fs3asr_060313.htm
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 3, 2013
Registration No. 333-

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
———————————————————
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
———————————————————
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.
AND
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP
(Exact Name of Registrants as Specified in their Charter)
———————————————————
Maryland
Delaware
26-0500600
27-1532741
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108
San Diego, California 92122
(858) 677-0900
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrants' Principal Executive Offices)
———————————————————
Stuart A. Tanz
Chief Executive Officer
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108
San Diego, California 92122
(858) 677-0900
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
———————————————————
Copies to:
Jay L. Bernstein, Esq.
Clifford Chance US LLP
31 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
(212) 878-8000
———————————————————
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to public:  From time to time after the effective date of the Registration Statement as determined by market conditions.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [  ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [x]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [  ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [  ]
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. [x]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  [  ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.) is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
[  ]      
Accelerated filer
[x]
Non-accelerated filer
[  ]  
 
 
Smaller reporting company
[  ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
           
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP) is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
[  ]      
Accelerated filer
[  ]
Non-accelerated filer
[x]  
 
 
Smaller reporting company
[  ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
           
 
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of each class of securities to be registered(1)
 
Amount to be registered / Proposed maximum offering price
 per unit / Proposed maximum aggregate offering price
 
Amount of registration fee
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.:
Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Warrants, Right, Debt Securities and Guarantees(4)(5)(6)
 
 
(2)
 
$0(2)(3)
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP:
Debt Securities and Guarantees(6) 
 
 
(2)
 
$0(2)(3)
         
______________________
(1)
The securities covered by this registration statement may be sold or otherwise distributed separately, together or as units with other securities covered by this registration statement. This registration statement covers offers, sales and other distributions of the securities listed in this table from time to time at prices to be determined.  This registration statement relates both the offering of newly issued securities and resales by selling securityholders that may occur on an ongoing basis in securities that may be issued under this registration statement.
(2)
This registration statement covers an indeterminate amount of the securities of each identified class of securities. An unspecified aggregate initial offering price or number of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may from time to time be offered at unspecified prices. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are represented by depositary shares.
(3)
In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrants are deferring payment of all of the registration fees. Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, filing fees aggregating $26,932 have already been paid with respect to unsold securities registered pursuant to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-163866) initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2009, and are being carried forward. As a result, such unutilized filing fees may be applied to the filing fees payable pursuant to this Registration Statement.
 
 

 
 
(4)
Each depositary share will be issued under a deposit agreement, will represent an interest in a fractional preferred share and will be evidenced by a depositary receipt.
(5)
The warrants covered by this registration statement may be warrants for common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares representing preferred stock.
(6)
Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, no separate registration fee will be paid in respect of any such guarantees.
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
 
 
 
 

 
PROSPECTUS
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Warrants
 Rights
Debt Securities
Guarantees
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP
Debt Securities
Guarantees
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. may from time to time offer, in one or more series or classes, separately or together, and in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus, the following securities:
 
·  
shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share;
·  
shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share;
·  
depositary shares representing entitlement to all rights and preferences of fractions of shares of preferred stock of a specified class or series and represented by depositary receipts;
·  
warrants to purchase shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares;
·  
rights to purchase common stock or preferred stock;
·  
debt securities; or
·  
guarantees.
 
The payment of principal, and any premium and interest on the debt securities of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP.
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may from time to time offer debt securities. The payment of principal, and any premium and interest on the debt securities of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
 
The common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights, debt securities and guarantees collectively are referred to as the "securities" in this prospectus.
 
This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in a supplement to this prospectus.
 
The applicable prospectus supplement will also contain information, where applicable, about certain U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to, and any listing on a securities exchange of, the securities covered by such prospectus supplement.  It is important that you read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement before you invest.
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may offer the securities directly, through agents, or to or through underwriters.  The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the plan of distribution and set forth the names of any underwriters involved in the sale of the securities.  See "Plan of Distribution" beginning on page 52 for more information on this topic.  No securities may be sold without delivery of a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of those securities.
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "ROIC."  On May 31, 2013, the closing sale price of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s common stock on The Nasdaq Global Select Market was $14.05 per share.
 
An investment in these securities entails certain material risks and uncertainties that should be considered.  See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 9 of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s Annual
 
 
 

 
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in our subsequently filed periodic reports incorporated by reference herein.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
Prospectus dated June 3, 2013
 
 
 
 
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
SUMMARY INFORMATION
3
RISK FACTORS
3
STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
3
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERENCE DIVIDENDS
6
USE OF PROCEEDS
7
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OF RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP
7
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
17
DESCRIPTION OF GUARANTEES
21
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
28
BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES
51
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
52
LEGAL MATTERS
53
EXPERTS
53
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
53
 
_______________________________
 
You should rely only on the information provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus,  any applicable prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus.  We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different or additional information.  We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale of these securities is not permitted.  You should not assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement, any free writing prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates.  Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
 
You should read carefully this entire prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, before making an investment decision.
 

 
 

 
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
 
In this prospectus, unless otherwise specified or the context requires otherwise, all references to "the Company," "our company," "we," "our," and "us" means Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation, and one or more of its subsidiaries, including our operating partnership, Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership.
 
This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement.  Under this automatic shelf registration statement, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. may sell any combination of common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights, debt securities and guarantees and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may sell debt securities and guarantees.  The payment of principal, and any premium and interest on the debt securities of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP. The payment of principal, and any premium and interest on the debt securities of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
 
 
2

 
SUMMARY INFORMATION
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. is a fully integrated and self-managed real estate investment trust ("REIT").  We specialize in the acquisition, ownership and management of necessity-based community and neighborhood shopping centers in the western and eastern regions of the United States anchored by national and regional supermarkets and drugstores.  We refer to the properties we target for investments as our target assets.
 
We are organized in a traditional umbrella partnership real estate investment trust ("UpREIT") format pursuant to which Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, serves as the general partner of, and we conduct substantially all of our business through, our operating partnership, Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, and its subsidiaries. At March 31, 2013, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. owned 100% of the limited partnership interests in Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP. Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. reincorporated as a Maryland corporation on June 2, 2011.  Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. has elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 8905 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92122.  Our telephone number at that location is (858) 677-0900.
 
RISK FACTORS
 
An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk.  You should carefully consider the risks described in the section captioned "Risk Factors" contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in subsequent periodic reports which we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), each of which are incorporated by reference herein, as well as other information in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement before purchasing our securities.  Each of the risks described could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or ability to make distributions to our stockholders.  In such case, you could lose all or a portion of your original investment.  See "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 53 of this prospectus.
 
STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
When used in this discussion and elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein, the words "believes," "anticipates," "projects," "should," "estimates," "expects," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and in Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").  Actual results may differ materially due to uncertainties including:
 
·  
our ability to identify and acquire retail real estate investments that meet our investment standards in our target markets;
 
·  
the level of rental revenue and net interest income we achieve from our target assets;
 
·  
the market value of our assets and the supply of, and demand for, retail real estate investments in which we invest;
 
·  
the length of the current economic downturn;
 
·  
the conditions in the local markets in which we operate and our concentration in those markets, as well as changes in national economic and market conditions;
 
·  
consumer spending and confidence trends;
 
 
3

 
·  
our ability to enter into new leases or to renew leases with existing tenants at the properties we own or acquire at favorable rates;
 
·  
our ability to anticipate changes in consumer buying practices and the space needs of tenants;
 
·  
the competitive landscape impacting the properties we own or acquire and their tenants;
 
·  
our relationships with our tenants and their financial condition and liquidity;
 
·  
our ability to continue to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes;
 
·  
our use of debt as part of our financing strategy and our ability to make payments or to comply with any covenants under any borrowings or other debt facilities we currently have or subsequently obtain;
 
·  
the level of our operating expenses, including amounts we are required to pay to our management team and to engage third party property managers;
 
·  
changes in interest rates that could impact the market price of our common stock and the cost of our borrowings; and
 
·  
legislative and regulatory changes (including changes to laws governing the taxation of REITs).
 
We caution that the foregoing list of factors is not all-inclusive.  All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.  We caution not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
 
The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein reflect our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us.  Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events.  These beliefs, assumptions and expectations are subject to risks and uncertainties and can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us.  Some of these factors are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in subsequent period reports that we file with the SEC, each of which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.  If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements.  Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made.  New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us.  Such new risks and uncertainties may be included in the documents that we file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and before the termination of the offerings of the securities offered by this prospectus which will be considered to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus.  Except as required by law, we are not obligated to, and do not intend to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  You should carefully consider these risks before you make an investment decision with respect to our securities.
 
For more information regarding risks that may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in the other documents that we file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
 
4

 
the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus, which will be considered to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
 
 
 
5

 
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERENCE DIVIDENDS
 
The following tables set forth Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP's ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred equity distributions for the periods indicated. The ratios were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For purposes of calculating the ratios, "earnings" represent net income (loss) less equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures and interest capitalized plus fixed charges and distribution of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expense, interest capitalized and amortization of financing costs, whether expensed or capitalized. This ratio is calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
 
    Three Months  
Year Ended December 31,
   
Ended March
31, 2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
2008
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends (1)
 
1.53x
 
1.60x
 
2.52x
 
0.85x
 
-- (2)
 
-- (2)
_______________
(1)
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. had no shares of preferred stock outstanding during the periods presented.
(2)
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. had no fixed charges during the period and accordingly no ratios are shown.

Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP
 
    Three Months  
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
Ended March
31, 2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred equity  distributions (1)
 
1.53x
 
1.60x
 
2.52x
 
0.85x
 
-- (2)
 
_______________
(1)
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP had no preferred equity interests outstanding during the periods presented.
(2)
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP was formed on October 21, 2009.
(3)
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP had no fixed charges during the period and accordingly no ratios are shown.

 
6

 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes, including acquiring target assets, and other uses. These other uses may include, among others, the repayment of indebtedness. If Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. issues any debt securities, it may lend those proceeds to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP. Further details relating to the use of the net proceeds will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OF RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.
 
The following descriptions of the material terms of the securities of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. are only a summary and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, the more complete descriptions of the securities in the following documents: (a) Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s amended and restated charter, and (b) Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s bylaws, copies of which are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Please note that in this section references to "we," "our" and "us" refer only to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and not to its subsidiaries or Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, unless the context requires otherwise. These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security.  The particular terms of any security will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.  See "Where You Can Find More Information."
 
Description of Common Stock
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. was formed on July 10, 2007.  Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s charter provides that it may issue up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.  Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s charter authorizes its board of directors to amend its charter by a majority vote of the entire board of directors and without stockholder approval to increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized shares of stock or the authorized number of shares of stock of any class or series.  As of May 31, 2013, 67,247,801 shares of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s common stock were issued and outstanding.  Under Maryland law, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s stockholders will not be personally liable for any of our debts or obligations solely as a result of their status as stockholders.
 
Our common stock offered hereby will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.  Subject to the preferential rights, if any, of holders of any other class or series of our stock and to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, holders of outstanding shares of common stock are entitled to receive dividends and other distributions on such shares of common stock out of assets legally available for such purposes if, as and when authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, and the holders of outstanding shares of common stock are entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders in the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up after payment of or adequate provision for all our known debts and liabilities and payment of any liquidation amounts for any issued and outstanding preferred stock.
 
Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock and except as may otherwise be specified in the terms of any class or series of stock, each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors and, except as provided with respect to any other class or series of stock, the holders of shares of common stock will possess the exclusive voting power.  A plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors is sufficient to elect a director and there is no cumulative voting in the election of directors, which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock generally can elect all of the directors then standing for election, and the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to elect any directors.
 
 
7

 
Holders of shares of common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund or redemption rights and have no pre-emptive rights to subscribe for any securities of our company.  Our charter provides that our stockholders generally have no appraisal rights unless our board of directors determines prospectively that appraisal rights will apply to one or more transactions in which holders of our common stock would otherwise be entitled to exercise appraisal rights.  Subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, holders of shares of common stock will have equal dividend, liquidation and other rights.
 
Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the "MGCL", a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge or consolidate with another entity, sell all or substantially all of its assets, convert to another entity or engage in a statutory share exchange unless the action is advised by its board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, unless a lesser percentage (but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter) is specified in the corporation's charter.  Our charter provides that these actions (other than certain amendments to the provisions of our charter related to the removal of directors and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, and the vote required to amend such provisions, which must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the amendment) may be approved by a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
 
Power to Reclassify Our Unissued Shares of Stock
 
Our charter authorizes our board of directors to classify and reclassify from time to time any unissued shares of common or preferred stock into other classes or series of stock, including one or more classes or series of stock that have priority with respect to voting rights, dividends or upon liquidation over our common stock, and authorizes us to issue the newly-classified shares.  Prior to the issuance of shares of each new class or series, our board of directors is required by Maryland law and by our charter to set, subject to the provisions of our charter regarding the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series.  Our board of directors may take these actions without stockholder approval unless stockholder approval is required by the rules of any stock exchange or automatic quotation system on which our securities are listed or traded or the terms of any class or series of stock we may issue in the future.  Therefore, our board of directors could authorize the issuance of shares of common or preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.  No shares of preferred stock are presently outstanding, and we currently have no plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.
 
Power to Increase or Decrease Authorized Shares of Stock and Issue Additional Shares of Capital Stock
 
We believe that the power of our board of directors to amend our charter to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of capital stock, to authorize us to issue additional authorized but unissued shares of common or preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to classify or reclassify unissued shares of common or preferred stock and thereafter to authorize us to issue such classified or reclassified shares of stock will provide us with increased flexibility in structuring possible future financings and acquisitions and in meeting other needs that might arise.  The additional classes or series of capital stock, as well as the additional shares of common stock, will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders, unless such approval is required by the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our securities may be listed or traded or the terms of any class or series of stock we may issue in the future.  Although our board of directors does not currently intend to do so, it could authorize us to issue a class or series of stock that could, depending upon the terms of the particular class or series, delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders.
 
 
8

 
Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer
 
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), shares of our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year.  Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of our stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made).  To qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy other requirements as well.  See "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—Taxation of the Company—Requirements for Qualification—General."
 
Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our common stock and outstanding capital stock which are intended, among other purposes, to assist us in complying with these requirements and continuing to qualify as a REIT.  The relevant sections of our charter provide that, subject to the exceptions described below, no person or entity may own, or be deemed to own, beneficially or by virtue of the applicable constructive ownership provisions of the Code, more than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of our capital stock.  We refer to these limits collectively as the "ownership limit."  An individual or entity is referred to as a "prohibited owner" if, but for the ownership limit or other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock described below, had a violative transfer or other event been effective, the individual or entity would have been a beneficial owner or, if appropriate, a record owner of shares of our stock.
 
The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause shares of stock owned actually or constructively by a group of related individuals and/or entities to be owned constructively by one individual or entity.  As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock, or 9.8% by value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of our capital stock (or the acquisition of an interest in an entity that owns, actually or constructively, shares of our stock by an individual or entity), could, nevertheless, cause that individual or entity, or another individual or entity, to constructively own in excess of the applicable ownership limit.
 
Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, subject to such conditions as it may determine and the receipt of certain representations and undertakings, prospectively or retroactively, waive the ownership limit or establish a different limit on ownership, or excepted holder limit, for a particular person if the person's ownership in excess of the ownership limit would not result in our being "closely held" within the meaning of Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise would result in our failing to qualify as a REIT.  As a condition of its waiver or grant of excepted holder limit, our board of directors may, but is not required to, require an opinion of counsel or ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, satisfactory to our board of directors in order to determine or ensure our qualification as a REIT and may impose such other conditions and limitations as our board of directors may determine.
 
In connection with granting a waiver of the ownership limit, creating an excepted holder limit or at any other time, our board of directors may from time to time increase or decrease the ownership limit for all other individuals and entities unless, after giving effect to such increase, five or fewer individuals could beneficially own in the aggregate more than 49.9% by value of the shares of all classes and series of our capital stock then outstanding or we would otherwise fail to qualify as a REIT.  Prior to the modification of the ownership limit, our board of directors may require such opinions of counsel, affidavits, undertakings or agreements as it may deem necessary or advisable in order to determine or ensure our qualification as a REIT.  A reduced ownership limit will not apply to any person or entity whose percentage ownership of our common stock or stock of all classes and series, as applicable, is in excess of such decreased ownership limit until such time as such individual's or entity's percentage ownership of our common stock or stock of all classes and series, as applicable, equals or falls below the decreased ownership limit, but any further acquisition of shares of our common stock or stock of any other class or series, as applicable, in excess of
 
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such percentage ownership of our common stock or stock of all classes and series will be in violation of the ownership limit.
 
Our charter further prohibits:
 
·  
any person from beneficially or constructively owning, applying certain attribution rules of the Code, shares of our stock that would result in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT (including, but not limited to, beneficial ownership or constructive ownership that would result in us owning, actually or constructively, an interest in a tenant that is described in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code if the income derived by us from such tenant could cause us to fail to satisfy any of the gross income requirements of Section 856(c) of the Code); and
 
·  
any person from transferring shares of our stock if such transfer would result in shares of our stock being owned by fewer than 100 persons (determined without reference to any rules of attribution).
 
Any person who acquires or attempts or intends to acquire beneficial or constructive ownership of shares of our stock that will or may violate the ownership limit or any of the other foregoing restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, or who would have owned shares of our stock transferred to a trust as described below, must immediately give us written notice of the event or, in the case of an attempted or proposed transaction, must give at least 15 days prior written notice to us and provide us with such other information as we may request in order to determine the effect of such transfer on our qualification as a REIT.  The foregoing restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interest to attempt to qualify, or to continue to qualify, as a REIT or that compliance with the restrictions and limitations on ownership and transfer of our stock as described above is no longer required in order for us to qualify as a REIT.
 
If any transfer of shares of our stock would result in shares of our stock being beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons, such transfer will be null and void and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares.  In addition, if any purported transfer of shares of our stock or any other event would otherwise result in any person violating the ownership limit or an excepted holder limit established by our board of directors or in our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then that number of shares (rounded up to the nearest whole share) that would cause such person to violate such restrictions will be automatically transferred to, and held by, a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable organizations selected by us and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares.  The automatic transfer will be effective as of the close of business on the business day prior to the date of the violative transfer or other event that results in a transfer to the trust.  Any dividend or other distribution paid to the prohibited owner, prior to our discovery that the shares had been automatically transferred to a trust as described above, must be repaid to the trustee upon demand for distribution to the beneficiary by the trust.  If the transfer to the trust as described above is not automatically effective, for any reason, to prevent violation of the applicable ownership limit or our being "closely held" under Section 856(h) of the Code (without regard to whether the ownership interest is held during the last half of a taxable year) or otherwise failing to qualify as a REIT, then our charter provides that the transfer of the shares will be null and void, and the intended transferee will acquire no rights in such shares.
 
Shares of our stock transferred to the trustee are deemed offered for sale to us, or our designee, at a price per share equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the prohibited owner for the shares (or, if the event that resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares of stock at market price, which is generally the last sales price reported on The Nasdaq Global Market on the trading day immediately preceding the day of the event which resulted in the transfer of such shares of stock to the trust, the per-share market price) and (2) the market price on the date we accept, or our designee accepts, such offer.  We may reduce this amount by the amount of any dividend or other distribution that we have
 
 
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paid to the prohibited owner before we discovered that the shares had been automatically transferred to the trust and that are then owed to the trustee as described above, and we may pay the amount of any such reduction to the trustee for the benefit of the charitable beneficiary.  We have the right to accept such offer until the trustee has sold the shares of our stock held in the trust as discussed below.  Upon a sale to us, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares sold terminates, the trustee must distribute the net proceeds of the sale to the prohibited owner and any dividends or other distributions held by the trustee with respect to such shares of stock will be paid to the charitable beneficiary.
 
If we do not buy the shares, the trustee must, within 20 days of receiving notice from us of the transfer of shares to the trust, sell the shares to a person or entity designated by the trustee who could own the shares without violating the ownership limit or the other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock.  After the sale of the shares, the interest of the charitable beneficiary in the shares transferred to the trust will terminate and the trustee must distribute to the prohibited owner an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the price paid by the prohibited owner for the shares (or, if the event which resulted in the transfer to the trust did not involve a purchase of such shares at market price, the market price of the shares) and (2) the sales proceeds (net of commissions and other expenses of sale) received by the trust for the shares.  The trustee may reduce the amount payable to the prohibited owner by the amount of any dividend or other distribution that we paid to the prohibited owner before we discovered that the shares had been automatically transferred to the trust and that are then owed to the trustee as described above.  Any net sales proceeds in excess of the amount payable to the prohibited owner will be immediately paid to the beneficiary of the trust, together with any dividends or other distributions thereon.  In addition, if, prior to discovery by us that shares of stock have been transferred to a trust, such shares of stock are sold by a prohibited owner, then such shares will be deemed to have been sold on behalf of the trust and, to the extent that the prohibited owner received an amount for or in respect of such shares that exceeds the amount that such prohibited owner was entitled to receive, such excess amount must be paid to the trustee upon demand.  The prohibited owner has no rights in the shares held by the trustee.
 
The trustee will be designated by us and must be unaffiliated with us and with any prohibited owner.  Prior to the sale of any shares by the trust, the trustee will receive, in trust for the beneficiary of the trust, all dividends and other distributions paid by us with respect to the shares held in trust and may also exercise all voting rights with respect to the shares held in trust.  These rights will be exercised for the exclusive benefit of the beneficiary of the trust.
 
Subject to Maryland law, effective as of the date that the shares have been transferred to the trust, the trustee will have the authority, at the trustee's sole discretion:
 
·  
to rescind as void any vote cast by a prohibited owner prior to our discovery that the shares have been transferred to the trust; and
 
·  
to recast the vote in accordance with the desires of the trustee acting for the benefit of the beneficiary of the trust.
 
However, if we have already taken irreversible corporate action, then the trustee may not rescind and recast the vote.
 
In addition, if our board of directors determines in good faith that a proposed transfer or other event would violate the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, our board of directors may take such action as it deems advisable to refuse to give effect to or to prevent such transfer, including, but not limited to, causing us to redeem the shares of stock, refusing to give effect to the transfer on our books or instituting proceedings to enjoin the transfer.
 
Every owner of 5% or more (or such lower percentage as is required by the Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder) of our stock, within 30 days after the end of each taxable year, must give us written notice, stating the stockholder's name and address, the number of shares of each class and series of our stock that the stockholder beneficially owns and a description of the manner in which the
 
 
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shares are held.  Each such owner must provide to us in writing such additional information as we may request in order to determine the effect, if any, of the stockholder's beneficial ownership on our qualification as a REIT and to ensure compliance with the ownership limit.  In addition, each stockholder must provide to us in writing such information as we may request in good faith in order to determine our qualification as a REIT and to comply with the requirements of any taxing authority or governmental authority or to determine such compliance.
 
Any certificates representing shares of our stock bear a legend referring to the restrictions described above.
 
These restrictions on ownership and transfer could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for the common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of the stockholders.
 
Transfer Agent and Registrar
 
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Shareowner Services, LLC.
 
Description of Preferred Stock
 
General
 
Our charter provides that we may issue up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.0001 per share.  On May 31, 2013, we had no outstanding shares of preferred stock. Preferred stock may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to or separate from the securities.  The following description of the preferred stock sets forth general terms and provisions of the preferred stock to which any prospectus supplement may relate.  The statements below describing the preferred stock are in all respects subject to and qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable provisions of our charter and bylaws and any applicable articles supplementary designating and setting forth the terms of a class or series of preferred stock.  The applicable articles supplementary will be filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.  The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power, dividend rights and other rights of holders of common stock.  Our board of directors could establish another class or series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of the series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control of our company that might involve a premium price for the common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of the holders thereof.
 
Terms
 
Subject to the limitations prescribed by our charter, our board of directors is authorized to classify any unissued shares of preferred stock and to reclassify any previously classified but unissued shares of preferred stock of any series from time to time into one or more classes or series of stock.  Prior to issuance of shares of each class or series of preferred stock, our board of directors is required by the MGCL and our charter to fix the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series.
 
Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to the class or series of preferred stock offered thereby for the specific terms thereof, including:
 
 
·
the designation of the class and/or series of preferred stock;
 
 
·
the voting rights, if any, of the preferred stock;
 
 
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·
the number of shares of the preferred stock, the liquidation preference per share of the preferred stock and the offering price of the preferred stock;
 
 
·
the dividend rate(s), period(s) and/or payment day(s) or method(s) of calculation thereof applicable to the preferred stock;
 
 
·
the date from which dividends on the preferred stock shall accumulate, if applicable;
 
 
·
the procedures for any auction and remarketing, if any, for the preferred stock;
 
 
·
the provision for a sinking fund, if any, for the preferred stock;
 
 
·
the provision for, and any restriction on, redemption or repurchase, if applicable, of the preferred stock;
 
 
·
any listing of the preferred stock on any securities exchange;
 
 
·
the terms and conditions, if applicable, upon which the preferred stock may or will be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or other securities, including the conversion price or manner of calculation thereof;
 
 
·
the relative ranking and preferences of the preferred stock as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;
 
 
·
whether interests in shares of preferred stock would be represented by depositary shares;
 
 
·
any limitations on ownership and restrictions on transfer in addition to those described below;
 
 
·
any limitations on the issuance of any class or series of preferred stock ranking senior or equal to any series of preferred stock being offered as to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs;
 
 
·
a discussion of U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock; and
 
 
·
any other specific terms, preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the preferred stock.
 
The terms of each class or series of preferred stock will be described in any prospectus supplement related to such class or series of preferred stock and will contain a discussion of any material Maryland law or material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the preferred stock.
 
Restrictions on Ownership
 
In order for us to qualify as a REIT under the Code, our stock must be beneficially owned by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months (other than the first year for which an election to be a REIT has been made) or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year.  Also, not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding shares of stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities such as qualified pension plans) during the last half of a taxable year (other than the first year for which an election to be taxed as a REIT has been made).  Our charter contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of shares of our stock, including preferred stock.  See "—Description of Common Stock—Restrictions on Ownership and
 
 
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Transfer" for more detail regarding the restrictions on the ownership and transfer of shares of our stock.  The articles supplementary for each class or series of preferred stock may contain additional provisions restricting the ownership and transfer of the preferred stock.  The applicable prospectus supplement will specify any additional ownership limit and other restrictions on ownership and transfer of a class or series of preferred stock.
 
Registrar and Transfer Agent
 
We will name the registrar and transfer agent for the preferred stock we issue pursuant to this prospectus in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
Description of Depositary Shares
 
We may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares evidencing fractional interests in the preferred stock rather than full shares of preferred stock.  In the event such option is exercised, each of the depositary shares will represent ownership of and entitlement to all rights and preferences of a fraction of a share of preferred stock of a specified class or series (including dividend, voting, redemption and liquidation rights).  The applicable fraction will be specified in a prospectus supplement relating to the offering of such depositary shares.  The shares of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares will be deposited with a depositary named in the applicable prospectus supplement under a deposit agreement, among our company, the depositary and the holders of the certificates evidencing depositary shares, or depositary receipts.  Depositary receipts will be delivered to those persons purchasing depositary shares in the offering.  The depositary will be the transfer agent, registrar and paying agent for the depositary shares.  Holders of depositary receipts agree to be bound by the deposit agreement, which requires holders to take certain actions such as filing proof of residence and paying certain charges. The form of the deposit agreement and the form of the depositary receipt will be filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
 
The summary of terms of the depositary shares contained in this prospectus does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the deposit agreement and the form of designation for the applicable class or series of preferred stock.  While the deposit agreement relating to a particular class or series of preferred stock may have provisions applicable solely to that class or series of preferred stock, all deposit agreements relating to preferred stock we issue will include the following provisions:
 
Dividends and Other Distributions
 
Each time we pay a cash dividend or make any other type of cash distribution with regard to preferred stock of a class or series, the depositary will distribute to the holder of record of each depositary share relating to that class or series of preferred stock an amount equal to the dividend or other distribution per depositary share that the depositary receives.  If there is a distribution of property other than cash, the depositary either will distribute the property to the holders of depositary shares in proportion to the depositary shares held by each of them, or the depositary will, if we approve, sell the property and distribute the net proceeds to the holders of the depositary shares in proportion to the depositary shares held by them.
 
Withdrawal of Preferred Stock
 
A holder of depositary shares will be entitled to receive, upon surrender of depositary receipts representing depositary shares, the number of whole or fractional shares of the applicable class or series of preferred stock and any money or other property to which the depositary shares relate.
 
 
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Redemption of Depositary Shares
 
Whenever we redeem shares of preferred stock held by a depositary, the depositary will be required to redeem, on the same redemption date, depositary shares constituting, in total, the number of shares of preferred stock held by the depositary which we redeem, subject to the depositary's receiving the redemption price of those shares of preferred stock.  If fewer than all the depositary shares relating to a class or series of preferred stock are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or by another method we determine to be equitable.
 
Voting
 
Any time we send a notice of meeting or other materials relating to a meeting to the holders of a class or series of preferred stock to which depositary shares relate, we will provide the depositary with sufficient copies of those materials so they can be sent to all holders of record of the applicable depositary shares, and the depositary will send those materials to the holders of record of the depositary shares on the record date for the meeting.  The depositary will solicit voting instructions from holders of depositary shares and will vote or not vote the preferred stock to which the depositary shares relate in accordance with those instructions.
 
Liquidation Preference
 
Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holder of each depositary share will be entitled to what the holder of the depositary share would have received if the holder had owned the number of shares (or fraction of a share) of preferred stock which is represented by the depositary share.
 
Conversion
 
If shares of a class or series of preferred stock are convertible into or exchangeable for common stock or other of our securities or property, holders of depositary shares relating to that class or series of preferred stock will, if they surrender depositary receipts representing depositary shares and appropriate instructions to convert or exchange them, receive the shares of common stock or other securities or property into which the number of shares (or fractions of shares) of preferred stock to which the depositary shares relate could at the time be converted or exchanged.
 
Amendment and Termination of a Deposit Agreement
 
We and the depositary may amend a deposit agreement, except that an amendment which materially and adversely affects the rights of holders of depositary shares, or would be materially and adversely inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of the class or series of preferred stock to which they relate, must be approved by holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding depositary shares.  No amendment will impair the right of a holder of depositary shares to surrender the depositary receipts evidencing those depositary shares and receive the preferred stock to which they relate, except as required to comply with law.  We may terminate a deposit agreement with the consent of holders of a majority of the depositary shares to which it relates.  Upon termination of a deposit agreement, the depositary will make the whole or fractional shares of preferred stock to which the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement relate available to the holders of those depositary shares.  A deposit agreement will automatically terminate if:
 
·  
all outstanding depositary shares to which it relates have been redeemed or converted; or
 
·  
the depositary has made a final distribution to the holders of the depositary shares issued under the deposit agreement upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
 
 
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Miscellaneous
 
There will be provisions:  (1) requiring the depositary to forward to holders of record of depositary shares any reports or communications from us which the depositary receives with respect to the preferred stock to which the depositary shares relate; (2) regarding compensation of the depositary; (3) regarding resignation of the depositary; (4) limiting our liability and the liability of the depositary under the deposit agreement (generally limited to failure to act in good faith, gross negligence or wilful misconduct); and (5) indemnifying the depositary against certain possible liabilities.
 
Description of Warrants
 
We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares and may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares or attached to, or separate from, such securities.  We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement between us and a bank or trust company as warrant agent, as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. The form of the warrant agreement and the form of the warrant certificate will be filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
 
The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not act for or on behalf of warrant holders.  The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that may be offered under this registration statement.  Further terms of the warrants and the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including, where applicable, the following:
 
 
·
the title of such warrants;
 
 
·
the aggregate number of such warrants;
 
 
·
the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;
 
 
·
the type and number of securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;
 
 
·
the designation and terms of the other securities, if any, with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such offered security;
 
 
·
the date, if any, on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
 
 
·
the price at which each security purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;
 
 
·
the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
 
 
·
the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
 
 
·
information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
 
 
·
any anti-dilution protection;
 
 
·
a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations; and
 
 
·
any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exercise and exchange of such warrants.
 
Warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new warrant certificates of different denominations and warrants may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office
 
 
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indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Prior to the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise or to any dividend payments or voting rights as to which holders of the shares of common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon such exercise may be entitled.
 
Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase for cash such number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares, at such exercise price as shall, in each case, be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants offered thereby.  After the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, unexercised warrants will be void.
 
Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the warrants.  Upon receipt of payment and the warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon such exercise.  If less than all of the warrants are presented for exercise with respect to a warrant certificate, a new warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of warrants.
 
Description of Rights
 
We may issue rights to our stockholders for the purchase of shares of common stock or preferred stock.  Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as rights agent, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of rights.  The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates relating to the rights of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.  The form of the rights agreement and the form of the rights certificates relating to each series of rights will be filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
 
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the rights to be issued, including the following, where applicable:
 
 
·
the date for determining the stockholders entitled to the rights distribution;
 
 
·
the aggregate number of shares of common stock or preferred stock of a specified class and/or series purchasable upon exercise of such rights and the exercise price;
 
 
·
the aggregate number of rights being issued;
 
 
·
the date, if any, on and after which such rights may be transferable separately;
 
 
·
the date on which the right to exercise such rights shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;
 
 
·
any special U.S. federal income tax consequences; and
 
 
·
any other terms of such rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the distribution, exchange and exercise of such rights.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
Please note that in this section entitled "Description of Debt Securities," references to "the issuer," "we," "our" and "us" refer exclusively to one of (i) Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., as the issuer of the applicable series of securities and not to any subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise, or (ii) Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, as the issuer of the applicable series of
 
 
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securities and not to any subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise.  For the purposes of this section, the reference to “issuer” or “issuers” refers to either of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, as the context may require.
 
Debt Securities
 
The issuers may issue debt securities either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion or exercise of or in exchange for, other securities described in this prospectus.  Each issuer will issue the debt securities under a separate indenture by and between such issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, which may be amended or supplemented from time to time.  In this section, such indentures are referred to as the “indentures.”  The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the indentures including references to the applicable section of the indentures.  It does not state the indentures in their entirety.  You should read the indenture relating to the debt securities of each issuer because it, and not this description, defines the rights of holders of debt securities of such issuer.  Except as otherwise defined herein, terms used in this description but not otherwise defined herein are used as defined in the related indenture.  Forms of the indentures have been filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and you may inspect a copy of each indenture at the designated corporate trust office of the trustee at 1707 Wilshire Blvd, 17th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90017.  The indentures are subject to, and are governed by, the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or the Trust Indenture Act.  If an issuer issues the debt securities under a different indenture, we will file it and incorporate it by reference into the registration statement and describe it in a prospectus supplement.
 
