a competitive procedure is conducted for related party transactions with a controlling shareholder (regardless of whether or not such transactions are deemed extraordinary
transactions), optionally based on criteria which may be determined by the audit committee annually in advance; and (ii) setting forth the approval process for transactions that are 'non-
negligible' (i.e. transactions with a controlling shareholder that are classified by the audit committee as non-negligible, even though they are not deemed extraordinary transactions), as well as
determining which types of transactions would require the approval of the audit committee, optionally based on criteria which may be determined annually in advance by the audit committee. An
audit committee may not approve an action or a transaction with an officer or director, a transaction in which an officer or director has a personal interest, a transaction with a controlling
shareholder and certain other transactions specified in the Companies Law, unless at the time of approval two external directors are serving as members of the audit committee and at least one of
the external directors was present at the meeting in which an approval was granted.
Subject to the exceptions specified in the Companies Law, any person who is not eligible to serve in the audit committee shall not participate in its meetings.
Legal quorum shall be constituted when the majority members of the audit committee shall be present at the meeting, provided that: (a) the majority of the present members are
independent directors; and, (b) at least one of the present members is an external director.
Under the Companies Law there are restrictions regarding engagement or benefits with a person who served as an external director (or his or her relative) for period of two years
commencing the time when such external director leaves office.
In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and NASDAQ requirements, our audit committee reviews our internal accounting procedures and consults with and reviews the
services provided by our independent auditors.
The rules of NASDAQ currently applicable to foreign private issuers, such as us, require us to establish an audit committee of at least three members, comprised solely of independent
directors. All of the members of the audit committee must be able to read and understand basic financial statements, and at least one member must have experience in finance or accounting,
requisite professional certification in accounting or comparable experience or background. The board has determined that Ms. Orli Garti-Seroussi is an audit committee financial expert as defined
by applicable Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC” or “Commission” regulation. The responsibilities of the audit committee under the NASDAQ rules include the selection and
evaluation of the outside auditors and evaluation of their independence.
The members of our audit committee are Mr. Chaim Labenski, Mr. Danny Lustiger and Ms. Orli Garti-Seroussi. These include our two external directors as required under the Companies
Law, and we believe that all of the members of our audit committee are independent of management, and satisfy the requirements of Companies Law, the SEC’s rules and NASDAQ rules.
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The Financial Statements Review Committee
Our board of directors appointed a financial statement review committee, which consists of members with accounting and financial expertise or the ability to read and understand
financial statements, with at least one of the members having “accounting and financial expertise” (as defined above). According to a resolution of our board of directors, the audit committee has
been assigned the responsibilities and duties of a financial statement review committee, as permitted under relevant regulations promulgated under the Companies Law. From time to time as
necessary and required to approve our financial statements, the audit committee holds separate meetings, prior to the scheduled meetings of the entire board of directors regarding financial
statement approval.
The function of a financial statement review committee is to discuss and provide recommendations to its board of directors (including the report of any deficiency found) with respect to
the following issues: (i) estimations and assessments made in connection with the preparation of financial statements; (ii) internal controls related to the financial statements; (iii) completeness
and propriety of the disclosure in the financial statements; (iv) the accounting policies adopted and the accounting treatments implemented in material matters of the company; (v) value
evaluations, including the assumptions and assessments on which evaluations are based and the supporting data in the financial statements. Our independent auditors and our internal auditor
are invited to attend all meetings of the audit committee when it is acting in a role of the financial statement review committee or at which matters concerning the financial statements are
discussed.
The financial statement review committee is required to consist at least three members, all of its members must be directors, and the majority of its members are required to be directors
who meet certain independence requirements of the Companies Law. However, the chairman of the board of directors, any director employed by the company or by its controlling shareholder or
by any other entity controlled by such controlling shareholder or a director providing, on a regular basis, services to the company, to any controlling shareholder or to other entity controlled by
such controlling shareholder, or any director whose livelihood relies on any controlling shareholder, may not be a member of the financial statement review committee. In addition, any controlling
shareholder and any relative of a controlling shareholder may also not be a member of the financial statement review committee. All the committee members are required to give a declaration
before their appointment, and the chairperson of the committee must be an external director.
Legal quorum shall be constituted when the majority members of the financial statement review committee shall be present at the meeting, provided that: (a) the majority of the present
members are independent directors; and, (b) at least one of the present members is an external director.
The members of our financial statement review committee are Mr. Chaim Labenski, Mr. Danny Lustiger and Ms. Orli Garti-Seroussi. These include our two external directors as required
under the Companies Law, and we believe that all of the members of our financial statement review committee satisfy with the requirements of the Companies Law.
The Compensation Committee
Under the Companies Law, a public company is required to appoint a compensation committee. The compensation committee must consist of at least three directors, must include all the
external directors, the majority of its members must be external directors, and its chairman must be an external director. In addition, all members of the compensation committee must meet the
requirements under the Companies Law for membership in the audit committee, as described above.
Under the Companies Law and our compensation committee charter, our compensation committee is responsible, among others, for (i) recommending to the board of directors regarding
its approval of a compensation policy in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Law, and any other compensation policies, incentive-based compensation plans and equity-based
plans; (ii) overseeing the development and implementation of such compensation plans and policies that are appropriate in light of all relevant circumstances and recommending to the board of
directors regarding any amendments or modifications that the compensation committee deems appropriate; (iii) determining whether to approve transactions concerning the terms of engagement
and employment of our officers and directors that require compensation committee approval under the Companies Law or our compensation plans and policies; and (iv) taking any further actions
as the compensation committee is required or allowed to under the Companies Law or the compensation plans and policies.
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The members of our compensation committee are Mr. Chaim Labenski, Mr. Danny Lustiger and Ms. Orli Garti-Seroussi.
We do not have a nomination committee. The actions ordinarily taken by such committee are resolved by the majority of our independent directors, in accordance with the Companies
Law and the NASDAQ Global Market listing requirements.
Internal auditor
The Companies Law requires the board of directors of a public company to appoint an internal auditor pursuant to the audit committee’s proposal. The internal auditor must satisfy
certain independence requirements as required by the law. The role of the internal auditor is to examine, among other things, the compliance of the company's conduct with applicable law and
orderly business procedures. Our internal auditor is Mr. Doron Cohen of Fahn Kanne & Co., a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.
Employment Agreements
Each of our executive officers entered into a written employment agreement with us that provides, among other things, that such officers be paid a monthly salary and bonuses. Each
such agreement can be terminated either by us, or by the employee, upon prior notice, which ranges between 30 to 120 days for most of the management team. The employment agreements also
provide that each executive officer will maintain confidentiality of matters relating to us and will not compete with us during the period of the officer’s employment and for a certain period
thereafter.
6.D. EMPLOYEES
Since the sale of our Video Solutions Business on July 1, 2010 and as of the date of this annual report, we have ten employees, including employees in our subsidiaries, all of them
employed in our general and administrative, finance and human resources divisions.
All of our employees are currently employed pursuant to personal employment agreements.
6.E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
As of March 21, 2016, our current directors and executive officers (eight persons) beneficially owned an aggregate of 309,509 ordinary shares of our Company of which 115,644 shares
are issuable upon exercise of options that may be currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2016. Such number excludes 12,000 ordinary shares held by a trustee for the
benefit of directors and executive officers under the Company’s incentive plan which have not vested as of March 21, 2016 or 60 days thereafter, and award their holder no voting and equity
rights. Other than Shlomo (Tom) Wyler and Alex Hillman, all of our directors or executive officers hold less than 1% of our shares. See Item 7.A. “Major Shareholders” for more information
regarding Mr. Wyler's holdings.
Incentive Plans
As of March 21, 2016, options to purchase 112,000 of our ordinary shares were outstanding, with exercise prices ranging from $5.96 to $10 per share. As of March 21, 2016, 112,000 of the
options described above have vested or are exercisable within 60 days of such date. The expiration date of the aforementioned options is generally seven years from the date of their grant. As of
December 31, 2014 and 2015, the number of options reserved for issuance under our plans was 482,722.
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As of March 21, 2016 or within 60 days thereafter, an aggregate of 183,690 ordinary shares has been reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan, and 12,000 were granted and are
outstanding. As of December 31, 2014 and 2015, the number of restricted shares reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan was 199,690 and 191,690, respectively.
The following table shows the number of options and restricted shares outstanding and reserved for issuance under each of our incentive plans, as of March 21, 2016 or within 60 days
thereafter.
1999 Israeli Plan
Plan
Plan
Number of options outstanding
Number of options reserved for issuance
112,000
Number of shares outstanding
482,722
Number of shares reserved for issuance
2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan
12,000
183,690
The following is a description of our incentive plans currently in effect.
1999 Plans
In January 1999, our shareholders approved the adoption of an Israeli option plan, or the 1999 Israeli Plan, and a U.S. option plan, or the 1999 U.S. Plan, collectively the “1999 Plans”
both plans have a joint pool of underlying shares to be granted thereunder. The 1999 Plans were amended from time to time to include different tax tracks. The purpose of the 1999 Plans is to
attract and retain the best available personnel, to provide additional incentive to employees, directors and consultants and to promote the success of our business. In December 1999, our board
of directors adopted a resolution to amend the 1999 Plans in a manner that as of April 1, 2000, the number of shares made available for grant under the 1999 Plans will be automatically increased
annually, to equal 5% of our outstanding share capital at the relevant time. In May 2003 we amended our 1999 Israeli Plan to provide for the grant of options to Israeli optionees under the new
capital gains track provisions of the Israeli Tax Ordinance. As of March 21, 2016, or within 60 days thereafter, an aggregate of 482,722 ordinary shares has been reserved for issuance under the
1999 Israeli Plan, and 112,000 were granted and are outstanding. Unless specifically changed for a certain grantee, options vest monthly over a period of four years, starting one year after the
date of grant, subject to the continued employment of the grantee. The exercise price of the options is determined by our board of directors, subject to limitations. Generally, options granted
under each of the 1999 Plans will have a term of no more than seven years from the date of grant. All options are subject to earlier termination upon termination of the grantee’s employment or
other relationship with us, generally no less than three months from termination. We may make certain exceptions, from time to time, in the vesting and expiration terms of options granted to
certain grantees.
2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan
In May 2006, our board of directors approved the adoption of the 2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan, or the 2006 Plan, the purpose of which is to secure the benefits arising from
ownership of share capital by our employees, officers and directors who are expected to contribute to the Company’s future growth and success. The 2006 Plan provides for the grant of options,
restricted shares and restricted share units in accordance with various Israeli tax tracks. We currently use the 2006 Plan for the grant of restricted shares only. The restricted shares are granted
for no consideration and with a vesting schedule of two years (50% each year). The restricted shares are granted in accordance with the Israeli capital gains tax track. Termination of employment
of a grantee for any reason will result in the forfeiture of such grantee’s unvested restricted shares. All restricted shares are subject to earlier termination upon termination of the grantee’s
employment or other relationship with us, generally no less than 90 days from termination. We may make certain exceptions, from time to time, in the vesting and expiration terms of the securities
granted to certain grantees. In November 2013, our board of directors approved the increase of number of shares under the 2006 Plan in additional 50,000 shares and in August 2014, our board of
directors approved the increase of number of shares under the 2006 Plan in additional 150,000 shares. As of March 21, 2016 or within 60 days thereafter, an aggregate of 183,690 ordinary shares
has been reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan, and 12,000 were granted and are outstanding.
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NASDAQ Listing Rules permit foreign private issuers to follow home country practices in regard to certain requirements, including the requirement to obtain shareholder approval in
connection with the establishment of certain incentive plans. In June and September 2006, we notified NASDAQ that we elected to follow home practices with regard to the adoption of, and the
amendment to, the 2006 Plan. Accordingly, the adoption of, and the amendments to, the 2006 Plan were not approved by our shareholders.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
7.A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information known to us regarding the beneficial ownership of our outstanding ordinary shares as of March 21, 2016 of (i) each person or group
known by us to beneficially own 5% or more of the outstanding ordinary shares and (ii) the beneficial ownership of all officers and directors as a group, in each case as reported by such persons:
The Capri Family Foundation (2)
Shareholding of all directors and officers as a group (eight persons)(3)
Name of Beneficial Owner
No. of Ordinary Shares
Beneficially Owned(1)
3,796,284
309,509
Percentage of Ordinary
Shares Beneficially
Owned
73.95
5.9
(1) Number of shares and percentage ownership is based on 5,133,630 ordinary shares outstanding as of March 21, 2016. Such number excludes: (i) 49,895 ordinary shares held by us or for our
benefit, and (ii) 12,000 ordinary shares granted under our 2006 Plan held by a trustee for the benefit of the grantees thereunder, both have no voting or equity rights as of the date hereof or within
60 days thereafter. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with rules of the SEC and includes voting and investment power with respect to such shares. Shares subject to options that
are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2016 are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding such options for the purpose of
computing the percentage ownership of such person, but are not deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other
person. All information with respect to the beneficial ownership of any principal shareholder has been furnished by such shareholder and, unless otherwise indicated below, we believe that
persons named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all the shares shown as beneficially owned, subject to community property laws, where applicable. The
shares beneficially owned by the directors include the ordinary shares owned by their family members to which such directors disclaim beneficial ownership.
(2) The information is accurate as of March 18, 2015, and based on Amendment No. 6 to Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on March 18, 2015, by The Capri Family Foundation. According to
such Amendment No. 6 to Schedule 13D, Capri directly owns 3,796,284 of our ordinary shares. The core activity of Capri is the holding of investments. In addition, the beneficiaries of Capri
are the children of Mr. Tom Wyler, the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary, Optibase Inc.
(3) Includes 193,865 ordinary shares and 115,644 ordinary shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 21, 2016. Excludes 12,000 ordinary shares held by a
trustee for the benefit of our directors and executive officers under our 2006 Plan, which have not vested on March 21, 2016 or within 60 days thereafter and do not acquire any voting or
equity rights. No individual director or officer holds one percent (1%) or more of the Company's issued share capital.
Significant changes in the ownership of our shares.
The following table specifies significant changes in the ownership of our shares held by Gesafi Real Estate S.A. This information is based on Schedules 13D filed by Gesafi Real Estate
S.A during the period beginning on January 1, 2013, regarding ownership of our shares, and to date:
Beneficial Owner –
Gesafi Real Estate S.A*
Date of filing
February 3, 2014
No. Of Shares Beneficially Held
0**
* To the best of our knowledge, 100% of the equity interest of Gesafi Real Estate S.A, or Gesafi, is held by The Capri Family Foundation, or Capri. The beneficiaries of Capri are the
children of Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler, the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary, Optibase Inc.
** The information is based on Amendment No. 5 to Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on February 3, 2014, by Gesafi and Capri, pursuant to the powers of the councillors of Capri,
Gesafi transferred 1,127,185 ordinary shares held by it to Capri without consideration, as follows: 5,000 ordinary shares on November 8, 2013, 8,000 ordinary shares on November 12,
2013 and 1,114,185 ordinary shares on November 19, 2013.
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The following table specifies significant changes in the ownership of our shares held by The Capri Family Foundation. This information is based on Schedules 13D filed by The Capri
Family Foundation during the period beginning on January 1, 2013, regarding ownership of our shares, and to date:
Beneficial Owner –
The Capri Family Foundation*
The Capri Family Foundation
Date of filing
February 3, 2014
March 18, 2015
No. Of Shares Beneficially Held
3,725,055
3,796,284**
* To the best of our knowledge, the beneficiaries of The Capri Family Foundation are the children of Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler, the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary,
Optibase Inc.
** The information is based on Amendment No. 6 to Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on March 18, 2015, by Capri, in connection with the acquisition of an additional 71,229 ordinary
shares by Capri, as follows: (a) on January 30, 2015, Capri acquired an additional 52,483 ordinary shares in a private transaction with an unrelated third party at a price of $6.71 per
share; and (b) on February 25, 2015, Capri acquired an additional 18,746 ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Global Market, at a price of $6.40 per share.
All of our shares have the same voting rights.
On March 21, 2016, registered holders in the United States hold approximately 54% of our ordinary shares. To the best of our knowledge, except as described above, we are not owned
or controlled directly or indirectly by any government or by any other corporation. We are not aware of any arrangement, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in
control of us.
7.B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
For a description of the insurance, indemnification and exemption granted to our directors and officers, see Item 6.B. “Compensation” above.
For a description of the grant of options to our directors and officers, see Item 6.E. “Share Ownership”, above. In addition, each member of our board of directors is granted
compensation pursuant to the fixed amounts permitted to be paid to external directors (depending on our equity level), all in accordance with the 'External Directors' Compensation Regulations,
as may be from time to time, for his/her service as a director. For additional information see Item 6.B. “Compensation” above.
On October 19, 2009, our shareholders approved the compensation of Mr. Alex Hilman, a director of the Company, who was appointed on September 1, 2009 as Executive Chairman of
the board of directors. The principal terms of such compensation are as follows: a monthly payment of NIS 20,000 plus applicable value added tax, against the receipt of a tax invoice. The
Company will also reimburse Mr. Hilman for his reasonable expenses directly incurred by him in the performance of his duties against the production of appropriate receipts. In addition, Mr.
Hilman was granted on October 19, 2009, 20,000 options exercisable into 20,000 ordinary shares NIS 0.65 nominal value each of the Company under the Company's 1999 Israeli Share Option Plan.
The options were granted under the Section 102 of the Israeli Tax Ordinance, through the capital gains tax track. The exercise price of each option is $5.96. The options vest over a period of four
years in equal parts, and may be exercisable until their 10th anniversary. All other terms of the options are as stated in the Company's 1999 Israeli Share Option Plan.
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On May 6, 2010, our shareholders approved the grant of 50,000 options exercisable into 10,000 ordinary shares NIS 0.65 nominal value each of the Company under the Company's 1999
Israeli Share Option Plan to Mr. Danny Lustiger as a director of the Company. The options were granted under Section 102 of the Israeli Tax Ordinance, through the capital gains tax track. The
exercise price of each option is $10. The options vest over a period of four years in four equal parts, and may be exercisable until their 10th anniversary. All other terms of the options are as stated
in the Company's 1999 Israeli Share Option Plan. Mr. Lustiger was also entitled to 800 restricted shares, which vest over two years in two equal parts, and which were granted pursuant to the
Company's 2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan.
On December 29, 2010, our shareholders approved the grant by the Company of 2,400 restricted shares of the Company, in three equal consecutive annual grants, to each of Mr. Alex
Hilman, Ms. Dana Tamir-Tavor and Mr. Danny Lustiger, or the Recipients, who served at that time as directors of the Company, under the Company's 2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan.
The restricted shares were granted to the Recipients for no consideration, and vest after a two-year period (50% each year) from their date of grant, subject to the continued employment or
service of the Recipients in the Company.
Our shareholders have further approved on December 19, 2013, the reappointment of Ms. Garti-Seroussi and Mr. Labenski as external directors of the Company, including the
compensation terms for their service as external directors of the Company, in the compensation terms specified in Item 6.B. “Compensation” above.
On November 17, 2011, and following the approval by our audit committee and board of directors, our shareholders approved a grant of 20,000 options exercisable into 20,000 ordinary
shares NIS 0.65 nominal value each of the Company to Mr. Hilman, the Executive Chairman of the board of directors, under the Company's 1999 Israeli Share Option Plan, without consideration.
The Options were granted to a trustee for the benefit of Mr. Hilman in accordance with the requirements of the capital gains tax track chosen by the Company. The exercise price of each option is
$10. The options vest during a four-year period as of their date of grant (25% each year), and may not be exercised following their 10th anniversary. All other terms of the options are as stated in
the Company's 1999 Israeli Share Option Plan. Along with the approval of the grant of options to Mr. Hilman, the Company's shareholders approved a similar grant of 20,000 options exercisable
into 20,000 ordinary shares to Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler, the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary, Optibase Inc., who then served as our president and member of our board of directors,
under the Company's 1999 Israeli Share Option Plan. The terms of grant of such options to Mr. Wyler are identical to the terms of grant of the options to Mr. Hilman as described above, except
that the tax track available to Mr. Wyler, who considered to be our controlling shareholder as of the date grant of such options, is different from the capital gains tax track afforded to all other
directors and officers of the Company. Under this tax track, we will also not be able to recognize expenses pertaining to this grant.
In July 2013, our audit committee and board of directors approved the receipt of guarantees from our controlling shareholder or any affiliate thereof, to financing institutions in
connection with us, our subsidiaries' or affiliated companies' real estate and real estate related activities. For further details see Item 5.B. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects -
Liquidity and Capital Resources” above. On May 26, 2015 we utilized the guaranty given by our controlling shareholder and drew a total of € 5 million that were used to partially finance the
closing of the portfolio acquisition transaction in Germany. The funds were drawn in a form of a monthly credit facility bearing a yearly rate of approximately 76 basis points (0.76%). On July 24,
2015 the Company covered the monthly credit facility in full.
On December 19, 2013, and following the approval by our compensation committee and board of directors, our shareholders approved the grant of our 12,000 restricted shares, in three
equal consecutive annual grants (commencing on January 1, 2014), to each of Mr. Alex Hilman, the executive chairman of our board of directors, and Mr. Amir Philips, our chief executive officer,
or the Recipients, under the Company's 2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan. The restricted shares were granted to the Recipients for no consideration, and vest after a two-year period (50%
each year) from their date of grant, subject to the continued employment or service of the Recipients in the Company.
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On December 19, 2013, and following the approval by our audit committee, compensation committee and board of directors, our shareholders approved the compensation terms of Mr.
Shlomo (Tom) Wyler, for his service as Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary Optibase Inc. According to the terms approved by our shareholders, Mr. Wyler serves as Chief Executive Officer
of Optibase Inc. and is responsible for the implementation of our strategy in North America, recognizing new local opportunities, forming strategic alliances and overseeing the ongoing
management of our current U.S. real estate portfolio. The yearly gross base salary in consideration for Mr. Wyler's services as Chief Executive Officer of Optibase Inc. will be $170,000 for a full
time position as well as reimbursement of health insurance expenses of up to $24,000 per year, and including reimbursement of reasonable work-related expenses incurred as part of his activities
as Chief Executive Officer of Optibase Inc., of up to $50,000 per year. The employment of Mr. Wyler is for a three-year term commencing on January 1, 2014. Mr. Wyler's service as our president
and member of our board of directors ended as of December 19, 2013.
On December 19, 2013, and following the approval by our audit committee and board of directors, our shareholders approved the a service agreement between the Company and Mr.
Reuwen Schwarz, currently serves also as a member of our board of directors, for the provision of real estate related consulting services to us, our subsidiaries and affiliates. Mr. Schwarz is a
relative of the beneficiaries of Capri, our controlling shareholder. According to term of the service agreement with Mr. Schwarz, he will provide us with real estate related consulting services,
including: (i) searching, introducing and advising us on real estate transactions, (ii) advising and negotiating with banks and financing institutions, (iii) advising us on our financing agreements,
all as requested by us from time to time and at our sole discretion. Such services will be provided by Mr. Schwarz at the request of the Company. Mr. Schwarz will render such services faithfully
and diligently for the benefit of the Company, and will devote all necessary time and attention for the performance of the services. Mr. Schwarz will also use his best efforts to implement the
policies established by us in the performance of such services. In consideration for such services, we will pay Mr. Schwarz a monthly fee of EURO 4,000 (approximately $5,350) plus applicable
value added tax (if applicable). Mr. Schwarz will also be reimbursed for expenses incurred as part of the services provided by him which shall not exceed EURO 12,000 (approximately $16,060) per
year. In the event the service agreement with Mr. Schwarz is terminated during a certain month, Mr. Schwarz will be entitled to a pro rata fee based on the number of days that has lapsed until the
termination date of the service agreement. Mr. Schwarz may either provide the services by himself or through a corporation under his control, provided that the consideration under the service
agreement remains unchanged. The service agreement with Mr. Schwarz will be in effect retroactively from November 1, 2013 for a period of three years. Each of Mr. Schwarz and us may
terminate the service agreement by giving a prior written notice of 30 days. During such advance notice period, Mr. Schwarz will be required to continue the provision of the services provided by
him under the agreement (unless we have instructed him otherwise) and in any event Mr. Schwarz will be entitled to receive the consideration for such period, except for cause.
On October 22, 2014, our shareholders approved, following the approval by our compensation committee, audit committee and board of directors, the following amendments to our
prospective undertaking to indemnify our current and future directors, including our Chief Executive Officer and including directors and officers who are affiliated with our controlling
shareholder, and the grant of amended letters of indemnification accordingly: (a) inclusion of additional events upon the occurrence of which the Company may indemnify its current and future
directors and officers; and (b) increase of the aggregate and accumulated indemnification amount that the Company may pay its directors and officers, to an amount that shall not exceed the
higher of: (i) 25% of the shareholders’ equity of the Company, as set forth in the Company’s most recent consolidated financial statements prior to such payment; (ii) 10 million U.S. Dollars.
On October 22, 2014, our shareholders approved, following the approval by our compensation committee and board of directors, the grant of the following compensation to Mr. Amir
Philips, our Chief Executive Officer, and to amend the compensation terms of Mr. Philips, as follows: (a) the grant of a special bonus in the amount of $50,000 to Mr. Philips; and (b) the extension
of Mr. Philips’ existing four (4) months advanced notice period under his employment agreement with the Company to an advance notice period of six (6) months.
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Condominium Units in Miami Beach, Florida
On December 19, 2013, following the approval of our audit committee and board of directors, our shareholders approved the purchase by two wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company
of twelve luxury condominium units located in Miami Beach, Florida, or the Units, in consideration for the issuance of our 1.37 million newly issued ordinary shares (of which approximately
67,000 ordinary shares were off set against the lease of one unit), representing, as of the date of the approval of the transaction by our board of directors, a value of approximately $8.8 million.
The Units were sold by private companies indirectly controlled by Capri, our controlling shareholder. At closing, and following the approval of the transaction by our shareholders, we issued to
Capri a net sum of 1,300,580 of our ordinary shares, as detailed below. The net fair value of the condominium units as recorded in our financial statement as of the closing date was approximately
$7.2 million, representing the fair value of the ordinary shares issued as of the closing date. Set forth below is additional information with respect to the transaction to purchase the Units.
The Flamingo Condominium Units
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase FMC LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or Optibase FMC, has entered into two purchase and sale agreements, or the Flamingo
Agreements, to acquire eleven luxury condominium units, or the Flamingo Units, including ten parking spaces in the Flamingo-South Beach One Condominium located at 1500 Bar Road in Miami
Beach, Florida, or the Flamingo Condominium. The sellers of the Flamingo Units, or the Sellers, are two private companies indirectly controlled by Capri, our controlling shareholder.
The Flamingo Units are located on various floors of the South Building of the Flamingo Condominium, and ranging in size from 924 to 2,347 square feet. The Flamingo Condominium is a
15-story tower with 513 luxury residential units ranging in size from approximately 450 to approximately 2,347 square feet.
The purchase price agreed upon by the parties in consideration for the Flamingo Units was $3,870,750 in the aggregate, and was be paid by the Company in 600,115 newly issued
ordinary shares of the Company issued to the Sellers, at a price per share of $6.45. The price per share was set based on a calculation of average closing price of our ordinary shares on the
Nasdaq Global Market during the 30 trading days preceding the signing date of the Flamingo Agreements.
On September 17, 2014, following the approval of our audit committee and board of directors, we entered into a transaction to sell the eleven Flamingo Units, to an unrelated third party,
in consideration for an aggregate price of approximately $6.4 million to be paid to us. The transaction was conditioned on the purchaser’s execution of a purchase and sale agreement to acquire
an additional nineteen (19) condominium units located in the Flamingo Condominium from a company affiliated with our controlling shareholder. Therefore, in the interest of caution, we treated
the transaction as a transaction between a public company and another party, in which the company’s controlling shareholder has personal interest, as defined under the Companies Law. The
transaction was subject to a twenty (20) day inspection period during which the purchaser had the right to terminate the purchase and sale agreement. The closing of the transaction occurred on
October 20, 2014. At the closing of the transaction, the purchaser paid to us an aggregated gross price of $6.4 million, in consideration for the Flamingo Units. We recorded a capital gain of
approximately $2.7 million resulting from such transaction.
The Continuum Unit
The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase Real Estate Miami LLC, a Florida limited liability company, or Optibase Miami, has entered into an agreement, or the Continuum
Agreement, to acquire a luxury condominium unit (including 2 parking spaces) in the Continuum on South Beach Condominium, or the Continuum Unit, located in Miami Beach, Florida. The
seller of the Continuum Unit, or the Seller, is indirectly controlled by Capri, our controlling shareholder.
The Continuum Unit is located on the 33rd floor of the North Tower of the Continuum on South Beach Condominium located at 50 S. Pointe Drive, Miami Beach, Florida. The Continuum
on South Beach Condominium is a 37-story ocean-front tower with 203 luxury residential units ranging in size from 1,554 to 3,497 square feet. Residences of the Continuum on South Beach
Condominium enjoy the right to use the common areas of the residence, including swimming pool, tennis courts, spa and a sporting club.
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The purchase price under the Continuum Agreement is $4,950,000, to be paid by the Company in 767,442 newly issued ordinary shares of the Company to be issued to the Seller, at a
price per share of $6.45. The price per share was set based on a calculation of average closing price of our ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Global Market during the 30 trading days, respectively,
preceding the signing date of the Continuum Agreement. We were not required to pay any deposits in connection with the Continuum Agreement.
Beginning at the closing of Optibase Miami's acquisition of the Continuum Unit, the Seller leased the Continuum Unit from us for a term of 36 months. The rent for the entire period of
the lease, or the Rent, was prepaid at a rate of $12,000 per month including sales tax (for a total rent of $432,000 including sales tax). The Rent was paid by the Seller at the closing date of the
transaction in 66,977 ordinary shares of the Company, at a price of $6.45 per share (which were offset the number of Shares to be issued by us as detailed above).
The acquisitions pursuant to the Flamingo Agreements and the Continuum Agreement closed on December 31, 2013. Accordingly, at the closing of the transactions, and upon
instructions provided to us by the sellers of the Units, we issued to Capri on December 31, 2013 a net sum of 1,300,580 of our ordinary shares as consideration for the purchase of the Units,
represented, as of the closing date of the agreement, approximately 25.4% of our issued share capital on a fully diluted basis. The net fair value of the condominium units as recorded in our
financial statement as of the closing date was approximately $7.2 million, representing the fair value of the ordinary shares issued as of the closing date.
Registration Rights Agreement
On October 22, 2014, our shareholders approved, following the approval by our audit committee and board of directors, the entrance by us into a registration rights agreement with Mr.
Shlomo (Tom) Wyler and Capri, or the Holders, for the filing of a registration statement in order to register for resale all of our ordinary shares of held by them. The following is a short summary
of the principal terms of the agreement:
Demand registration rights
At any time after nine months following the approval of the agreement by our shareholders, at the request of the holders of at least 5% of the ordinary shares outstanding on the
effective date of the agreement, we must register any or all of the Holders’ ordinary shares as follows: (i) in the event that we are not eligible under applicable securities laws to file a registration
statement on Form F-3, we are required to effect up to two such registrations, but only if the minimum anticipated gross aggregate offering price of the shares to be registered exceeds $5,000,000,
and (ii) in the event that we are eligible under applicable securities laws to file a registration statement on Form F-3, we are required to effect an unlimited number of registrations, but only (a) if
the minimum gross anticipated aggregate offering price of the shares to be registered exceeds $5,000,000, and (b) up to two within a period of twelve months. Such registration must also include
any additional registrable securities requested to be included in such registration by any other holders who are party to the agreement or entitled thereunder.
Our obligation to effect a registration is subject to certain qualifications and limitations, including our right to postpone a registration during the period that is 90 days before our good
faith estimate of the date of filing of, and ending up to 180 days after the effective date of, a registration statement initiated by us and for which the piggyback rights described below will apply,
our right to postpone a registration for a period of up to 60 days in the event of our furnishing a certificate signed by our Chief Executive Officer that states that in the good faith judgment of our
board of directors, it would be materially detrimental to us or our shareholders for such registration statement to either become effective or remain effective, because such action would (i)
materially interfere with a significant acquisition, corporate reorganization, or other similar transaction involving us or (ii) require premature disclosure of material information that we have a bona
fide business purpose for preserving as confidential. However, we may not invoke this postponement right for more than an aggregate of 90 days in any 12 month period.
- 64 -
Piggyback registration rights
The Holders have the right to request that we include their registrable securities in any registration statement that we file (other than a registration statement on Form S-8, S-4 or other
equivalent form). The right of a Holder to include shares in the registration related thereto is conditioned upon the shareholder accepting the terms of the underwriting, if any, as agreed between
us and the underwriters and then only in such quantity as the underwriters in their sole discretion determine will not jeopardize the success of our offering. However, we have agreed not to grant
any other shareholders priority to have their securities registered prior the securities of a Holder.
Expenses
All expenses incurred in effecting a registration provided for under the agreement, including, without limitation, all registration and filing fees, printing expenses, reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel for us and for one U.S. counsel and one Israeli counsel, underwriting expenses (other than share transfer taxes, selling Holder underwriting discounts or commissions),
road show expenses, expenses of any audits incident to or required by any such registration, shall be paid by us.
Indemnification
The agreement further includes mutual indemnification obligations between the parties, according to which, subject to applicable law, each party to the agreement shall indemnify and
hold harmless the other party, from and against any and all losses, claims, expenses, damages or liabilities, joint or several as the same are incurred to which they, or any of them, may become
subject under the Securities Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, other federal or state statutory law or regulation, at common law, or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
expenses, damages or liabilities (or action in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon any of the events specified in the agreement.
Termination of Registration Rights
The Holders’ right to request registration or to include registrable securities held by them in any registration pursuant to the agreement, shall terminate upon the earlier of (a) seven (7)
years following the effective date of the agreement or (b) when all of their registrable securities can be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act and without the
requirement for us to be in compliance with the current public information requirements under Rule 144 as confirmed by an unqualified opinion by counsel of us.
Commercial Office Building in Philadelphia
On October 12, 2012, following the approval of our audit committee and board of directors, and the approval of our shareholders during an annual general meeting of our shareholders
held on August 16, 2012, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Optibase 2 Penn, LLC, became a limited partner of 2 Penn Philadelphia LP, a Pennsylvania limited partnership, or the Partnership, which
acquired an approximately 20% beneficial interest in the owner of a Class A 20-story commercial office building in Philadelphia known as Two Penn Center Plaza, or the 2 Penn Property, and
entered into the Limited Partnership Agreement of the Partnership, or the 2 Penn LPA. The general partner of the partnership and certain other limited partners of the Partnership, are persons or
entities affiliated with Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler, the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary, Optibase Inc, who was then our president and member of our board of directors and considered the
controlling shareholder of the Company, as detailed herein. The 2 Penn LPA sets forth the terms and conditions of the investment in the Partnership. According to the 2 Penn LPA our subsidiary
acquired approximately 26% of the limited partnership interests in the Partnership in consideration for $4,025,000.
The Partnership owns a beneficial interest in the owner of the 2 Penn Property by being issued a 85.76% partnership interest in Two Penn Investor LP, a Pennsylvania limited
partnership, or the 2 Penn Investor, which acquired 88% of the limited partnership interests in Crown Two Penn Center Associates Limited Partnership, or the Property Owner, and Two Penn
General LLC from Crown Penn Associates, L.P., or Crown Penn. Two Penn General LLC, a Delaware limited liability company controlled by Mr. Alex Schwartz acquired a 1% general partner
interest in the Property Owner from Two Penn Center GP Corp., a Pennsylvania corporation, or the Existing General Partner, for the aggregate sum of approximately $12.8 million.
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In connection with the closing of the sale agreement transaction, 2 Penn Investor provided a loan to Crown Penn in the original principal amount of $1,573,357, or the Purchaser Loan.
The Purchaser Loan will bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum and will mature in slightly more than 3 years and will be secured by a pledge of Crown Penn’s remaining 11% of the interests in
the Partnership.
The 2 Penn Property has existing mortgage financing of approximately $51.7 million from UBS Real Estate Securities Inc., or UBS. The mortgage loan has a fixed interest rate of 5.61% and
matures in May 2021, and requires monthly payments of principal and interest of approximately $300,000. The acquisition of the partnership interests in the Property Owner from Existing General
Partner and Crown Penn and the performance of the transactions as a whole were conditioned on UBS consenting to the change in ownership of the Property Owner.
Below is a description of the main provisions of the 2 Penn LPA setting forth the terms and conditions of our subsidiary’s investment in the Partnership:
Purpose of the Partnership
The stated purpose of the Partnership is solely to acquire, own, operate and ultimately sell beneficial interests in the 2 Penn Investor (which directly owns partnership interests in the
Property Owner) and transact any lawful business that is necessary to accomplish this.
Capital Contributions
The partners will contribute initial capital contributions to the Partnership in the aggregate amount of approximately $15,500,000 (of which our subsidiary's share is $4,025,000). The
Partnership will contribute the initial capital contribution to 2 Penn Investor which will use the funds to acquire the limited partnership interests in the Property Owner, to provide the Purchaser
Loan, to pay closing costs for the transaction, and to establish reserves for improvements to the 2 Penn Property.
Additional capital contributions may be requested of limited partners at any time that Two Penn Philadelphia GP LLC (which is the general partner of the Partnership, controlled by Mr.
Alex Schwartz, who is affiliated with Mr. Wyler as set forth below, or the General Partner) determines that the Partnership requires additional funds. The General Partner may request loans or
capital contributions from the limited partners, provided that if the General Partner requests loans or capital calls exceeding $2,000,000 during any four-year period it must obtain the approval of
partners owning at least 65% of the interests in the Partnership.
