Supplement to Proxy Statement
Filed by Center Trust, Inc.
Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933
and deemed filed pursuant to Rule 14a-12 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Subject
Company: Center Trust, Inc.
Commission File No. 1-12588
CENTER TRUST, INC.
SUPPLEMENT TO PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 15, 2003
December 30, 2002
To our
Stockholders:
We are sending this letter to supplement certain information in our proxy statement, dated December
11, 2002, previously mailed to Center Trust stockholders, relating to Center Trusts special meeting of stockholders that is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., local time, at the Manhattan Beach Marriott Hotel,
located at 1400 Parkview Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. At this special meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the merger of MB Acquisition, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pan Pacific Retail Properties,
Inc., with and into Center Trust, with Center Trust continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pan Pacific. The purposes of the special meeting are as stated in the notice of special meeting of stockholders, dated December 11, 2002, which
accompanied the proxy statement.
As described in the proxy statement, a lawsuit relating to the merger was filed
on November 8, 2002, against Center Trust and all members of Center Trusts board of directors. We are supplementing certain information in the proxy statement in response to certain issues raised by the plaintiffs attorney. We do not
believe any of the supplemental disclosures are material or otherwise required, but are merely making the disclosures in an effort to take the issues out of contention.
STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THIS SUPPLEMENT CAREFULLY IN DECIDING WHETHER TO VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER PROPOSAL.
Only Center Trust stockholders of record as of the close of business on December 10, 2002, are entitled to receive notice
of and to vote at the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the special meeting.
Center Trust
believes that the information set forth below may be of interest to Center Trust stockholders in determining whether to vote in favor of the merger proposal. The Background of the Merger section, beginning on page 31 of the proxy statement, is
supplemented with additional information reflected in the revised and restated version of that section set forth below:
Background of
the Merger
In March 2000, Center Trusts board decided that it would need the assistance of a financial
advisor to explore strategic alternatives in order to repay $159 million of unsecured debt that would mature in January 2001. Center Trust engaged Merrill Lynch as its financial advisor to analyze its business and explore strategic alternatives with
a view toward repaying such debt. Center Trust selected Merrill Lynch based on its experience in the real estate industry and its capital markets expertise.
On March 9, 2000, Center Trusts board held a regular meeting, at which it met with representatives of Merrill Lynch and discussed possible business and strategic alternatives to improve Center
Trusts financial and operating flexibility, to allow Center Trust to meet its short term debt maturities and to better enable Center Trust to continue to pursue its fundamental objective of maximizing stockholder value. Center Trusts
board directed Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch to begin marketing for sale various properties, the proceeds from which would be used to pay down a portion of Center Trusts outstanding indebtedness.
In the spring of 2000, Pan Pacifics management contacted Center Trusts management regarding a possible business combination
with Center Trust. At that time, Pan Pacifics management was not prepared to pursue further discussions with Center Trusts management until Center Trust had eliminated the risk associated with repayment of its outstanding unsecured debt
that matured in January 2001.
On June 21, 2000, at a regular meeting of Center Trusts board, Center
Trusts management presented its proposed business plan to Center Trusts board and discussed various business and strategic alternatives. Merrill Lynch updated Center Trusts board regarding its progress in marketing for sale the
various properties. From July 2000 through January 2001, Center Trust continued to market and sell selected properties and, in January 2001, utilized the net proceeds from these sales and other financing transactions, as well as cash flow from
operations, to repay all of its outstanding debentures, totaling $159 million.
At a regularly scheduled meeting
of Center Trusts board on March 15, 2001, Center Trusts board, believing that Center Trusts net asset value was higher at that time than the trading price of its common stock, again met with Merrill Lynch and discussed various
strategic and business alternatives, including a corporate business combination transaction, an
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orderly REIT liquidation and continuation of Center Trusts operations in accordance with its
business plan, including sales of selected properties. In addition, Center Trusts board discussed the implementation of a dividend strategy to enable Center Trust to improve its retention of capital, reduce its leverage level, and provide
financial flexibility to appropriately evaluate value-added redevelopment opportunities within its portfolio, while maintaining its REIT status. Center Trusts board directed Merrill Lynch to explore strategic alternatives and solicit
expressions of interest regarding a possible business combination transaction with Center Trust.