General
 
The debt securities will be the direct obligations of the respective issuer and may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and may be either secured or unsecured.  The indentures do not limit the principal amount of debt securities that the issuers may issue. The issuers may issue debt securities in one or more series.  A supplemental indenture may set forth specific terms of each series of debt securities.  There will be a prospectus supplement relating to each particular series of debt securities.  Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to each particular series of debt securities offered thereby for the specific terms thereof, including:
 
·  
the title of the debt securities and whether the debt securities are senior or subordinated debt securities;
 
·  
any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of a series of debt securities which the issuer may issue;
 
·  
the date or dates on which principal of the debt securities will be payable and the amount of principal which will be payable;
 
·  
the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the debt securities will bear interest, if any, as well as the dates from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, the persons to whom interest will be payable, if other than the registered holders on the record date, and the record date for the interest payable on any payment date;
 
·  
the currency or currencies in which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be paid;
 
·  
the place or places where principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the debt securities will be payable and where debt securities which are in registered form can be presented for registration of transfer or exchange;
 
 
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·  
any provisions regarding the issuer’s right to prepay debt securities or of holders to require such issuer to prepay debt securities;
 
·  
the right, if any, of holders of the debt securities to convert them into, or exchange them for, shares of common stock of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. or other securities, including any provisions intended to prevent dilution as a result of the conversion or exchange rights;
 
·  
any provisions requiring or permitting the issuer to make payments to a sinking fund which will be used to redeem debt securities or a purchase fund which will be used to purchase debt securities;
 
·  
any index or formula used to determine the required payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any;
 
·  
the percentage of the principal amount of the debt securities which is payable if maturity of the debt securities is accelerated because of a default;
 
·  
any special or modified events of default or covenants with respect to the debt securities;
 
·  
any security or collateral provisions;
 
·  
a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations;
 
·  
whether the debt securities are entitled to the benefits of the guarantee of any guarantor, and whether any such guarantee is made on a senior or subordinated basis and, if applicable, a description of the subordination terms of any such guarantee; and
 
·  
any other material terms of the debt securities.
 
The indentures do not contain any restrictions on the payment of dividends or the repurchase of our securities or any financial covenants.  However, supplemental indentures relating to a particular series of debt securities may contain provisions of that type.
 
The issuers may issue debt securities at a discount from their stated principal amount. A prospectus supplement may describe the material U.S. federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to a debt security issued with original issue discount.
 
 
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If the principal of, premium, if any, or interest with regard to any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency, we will describe in the prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities any restrictions on currency conversions, tax considerations or other material restrictions with respect to that issue of debt securities.
 
Form of Debt Securities
 
The issuers may issue debt securities in certificated or uncertificated form, in registered form with or without coupons or in bearer form with coupons, if applicable.
 
The issuers may issue debt securities of a series in the form of one or more global certificates evidencing all or a portion of the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series. The issuers may deposit the global certificates with depositaries, and the certificates may be subject to restrictions upon transfer or upon exchange for debt securities in individually certificated form.
 
Events of Default and Remedies
 
An event of default with respect to each series of debt securities will include:
 
·  
default by the issuer in payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any debt securities of any series beyond any applicable grace period;
 
·  
default by the issuer for 30 days or a period specified in a supplemental indenture, which may be no period, in payment of any installment of interest due with regard to debt securities of any series;
 
·  
default by the issuer for 60 days or a period specified in a supplemental indenture, which may be no period, after notice in the observance or performance of any other covenants in the indenture;
 
·  
default by the issuer or the guarantor under any bond, debenture, note, mortgage, indenture or instrument with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least a certain threshold amount described in the related indenture, which default has resulted in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such indebtedness having been discharged or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within a period of 30 days after written notice to the issuer as provided in such indenture; and
 
·  
certain events involving our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.
 
The indentures provide that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any series of debt securities of any default (except a default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any) if the trustee considers it in the interest of the holders of the series to do so.
 
The indentures provide that if any event of default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of a series of debt securities then outstanding may declare the principal of and accrued interest, if any, on that series of debt securities to be due and payable immediately by written notice to the issuers.  However, if the related issuer cures all defaults (except the failure to pay principal, premium or interest which became due solely because of the acceleration) and certain other conditions are met, that declaration may be annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the applicable series of debt securities.
 
The holders of a majority of the outstanding principal amount of a series of debt securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting proceedings for any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain limitations specified in the indenture.
 
A supplemental indenture relating to a particular series of debt securities may modify these events of default or include other events of default.
 
A prospectus supplement will describe any additional or different events of default which apply to any series of debt securities.
 
Modification of the Indenture
 
Each issuer and the trustee may:
 
·  
without the consent of holders of debt securities, modify the related indenture to cure errors or clarify ambiguities or to conform the indenture to the provisions of the prospectus or applicable prospectus supplement as evidenced in an officers' certificate;
 
 
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·  
with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities which are outstanding under the related indenture, modify the indenture or the rights of the holders of the debt securities generally; and
 
·  
with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in outstanding principal amount of any series of debt securities, modify any supplemental indenture relating solely to that series of debt securities or the rights of the holders of that series of debt securities.
 
However, we may not:
 
·  
extend the fixed maturity of any debt securities, reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest, if any, on any debt securities, reduce the principal amount of any debt securities or the premium, if any, on any debt securities, impair or affect the right of a holder to institute suit for the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, with regard to any debt securities, change the currency in which any debt securities are payable or impair the right, if any, to convert any debt securities into or exchange any debt securities for other securities or assets, without the consent of each holder of debt securities who will be affected; or
 
·  
reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities required to consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver, without the consent of the holders of all the then outstanding debt securities or outstanding debt securities of the series which will be affected.
 
Mergers and Other Transactions
 
Neither issuer may consolidate with or merge into any other entity, or transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to another person, unless: (1) the entity formed by the consolidation or into which such issuer is merged, or which acquires or leases its respective properties and respective assets substantially as an entirety, assumes by a supplemental indenture all of its obligations with regard to outstanding debt securities and our other covenants under the related indenture; (2) with regard to each series of debt securities, immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, with respect to that series of debt securities, and no event which would become an event of default, will have occurred and be continuing and (3) such issuer will  deliver to the trustee an officers' certificate and opinion of counsel, in each case stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the related indenture with respect to the merger or consolidation have been complied with.
 
Governing Law
 
The indentures, each supplemental indenture, and the debt securities issued under them will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof (other than Section 5-1401 and 5-1402 of the New York General Obligations law).
 
DESCRIPTION OF GUARANTEES
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. may fully and unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, one or more series of debt securities of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of such guarantee and the applicable indenture.  In case of the failure of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP punctually to pay any principal, premium or interest on any guaranteed debt security, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. will cause any such payment to be made as it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP.  The particular terms of the guarantee, if any, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the guaranteed debt securities.  Any guarantee by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. will be of payment only and not of collection.
 
 
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Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may fully and unconditionally guarantee the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, one or more series of debt securities of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, in accordance with the terms of such guarantee and the applicable indenture.  In case of the failure of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. punctually to pay any principal, premium or interest on any guaranteed debt security, Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP will cause any such payment to be made as it becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, redemption, repayment or otherwise, and as if such payment were made by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.  The particular terms of the guarantee, if any, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to the guaranteed debt securities.  Any guarantee by Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP will be of payment only and not of collection.
 
 
 
 
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DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW AND OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS
 
The following summary of certain provisions of Maryland law and of our charter and bylaws does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to Maryland law and our charter and bylaws, copies of which are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.  See "Where You Can Find More Information."
 
Our Board of Directors
 
Our charter and bylaws provide that the number of directors we have may be established only by our board of directors but may not be fewer than the minimum required under the MGCL, which is currently one, and our bylaws provide that the number of our directors may not be more than 15.  Subject to the terms of any class or series of stock, vacancies on our board of directors may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy will hold office for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred.
 
At each annual meeting of our stockholders, our stockholders will elect each of our directors to serve until the next annual meeting of our stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.  A plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors is sufficient to elect a director and holders of shares of common stock will have no right to cumulative voting in the election of directors.  Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, subject to any applicable rights of holders of our other securities, the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote will generally be able to elect all of our directors.
 
Removal of Directors
 
Our charter provides that, subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes or series of preferred stock to elect or remove one or more directors, a director may be removed, with or without cause, only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.  This provision, when coupled with the exclusive power of our board of directors to fill vacancies on our board of directors, precludes stockholders from (1) removing incumbent directors except upon a two-thirds vote and (2) filling the vacancies created by such removal with their own nominees.
 
Business Combinations
 
Under the MGCL, certain "business combinations" (including a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or, in certain circumstances, an asset transfer or issuance or reclassification of equity securities) between a Maryland corporation and an interested stockholder (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the corporation's outstanding voting stock or an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time during the two-year period prior to the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then outstanding voting stock of the corporation) or an affiliate of such an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.  Thereafter, any such business combination must generally be recommended by the board of directors of such corporation and approved by the affirmative vote of at least (a) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding voting stock of the corporation and (b) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom (or with whose affiliate) the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder, unless, among other conditions, the corporation's common stockholders receive a minimum price (as defined in the MGCL) for their shares and the consideration is received in cash or in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.  A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the Maryland corporation's board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an
 
 
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interested stockholder.  The board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by it.
 
These provisions of the MGCL do not apply, however, to business combinations that are approved or exempted by a Maryland corporation's board of directors prior to the time that the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder.  Pursuant to the statute, our board of directors has by resolution exempted business combinations (1) between us and any other person, provided that such business combination is first approved by our board of directors (including a majority of our directors who are not affiliates or associates of such person) and (2) among persons acting in concert with any of the foregoing.  As a result, any person described above may be able to enter into business combinations with us that may not be in the best interest of our stockholders, without compliance with the supermajority vote requirements and other provisions of the statute.  However, we cannot assure you that our board of directors will not amend or repeal the resolution in the future.
 
The business combination statute may discourage others from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating any offer.
 
Control Share Acquisitions
 
The MGCL provides that a holder of "control shares" of a Maryland corporation acquired in a "control share acquisition" has no voting rights with respect to such shares except to the extent approved by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding shares of stock of the corporation in respect of which any of the following persons is entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power of such shares in the election of directors: (i) a person who has made or proposes to make the control share acquisition; (ii) an officer of the corporation; or (iii) an employee of the corporation who is also a director of the corporation.  "Control shares" are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock owned by the acquirer, or in respect of which the acquirer is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power (except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy), would entitle the acquirer to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power: (A) one-tenth or more but less than one-third; (B) one-third or more but less than a majority; or (C) a majority of all voting power.  Control shares do not include shares that the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval or shares acquired directly from the corporation.  A "control share acquisition" means the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of issued and outstanding control shares, subject to certain exceptions.
 
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and making an "acquiring person statement" as described in the MGCL), may compel the corporation's board of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares.  If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders meeting.
 
If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an "acquiring person statement" as required by the statute, then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except those for which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value determined, without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, as of the date of the last control share acquisition by the acquirer or as of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved.  If voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders meeting and the acquirer becomes entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of a majority of all voting power, all other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights.  The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquirer in the control share acquisition.
 
The control share acquisition statute does not apply to, among other things, (a) shares acquired in a merger, consolidation or statutory share exchange if the corporation is a party to the transaction or (b) acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of the corporation.
 
 
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Our bylaws contain a provision exempting from the control share acquisition statute any and all acquisitions by any person of shares of our stock.  There is no assurance that such provision will not be amended or eliminated at any time in the future.
 
Subtitle 8
 
Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation with a class of equity securities registered under the Exchange Act and at least three independent directors to elect to be subject, by provision in its charter or bylaws or a resolution of its board of directors and notwithstanding any contrary provision in the charter or bylaws, to any or all of five provisions of the MGCL which provide, respectively, for:
 
 
·
a classified board;
 
 
·
a two-thirds vote requirement for removing a director;
 
 
·
a requirement that the number of directors be fixed only by vote of the board of directors;
 
 
·
a requirement that a vacancy on the board be filled only by the remaining directors in office and for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred; and
 
 
·
a majority requirement for the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders.
 
We have elected in our charter to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 that provides that vacancies on our board may be filled only by the remaining directors and that directors elected to fill vacancies will serve for the remainder of the term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred.  Through provisions in our charter and bylaws unrelated to Subtitle 8, we already (1) will require the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast not less than two-thirds of all of the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors for the removal of any director, which removal may be with or without cause, (2) vest in the board the exclusive power to fix the number of directorships and (3) require, unless called by the chairman of our board of directors, chief executive officer, president or board of directors, the written request of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at such a meeting on such matter to call a special meeting on any matter.
 
Meetings of Stockholders
 
Pursuant to our bylaws, a meeting of our stockholders for the election of directors and the transaction of any business will be held annually on a date and at the time and place set by our board of directors.  The chairman of our board of directors, our chief executive officer, our president or our board of directors may call a special meeting of our stockholders.  Subject to the provisions of our bylaws, a special meeting of our stockholders to act on any matter that may properly be brought before a meeting of our stockholders will also be called by our secretary upon the written request of the stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting on such matter and containing the information required by our bylaws.  Our secretary will inform the requesting stockholders of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and delivering the notice of meeting (including our proxy materials), and the requesting stockholder must pay such estimated cost before our secretary is required to prepare and deliver the notice of the special meeting.
 
Amendment to Our Charter and Bylaws
 
Except for amendments to the provisions of our charter relating to the removal of directors and the restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock, and the vote required to amend these provisions (each of which must be advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders
 
 
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entitled to cast at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter), our charter generally may be amended only if advised by our board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
 
Our board of directors has the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our bylaws and to make new bylaws.
 
Dissolution of Our Company
 
The dissolution of our company must be advised by a majority of our entire board of directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
 
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
 
Our bylaws provide that, with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to our board of directors and the proposal of other business to be considered by our stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (3) by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving the notice required by our bylaws and at the time of the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting on such business or in the election of each such nominee and who has provided notice to us within the time period, containing the information specified by the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws.
 
With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting.  Nominations of individuals for election to our board of directors may be made only (1) by or at the direction of our board of directors or (2) provided that the meeting has been properly called for the purpose of electing directors, by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record both at the time of giving the notice required by our bylaws and at the time of the special meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting in the election of each such nominee and who has provided notice to us within the time period, containing the information specified by the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws.
 
Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of Maryland Law and of Our Charter and Bylaws
 
Our charter and bylaws and Maryland law contain provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transaction that might involve a premium price for shares of our common stock or otherwise be in the best interest of our stockholders, including business combination provisions, supermajority vote requirements and advance notice requirements for certain charter amendments, the removal of directors, for director nominations and stockholder proposals.  Likewise, if the board were to revise or rescind the resolution related to the business combinations, if the provision in our bylaws opting out of the control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL were rescinded or if we were to opt into the classified board or other provisions of Subtitle 8, these provisions of the MGCL could have similar anti-takeover effects.
 
Indemnification and Limitation of Directors' and Officers' Liability
 
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision eliminating the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty that was established by a final judgment and was material to the cause of action.  Our charter contains a provision that eliminates the liability of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
 
The MGCL requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify any of our directors or officers who have been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the
 
 
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defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity with us.  The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:
 
·  
the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;
 
·  
the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or
 
·  
in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.
 
Under the MGCL, we may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit brought by us or in our right in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to us or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received.  A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received.  However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or in our right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.
 
In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of:
 
·  
a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by us; and
 
·  
a written undertaking by the director or officer or on the director's or officer's behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by us if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct.
 
Our charter authorizes us to obligate ourselves and our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:
 
·  
any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or
 
·  
any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, manager, managing member or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.
 
Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.
 
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
 
 
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Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
 
REIT Qualification
 
Our charter provides that our board of directors may authorize us to revoke or otherwise terminate our REIT election, without approval of our stockholders, if it determines that it is no longer in our best interest to continue to qualify as a REIT.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to our qualification and taxation as a REIT and the acquisition, holding, and disposition of our stock. For purposes of this section under the heading "U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations," references to "the company," "we," "our" and "us" mean only Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and not its subsidiaries or other lower-tier entities, except as otherwise indicated. You are urged to both review the following discussion and to consult your tax advisor to determine the effects of ownership and disposition of our shares on your individual tax situation, including any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences.
 
This summary is based upon the Code, the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department (the "Treasury Regulations"), current administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS (including administrative interpretations and practices expressed in private letter rulings which are binding on the IRS only with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings) and judicial decisions, all as currently in effect, and all of which are subject to differing interpretations or to change, possibly with retroactive effect. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below. No advance ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed in this summary. This summary is also based upon the assumption that the operation of the company, and of its subsidiaries and other lower-tier and affiliated entities, will in each case be in accordance with its applicable organizational documents or partnership agreements. This summary does not discuss the impact that U.S. state and local taxes and taxes imposed by non-U.S. jurisdictions could have on the matters discussed in this summary. This summary is for general information only, and does not purport to discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to a particular stockholder in light of his, her or its investment or tax circumstances, or to stockholders subject to special tax rules, such as:
 
 
·
U.S. expatriates;
 
 
·
persons who mark-to-market our stock;
 
 
·
subchapter S corporations;
 
 
·
U.S. stockholders, as defined below under "—Taxation of Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders," whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar;
 
 
·
financial institutions;
 
 
·
insurance companies;
 
 
·
broker-dealers;
 
 
·
regulated investment companies ("RICs");
 
 
·
REITs;
 
 
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·
trusts and estates;
 
 
·
holders who receive our stock through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation;
 
 
·
persons holding our stock as part of a "straddle," "hedge," "conversion transaction," "synthetic security" or other integrated investment;
 
 
·
persons subject to the alternative minimum tax provisions of the Code;
 
 
·
persons holding their interest through a partnership or similar pass-through entity;
 
 
·
persons holding a 10% or more (by vote or value) beneficial interest in us;
 
and, except to the extent discussed below:
 
 
·
tax-exempt organizations; and
 
 
·
non-U.S. stockholders, as defined below under "—Taxation of Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable Non-U.S. Stockholders."
 
This summary assumes that stockholders hold our stock as a capital asset, which generally means as property held for investment.
 
THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT OF HOLDERS OF OUR STOCK DEPENDS IN SOME INSTANCES ON DETERMINATIONS OF FACT AND INTERPRETATIONS OF COMPLEX PROVISIONS OF U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW FOR WHICH NO CLEAR PRECEDENT OR AUTHORITY MAY BE AVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF HOLDING OUR STOCK TO ANY PARTICULAR STOCKHOLDER WILL DEPEND ON THE STOCKHOLDER'S PARTICULAR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU, IN LIGHT OF YOUR PARTICULAR INVESTMENT OR TAX CIRCUMSTANCES, OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING, AND DISPOSING OF OUR STOCK.
 
Taxation of the Company
 
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2010. We believe that we have been organized and operated and intend to continue to be organized and to operate in a manner that will allow us to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2010.
 
The law firm of Clifford Chance US LLP has acted as our counsel in connection with this offering.  We have received the opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP to the effect that, commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2010, we have been organized and have operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code, and our current and proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code.  The opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP is based on various assumptions relating to our organization and operation, including that all factual representations and statements set forth in all relevant documents, records and instruments are true and correct, and that we will at all times operate in accordance with the method of operation described in this prospectus and our organizational documents. Additionally, the opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP is conditioned upon factual representations and covenants made by our management and affiliated entities regarding our organization, assets, and present and future conduct of our business operations and other items regarding our ability to meet the various requirements for qualification as a REIT, and assumes that such representations and covenants are accurate
 
 
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and complete and that we will take no action that could adversely affect our qualification as a REIT.  While we believe that we have been organized and have operated and intend to continue to be organized and to operate so that we will continue to qualify as a REIT, given the highly complex nature of the rules governing REITs, the ongoing importance of factual determinations, and the possibility of future changes in our circumstances or applicable law, no assurance can be given by Clifford Chance US LLP or us that we will so qualify for any particular year. Clifford Chance US LLP will have no obligation to advise us or the holders of our stock of any subsequent change in the matters stated, represented or assumed, or of any subsequent change in the applicable law. You should be aware that opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS, or any court, and no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge the conclusions set forth in such opinions.
 
Our qualification and taxation as a REIT depend on our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, through actual operating results, distribution levels, and diversity of stock ownership, various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code, the compliance with which will not be reviewed by Clifford Chance US LLP. In addition, our ability to qualify as a REIT may depend in part upon the operating results, organizational structure and entity classification for U.S. federal income tax purposes of certain entities in which we invest. Our ability to qualify as a REIT for a particular year also requires that we satisfy certain asset and income tests during such year, some of which depend upon the fair market values of assets directly or indirectly owned by us. Such values may not be susceptible to a precise determination. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of our operations for any taxable year will satisfy such requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT.
 
Taxation of REITs in General
 
As indicated above, our qualification and taxation as a REIT for a particular year depend upon our ability to meet, on a continuing basis during such year, through actual results of operations, distribution levels, diversity of share ownership and various qualification requirements imposed upon REITs by the Code. The material qualification requirements are summarized below under "—Requirements for Qualification—General." While we intend to operate so that we qualify as a REIT, no assurance can be given that the IRS will not challenge our qualification as a REIT, or that we will be able to operate in accordance with the REIT requirements in the future. See "—Failure to Qualify."
 
Provided that we qualify as a REIT, we will generally be entitled to a deduction for dividends that we pay and therefore will not be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our net taxable income that is currently distributed to our stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" at the corporate and stockholder levels that generally results from investment in a corporation. Rather, income generated by a REIT generally is taxed only at the stockholder level upon a distribution of dividends by the REIT.
 
U.S. stockholders who are individuals are generally taxed on corporate dividends at a maximum rate of 20% (the same as long-term capital gains), thereby substantially reducing, though not completely eliminating, the double taxation that has historically applied to corporate dividends. With limited exceptions, however, dividends received by individual U.S. stockholders from us or from other entities that are taxed as REITs will continue to be taxed at rates applicable to ordinary income, which are as high as 39.6%.  Net operating losses, foreign tax credits and other tax attributes of a REIT generally do not pass through to the stockholders of the REIT, subject to special rules for certain items such as capital gains recognized by REITs. See "—Taxation of Stockholders."
 
If we qualify as a REIT, we will nonetheless be subject to U.S. federal income tax as follows:
 
 
·
We will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed income, including undistributed net capital gains.
 
 
·
We may be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" on our items of tax preference, if any.
 
 
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·
If we have net income from prohibited transactions, which are, in general, sales or other dispositions of property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, other than foreclosure property, as described below, such income will be subject to a 100% tax. See "—Requirements for Qualification—General—Prohibited Transactions," and "—Requirements for Qualification—General—Foreclosure Property," below.
 
 
·
If we elect to treat property that we acquire in connection with a foreclosure of a mortgage loan or leasehold as "foreclosure property," we may thereby avoid (1) the 100% tax on gain from a resale of that property (if the sale would otherwise constitute a prohibited transaction), and (2) the inclusion of any income from such property not qualifying for purposes of the REIT gross income tests discussed below, but the income from the sale or operation of the property may be subject to corporate income tax at the highest applicable rate (currently 35%).
 
 
·
If we fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test, as discussed below, but nonetheless maintain our qualification as a REIT because other requirements are met, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to (1) the greater of (A) the amount by which we fail the 75% gross income test or (B) the amount by which we fail the 95% gross income test, as the case may be, multiplied by (2) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.
 
 
·
If we fail to satisfy any of the REIT asset tests, as described below, other than a failure of the 5% or 10% REIT assets tests that does not exceed a statutory de minimis amount as described more fully below, but our failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to wilful neglect and we nonetheless maintain our REIT qualification because of specified cure provisions, we will be required to pay a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or the highest corporate tax rate (currently 35%) of the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets during the period in which we failed to satisfy the asset tests.
 
 
·
If we fail to satisfy any provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT (other than a gross income or asset test requirement) and that violation is due to reasonable cause, we may retain our REIT qualification, but we will be required to pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.
 
 
·
If we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (2) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, or the "required distribution," we will be subject to a 4% non-deductible excise tax on the excess of the required distribution over the sum of (A) the amounts actually distributed (taking into account excess distributions from prior years), plus (B) retained amounts on which U.S. federal income tax is paid at the corporate level.
 
 
·
We may be required to pay monetary penalties to the IRS in certain circumstances, including if we fail to meet record-keeping requirements intended to monitor our compliance with rules relating to the composition of our stockholders, as described below in "—Requirements for Qualification—General."
 
 
·
A 100% excise tax may be imposed on some items of income and expense that are directly or constructively paid between us, our tenants and/or any taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs") if and to the extent that the IRS successfully adjusts the reported amounts of these items.
 
 
·
If, during the ten-year period beginning on the first date we are subject to taxation as a REIT, we recognize gain on the disposition of any property held by us as of this date,
 
 
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then, to the extent of the excess of (i) the fair market value of this property as of this date over (ii) the adjusted tax basis of the property as of this date, which we refer to as built-in gain, will be subject to tax at the highest corporate tax rate. In addition, if we acquire any asset from a C corporation, which is generally a corporation subject to full corporate level tax, in a transaction in which the adjusted tax basis of the asset in our hands is determined by reference to the adjusted tax basis of the asset or any other property in the hands of the C corporation, and we recognize gain on the disposition of this asset during the ten-year period beginning on the date on which the asset was acquired by us, then, the built-in gains will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate tax rate. The results described in this paragraph assume that the C corporation will not elect in lieu of this treatment to be subject to an immediate tax when the asset is acquired by us.
 
 
·
We may elect to retain and pay income tax on our net long-term capital gain. In that case, a stockholder would include his, her or its proportionate share of our undistributed long-term capital gain (to the extent we make a timely designation of such gain to the stockholder) in his, her or its income, would be deemed to have paid the tax that we paid on such gain, and would be allowed a credit for his, her or its proportionate share of the tax deemed to have been paid, and an adjustment would be made to increase the stockholder's basis in our stock. Stockholders that are U.S. corporations will also appropriately adjust their earnings and profits for the retained capital gain in accordance with Treasury Regulations to be promulgated.
 
 
·
We may have subsidiaries or own interests in other lower-tier entities that are subchapter C corporations, including any TRSs, the earnings of which could be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax.
 
In addition, we and our subsidiaries may be subject to a variety of taxes other than U.S. federal income tax, including payroll taxes and state, local, and foreign income, transfer, franchise, property and other taxes. We could also be subject to tax in situations and on transactions not presently contemplated.
 
Requirements for Qualification—General
 
The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association:
 
(1)      that is managed by one or more trustees or directors;
 
(2)      the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest;
 
(3)      that would be taxable as a domestic corporation but for the special Code provisions applicable to REITs;
 
(4)      that is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to specific provisions of the Code;
 
(5)      the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than 12 months;
 
(6)      in which, during the last half of each taxable year, not more than 50% by value of the outstanding stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer "individuals" (as defined in the Code to include specified entities);
 
(7)      that meets other tests described below, including with respect to the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its distributions; and
 
 
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(8)      that makes an election to be a REIT for the current taxable year or has made such an election for a previous taxable year that has not been terminated or revoked.
 
The Code provides that conditions (1) through (4) must be met during the entire taxable year, and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of 12 months, or during a proportionate part of a shorter taxable year. Conditions (5) and (6) do not need to be satisfied for the first taxable year for which an election to become a REIT has been made. Our charter provides restrictions regarding the ownership and transfer of our shares, which are intended, among other purposes, to assist us in satisfying the share ownership requirements described in conditions (5) and (6) above.  For purposes of condition (6), an "individual" generally includes a supplemental unemployment compensation benefit plan, a private foundation, or a portion of a trust permanently set aside or used exclusively for charitable purposes, but does not include a qualified pension plan or profit sharing trust.
 
To monitor compliance with the share ownership requirements, we are required to maintain records regarding the actual ownership of our shares. To do so, we must demand written statements each year from the record holders of significant percentages of our stock in which the record holders are to disclose the actual owners of the shares (i.e., the persons required to include in gross income the dividends paid by us). A list of those persons failing or refusing to comply with this demand must be maintained as part of our records. Failure by us to comply with these record-keeping requirements could subject us to monetary penalties. If we satisfy these requirements and after exercising reasonable diligence would not have known that condition (6) is not satisfied, we will be deemed to have satisfied such condition. A stockholder that fails or refuses to comply with the demand is required by Treasury Regulations to submit a statement with his, her or its tax return disclosing the actual ownership of the shares and other information.
 
In addition, a corporation generally may not elect to become a REIT unless its taxable year is the calendar year. We satisfy this requirement. Furthermore, a corporation does not qualify as a REIT for a given taxable year if, as of the final day of the taxable year, the corporation has any undistributed earnings and profits that accumulated during a period that the corporation was not treated as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We believe that we distributed all of our earnings and profits that accumulated through December 31, 2009 prior to December 31, 2010 and therefore satisfy this requirement.
 
Effect of Subsidiary Entities
 
Ownership of Partnership Interests. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, Treasury Regulations provide that the REIT is deemed to own its proportionate share of the partnership's assets and to earn its proportionate share of the partnership's gross income based on its pro rata share of capital interests in the partnership for purposes of the asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs, as described below. However, solely for purposes of the 10% value test, described below, the determination of a REIT's interest in partnership assets will be based on the REIT's proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership, excluding, for these purposes, certain excluded securities as described in the Code. In addition, the assets and gross income of the partnership generally are deemed to retain the same character in the hands of the REIT. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets and items of income of partnerships in which we own an equity interest (including our interest in our operating partnership and its equity interests in any lower-tier partnerships), is treated as our assets and items of income for purposes of applying the REIT requirements described below. Consequently, to the extent that we directly or indirectly hold a preferred or other equity interest in a partnership, the partnership's assets and operations may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we may have no control, or only limited influence, over the partnership. A summary of certain rules governing the U.S. federal income taxation of partnerships and their partners is provided below in "—Tax Aspects of Investments in Partnerships."
 
Disregarded Subsidiaries. If a REIT owns a corporate subsidiary that is a "qualified REIT subsidiary," that subsidiary is disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the subsidiary are treated as assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction and credit of the REIT, including for purposes of the gross income and asset tests applicable to REITs as summarized below. A qualified REIT subsidiary is any corporation, other than a TRS, as described below under "—Requirements for Qualification—General—Effect of Subsidiary
 
 
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Entities—Taxable REIT Subsidiaries," that is wholly owned by a REIT, or by other disregarded subsidiaries, or by a combination of the two. Single member limited liability companies that are wholly owned by a REIT are also generally disregarded as separate entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including for purposes of the REIT gross income and asset tests. Disregarded subsidiaries, along with partnerships in which we hold an equity interest, are sometimes referred to herein as "pass-through subsidiaries."
 
In the event that a disregarded subsidiary ceases to be wholly owned by us—for example, if any equity interest in the subsidiary is acquired by a person other than us or another disregarded subsidiary of ours—the subsidiary's separate existence would no longer be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Instead, it would have multiple owners and would be treated as either a partnership or a taxable corporation. Such an event could, depending on the circumstances, adversely affect our ability to satisfy the various asset and gross income tests applicable to REITs, including the requirement that REITs generally may not own, directly or indirectly, more than 10% of the value or voting power of the outstanding securities of another corporation. See "—Requirements for Qualification—General—Asset Tests" and "—Requirements for Qualification—General—Gross Income Tests."
 
Taxable REIT Subsidiaries. A REIT generally may jointly elect with a subsidiary corporation, whether or not wholly owned, to treat the subsidiary corporation as a TRS. The separate existence of a TRS or other taxable corporation, unlike a disregarded subsidiary as discussed above, is not ignored for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, such an entity would generally be subject to corporate U.S. federal, state, local and income and franchise taxes on its earnings, which may reduce the cash flow generated by us and our subsidiaries in the aggregate, and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
 
We have jointly elected with ROIC Phillips Ranch TRS, Inc., or ROIC TRS, a Delaware corporation that is indirectly wholly owned by us, for ROIC TRS to be treated as a TRS. This will allow ROIC TRS to invest in assets and engage in activities that could not be held or conducted directly by us without jeopardizing our qualification as a REIT.  A REIT is not treated as holding the assets of a TRS or other taxable subsidiary corporation or as receiving any income that the subsidiary earns. Rather, the stock issued by the subsidiary is an asset in the hands of the REIT, and the REIT recognizes as income the dividends, if any, that it receives from the subsidiary. This treatment can affect the gross income and asset test calculations that apply to the REIT, as described below. Because a REIT does not include the assets and income of such subsidiary corporations in determining the REIT's compliance with the REIT requirements, such entities may be used by the parent REIT to undertake indirectly activities that the REIT rules might otherwise preclude it from doing directly or through pass-through subsidiaries or render commercially unfeasible (for example, activities that give rise to certain categories of income such as management fees). If dividends are paid to us by ROIC TRS or one or more other TRSs we may own, then a portion of the dividends that we distribute to stockholders who are taxed at individual rates generally will be eligible for taxation at preferential qualified dividend income tax rates rather than at ordinary income rates. See "—Taxation of Stockholders—Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders" and "—Requirements for Qualification—General—Annual Distribution Requirements."
 
Certain restrictions imposed on TRSs are intended to ensure that such entities will be subject to appropriate levels of U.S. federal income taxation. First, if a TRS has a debt to equity ratio as of the close of the taxable year exceeding 1.5 to 1, it may not deduct interest payments made in any year to an affiliated REIT to the extent that such payments exceed, generally, 50% of the TRS's adjusted taxable income for that year (although the TRS may carry forward to, and deduct in, a succeeding year the disallowed interest amount if the 50% test is satisfied in that year). In addition, if amounts are paid to a REIT or deducted by a TRS due to transactions between a REIT, its tenants and/or a TRS, that exceed the amount that would be paid to or deducted by a party in an arm's-length transaction, the REIT generally will be subject to an excise tax equal to 100% of such excess.
 
Rents received by us that include amounts for services furnished by a TRS to any of our tenants will not be subject to the excise tax if such amounts qualify for the safe harbor provisions contained in the Code. Safe harbor provisions are provided where (1) amounts are excluded from the definition of
 
 
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impermissible tenants service income as a result of satisfying a 1% de minimis exception; (2) a TRS renders a significant amount of similar services to unrelated parties and the charges for such services are substantially comparable; (3) rents paid to us by tenants that are not receiving services from the TRS are substantially comparable to the rents by our tenants leasing comparable space that are receiving such services from the TRS and the charge for the services is separately stated; or (4) the TRS's gross income from the service is not less than 150% of the TRS's direct cost of furnishing the service.
 
