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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 26, 2018
Registration No. 333-227405
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
Amendment No. 1
to
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
6798 (Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number) |
27-1055421 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(240) 507-1300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
Jon E. Bortz
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(240) 507-1300
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to: | ||
David C. Wright, Esq. Mark W. Wickersham, Esq. Steven M. Haas, Esq. Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP Riverfront Plaza, East Tower 951 E. Byrd Street Richmond, Virginia 23219-4074 Tel: (804) 788-8200 Fax: (804) 788-8218 |
Joseph L. Johnson III, Esq. Andrew H. Goodman, Esq. Goodwin Procter LLP 100 Northern Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02210 Tel: (617) 570-1000 Fax: (617) 523-1231 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effectiveness of this registration statement and the satisfaction or waiver of all other conditions to the completion of the mergers described herein.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box. o
If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) 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. o
If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) 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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated filer ý | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o |
Smaller reporting company o Emerging growth company o |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. o
If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:
Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer) o
Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Issuer Third Party Tender Offer) o
The information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust may not sell the securities offered by this joint proxy statement/prospectus until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities nor should it be considered a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARYSUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 26, 2018
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
To the shareholders of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and the shareholders of LaSalle Hotel Properties:
Each of the Board of Trustees of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and the Board of Trustees of LaSalle Hotel Properties has approved an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 6, 2018, as amended on September 18, 2018, and as it may be amended from time to time, which we refer to as the merger agreement, by and among Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust, which we refer to as Pebblebrook; Pebblebrook Hotel, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to as Pebblebrook OP; Ping Merger Sub, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company, which we refer to as Merger Sub; Ping Merger OP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to as Merger OP and, collectively with Pebblebrook, Pebblebrook OP and Merger Sub, the Pebblebrook parties; LaSalle Hotel Properties, a Maryland real estate investment trust, which we refer to as LaSalle; and LaSalle Hotel Operating Partnership, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, which we refer to as LaSalle OP and, together with LaSalle, the LaSalle parties. Pursuant to the merger agreement, Pebblebrook and LaSalle will combine through (i) a merger of LaSalle with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub surviving the merger, which we refer to as the company merger, and (ii) a merger of Merger OP with and into LaSalle OP, with LaSalle OP surviving the merger as the surviving partnership, which we refer to as the partnership merger, and together with the company merger, the mergers. The combined company after the mergers, which we refer to as the combined company, will retain the name "Pebblebrook Hotel Trust" and its common shares will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol "PEB". The obligations of Pebblebrook and LaSalle to complete the mergers are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain customary conditions (including the applicable approvals of each company's shareholders), which are set forth in the merger agreement.
If the company merger is completed pursuant to the merger agreement, (i) each of the common shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value per share, of LaSalle, which we refer to as LaSalle common shares, outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger, will convert into the right to receive, at the election of the holder (a) 0.92 common shares of beneficial interest, $0.01 par value per share, of Pebblebrook, which we refer to as Pebblebrook common shares, which we refer to as the share consideration, or (b) $37.80 in cash, which we refer to as the cash consideration and, together with the share consideration, the merger consideration; (ii) each 6.375% Series I Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Share of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value per share, of LaSalle, which we refer to as LaSalle Series I preferred shares, will convert into the right to receive one share of a newly designated class of preferred shares of Pebblebrook, the 6.375% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share, which we refer to as the Pebblebrook Series E preferred shares, with the same rights, privileges and preferences as the LaSalle Series I preferred shares; and (iii) each 6.3% Series J Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Share of Beneficial Interest, $.01 par value per share, of LaSalle, which we refer to as LaSalle Series J preferred shares, will convert into the right to receive one share of a newly designated class of preferred shares of Pebblebrook, the 6.3% Series F Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares of Beneficial Interest, $0.01 par value per share, which we refer to as the Pebblebrook Series F preferred shares, with the same rights, privileges and preferences as the LaSalle Series J preferred shares. The maximum number of LaSalle common shares eligible to be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration will be equal to 30% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger. LaSalle common shares held by Pebblebrook will be cancelled at the effective time of the company merger and are not eligible to be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration, effectively increasing the maximum number of LaSalle common shares that could receive the cash election price to approximately 33% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger.
If the partnership merger is completed pursuant to the merger agreement, each common unit of LaSalle OP outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the partnership merger will be converted into the right to receive 0.92 common units of Pebblebrook OP, or, in the alternative, each limited partner (excluding LaSalle and its affiliates) holding such LaSalle OP common units may elect to redeem such units and receive the share consideration in exchange for each common unit.
In connection with the mergers, we anticipate that Pebblebrook will issue a total of approximately 92,458,617 Pebblebrook common shares, including (i) 92,325,012 Pebblebrook common shares in exchange for the LaSalle common shares in the company merger, which assumes that no LaSalle shareholder elects to receive the cash consideration, and (ii) 133,605 Pebblebrook common shares if all of the limited partners of LaSalle OP (excluding LaSalle and its affiliates) elect to receive Pebblebrook common shares instead of Pebblebrook OP common units in connection with the partnership merger. Upon completion of the mergers, we estimate that continuing Pebblebrook shareholders will own approximately 42.7% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the combined company and that former LaSalle security holders will own approximately 57.3% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the combined company, assuming that no LaSalle shareholders elect to receive the cash consideration and assuming all of the limited partners of LaSalle OP (excluding LaSalle and its affiliates) elect to receive Pebblebrook common shares instead of Pebblebrook OP common units. However, if LaSalle shareholders elect to receive the maximum cash consideration, we estimate that continuing Pebblebrook shareholders will own approximately 52.8% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the combined company and that former LaSalle security holders will own approximately 47.2% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the combined company.
In connection with the proposed mergers, Pebblebrook and LaSalle will each hold a special meeting of its shareholders. At the special meeting of Pebblebrook shareholders, which we refer to as the Pebblebrook special meeting, Pebblebrook shareholders will be asked to vote on (i) a proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares to LaSalle shareholders pursuant to the merger agreement and (ii) a proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares in connection with the mergers. At the special meeting of the LaSalle shareholders, which we refer to as the LaSalle special meeting, LaSalle shareholders will be asked to vote on (i) a proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (ii) an advisory (non-binding) proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of LaSalle in connection with the mergers and (iii) a proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the LaSalle special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
The record date for determining the shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Pebblebrook special meeting and the LaSalle special meeting is October 23, 2018. The mergers cannot be completed unless, among other matters, (i) LaSalle shareholders approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares as of the record date and (ii) Pebblebrook shareholders approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares in connection with the mergers by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all votes cast on such proposal.
Pebblebrook's Board of Trustees, which we refer to as the Pebblebrook Board, has unanimously (i) determined and declared that the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, including the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement, are advisable and in the best interests of Pebblebrook and its shareholders, (ii) approved the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (iii) authorized and approved the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. The Pebblebrook Board unanimously recommends that Pebblebrook shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares in connection with the mergers and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares in connection with the mergers.
LaSalle's Board of Trustees, which we refer to as the LaSalle Board, by a unanimous vote of all the trustees present (with only Stuart L. Scott not in attendance due to his hospitalization) (i) determined that the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of LaSalle and its shareholders, (ii) authorized and approved each of the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (iii) approved and adopted the merger agreement. The LaSalle Board recommends that LaSalle shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, "FOR" the advisory (non-binding) proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of LaSalle in connection with the mergers and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the LaSalle special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about Pebblebrook, LaSalle, the mergers, the merger agreement and the special meetings. This document is also a prospectus relating to the Pebblebrook common shares, the Pebblebrook Series E preferred shares and the Pebblebrook Series F preferred shares that will be issued to LaSalle shareholders pursuant to the merger agreement. We encourage you to read this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully before voting, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 50.
Your vote is very important, regardless of the number of Pebblebrook common shares and/or LaSalle common shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the Pebblebrook special meeting or the LaSalle special meeting, as applicable, please submit a proxy to vote your shares as promptly as possible to make sure that your Pebblebrook common shares and/or LaSalle common shares, as applicable, are represented at the applicable special meeting. Please review this joint proxy statement/prospectus for more complete information regarding the mergers, the Pebblebrook special meeting and the LaSalle special meeting.
Sincerely,
Jon E. Bortz Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Pebblebrook Hotel Trust |
Michael D. Barnello President and Chief Executive Officer LaSalle Hotel Properties |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor any state securities regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the mergers or the securities to be issued under this joint proxy statement/prospectus or has passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the disclosure in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated [ · ], 2018, and is first being mailed to Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders on or about [ · ], 2018.
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(240) 507-1300
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 27, 2018
To the shareholders of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust:
A special meeting of the shareholders of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, a Maryland real estate investment trust, which we refer to as Pebblebrook, will be held on November 27, 2018, beginning at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037, for the following purposes:
Pebblebrook does not expect to transact any other business at the Pebblebrook special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Please refer to the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus for further information with respect to the business to be transacted at the Pebblebrook special meeting. Pebblebrook's Board of Trustees, which we refer to as the Pebblebrook Board, has fixed the close of business on October 23, 2018 as the record date for determination of Pebblebrook shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Pebblebrook special meeting and any adjournment thereof. Only holders of record of Pebblebrook common shares as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Pebblebrook special meeting.