On March 26,
2001, Center Trust issued a press release announcing, among other things, the new dividend policy and that Merrill Lynch would continue to assist Center Trusts board in a strategic review designed to maximize stockholder value. In addition,
the press release announced that Center Trust and certain of the Prometheus parties had entered into a limited waiver of the standstill provision contained in the stockholder agreement dated June 1, 1997, by and among Center Trust and certain of the
Prometheus parties, to allow the Prometheus parties to speak directly to interested parties to evaluate, as Center Trusts majority stockholder, any possible business combination transaction involving Center Trust. Pursuant to the limited
standstill waiver, the Prometheus parties (including their designees on Center Trusts board), were permitted to solicit indications of interest and enter into discussions relating to a possible business combination transaction with Center
Trust, subject to a number of conditions, including informing Center Trusts independent directors or Edward D. Fox, Jr., Center Trusts Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, on a timely basis of the details of any such discussions,
coordinating their efforts with the independent directors and Center Trusts management and agreeing to cease all such discussions at such time as Center Trusts independent directors deemed it appropriate.
Following Center Trusts March board meeting, Merrill Lynch and Center Trusts management entered into a formal two-phase
offering process. Initially, Merrill Lynch contacted over 23 potential transaction candidates, including Pan Pacific, to explore their interest in a possible business combination transaction with Center Trust. Based on Merrill Lynchs
preliminary solicitation, twelve companies, including Pan Pacific, executed confidentiality agreements with Center Trust. Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch, at the direction of Center Trusts board, prepared and distributed to
these twelve companies a memorandum describing Center Trusts business and properties. Merrill Lynch separately approached four potential candidates to solicit their interest in a possible transaction to acquire Center Trusts two regional
mall properties. Throughout the offering process, the Prometheus parties or their affiliates kept Center Trusts board informed of discussions they held regarding a possible business combination with Center Trust and referred any proposals
received directly by the Prometheus parties to Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch.
Ten of the
twelve companies that reviewed the memorandum, including Pan Pacific, elected to participate in the first phase of the offering process, including an opportunity to review confidential supplemental information. On or prior to July 21, 2001, nine of
the ten companies, including Pan Pacific, submitted preliminary non-binding indications of interest: two for Center Trusts entire business, three for the
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community shopping centers (excluding Center Trusts regional mall properties), three for selected
assets and one for a possible equity investment in Center Trust common stock.
Center Trusts management, at
the direction of Center Trusts board, determined that the proposals from four of the nine companies that submitted preliminary non-binding indications of interest were inadequate based on the prices indicated, any contingencies or limitations
to such pricing and the bidders financial ability to consummate the proposed transaction, and invited the other five companies, including Pan Pacific, to participate in the second phase of the offering process. The second phase consisted of an
in-depth evaluation of Center Trusts properties, assets and liabilities, including meetings with Center Trusts management, access to a data room and tours of the properties, as requested. Each of these five companies was also supplied
with a draft purchase agreement specifying the terms under which Center Trust intended to enter into a transaction, and each of these five companies, including Pan Pacific, submitted transaction proposals to Center Trust.
At a regularly scheduled meeting of Center Trusts board held on September 25, 2001, Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch
provided Center Trusts board with an update of the five transaction proposals. Four proposals were for a business combination transaction for Center Trusts entire business, three of which were conditioned upon the sale of one or both of
Center Trusts two regional mall properties, and one proposal was to purchase a certain amount of Center Trusts outstanding common stock from the public or directly from Center Trust. Based on, among other things, Center Trusts
estimated net asset value, Center Trusts board deemed these transaction proposals to be inadequate and directed Merrill Lynch to approach each of the interested parties to request it submit its best offer.