Gross Income Tests
 
In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we annually must satisfy two gross income tests. First, at least 75% of our gross income for each taxable year, excluding gross income from sales of inventory or dealer property in "prohibited transactions" and certain hedging and foreign currency transactions, must be derived from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property, including "rents from real property," dividends received from and gain from the disposition of other shares of REITs, interest income derived from mortgage loans secured by real property (including certain types of mortgage-backed securities), and gains from the sale of real estate assets, as well as income from certain kinds of temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross income in each taxable year, excluding gross income from prohibited transactions and certain hedging and foreign currency transactions, must be derived from some combination of income that qualifies under the 75% income test described above, as well as other dividends, interest, and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities, which need not have any relation to real property.
 
For purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests, a REIT is deemed to have earned a proportionate share of the income earned by any partnership, or any limited liability company treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in which it owns an interest, which share is determined by reference to its capital interest in such entity, and is deemed to have earned the income earned by any qualified REIT subsidiary.
 
Rents received by us will qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the 75% gross income test described above, only if several conditions are met, including the following. The rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount will not be excluded from rents from real property solely by being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales or being based on the net income or profits of a tenant which derives substantially all of its income with respect to such property from subleasing of substantially all of such property, to the extent that the rents paid by the sublessees would qualify as rents from real property, if earned directly by us. If rent is partly attributable to personal property leased in connection with a lease of real property, the portion of the total rent that is attributable to the personal property will not qualify as rents from real property unless it constitutes 15% or less of the total rent received under the lease. Moreover, for rents received to qualify as rents from real property, we generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render certain services to the tenants of such property, other than through an "independent contractor" who is adequately compensated and from which we derive no income, or through a TRS, as discussed below. We are permitted, however, to perform services that are "usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered rendered to the occupant of the property. In addition, we may directly or indirectly provide non-customary services to tenants of our properties if the gross income from such services does not exceed 1% of the total gross income from the property. In such a case, only the amounts for non-customary services are not treated as rents from real property and the provision of the services does not disqualify the rents from treatment as rents from real property. For purposes of this test, the gross income received from such non-customary services is deemed to be at least 150% of the direct cost of providing the services. Moreover, we are permitted to provide services to tenants through a TRS without disqualifying the rental income received from tenants as rents from real property. Also, rental income will qualify as rents from real property only to the extent that we do not directly or indirectly (through application of certain constructive ownership rules) own, (1) in the case of any tenant which is a corporation, stock possessing 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote, or 10% or more of the total value of shares of all classes of stock of such tenant, or (2) in the case of any tenant which is not a corporation, an interest of 10% or more in the assets or net profits of such tenant. However, rental payments from a TRS will qualify as rents from real
 
 
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property even if we own more than 10% of the total value or combined voting power of the TRS if at least 90% of the property is leased to unrelated tenants and the rent paid by the TRS is substantially comparable to the rent paid by the unrelated tenants for comparable space.
 
Unless we determine that the resulting nonqualifying income under any of the following situations, taken together with all other nonqualifying income earned by us in the taxable year, will not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT, we do not intend to:
 
 
·
charge rent for any property that is based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person, except by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales, as described above;
 
 
·
rent any property to a related party tenant, including a TRS, unless the rent from the lease to the TRS would qualify for the special exception from the related party tenant rule applicable to certain leases with a TRS;
 
 
·
derive rental income attributable to personal property other than personal property leased in connection with the lease of real property, the amount of which is less than 15% of the total rent received under the lease; or
 
 
·
directly perform services considered to be noncustomary or rendered to the occupant of the property.
 
We may indirectly receive distributions from any TRSs or other corporations that are not REITs or qualified REIT subsidiaries. These distributions will be classified as dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the distributing corporation. Such distributions will generally constitute qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Any dividends received by us from a REIT, however, will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 95% and 75% gross income tests.
 
Interest income constitutes qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the 75% gross income test, as described above, to the extent that the obligation is secured by a mortgage on real property. If we receive interest income with respect to a mortgage loan that is secured by both real property and other property, and the highest principal amount of the loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property on the date that we acquired or originated the mortgage loan, the interest income will be apportioned between the real property and the other property, and our income from the loan will qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test only to the extent that the interest is allocable to the real property. We may make real estate-related debt investments, provided that the underlying real estate meets our criteria for direct investment. Although the issue is not free from doubt, we may be required to treat a portion of the gross income derived from a mortgage loan that is acquired at a time when the fair market value of the real property securing the loan is less than the loan's face amount and there are other assets securing the loan, as nonqualifying for the 75% gross income test even if our acquisition price for the loan (that is, the fair market value of the loan) is less than the value of the real property securing the loan. Even if a loan is not secured by real property or is undersecured, the income that it generates may nonetheless also qualify for purposes of the 95% gross income test.
 
To the extent that the terms of a loan provide for contingent interest that is based on the cash proceeds realized upon the sale of the property securing the loan, income attributable to the participation feature will be treated as gain from sale of the underlying property, which generally will be qualifying income for purposes of both the 75% and 95% gross income tests.
 
Among the assets we may hold are certain mezzanine loans secured by equity interests in a pass-through entity that directly or indirectly owns real property, rather than a direct mortgage on the real property. The IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2003-65 (the "Revenue Procedure"), which provides a safe harbor pursuant to which a mezzanine loan, if it meets each of the requirements contained in the Revenue
 
 
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Procedure, will be treated by the IRS as a real estate asset for purposes of the REIT asset tests, and interest derived from it will be treated as qualifying mortgage interest for purposes of the 75% gross income test described above. Although the Revenue Procedure provides a safe harbor on which taxpayers may rely, it does not prescribe rules of substantive tax law. The mezzanine loans that we acquire may not meet all of the requirements for reliance on this safe harbor. Hence, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge the qualification of such assets as real estate assets or the interest generated by these loans as qualifying income under the 75% gross income test described above. To the extent we make corporate mezzanine loans or acquire other commercial real estate corporate debt, such loans will not qualify as real estate assets and interest income with respect to such loans will not be qualifying income for the 75% gross income test described above.
 
Foreign Investments
 
To the extent that we hold or acquire foreign investments, such investments may generate foreign currency gains and losses. Foreign currency gains are generally treated as income that does not qualify under the 95% or 75% gross income tests. However, in general, if foreign currency gain is recognized with respect to specified assets or income which otherwise qualifies for purposes of the 95% or 75% gross income tests, then such foreign currency gain will generally not constitute gross income for purposes of either the 95% or 75% gross income tests, respectively, provided we do not deal or engage in substantial and regular trading in securities, which we do not intend to do. No assurance can be given that any foreign currency gains recognized by us directly or through pass-through subsidiaries will not adversely affect our ability to satisfy the REIT qualification requirements.
 
Hedging Transactions
 
We may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Hedging transactions could take a variety of forms, including interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements, options, futures contracts, forward rate agreements or similar financial instruments. Except to the extent provided by Treasury Regulations, any income from a hedging transaction we enter into (1) in the normal course of our business primarily to manage risk of interest rate or price changes or currency fluctuations with respect to borrowings made or to be made, or ordinary obligations incurred or to be incurred, to acquire or carry real estate assets, which we clearly identify as specified in Treasury Regulations before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into, including gain from the sale or disposition of such a transaction, or (2) primarily to manage risk of currency fluctuations with respect to any item of income or gain that would be qualifying income under the 75% or 95% income tests which is clearly identified as such before the close of the day on which it was acquired, originated, or entered into, will not constitute gross income for purposes of the 75% or 95% gross income test. To the extent that we enter into other types of hedging transactions, the income from those transactions is likely to be treated as non-qualifying income for purposes of both of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. We intend to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our qualification as a REIT.
 
Failure to Satisfy the Gross Income Tests
 
We intend to monitor our sources of income, including any non-qualifying income received by us, so as to ensure our compliance with the gross income tests. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may still qualify as a REIT for the year if we are entitled to relief under applicable provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will generally be available if the failure of our company to meet these tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to wilful neglect and, following the identification of such failure, we set forth a description of each item of our gross income that satisfies the gross income tests in a schedule for the taxable year filed in accordance with the Treasury Regulations. It is not possible to state whether we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions in all circumstances. If these relief provisions are inapplicable to a particular set of circumstances involving us, we will not qualify as a REIT.  As discussed above under "—Taxation of the Company—Taxation of REITs in General," even where these relief provisions apply, a tax would be imposed upon the profit attributable to the amount by which we fail to satisfy the particular gross income test.
 
 
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Asset Tests
 
At the close of each calendar quarter we must also satisfy four tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by some combination of "real estate assets," cash, cash items, U.S. government securities, and, under some circumstances, stock or debt instruments purchased with new capital. For this purpose, real estate assets include interests in real property, such as land, buildings, leasehold interests in real property, stock of other REITs, and certain kinds of mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans. Assets that do not qualify for purposes of the 75% test are subject to the additional asset tests described below.
 
Second, the value of any one issuer's securities owned by us may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets. Third, we may not own more than 10% of any one issuer's outstanding securities, as measured by either voting power or value. Fourth, the aggregate value of all securities of any TRSs held by us may not exceed 25% of the value of our total assets.
 
The 5% and 10% asset tests do not apply to securities of TRSs, qualified REIT subsidiaries or securities that are "real estate assets" for purposes of the 75% gross asset test described above. The 10% value test does not apply to certain "straight debt" and other excluded securities, as described in the Code including, but not limited to, any loan to an individual or estate, any obligation to pay rents from real property and any security issued by a REIT. In addition, (1) a REIT's interest as a partner in a partnership is not considered a security for purposes of applying the 10% value test to securities issued by the partnership; (2) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or another excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership if at least 75% of the partnership's gross income is derived from sources that would qualify for the 75% REIT gross income test; and (3) any debt instrument issued by a partnership (other than straight debt or another excluded security) will not be considered a security issued by the partnership to the extent of the REIT's interest as a partner in the partnership. For purposes of the 10% value test, "straight debt" means a written unconditional promise to pay on demand on a specified date a sum certain in money if (i) debt is not convertible, directly or indirectly, into stock, (ii) the interest rate and interest payment dates are not contingent on profits, the borrower's discretion, or similar factors other than certain contingencies relating to the timing and amount of principal and interest payments, as described in the Code and (iii) in the case of an issuer that is a corporation or a partnership, securities that otherwise would be considered straight debt will not be so considered if we, and any of our "controlled taxable REIT subsidiaries," as defined in the Code, hold any securities of the corporate or partnership issuer which (a) are not straight debt or other excluded securities (prior to the application of this rule), and (b) have an aggregate value greater than 1% of the issuer's outstanding securities (including, for the purposes of a partnership issuer, its interest as a partner in the partners).
 
We may make real estate-related debt investments, provided the underlying real estate meets our criteria for direct investment. A real estate mortgage loan that we own generally will be treated as a real estate asset for purposes of the 75% REIT asset test if, on the date that we acquire or originate the mortgage loan, the value of the real property securing the loan is equal to or greater than the principal amount of the loan. Existing IRS guidance provides that certain rules described above that are applicable to the gross income tests may apply to determine what portion of a mortgage loan will be treated as a real estate asset if the mortgage loan is secured both by real property and other assets. Although the issue is not free from doubt, we may be required to treat a portion of a mortgage loan that is acquired (or modified in a manner that is treated as an acquisition of a new loan for U.S. federal income tax purposes) at a time when the fair market value of the real property securing the loan is less than the loan's face amount and there are other assets securing the loan, as nonqualifying for the 75% REIT asset test even if our acquisition price for the loan (that is, the fair market value of the loan) is less than the value of the real property securing the loan.
 
After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our qualification as a REIT for failure to satisfy the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values (including a failure caused solely by change in the foreign currency exchange rate used to value a foreign asset). If we fail to satisfy the asset tests because we acquire or increase our ownership interest in securities during a quarter, we can cure this failure by disposing of the non-qualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. If we fail the 5% asset test or the 10% vote or value asset test
 
 
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at the end of any quarter, and such failure is not cured within 30 days thereafter, we may dispose of sufficient assets (generally, within six months after the last day of the quarter in which our identification of the failure to satisfy those asset tests occurred) to cure the violation, provided that the non-permitted assets do not exceed the lesser of 1% of our assets at the end of the relevant quarter or $10,000,000. If we fail any of the other asset tests, or our failure of the 5% and 10% asset tests is in excess of this amount, as long as the failure was due to reasonable cause and not wilful neglect, we are permitted to avoid disqualification as a REIT, after the thirty-day cure period, by taking steps including the disposition of sufficient assets to meet the asset tests (generally within six months after the last day of the quarter in which our identification of the failure to satisfy the REIT asset test occurred), and paying a tax equal to the greater of $50,000 or 35% of the net income generated by the nonqualifying assets during the period in which we failed to satisfy the relevant asset test.
 
We believe that our holdings of securities and other assets will comply with the foregoing REIT asset requirements, and we intend to monitor compliance with such tests on an ongoing basis. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be successful in this effort. Moreover, the values of some of our assets, including the securities of any TRSs or other nonpublicly traded investments, may not be susceptible to a precise determination and are subject to change in the future. Furthermore, the proper classification of an instrument as debt or equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be uncertain in some circumstances, which could affect the application of the REIT asset tests. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend that our assets do not meet the requirements of the REIT asset tests.
 
Annual Distribution Requirements
 
In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends, other than capital gain dividends, to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to:
 
(1)      the sum of:
 
 
·
90% of our "REIT taxable income" (computed without regard to our deduction for dividends paid and our net capital gains), and
 
 
·
90% of the net income, if any (after tax), from foreclosure property, as described below, and recognized built-in gain, as discussed above, minus
 
(2)      the sum of specified items of non-cash income that exceeds a percentage of our income.
 
These distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if such distributions are declared in October, November or December of the taxable year, are payable to stockholders of record on a specified date in any such month, and are actually paid before the end of January of the following year. Such distributions are treated as both paid by us and received by each stockholder on December 31 of the year in which they are declared. In addition, at our election, a distribution for a taxable year may be declared before we timely file our tax return for the year, provided we pay such distribution with or before our first regular dividend payment after such declaration, provided that such payment is made during the 12-month period following the close of such taxable year. These distributions are taxable to our stockholders in the year in which paid, even though the distributions relate to our prior taxable year for purposes of the 90% distribution requirement.
 
In order for distributions to be counted towards our distribution requirement, and to give rise to a tax deduction to us, they must not be "preferential dividends." A dividend is not a preferential dividend if it is pro rata among all outstanding shares of stock within a particular class, and is in accordance with the preferences among our different classes of stock as set forth in our organizational documents.
 
 
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To the extent that we distribute at least 90%, but less than 100%, of our REIT taxable income, as adjusted, we will be subject to tax at ordinary corporate tax rates on the retained portion. In addition, we may elect to retain, rather than distribute, our net long-term capital gains and pay tax on such gains. In this case, we would elect to have our stockholders include their proportionate share of such undistributed long-term capital gains in their income and receive a corresponding credit for their proportionate share of the tax paid by us. Our stockholders would then increase their adjusted basis in our stock by the difference between the designated amounts included in their long-term capital gains and the tax deemed paid with respect to their proportionate shares.
 
If we fail to distribute during each calendar year at least the sum of (1) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (2) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year and (3) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% non-deductible excise tax on the excess of such amount over the sum of (A) the amounts actually distributed (taking into account excess distributions from prior periods) and (B) the amounts of income retained on which we have paid corporate income tax. We intend to make timely distributions so that we are not subject to the 4% excise tax.
 
It is possible that we, from time to time, may not have sufficient cash to meet the REIT distribution requirements due to timing differences between (1) the actual receipt of cash, including the receipt of distributions from any partnership subsidiaries and (2) the inclusion of items in income by us for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Additional potential sources of non-cash taxable income include loans held by us as assets that are issued at a discount and require the accrual of taxable interest income in advance of our receipt in cash, loans on which the borrower is permitted to defer cash payments of interest and distressed loans on which we may be required to accrue taxable interest income even though the borrower is unable to make current interest payments in cash. In the event that such timing differences occur, in order to meet the distribution requirements, it might be necessary to arrange for short-term, or possibly long-term, borrowings, or to pay dividends in the form of taxable in-kind distributions of property, including taxable stock dividends. In the case of a taxable stock dividend, stockholders would be required to include the dividend as income and would be required to satisfy the tax liability associated with the distribution with cash from other sources including sales of our stock. Both a taxable stock distribution and sale of stock resulting from such distribution could adversely affect the price of our stock.
 
We may be able to rectify a failure to meet the distribution requirements for a year by paying "deficiency dividends" to stockholders in a later year, which may be included in our deduction for dividends paid for the earlier year. In this case, we may be able to avoid losing our REIT qualification or being taxed on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends. However, we will be required to pay interest and a penalty based on the amount of any deduction taken for deficiency dividends.
 
Recordkeeping Requirements
 
We are required to maintain records and request on an annual basis information from specified stockholders. These requirements are designed to assist us in determining the actual ownership of our outstanding stock and maintaining our qualification as a REIT.
 
Prohibited Transactions
 
Net income we derive from a prohibited transaction is subject to a 100% tax. The term "prohibited transaction" generally includes a sale or other disposition of property (other than foreclosure property) that is held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business by a REIT, by a lower-tier partnership in which the REIT holds an equity interest or by a borrower that has issued a shared appreciation mortgage or similar debt instrument in the REIT. We intend to conduct our operations so that no asset owned by us or our pass-through subsidiaries will be held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers, and that a sale of any assets owned by us directly or through a pass-through subsidiary will not be in the ordinary course of business. However, whether property is held as inventory or "primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business" depends on the particular facts and circumstances. No assurance can be given that any particular property in which we hold a direct or indirect interest will not be treated as property held as inventory or primarily for sale to customers, or
 
 
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that certain safe-harbor provisions of the Code discussed below that prevent such treatment will apply. The 100% tax will not apply to gains from the sale of property that is held through a TRS or other taxable corporation, although such income will be subject to tax in the hands of the corporation at regular corporate income tax rates.
 
The Code provides a safe harbor that, if met, allows us to avoid being treated as engaged in a prohibited transaction. In order to meet the safe harbor, among other things, (i) we must have held the property for at least two years (and, in the case of property which consists of land or improvements not acquired through foreclosure, we must have held the property for two years for the production of rental income) and (ii) during the taxable year the property is disposed of, we must not have made more than seven property sales or, alternatively, the aggregate adjusted basis or fair market value of all of the properties sold by us during the taxable year must not exceed 10% of the aggregate adjusted basis or 10% of the fair market value, respectively, of all of our assets as of the beginning of the taxable year.
 
Foreclosure Property
 
Foreclosure property is real property (including interests in real property) and any personal property incident to such real property (1) that is acquired by a REIT as a result of the REIT having bid on the property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced the property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default (or default was imminent) on a lease of the property or a mortgage loan held by the REIT and secured by the property, (2) for which the related loan or lease was made, entered into or acquired by the REIT at a time when default was not imminent or anticipated and (3) for which such REIT makes a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property. REITs generally are subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate (currently 35%) on any net income from foreclosure property, including any gain from the disposition of the foreclosure property, other than income that would otherwise be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. Any gain from the sale of property for which a foreclosure property election has been made will not be subject to the 100% tax on gains from prohibited transactions described above, even if the property would otherwise constitute inventory or dealer property in the hands of the selling REIT.
 
Tax Aspects of Investments in Partnerships
 
General
 
We will hold investments through entities that are classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, including our interest in our operating partnership, in the event a third party acquires an equity interest in our operating partnership, and equity interests in lower-tier partnerships. In general, partnerships are "pass-through" entities that are not subject to U.S. federal income tax. Rather, partners are allocated their proportionate shares of the items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit of a partnership, and are subject to tax on these items without regard to whether the partners receive a distribution from the partnership. We will include in our income our proportionate share of these partnership items for purposes of the various REIT income tests, based on our capital interest in such partnership, and in the computation of our REIT taxable income. Moreover, for purposes of the REIT asset tests, we will include our proportionate share of assets held by subsidiary partnerships, based on our capital interest in such partnerships (other than for purposes of the 10% value test, for which the determination of our interest in partnership assets will be based on our proportionate interest in any securities issued by the partnership excluding, for these purposes, certain excluded securities as described in the Code). Consequently, to the extent that we hold an equity interest in a partnership, the partnership's assets and operations may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, even though we may have no control, or only limited influence, over the partnership.
 
Entity Classification
 
The investment by us in partnerships involves special tax considerations, including the possibility of a challenge by the IRS of the status of any of our subsidiary partnerships as a partnership, as opposed to an association taxable as a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If any of these entities were
 
 
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treated as an association for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it would be taxable as a corporation and, therefore, could be subject to an entity-level tax on its income. In such a situation, the character of our assets and items of our gross income would change and could preclude us from satisfying the REIT asset tests (particularly the tests generally preventing a REIT from owning more than 10% of the voting securities, or more than 10% of the value of the securities, of a corporation) or the gross income tests as discussed in "—Requirements for Qualification—General—Asset Tests" and "—Gross Income Tests" above, and in turn could prevent us from qualifying as a REIT. See "—Failure to Qualify," below, for a discussion of the effect of our failure to meet these tests for a taxable year. In addition, any change in the status of any of our subsidiary partnerships for tax purposes might be treated as a taxable event, in which case we could have taxable income that is subject to the REIT distribution requirements without receiving any cash.
 
Tax Allocations With Respect to Partnership Properties
 
The partnership agreement of our operating partnership generally provides that items of operating income and loss will be allocated to the holders of units in proportion to the number of units held by each holder. If an allocation of partnership income or loss does not comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners' interests in the partnership. This reallocation will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item. Our operating partnership's allocations of income and loss are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under this section of the Code.
 
Under Section 704(c) of the Code, income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to appreciated or depreciated property that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated for tax purposes in a manner such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution. The amount of the unrealized gain or unrealized loss is generally equal to the difference between the fair market value, or book value, of the contributed property and the adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of the contribution (a "book-tax difference"). Such allocations are solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes and do not affect partnership capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners.
 
In connection with future asset acquisitions, appreciated property may be acquired by our operating partnership in exchange for interests in our operating partnership. The partnership agreement requires that allocations with respect to such acquired property be made in a manner consistent with Section 704(c) of the Code. Treasury Regulations issued under Section 704(c) of the Code provide partnerships with a choice of several methods of allocating book-tax differences. Under the traditional method, which is the least favorable method from our perspective but may be requested by a contributor of property that our operating partnership acquires, the carryover basis of the acquired properties in the hands of our operating partnership (1) may cause us to be allocated lower amounts of depreciation and other deductions for tax purposes than would be allocated to us if all of the acquired properties were to have a tax basis equal to their fair market value at the time of acquisition and (2) in the event of a sale of such properties, could cause us to be allocated gain in excess of our corresponding economic or book gain (or taxable loss that is less than our economic or book loss), with a corresponding benefit to the partners transferring such properties to our operating partnership for interests in our operating partnership. Therefore, the use of the traditional method could result in our having taxable income that is in excess of our economic or book income as well as our cash distributions from our operating partnership, which might adversely affect our ability to comply with the REIT distribution requirements or result in our stockholders recognizing additional dividend income without an increase in distributions.
 
Failure to Qualify
 
In the event that we violate a provision of the Code that would result in our failure to qualify as a REIT, we may nevertheless continue to qualify as a REIT. Specified relief provisions will be available to us to avoid such disqualification if (1) the violation is due to reasonable cause and not due to wilful neglect,
 
 
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(2) we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each failure to satisfy a requirement for qualification as a REIT and (3) the violation does not include a violation under the gross income or asset tests described above (for which other specified relief provisions are available). This cure provision reduces the instances that could lead to our disqualification as a REIT for violations due to reasonable cause. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and none of the relief provisions of the Code apply, we will be subject to tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to our stockholders in any year in which we are not a REIT will not be deductible by us, nor will they be required to be made. In this situation, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, and, subject to limitations of the Code, distributions to our stockholders will generally be taxable in the case of our stockholders who are individual U.S. stockholders at a maximum rate 20%, and dividends in the hands of our corporate U.S. stockholders may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Unless we are entitled to relief under the specific statutory provisions, we will also be disqualified from re-electing to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether, in all circumstances, we will be entitled to statutory relief.
 
Taxation of Stockholders
 
Taxation of Taxable U.S. Stockholders
 
This section summarizes the taxation of U.S. stockholders that are not tax-exempt organizations.  For these purposes, a U.S. stockholder is a beneficial owner of our common stock who for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:
 
 
·
a citizen or resident of the U.S.;
 
 
·
a corporation (including an entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or of a political subdivision thereof (including the District of Columbia);
 
 
·
an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
 
 
·
any trust if (1) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) it has a valid election in place to be treated as a U.S. person.
 
If an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A partner of a partnership holding our stock should consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to the partner of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our stock by the partnership.
 
Distributions. Provided that we qualify as a REIT, distributions made to our taxable U.S. stockholders out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, and not designated as capital gain dividends, will generally be taken into account by them as ordinary dividend income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations.  In determining the extent to which a distribution with respect to our stock constitutes a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our earnings and profits will be allocated first to distributions with respect to our preferred stock, if any, and then to our stock. Dividends received from REITs are generally not eligible to be taxed at the preferential qualified dividend income rates applicable to individual U.S. stockholders who receive dividends from taxable subchapter C corporations.
 
In addition, distributions from us that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed to U.S. stockholders as long-term capital gains, to the extent that they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for
 
 
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the taxable year, without regard to the period for which the U.S. stockholder has held his, her or its stock. To the extent that we elect under the applicable provisions of the Code to retain our net capital gains, U.S. stockholders will be treated as having received, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, our undistributed capital gains as well as a corresponding credit for taxes paid by us on such retained capital gains.
 
U.S. stockholders will increase their adjusted tax basis in our stock by the difference between their allocable share of such retained capital gain and their share of the tax paid by us. Corporate U.S. stockholders may be required to treat up to 20% of some capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are generally taxable at maximum U.S. federal rates of 20% in the case of U.S. stockholders who are individuals, and 35% for corporations. Capital gains attributable to the sale of depreciable real property held for more than 12 months are subject to a 25% maximum U.S. federal income tax rate for individual U.S. stockholders, to the extent of previously claimed depreciation deductions.
 
Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to a U.S. stockholder to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. stockholder's shares in respect of which the distributions were made, but rather will reduce the adjusted tax basis of these shares. To the extent that such distributions exceed the adjusted tax basis of an individual U.S. stockholder's shares, they will be included in income as long-term capital gain, or short-term capital gain if the shares have been held for one year or less. In addition, any dividend declared by us in October, November or December of any year and payable to a U.S. stockholder of record on a specified date in any such month will be treated as both paid by us and received by the U.S. stockholder on December 31 of such year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by us before the end of January of the following calendar year.
 
With respect to U.S. stockholders who are taxed at the rates applicable to individuals, we may elect to designate a portion of our distributions paid to such U.S. stockholders as "qualified dividend income." A portion of a distribution that is properly designated as qualified dividend income is taxable to non-corporate U.S. stockholders as capital gain, provided that the U.S. stockholder has held the stock with respect to which the distribution is made for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date that is 60 days before the date on which such stock became ex-dividend with respect to the relevant distribution. The maximum amount of our distributions eligible to be designated as qualified dividend income for a taxable year is equal to the sum of:
 
(1)      the qualified dividend income received by us during such taxable year from subchapter C corporations (including any TRSs);
 
(2)      the excess of any "undistributed" REIT taxable income recognized during the immediately preceding year over the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such undistributed REIT taxable income; and
 
(3)      the excess of any income recognized during the immediately preceding year attributable to the sale of a built-in-gain asset that was acquired in a carry-over basis transaction from a non-REIT corporation or had appreciated at the time our REIT election became effective over the U.S. federal income tax paid by us with respect to such built-in gain.
 
Generally, dividends that we receive will be treated as qualified dividend income for purposes of (1) above if the dividends are received from a domestic subchapter C corporation, such as any TRSs, and specified holding period and other requirements are met.
 
To the extent that we have available net operating losses and capital losses carried forward from prior tax years, such losses may reduce the amount of distributions that must be made in order to comply with the REIT distribution requirements. See "—Requirements for Qualification—General—Annual Distribution Requirements." Such losses, however, are not passed through to U.S. stockholders and do not offset income of U.S. stockholders from other sources, nor do they affect the character of any distributions that are actually made by us, which are generally subject to tax in the hands of U.S. stockholders to the extent that we have current or accumulated earnings and profits.
 
 
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Dispositions of Our Stock. In general, a U.S. stockholder will realize gain or loss upon the sale, redemption or other taxable disposition of our stock in an amount equal to the difference between the sum of the fair market value of any property and the amount of cash received in such disposition and the U.S. stockholder's adjusted tax basis in the stock at the time of the disposition. In general, a U.S. stockholder's adjusted tax basis will equal the U.S. stockholder's acquisition cost, increased by the excess of net capital gains deemed distributed to the U.S. stockholder discussed above less tax deemed paid on it and reduced by returns of capital. In general, capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate U.S. stockholders upon the sale or disposition of shares of our stock will be subject to a maximum U.S. federal income tax rate of 20%, if our stock is held for more than 12 months, and will be taxed at ordinary income rates of up to 39.6% if our stock is held for 12 months or less. Gains recognized by U.S. stockholders that are corporations are subject to U.S. federal income tax at a maximum rate of 35%, whether or not classified as long-term capital gains. The IRS has the authority to prescribe, but has not yet prescribed, regulations that would apply a capital gain tax rate of 25% (which is generally higher than the long-term capital gain tax rates for non-corporate holders) to a portion of capital gain realized by a non-corporate holder on the sale of REIT stock or depositary shares that would correspond to the REIT's "unrecaptured Section 1250 gain."
 
Holders are advised to consult their tax advisors with respect to their capital gain tax liability. Capital losses recognized by a U.S. stockholder upon the disposition of our stock held for more than one year at the time of disposition will be considered long-term capital losses, and are generally available only to offset capital gain income of the U.S. stockholder but not ordinary income (except in the case of individuals, who may offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income each year). In addition, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares of our stock by a U.S. stockholder who has held the shares for six months or less, after applying holding period rules, will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of distributions received from us that were required to be treated by the U.S. stockholder as long-term capital gain.
 
If a U.S. stockholder recognizes a loss upon a subsequent disposition of our stock in an amount that exceeds a prescribed threshold, it is possible that the provisions of Treasury Regulations involving "reportable transactions" could apply, with a resulting requirement to separately disclose the loss generating transactions to the IRS. While these regulations are directed towards "tax shelters," they are written quite broadly, and apply to transactions that would not typically be considered tax shelters. Significant penalties apply for failure to comply with these requirements. You should consult your tax advisors concerning any possible disclosure obligation with respect to the receipt or disposition of our stock, or transactions that might be undertaken directly or indirectly by us. Moreover, you should be aware that we and other participants in transactions involving us (including our advisors) might be subject to disclosure or other requirements pursuant to these regulations.
 
Passive Activity Losses and Investment Interest Limitations
 
Distributions made by us and gain arising from the sale or exchange by a U.S. stockholder of our stock will not be treated as passive activity income. As a result, U.S. stockholders will not be able to apply any "passive losses" against income or gain relating to our stock. Distributions made by us, to the extent they do not constitute a return of capital, generally will be treated as investment income for purposes of computing the investment interest limitation. A U.S. stockholder that elects to treat capital gain dividends, capital gains from the disposition of stock or qualified dividend income as investment income for purposes of the investment interest limitation will be taxed at ordinary income rates on such amounts.
 
 
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Medicare tax on unearned income
 
Certain U.S. stockholders that are individuals are required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends on and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of stock. U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this additional tax on their ownership and disposition of our common stock.
 
Foreign Accounts
 
Dividends paid after December 31, 2013, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock paid after December 31, 2016, to "foreign financial institutions" in respect of accounts of U.S. stockholders at such financial institutions may be subject to withholding at a rate of 30%. U.S. stockholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of these withholding rules on their ownership and disposition of our common stock. See “—Foreign Accounts.”
 
Taxation of Tax-Exempt U.S. Stockholders
 
U.S. tax-exempt entities, including qualified employee pension and profit sharing trusts and individual retirement accounts, generally are exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. However, they are subject to taxation on their unrelated business taxable income, which is referred to in this prospectus as unrelated business taxable income ("UBTI"). While many investments in real estate may generate UBTI, the IRS has ruled that dividend distributions from a REIT to a tax-exempt entity do not constitute UBTI. Based on that ruling, and provided that (1) a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder has not held our stock as "debt financed property" within the meaning of the Code (i.e. , where the acquisition or ownership of the property is financed through a borrowing by the tax-exempt stockholder), and (2) our stock is not otherwise used in an unrelated trade or business, distributions from us and income from the sale of our stock generally should not give rise to UBTI to a tax-exempt U.S. stockholder.
 
Tax-exempt U.S. stockholders that are social clubs, voluntary employee benefit associations, supplemental unemployment benefit trusts, and qualified group legal services plans exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under sections 501(c)(7), (c) (9), (c)(17) and (c)(20) of the Code, respectively, are subject to different UBTI rules, which generally will require them to characterize distributions from us as UBTI unless they are able to properly claim a deduction for amounts set aside or placed in reserve for specific purposes so as to offset the income generated by their investment in our stock. These prospective investors should consult their tax advisors concerning these "set aside" and reserve requirements.
 
In certain circumstances, a pension trust (1) that is described in Section 401(a) of the Code, (2) is tax exempt under section 501(a) of the Code, and (3) that owns more than 10% of our stock could be required to treat a percentage of the dividends from us as UBTI if we are a "pension-held REIT." We will not be a pension-held REIT unless (1) either (A) one pension trust owns more than 25% of the value of our stock, or (B) a group of pension trusts, each individually holding more than 10% of the value of our stock, collectively owns more than 50% of such stock and (2) we would not have qualified as a REIT but for the fact that Section 856(h)(3) of the Code provides that stock owned by such trusts shall be treated, for purposes of the requirement that not more than 50% of the value of the outstanding stock of a REIT is owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer "individuals" (as defined in the Code to include certain entities), as owned by the beneficiaries of such trusts. Certain restrictions on ownership and transfer of our stock should generally prevent a tax-exempt entity from owning more than 10% of the value of our stock, or us from becoming a pension-held REIT.
 