Approval of each of the proposals to be considered at the Pebblebrook special meeting requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all votes cast by the holders of outstanding Pebblebrook common shares entitled to vote on each proposal. If you do not vote on the proposals this will have no effect on the result of the votes on such proposals. The company merger cannot be completed without the approval by Pebblebrook shareholders of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
The Pebblebrook Board has unanimously (i) determined and declared that the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of Pebblebrook and its shareholders, (ii) approved the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (iii) authorized and approved the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
The Pebblebrook Board unanimously recommends that Pebblebrook shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Pebblebrook special meeting, please submit a proxy to vote your Pebblebrook common shares as promptly as possible to make sure that your Pebblebrook common shares are represented at the Pebblebrook special meeting. If Pebblebrook shareholders of record return properly executed proxies but do not indicate how their Pebblebrook common shares should be voted on a proposal, the Pebblebrook common shares represented by such properly executed proxy will be voted as the Pebblebrook Board recommends and, therefore, "FOR" the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. Even if you plan to attend the Pebblebrook special meeting in person, we urge you to submit your proxy as promptly as possible by (1) accessing the website specified on your proxy card, (2) calling the toll-free number specified on your proxy card or (3) completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying postage-paid envelope prior to the Pebblebrook special meeting to ensure that your Pebblebrook common shares will be represented and voted at the Pebblebrook special meeting.
To submit a proxy, complete, sign, date and mail your proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided or, if the option is available to you, call the toll-free telephone number listed on your proxy card or use the Internet as described in the instructions on the accompanying proxy card to submit your proxy. Submitting a proxy will assure that your vote is counted at the Pebblebrook special meeting if you do not attend in person. If your Pebblebrook common shares are held in "street name" by your broker or other nominee, only your broker or other nominee can vote your Pebblebrook common shares, but the vote cannot be cast unless (1) you provide instructions to your broker or other nominee on how to vote or (2) you obtain a legal proxy from your broker or other nominee. You should follow the directions provided by your broker or other nominee regarding how to instruct your broker or other nominee to vote your Pebblebrook common shares. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted. Please review the joint proxy statement/prospectus accompanying this notice for more complete information regarding the mergers and the Pebblebrook special meeting.
This notice and the enclosed joint proxy statement/prospectus are first being mailed to Pebblebrook shareholders on or about [ · ], 2018. If you have any questions or need assistance in submitting a proxy or your voting instructions, please call Pebblebrook's proxy solicitor, Okapi Partners LLC, toll-free at (855) 305-0855.
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By Order of the Board of Trustees of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust |
|
|
Raymond D. Martz Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary |
Bethesda,
Maryland
[ · ], 2018
LaSalle Hotel Properties
7550 Wisconsin Avenue, 10th Floor
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 941-1500
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 27, 2018
To the shareholders of LaSalle Hotel Properties:
Holders of common shares of beneficial interest of LaSalle Hotel Properties, a Maryland real estate investment trust, which we refer to as LaSalle, are cordially invited to attend a special meeting of shareholders of LaSalle to be held on November 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, 806 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. The LaSalle special meeting is being held for the purpose of acting on the following matters:
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the attached joint proxy statement/prospectus, which forms a part of this notice and is incorporated herein by reference. Pursuant to LaSalle's bylaws, no business may be transacted at the LaSalle special meeting except as specifically designated in this Notice of Special Meeting. The board of trustees of LaSalle, which we refer to as the LaSalle Board, has fixed the close of business on October 23, 2018 as the record date for the determination of LaSalle shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the LaSalle special meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.
The LaSalle Board has (1) approved the merger agreement, the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, (2) determined and declared that the merger agreement, the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of LaSalle, its shareholders and the limited partners of LaSalle Hotel Operating Partnership, L.P. and (3) resolved to recommend that the LaSalle shareholders approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The LaSalle Board recommends that you vote "FOR" the merger proposal, "FOR" the LaSalle advisory (non-binding) proposal on specified compensation and "FOR" the LaSalle adjournment proposal.
All holders of record of LaSalle common shares and LaSalle preferred shares as of the record date, which was the close of business on October 23, 2018, are entitled to receive notice of the LaSalle special meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the LaSalle special meeting. However, only holders of LaSalle common shares as of the record date are entitled to attend and to vote at the LaSalle special meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the LaSalle special meeting. Holders of LaSalle preferred shares are entitled to notice of the LaSalle special meeting, but are not entitled to attend or to vote at the LaSalle special meeting, and no vote or proxy is being solicited from the holders of LaSalle preferred shares.
The merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of LaSalle's outstanding common shares as of the record date for the LaSalle special meeting. Accordingly, your vote is very important regardless of the number of LaSalle common shares that you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the LaSalle special meeting, LaSalle requests that you authorize your proxy to vote your LaSalle common shares by either marking, signing, dating and promptly returning the enclosed LaSalle proxy card in the postage-paid envelope or authorizing your proxy or voting instructions by telephone or through the Internet. If you attend the LaSalle special meeting, you may continue to have your LaSalle common shares voted as instructed in the proxy, or you may withdraw your proxy at the LaSalle special meeting and vote your LaSalle common shares in person. If you fail to vote by proxy or in person, or fail to instruct your broker or other nominee on how to vote, the effect will be that your LaSalle common shares will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the LaSalle special meeting and will have the same effect as a vote "AGAINST" the merger proposal.
The approval of the LaSalle advisory (non-binding) proposal on specified compensation and the approval of the LaSalle adjournment proposal each requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal. If you fail to vote by proxy or in person, or fail to instruct your broker or other nominee on how to vote, such failure will have no effect on the outcome of such proposals. Abstentions are not considered votes cast and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of such proposals.
Any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by delivery of a properly executed, later-dated LaSalle proxy card, by authorizing your proxy or voting instructions by telephone or through the Internet at a later date than your previously authorized proxy, by submitting a written revocation of your proxy to LaSalle's Corporate Secretary, or by voting in person at the LaSalle special meeting. Attendance alone will not be sufficient to revoke a previously authorized proxy.
Under Maryland law, because LaSalle common shares were listed on the New York Stock Exchange at the close of business on the record date, you do not have any appraisal rights, dissenters' rights or the rights of an objecting shareholder in connection with the company merger. In addition, LaSalle common shareholders may not exercise any appraisal rights, dissenters' rights or the rights of an objecting shareholder to receive the fair value of the shareholder's LaSalle common shares in connection with the merger because, as permitted by Maryland law, LaSalle's declaration of trust provides that LaSalle shareholders are not entitled to exercise such rights unless expressly required by the Maryland REIT Law.
LaSalle encourages you to read the accompanying joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully and in its entirety and to submit a proxy or voting instructions so that your LaSalle common shares will be represented and voted even if you do not attend the LaSalle special meeting. If you have any questions or need assistance in submitting a proxy or your voting instructions, please call LaSalle's proxy solicitor, MacKenzie Partners, Inc., toll-free at (800) 322-2885.
By Order of the Board of Trustees of LaSalle Hotel Properties |
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Michael D. Barnello President and Chief Executive Officer |
Bethesda,
Maryland
[ · ], 2018
This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates important business and financial information about Pebblebrook and LaSalle from other documents that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 252.
Documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus are also available to Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders without charge upon written or oral request. You can obtain any of these documents by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at the following addresses and telephone numbers:
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Attention: Investor Relations (240) 507-1300 www.pebblebrookhotels.com |
LaSalle Hotel Properties 7550 Wisconsin Avenue, 10th Floor Bethesda, Maryland 20814 Attention: Investor Relations (301) 941-1500 www.lasallehotels.com |
To receive timely delivery of the requested documents in advance of the special meetings, you should make your request before November 20, 2018.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus, which forms part of a registration statement on Form S-4 filed by Pebblebrook (File No. 333-227405) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the SEC, constitutes a prospectus of Pebblebrook for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which we refer to as the Securities Act, with respect to the Pebblebrook common shares, Pebblebrook Series E preferred shares and Pebblebrook Series F preferred shares to be issued to LaSalle shareholders in exchange for LaSalle common shares, LaSalle Series I preferred shares and LaSalle Series J preferred shares as well as any limited partner of LaSalle OP who elects to receive Pebblebrook common shares, as applicable, pursuant to the merger agreement. This joint proxy statement/prospectus also constitutes a proxy statement for each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Exchange Act. In addition, it constitutes a notice of meeting with respect to the Pebblebrook special meeting and a notice of meeting with respect to the LaSalle special meeting.
You should rely only on the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from such information. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated [ · ], 2018. You should not assume that the information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this joint proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than that date or the date of the information incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, respectively. Neither our mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders nor the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares or Pebblebrook preferred shares to LaSalle shareholders and the limited partners of LaSalle OP (other than LaSalle and its affiliates) pursuant to the merger agreement will create any implication to the contrary.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, or the solicitation of a proxy, in any jurisdiction in which or from any person to whom it is unlawful to make any such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. Information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding Pebblebrook has been provided by Pebblebrook and information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus regarding LaSalle has been provided by LaSalle.
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The following are answers to some questions you may have regarding the proposed transactions between Pebblebrook and LaSalle. Pebblebrook and LaSalle urge you to read carefully this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the Annexes and the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus, because the information in this section does not provide all the information that might be important to you.
Unless stated otherwise, all references in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to:
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Additionally, immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, (i) each outstanding restricted LaSalle common share will vest and all restrictions thereon will lapse, and each such share will be converted into the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration; (ii) each outstanding LaSalle performance award will automatically become earned and vested with respect to 180% of the target number of LaSalle common shares subject to such LaSalle performance share award agreement, and each such LaSalle common share will be cancelled and each holder thereof will have the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration; and (iii) each outstanding award of deferred LaSalle common shares will be cancelled and each holder thereof will have the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration for the number of LaSalle common shares subject to such award (prior to its cancellation).
At the effective time of the partnership merger, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, (i) each unit of general partner interest in LaSalle OP shall be cancelled and no payment shall be made thereon; (ii) all of the LaSalle Series I preferred units shall be converted into the right to receive an equal number of Pebblebrook Series E preferred units; (iii) all of the LaSalle Series J preferred units shall be converted into the right to receive an equal number of Pebblebrook Series F preferred units; and (iv) each LaSalle OP common unit held by limited partners in LaSalle OP (other than LaSalle or its affiliates) shall be cancelled and converted into the right to receive, at the holder's election, either Pebblebrook OP common units in an amount equal to the exchange ratio, without interest, or LaSalle common shares in an amount equal to the exchange ratio, without interest, which shares would then be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive the share consideration.