Later in the fall of 2001, three of the companies that participated in the formal offering process, including Pan Pacific, submitted
revised transaction proposals to Merrill Lynch. In addition, Merrill Lynch received preliminary transaction proposals from two companies for certain of Center Trusts regional mall properties and other selected assets.
On December 11, 2001, Center Trusts board held a regular meeting, at which Center Trusts management presented its business
plan. Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch updated Center Trusts board with respect to the revised transaction proposals and preliminary proposals. Following discussion of the proposals received by Center Trusts management to
date, Center Trusts board determined that, while certain of the proposals represented a premium over the then-current trading price of Center Trusts common stock, the proposals all represented values that were lower than Center
Trusts estimated net asset value. Accordingly, Center Trusts board decided that, at that time, the best strategic alternative for Center Trust was to operate its business according to its business plan. In addition, Center Trusts
board directed Merrill Lynch to contact certain interested parties to inform them of the Center Trust boards decision and to invite them to submit revised proposals.
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At Center Trusts regular board meeting on January 30, 2002, Merrill Lynch
informed Center Trusts board that, on behalf of Center Trust, it had held discussions with three companies that had previously submitted revised transaction proposals. The three companies were unwilling to increase their previous proposals.
Center Trusts board decided that, at that time, it was in the best interests of Center Trust and its stockholders for Center Trusts management to focus its time and efforts on executing its business plan.
Following the January board meeting, Center Trusts management continued to conduct its operations in accordance with its business
plan, while Merrill Lynch and Center Trusts management from time to time received expressions of interest from various companies, all of which suggested values that were less than Center Trusts estimated net asset value.
On May 10, 2002, the Prometheus parties delivered to Center Trust their notice to terminate the standstill provision contained
in the stockholders agreement entered into by and among Center Trust and certain of the Prometheus parties on June 1, 1997, and publicly announced and disclosed this termination in an amendment to their Schedule 13D. Upon the expiration of the
standstill period on August 14, 2002, the Prometheus parties would be permitted to, among other things, sell or transfer their shares of Center Trust common stock and solicit or negotiate business combinations with respect to Center Trust.
In May 2002, Mr. Tanz telephoned Douglas N. Wells, a director of Center Trust designated by the Prometheus
parties, requesting a meeting to discuss a possible business combination transaction with Center Trust. Mr. Wells promptly notified Center Trusts management of the call.
On June 3, 2002, Mr. Tanz and Joseph B. Tyson, Pan Pacifics Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, along with representatives of Pan Pacifics
financial advisor, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, met with Mr. Wells and Mark S. Ticotin, two of the three directors of Center Trust designated by the Prometheus parties, to discuss the merits of a possible business combination with Center
Trust. At this meeting, Pan Pacific discussed a revised transaction proposal indicating a proposed exchange ratio for a possible merger transaction of 0.2 shares of Pan Pacific common stock for each share of Center Trust common stock, subject to
satisfactory resolution of open items, negotiation of a definitive agreement and completion of confirmatory due diligence. Based on the closing price per share of Pan Pacific common stock on June 3, 2002 of $31.55, this revised exchange ratio
represented a value of $6.31 per share of Center Trust common stock, a greater value to Center Trust stockholders than all previous proposals. Pan Pacific proposed that the consideration in the merger would be paid in Pan Pacific common stock, with
the intent that the transaction would be tax-free for Center Trust stockholders. Following the meeting, Mr. Wells and Mr. Ticotin promptly notified Center Trusts management of the discussion. Center Trusts management instructed Merrill
Lynch to contact Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation to discuss the terms of a possible business combination. In providing its instruction to
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Merrill Lynch, Center Trusts management was aware that Merrill Lynch had previously done
preliminary work in December 2000 for Revenue Properties Company Limited, a then holder of a significant number of shares of Pan Pacific common stock, in connection with a proposed offering of its shares of Pan Pacific common stock that it
ultimately decided not to make. Center Trusts management was also aware that Merrill Lynch did not receive any fees from Revenue Properties Company Limited for the preliminary work, and felt there was no conflict of interest as a result of
such work. Pan Pacific has not engaged Merrill Lynch to perform any investment banking services and has never paid it any fees.
