SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ---------------------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): APRIL 27, 2004 AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. --------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) DELAWARE 1-9516 13-3398766 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State of Organization) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) 100 South Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (914) 242-7700 N/A -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report) ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. On April 27, 2004, American Real Estate Partners, L.P. ("AREP") issued a press release, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS. (a) AND (b) NOT APPLICABLE. (c) EXHIBITS 99.1 Press Release, dated April 27, 2004, issued by AREP. [remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows] 2 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P. (Registrant) By: American Property Investors, Inc. General Partner By: /s/ John P. Saldarelli ------------------------------ John P. Saldarelli Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer Dated: April 27, 2004 3 EXHIBIT INDEX 99.1 Press Release, dated April 27, 2004, issued by AREP. 4