If a limited partner does not provide its capital contributions, the other limited partners will have the option to fund the failed contribution in proportion to their relative percentage
interests. The portion of the deficiency funded shall be treated as a loan from the lending non-defaulting partners to the defaulting limited partner and shall bear a floating interest rate equal to
the prime rate of PNC Bank plus 9% (which shall be compounded annually to the extent not paid). The loan shall be repaid directly on a first priority basis out of any subsequent distributions to
the defaulting limited partner. A limited partner's liability for a default loan shall be limited to its share of future distributions from the Partnership.
Limited Partner Approval Rights
The General Partner has full management authority over the Partnership, subject to certain major decisions which require the approval of partners owning 65% of the interests in the
Partnership. These decisions include: (a) sale or transfer of any asset of the Partnership or granting approval for the sale of the 2 Penn Property; (b) borrowing money from itself or third parties
for Partnership purposes or to mortgage, pledge or assign any of the Partnerships assets; (c) requesting capital contributions or borrowing money from the partners in an amount exceeding
$2,000,000 during any four year period; (d) admission of any new partners; (e) removal of the General Partner; (f) termination and dissolution of the Partnership; (g) amendment of the Partnership
agreement; (h) merger or consolidation into or with another entity; (i) amendment of the Partnership certificate in a material manner; or (j) entering into a new line of business.
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Fees Paid to the General Partner
The General Partner or its affiliates may receive an annual management fee of four percent (4%) of gross revenues from the Property from the Property Owner in connection with
management of the 2 Penn Property and shall be entitled to be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the management of the Partnership business. The General Partner and its affiliates may not
receive any other fees or payments from the Partnership, 2 Penn Investor or from the Property Owner without the consent of limited partners owning at least 65% of the interests in the
Partnership.
Distributions
All revenue of the Partnership, less the operating expenses and any reserves established by the GP, or Net Cash Flow, will be distributed as follows:
(a) First, to repay partners who loaned sums to other limited partners who defaulted on their capital contributions;
(b) Second, to partners that have made voluntary loans to the Partnership;
(c) Third, to repay the partners their capital contributions; and
(d) Fourth, to the partners in accordance with their percentage interests in the Partnership.
The General Partner has undertaken to cause Two Penn Investor and Crown 2 Penn LLC to distribute all net cash flow received from the 2 Penn Property to their limited partners. Other
than with the consent of partners holding at least 65% of the interests in the Partnership, Crown 2 Penn LLC may only withhold net cash flow in order to: (1) establish reserves not exceeding one
million dollars ($1,000,000) for future expenses of the 2 Penn Property, (2) reserve funds to service debt or loan document obligations of the Property Owner, and (3) avoid the violation of
applicable laws and avoid the imposition of transfer taxes.
Transfer Restrictions
General Partner Consent to Transfer of the Company’s Percentage Interest: After a three year and one month so long as there has not been a change in the controlling shareholder of the
Company, our subsidiary shall be permitted to transfer all or part of its interests in the Partnership without obtaining the General Partner's prior consent unless:
(1) the proposed transferee is subject to trade restrictions under US law,
(2) the transfer would violate federal or state securities laws, or
(3) the transfer would violate terms of debt obligations which the Property Owner has incurred.
LP Consent to GP Transfer: The General Partner must receive the consent of partners owning at least sixty five percent (65%) of the interests in the Partnership to transfer the General Partner
interest. Any transfer of the General Partner must be to a person who or which agrees to serve as a replacement General Partner. So long as the Company is a limited partner, unless otherwise
consented to by Partners owning at least 65% of the Partnership interests, the General Partner will ensure that, as long as it is controlled by Alex Schwartz (a) at least 20% of the percentage
interests of the Partnership will at all times be held or controlled by Alex Schwartz and his family members and (b) the general partners of Two Penn Investor and the Property Owner shall be
solely controlled by Alex Schwartz.
Right of First Offer: Transfers by partners of their interests in the Partnership are generally subject to a right of first offer in favor of the other partners. The selling party must first offer the
portion of its percentage interest that it is looking to sell to the General Partner and other limited partners, before selling such portion to a third party. If the other partners do not send the selling
party a notice of acceptance within the prescribed time or do not agree to purchase all of the percentage interest contained in the offer, the selling party shall have the right to sell such
percentage interest to a third party.
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Tag Along: If the General Partner or Alex Schwartz receive an offer to sell all or a portion of their percentage interests, after which Alex and his family members or entities under his control would
collectively own less than 20% of the percentage interests, the other Partners shall have the right to sell to the offering third party the same portion of their percentage interests that such third
party is willing to purchase from the General Partner and/or Alex Schwartz, on the same terms. If the third party refuses to purchase the other Partners' percentage interests, the General Partner
and/or Alex Schwartz may not sell.
Bring Along: If the Partners receive a bona fide offer from a third party to acquire all of the percentage interests of the Partnership and the General Partner and partners holding at least 65% of
the interests in the Partnership agree to accept the offer, then the other limited partners will be obligated to sell their percentage interests on the same terms as the other Partners.
Removal of the General Partner
For as long as Alex Schwartz is controlling the General Partner, a vote by partners holding 65% or more of the interests in the Partnership is necessary to remove the General Partner. If
the General Partner is no longer controlled by Alex Schwartz, a vote of partners owning at least 51% of the interests in the Partnership is required to remove the General Partner. Appointment of a
new General Partner requires the consent of 51% of the limited partners. If the General Partner is removed, the replacement General Partner must buy-out the General Partner’s interest at fair
market value.
Amendment of the LPA
Amendment of the LPA requires approval of limited partners owning at least 65% of the Partnership interests provided that any change affecting a Partner's rights must be approved by
the affected Partner.
Undertaking Ensuring Limited Partner Rights
Together with the signing of the LPA, Alex Schwartz, the General Partner and the general partner of Two Penn Investor will sign an undertaking according to which they shall (1) not
permit Two Penn Investor or the Property Owner to take any of the actions set forth in the Section entitled “Limited Partner Approval Rights” above without obtaining the prior written consent
of 65% of the limited partners of the Partnership, and (2) not to permit Two Penn Investor or the Property Owner to withhold distributions other than as set forth in the Section entitled
“Distributions” above without the consent of partners owning at least 65% of the interests in the Partnership, and (3) not to permit a change in the ownership of the general partner of the 2 Penn
Investor or the Property Owner as long as Alex Schwartz controls the General Partner interest.
Indemnification
The Partnership will indemnify the General Partner and its members from any claim, judgment or liability and from any loss or expense which may be imposed on the General Partner as a
result of (i) an act performed by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or (ii) the inaction of the General Partner or from (iii) any liabilities arising under federal and state securities laws
so long as the General Partner acts in good faith in the best interest of the Partnership and the conduct of the General Partner does not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.
7.C. INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
8.A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
See Item 18 “Financial Statements” for a list of financial statements filed as part of this annual report on Form 20-F.
Legal proceedings
Receipt of a Motion to Approve a Derivative Claim
On October 26, 2014, we received a letter on behalf of two purported shareholders of us, or the Shareholders, demanding us to file a derivative claim against our controlling shareholder
and our directors and officers, according to procedures of the Companies Law and requesting discovery of our internal documents. The demand alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary
duties by our directors and officers with respect to the approval of the transaction to acquire luxury condominium units in Miami Beach, Florida, or the Transaction. The Shareholders are seeking
damages which were not specified in the letter allegedly caused to us by its controlling shareholder and its directors and officers. In accordance with the Companies Law, we informed the
Shareholders in December 2014 of the way in which we wish to proceed with respect to the demand. At the Shareholders’ request, we presented the Shareholders with certain materials in
connection with the Transaction for their review.
On May 12, 2015 we have been served with a motion to approve the filing of a derivative claim (on behalf of the Company) against our controlling shareholder, directors and CEO and
against certain former controlling shareholder and directors, or the Motion, and a copy of the derviative claim, or the Claim, which were submitted with the Centeral (Lod) District Court, by two
purported shareholders of the Company, or the Applicants.
The Claim alleges, among other things, a breach of fiduciary duties by the our directors, officers and controlling shareholder, and an exploitation of a business opportunity by the our
current and former controlling shareholder with respect to certain private placements of the Company's shares to our controlling shareholder conducted in June 2008, May 2011 and December
2013. The Claim further alleges, that such private placements constitute a prohibited distribution as the shares were issued for an unfair consideration. As a result of the above, the Applicants
request the Court to allow them to continue with this derivative claim and ultimately to require all the defendants to pay the Company an aggregate amount of USD 41,857,778, as well as required
our shareholder (current and former) to pay us USD 2,768,004 plus interest (for the exploitation of a business opportunity). The Applicants further require reimbursement of expenses, legal fees
and award to the Applicants.
On July 14, 2015 the Applicants submitted an application to approve a service to Capri Family Foundation, or Capri, according to regulation 482 to the Civil Law Procedure Regulations
of 1984 or alternatively, an application to allowing service outside of the court's jurisdiction, or Application No. 4. On July 29, 2015, the Applicants submitted an application to approve a service
to Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler, or Application No. 7, on the same basis as Application No. 4. On September 1, 2015 we have submitted our response to Application No. 7 regarding the service to
Mr. Wyler and on September 24, 2015, we have submitted our response to Application No. 4 regarding the service to Capri. The Applicants submitted their answer on October 6, 2015.
On November 8, 2015, we have submitted our response to the Motion and Claim together with an expert opinion. We have raised several arguments against the Motion including, inter
alia, preliminary claims to dismiss the Motion in-limine. On November 13, 2015, the directors, CEO and former directors submitted their response to the Motion.
On December 9, 2015, a court hearing was held during which the court suggested the parties to reach a mutual agreement based on the following outline: (i) service to Capri and Mr.
Wyler will be to an address given by them; (ii) the parties would reach an agreement on an identity of a mediator; and (iii) Capri and Mr. Wyler would submit their response to the Motion within
90 days from February 1, 2016 and the Applicants would submit their answer to Capri and Mr. Wyler's response within 30 days from receiving Capri and Mr. Wyler 's response. We gave our
consent to the proposed outline and the court ordered the parties to act accordingly.
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On January 4, 2016, the Applicants submitted an application for discovery of documents. On January 25, 2016, we have submitted a motion to dismiss the discovery's application. On
March 29, 2016 the Applicants submitted an application to attach an expert opinion
A Pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 7, 2016.
At this preliminary stage we cannot provide an assessment as to the chances of the claim and the exposure to the Company.
Demand to Receive Certain Data in Connection with an Option Agreement
On May 19, 2015, we have received a letter on behalf of Swiss Pro Capital Limited, a company organized under the laws of Switzerland, demanding the Company to provide Swiss Pro
with certain relevant data in connection with an option agreement dated March 1, 2010, or the Agreement (for further details on the Agreement see Item 10.C. “Material Contracts”). According to
the Agreement, Swiss Pro was granted an option to purchase 20% of the shares of Optibase RE 1 s.a.r.l, the owner of the Rümlang property. We have sent a preliminary response letter on or
about June 30, 2015 stating that a detailed response letter will be sent later on. On August 18, 2015 we have sent a detailed letter in which we rejected all allegations against us. On December 24,
2015 Swiss Pro sent another letter repeating its arguments and we have sent our response to the letter on or about December 31, 2015.
At this preliminary stage we cannot provide an assessment as to the chances of the arguments raised by Swiss Pro and the exposure to the Company.
Receipt of a Claim from Tenant in the CTN Complex
On April 16, 2015, our subsidiary Eldista GmbH, filed a claim to the court in Switzerland in an amount of CHF 961,301 (app. $$1 million) due to damages and unpaid amounts from a
specific tenant. Shortly thereafter, the tenant filed a counterclaim against Eldista GmbH in an amount of CHF 157,047 (app. $171,200) for damages allegedly caused to it. The court suggested the
parties to transfer to mediation proceedings which failed. At this time, testimonies hearings are taking place.
At this stage, we cannot assess whether the court will receive Elista's or the tenant's arguments.
Dividend Policy
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the past. We do not expect to pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the foreseeable future and
intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to finance the development of our business.
A dividend policy, if adopted, will be determined by our board of directors and will depend, among other factors, upon our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, the impact
of the distribution of dividends on our financial condition and tax liabilities, and such other conditions as our board of directors may deem relevant. Under Israeli law, an Israeli company may pay
dividends only out of its retained earnings as determined for statutory purposes. Under our articles of association the distribution of dividends will be made by a resolution of our board of
directors. See “Description of Share Capital” and “Israeli Taxation and Investment Programs”.
Cash dividends paid by an Israeli company are normally subject to a withholding tax, except for dividends paid to an Israeli company in which case no tax is withheld unless the
dividend is in respect of earnings from an Approved Enterprise. In addition, because we have received certain benefits under Israeli laws relating to Approved Enterprises, the payment of
dividends by us may be subject to certain Israeli taxes to which we would not otherwise be subject. The tax-exempt income attributable to the Approved Enterprise can be distributed to
shareholders without subjecting us to taxes only upon our complete liquidation. If we decide to distribute cash dividends out of income that has been exempted from tax, the income out of which
the dividend is distributed will be subject to corporate tax. See “Israeli Taxation and Investment Programs”. In the event that cash dividends are declared in the future, such dividends will be paid
in NIS or in foreign currency subject to any statutory limitations. Under current Israeli regulations, any dividends or other distributions paid in respect of ordinary shares will be freely repatriable
in such non-Israeli currencies at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of conversion, provided that Israeli income tax has been paid on, or withheld from, such payments. Because exchange
rates between the NIS and the dollar fluctuate continuously, a U.S. shareholder will bear the risks of currency fluctuations during the period between the date such dividend is declared and paid
by us in NIS and the date conversion is made by such shareholder into U.S. dollars.
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ITEM 8.B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Since the date of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, as part of the motion to approve the filing of a derivative claim, on January 4, 2016, the applicants
submitted an application for discovery of documents. On January 25, 2016, we submitted a motion to dismiss the discovery's application and on March 29, 2016 the Applicants submitted an
application to attach an expert opinion. A Pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 7, 2016. For further details see Item 8. “Financial Information - Legal Proceedings”.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING
9.A. OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
Our ordinary shares are traded on The NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol OBAS since our initial public offering on April 7, 1999. On April 29, 2015, our ordinary shares were
registered for trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices per share of our ordinary shares as reported by The NASDAQ Global Market and by the Tel
Aviv Stock Exchange.
Year
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2014
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
2015
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
2016
First Quarter Until March 21, 2016)
Most Recent Six Months
October 2015
November 2015
December 2015
January 2016
February 2016
March 2016 (Until March 21, 2016)
Nasdaq
TASE
High
Low
High
Low
8.75
6.45
6.9
8.21
9.29
6.47
6.5
6.8
8.21
7.21
9.29
8.75
8
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
8.2
$
High
Low
7.49
7.6
8
8.2
7.04
7.05
$
$
$
$
$
$
4.95
4.51
4.51
5.15
6.03
5.25
5.15
5.95
6.5
6.03
6.25
6.5
6.37
6.79
7.35
7.49
6.37
6.9
6.79
6.75
-
-
-
-
NIS 3.68
-
-
-
-
-
NIS 3.68
NIS 3.2
NIS 3.2
-
-
-
-
NIS 2.72
-
-
-
-
-
NIS 2.89
NIS 2.83
NIS 2.72
NIS 3.053
NIS 2.7
High
Low
NIS 3.09
NIS 3.199
NIS 2.891
NIS 3.054
NIS 2.75
NIS 2.75
NIS 2.762
NIS 2.78
NIS 2.936
NIS 2.705
NIS 2.706
NIS 2.7
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
- 71 -
On March 28, 2016, the reported closing sale price of our ordinary shares on The NASDAQ Global Market, was $6.8 per share and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, was NIS 2.6 per
share.
9.B. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Not applicable.
9.C. MARKETS
Our ordinary shares have been listed on The NASDAQ Global Market since April 7, 1999, under the symbol “OBAS”. On April 2015 we have listed our ordinary shares for trading on the
Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “OBAS”.
9.D. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
Not applicable.
9.E. DILUTION
Not applicable.
9.F. EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
10.A. SHARE CAPITAL
Not applicable.
10.B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
Purposes and Objects of the Company
We are a public company registered under the Companies Law as Optibase Ltd., registration number 52-003707-8.
Pursuant to our articles of association, our objectives are to engage in any lawful business and our purpose is to act pursuant to business considerations to make profits. A
consideration to the Company's purpose and objectives can be found in Chapter 1 to the Company's articles of association.
Our articles of association also state that we may contribute a reasonable amount for an appropriate cause, even if the contribution is not within the framework of our business
considerations.
The Powers of the Directors
The power of our directors to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director is interested is limited by the relevant provisions of the Companies Law. In addition, the
power of our directors to vote on compensation to themselves or any members of their body is limited in that such decision requires the approval of the compensation committee, the board of
directors and the shareholders at a general meeting, see “Approval of Certain Transactions” below.
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Under Israeli law each director must act with an independent and sole discretion. Director who does not act this way is in breach of his fiduciary duties.
The powers of our directors to borrow are not limited, except in the same manner as any other transaction by the Company.
Rights Attached to Shares
Our registered share capital is NIS 3,900,000 divided into a single class of 6,000,000 ordinary shares, par value NIS 0.65 per share, of which 5,133,630 ordinary shares were issued and
outstanding as of March 21, 2016. All outstanding ordinary shares are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The rights attached to the Ordinary Shares are as follows:
Dividend rights
Holders of Ordinary Shares are entitled to the full amount of any cash or share dividend subsequently declared. The board of directors may propose a dividend only out of profits, in
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Law. Declaration of a dividend requires the approval of our board of directors. Please see Item 10.E. “Taxation” below.
One year after a dividend has been declared and is still unclaimed, the board of directors is entitled to invest or utilize the unclaimed amount of dividend in any manner to our benefit
until it is claimed. We are not obligated to pay interest or linkage differentials on an unclaimed dividend.
Voting rights
Holders of ordinary shares have one vote for each ordinary share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Such voting rights may be affected by the grant of any special
voting rights to the holders of a class of shares with preferential rights that may be authorized in the future. Currently there are no shares of capital stock outstanding with special voting rights.
The quorum required for an ordinary meeting of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person or by proxy who hold or represent, in the aggregate, at least thirty three and
one third percent (33.3%) of our voting rights. In the event that a quorum is not present within half an hour of the scheduled time, the shareholders' meeting will be adjourned to the same day of
the following week, at the same time and place, or such time and place as the board of directors may determine by a notice to the shareholders. If at such adjourned meeting a quorum is not
present at the time of opening of such meeting, two shareholders, at least, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum.
An ordinary resolution, such as a resolution for the election of directors, or the appointment of auditors, requires the approval by the holders of a majority of the voting rights
represented at the meeting, in person, by proxy or through a voting instrument and voting thereon. Under our articles of association, if a resolution to amend the articles of association is
recommended by our board of directors, such recommended resolution’s adoption in a general meeting of the shareholders requires an ordinary majority. In any other case, such a resolution
requires approval of a special majority of more than three quarters of the votes of the shareholders entitled to vote themselves, by proxy or through a voting instrument.
The directors (who are not external directors) are appointed by decision of an ordinary majority at a general meeting. The directors have the right at any time, in a resolution approved by
at least a majority of our directors, to appoint any person as a director, subject to the maximum number of directors specified in our articles of association, to fill in a place which has randomly
been vacated, or as an addition to the board of directors. Any such director so appointed shall hold office until the next annual general meeting and may be reelected.
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Under our articles of association our directors (who are not external directors) are elected by an ordinary majority of the shareholders at each duly convened annual meeting, and they
serve until the next annual meeting, provided that external directors shall be elected in accordance with the Companies Law. In each annual meeting the directors that were elected at the previous
annual meeting are deemed to have resigned from their office. A resigning director may be reelected.
Under the NASDAQ corporate governance rules, foreign private issuers are exempt from many of the requirements if they instead elect to be exempted from such requirements, provided
they are not prohibited by home country practices and disclose where they have elected to do so.
Rights in the Company’s profits
All of our ordinary shares have the rights to share in our profits distributed as a dividend and any other permitted distribution.
Rights in the event of liquidation
All of our ordinary shares confer equal rights among them with respect to amounts distributed to shareholders in the event of liquidation.
Changing Rights Attached to Shares
According to our articles of association, our share capital may be divided into different classes of shares or the rights of such shares may be altered by an ordinary majority resolution
passed by the general meetings of the holders of each class of shares separately, or after obtaining the written consent of the holders of all of the classes of shares. As of the date hereof, we
only have one class of shares.
Annual and Extraordinary Meetings
Our board of directors must convene an annual meeting of shareholders every year by no later than the end of fifteen months from the last annual meeting. Notice of at least twenty-one
days prior to the date of the meeting is required. An extraordinary meeting may be convened by the board of directors, as it decides or upon a demand of any two directors or 25% of the
directors, whichever is lower, or by one or more shareholders holding in the aggregate at least 5% of the voting rights in the Company. Where the board of directors is requisitioned to call a
special meeting, it shall do so within twenty-one days, for a date that shall not be later than thirty-five days from the date on which the notice of the special meeting is published. Notice of a
general meeting shall be given to all shareholders entitled to attend and vote at such meeting. No separate notice is to be given to registered shareholders of the Company. Notices may be
provided by the Company in person, in mail, transmission by fax or in electronic form. A notice to a shareholder may alternatively be served, as general notice to all shareholders, in accordance
with the rules and regulations of any applicable securities authority with jurisdiction over the Company or in accordance with the rules of any stock market upon which the Company's shares are
traded.
Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities in the U.S.
Our memorandum and articles of association do not restrict in any way the ownership of our shares by non-residents of Israel, and neither the memorandum and articles of association
nor Israeli law restricts the voting rights of non-residents of Israel, except that under Israeli law, any transfer or issue of shares of a company to a resident of an enemy state of Israel is prohibited
and shall have no effect, unless authorized by the Israeli Minister of Finance.
Limitations on Change in Control and Disclosure Duties
Our memorandum and articles of association do not restrict the change of control nor do they impose any disclosure duties beyond the requirements set out in Israeli law. For restriction
of change of control provision under Israeli law, see Item 3.D. “Risk Factors”, under the heading “Risks Relating to Operations in Israel – Anti-takeover Provisions” above.
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Changes in Our Capital
Changes in our capital are subject to the approval of the shareholders at a general meeting by an ordinary majority of shareholders participating and voting in the general meeting.
Fiduciary Duty and Duty of Care of Directors and Officers
The Companies Law codifies the duties directors and officers owe to a company. An “Officer” includes a company’s general manager, general business manager, executive vice
president, vice president, any other person assuming the responsibilities of any of the foregoing positions without regard to such person’s title and other directors or managers directly
subordinate to the general manager. The directors’ and officers’ principal duties to the company are a duty of care and a fiduciary duty to act in good faith for the company’s benefit which
include:
v
the avoidance of any conflict of interest between the director’s or officer’s position with the company and any other position he or she fulfills or with his or her personal affairs;
v
the avoidance of any act in competition with the company’s business;
v
the avoidance of exploiting any of the company’s business opportunities in order to gain a personal advantage for himself or for others; and
v
the disclosure to the company of any information and documentation relating to the company’s affairs obtained by the director or officer due to his or her position with the company.
The Companies Law requires that directors, officers or a controlling shareholder of a public company disclose to the company any personal interest that he or she may have, including
all related material facts or documents in connection with any existing or proposed transaction by the company. The disclosure must be made without delay and no later than the first board of
directors meeting at which the transaction is first discussed.
Approval of Certain Transactions
Generally, under the Companies Law, engagement terms of directors, including the grant of an exemption from liability, purchase of directors’ and officers’ insurance, or grant of
indemnification (whether prospective or retroactive) and engagement terms of such director with a company in other positions require the approval of the audit committee, the board of directors
and the shareholders of the company. In addition, transactions between a public company and its director or officer, or a transaction between such company and other person in which such
director or officer has a personal interest must be approved by such company’s board of directors, and if such transaction is considered an extraordinary transaction (as defined below) it must
receive the approval of such company’s audit committee as well. The determination whether such transaction is considered extraordinary or not is required to be made by audit committee.
The Companies Law also requires that any extraordinary transaction between a public company and its controlling shareholder or an extraordinary transaction between such company
and other person in which such company’s controlling shareholder has a personal interest must be approved by the audit committee, the board of directors and the shareholders of the company
by an ordinary majority, provided that (i) such majority vote at the shareholders meeting shall include a majority of the total votes of shareholders having no personal interest in the transaction,
participating at the voting (excluding abstaining votes); or (ii) the total number of votes of shareholders mentioned in clause (i) above who voted against such transaction does not exceed two
percent (2%) of the total voting rights in the company. An “extraordinary transaction” is defined in the Companies Law as any of the following: (i) a transaction not in the ordinary course of
business; (ii) a transaction that is not on market terms; or (iii) a transaction that is likely to have a material impact on the company’s profitability, assets or liability. Such an extraordinary
transaction which shall last for a period exceeding three years shall be approved again by such company’s audit committee, board of directors and general meeting of shareholders by the special
majority described above once in every three years.
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The Companies Law further provides that the engagement terms of a controlling shareholder or its relative (including by an entity controlled by such controlling shareholder or its
relative) with the company, either as an officer or an employee, must also be approved by such company’s audit committee, board of directors and general meeting by the special majority
described above. Such an engagement which shall last for a period exceeding three years shall be approved again by such company’s audit committee, board of directors and general meeting by
the special majority described above once in every three years. However, an engagement described in the beginning of this paragraph only which may be approved for a period exceeding three
years, provided that the audit committee approved the engagement term to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The Companies Law prohibits any person who has a personal interest in a matter to participate in the discussion and voting pertaining to such matter in the company’s board of
directors or audit committee except for in circumstances when the majority of the board of directors’ (or the audit committee – as the case may be) has a personal interest in the matter. In case the
majority has a personal interest in such matter then such matter must also be approved by the company’s shareholders. An officer who has a personal interest may be present for the
presentation of the transaction if the chairman of the audit committee or the chairman of the board of directors as the case may be, determined that such officer’s presence is required for the
presentation of the said transaction.
Compensation of Officers and Directors
Pursuant to the Companies Law, Israeli Public Companies are required to establish a compensation committee and adopt a compensation policy regarding the compensation and terms of
employment of their directors and officers. For information on the composition, roles and objectives of the compensation committee pursuant to the Companies Law and our compensation
committee charter, see Item 6.C. “Board Practices – Committees of the Board of Directors – The Compensation Committee”.
The compensation policy must be approved by the company's board of directors after reviewing the recommendations of the compensation committee. The compensation policy also
requires the approval of the general meeting of the shareholders, which approval must satisfy one of the following (which we refer to hereinafter as the Majority Requirement): (i) the majority
should include at least a majority of the shares of the voting shareholders who are non-controlling shareholders or do not have a personal interest in the approval of the compensation policy (in
counting the total votes of such shareholders, abstentions shall not be taken into account) or (ii) the total number of votes against the proposal among the shareholders mentioned in paragraph
(i) does not exceed two percent of the aggregate voting power in the company. Under certain circumstances and subject to certain exceptions, the board of directors may approve the
compensation policy despite the objection of the shareholders, provided that the compensation committee and the board of directors determines that it is for the benefit of the company,
following an additional discussion and based on detailed arguments. The Companies Law provides that the compensation policy must be re-approved every three years, in the manner described
above. Moreover, the board of directors is responsible for reviewing from time to time the compensation policy and deciding whether or not there are any circumstances that require an
adjustment to the company's compensation policy.
Pursuant to the Companies Law any transaction with an executive office (except directors and the CEO of the company) with respect to such officer's compensation arrangements and
terms of engagement, requires the approval of the compensation committee and the board of directors. Transactions between Israeli Public Companies and their chief executive officer, with
respect to his or her compensation arrangement and terms of engagement, require the approval of the compensation committee, the board of directors and the shareholder's meeting, provided
that the approval of the shareholders' meeting must satisfy the Majority Requirement. Notwithstanding the above, the compensation committee and the board of directors may, under special
circumstances, approve such transaction with the CEO even if the shareholders' meeting objected to its approval. With respect to transactions relating to the compensation arrangement and
terms of engagements of directors in public companies (including companies that have issued only debentures to the public), the Companies Law provides that such transaction shall be subject
to the approval of the compensation committee, the board of directors and the shareholders' meeting.
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Such transactions for the approval of compensation arrangements with officers and directors of Israeli Public Companies must be consistent with the provisions of the company's
compensation policy, provided that the compensation committee and the board of directors may, under special circumstances, approve such transaction that is not in accordance with the
company's compensation policy, if the conditions under the Companies Law are met and the company's shareholders approved the transaction in the Majority Requirement. Notwithstanding the
above, with respect to the approval of compensation terms of an executive officer (except directors and the CEO of the company), the compensation committee and the board of directors may,
under special circumstances, approve such transaction even if the shareholders' meeting objected to its approval, provided that (i) both the compensation committee and the board of directors
re-discussed the transactions and decided to approve it despite the shareholder's objection, based on detailed arguments, and (ii) the company is not a Public Pyramid Held Company. Non
material amendments of transactions relating to the compensation arrangement or terms of engagement of executive officer (including the CEO), require only the approval of the compensation
committee.
On December 19, 2013, and following the approval by our compensation committee and our board of directors, our shareholders approved a compensation policy for our directors and
officers, in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Law
On January 11, 2013, the SEC approved the amended NASDAQ listing standards on compensation committees and advisers. Among others, the amended NASDAQ listing standards
include provisions relating to the establishment of a compensation committee, the compensation committee charter, compensation committee members' independence requirements, and
arrangements relating to advisers retained by the compensation committee. Under the amended rules, the compensation committee adviser and compensation committee authority requirements
become effective on July 1, 2013. However, NASDAQ listed companies will have, until their first annual meeting after January 15, 2014, or, if earlier, October 31, 2014, to comply with other
standards, including the compensation committee member independence standards and the requirement to have a compensation committee and charter (including any charter amendment to
reflect the compensation committee authority requirements). NASDAQ listed companies must certify compliance with the listing standards within 30 days after the applicable implementation
deadline. In addition, under the amended rules, foreign private issuers are exempt from compliance with the amended listing standards if home country practice is followed and the listed company
discloses with the SEC the reasons why it does not have an independent compensation committee. Our compensation committee charter was updated in accordance with said amendments.
Anti-Takeover Provisions; Mergers and Acquisitions
Special Tender Offer. The Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares of an Israeli public company must be made by means of a special tender offer if, as a result of the
acquisition, the purchaser would become a holder of at least 25% of the voting rights in the company. This rule does not apply if there is already another holder of at least 25% of the voting
rights in the company. Similarly, the Companies Law provides that an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a tender offer if, as a result of the acquisition, the
purchaser would become a holder of more than 45% of the voting rights in the company and no other shareholder of the company holds more than 45% of the voting rights in the company.
These requirements do not apply if the acquisition (i) occurs in the context of a private placement by the company that received shareholder approval, (ii) was from a shareholder holding at least
25% of the voting rights in the company and resulted in the acquirer becoming a holder of at least 25% of the voting rights in the company, or (iii) was from a holder of more than 45% of the
voting rights in the company and resulted in the acquirer becoming a holder of more than 45% of the voting rights in the company. The special tender offer may be consummated only if (a) at
least 5% of the voting power attached to the company’s outstanding shares will be acquired by the offeror and (b) the number of shares tendered in the offer exceeds the number of shares
whose holders objected to the offer.
In the event that a special tender offer is made, a company’s board of directors is required to express its opinion on the advisability of the offer or shall abstain from expressing any
opinion if it is unable to do so, provided that it gives the reasons for its abstention. An executive officer in a target company who, in his or her capacity as an executive officer, performs an action
the purpose of which is to cause the failure of an existing or foreseeable special tender offer or is to impair the chances of its acceptance, is liable to the potential purchaser and shareholders for
damages, unless such executive officer acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to believe he or she was acting for the benefit of the company. However, executive officer of the target
company may negotiate with the potential purchaser in order to improve the terms of the special tender offer, and may further negotiate with third parties in order to obtain a competing offer.
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A special tender offer may not be consummated unless a majority of the shareholders who announced their stand on such offer have accepted it (in counting the total votes of such
shareholders, shares held by the controlling shareholder, shareholders who have personal interest in the offer, or shareholder who own 25% or more of the voting rights in the company, shall not
be taken into account). If a special tender offer was accepted by a majority of the shareholders who announced their stand on such offer, then shareholders who did not announce their stand or
who had objected to the offer may accept the offer within four days of the last day set for the acceptance of the offer.
In the event that a special tender offer is accepted, the purchaser or any person or entity controlling it at the time of the offer or under common control with the purchaser or such
controlling person or entity shall refrain from making a subsequent tender offer for the purchase of shares of the target company and cannot execute a merger with the target company for a
period of one year from the date of the offer, unless the purchaser or such person or entity undertook to effect such an offer or merger in the initial special tender offer.
Full Tender Offer. A person wishing to acquire shares or a class of shares of an Israeli public company and who would, as a result, hold over 90% of the target company’s issued and
outstanding share capital or that certain class of shares is required by the Companies Law to make a tender offer to all of the company’s shareholders for the purchase of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of the company or class of shares. If either (i) the shareholders who do not accept the offer hold less than 5% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company or
of the applicable class, and more than half of the shareholders who do not have a personal interest in the offer accept the offer, or (ii) the shareholder who do not accept the offer hold less than
2% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company or of the applicable class, then all of the shares that the acquirer offered to purchase will be transferred to the acquirer by
operation of law. However, a shareholder that had its shares so transferred, whether it accepted the tender offer or not, may, within six months from the date of acceptance of the tender offer,
petition the court to determine that tender offer was for less than fair value and that the fair value should be paid as determined by the court. If the shareholders who did not accept the tender
offer hold at least 5% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company or of the applicable class of shares, the acquirer may not acquire shares of the company that will increase its
holdings to more than 90% of the company’s issued and outstanding share capital or of the applicable class from shareholders who accepted the tender offer.
Merger. The Companies Law permits merger transactions if approved by each party’s board of directors and, unless certain requirements described under the Companies Law are met, a
majority of each party’s shares voted on the proposed merger at a shareholders’ meeting called with at least 35 days’ prior notice.
For purposes of the shareholder vote, unless a court rules otherwise, the merger will not be deemed approved if a majority of the shares represented at the shareholders meeting that are
held by parties other than the other party to the merger, or by any person who holds 25% or more of the outstanding shares or the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors of the other party,
vote against the merger. If the transaction would have been approved but for the separate approval of each class or the exclusion of the votes of certain shareholders as provided above, a court
may still approve the merger upon the request of holders of at least 25% of the voting rights of a company if the court holds that the merger is fair and reasonable, taking into account the value
of the parties to the merger and the consideration offered to the shareholders.
Upon the request of a creditor of either party to the proposed merger, the court may delay or prevent the merger if it concludes that there exists a reasonable concern that, as a result of
the merger, the surviving company will be unable to satisfy the obligations of any of the parties to the merger, and may further give instructions to secure the rights of creditors.
In addition, a merger may not be completed unless at least 50 days have passed from the date that a proposal for approval of the merger was filed by each party with the Israeli Registrar
of Companies and 30 days have passed from the date the merger was approved by the shareholders of each of the merging companies.
Anti-Takeover Measures Under Israeli Law. The Companies Law allows us to create and issue shares having rights different from those attached to our ordinary shares, including
shares providing certain preferred rights, distributions or other matters and shares having preemptive rights. As of the date of this annual report, we do not have any authorized or issued shares
other than our ordinary shares. In the future, if we do create and issue a class of shares other than ordinary shares, such class of shares, depending on the specific rights that may be attached to
them, may delay or prevent a takeover or otherwise prevent our shareholders from realizing a potential premium over the market value of their ordinary shares. The authorization of a new class of
shares will require an amendment to our articles of association which requires the prior approval of the holders of a majority of our ordinary shares at a general meeting.
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Tax Law. Israeli tax law treats some acquisitions, such as a stock-for-stock swap between an Israeli company and a foreign company, less favorably than U.S. tax law. For example, Israeli
tax law may subject a shareholder who exchanges his ordinary shares for shares in a foreign corporation to immediate taxation. Please see Item 10E. “Taxation”.
The Centralization Law. The Israeli parliament (the Knesset) has recently approved the new Promotion of Competition and Reduction of Centralization Law, 5774-2013, or the
Centralization Law, which, among others, imposes new constraints and stricter corporate governance rules on pyramid conglomerates, and forces separation between equity holdings in
significant non-financial corporate businesses and equity holdings in significant financial businesses. The Centralization Law has entered into force on December 11, 2013.
10.C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
Swiss Pro Capital Limited
On March 1, 2010, the Company’s subsidiary in Luxembourg Optibase RE 1 SARL or Optibase RE 1 entered into an Option Agreement, or the Option Agreement, with a Cypriot
company, Swiss Pro, with respect to a commercial building acquired by the Company in October, 2009 in Rümlang, Switzerland. Through its beneficial owner, Swiss Pro introduced Optibase to
the Rümlang property and facilitated Optibase’s acquisition and financing of the property. Under the Option Agreement, Optibase RE 1 granted Swiss Pro an option to purchase twenty percent
(20%) of the share capital of Optibase RE 1. Swiss Pro undertook to pay a purchase price for the option of CHF 315,000 for the option. The exercise price under the Option Agreement is
calculated based on twenty percent (20%) Optibase’s acquisition costs for the Rümlang Property plus interest and an adjustment for proceeds that are distributed to the shareholders of Optibase
RE 1. The shares that would be issued to Swiss Pro upon exercise of the option will not have voting rights and would be subject to transfer restrictions in favor of Optibase. The option granted
under the Option Agreement will expire within eight years from the entrance into the agreement, i.e.: on February 28, 2018.
Shareholders Agreement with The Phoenix
In connection with the purchase of the office complex in Geneva, Switzerland, we and The Phoenix entered on February 8, 2011 into a Shareholders Agreement regarding our joint
shareholdings in OPCTN. The Shareholders Agreement provides that Optibase will manage the day-to-day operations of OPCTN and Eldista but that certain actions of OPCTN and Eldista are
subject to the joint approval of and The Phoenix. These actions include amendments to organizational documents, changes to business activity, financing arrangements, related party
agreements, lease agreements exceeding twenty five percent of the leasable area of the Property, and requesting investments from shareholders in excess of CHF one million in a given year and
CHF 2.5 million in aggregate.