On June 26, 2002, at a regular meeting of Center Trusts board, Center Trusts management updated Center Trusts board regarding the status of discussions with various parties, including Pan Pacific. Center
Trusts management indicated that any such discussions were preliminary and that it would keep Center Trusts board informed of future developments.
Following additional discussions, on August 13, 2002, representatives from Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation met with Mr. Wells to discuss a revised preliminary proposal from Pan Pacific, which
included an increase in the previously proposed exchange ratio to 0.21 shares of Pan Pacific common stock for each share of Center Trust common stock. Based on the closing price per share of Pan Pacific common stock on August 13, 2002 of $33.70,
this revised exchange ratio represented a value of $7.08 per share of Center Trust common stock. In addition, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation advised Mr. Wells that Pan Pacific would expect the Prometheus parties to enter into a voting
agreement committing to vote all of their shares of Center Trust common stock in favor of the proposed transaction.
On September 12, 2002, in an effort to assist Pan Pacific to formulate a proposal that would compare more favorably to Center Trusts estimated net asset value, Mr. Fox, Stuart J.S. Gulland, Center Trusts President and
Chief Operating Officer, Edward A. Stokx, Center Trusts Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Wells and representatives of Merrill Lynch met with Mr. Tyson, Jeffrey S. Stauffer, Pan Pacifics Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer,
and representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation to provide additional information to Pan Pacific regarding Center Trusts properties. Center Trusts management provided a detailed overview of Center Trusts portfolio, on
a property-by-property basis, including a description of the strengths and opportunities relating to each property and the potential transactions and redevelopment plans relating to certain of the properties.
On September 18, 2002, Pan Pacific submitted a written proposal to Center Trust with an increased exchange ratio of 0.218 shares of Pan
Pacific common stock for each share of Center Trust common stock, subject to satisfactory resolution of open items, negotiation of a definitive agreement and completion of confirmatory due diligence. Based on the closing price per share of Pan
Pacific common stock on September 18, 2002 of $33.95, this revised exchange ratio represented a value of $7.40 per share of Center Trust common stock, a value higher than Center Trusts estimated net asset value at that
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time. On September 23, 2002, Messrs. Fox, Gulland, Stokx, Wells and Ticotin and representatives of Merrill Lynch met with Messrs. Tanz and Tyson
and representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation to discuss the financial terms of a possible business combination transaction between Center Trust and Pan Pacific.
On September 24, 2002, Center Trusts board held a regular meeting, at which Center Trusts management informed Center Trusts board that Merrill Lynch and
Center Trusts management were engaged in discussions with Pan Pacific regarding a possible business combination. Merrill Lynch and Center Trusts board then discussed a preliminary financial analysis of Pan Pacifics written proposal
and Center Trusts business plan. Center Trusts board discussed the greater certainty associated with the merger consideration under Pan Pacifics written proposal in comparison to the risks and uncertainties associated with
potentially achieving a higher net asset value over time through the execution of its business plan, taking into account, among other things, transaction costs and tax consequences. Following a discussion of the proposed transaction and numerous
questions, Center Trusts board directed Center Trusts management to continue discussions with Pan Pacific and to continue to seek higher offers from other potential purchasers.
In addition, during September 2002, Merrill Lynch received indications of interest in a possible business combination transaction with Center Trust from two companies, one
of which had previously participated in the formal two-phase offering process. Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch held discussions with each of the parties and provided them both with information regarding Center Trusts business
and properties to assist them in making a proposal. Center Trusts management provided a detailed overview of Center Trusts portfolio, on a property-by-property basis, including a description of the strengths and opportunities relating to
each property and the potential transactions and redevelopment plans relating to certain of the properties.