LaSalle shareholders and LaSalle OP unitholders that receive Pebblebrook common shares will not receive any fractional Pebblebrook common shares or fractional Pebblebrook OP common units in the mergers and instead will be paid cash (without interest) in lieu of any fractional share or unit to which they would otherwise be entitled.
See "The Merger AgreementTreatment of LaSalle Common Shares, LaSalle Preferred Shares, LaSalle Restricted Shares, LaSalle Performance Shares and LaSalle Deferred Shares" beginning on page 204 and "The Merger AgreementTreatment of Interests in LaSalle OP" beginning on page 207.
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Each holder of record of LaSalle common shares (holding directly through LaSalle's transfer agent) (other than excluded shares) or of a LaSalle compensatory award issued and outstanding at the close of business on the record date will have the right to submit an election to receive the cash consideration or the common share consideration by delivering an election form to the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 26, 2018, which is the business day immediately prior to the LaSalle special meeting, which we refer to as the election deadline. LaSalle will mail the election form to the record holders of LaSalle common shares and LaSalle compensatory awards concurrently with the mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
An election may be revoked by a record holder of LaSalle common shares by delivering written notice to the exchange agent prior to the election deadline. If an election is revoked by a record holder, the LaSalle common shares subject to such revoked election will be deemed to have elected to receive the common share consideration unless a new election is made prior to the election deadline. LaSalle common shareholders who hold their LaSalle common shares in street name will need to follow the procedures established by their bank, brokerage firm or other nominee in order to revoke an election.
For more information about the election procedures, see "The Merger AgreementTreatment of LaSalle Common Shares, LaSalle Preferred Shares, LaSalle Restricted Shares, LaSalle Performance Shares and LaSalle Deferred Shares" beginning on page 204.
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from the cash election in the company merger, effectively increasing the maximum cash shares to approximately 33% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger.
If the aggregate number of cash election shares exceeds the number of maximum cash shares, the number of cash election shares designated by any holder of LaSalle common shares as a cash election will be subject to pro rata reduction as follows: For each such cash election, the number of such holder's LaSalle common shares that will be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration will be equal to (1) the number of such holder's cash election shares multiplied by (2) the merger cash proration factor, rounded down to the nearest whole LaSalle common share. The merger cash proration factor means a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of maximum cash shares and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of all cash election shares. Any cash election shares that were not converted into the right to receive cash consideration in accordance with such calculation will be converted into the right to receive the common share consideration.
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proxy statement/prospectus as a prospectus for the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. The mergers cannot be completed unless, among other things:
Pebblebrook and LaSalle will hold separate meetings of their respective shareholders to obtain these approvals and to consider other proposals as described elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about the mergers and the other proposals being voted on at the special meetings and you should read it carefully. The enclosed voting materials allow you to vote your Pebblebrook common shares and/or LaSalle common shares, as applicable, without attending the applicable special meeting.
Your vote is important. You are encouraged to submit your proxy as promptly as possible.
LaSalle. At the LaSalle special meeting, LaSalle shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following additional proposals:
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The merger agreement prohibits the authorization, declaration and payment by LaSalle of regular quarterly dividends on LaSalle common shares and by LaSalle OP of regular quarterly distributions on LaSalle OP common units. However, the merger agreement permits the authorization, declaration and payment by LaSalle of regular quarterly dividends, payable in accordance with past practice at a quarterly rate not to exceed (i) $0.3984375 per LaSalle Series I preferred share and unit and (ii) $0.39375 per LaSalle Series J preferred share and unit, as well as any distribution that is required to maintain its REIT qualification or to avoid the imposition of federal income or excise tax. The merger agreement also permits, subject to certain conditions, the authorization, declaration and payment by LaSalle of a dividend if the mergers are not complete on or prior to December 31, 2018. The per-share dividend amount of such a dividend shall be payable by LaSalle on LaSalle common shares in an amount equal to $0.90 per LaSalle common share, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days after and including January 1, 2019 through and including the date on which the dividend will be paid and the denominator of which is 365.
The LaSalle special meeting will be held on November 27, 2018, beginning at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, 806 15th street NW, Washington, DC 20005.
LaSalle. All holders of LaSalle common shares as of the close of business on October 23, 2018, which is the record date for determining LaSalle shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the LaSalle special meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the LaSalle special meeting. As of the record date, there were 110,397,737 LaSalle common shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the LaSalle special meeting, held by approximately 50 holders of record. Each LaSalle common share is entitled to one vote on each proposal presented at the LaSalle special meeting. Holders of LaSalle preferred shares are entitled to notice of the LaSalle special meeting but are not entitled to attend or vote at the LaSalle special meeting and no vote or proxy is being solicited from the holders of LaSalle preferred shares.
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LaSalle. LaSalle's bylaws provide that the presence, in person or by proxy, of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting will constitute a quorum.
Shares that are voted, in person or by proxy, and shares abstaining from voting are treated as present at each of the special meetings for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.
LaSalle.
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additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
For a more complete description of the recommendation of the Pebblebrook Board, see "The MergersRecommendation of the Pebblebrook Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers" beginning on page 122.
For a more complete description of the recommendation of the LaSalle Board, see "The MergersRecommendation of the LaSalle Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers" beginning on page 118.
The current executive officers of Pebblebrook will continue to serve as the executive officers of the combined company, with Jon E. Bortz continuing to serve as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the combined company. See "Trustees and Management of the Combined Company After the Mergers" beginning on page 235.
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If you are a Pebblebrook shareholder, abstentions will be counted in determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares in connection with the mergers. Abstentions will have no effect on the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
If you are a LaSalle shareholder, abstentions will be counted in determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes AGAINST the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of (i) the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to certain executive officers of LaSalle in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby or (ii) the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the LaSalle special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
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It is intended that the company merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which we refer to as the Code. The completion of the mergers is conditioned on the receipt by each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle of an opinion from counsel to the effect that the company merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming that the company merger qualifies as a reorganization, the tax consequences for U.S. holders (as defined elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus) of LaSalle common shares who receive Pebblebrook common shares and/or cash in exchange for their shares in connection with the company merger generally will be as follows:
Non-U.S. holders (as defined herein) who receive some or all of the merger consideration in cash may be subject to U.S. withholding tax with respect to the cash consideration. Holders of LaSalle common shares should read the discussion under the heading "The MergersMaterial U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" beginning on page 164 and consult their tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them (including the application and effect of any state, local or non-U.S. income and other tax laws) of the company merger.
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After you have carefully read this joint proxy statement/prospectus, please respond by completing, signing and dating your proxy card or voting instruction card and returning it in the enclosed preaddressed postage-paid envelope or, if available, by submitting your proxy by one of the other methods specified in your proxy card or voting instruction card as promptly as possible so that your Pebblebrook common shares and/or your LaSalle common shares will be represented and voted at the Pebblebrook special meeting or the LaSalle special meeting, as applicable.
Please refer to your proxy card or voting instruction card forwarded by your broker or other nominee to see which voting options are available to you.
The method by which you submit a proxy will in no way limit your right to vote at the Pebblebrook special meeting or the LaSalle special meeting, as applicable, if you later decide to attend the meeting in person. However, if your Pebblebrook common shares or your LaSalle common shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, you must obtain a legal proxy, executed in your favor, from your broker or other nominee, to be able to vote in person at the Pebblebrook special meeting or the LaSalle special meeting, as applicable.
See the answer to the question above titled, "If I am a LaSalle shareholder, do I need to make an election in order to receive the cash consideration?".
All LaSalle common shares entitled to vote and represented by properly completed proxies received prior to the LaSalle special meeting, and not revoked, will be voted at the LaSalle special meeting as instructed on the proxies. If you properly sign, date and return a proxy card, but do not indicate how your LaSalle common shares should be voted on a matter, the LaSalle common shares represented by your proxy will be voted as the LaSalle Board recommends and therefore "FOR" the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by
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the merger agreement, "FOR" the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to certain executive officers of LaSalle in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the LaSalle special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. If you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting instructions to your broker or other nominee, your LaSalle common shares will NOT be voted at the LaSalle special meeting and will be considered broker non-votes. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect on the outcome of the merger proposal as votes AGAINST such proposal.
If your Pebblebrook common shares or your LaSalle common shares are held in an account at a broker or other nominee and you desire to change your vote or vote in person, you should contact your broker or other nominee for instructions on how to do so.
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However, if your Pebblebrook common shares or your LaSalle common shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, you must obtain a legal proxy, executed in your favor, from your broker or other nominee, to be able to vote in person at the Pebblebrook special meeting or the LaSalle special meeting, as applicable.
LaSalle has engaged MacKenzie Partners, Inc., which we refer to as MacKenzie, to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the LaSalle special meeting and LaSalle estimates it will pay MacKenzie a fee of approximately $75,000 ($30,000 of which was previously paid in connection with the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 20, 2018, by and among BRE Landmark L.P., BRE Landmark L.P., BRE Landmark Acquisition L.P., LaSalle and LaSalle OP, which we refer to as the Blackstone merger agreement, which was terminated on September 6, 2018), plus an additional fee of $100,000 upon the completion of the mergers, plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses. LaSalle has also agreed to indemnify MacKenzie against certain losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses. In addition to mailing proxy solicitation material, LaSalle's trustees, officers and employees may also solicit proxies in person, by telephone or by any other electronic means of communication deemed appropriate. No additional compensation will be paid to LaSalle's trustees, officers or employees for such services.
If you are a Pebblebrook shareholder: Okapi Partners LLC 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 24th Floor New York, NY 10036 (212) 929-5500 Toll free: 855-305-0855 Email: info@okapipartners.com |
If you are a LaSalle shareholder: MacKenzie Partners, Inc. 1407 Broadway, 27th Floor New York, New York 10018 Toll free: 800-322-2885 Call collect: 212-929-5500 Email: proxy@mackenziepartners.com |
If your broker or other nominee holds your shares, you should also contact your broker or other nominee for additional information.