The Shareholders Agreement also provides that Optibase and The Phoenix will fund operating expenses and necessary capital expenditures for the Property that are not adequately
funded by operating income, up to an amount of CHF two million per event or CHF five million per event if the capital expenditures are recommended by a third-party building engineering
company. If we or The Phoenix do not provide our respective share of these expenses, the Shareholders Agreement provides that the OPCTN shareholdings (and shareholders loans) of the non-
funding shareholder ownership will be diluted.
The Shareholders Agreement prohibited us and The Phoenix from transferring shares in OPCTN until March 2012 and provides that any transfer of shares thereafter (other than to a
related party) is subject to the reasonable approval of Optibase and The Phoenix. In addition, the Shareholders Agreement includes right of first offer, tag along and drag along rights in favor of
both Optibase and The Phoenix. The agreement provides that Optibase will make day-to-day decisions and provides The Phoenix with customary protective rights.
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German Commercial Properties Portfolio
On December 18, 2014, our wholly owned European subsidiary, Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co. KG, or Optibase Bavaria, entered into a purchase agreement with Lincoln Dreizehnte
Deutche Grundstucksgellschaft GmbH and Lincoln Land Passau GmbH, unrelated third parties, or the Sellers, to acquire a retail portfolio of twenty-six (26) separate commercial properties in
Bavaria, Germany, and one (1) commercial property in Saxony, Germany, or the Transaction Portfolio. On June 2, 2015 Optibase Bavaria completed the acquisition of twenty-five (25) supermarkets
from the Seller and on July 8, 2015 Optibase Bavaria completed the acquisition of two (2) supermarkets. The two acquisitions completes the purchase of twenty-seven (27) supermarkets.
Purchase Price
The total purchase price paid by us to the Sellers at the closings of the transaction, was EUR 28.75 million (approximately $31.5 million) (EUR 24 million for the twenty-five supermarkets
and additional EUR 4,750,000 for the two supermarkets), or the Purchase Price. In addition to the Purchase Price, we incurred acquisition costs, including real estate transfer taxes, of
approximately EUR 2.1 million (approximately $2.4 million).
We financed a portion of the Purchase Price with the proceeds of a EUR 20 million senior mortgage loan from DG HYP secured by the Transaction Portfolio (as detailed above), and the
remaining part through a contribution of equity in part from working capital and in part by obtaining additional financing.
Properties
In general, the Transaction Portfolio, which represents a homogenous retail portfolio in established retail locations, has approximately 37,000 square meters of total rental space and
currently generates annual net rental income of more than EUR 3 million (approximately $3.64 million). The properties have an average occupancy rate of more than 90% of the total rental area,
and an average remaining lease term of approximately seven years.
Upon the acquisition of the Transaction Portfolio, Optibase Bavaria was assigned the Sellers’ rights and obligations under the leases. The tenants currently operating on Transaction
Portfolio include 26 supermarket, and one commercial building with mixed retail and office uses. The largest tenant in the Transaction Portfolio is EDEKA Handelsgesellschaft Südbayern mbH, or
Edeka, one of the largest supermarket chain in the German market, currently leases 22 of the rental properties in the Transaction Portfolio. In addition to the hypermarkets and supermarkets,
smaller shops (such as bakeries and post offices) operate on several locations as subtenants of Edeka.
Leases
Optibase Bavaria accepted the assignment of the Sellers’ rights and obligations under the leasehold estate agreements in respect of the properties, as of the effective date of the
purchase agreement, and the Sellers were released from all rights and claims of the tenants and future tenants relating to the period after the respective closing dates. Optibase Bavaria retained
EUR 295,979 of the Purchase Price (i.e. one gross monthly payment from all the lease agreements acquired) to apply to any amounts which tenants erroneously pay to the Sellers. All rental
deposits paid by the tenants up until the effective date were transferred by the Sellers to Optibase Bavaria.
Property-Related Agreements
Upon the closing of the Transaction Portfolio, Optibase Bavaria assumed the Sellers’ rights and obligations under certain services and property management agreements.
Under the terms of a Property Management Agreement, McCafferty Asset Management GmbH, or the Manager, manages the Transaction Portfolio for Optibase Bavaria. The property
management agreement provides for payment of a yearly property management fee equal to two and one half percent (2.5%) of the net rental income of the Transaction Portfolio. Under the terms
of an Asset Management Agreement between Optibase Bavaria and the Manager, the Manager provides asset management services for the Transaction Portfolio and is paid two and one half
percent (2.5%) of the net rental income of the Transaction Portfolio, payable monthly in arrears within 10 business days of receipt of the invoice of a statement showing a detailed calculation of
the fee.
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Insurance
Optibase Bavaria obtained its own insurance for the Transaction Portfolio from the closing dates of the Transaction Portfolio.
South Riverside Plaza Office Tower, Chicago
On December 29, 2015 our wholly owned Delaware subsidiary, Optibase Chicago 300 LLC, or Optibase Chicago, completed an investment of 30% interest in 300 River Holdings, LLC, or
the Joint Venture Company, which beneficially owns the rights to a 23-story Class A office building, located at 300 South Riverside Plaza in Chicago, or the Property. The Property is under a
99 year ground lease expiring in 2114.
The remaining 70% of the Joint Venture Company is owned by 300 River Plaza One LLC.As part of this transaction, WKEM Riverside Member LLC, or the Outgoing Member, redeemed
its 30% interest in the Joint Venture Company.
Investment Amount
We have invested $12.9 million, or the Invested Amount, in exchange for a thirty percent (30%) interest in the Joint Venture Company. In addition to the Investment Amount, we
incurred acquisition costs of approximately $242,000
Property
In general, the Property is a 23-story, trophy Class A office building located in Chicago’s premier West Loop submarket and encompasses more than 1.1 million square feet of total rental
space, of which 98% is currently occupied. The Property currently generates annual net rental income of $17.4 million.
The largest tenant in the Property is JP Morgan, which currently leases 486,000 square feet or 46% of the Property. In addition, there are also smaller tenants and retail tenants. JP
Morgan has exercised its option to terminate its entire office space at no penalty after September 2016
Management
The Joint Venture Partner serves as the Managing and generally has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Company, subject to certain approval rights of Optibase Chicago
set forth in the Operating Agreement of the Joint Venture Company.
Debt
As a part of the transaction, the Joint Venture Company executed a promissory notes in favor of the Joint Venture Partner in the amount of $42 million with no maturity date and in favor
of the Outgoing Member in the amount of $18 million with a maturity date of 7 years. The interest rate for both notes compounds annually and is equal to four percent (4%) for the first three (3)
years, five percent (5%) for the fourth (4th) year, six percent (6%) for the fifth (5th) year, and twelve percent (12%) from and following the sixth (6th) year. All payments to be made under the note
will be made from and subject to net cash flow of the Joint Venture Company.
The Joint Venture Company will also seek to fund anticipated tenant improvements through the issuance of up to $40 million of promissory notes, or the Senior Notes, of which
Optibase will have the right (but not the obligation) to fund up to 30%. Such promissory notes will rank ahead of the abovementioned promissory notes in favor of the Joint Venture Partner and
the Outgoing Member. It is anticipate that the Senior Notes will have a term of six (6) years and an interest rate of twelve percent (12%) per annum, compounding annually.
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Financing Agreements
For a summary of the principal terms of our material financing agreements, see Item 5.B "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity and Capital Resources".
10.D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
Israeli law and regulations do not impose any material foreign exchange restrictions on non-Israeli holders of our ordinary shares. In May 1998, a new “general permit” was issued under
the Israeli Currency Control Law, 1978, which removed most of the restrictions that previously existed under the law and enabled Israeli citizens to freely invest outside of Israel and freely
convert Israeli currency into non-Israeli currencies.
Dividends, if any, paid to holders of our ordinary shares, and any amounts payable upon our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, as well as the proceeds of any sale in Israel of our
ordinary shares to an Israeli resident, may be paid in non-Israeli currency or, if paid in Israeli currency, may be converted into freely repatriable dollars at the rate of exchange prevailing at the
time of conversion.
Under Israeli law (and our memorandum and articles of association), persons who are neither residents nor nationals of Israel may freely hold, vote and transfer ordinary shares in the
same manner as Israeli residents or nationals. Subject to anti-terror legislations, there are no limitations on the rights of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote ordinary shares imposed
under Israeli law or under our articles of association.
10.E. TAXATION
The following is a discussion of tax consequences material to us and our Israeli and U.S. shareholders. To the extent the discussion is based on new tax legislation, which has not been
subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, we cannot assure you that the tax authorities or the courts will accept the views expressed in this section. The discussion is not intended,
and should not be construed, as legal or professional tax advice and does not exhaust all possible tax considerations. Holders of our ordinary shares should consult their own tax advisors as to
the United States, Israeli or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares, including, in particular, the effect of any non-U.S., state or local taxes.
Israeli taxation
General Corporate Tax Structure in Israel
Taxable income of the Company is subject to the Israeli corporate tax at the following rates: 2013 - 25%, 2014 and 2015%. On 5 January 2016, the Israeli Parliament officially published the
Law for the Amendment of the Israeli Tax Ordinance (Amendment 216), that reduces the standard corporate income tax rate from 26.5% to 25%.
A company in Israel is taxable on its real (non-inflationary) capital gains at the corporate tax rate of 26.5% in the year of sale.
Israeli Tax Consequences for Our Shareholders
The following description is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences relating to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our ordinary shares. You
should consult your own tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of your particular situation, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any state, local, foreign or
other taxing jurisdiction.
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Certain Israeli Tax Consequences
This summary does not discuss all the aspects of Israeli tax law that may be relevant to a particular investor in light of his or her personal investment circumstances or to some types of
investors subject to special treatment under Israeli law. Examples of such investors include residents of Israel or traders in securities who are subject to special tax regimes not covered in this
discussion. Because parts of this discussion are based on new tax legislation that has not yet been subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, we cannot assure you that the appropriate
tax authorities or the courts will accept the views expressed in this discussion. The discussion below is subject to change, including due to amendments under Israeli law or changes to the
applicable judicial or administrative interpretations of Israeli law, which change could affect the tax consequences described below.
Capital Gains Taxes Applicable to Non Israeli Resident Shareholders.
A non Israeli resident who derives capital gains from the sale of shares in an Israeli resident company that were purchased after the company was listed for trading on a stock exchange
outside of Israel should be exempt from Israeli tax so long as the shares were not held through a permanent establishment that the non resident maintains in Israel. However, non Israeli
corporations will not be entitled to the foregoing exemption if Israeli residents: (i) have a controlling interest of 25% or more in such non Israeli corporation or (ii) are the beneficiaries of, or are
entitled to, 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly. Such exemption is not applicable to a person whose gains from selling or
otherwise disposing of the shares are deemed to be a business income.
Additionally, a sale of shares by a non Israeli resident may be exempt from Israeli capital gains tax under the provisions of an applicable tax treaty. For example, under the United States
Israel Tax Treaty, the disposition of shares by a shareholder who (i) is a U.S. resident (for purposes of the treaty), (ii) holds the shares as a capital asset, and (iii) is entitled to claim the benefits
afforded to such person by the treaty, is generally exempt from Israeli capital gains tax. Such exemption will not apply if: (i) the capital gain arising from the disposition can be attributed to a
permanent establishment in Israel; (ii) the shareholder holds, directly or indirectly, shares representing 10% or more of the voting capital during any part of the 12 month period preceding the
disposition, subject to certain conditions; or (iii) such U.S. resident is an individual and was present in Israel for a period or periods aggregating to 183 days or more during the relevant taxable
year. In such case, the sale, exchange or disposition of our ordinary shares would be subject to Israeli tax, to the extent applicable; however, under the United States Israel Tax Treaty, the
taxpayer would be permitted to claim a credit for such taxes against the U.S. federal income tax imposed with respect to such sale, exchange or disposition, subject to the limitations under U.S.
law applicable to foreign tax credits. The United States Israel Tax Treaty does not relate to U.S. state or local taxes.
In some instances where our shareholders may be liable for Israeli tax on the sale of their ordinary shares, the payment of the consideration may be subject to the withholding of Israeli
tax at source. Shareholders may be required to demonstrate that they are exempt from tax on their capital gains in order to avoid withholding at source at the time of sale. Specifically, in
transactions involving a sale of all of the shares of an Israeli resident company, in the form of a merger or otherwise, the Israel Tax Authority may require from shareholders who are not liable for
Israeli tax to sign declarations in forms specified by this authority or obtain a specific exemption from the Israel Tax Authority to confirm their status as non Israeli resident, and, in the absence of
such declarations or exemptions, may require the purchaser of the shares to withhold taxes at source.
Taxation of Non Israeli Shareholders on Receipt of Dividends.
Non-Israeli residents are generally subject to Israeli income tax on the receipt of dividends paid on our ordinary shares at the rate of 25%, unless relief is provided in a treaty between
Israel and the shareholder’s country of residence. With respect to a person who is a “substantial shareholder” at the time of receiving the dividend or on any time during the preceding twelve
months, the applicable tax rate is 30%. A “substantial shareholder” is generally a person who alone or together with such person’s relative or another person who collaborates with such person
on a permanent basis, holds, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of any of the “means of control” of the corporation. “Means of control” generally include the right to vote, receive profits,
nominate a director or an executive officer, receive assets upon liquidation, or order someone who holds any of the aforesaid rights how to act, regardless of the source of such right. However, a
distribution of dividends to non-Israeli residents is subject to withholding tax at source at a rate of 15% if the dividend is distributed from income attributed to an Approved Enterprise or a
Benefited Enterprise or 20% if the dividend is distributed from income attributed to a Preferred Enterprise, unless a reduced tax rate is provided under an applicable tax treaty. Dividends paid on
publicly traded shares, which are registered with and held by a nominee company, to non-Israeli residents are generally subject to Israeli withholding tax at a rate of 25%, unless a different rate is
provided under an applicable tax treaty, provided that a certificate from the Israel Tax Authority allowing for a reduced withholding tax rate is obtained in advance. Under the United States-Israel
Tax Treaty, the maximum rate of tax withheld at source in Israel on dividends paid to a holder of our ordinary shares who is a U.S. resident (for purposes of the United States-Israel Tax Treaty) is
25%.
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U.S. residents who are subject to Israeli withholding tax on a dividend may be entitled to a credit or deduction for United States federal income tax purposes in the amount of the taxes
withheld, subject to detailed rules contained in U.S. tax legislation.
Excess Tax.
Beginning on January 1, 2013, an additional tax liability at the rate of 2% was added to the applicable tax rate on the annual taxable income of individuals who are subject to tax in Israel
(whether any such individual is an Israeli resident or non-Israeli resident) exceeding NIS 810,720 (in 2014) which amount is linked to the annual change in the Israeli consumer price index,
including, but not limited to, dividends, interest and capital gain, subject to the provisions of an applicable tax treaty.
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences that apply to U.S. Holders who hold ordinary shares as capital assets. This summary is based on the
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or the Code, as amended, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, and the U.S.-Israel Tax
Treaty, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change either prospectively or retroactively. This summary does not address all tax considerations that may be relevant
with respect to an investment in ordinary shares. This summary does not account for the specific circumstances of any particular investor, such as:
v broker-dealers,
v
financial institutions,
v certain insurance companies,
v
investors liable for alternative minimum tax,
v
tax-exempt organizations,
v non-resident aliens of the U.S. or taxpayers whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar,
v persons who hold the ordinary shares through partnerships or other pass-through entities,
v
investors that actually or constructively own 10 percent or more of our voting shares, and
v
investors holding ordinary shares as part of a straddle or a hedging or conversion transaction.
This summary does not address the effect of any U.S. Federal taxation other than U.S. Federal income taxation. In addition, this summary does not include any discussion of state, local
or foreign taxation. You are urged to consult your tax advisors regarding the non-U. S. and United States federal, state and local tax considerations of an investment in ordinary shares.
For purposes of this summary, a U.S. Holder is:
v an individual who is a citizen or, a resident of the United States for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
v a partnership, corporation or other entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof;
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v an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source;
v a trust if: (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over administration of the trust, and (b) one or more United States persons have the authority to control
all substantial decisions of the trust; or
v a trust, if the trust were in existence and qualified as a “United States person,” within the meaning of the Code, on August 20, 1996 under the law as then in effect and elected to continue to
be so treated.
Additional Tax on Investment Income
In addition to the income taxes described above, U.S. holders that are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be subject to a 3.8% Medicare
contribution tax on net investment income, which includes dividends and capital gains.
Taxation of Dividends
The gross amount of any distributions received with respect to ordinary shares, including the amount of any Israeli taxes withheld therefrom, will constitute dividends for U.S. Federal
income tax purposes, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax principles. You will be required to include this amount of
dividends in gross income as ordinary income. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in the ordinary
shares and any amount in excess of your tax basis, will be treated as gain from the sale of ordinary shares. See Item 10.D. “Exchange Controls” under the heading “Disposition of Ordinary
Shares” below for the discussion on the taxation of capital gains. Dividends will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction generally available to U.S. corporations under Section 243 of the
Code.
Certain dividend income received by individual U.S. Holders, may be eligible for a reduced rate of taxation. Such dividend income will be taxed at the applicable long-term capital gains
rate (currently, a maximum rate of 20%) if the dividend is received from a “qualified foreign corporation,” and the shareholder of such foreign corporation holds such stock for at least 61 days
during the 121-day period that begins on the date that is 60 days before the ex-dividend date for the stock. The holding period is tolled for any days on which the shareholder has reduced his
risk of loss. A “qualified foreign corporation” is one that is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States. A foreign corporation will be treated as qualified
with respect to any dividend paid, if its stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Dividend income will not qualify for the reduced rate of taxation if the
corporation is a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC (see below), for the year in which the dividend is distributed or for the previous year.
Dividends that we pay in NIS, including the amount of any Israeli taxes withheld therefrom, will be included in your income in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the
exchange rate in effect on the day such dividends are received. A U.S. Holder who receives payment in NIS and converts NIS into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate other than the rate in effect on
such day may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the U.S.
tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of NIS.
Any Israeli withholding tax imposed on such dividends will be a foreign income tax eligible for credit against a U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to certain limitations
set out in the Code (or, alternatively, for deduction against income in determining such tax liability). The limitations set out in the Code include computational rules under which non-U.S. tax
credits allowable with respect to specific classes of income cannot exceed the U.S. federal income taxes otherwise payable with respect to each such class of income. Dividends generally will be
treated as foreign-source passive income for United States foreign tax credit purposes. Foreign income taxes exceeding the credit limitation for the year of payment or accrual may be carried back
for the first preceding taxable years and forward for the first ten taxable years in order to reduce U.S. federal income taxes, subject to the credit limitation applicable in each of such years. A U.S.
Holder will be denied a foreign tax credit with respect to Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received on the ordinary shares to the extent such U.S. Holder has not held the ordinary shares
for at least 16 days of the 31-day period beginning on the date which is 15 days before the ex-dividend date or to the extent such U.S. Holder is under an obligation to make related payments with
respect to substantially similar or related property. Any days during which a U.S. Holder has substantially diminished its risk of loss on the ordinary shares are not counted toward meeting the
16-day holding period required by the statute. The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are complex, and you should consult with your personal tax advisors to determine
whether and to what extent you would be entitled to this credit.
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Dispositions of Ordinary Shares
If you sell or otherwise dispose of ordinary shares, you will recognize gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized
on the sale or other disposition and the adjusted tax basis in ordinary shares. Subject to the discussion below under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Companies,” such gain or loss
generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the ordinary shares for more than one year at the time of the sale or other disposition. In general,
any gain that you recognize on the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares will be U.S.-source for purposes of the foreign tax credit limitation; losses will generally be allocated against U.S.
source income. Deduction of capital losses is subject to certain limitations under the Code.
In the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder who receives NIS in connection with the sale or disposition of ordinary shares, the amount realized will be based on the U.S. dollar value of the
NIS received with respect to the ordinary shares as determined on the settlement date of such exchange. A U.S. Holder who receives payment in NIS and converts NIS into United States dollars
at a conversion rate other than the rate in effect on the settlement date may have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss that would be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies, or PFIC
There is a substantial risk that we are a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Our treatment as a PFIC could result in a reduction in the
after-tax return to the U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares and may cause a reduction in the value of such shares.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be classified as a PFIC for any taxable year in which either (i) 75% or more of our gross income is passive income, or (ii) the average
percentage of the value of all of our assets for the taxable year which produce or are held for the production of passive income is at least 50%. For this purpose, cash and real estate properties are
considered to be an asset which produces passive income. Passive income includes, among others, dividends, interest, certain types of royalties and rents, annuities, net foreign exchange gains
and losses and the excess of gains over losses from the disposition of assets which produce passive income. As a result of our substantial cash position and the decline in the value of our
stock, we may be a PFIC under a literal application of the asset test that looks solely to market value. If we are a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders of our ordinary shares
would be required, in certain circumstances, to pay an interest charge together with tax calculated at maximum rates on certain “excess distributions,” including any gain on the sale of ordinary
shares.
The consequences described above can be mitigated if the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a qualified electing fund, or QEF. A shareholder making the QEF election is
required for each taxable year to include in income a pro rata share of the ordinary earnings and net capital gain of the QEF, subject to a separate election to defer payment of taxes, which deferral
is subject to an interest charge. We have agreed to supply U.S. Holders with the information needed to report income and gain pursuant to a QEF election. The QEF election is made on a
shareholder-by-shareholder basis and can be revoked only with the consent of the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS.
As an alternative to making the QEF election, the U.S. Holder of PFIC stock which is publicly traded could mitigate the consequences of the PFIC rules by electing to mark the stock to
market annually, recognizing as ordinary income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of the PFIC stock and the
U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the PFIC stock. Losses would be allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market gain previously included by the U.S. Holder under the election for prior
taxable years. All U.S. Holders are advised to consult their own tax advisers about the PFIC rules generally and about the advisability, procedures and timing of their making any of the available
tax elections, including the QEF or mark-to-market elections.
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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
Payments in respect of ordinary shares may be subject to information reporting to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and to a 28 percent U.S. backup withholding tax. Backup
withholding will not apply, however, if you (i) are a corporation or come within certain exempt categories, and demonstrate the fact when so required, or (ii) furnish a correct taxpayer
identification number and make any other required certification. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be credited against a U.S.
Holder’s U.S. tax liability, and a U.S. Holder may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules by filing the appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. Any
U.S. holder who holds 10% or more in vote or value of our ordinary shares may be subject to certain additional United States information reporting requirements.
U.S. Gift and Estate Tax
An individual U.S. Holder of ordinary shares will be subject to U.S. gift and estate taxes with respect to ordinary shares in the same manner and to the same extent as with respect to
other types of personal property.
Other Income Tax
Taxable income of the Company's subsidiary in Luxemburg, Switzerland and the United States is subject to tax at the rate of approximately 29%, 24% and 34% respectively in 2015.
10.F. DIVIDEND AND PAYING AGENTS
Not applicable.
10.G. STATEMENT BY EXPERTS
Not applicable.
10.H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
Reports and other information of Optibase filed electronically with the SEC may be found at www.sec.gov. They can also be inspected without charge and copied at prescribed rates at
the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of this material are also available by mail from the Public
Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.
10.I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Most of our revenues are generated in CHF but a portion of our expenses is incurred in NIS and in U.S. dollars. Therefore, our results of operations may be seriously harmed by inflation
in Israel and currency fluctuations. In addition, following the closing of the Transaction Portfolio in Germany as detailed in Item 10.C. “Material Contracts” above, our results of operations will be
exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate of NIS against the U.S. dollar and against the EUR as well.
The inflation rate in Israel was approximately 1.8% in 2013, and a deflation of approximately (0.2)% in 2014 and (1)% in 2015. The changes of the NIS against the dollar was an
appreciation of approximately 7% in 2013, and a devaluation of approximately (12)% in 2014 and (0.3)% in 2015. The change of the CHF against the dollar was an appreciation of approximately
2.8% in 2013, and a devaluation of approximately (10)% in 2014 and (0.2)% in 2015. The change of the Euro against the dollar was a devaluation of (10)% 2015.
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Our operations could be adversely affected if we are unable to guard against currency fluctuations in the future. Accordingly, we may enter into currency hedging transactions to
decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rate of NIS against the U.S. dollar and against the CHF and against the EUR. These measures, however, may not
adequately protect us from material adverse effects due to the impact of inflation in Israel.
Our functional currency is the U.S Dollar.
The functional currencies of our subsidiaries are CHF, Euro and U.S dollar. The Company has elected to use U.S dollar as its reporting currency for all years presented.
While the functional currency of our subsidiaries in the United States is the U.S dollars, the functional currency of our subsidiaries in Switzerland and Germany is their lead currency, i.e.
CHF and Euro respectably. Since our functional and reporting currency is the U.S dollars, the financial statements of Optibase Real Estate SARL and OPCTN S.A whose functional currency has
been determined to be CHF and Optibase Bavaria whose functional currency has been determined to be Euro have been translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of this subsidiary are
translated at the year-end exchange rates and their statement of operations items are translated using the actual exchange rates at the dates on which those items are recognized. Such translation
adjustments are recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.
In February 2016, we entered into a hedging of cross currency interest rate swap transaction for the total amount of approximately NIS 34.2 million at fixed interest rate of 6.7% in
exchange for approximately $8.7 million at fixed interest rate of 7.95% with semi-annually payments commencing on June2016 through December 2021, the termination date.
Interest Rate and Rating Risks
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates in Switzerland relates primarily to our long term loan taken for the purchase of our real-estate property in Switzerland and
denominated in Swiss Franks (CHF). Changes in Swiss interest rates, could affect our financial results.
Investments Risks
In the second quarter of 2003, we transferred approximately $39.3 million of our monies and investments to Optibase, Inc. to achieve better net profit from the investment. As of
December 31, 2015, our available net cash was 24.5 million. As of December 31, 2015, our available cash was invested in interest bearing bank deposits and money market funds with various
banks. Our available cash is subject to the credit risk of the banks with which the funds are deposited and as such we may suffer losses if those banks fail to repay those deposits.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable. (for a description of our Series A Bonds see “Item 5.B: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity and Capital Resources”).
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ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
PART II
Not applicable.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2015.
Based on such review, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that we have in place effective controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required
to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal
executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
(b) Our management, under the supervision of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our
financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:
•
•
•
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and asset dispositions;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on our financial
statements.
Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 based on the framework for Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) set forth by The Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31,
2015.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting, because we are neither a “large
accelerated filer” nor an “accelerated filer” as those terms are defined in the Securities Exchange Act.
(c) There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting identified with the evaluation thereof that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that have
materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
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ITEM 16. [RESERVED]
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The board of directors has determined that Ms. Orli Garti-Seroussi is an “audit committee financial expert” and that she is independent under the applicable Securities and Exchange
Commission and NASDAQ listing rules.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our employees, including our chief executive officer and senior financial officers. The Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics is attached as Exhibit 11.1 to this annual report, and published on our website in the address: http://www.optibase-holdings.com.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Kost, Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, or Ernst & Young has served as our independent public accountants for each of the fiscal years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2015, for which audited financial statements appear in this annual report on Form 20-F.
The following table presents the aggregate fees for professional services and other services rendered by Kost, Forer Gabbay & Kasierer in Israel and by Ernst & Young in Switzerland
and in the United States, to Optibase in 2014 and 2015 (in thousands):
Audit fees (1)
Audit-related fees (2)
Tax fees (3)
All other fees (4)
Total
2014
2015
97
4
30
--
131
89
26
46
161
(1) Audit fees consist of fees billed for the annual audit services engagement and other audit services, which are those services that only the external auditor can reasonably provide, and
include the group audit; statutory audits; comfort letters and consents; attest services; and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC.
(2) Audit-related fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements or that are
traditionally performed by the external auditor, and include consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards; internal control reviews of new systems, programs and
projects; review of security controls and operational effectiveness of systems; review of plans and control for shared service centers, due diligence related to acquisitions; accounting
assistance and audits in connection with proposed or completed acquisitions; and employee benefit plan audits.
(3) Tax fees include fees billed for tax compliance services, including the preparation of original and amended tax returns and claims for refund; tax consultations, such as assistance and
representation in connection with tax audits and appeals, tax advice related to mergers and acquisitions, transfer pricing, and requests for rulings or technical advice from taxing authority;
tax planning services; and expatriate tax planning and services.
(4) All other fees include fees billed for training; forensic accounting; data security reviews; treasury control reviews and process improvement and advice; and environmental, sustainability
and corporate social responsibility advisory services.
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Audit Committee Pre-approval Policies and Procedures
Our audit committee's main role is to assist the board of directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and reporting
practices of the Company. Our audit committee oversees the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the public accounting firm engaged to prepare or issue an audit report on the financial
statements of the Company. Our audit committee's specific responsibilities in carrying out its oversight role include the approval of all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the external
auditor and quarterly review the firm's non-audit services and related fees. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services, as described above.
It is the policy of our audit committee to approve in advance the particular services or categories of services to be provided to the Company periodically. Additional services may be pre-
approved by our audit committee on an individual basis during the year.
During 2014 and 2015, our audit committee approved all the audit-related fees, tax fees or other fees provided to us by Kost, Forer Gabbay & Kasierer in Israel or by Ernst & Young in
Switzerland and in the United States.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTION FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEE
We have not and do not expect to apply for any exemptions from the NASDAQ listing standards for audit committees.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16F. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
None.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We do not have a nomination committee as required by the Nasdaq Listing Rules. However, the actions ordinarily taken by such committee are resolved by the majority of our
independent directors, in accordance with the Companies Law and the Nasdaq Global Market listing requirements.
Otherwise, there are no significant ways in which the Company’s corporate governance practices differ from those followed by domestic companies listed on the Nasdaq Global Market.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
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ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PART III
The following are our financial statements audited by Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global, together with the reports of Kost Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a
member of Ernst & Young Global, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, are filed as part of this annual report:
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
See Exhibit Index.
- 92 -
Page
F-2
F-3 - F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8 - F-9
F-10 - F-42
OPTIBASE LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015
U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
INDEX
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
F-2
F-3 - F-4
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8 - F-9
F-10 - F-42
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
OPTIBASE LTD.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Optibase Ltd. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over
financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for
the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above, present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as
of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with United
States generally accepted accounting principles.
Tel-Aviv, Israel
March 31, 2016
KOST FORER GABBAY & KASIERER
A Member of Ernst & Young Global
F - 2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
U.S. dollars in thousands
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$118 and $154 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)
Other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
Total current assets
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS:
Long-term deposits
Investments in companies and associates
Total long-term investments
PROPERTY AND OTHER ASSETS, NET
Real estate property, net
Other assets, net
Total property, equipment and other assets
Total assets
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F - 3
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
December 31,
2015
2014
$
23,806
$
177
318
24,301
2,670
20,663
23,333
214,840
470
215,310
22,902
286
1,396
24,584
54
7,553
7,607
185,204
609
185,813
$
262,944
$
218,004
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current maturities of long term loans and bonds
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses
Other short-term liabilities
Total liabilities attributed to discontinued operations
Total current liabilities
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Deferred tax liabilities
Land lease liability, net
Other Long-Term Liabilities
Long term loans, net of current maturities
Long term bonds, net of current maturities
Total long-term liabilities
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Share capital -
Ordinary Shares of NIS 0.65 par value -
Authorized: 6,000,000 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014; Issued: 5,183,525 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014; Outstanding:
5,133,631 and 5,127,631 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
Additional paid-in capital
Treasury shares: 49,895 and 55,895 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated deficit
Total shareholders' equity of Optibase Ltd.
Non-controlling interests
Total shareholders' equity
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
December 31,
2015
2014
$
$
8,535
3,297
-
2,109
13,941
14,178
6,412
264
140,082
12,483
173,419
988
137,961
(354)
(1,906)
(80,905)
55,784
19,800
75,584
2,401
4,991
539
2,153
10,084
14,237
6,528
-
110,080
-
130,845
988
137,898
(554)
(1,221)
(79,672)
57,439
19,636
77,075
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
262,944
$
218,004
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
March 31, 2016
Date of approval of the
financial statements
Amir Philips
Chief Executive Officer
F - 4
Alex Hilman
Executive Chairman
of the Board
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
Fixed income from real estate rent
Costs and expenses:
Cost of real estate operations
Real estate depreciation and amortization
General and administrative
Other operating costs
Total costs and expenses
Gain on sale of operating properties
Operating income
Other income
Financial expenses, net
Income before taxes on income
Taxes on income
Equity share in losses of associates, net
Net income
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to Optibase Ltd.
Net earnings per share:
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
$
15,273
$
13,938
$
13,711
2,958
3,925
1,849
2,352
11,084
-
4,189
429
(1,807)
2,811
(1,609)
(31)
1,171
2,239
2,777
3,813
2,167
-
8,757
2,709
7,890
394
(1,151)
7,133
(1,502)
(186)
5,445
2,106
(1,068)
$
3,339
$
2,199
3,369
1,870
-
7,438
-
6,273
384
(1,343)
5,314
(1,518)
(172)
3,624
2,159
1,465
(0.21)
$
0.65
$
0.38
$
$
Weighted average number of shares used in computing basic net earnings per share:
5,133,024
5,126,616
3,822,032
Weighted average number of shares used in computing diluted net earnings per share:
5,133,024
5,131,072
3,825,610
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F - 5
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
U.S. dollars in thousands
Net income
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Financial liability related to hedging
Other comprehensive income
Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
$
1,171
$
5,445
$
(467)
(264)
440
(2,239)
46
(5,325)
-
120
(2,106)
2,265
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Optibase Ltd.
$
(1,753)
$
279
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F - 6
3,624
1,477
-
5,101
(2,159)
(624)
2,318
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
U.S. dollars in thousands
Ordinary
shares
Additional
paid-in
capital
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Accumulated
deficit
Total
shareholders'
equity of
Optibase Ltd.
Non-
controlling
interests
Total
shareholders'
equity
Balance as of January 1, 2013
$
744
$
130,824
$
(821) $
986
$
(84,259) $
47,474
$
19,078
$
66,552
Issuance of ordinary shares
Stock-based compensation related
to options and unvested shares
Issuance of treasury shares upon
vesting of shares
Other comprehensive income
Net income
244
-
-
-
-
6,909
118
(26)
-
-
-
-
133
-
-
-
-
-
853
-
-
-
(107)
-
1,465
7,153
118
-
853
1,465
-
-
-
624
2,159
7,153
118
-
1,477
3,624
Balance as of December 31, 2013
988
137,825
(688)
1,839
(82,901)
57,063
21,861
78,924
Stock-based compensation related
to options and unvested shares
Issuance of treasury shares upon
vesting of shares
Dividend distribution
Other comprehensive loss
Net income
-
-
-
-
-
97
(24)
-
-
-
-
134
-
-
-
-
-
-
(3,060)
-
-
(110)
-
-
3,339
97
-
-
(3,060)
3,339
-
-
(2,066)
(2,265)
2,106
Balance as of December 31, 2014
988
137,898
(554)
(1,221)
(79,672)
57,439
19,636
Stock-based compensation related
to options and unvested shares
Issuance of treasury shares upon
vesting of shares
Dividend distribution
Other comprehensive loss
Net income (loss)
-
-
-
-
-
98
(35)
-
-
-
-
200
-
-
-
-
-
-
(685)
-
-
(165)
-
-
(1,068)
98
-
-
(685)
(1,068)
-
-
(2,029)
(46)
2,239
97
-
(2,066)
(5,325)
5,445
77,075
98
-
(2,029)
(731)
1,171
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$
988
$
137,961
$
(354) $
(1,906) $
(80,905) $
55,784
$
19,800
$
75,584
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F - 7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
U.S. dollars in thousands
Cash flows from operating activities:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
Net income
Adjustments required to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
$
1,171
$
5,445
$
Depreciation and amortization
Gain on sale of real estate
Stock-based compensation related to options and unvested shares
Decrease (Increase) in trade receivables
Equity share in losses of associates, net
Increase (decrease) in deferred tax liabilities
Decrease in other long-term liabilities
Decrease in other short-term liabilities
Decrease in land lease liabilities
Decrease (increase) in other accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other accounts payable
Net cash provided by continuing operations
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from (investment in) long-term lease deposits
Investment in real estate property
Sale of real estate property, net
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
Proceeds from (investments in) associates
Increase in other long term deposits
Acquisition of Optibase Bavaria (c)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F - 8
3,925
-
98
111
31
(48)
-
(538)
(109)
1,070
(1,687)
4,024
(44)
3,980
-
(2,215)
-
-
(13,142)
(2,616)
(31,473)
(49,446)
3,813
(2,709)
97
(61)
186
(1,577)
-
(944)
(187)
(1,174)
1,737
4,626
693
5,319
7
(1,093)
6,169
144
-
-
-
5,227
3,624
3,369
-
118
(134)
172
44
(1,254)
-
(91)
79
1,615
7,542
(123)
7,419
(11)
(5,795)
-
(10)
83
-
-
(5,733)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
U.S. dollars in thousands
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of long term bank loans
Proceeds from bank loan
Proceeds from issuance of Long term bonds
Dividend distribution
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Exchange differences on balances of cash and cash equivalents
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
(a)
Supplemental cash flow activities:
Cash paid during the year for:
Taxes
Interest
(b)
Significant non-cash transactions:
Sale of real estate property
Purchase of investments in consideration of issue of shares
(c)
Acquisition of Optibase Bavaria:
Real estate property
Other assets, net
Cash paid by the Company
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F - 9
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
(2,811)
36,969
15,045
(2,029)
47,174
(804)
904
22,902
(2,599)
-
-
(2,066)
(4,665)
(1,790)
4,091
18,811
23,806
$
22,902
$
3,971
$
1,795
$
-
-
31,399
74
$
$
$
31,473
$
27
2,109
105
-
-
-
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
(2,580)
-
-
-
(2,580)
563
(331)
19,142
18,811
875
2,702
-
7,153
-
-
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1:- GENERAL
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
a.