At a
special meeting of Center Trusts board on October 1, 2002, Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch reviewed the Pan Pacific written proposal and the two indications of interest with Center Trusts board. Merrill Lynch informed
Center Trusts board that one of the interested parties did not submit a proposal and the other had submitted a proposal that represented less value to Center Trust stockholders than the Pan Pacific proposal. Center Trusts management also
informed Center Trusts board that Pan Pacific required a three-week exclusivity period to conduct final due diligence on Center Trust. Center Trusts board then received a presentation from Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP,
Center Trusts Maryland legal counsel, advising the directors of their duties in connection with the various business combination proposals under the Maryland General Corporation Law. Following a discussion of the various proposals and numerous
questions by Center Trusts board, Center Trusts management recommended that Center Trust pursue the Pan Pacific proposal. Center Trusts board then authorized Center Trusts management to continue discussions to negotiate a
confidentiality and exclusivity agreement with Pan Pacific.
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Under existing agreements with Center Trust, certain of the Prometheus parties
currently have certain registration and information rights. Center Trust provided the Prometheus parties with registration rights in order to permit them to effect sales of their Center Trust common stock that would otherwise be limited by Federal
securities laws. The agreements also provided the Prometheus parties with the right to designate up to four members of the board of directors (which has lapsed), and currently provide the Prometheus parties with certain information rights (which
remain in effect). These provisions were intended to enable the Prometheus parties to qualify their investment in Center Trust common stock as a venture capital investment under U.S. Department of Labor requirements. In considering a
stock-for-stock transaction between Pan Pacific and Center Trust, the Prometheus parties were concerned with, among other factors, their ability to freely resell the shares of Pan Pacific common stock that would be acquired in such a transaction,
their ability to remain informed as to key corporate developments and their ability to qualify their Pan Pacific investment as a venture capital investment. In order to secure these interests in connection with the proposed Pan Pacific
merger, on October 3, 2002, the Prometheus parties provided Pan Pacific with a term sheet for a proposed stockholders rights agreement.
At a special meeting of Pan Pacifics board on October 4, 2002, Pan Pacifics management, representatives of Pan Pacifics legal counsel and representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation reviewed Pan Pacifics written proposal to acquire Center Trust. At this meeting, representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation discussed a preliminary financial analysis of the proposed transaction and the potential
benefits of the proposed transaction. Following a discussion of the proposed transaction and numerous questions by Pan Pacifics board, Pan Pacifics management recommended that Pan Pacific pursue the proposed acquisition of Center Trust.
Pan Pacifics board then authorized Pan Pacifics management to continue discussions to negotiate a confidentiality and exclusivity agreement with Center Trust.
On October 8, 2002, Messrs. Tanz, Tyson and Stauffer and representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, along with Messrs. Fox, Gulland and Stokx and
representatives of Merrill Lynch, conducted inspections of various Center Trust properties and met, together with their respective legal advisors, in Los Angeles, to discuss the details of a business combination of the two companies. At this
meeting, the companies discussed possible amendments to the limited partnership agreement of Center Trusts subsidiary, CT Operating Partnership, L.P., that would be desirable in connection with the proposed transaction. Beginning on October
10, 2002, Messrs. Tanz and Tyson commenced the process of contacting certain limited partners of CT Operating Partnership L.P. and their legal counsel to discuss the proposed amendments to the limited partnership agreement of CT Operating
Partnership L.P. As of November 15, 2002, limited partners holding approximately 58.2% of the outstanding limited partnership units of CT Operating Partnership L.P. had consented to the proposed amended and restated partnership agreement.