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The following summary highlights some of the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you. For a more complete description of the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, Pebblebrook and LaSalle encourage you to read carefully this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the attached Annexes and the other documents to which we have referred you because this section does not provide all the information that might be important to you with respect to the mergers at the applicable special meeting. See also the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 252. We have included page references to direct you to a more complete description of the topics presented in this summary.
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and Pebblebrook Hotel, L.P. (See page 63)
Pebblebrook
Hotel Trust
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(240) 507-1300
www.pebblebrookhotels.com
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust is an internally managed hotel investment company, organized as a Maryland real estate investment trust in October 2009 to opportunistically acquire and invest in hotel properties located primarily in major U.S. cities, with an emphasis on the major gateway coastal markets. As of June 30, 2018, the Company owned 28 hotels with a total of 6,972 guest rooms.
Pebblebrook common shares are listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol "PEB".
Pebblebrook
Hotel, L.P.
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(240) 507-1300
Substantially all of Pebblebrook's assets are held by, and all of its operations are conducted through, Pebblebrook Hotel, L.P., which we refer to as Pebblebrook OP. Pebblebrook is the sole general partner of Pebblebrook OP. At June 30, 2018, Pebblebrook owned 99.7% of the Pebblebrook OP common units issued by Pebblebrook OP. The remaining 0.3% of Pebblebrook OP common units are owned by other limited partners of Pebblebrook OP.
LaSalle Hotel Properties and LaSalle Hotel Operating Partnership, L.P. (See page 63)
LaSalle
Hotel Properties
7550 Wisconsin Avenue, 10th Floor
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 941-1500
www.lasallehotels.com
LaSalle Hotel Properties was organized as a Maryland real estate investment trust on January 15, 1998, and primarily buys, owns, redevelops and leases upscale and luxury full-service hotels located in convention, resort and major urban business markets. LaSalle is a self-administered REIT.
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LaSalle common shares are listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol "LHO".
LaSalle
Hotel Operating Partnership, L.P.
7550 Wisconsin Avenue, 10th Floor
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 941-1500
LaSalle OP was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on January 13, 1998. LaSalle is the general partner of the LaSalle OP, and, as of June 30, 2018, owned through a combination of direct and indirect interests, approximately 99.9% of the common units of LaSalle OP. The remaining 0.1% is held by limited partners who owned 145,223 LaSalle OP common units as of June 30, 2018.
The Combined Company (See page 64)
Following completion of the mergers, the business and assets of the combined company will be owned and operated by Pebblebrook and the surviving partnership. References to the combined company are to Pebblebrook after the effective time of the mergers. Pebblebrook is a Maryland real estate investment trust. The combined company after the completion of the mergers is expected to have a pro forma enterprise value of approximately $7.6 billion and a total market capitalization of approximately $4.3 billion (in each case based on the closing price of Pebblebrook common shares on October 25, 2018 of $32.71, and assuming that all LaSalle shareholders elect to receive the maximum cash amount). The combined company's hotel portfolio after the completion of the mergers will consist of 66 properties (assuming that the sale of the three LaSalle hotels under contract for sale is completed as expected immediately prior to completion of the mergers), and the combined company will have a large presence in key urban markets in the United States, including significant exposure to major market West Coast cities with strong long-term growth and high barriers to entry.
The business of the combined company will be operated through Pebblebrook OP and its subsidiaries, including the surviving partnership. After giving effect to the mergers, Pebblebrook OP will hold a limited partnership interest in the surviving partnership, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Pebblebrook OP will be the general partner of the surviving partnership. The Pebblebrook parties will have the full, exclusive and complete responsibility for and discretion in the day-to-day management and control of Pebblebrook OP and the surviving partnership.
The common shares of the combined company will continue to be listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol "PEB".
The combined company's principal executive offices will be located at Pebblebrook's current offices, 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
The Merger Agreement (See page 203)
The Pebblebrook parties and the LaSalle parties have entered into the merger agreement attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference. Pebblebrook and LaSalle encourage you to carefully read the merger agreement in its entirety because it is the principal document governing the mergers and related transactions.
The merger agreement provides that the completion of the mergers will take place at 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of Goodwin Procter LLP, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10018 within three business days following the date on which the last of the conditions to completion of the mergers has been satisfied or waived.
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The Mergers (See page 76)
Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, at the effective time of the company merger, LaSalle will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub surviving the company merger as the surviving entity, which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Pebblebrook.
The merger agreement also provides for the merger of Merger OP with and into LaSalle OP, with LaSalle OP surviving the merger as the surviving partnership. At the effective time of the partnership merger, Merger OP GP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pebblebrook OP, will become the general partner of the surviving partnership, and Pebblebrook OP will be the limited partner of the surviving partnership.
The Merger Consideration (See page 204)
At the effective time of the company merger, each issued and outstanding LaSalle common share will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder: (i) 0.92 validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Pebblebrook common share or (b) $37.80 in cash subject to certain adjustments and to any applicable withholding tax. The maximum number of LaSalle common shares eligible to be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration will be equal to 30% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger. LaSalle common shares held by Pebblebrook will be excluded from the cash election in the company merger, effectively increasing the maximum number of LaSalle common shares that could receive the cash election price to approximately 33% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger.
At the effective time of the company merger, each LaSalle Series I preferred share will be converted into the right to receive one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Pebblebrook Series E preferred share and each LaSalle Series J preferred share will be converted into the right to receive one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Pebblebrook Series F preferred share.
Additionally, immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, (i) each outstanding restricted LaSalle common share will vest and all restrictions thereon will lapse, and each such share will be cancelled in exchange for the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration; (ii) each outstanding LaSalle performance award will automatically become earned and vested with respect to 180% of the target number of LaSalle common shares subject to such LaSalle performance share award agreement, and each such LaSalle common share will be cancelled and each holder thereof will have the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration; and (iii) each outstanding award of deferred LaSalle common shares will be cancelled and each holder thereof will have the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration for the number of LaSalle common shares subject to such award (prior to its cancellation).
At the effective time of the partnership merger, pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, (i) each unit of general partner interest in LaSalle OP shall be cancelled and no payment shall be made thereon; (ii) all of the LaSalle Series I preferred units shall be converted into the right to receive an equal number of Pebblebrook Series E preferred units; (iii) all of the LaSalle Series J preferred units shall be converted into the right to receive an equal number of Pebblebrook Series F preferred units; and (iv) each LaSalle OP common unit held by limited partners in LaSalle OP (other than LaSalle or its affiliates) shall be cancelled and converted into the right to receive, at the holder's election, either Pebblebrook OP common units in an amount equal to the exchange ratio, without interest, or LaSalle common shares in an amount equal to the exchange ratio, without interest, which shares would then be cancelled in exchange for the right to receive the share consideration.
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LaSalle shareholders and LaSalle OP unitholders that receive Pebblebrook common shares will not receive any fractional Pebblebrook common shares or fractional Pebblebrook OP common units in the mergers and instead will be paid cash (without interest) in lieu of any fractional share or unit to which they would otherwise be entitled.
Upon completion of the mergers, we estimate that ownership of the issued and outstanding common shares of the combined company will be as follows (in each case assuming that all of the limited partners (excluding LaSalle and its affiliates) of LaSalle OP elect to receive Pebblebrook common shares instead of Pebblebrook OP common units):
You are urged to obtain current market prices of Pebblebrook common shares and LaSalle common shares. You are cautioned that the trading price of the common shares of the combined company after the mergers may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the trading prices of Pebblebrook common shares and LaSalle common shares, and therefore, the historical trading prices of Pebblebrook common shares and LaSalle common shares may not be indicative of the trading price of the common shares of the combined company. See "Risk FactorsRisks Related to the Mergers" beginning on page 50.
Election Procedures (See page 205)
Each holder of record of LaSalle common shares (holding directly through LaSalle's transfer agent) (other than excluded shares) or of a LaSalle compensatory award issued and outstanding at the close of business on the record date will have the right to submit an election to receive the cash consideration or the common share consideration by delivering an election form to the exchange agent prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 26, 2018, which is the business day immediately prior to the LaSalle special meeting, which we refer to as the election deadline. Concurrently with the mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, LaSalle will mail the election form to the record holders of LaSalle common shares and LaSalle compensatory awards as of the record date.
An election may be revoked by a record holder of LaSalle common shares by delivering written notice to the exchange agent prior to the election deadline. If an election is revoked by a record holder, the LaSalle common shares subject to the revoked election will be deemed to have elected to receive the share consideration unless a new election is made prior to the election deadline. After an election is made, any subsequent transfer of the LaSalle common shares subject to such election shall automatically revoke the election.
Each LaSalle common share eligible to receive the merger consideration for which an election is not properly made by the election deadline will be deemed to have elected to receive the share consideration and will only be entitled to receive the share consideration.
LaSalle common shareholders who hold their LaSalle common shares in "street name" (prior to the election deadline) through a bank, brokerage firm or other nominee will receive instructions from their bank, brokerage firm or other nominee as to how to submit a form of election. Therefore, LaSalle common shareholders should carefully read any materials received from their bank, brokerage firm or other nominee, and should follow the procedures established by their bank, brokerage firm or other nominee in order to make an election.
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Proration (See page 206)
Under the terms of the merger agreement, the number of LaSalle common shares that is eligible to receive the cash consideration is subject to proration. The maximum number of LaSalle common shares eligible to be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration, which we refer to as the maximum cash shares, is equal to 30% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger (including LaSalle common shares relating to the LaSalle compensatory awards that become or are deemed to be issued or outstanding). LaSalle common shares held by Pebblebrook will be excluded from the cash election in the company merger, effectively increasing the maximum cash shares to approximately 33% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger and will not be eligible to be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration.