Optibase Ltd. (the "Company") was incorporated and commenced operations in 1990.
During 2009 the Company entered into the fixed-income real estate sector after an acquisition of a commercial building in Switzerland.
Until the sale of its video solutions business to VITEC Multimedia ("Vitec") in July 2010 (see Note 1d below), the Company and its U.S subsidiary, Optibase Inc., provided
equipment for a wide range of professional video applications in the Broadband IPTV, Broadcast, Government, Enterprise and Post-production markets. (collectively, the
"Video Activity"). Following the sale of the Video Activity, the Company's only operation is the fixed-income real-estate.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company manages its activity through three active subsidiaries: Optibase Inc. in the United States which was incorporated in 1991
("Optibase Inc."), Optibase Real Estate Europe SARL ("Optibase SARL") in Luxembourg which was incorporated in October 2009, and OPCTN SA, a Luxembourg company
owned 51% by the Company which was incorporated in February 2011 ("Subsidiaries"), (collectively, the "Group").
b.
Acquisitions and investments in associates:
1.
Luxury suite condominium Miami, Florida:
On April 9, 2013 and on August 22, 2013, the Company through its subsidiary Optibase Inc. acquired two luxury penthouses located in the Marquis Residence in
Miami and one penthouse located in the Ocean One condominium in Sunny Isles Beach in Miami Beach, Florida, respectively, in a cash consideration for a purchase
price of approximately $ 4,800.
2.
Condominium units in Miami Beach, Florida:
On December 31, 2013 following the approval of the Company's audit committee, board of directors and the Company's shareholders, the Company, through its
subsidiary Optibase Inc., completed the purchase of 12 residential units in the Flamingo South Beach One Condominium and the Continuum on South Beach
condominium, both located in Miami Beach, Florida from two private companies indirectly controlled by the Company's controlling shareholder (the "seller") for an
aggregate net consideration of $ 7,153,net following the set off of rental income of one unit for a period of three years to the seller, representing the fair value of 1.31
million new ordinary shares of the Company issued to the seller.
3.
Sell of condominium units in Miami Beach, Florida:
On September 17, 2014 the Company, through its subsidiary, Optibase Inc. sold 11 residential condominium units located in Florida. The total consideration was
amounted to $ 6,411 and was paid at full on closing during October, 2014.
F - 10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1:- GENERAL (Cont.)
4.
Retail portfolio in Bavaria, Germany:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
On December 18, 2014 the Company through Optibase SARL subsidiary, Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co. KG (“Optibase Bavaria”), entered into a Purchase
Agreement with an unrelated third party to acquire a retail portfolio of twenty-seven Commercial properties in, Germany (the "Retail Portfolio in Germany").
The Retail Portfolio in Germany represents a homogenous retail portfolio in established retail locations, it has approximately 37,000 square meters of total rental
space.
The largest tenant in the Retail Portfolio in Germany is EDEKA, which currently leases 22 of the rental properties in the portfolio. In addition to the hypermarkets and
supermarkets, smaller shops (such as bakeries and post offices) operate on several locations as subtenants of EDEKA.
On June 2, 2015 the first stage of the transaction closing occurred and the Company acquired twenty-five (25) supermarkets in consideration of a purchase price of ˆ
24,000 (approximately $ 26,249 as of the purchase date). On July 8, 2015 the Company acquired the two (2) remaining supermarkets for an additional purchase price of
ˆ 4,750 (approximately $ 5,224 as of the purchase date).
In addition to the purchase price, the Company incurred acquisition costs, including real estate transfer taxes of ˆ 2,075 (approximately $ 2,352 during 2015) and
presented in the consolidated statements of operations as other operating costs.
The portfolio purchase price has been allocated to real estate properties and other assets, net, in accordance with the Company's accounting policies for business
combinations.
The total purchase price was allocated as follows:
Real estate property
Other assets, net
Total purchase price
5.
300 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago:
USD
31,399
74
31,473
On December 29, 2015, the company through its subsidiary, Optibase Inc, completed an investment in 300 River Holdings, LLC, (the “Joint Venture Company”)
which beneficially owns the rights to a 23-story Class A office building located at 300 South Riverside Plaza in Chicago under a 99 year ground lease expiring in
2114. The company invested $12,900 in exchange for a thirty percent (30%) interest in the Joint Venture Company. In addition to the Purchase Price, the Company
incurred acquisition costs of approximately $242.
F - 11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 1:- GENERAL (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
c.
d.
The Company two major tenants accounted for 18% and 18%, 23% and 12% and 23% and 10% of the Company revenues in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013 respectively. No other tenants accounted for more than 10% of the company revenues.
Sale of the Video Activity (discontinued operations):
Until the sale of its video solutions business to VITEC Multimedia ("Vitec") in July 2010, the Company and its U.S subsidiary, Optibase Inc., provided equipment for a wide
range of professional video applications in the Broadband IPTV, Broadcast, Government, Enterprise and Post-production markets. (collectively, the "Video Activity").
On March 16, 2010, the Company and its subsidiary, Optibase Inc., entered into an asset purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with Optibase Technologies Ltd. and
Stradis Inc., wholly owned subsidiaries of S.A. Vitec (also known as Vitec Multimedia) (S.A. Vitec, Optibase Technologies Ltd. and Stradis Inc., collectively, "Vitec").
According to the Agreement, the Company sold to Vitec all of the assets and liabilities related to the Company's Video Solutions Business (the "Video Activity") for an
aggregate consideration of $ 8,000. The closing of the transaction occurred on July 1, 2010.
According to the Agreement, the Company and Vitec agreed on a price adjustment mechanism to the initial consideration, upon which, Vitec shall add or subtract to the
consideration an amount equal to accounts receivable, net plus other receivables and prepaid expenses minus accounts payable and other payables, all as of the Closing
date (the "Adjustment Amount"). The Adjustment Amount as calculated by the Company would be deposited by Vitec in escrow within five days from the closing date, to
be released over a period of 12 months as Vitec collects amounts owed to the Company from customers. Vitec has refrained from depositing any amount in escrow which
led to a dispute between the parties. See details in Note 11d(1).
The liabilities of the Video activity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, which relates to the discontinued operations and presented in the consolidated balance
sheets, are summarized as follows:
Liabilities:
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses
Total liabilities
F - 12
Year ended December 31,
2014
2015
$
$
2,109
$
2,109
$
2,153
2,153
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a.
Basis of presentation of the financial statements:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The Company's management believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions
used are reasonable based upon information available at the time they are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
b.
Functional currency, presentation currency and foreign currency:
The functional currency of the Company is the U.S Dollar.
The functional currencies of Optibase's subsidiaries are CHF, EUR and U.S dollar. The Company has elected to use U.S dollar as its reporting currency for all years
presented.
While the functional currency of the Company's subsidiaries in the United States is the U.S dollars, the functional currency of the subsidiaries in Switzerland and Germany
is their lead currency, i.e. CHF and EUR. Since the Company's functional and reporting currency is the USD, the financial statements of Optibase Real Estate SARL and
OPCTN S.A. has been translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the year-end exchange rates and their statement of
operations items are translated using the actual exchange rates at the dates on which those items are recognized. Such translation adjustments are recorded as a separate
component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.
c.
Principles of consolidation:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon
consolidation.
d.
Non-controlling interests:
Non-controlling interests generally represent the portion of equity that the Company does not own in the consolidated entities. The Company accounts for and reports its
non-controlling interests in accordance with the provisions required under the Consolidation Topic of the FASB ASC 810. Non-controlling interests are separately
presented within the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. The amounts of consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company and to the non-controlling
interests are presented on the consolidated statement of operations.
F - 13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
e.
Cash equivalents:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash, with original maturities of three months or less at the date acquired.
f.
Property and equipment:
Real estate and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Costs include those related to acquisition, including building improvements.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:
Building
Buildings' improvements
Condominium units
g.
Long-lived assets including intangible assets:
Years
25 - 63
5 - 20
30
The Company and its subsidiarie's long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment", whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets held and used is measured by a comparison of the
carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment
recognized is measured by the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or
fair value less costs to sell.
The Company reviews assets on a component-level basis, which is the lowest level of assets for which there are identifiable cash flows that can be distinguished
operationally and for financial reporting purposes. The carrying amount of the asset group was compared with the related expected undiscounted future cash flows to be
generated by those assets over the estimated remaining useful life of the primary asset. In cases where the expected future cash flows were less than the carrying amounts
of the assets, those assets were considered impaired and written down to their fair values. Fair value was established based on discounted cash flows. As of December 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013 no impairment losses have been identified.
F - 14
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
h.
Investments in companies:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Investments in non-marketable equity securities of companies in which the Company does not have control or the ability to exercise significant influence over their
operation and financial policies are recorded at cost.
The management evaluates investments in non-marketable equity securities as evidence of other-than temporary declines in value. When relevant factors indicate a decline
in value that is other-than temporary the Company recognizes an impairment loss for the decline in value.
i.
Investments in associates:
Associates are companies in which the Company has significant influence over the financial and operating policies without having control. The investment in associates is
accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the investment in associates is accounted for in the financial statements at cost plus
changes in the Group's share of net assets, including other comprehensive income (loss) of the associates. The equity method is applied until the loss of significant
influence or classification of the investment as non-current asset held-for-sale.
The accounting policy in the financial statements of the associates has been applied consistently and uniformly with the policy applied in the financial statements of the
Group.
j.
Intangibles assets:
Intangible assets consist of above-market value of in-place leases that were recorded in connection with the acquisition of the properties. Intangible assets are amortized
and accreted using the straight-line method over the term of the related leases. When a lease is terminated early, any remaining unamortized balances under lease intangible
assets or liabilities are charged to earnings.
k.
Derivative instruments:
The Company accounts for derivatives and hedging based on ASC No. 815, "Derivatives and Hedging". ASC No. 815 requires the Company to recognize all derivatives at
fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument (i.e., gains or losses) depends on whether it has been designated and qualified as part of a
hedging relationship and further, on the type of hedging relationship. For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualified as hedging instruments, the
Company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a
foreign operation. If the derivatives meet the definition of a hedge and are so designated, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value such derivatives
will either be offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, firm commitments through earnings, or recognized in other comprehensive income until
the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative's change in fair value is recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2015, the Company
had outstanding hedging instruments in amount of $264. At times, the Company may use derivative instruments to manage exposure to variable interest rate risk.
Occasionally, the Company enters into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to variable interest rate risk and treasury locks to manage the risk of interest rates rising
prior to the issuance of debt. The Company generally enters into derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges and it does not enter into derivative instruments
for speculative purposes.
F - 15
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
l.
Revenue recognition:
The Company generates revenues from fixed income real-estate derived from its buildings held through its subsidiaries in Switzerland (Rümlang and Geneva), Germany and
Miami FL.
Rental income includes minimum rents which are recognized on an accrual basis over the terms of the related leases on a straight-line basis. Lease revenue recognition
commences when the lessee is given possession of the leased space and there are no contingencies offsetting the lessee's obligation to pay rent.
Revenue of maintenance expenses recoveries from the tenants for mainly electricity, heating and water is reported net from the related expenses.
m.
Contingencies:
The Company periodically estimates the impact of various conditions, situations and/or circumstances involving uncertain outcomes to its financial condition and
operating results.
The Company accounts for contingent events as required by ASC 450 "Contingencies". ASC 450 defines a contingency as "an existing condition, situation, or set of
circumstances involving uncertainty as to possible gain or loss to an enterprise that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur".
Legal proceedings are a form of such contingencies.
In accordance with ASC 450, accruals for exposures or contingencies are being provided when the expected outcome is probable. However, it is possible that future results
of operations for any particular quarter or annual period could be materially affected by changes in the Company's assumptions, the actual outcome of such proceedings or
as a result of the effectiveness of the Company strategies related to these proceedings.
F - 16
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
n.
Income taxes:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
The Company and its subsidiaries account for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes" "ASC 740", prescribes the use of the liability method,
whereby deferred tax asset and liability account balances are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are
measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company and its subsidiaries provide a valuation
allowance, if necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts more likely than not to be realized.
ASC 740 clarifies the accounting for uncertainties in income taxes by establishing minimum standards for the recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return. Under the requirements of ASC 740, the Company must review all of its tax positions and make a determination as to whether its
position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by regulatory authorities. If a tax position meets the more-likely–than-not standard, then the related tax
benefit is measured based on a cumulative probability analysis of the amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement or disposition of the
underlying issue. The Company policy is to accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in its financial expenses.
The Company believes that its tax positions are all highly certain of being upheld upon examination. As such, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company has not
recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions.
o.
Concentrations of credit risk:
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company and its subsidiaries to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivables and long-term lease deposits.
Cash and cash equivalents are invested in U.S. dollar deposits with major banks in Israel, the United States, Switzerland and Germany. Cash and cash equivalents in the
United States may be in excess of insured limits and are not insured in other jurisdictions. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with diverse financial
institutions and monitors the amount of credit exposure to each financial institution.
Accounts receivable includes amounts billed to tenants and accrued expense recoveries due from tenants. The Company makes estimates of un-collectability from its
accounts receivable using the specific identification method related to base rents, straight-line rent balances, expense reimbursements and other revenues.
F - 17
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
The Company also analyzes accounts receivable and historical bad debt levels, tenant credit-worthiness, payment history and current economic trends when evaluating
the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are written-off when they are deemed to be uncollectible and the Company is no longer actively
pursuing collection. The Company's reported net income is directly affected by the management's estimate of the collectability of accounts receivable.
p.
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic net earnings (losses) per share are computed based on the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding during each year. Diluted net earnings (losses)
per share is computed based on the weighted average number of Ordinary shares outstanding during each year, plus dilutive potential Ordinary shares considered
outstanding during the year, in accordance with ASC 260, "Earning Per Share".
Option and restricted shares that have been excluded from the calculations of diluted net income per share was 5,546 and 3,578 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and
2013, respectively.
q.
Accounting for stock-based compensation:
ASC Topic 718 "Compensation - Stock Compensation" "ASC 718", requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using an
option-pricing model.
The Company recognizes these compensation costs net of forfeiture rate and recognizes the compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line
basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term of four years. ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of
grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options granted using the Black-Scholes- Merton option pricing model. The option-pricing model requires a number of
assumptions, of which the most significant are the expected stock price volatility and the expected option term. Expected volatility is calculated based upon actual
historical stock price movements. The expected term of options granted is based upon historical experience and represents the period of time that options granted are
expected to be outstanding. The risk free interest rate is based on the yield from U.S. treasury bonds with an equivalent term. The Company has historically not paid
dividends and has no foreseeable plans to pay dividends.
F - 18
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
The fair value was estimated at the date of grant using the following weighted average assumptions for the Black-Scholes model for the year ended December 31, 2011.
During 2015 and 2014 there were no new grants.
r.
Treasury Shares:
During the past years, the Company repurchased certain Ordinary shares on the open market and holds such shares as treasury shares. The Company presents the cost to
repurchase treasury shares as a reduction from the shareholders' equity. From time to time the Company reissues treasury shares under the stock purchase plan, upon
exercise of option and upon vesting of restricted stock units.
When treasury stock is reissued, the Company accounts for the re-issuance in accordance with ASC No. 505-30, "Treasury Stock" and charges the excess of the purchase
cost, including related stock-based compensation expenses, over the re-issuance price to retained earnings. The purchase cost is calculated based on the specific
identification method. In case the purchase cost is lower than the re-issuance price, the Company credits the difference to additional paid-in capital.
s.
Fair value of financial instruments:
The carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, other accounts receivable, trade payables, other accounts payable,
and accrued liabilities, approximate fair value because of their generally short-term maturities.
ASC 820 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in
pricing an asset or a liability.
F - 19
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
As a basis for considering such assumptions, ASC 820 establishes a three-level value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in
measuring fair value:
Level 1 -
Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 -
Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.
Level 3 -
Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.
The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
Swap instrument are measured at fair value under ASC 820 on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
t.
Comprehensive income:
The Company accounts for comprehensive loss in accordance with ASC No. 220, "Comprehensive Income". Comprehensive income generally represents all changes in
shareholders' equity during the period except those resulting from investments by, or distributions to, shareholders. The Company determined that its items of
comprehensive loss relate to foreign currency translation adjustments.
u.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09) "Revenue from Contracts with
Customers." ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)”, and requires entities to recognize revenue when it
transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or
services. As currently issued and amended, ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that
reporting period, though early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating
the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the Company's consolidated financial statements, implementing accounting system changes related to the adoption, and
considering additional disclosure requirements. The Company still evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on the Company's consolidated financial
statements and related disclosures.
F - 20
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 (ASU 2015-17) “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred
Taxes”. ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by eliminating the separate classification of deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current
and noncurrent amounts in the consolidated balance sheet statement of financial position. The amendments in the update require that all deferred tax liabilities and assets
be classified as noncurrent in the consolidated balance sheet. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and
interim periods therein and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this
standard in the fourth quarter of 2015 on a retrospective basis. Prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-period Adjustments." This new guidance requires an acquirer in a
business combination to recognize adjustments to the provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period to be reported in the period in which the
adjustment amounts are determined. In addition, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization and other items as a result of the change to the provisional
amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been complete as of the acquisition date, must be recorded in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are
determined. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and must be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has
not yet adopted ASU 2015-16 and do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, as part of its
initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. To simplify presentation of debt issuance costs, the amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs
related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs
Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting (SEC Update), which
allows an entity to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit
arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The updated standards are effective for financial statements
issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The updated standards are not expected to materially impact the Company's financial position or
disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases
for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases
based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized
based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all
leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for
operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type
leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The ASU is expected to impact the Company's consolidated financial statements as the Company has certain operating
and land lease arrangements for which the Company are the lessee. ASU 2016-02 supersedes the previous leases standard, Leases (Topic 840). The standard is effective on
January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company
financial position or results of operations.
F - 21
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 2:- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10) - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities. The ASU makes the following targeted changes for financial assets and liabilities: i) requiring equity investments with readily determinable fair values to be
measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income; ii) simplifying the impairment assessment of equity securities without readily determinable fair values using a
qualitative approach; iii) eliminating disclosure of the method and significant assumptions used to fair value instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet;
iv) requiring use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of instruments for disclosure purposes; v) for financial liabilities where the fair value option has been
elected, requiring the portion of the fair value change related to instrument-specific credit risk (which includes a Company's own credit risk) to be separately reported in
other comprehensive income; vi) requiring the separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (liability) on the
balance sheet or accompanying notes; and vii) clarifying that the evaluation of a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities should
be performed in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods
within those years Early adoption of item (v) above is permitted for financial statements (both annual and interim periods) that have not yet been issued. The Company
have not determined when the Company will adopt item (v) above of this ASU. The Company will adopt the remaining provisions of the ASU on January 1, 2018. The
Company are evaluating the impact of this ASU on Ambac's financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (Topic 810), requiring entities to evaluate whether they
should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. The revised consolidation model: (1) modifies
the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities, (2) eliminates the presumption that a
general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (3) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, and (4) provides a scope
exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in certain legal entities. The updated standard is effective for financial statements issued for
annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The updated standard may be applied retrospectively or using a modified
retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The adoption of this guidance is not
expected to have an impact on the Company's financial statements and related disclosures.
F - 22
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 3:- REAL ESTATE PROPERTY, NET
Cost:
At January 1, 2014
Additions
Disposals
At December 31, 2014
Additions
At December 31, 2015
Accumulated depreciation:
At January 1, 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
At December 31, 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
At December 31, 2015
Real estate property, net:
At December 31, 2015
At December 31, 2014
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Land
Building
Condominium
units
Currency
translation
adjustment
Total
$
$
26,486
-
-
26,486
7,388
33,874
$
158,849
544
-
159,393
25,467
184,860
-
-
-
-
-
-
7,676
2,888
-
10,564
3,314
13,878
$
22,309
549
(3,643)
19,215
759
19,974
538
472
(78)
932
394
1,326
$
10,595
(19,202)
-
(8,607)
(359)
(8,966)
264
(477)
-
(213)
(89)
(302)
218,239
(18,109)
(3,643)
196,487
33,255
229,742
8,478
2,883
(78)
11,283
3,619
14,902
33,874
170,982
18,648
(8,664)
214,840
$
26,486
$
148,829
$
18,283
$
(8,394)
$
185,204
Estimated depreciation expenses by years are as follows:
Year
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 and thereafter
Estimated
depreciation
expenses
$
$
3,587
3,587
3,587
3,587
166,618
180,966
F - 23
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 4:- OTHER ASSETS, NET
Cost:
At January 1, 2014
Additions
Disposals
At December 31, 2014
Additions
At December 31, 2015
Accumulated depreciation:
At January 1, 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
At December 31, 2014
Depreciation charge for the year
At December 31, 2015
Other assets, net:
At December 31, 2015
At December 31, 2014
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Above, below
market value of
in-place leases
Currency
translation
adjustment
Total
$
$
$
1,784
-
(334)
1,450
74
1,524
752
453
(334)
871
217
1,088
$
$
146
(193)
-
(47)
(3)
(50)
37
(114)
-
(77)
(7)
(84)
436
$
579
$
34
$
30
$
1,930
(193)
(334)
1,403
71
1,474
789
339
(334)
794
210
1,004
470
609
Intangible assets consist of lease contracts with tenants deriving from the purchase of a building complex in Geneva in 2011 and purchase of retail portfolio in Germany. See Note 1b
(4).
Estimated amortization expenses by years are as follows:
Year
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 and thereafter
Estimated
amortization
expenses
217
183
27
11
32
470
$
$
F - 24
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 5:- OTHER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND PREPAID EXPENSES
Escrow (1)
Prepaid expenses
Income receivable
Deposit
Others
December 31,
2015
2014
$
-
131
109
6
72
$
318
$
(1)
Deposit paid into an escrow account as part of the purchase agreement in connection with Retail Portfolio in Germany transaction. See Note 1b(4).
NOTE 6:-
LONG TERM DEPOSIT
Bonds deposit (1)
Restricted account (2)
Other
December 31,
2015
2014
$
$
$
1,685
931
54
2,670
$
1,271
49
7
39
30
1,396
-
-
54
54
(1)
(2)
Bonds deposit of one payment of principal and interest reserves. See Note 10.
Restricted account of 931 funded relates to an interest reserve for Miami Loan. See Note 9d.
NOTE 7:-
INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATES
a.
On August 16, 2012, the Company acquired through its subsidiary beneficial interests in Two Penn Center Plaza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This investment is
accounted for using the equity method of accounting as the Company's indirect beneficial interest in Two Penn Center Plaza is 19.66% and therefore is considered to be
more than minor (more than 3 to 5 percent), the equity method was applied.
Invested in equity
Accumulated net loss
Total investment
F - 25
December 31,
2015
2014
$
$
4,025 $
(504)
3,521 $
4,025
(472)
3,553
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 7:-
INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATES (Cont.)
b.
c.
On December 31, 2012 the Company acquired through its subsidiary Optibase Inc. approximately 4% indirect beneficial interest in a portfolio of shopping centers located in
Texas, USA in consideration for $ 4,000 which accounted for the cost method of accounting. The Company believes that its beneficial interests in Texas portfolio are
considered to be so minor that they create virtually no influence over the operating and financial policies of the Real Estate Asset and therefore this investment accounted
for cost method of accounting.
On December 29, 2015, the company through its subsidiary, Optibase Inc, completed an investment in 300 River Holdings, LLC, (the “Joint Venture Company”) which
beneficially owns the rights to a 23-story Class A office building located at 300 South Riverside Plaza in Chicago under a 99 year ground lease expiring in 2114. The
company invested $12,900 in exchange for a thirty percent (30%) interest in the Joint Venture Company. In addition to the Purchase Price, the Company capitalized
acquisition costs of approximately $242. See Note 1b(5).
d. Investments in associates accounted for using the equity method of accounting:
Summarized data of the financial statements of associates, unadjusted to the Company's percentage of holdings (*)
Assets
Liabilities
Fixed income from real estate rent
Net income (loss)
(*) The information presented does not include excess cost and goodwill.
NOTE 8:- OTHER ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES
Employees and payroll accruals
Accrued expenses
Government (mainly tax provision)
Advance tenants payments
Tenant security deposits
Other
Total
NOTE 9:- LONG TERM LOANS
December 31,
2015
2014
$
$
278,402
337,599
11,215
97
65,408
56,595
10,393
(859)
December 31,
2015
2014
$
$
225
671
1,311
848
119
123
$
3,297
$
195
748
3,580
313
98
57
4,991
a.
On October 29, 2009, Optibase SARL received a mortgage loan (the "Loan") from a financial institution in Switzerland, in the amount of CHF 18,800 for the purpose of
purchasing the real estate property located in Rümlang, Switzerland (the "Property"). The loan bears a variable interest rate based on current money and capital markets in
Switzerland plus the bank's customary margins 0.8%. The financial institution may increase the margin at any time if creditworthiness of the borrower or quality of the
property is impaired. Principal and interest of the loan are payable quarterly. The loans are repaid at a rate of CHF 376 per year. The mortgage loan may be repaid at any time
with a three months prior written notice by the Company. The mortgage loan is governed by the laws of Switzerland and bears other terms and conditions customary for
that type of mortgage loans. The Company pledged to the bank the property and all accounts and assets of the Company's subsidiary which are deposited with the bank
against the loan received. The Company is required to meet certain covenants under this mortgage loan. As of December 31, 2015, the Company met the required
covenants.
F - 26
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 9:-
LONG TERM LOANS (Cont.)
Maturities of the loan by years are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2016 (current maturity)
Long-term portion:
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
$
379
379
379
379
379
14,797
16,313
$
b.
On October 2011, OPCTN and Eldista entered into a CHF 100,000 bank loan refinancing with Credit Suisse for the above mentioned loan. Under the new financing
agreement, Credit Suisse provided a new loan to OPCTN and Eldista which replaced the mortgage loan that Credit Suisse provided to Eldista. The loan bears a variable
interest rate based on current money and capital markets in Switzerland plus the bank's customary margins, the combined interest margins rate is 0.83%. The loans are
repaid at a rate of CHF 2,000 per year and are secured by a first mortgage over the property and by a pledge of Eldista's shares.
Maturities of the loan by years are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2016 (current maturity)
Long-term portion:
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
$
2,018
2,018
2,018
2,018
2,018
83,109
91,181
$
The Company is required to meet certain covenants under this mortgage loan. As of December 31, 2015, the Company met these covenants.
F - 27
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 9:-
LONG TERM LOANS (Cont.)
c.
Optibase Bavaria negotiated a loan agreement with a Deutsche Genossenschafts-Hypothekenbank Aktiengesellschaft ("DG HYP"), for the provision of a senior mortgage
loan in the amount of up to Euro 21,000 of which the Company utilized Euro 20,000. The effective interest rate was closed at 2.15%. The loan is repaid in quarterly
installments of EUR 105 each, up until April 30, 2020. The terms of the loan includes certain covenants, a debt service cover ratio requirement of between 130% and 110%,
and a loan to value requirement of 70% in the first three years and 65% in the fourth and fifth years. As of December 31, 2015, the Company met these covenants.
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Maturities of the loan by years are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2016 (current maturity)
Long-term portion:
2017
2018
2019
2020
Total
$
$
459
459
459
459
19,671
21,048
d.
On July 8, 2015, the Company subsidiary, Optibase Inc, entered into a loan agreement with City National Bank of Florida for a gross amount of $15,000 for the financing of
certain condominium units the Company owns in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida. The loan was taken for a term of three (3) years, with an interest rate of Libor 30-day-rate
plus 2.65%. Interest is paid monthly commencing August 1, 2015, and the principal is reduced in six-month intervals beginning July 2016. Loan issuance costs of $ 429
reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the gross amount of the loan. The securities for the Loan include a restricted cash deposit of approximately $1,000
and mortgage spread over the assets the Company owns in Florida as mentioned above. The Company is required to meet certain covenants under this mortgage loan. As
of December 31, 2015, the Company met these covenants.
Year ended December 31,
2016 (current maturity)
Long-term portion:
2017
2018
Total
3,117
4,987
6,553
11,540
$
$
F - 28
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 10:- LONG TERM BONDS
In August 2015, the Company issued gross amount of NIS 60,000 (approximately $15,700 as of the issued date) in aggregate principal amount of Series A Bonds bearing annual fixed
interest of 6.7% payable in in semi-annual installments on June 30 and on December 31 of each of the years 2015 through 2021, commencing on December 31, 2015 and ending on
December 31, 2021. The principal will be repaid in semi-annual installments on June 30 and on December 31 of each of the years of 2016 through 2021, commencing on June 30, 2016
and ending on December 31, 2021. The bonds (principal and interest) are not linked to any currency or index.
Debt issuance costs of $ 384 reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the gross amount of the bonds according to Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2015-03
issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board In April 2015. The Company elected to adopt this standard early, effective August 10, 2015. The debt issuance costs are
amortized in accordance with the bonds payments. The Company is required to meet certain covenants under this bonds. As of December 31, 2015, the Company met these
covenants.
Maturities of the bonds by years are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2016 (current maturity)
Long-term portion:
2017
2018
2019
2020
Thereafter
Total
$
2,562
2,562
2,562
2,562
2,562
2,235
$
12,483
NOTE 11:- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
a.
Lease commitments:
The Company and its subsidiaries facilities leased and motor vehicles leased under several operating lease agreements for different periods ending in 2026.
Future minimum lease commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows:
Year ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 and thereafter
Total
116
117
110
108
732
1,183
$
$
F - 29
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 11:- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)
b.
Assets pledged as collateral:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
As collateral for the Company's loan mortgages, a fixed pledge has been placed on the Company's subsidiaries in Luxemburg shareholders' equity. See Note 9a.
c.
Office of the Chief Scientist commitments:
Until the sale of the Video Activity the Company participated in programs sponsored by the Israeli Government and by the European Commission for the support of
research and development activities.
The Company was obligated to pay royalties to the Office of the Chief Scientist ("OCS"), in the amount of 3%-3.5% of the sales recorded from products and other related
revenues generated from such projects, up to 100% of the grants received, linked to the U.S. dollar and for grants received after January 1, 1999 also bearing interest at the
rate of LIBOR. The obligation to pay these royalties is contingent on actual sales of the products and in the absence of such sales, no payment is required. The Company
is currently undergoing an audit by the OCS for royalties paid before the sale of the Company's Video business. As of December 31, 2015, the Company believes it has
sufficient provisions to cover the outcome of such review process. The provision for the above commitments was recorded under liabilities attributed to discontinued
operations as the Company has no further obligation to pay royalties on revenues generated by the Video Activity subsequent to its sale.
d.
Legal claim and contingent liabilities:
1.
In connection with the sale of Video Activity (as further described in Note 1e) and as part of a dispute arose between Vitec and the Company, since October 2010
Vitec and the Company have filed several separate motions with the Tel-Aviv District Court, seeking, inter alia, fixed and temporary injunctions. The motions filed by
both parties have been dismissed by the court and were transferred to arbitration proceedings, which were undergoing during the past three years and until
February 27, 2014.
On July 30, 2013, the final decision of the arbitrator regarding the arbitration proceedings against Vitec (the "Arbitration Award") was submitted to the parties. The
arbitrator accepted the majority of the Company's claims whilst most of Vitec's claims were rejected. The Arbitration Award mentions that the Company acted in the
ordinary course of business and Vitec's claims regarding injury to reputation, loss of profits and loss of business opportunities were dismissed out of hand.
The arbitrator did award Vitec a total sum of $ 442. Regarding the costs of the arbitration and lawyers' fees, the Arbitrator awarded Vitec a total sum of $ 69
considering the fact that only a small portion of the claimed sum was granted to Vitec.
F - 30
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 11:- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
After the Arbitration Award was given, the Company made efforts to execute the Arbitration Award with no further delay, in order to comply with the Arbitrator's
decision and to avoid paying unnecessary interests. The Company didn't come to any understating with Vitec. Hence, on September 1, 2013, the Company
submitted with the Tel-Aviv District Court a motion requesting the confirmation and validation of the Arbitration Award.
On September 17, 2013, Vitec responded to the Company's motion by submitting a motion of its own, asking the Court to nullify some parts of the Arbitration
Award, or alternatively ask the arbitrator to do so, mainly regarding sums received by the Company after the closing of the transaction. Vitec claimed that the
Arbitration Award did not include final rulings regarding such sums. Vitec also claimed that the arbitrator made a calculating mistake in favor of the Company, in the
amount of $ 400 which should be paid to Vitec.
On February 27, 2014, the Court gave its final ruling. The Court rejected all of Vitec's claims, dismissed its motion to nullify the Arbitration Award and confirmed and
validated the Arbitration Award in it's entirely. The Court also ruled that Vitec will bear the legal expenses of this proceeding including the costs of the translation of
the Arbitration Award.
Following the Court's ruling, the Company and Vitec instructed the court's treasury and ADAD Trust company Ltd. to release $ 200 and $ 1,000, respectively,
deposited as Escrow Funds. On March 20, 2014, the funds were released and a net sum of $ 715 was transferred to the Company.
2.
Personal Claim against Adv. Doron Afik:
As part of the Agreement the Company, Vitec and Adv. Afik as trustee (the "Trustee") entered into the Consortium Escrow Agreement of March 16, 2010 (the
"Consortium Agreement"). Under the Consortium Agreement, $ 300 of the consideration were held in escrow $ 100 per each EC Consortium Agreement to be
transferred from the Company to Vitec under the Agreement.
Due to the Trustee's refusal to transfer the escrow funds to the Company, the Company filed in June 2011, a statement of claim for damages of approximately $ 268
against the Trustee.
On July 30, 2013, along with the Arbitration Award regarding the arbitration with Vitec, the Arbitrator gave his decision regarding the personal claim against Adv.
Afik and Afik Counter Claim. The arbitrator chose to accept most of the Company's claims and rejected most of Adv. Afik's claims. The Arbitrator awarded Adv.
Afik the sum of $ 36 only for damages caused by the lien imposed on Adv. Afik's bank accounts and $ 10 for legal expenses. Adv. Afik claims regarding libel were
utterly rejected. The Company paid these amounts.
F - 31
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 11:- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Following the Court's ruling regarding the validation of the Arbitration Award, as mentioned above, the parties filed a motion to Court, with consent, to return the
securities deposited by the Company during the imposition of the lien. On March 6, 2014 the court rendered its decision and ordered to return these escrow funds to
the Company.
3.
On October 26, 2014, the Company received a letter on behalf of two purported shareholders (the "Shareholders") demanding the Company to file a derivative claim
against its controlling shareholder and directors and officers, according to procedures of the Companies Law and requesting discovery of internal documents. The
demand alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties by directors and officers with respect to the approval of the transaction to acquire condominium
units in Miami Beach, Florida, (the "Transaction"). The Shareholders are seeking damages which were not specified in the letter allegedly caused to the Company by
its controlling shareholder and its directors and officers. In accordance with the Companies Law. The Company presented the Shareholders, at their request, with
certain materials in connection with the Transaction for their review.
On May 12, 2015 the Company has been served with a motion to approve the filing of a derivative claim against its controlling shareholder, directors and CEO and
against certain former controlling shareholder and directors, (the "Motion").
The Claim alleges, among other things, a breach of fiduciary duties by the Company directors, officers and controlling shareholder, and an exploitation of a business
opportunity by the Company current and former controlling shareholder with respect to certain private placements of the Company's shares to its controlling
shareholder.
The Claim further alleges, that such private placements constitute a prohibited distribution as the shares were issued for an unfair consideration. As a result of the
above, the Applicants request the Court to allow them to continue with this derivative claim and ultimately to require all the defendants to pay the Company an
aggregate amount of approximately $41,900, as well as required the Companies shareholder (current and former) to pay to the Company approximately $2,800 plus
interest (for the exploitation of a business opportunity). The Applicants further require reimbursement of expenses, legal fees and award to the Applicants.
On November 8, 2015, The Company has submitted its response to the Motion and Claim together with an expert opinion. The Company has raised several
arguments against the Motion including, inter alia, preliminary claims to dismiss the Motion in-limine. On November 13, 2015, the directors, CEO and former
directors submitted their response to the Motion.
On December 9, 2015, a court hearing was held during which the court suggested the parties to reach a mutual agreement. The Company gave its consent to the
proposed outline and the court ordered the parties to act accordingly.
F - 32
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 11:- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
On January 4, 2016, the Applicants submitted an application for discovery of documents. On January 25, 2016, The Company has submitted a motion to dismiss the
discovery's application. On March 29, 2016 the Applicants submitted an application to attach an expert opinion. A Pre-trial hearing is scheduled for July 7, 2016.
At this preliminary stage the Company cannot provide an assessment as to the chances of the claim and the exposure to the Company.
4.
On March 1, 2010, the Company's subsidiary in Luxembourg entered into an Option Agreement, (the "Option Agreement"), with Swiss Pro who introduced the
Company the Rümlang property and facilitated the acquisition and financing of the commercial building acquired by the Company in October, 2009 in Rümlang,
Switzerland. According to the Option Agreement, the Company's subsidiary granted Swiss Pro an option to purchase twenty percent (20%) of its share capital in
consideration of CHF 315 for the option. The exercise price under the Option Agreement is calculated based on twenty percent (20%) of acquisition costs for the
Rümlang Property plus interest and an adjustment for proceeds that are distributed to the shareholders. The shares that would be issued to Swiss Pro upon exercise
of the option will not have voting rights and would be subject to transfer restrictions in favor of the Company. The option granted under the Option Agreement will
expire within eight years from the entrance into the agreement, i.e.: on February 28, 2018.