 
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Tax-exempt U.S. stockholders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our stock.
 
Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders
 
The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our stock applicable to non-U.S. stockholders. For these purposes, a non-U.S. stockholder is a beneficial owner of our stock who is neither a U.S. stockholder nor an entity that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The discussion is based on current law and is for general information only. It addresses only selective and not all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation.
 
Ordinary Dividends. The portion of dividends received by non-U.S. stockholders payable out of our earnings and profits that are not attributable to gains from sales or exchanges of U.S. real property interests and which are not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder generally will be treated as ordinary income and will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at the rate of 30%, unless reduced or eliminated by an applicable income tax treaty. Under some treaties, however, lower rates generally applicable to dividends do not apply to dividends from REITs.
 
In general, non-U.S. stockholders will not be considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business solely as a result of their ownership of our stock. In cases where the dividend income from a non-U.S. stockholder's investment in our stock is, or is treated as, effectively connected with the non-U.S. stockholder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business, the non-U.S. stockholder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to such dividends, and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax on the income after the application of the income tax in the case of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation.
 
Non-Dividend Distributions. Unless (1) our stock constitutes a U.S. real property interest, ("USRPI") or (2) either (A) if the non-U.S. stockholder's investment in our stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. stockholder (in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain) or (B) if the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States (in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's net capital gain for the year), distributions by us which are not dividends out of our earnings and profits will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax. If it cannot be determined at the time at which a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will exceed current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be subject to withholding at the rate applicable to dividends. However, the non-U.S. stockholder may seek a refund from the IRS of any amounts withheld if it is subsequently determined that the distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. If our company's stock constitutes a USRPI, as described below, distributions by us in excess of the sum of our earnings and profits plus the non-U.S. stockholder's adjusted tax basis in our stock will be taxed under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 ("FIRPTA") at the rate of tax, including any applicable capital gains rates, that would apply to a U.S. stockholder of the same type (e.g. , an individual or a corporation, as the case may be), and the collection of the tax will be enforced by a refundable withholding at a rate of 10% of the amount by which the distribution exceeds the stockholder's share of our earnings and profits plus the stockholder's adjusted basis in our stock.
 
Capital Gain Dividends. Under FIRPTA, a distribution made by us to a non-U.S. stockholder, to the extent attributable to gains from dispositions of USRPIs held by us directly or through pass-through subsidiaries ("USRPI capital gains"), will be considered effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the rates applicable to U.S. stockholders, without regard to whether the distribution is designated as a capital gain dividend. In addition, we will be required to withhold tax equal to 35% of the amount of capital gain dividends to the extent the dividends constitute USRPI capital gains. Distributions subject to FIRPTA may also be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a non-U.S. stockholder that is a corporation. However, the 35% withholding tax will not apply to any capital gain dividend with respect to any class of our stock which is
 
 
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regularly traded on an established securities market located in the United States if the non-U.S. stockholder did not own more than 5% of such class of stock at any time during the one-year period ending on the date of such dividend. Instead, any capital gain dividend will be treated as a distribution subject to the rules discussed above under "—Taxation of Stockholders—Taxation of Non-U.S. Stockholders—Ordinary Dividends."  Also, the branch profits tax will not apply to such a distribution. A distribution is not a USRPI capital gain if we held the underlying asset solely as a creditor, although the holding of a shared appreciation mortgage loan would not be solely as a creditor. Capital gain dividends received by a non-U.S. stockholder from a REIT that are not USRPI capital gains are generally not subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax, unless either (1) if the non-U.S. stockholder's investment in our stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. stockholder (in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to such gain) or (2) if the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States (in which case the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's net capital gain for the year).
 
Dispositions of Our Stock. Unless our stock constitutes a USRPI, a sale of the stock by a non-U.S. stockholder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation under FIRPTA. The stock will not be treated as a USRPI if less than 50% of our assets throughout a prescribed testing period consist of interests in real property located within the United States, excluding, for this purpose, interests in real property solely in a capacity as a creditor. However, we expect that more than 50% of our assets will consist of interests in real property located in the United States.
 
Still, our stock nonetheless will not constitute a USRPI if we are a "domestically controlled REIT." A domestically controlled REIT is a REIT in which, at all times during a specified testing period (generally the lesser of the five-year period ending on the date of disposition of its shares of stock or the period of existence), less than 50% by value of its outstanding stock is held directly or indirectly by non-U.S. stockholders. We believe we are, and we expect to continue to be, a domestically controlled REIT and, therefore, the sale of our stock should not be subject to taxation under FIRPTA. Because our stock will be publicly traded, however, no assurance can be given that we will be, or that if we are, that we will remain, a domestically controlled REIT.
 
In the event that we do not constitute a domestically controlled REIT, a non-U.S. stockholder's sale of our stock nonetheless will generally not be subject to tax under FIRPTA as a sale of a USRPI, provided that (1) our stock is "regularly traded," as defined by applicable Treasury Regulations, on an established securities market, and (2) the selling non-U.S. stockholder owned, actually or constructively, 5% or less of our outstanding stock at all times during a specified testing period.
 
If gain on the sale of our stock were subject to taxation under FIRPTA, the non-U.S. stockholder would be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of non-resident alien individuals, and the purchaser of the stock could be required to withhold 10% of the purchase price and remit such amount to the IRS.
 
Gain from the sale of our stock that would not otherwise be subject to FIRPTA will nonetheless be taxable in the United States to a non-U.S. stockholder in two cases: (1) if the non-U.S. stockholder's investment in our stock is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by such non-U.S. stockholder, the non-U.S. stockholder will be subject to the same treatment as a U.S. stockholder with respect to such gain, or (2) if the non-U.S. stockholder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and has a "tax home" in the United States, the nonresident alien individual will be subject to a 30% tax on the individual's capital gain.
 
 

 
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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
 
We will report to our U.S. stockholders and the IRS the amount of dividends paid during each calendar year and the amount of any tax withheld. Under the backup withholding rules, a U.S. stockholder may be subject to backup withholding at the current rate of 28% with respect to dividends paid, unless the holder (1) is a corporation or comes within other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact or (2) provides a taxpayer identification number or social security number, certifies under penalties of perjury that such number is correct and that such holder is not subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. A U.S. stockholder that does not provide his or her correct taxpayer identification number or social security number may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. In addition, we may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distribution to any U.S. stockholder who fails to certify their non-foreign status.
 
We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. stockholder the amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. stockholder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. A non-U.S. stockholder may be subject to backup withholding unless applicable certification requirements are met.
 
Payment of the proceeds of a sale of our stock within the United States is subject to both backup withholding and information reporting requirements unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a non-U.S. stockholder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the beneficial owner is a United States person) or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Payment of the proceeds of a sale of our stock conducted through certain United States related financial intermediaries is subject to information reporting requirements (but not backup withholding) unless the financial intermediary has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is a non-U.S. stockholder and specified conditions are met or an exemption is otherwise established.
 
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.
 

 
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Foreign Accounts
 
Withholding taxes may be imposed (at a 30% rate) on U.S. source payments made after December 31, 2013 to "foreign financial institutions" and certain other non-U.S. entities and on certain disposition proceeds of U.S. securities realized after December 31, 2016. Under these withholding rules, the failure to comply with additional certification, information reporting and other specified requirements could result in withholding tax being imposed on payments of dividends and sales proceeds to U.S. stockholders (as defined above) who own shares of our common stock through foreign accounts or foreign intermediaries and certain non-U.S. stockholders. The withholding tax may be imposed on dividends on, and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, our common stock paid to a foreign financial institution or to a foreign entity other than a financial institution, unless (i) the foreign financial institution undertakes certain diligence and reporting obligations or (ii) the foreign entity that is not a financial institution either certifies it does not have any substantial United States owners or furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial United States owner. If the payee is a foreign financial institution (that is not otherwise exempt), it must enter into an agreement with the United States Treasury requiring, among other things, that it undertake to identify accounts held by certain United States persons or United States-owned foreign entities, annually report certain information about such accounts, and withhold 30% on payments to account holders whose actions prevent it from complying with these reporting and other requirements. Alternatively, if the foreign financial institution is a resident in a jurisdiction that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement to implement FATCA, it must comply with the revised diligence and reporting obligations of such intergovernmental agreement. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding these withholding rules.
 
We and our subsidiaries and stockholders may be subject to state, local and foreign taxation in various jurisdictions, including those in which they or we transact business, own property or reside. We will likely own interests in properties located in a number of jurisdictions, and we may be required to file tax returns and pay taxes in certain of those jurisdictions. The state, local or foreign tax treatment of our company and our stockholders may not conform to the U.S. federal income tax treatment discussed above. Any foreign taxes incurred by us would not pass through to stockholders as a credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability. Prospective stockholders should consult their tax advisor regarding the application and effect of state, local and foreign income and other tax laws on an investment in our stock.
 
Other Tax Considerations
 
Legislative or Other Actions Affecting REITs
 
The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. No assurance can be given as to whether, when, or in what form, the U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to us and our stockholders may be enacted. Changes to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations of U.S. federal tax laws could adversely affect an investment in our common stock.
 
 
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BOOK-ENTRY SECURITIES
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may issue the securities offered by means of this prospectus in whole or in part in book-entry form, meaning that beneficial owners of the securities will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the securities, except in the event the book-entry system for the securities is discontinued.  If securities are issued in book entry form, they will be evidenced by one or more global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the securities.  The Depository Trust Company is expected to serve as depositary.  Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for the individual securities represented thereby, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary for the global security to a nominee of such depositary or by a nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such depositary or by the depositary or any nominee of such depositary to a successor depositary or a nominee of such successor.  Global securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or permanent form.  The specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a class or series of securities that differ from the terms described herein will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we anticipate that the following provisions will apply to depositary arrangements.
 
Upon the issuance of a global security, the depositary for the global security or its nominee will credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of the individual securities represented by such global security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with such depositary, who are called "participants."  Such accounts shall be designated by the underwriters, dealers or agents with respect to the securities or by us if the securities are offered and sold directly by us.  Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to the depositary's participants or persons that may hold interests through such participants.  Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the applicable depositary or its nominee (with respect to beneficial interests of participants) and records of the participants (with respect to beneficial interests of persons who hold through participants).  The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form.  Such limits and laws may impair the ability to own, pledge or transfer beneficial interest in a global security.
 
So long as the depositary for a global security or its nominee is the registered owner of such global security, such depositary or nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by such global security for all purposes under the applicable instrument defining the rights of a holder of the securities.  Except as provided below or in the applicable prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interest in a global security will not be entitled to have any of the individual securities of the series represented by such global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of any such securities in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders thereof under the applicable instrument defining the rights of the holders of the securities.
 
Payments of amounts payable with respect to individual securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security representing such securities.  None of us, our officers and board members or any trustee, paying agent or security registrar for an individual series of securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security for such securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
 
We expect that the depositary for a series of securities offered by means of this prospectus or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, interest, dividend or other amount in respect of a permanent global security representing any of such securities, will immediately credit its participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such global security for such securities as shown on the records of such depositary or its
 
 
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nominee.  We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in such global security held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name."  Such payments will be the responsibility of such participants.
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may sell the securities to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them or may sell the securities to investors directly or through agents.  Any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Underwriters and agents in any distribution contemplated hereby, including but not limited to "at the market" equity offerings, may from time to time be designated on terms to be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Underwriters or agents could make sales in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an "at the market" offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act, which includes sales made directly on The Nasdaq Global Market, the existing trading market for our common stock, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an exchange.
 
Underwriters may offer and sell the securities at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed in relation to the prevailing market prices at the time of sale or at negotiated prices.  Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP also may, from time to time, authorize underwriters acting as their agents to offer and sell the securities upon the terms and conditions as are set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  If indicated in the prospectus supplement, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP may authorize underwriters or other agents to solicit offers by institutions to purchase securities from it pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which it may make these delayed delivery contracts include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others.  In connection with the sale of securities, underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and may also receive commissions from purchasers of securities for whom they may act as agent.  Underwriters may sell securities to or through dealers, and the dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent.
 
Any underwriting compensation paid by us to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions, under the Securities Act.  Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us and our operating partnership, to indemnification against and contribution toward civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the aggregate maximum discount, commission or agency fees or other items constituting underwriting compensation to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed 8% of any offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as the case may be; however, it is anticipated that the maximum commission or discount to be received in any particular offering of securities will be less than this amount.
 
Any securities issued hereunder (other than common stock) will be new issues of securities with no established trading market.  Any underwriters or agents to or through whom such securities are sold by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP for public offering and sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be
 
 
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obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice.  We cannot assure you as to the liquidity of the trading market for any such securities.
 
The underwriters and their affiliates may be customers of, engage in transactions with and perform services for Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and their respective subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
Clifford Chance US LLP will pass upon the validity of the securities Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP are offering under this prospectus and certain federal income tax matters.  If the validity of any securities is also passed upon by counsel for the underwriters of an offering of those securities, that counsel will be named in the prospectus supplement relating to that offering.
 
EXPERTS
 
The consolidated financial statements of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. appearing in Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2012 (including the schedules appearing therein), and the effectiveness of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
The (i) Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Gateway Shopping Center included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 13, 2012; (ii) Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Marlin Cove included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 13, 2012; (iii) Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Glendora Shopping Center included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2013; (iv) Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Santa Teresa Village Shopping Center included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2013; (v) the combined Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of The Barros Properties included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on February 22, 2013; (vi) the Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Canyon Crossing Shopping Center included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2013; and (vii) the Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Diamond Hills Plaza included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2013, all have been audited by PKF O'Connor Davies, independent auditors, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon the reports of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance therewith, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.  You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information we file at the SEC's public reference room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room.  Our SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC, containing reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, at http://www.sec.gov.
 
 
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We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3, of which this prospectus is a part, under the Securities Act with respect to the securities.  This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC.  For further information concerning us and the securities, reference is made to the registration statement.  Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other documents are not necessarily complete, and in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
 
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC.  The information incorporated by reference herein is deemed to be part of this prospectus, except for any information superseded by information in this prospectus.  This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents set forth below that we have previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about us, our business and our finances.
 
Document
 
Period
Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-33749)
 
Year ended December 31, 2012
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-33749)
 
Quarter ended March 31, 2013

Document
 
Dated
Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (only with respect to information contained in such Definitive Proxy Statement that is incorporated by reference into Part III of Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012) (File No. 001-33749)
 
April 1, 2013
     
Document
 
Dated
Description of Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s common stock contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 001-33749)
 
November 2, 2009
Description of Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s common stock contained in its Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A (File No. 001-33749)
 
June 3, 2011
     

Document
 
Filed
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33749)
 
January 2, 2013
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33749)
 
January 3, 2013
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33749)
 
January 3, 2013
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33749)
 
January 3, 2013
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33749)
 
February 7, 2013
Current Report on Form 8-K/A (File No. 001-33749)
 
February 22, 2013
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33749)
 
May 7,  2013
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-33749)
 
May 29,  2013
 
Document
Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Gateway Shopping Center, including the independent auditors' report and notes thereto, included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 13, 2012.
Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Marlin Cove, including the independent auditors' report and notes thereto, included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 13, 2012.
Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Glendora Shopping Center, including the independent auditors' report and notes thereto, included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2013.
 
 
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Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Santa Teresa Village Shopping Center, including the independent auditors' report and notes thereto, included in the Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 3, 2013.
Combined Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of The Barros Properties, including the independent auditors' report and notes thereto, included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on February 22, 2013.
Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Canyon Crossing Shopping Center, including the independent auditors' report and notes thereto, included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2013.
Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Diamond Hills Plaza, including the independent auditors' report and notes thereto, included in Retail Opportunity Investment Corp.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 29, 2013.
 
All documents that we file pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus but before the termination of any offering of securities made under this prospectus will also be considered to be incorporated by reference.

If you request, either orally or in writing, we will provide you with a copy of any or all documents that are incorporated by reference.  Such documents will be provided to you free of charge, but will not contain any exhibits, unless those exhibits are incorporated by reference into the document.  Requests should be addressed to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., 8905 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92122, telephone: (858) 677-0900.
 

 
 
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PART II.  INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by us in connection with the sale and distribution of the securities being registered.  All amounts except the SEC registration fee and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., or FINRA, filing fee are estimated.
 
SEC Registration Fee
  
$
*
  
FINRA Filing Fee
  
 
        **
  
Trustee and Registrar Fees and Expenses
  
 
**
  
Accountant's Fees and Expenses
  
 
**
  
Legal Fees and Expenses
  
 
**
  
Printing Expenses
  
 
**
  
Miscellaneous
  
 
**
  
TOTAL
  
$
**
  
 

*         In accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant is deferring payment of all of the registration fee.
**       These fees and expenses are calculated based on the number of issuances and amount of securities offered and accordingly cannot be estimated at this time.
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
The Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision eliminating the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or active and deliberate dishonesty that was established by a final judgment and was material to the cause of action.  Our charter contains a provision that eliminates the liability of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
 
The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity.  The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:
 
·  
the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty;
 
·  
the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or
 
·  
in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful.
 
Under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit brought by a Maryland corporation or in its right in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to the Maryland
 
 
II-1

 
corporation or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received.  A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received.  However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by a Maryland corporation or in its right, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.
 
In addition, the MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of:
 
·  
a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation; and
 
·  
a written undertaking by the director or officer or on the director's or officer's behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct
 
Our charter authorizes us to obligate ourselves and our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to:
 
·  
any present or former director or officer who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity; or
 
·  
any individual who, while a director or officer of our company and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, partner, manager, managing member or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity.
 
Our charter and bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor of ours in any of the capacities described above and to any employee or agent of our company or a predecessor of our company.
 
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers that provide for indemnification to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
 
Insofar as the foregoing provisions permit indemnification of directors, officers or persons controlling us for liability arising under the Securities Act, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.
 
The Exhibits to this registration statement are listed on the exhibit index, which appears elsewhere herein and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
(a)           The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
 
II-2

 
(1)           To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
(i)            To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
 
(ii)           To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
 
(iii)           To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any material change to such information in this registration statement;
 
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of this registration statement.
 
(2)           That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
(3)           To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
 
(4)           That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:
 
(A)           Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this registration statement; and
 
(B)           Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in this registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus.  As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;  provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of this registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into this registration statement or prospectus that is part of this registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in this registration statement or prospectus that was part of this registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
 
 
 
II-3

 
(5)           That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
 
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
 
(i)             Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
 
(ii)            Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
 
(iii)           The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
 
(iv)           Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
 
(b)           The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
(c)           The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof.  If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.
 
(d)           Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
(e)           The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.

 
II-4

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that the registrant meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of San Diego, in the State of California, on this 3rd day of June 2013.
 
 
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.
       
       
  By:
/s/ Stuart A. Tanz
    Name: Stuart A. Tanz
    Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
       
       
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP
       
       
  By:
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS GP, LLC, its general partner
       
       
    By:
/s/ Stuart A. Tanz
     
Name:  Stuart A. Tanz
Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
II-5

 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Stuart A. Tanz and Michael B. Haines, and each of them, with full power to act without the other, as such person's true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this Registration Statement, and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments), and to file the same, with exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or desirable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their or his  or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signatures  
Title
 
Date
           
By:
/s/ Stuart A. Tanz
 
President, Chief Executive Officer, and
 
June 3, 2013
 
Stuart A. Tanz
  Director (principal executive officer)    
           
By:
/s/ Michael B. Haines 
 
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
 
June 3, 2013
 
Michael B. Haines
  Secretary (principal financial officer)    
           
By:
/s/ Richard A. Baker 
 
Chairman
 
June 3, 2013
 
Richard A. Baker
       
           
By:
/s/ Michael J. Indiveri 
 
Director
 
June 3, 2013
 
Michael J. Indivieri
       
           
By:
/s/ Edward H. Meyer 
 
Director
 
June 3, 2013
 
Edward H. Meyer
       
           
By:
/s/ Lee S. Neibart 
 
Director
 
June 3, 2013
 
Lee S. Neibart
       
           
By:
/s/ Charles J. Persico 
 
Director
 
June 3, 2013
 
Charles J. Persico
       
           
By:
/s/ Laura H. Pomerantz 
 
Director
 
June 3, 2013
 
Laura H. Pomerantz
       
           
By:
/s/ Eric S. Zorn 
 
Director
 
June 3, 2013
 
Eric S. Zorn
       
 
 
 
II-6

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
   
1.1*
 
Form of Underwriting Agreement.
2.1**
 
Articles of Merger between Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Delaware corporation, and Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation, as survivor  (incorporated by reference to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s current report on Form 8-K dated June 2, 2011 File No. 001-33749).
3.1**
 
Articles of Amendment and Restatement of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (incorporated by reference to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s current report on Form 8-K dated June 2, 2011 File No. 001-33749).
3.2**
 
Bylaws of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (incorporated by reference to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.'s current report on Form 8-K dated June 2, 2011 File No. 001-33749).
3.3+
 
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP dated as of December 1, 2012 between Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC and Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
4.1*
 
Form of Certificate for Preferred Stock of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
4.2*
 
Form of Designation for Preferred Stock.
4.3*
 
Form of Depositary Agreement.
4.4*
 
Form of Depositary Receipt.
4.5*
 
Form of Warrant Agreement.
4.6*
 
Form of Warrant Certificate.
4.7*
 
Form of Rights Agreement.
4.8*
 
Form of Rights Certificate.
4.9+
 
Form of Indenture between Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
4.10+
 
Form of Indenture between Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
4.11*
 
Form of Debt Security of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
4.12*
 
Form of Debt Security of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP.
5.1+
 
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP as to legality.
5.2+
 
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP as to legality.
 
 
 

 
 
 
Exhibit No.
   
8.1+
 
Opinion of Clifford Chance US LLP with respect to tax matters.
12.1+
 
Statement of Computation of Ratios.
23.1+
 
Consent of Ernst &Young LLP.
23.2+
 
Consent of PKF O'Connor Davies.
23.3+
 
Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1 and Exhibit 5.2).
23.4+
 
Consent of Clifford Chance US LLP (included in Exhibit 8.1).
24.1+
 
Power of Attorney (included on signature page).
25.1+
 
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of Trustee for Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP under the Indenture.
25.2+
 
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 of Trustee for Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. under the Indenture.
____________
*
To be filed by amendment or incorporated by reference in connection with the offering of a particular class or series of securities.
**
Incorporated by reference.
+
Filed herewith.
 
exh_33.htm
Exhibit 3.3
 
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
OF
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP
 
This Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (this “Agreement”) of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, dated as of December 1, 2012, is entered into by and between Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC, as general partner (the “General Partner”), and Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., as limited partner (the “Limited Partner”).

WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Limited Partner formed a limited partnership pursuant to and in accordance with the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (6 Del.C. §§ 17-101 et seq.), as amended from time to time (the “Act”), on January 5, 2010 by the filing of a certificate of limited partnership in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the execution and delivery of an Agreement of Limited Partnership dated January 5, 2010 (the “Original Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Limited Partner wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement in order to reflect certain changes in the addresses and officers of the General Partner and the Limited Parter;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound hereby, agree as follows:
 
1. Name.  The name of the limited partnership formed hereby is Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP (the “Partnership”).
 
2. Purpose.  The Partnership is formed for the object and purpose of, and the nature of the business to be conducted and promoted by the Partnership is, engaging in any lawful act or activity for which limited partnerships may be formed under the Act and engaging in any and all activities necessary or incidental to the foregoing.
 
3. Registered Office and Agent.  The address of the Partnership’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 2711 Centerville Road, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle.  The name of its registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.
 
4. Partners.  The names and the business, residence or mailing addresses of the General Partner and the Limited Partner are as follows:
 
General Partner:
Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC
8905 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 108, San Diego, CA 92122

Limited Partner:
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 108, San Diego, CA 92122

 
 

 
5. Powers.  The powers of the General Partner include all powers, statutory and otherwise, possessed by general partners under the laws of the State of Delaware.
 
6. Dissolution.  The Partnership shall dissolve, and its affairs shall be wound up, at such time as (a) all of the partners of the Partnership approve in writing, (b) an event of withdrawal of a general partner of the Partnership has occurred under the Act, (c) there are no limited partners of the Partnership, unless the Partnership is continued in accordance with the Act, or (d) an entry of a decree of judicial dissolution has occurred under section 17-802 of the Act; provided, however, the Partnership shall not be dissolved or required to be wound up upon an event of withdrawal of a general partner described in Section 6(b) of this Agreement if (i) at the time of such event of withdrawal, there is at least one (1) other general partner of the Partnership who carries on the business of the Partnership (any remaining general partner being hereby authorized to carry on the business of the Partnership), or (ii) within ninety days after the occurrence of such event of withdrawal, all remaining partners agree in writing to continue the business of the Partnership and the appointment, effective as of the date of the event of withdrawal, of one or more additional general partners of the Partnership.
 
7. Capital Contributions.  The partners of the Partnership have contributed the following amounts, in cash, and no other property, to the Partnership:
 
 
General Partner:
     
 
Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC
 
$10.00
 
         
 
Limited Partner:
     
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
 
$990.00
 

8. Additional Contributions.  No partner of the Partnership is required to make any additional capital contribution to the Partnership.
 
9. Allocation of Profits and Losses.  The Partnership's profits and losses shall be allocated in proportion to the capital contributions of the partners of the Partnership.
 
10. Distributions.  Distributions shall be made to the partners of the Partnership at the times and in the aggregate amounts determined by the General Partner.  Such distributions shall be allocated among the partners of the Partnership in the same proportion as their then capital account balances.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Partnership, and the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership, shall not be obligated to make a distribution to the extent that such distribution would violate the Act or other applicable law.
 
11. Assignments.
 
(a) The Limited Partner may assign all or any part of its partnership interest in the Partnership and may withdraw from the Partnership only with the consent of the General Partner.
 
(b) The General Partner may assign all or any part of its partnership interest in the Partnership and may withdraw from the Partnership without the consent of the Limited Partner.
 
12. Withdrawal.  Except to the extent set forth in Section 11, no right is given to any partner of the Partnership to withdraw from the Partnership.
 
 
 

 
13. Admission of Additional or Substitute Partners.
 
(a) One or more additional or substitute limited partners of the Partnership may be admitted to the Partnership with only the consent of the General Partner.
 
(b) One or more additional or substitute general partners of the Partnership may be admitted to the Partnership with only the consent of the General Partner.
 
14. Liability of Limited Partner.  The Limited Partner shall not have any liability for the obligations or liabilities of the Partnership except to the extent provided in the Act.
 
15. Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the State of Delaware, all rights and remedies being governed by said laws.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound hereby, have duly executed this Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership as of the first date above written.

 
 
 
GENERAL PARTNER:
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS GP, LLC
     
     
  By: /s/ Stuart A. Tanz
  Name:
Stuart A. Tanz
  Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
     
     
 
LIMITED PARTNER:
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.
     
     
  By: /s/ Stuart A. Tanz
  Name:
Stuart A. Tanz
  Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
exh_49.htm
Exhibit 4.9
 
   
   
   
DATED ____________, 20__
 
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.,
AS ISSUER
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP,
AS GUARANTOR
 
AND
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS TRUSTEE
 
 
 
INDENTURE
 
 
 
 
 

 
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
 
Trust Indenture Act Section
 
Indenture Section
310(a)(1)
 
7.10
(a)(2)
 
7.10
(a)(3)
 
N.A.
(a)(4)
 
N.A.
(a)(5)
 
7.10
(b)
 
7.08; 7.10
(c)
 
N.A.
311(a)
 
7.11
(b)
 
7.11
(c)
 
N.A.
312(a)
 
2.07
(b)
 
12.04
(c)
 
12.04
313(a)
 
7.06
(b)
 
7.06
(c)
 
7.06; 12.03
(d)
 
7.06
314(a)
 
4.02; 12.05
(b)
 
N.A.
(c)(1)
 
12.05
(c)(2)
 
12.05
(c)(3)
 
N.A.
(d)
 
N.A.
(e)
 
12.05
(f)
 
12.05
315(a)
 
7.01(b)
(b)
 
7.05; 12.03
(c)
 
7.01(a)
(d)
 
7.01(c)
(e)
 
6.13
316(a) (last sentence)
 
12.06
(a)(1)(A)
 
6.05
(a)(1)(B)
 
6.04
(a)(2)
 
N.A.
(b)
 
6.08
(c)
 
12.03
317(a)(1)
 
6.09
(a)(2)
 
6.10
(b)
 
2.06
318(a)
 
12.03
 
________________
N.A. means Not Applicable
 
 
 

 
CONTENTS
Clause
Page

 
ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
5
Section 1.01.
Definitions
5
Section 1.02.
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act
7
Section 1.03.
Rules of Construction
8
ARTICLE TWO THE SECURITIES
8
Section 2.01.
Form and Dating
8
Section 2.02.
Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series
8
Section 2.03.
Denominations
9
Section 2.04.
Execution and Authentication
9
Section 2.05.
Registrar and Paying Agent
9
Section 2.06.
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust
10
Section 2.07.
Securityholder Lists..
10
Section 2.08.
Transfer and Exchange
10
Section 2.09.
Replacement Securities
10
Section 2.10.
Outstanding Securities
11
Section 2.11.
Temporary Securities
11
Section 2.12.
Cancellation
11
Section 2.13.
Defaulted Interest
11
ARTICLE THREE REDEMPTION
12
Section 3.01.
Company's Option to Redeem
12
Section 3.02.
Notices to Trustee
12
Section 3.03.
Selection of Securities to be Redeemed
12
Section 3.04.
Notice of Redemption at the Company's Option
12
Section 3.05.
Effect of Notice of Redemption
13
Section 3.06.
Deposit of Redemption Price
13
Section 3.07.
Holder's Right to Require Redemption
13
Section 3.08.
Procedure for Requiring Redemption
13
Section 3.09.
Securities Redeemed in Part
13
ARTICLE FOUR COVENANTS
13
Section 4.01.
Payment of Securities
13
Section 4.02.
Reporting..
14
Section 4.03.
Corporate Existence
14
Section 4.04.
Compliance Certificate
14
Section 4.05.
Further Instruments and Acts
14
ARTICLE FIVE SUCCESSOR PERSONS
14
Section 5.01.
Company may Consolidate, etc., only on Certain Terms
14
Section 5.02.
Successor Corporation Substituted
15
ARTICLE SIX DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
16
Section 6.01.
Events of Default
16
Section 6.02.
Acceleration
17
Section 6.03.
Other Remedies
17
Section 6.04.
Waiver of Existing Defaults
17
Section 6.05.
Control by Majority
18
Section 6.06.
Payments of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor
18
Section 6.07.
Limitation on Suits
18
Section 6.08.
Rights of Holders to Receive Payment and to Demand Conversion
18
Section 6.09.
Collection Suit by Trustee
19
Section 6.10.
Trustee may File Proofs of Claim
19
Section 6.11.
Restoration of Positions
19
Section 6.12.
Priorities
19
 
 
 

 
Section 6.13.
Undertaking for Costs
19
Section 6.14.
Stay, Extension or Usury Laws
19
Section 6.15.
Liability of Stockholders, Officers, Directors and Incorporators
20
ARTICLE SEVEN TRUSTEE
20
Section 7.01.
Duties of Trustee
20
Section 7.02.
Rights of Trustee
21
Section 7.03.
Individual Rights of Trustee
22
Section 7.04.
Trustee's Disclaimer
22
Section 7.05.
Notice of Defaults
22
Section 7.06.
Reports by Trustee
22
Section 7.07.
Compensation and Indemnity
22
Section 7.08.
Replacement of Trustee
23
Section 7.09.
Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.
24
Section 7.10.
Eligibility; Disqualification
24
Section 7.11.
Preferential Collection of Claims
24
ARTICLE EIGHT DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
24
Section 8.01.
Termination of the Company's Obligations
24
Section 8.02.
Application of Trust Money
25
Section 8.03.
Repayment to the Company
25
ARTICLE NINE AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
25
Section 9.01.
Without Consent of Holders
25
Section 9.02.
With Consent of Holders
26
Section 9.03.
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act
26
Section 9.04.
Revocation and Effect of Consents
27
Section 9.05.
Notation on or Exchange of Securities
27
Section 9.06.
Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.
27
ARTICLE TEN CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
27
Section 10.01.
Provisions Relating to Conversion or Exchange of Securities
27
ARTICLE ELEVEN SINKING OR PURCHASE FUNDS
27
Section 11.01.
Provisions Relating to Sinking or Purchase Funds
27
ARTICLE TWELVE MISCELLANEOUS
28
Section 12.01.
Trust Indenture Act Controls
28
Section 12.02.
Supplemental Indentures Contract
28
Section 12.03.
Notices
28
Section 12.04.
Communication by Holders with Other Holders
28
Section 12.05.
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent
29
Section 12.06.
When Treasury Securities Disregarded
29
Section 12.07.
Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar
29
Section 12.08.
Legal Holidays
29
Section 12.09.
Governing Law and Submission To Jurisdiction
29
Section 12.10.
Actions by the Company
30
Section 12.11.
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements
30
Section 12.12.
Successors
30
Section 12.13.
Duplicate Originals..
30
Section 12.14.
Table of Contents, Headings, etc.
30
Section 12.15.
No Recourse Against Others
30
Section 12.16.
U.S.A. Patriot Act
30
Section 12.17.
Force Majeure
30
ARTICLE THIRTEEN GUARANTEE
31
Section 13.01.
Unconditional Guarantee
31
Section 13.02.
Execution and Delivery of Notation of Guarantee
31
Section 13.03.
Limitation on the Guarantor's Liability
32
Section 13.04.
Release of the Guarantor from Guarantee
32
 
 
 

 
INDENTURE, dated as of ____________, 20__ by and between RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP. (the "Company"), a Delaware limited partnership having its principal office at 8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108, San Diego, California 92122, RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP (the "Guarantor"), a Maryland corporation having its principal office at 8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108, San Diego, California 92122 and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the "Trustee"), a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America which has its designated corporate trust office at 707 Wilshire Blvd, 17th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90017.
 
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of each other party and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company's debentures, notes or other evidences of unsecured indebtedness to be issued in one or more series ("Securities"):
 
ARTICLE ONE
 
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
 
Section 1.01. Definitions.
 
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company, or other body with analogous authority with respect to the Guarantor or any duly authorized Committee of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor or such body.
 
"Board Resolution" means a resolution by the Board of Directors, certified by a Secretary of the Company or an Assistant Secretary of the Company as being duly adopted and in full force and effect.
 
"Business Day" means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a Legal Holiday in the City of New York and the relevant place of payment.
 