Within three business days after the effective time of the company merger, the exchange agent will effect the allocation among the holders of LaSalle common shares of the rights to receive the cash consideration and the share consideration.
In effecting this allocation, if the aggregate number of cash election shares exceeds the number of maximum cash shares, the number of cash election shares designated by any holder of LaSalle common shares as a cash election will be subject to pro rata reduction as follows: For each such cash election, the number of such holder's LaSalle common shares that will be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration will be equal to (1) the number of such holder's cash election shares multiplied by (2) the merger cash proration factor, rounded down to the nearest whole LaSalle common share. The merger cash proration factor means a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of maximum cash shares and the denominator of which is the aggregate number of all cash election shares. Any cash election shares that were not converted into the right to receive cash consideration in accordance with such calculation will be converted into the right to receive the share consideration.
If the aggregate number of cash election shares is less than or equal to the number of maximum cash shares, then all cash election shares will be converted into the right to receive the cash consideration and each other LaSalle common share eligible to receive the merger consideration will be converted into the right to receive the share consideration.
Financing Related to the Mergers (See page 233)
The mergers are not conditioned upon Pebblebrook or Pebblebrook OP having received any financing at or prior to the effective time of the mergers. However, in connection with the mergers and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, Pebblebrook and Pebblebrook OP have entered into a bridge loan commitment letter with Bank of America, N.A., which we refer to as Bank of America, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, which we refer to as BAML, pursuant to which Bank of America agreed to be the sole administrative agent for a $2.4 billion senior unsecured bridge loan facility to Pebblebrook OP for up to $2.4 billion, which we refer to as the bridge loan facility, subject to the conditions set forth in the bridge loan commitment letter. MLPFS agreed to act as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner for the bridge loan facility, and to form a syndicate of financial institutions, including Bank of America, to fund the bridge loan facility, which we refer to collectively as the lenders.
If drawn upon, the proceeds from the bridge loan facility may be used to (i) pay a portion of the aggregate cash consideration, (ii) fund the refinancing of certain of the existing third-party indebtedness for borrowed money of Pebblebrook OP, the LaSalle parties and their respective subsidiaries, which we refer to as the refinancing, and (iii) pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the foregoing, the bridge loan facility or related financings and the mergers. The bridge loan facility will be structured as a syndicated 364-day unsecured term loan facility available in a single draw on the completion date
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of the mergers. Pebblebrook and Pebblebrook OP have the right to use alternative financing in connection with the consummation of the mergers and are under no obligation to draw upon the bridge loan facility from the lenders. Pebblebrook and Pebblebrook OP currently are exploring the availability of alternative financing, including through existing unsecured credit facilities or other financing arrangements.
The bridge loan commitment letter expires on the earliest of (i) March 6, 2019, (ii) the completion date of the merger without the use of the bridge loan facility and (iii) the date that the merger agreement is terminated by Pebblebrook or its affiliates or expires in accordance with its terms.
See "Financing Related to the MergersDebt FinancingBridge Loan Commitment Letter" beginning on page 233.
Recommendation of the Pebblebrook Board of Trustees (See page 122)
The Pebblebrook Board has unanimously (i) determined and declared that the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of Pebblebrook and its shareholders, (ii) approved the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (iii) authorized and approved the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. Certain factors considered by the Pebblebrook Board in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement can be found in the section entitled "The MergersRecommendation of the Pebblebrook Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers" beginning on page 122.
The Pebblebrook Board unanimously recommends that Pebblebrook shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
Recommendation of the LaSalle Board of Trustees (See page 118)
The LaSalle Board, by a unanimous vote of all trustees present (with only Mr. Scott not present due to his hospitalization), (i) determined that the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of LaSalle and LaSalle shareholders, (ii) authorized and approved each of the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (iii) approved and adopted the merger agreement.
The LaSalle Board, by a unanimous vote of all trustees present (with only Mr. Scott not present due to his hospitalization) recommends that the LaSalle shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, "FOR" the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to certain executive officers of LaSalle in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the LaSalle special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
Summary of Risks Related to the Mergers (See page 50)
You should consider carefully the risk factors described below together with all of the other information included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus before deciding how to vote. The risks
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related to the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are described under the section "Risk FactorsRisks Related to the Mergers," beginning on page 50.
The Pebblebrook Special Meeting (See page 65)
The Pebblebrook special meeting will be held on November 27, 2018, beginning at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037.
At the Pebblebrook special meeting, Pebblebrook shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following matters:
Approval of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on such proposal.
Approval of the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the votes cast on such proposal.
At the close of business on the record date, trustees and executive officers of Pebblebrook and their affiliates were entitled to vote 1,350,042 Pebblebrook common shares, or approximately 1.96% of the Pebblebrook common shares issued and outstanding on that date. Pebblebrook currently expects
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that all Pebblebrook trustees and executive officers will vote their Pebblebrook common shares in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement as well as the other proposal to be considered at the Pebblebrook special meeting, although none of them is contractually obligated to do so.
Your vote as a Pebblebrook shareholder is very important. Accordingly, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the Pebblebrook special meeting in person.
The LaSalle Special Meeting (See page 70)
The LaSalle special meeting will be held on November 27, 2018, beginning at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, 806 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005.
At the LaSalle special meeting, LaSalle shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following matters:
Approval of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of at least 662/3% of all the votes entitled to be cast on such proposal.
Approval of the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to certain executive officers of LaSalle in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all votes cast on such proposal.
Approval of the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the LaSalle special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires, whether or not a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all votes cast on such proposal.
At the close of business on the record date, trustees and executive officers of LaSalle and their affiliates were entitled to vote 595,590 LaSalle common shares, or approximately 0.5% of LaSalle common shares issued and outstanding on that date. LaSalle currently expects that all LaSalle trustees and executive officers will vote their LaSalle common shares in favor of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement as well as the other proposal to be considered at the LaSalle special meeting, although none of them is contractually obligated to do so.
In addition, at the close of business on the record date, Pebblebrook OP owned and was entitled to vote 10,809,215 LaSalle common shares, or approximately 9.8% of the LaSalle common shares issued and outstanding on that date. In the merger agreement, Pebblebrook OP agreed to vote all of its LaSalle common shares in favor of the company merger.
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Your vote as a LaSalle shareholder is very important. Accordingly, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the LaSalle special meeting in person.
Opinions of Financial Advisors
Opinion of Pebblebrook's Financial Advisor (See page 124)
On September 6, 2018, in connection with the company merger, Raymond James & Associates, Inc., or Raymond James, rendered its written opinion to the Pebblebrook Board, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the merger consideration to be paid by Pebblebrook in the company merger pursuant to the merger agreement, as of September 6, 2018, based upon and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken and other matters considered by Raymond James in preparing its opinion.
Raymond James' opinion was directed to the Pebblebrook Board and only addressed the fairness from a financial point of view of the merger consideration to be paid by Pebblebrook in the company merger pursuant to the merger agreement and does not address any other aspect or implication of the mergers. The summary of Raymond James' opinion in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of its written opinion, which is included as Annex D to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and sets forth the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken and other matters considered by Raymond James in preparing its opinion. However, neither Raymond James' opinion nor the summary of its opinion and the related analyses set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are intended to be, and do not constitute, advice or a recommendation to the Pebblebrook Board or any shareholder as to how to act or vote with respect to the mergers or related matters. For the opinion of Raymond James, see "The MergersOpinion of Pebblebrook's Financial Advisor" beginning on page 124 and Annex B.
Opinions of LaSalle's Financial Advisors (See page 131)
Opinion of Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
In connection with the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, on September 6, 2018, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., which we refer to as Citi, delivered an oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by the delivery of a written opinion dated September 6, 2018, to the LaSalle Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to the holders (other than Pebblebrook and its affiliates) of the outstanding LaSalle common shares of the aggregate consideration (as defined below) to be paid to such holders pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement. As more fully described in the merger agreement, each outstanding LaSalle common share (other than any LaSalle common shares to be cancelled and retired or converted in accordance with Section 2.5(d) or Section 2.5(e) of the merger agreement) will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder thereof, either 0.92 Pebblebrook common shares or $37.80 in cash, subject to proration and certain other procedures and limitations contained in the merger agreement, as to which procedures and limitations Citi expressed no opinion, and taken in the aggregate, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.16(a) of the merger agreement, which we refer to as the aggregate consideration. The full text of Citi's written opinion dated September 6, 2018, which describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations and qualifications on the review undertaken, is attached as Annex C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated by reference. The description of Citi's opinion set forth in the section entitled "The MergersOpinions of LaSalle's Financial AdvisorsOpinion of Citi" is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of Citi's opinion. Citi's opinion was provided for the information of the LaSalle Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with its evaluation of the aggregate consideration from a financial point of view and did not address any other terms, aspects or
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implications of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Citi was not requested to consider, and its opinion did not address, LaSalle's underlying business decision to effect the mergers, the relative merits of the mergers as compared to any alternative business strategies that might exist for LaSalle or the effect of any other transaction in which LaSalle might engage. Citi's opinion is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation to any LaSalle shareholder as to how such LaSalle shareholder should vote or act on any matters relating to the proposed mergers or otherwise. Pursuant to an engagement letter between LaSalle and Citi, LaSalle has agreed to pay Citi an aggregate fee of approximately $22 million to $23 million, based on the information available as of the delivery of its opinion described in the section entitled "The MergersOpinions of LaSalle's Financial AdvisorsOpinion of Citi," $6.5 million of which became payable at or prior to the announcement of the mergers (including $1.5 million of which that became payable upon Citi's delivery of the opinion described in the section entitled "The MergersOpinions of LaSalle's Financial AdvisorsOpinion of Citi") and the remainder of which is contingent upon completion of the company merger.