On May 19, 2015, The Company received a letter on behalf of Swiss Pro, demanding the Company to provide Swiss Pro with certain relevant data in connection with
the option agreement. The Company sent a response letter on August 18, 2015 in which the Company rejected all allegations. On December 24, 2015 Swiss Pro sent
another letter repeating its arguments and the Company sent its response to the letter on December 31, 2015.
At this preliminary stage the Company cannot provide an assessment as to the chances of the arguments raised by Swiss Pro and the exposure to the Company
5. Eldista had a dispute with Swiss Pro Capital ("Swiss Pro"), a company organized under the Switzerland laws, arising from the consultancy agreement entered
between the parties and dated May 19, 2011 (the "Consultancy Agreement"). The Consultancy Agreement stated that Swiss Pro would provide services to Eldista in
exchange for the payment of a certain consultancy fee (the "Services"). Pursuant to the Consultancy Agreement, Eldista undertook to pay Swiss Pro a bonus in the
manner calculated in the Consultancy Agreement.
Pursuant to the Consultancy Agreement, Eldista had a right at any time following the second anniversary of the Consultancy Agreement, to elect to prepay to Swiss
Pro the bonus in full by delivering written notice to Swiss Pro (the "Prepayment Notice") and by paying Swiss Pro the prepayment amount as calculated pursuant to
the Consultancy Agreement. On July 14, 2013, Eldista delivered to Swiss Pro a prepayment notice calculating the prepayment amount based on the property
appraisal concluding that no prepayment amount was due to Swiss Pro. On July 18, 2013 Swiss Pro delivered a notice to Eldista disputing such determination of the
prepayment amount.
On August 21, 2014 Eldista and Swiss Pro entered into a settlement agreement, according to which Eldista will pay Swiss Pro an agreed prepayment amount of CHF
400 as consulting fees in full settlement of all dispute between the parties and their affiliates regarding the Consultancy Agreement. On August 29, 2014 Eldista paid
the agreed payment.
6. On April 16, 2015, the Company's subsidiary Eldista GmbH, filed a claim to the court in Switzerland in an amount of CHF 961 (approximately $1,000) due to damages
and unpaid amounts from a specific tenant. Shortly thereafter, the tenant filed a counterclaim against Eldista GmbH in an amount of CHF 157 (approximately $171) for
damages allegedly caused to it. The court suggested the parties to transfer to mediation proceedings which failed. At this time, testimonies hearings are taking
place. At this stage, the Company cannot assess whether the court will receive Elista's or the tenant's arguments.
F - 33
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 12:- FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
a.
Recurring fair value measurements:
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had an interest rate swap agreements for loan amounts of $ 21,632 and $ 74,019, respectively that are measured at fair
value on a recurring basis. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the fair value of the interest rate swaps consisted of a liability of $ 264 and $ 539, respectively. The balance as
of December 31, 2015 is included in long term liabilities in the Company consolidated balance sheet. The net unrealized income on the Company interest rate swaps was $
264 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company consolidated statements of operation. The fair value of
the interest rate swaps is based on the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the contract at the reporting date and is determined using interest
rate pricing models and observable inputs. The balance as of December 31, 2014 is included in short term liabilities in the Company consolidated balance sheet. The net
unrealized income on the Company interest rate swaps was $ 508 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and is included in financial expenses, net in the Company
consolidated statements of operation. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is based on the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the
contract at the reporting date and is determined using interest rate pricing models and observable inputs.
b.
Valuation methods:
In accordance with ASC 820, the Company measures its interest rate swap derivative instruments at fair value using the market approach valuation technique. The fair
value of interest rate swap derivative instruments is classified within Level 2 value hierarchy, as the valuation inputs are based on quoted prices.
NOTE 13:- TAXES ON INCOME
a.
Corporate tax rates:
The Israeli corporate tax rate was 26.5% in 2015 and 2014 and 25% in 2013. A company in Israel is taxable on its real (non-inflationary) capital gains at the corporate tax rate
of 26.5% in the year of sale.
F - 34
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 13:- TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
Taxable income of the Company's subsidiary in Luxemburg, Switzerland and the United States is subject to the following tax rates:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Luxemburg
Switzerland
United States
Germany
b.
Tax assessments:
The Company has final tax assessments through the tax year 2011.
c.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities:
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
29%
24%
34%
16%
29%
24%
34%
-
29%
24%
34%
-
Deferred tax assets and liabilities mainly derive from the acquisitions of commercial buildings in Switzerland. The deferred taxes are computed at the average tax rate of 24%,
based on the corporate income tax in Switzerland, which is the tax rate that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Deferred tax assets:
NOLs
Lease provision
Swap instrument
Mortgage loan
Reserves and allowances
Deferred tax assets
Dferred tax liabilities:
Land
Building
Other assets, net
Reserves and allowances
Deferred tax liabilities
Valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities, net
F - 35
$
December 31,
2015
2014
$
28,417
1,539
-
210
-
30,166
(5,327)
(10,504)
(96)
(163)
(16,090)
(28,254)
29,809
1,567
129
216
92
31,813
(5,336)
(10,667)
(146)
-
(16,149)
(29,901)
$
(14,178)
$
(14,237)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 13:- TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
d.
Net operating losses carry-forward:
Through December 31, 2015, Optibase Ltd. had net operating losses carry-forward for tax purposes in Israel of approximately $ 61 million which may be carried forward and
offset against taxable income in the future, for an indefinite period.
As of December 31, 2015, Optibase Inc. had U.S. federal net operating loss carry-forward of approximately $ 32 million that can be carried forward and offset against taxable
income for 20 years, no later than 2033. Utilization of U.S. net operating losses may be subject to the substantial annual limitation due to the "change in ownership"
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and similar state provisions. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses before utilization.
Based upon the weight of available evidence, which includes the Company's historical operating performance and the recorded cumulative net losses in all prior fiscal
periods, the Company has provided a full valuation allowance against it Israeli and U.S deferred tax assets.
e.
Reconciliation of the theoretical tax expenses to the actual tax expenses:
A reconciliation between the theoretical tax expense, assuming all income is taxed at the statutory tax rate applicable to the income of the Company and the actual tax
expense as reported in the statements of operations is as follows:
Income before taxes as reported
Theoretical tax benefit computed at the statutory rate (26.5% and 25% for the years 2015, 2014 and 2013,
respectively)
Differences in tax rates on income deriving from foreign subsidiaries
Tax adjustments in respect of currency translation
Deferred taxes on losses and other temporary differences for which valuation allowance was provided
Realization of carry forward losses
Taxes for previous years
Other non-deductible expenses
$
$
Income tax expense
$
1,609
$
1,502
$
F - 36
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
2,811
$
7,133
$
5,314
$
745
5
42
463
-
45
309
$
1,890
14
121
-
(769)
-
246
1,329
(170)
(203)
223
-
-
339
1,518
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 13:- TAXES ON INCOME (Cont.)
f.
Income (loss) before taxes on income consists of the following:
Domestic
Foreign
g.
Income tax expenses are comprised as follows:
Current
Deferred
Domestic
Foreign
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
$
1,218
1,593
(1,000) $
8,133
2,811
$
7,133
$
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
1,648
$
(39)
$
1,489
13
1,609
$
1,502
$
$
-
1,609
$
-
1,502
1,609
$
1,502
$
328
4,986
5,314
1,397
121
1,518
-
1,518
1,518
$
$
$
$
$
$
h.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company has no liability for unrecognized income tax benefits, and there was no change in its liability for unrecognized income tax
benefits during all years presented.
NOTE 14:- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
a.
General:
1.
The Ordinary shares of the Company are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market since April 1999 and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange Ltd. Since April 2015.
Ordinary shares confer on their holders the right to receive notice to participate and vote in general meetings of the Company, the right to a share in excess assets
upon liquidation of the Company and the right to receive dividends, if declared.
2.
On December 31, 2013 following the approval of the Company board of directors and the approval of the Company shareholders, the Company issued a net sum of
1,300,580 ordinary shares in consideration for the purchase of twelve luxury condominium units in Miami Beach, Florida from a private companies indirectly
controlled by Capri, The Company's controlling shareholder. See Note 1b(2).
F - 37
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 14:- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont.)
b.
Stock options:
In 1999, the Company adopted an Israeli Option Plan ("1999 Israeli option plan"), and a U.S. Option Plan ("1999 U.S. option plan") (collectively, the "1999 plans"). Under
the terms of the above option plans, options may be granted to employees, officers, directors and consultants. The options generally become exercisable monthly over a
four-year period, commencing one year after date of the grant, subject to the continued employment of the employee. The options generally expire no later than seven
years from the date of the grant.
In May 2003 the Company amended its 1999 Plan to provide for the grant of options to Israeli optionees under Section 102 of the Israeli Tax Ordinance.
The exercise price of the options granted under the above mentioned plans may not be less than the nominal value of the shares into which such options are exercised.
Any options, which are forfeited or cancelled before expiration, become available for future grants.
The total number of options available for future grants as of December 31, 2015 was 482,722.
A summary of the Company's stock option activity, and related information, is as follows:
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Granted
Forfeited
Outstanding at the end of the year
Exercisable options at the end of the year
Options vested and expected to vest at end of year
F - 38
Year ended December 31, 2015
Amount
Weighted
average
exercise price
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term (years)
$
112,000
-
-
112,000
$
112,000
$
112,000
$
8.65
3.01
8.65
8.65
8.65
2.01
2.01
2.01
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 14:- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont.)
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total intrinsic value (the difference between the Company's closing stock value as of December 31, 2015 and the exercise price,
multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31,
2015. This amount may change based on the fair market value of the Company's stock. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the total intrinsic value of outstanding options
was $ 0.
As of December 31, 2015, the compensation cost related to options granted under the Company's stock option plans were fully recognized.
c.
Non-vested shares:
In May 2006, the Board of Directors approved the adoption of the 2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2006 Plan"). The 2006 Plan provides for the grant of
options, restricted shares and restricted share units in accordance with various Israeli tax tracks.
The Company currently uses the 2006 Plan for the grant of restricted shares only. The restricted shares are granted at no consideration and with a vesting schedule of two
years (50% each year). The restricted shares are granted in accordance with the Israeli capital gains tax track. In November 2013 and in August 2014, the Company's board
of directors approved the increase of 50,000 shares and 150,000 shares under the 2006 Plan.
As of December 31, 2015 the pool consists of 260,000 Shares, where an aggregate sum of 183,690 ordinary shares has been reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan,
respectively.
A summary of the status of the entity's non-vested shares as of December 31, 2015, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2015, is presented below:
Non-vested shares
Non-vested at January 1, 2015
Granted
Exercised
Non-vested at December 31, 2015
Shares
Weighted
average grant
date fair value
10,000
$
8,000
(6,000)
$
$
12,000
$
5.76
7.32
5.76
6.8
As of December 31, 2015, there was $ 15 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted to employees
under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of up to two years.
F - 39
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 14:- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Cont.)
d.
The total equity-based compensation expense related to all of the Company's equity-based awards, recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, was
comprised as follows:
General and administrative
$
98
$
97
$
118
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 15:- SELECTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
Financial income (expenses):
Financial income:
Interest
Remeasurement of derivatives
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Financial expenses:
Interest
Foreign currency translation adjustments
NOTE 16:- GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Summary information about geographic areas:
2015
Year ended December 31,
2014
2013
$
$
18
578
255
851
(2,658)
-
(2,658)
$
3
1,025
-
1,028
(2,109)
(70)
(2,179)
$
(1,807)
$
(1,151)
$
7
1,223
-
1,230
(2,486)
(87)
(2,573)
(1,343)
The Company manages its business on a basis of one reportable segment (see Note 1 for a brief description of the Company activity). The data is presented in accordance with ASC
280, "Segment Reporting". Revenues in the table below are attributed to geographical areas based on the location of the end customers.
The following presents total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and real estate property as of December, 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Switzerland
Germany
United States
2015
2014
2013
Total revenues
Real estate
property, net
Total revenues
Real estate
property, net
Total revenues
Real estate
property, net
$
$
$
12,503
1,914
856
$
165,371
30,820
18,649
$
12,830
-
1,108
$
166,921
-
18,283
$
12,973
-
738
187,990
-
21,771
15,273
$
214,840
$
13,938
$
185,204
$
13,711
$
209,761
F - 40
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 17:- MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
a.
Controlling shareholders:
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
To the Company's knowledge there are no arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company. To the best of The
Company's knowledge, the Company's controlling shareholder, the Capri Family Foundation, holds approximately 74% of the Company's ordinary shares.
b.
Related party transactions:
1.
On July 2013, following the Company audit committee and board of directors approved, in accordance with the Israeli Companies Regulations (Relieves for
Transactions with Interested Parties) of 2000, the receipt of guarantees, (the "Guarantees"), from the Company's controlling shareholder or any affiliate thereof, or
collectively, (the "Controlling Shareholder"), to financing institutions in connection with the Company subsidiaries' or affiliated companies' real estate and real
estate related activities. The purpose of the receipt of the Guarantees is to increase the Company financial resources in order to expand the Company Real Estate
Activities. The Guarantees will be provided by the Controlling Shareholder to financing institutions in for a credit or loan to be provided in the event the Company is
unable to provide sufficient equity in connection with the Real Estate Activities. The Guarantees will be provided for credit or loan amounts that will not exceed
$ 20,000 per year, effective as of July 18, 2013, and up to $ 60,000 for a three-year period. The Guarantees will be in effect for the entire duration of the credit
agreement or loan facility. The Company will not bear any costs or expenses in connection with the provision of the Guarantees and will not indemnify the
Controlling Shareholder in case such Guarantees are exercised. On May 26, 2015 the Company utilized the guaranty given by its controlling shareholder and drew a
total of Euro 5,000 that was used to partially finance the closing of the Retail Portfolio in Germany transaction. The funds were drawn in a form of a monthly credit
facility bearing a yearly rate of approximately 76 basis points (0.76%). On July 24, 2015 the Company covered the monthly credit facility in full.
2.
On December 19, 2013, and following the approval of the Company's audit committee, compensation committee, board of directors, and the Company's shareholders
the Company approved the compensation terms of Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler, for his service as Chief Executive Officer of the Company's subsidiary Optibase Inc.
The yearly gross base salary will be $ 170 as well as reimbursement of health insurance expenses of up to $ 24 per year, and including reimbursement of reasonable
work-related expenses incurred up to $ 50 per year.
F - 41
OPTIBASE LTD.
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. dollars in thousands (except share and per share data)
NOTE 17:- MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Cont.)
3.
4.
5.
6.
On December 19, 2013, and following the approval Of the Company's audit committee, board of directors, and the Company's shareholders approved the a service
agreement between the Company and Mr. Reuwen Schwarz, currently serves also as a member of the Company’s board of directors, who is a relative of the
beneficiaries of Capri, the Company's controlling shareholder, for the provision of real estate related consulting services in consideration for a monthly fee of ˆ 4
plus applicable value added tax (if applicable) and reimbursement for expenses incurred up to ˆ 12 per year.
On December 31, 2013 following the approval of the Company's audit committee, board of directors and the Company's shareholders, the Company, through its
subsidiary Optibase Inc., completed the purchase of twelve (12) residential units in Flamingo South Beach One Condominium and the Continuum on South Beach
Condominium, both located in Miami Beach, Florida from a private companies indirectly controlled by the Company's controlling shareholder (the "seller") for an
aggregate net consideration of $ 7,153 following the set off of rental income of one unit for a period of three years to the seller, representing the fair value of 1.31
million new ordinary shares of the Company issued to the seller.
On October 22, 2014, following the approval by the Company audit committee and board of directors the Company shareholders approved the entrance into a
registration rights agreement with Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler and Capri, for the filing of a registration statement in order to register for resale all of the Company's
Ordinary shares of held by them. As of December 31, 2015 registration has not been implemented yet.
On September 17, 2014, following the approval of the Company audit committee and board of directors, the company entered into a transaction to sell the eleven (11)
Flamingo Units, to an unrelated third party, in consideration for an aggregate price of approximately $ 6.4 million. The transaction was conditioned on the
purchaser's execution of a purchase and sale agreement to acquire an additional nineteen (19) condominium units located in the Flamingo Condominium from a
company affiliated with the Company's controlling shareholder. Therefore, in the interest of caution, the Company treated the transaction as a transaction between a
public company and another party, in which the company's controlling shareholder has personal interest.
NOTE 18:- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 4, 2016, as part of the motion to approve the filing of a derivative claim the applicants submitted an application for discovery of documents. On January 25, 2016, The
Company has submitted a motion to dismiss the discovery's application. On March 29, 2016 the Applicants submitted an application to attach an expert opinion. A Pre-trial hearing
is scheduled for July 7, 2016. See Note 11d(3).
F - 42
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its
SIGNATURES
behalf.
Date: March 31, 2016
OPTIBASE LTD.
By: /s/ [Amir Philips]
Name: Amir Philips
Title: Chief Executive Officer
- 93 -
Exhibit Number
1.1
1.2
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13 *
4.14 *
4.15 *
4.16 *
4.17 *
4.18 *
4.19 *
4.20
4.21
4.22
8.1*
11.1
12.1*
12.2*
13.1*
13.2*
15.1*
101*
EXHIBIT INDEX
Description of Document
Amended and Restated Memorandum of Association of Optibase Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Report on Form 6-K dated
February 15, 2002).
Amended and Restated Articles of Association of Optibase Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F dated
April 30, 2014).
Form of Letter of Indemnification between Optibase, Inc. and its directors and officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002).
1999 Israel Share Option Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999).
102 Plan (incorporated by reference to exhibits filed with the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
2003 Amendment to the 1999 Israel Share Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.(c).9 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2003).
2006 Israeli Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File no. 333-137644)).
Agreement between Optibase RE 1 SARL and Basler Kantonalbank dated October 28, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009)
Framework Agreement between Eldista GmbH and CREDIT SUISSE AG dated October 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).
Security Agreement between Eldista GmbH and CREDIT SUISSE AG dated October 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).
Framework Agreement between OPCTN S.A. and CREDIT SUISSE AG dated October 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011).
Deed of Pledge Agreement between OPCTN S.A. and CREDIT SUISSE AG dated October 6, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Registrant’s
Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011)
Purchase and Transfer Agreement between Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co. KG, Lincoln Dreizehnte Deutche Grundstucksgellschaft mbH and Lincoln Land Passau
GmbH, dated December 18, 2014 (unofficial English translation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2014).
Purchase and Sale Agreement between Optibase FMC, LLC and Flamingo South Acquisitions, LLC, dated September 16, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.15 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014).
Shareholders Agreement between The Phoenix Pension and Provident Fund Ltd., The Phoenix Insurance Company Ltd., and Optibase Ltd. Dated February 28, 2011.
Loan Agreement between Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co KG, and Deutsche Genossenschafts-Hypothekenbank Aktiengesellschaft, dated May 4, 2015 (unofficial
English translation).
First Amendment to the Loan Agreement between Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co KG, and Deutsche Genossenschafts-Hypothekenbank Aktiengesellschaft (dated
May 4, 2015), dated November 10, 2015 (unofficial English translation).
Contribution Agreement between Optibase Chicago 300 LLC, 300 River Holdings LLC, 300 River Plaza One LLC and WKEM Riverside Member LLC, dated
December 28, 2015.
Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of 300 River Holdings LLC between Optibase Chicago, LLC and 300 River Plaza One LLC, dated
December 28, 2015.
Loan Agreement between Optibase Real Estate Miami, LLC and City National Bank of Florida, dated July 1, 2015.
Deed of Trust for Series A Bonds between Optibase Ltd. and Hermetic Trust (1975) Ltd., dated August 2, 2015 (unofficial English translation).
Optibase Ltd. Compensation Policy for Executive Officers and Directors (incorporated by reference to Annex D to the Registrant's Report on Form 6-K dated
November 13, 2013).
Service Agreement Between Optibase Ltd. and Mr. Reuwen Schwarz, dated November 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to the Registrant’s Annual
Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014).
Registration Rights Agreement between Optibase Ltd., The Capri Family Foundation and Mr. Shlomo (Tom) Wyler, dated September 4, 2014 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014).
List of the subsidiaries of Optibase Ltd.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 11.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2010).
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Consent of Kost, Forer Gabbay & Kasierer, a member of Ernst & Young Global.
The following financial information from Optibase Ltd.'s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible
Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; (iv) Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
* Filed herewith
- 94 -
SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT
Made and entered into on the 28th day of February, 2011
By and between
1.
2.
and
3.
THE PHOENIX PENSION AND PROVIDENT FUND LTD.
ON BEHALF OF AND IN THE NAME OF THE PHOENIX COMPREHENSIVE PENSION
a company organized under the laws of the State of Israel
C.N. 51- 1751513
(“Phoenix Pension”); and
THE PHOENIX INSURANCE COMPANY LTD.,
a company organized under the laws of the State of Israel, C.N. 52-0023185
(“Phoenix Insurance”)
(Phoenix Pension and Phoenix Insurance, collectively “The Phoenix”)
OPTIBASE LTD.,
a company organized under the laws of the State of Israel,
C.N. 52-0037078 (“Optibase”)
Exhibit 4.13
of the first part;
of the second part;
Each of Phoenix Pension, Phoenix Insurance and Optibase shall be referred to hereinafter as an “Initial Shareholder”. The Initial Shareholders and any person or entity who becomes a
shareholder of OPCTN S.A., a private limited liability company registered Great Duchy of Luxembourg (the “Company”) in the future is referred to herein as a "Shareholder".
The Initial Shareholders or the Shareholders, as applicable are together referred to as the “Parties”.
WHEREAS
the Initial Shareholders, as of the date hereof, are the record holders of the entire issued and outstanding share capital of the Company in accordance with the proportions
specified in Section 2.2 below; and
WHEREAS
the Company wishes to acquire the entire issued and paid up share capital of Eldista GmbH, a private limited liability company registered in Switzerland (the “Subsidiary”), which
is the sole owner of a real estate asset known as Centres des Technologies Nouvelles (CTN) situated at Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva (the “Real Estate”); and
WHEREAS
the Initial Shareholders wish to set forth the relations between themselves;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby declare, covenant and agree as follows:
1.
General
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
Preamble. The Preamble to this Agreement forms an integral part hereof.
Recitals. The recitals to this Agreement are an integral part hereof.
Section headings. The section headings are for convenience and in no way alter, modify, amend, limit, or restrict any contractual obligations hereunder.
2.
Company Share Capital
2.1.
Registered Capital
The registered share capital of the Company, as of the date hereof, is CHF 50,000 divided into 50,000 Shares with par nominal value of CHF 1 each (“Shares”).
2.2.
Issued and Paid Up Capital
As of the date hereof, the issued and paid up share capital of the Company is held as follows:
Optibase – fifty one (51%) percent of the issued and paid up share capital of Company consisting of 25,500 Shares.
The Phoenix – forty nine (49%) percent of the issued and paid up share capital of Company equal to 24,500 Shares as follows:
Phoenix Pension - fourteen percent (14%) of the issued and paid up share capital of Company consisting of 7,000 Shares.
Phoenix Insurance - thirty five percent (35%) of the issued and paid up share capital of Company consisting of 17,500 Shares.
2.3.
The ownership or entitlement to ownership of Shares by the Shareholders is referred to herein as the “Shareholdings”.
3.
Shareholders Meetings
3.1.
Meetings. Subject to applicable law, the Shareholders of the Company shall have a meeting (a “Shareholders Meeting”) at least once a year.
3.2.
Special Meetings. Special Shareholders Meetings shall be convened upon:
(a)
(b)
(c)
a majority vote of the Board requesting such meeting; or
a request by Shareholders holding at least ten percent (10%) of the outstanding Shares; or
a request by a person or persons empowered by law to convene a Shareholders Meeting.
Each of the parties referred to in this Section 3.2 above shall include in their request to convene the Shareholders Meeting a detailed list of matters they wish to be discussed
and the votes to be taken – at the Shareholders Meeting.
3.3.
Quorum. Subject to notice requirements set out below, the requisite quorum for convening a Shareholders Meeting (in this section 3.3 "Quorum") shall be the presence, in
person or by proxy, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares. Without derogating from the foregoing, the presence, in person or by proxy of either of
Optibase and Phoenix Insurance shall also be required to constitute a Quorum if, as applicable, either of The Phoenix and Optibase holds at least twenty percent (20%) of the
outstanding Shares and together Optibase and The Phoenix hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares. If either Optibase or The Phoenix holds fewer than
twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares but together Optibase and The Phoenix hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares, then only the presence of
that party holding at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares shall be required.
If a Quorum is not present at the originally scheduled meeting, then the Shareholders Meeting shall be reconvened seven (7) days following the originally scheduled date at the
same address and venue. Unless otherwise expressly confirmed by Phoenix Insurance, upon convening of the Shareholders Meeting, Phoenix Pension's holdings shall not be
counted towards the minimum shareholdings required to constitute a Quorum or to attain the minimum 50% holdings together with Optibase as stipulated above.
2
3.4.
Venue. The venue of the shareholding meetings shall be 6, rue Jean Bertholet, L-1233 Luxembourg, Luxembourg, or any other location in Europe as decided by the Board.
3.5.
3.6.
3.7.
3.8.
3.9.
Notice. Shareholders Meeting notices shall be sent by the Board forthwith following the request of any of the parties listed in Section 3.2 above, to all registered shareholders
at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the date of the Shareholders Meeting by mail, facsimile or e-mail. A Shareholders Meeting notice shall include the date, time and place of
the Shareholders Meeting as well as an outline of the matters to be discussed and the resolutions to be decided.
Voting Rights. Subject to Section 5 below, all decisions at the Shareholders Meetings shall be decided by a simple majority of the issued and paid up Shares present (whether
in person or by proxy) at the Shareholders Meeting, without taking into account the votes of abstainees. Each Share shall have one (1) vote. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
regardless of the number of shares that The Phoenix may own, Phoenix Insurance shall not be permitted to vote more than forty nine percent (49%) of the outstanding Shares at
a Shareholders Meeting (the “Phoenix Control Limitation”). The Phoenix Control Limitation shall remain in effect until such time that the Phoenix delivers written notice to the
Company that the Phoenix Control Limitation is terminated.
Minutes. Minutes of the Shareholders Meeting shall be recorded in the English language, and any other language required by law and copies of such minutes shall be
maintained at the offices of the Company.
Meetings. The Shareholders may participate in Shareholder Meetings in person or by telephone or video conference, provided that each Shareholder participating in such
meeting can hear all of the other Shareholders participating in such meeting.
Resolutions by Unanimous Written Consent. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Shareholders shall be permitted to pass resolutions by the unanimous written
consent of all Shareholders without necessity of convening a Shareholders Meeting. For as long as the Initial Shareholders and their Permitted Transferees (herein defined)
hold more than fifty percent (50%) of the Shares, any other Shareholder holding less than ten percent (10%) of the Shares shall be obligated to sign any written resolution
proposed by the Initial Shareholders or his signature shall not be required if permitted by law.
4.
Board of Directors of the Company
4.1.
Powers. Subject to matters expressly reserved to the Shareholders Meetings under applicable law and/or hereunder, the business and affairs of the Company (including the
nomination and compensation of the Company's general manager and the approval of the budget) shall be managed by the board of directors of the Company (the "Board").
4.2.
Composition of the Board.
4.2.1.
4.2.2.
A Shareholder shall be entitled to appoint one (1) director to the Board for each twenty percent (20%) of the Shares held by such Shareholder.
Notwithstanding Section 4.2.1, for as long as The Phoenix at its Permitted Transferees together own less than fifty percent (50%) of the Shareholdings, The
Phoenix Insurance shall not be entitled to appoint more than one (1) director and one (1) observer to the Board. In the event that The Phoenix owns fifty percent
(50%) or more of the Shareholdings, then The Phoenix shall only be permitted to appoint more than one (1) director and one (1) observer to the Board if the
Phoenix Control Limitation has been terminated.
3
4.2.3.
4.2.4.
Any Shareholder which has the right to appoint a director shall also have the right at any time to notify the Company by written notice if it wishes to remove and
replace the director appointed.
The initial Board shall be composed of three (3) directors, two (2) of whom shall be appointed by Optibase and one (1) of whom shall be appointed by Phoenix
Insurance. Phoenix Insurance shall also be entitled at any time to appoint one (1) observer to the Board.
Quorum. A quorum for a meeting of the Board (in this section 4.3 "Quorum") shall require the presence of directors representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the
outstanding Shares of the Company. Without derogating from the foregoing, the presence of at least one director appointed by Optibase and one director appointed by
Phoenix Insurance shall also be required to constitute a Quorum so long as the respective party holds at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares and together
Optibase and The Phoenix hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares. If either Optibase or The Phoenix holds fewer than twenty percent (20%) of the
outstanding Shares but Optibase and The Phoenix together hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares, then only the presence of the director appointed by the
party holding at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares shall be required.
Voting Rights. Subject to Section 4.5 (Special Votes) and 5 Major Decisions) below, all decisions at the Board shall be decided by a simple majority of directors present
(whether in person or by proxy) at the Board, without taking into account the votes of abstainees. Each director shall have one (1) vote and an observer shall not be permitted
to vote at a Board meeting.
Special Votes of the Board. The following decisions shall require the affirmative consent of the directors appointed by Optibase and Phoenix Insurance: (i) opening of bank
accounts and (ii) engaging special advisors to the Company (including, accounting firm, lawyers) ("Special Votes").
Meetings. The Board shall meet at least once every calendar quarter. The directors may participate in Board meetings in person or by telephone or video conference, provided
that each director participating in such meeting can hear all of the other directors participating in such meeting. Decisions of the Board may also be resolved by written consent
provided all of the directors then serving shall have signed such written consent.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
4.6.
4.7.
Venue. The venue of the Board meetings shall be in Luxemburg, or any other location in Europe as shall be decided upon by the Board.
4.8.
Minutes. Minutes of the Board meetings shall be recorded in the English language, and in any other language required by law and copies of such minutes shall be maintained at
the offices of the Company.
5.
Major Decisions
5.1.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the decisions listed in Section 5.3 below (the “Major Decisions”) whether made by the Company with respect to
itself or made by the Company in its capacity as a shareholder of the Subsidiary, shall require:
5.1.1.
First, the approval of the Board (with the presence of a Quorum as required in Section 4 above); and if approved by the Board.
5.1.2.
Second, the approval of the Shareholders Meeting (with the presence of a Quorum as required by Section 3 above) provided that the affirmative vote or written
consents of both Optibase and The Phoenix shall be required if each party holds at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares and Optibase and The
Phoenix together hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares. If either Optibase or The Phoenix holds fewer than twenty percent (20%) of the
outstanding Shares but Optibase and The Phoenix together hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares, then only the vote of that party holding at
least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares shall be required
4
5.2.
Major Decisions:
5.2.1.
amending the Company’s or the Subsidiary's Articles of Association or other governing or charter documents;
5.2.2.
extending, transferring and/or otherwise changing the Company’s business activities and/or the Subsidiary’s business activities in a manner that materially effects
the financial status of the Company and/or the Subsidiary’s, including by means of transfer of a material part of their assets;
5.2.3.
refinancing of the Subsidiary’s loans with a third party or obtaining financing from a third party for the Company or the Subsidiary;
5.2.4.
entering into agreements and/or introducing amendments into agreements between the Company or the Subsidiary and any Related Party relating to the
management of the Real Estate, or relating to any other purpose. For the purposes of this Section 5.3, "Related Party" shall mean: any entity which (i) is an entity
(i.e. including "person") which controls, or is controlled by or under common control with one of the Parties and “control” shall mean holding at least ten percent
(10%) of all issued share capital and voting rights and rights to nominate ten percent 10%) of the directors; or (ii) has business dealings with one of the Initial
Shareholders or any of their Related Parties;
5.2.5.
causing the Subsidiary to renew, extend, or enter into a lease agreement (i) which relates to twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the leasable area of the Real Estate
or (ii) which accounts for twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the lease fees generated from the Real Estate;
5.2.6.
investing funds exceeding the annual budget by CHF 1,000,000 in any given year or CHF 2,500,000 in the aggregate.
5.3.
Termination of Consultancy Agreement and Transactions with Related Parties.
5.3.1
5.3.2.
If The Phoenix holds at least twenty percent (20%) of the Shares, The Phoenix Insurance may elect to have the Company or the Subsidiary terminate any agreement
with a Related Party of Optibase (including, without limitation, the Consultancy Agreement between the Subsidiary and Swiss Pro Capital - for as long as Swiss Pro
Capital is a Related Party) (an "Optibase Related Party Agreement") by delivering notice to the other Initial Shareholder and to the Company. Upon receipt of
such notice, the Company shall terminate or shall cause the Subsidiary to terminate (as may be the case) such agreement.
If Optibase holds at least twenty percent (20%) of the Shares, Optibase may elect to have the Company or the Subsidiary terminate any agreement with a Related
Party of The Phoenix (a "Phoenix Related Party Agreement") by delivering notice to The Phoenix and to the Company. Upon receipt of such notice, the other
Initial Shareholder, the Company shall terminate or shall cause the Subsidiary to terminate (as may be the case) such agreement.
5.3.3.
The other Initial Shareholder in sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 above shall be referred to in section 5.3.4 below as the "Interested Party".
5.3.4.
For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary hereunder, the Parties confirm that if Phoenix Insurance requests to terminate an
Optibase Related Party Agreement pursuant to Section 5.3.1 above or Optibase requests to terminate a Phoenix Related Party Agreement pursuant to Section 5.3.2
above, such termination shall not require the approval of the Board of the Company or the Board of the Subsidiary, or the resolution of the Shareholder's
Meeting. However if applicable law provides that the termination of such agreements requires the approval of the Board or the Shareholders Meeting, the Parties
agree that the directors nominated by the Interested Party shall not participate in such Board resolutions and further, that the Interested Party shall not participate
in the Shareholders' Meeting with regard to the termination of the respective Related Party agreement, and accordingly the directors nominated by the Interested
Party and the Interested Party shall not be counted for attaining the Quorums set out in sections 3 and section 4 above.
5
5.4.
In the event that the Company's approval is required to approve an action of the Subsidiary, the provisions of this Section 5 above shall apply mutatis mutandis to the
Company’s decision regarding the Subsidiary as long as the Company Controls the Subsidiary, i.e. both the Board and Shareholders' Meeting approvals as stipulated in this
Section 5 shall be required.
6.
Funding of the Company’s Activities
6.1.
Funding of Critical Expenses
6.1.1.
The Parties confirm and agree that if at any time the Subsidiary's and the Company's resources are insufficient to fund Critical Expenses (as defined hereinafter)
and the Company or the Subsidiary is unable to obtain adequate third party financing, the Shareholders shall provide the funding required to finance the Critical
Expenses in the manner described in this Section 6.1 in proportion to their Shareholdings (the "Critical Funding").
“Critical Expenses” shall mean (i) ordinary operating expenses of the Subsidiary and the Property that are not adequately funded by ongoing income from the
Property; and/or (ii) capital expenditures for the Property that the management company for the Property ("MC") deems in its professional written opinion to be
urgent and necessary to maintain the quality or physical structure of the Property ("MC Recommended Expenditure") up to CHF 2 million per event; and/or (iii)
any MC Recommended Expenditure(s) which amounts to sums between CHF 2 million and CHF 5 million (inclusive), per event provided such capital expenditure is
also recommended by a reputable third-party building engineering company.
The Company undertakes that within fourteen (14) days of being notified of a MC Recommended Expenditure under sub section (iii) above, it shall request the
professional opinion of a reputable third-party building engineering company.
6.1.2.
6.1.3.
The Company shall, forthwith upon the occurrence of any of the events set out in sub section 6.1.1 above, provide written notice to the Shareholders requesting
that they provide the Critical Funding (the “Critical Funding Notice"). The Critical Funding Notice shall specify: (i) the total amount of the requested contribution
(the "Critical Funding"); (ii) the portion of the Critical Funding requested from each Shareholder which shall be proportional to the Shareholdings); (iii) the
proposed use of the requested funds; and (iv) the dates on which the Critical Funding is required which shall not be sooner than thirty (30) days from the date of
the Critical Funding Notice.
The Shareholders undertake to cause the Company to deliver the Critical Funding Notice in order to fund Critical Expenses within seven (7) days of the date that
the Company becomes aware of the need for Critical Funding (the "Notice Date"). If a Shareholder prevents the Company from delivering a Critical Funding
Notice, the Company will nonetheless be deemed to have issued the Critical Funding Notice as of the Notice Date in the amount of the Critical Expenses and the
Shareholders shall be obligated to provide the Critical Funding as set forth below.
6
6.1.4.
The Shareholders undertake to provide the Critical Funding in the amounts and on the dates set out in the Critical Funding Notice.
6.1.5.
Critical Funding shall be provided as a "Shareholder loan" unless if a Shareholders' Meetings is convened and the Shareholders Meeting determines, that it will be
paid to the Company in a different manner, i.e. as equity, convertible loan, guarantees and/or other means of securities or payments. The Shareholders will be
entitled to the simultaneous repayment of the "shareholders loans" pro rata to their Shareholdings as shall be applicable at the time of repayment of such
"shareholders loans", unless otherwise provided hereunder.
6.2.
Other Funding
6.2.1.
In the event that first the Board and thereafter the Shareholders Meeting resolve that the Company requires additional funds to finance its or the Subsidiary's
activities which are not "Critical Expenses" as referred to in sub-section 6.1 above, and the Company is unable to obtain adequate financing from its own resources
or from third party lending institutions ("Other Funding"), then each Party shall be obliged to contribute such Other Funding or to provide guarantees or similar
undertaking to secure such Other Funding pro rata to its Shareholding.
6.2.2.
Other Funding shall be provided to the Company in the same manner as prescribed for Critical Funding in Section 6.1.2, 6.1.4, and Section 6.1.5 shall apply mutatis
mutandis.
7.
Dilution
7.1.
7.2.
7.3.