"Capital Stock" means (a) in the case of a corporation, common or preferred stock entitled to share in the equity or profits of a corporation; and (b) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited).
 
"Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company, as that stock may be reconstituted from time to time.
 
"Company" means the Person named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and after that means the successor.
 
"Corporate Trust Office" means the designated office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business is principally administered (which at the date of this Indenture is at the location set forth in the first paragraph of this Indenture), provided, however, that with respect to payments and transfers, such office shall be Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, MAC N9311-110, 625 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55479.
 
"Corporation" includes corporations, associations, companies and business trusts.
 
"Custodian" has the meaning provided in Section 6.01.
 
"Default" means any event which, upon the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
 
"$" means the lawful currency of the United States.
 
"Event of Default" has the meaning provided in Section 6.01.
 
 
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"Fiscal Year" means the period commencing on January 1 of a year and ending on the next December 31 or such other period (not to exceed 12 months or 53 weeks) as the Company may from time to time adopt as its fiscal year.
 
"Guarantee" means the full and unconditional guarantee provided by the Guarantor as made applicable to one or more series of Securities pursuant to the terms of Section Thirteen of this Indenture and any establishing Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers' Certificate (provided that, with respect to any Series of Securities to which Article Thirteen of this Indenture applies, "Guarantee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.01(2) of this Indenture), and the guarantees endorsed on the certificates evidencing the Securities, or both, as the context shall require.
 
"Guarantor" means Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation, and its respective successors and assigns.
 
"Holder" or "Securityholder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered on the Registrar's books.
 
"Indenture" means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time and will include the form and terms of the Securities of each series established as contemplated by Section 2.01.
 
"Interest Payment Date" means the date on which an installment of interest on the Securities is due and payable.
 
"Legal Holiday" has the meaning provided in Section 12.08.
 
"Maturity Date" means the date the principal of Securities is due and payable.
 
"Notation of Guarantee" means a notation executed by the Guarantor and affixed to each Security of any Series to which a Guarantee under this Indenture applies.
 
"Officer" means:
 
a)  
with respect to the Guarantor, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, any Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary, the Controller or any Assistant Secretary of the Company.  In the case of the Guarantor,
 
b)  
with respect to the Company, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, any Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary, the Controller or any Assistant Secretary of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. in its capacity as managing member of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership GP, LLC (the "GP") or such other managing member as the GP may have from time to time.
 
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by two Officers.  Each such certificate will comply with Section 314 of the TIA and include the statements described in Section 12.05.
 
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion from legal counsel which is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.  That counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Guarantor.  Each such opinion will include the statements described in Section 12.05 if and to the extent required by that Section.
 
"Paying Agent" has the meaning provided in Section 2.05.
 
"Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any government agency or political subdivision.
 
 
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"Registrar" has the meaning provided in Section 2.05.
 
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
"Securities" has the meaning provided in the recitals to this Indenture.
 
"Securities Act of 1933" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
"Securities Exchange Act of 1934" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
"State" means any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
 
"Stated Maturity" when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
 
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any person, (a) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other equity interest entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such person or one or more of the other subsidiaries of that person (or a combination thereof), (b) any partnership (i) the sole general partner or managing general partner of which is such person or a subsidiary of such person or (ii) the only general partners of which are such person or of one or more subsidiaries of such person (or any combination thereof) and (c) any entity that is required to be consolidated in the financial statements of such person.
 
"Supplemental Indenture" means an indenture between the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee which supplements this Indenture.
 
"TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect on the date of this Indenture, except as provided in Section 9.03.
 
"Trustee" means the Person named as such in this Indenture and, subject to the provisions of Article Seven, any successor to that person.
 
"Trust Officer" means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
 
"United States" means the United States of America.
 
Section 1.02. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.  Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.  In addition, the provisions of Sections 310 to and including 317 of the TIA that impose duties on any person are incorporated by reference in, and form a part of, this Indenture.
 
The following TIA terms mean the following when used in this Indenture:
 
"Commission" means the SEC;
 
"indenture securities" means the Securities;
 
"indenture security holder" means a Holder;
 
 
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"indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture;
 
"indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means the Trustee; and
 
"obligor" on the indenture securities means the Company.
 
All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the TIA, defined in the TIA by reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule have the meanings assigned to them.
 
Section 1.03. Rules of Construction.  Unless the context otherwise requires:
 
(1)           a term has the meaning assigned to it;
 
(2)           an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States;
 
(3)           "or" is not exclusive; and
 
(4)           words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular.
 
ARTICLE TWO
 
THE SECURITIES
 
Section 2.01. Form and Dating.
 
(a) The Securities of each series will be substantially in the form established by a Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series.  The Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules or usage.  The Company will approve the form of the Securities and any notation, legend or endorsement on them.  Each Security will be dated the date of its authentication.
 
(b) The Trustee's certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A.
 
Section 2.02. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.  The aggregate principal amount of the Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
 
The Securities may be issued in one or more series.  Prior to the issuance of Securities of a series, the Company and the Trustee will execute a Supplemental Indenture which will set forth as to the Securities of that series, to the extent applicable:
 
(1)           the title of the Securities;
 
(2)           any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be issued;
 
(3)           the date or dates on which the Securities will mature and the amounts to be paid upon maturity of the Securities;
 
(4)           the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the Securities will bear interest, if any, as well as the dates from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, the persons to whom interest will be payable, if other than the registered holders on the record date, and the record date for the interest payable on any payment date;
 
(5)           the currency or currencies in which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable;
 
 
8

 
(6)           the place or places where principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities will be payable and where Securities which are in registered form can be presented for registration of transfer or exchange;
 
(7)           any provisions regarding the right of the Company to redeem Securities or of holders to require the Company to redeem Securities;
 
(8)           the right, if any, of holders of the Securities to convert them into, or exchange them for, shares of common stock of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. or other securities, including any provisions intended to prevent dilution as a result of the conversion or exchange rights;
 
(9)           any provisions by which the Company will be required or permitted to make payments to a sinking fund which will be used to redeem Securities or a purchase fund which will be used to purchase Securities;
 
(10)           any index or formula used to determine the required payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any;
 
(11)           the percentage of the principal amount of the Securities which is payable if maturity of the Securities is accelerated because of a default;
 
(12)           any special or modified events of default or covenants with respect to the Securities;
 
(13)           any security or collateral provisions;

(14)           a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations;
 
(15)           whether the Securities of such Series are entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee pursuant to this Indenture, the terms of such Guarantee, including whether the provisions of Article Thirteen of this Indenture shall apply to such Guarantee, and whether any such Guarantee shall be made on a senior or subordinated basis and, if applicable, the subordination terms of any such Guarantee; and
 
(16)           any other terms of the Securities.
 
Section 2.03. Denominations.  Unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, the Securities of each series will be issuable in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
 
Section 2.04. Execution and Authentication.  Two Officers will sign the Securities of each series for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.  The Company's seal will be reproduced on the Securities.  If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Security, the Security will be valid nonetheless.
 
A Security will not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Security.  The signature will be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.
 
Section 2.05. Registrar and Paying Agent.  The Company will maintain an office or agency where Securities of each series may be presented for conversion, registration of transfer or for exchange (the "Registrar") and an office or agency where Securities of each series may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent").  The Registrar will keep a register of the Securities of each series and of their transfer and exchange.  The Company may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.  The term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying agent.
 
The Company will enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar not a party to this Indenture which will incorporate the terms of the TIA.  The agreement will implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to that agent.  The Company will notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent.  If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee will act as such.  The Company or any Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or transfer agent.
 
 
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The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as Registrar and Paying Agent in connection with the Securities of each series, except in instances in which the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities appoints a different Registrar or Paying Agent.
 
Section 2.06. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.  Prior to each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Security, the Company will deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay that principal, premium or interest when due.  The Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of a series, and if the Paying Agent is not the Trustee, in trust for the benefit of the Trustee, all sums held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or interest on the Securities of that series and, in the case of a Paying Agent other than the Trustee, the Paying Agent will give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company in making any such payment.  If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it will segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund.  The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent.  Upon complying with this Section, the Paying Agent will have no further liability for the money.
 
Section 2.07. Securityholder Lists.  The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of the Holders of the Securities of each series.  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company will furnish to the Trustee in writing (a) at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, all information in the possession or control of the Company or its Paying Agent as to the names and addresses of Holders of the Securities of a series; provided, however that if the provisions of (a) and (b) do not provide for the furnishing of such information at stated intervals of not more than six months, at least as frequently as semiannually.
 
Section 2.08. Transfer and Exchange.  Unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to Securities of a series, Securities which are issued in registered form will be transferred only upon the surrender of the Securities for registration of transfer.  When a Security is presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar will register the transfer as requested if the requirements of Article Eight of the New York Uniform Commercial Code are met.  When Securities are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of the same series of other denominations, the Registrar will make the exchange as requested if the same requirements are met.  To permit registration of transfers and exchanges, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate Securities at the Registrar's or co-registrar's request.  The Company will not charge a fee for transfers or exchanges.
 
The Company will not be required to make, and the Registrar need not register, transfers or exchanges of (i) Securities selected for redemption (except, in the case of Securities to be redeemed in part, transfers or exchanges of the portion of the Securities not to be redeemed) or (ii) any Securities of a series for a period of 15 days before the first mailing of a notice of the Securities of that series which are to be redeemed.
 
Prior to the due presentation for registration or transfer of any Security which was issued in registered form, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any co-registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name the Security is registered as the absolute owner of the Security for all purposes, and none of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any co-registrar will be affected by notice to the contrary.
 
Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall have any responsibility or liability for any actions taken or not taken by the depositary.
 
Section 2.09. Replacement Securities.  If a mutilated Security which had been issued in registered form is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder presents evidence to the satisfaction of the Company and the Trustee that a Security which had been issued in registered form has been lost or destroyed, the Company will issue and the Trustee will authenticate a replacement Security of the same series if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code are met and the Holder satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee.  The replacement Security will not be issued until the Holder furnishes an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Company and the Trustee to protect the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar or any co-registrar from any loss which any of them may suffer if the Security is replaced.  The Company may charge the Holder for its expenses in replacing a Security.
 
 
10

 
Every replacement Security will be an obligation of the Company, even if the replaced Security is subsequently found.
 
Section 2.10. Outstanding Securities.  The Securities outstanding at any time will be all the Securities authenticated by the Trustee, except those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section as not outstanding.  A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or its affiliate holds the Security.
 
If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.09, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security is held by a protected purchaser (in which case the replaced Security will be treated as outstanding to the extent permitted by Section 8-210 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code).
 
If the Paying Agent (other than the Company or a Subsidiary) segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or Maturity Date money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, payable on that date with respect to the Securities to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, then on that date those Securities will cease to be outstanding and interest on them will cease to accrue.
 
Section 2.11. Temporary Securities.  Until definitive Securities of a series are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee will authenticate temporary Securities of that series.  Temporary Securities will be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities.  Without unreasonable delay, the Company will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate definitive Securities and deliver them in exchange for temporary Securities.
 
Section 2.12. Cancellation.  The Company at any time may deliver Securities of a series to the Trustee for cancellation and the Trustee will reduce accordingly the aggregate amount of the Securities of that series which are outstanding.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, or conversion.  The Trustee and no one else will cancel and dispose of (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act) all Securities surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, conversion or cancellation.  Subject to Section 2.09, the Company may not issue new Securities of a series to replace Securities of the series it has redeemed, paid, converted or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
 
Section 2.13. Defaulted Interest.  If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities of a series, it will pay defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) to the persons who are Holders of the Securities of that series on a subsequent special record date, which date will be at least five Business Days prior to the payment date.  The Company will fix the special record date and payment date, and, at least 15 days before the special record date, the Company will mail to each Holder of Securities of that series a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest and any interest on that defaulted interest which is to be paid.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may pay defaulted interest in any other lawful manner.
 
Section 2.14. CUSIP Numbers.  The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that the Trustee shall have no liability for any defect in the "CUSIP" numbers as they appear on the any Security, notice or elsewhere, and, provided further that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the "CUSIP" numbers.
 
 
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ARTICLE THREE
 
REDEMPTION
 
Section 3.01. Company's Option to Redeem.  The Company will have the option to redeem Securities of a series only to the extent, if any, and only on the terms, set forth in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series.  If the Company has the option to redeem Securities of a series, unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series, the terms of the redemption will include those set forth in Sections 3.02 through 3.06.
 
Section 3.02. Notices to Trustee.  If the Company elects to redeem Securities of a series, it will notify the Trustee of the redemption date and the principal amount and series of Securities to be redeemed.  The Company will give each notice provided for in this Section at least 45 days before the redemption date (unless a shorter period shall be agreed to by the Trustee).  If fewer than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the record date for determining which Securities of the series are to be redeemed will be selected by the Company, which will give notice of the record date to the Trustee at least 15 days before the record date.
 
Section 3.03. Selection of Securities to be Redeemed.  If fewer than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed at the Company's option, the Trustee will select the Securities of that series to be redeemed by lot or, in its sole discretion, pro-rata or in accordance with the customary procedures of the depositary.  The Trustee will make the selection from outstanding Securities of that series not previously called for redemption.  The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities that have denominations larger than the minimum denomination in which Securities of the applicable series may be issued.  Securities and portions of Securities the Trustee selects will be in amounts equal to the minimum denomination in which Securities of the applicable series may be issued and multiples of that amount.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for redemption.  The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of the Securities or portions of Securities to be redeemed.
 
Section 3.04. Notice of Redemption at the Company's Option.  At least 30 days and not more than 60 days before a date set for redemption at the Company's option, the Company will mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail, or send electronically, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed in whole or in part.
 
The notice will identify the principal amount and series of each Security (including the CUSIP number) to be redeemed and will state:
 
(1)           the redemption date;
 
(2)           the redemption price plus accrued interest, if any;
 
(3)           the name and address of the Paying Agent;
 
(4)           that Securities called for redemption in whole or in part must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price plus accrued interest, if any;
 
(5)           that, unless the Company defaults in making the redemption payment, interest on Securities (or portions of Securities) called for redemption will cease to accrue on the redemption date and, if applicable, that those Securities (or the portions of then called for redemption) will cease on the redemption date (or such other date as is provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities) to be convertible into, or exchangeable for, other securities or assets;
 
(6)           if applicable, the current conversion or exchange price; and
 
(7)           that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Securities.
 
 
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At the Company's request, pursuant to an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee at least 37 days (unless a shorter period is agreed to by the Trustee) prior to the redemption date, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Company's name and at the Company's expense.  In such event, the Company will provide the Trustee with the information required by clauses (1) through (3) and (6).
 
Section 3.05. Effect of Notice of Redemption.  Once notice of redemption is sent, Securities, or portions of Securities called for redemption will become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price.  Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, those Securities will be paid at the redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.  On and after the date fixed for redemption (unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, together with interest accrued to the redemption date) interest on the Securities, or portions of them, which are redeemed will cease to accrue and any right to convert those Securities into, or exchange them for, other securities or assets will terminate and those Securities will cease to be convertible or exchangeable.  Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder will not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.
 
Section 3.06. Deposit of Redemption Price.  No later than the Business Day prior to the redemption date specified in a notice of redemption, the Company will deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or a Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust) money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities called for redemption on that redemption date at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the redemption date, other than Securities or portions of Securities called for redemption which have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation or Securities which have been surrendered for conversion or exchange.  If any Securities called for redemption are converted or exchanged, any money deposited with the Paying Agent for redemption of those Securities will be paid to the Company upon its request, or, if the money is held in trust by the Company or a Subsidiary as Paying Agent, the money will be discharged from the trust.
 
Section 3.07. Holder's Right to Require Redemption.  Holders of Securities of a series will have the right to require the Company to redeem those Securities only to the extent, and only on the terms, set forth in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series.  If Holders of Securities of a series have the right to require the Company to redeem those Securities, unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series, the terms of the redemption will include those set forth in Section 3.08.
 
Section 3.08. Procedure for Requiring Redemption.  If a Holder has the right to require the Company to redeem Securities, to exercise that right, the Holder must deliver the Securities to the Paying Agent, endorsed for transfer and with the form on the reverse side entitled "Option to Require Redemption" completed.  Delivery of Securities to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section will constitute an irrevocable election to cause the specified principal amount of Securities to be redeemed.  When Securities are delivered to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section, unless the Company fails to make the payments due as a result of the redemption within 20 days after the Securities are delivered to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section interest on the Securities will cease to accrue and, if the Securities are convertible or exchangeable, the Holder's right to convert or exchange the Securities will terminate.
 
The Company's determination of all questions regarding the validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of any Security for redemption will be final and binding.
 
Section 3.09. Securities Redeemed in Part.  Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Holder (at the Company's expense) a new Security equal of the same series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security which was surrendered.
 
ARTICLE FOUR
 
COVENANTS
 
Section 4.01. Payment of Securities.  The Company will promptly pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on each of the Securities of a series at the places and time and in the manner provided in the Securities and in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series.  An installment of principal, premium or interest will be considered paid on the date it is due if the Trustee or Paying Agent holds on that date in accordance with this Indenture or the applicable Supplemental Indenture money designated for and sufficient to pay the installment then due.
 
 
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The Company will pay or cause to be paid interest on overdue principal at the rate specified in the Securities; it will also pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate (or such other rate as is provided in the applicable Supplemental Indenture), to the extent lawful.
 
Section 4.02. Reporting.  The Company will file with the Trustee within 15 days after filing with the SEC, copies of its annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").  The Company also will comply with the other provisions of TIA Section 314(a).  Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company's compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers' Certificates).
 
Section 4.03. Corporate Existence.  Subject to Article Five, each of the Company and the Guarantor will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that neither the Company not the guarantor will be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors determines that the preservation of the right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company or the Guarantor and that its loss will not be disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders of Securities of any series.
 
Section 4.04. Compliance Certificate.  The Company and the Guarantor (to the extent that the Guarantor is so required under the TIA) will deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company an Officers' Certificate, one of the signers of which shall be the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the company, stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Company they would normally have knowledge of any default by the Company and whether or not the signers know of any default that occurred during the fiscal year.  If they do, the certificate will describe the default, its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.  The Company also will comply with TIA Section 314(a)(4).
 
Section 4.05. Further Instruments and Acts.  Upon request of the Trustee, the Company will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.
 
ARTICLE FIVE
 
SUCCESSOR PERSONS
 
Section 5.01. Company may Consolidate, etc., only on Certain Terms.  The Company will not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:
 
(1)           the Person formed by the consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety will be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, a State of the United States of America or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes, by one or more supplemental indentures, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all the Securities of each series and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture and of all Supplemental Indentures to be performed or observed by the Company;
 
 
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(2)           immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, will have occurred and be continuing; and
 
(3)           the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with this Article and that all the conditions precedent relating to the transaction set forth in this Section have been fulfilled.
 
Section 5.02. Successor Person Substituted.  Upon any event described in Section 5.01, the successor person will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture and all the Supplemental Indentures relating to outstanding series of Securities, and the predecessor person will be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and each of those Supplemental Indentures
 
Section 5.03. Guarantor May Consolidate on Certain Terms.  Nothing contained in this Indenture or in the Securities shall prevent any consolidation or merger of the Guarantor with or into any other person or persons (whether or not affiliated with the Guarantor), or successive consolidations or mergers in which either the Guarantor will be the continuing entity or the Guarantor or its successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent the conveyance, transfer or lease of any properties and assets of the Guarantor substantially as an entirety to any person (whether or not affiliated with the Guarantor); provided, however, that the following conditions are met:
 
(1)            the Guarantor shall be the continuing entity, or the successor entity (if other than the Guarantor) formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger or which shall have received the conveyance, transfer or lease of assets shall expressly assume the obligations of the Guarantor under the Guarantee and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions in this Indenture to be performed or observed by the Guarantor;
 
 (2)            immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, will have occurred and be continuing; and
 
(3)            the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with this Article and that all the conditions precedent relating to the transaction set forth in this Section have been fulfilled.
 
Section 5.04. Guarantor Successor to Be Substituted
 
(1)            Upon any consolidation or merger or any sale, conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Guarantor to any person in accordance with Section 5.03, the successor person formed by such consolidation or into which the Guarantor is merged or to which such sale, conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Guarantor under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor person had been named as the Guarantor herein, and thereafter, the predecessor person shall be released from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture; provided, however, that the predecessor Guarantor shall not be relieved from the obligation to guarantee the payment of the principal of and interest on the Securities except in the case of a conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets substantially as an entirety of the Guarantor in a transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.03 hereof.
 
(2)            In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
 
 
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ARTICLE SIX
 
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
 
Section 6.01. Events of Default.
 
An "Event of Default" occurs if:
 
(1)           The Company defaults in the payment of interest on any Security of any series when it becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days (or such other period, which may be no period) as is specified in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series;
 
(2)           The Company defaults in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, on any Security of any series as and when it becomes due and payable at its stated maturity or upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise and, if provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series, the default continues for a period specified in the Supplemental Indenture;
 
(3)           The Company fails to comply with any of its other covenants or agreements with regard to Securities of a series or this Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement, a default in whose performance or whose breach is dealt with specifically elsewhere in this Section) and that failure continues for a period of 60 days after the date of the notice specified below;
 
(4)           The Company or the Guarantor defaults under any under any bond, debenture, note, mortgage, indenture or instrument with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least a certain threshold amount described in a supplemental indenture, which default has resulted in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such indebtedness having been discharged or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within a period of 30 days after written notice to the Company as provided herein;
 
(5)           the Company or the Guarantor pursuant to any Bankruptcy Law applicable to the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable:
 
(A)           commences a voluntary case;
 
(B)           consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case;
 
(C)           consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or
 
(D)           makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
 
(6)           a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any applicable Bankruptcy Law:
 
(A)           for relief in an involuntary case;
 
(B)           appointing a Custodian of the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, or for any substantial part of its property; or
 
(C)           ordering its winding up or liquidation;
 
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days.
 
Each of the occurrences described in clauses (1) through (6) will constitute an Event of Default whatever the reason for the occurrence and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.
 
 
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The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar United States Federal or State law for the relief of debtors.  The term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
 
A Default under clause (3) of this Section is not an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of a series with regard to which the Company has failed to comply with a covenant or agreement notify the Company and the Trustee, of the Default and the Company does not cure the Default within 60 days after the giving of the notice.  The notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice is a "Notice of Default."
 
A Default under clause (1), (2) or (3) with regard to Securities of a series will not constitute a Default with regard to Securities of any other series except to the extent, if any, provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the other series.
 
The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 20 days after it occurs, written notice in the form of an Officers' Certificate of any event of which the Company is aware which with the giving of notice and the lapse of time would become an Event of Default under clause (3), its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect to it.
 
Section 6.02. Acceleration.  If an Event of Default as to the Securities of a series occurs and is continuing, unless the principal of all of the Securities of the series has already become due and payable, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal of and accrued interest, if any, on all the Securities of the series to be due and payable.  Upon such a declaration, that principal and interest will be due and payable immediately.  If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on all the Securities will automatically become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Securityholders.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of the series, by written notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, that has become due solely because of acceleration, and if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree.  No such rescission will affect any subsequent default or impair any consequent right.
 
Section 6.03. Other Remedies.  If an Event of Default as to a series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of the series or to enforce the performance of any provision under this Indenture or any applicable Supplemental Indenture.
 
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Securityholder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default will not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy.  All available remedies are cumulative.
 
Section 6.04. Waiver of Existing Defaults.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of that series, by written notice to the Trustee may consent to the waiver of any past Default with regard to Securities of the series and its consequences except (i) a default in the payment of interest or premium, if any, on, or the principal of, Securities of the series, or (ii) a default in respect of a covenant or a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holders of all Securities of the series then outstanding.  The defaults described in clauses (i) and (ii) in the previous sentence may be waived with the consent of the Holders of all Securities of the series then outstanding.  When a Default or Event of Default is waived, it is deemed cured and not continuing, but no waiver will extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any consequent right.
 
 
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Section 6.05. Control by Majority.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee with regard to the Securities of that series or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with regard to the Securities of that series.  However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Securityholders or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction.  Prior to taking any action as a result of a direction given under this Section, the Trustee will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking that action.
 
Section 6.06. Payments of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor.  The Company covenants that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(1) or (2), then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Securities in all series, the whole amount that will then have become due and payable on all such Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest, with interest on the overdue principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on the overdue installments of interest at the rate borne by the Securities in all series; and, in addition, such further amount as will be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including a reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and any expenses or liabilities incurred by the Trustee hereunder other than through its negligence or wilful misconduct.  Until such demand by the Trustee, the Company may pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of all series to the registered Holders, whether or not the Securities in that series are overdue.
 
Section 6.07. Limitation on Suits.  A Securityholder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture unless:
 
(1)           the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice stating that an Event of Default as to a series is continuing;
 
(2)           the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
 
(3)           such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
 
(4)           the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity, and the Event of Default has not been waived; and
 
(5)           the Trustee has received no contrary direction from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding during such 60-day period.
 
A Securityholder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of the same series of Securities or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of the same series of Securities (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders).
 
Section 6.08. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment and to Demand Conversion.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Security of any series to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Security (and interest on overdue principal and interest on overdue installments of interest, if any, as provided in Section 4.01), on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Security or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date, or in the case of conversion or exchange, to receive the security issuable upon conversion or exchange or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, conversion or exchange on or after the applicable due date, redemption date or conversion or exchange date, as the case may be, against the Company, will not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.
 
 
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Section 6.09. Collection Suit by Trustee.  If an Event of Default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, specified in clause (1) or (2) of Section 6.01 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal, premium, if any, and interest remaining unpaid (together with interest on that unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.07.
 
Section 6.10. Trustee may File Proofs of Claim.  The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of any or all series allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company, its creditors or its property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, if the Trustee consents to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.
 
Section 6.11. Restoration of Positions.  If a judicial proceeding by the Trustee or a Securityholder to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture is dismissed or decided favorably to the Company, except as otherwise provided in the judicial proceeding, the Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee and the Securityholders will be restored to the positions they would have been in if the judicial proceeding had not been instituted.
 
Section 6.12. Priorities.  If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article Six with respect to Securities of a series, subject to Article Eleven, it will pay out the money or property in the following order:
 
FIRST:  to the Trustee and its attorneys and agents for amounts due under Section 7.07;
 
SECOND:  to Securityholders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities of the series for principal and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Securities of the series for principal and interest, respectively; and
 
THIRD:  to the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable.
 
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Securities of a series pursuant to this Section.  At least 15 days before the record date, the Company will mail to each Holder of Securities of the series and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount to be paid.
 
Section 6.13. Undertaking for Costs.  In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section 6.13 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by Holders of in aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security held by that Holder on or after the due date provided in the Security or to any suit for the enforcement of the right to convert or exchange any Security in accordance with the provisions of a Supplemental Indenture applicable to that Security.
 
Section 6.14. Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.  The Company agrees (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim, and will resist any and all efforts to be compelled to take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury or other law, wherever enacted, now or at any subsequent time in force, which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the principal of, premium, if any, and/or interest on any of the Securities as contemplated in this Indenture or a Supplemental Indenture, or which may affect the covenants or performance of this Indenture, and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and agrees that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power granted to the Trustee in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, but (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) will suffer and permit the execution of any such power as though no such law had been enacted.
 
 
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Section 6.15. Liability of Stockholders, Officers, Directors and Incorporators.  No stockholder, officer, director or incorporator, as such, past, present or future, of the Company, or any of its successor corporations, will have any personal liability in respect of the Company's obligations under this Indenture or any Securities by reason of his or its status as such stockholder, officer, director or incorporator; provided, however, that nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities will prevent recourse to and enforcement of the liability of any stockholder or subscriber to Capital Stock in respect of shares of Capital Stock which have not been fully paid up.
 
ARTICLE SEVEN
 
TRUSTEE
 
Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee.
 
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and any applicable Supplemental Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs.
 
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
 
(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and any Supplemental Indentures and no implied covenants or obligations will be read into this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture against the Trustee; and
 
(ii) the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed in them, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture in the absence of wilful misconduct on the Trustee's part; provided, however, that in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they substantially conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
 
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own wilful misconduct, except that:
 
(1)           this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
 
(2)           the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
 
(3)           the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05; and
 
(4)           the Trustee will not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it has reasonable grounds to believe repayment of the funds or adequate indemnity against the risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
 
(d) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee is subject to the provisions of this Section 7.01 and to the provisions of the TIA.
 
 
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(e) The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or power unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
 
(f) The Trustee will not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company.  Money and Government Obligations held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds or items except to the extent required by law.
 
(g) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time outstanding given pursuant to Section 6.05 of this Indenture, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.
 
Section 7.02. Rights of Trustee.
 
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person.  The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
 
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both which conforms to Section 12.05.  The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such an Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
 
(c) The Trustee may act through agents or attorneys and will not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.
 
(d) The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, except conduct which constitutes wilful misconduct or negligence.
 
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits in reliance on, and in accordance with, the advice of counsel and in good faith.
 
(f) The Trustee will not be required to investigate any facts or matters stated in any document, but if it decides to investigate any matters or facts, the Trustee or its agents or attorneys will be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company at the expense of the Company, and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
 
(g) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture;
 
(h) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder;
 
(i) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;
 
(j) The Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture; and
 
 
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(k) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.
 
Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee.  The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or any of its affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or co-paying agent may do the same with like rights.  However, the Trustee must comply with Sections 7.10 and 7.11.
 
Section 7.04. Trustee's Disclaimer.  The Trustee (i) is not responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, (ii) will not be responsible for and will not make any representation as to the validity or adequacy of any Supplemental Indenture, (iii) will not be accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds from the Securities of any series, and (iv) will not be responsible for any statement of the Company in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, other than the Trustee's certificate of authentication, or in any prospectus used in the sale of any of the Securities, other than statements, if any, provided in writing by the Trustee for use in such a prospectus.
 
Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults.  The Trustee will give to the Holders of the Securities of a series notice of any Default with regard to the Securities of that series actually known to a Trust Officer, within 90 days after receipt of such knowledge and in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), and otherwise as provided in Section 12.03 of this Indenture; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any Security, the Trustee will be protected in withholding notice of the Default if and so long as it in good faith determines that the withholding of the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities of the series.
 
Section 7.06. Reports by Trustee.  If required by Section 313(a) of the TIA,within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this Indenture, the Trustee will mail to each Securityholder, at the name and address which appears on the registration books of the Company, and to each Securityholder who has, within the two years preceding the mailing, filed that person's name and address with the Trustee for that purpose and each Securityholder whose name and address have been furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.07, a brief report dated as of that May 15 which complies with TIA Section 313(a) Reports to Securityholders pursuant to this Section 7.06 shall be transmitted in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c) The Trustee also will comply with TIA Section 313(b).
 
A copy of each report will at the time of its mailing to Securityholders be filed with each stock exchange on which Securities are listed, if any, and also with the SEC.  The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing when the Securities of any series are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting of Securities of any series.
 
Section 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity.  The Company will pay to the Trustee from time to time such  compensation for its services as mutually agreed to in writing.  The Trustee's compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Company will reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services.  Those expenses will include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee's agents, counsel, accountants and experts.  The Company will indemnify the Trustee against any and all loss, liability, claims (whether asserted by the Company, a holder or any other person) or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred by it in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust created by this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture and the performance of its duties under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.  The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.  Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company of its obligations under this Section.  The Company will defend the claim and the Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company will pay the fees and expenses of such counsel.  The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent.  The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, expense or liability incurred by the Trustee to the extent it is due to the Trustee's own wilful misconduct or negligence.
 
To secure the Company's obligation to make payments to the Trustee under this Section 7.07, the Trustee will have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, other than money or property held in trust to pay principal or interest on particular Securities.  Those obligations of the Company will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
 
 
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When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in clause (5) or (6) of Section 6.01 occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services of the Trustee are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
 
For purposes of this Section 7.07, "Trustee" will include any predecessor Trustee, but the wilful misconduct, negligence or bad faith of any Trustee will not affect the rights of any other Trustee under this Section 7.07.
 
Section 7.08. Replacement of Trustee.  The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Company.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company and may appoint a successor Trustee.  The Company may remove the Trustee if:
 
(1)           the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
 
(2)           the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any bankruptcy law;
 
(3)           a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
 
(4)           the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
 
If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company will promptly appoint a successor Trustee.  Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all series then outstanding may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.
 
No removal or appointment of a Trustee will be valid if that removal or appointment would conflict with any law applicable to the Company.
 
A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company.  Promptly after that, the retiring Trustee will, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07, transfer all property held by it as a Trustee to the successor Trustee, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture and all Supplemental Indentures.  A successor Trustee will mail notice of its succession to each Securityholder.
 
If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all series then outstanding may petition any court of competent jurisdiction, at the expense of the Company, for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
 
If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Securityholder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
 
Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section, the Company's obligations under Section 7.07 will continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
 
 
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Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.  If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust assets to, another Person, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person will, without any further act, be the successor Trustee.
 
If at the time a successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee succeeds to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities have been authenticated but not delivered, the successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of the predecessor Trustee, and deliver the Securities which were authenticated by the predecessor Trustee; and if at that time any of the Securities have not been authenticated, the successor to the Trustee may authenticate those Securities in its own name as the successor to the Trustee; and in either case the certificates of authentication will have the full force provided in this Indenture for certificates of authentication.
 
Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification.  The Trustee will at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA Section 310(a).  The Trustee will at all times have (or shall be a member of a bank holding company system whose parent corporation has) a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recently published annual report of condition, which will be deemed for this paragraph to be its combined capital and surplus.  The Trustee will comply with TIA Section 310(b).
 
Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims.  The Trustee will comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b).  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed will be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated.
 
ARTICLE EIGHT
 
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
 
Section 8.01. Termination of the Company's Obligations.  When (i) the Company delivers to the Trustee all outstanding Securities of all series (other than Securities replaced pursuant to Section 2.09) for cancellation or (ii) all outstanding Securities of all series have become due and payable, or are due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for giving the notice of redemption, and the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee (subject to Article Eleven) money or U.S. Government Obligations sufficient, in the opinion of a firm of independent certified public accountants, to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of all series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and if, in the case of either (i) or (ii) above the Company also pays or causes to be paid all other sums payable by the Company under this Indenture, then this Indenture will cease to be of further effect.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company's obligations to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities and the Company's obligations in Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 7.07, 7.08 and in Article Ten will survive until all the Securities of all series are no longer outstanding.  Thereafter, the Company's obligations in Section 7.07 will survive.
 