Opinion of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
At a meeting of the LaSalle Board held on September 6, 2018, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, which we refer to as Goldman Sachs, delivered to the LaSalle Board its opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, as of September 6, 2018 and based upon and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of the date of the opinion, to the holders (other than Pebblebrook and its affiliates) of the outstanding LaSalle common shares of the aggregate consideration to be paid to such holders pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the merger agreement. As more fully described in the merger agreement, each outstanding LaSalle common share (other than any LaSalle common shares to be cancelled and retired or converted in accordance with Section 2.5(d) or Section 2.5(e) of the merger agreement) will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the holder thereof, either 0.92 Pebblebrook common shares or $37.80 in cash, subject to proration and certain other procedures and limitations contained in the merger agreement, as to which procedures and limitations Goldman Sachs expressed no opinion, and taken in the aggregate, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 5.16(a) of the merger agreement, which, as noted above, we refer to as the aggregate consideration.
The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated September 6, 2018, which sets forth assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex D to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated by reference. Goldman Sachs provided advisory services and its opinion for the information and assistance of the LaSalle Board in connection with its consideration of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. The Goldman Sachs opinion is not a recommendation as to how any holder of LaSalle common shares should vote or make any election with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement or any other matter. Pursuant to an engagement letter between LaSalle and Goldman Sachs, LaSalle has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs an aggregate fee of approximately $22 million to $23 million, based on the information available as of the delivery of its opinion described in the section entitled "The MergersOpinions of LaSalle's Financial AdvisorsOpinion of Goldman Sachs," $3.5 million of which became payable at or prior to the announcement of the mergers and the remainder of which is contingent upon completion of the company merger.
For further information, see the section entitled "The MergersOpinions of LaSalle's Financial Advisors" and Annex C and Annex D.
Treatment of LaSalle's Equity Awards (See page 204)
At the effective time of the company merger, (i) each outstanding LaSalle restricted share will vest and all restrictions thereon will lapse, and each such share will be cancelled in exchange for the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration; (ii) each outstanding LaSalle performance
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award will automatically become earned and vested with respect to 180% of the target number of LaSalle common shares subject to such LaSalle performance share award agreement, and each such LaSalle common share will be cancelled and each holder thereof will have the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration; and (iii) each outstanding award of LaSalle deferred shares will be cancelled and each such share will be converted into the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration. For more information regarding the treatment and valuation of LaSalle equity awards, see "The MergersInterests of LaSalle's Trustees, Executive Officers and Employees in the Mergers" beginning on page 155 and "The Merger AgreementTreatment of LaSalle Common Shares, LaSalle Preferred Shares, LaSalle Restricted Shares, LaSalle Performance Shares and LaSalle Deferred Shares" beginning on page 204.
Trustees and Management of the Combined Company After the Mergers (See page 235)
All seven members of the Pebblebrook Board will continue to serve as trustees of the combined company. No members of the LaSalle Board will serve as trustees of the combined company.
The executive officers of Pebblebrook will continue to serve as the executive officers of the combined company, with Mr. Bortz continuing to serve as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the combined company. See "Trustees and Management of the Combined Company After the Mergers" beginning on page 235.
Interests of Pebblebrook's Trustees and Executive Officers in the Mergers (See page 154)
None of Pebblebrook's executive officers or members of the Pebblebrook Board is party to an arrangement with Pebblebrook, or participates in any Pebblebrook plan, program or arrangement, that provides such executive officer or board member with financial incentives that are contingent upon the consummation of the mergers.
In anticipation of Pebblebrook entering into the merger agreement, Pebblebrook and each of its three executive officers entered into waiver agreements pursuant to which the executive officers agreed that the mergers shall not be deemed to be a "Change in Control" as defined in the executives' change in control severance agreements and all of the executives' outstanding compensatory equity award agreements. As a result of entering into these waiver agreements, each executive officer has waived (i) the payment of any amounts of cash due to the executive and (ii) accelerated vesting of any unvested performance units, common shares or LTIP Class B Units, in each case that may otherwise have been due as a result of the mergers occurring.
Interests of LaSalle's Trustees, Executive Officers and Employees in the Mergers (See page 155)
LaSalle trustees, executive officers and employees have certain interests in the mergers that are different from, or in addition to, the interests of LaSalle shareholders generally. These interests may create potential conflicts of interest. The LaSalle Board was aware of these interests and considered them, among other matters, in reaching its decision to approve the mergers and the merger agreement. These interests include the following:
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immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger, each LaSalle restricted common share that is outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger, including those held by LaSalle executive officers, will automatically become fully vested and non forfeitable, and all restrictions and repurchase rights will lapse, and LaSalle common shares represented thereby will be considered outstanding for all purposes under the merger agreement. Each holder of LaSalle restricted common shares will have the right to submit an election and receive the merger consideration, less any required tax withholdings.
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seven-day revocation period following the execution and delivery by the applicable LaSalle senior officer of a release agreement. None of the LaSalle senior officers have any employment arrangements or agreements with Pebblebrook, the surviving entity or any of their affiliates and Pebblebrook has publicly stated that its existing executive team will continue to manage the combined company following completion of the mergers.
For more information regarding these interests, see "The MergersInterests of LaSalle's Trustees, Executive Officers and Employees in the Mergers" beginning on page 155.
Listing of Pebblebrook Common Shares, Pebblebrook Series E Preferred Shares and Pebblebrook Series F Preferred Shares (See page 202)
It is a condition to each party's obligation to complete the mergers that the Pebblebrook common shares, the Pebblebrook Series E preferred shares and the Pebblebrook Series F preferred shares to be issued pursuant to the merger agreement be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. Pebblebrook has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to have the application for the listing of such Pebblebrook common shares, the Pebblebrook Series E preferred shares and the Pebblebrook Series F preferred shares accepted by the NYSE as promptly as is practicable. After the company merger is completed, LaSalle common shares, LaSalle Series I preferred shares and LaSalle Series J preferred shares will cease to be listed on the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act.
No Shareholder Appraisal Rights in the Mergers (See page 210)
No dissenters' or appraisal rights or rights of objecting shareholders will be available with respect to the mergers or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
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Conditions to Completion of the Mergers (See page 228)
A number of customary conditions must be satisfied or waived, where legally permissible, before the mergers can be consummated. These include, among others:
Neither Pebblebrook nor LaSalle can give any assurance as to when or if all of the conditions to completion of the mergers will be satisfied or waived or that the mergers will occur.
See "The Merger AgreementConditions to the Mergers" beginning on page 228.
Regulatory Approvals Required for the Mergers (See page 164)
Pebblebrook and LaSalle are not aware of any material federal or state regulatory requirements that must be complied with, or regulatory approvals that must be obtained, pursuant to the merger agreement or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
No Solicitation and Change in Recommendation (See page 217)
Under the merger agreement, each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle has agreed not to, and to cause its subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit, initiate or knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate the submission or announcement of any acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry (as those terms are defined below), (ii) furnish any non-public information regarding such party or its subsidiaries to any third party with respect to an acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry, (iii) engage in or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations with any third party with respect to any
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acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry, (iv) otherwise knowingly facilitate any effort or attempt to make an acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry, (v) terminate, waive, amend, release or modify any provision of any standstill, confidentiality or similar agreement to which any of the LaSalle parties or Pebblebrook parties, as applicable, is a party, except to the extent necessary to allow the counterparty thereof to make a private acquisition proposal to the LaSalle Board or the Pebblebrook Board, as applicable, (vi) provide any further information with respect to itself, its subsidiaries or any acquisition proposal to any third party or its representatives, (vii) approve or recommend an acquisition proposal or enter into any alternative acquisition agreement or (viii) resolve, propose or agree to do any of the foregoing.
However, prior to the approval of the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by LaSalle shareholders, and, prior to the approval of the issuance of the Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement by Pebblebrook shareholders, as applicable, LaSalle and its representative may, and Pebblebrook and its representatives may, as applicable, under certain specified circumstances, engage in discussions or negotiations with and provide any such information in response to an unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposal. Under the merger agreement, each party is required to notify the other party promptly if it receives any acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry or any request for non-public information in connection with an acquisition proposal and, among other things, keep the other party reasonably informed of the status of any discussions or negotiations with respect thereto.
Before the approval of the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by LaSalle common shareholders, the LaSalle Board may, and before the approval of the issuance of the Pebblebrook common shares in connection with the company merger by Pebblebrook shareholders, the Pebblebrook Board may, under certain specified circumstances, withdraw its recommendation to its shareholders and/or, in the case of LaSalle, terminate the merger agreement to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a superior proposal (as defined below) if the LaSalle Board or the Pebblebrook Board, as applicable, determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that failure to take such action would be inconsistent with its trustees' duties under applicable law.
For more information regarding the limitations on LaSalle and the LaSalle Board and Pebblebrook and the Pebblebrook Board to consider other proposals, see "The Merger AgreementRestriction on Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals" beginning on page 217.
Termination of the Merger Agreement (See page 230)
The merger agreement may be terminated at any time by the mutual consent of Pebblebrook and LaSalle in a written instrument.
In addition, the merger agreement may be terminated prior to the effective time of the company merger by either Pebblebrook or LaSalle under the following conditions, each subject to certain exceptions:
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The merger agreement may also be terminated by Pebblebrook if, prior to the approval of the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement by LaSalle shareholders, the LaSalle Board effects a change in recommendation (as defined below) or enters into an alternative acquisition agreement (as defined below).
The merger agreement may also be terminated by LaSalle if:
For more information regarding the rights of Pebblebrook and LaSalle to terminate the merger agreement, see "The Merger AgreementTermination of the Merger Agreement" beginning on page 230.