Default Notice. If any Shareholder shall fail to contribute all or any portion of its share of Critical Funding or Other Funding (together, “Additional Funding”) within the
applicable period of time (a “Defaulting Shareholder”), then the Board shall send a second notice (a “Default Notice”) to all Shareholders inviting the Shareholders who
contributed their portion of the Additional Funding (the “Contributing Shareholder”) to provide the Defaulting Shareholder's share in the Additional Funding.
Default Loan. The Contributing Shareholders shall be entitled, but not required, to provide a shareholders loan to the Company up to the amount of the Defaulting
Shareholders' unpaid portion of the Additional Funding (the "Unpaid Contribution"). Any loan funded by a Contributing Shareholder in lieu of a Defaulting Shareholder (a
“Default Loan”) shall bear interest at a rate equal to the CHF SWAP rate plus 8%, but in any event not less than ten percent (10%) per annum. Interest shall accrue on any
Default Loans from the date the funds are actually received by the Company until the date that the Default Loans are repaid in full. Outstanding Default Loans shall be
repaid by the Company prior to repayment of shareholder loans or distribution of dividends by the Company.
Right to Cure. Within six (6) months of receiving a Default Notice (the "Default Cure Period"), the Defaulting Shareholder shall have the right to pay to the Company the
Defaulting Shareholders Unpaid Contribution together with any interest incurred by the Company under Default Loans that were made as a result of the Unpaid Contribution
(the "Accrued Interest" and collectively the "Repayment Amount"). The Company will promptly repay the related Default Loans with the Accrued Interest to the
Contributing Shareholder and will credit the Repayment Amount (less the Accrued Interest) against the Defaulting Shareholder's Unpaid Contribution.
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7.4.
7.5.
Dilution Notice. If there remains Unpaid Contribution and/or outstanding Default Loan with Accrued Interest at the expiration of the Default Cure Period, then the
Contributing Shareholders may provide written notice to the Company (a “Dilution Notice”) instructing the Company to: (a) convert (i) Defaulting Loans together with
outstanding Accrued Interest; and/or (ii) at Contributing Shareholder's sole discretion its share in the Additional Funding (together with accrued and unpaid interest), or
any part thereof, into capital contributions of the Shareholders providing such funding; and (b) to dilute the shareholdings of the Defaulting Shareholder.
Dilution. Pursuant to a the Dilution Notice the dilution of the Defaulting Shareholder's shareholdings in the Company shall be first based upon the Capital Dilution described
below in Section 7.5.1 and followed, if so requested by the Contributing Shareholder under the Dilution Notice by the Market dilution described in Section 7.5.2.
Capital Dilution. Within thirty (30) days of Dilution Notice, the Company shall issue an amount of Shares to the Contributing Shareholders that will increase the percentage
Shareholdings of the Contributing Shareholders to the Adjusted Shareholding Percentage.
"Adjusted Shareholding Percentage" means the percentage of Shares reflected in the equation below.
Excess Funding + Capital Funding
TCF
In the above formula:
“Excess Funding” means the sum of: (i) one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the amount of the Default Loans (together with Accrued Interest) that was converted
to a capital contribution; plus, if applicable pursuant to 7.4 above, (ii) the amount paid by the Contributing Shareholder for its share of the Additional Funding that
was converted to a capital contribution.
"Capital Funding" means the aggregate amount of capital contributions to the Company made by the Contributing Shareholder until the date of the Dilution Notice
(whether as equity or outstanding shareholders loans or funds secured by guaranties or securities), as adjusted for dividends.
"TCF" means the total cumulative funding provided by all Shareholders to the Company (whether as equity or shareholders loans or funds secured by guaranties or
securities) including the Default Loans and Additional Funding that are being converted to a capital contribution.
By way of example, if (i) Shareholder A (40% of Shares) and Shareholder B (60% of Shares) previously made cumulative contributions of CHF 40 and CHF 60
respectively and (ii) the Company requested Critical Funding in the amount of CHF 20, and (iii) Shareholder B provided CHF 20 of such Critical Funding and
Shareholder A did not contribute, then:
Excess Funding of Shareholder B: (i) 150% X CHF 8 (Default Loan) plus (ii) CHF 12 (the Contributing Shareholders portion) = CHF 24.
Capital Funding of Shareholder B: CHF 60
TCF: CHF 120.
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Shareholder B Adjusted Shareholding Percentage: (60+24)/120 = 70% of total Shareholdings
Market Dilution. If the Contributing Shareholder has requested in the Dilution Notice that the dilution percentage be increased to reflect Market Value Dilution the
Company shall issue an amount of Shares that will increase the percentage Shareholdings of the Contributing Shareholders to the MV Adjusted Shareholding
Percentage.
"MV Adjusted Shareholding" means the percentage of Shares reflected in the equation below:
Excess Funding + Capital Funding
MV X 0.9
In the above formula:
“Excess Funding” means the sum of: (i) the amount of the Contributing Shareholder's Default Loans (including accrued interest) that was converted to a capital
contribution and if applicable pursuant to section 7.4 above (ii) the amount paid by the Contributing Shareholder for its share of the Additional Funding that was
converted to a capital contribution.
"Capital Funding" means the aggregate amount of capital contributions to the Company made by the Contributing Shareholder until the date of the Dilution Notice
(whether as equity or outstanding shareholders loans or funds secured by guaranties or securities), as adjusted for dividends.
“MV” means the fair market value of the Company, as of the Default Notice as determined by one of the “big four” accounting firms selected by the Contributing
Shareholder.
In any event, the percentage of Share issued by the Company shall not be less than the Capital Dilution Percentage.
7.6.
7.7.
Dilution of Shareholder Loans. The amount of any outstanding shareholder loans owed by the Company to a Defaulting Shareholder shall be assigned to the Contributing
Shareholders in a manner that is proportionate to the dilution of the Defaulting Shareholder's Shareholdings and the increase in the Contributing Shareholders
Shareholdings. The foregoing arrangement regarding assignment of shareholder loans shall be deemed to be included in the terms of every shareholder loan provided by
Shareholders to the Company.
Upon assignment of the shareholders loan pursuant to the foregoing, the repayment rights will be adjusted to reflect the proportionate ownership of the Shareholders Loans
(i.e. which reflect the new Shareholdings following the dilutions.
Notwithstanding any of the provisions contained in this Agreement, the Defaulting Shareholder undertakes to vote in favor of all Shareholders Meeting resolutions and/or any
other resolutions necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section 7, and to sign or issue all requisite documents and/or statements necessary for the implementation
thereof. In the event the Defaulting Shareholder shall abstain, for whatever reason, from voting in favor of all shareholders resolutions necessary to carry out the above, the
Defaulting Shareholder shall be deemed to have voted in favor of any decision pertaining to the above.
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7.8.
In the event that dilution of the Defaulting Shareholder cannot be implemented due to restrictions of applicable law, the Parties shall act as if their Shareholdings have been
adjusted according to this Section 7 and accordingly:
7.8.1
the shareholder loans shall be assigned and the rights of repayment of shareholder's loans shall be adjusted in accordance with Section 7.6 above; and
7.9.
7.10.
7.11.
7.8.2
any other rights and obligations conferred upon the holder of Shares (including the rights to dividends and the right to participate in distribution of surplus capital)
shall allocated among the Shareholders in accordance with the adjusted Shareholdings as calculated pursuant to this Section 7.
Costs. Any cost incurred in the process of issuing and allotting additional Shares and assigning shareholder loans pursuant to this Section 7 shall be borne by the Defaulting
Shareholder and, if not promptly paid by the Defaulting Shareholder, shall be included in the calculation of Excess Funding above.
Losses. Any losses and/or obligations the Company has accumulated, by the date of allotment of additional shares to the Contributing Shareholder as the case may be, shall
be allocated to the Shareholders pro rata to their Shareholdings prior to the date of allotment of the additional shares.
For the purposes of this Section 7, Phoenix Insurance and Phoenix Pension shall be deemed one shareholder and, unless the Company is otherwise notified in writing by
Phoenix Insurance, any dilution or increase of The Phoenix's Shareholdings shall be made in accordance with Phoenix Insurance's and Phoenix Pension's proportionate
shareholdings.
8.
Share Transfer – General
8.1.
Forbidden Transfers.
8.1.1
No Shareholder shall sell, transfer, donate, assign or otherwise dispose of its respective Shares or other securities of the Company, whether by agreement or operation
of law (a “Transfer”) other than pursuant to Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11. Other than with respect to the Initial Shareholders, a Transfer shall include a change in the
beneficial interests of or control in the Shareholder.
8.1.2
No Transfer shall become effective unless the transferee has provided the Company and the other Shareholders with a confirmation in writing that it is bound by all
terms and conditions of this Agreement.
8.1.3
None of the Shareholders shall be entitled to Transfer their Shares in the Company prior to the expiry of one (1) year as of becoming a Shareholder in the Company.
8.1.4
The Parties agree that only the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement shall limit the Parties abilities to Transfer Shares. The Parties and the Company
hereby waive any right of first refusal, pre-emption right, or other transfer limitations that may be imposed by Applicable Law on the Transfer of the Shares.
8.2.
Identity of Third Party Transferee
8.2.1. Notification. A Shareholder desiring to sell its all or part of its Shares (a “Selling Shareholder”) shall notify the Company and those Shareholders holding more than
twenty five percent (25%) of the outstanding Shares (the “Significant Shareholders”) at least twenty-one (21) days prior to entering into a binding agreement for the
sale of such Shares (a “Transfer Notice”). The Transfer Notice shall specify, among others:
(a)
(b)
The number of Shares the Selling Shareholder desires to sell (the “Offered Shares”);
The consideration per share the Selling Shareholder desires to receive; and
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(c)
All other material terms and conditions of the desired transaction.
8.2.2.
Consent to Share Transfers. Subject to the restrictions set forth below, the consent of Optibase and/or The Phoenix shall be required for any transfer of Shares to a
third party if Optibase and/or The Phoenix holds at least twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares and Optibase and The Phoenix together hold at least fifty
percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares. If either Optibase or The Phoenix holds fewer than twenty percent (20%) of the outstanding Shares but together Optibase
and The Phoenix hold at least fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Shares, then only the consent of that party holding at least twenty percent (20%) of the
outstanding Shares shall be required. Optibase and The Phoenix shall not withhold their consent unless: (a) the transferee lacks good financial standing; (b) the
transferee does not comply with all applicable anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws and regulations; or (c) the transferee is a competitor of the party whose
consent is required.
8.3.
Lien on Shares. In the event that a Shareholder shall create a lien on its Shares, such Shareholder shall be obligated to inform the lien holder of the obligations under this
Agreement. The exercise of the lien shall be deemed a Transfer which is subject to the provisions of Sections, 8, 9, 10, and 11 hereunder.
8.4.
In any Transfer of Shares the Transferor shall assign to the Transferee its rights under shareholder loans in proportion to the transferred Shares.
9.
Permitted Transfers
9.1.
Sections 8.2, 10 and 11 shall not apply to the transfer of Shares to a Permitted Transferee.
9.2.
9.3.
For the purposes of this Agreement, a “Permitted Transferee” means, an entity or person, as the case may be: (i) in which a Selling Shareholder holds, directly or indirectly,
more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity rights and the rights to appoint the directors and/or management thereof, or (ii) which holds, directly or indirectly, more than fifty
percent (50%) of the equity rights and the rights to appoint the directors and/or management of the Selling Shareholder, or (iii) in which an entity mentioned in (ii) above holds,
directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the equity rights and/or the rights to appoint the directors or management thereof, or (iv) an entity which is controlled,
directly or indirectly, by the Selling Shareholder or an entity mentioned in (i), (ii) and (iii) above. A company or corporation shall be treated as being controlled by another if
that other company or corporation is able to direct its affairs pursuant to a management contract and/or to control the composition of its board of directors or equivalent body,
as well as the original Party in the event of a re- transfer.
If a Shareholder transfers shares to a Permitted Transferee (and the transferor does not voluntarily subject itself to the rights set forth in Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11) and the
transferee ceases to be a Permitted Transferee within twelve (12) months of the transfer, then the transferee shall be obligated to re-transfer the Shares to the transferring
shareholder within thirty (30) days, on the same terms and conditions as when originally transferred. Following this twelve-month period, any change in the ownership or
control of a Permitted Transfer shall be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 8, 9, 10 and 11 of this Agreement.
10.
Right of First Offer
10.1.
The Significant Shareholders shall have an option, exercisable for a period of twenty one (21) days from the date of delivery of the Transfer Notice (the “Option Period”), to
purchase not less than all of the Offered Shares for the same consideration per share and on the same terms and conditions set forth in the Transfer Notice. Such option may be
exercised by delivering written notice to the Selling Shareholder (the “Acceptance Notice”).
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10.2.
10.3.
In the event that the Significant Shareholders do not exercise the option to purchase all of the Offered Shares during the Option Period, the option to purchase the Offered
Shares shall terminate, and the Selling Shareholder shall, subject to Section11 below and Section 8 above be entitled to sell the Offered Shares to a third party within ninety (90)
days of the expiration of the Option Period (the “Sale Period”) upon terms and conditions that are not significantly more favorable to the Selling Shareholder than the terms
specified in the Transfer Notice.
If the Selling Shareholder does not complete the sale of the Offered Shares during the Sale Period, then the Selling Shareholder shall again be obligated to deliver a Transfer
Notice and a subsequent sale shall be subject to this Section 10 anew. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Selling Shareholder entered in to a binding sale agreement during
the Sale Period and the completion of the sale of the Offered Shares is delayed due to a required statutory approval, then the Selling Shareholder shall be entitled to complete
the sale according to the terms of the sale agreement even if the completion date occurs after the Sale Period.
11.
Tag Along
11.1.
11.2.
11.3.
11.4.
During the Option Period, a Significant Shareholder may inform the Selling Shareholder in writing that it desires to join in the sale of the Offered Shares (a “Participation
Notice” and a “Participating Shareholder”).
If the Participating Shareholder delivers a Participation Notice, then the Seller shall not enter into a binding sale agreement unless the purchaser of the Shares (the “Purchaser”)
agrees to purchase, on the same terms and conditions, a number of Shares held by the Participating Shareholder that is proportionate to the relative Shareholdings of the Selling
Shareholder and the Participating Shareholder.
If a Significant Shareholder does not deliver a Participation Notice during the Option Period, then the Significant Shareholder will not have a right to participate in the sale of
Shares and the Selling Shareholder shall have the right to sell the Shares during the Sale Period.
If the Selling Shareholder does not complete the sale of the Offered Shares during the Sale Period, then the Selling Shareholder shall again deliver a sale notice which will be
subject to the Tag Along rights set forth in this Section 11. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Selling Shareholder entered in to a binding sale agreement during the Sale
Period and the completion of the sale of the Offered Shares is delayed due to a required statutory approval, then the Selling Shareholder shall be entitled to complete the sale
according to the terms of the sale agreement even if the completion date occurs after the Sale Period.
12.
Drag Along
12.1.
12.2.
12.3.
If, following the fourth (4th) year anniversary of this Agreement, (i) an offer is made by an Unrelated Third Party (as defined below) (an “Acquiring Party”) to purchase one
hundred percent (100%) of the Shares and a Shareholder holding at least forty percent (40%) of the outstanding Shares agrees in writing to sell its Shares to such Acquiring
Party, the remaining shareholder/s shall be obligated, subject to Section 12.2 below, to sell all their Shares to the Acquiring Party on the same terms and conditions proposed by
the Acquiring Party. For the purposes of this Section 12, the shareholdings of Phoenix Insurance and Phoenix Pension shall be aggregated to determine whether such parties
meet the above forty percent (40%) threshold.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Initial Shareholder and a Significant Shareholder will not be obligated to sell its Shares to the Acquiring Party unless the proceeds from such
sale, operation costs and transaction costs reflect an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of at least twenty percent (20%).
An “Unrelated Third Party” shall mean any entity which does not control or which is not controlled by a Significant Shareholder. For the purpose of this section, “control”
shall mean holding at least ten percent (10%) of all issued share capital and voting rights and rights to nominate ten percent (10%) of the directors.
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13.
Information and Reporting
13.1.
13.2.
13.3.
The Company shall prepare and approve quarterly reviewed financial reports and yearly audited financial reports in the form, content and deadlines as required under SEC rules
and the Israeli Securities Legislation, and shall provide these reports to its Shareholders, which may incorporate or refer to them in their own financial reports. The Company
shall obtain all necessary consents from the Company's accountants in order to effect the foregoing. In any case, both the quarterly and yearly financial reports shall also be
prepared in accordance with US GAAP and IFRS. Quarterly financial reports and yearly financial reports, as specified in this Section 13.1, shall be prepared by the Company no
later than the 30 days after the last day of the quarter and 60 days after the last day of the year for which such reports are referring to, respectively. Tax reports for the
Company shall be submitted by the Company in accordance with applicable law, and not later than March 1st of each calendar year.
The Real Estate shall be appraised at the end of each calendar year by an experienced appraiser. The identity of the appraiser will be determined by the Parties by mutual
consent. The appraiser will provide the Company with a draft report, regarding its reevaluation of the Real estate, no later than the 15th of December, and a signed copy of such
report no later than the 31st of December of each calendar year.
The outstanding loan at the date hereof, granted to the Subsidiary by Credit Suisse, or any other loan granted to the Subsidiary as of the date hereof which shall either replace
the outstanding loan or be in addition thereto (collectively the “Loans”), shall be appraised at the end of each calendar year, by an experienced assessor, the identity of whom
will be determined by the Parties by mutual consent. Such reevaluations of the Loans shall be submitted by the assessor no later than the 15th of December, and a signed copy
of such reevaluations report no later than the 31st of December of each calendar year.
13.4.
The Company shall provide the Shareholders, on a monthly basis, reports about the ongoing activity of the Company, in a format to be agreed between the Parties.
13.5.
The Company will provide the Shareholders with a yearly budgetary report, in accordance with the specifications, determinations and requirements of the Shareholders, no later
than the first day of December, for each calendar year.
13.6. Without derogating from the foregoing, upon a written request thereto by any of the Shareholders, the Company shall provide the Parties with the requested information on the
Company’s activities.
13.7.
Immediately upon receipt of a notice from the relevant authorities or any third party that a suit, action, claim, charge, cause of action or procedure has been commenced, the
Company shall inform that Shareholders thereof.
14.
Dividend Distribution
14.1.
14.2.
The Parties agree that the Company will not distribute dividends to the Shareholders until the Company has first repaid all outstanding Default Loans including any unpaid
Accrued Interest thereon.
Subject to the limitations set forth herein, the Company shall distribute to its Shareholders all funds that are available for distribution as dividends (and shall cause the
Subsidiary to act in the same manner). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall at all times maintain funds in the Subsidiary that are necessary for the operation of
the Property for a period of at least six (6) months.
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15.
Representations and Warranties
15.1.
As of the date hereof, each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that:
15.2.
It is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the applicable laws of the state of its incorporation.
15.3.
15.4.
15.5.
15.6.
15.7.
The execution and delivery by it of this Agreement has been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action and this Agreement and the obligations and resulting transactions
contemplated hereby, constitute valid and legally binding obligations with respect thereto, enforceable against it in accordance with their respective terms, except as such
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, debtor relief or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally and by general principles of
equity.
It is not subject to any restriction, obligation, agreement, law or order which prohibits or would be violated by the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement or the
consummation of the transactions contemplated herein or pursuant to which the consent of any person or authority is required.
It is not subject or party to any civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative proceeding which may adversely affect or challenges the legality, validity or enforceability of the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
No administrator, examiner, receiver, liquidator, trustee or similar officer has been appointed with respect to it or any of its assets and no action by any third party or
governmental authority for its winding-up, liquidation or dissolution is pending or threatened.
It has no contract, understanding, agreement or arrangement with any person to transfer or grant a participation or right to any person, with respect to any interests in the
Company.
16.
Non-Disclosure
No Party shall, without the express prior written consent of the other Party, directly or indirectly, disclose or divulge to any other person or entity any proprietary, confidential, sensitive
or trade secret information of or concerning the Company or its past, present or future business activities, operations, condition or affairs (“Confidential Information”) nor shall any
Party, directly or indirectly, make use of any Confidential Information which is for its own benefit or the benefit of a third party. Confidential Information does not include information
that: (a) is or becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or other obligations of confidentiality imposed on such Party; (b) is already known or
rightfully received by the Party free of restriction and without breach of this or any other obligation. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit disclosure of Confidential Information
to legal or regulatory authorities under compulsion of legal process, provided, however, that the Party promptly notifies the other Party and cooperates with the Company so that all
action legally permissible shall be taken by the Party compelled to produce or disclose Confidential Information to limit the nature and extent of the disclosure of Confidential
Information, solely to the persons and for the purposes required by said law or regulation. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Parties from including the results from operations of
the Company in the appropriate financial statements of such Party as required by applicable accounting rules.
17.
Termination
17.1.
This Agreement shall terminate on the earlier of the dates on which: (i) all the Shares are held by one and the same shareholder or a third party; (ii) an IPO of the Company is
consummated; (iii) the consolidation or merger of the Company with or into a third party, resulting in the Company not being the surviving entity immediately after the
consummation of such transaction is consummated; (iv) the Parties mutually agree in writing this Agreement is terminated; or (v) with respect to a Party, upon a liquidator,
trustee in bankruptcy, receiver or other similar officer being appointed to or over such Party or otherwise seizing control over all or a substantial part of the assets of such Party,
provided that a notice of termination has been given by the other Parties.
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17.2.
Upon termination of this Agreement, all further obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall terminate, provided however that no Party shall be relieved of any
obligation that accrued prior to such termination or of any liability arising from any prior breach by such Party of any provision of this Agreement.
18. Articles of Association
The provisions of this Agreement, regulating the legal relationship between Phoenix Pension, Phoenix Insurance and Optibase as shareholders and between themselves and the
Company shall be included in the Company’s Articles of Association. In the event of conflicts arising between this Agreement and the Articles of Association of the Company, the
provisions of this Agreement shall prevail and regulate the rights and obligations of the Parties between themselves.
The Parties agree to cause the Subsidiary to adopt Articles of Association that reflect the terms of this Agreement which pertain to the Subsidiary, including without limitation, with
respect to the provisions of Section 5 hereunder.
19.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Israel except for matters which pertain strictly to corporate issues which are required by the laws of
the Great Duchy of Luxemburg to be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Great Duchy of Luxemburg (respectively, the “Applicable Law”).
20.
Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration.
20.1.
20.2.
20.3.
20.4.
The Parties shall endeavor to settle amicably any dispute, controversy or claim (collectively “Dispute”) arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, its interpretation
and implementation. If the Parties cannot settle such Dispute within fourteen (14) days they shall refer the dispute to the CEO’s of the Parties. If the CEO’s will not reach an
agreement within fourteen (14) days as of the Dispute being referred to them, such Dispute may be referred to arbitration by any of the Parties and the provisions of Section
20.2 shall apply.
The Parties hereby agree and acknowledge that any disputes or disagreements and/or differences of opinion whatsoever, about any matter related to or in connection with this
Agreement, including, without limitation, regarding the interpretation, performance or violation thereof (and including in connection with the jurisdiction of the Arbitrator
pursuant to this clause), not resolved pursuant to the provisions of sub-section 20.1 above shall be considered and determined by arbitration proceedings before an arbitrator
to be selected by the Parties.
In the event that the Parties are unable to agree on an arbitrator, then each Party shall designate a representative which is an experienced arbitrator in Israel. The Parties'
representatives shall meet and agree upon the identity of a third party who shall serve as the arbitrator for the Parties' dispute.
The arbitration shall take place in Tel-Aviv, Israel. The language to be used in arbitration shall be Hebrew provided however that if the Company is a Party to the dispute the
language to be used in the arbitration procedures shall be English. An arbitral award made hereunder shall be final and the Parties agree to carry out such award without delay.
Any arbitral award made hereunder may be entered into the court of competent jurisdiction for executing thereof.
20.5.
This arbitration clause under this Section 20 shall be treated as an arbitration contract between the Parties for all intents and purposes and the provisions of the Israeli
Arbitration Law of 1968 (the “Arbitration Law”) shall be applied to the arbitration proceedings and the Arbitrator, unless the Parties expressly agree to the contrary.
15
20.6.
20.7.
20.8.
Prior to the beginning of the arbitration proceedings, the Arbitrator shall disclose to the Parties any and all information concerning his/her direct and/or indirect relationships
with any of the Parties, their stockholders and/or their affiliates, whatever they may be, and after hearing each side’s objections concerning any such relationships, and his/her
ability to arbitrate objectively, the Arbitrator shall determine whether or not he/she is capable to continue in his/her capacity as the Arbitrator.
In any arbitration or legal dispute arising hereunder, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recovery of its legal costs and fees, and an award of these fees shall be included in
the Arbitrator’s findings.
The Arbitrator shall record its decision in writing stating the basis and grounds thereof, and shall take its decisions entirely on the basis of the substantive law of the State of
Israel and shall be subject to any evidence rules and/or regulations and the procedures rules and regulations. The Arbitrator shall not have the power to perform any provisions
of this Agreement or to impose any obligation on any of the Parties, or take any other action, which could not be imposed or taken by a court in the State of Israel. The decision
of the Arbitrator shall be final to the fullest extent permitted by law and a judgment by any court of competent jurisdiction may be entered thereon. The Parties shall keep the
proceedings and any decision made by the arbitrator in confidence, except to the extent necessary to enforce a decision of the Arbitrator by judicial proceedings.
20.9.
Any of the Parties shall be entitled to request to appeal any arbitration ruling given by the Arbitrator before a duly authorized court, if that Party believes that the Arbitrator has
made a basic error in the application of the law that could result in a miscarriage of justice. The appeal process and procedures shall be governed by Section 29B of the
Arbitration Law.
20.10. The Arbitrator or the Parties shall be entitled to nominate an expert to rule on certain issues in connection with the arbitration proceedings, whose decision shall be final and
binding upon the Parties, and shall not be subject to any arbitration proceedings.
20.11. The Arbitrator’s fees shall be paid by the Parties, shared equally between them, unless the Arbitrator rules otherwise.
21.
Jurisdiction.
Subject to Section 20, the competent courts of Tel-Aviv, Israel shall have exclusive jurisdiction concerning any matter arising out of this Agreement or which, under the laws of Israel
the competent court has auxiliary authority to that of the arbitrator.
22.
Miscellaneous
22.1.
22.2.
22.3.
22.4.
Entire Agreement. This Agreement and all agreements and instruments to be delivered by the Parties pursuant hereto, represent the entire understanding and agreement
between the Parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior oral and written and all contemporaneous oral negotiations, representations,
commitments and understandings between such Parties not contained in this Agreement.
Amendments, Waivers and Modifications. Any term of this Agreement may be amended and the observance of any term of this Agreement may be waived (either generally or
in a particular instance, and either retroactively or prospectively) only with the written consent of the Parties.
Negotiations. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no
presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
Delays or Omissions; Waiver. No delay or omission to exercise any right, power, or remedy accruing to any of the Parties upon any breach or default by the other Party under
this Agreement shall impair any such right or remedy nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or any acquiescence therein or in any similar breach
or default thereafter occurring.
16
22.5.
Severability. Any provision of this Agreement which is invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability, without affecting in any way the remaining provisions hereof in such jurisdiction or rendering any other provision of this Agreement
invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any other jurisdiction, provided that such invalidity does not undermine the purpose and intent of this Agreement.
22.6.
Notices. Any notice, consent, authorization, designation and request and other communication required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be:
i.
ii.
in writing;
addressed to the Party to be notified at the following address and numbers, unless otherwise notified by the Party to be notified:
if to Optibase to:
Optibase Ltd.
7 Shenkar Street
Herzliya 46725, Israel
With a copy to:
Gross, Kleinhendler, Hodak, Halevy, Greenberg & Co.
One Azrieli Center, Round Building, 39th Floor
Tel-Aviv 67021, Israel
Attention: Lawrence Sternthal, Adv.
if to The Phoenix to:
The Phoenix Israel Insurance Company Ltd.
53 Derech Hasalom
Givatayim 53454, Israel
If delivered personally, shall be deemed to have been delivered upon delivery;
If sent by mail, shall be deemed to have been delivered 72 hours after the delivery thereof to the post office; and
If sent by facsimile or any other electronic mean, shall be deemed to have been delivered upon the receipt of any proof of receipt of such facsimile or electronic means by the
recipient.
22.7.
No Third Party Beneficiary. None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed as existing for the benefit of any creditor of the Company or the Shareholders or for
the benefit of any other person, and no provision shall be enforceable by a party not a signatory to this Agreement.
[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]
17
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the Parties hereto as of and on the date first above written.
OPTIBASE LTD.
By: /s/ Tom Wyler
Name: Tom Wyler
Title: President and CEO
By: /s/ Alex Hilman
Name: Alex Hillman
Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors
By: /s/ Amir Philips
Name: Amir Philips
Title: Chief Financial Officer
THE PHOENIX PENSION AND PROVIDENT
FUND LTD. ON BEHALF OF AND IN THE
NAME OF THE PHOENIX
COMPREHENSIVE PENSION
By: /s/ Eyal Lapidot
Name: Eyal Lapidot
Title: CEO
By: /s/ Gady Greenstein
Name: Gady Greenstein
Title: CIO
THE PHOENIX INSURANCE COMPANY LTD.
By: /s/ Eyal Lapidot
Name: Eyal Lapidot
Title: CEO
By: /s/ Gady Greenstein
Name: Gady Greenstein
Title: CIO
18
The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees to the terms of this Shareholders Agreement and undertakes to perform all the obligations of the Company under this Agreement including,
without limitation, in order to give effect to the Parties' undertakings hereunder.
OPCTN S.A.
By: /s/ Alex Hilman
Name: Alex Hillman
Title: Member of the Board of Managers
By: /s/ Yves Mertz
Name: Yves Mertz
Title: Member of the Board of Managers
By: /s/ Detlef Xhonneux
Name: Detlef Xhonneux
Title: Member of the Board of Managers
19
LOAN AGREEMENT
Exhibit 4.14
Agreement no.: 3301854000
between
Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co KG,
c/o McCafferty, Maximilianstraße 47, 80538 Munich, Germany
(hereinafter referred to as the "Borrower")
and
Deutsche Genossenschafts-Hypothekenbank Aktiengesellschaft
Postal address: Rosenstraße 2, 20095 Hamburg
Sales tax ID no.: DE811141281
(hereinafter referred to as the "Bank")
1. Loan amount
The Bank shall grant the Borrower a loan in the amount of
€ 21,000,000.00
(in words: twenty-one million euros)
2. Net loan amount
The loan shall be awarded at a payout price of 100%.
The one-off, immediately owed, not term-related processing fee totals 0.55% of the loan amount of € 21,000,000.00, i.e. € 115,500.00 (see Clause 5.2).
Please also see Clause 5.2 for the costs that must be paid to the Bank, and Clause 5.3 for the other costs.
Page 1
3. Purpose
3.1 The loan shall partially serve as collateral for the purchase price for a portfolio consisting of 27 commercial properties (food markets operated by EDEKA Südbayern GmbH (22) and
Buchbauer GmbH (5)) in Bavaria (26) and Saxony (1) with the following addresses (see Appendix 1 for details), whereby the loan shall not include one property (Salzweg), since it will no longer be
operated:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
93176
93413
93167
84140
85049
87437
86438
93462
83661
92431
09465
93081
87772
85298
94508
94518
94234
94161
94107
94538
94110
93192
94269
93466
94060
94575
Beratzhausen
Staufferstraße 7
Cham
Darsteiner Str. 10
Falkenstein, S-A
Regensburger Str. 12
Gangkofen
Ingolstadt
Frontenhausener Str. 2c
Krumenauer Str. 58
Kempten-Lenzfried
Wettermannsberger Weg 1
Kissing
Lam
Lenggries
Bahnhofstr. 40c
Arberstr. 76
Bergbahnstraße 5
Neunburg v. Wald
Ambergerstr. 14
Neudorf (Sehmatal)
Crottendorfer Straße 3
Obertraubling
Pfaffenhausen
Scheyern
Schöllnach
Spiegelau
Viechtach
Ruderting
Edekastr. 5
Industriestr. 4
Fernhager Str. 1-3
Leutzing 2
Konrad Willsdorf-Str. 1a
Mönchshofstr. 60
Passauer Straße 26 a
Untergriesbach
Kreuzwiesenweg 1
Fürstenstein
Wegscheid
Vilshofener Str. 13
Passauer Straße 78
Rossbach (Wald)
Bahnhofstraße 1
Rinchnach
Chamerau
Pocking
Herrenmühle 2
In der Grube 2
Marktplatz 5b
Windorf (Hidring)
Turmstraße 2a
(hereinafter referred to as the "Mortgage Property" or "Mortgage Properties")
Page 2
wherein the total financing is calculated as follows (in accordance with the Borrower's calculation of 28 November 2014):
Purchase price financed properties
Purchase price Salzweg
Ancillary acquisition costs
Extension Lenggries
Total cost
less equity
Total financing
29,550,000.00
200,000.00
2,200,000.00
600,000.00
32,550,000.00
11,550,000.00
21,000,000.00
Deviations from the financing structure described here are only possible with the prior written approval of the Bank.
4. Term and repayment
4.1
The loan has a term of 5 years.
Irrespective of the other provisions in this Agreement, the loan for € 21,000,000.00 shall fall due for repayment no later than on 31 May 2020 for the amount of the remaining capital valued at that
time.
4.2
The loan must be repaid in quarterly instalments after payout, i.e., in the amount of € 105,000.00 on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, and 31 December of each year.
If a payment falls due on a day that is not a bank workday, the payment date shall be shifted to the following bank workday in the same calendar month, or to the immediate preceding bank
workday in the event that the next bank workday falls in the following month ("modified following").
The month is calculated with the exact days and the year is calculated with 360 days (act/360). Applicable holiday calendar is the TARGET calendar.
4.3 Allocated Loan Amounts (ALA) and Release Amounts in the case of a sale of individual Mortgage Properties
The Mortgage Properties individually listed in Clause 3.1 are Allocated Loan Amounts (ALA) of the loan amount stated in Clause 1 ("Initial ALA"). The following table provides the
corresponding amounts.
Page 3
€
€
€
€
€
€
€
Mortgage property
1. Beratzhausen
2. Cham
3. Falkenstein, S-A
4. Gangkofen
5. Ingolstadt
6. Kempten-Lenzfried
7. Kissing
8. Lam
9. Lenggries
10. Neunburg v. Wald
11. Neudorf (Sehmatal)
12. Obertraubling
13. Pfaffenhausen
14. Scheyern
15. Schöllnach
16. Spiegelau
17. Viechtach
18. Ruderting
19. Untergriesbach
20. Fürstenstein
21. Wegscheid
22. Rossbach (Wald)
23. Rinchnach
24. Chamerau
25. Pocking
26. Windorf (Hidring)
Initial ALA
in €
Minimum
Release amounts
in €
550,545
1,664,589
900,303
997,458
647,700
1,424,940
1,198,245
654,177
2,169,795
492,252
602,361
615,315
777,240
770,763
744,855
848,487
459,867
1,418,463
667,131
417,767
764,286
825,818
408,051
474,116
194,310
310,896
660,700
1,997,500
1,080,400
1,197,000
777,200
1,709,900
1,437,900
785,000
2,603,800
590,700
722,800
738,400
932,700
924,900
893,800
1,018,200
551,800
1,702,200
800,600
501,300
917,100
991,000
489,700
568,900
233,200
373,100
In the case of a divestiture of individual Mortgage Properties prior to the final maturity date, a Release Amount must be paid for the release of the property-specific collateral. The Release
Amount is determined by the higher of the following alternatives:
the minimum Release Amount listed in the table, and
a)
b) 75% of the generated net sales proceeds for the corresponding Mortgage Property after the deduction of the standard costs and taxes in connection with the sale. The Bank reserves
the right to request proof of the costs and taxes.
The respective Release Amount may not be more than the total from the loan amounts still outstanding on the respective release date plus owed interest, fees, other costs from this Agreement
and the exit fee in accordance with Clause 5.5 and the refinancing damage in accordance with Clause 5.6 of this Agreement.
Page 4
After the respective Release Amount plus allocated interest, fees, other costs from this Agreement and the exit fee in accordance with Clause 5.5, and the refinancing loss in accordance with
Clause 5.6 of this Agreement have been received in the loan account, the Bank shall release the respective property-specific collateral (if need be, through a trustee by concluding an appropriate
trustee agreement prior to the receipt of the Release Amount).
The provisions in this Clause 4.3 shall not apply if the sale of one or more Mortgage Properties and a corresponding partial repayment of the loan means that the DSCR ratio in accordance with
Clause 9.1 and/or the LTV ratio in accordance with Clause 9.2 cannot be observed. In this case, the Bank reserves the right to refuse approval for the sale of these Mortgage Properties.
The provisions in this Clause 4.3 shall not apply if the Bank terminated the loan, irrespective of the reasons for termination.
5. Conditions
5.1.1 The loan shall bear interest from the closing date/partial closing date; if the payout takes place through a trustee, it shall bear interest from the date of the transfer to the trustee.
The loan shall bear interest at an amount of 1.75% p.a. above the 3 month EURIBOR from the closing date. The Bank shall set the interest rate for each interest period on the basis of the 3 month
EURIBOR published by Reuters two bank workdays before the first payout or the expiration of the current interest period at approx. 11:00 am MEZ and notify the Borrower immediately thereof. In
deviation from this, the interest periods shall end in each case on the repayment days or on the final maturity date as specified in accordance with Clause 4. If interest periods of less than 3
months result, the EURIBOR for this time period shall form the basis of the interest calculation.
If the interest rate is calculated on the basis of the EURIBOR and no EURIBOR interest rate exists at the agreed point in time, the interest rate for the selected interest period shall be 1.75% p.a.
above the Bank's interbank bid rate for term loans with a corresponding term.