Before or after a deposit the Company may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Securities of a series at a future date to the extent the Securities are redeemable in accordance with Article Three and the applicable Supplemental Indenture.
 
After a deposit pursuant to this Section 8.01 or after all outstanding Securities of all series have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, the Trustee upon request from the Company, accompanied by an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel which complies with Section 12.05, and at the cost of the Company, will acknowledge in writing the satisfaction and discharge of the Company's obligations under the Securities of all series and this Indenture except for those surviving obligations specified above.
 
If the Company exercises the satisfaction and discharge provisions in compliance with this Indenture with respect to Securities of a particular Series that are entitled to the benefit of a Guarantee, such Guarantee will terminate with respect to that series of Securities.
 
 
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In order to have money available on payment dates to pay principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Securities of a series, the U.S. Government Obligations will be payable as to principal, premium, if any, or interest on or before those payment dates in amounts sufficient to provide the necessary money.  U.S. Government Obligations used for this purpose may not be callable at the issuer's option.
 
"U.S. Government Obligations" means:
 
(1)           direct obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or
 
(2)           obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States.
 
Section 8.02. Application of Trust Money.  Subject to Article Eleven and Section 8.03, the Trustee will hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 8.01.  It will apply the deposited money and the money from the U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture and any applicable Supplemental Indentures to the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities with regard to which the money or U.S. Government Obligations were deposited.
 
Section 8.03. Repayment to the Company.  The Trustee and the Paying Agent will promptly pay to the Company upon written request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.  The Trustee and the Paying Agent will, subject to applicable escheatment laws, pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium or interest that remains unclaimed for two years.  After such payment, the Holder of any Securities shall thereafter look to the Company for any payment which such Holder may be entitled to collect, and all liability of the Trustee and the Paying Agent with respect to that money will cease.
 
ARTICLE NINE
 

 
AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
 
Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders.  The Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities without notice to or consent of any Securityholder:
 
(1)           to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency as evidenced in an Officers' Certificate;
 
(2)           to comply with Article Five;
 
(3)           to establish the form and terms of the Securities of any series as contemplated in Article Two of this Indenture;
 
(4)           to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities;
 
(5)           to reflect the release of the Guarantor in accordance with Article Thirteen;
 
(6)           to add guarantors with respect to any or all of the Securities or to secure any or all of the Securities or a Guarantee;
 
(7)           to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;
 
(8)           to conform to the provisions of the Securities as described in the related prospectus supplement or other offering document related to such Securities as set forth in an officer's certificate; or
 
 
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(9)           to make any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder.
 
After an amendment under this Section becomes effective, the Company will mail to the Securityholders a notice briefly describing the amendment.  The failure to give such notice to all Securityholders, or any defect in a notice, will not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section.
 
Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders.  The Company, the Guarantor  and the Trustee may (i) amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Securityholder but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding or (ii) supplement this Indenture with regard to a series of Securities, amend or supplement a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, or amend the Securities of a series, without notice to any Securityholder but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then outstanding.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding may waive compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Securityholder.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any series then outstanding may waive compliance with any provision of this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities of that series with regard to the Securities of that series without notice to any Securityholder.  However, without the consent of the Holder so affected, no amendment, supplement or waiver, including a waiver pursuant to Section 6.04, may:
 
(1)           extend the fixed maturity of any Security, reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest on any Security, reduce the principal amount of any Security or premium, if any, on any Security;
 
(2)           impair or affect the right of a Holder to institute suit for the payment of interest, if any, principal or premium, if any, on the Securities;
 
(3)           change the currency in which the Securities are payable from that specified in the Securities or in a Supplemental Indenture applicable to the Securities;
 
(4)           impair the right, if any, to convert the Securities into, or exchange the Securities for, other securities or assets;
 
(5)           reduce the percentage of Securities required to consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
 
(6)           reduce the amount payable upon the redemption of any Security or change the time at which any Security may or will be redeemed;
 
(7)           modify the provisions of any Supplemental Indenture with respect to subordination of the Securities of a series in a manner adverse to the Securityholders;
 
(8)           make any change in Section 6.04 or 6.08 or the fourth sentence of this Section; or
 
(9)           if the Securities of that Series are entitled to the benefit of a Guarantee, release the Guarantor of such Series other than as provided in this Indenture or modify such Guarantee in any manner adverse to the Holders.
 
It will not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it will be sufficient if the consent approves the substance of the amendment, supplement or waiver.
 
Section 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.  Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities will comply with the TIA as then in effect.
 
 
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Section 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents.  A consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver by a Holder of a Security will bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security.  However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to the Holder's Security or portion of a Security.  For a revocation to be effective, the Trustee must receive written notice of the revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective.  After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms, it will bind every Holder of every Security of every series to which it applies.
 
Section 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities.  If an amendment changes the terms of a series of Securities, the Trustee may require the Holder of a Security of the series to deliver the Holder's Security to the Trustee, who will place an appropriate notation about the amendment, supplement or waiver on the Security and will return it to the Holder.  Alternatively, the Company may, in exchange for the Security, issue, and the Trustee will authenticate, a new Security that reflects the amendment, supplement or waiver.
 
Section 9.06. Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.  The Trustee will sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to Article Two or this Article Nine if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not adversely affect the rights, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.  If it does adversely affect those rights, liabilities or immunities, the Trustee may but need not sign it.  The Company may not sign an amendment or supplement until the amendment or supplement is approved by an appropriate Board Resolution.  In executing any Supplemental Indenture permitted by this Article the Trustee shall receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such Supplemental Indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company.
 
ARTICLE TEN
 
CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
 
Section 10.01. Provisions Relating to Conversion or Exchange of Securities.  Any rights which Holders of Securities of a series will have to convert those Securities into other securities of the Company or to exchange those Securities for securities of other Persons or other assets, including but not limited to the terms of the conversion or exchange and the circumstances, if any, under which those terms will be adjusted to prevent dilution or otherwise, will be set forth in a Supplemental Indenture relating to the series of Securities.  In the absence of provisions in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities setting forth rights to convert or exchange the Securities of that series into or for other securities or assets, Holders of the Securities of that series will not have any such rights.
 
ARTICLE ELEVEN
 
SINKING OR PURCHASE FUNDS
 
Section 11.01. Provisions Relating to Sinking or Purchase Funds.  Any requirements that the Company make, or rights of the Company to make at its option, payments prior to maturity of the Securities of a series which will be used as a fund with which to redeem or to purchase Securities of that series, including but not limited to provisions regarding the amount of the payments, when the Company will be required, or will have the option, to make the payments and when the payments will be applied, will be set forth in a Supplemental Indenture relating to the series of Securities.  In the absence of provisions in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities setting forth requirements that the Company make, or rights of the Company to make at its option, payments to be used as a fund with which to redeem or purchase Securities of the series, the Company will not be subject to any such requirements and will not have any such rights.  However, unless otherwise specifically provided in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, the Company will at all times have the right to purchase Securities from Holders in market transactions or otherwise.
 
 
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ARTICLE TWELVE
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
Section 12.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls.  If any provision of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 through 317 of the TIA, the imposed duties will control.
 
Section 12.02. Supplemental Indentures Contract.  If any provision of a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities is inconsistent with any provision of this Indenture, the provision of the Supplemental Indenture will control with regard to the Securities of the series to which it relates.
 
Section 12.03. Notices.  Any notice or communication under or relating to this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture will be sufficiently given if in writing (including facsimile and electronic transmission in PDF format) and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail, certified or registered, overnight delivery return receipt requested, addressed as follows:
 
if to the Company:                Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108,
San Diego, California 92122
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

if to the Guarantor:               Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP
c/o Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108,
San Diego, California 92122
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

if to the Trustee:                   Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,
707 Wilshire Blvd, 17th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90017

Either the Company, the Guarantor or the Trustee by a notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
 
Any notice or communication mailed to a Securityholder will be mailed to the Securityholder at the Securityholder's address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and will be sufficiently given to the Securityholder if so mailed within the time prescribed.
 
Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Securityholder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Securityholders.  If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
 
If by reason of the suspension of regular mail service, or by reason of any other cause, it is impossible to mail any notice as required by this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, then any method of notification which is approved by the Trustee will constitute a sufficient mailing of the notice.
 
The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Securityholders entitled to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted by Sections 6.04 and 6.05.  The record date will be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of consents or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.07 prior to the solicitation.
 
Section 12.04. Communication by Holders with Other Holders.  Securityholders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities.  Each of the Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else will have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).
 
 
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Section 12.05. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.  Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, the Company will furnish to the Trustee:
 
(1)           an Officers' Certificate stating that, in the opinion of the signer, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with;
 
(2)           an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all those conditions precedent have been complied with; and
 
(3)           such other opinions and certificates as may be required by applicable provisions of this Indenture or the Supplemental Indenture.
 
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture or a Supplemental Indenture will include (i) a statement that the person making the certificate or opinion has read the covenant or condition; (ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in the certificate or opinion are based; (iii) a statement that, in the opinion of the person giving the certificate or opinion, that person has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable that person to express an informed opinion as to whether or not the covenant or condition has been complied with; and (iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of that person, the condition or covenant has been complied with.  Nothing in this Section 12.05 will be construed as requiring that the Company furnish to the Trustee any evidence of compliance with the conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture other than the evidence specified in this Section 12.05.
 
Section 12.06. When Treasury Securities Disregarded.  In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Securities owned by the Company, or anyone under direct or indirect control or under direct or indirect common control with the Company will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which a Trust Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned will be so disregarded.  Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith will not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right to act with respect to the Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or a person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under common control with, the Company.  Nothing in this Section 12.06 will be construed as requiring that the Company furnish to the Trustee any evidence of compliance with the conditions and covenants provided for in the Indenture other than the evidence specified in this Section 12.06.
 
Section 12.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar.  The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Securityholders.  The Paying Agent or Registrar may make reasonable rules for its functions.
 
Section 12.08. Legal Holidays.  A "Legal Holiday" is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.  If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest on the sum being paid will accrue for the intervening period.
 
Section 12.09. Governing Law and Submission To Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.  The laws of the State of New York will govern this Indenture, each Supplemental Indenture and the Securities.  The Company submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, and of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, in any action or proceeding to enforce any of its obligations under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture or with regard to the Securities, and agrees not to seek a transfer of any such action or proceeding on the basis of inconvenience of the forum or otherwise (but the Company will not be prevented from removing any such action or proceeding from a state court to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York).  The Company agrees that process in any such action or proceeding may be served upon it by registered mail or in any other manner permitted by the rules of the court in which the action or proceeding is brought.
 
 
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EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE HOLDERS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
 
Section 12.10. Actions by the Company.  Any action or proceeding brought by the Company or the Guarantor to enforce any right, assert any claim or obtain any relief in connection with this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities will be brought by the Company exclusively in the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
 
Section 12.11. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.  Neither this Indenture nor any Supplemental Indenture may be used to interpret another indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary.  No such indenture, loan or debt agreement may be used to interpret this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.
 
Section 12.12. Successors.  All agreements of the Company and the Guarantor in this Indenture, any Supplemental Indentures and the Securities will bind its successors.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture and any Supplemental Indentures will bind its successors.
 
Section 12.13. Duplicate Originals.  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.  Each signed copy will be an original, but all of them together will represent the same agreement.  The exchange of copies of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture for all purposes.  Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.
 
Section 12.14. Table of Contents, Headings, etc.  The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only.  They are not to be considered a part of this Indenture, and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture.
 
Section 12.15. No Recourse Against Others.  A director, officer, employee, partner, or stockholder (past or present), as such, of the Company or the Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Securities, a Guarantee or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Securityholder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
 
Section 12.16. U.S.A. Patriot Act.  The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee.  The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act.
 
Section 12.17. Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances
 
 
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ARTICLE THIRTEEN
 
GUARANTEE
 
Section 13.01. Unconditional Guarantee.
 
(1)  Notwithstanding any provision of this Article Thirteen to the contrary, the provisions of this Article Thirteen shall be applicable only to, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Securities of any Series designated, pursuant to Section 2.02(15), as entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee identified in such designation and that has executed a Notation of Guarantee with respect to such Series.
 
(2)  For value received, the Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, fully, unconditionally and absolutely guarantees (for purpose of any Series of Securities to which this Article Thirteen applies, the "Guarantee") to the Holders and to the Trustee on behalf of the Holders the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on each Series of Securities for which the Guarantor has executed a Notation of Guarantee with respect to such Series and all other amounts due and payable under this Indenture and the Securities of such Series by the Company, when and as such principal and interest and other amounts shall become due and payable, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms of such Securities and this Indenture, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 13.03, if applicable.
 
(3)  Failing payment when due of any amount guaranteed pursuant to a Guarantee, for whatever reason, the Guarantor will be obligated to pay the same immediately. The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be full, unconditional and absolute, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Securities or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Securities with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company or any action to enforce the same or any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of the Guarantor. The Guarantor hereby agrees that in the event of a default in payment of the principal of or interest on the Securities entitled to a Guarantee, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or, subject to Section 6.07, by the Holders, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against the Guarantor to enforce such Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company.
 
(4)  The Guarantor hereby (i) waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of the merger, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, and all demands whatsoever and (ii) acknowledges that any agreement, instrument or document evidencing a Guarantee may be transferred and that the benefit of its obligations hereunder shall extend to each holder of any agreement, instrument or document evidencing a Guarantee without notice to it. The Guarantor further agrees that if at any time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by any person to any Guarantee is, or must be, rescinded or returned for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company, such Guarantee shall, to the extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued in existence notwithstanding such application, and such Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, as though such application had not been made.
 
(5)  The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders and the Trustee against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all of the Securities entitled to a Guarantee and such Guarantee shall have been paid in full or discharged.
 
 
31

 
Section 13.02. Execution and Delivery of Notation of Guarantee.  To evidence a Guarantee of a Series of Securities, a Notation of Guarantee, executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an Officer of the Guarantor, shall be affixed on each Security entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee. If any Officer of the Guarantor whose signature is on a Notation of Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates a Security to which such Notation of Guarantee is affixed or at any time thereafter, a Guarantee of such Security shall be valid nevertheless. The delivery of any Security by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of any Guarantee relating to such Security set forth in the Indenture on behalf of the Guarantor.
 
Section 13.03. Limitation on the Guarantor's Liability.  The Guarantor by its acceptance hereof and each Holder of a Security entitled to the benefits of any Guarantee hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the guarantee by the Guarantor pursuant to any such Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any Federal or state law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, each Holder of a Security entitled to the benefits of any Guarantee and the Guarantor hereby irrevocably agrees that the obligations of the Guarantor under any Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of the Guarantor, not result in the obligations of the Guarantor under any Guarantee constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under Federal or state law.
 
Section 13.04. Release of the Guarantor from Guarantee.
 
(1)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, a Guarantee may be released upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 8.01 and in this Section 13.04. Provided that no Default shall have occurred and shall be continuing under this Indenture, a Guarantee pursuant to this Article Thirteen shall be unconditionally released and discharged (i) automatically upon (A) any sale, exchange or transfer, whether by way of merger or otherwise, to any person that is not an Affiliate of the Company, of all of the Company's direct or indirect equity interests in the Guarantor (provided such sale, exchange or transfer is not prohibited by this Indenture) or (B) the merger of the Guarantor into the Company or the liquidation and dissolution of the Guarantor (in each case to the extent not prohibited by this Indenture) or (ii) with respect to any Series of Securities, upon the occurrence of any other condition set forth in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers' Certificate establishing the terms of such Series.
 
(2)  Upon receipt of a written request of the Company accompanied by an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Guarantor is entitled to such release in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee shall deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing any release of the Guarantor from any Guarantee.
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Indenture have caused it to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP., as the Company
 
 
By:
   
 
 
Name: _______________________________________
 
Title:
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP, as the Guarantor
 
 
By:
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS GP, LLC, its general partner
 
 
By:
________________________________  
 
 
Name:
 
Title:
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
 
 
By:
________________________________  
 
 
Name:
 
Title:
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT A
 
[FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION]
 
This is one of the Securities of the series described in the within-mentioned Indenture and Supplemental Indenture.
 
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee
 
 
By:
________________________________  
 
Authorized Signatory
 
  Dated:
  
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT B
 
INCUMBENCY CERTIFICATE
 
The undersigned, ____________, being the ____________ of ____________ (the "Company") does hereby certify that the individuals listed below are qualified and acting officers of the Company as set forth in the right column opposite their respective names and the signatures appearing in the extreme right column opposite the name of each such officer is a true specimen of the genuine signature of such officer and such individuals have the authority to execute documents to be delivered to, or upon the request of, _______________________, as Trustee (the "Trustee") under the Indenture dated as of _________ __, 20__, by and between the Company and the Trustee.
 
Name
Title
Signature
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
     
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ____ day of ________, 20__.
 
  ______________________________
 
Name:
 
Title:

 
exh_410.htm
Exhibit 4.10
 
   
   
   
DATED ____________, 20__
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP
AS ISSUER
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.
AS GUARANTOR
 
AND
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS TRUSTEE
 
 
 
INDENTURE
 
 
 
 
 

 
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE
 
Trust Indenture Act Section
 
Indenture Section
310(a)(1)
 
7.10
(a)(2)
 
7.10
(a)(3)
 
N.A.
(a)(4)
 
N.A.
(a)(5)
 
7.10
(b)
 
7.08; 7.10
(c)
 
N.A.
311(a)
 
7.11
(b)
 
7.11
(c)
 
N.A.
312(a)
 
2.07
(b)
 
12.04
(c)
 
12.04
313(a)
 
7.06
(b)
 
7.06
(c)
 
7.06; 12.03
(d)
 
7.06
314(a)
 
4.02; 12.05
(b)
 
N.A.
(c)(1)
 
12.05
(c)(2)
 
12.05
(c)(3)
 
N.A.
(d)
 
N.A.
(e)
 
12.05
(f)
 
12.05
315(a)
 
7.01(b)
(b)
 
7.05; 12.03
(c)
 
7.01(a)
(d)
 
7.01(c)
(e)
 
6.13
316(a) (last sentence)
 
12.06
(a)(1)(A)
 
6.05
(a)(1)(B)
 
6.04
(a)(2)
 
N.A.
(b)
 
6.08
(c)
 
12.03
317(a)(1)
 
6.09
(a)(2)
 
6.10
(b)
 
2.06
318(a)
 
12.03

_____________________
N.A. means Not Applicable
 
 
 

 
CONTENTS
Clause
Page
 
ARTICLE ONE DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
5
Section 1.01.
Definitions
5
Section 1.02.
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act
7
Section 1.03.
Rules of Construction
8
ARTICLE TWO THE SECURITIES
8
Section 2.01.
Form and Dating
8
Section 2.02.
Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series
8
Section 2.03.
Denominations
9
Section 2.04.
Execution and Authentication
9
Section 2.05.
Registrar and Paying Agent
9
Section 2.06.
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust
9
Section 2.07.
Securityholder Lists
10
Section 2.08.
Transfer and Exchange
10
Section 2.09.
Replacement Securities
10
Section 2.10.
Outstanding Securities
10
Section 2.11.
Temporary Securities
11
Section 2.12.
Cancellation
11
Section 2.13.
Defaulted Interest
11
ARTICLE THREE REDEMPTION
11
Section 3.01.
Company's Option to Redeem
11
Section 3.02.
Notices to Trustee
11
Section 3.03.
Selection of Securities to be Redeemed
12
Section 3.04.
Notice of Redemption at the Company's Option
12
Section 3.05.
Effect of Notice of Redemption
12
Section 3.06.
Deposit of Redemption Price
13
Section 3.07.
Holder's Right to Require Redemption
13
Section 3.08.
Procedure for Requiring Redemption
13
Section 3.09.
Securities Redeemed in Part
13
ARTICLE FOUR COVENANTS
13
Section 4.01.
Payment of Securities
13
Section 4.02.
Reporting
13
Section 4.03.
Corporate Existence
14
Section 4.04.
Compliance Certificate
14
Section 4.05.
Further Instruments and Acts
14
ARTICLE FIVE SUCCESSOR PERSONS
14
Section 5.01.
Company may Consolidate, etc., only on Certain Terms
14
Section 5.02.
Successor Corporation Substituted
15
ARTICLE SIX DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
16
Section 6.01.
Events of Default
16
Section 6.02.
Acceleration
17
Section 6.03.
Other Remedies
17
Section 6.04.
Waiver of Existing Defaults
17
Section 6.05.
Control by Majority
18
Section 6.06.
Payments of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor
18
Section 6.07.
Limitation on Suits
18
Section 6.08.
Rights of Holders to Receive Payment and to Demand Conversion
18
Section 6.09.
Collection Suit by Trustee
19
Section 6.10.
Trustee may File Proofs of Claim
19
Section 6.11.
Restoration of Positions
19
Section 6.12.
Priorities
19
 
 
 

 
Section 6.13.
Undertaking for Costs
19
Section 6.14.
Stay, Extension or Usury Laws
19
Section 6.15.
Liability of Stockholders, Officers, Directors and Incorporators
20
ARTICLE SEVEN TRUSTEE
20
Section 7.01.
Duties of Trustee
20
Section 7.02.
Rights of Trustee
21
Section 7.03.
Individual Rights of Trustee
22
Section 7.04.
Trustee's Disclaimer
22
Section 7.05.
Notice of Defaults
22
Section 7.06.
Reports by Trustee
22
Section 7.07.
Compensation and Indemnity
22
Section 7.08.
Replacement of Trustee
23
Section 7.09.
Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc
24
Section 7.10.
Eligibility; Disqualification
24
Section 7.11.
Preferential Collection of Claims
24
ARTICLE EIGHT DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
24
Section 8.01.
Termination of the Company's Obligations
24
Section 8.02.
Application of Trust Money
25
Section 8.03.
Repayment to the Company
25
ARTICLE NINE AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
25
Section 9.01.
Without Consent of Holders
25
Section 9.02.
With Consent of Holders
26
Section 9.03.
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act
26
Section 9.04.
Revocation and Effect of Consents
27
Section 9.05.
Notation on or Exchange of Securities
27
Section 9.06.
Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc
27
ARTICLE TEN CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
27
Section 10.01.
Provisions Relating to Conversion or Exchange of Securities
27
ARTICLE ELEVEN SINKING OR PURCHASE FUNDS
27
Section 11.01.
Provisions Relating to Sinking or Purchase Funds
27
ARTICLE TWELVE MISCELLANEOUS
28
Section 12.01.
Trust Indenture Act Controls
28
Section 12.02.
Supplemental Indentures Contract
28
Section 12.03.
Notices
28
Section 12.04.
Communication by Holders with Other Holders
28
Section 12.05.
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent
29
Section 12.06.
When Treasury Securities Disregarded
29
Section 12.07.
Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar
29
Section 12.08.
Legal Holidays
29
Section 12.09.
Governing Law and Submission To Jurisdiction
29
Section 12.10.
Actions by the Company
30
Section 12.11.
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements
30
Section 12.12.
Successors
30
Section 12.13.
Duplicate Originals
30
Section 12.14.
Table of Contents, Headings, etc
30
Section 12.15.
No Recourse Against Others
30
Section 12.16.
U.S.A. Patriot Act
30
Section 12.17.
Force Majeure
30
ARTICLE THIRTEEN GUARANTEE
31
Section 13.01.
Unconditional Guarantee
31
Section 13.02.
Execution and Delivery of Notation of Guarantee
31
Section 13.03.
Limitation on the Guarantor's Liability
32
Section 13.04.
Release of the Guarantor from Guarantee
32
 
 
 

 
INDENTURE, dated as of ____________, 20__ between RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP (the "Company"), a Delaware limited partnership having its principal office at 8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108, San Diego, California 92122, RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP. (the "Guarantor"), a Maryland corporation having its principal office at 8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108, San Diego, California 92122 and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (the "Trustee"), a national banking association organized under the laws of the United States of America which has its designated corporate trust office at 707 Wilshire Blvd, 17th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90017.
 
Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of each other party and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company's debentures, notes or other evidences of unsecured indebtedness to be issued in one or more series ("Securities"):
 
ARTICLE ONE
 
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
 
Section 1.01. Definitions.
 
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Guarantor, or other body with analogous authority with respect to the Guarantor or any duly authorized Committee of the Board of Directors of the Guarantor or such body.
 
"Board Resolution" means a resolution by the Board of Directors, certified by a Secretary of the Guarantor or an Assistant Secretary of the Guarantor as being duly adopted and in full force and effect.
 
"Business Day" means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a Legal Holiday in the City of New York and the relevant place of payment.
 
"Capital Stock" means (a) in the case of a corporation, common or preferred stock entitled to share in the equity or profits of a corporation; and (b) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited).
 
"Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company, as that stock may be reconstituted from time to time.
 
"Company" means the Person named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and after that means the successor.
 
"Corporate Trust Office" means the designated office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business is principally administered (which at the date of this Indenture is at the location set forth in the first paragraph of this Indenture), provided, however, that with respect to payments and transfers, such office shall be Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, MAC N9311-110, 625 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55479.
 
"Corporation" includes corporations, associations, companies and business trusts.
 
"Custodian" has the meaning provided in Section 6.01.
 
"Default" means any event which, upon the giving of notice or passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
 
"$" means the lawful currency of the United States.
 
"Event of Default" has the meaning provided in Section 6.01.
 
 
5

 
"Fiscal Year" means the period commencing on January 1 of a year and ending on the next December 31 or such other period (not to exceed 12 months or 53 weeks) as the Company may from time to time adopt as its fiscal year.
 
"Guarantee" means the full and unconditional guarantee provided by the Guarantor as made applicable to one or more series of Securities pursuant to the terms of Section Thirteen of this Indenture and any establishing Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers' Certificate (provided that, with respect to any Series of Securities to which Article Thirteen of this Indenture applies, "Guarantee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.01(2) of this Indenture), and the guarantees endorsed on the certificates evidencing the Securities, or both, as the context shall require.
 
"Guarantor" means Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation, and its respective successors and assigns.
 
"Holder" or "Securityholder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered on the Registrar's books.
 
"Indenture" means this Indenture as amended or supplemented from time to time and will include the form and terms of the Securities of each series established as contemplated by Section 2.01.
 
"Interest Payment Date" means the date on which an installment of interest on the Securities is due and payable.
 
"Legal Holiday" has the meaning provided in Section 12.08.
 
"Maturity Date" means the date the principal of Securities is due and payable.
 
"Notation of Guarantee" means a notation executed by the Guarantor and affixed to each Security of any Series to which a Guarantee under this Indenture applies.
 
"Officer" means the Chairman of the Board of Directors, any Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary, the Controller or any Assistant Secretary of the Guarantor.
 
"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by two Officers.  Each such certificate will comply with Section 314 of the TIA and include the statements described in Section 12.05.
 
"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion from legal counsel which is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.  That counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Guarantor.  Each such opinion will include the statements described in Section 12.05 if and to the extent required by that Section.
 
"Paying Agent" has the meaning provided in Section 2.05.
 
"Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any government agency or political subdivision.
 
"Registrar" has the meaning provided in Section 2.05.
 
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
"Securities" has the meaning provided in the recitals to this Indenture.
 
"Securities Act of 1933" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
 
6

 
"Securities Exchange Act of 1934" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
"State" means any state of the United States or the District of Columbia.
 
"Stated Maturity" when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.
 
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any person, (a) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other equity interest entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such person or one or more of the other subsidiaries of that person (or a combination thereof), (b) any partnership (i) the sole general partner or managing general partner of which is such person or a subsidiary of such person or (ii) the only general partners of which are such person or of one or more subsidiaries of such person (or any combination thereof) and (c) any entity that is required to be consolidated in the financial statements of such person.
 
"Supplemental Indenture" means an indenture between the Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee which supplements this Indenture.
 
"TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect on the date of this Indenture, except as provided in Section 9.03.
 
"Trustee" means the Person named as such in this Indenture and, subject to the provisions of Article Seven, any successor to that person.
 
"Trust Officer" means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.
 
"United States" means the United States of America.
 
Section 1.02. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.  Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.  In addition, the provisions of Sections 310 to and including 317 of the TIA that impose duties on any person are incorporated by reference in, and form a part of, this Indenture.
 
The following TIA terms mean the following when used in this Indenture:
 
"Commission" means the SEC;
 
"indenture securities" means the Securities;
 
"indenture security holder" means a Holder;
 
"indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture;
 
"indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means the Trustee; and
 
"obligor" on the indenture securities means the Company.
 
 
7

 
All other TIA terms used in this Indenture that are defined in the TIA, defined in the TIA by reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule have the meanings assigned to them.
 
Section 1.03. Rules of Construction.  Unless the context otherwise requires:
 
(1)           a term has the meaning assigned to it;
 
(2)           an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States;
 
(3)           "or" is not exclusive; and
 
(4)           words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular.
 
ARTICLE TWO
 
THE SECURITIES
 
Section 2.01. Form and Dating.
 
(a) The Securities of each series will be substantially in the form established by a Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series.  The Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rules or usage.  The Company will approve the form of the Securities and any notation, legend or endorsement on them.  Each Security will be dated the date of its authentication.
 
(b) The Trustee's certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A.
 
Section 2.02. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.  The aggregate principal amount of the Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.
 
The Securities may be issued in one or more series.  Prior to the issuance of Securities of a series, the Company and the Trustee will execute a Supplemental Indenture which will set forth as to the Securities of that series, to the extent applicable:
 
(1)           the title of the Securities;
 
(2)           any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be issued;
 
(3)           the date or dates on which the Securities will mature and the amounts to be paid upon maturity of the Securities;
 
(4)           the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which the Securities will bear interest, if any, as well as the dates from which interest will accrue, the dates on which interest will be payable, the persons to whom interest will be payable, if other than the registered holders on the record date, and the record date for the interest payable on any payment date;
 
(5)           the currency or currencies in which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, will be payable;
 
(6)           the place or places where principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities will be payable and where Securities which are in registered form can be presented for registration of transfer or exchange;
 
(7)           any provisions regarding the right of the Company to redeem Securities or of holders to require the Company to redeem Securities;
 
 
8

 
(8)           the right, if any, of holders of the Securities to convert them into, or exchange them for, shares of common stock of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. or other securities, including any provisions intended to prevent dilution as a result of the conversion or exchange rights;
 
(9)           any provisions by which the Company will be required or permitted to make payments to a sinking fund which will be used to redeem Securities or a purchase fund which will be used to purchase Securities;
 
(10)           any index or formula used to determine the required payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any;
 
(11)           the percentage of the principal amount of the Securities which is payable if maturity of the Securities is accelerated because of a default;
 
(12)           any special or modified events of default or covenants with respect to the Securities;
 
(13)           any security or collateral provisions;

(14)           a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations;
 
(15)           whether the Securities of such Series are entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee pursuant to this Indenture, the terms of such Guarantee, including whether the provisions of Article Thirteen of this Indenture shall apply to such Guarantee, and whether any such Guarantee shall be made on a senior or subordinated basis and, if applicable, the subordination terms of any such Guarantee; and
 
(16)           any other terms of the Securities.
 
Section 2.03. Denominations.  Unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, the Securities of each series will be issuable in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.
 
Section 2.04. Execution and Authentication.  Two Officers will sign the Securities of each series for the Company by manual or facsimile signature.  The Company's seal will be reproduced on the Securities.  If an Officer whose signature is on a Security no longer holds office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Security, the Security will be valid nonetheless.
 
A Security will not be valid until an authorized signatory of the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on the Security.  The signature will be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated under this Indenture.
 
Section 2.05. Registrar and Paying Agent.  The Company will maintain an office or agency where Securities of each series may be presented for conversion, registration of transfer or for exchange (the "Registrar") and an office or agency where Securities of each series may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent").  The Registrar will keep a register of the Securities of each series and of their transfer and exchange.  The Company may have one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.  The term "Paying Agent" includes any additional paying agent.
 
The Company will enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Registrar, Paying Agent or co-registrar not a party to this Indenture which will incorporate the terms of the TIA.  The agreement will implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to that agent.  The Company will notify the Trustee of the name and address of any such agent.  If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee will act as such.  The Company or any Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or transfer agent.
 
The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as Registrar and Paying Agent in connection with the Securities of each series, except in instances in which the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities appoints a different Registrar or Paying Agent.
 
Section 2.06. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.  Prior to each due date of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any Security, the Company will deposit with the Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay that principal, premium or interest when due.  The Paying Agent will hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of a series, and if the Paying Agent is not the Trustee, in trust for the benefit of the Trustee, all sums held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or interest on the Securities of that series and, in the case of a Paying Agent other than the Trustee, the Paying Agent will give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company in making any such payment.  If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it will segregate the money held by it as Paying Agent and hold it as a separate trust fund.  The Company at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee and to account for any funds disbursed by the Paying Agent.  Upon complying with this Section, the Paying Agent will have no further liability for the money.
 
 
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Section 2.07. Securityholder Lists.  The Trustee will preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of the Holders of the Securities of each series.  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company will furnish to the Trustee in writing (a) at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and (b) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, all information in the possession or control of the Company or its Paying Agent as to the names and addresses of Holders of the Securities of a series; provided, however that if the provisions of (a) and (b) do not provide for the furnishing of such information at stated intervals of not more than six months, at least as frequently as semiannually.
 
Section 2.08. Transfer and Exchange.  Unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to Securities of a series, Securities which are issued in registered form will be transferred only upon the surrender of the Securities for registration of transfer.  When a Security is presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to register a transfer, the Registrar will register the transfer as requested if the requirements of Article Eight of the New York Uniform Commercial Code are met.  When Securities are presented to the Registrar or a co-registrar with a request to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Securities of the same series of other denominations, the Registrar will make the exchange as requested if the same requirements are met.  To permit registration of transfers and exchanges, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate Securities at the Registrar's or co-registrar's request.  The Company will not charge a fee for transfers or exchanges.
 
The Company will not be required to make, and the Registrar need not register, transfers or exchanges of (i) Securities selected for redemption (except, in the case of Securities to be redeemed in part, transfers or exchanges of the portion of the Securities not to be redeemed) or (ii) any Securities of a series for a period of 15 days before the first mailing of a notice of the Securities of that series which are to be redeemed.
 
Prior to the due presentation for registration or transfer of any Security which was issued in registered form, the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any co-registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name the Security is registered as the absolute owner of the Security for all purposes, and none of the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent, the Registrar or any co-registrar will be affected by notice to the contrary.
 
Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall have any responsibility or liability for any actions taken or not taken by the depositary.
 
Section 2.09. Replacement Securities.  If a mutilated Security which had been issued in registered form is surrendered to the Registrar or if the Holder presents evidence to the satisfaction of the Company and the Trustee that a Security which had been issued in registered form has been lost or destroyed, the Company will issue and the Trustee will authenticate a replacement Security of the same series if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code are met and the Holder satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee.  The replacement Security will not be issued until the Holder furnishes an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of the Company and the Trustee to protect the Company, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and the Registrar or any co-registrar from any loss which any of them may suffer if the Security is replaced.  The Company may charge the Holder for its expenses in replacing a Security.
 
Every replacement Security will be an obligation of the Company, even if the replaced Security is subsequently found.
 
Section 2.10. Outstanding Securities.  The Securities outstanding at any time will be all the Securities authenticated by the Trustee, except those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation and those described in this Section as not outstanding.  A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or its affiliate holds the Security.
 
 
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If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.09, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to them that the replaced Security is held by a protected purchaser (in which case the replaced Security will be treated as outstanding to the extent permitted by Section 8-210 of the New York Uniform Commercial Code).
 
If the Paying Agent (other than the Company or a Subsidiary) segregates and holds in trust, in accordance with this Indenture, on a redemption date or Maturity Date money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, payable on that date with respect to the Securities to be redeemed or maturing, as the case may be, then on that date those Securities will cease to be outstanding and interest on them will cease to accrue.
 
Section 2.11. Temporary Securities.  Until definitive Securities of a series are ready for delivery, the Company may prepare and the Trustee will authenticate temporary Securities of that series.  Temporary Securities will be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities.  Without unreasonable delay, the Company will prepare and the Trustee will authenticate definitive Securities and deliver them in exchange for temporary Securities.
 
Section 2.12. Cancellation.  The Company at any time may deliver Securities of a series to the Trustee for cancellation and the Trustee will reduce accordingly the aggregate amount of the Securities of that series which are outstanding.  The Registrar and the Paying Agent will forward to the Trustee any Securities surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, or conversion.  The Trustee and no one else will cancel and dispose of (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act) all Securities surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, conversion or cancellation.  Subject to Section 2.09, the Company may not issue new Securities of a series to replace Securities of the series it has redeemed, paid, converted or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.
 
Section 2.13. Defaulted Interest.  If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Securities of a series, it will pay defaulted interest (plus interest on such defaulted interest to the extent lawful) to the persons who are Holders of the Securities of that series on a subsequent special record date, which date will be at least five Business Days prior to the payment date.  The Company will fix the special record date and payment date, and, at least 15 days before the special record date, the Company will mail to each Holder of Securities of that series a notice that states the special record date, the payment date and the amount of defaulted interest and any interest on that defaulted interest which is to be paid.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may pay defaulted interest in any other lawful manner.
 
Section 2.14. CUSIP Numbers.  The Company in issuing the Securities may use "CUSIP" numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee shall use "CUSIP" numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders; provided that the Trustee shall have no liability for any defect in the "CUSIP" numbers as they appear on the any Security, notice or elsewhere, and, provided further that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the "CUSIP" numbers.
 
ARTICLE THREE
 
REDEMPTION
 
Section 3.01. Company's Option to Redeem.  The Company will have the option to redeem Securities of a series only to the extent, if any, and only on the terms, set forth in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series.  If the Company has the option to redeem Securities of a series, unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series, the terms of the redemption will include those set forth in Sections 3.02 through 3.06.
 
Section 3.02. Notices to Trustee.  If the Company elects to redeem Securities of a series, it will notify the Trustee of the redemption date and the principal amount and series of Securities to be redeemed.  The Company will give each notice provided for in this Section at least 45 days before the redemption date (unless a shorter period shall be agreed to by the Trustee).  If fewer than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the record date for determining which Securities of the series are to be redeemed will be selected by the Company, which will give notice of the record date to the Trustee at least 15 days before the record date.
 
 
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Section 3.03. Selection of Securities to be Redeemed.  If fewer than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed at the Company's option, the Trustee will select the Securities of that series to be redeemed by lot or, in its sole discretion, pro-rata or in accordance with the customary procedures of the depositary.  The Trustee will make the selection from outstanding Securities of that series not previously called for redemption.  The Trustee may select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities that have denominations larger than the minimum denomination in which Securities of the applicable series may be issued.  Securities and portions of Securities the Trustee selects will be in amounts equal to the minimum denomination in which Securities of the applicable series may be issued and multiples of that amount.  Provisions of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to portions of Securities called for redemption.  The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of the Securities or portions of Securities to be redeemed.
 
Section 3.04. Notice of Redemption at the Company's Option.  At least 30 days and not more than 60 days before a date set for redemption at the Company's option, the Company will mail a notice of redemption by first-class mail, or send electronically, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed in whole or in part.
 
The notice will identify the principal amount and series of each Security (including the CUSIP number) to be redeemed and will state:
 
(1)           the redemption date;
 
(2)           the redemption price plus accrued interest, if any;
 
(3)           the name and address of the Paying Agent;
 
(4)           that Securities called for redemption in whole or in part must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price plus accrued interest, if any;
 
(5)           that, unless the Company defaults in making the redemption payment, interest on Securities (or portions of Securities) called for redemption will cease to accrue on the redemption date and, if applicable, that those Securities (or the portions of then called for redemption) will cease on the redemption date (or such other date as is provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities) to be convertible into, or exchangeable for, other securities or assets;
 
(6)           if applicable, the current conversion or exchange price; and
 
(7)           that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Securities.
 
At the Company's request, pursuant to an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee at least 37 days (unless a shorter period is agreed to by the Trustee) prior to the redemption date, the Trustee will give the notice of redemption in the Company's name and at the Company's expense.  In such event, the Company will provide the Trustee with the information required by clauses (1) through (3) and (6).
 
Section 3.05. Effect of Notice of Redemption.  Once notice of redemption is sent, Securities, or portions of Securities called for redemption will become due and payable on the redemption date and at the redemption price.  Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, those Securities will be paid at the redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.  On and after the date fixed for redemption (unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, together with interest accrued to the redemption date) interest on the Securities, or portions of them, which are redeemed will cease to accrue and any right to convert those Securities into, or exchange them for, other securities or assets will terminate and those Securities will cease to be convertible or exchangeable.  Failure to give notice or any defect in the notice to any Holder will not affect the validity of the notice to any other Holder.
 
 
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Section 3.06. Deposit of Redemption Price.  No later than the Business Day prior to the redemption date specified in a notice of redemption, the Company will deposit with the Paying Agent (or, if the Company or a Subsidiary is the Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust) money sufficient to redeem on the redemption date all the Securities called for redemption on that redemption date at the appropriate redemption price, together with accrued interest to the redemption date, other than Securities or portions of Securities called for redemption which have been delivered by the Company to the Trustee for cancellation or Securities which have been surrendered for conversion or exchange.  If any Securities called for redemption are converted or exchanged, any money deposited with the Paying Agent for redemption of those Securities will be paid to the Company upon its request, or, if the money is held in trust by the Company or a Subsidiary as Paying Agent, the money will be discharged from the trust.
 
Section 3.07. Holder's Right to Require Redemption.  Holders of Securities of a series will have the right to require the Company to redeem those Securities only to the extent, and only on the terms, set forth in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series.  If Holders of Securities of a series have the right to require the Company to redeem those Securities, unless otherwise provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the Securities of that series, the terms of the redemption will include those set forth in Section 3.08.
 
Section 3.08. Procedure for Requiring Redemption.  If a Holder has the right to require the Company to redeem Securities, to exercise that right, the Holder must deliver the Securities to the Paying Agent, endorsed for transfer and with the form on the reverse side entitled "Option to Require Redemption" completed.  Delivery of Securities to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section will constitute an irrevocable election to cause the specified principal amount of Securities to be redeemed.  When Securities are delivered to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section, unless the Company fails to make the payments due as a result of the redemption within 20 days after the Securities are delivered to the Paying Agent as provided in this Section interest on the Securities will cease to accrue and, if the Securities are convertible or exchangeable, the Holder's right to convert or exchange the Securities will terminate.
 
The Company's determination of all questions regarding the validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of any Security for redemption will be final and binding.
 
Section 3.09. Securities Redeemed in Part.  Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Company will execute and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver to the Holder (at the Company's expense) a new Security equal of the same series in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the Security which was surrendered.
 
ARTICLE FOUR
 
COVENANTS
 
Section 4.01. Payment of Securities.  The Company will promptly pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on each of the Securities of a series at the places and time and in the manner provided in the Securities and in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series.  An installment of principal, premium or interest will be considered paid on the date it is due if the Trustee or Paying Agent holds on that date in accordance with this Indenture or the applicable Supplemental Indenture money designated for and sufficient to pay the installment then due.
 
The Company will pay or cause to be paid interest on overdue principal at the rate specified in the Securities; it will also pay interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate (or such other rate as is provided in the applicable Supplemental Indenture), to the extent lawful.
 
Section 4.02. Reporting.  The Company will file with the Trustee within 15 days after filing with the SEC, copies of its annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act").  The Company also will comply with the other provisions of TIA Section 314(a).  Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee's receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company's compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers' Certificates).
 
 
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Section 4.03. Corporate Existence.  Subject to Article Five, each of the Company and the Guarantor will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that neither the Company not the guarantor will be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors determines that the preservation of the right or franchise is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company or the Guarantor and that its loss will not be disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders of Securities of any series.
 
Section 4.04. Compliance Certificate.  The Company and the Guarantor (to the extent that the Guarantor is so required under the TIA) will deliver to the Trustee within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company an Officers' Certificate, one of the signers of which shall be the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the company, stating that in the course of the performance by the signers of their duties as Officers of the Company they would normally have knowledge of any default by the Company and whether or not the signers know of any default that occurred during the fiscal year.  If they do, the certificate will describe the default, its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.  The Company also will comply with TIA Section 314(a)(4).
 
Section 4.05. Further Instruments and Acts.  Upon request of the Trustee, the Company will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purpose of this Indenture.
 
ARTICLE FIVE
 
SUCCESSOR PERSONS
 
Section 5.01. Company may Consolidate, etc., only on Certain Terms.  The Company will not consolidate with or merge into any other Person or convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:
 
(1)           the Person formed by the consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the person which acquires by conveyance or transfer, or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety will be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, a State of the United States of America or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes, by one or more supplemental indentures, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all the Securities of each series and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture and of all Supplemental Indentures to be performed or observed by the Company;
 
(2)           immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, will have occurred and be continuing; and
 
(3)           the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with this Article and that all the conditions precedent relating to the transaction set forth in this Section have been fulfilled.
 
 
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Section 5.02. Successor Person Substituted.  Upon any event described in Section 5.01, the successor person will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture and all the Supplemental Indentures relating to outstanding series of Securities, and the predecessor person will be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and each of those Supplemental Indentures
 
Section 5.03. Guarantor May Consolidate on Certain Terms.  Nothing contained in this Indenture or in the Securities shall prevent any consolidation or merger of the Guarantor with or into any other person or persons (whether or not affiliated with the Guarantor), or successive consolidations or mergers in which either the Guarantor will be the continuing entity or the Guarantor or its successor or successors shall be a party or parties, or shall prevent the conveyance, transfer or lease of any properties and assets of the Guarantor substantially as an entirety to any person (whether or not affiliated with the Guarantor); provided, however, that the following conditions are met:
 
(1)            the Guarantor shall be the continuing entity, or the successor entity (if other than the Guarantor) formed by or resulting from any consolidation or merger or which shall have received the conveyance, transfer or lease of assets shall expressly assume the obligations of the Guarantor under the Guarantee and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the covenants and conditions in this Indenture to be performed or observed by the Guarantor;
 
 (2)            immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, will have occurred and be continuing; and
 
(3)            the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that the consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease complies with this Article and that all the conditions precedent relating to the transaction set forth in this Section have been fulfilled.
 
Section 5.04. Guarantor Successor to Be Substituted
 
(1)            Upon any consolidation or merger or any sale, conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Guarantor to any person in accordance with Section 5.03, the successor person formed by such consolidation or into which the Guarantor is merged or to which such sale, conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Guarantor under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor person had been named as the Guarantor herein, and thereafter, the predecessor person shall be released from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture; provided, however, that the predecessor Guarantor shall not be relieved from the obligation to guarantee the payment of the principal of and interest on the Securities except in the case of a conveyance, transfer or lease of the properties and assets substantially as an entirety of the Guarantor in a transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, Section 5.03 hereof.
 
(2)            In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale, conveyance, transfer or lease, such changes in phraseology and form (but not in substance) may be made in the Securities thereafter to be issued as may be appropriate.
 
 
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ARTICLE SIX
 
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
 
Section 6.01. Events of Default.
 
An "Event of Default" occurs if:
 
(1)           The Company defaults in the payment of interest on any Security of any series when it becomes due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days (or such other period, which may be no period) as is specified in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the series;
 
(2)           The Company defaults in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, on any Security of any series as and when it becomes due and payable at its stated maturity or upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise and, if provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to a series, the default continues for a period specified in the Supplemental Indenture;
 
(3)           The Company fails to comply with any of its other covenants or agreements with regard to Securities of a series or this Indenture (other than a covenant or agreement, a default in whose performance or whose breach is dealt with specifically elsewhere in this Section) and that failure continues for a period of 60 days after the date of the notice specified below;
 
(4)           The Company or the Guarantor defaults under any under any bond, debenture, note, mortgage, indenture or instrument with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of at least a certain threshold amount described in a supplemental indenture, which default has resulted in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such indebtedness having been discharged or such acceleration having been rescinded or annulled within a period of 30 days after written notice to the Company as provided herein;
 
(5)           the Company or the Guarantor pursuant to any Bankruptcy Law applicable to the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable:
 
(A)           commences a voluntary case;
 
(B)           consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case;
 
(C)           consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or
 
(D)           makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or
 
(6)           a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any applicable Bankruptcy Law:
 
(A)           for relief in an involuntary case;
 
(B)           appointing a Custodian of the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable, or for any substantial part of its property; or
 
(C)           ordering its winding up or liquidation;
 
and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days.
 
Each of the occurrences described in clauses (1) through (6) will constitute an Event of Default whatever the reason for the occurrence and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.
 
 
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The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar United States Federal or State law for the relief of debtors.  The term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
 
A Default under clause (3) of this Section is not an Event of Default until the Trustee notifies the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Securities of a series with regard to which the Company has failed to comply with a covenant or agreement notify the Company and the Trustee, of the Default and the Company does not cure the Default within 60 days after the giving of the notice.  The notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and state that the notice is a "Notice of Default."
 
A Default under clause (1), (2) or (3) with regard to Securities of a series will not constitute a Default with regard to Securities of any other series except to the extent, if any, provided in the Supplemental Indenture relating to the other series.
 
The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 20 days after it occurs, written notice in the form of an Officers' Certificate of any event of which the Company is aware which with the giving of notice and the lapse of time would become an Event of Default under clause (3), its status and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect to it.
 
Section 6.02. Acceleration.  If an Event of Default as to the Securities of a series occurs and is continuing, unless the principal of all of the Securities of the series has already become due and payable, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal of and accrued interest, if any, on all the Securities of the series to be due and payable.  Upon such a declaration, that principal and interest will be due and payable immediately.  If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued interest, if any, on all the Securities will automatically become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Securityholders.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of the series, by written notice to the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, that has become due solely because of acceleration, and if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree.  No such rescission will affect any subsequent default or impair any consequent right.
 
Section 6.03. Other Remedies.  If an Event of Default as to a series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of the series or to enforce the performance of any provision under this Indenture or any applicable Supplemental Indenture.
 
The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Securities or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Securityholder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default will not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy.  All available remedies are cumulative.
 
Section 6.04. Waiver of Existing Defaults.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of that series, by written notice to the Trustee may consent to the waiver of any past Default with regard to Securities of the series and its consequences except (i) a default in the payment of interest or premium, if any, on, or the principal of, Securities of the series, or (ii) a default in respect of a covenant or a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holders of all Securities of the series then outstanding.  The defaults described in clauses (i) and (ii) in the previous sentence may be waived with the consent of the Holders of all Securities of the series then outstanding.  When a Default or Event of Default is waived, it is deemed cured and not continuing, but no waiver will extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any consequent right.
 
 
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Section 6.05. Control by Majority.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee with regard to the Securities of that series or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with regard to the Securities of that series.  However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or, subject to Section 7.01, that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of other Securityholders or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability provided, however, that the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction.  Prior to taking any action as a result of a direction given under this Section, the Trustee will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking that action.
 
Section 6.06. Payments of Securities on Default; Suit Therefor.  The Company covenants that upon the occurrence of an Event of Default described in Section 6.01(1) or (2), then, upon demand of the Trustee, the Company will pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the holders of the Securities in all series, the whole amount that will then have become due and payable on all such Securities for principal, premium, if any, and interest, with interest on the overdue principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) on the overdue installments of interest at the rate borne by the Securities in all series; and, in addition, such further amount as will be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including a reasonable compensation to the Trustee, its agents, attorneys and counsel, and any expenses or liabilities incurred by the Trustee hereunder other than through its negligence or wilful misconduct.  Until such demand by the Trustee, the Company may pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Securities of all series to the registered Holders, whether or not the Securities in that series are overdue.
 
Section 6.07. Limitation on Suits.  A Securityholder may not pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture unless:
 
(1)           the Holder gives to the Trustee written notice stating that an Event of Default as to a series is continuing;
 
(2)           the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the remedy;
 
(3)           such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;
 
(4)           the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity, and the Event of Default has not been waived; and
 
(5)           the Trustee has received no contrary direction from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of the series then outstanding during such 60-day period.
 
A Securityholder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder of the same series of Securities or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder of the same series of Securities (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders).
 
Section 6.08. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment and to Demand Conversion.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Security of any series to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Security (and interest on overdue principal and interest on overdue installments of interest, if any, as provided in Section 4.01), on or after the respective due dates expressed in the Security or, in the case of redemption, on or after the redemption date, or in the case of conversion or exchange, to receive the security issuable upon conversion or exchange or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, conversion or exchange on or after the applicable due date, redemption date or conversion or exchange date, as the case may be, against the Company, will not be impaired or affected without the consent of the Holder.
 
 
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Section 6.09. Collection Suit by Trustee.  If an Event of Default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, specified in clause (1) or (2) of Section 6.01 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal, premium, if any, and interest remaining unpaid (together with interest on that unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.07.
 
Section 6.10. Trustee may File Proofs of Claim.  The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities of any or all series allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company, its creditors or its property and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, if the Trustee consents to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.
 
Section 6.11. Restoration of Positions.  If a judicial proceeding by the Trustee or a Securityholder to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture is dismissed or decided favorably to the Company, except as otherwise provided in the judicial proceeding, the Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee and the Securityholders will be restored to the positions they would have been in if the judicial proceeding had not been instituted.
 
Section 6.12. Priorities.  If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article Six with respect to Securities of a series, subject to Article Eleven, it will pay out the money or property in the following order:
 
FIRST:  to the Trustee and its attorneys and agents for amounts due under Section 7.07;
 
SECOND:  to Securityholders for amounts due and unpaid on the Securities of the series for principal and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Securities of the series for principal and interest, respectively; and
 
THIRD:  to the Company or the Guarantor, as applicable.
 
The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders of Securities of a series pursuant to this Section.  At least 15 days before the record date, the Company will mail to each Holder of Securities of the series and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and the amount to be paid.
 
Section 6.13. Undertaking for Costs.  In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section 6.13 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by Holders of in aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of the Securities of a series then outstanding, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Security held by that Holder on or after the due date provided in the Security or to any suit for the enforcement of the right to convert or exchange any Security in accordance with the provisions of a Supplemental Indenture applicable to that Security.
 
Section 6.14. Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.  The Company agrees (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim, and will resist any and all efforts to be compelled to take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law or any usury or other law, wherever enacted, now or at any subsequent time in force, which would prohibit or forgive the Company from paying all or any portion of the principal of, premium, if any, and/or interest on any of the Securities as contemplated in this Indenture or a Supplemental Indenture, or which may affect the covenants or performance of this Indenture, and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and agrees that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power granted to the Trustee in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, but (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) will suffer and permit the execution of any such power as though no such law had been enacted.
 
 
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Section 6.15. Liability of Stockholders, Officers, Directors and Incorporators.  No stockholder, officer, director or incorporator, as such, past, present or future, of the Company, or any of its successor corporations, will have any personal liability in respect of the Company's obligations under this Indenture or any Securities by reason of his or its status as such stockholder, officer, director or incorporator; provided, however, that nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities will prevent recourse to and enforcement of the liability of any stockholder or subscriber to Capital Stock in respect of shares of Capital Stock which have not been fully paid up.
 
ARTICLE SEVEN
 
TRUSTEE
 
Section 7.01. Duties of Trustee.
 
(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and any applicable Supplemental Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's own affairs.
 
(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:
 
(i) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and any Supplemental Indentures and no implied covenants or obligations will be read into this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture against the Trustee; and
 
(ii) the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed in them, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture in the absence of wilful misconduct on the Trustee's part; provided, however, that in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee will examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they substantially conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).
 
(c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own wilful misconduct, except that:
 
(1)           this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;
 
(2)           the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Trust Officer, unless it is proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;
 
(3)           the Trustee will not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05; and
 
(4)           the Trustee will not be required to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the performance of any of its duties under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it has reasonable grounds to believe repayment of the funds or adequate indemnity against the risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
 
(d) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee is subject to the provisions of this Section 7.01 and to the provisions of the TIA.
 
 
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(e) The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or power unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
 
(f) The Trustee will not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company.  Money and Government Obligations held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds or items except to the extent required by law.
 
(g) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time outstanding given pursuant to Section 6.05 of this Indenture, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.
 
Section 7.02. Rights of Trustee.
 
(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely on any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person.  The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document.
 
(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both which conforms to Section 12.05.  The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such an Officers' Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.
 
(c) The Trustee may act through agents or attorneys and will not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.
 
(d) The Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, except conduct which constitutes wilful misconduct or negligence.
 
(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the Trustee will not be liable for any action it takes or omits in reliance on, and in accordance with, the advice of counsel and in good faith.
 
(f) The Trustee will not be required to investigate any facts or matters stated in any document, but if it decides to investigate any matters or facts, the Trustee or its agents or attorneys will be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Company at the expense of the Company, and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.
 
(g) The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Trust Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture;
 
(h) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder;
 
(i) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;
 
(j) The Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate certificate in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture; and
 
 
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(k) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.
 
Section 7.03. Individual Rights of Trustee.  The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or any of its affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee.  Any Paying Agent, Registrar, co-registrar or co-paying agent may do the same with like rights.  However, the Trustee must comply with Sections 7.10 and 7.11.
 
Section 7.04. Trustee's Disclaimer.  The Trustee (i) is not responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, (ii) will not be responsible for and will not make any representation as to the validity or adequacy of any Supplemental Indenture, (iii) will not be accountable for the Company's use of the proceeds from the Securities of any series, and (iv) will not be responsible for any statement of the Company in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, other than the Trustee's certificate of authentication, or in any prospectus used in the sale of any of the Securities, other than statements, if any, provided in writing by the Trustee for use in such a prospectus.
 
Section 7.05. Notice of Defaults.  The Trustee will give to the Holders of the Securities of a series notice of any Default with regard to the Securities of that series actually known to a Trust Officer, within 90 days after receipt of such knowledge and in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c), and otherwise as provided in Section 12.03 of this Indenture; provided, however, that, except in the case of a Default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any Security, the Trustee will be protected in withholding notice of the Default if and so long as it in good faith determines that the withholding of the notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Securities of the series.
 
Section 7.06. Reports by Trustee.  If required by Section 313(a) of the TIA,within 60 days after each May 15 beginning with the May 15 following the date of this Indenture, the Trustee will mail to each Securityholder, at the name and address which appears on the registration books of the Company, and to each Securityholder who has, within the two years preceding the mailing, filed that person's name and address with the Trustee for that purpose and each Securityholder whose name and address have been furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.07, a brief report dated as of that May 15 which complies with TIA Section 313(a) Reports to Securityholders pursuant to this Section 7.06 shall be transmitted in the manner and to the extent provided in TIA Section 313(c) The Trustee also will comply with TIA Section 313(b).
 
A copy of each report will at the time of its mailing to Securityholders be filed with each stock exchange on which Securities are listed, if any, and also with the SEC.  The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing when the Securities of any series are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting of Securities of any series.
 
Section 7.07. Compensation and Indemnity.  The Company will pay to the Trustee from time to time such  compensation for its services as mutually agreed to in writing.  The Trustee's compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Company will reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including costs of collection, in addition to the compensation for its services.  Those expenses will include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee's agents, counsel, accountants and experts.  The Company will indemnify the Trustee against any and all loss, liability, claims (whether asserted by the Company, a holder or any other person) or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred by it in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust created by this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture and the performance of its duties under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.  The Trustee will notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.  Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company of its obligations under this Section.  The Company will defend the claim and the Trustee may have separate counsel and the Company will pay the fees and expenses of such counsel.  The Company need not pay for any settlement made without its consent.  The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, expense or liability incurred by the Trustee to the extent it is due to the Trustee's own wilful misconduct or negligence.
 
To secure the Company's obligation to make payments to the Trustee under this Section 7.07, the Trustee will have a lien prior to the Securities on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, other than money or property held in trust to pay principal or interest on particular Securities.  Those obligations of the Company will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.
 
 
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When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in clause (5) or (6) of Section 6.01 occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services of the Trustee are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.
 
For purposes of this Section 7.07, "Trustee" will include any predecessor Trustee, but the wilful misconduct, negligence or bad faith of any Trustee will not affect the rights of any other Trustee under this Section 7.07.
 
Section 7.08. Replacement of Trustee.  The Trustee may resign at any time by so notifying the Company.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Company and may appoint a successor Trustee.  The Company may remove the Trustee if:
 
(1)           the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10;
 
(2)           the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any bankruptcy law;
 
(3)           a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or
 
(4)           the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.
 
If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Company will promptly appoint a successor Trustee.  Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all series then outstanding may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by the Company.
 
No removal or appointment of a Trustee will be valid if that removal or appointment would conflict with any law applicable to the Company.
 
A successor Trustee will deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Company.  Promptly after that, the retiring Trustee will, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.07, transfer all property held by it as a Trustee to the successor Trustee, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee will become effective, and the successor Trustee will have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture and all Supplemental Indentures.  A successor Trustee will mail notice of its succession to each Securityholder.
 
If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Securities of all series then outstanding may petition any court of competent jurisdiction, at the expense of the Company, for the appointment of a successor Trustee.
 
If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10, any Securityholder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.
 
Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section, the Company's obligations under Section 7.07 will continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.
 
 
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Section 7.09. Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc.  If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust assets to, another Person, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person will, without any further act, be the successor Trustee.
 
If at the time a successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee succeeds to the trusts created by this Indenture any of the Securities have been authenticated but not delivered, the successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of the predecessor Trustee, and deliver the Securities which were authenticated by the predecessor Trustee; and if at that time any of the Securities have not been authenticated, the successor to the Trustee may authenticate those Securities in its own name as the successor to the Trustee; and in either case the certificates of authentication will have the full force provided in this Indenture for certificates of authentication.
 
Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification.  The Trustee will at all times satisfy the requirements of TIA Section 310(a).  The Trustee will at all times have (or shall be a member of a bank holding company system whose parent corporation has) a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recently published annual report of condition, which will be deemed for this paragraph to be its combined capital and surplus.  The Trustee will comply with TIA Section 310(b).
 
Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims.  The Trustee will comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b).  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed will be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated.
 
ARTICLE EIGHT
 
DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE
 
Section 8.01. Termination of the Company's Obligations.  When (i) the Company delivers to the Trustee all outstanding Securities of all series (other than Securities replaced pursuant to Section 2.09) for cancellation or (ii) all outstanding Securities of all series have become due and payable, or are due and payable within one year or are to be called for redemption within one year, under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for giving the notice of redemption, and the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee (subject to Article Eleven) money or U.S. Government Obligations sufficient, in the opinion of a firm of independent certified public accountants, to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities of all series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and if, in the case of either (i) or (ii) above the Company also pays or causes to be paid all other sums payable by the Company under this Indenture, then this Indenture will cease to be of further effect.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company's obligations to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities and the Company's obligations in Sections 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 2.09, 7.07, 7.08 and in Article Ten will survive until all the Securities of all series are no longer outstanding.  Thereafter, the Company's obligations in Section 7.07 will survive.
 
Before or after a deposit the Company may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of Securities of a series at a future date to the extent the Securities are redeemable in accordance with Article Three and the applicable Supplemental Indenture.
 
After a deposit pursuant to this Section 8.01 or after all outstanding Securities of all series have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, the Trustee upon request from the Company, accompanied by an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel which complies with Section 12.05, and at the cost of the Company, will acknowledge in writing the satisfaction and discharge of the Company's obligations under the Securities of all series and this Indenture except for those surviving obligations specified above.
 
If the Company exercises the satisfaction and discharge provisions in compliance with this Indenture with respect to Securities of a particular Series that are entitled to the benefit of a Guarantee, such Guarantee will terminate with respect to that series of Securities.
 
 
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In order to have money available on payment dates to pay principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Securities of a series, the U.S. Government Obligations will be payable as to principal, premium, if any, or interest on or before those payment dates in amounts sufficient to provide the necessary money.  U.S. Government Obligations used for this purpose may not be callable at the issuer's option.
 
"U.S. Government Obligations" means:
 
(1)           direct obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or
 
(2)           obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States.
 
Section 8.02. Application of Trust Money.  Subject to Article Eleven and Section 8.03, the Trustee will hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to Section 8.01.  It will apply the deposited money and the money from the U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture and any applicable Supplemental Indentures to the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities with regard to which the money or U.S. Government Obligations were deposited.
 
Section 8.03. Repayment to the Company.  The Trustee and the Paying Agent will promptly pay to the Company upon written request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.  The Trustee and the Paying Agent will, subject to applicable escheatment laws, pay to the Company upon written request any money held by them for the payment of principal, premium or interest that remains unclaimed for two years.  After such payment, the Holder of any Securities shall thereafter look to the Company for any payment which such Holder may be entitled to collect, and all liability of the Trustee and the Paying Agent with respect to that money will cease.
 
ARTICLE NINE
 
AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS
 
Section 9.01. Without Consent of Holders.  The Company, the Guarantor and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities without notice to or consent of any Securityholder:
 
(1)           to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency as evidenced in an Officers' Certificate;
 
(2)           to comply with Article Five;
 
(3)           to establish the form and terms of the Securities of any series as contemplated in Article Two of this Indenture;
 
(4)           to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of certificated Securities;
 
(5)           to reflect the release of the Guarantor in accordance with Article Thirteen;
 
(6)           to add guarantors with respect to any or all of the Securities or to secure any or all of the Securities or a Guarantee;
 
(7)           to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;
 
(8)           to conform to the provisions of the Securities as described in the related prospectus supplement or other offering document related to such Securities as set forth in an officer's certificate; or
 
 
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(9)           to make any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder.
 
After an amendment under this Section becomes effective, the Company will mail to the Securityholders a notice briefly describing the amendment.  The failure to give such notice to all Securityholders, or any defect in a notice, will not impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section.
 
Section 9.02. With Consent of Holders.  The Company, the Guarantor  and the Trustee may (i) amend or supplement this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Securityholder but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding or (ii) supplement this Indenture with regard to a series of Securities, amend or supplement a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, or amend the Securities of a series, without notice to any Securityholder but with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series then outstanding.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of all series then outstanding may waive compliance by the Company with any provision of this Indenture or the Securities without notice to any Securityholder.  The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities of any series then outstanding may waive compliance with any provision of this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities of that series with regard to the Securities of that series without notice to any Securityholder.  However, without the consent of the Holder so affected, no amendment, supplement or waiver, including a waiver pursuant to Section 6.04, may:
 
(1)           extend the fixed maturity of any Security, reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest on any Security, reduce the principal amount of any Security or premium, if any, on any Security;
 
(2)           impair or affect the right of a Holder to institute suit for the payment of interest, if any, principal or premium, if any, on the Securities;
 
(3)           change the currency in which the Securities are payable from that specified in the Securities or in a Supplemental Indenture applicable to the Securities;
 
(4)           impair the right, if any, to convert the Securities into, or exchange the Securities for, other securities or assets;
 
(5)           reduce the percentage of Securities required to consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
 
(6)           reduce the amount payable upon the redemption of any Security or change the time at which any Security may or will be redeemed;
 
(7)           modify the provisions of any Supplemental Indenture with respect to subordination of the Securities of a series in a manner adverse to the Securityholders;
 
(8)           make any change in Section 6.04 or 6.08 or the fourth sentence of this Section; or
 
(9)           if the Securities of that Series are entitled to the benefit of a Guarantee, release the Guarantor of such Series other than as provided in this Indenture or modify such Guarantee in any manner adverse to the Holders.
 
It will not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it will be sufficient if the consent approves the substance of the amendment, supplement or waiver.
 
Section 9.03. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.  Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities will comply with the TIA as then in effect.
 
 
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Section 9.04. Revocation and Effect of Consents.  A consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver by a Holder of a Security will bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security.  However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to the Holder's Security or portion of a Security.  For a revocation to be effective, the Trustee must receive written notice of the revocation before the date the amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective.  After an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms, it will bind every Holder of every Security of every series to which it applies.
 
Section 9.05. Notation on or Exchange of Securities.  If an amendment changes the terms of a series of Securities, the Trustee may require the Holder of a Security of the series to deliver the Holder's Security to the Trustee, who will place an appropriate notation about the amendment, supplement or waiver on the Security and will return it to the Holder.  Alternatively, the Company may, in exchange for the Security, issue, and the Trustee will authenticate, a new Security that reflects the amendment, supplement or waiver.
 
Section 9.06. Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc.  The Trustee will sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to Article Two or this Article Nine if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not adversely affect the rights, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.  If it does adversely affect those rights, liabilities or immunities, the Trustee may but need not sign it.  The Company may not sign an amendment or supplement until the amendment or supplement is approved by an appropriate Board Resolution.  In executing any Supplemental Indenture permitted by this Article the Trustee shall receive, and shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such Supplemental Indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company.
 