On October 9, 2002, at a special meeting of Center Trusts board, Center Trusts management provided
Center Trusts board with an update of its discussions with Pan
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Pacific and the status of the confidentiality and exclusivity agreement. Pan Pacific had indicated that it was not willing to proceed further in
conducting due diligence and undertaking other steps necessary to make a definitive offer unless it received a limited exclusivity period during which the companies could conduct reciprocal due diligence and negotiate a definitive agreement. After
hearing reports from Merrill Lynch and Center Trusts management, Center Trusts board determined that there were no other potential acquirers likely to offer greater value to Center Trust stockholders than Pan Pacific. Based on this
determination and the limited period of exclusivity, Center Trusts board authorized Center Trusts management to enter into a limited term confidentiality and exclusivity agreement with Pan Pacific.
Upon entering into the limited term confidentiality and exclusivity agreement on October 10, 2002, Center Trust and Pan Pacific commenced
reciprocal due diligence. Between October 9 and 11, 2002, Pan Pacifics management and its financial and legal advisors visited Center Trusts data room, located at its legal counsels office in Los Angeles, to conduct due diligence
on Center Trust. Center Trusts management and representatives of Merrill Lynch conducted diligence at Pan Pacifics headquarters on October 11, 2002. On October 14 and 15, 2002, Center Trusts legal counsel visited Pan Pacifics
headquarters to conduct due diligence. On October 16, 2002, Messrs. Fox, Gulland, Stokx, Wells and Ticotin and representatives of Merrill Lynch met with Messrs. Tanz, Stauffer and Tyson and representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
at Pan Pacifics headquarters to visit various Pan Pacific properties and continue due diligence. In addition, from October 14 through October 18, 2002, various representatives of Center Trust and the Prometheus parties toured a substantial
number of Pan Pacifics properties.
On October 17, 2002, Pan Pacifics counsel circulated to all
parties the initial draft of the merger agreement, after which Center Trusts and Pan Pacifics respective legal counsel and management, including Messrs. Tanz, Tyson, Fox, Gulland and Stokx, negotiated the terms of the merger agreement
and continued due diligence. Pan Pacific also circulated initial drafts of voting agreements requiring that, concurrently with the execution of any merger agreement, each of the Prometheus parties, which collectively beneficially own approximately
56.2% of the outstanding shares of Center Trust common stock, and Center Trusts management, who collectively own approximately 3.9% of the outstanding shares of Center Trust common stock, would agree to vote in favor of the merger. Under the
Maryland General Corporation Law, the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter is required to approve the merger. In addition, Pan Pacific sent to the Prometheus parties a counter proposal term
sheet regarding the registration rights and information rights requested by the Prometheus parties. On November 1, 2002, Pan Pacifics counsel circulated to the Prometheus parties an initial draft of the stockholders rights agreement,
which provided for registration and information rights in favor of the Prometheus parties.
On October 25, 2002,
CT Operating Partnership, L.P. borrowed $8.3 million from Pan Pacific. CT Operating Partnership, L.P. used all of the proceeds to repay $8.8 million of indebtedness outstanding under a promissory note, dated July 13, 1989, in the original
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principal amount of $10 million, held by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which was secured by CT Operating Partnership, L.P.s
interest in the Date Palm Center. Metropolitan Life had previously agreed to extend the maturity of the note from July 1, 2002 to October 25, 2002, and had agreed to make a new loan to CT Operating Partnership, L.P. in the amount of $8.3 million in
order to provide CT Operating Partnership, L.P. with funds to repay the July 13, 1989 promissory note. Pan Pacific determined that the new loan from Metropolitan Life would be inconsistent with its desired capital structure, and offered to loan CT
Operating Partnership, L.P. the same amount, and on the same terms, as proposed by Metropolitan Life. The loan from Pan Pacific has a maturity date of November 1, 2006, bears interest at a 6.3% fixed rate per year, is secured by CT Operating
Partnership, L.P.s interest in the Date Palm Center and is otherwise on terms usual and customary for commercial real estate loans. If the proposed merger does not close for any reason, the loan from Pan Pacific will remain outstanding under
its terms.