If the reference interest rate falls below zero, it is considered to be set at zero.
The Borrower shall be obligated to limit the interest burden (including margin) for the loan to a maximum of 2.50% p.a. (2.5% per year) by concluding a suitable interest rate hedge before the first
payout of the loan.
(a) A suitable interest rate hedge is an interest rate hedge derivative (e.g., swap, cap or other financial derivatives) on the basis of the German Framework Agreement for Financial Forward
Transactions (Deutschen Rahmenvertrages für Finanz-termingeschäfte // DRV).
(b) The suitable interest rate hedge must be guaranteed and maintained until the last day of repayment.
Page 5
(c) The suitable interest rate hedge should be agreed, preferably, with DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, Frankfurt am Main. The Borrower may also
conclude the derivative with another bank if this other bank is a bank with at least an A+ rating (for current, non-subordinated, uncollateralized liabilities) from a recognized rating
agency. Any (incl. subordinate) hedging by another bank with respect to the collateral pledged for the loan by the Bank is prohibited.
(d) If a (partial) repayment – besides the regular repayments – of a hedged amount takes place prior to the expiration of the term for the suitable interest rate hedge, the suitable interest
rate hedge shall be closed for the amount repaid prematurely. The suitable interest rate hedge must also be closed if the loan is not accepted in part or in full.
(e) For the conclusion of the interest rate hedge with DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, Frankfurt am Main, the Borrower shall place an order with the Bank, in
accordance with the appendix 2, for the assumption of the guarantees listed in more detail there prior to the conclusion of the interest rate hedge.
(f) The Bank is released from bank secrecy with respect to DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, Frankfurt am Main, in the case of an interest rate hedge.
(g) All the collateral that is assigned for this loan also serves to secure the claims of the Bank from the suitable interest rate hedge as well as the claims of the Bank against the Borrower due
to the assumed guarantees in accordance with letter (e).
(h) The rights and claims on account of the suitable interest rate hedge are to be assigned or pledged to the Bank (in each case in accordance with the Bank's form).
The conclusion of an interest rate hedge is a requirement for payout in accordance with Section 10.
5.1.2 The requirements stipulated in Clauses 8.2, 8.3 and 10.2 (requirements for mortgage loans, e.g. proof of insurance, appraisal with mortgage valuation, ranked, real collateral pursuant to
Sections 12-16 of the German Covered Bond Act (PfandbG) must be met by 30 June 2015. If this deadline is not complied with, the Bank shall calculate additional interest of 0.14% p.a. on the
share of the loan amount (weighted by mortgage value less recognised prior encumbrances) until the fulfilment of the requirements specified in Clause 10.2. This shall be calculated on the
remaining capital at the end of the quarter. If the requirements are met in the course of the quarter, a proportionate calculation shall be made. With regard to the documents/proof, costs may be
incurred under certain circumstances that are described in more detail in Clause 10.2.
Page 6
5.1.3 The interest shall fall due at the end of each quarter for the previous quarter on 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December of each year.
If a payment falls due on a day that is not a bank workday, the payment date shall be shifted to the following bank workday in the same calendar month, or to the immediate preceding bank
workday in the event that the next bank workday falls in the following month ("modified following").
The month is calculated with the exact days and the year is calculated with 360 days (act/360).
5.2 Costs to be paid to the Bank:
Commitment fee:
0.30% p.a. on the loan amount for which a contractual commitment has been made, but the conditions of which have not been finalised, beginning on 1 June 2015.
The commitment fee is calculated proportionately and quarterly for the preceding quarter.
Processing fee:
In addition, a one-off, individually negotiated processing fee in the amount of € 115,500.00 must be paid (see Clause 2).
Appraisal costs:
Furthermore, the Borrower shall incur appraisal costs in the amount of € 70,000.00.
5.3 Other costs
The Borrower shall also bear the costs – not known to the Bank upon conclusion of the Agreement – for fire, drinking water and storm damage insurance, for notary insurance and for other
insurance concluded in connection with this Loan Agreement, all the costs incurred in connection with collateralising the loan with mortgages, particularly the notary and land register costs in
accordance with the statutory provisions, and the costs to be paid to guarantors in the case of a guaranteeing of the loan, brokerage commissions for the brokers used by the Borrower.
5.4 Non-acceptance damage
If the Borrower does not accept the loan in full or in part contrary to its contractual obligations, the Borrower must compensate the Bank for the contractually agreed, incurred arrangement fees,
commitment fees and the processing fees as well as the damage arising from the failure to accept.
5.5 Exit fee
Upon provision of the loan, the Bank assumes a total term for the loan of up to the final maturity date. For premature, partial or full repayment, the Borrower shall pay the Bank an exit fee in
addition to the damage incurred from the premature repayment (in accordance with Clause 5.6).
Page 7
The amount of this exit fee is 0.30% per remaining year of the term, calculated from the beginning of the interest commitment period following the premature repayment and on the basis of the
respective Release Amount.
5.6 Compensation / Fee for premature payment
If the loan falls due in full or in part prior to the end of the interest commitment period, the Borrower shall compensate the Bank for possible damage incurred due to premature repayment.
5.7 The services here involve financial services not subject to the value-added tax.
6. Payout
The payout of the loan and the billing shall take place in accordance with the special payment instructions that must be presented at least 4 bank workdays before payout by the Bank. Two
payouts are possible.
7. Collateral
To secure all the current and future claims of the Bank from this Loan Agreement, along with interest and all other ancillary claims, the Bank is assigned the following collateral:
7.1 Mortgages
1. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a (registered) senior mortgage in the amount of € 660,700.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Beratzhausen Land Register at the Regensburg Local Court, Volume 59, Page 2073, Section III, with utilisation of the reservation of rank senior to
Section II No. 5 and 6, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate
enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 5 - Right to operate a business
Section II, No. 6 - Pre-emptive right
Section II, No. 7 - Waste water pipeline right
Section II, No. 8 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 9 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 10 - Prohibition to develop clearance space
Section II, No. 11 - Prohibition to develop clearance space
Section III: -None-
Page 8
2. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 1,997,500.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
a 10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Cham Land Register at the Cham Local Court, Volume 132, Page 4731, Section III, and in the Cham Land Register at the Cham Local Court
Volume 143, Page 5148, Section III with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to
immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Page 4731:
Section II, No. 3 - Waste water pipeline right
Section II, No. 4 - Water pipeline right
Section II, No. 6 - Right to use the property for commercial purposes
Section II, No. 7 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Page 5148
Section II, No. 3 - Waste water pipeline right
Section II, No. 4 - Water pipeline right
Section II, No. 5 - Electricity and street lighting cable right
Section II, No. 7 - Right to use the property for commercial purposes
Section II, No. 8 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
In each case: Section III: -None-
3. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 1,080,400.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
a 10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Falkenstein Land Register at the Cham Local Court, Page 1849, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the encumbered
property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (See Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Right of way
Section II, No. 2 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 3 - Waste water plant operation right
Section II, No. 4 - Right to use the property for commercial purposes
Section II, No. 5 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
4. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 1,197,000, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Gangkofen Land Register at the Eggenfelden Local Court, Page 2715, Section III, with subjection to immediate enforcement for the encumbered
property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Page 9
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Commercial operation limitation
Section II, No. 2 - Commercial operation right
Section II, No. 3 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
5. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (certified) mortgage in the amount of € 777,200.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Ingolstadt Partial Ownership Land Register at the Ingolstadt Local Court, Volume 812, Page 34277, Section III, with subjugation to immediate
enforcement for the encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower
(see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 2 - Substation as well as high voltage and low voltage power lines
Section II, No. 4 - Commercial operation right
Section II, No. 5 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
6. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 1,709,900.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
a 10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the St. Mang Land Register at the Kempten Local Court (Allgäu), Volume 188, Page 6315, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for
the encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause
7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Electricity plant operation right
Section II, No. 4 - Right to operate a commercial business
Section II, No. 5 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
7. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 1,437,900.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
a 10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Kissing Land Register at the Aichach Local Court, Volume 206, Page 7591, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered properties and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 2 - Vehicle parking right
Section II, No. 4 - Commercial right of use
Section II, No. 5 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
Page 10
8. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 785,000.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Lam Land Register at the Cham Local Court, Kötzting Branch, Volume 55, Page 2261, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for
the encumbered properties and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause
7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 2 - Utility line connection rights
Section II, No. 3 - Construction limitation
Section II, No. 5 - Commercial right of use
Section II, No. 6 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
9. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 2,603,800.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
a 10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Lenggries Land Register at the Wolfratshausen Local Court, Page 6383, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered properties and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 2 - Flood waste water diversion canal right
Section II, No. 3 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 4 - Pipeline right
Section II, No. 5 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 7 - Product sales right
Section II, No. 8 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section II, No. 9 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 10 - Substation right
Section III: -None-
10. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 590,700.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Neunburg v. W. Land Register at the Schwandorf Local Court, Volume 82, Page 3349, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for
the encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause
7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 3 - Right to use the property for commercial purposes
Section II, No. 4 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
Page 11
11. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 722,800.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Neudorf Land Register at the Marienberg Local Court, Annaberg.-B Branch, Page 888, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for
the encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause
7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Water pipeline right
Section II, No. 2 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 4 - Business operation right
Section II, No. 5 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
12. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 738,400.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Obertraubling Land Register at the Regensburg Local Court, Page 2944, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Substation construction and high voltage power line right
Section II, No. 2 - Commercial business operation right
Section II, No. 3 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
13. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior mortgage in the amount of € 932,700.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and 10% one-off
ancillary payment, is entered in the Pfaffenhausen Land Register at the Memmingen Local Court, Volume 29, Page 1075, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be higher than the mortgage in rank.
Section II, No. 4 - Right to operate a commercial business
Section II, No. 5 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
14. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 924,900.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Scheyern Land Register at the Pfaffenhausen Local Court, Volume 45, Page 1580, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered properties and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be higher than the mortgage in rank.
Section II, No. 2 - Commercial right of use
Section II, No. 3 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
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15. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 893,800.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Schnöllnach Land Register at the Deggendorf Local Court, Page 2341, Section III, and Page 6737 in Section III with subjugation to immediate
enforcement for the encumbered properties and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the
Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be higher than the mortgage in rank.
Section II, No. 2 - Commercial right of use
Section II, No. 3 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
16. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 1,018,200.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
a 10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Klingenbrunn Land Register at the Freyung Local Court, Volume 58, Page 1982, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered properties and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be higher than the mortgage in rank.
Section II, No. 1 - Renovation notation (no rank)
Section II, No. 3 - Commercial right of use
Section II, No. 4 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
17. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 551,800.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Viechtach Land Register at the Viechtach Local Court, Volume 84, Page 3109, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 10 - Commercial right of use
Section II, No. 11 - Conditional pre-emptive right for all cases of sale
Section III: -None-
18. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 1,702,200.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
a 10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Ruderting Land Register at the Passau Local Court, Volume 57, Page 2131, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Page 13
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - High voltage power line right
Section II, No. 2 - Electricity and telephone line right
Section II, No. 3 - Rainwater and waste water diversion right
Section II, No. 4 - Right of way
Section II, No. 5 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 6 - High voltage power line right
Section II, No. 7 - Waste water pipeline right
Section II, No. 8 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 10 – Commercial right of space utilization
Section II, No. 14 - Notice of conveyance for municipality partial surface 130 sqm
Section II, No. 15 - Right of passage and way
Section II, No. 17 - Right of passage and way
Section III: -None-
19. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 800,600.00 along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Untergriesbach Land Register at the Passau Local Court, Volume 46, Page 1725, Section III, with subjection to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered property and under acceptance of the personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause
7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - High voltage power line right
Section III: -None-
20. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 501,300.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Fürstenstein Land Register at the Passau Local Court, Volume 80, Page 3199, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
No entry in Section II or Section III of the Land Register may precede the mortgage.
21. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 917,100.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Eidenberg Land Register at the Passau Local Court, Volume 17, Page 696, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Water pipeline right
Section III: -None-
22. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 991,000.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Wald Land Register at the Cham Local Court, Page 1662, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the encumbered property and
under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Page 14
No entry in Section II or Section III of the Land Register may precede the mortgage.
23. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 489,700.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Kasberg Land Register at the Viechtach Local Court, Volume 24, Page 714, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered properties and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
No entry in Section II or Section III of the Land Register may precede the mortgage.
24. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 568,900.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Chamerau Leasehold Estate Land Register at the Cham Local Court, Volume 38, Page 1507, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement
for the encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause
7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Leasehold estate rent
Section II, No. 2 - Pre-emptive right for all owners
Section III: -None-
25. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 233,200.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and a
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Hartkirchen Land Register at the Passau Local Court, Volume 41, Page 1640, Section III, with subjugation to immediate enforcement for the
encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower (see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Cable line right
Section II, No. 2 - Right of passage and way and parking space co-use right
Section III: -None-
26. It shall be necessary to ensure, within three months after the conclusion of the Agreement, that a senior (registered) mortgage in the amount of € 373,100.00, along with 15% p.a. interest and
10% one-off ancillary payment, is entered in the Otterskirchen Land Register at the Passau Local Court, Vilshofen Branch, Volume 50, Page 1627, Section III, with subjugation to immediate
enforcement for the encumbered property and under acceptance of personal liability by the Borrower and with subjugation to immediate enforcement with respect to all the assets of the Borrower
(see Clause 7.2).
Only the following entries may be senior to the mortgage in rank:
Section II, No. 1 - Waste water pipeline right
Section II, No. 2 - Right of passage and way
Section III: -None-
Page 15
The Borrower shall be obligated, upon request by the Bank, to approve a conversion of the registered mortgages to certified mortgages.
The claims to restitution of the mortgages serving as collateral for the loan may only be transferred with the approval of the Bank.
7.2 Executable abstract promise of payment
The Borrower must assume personal liability for the payment of a monetary sum in the amount of € 21,000,000.00 and is subject to immediate enforcement with respect to all its assets in this
regard. This can also be met in that the Borrower assumes personal liability for the sum of the mortgage amount in the respective mortgage assignment deed and is consequently subject to
immediate personal enforcement proceedings with respect to all its assets.
The Bank may enforce the personal liability independently of the entry and continuation of the mortgages as well as without previous enforcement with respect to the Mortgage Property.
7.3 Furthermore, the following collateral is assigned:
- Assignment of rights and claims from the suitable interest rate hedge concluded with DZ BANK AG in accordance with Clause 5.1.1.
- Assignment of rent claims from all lease agreements concluded or to be concluded with regard to the Mortgage Properties. In deviation from the provisions of the concluded or still-to-be-
concluded rent assignment agreements, the Bank is in agreement, until further notice, that the rents are to be paid into certain accounts to be determined by the Borrower/Pledger and incoming
payments in accounts at other banks shall not be transferred to an account of the Bank. With respect to incoming payments on accounts at other banks, all bank statement copies of the rental
accounts are to be submitted to the Bank upon request. The Bank is authorised at any time to enforce its rights and claims from the rent assignment agreement and to specify an account where
the rental payments shall be deposited.
The Borrowers/Pledgers are obligated to obtain the consent of the Bank before reaching an agreement on rental prepayments, postponements and offsetting.
- Pledging the credit balance on the accounts set up/to be set up for the incoming rental payments to the Bank (in accordance with the Bank's form). The pledge must be reported to the bank
where the account is held and confirmed by it.
- Assignment of rights and claims from the building insurance (in accordance with the Bank's form) for the risks of fire, drinking water, sprinkler leakage, storm, hail, flood water and other
elementary risks and explosion damage at the original value, and loss of rent for at least 24 months of rent.
The proper insurance is to be proven before payout of the loan and done so continuously and annually. The copy of the insurance policy is to be provided to the Bank upon request.
- Assignment of the claims against the buyer(s) from all purchase agreements already concluded or to be concluded in future with respect to the Mortgage Properties.
- Declarations of subordination and loan retention / subordination and standstill agreement for existing shareholder loans (in accordance with the Bank's form).
Page 16
7.4 If the Bank uses the claims secured by the mortgage in full or in part as coverage for covered bonds in terms of the German Covered Bond Act (Pfandbriefgesetz), the mortgage shall be senior
to the claim used for coverage independently of any other - even future - provision on the purpose of the pledge (Sicherungszweckregelung) agreed between the pledger and the Bank.
Accordingly, income from the realisation of the mortgage is senior to any claim serving as coverage for a covered bond.
8. Other agreements
8.1. The Borrower is obligated to accept the loan in full within six months after the signing of the Loan Agreement by the Bank. The Bank is authorised to terminate its loan commitment in the
amount of the total not yet used.
The Bank is also authorised to terminate its loan commitment if the Borrower does not meet all the conditions, payout pre-requisites and requirements within three months after the conclusion of
the loan agreement, particularly if the planned collateral has not been assigned.
Irrespective of deviating - also future - provisions, all payments shall be credited to the personal claim and not to the collateral or the promise of payment.
The Bank may also terminate the loan for good cause if one or more Mortgage Properties are encumbered with another mortgage without the approval of the Bank.
The parties are in agreement that in the case of legal changes which have an impact on the design of conditions, particularly in the case of an increase in the equity and/or liquidity requirements
for the Bank, upon written request by one party, they will promptly take up negotiations with the goal of making an adjustment to the Agreement that meets the interests of both parties.
8.2 Commercial business easement
In the land registers of Mortgage Properties 1 - 18 (pursuant to Clause 3.1), a senior, fixed-term, limited personal easement (commercial business easement) has been entered in Section II for the
benefit of EDEKA Handelsgesellschaft Südbayern mbH or Fischer GmbH & Co. KG. For these rights, if their subordination to the financing mortgages is not possible to negotiate, the agreement
of a maximum amount as value replacement in accordance with Section 882 of the German Civil Code (BGB) and the termination reasons as condition subsequent (in accordance with the sample
appended in Appendix 3) and the entry of the agreement in the land registers shall take place after the approvals have been presented.
If the entries or the presentation of notary confirmation, in accordance with the Bank's requirements, does not take place by 31 July 2015, the additional interest shall be calculated on the
amounts assigned in accordance with Clause 4.3 on the basis of Clause 5.1.2 until the entry is made for the mortgage properties.
8.3. Pre-emptive rights
In the land registers of Mortgage Properties:
1 - 17 (pursuant to Clause 3.1),
the pre-emptive rights are to be entered in Section II. For these rights, if it is not possible to negotiate subordination to the financing mortgages, it shall be necessary to obtain a standstill
declaration in accordance with the sample appended in Appendix 4 in which the parties entitled to pre-emptive rights shall waive a possibly existing cancellation claim and value replacement.
Page 17
If the statement of subordination or the standstill declaration has not been issued or presented by 31 July 2015, the additional interest on the amounts assigned in accordance with Clause 4.3
shall be calculated on the basis of Clause 5.1.2 until entry of the subordination or the presentation of the standstill declaration has taken place.
8.4 Expansion at Mortgage Property Lenggries
The Bank awarded the credit under the assumption that the Mortgage Property Lenggries would be expanded in accordance with the documents presented to the Bank. The Borrower must verify
the following by 30 September 2016:
- Completion of the extension for the Lenggries property
- Acceptance of the space by the tenant and
- Commencement of the payment of rent in the amount of at least € 239,000.00 p.a.
-
Presentation of final market and mortgage appraisal by VR Wert, which must show a market value of at least € 3,350,000.00 and a mortgage value of at least € 2,750,000.00.
If the Borrower does not provide proof hereof by the deadline, it shall be obligated to repay an amount of € 600,000.00 by no later than 31 December 2016. All costs in this connection are borne
by the Borrower. This includes the exit fee (Clause 5.5) and the compensation/fee for premature repayment (Clause 5.6).
8.5 Leasehold estate for Mortgage Property Chamerau
The Bank awarded the loan under the assumption that the leasehold estate agreement for the Mortgage Property Chamerau would be renewed for at least 10 years through 14 July 2038. The
Borrower must prove this by 30 June 2016 by presenting an addendum to the leasehold estate agreement and a corresponding entry in the land register.
In addition, a notary-certified “Declaration on the leasehold estate and pre-emptive rights” of the owner of the property in Chamerau (in accordance with the template provided in Appendix 5)
must be presented before 30 June 2016.
If the Borrower does not provide this proof by this deadline, it is obligated to repay an amount of € 474,116.00 by no later than 31 December 2016. All costs in this connection are to be borne by
the Borrower. This includes the exit fee (Clause 5.5) and the compensation/fee for premature repayment (Clause 5.6).
9. Covenants
The Borrower shall ensure that the following covenants will be observed at all times during the term of the loan:
9.1. DSCR – Debt service cover ratio
The rental income from the Mortgage Properties must have a DSCR (debt service cover ratio) of at least 130% (soft default) or 110% (hard default).
Page 18
The DSCR indicates, on the effective date, the percentage of the calculated debt service for the calculation period that is covered by the expected net rental income in the calculation period.
Compliance with the key performance indicator must be proven to the Bank every six months on 30 June and 31 December of each year, for the first time on 31 December 2015. The Bank
calculates the DSCR on this effective date by dividing the net rental income expected over the following 12 months ("Calculation Period") by the calculated debt service.
The “calculated debt service” is the product of the outstanding loan amount and 7%.
"Net rental income" is the total of all the net rental income from the Mortgage Property expected in the Calculation Period on the basis of the contractual status applicable on the respective
effective date less the operating costs, maintenance/investment expenses (not: modernisation) and other expenses not covered by the tenants for the Mortgage Property for which the greater of
a) a lump sum of 15% of the net rental income or b) the actual costs are applied.
Only lease agreements that were properly serviced in the preceding quarter and only rental income that falls due prior to the first legally possible termination of the rental agreement shall be taken
into account.
The Bank must be notified immediately in the case of a breach or in the event of matters and circumstances that would endanger compliance.
The Borrower and the Bank are in agreement that an elevated risk analysis of the claims against the Borrower is justified in the case of a breach of the aforesaid agreed requirements. In this
case, the Bank is authorised to pursue the legal consequences described in Clause 9.3.
9.2. LTV – Loan to value
LTV is the ratio of the total debit balance of the loan to the current market value of the Mortgage Property, as determined by an independent appraiser on behalf of the Bank (certified by VR Wert
or Hyp-Zert).
The LTV (loan to value) may not exceed 70% in the first three years of the term, from the date of payout; and in the 4th and 5th year it may not exceed 65%.
The Bank shall calculate or check the LTV upon presentation of a new appraisal or an update of an appraisal by dividing the entire debit balance of the loan by the current market value of the
Mortgage Properties at the time of the calculation.
The entire debit balance includes the loan amount (remaining debt) outstanding at the time of the calculation in accordance with this Agreement, and, if need be, not yet paid-out partial amounts,
the owed interest and all other owed amounts that are owed to the Bank at the time of the calculation less the amounts available in the locked reserve account in accordance with Clause 9.3,
Paragraph 2.
The authoritative market value as of 3 December 2014 is a total of € 32,422,000.00. It consists of the market values of the Mortgage Properties.
Page 19
The Bank can have the current market and collateral value of the Mortgage Properties
•
•
calculated at intervals of two years, for the first time on 30 September 2016, at the cost of the Borrower and also
at any time at its own cost,
by an independent appraiser hired by the Bank, e.g. VR Wert Gesellschaft für Immobilienbewertung mbH. The calculation of the market value is based on the respectively valid German Valuation
Regulation (BelWertV) or the German Valuation Guidelines (WertR).
The Bank must be notified immediately in the case of a breach or in the event of matters and circumstances that would endanger compliance.
The Borrower and the Bank are in agreement that an elevated risk analysis of the claims against the Borrower is justified in the case of a breach of the aforesaid agreed requirements. In this
case, the Bank is authorised to pursue the legal consequences described in Clause 9.3.
9.3 Legal consequences of a breach of covenants
Breach of DSCR covenant (hard default) and/or LTV covenant
If the DSCR falls below 110% or the LTV exceeds 70% or 65% as of 1 March 2018, the Borrower is obligated to make a special repayment immediately, but no later than 4 (four) weeks after
discovery if the breach has not been corrected by this time. The special repayment shall be made on the loan in an amount such that the loan and the attributable calculated capital servicing is
reduced so that a DSCR of 130% is not exceeded or an LTV of 70% to 65% is not exceeded.
Breach of DSCR covenant (soft default)
If a DSCR of 130% is breached, the Borrower must immediately ensure that the surpluses from the income generated with the Mortgage Properties – after paying the current operating
costs/administrative costs and the due payments owed to the Bank in accordance with this Loan Agreement – shall be transferred on the 30th of a month to a reserve account pledged to the
Bank and locked with respect to the disposal of the Borrower.
It shall be necessary to provide the Bank with all the bank statements of the rental payment account as of the 30th of the month and a list of the income and expenses (operating
costs/administrative costs) in the respective month and possibly additional information within 10 bank workdays in order to prove these surpluses.
The saved amounts shall be used to repay the loan on the next possible interest payment date as soon as the DSCR covenant has not been observed on two successive test dates or released
within 5 bank workdays if the DSCR covenant is observed on two successive interest payment dates. Upon request by the Borrower, the pledged amounts may also be used for the repayment on
the interest payment deadline.
Any form of distribution or payment to the shareholders is not permitted during the length of a breach of financial covenants.
Page 20
General information
The other rules in Sections 13 to 19 of the General Terms and Conditions (AGB) and Section 4 of the General Loan Terms and Conditions remain unaffected hereby.
The Borrower shall assume all the damage, including the incurred prepayment penalty (Clause 5.5 and 5.6), which arises for the Bank in this connection.
10. Payout requirements and conditions
The loan can only be used after the Bank has provided the collateral described under Clause 7 and has met the following requirements:
Contract and legitimation
- Legally binding, signed Loan Agreement
- Legally binding, signed signature test page with proof of the legitimation of the Borrower and the authorised undersigner
- Presentation of a copy of the Articles of Association and the by-laws of the Borrower and its personally liable shareholder in the version last submitted to the trade register
- Presentation of a current (not older than 14 days) excerpt from the trade register of the Borrower and its personally liable shareholder
- Presentation of a signed organisational chart with information about the shareholdings
- Presentation of the respective payment order (in accordance with the sample from the Bank)
- Presentation of the legally binding, signed direct debit authorisation
(in accordance with sample provided by the Bank)
- Payment notification by Notary with respect to the purchase price
- Payment of the processing fee and the appraisal fee
- Presentation of proof of advanced contribution of equity in the amount of EUR 11,550,000.00 in a form considered suitable by the Bank
- Compliance with the money laundering requirements
- Completion of an adequate interest rate hedge in accordance with Clause 5.1.1
- Guarantee mandate for the conclusion of the interest rate hedge with DZ Bank AG (according to the Bank's template)
Mortgages
- Enforceable copies of the 26 mortgage assignment deeds with respect to the mortgages for a total of EUR 25,199,800.00 and presentation of the abstract acknowledgement of debt in the amount
of EUR 21,000,000.00
Page 21
- Simple copies of the 26 mortgage assignment deeds with respect to the mortgages for a total of EUR 25,199,800.00
- Legally binding, signed declaration of purchase for the mortgage (Grundschuldzweckerklärung) with respect to the assigned mortgages
- Certified land register excerpts to prove the correct ranking of the mortgage entries, alternatively a notary confirmation initially approved by the Bank
Rental property/securities
- The lease agreements along with all the addenda and, if need be, existing lease guarantees with the corresponding proof of representation of the tenant/landlord, which will be or was concluded
with the tenants (Edeka Handelsgesellschaft Südbayern mbH und Buchbauer GmbH), must be submitted to the Bank or sent to it for inspection.
- Legally binding, signed assignment of the rental claim from all the lease agreements concluded or still to be concluded with respect to the Mortgage Property
- Legally binding, signed pledge declaration with respect to the rental account
- Presentation of building insurance proof, which is sufficient according to the Bank's interpretation, along with real right confirmation (the real right confirmation is not a requirement for the
payout) of the respective insurer (required scope of coverage: fire, drinking water, sprinkler leakage, storm, hail and other risks from the elements, and explosion damage, as well as rental defaults
for at least 24 months and sufficient liability insurance)
- Confirmation of the payment of the insurance premium for the current year.
- Annual financial statements of the tenants for financial year 2013 (if possible)
Other collateral
- Legally binding signed statement of subordination for the planned shareholder loans (according to the Bank’s template) and presentation of the loan agreements for the shareholder loans. The
maturity of the shareholder loan must be after the date of the final maturity of the financing loan.
- Presentation of a legal opinion (expanded capacity opinion), issued to the Bank and satisfactory for the Bank, of a local and practicing law firm in the applicable legal field, engaged by the
Borrower, at the cost of the Borrower, and coordinated with the Bank, for the statement of subordination and the loan maintenance agreement (including confirmation that the declaration of
subordination and loan maintenance declaration and compliance with the planned obligations do not breach mandatory law (the “ordre public”) and are covered by company documents and any
required resolutions adopted by shareholders and/or managing directors).
- Legally binding, signed declaration of assignment with respect to the claims against the buyer/s from all already concluded or future purchase agreements related to the Mortgage Properties
- Legally binding, signed declaration of assignment with respect to rights and claims from the interest hedge concluded with DZ BANK AG in accordance with Clause 5.1.1.
Page 22
- Legally binding, signed declaration of assignment for the rights and claims from the building insurance (according to the template provided by the Bank) for the risks related to fire, drinking
water, sprinkler leakage, storm, hail, flooding and other hazards from the elements, as well as explosion damage at the reinstatement value, and for a loss of rent for at least 24 months.
Contractual basis of property
- Presentation of the notary-certified property purchase agreement, including all the appendices and the purchase deed that form the basis of the Mortgage Properties
- Final market value and collateral appraisals by VR Wert, except for the Lenggries and Chamerau properties
- A complete tenant list, together with information about the rent collateral, rent arrears and lease terminations as well as proof that the current rental income totals at least EUR 2,986,438.00 p.a.
- Complete property documents (construction permits, specifications, construction plans, surface calculations)
- Presentation of the official hallway maps and layout plans
- Copy of the leasehold estate agreement with all addenda for the Chamerau property and presentation of the approval of 8 June 2000, Deed no. 116-L; the Bank reserves the right to check and
make additional requirements
- Presentation of a copy of the notary-certified declaration of division with the related appendices and division plan as well as the certificate of completion from the building authorities for the
property in Ingolstadt
- Legal due diligence that shows no loan-preventing discoveries
Credit rating
- Opening balance sheet of GmbH & Co. KG and the general partner
10.2 Conditions for the granting of mortgage loan conditions
The additional interest stipulated in Clause 5.1.2 shall not apply to the respective loan amount if the collateral for the respective Mortgage Property described in Section 7 has been provided to
the Bank and the conditions in accordance with Clause 8.2 and 8.3 and the following requirements are met:
- Correct entry of rank for the mortgages in accordance with Section 7 and proof of the conveyance of ownership for the Borrower
- Presentation of the final appraisals by VR WERT GmbH for the Mortgage Properties
- Presentation of sufficient building insurance proof for the Mortgage Properties and confirmation of the in rem registration (Realrechtsanmeldung) and proof of the premium payment
Page 23
In order to keep the Bank’s expenditure of time reasonable, the proof of compliance with the aforementioned requirements shall take place in blocks. More than three submissions of proof in
blocks are not planned. For each additional case of proof, a fee of € 500.00 shall be charged and will first fall due at the end of the respectively valid interest period.
10.3 Disclosure and notification duty
The Borrower shall be obligated to disclose its economic situation to the Bank.
The Borrower shall provide the following documents for this annually, but no later than by a deadline of 9 (nine) months after the reporting deadline:
- Its audited financial statements along with the notes to the financial statements and a possible management report
- The annual financial statements or supplementary documents from equity investment companies or other companies that may have a significant impact on the economic situation of the
Borrower (including the situation of the general partner), according to the Bank's opinion
- Annual financial statements of the tenants (if possible)
Annually, no later than on 15 September:
- A uncertified, current trade register excerpt and a current list of shareholders at limited liability companies
- Presentation of the equity investment structure of the Borrower based on a list of shareholders or partners or a current organisational chart
- Addenda to the existing lease agreements and new lease agreements with respect to the Mortgage Properties
- Building insurance proof from the respective insurance companies, including proof of the payment of insurance premiums (required scope of coverage: fire, drinking water, sprinkler leakage,
storm, hail and other hazards from the elements, and explosion damage, as well as rental defaults for at least 24 months and sufficient liability insurance)
- Legitimation documentation of companies that hold an equity investment above 25% (above 10% in the case of a US company with an equity investment), to the satisfaction of the Bank
Semi-annually, no later than 21 days after the deadlines of 30 June and 31 December
A signed tenant list for the Mortgage Properties in Excel format (incl. disclosure of the names of the tenants, space, rent/lease payments and term; change in operating and administrative costs,
particularly the recoverable and non-recoverable administrative costs, possibly existing payment arrears, including the reasons for this if they are known; outstanding enforced or announced
offsetting against the rent/lease payments or enforced or announced rent/lease payment reductions, including the reasons for this, if known; other events or circumstances in regard to the
Mortgage Property, which could significantly and disadvantageously influence the value of the Mortgage Property; possibly forthcoming repair/maintenance work). The Bank also has the right
to inspect the originals at any time.
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- Signed "DSCR-compliance" certificate (including calculation of the DSCR covenants in accordance with the provisions in Clause 9.1 and the presentation of corresponding calculation proof)
The Borrower must confirm that all the information is correct and complete.
The Borrower shall provide the Bank with additional information immediately if a reasonable request is made in writing or ensure that additional information is provided to the Bank immediately.
The Bank and its hired representatives are authorised to inspect at any time the property during normal business hours after reasonable notification of 3 workdays in advance. The Bank must
give consideration to the legitimate interests of the tenants in an inspection.
Furthermore, the Borrower shall provide the Bank with the following documents
upon request:
- excerpts from the Registry of Public Land Charges
- excerpts from the Registry of Contaminated Sites
- current excerpts from the Land Register
10.4 Change of control
The Bank assumes the shareholder structure outlined in Appendix 6 to this Loan Agreement.
The economic reputation of the Borrower and the shareholders behind him as well as the confidence in the qualification of its management are significant factors for a positive risk assessment of
the entire financing project and thus significant conditions for the awarding of credit from the Bank's point of view. Since a change in one of the previously-described factors will result in a
significant deterioration of risk with respect to the loan, justify a (partial) risk of default or have bank regulatory consequences, the following is stipulated:
In the event of an intended change in the ownership structure of the Borrower, the Bank must be notified immediately and before such a change.
"Control" means that a person or a group of people that act jointly, hold directly or indirectly 50% or more of the shares (does not include business shares that come with no voting
rights or do not provide any right to the distribution of profits/capital beyond a certain amount) and/or voting rights, or has the ability to determine the majority of the members of
Management. Furthermore, a company shall be viewed as directly or indirectly controlled by a person if the company is included in the consolidated financial statements of this person
in accordance with the recognised rules of accounting under the applicable law. Joint action takes place when natural or legal persons coordinate their behaviour on the basis of an
agreement or another basis.
In such a case, it is necessary to seek an agreement on the continuation of the loan with the possibly amended conditions, e.g. with regard to interest, collateral or other agreements, prior to such
circumstances. Negotiations must be started within a week of notification. If an agreement cannot be reached after another 4 weeks and prior to implementation of the intended changes in the
articles of association, and the change is then completed nonetheless, the Bank is authorised to give notice of extraordinary termination of the Loan Agreement, unless the change does not
entail any alteration in the financing risk position for the Bank, according to the Bank's interpretation.
The other provisions in Sections 13 to 19 of the General Terms and Conditions (AGB) and Section 4 of the General Loan Terms and Conditions remain unaffected hereby.
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10.5 Shareholder loan
The Borrower’s acceptance of shareholder loans is only permitted upon prior consent in writing by the Bank and under the condition that a statement of subordination and a stillstand agreement
are concluded with the Bank in a form that is satisfactory to the Bank.
11. Syndication clause
The Bank is authorised to syndicate or transfer parts or the entire financing with or to other banks at its own cost.
12. Accuracy and completeness of the information
All the documents provided directly and indirectly by the Borrower to the Bank and the notifications issued (also if this comes from a due diligence audit) must be based on current information
that is judged to be correct and complete after a careful review. The transferred documents and issued information must take into account all the circumstances that are of major significance for
the decision to award credit on the basis of trust and faith in a commercial assessment of risk. This applies in particular to all documents in regard to the existing rental and lease agreements.
13. Paying agent clause
All payments on the basis of this loan agreement must be made by the Borrower cost-free, on time and free of any offsetting, right of retention or deposit of security, to the business premises of
the Bank or to a place designated by it.
14. Supplementary contractual conditions
The other loan conditions result from the General Loan Terms and Conditions of the Bank in the version dated June 2014 and appended as a significant part of this Agreement.
The General Terms and Conditions of the Bank, which are contained in the appendix and are valid for the conclusion of this Loan Agreement, shall also apply to the loan.
By undersigning this Agreement, the Borrower confirms that it has received a copy of the General Loan Terms and Conditions and the General Terms and Conditions.
The conditions of this Loan Agreement shall take precedence over the General Loan Terms and Conditions and the General Terms and Conditions of the Bank, if there are contradictory
provisions in an individual case.
If it does not involve damage compensation claims, the Bank's claims arising from this Loan Agreement shall expire after 5 years. The deadline shall begin at the end of the year in which the claim
fell due.
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15. Data protection
The personal data required in connection with the processing of the loan may be saved, processed and shared between the banks involved in the financing in compliance with the German Data
Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz).
16. Cooperation duties of the customer in accordance with the German Money Laundering Act
The Borrower has been identified in accordance with the German Money Laundering Act. The information on the economic beneficiary has been provided. The Borrower recognises the
obligation to provide the required information and documents for identification and clarification of the economic beneficiary and to report changes.