ARTICLE TEN
 
CONVERSION OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES
 
Section 10.01. Provisions Relating to Conversion or Exchange of Securities.  Any rights which Holders of Securities of a series will have to convert those Securities into other securities of the Company or to exchange those Securities for securities of other Persons or other assets, including but not limited to the terms of the conversion or exchange and the circumstances, if any, under which those terms will be adjusted to prevent dilution or otherwise, will be set forth in a Supplemental Indenture relating to the series of Securities.  In the absence of provisions in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities setting forth rights to convert or exchange the Securities of that series into or for other securities or assets, Holders of the Securities of that series will not have any such rights.
 
ARTICLE ELEVEN
 
SINKING OR PURCHASE FUNDS
 
Section 11.01. Provisions Relating to Sinking or Purchase Funds.  Any requirements that the Company make, or rights of the Company to make at its option, payments prior to maturity of the Securities of a series which will be used as a fund with which to redeem or to purchase Securities of that series, including but not limited to provisions regarding the amount of the payments, when the Company will be required, or will have the option, to make the payments and when the payments will be applied, will be set forth in a Supplemental Indenture relating to the series of Securities.  In the absence of provisions in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities setting forth requirements that the Company make, or rights of the Company to make at its option, payments to be used as a fund with which to redeem or purchase Securities of the series, the Company will not be subject to any such requirements and will not have any such rights.  However, unless otherwise specifically provided in a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities, the Company will at all times have the right to purchase Securities from Holders in market transactions or otherwise.
 
 
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ARTICLE TWELVE
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
Section 12.01. Trust Indenture Act Controls.  If any provision of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Sections 310 through 317 of the TIA, the imposed duties will control.
 
Section 12.02. Supplemental Indentures Contract.  If any provision of a Supplemental Indenture relating to a series of Securities is inconsistent with any provision of this Indenture, the provision of the Supplemental Indenture will control with regard to the Securities of the series to which it relates.
 
Section 12.03. Notices.  Any notice or communication under or relating to this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture will be sufficiently given if in writing (including facsimile and electronic transmission in PDF format) and delivered in person or mailed by first-class mail, certified or registered, overnight delivery return receipt requested, addressed as follows:
 
if to the Company:               Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP
c/o Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108,
San Diego, California 92122
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

if to the Guarantor:               Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108,
San Diego, California 92122
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

if to the Trustee:                   Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,
707 Wilshire Blvd, 17th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90017

Either the Company, the Guarantor or the Trustee by a notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.
 
Any notice or communication mailed to a Securityholder will be mailed to the Securityholder at the Securityholder's address as it appears on the registration books of the Registrar and will be sufficiently given to the Securityholder if so mailed within the time prescribed.
 
Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Securityholder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Securityholders.  If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.
 
If by reason of the suspension of regular mail service, or by reason of any other cause, it is impossible to mail any notice as required by this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, then any method of notification which is approved by the Trustee will constitute a sufficient mailing of the notice.
 
The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Securityholders entitled to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted by Sections 6.04 and 6.05.  The record date will be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of consents or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.07 prior to the solicitation.
 
Section 12.04. Communication by Holders with Other Holders.  Securityholders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Securities.  Each of the Company, the Guarantor, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else will have the protection of TIA Section 312(c).
 
 
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Section 12.05. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.  Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture, the Company will furnish to the Trustee:
 
(1)           an Officers' Certificate stating that, in the opinion of the signer, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with;
 
(2)           an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all those conditions precedent have been complied with; and
 
(3)           such other opinions and certificates as may be required by applicable provisions of this Indenture or the Supplemental Indenture.
 
Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture or a Supplemental Indenture will include (i) a statement that the person making the certificate or opinion has read the covenant or condition; (ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in the certificate or opinion are based; (iii) a statement that, in the opinion of the person giving the certificate or opinion, that person has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable that person to express an informed opinion as to whether or not the covenant or condition has been complied with; and (iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of that person, the condition or covenant has been complied with.  Nothing in this Section 12.05 will be construed as requiring that the Company furnish to the Trustee any evidence of compliance with the conditions and covenants provided for in this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture other than the evidence specified in this Section 12.05.
 
Section 12.06. When Treasury Securities Disregarded.  In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Securities owned by the Company, or anyone under direct or indirect control or under direct or indirect common control with the Company will be disregarded and deemed not to be outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which a Trust Officer of the Trustee actually knows are so owned will be so disregarded.  Securities so owned which have been pledged in good faith will not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee's right to act with respect to the Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or a person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, or under common control with, the Company.  Nothing in this Section 12.06 will be construed as requiring that the Company furnish to the Trustee any evidence of compliance with the conditions and covenants provided for in the Indenture other than the evidence specified in this Section 12.06.
 
Section 12.07. Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar.  The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Securityholders.  The Paying Agent or Registrar may make reasonable rules for its functions.
 
Section 12.08. Legal Holidays.  A "Legal Holiday" is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York.  If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest on the sum being paid will accrue for the intervening period.
 
Section 12.09. Governing Law and Submission To Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.  The laws of the State of New York will govern this Indenture, each Supplemental Indenture and the Securities.  The Company submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, and of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, in any action or proceeding to enforce any of its obligations under this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture or with regard to the Securities, and agrees not to seek a transfer of any such action or proceeding on the basis of inconvenience of the forum or otherwise (but the Company will not be prevented from removing any such action or proceeding from a state court to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York).  The Company agrees that process in any such action or proceeding may be served upon it by registered mail or in any other manner permitted by the rules of the court in which the action or proceeding is brought.
 
 
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EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE HOLDERS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
 
Section 12.10. Actions by the Company.  Any action or proceeding brought by the Company or the Guarantor to enforce any right, assert any claim or obtain any relief in connection with this Indenture, any Supplemental Indenture or the Securities will be brought by the Company exclusively in the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York or in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
 
Section 12.11. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.  Neither this Indenture nor any Supplemental Indenture may be used to interpret another indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Company, the Guarantor or any Subsidiary.  No such indenture, loan or debt agreement may be used to interpret this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.
 
Section 12.12. Successors.  All agreements of the Company and the Guarantor in this Indenture, any Supplemental Indentures and the Securities will bind its successors.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture and any Supplemental Indentures will bind its successors.
 
Section 12.13. Duplicate Originals.  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture.  Each signed copy will be an original, but all of them together will represent the same agreement.  The exchange of copies of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture or any Supplemental Indenture for all purposes.  Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.
 
Section 12.14. Table of Contents, Headings, etc.  The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only.  They are not to be considered a part of this Indenture, and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture.
 
Section 12.15. No Recourse Against Others.  A director, officer, employee, partner, or stockholder (past or present), as such, of the Company or the Guarantor shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the Securities, a Guarantee or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Securityholder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.
 
Section 12.16. U.S.A. Patriot Act.  .  The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee.  The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. Patriot Act.
 
Section 12.17. Force Majeure.  In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances
 
 
30

 
ARTICLE THIRTEEN
 
GUARANTEE
 
Section 13.01. Unconditional Guarantee.
 
(1)            Notwithstanding any provision of this Article Thirteen to the contrary, the provisions of this Article Thirteen shall be applicable only to, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Securities of any Series designated, pursuant to Section 2.02(15), as entitled to the benefits of a Guarantee identified in such designation and that has executed a Notation of Guarantee with respect to such Series.
 
(2) For value received, the Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, fully, unconditionally and absolutely guarantees (for purpose of any Series of Securities to which this Article Thirteen applies, the "Guarantee") to the Holders and to the Trustee on behalf of the Holders the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on each Series of Securities for which the Guarantor has executed a Notation of Guarantee with respect to such Series and all other amounts due and payable under this Indenture and the Securities of such Series by the Company, when and as such principal and interest and other amounts shall become due and payable, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, according to the terms of such Securities and this Indenture, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 13.03, if applicable.
 
(3) Failing payment when due of any amount guaranteed pursuant to a Guarantee, for whatever reason, the Guarantor will be obligated to pay the same immediately. The Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be full, unconditional and absolute, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Securities or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder of the Securities with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Company or any action to enforce the same or any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of the Guarantor. The Guarantor hereby agrees that in the event of a default in payment of the principal of or interest on the Securities entitled to a Guarantee, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the Trustee on behalf of the Holders or, subject to Section 6.07, by the Holders, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against the Guarantor to enforce such Guarantee without first proceeding against the Company.
 
(4) The Guarantor hereby (i) waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of the merger, insolvency or bankruptcy of the Company, and all demands whatsoever and (ii) acknowledges that any agreement, instrument or document evidencing a Guarantee may be transferred and that the benefit of its obligations hereunder shall extend to each holder of any agreement, instrument or document evidencing a Guarantee without notice to it. The Guarantor further agrees that if at any time all or any part of any payment theretofore applied by any person to any Guarantee is, or must be, rescinded or returned for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation, the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company, such Guarantee shall, to the extent that such payment is or must be rescinded or returned, be deemed to have continued in existence notwithstanding such application, and such Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, as though such application had not been made.
 
(5) The Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of the Holders and the Trustee against the Company in respect of any amounts paid by the Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture; provided, however, that the Guarantor shall not be entitled to enforce or to receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all of the Securities entitled to a Guarantee and such Guarantee shall have been paid in full or discharged.
 
 
31

 
Section 13.02. Execution and Delivery of Notation of Guarantee.  To evidence a Guarantee of a Series of Securities, a Notation of Guarantee, executed by either manual or facsimile signature of an Officer of the Guarantor, shall be affixed on each Security entitled to the benefits of such Guarantee. If any Officer of the Guarantor whose signature is on a Notation of Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates a Security to which such Notation of Guarantee is affixed or at any time thereafter, a Guarantee of such Security shall be valid nevertheless. The delivery of any Security by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of any Guarantee relating to such Security set forth in the Indenture on behalf of the Guarantor.
 
Section 13.03. Limitation on the Guarantor's Liability.  The Guarantor by its acceptance hereof and each Holder of a Security entitled to the benefits of any Guarantee hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the guarantee by the Guarantor pursuant to any such Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any Federal or state law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, each Holder of a Security entitled to the benefits of any Guarantee and the Guarantor hereby irrevocably agrees that the obligations of the Guarantor under any Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of the Guarantor, not result in the obligations of the Guarantor under any Guarantee constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under Federal or state law.
 
Section 13.04. Release of the Guarantor from Guarantee.
 
(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, a Guarantee may be released upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 8.01 and in this Section 13.04. Provided that no Default shall have occurred and shall be continuing under this Indenture, a Guarantee pursuant to this Article Thirteen shall be unconditionally released and discharged (i) automatically upon (A) any sale, exchange or transfer, whether by way of merger or otherwise, to any person that is not an Affiliate of the Guarantor, of all of the Guarantor's direct or indirect equity interests in the Company (provided such sale, exchange or transfer is not prohibited by this Indenture) or (B) the merger of the Guarantor into the Company or the liquidation and dissolution of the Guarantor (in each case to the extent not prohibited by this Indenture) or (ii) with respect to any Series of Securities, upon the occurrence of any other condition set forth in the Board Resolution, supplemental indenture or Officers' Certificate establishing the terms of such Series.
 
(2) Upon receipt of a written request of the Company accompanied by an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Guarantor is entitled to such release in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee shall deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing any release of the Guarantor from any Guarantee.
 
 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties to this Indenture have caused it to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP, as issuer
 
By:           RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS GP, LLC, its general partner
 
By: ___________________________
Name:
Title:
 
RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP., as guarantor
 
 
By:
__________________________
 
Name:
 
Title:
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
 
 
By:  ______________________
 
Name:
 
Title:
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT A
 
[FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION]
 
This is one of the Securities of the series described in the within-mentioned Indenture and Supplemental Indenture.
 
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee
 
By:  __________________________
 
Authorized Signatory
 
Dated:
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT B
 
INCUMBENCY CERTIFICATE
 
The undersigned, ____________, being the ____________ of ____________ (the "Company") does hereby certify that the individuals listed below are qualified and acting officers of the Company as set forth in the right column opposite their respective names and the signatures appearing in the extreme right column opposite the name of each such officer is a true specimen of the genuine signature of such officer and such individuals have the authority to execute documents to be delivered to, or upon the request of, _______________________, as Trustee (the "Trustee") under the Indenture dated as of _________ __, 20__, by and between the Company and the Trustee.
 
Name
Title
Signature
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
____________
     
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has duly executed and delivered this Certificate as of the ____ day of ________, 20__.
 
  ___________________________
 
Name:
 
Title:

 
exh_51.htm
Exhibit 5.1
 
June 3, 2013
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108
San Diego, California 92122

Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
We have acted as counsel to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (the “Company”) in connection with a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Registration Statement”), relating to possible offerings from time to time by the Company of: (1) its common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”); (2) its preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Preferred Stock”); (3) its depositary shares representing shares of Preferred Stock (“Depositary Shares”); (4) warrants entitling the holders to purchase Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares (“Warrants”); (6) rights entitling the holders to purchase Common Stock or Preferred Stock (“Rights”); (7) its debt securities (which may be issued in one or more series) ("Debt Securities"); and (8) guarantees by the Company (“Guarantees”) of debt securities issued by Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership  (the "Operating Partnership").
 
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied upon originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, documents, certificates and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate.
 
Based on the foregoing, and such other examination of law and fact as we have deemed necessary, we are of the opinion that:
 
1.           The Company is duly incorporated as a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good standing.
 
2.           When the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) authorizes the issuance of authorized but unissued Common Stock and in accordance with that authorization that Common Stock (a) is sold for at least its par value as contemplated in the Registration Statement or (b) is issued on exercise of a right to convert Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares or Debt Securities, on exercise of Warrants or on the exercise of Rights, which are sold for more than the par value of the Common Stock (including any amount paid at the time of conversion or exercise) as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Common Stock will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
 
 3.          When the Board authorizes the creation and sale of one or more series of Preferred Stock in accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Amendment and Restatement,
 
 
 

 
including any articles supplementary relating to the issuance of Preferred Stock, and in accordance with that authorization that Preferred Stock is (a) sold for at least its par value as contemplated in the Registration Statement or (b) issued on conversion of other series of Preferred Stock or on exercise of Warrants, which are sold for more than the par value of the Preferred Stock (including any amount paid at the time of conversion or exercise) as contemplated in the Registration Statement, that Preferred Stock will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
 
4.           When the Board authorizes the creation and sale of Depositary Shares representing interests in shares of a particular series of Preferred Stock and in accordance with that authorization those Depositary Shares are (a) sold for at least the par value of the underlying Preferred Stock as contemplated in the Registration Statement or (b) issued on conversion of other series of underlying Preferred Stock or exercise of Warrants, which are sold for more than the par value of each of the Preferred Stock (including any amount paid at the time of conversion or exercise) as contemplated by the Registration Statement, those Depositary Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
 
5.           When the Board authorizes the issuance of Warrants which provide for the issuance of Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares upon payment of consideration equal at least to the par value of the Common Stock, Preferred Stock or Depositary Shares being issued, if applicable, and which do not contain provisions which violate applicable law, and in accordance with that authorization those Warrants are issued as contemplated in the Registration Statement, those Warrants will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company.
 
6.           When the Board authorizes the issuance of Rights which provide for the right to purchase Common Stock or Preferred Stock, upon payment of consideration equal at least to the par value of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock being issued, and which do not contain provisions which violate applicable law, and in accordance with that authorization those Rights are issued as contemplated in the Registration Statement, those Rights will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company.
 
7.           When the Board authorizes the creation of one or more series of Debt Securities, and in accordance with that authorization and a duly executed and delivered indenture and any supplemental indenture between the Company and the trustee named therein, those Debt Securities are issued as contemplated in the Registration Statement, if the interest on those Debt Securities is not at a rate which violates applicable law and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, those Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company.
 
8.           When the Board authorizes the issuance of Guarantees, and in accordance with that authorization such Guarantees have been duly executed and delivered by the Company in conformity with a duly executed and delivered indenture and any supplemental indenture
 
 
 

 
between the Company, the Operating Partnership and the trustee named therein, such Guarantees have been issued as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been received by the Company, such Guarantees will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company.
 
The opinions set forth in this letter relate only to the laws of the State of New York and the Maryland General Corporation Law, and we express no opinion as to the laws of another jurisdiction and we assume no responsibility for the applicability or effect of the law of any other jurisdiction.
 
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references therein to us. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
 
Very truly yours,
 
/s/ Clifford Chance US LLP
 
exh_52.htm
Exhibit 5.2
 
June 3, 2013
 
Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP
c/o Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108
San Diego, California 92122

Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
We have acted as counsel to Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP (the “Partnership”) in connection with a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Registration Statement”), relating to possible offerings from time to time by the Partnership of: (1) its debt securities (which may be issued in one or more series) ("Debt Securities"); and (2) guarantees by the Partnership (“Guarantees”) of debt securities issued by Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation  (the "Company").
 
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined and relied upon originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records, documents, certificates and other instruments as in our judgment are necessary or appropriate.
 
Based on the foregoing, and such other examination of law and fact as we have deemed necessary, we are of the opinion that:
 
1.           The Operating Partnership is duly formed as a limited partnership under the laws of the State of Delaware and is in good standing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
 
2.           When Retail Opportunity Investments GP, LLC (the "General Partner"), the general partner of the Partnership, authorizes the creation of one or more series of Debt Securities, and in accordance with that authorization and a duly executed and delivered indenture and any supplemental indenture between the Partnership and the trustee named therein, those Debt Securities are issued as contemplated in the Registration Statement, if the interest on those Debt Securities is not at a rate which violates applicable law and consideration therefor has been received by the Partnership, those Debt Securities will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Partnership.
 
3.           When the General Partner authorizes the issuance of Guarantees, and in accordance with that authorization such Guarantees have been duly executed and delivered by the Partnership in conformity with a duly executed and delivered indenture and any supplemental indenture between the Company, the Partnership and the trustee named therein, such Guarantees have been issued as contemplated by the Registration Statement and consideration therefor has been
 
 
 

 
received by the Partnership, such Guarantees will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Partnership.
 
The opinions set forth in this letter relate only to the laws of the State of New York and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, and we express no opinion as to the laws of another jurisdiction and we assume no responsibility for the applicability or effect of the law of any other jurisdiction.
 
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references therein to us. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder.
 
Very truly yours,
 
/s/ Clifford Chance US LLP
 

exh_81.htm
Exhibit 8.1
 
June 3, 2013

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108
San Diego, California 92122
 
Re:
REIT Qualification of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.
 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the Company's filing of a registration statement on Form S-3 (together with any amendments thereto, the "Registration Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as of the date hereof.  Except as otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used in this opinion letter have the meanings given to them in the Registration Statement.

In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have examined and, with your permission, relied on the following items:

1.           the Amended and Restated Charter of the Company;
 
2.           the bylaws of the Company;
 
3.           a Certificate of Representations, (the “Certificate of Representations”) dated as of the date hereof, provided to us by the Company and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP, a Delaware limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership");
 
4.           the Registration Statement; and
 
5.           such other documents, records and instruments as we have deemed necessary in order to enable us to render the opinion referred to in this letter.
 
 
 

 
In our examination of the foregoing documents, we have assumed, with your consent, that (i) all documents reviewed by us are original documents, or true and accurate copies of original documents and have not been subsequently amended, (ii) the signatures of each original document are genuine, (iii) all representations and statements set forth in such documents are true and correct, (iv) all obligations imposed by any such documents on the parties thereto have been performed or satisfied in accordance with their terms, and (v) the Company at all times will operate in accordance with the method of operation described in its organizational documents, the Registration Statement and the Certificate of Representations.  As of the date hereof, we are not aware of any facts inconsistent with the statements in the organizational documents, the Registration Statement or the Certificate of Representations.
 
For purposes of rendering the opinions stated below, we have assumed, with your consent, the accuracy of the representations contained in the Certificate of Representations provided to us by the Company and the Operating Partnership, and that each representation contained in such Certificate of Representations to the best of the Company’s or the Operating Partnership’s knowledge or belief is accurate and complete without regard to such qualification as to the best of such entity’s knowledge or belief.  These representations generally relate to the organization and method of operation of the Company.
 
Based upon, subject to, and limited by the assumptions and qualifications set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
 
1.           Commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 2010, the Company has been organized and operated in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a real estate investment trust (a "REIT") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and its proposed method of operation as described in the Registration Statement and as set forth in the Certificate of Representations will enable the Company to continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code; and,
 
2.           The statements included in the Registration Statement under the caption “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations,” to the extent they describe applicable U.S. federal income tax law, are correct in all material respects.
 
The opinions set forth in this letter are based on relevant provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, interpretations of the foregoing as expressed in court decisions, legislative history, and existing administrative rulings and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) (including its practices and policies in issuing private letter rulings, which are not binding on the IRS except with respect to a taxpayer that receives such a ruling), all as of the date hereof.  These provisions and interpretations are subject to change, which may or may not be retroactive in effect, and which may result in modifications of our opinions.  Our opinions do not foreclose the possibility of a contrary determination by the IRS or a court of competent jurisdiction, or of a contrary determination by the IRS or the Treasury Department in regulations or rulings issued in the future.  In this regard, an opinion of counsel with respect to an issue represents counsel’s best professional judgment with respect to the outcome on the merits with respect to such issue, if such issue were to be litigated, but an opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts and is not a guarantee that the IRS will not assert a contrary position with respect to such issue or that a court will not sustain such a position asserted by the IRS.
 
 
 

 
The opinions set forth above represent our conclusions based upon the documents, facts, representations and assumptions referred to above.  Any material amendments to such documents, changes in any significant facts or inaccuracy of such representations or assumptions could affect the opinions referred to herein.  Moreover, the Company’s qualification as a REIT depends upon the ability of the Company to meet for each taxable year, through actual annual operating results, requirements under the Code regarding gross income, assets, distributions and diversity of stock ownership.  We have not undertaken to review the Company’s compliance with these requirements on a continuing basis.  Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the actual results of the Company’s operations for any single taxable year have satisfied or will satisfy the tests necessary to qualify as a REIT under the Code.  Although we have made such inquiries and performed such investigations as we have deemed necessary to fulfill our professional responsibilities as counsel, we have not undertaken an independent investigation of all of the facts referred to in this letter or the Certificate of Representations.
 
The opinions set forth in this letter are: (i) limited to those matters expressly covered and no opinion is expressed in respect of any other matter; (ii) as of the date hereof; and (iii) rendered by us at the request of the Company.  We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the SEC as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the references therein to us. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
 

 
Very truly yours,


/s/ Clifford Chance US LLP
exh_121.htm
Exhibit 12.1
 
Statement of Computation of Ratio of Fixed Charges and Preferred Dividends to Earnings
 
         
Year Ended December 31,
 
Earnings
 
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,289,886     $ 7,892,613     $ 9,656,321     $ (400,921 )
Less:
                               
Equity in earnings from unconsolidated joint ventures
    (231,194 )     (1,697,980 )     (1,458,249 )     (38,013 )
Plus:
                               
Fixed charges
    3,845,877       11,430,172       6,328,952       324,126  
Distribution of cumulative earnings from unconsolidated joint venture
    -       686,017       1,513,090       390,000  
Less:
                               
Interest capitalized
    (20,726 )     (50,315 )     (103,868 )     -  
                                 
Total Earnings
  $ 5,883,843     $ 18,260,507     $ 15,936,246     $ 275,192  
 
Fixed Charges
 
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
Interest expense
  $ 3,229,832     $ 9,185,680     $ 4,193,966     $ 103,833  
Capitalized interest
    20,726       50,315       103,868       -  
Amortization of financing costs
    595,319       2,194,177       2,031,118       220,293  
Total Fixed Charges
  $ 3,845,877     $ 11,430,172     $ 6,328,952     $ 324,126  
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
    1.53 x     1.60 x     2.52 x     0.85 x
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred dividend
    1.53 x     1.60 x     2.52 x     0.85 x
 
exh_231.htm
Exhibit 23.1
 

 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. for the registration of its common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, rights, debt securities and guarantees, and the related Prospectus of Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP for the registration of its debt securities and guarantees, and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated February 27, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp., and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

May 31, 2013
exh_232.htm
Exhibit 23.2
 

 
Consent of Independent Auditor
 
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 001-33749) of Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (the Company) and Retail Opportunity Investments Partnership, LP of our reports dated (i) July 13, 2012, relating to our audit of the Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Gateway Shopping Center included in the Company's July 13, 2012, Form 8-K filing; (ii) July 13, 2012, relating to our audit of the Statement of Revenues and certain Expenses of Marlin Cove included in the Company's July 13, 2012 Form 8-K Filing; (iii) January 2, 2013, relating to our audit of the Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Glendora Shopping Center included in the Company's January 3, 2013, Form 8-K filing; (iv) January 2, 2013, relating to our audit of the Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Santa Teresa Village Shopping Center included in the Company's January 3, 2013 Form 8-K filing; (v) February 21, 2013, relating to our audit of the Combined Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of The Barros Properties included in the Company's February 22, 2013 Form 8-K/A filing; (vi) May 29, 2013 relating to our audit of the Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Canyon Crossing Shopping Center included in the Company's May 29, 2013 Form 8-K filing; and (vii) May 29, 2013 relating to our audit of the Statement of Revenues and Certain Expenses of Diamond Hills Plaza included in the Company's May 29, 2013 Form 8-K filing.

 
/s/ PKF O'Connor Davies
A Division of O'Connor Davies, LLP
 
New York, New York

May 30, 2013
exh_251.htm
Exhibit 25.1
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549
_____________________________

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
_____________________________

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b) (2)

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

A National Banking Association
94-1347393
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or
(I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national
Identification No.)
bank)
 
   
101 North Phillips Avenue
 
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
57104
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)

Wells Fargo & Company
Law Department, Trust Section
MAC N9305-175
Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue, 17th Floor
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479
(612) 667-4608
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
_____________________________

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS PARTNERSHIP, LP
 (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

Delaware
27-1532741
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108
 
San Diego, California
92122
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
_____________________________

Debt Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)

 
 

 
Item 1.  General Information.  Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

 
(a)
Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 
Comptroller of the Currency
 
Treasury Department
 
Washington, D.C.

 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
 
Washington, D.C.

 
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
 
San Francisco, California 94120

 
(b)
Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Item 2.   Affiliations with Obligor.  If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

 
None with respect to the trustee.

No responses are included for Items 3-14 of this Form T-1 because the obligor is not in default as provided under Item 13.

Item 15.  Foreign Trustee.  Not applicable.

Item 16.  List of Exhibits.   List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of Eligibility.
 
 
Exhibit 1.
A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee now in effect.*
 
 
Exhibit 2.
A copy of the Comptroller of the Currency Certificate of Corporate Existence for Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated June 27, 2012.**
 
 
Exhibit 3.
A copy of the Comptroller of the Currency Certification of Fiduciary Powers for Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated December 21, 2011.**
 

 
Exhibit 4.
Copy of By-laws of the trustee as now in effect.***

 
Exhibit 5.
Not applicable.

 
Exhibit 6.
The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

 
Exhibit 7.
A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

 
Exhibit 8.
Not applicable.

 
Exhibit 9.
Not applicable.
 
 
 

 
*      Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form S-4 dated December 30, 2005 of file number 333-130784.

**  Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form S-3 dated January 23, 2013 of file number 333-186155.

*** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form S-4 dated May 26, 2005 of file number 333-125274.

 
 

 
 SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Los Angeles and State of California on the 30th day of May, 2013.




WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
/s/ Maddy Hall
Maddy Hall
Vice President




 
 

 
EXHIBIT 6




May 30, 2013

 
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the undersigned hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned made by Federal, State, Territorial, or District authorities authorized to make such examination may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.





Very truly yours,

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
/s/ Maddy Hall
Maddy Hall
Vice President

 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT 7
Consolidated Report of Condition of
Wells Fargo Bank National Association
of 101 North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
at the close of business March 31, 2013, filed in accordance with 12 U.S.C. §161 for National Banks.

 
         
Dollar Amounts
 
         
In Millions
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
           
Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin
        $ 15,281  
Interest-bearing balances
          108,103  
Securities:
             
Held-to-maturity securities
          0  
Available-for-sale securities
          216,301  
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:
             
Federal funds sold in domestic offices
          29  
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
          27,158  
Loans and lease financing receivables:
             
Loans and leases held for sale
          28,482  
Loans and leases, net of unearned income
    749,665          
LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses
    14,136          
Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance
            735,529  
Trading Assets
            34,744  
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)
            7,625  
Other real estate owned
            3,238  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies
            599  
Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures
            9  
Intangible assets
               
Goodwill
            21,545  
Other intangible assets
            20,074  
Other assets
            52,903  
                 
Total assets
          $ 1,271,620  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Deposits:
               
In domestic offices
          $ 932,346  
Noninterest-bearing
    247,585          
Interest-bearing
    684,761          
In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs
            68,180  
Noninterest-bearing
    521          
Interest-bearing
    67,659          
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
               
Federal funds purchased in domestic offices
            11,474  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
            12,132  
 
 
 

 
   
Dollar Amounts
 
   
In Millions
 
       
Trading liabilities
    18,039  
Other borrowed money
       
(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)
    40,568  
Subordinated notes and debentures
    18,347  
Other liabilities
    32,325  
   
 
 
Total liabilities
  $ 1,133,411  
         
         
EQUITY CAPITAL
       
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus
    0  
Common stock
    519  
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)
    101,853  
Retained earnings
    28,197  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    6,565  
Other equity capital components
    0  
         
Total bank equity capital
    137,134  
Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries
    1,075  
         
Total equity capital
    138,209  
         
Total liabilities, and equity capital
  $ 1,271,620  


I, Timothy J. Sloan, EVP & CFO of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.


Timothy J. Sloan
EVP & CFO

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.


John Stumpf                                                      Directors
Carrie Tolstedt
Michael Loughlin

exh_252.htm
Exhibit 25.2
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549
_____________________________

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
_____________________________

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b) (2)

WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

A National Banking Association
94-1347393
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or
(I.R.S. Employer
organization if not a U.S. national
Identification No.)
bank)
 
   
101 North Phillips Avenue
 
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
57104
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)

Wells Fargo & Company
Law Department, Trust Section
MAC N9305-175
Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue, 17th Floor
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479
(612) 667-4608
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
_____________________________

RETAIL OPPORTUNITY INVESTMENTS CORP.
 (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

Maryland
26-0500600
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
   
8905 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 108
 
San Diego, California
92122
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
_____________________________

Debt Securities
(Title of the indenture securities)
 
 
 

 
Item 1.  General Information.  Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

 
(a)
Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 
Comptroller of the Currency
 
Treasury Department
 
Washington, D.C.

 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
 
Washington, D.C.

 
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
 
San Francisco, California 94120

 
(b)
Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

 
The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Item 2.   Affiliations with Obligor.  If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.

 
None with respect to the trustee.

No responses are included for Items 3-14 of this Form T-1 because the obligor is not in default as provided under Item 13.

Item 15.  Foreign Trustee.  Not applicable.

Item 16.  List of Exhibits.   List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of Eligibility.

 
Exhibit 1.
A copy of the Articles of Association of the trustee now in effect.*
 
 
Exhibit 2.
A copy of the Comptroller of the Currency Certificate of Corporate Existence for Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated June 27, 2012.**
 
 
Exhibit 3.
A copy of the Comptroller of the Currency Certification of Fiduciary Powers for Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, dated December 21, 2011.**
 

 
Exhibit 4.
Copy of By-laws of the trustee as now in effect.***

 
Exhibit 5.
Not applicable.

 
Exhibit 6.
The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

 
Exhibit 7.
A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority.

 
Exhibit 8.
Not applicable.

 
Exhibit 9.
Not applicable.
 
 
 

 
*      Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form S-4 dated December 30, 2005 of file number 333-130784.

**  Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form S-3 dated January 23, 2013 of file number 333-186155.

*** Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the trustee’s Form T-1 filed as exhibit 25 to the Form S-4 dated May 26, 2005 of file number 333-125274.

 
 

 
 SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Los Angeles and State of California on the 30th day of May, 2013.






WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
 
/s/ Maddy Hall
Maddy Hall
Vice President




 
 

 
EXHIBIT 6




May 30, 2013
 

Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C.  20549

Gentlemen:

In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the undersigned hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned made by Federal, State, Territorial, or District authorities authorized to make such examination may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.





Very truly yours,
 
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
 
/s/ Maddy Hall
Maddy Hall
Vice President

 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT 7

Consolidated Report of Condition of
Wells Fargo Bank National Association
of 101 North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
at the close of business March 31, 2013, filed in accordance with 12 U.S.C. §161 for National Banks.

   
 
   
Dollar Amounts
 
         
In Millions
 
         
 
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
           
Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin
        $ 15,281  
Interest-bearing balances
          108,103  
Securities:
             
Held-to-maturity securities
          0  
Available-for-sale securities
          216,301  
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:
             
Federal funds sold in domestic offices
          29  
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
          27,158  
Loans and lease financing receivables:
             
Loans and leases held for sale
          28,482  
Loans and leases, net of unearned income
    749,665          
LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses
    14,136          
Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance
            735,529  
Trading Assets
            34,744  
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)
            7,625  
Other real estate owned
            3,238  
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies
            599  
Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures
            9  
Intangible assets
               
Goodwill
            21,545  
Other intangible assets
            20,074  
Other assets
            52,903  
                 
Total assets
          $ 1,271,620  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Deposits:
               
In domestic offices
          $ 932,346  
Noninterest-bearing
    247,585          
Interest-bearing
    684,761          
In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs
            68,180  
Noninterest-bearing
    521          
Interest-bearing
    67,659          
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
               
Federal funds purchased in domestic offices
            11,474  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
            12,132  
 
 
 

 
   
Dollar Amounts
 
   
In Millions
 
   
 
 
       
Trading liabilities
    18,039  
Other borrowed money
       
(includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases)
    40,568  
Subordinated notes and debentures
    18,347  
Other liabilities
    32,325  
         
Total liabilities
  $ 1,133,411  
         
         
EQUITY CAPITAL
       
Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus
    0  
Common stock
    519  
Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock)
    101,853  
Retained earnings
    28,197  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    6,565  
Other equity capital components
    0  
         
Total bank equity capital
    137,134  
Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries
    1,075  
         
Total equity capital
    138,209  
         
Total liabilities, and equity capital
  $ 1,271,620  
 
 
I, Timothy J. Sloan, EVP & CFO of the above-named bank do hereby declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.


 
Timothy J. Sloan
EVP & CFO

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.


John Stumpf                                                      Directors
Carrie Tolstedt
Michael Loughlin