On October 28, 2002, Center Trusts and Pan Pacifics respective management, counsel and
financial advisors, as well as representatives of the Prometheus parties, met in Los Angeles to negotiate the terms of the merger agreement, including termination rights and closing conditions, and related documents, including the voting agreements
and the stockholders rights agreement.
On October 29, 2002, Center Trusts board held a special
meeting, at which Merrill Lynch and Center Trusts management updated the board on the status of their negotiations of the merger agreement and related documents with Pan Pacific. Center Trusts management informed its board of Pan
Pacifics requirement that the Prometheus parties and Center Trusts management enter into voting agreements with Pan Pacific. Center Trusts board directed Center Trusts management to, among other things, reduce the number of
shares that would be subject to the two voting agreements and authorized Center Trusts management and its counsel to continue their discussions with Pan Pacific on these terms.
On November 1, 2002, representatives of Merrill Lynch and representatives of Center Trusts independent auditors met with representatives of Pan Pacifics
independent auditors, initially outside the presence of Pan Pacifics management, at Pan Pacifics headquarters. Following the discussion, representatives of Center Trusts independent auditors met with representatives of Pan
Pacifics independent auditors in the presence of Pan Pacifics management. On the same day, Center Trusts board held a special meeting to receive an update on the status of Center Trusts negotiation of the merger agreement
with Pan Pacific and of Pan Pacifics negotiation of the amendments to the limited partnership agreement of CT Operating Partnership L.P. with certain limited partners of the CT Operating Partnership, L.P. Center Trusts management
informed Center Trusts board that Pan Pacific had agreed to only require that the total number of shares subject to the voting agreements with each of the Prometheus parties and Center Trusts management would be 52.0% of the total
outstanding shares of Center Trust common stock. Center Trusts board authorized Center Trusts management and its counsel to continue their discussions with Pan Pacific.
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On the morning of November 5, 2002, Center Trusts independent directors,
Robert T. Barnum, Fred L. Riedman and R. Bruce Andrews, held a special meeting with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special counsel to Center Trust, and Merrill Lynch to discuss various aspects of the merger, the merger agreement and
other transaction documents. First, the independent directors discussed the benefits that would be received by the limited partners of CT Operating Partnership, L.P. as a result of the merger and the amended and restated partnership agreement. Then,
the directors discussed various interests of the Prometheus parties and Center Trusts executive officers in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of Center Trust stockholders generally. The independent
directors met outside the presence of the directors currently designated by the Prometheus parties (Messrs. Wells and Ticotin and Sandra A. Lamb), initially with Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch present, to discuss, among other
things, the stockholders rights agreement proposed to be entered into by the Prometheus parties with Pan Pacific and the non-lead role played by the Prometheus parties in Center Trusts negotiation of the merger agreement with Pan
Pacific. See Agreements with the Prometheus Parties. Following this discussion, outside the presence of Center Trusts management and Merrill Lynch, the independent directors reviewed the severance and other benefits to be received
by Center Trusts executive officers upon the consummation of the merger. See Interests of Certain Directors and Executive Officers of Center Trust in the MergerSeverance Payments; Acceleration of Stock Awards. The independent
directors of Center Trusts board were aware of the interests of Center Trusts executive officers, and the agreements proposed to be entered into between the Prometheus parties and Pan Pacific, throughout their consideration of the merger
and the merger agreement, and took such matters into account in making their recommendation that the Center Trust stockholders approve the merger.
On November 5, 2002, at a special meeting of Center Trusts board at Center Trusts headquarters at which all of Center Trusts directors were present in person or by telephone, Center
Trusts management reviewed with the directors the terms and conditions of the proposed merger agreement with Pan Pacific. Representatives of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, special counsel to Center Trust, then reviewed with
Center Trusts board the results of its due diligence investigation of Pan Pacific. Center Trusts management then reviewed with Center Trusts board the results of the due diligence investigation by Center Trust of Pan Pacific.