17. Email clause and written form
The Borrower and the Bank agree that communication is permitted for purely informational purposes between each other and with third parties that were or will be engaged by them and are or will
be involved in the financing, for example, as part of consortium, by email or comparable internet-based communication forms without special encryption and without electronic signature,
irrespective of the information in question. The Borrower and the Bank are aware that the security of the data transfer by email or comparable internet-based communication forms cannot be
ensured.
If one of the parties does not wish for the aforesaid communications form in total or with regard to individual information for security reasons, it shall notify the other party thereof in due time so
that either communication can take place in encrypted form, if this is technically possible and practicable, or the communication will be sent by another means (fax, phone, post).
Amendments and supplements to this Agreement are only effective in writing. The same applies to the waiving of this requirement. Ancillary agreements were not made. Declarations in
electronic form or text form do not meet the written form requirement.
18. Severability clause
If one of the aforementioned provisions is invalid or cannot be enforced in full or in part, this agreement shall not be otherwise affected thereby. The parties shall replace the partially or fully
invalid or unenforceable provisions with a valid or enforceable provision that comes closest economically to the invalid or unenforceable provision. This applies accordingly if it is subsequently
discovered that this agreement contains loopholes.
19. Agreement on place of jurisdiction
Place of jurisdiction is Hamburg, if permitted by law. Law in the Federal Republic of Germany shall apply to this Agreement.
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20. Validity
Sending one signed copy of the Loan Agreement until the 15.05.2015 by fax shall be in compliance with the deadline if it is sent immediately by post thereafter. This Loan Agreement shall take
effect when a copy of the Agreement has been signed by all the Borrowers and returned to the Bank. If we receive the contract offer with a delay or changed conditions, we are able to decline the
contract.
Munich,11.05.2015
/s/ Amir Philips
/s/ Alex Hilman
Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co KG
Hamburg, 19.05.2015
/s/ Mike van Wanrooy
/s/ Petra Brumshagen
Deutsche Genossenschafts-
Hypothekenbank Aktiengesellschaft
Page 28
LOAN AGREEMENT OF 4 MAY 2015 OVER EUR
21,000,000.00 – FIRST AMENDMENT
Exhibit 4.15
Contract number: 3226027500
between
Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co KG
c/o McCafferty, Maximilianstraße 47, 80538 Munich, Germany
(hereinafter referred to as the "Borrower")
and
Deutsche Genossenschafts-Hypothekenbank Aktiengesellschaft
Sales tax ID no.: DE811141281
Postal address: Rosenstraße 2, 20095 Hamburg
(hereinafter referred to as the "Bank")
Preamble
The bank, in a loan agreement of 4 May 2015, has granted the Borrower a credit in the amount of EUR 21,000,000.00 in order to obtain a portfolio of 27 retail properties, of which EUR 20,000,000.00
have been disbursed. Point 3 Purpose designates a total expenditure of EUR 32,555,000.00. This amount has been reduced by EUR 1,000,000.00 due to a lower purchase price.
1. Disbursement of remaining credit of EUR 1,000,000.00
1.1.
It was agreed in 8.4 Expansion at Mortgage Property Lenggries that a partial credit in the amount of EUR 600,000.00 must be repaid prematurely by 30 December 2016, if the
stipulations regarding the extension are not fulfilled by 30 September 2016.
It is agreed instead that EUR 525,884.00 will be disbursed as part of the loan amount not yet valued if the stipulations are fulfilled by 31 December 2017. If the stipulations are not
fulfilled by 31 December 2017, the loan is reduced by EUR 525,884.00, this partial amount will not be disbursed and a further partial amount of EUR 74,116.00 must be repaid
prematurely by 31 December 2017.
1.2.
It was agreed under 8.5 Leasehold estate for Mortgage Property Chamerau that a partial credit in the amount of EUR 474,116.00 must be repaid prematurely, if an extension of the
leasehold and a declaration of the leasehold owner has not occurred or been proved by 30 June 2016.
It is agreed instead that a partial amount of EUR 474,116.00 of the loan not yet valued will be disbursed if the stipulations according to 8.5 are fulfilled by 30 June 2016. If the
stipulations are not fulfilled by 30 June 2016, this partial amount is cancelled and will no longer be disbursed.
All other terms of the loan agreement of 04 May 2015 remain unchanged. This amendment is subject to German law. All disputes from this amendment are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts
of Hamburg. The Bank reserves the right to sue the Borrower at his registered office. This amendment becomes effective if a copy signed by all Borrowers is presented to the Bank by 1 December
2015.
/s/ Amir Philips
/s/ Alex Hilman
Optibase Bavaria GmbH & Co KG
/s/ Joachim Gielens
/s/ Petra Brumshagen
Deutsche Genossenschafts-
Hypothekenbank Aktiengesellschaft
CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
Exhibit 4.16
THIS CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 28 day of December, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), by and among 300 RIVER
HOLDINGS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), 300 RIVER PLAZA ONE LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Mizrachi Member”), but solely with respect
to Sections 1.3, 1.5, 3, 4.6, 7.1(ii), 7.1(iv), 7.1(ix), 7.1(x), 8.1(i), 8.1(ii), 8.1(iv), 8.2, 12.2-12.7, 13.1, 14, 16.2(vii), 19 and 23, WKEM RIVERSIDE MEMBER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the
“Werner Member” and together with the Mizrachi Member, each sometimes individually referred to herein as a “Member” and collectively, the “Members”), but solely with respect to Sections
1.2, 3, 4.6, 7.1(i), 7.1(iii), 7.1(iv), 8.1(i), 8.1(iv), 8.2, 12.2-12.7, 13.1, 14, 16.2(vii), 19 and 23, and OPTIBASE CHICAGO 300 LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Investor”).
A. The Company is the sole member of South Riverside Building LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Leasehold Owner”).
RECITALS:
B. The Leasehold Owner is the ground lessee under that certain Amended and Restated Ground Lease, dated as of February 10, 2015, by and between Lionshead 110
Riverside LLC and Lionshead 53 Riverside LLC (collectively, the “Fee Owner”), each a Delaware limited liability company, as Lessor, and the Leasehold Owner, as Lessee (the “Ground Lease”)
for a leasehold interest (the “Property”) in the that certain fee above a plane located at 300 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, and more particularly described on Exhibit A attached hereto.
the terms of an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company (the “LLC Agreement”).
C. Pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Company desires to admit the Investor as a member of the Company pursuant to the terms hereof and in accordance with
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties hereby
acknowledge, the Company and Investor hereby agree as follows:
SECTION 1.
INVESTMENT IN COMPANY
1.1 On the Closing Date (as defined in Section 6), the Investor shall (a) make a capital contribution to the Company in an amount equal to Twelve Million Nine Hundred
Thousand Dollars ($12,900,000.00), (the “Investor Capital Contribution”), and (b) be admitted to the Company, following which the Investor shall hold 30% of the membership interests in the
Company (the “Investor Interests”). The Capital Contribution shall be paid in cash at Closing (as defined in Section 6) by release of the Deposit (as defined in Section 2.1) from escrow, and the
balance by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in each case, to an account of the Company, as designated by the Company.
1.2 Concurrently with the Closing, the Werner Member shall contribute and assign to the Company 100% of its outstanding membership interests in the Company
(collectively, the “Werner Interest”) in consideration for: (i) payment by the Company to Werner Member of Nine Million Dollars ($9,000,000.00) (the “Werner Payment”); and (ii) issuance of a
Promissory Note (the “Werner Note”) to the Werner Member in the original principal amount of Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000.00), which Werner Note shall be in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit C.
1.3 At Closing, the Mizrachi Member, which as of the date hereof, is the holder of seventy percent (70%) membership interest in and to the Company (the “Mizrachi
Interest”), shall be credited with a capital contribution to the Company in the amount of Thirty Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($30,100,000.00) consisting of a deemed capital
contribution of Twenty-Eight Million Dollars ($28,000,000.00) and a cash capital contribution of Two Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,100,000.00) (the “Mizrachi Capital
Contribution”). Additionally, at Closing, the Company shall issue a promissory note (the “Mizrachi Note”) to the Mizrachi Member in the amount of $42,000,000.00, which Mizrachi Note shall be
in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.
1.4 Reserved.
1.5 At Closing, the Mizrachi Member and Investor shall enter into the LLC Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B.
1.6 The transactions contemplated by this Section 1 are hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Transactions”).
1.7 The parties hereto agree that, for income tax purposes, the Werner Note and the Mizrachi Note will be treated as preferred equity in the Company (and not as
indebtedness to the Company) and, accordingly, notwithstanding anything herein or in the LLC Agreement to the contrary, (i) the issuance of the Werner Note and the Mizrachi Note will not be
treated as a distribution for income tax purposes and (ii) the Werner Member will continue to be a member of the Company for income tax purposes. The parties hereto further agree that the
steps described in Section 1 of this Agreement shall be characterized as follows for income tax purposes:
percentage interest in the Company immediately prior to the Closing Transactions;
(i) the Mizrachi Interest is bifurcated into (A) a preferred equity interest (represented by the Mizrachi Note) and (B) a common equity interest equal to its
percentage interest in the Company immediately prior to the Closing Transactions;
(ii) the Werner Interest is bifurcated into (A) a preferred equity interest (represented by the Werner Note) and (B) a common equity interest equal to its
(iii) the Investor purchases a 30% common equity interest in the Company from the Werner Member in exchange for the Werner Payment;
(iv) Reserved;
(v) the Mizrachi Member contributes to the Company the Mizrachi Capital Contribution, as a contribution under Section 721 of the Code; and
2
Additional Werner Payment), as a contribution under Section 721 of the Code.
(vi) the Investor contributes to the Company the excess of (A) the Investor Capital Contribution over (B) the amount of the Werner Payment (excluding any
property on the Company's books under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f).
1.8 The parties hereto agree that the forgoing steps will not cause the Company to adjust the capital accounts of its members to reflect a revaluation of partnership
SECTION 2. DEPOSIT
2.1 On the Effective Date, the Investor shall deliver to Madison Title Agency, LLC (the “Escrow Agent”), in escrow, cash in the amount of $5,000,000.00 by wire transfer of
immediately available funds pursuant to Escrow Agent’s wire instructions set forth on Exhibit 2.1 annexed hereto and made a part hereof (such amount, with any interest accrued thereon, shall
be referred to and constitute the “Deposit” for all purposes of this Agreement).
2.2 The Deposit shall be held by the Escrow Agent in a separate, interest-bearing account with a federally insured commercial bank or other financial institution with a
branch in New York City mutually acceptable to the Investor and Company, as security for the Investor's performance of its obligations under the provisions of this Agreement. Subject to the
provisions of Section 10, the portion of the Deposit constituting the Non-Refundable Deposit (hereinafter defined) shall be non-refundable to the Investor except as expressly provided in this
Agreement.
2.3 At Closing, the Deposit shall be paid to Company and shall be credited as partial payment of the Investor Capital Contribution.
SECTION 3. DILIGENCE MATERIALS
the Company to Investor. The provisions of this Section 3.1 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
3.1 In the event this Agreement is terminated pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Investor shall deliver to Company all records and documents provided by
3.2 The Company and the Members make no representations or warranties as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of any materials, data or other information supplied to
the Investor in connection with Investor’s review of the Property’s records and inspection of the Property (e.g., that such materials are complete, accurate or the final version thereof, or that all
such materials are in the Company’s or Members’ possession) except for the representations set forth in Section 12. It is the parties’ express understanding and agreement that such materials are
provided for the Investor’s convenience in making its own examination and determination concerning the Property and its investment in the Company, in doing so, the Investor has relied and
will rely exclusively on its own independent investigation and evaluation of every aspect of the Property and not on any materials supplied by the Company or the Members or their respective
affiliates except as set forth in Section 12. The Investor expressly disclaims any intent to rely on any such materials provided to it by the Company, the Members or their respective affiliates in
connection with its inspection and agrees that it shall rely solely on its own independently developed or verified information except as set forth in Section 12.
3
SECTION 4. CONDITION OF TITLE.
4.1 At Closing, the Leasehold Owner shall hold title to the Property subject only to the following matters (collectively, the “Permitted Exceptions”):
December 22, 2015 under Title No. MTAIL-107553 (the “Title Commitment”);
(i) the matters set forth in Schedule B of that certain Commitment for Title Insurance issued by Stewart Title Guaranty Company (the “Title Insurer”) on
(ii) any and all violations of law, rules, regulations, ordinances, orders or requirements noted in or issued by any Federal, state, county, municipal or other
department or governmental agency (each a “Governmental Authority” and collectively “Governmental Authorities”) having jurisdiction against or affecting the Property whenever noted or
issued (collectively, “Violations”) and any conditions which could give rise to any Violations;
jurisdiction with respect to the Property, including, without limitation, landmark designations and all zoning variances and special exceptions, if any;
(iii) all present and future zoning, building, environmental and other laws, ordinances, codes, restrictions and regulations of all Governmental Authorities having
adjustment as calculated in accordance with Section 14.4 hereof;
(iv) all presently existing and future liens for unpaid real estate taxes and water and sewer charges not due and payable as of the date of the Closing, subject to
(v) all covenants, restrictions and rights and all easements and agreements for the erection and/or maintenance of water, gas, steam, electric, telephone, sewer
or other utility pipelines, poles, wires, conduits or other like facilities, and appurtenances thereto, over, across and under the Property which are either (a) presently existing or (b) granted to a
public utility in the ordinary course, provided that, solely with respect to this clause (b), the same shall not have a material adverse effect on the use of the Property for its current use;
(vi) state of facts shown on or by survey entitled “South Riverside Project, B&C Project No. 201403259-001” (the “Survey”), and any additional facts which
would be shown on or by an accurate current survey of the Property (collectively, “Facts”), provided that, solely with respect to such additional Facts, the same shall not have a material adverse
effect on the use of the Property for its current use;
(vii) encroachments and/or projections of stoop areas, roof cornices, window trims, vent pipes, cellar doors, steps, columns and column bases, flue pipes, signs,
piers, lintels, window sills, fire escapes, satellite dishes, protective netting, sidewalk sheds, ledges, fences, coping walls (including retaining walls and yard walls), air conditioners and the like, if
any, on, under or above any street or highway, the improvements, or any adjoining property, provided that the same are shown on the Survey and shall not have a material adverse effect on the
use of the Property for its current use;
4
(viii) consents by any former owner of the Property for the erection of any structure or structures on, under or above any street or streets on which the Property
may abut, if any;
(ix) variations between tax lot lines and lines or record title;
(x) standard exclusions from coverage contained in the form of title policy or “marked-up” title commitment employed by the Title Insurer;
(xi) any financing statements, chattel mortgages, encumbrances or mechanics’ or other liens entered into by, or arising from, any financing statements filed on a
day more than five (5) years prior to the Closing and any financing statements, chattel mortgages, encumbrances or mechanics’ or other liens filed against property no longer contained in the
Property;
(xii) the Ground Lease;
(xiii) any lien or encumbrance arising out of the acts or omissions of the Investor; and
(xiv) any other matter which, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, is expressly deemed a Permitted Exception.
4.2 The Investor acknowledges receipt of the Title Commitment. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Company shall have no obligation to
remove any exception to title. Investor unconditionally waives any right to object to any matters set forth in the Title Commitment, and all such exceptions and other matters disclosed therein
shall be deemed Permitted Exceptions. If exceptions to title (each, an “Update Exception”) appear on any update or continuation of the Commitment (each a “Continuation”) which are not
Permitted Exceptions, Investor shall notify the Company of any objection it has to any of the Update Exceptions (the “Title Objections”) within the earlier of five (5) business days after Investor
receives such Continuation and the last business day prior to the Closing Date, time being of the essence (the “Update Objection Period”). If the Investor fails to deliver such objection notice
within such Update Objection Period, Investor shall be deemed to have waived its right to object to any Update Exceptions (and the same shall not constitute Title Objections, but shall instead
be deemed Permitted Exceptions). If the Investor shall deliver such objection notice within the Update Objection Period, any Update Exceptions which are not objected to in such notice shall not
constitute Title Objections, but shall be Permitted Exceptions. If the Company is unable, or elects not to attempt, in its sole discretion, to eliminate any Title Objections, or if the Investor elects to
attempt to eliminate any Title Objections but is unable to do so or thereafter decides not to eliminate the same, Company shall so notify the Investor and, within five (5) business days after
receipt of such notice from Company, the Investor shall elect either (i) to terminate this Agreement by notice given to Company (time being of the essence with respect to Investor’s notice), in
which event the provisions of Section 11 of this Agreement shall apply, or (ii) to acquire an interest in the Company subject to any such Title Objections, without any abatement of the Investor
Capital Contribution, and such Title Objections shall be deemed Permitted Exceptions. If the Investor shall fail to notify the Company of such election within such five (5) business day period,
time being of the essence, the Investor shall be deemed to have elected clause (ii) above with the same force and effect as if the Investor had elected clause (ii) within such five (5) business day
period.
5
4.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4, the Company shall be required to remove any Title Objections (i) which were created, consented to or
affirmatively permitted by the Company, Leasehold Owner or their respective affiliates in writing after the Effective Date (other than with the approval of the Investor, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and (ii) which are not covered by sub-clause (i) above and can be satisfied and discharged of record by the payment of a liquidated sum not in
excess of Three Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($300,000.00) in the aggregate for all Title Objections; provided, however, the obligations set forth in sub-clauses (i) and (ii) above shall
not be deemed to apply to any Title Objections caused by the acts or omissions of the Fee Owner or any Title Objections, the removal of which, are Fee Owner’s obligation under the Ground
Lease. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company, at its option in lieu of satisfying any Title Objections, may deposit with Title Insurer such amount of money and provide such
documentation, affidavits and indemnities as may be reasonably determined by Title Insurer as being sufficient to induce it to insure the Investor against collection of such liens and/or
encumbrances, including interest and penalties, out of or against the Property, in which event such Title Objections shall be deemed Permitted Exceptions.
4.4 Deleted.
4.5 Deleted.
4.6 The Investor and the Members shall each pay fifty percent (50%) of the costs of examination of title and of a “bring down” of title insurance to be issued insuring
Leasehold Owner’s title to the Property to the date of Closing, as well as all other title charges, bring-to-date fees, endorsements (including the cost of a non-imputation endorsement), survey
fees, recording charges (other than to remove of record or satisfy exceptions to title which are not Permitted Exceptions) and any and all other title and survey costs or expenses incurred by or on
behalf of the Investor incident to the Closing or in connection therewith.
4.7 The Company shall have no obligation to cure or remove any Violations.
SECTION 5. RESERVED.
SECTION 6. CLOSING
6.1 The “Closing” shall mean the consummation of each of the actions set forth in Section 7 of this Agreement, or the waiver of such action by the party in whose favor
such action is intended, and the satisfaction of each condition precedent to the Closing set forth in Section 8 and elsewhere in this Agreement, or the waiver of such condition precedent by the
party intended to be benefited thereby. The Closing shall take place commencing at 10:00 a.m., with the Investor Capital Contribution and Mizrachi Capital Contribution received no later than
5:00 p.m. (New York time), (i) at the offices of Company’s counsel, Roberts & Holland LLP, Worldwide Plaza, 825 Eighth Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, New York 10019, or (ii) at the Investor’s
request, through escrow arrangements with the Escrow Agent reasonably satisfactory to the Company, or (iii) at such other place which the parties shall mutually agree, on a date no later than
December [__], 2015 (the “Outside Closing Date”) TIME BEING OF THE ESSENCE with respect to the Investor’s obligation to consummate the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. The actual date of the Closing is hereinafter referred to as the “Closing Date”.
6
SECTION 7. CLOSING DELIVERIES
7.1 At Closing, the Company, Werner Member and Mizrachi Member shall deliver the following, executed and acknowledged as applicable:
(i) A Contribution and Assignment of Membership Interest in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 7.1(i) assigning 100% of the Werner Member’s membership
interests in and to the Company to the Company;
(ii) The LLC Agreement, executed by the Mizrachi Member;
Member;
(iii) A certification of nonforeign status, in form required by Internal Revenue Code Section 1445 and the regulations issued thereunder, executed by the Werner
(iv) Evidence of authority, good standing (if applicable) and due authorization of the Company and the Members, as applicable, to enter into the within
transaction and to perform all of their respective obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of all of the closing documents required by this Agreement and
setting forth such additional facts, if any, as may be needed to show that the transaction is duly authorized and is in conformity with their respective organizational documents and applicable
laws;
(v) Certificates of good standing in respect of the Leasehold Owner, Company, Werner Member and Mizrachi Member, dated not more than thirty (30) days
prior to the Closing Date;
and manager. ;
(vi) A true, correct and complete copy of the certificates of formation of the Leasehold Owner, Company, Werner Member and Mizrachi Member;
(vii) A true, correct and complete copy of the Operating Agreement of the Leasehold Owner providing that the Company is the Leasehold Owner's sole member
required by the title insurance company in order to update the existing insurance policy for the Leasehold Interest and to issue a non-imputation endorsement in favor of the Investor;
(viii A title affidavit in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 7.1(vii) and made a part hereof and any other document reasonably or customarily
set out in Section 14 hereof;
(ix) A closing statement (the “Closing Statement”) in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the prorations, credits and other adjustments
7
(x) The Mizrachi Capital Contribution;
(xi) Reserved;
(xii) The Werner Note, executed by the Company;
(xiii) The Mizrachi Note, executed by the Company;
(xiv) An estoppel certificate signed by the ground lessor under the Ground Lease in the form set forth in the Ground Lease;
cost, liability or obligation to the Company or Members.
(xv) Such other documents and materials as are reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, but with no substantial additional
7.2 At the Closing, Investor shall deliver the following to the Company, executed and acknowledged, as applicable:
(i) The balance of the Investor Capital Contribution and all other amounts payable by Investor to the Company at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement and
the LLC Agreement;
(ii) The LLC Agreement, executed by Investor;
(iii) Evidence of authority, good standing (if applicable) and due authorization of Investor to enter into the within transaction and to perform all of its
obligations hereunder, including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of all of the closing documents required by this Agreement, and setting forth such additional facts, if any, as may
be needed to show that the transaction is duly authorized and is in conformity with Investor’s organizational documents and applicable laws;
(iv) Certificate of good standing in respect of Investor, dated not more than thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date;
(v) A true, correct and complete copy of the certificate of formation of Investor; and
(vi) The Closing Statement.
SECTION 8. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING
(the “Investor Closing Conditions”):
8.1 Investor’s obligations under this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent which may be waived in whole or in part by Investor
(i) The Company and Members shall have delivered, on or before the Closing Date, all of the documents and items required to be delivered by the Company and Members
pursuant to Section 7 hereof and the Company and Members shall have performed in all material respects all of their respective obligations hereunder to be performed on or before the Closing
Date, and otherwise be ready, willing and able to close on or by the Closing Date;
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(ii) The Mizrachi Member shall have contributed the Mizrachi Capital Contribution;
(iii) No action, suit or proceeding shall be pending or have been instituted or threatened before any court or quasi-judicial or administrative agency of any federal, state,
provincial, local or foreign jurisdiction or before any arbitrator wherein an unfavorable judgment, decree, injunction, order or ruling would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair
the performance of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, declare unlawful the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or cause such transactions to be
rescinded;
(iv) Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, all of the Company’s and Members’ representations and warranties made in this Agreement shall be true and correct
in all material respects as of the date made and as of the Closing Date as if then made, other than those representations or warranties made as of a specific date, or with reference to previously
dated materials, in which event such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date thereof or as of the date of such materials, as applicable; and
Permitted Exceptions, and as required pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement; and
(v) The Title Insurer is ready, willing and able to issue to the Investor an update to the existing Title Policy (including non-imputation endorsements), subject only to the
in its sole and absolute discretion.
(vi) The Mizrachi Member shall have secured the Additional Loan Instrument on the terms set forth in Section 17.2 and on other terms satisfactory to the Mizrachi Member
If any of the conditions to Investor’s obligations to close under this Agreement are not satisfied on and as of the Closing Date and such failure is not otherwise a result of any
default by the Company or Members under this Agreement (the Investor being afforded the rights under Section 19 hereof in the event of any such default), then the Investor may elect to either:
(a) waive such failure and proceed to Closing or (b) subject to the Company’s right to adjourn the then scheduled Closing Date, terminate this Agreement by written notice to Company, and if
this Agreement is so terminated, Escrow Agent shall deliver the Deposit to Investor and thereafter no party hereto shall have any further rights or obligations to the other under this Agreement,
except rights and obligations hereunder that expressly survive the termination of this Agreement (collectively, the “Surviving Obligations”).
conditions precedent which may be waived in whole or in part by the Company, as applicable (the “Company Closing Conditions”):
8.2 Conditions to Company’s and Members’ Obligations. The Company’s and Members’ obligations under this Agreement are subject to satisfaction of the following
(i) The Investor shall have made the Investor Capital Contribution, as the same may be adjusted pursuant to the terms of Section 14 hereof;
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and the Investor shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations hereunder to be performed on or before the Closing Date;
(ii) The Investor shall have delivered, on or before the Closing Date, all of the documents and items required to be delivered by the Investor pursuant to this Agreement
(iii) The Mizrachi Member shall have secured the Additional Loan Instrument upon terms satisfactory to the Mizrachi Member in its sole and absolute discretion;
material respects as of the Closing Date as if then made; and
(iv) All of Investor’s representations and warranties made in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date made and true and correct in all
(v) No action, suit or proceeding shall be pending or have been instituted or threatened before any court or quasi-judicial or administrative agency of any federal, state,
provincial, local or foreign jurisdiction or before any arbitrator wherein an unfavorable judgment, decree, injunction, order or ruling would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair
the performance of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby, declare unlawful the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or cause such transactions to be
rescinded.
If any of the conditions to the Company’s and Members’ obligations to close under this Agreement are not satisfied on and as of Closing Date and such failure is not otherwise a result
of any default by Investor under this Agreement (the Company being afforded the rights under Section 11 hereof in the event of any such Investor default), then the Company may elect to
either: (a) waive such failure and proceed to Closing or (b) terminate this Agreement by written notice to Investor, and if this Agreement is so terminated, Escrow Agent shall deliver the Deposit
to Investor and thereafter no party hereto shall have any further rights or obligations to the other under this Agreement, except the Surviving Obligations.
SECTION 9. RIGHT OF INSPECTION
9.1 The Investor, from time to time prior to the Closing and during regular business hours, upon at least one (1) Business Days prior written notice to Company, may
inspect the Property, provided that (i) Investor shall not communicate with any employees of the Leasehold Owner or Leasehold Owner’s managers or contractors without, in each instance, the
prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably delayed or withheld, (ii) The Investor shall not communicate with any occupants of the Property without, in each
instance, the prior written consent of the Company, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, (iii) the Investor shall not perform any tests with respect to the Property without the prior
written consent of the Company in each instance, which consent may be withheld in the Company’s sole discretion, and (iv) the Investor shall have no additional rights or remedies under this
Agreement as a result of such inspection(s) or any findings in connection therewith. Without limiting the foregoing, the Investor agrees that its shall not have any so-called “due diligence
period” and that it shall have no right to terminate this Agreement or obtain a reduction of its Investor Capital Contribution obligation as a result of such inspection(s) or any findings in
connection therewith (including, without limitation, relating to the physical condition of the Property, the operation of the Property or otherwise). Any entry upon the Property shall be
performed in a manner that is not disruptive to occupants of the Property, or the normal operation of the Property and shall be subject to the rights of the occupants of the Property. The
Investor shall (i) exercise reasonable care at all times that the Investor shall be present upon the Property, (ii) at the Investor’s expense, observe and comply with all applicable laws and any
conditions imposed by any insurance policy then in effect with respect to the Property to the extent the Investor has previously been informed in writing of such conditions, and (iii) not engage
in any activities which would violate the provisions of any permit or license pertaining to the Property to the extent a copy of such permit or license has previously been provided to, or made
available to, the Investor. The Company shall have the right to have a representative accompany the Investor during any such communication or entry upon the Property.
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9.2 Investor hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Company and its officers, shareholders, partners, members, directors, employees, attorneys and agents
harmless from and against any and all liability, loss, cost, judgment, claim, damage or expense (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses), resulting from or arising
out of the entry upon the Property prior to the Closing by the Investor and its employees, agents, consultants, contractors and advisors. The foregoing indemnification shall survive the Closing
or the termination of this Agreement.
9.3 Deleted.
9.4 Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, neither the Investor nor any representative or agent of the Investor shall contact any Governmental
Authority regarding the Property without the Company’s prior written consent thereto, which may be withheld in the Company’s sole and absolute discretion; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not prohibit the Investor from accessing publicly accessible governmental records and databases from time to time.
SECTION 10. RETURN OF DEPOSIT
10.1 If the Investor Closing Conditions are not satisfied prior to the Outside Closing Date, or if, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Investor is entitled to
and elects to terminate this Agreement, subject to Section 19 of this Agreement, then this Agreement shall terminate and no party to this Agreement shall have any further rights or obligations
hereunder, except that Escrow Agent shall deliver the Deposit to the Investor and thereafter neither party to this Agreement shall thereafter have any further right or obligation hereunder, except
for the Surviving Obligations.
10.2 If the Company Closing Conditions are not satisfied prior to the Outside Closing Date, or if, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Company is entitled to
and elects to terminate this Agreement, subject to Section 11 of this Agreement, then this Agreement shall terminate and no party to this Agreement shall have any further rights or obligations
hereunder, except that Escrow Agent shall deliver the Deposit to the Investor and thereafter neither party to this Agreement shall thereafter have any further right or obligation hereunder, except
for the Surviving Obligations.
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SECTION 11.
INVESTOR DEFAULT
11.1 If (i) the Investor shall default in its obligation to pay the balance of the Investor Capital Contribution or shall default in the performance of any of its other material
obligations to be performed on the Closing Date, or (ii) Investor shall default in the performance of any of its other material obligations to be performed prior to the Closing Date and, with respect
to any default under clause (ii) only, such default shall continue for five (5) Business Days after written notice to the Investor, the parties hereto agree that the Company’s sole remedy shall be to
terminate this Agreement, in which event Escrow Agent shall deliver the One Million Two Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($1,290,000) of the Deposit (the “Non-Refundable Deposit”) to
Company as liquidated damages, it being expressly understood and agreed that in the event of Investor’s default, the Company’s damages would be impossible to ascertain and that the Deposit
constitutes a fair and reasonable amount of compensation in such event, and shall deliver the remaining balance of the Deposit to the Investor. Upon such termination, neither party to this
Agreement shall have any further rights or obligations hereunder except that: (a) the Investor shall return to the Company all written material relating to the Property or the transaction
contemplated herein delivered by or on behalf of the Company or Members; (b) Escrow Agent shall deliver the Non-Refundable Deposit to the Company as liquidated damages, it being
expressly understood and agreed that in the event of the Investor’s default, the Company’s damages would be impossible to ascertain and that the Deposit constitutes a fair and reasonable
amount of compensation in such event, except with respect to any breaches of Surviving Obligations (as hereinafter defined);(c) the Surviving Obligations shall survive and continue to bind
Investor and the Company and (d) the Company shall deliver the remaining balance of the Deposit to the Investor.
SECTION 12. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS
12.1 Company hereby represents and warrants to Investor as follows as of the date hereof:
(i) The Leasehold Owner is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware;
(ii) The Company is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware;
(iii) The Company owns 100% of the membership interests and control of the Leasehold Owner;
presently conducted;
(iv) The Leasehold Owner has full limited liability company power and authority to own, lease, and operate under the Ground Lease and to conduct business as
(v) The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the performance by the Company of the Company's obligations under this Agreement
will not violate any judgment, order, injunction, decree, regulation or ruling of any court or any Governmental Authority or conflict with, result in a breach of, or constitute a default under the
organizational documents of the Company or the Leasehold Owner, any note or other evidence of indebtedness, any mortgage, deed of trust or indenture, or any lease or other agreement or
instrument to which the Company or the Leasehold Owner is a party or by which it is bound;
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(vi) The Company has taken all action required (including obtaining any consent, waiver, approval or authorization required) to execute, deliver and perform this
Agreement and to make all of the provisions of this Agreement the valid and enforceable obligations they purport to be and has caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly authorized
person on behalf of each of them, as applicable;
2015 (the “Leasehold Owner LLC Agreement”), is attached to the Agreement as Exhibit 12.1(vii);
(vii) A true, correct and complete copy of the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Leasehold Owner, effective as of December 23,
are no agreements or commitments for future loans, credit or financing to which Company and/or the Leasehold Owner is a party;
(viii) Except for the documents pertaining to the Additional Loan Instrument and the Senior Note and the Junior Notes (as defined in the LLC Agreement), there
Owner, and with respect to the Ground Lease, other than Permitted Exceptions;
(ix) There is no mortgage, encumbrance, pledge or other security interest with respect to the Company's ownership of the membership interests in the Leasehold
(x) The Leasehold Owner, as Ground Lessee under the Ground Lease, has not sent to the Fee Owner or received from the Fee Owner any written notice
specifically alleging an event of default under the Ground Lease which has not been cured nor, to the Company’s knowledge, do their exist a state of facts that would allow the Fee Owner to
lawfully deliver a notice of default under the Ground Lease;
rights are exercisable in connection with the transaction contemplated hereby;
(xi) There are no rights of first offer, purchase options or rights of first refusal affecting the Ground Lease, the Leasehold Owner or the Company, and no such
redemption of all or any portion of the interests in the Leasehold Owner or the Company;
(xii) There are no other Agreements other than this Agreement and the Leasehold Owner LLC Agreement, relating to the issuance delivery, sale, repurchase or
(xiii) (collectively, the “Financial Statements”);
(xiii) To the Company’s knowledge, attached as Exhibit 12.1(xiii) are true and correct copies of the financial statements listed on the cover page of Exhibit 12.1
(xiv) To the Company’s knowledge, the leases described on Exhibit 12.1(xiv) attached hereto (the “Leases”) are the sole occupancy agreements in effect as of the
date hereof with respect to the Property. To the Company’s knowledge, the copies of the Leases in the Data Room prior to the date of this Agreement are true, correct and complete copies of
such Leases. To the Company’s knowledge: (A) except as previously disclosed by the Company, no tenant or occupant under any Lease (a “Tenant”) is more than thirty (30) days in arrears in
the payment of rents under its Lease; (B) no Tenant has paid rent more than thirty (30) days in advance. During the twelve (12) months prior to the date of this Agreement, the Leasehold Owner
has not given to, nor has it received from, any Tenant, any written notice of a default that has not been cured.
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(xv) As of the Closing, neither the Company nor the Leasehold Owner shall have any indebtedness other than as shown on the Financial Statements provided to
Investor and those incurred in the ordinary course since the date of such Financial Statements. The Financial Statements accurately reflect in all material respects the financial condition and the
results of operations of the Company and the Leasehold Owner at the end of and for the periods presented;
(xvi) Company and its subsidiaries have complied with all applicable laws with respect to withholding of taxes;
subject of a pending tax audit or settlement negotiation with applicable taxing authorities and there are no liens for unpaid taxes affecting any assets of Company or any of its subsidiaries;
(xvii) To the Company’s knowledge, all tax returns of Company and the Leasehold Owner have been or will be timely filed and none of such entities are the
(xviii) There currently exist no tax appeals with respect to the Property, the Ground Lease or the Leasehold Owner. All taxes payable with respect to the Ground
Lease and the Leasehold Owner have been timely paid or will be timely paid when due. There are no claims, audits or investigations or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened claims,
audits or investigations, against or with respect to the Leasehold Owner with respect to taxes, and the Company has no knowledge of or notice concerning any existing or proposed special
assessments or similar taxes, charges or assessments against the Property or the Ground Lease or any utility service moratoriums or other moratoriums affecting the Property and/or the Ground
Lease;
(xix) The Company has been treated as a partnership and not as a corporation or association for federal income tax purposes since the date of its formation;
litigation adversely affecting Leasehold Owner, the Property, the Ground Lease, or any permit or license pertaining to the Property and/or the Ground Lease.
(xx) The Company has no knowledge, nor has it received any formal notice, of any threatened or pending condemnation proceeding, legal actions, suits or other
uncured material violation of any federal, state, county or municipal law, ordinance, order, regulation or requirement (including any Permitted Exception) affecting the Property
(xxi) To the knowledge of the Company, Neither the Company nor the Leasehold Owner has received any written notice from any governmental agency of any
Exhibit 12.1(xxii). Such insurance policies are in full force and effect on the date of this Agreement and all premiums due on such insurance policies have been paid.
(xxii) A list of all insurance policies maintained by or on behalf of the Leasehold Owner with respect to the Property and/or the Ground Lease are attached as
(xxiii) The Company has no employees; and
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(xxiv) Neither the Company nor the Leasehold Owner is a debtor in any state or federal insolvency bankruptcy, or receiving proceeding.
(xxv) None of the Company or the Leasehold Owner has filed any petition seeking or acquiescing in any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment,
liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any law relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, nor has any such petition been filed against the Company or the Leasehold Owner; No general
assignment of the Company or the Leasehold Owner's property has been made for the benefit of creditors, and no receiver, master, liquidator or trustee has been appointed for Investor or any of
its property; None of the Company or the Leasehold Owner is insolvent and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall not render any of the Company or the
Leasehold Owner insolvent;
(xxvi) None of (A) the Company (B) Leasehold Owner, (C) any Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by any of them, (D) if any of the Company or
the Leasehold Owner is a privately-held entity, any Person having a beneficial interest in the Company or the Leasehold Owner, as applicable, or (E) any Person for whom the Company or the
Leasehold Owner are acting as agent or nominee in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, is a country, territory, individual or entity named on any OFAC List or a
Person prohibited under the OFAC Programs. “OFAC” means the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. “OFAC List” means any list maintained, from time to time, by
OFAC, which lists countries, territories, Persons and other entities, the engagement of transactions with whom is prohibited by OFAC and/or by Executive Order 13224 (Sept. 24, 2001) “Blocking
Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten
the OFAC website at
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