Representatives of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll LLP reviewed with Center Trusts board the terms of the merger agreement and ancillary agreements and answered questions from the
directors regarding those terms. Representatives of Merrill Lynch delivered a presentation to Center Trusts board regarding its analysis of the financial terms of the proposed transaction with Pan Pacific. Merrill Lynch then delivered its oral
opinion to Center Trusts board, which was subsequently confirmed by delivery to Center Trusts board of a written opinion, dated November 5, 2002, that, as of November 5, 2002, the exchange ratio of 0.218 shares of Pan Pacific common
stock to be received for each share of Center Trust common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to Center Trust
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stockholders. Center Trusts board also reviewed the reasons for the merger, including the benefits
that would be received by the limited partners of CT Operating Partnership, L.P. as a result of the merger and the amended and restated partnership agreement, and determined that the merger agreement was fair to, and in the best interests of, CT
Operating Partnership, L.P. and the limited partners. See Center Trusts Reasons for the Merger. After further discussion, Center Trusts board concluded that the proposed merger was advisable and fair to, and in the best
interests of, Center Trust and its stockholders and authorized and unanimously approved the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the merger and the charter amendment, and resolved to recommend that the Center Trust
stockholders approve and adopt the merger, including the charter amendment, pursuant to the merger agreement.
On
November 5, 2002, at a special meeting of Pan Pacifics board held at Pan Pacifics headquarters at which all Pan Pacifics directors were present in person or by telephone, Pan Pacifics management reviewed with the directors
the terms and conditions of the proposed merger agreement with Center Trust, as well as the proposed voting agreements and the stockholders rights agreement. Latham & Watkins, special counsel to Pan Pacific, then reviewed with Pan
Pacifics board the results of its due diligence investigation of Center Trust. Pan Pacifics management then reviewed with Pan Pacifics board the results of the due diligence investigation by Pan Pacific of Center Trust.
Representatives of Latham & Watkins reviewed with the board the terms of the merger agreement and ancillary agreements and answered questions from the directors regarding those terms. Representatives of Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
reviewed with Pan Pacifics board an analysis of the financial terms of the proposed transaction with Center Trust. Pan Pacifics board considered the exchange ratio of 0.218 and reviewed the reasons for the merger. After this discussion,
Pan Pacifics directors determined to proceed to approve the merger and adopt the proposed merger agreement and the proposed ancillary agreements. After further discussion, Pan Pacifics board concluded that the proposed merger was
advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, Pan Pacific and its stockholders and authorized and unanimously approved the merger, the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
Following the conclusion of the special meetings of the boards of each of Center Trust and Pan Pacific on November 5, 2002, Center Trust
and Pan Pacific executed the merger agreement, the two voting agreements and the stockholders rights agreement. On the morning of November 6, 2002, the proposed merger was publicly announced.
* * *
CENTER TRUSTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE MERGER.
Whether or not you plan to attend the special meeting, we urge you to please complete, sign and return your proxy as soon as possible in
the enclosed self-addressed envelope so that your vote will be recorded. Even if you return your proxy card, you may still attend the special meeting and vote your common stock in person. Your proxy may
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be revoked at any time before it is voted by submitting a written revocation or an executed proxy
bearing a later date to Edward A. Stokx, or by attending and voting in person at the special meeting. For stock held in street name, you may revoke or change your vote by submitting instructions to your broker or nominee.
Center Trust has engaged Georgeson Shareholder Services to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the special meeting.
Stockholders are encouraged to call Georgeson at 201-896-2604 with any questions. The proxy statement explains the proposed merger and provides specific information concerning the special meeting.
Please do not send your common stock certificates at this time. If the merger is completed, you will be sent instructions regarding the
exchange of your certificates.
/s/ EDWARD D. FOX, JR.
Edward D. Fox, Jr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Center Trust, Inc.
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