Termination Fee and Expenses (See page 231)
Generally, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be paid by the party incurring those fees and expenses. Additionally, upon termination of the merger agreement in certain circumstances, the merger agreement provides for the payment of a termination fee to Pebblebrook by LaSalle of $112 million. The merger agreement also provides for the payment of a termination fee to LaSalle by Pebblebrook of $81 million upon termination of the merger agreement in certain circumstances.
See "The Merger AgreementTermination Fees" beginning on page 231.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Company Merger (See page 166)
Pebblebrook and LaSalle intend that the company merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The completion of the mergers is conditioned on the receipt by each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle of an opinion from its counsel to the effect that the company merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming that the company merger qualifies as a reorganization, the U.S. federal income tax consequences for U.S. holders (as defined herein) of LaSalle common shares who receive Pebblebrook common shares and/or cash in exchange for their shares in connection with the company merger generally will be as follows:
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Non-U.S. holders (as defined elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus) who receive some or all of the merger consideration in cash may be subject to U.S. withholding tax with respect to the cash consideration. For further discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the company merger and the ownership and disposition of the common shares of the combined company, see "The MergersMaterial U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" beginning on page 164.
Holders of LaSalle common shares should consult their tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them (including the application and effect of any state, local or non-U.S. income and other tax laws) of the company merger and the ownership and disposition of the common shares of the combined company.
Accounting Treatment (See page 201)
Pebblebrook prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which we refer to as GAAP. The mergers will be accounted for by applying the acquisition method. See "The MergersAccounting Treatment" beginning on page 201 for more information.
Comparison of Rights of Pebblebrook Shareholders and LaSalle Shareholders (See page 246)
The rights of LaSalle shareholders are currently governed by and subject to the Maryland REIT Law, which we refer to as the MRL, which incorporates certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, which we refer to as the MGCL, and the declaration of trust and bylaws of LaSalle. Upon consummation of the mergers, the rights of the former LaSalle shareholders and LaSalle OP unitholders who receive Pebblebrook common shares in the mergers will be governed by the MRL and the declaration of trust and bylaws of Pebblebrook, rather than the declaration of trust and bylaws of LaSalle. Generally, the rights of Pebblebrook shareholders are substantially similar to those of LaSalle shareholders.
For a summary of certain differences between the rights of Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders, see "Comparison of Rights of Pebblebrook Shareholders and LaSalle Shareholders" beginning on page 246.
Selected Historical Financial Information of Pebblebrook
Except for the data in the table titled "Other Financial Data" below, the following selected historical financial information for each of the years during the five-year period ended December 31, 2017 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31 for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2017 have been derived from Pebblebrook's audited consolidated financial statements. The selected historical financial information for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 and the selected balance sheet data as of June 30, 2018 and 2017 have been derived from Pebblebrook's unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
You should read the selected historical financial information presented below together with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto and management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Pebblebrook included in Pebblebrook's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and its Quarterly Report on
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Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 which are incorporated herein by reference. See also "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 252.
|
For the six months ended June 30, |
For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2018 | 2017 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
|
(In thousands, except share and per-share data) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Room |
$ | 264,489 | $ | 268,092 | $ | 532,288 | $ | 568,867 | $ | 526,573 | $ | 410,600 | $ | 321,630 | ||||||||
Food and beverage |
93,778 | 92,019 | 182,737 | 191,857 | 190,852 | 148,114 | 136,531 | |||||||||||||||
Other operating |
29,289 | 27,784 | 54,292 | 55,697 | 53,439 | 40,062 | 31,056 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenues |
387,556 | 387,895 | 769,317 | 816,421 | 770,864 | 598,776 | 489,217 | |||||||||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Hotel operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Room |
64,865 | 67,623 | 134,068 | 137,312 | 124,090 | 102,709 | 83,390 | |||||||||||||||
Food and beverage |
62,924 | 61,490 | 123,213 | 126,957 | 128,816 | 104,843 | 100,244 | |||||||||||||||
Other direct and indirect |
106,362 | 106,449 | 210,692 | 219,655 | 215,169 | 166,435 | 140,564 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total hotel operating expenses |
234,151 | 235,562 | 467,973 | 483,924 | 468,075 | 373,987 | 324,198 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
49,464 | 52,246 | 102,290 | 102,439 | 95,872 | 68,324 | 55,570 | |||||||||||||||
Real estate taxes, personal property taxes, property insurance and ground rent |
24,603 | 25,750 | 48,500 | 50,488 | 46,947 | 36,878 | 31,052 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
11,179 | 12,578 | 24,048 | 28,105 | 32,335 | 28,322 | 20,542 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment and other losses |
1,378 | 1,049 | 6,003 | 12,148 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Gain on insurance settlement |
(13,088 | ) | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total operating expenses |
307,687 | 327,185 | 648,814 | 677,104 | 643,229 | 507,511 | 431,362 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
79,869 | 60,710 | 120,503 | 139,317 | 127,635 | 91,265 | 57,855 | |||||||||||||||
Interest income |
122 | 96 | 97 | 1,995 | 2,511 | 2,529 | 2,620 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(20,627 | ) | (19,046 | ) | (37,299 | ) | (43,615 | ) | (38,774 | ) | (27,065 | ) | (23,680 | ) | ||||||||
Other |
25,356 | | 2,265 | 283 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of hotel properties |
| 14,587 | 14,877 | 40,690 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings (loss) of joint venture |
| | | (64,842 | ) | 6,213 | 10,065 | 7,623 | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Income (loss) before income taxes |
84,720 | 56,347 | 100,443 | 73,828 | 97,585 | 76,794 | 44,418 | |||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit |
(1,909 | ) | 1,412 | (181 | ) | 134 | (2,590 | ) | (3,251 | ) | (1,226 | ) | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) |
82,811 | 57,759 | 100,262 | 73,962 | 94,995 | 73,543 | 43,192 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests |
299 | 213 | 374 | 258 | 327 | 677 | 274 | |||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company |
82,512 | 57,546 | 99,888 | 73,704 | 94,668 | 72,866 | 42,918 | |||||||||||||||
Distributions to preferred shareholders |
(8,047 | ) | (8,047 | ) | (16,094 | ) | (19,662 | ) | (25,950 | ) | (25,079 | ) | (22,953 | ) | ||||||||
Issuance costs of redeemed preferred shares |
| | | (7,090 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
$ | 74,465 | $ | 49,499 | $ | 83,794 | $ | 46,952 | $ | 68,718 | $ | 47,787 | $ | 19,965 | ||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders, basic |
$ | 1.08 | $ | 0.70 | $ | 1.20 | $ | 0.65 | $ | 0.95 | $ | 0.72 | $ | 0.32 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders, diluted |
$ | 1.07 | $ | 0.70 | $ | 1.19 | $ | 0.64 | $ | 0.94 | $ | 0.71 | $ | 0.32 | ||||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares, basic |
68,894,413 | 70,383,149 | 69,591,973 | 71,901,499 | 71,715,870 | 65,646,712 | 61,498,389 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares, diluted |
69,227,098 | 70,706,802 | 69,984,837 | 72,373,242 | 72,384,289 | 66,264,118 | 61,836,741 |
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As of June 30, | For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2018 | 2017 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
|
(In thousands) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in hotel properties, net |
$ | 2,439,140 | $ | 2,478,043 | $ | 2,456,450 | $ | 2,672,654 | $ | 2,673,584 | $ | 2,343,690 | $ | 1,717,611 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
17,253 | 14,337 | 25,410 | 33,410 | 26,345 | 52,883 | 55,136 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
2,954,130 | 2,603,699 | 2,590,868 | 2,809,259 | 3,058,471 | 2,767,186 | 2,114,031 | |||||||||||||||
Unsecured revolving credit facilities |
383,000 | 43,000 | 45,000 | 82,000 | 165,000 | 50,000 | | |||||||||||||||
Term loans, net of unamortized deferred financing costs |
670,888 | 672,174 | 670,406 | 671,793 | 521,883 | 298,342 | 99,430 | |||||||||||||||
Senior unsecured notes, net of unamortized deferred financing costs |
99,422 | 99,495 | 99,374 | 99,460 | 99,392 | | | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage debt, net of unamortized loan premiums and deferred financings costs |
69,304 | 71,584 | 70,457 | 142,998 | 319,320 | 492,347 | 451,917 | |||||||||||||||
Total shareholders' equity |
1,527,354 | 1,510,344 | 1,498,901 | 1,605,684 | 1,758,389 | 1,781,091 | 1,473,339 |
43
Selected Historical Financial Information of LaSalle
|
For the six months ended June 30, |
For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2018 | 2017 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||
|
(In thousands, except share and per-share data) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per Common Share: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders excluded amounts attributable to unvested restricted shares |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.18 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 2.07 | $ | 1.09 | $ | 1.89 | $ | 0.73 | ||||||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.18 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 2.07 | $ | 1.09 | $ | 1.88 | $ | 0.73 | ||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
111,134,064 | 112,937,794 | 112,975,329 | 112,791,839 | 112,685,235 | 104,188,785 | 97,041,484 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted |
111,552,469 | 113,347,580 | 113,364,092 | 113,164,599 | 113,096,420 | 104,545,895 | 97,228,671 | |||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment in hotel properties, net |
$ | 3,288,558 | $ | 3,300,353 | $ | 3,265,615 | $ | 3,672,209 | $ | 3,817,676 | $ | 3,428,556 | $ | 3,383,188 | ||||||||
Total assets |
3,651,538 | 3,894,129 | 3,814,941 | 3,944,079 | 4,069,346 | 3,698,779 | 3,577,757 | |||||||||||||||
Borrowings under credit facilities |
| | | | 21,000 | | 220,606 | |||||||||||||||
Term loans, net of unamortized debt issuance costs |
853,488 | 852,987 | 853,195 | 852,758 | 852,203 | 476,428 | 474,675 | |||||||||||||||
Bonds payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs |
| 42,472 | 42,494 | 42,455 | 42,316 | 42,144 | 42,267 | |||||||||||||||
Mortgage loans, including unamortized loan premiums, net of unamortized debt issuance costs |
224,915 | 223,970 | 224,432 | 223,494 | 508,804 | 500,963 | 514,233 | |||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities |
16 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 17 | 18 | |||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interests of common units in Operating Partnership |
3,268 | 3,340 | 3,292 | 3,277 | 3,198 | 6,660 | 6,054 | |||||||||||||||
Preferred shares, liquidation preference |
260,000 | 260,000 | 260,000 | 328,750 | 178,750 | 178,750 | 237,472 | |||||||||||||||
Total shareholders' equity |
2,358,535 | 2,524,620 | 2,473,151 | 2,558,065 | 2,374,267 | 2,441,709 | 2,103,391 | |||||||||||||||
Other Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Funds from operations (FFO) |
$ | 120,867 | $ | 149,715 | $ | 287,958 | $ | 340,768 | $ | 316,469 | $ | 275,224 | $ | 234,170 | ||||||||
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) |
142,531 | 254,809 | 414,755 | 495,016 | 369,725 | 427,466 | 292,232 | |||||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities |
126,868 | 147,952 | 281,791 | 359,251 | 337,519 | 283,236 | 245,565 | |||||||||||||||
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
(80,010 | ) | 365,726 | 286,592 | 154,154 | (642,002 | ) | (78,001 | ) | (422,045 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
(226,991 | ) | (188,848 | ) | (302,368 | ) | (384,453 | ) | 196,052 | (104,492 | ) | 154,778 | ||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share |
0.675 | 0.90 | 1.80 | 1.80 | 1.73 | 1.41 | 0.96 |
44
Selected Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information (See page F-1)
The following tables show summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information about the combined financial condition and operating results of Pebblebrook and LaSalle after giving effect to the mergers. The unaudited pro forma financial information assumes that the mergers are accounted for by applying the acquisition method and based on Pebblebrook's preliminary estimates, assumptions and pro forma adjustments as described below and in the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet data gives effect to the mergers as if they had occurred on June 30, 2018. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of income data gives effect to the mergers as if they had occurred on January 1, 2017, in each case based on the most recent valuation data available. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information listed below has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with (1) the more detailed unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information, including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and (2) the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of both Pebblebrook and LaSalle, incorporated herein by reference. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements" beginning on page F-1 and "Where You Can Find More Information" beginning on page 252.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the mergers had been consummated at the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial position. The pro forma adjustments are estimates based upon information and assumptions available at the time of the filing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
|
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pebblebrook Historical |
LaSalle Historical(1) |
LaSalle Adjustments (A) |
LaSalle Adjusted |
Pro Forma Adjustments |
Pebblebrook Pro Forma |
|||||||||||||
Operating Data |
|||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 387,556 | $ | 527,632 | $ | (78,747 | ) | $ | 448,885 | $ | | $ | 836,441 | ||||||
Total hotel operating expenses |
234,151 | 318,771 | (53,741 | ) | 265,030 | | 499,181 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
49,464 | 92,172 | (14,570 | ) | 77,602 | 676 | 127,742 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
20,627 | 20,618 | | 20,618 | 17,498 | 58,743 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
74,465 | 20,477 | (3,785 | ) | 16,692 | (34,900 | ) | 56,257 | |||||||||||
Per common share data |
|||||||||||||||||||
Basic: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders, basic |
$ | 1.08 | $ | 0.18 | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.71 | $ | 0.43 | ||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares, basic |
68,894,413 | 111,134,064 | 111,134,064 | 111,134,064 | (49,396,375 | ) | 130,632,102 | ||||||||||||
Diluted: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders, diluted |
$ | 1.07 | $ | 0.18 | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.71 | $ | 0.43 | ||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares, diluted |
69,227,098 | 111,552,469 | 111,552,469 | 111,552,469 | (49,396,375 | ) | 131,383,192 | ||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Investment in hotel properties, net |
$ | 2,439,140 | $ | 3,303,339 | $ | (701,041 | ) | $ | 2,602,298 | $ | 2,049,387 | $ | 7,090,825 | ||||||
Total assets |
2,954,130 | 3,651,538 | (2,857 | ) | 3,648,681 | 815,394 | 7,418,205 | ||||||||||||
Total debt |
1,222,614 | 1,078,403 | | 1,078,403 | 505,427 | 2,806,444 | |||||||||||||
Total equity |
1,532,634 | 2,361,819 | 18,551 | 2,380,370 | 69,470 | 3,982,474 |
45
|
Year Ended December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pebblebrook Historical |
LaSalle Historical(1) |
LaSalle Adjustments (A) |
LaSalle Adjusted |
Pro Forma Adjustments |
Pebblebrook Pro Forma |
|||||||||||||
Operating Data |
|||||||||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 769,317 | $ | 1,104,815 | $ | (160,029 | ) | $ | 944,786 | $ | | $ | 1,714,103 | ||||||
Total hotel operating expenses |
467,973 | 659,210 | (106,951 | ) | 552,259 | | 1,020,232 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
102,290 | 178,374 | (30,405 | ) | 147,969 | 8,613 | 258,872 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
37,299 | 39,366 | | 39,366 | 40,569 | 117,234 | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
83,794 | 174,609 | (10,128 | ) | 164,481 | (59,182 | ) | 189,093 | |||||||||||
Per common share data |
|||||||||||||||||||
Basic: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders, basic |
$ | 1.20 | $ | 1.54 | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | 1.45 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 1.43 | ||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares, basic |
69,591,973 | 112,975,329 | 112,975,329 | 112,975,329 | (51,237,640 | ) | 131,329,662 | ||||||||||||
Diluted: |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share available to common shareholders, diluted |
$ | 1.19 | $ | 1.54 | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | 1.45 | $ | 1.16 | $ | 1.42 | ||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares, diluted |
69,984,837 | 113,364,092 | 113,364,092 | 113,364,092 | (51,237,640 | ) | 132,111,289 |
Unaudited Comparative Per Share Information
The following table sets forth for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the six months ended June 30, 2018, selected per share information for Pebblebrook common shares on a historical and pro forma basis and for LaSalle common shares on a historical and pro forma equivalent basis after giving effect to the mergers using the acquisition purchase method of accounting. The information in the table is unaudited. You should read the tables below together with the historical consolidated financial statements and related notes of Pebblebrook and LaSalle contained in their respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and each of Pebblebrook's and LaSalle's respective Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, which are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 252.
The pro forma condensed combined LaSalle equivalent information shows the effect of the mergers from the perspective of an owner of LaSalle common shares and the information was computed by multiplying the Pebblebrook pro forma combined information by the exchange ratio of 0.92.
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined per share data is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the mergers had been consummated at the beginning of the earliest period presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial position. The pro forma adjustments are estimates based upon information and assumptions available at the time of the filing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
46
The pro forma income from continuing operations per share includes the combined income from continuing operations of Pebblebrook and LaSalle on a pro forma basis as if the mergers had been consummated on January 1, 2017 or June 30, 2018, respectively.
|
Pebblebrook | LaSalle | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Historical | Pro Forma Combined |
Historical | Pro Forma Equivalent |
||||||||
For the year ended December 31, 2017 |
||||||||||||
Net income per common share, basic |
$1.20 | $ | 1.43 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 1.32 | |||||
Net income per common share, diluted |
$1.19 | $ | 1.42 | $ | 1.54 | $ | 1.31 | |||||
Cash dividends declared per common share |
$1.52 | $ | 1.52 | $ | 1.80 | $ | 1.40 | |||||
For the six months ended June 30, 2018 |
||||||||||||
Net income per common share, basic |
$1.08 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.40 | |||||
Net income per common share, diluted |
$1.07 | $ | 0.43 | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.40 | |||||
Cash distributions declared per common share |
$0.76 | $ | 0.76 | $ | 0.675 | $ | 0.70 | |||||
As of June 30, 2018 |
||||||||||||
Net book value per common share |
$22.14 | $ | 30.31 | $ | 21.17 | $ | 27.89 |
Comparative Pebblebrook and LaSalle Market Price and Dividend Information
Pebblebrook common shares are listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "PEB." LaSalle common shares are listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "LHO." The following table presents trading information for Pebblebrook common shares and LaSalle common shares on September 5, 2018, the last trading day before public announcement of the mergers, and October 25, 2018, the latest practicable trading day before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
|
Pebblebrook Common Shares | LaSalle Common Shares | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date
|
High | Low | Close | High | Low | Close | |||||||||||||
September 5, 2018 |
$ | 38.52 | $ | 37.60 | $ | 38.49 | $ | 35.18 | $ | 34.77 | $ | 35.02 | |||||||
October 25, 2018 |
$ | 32.98 | $ | 31.62 | $ | 32.71 | $ | 32.63 | $ | 31.80 | $ | 32.49 |
For illustrative purposes, the following table provides LaSalle equivalent per share information on each of the specified dates. LaSalle equivalent per share amounts are the implied merger prices per share after taking into account the share consideration and the cash consideration (assuming that approximately 33% of LaSalle common shares receive the cash consideration).
|
Pebblebrook Common Shares | LaSalle Common Shares | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date
|
High | Low | Close | High | Low | Close | |||||||||||||
September 5, 2018 |
$ | 38.52 | $ | 37.60 | $ | 38.49 | $ | 36.22 | $ | 35.66 | $ | 36.20 | |||||||
October 25, 2018 |
$ | 32.98 | $ | 31.62 | $ | 32.71 | $ | 32.82 | $ | 31.98 | $ | 32.65 |
47
Pebblebrook's Market Price Data
Pebblebrook common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "PEB". This table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per Pebblebrook common shares, as reported by the NYSE, and distributions declared per Pebblebrook common share.
|
Price Per Common Share |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dividends Declared Per Share(1) |
|||||||||
|
High | Low | ||||||||
2015 |
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 50.17 | $ | 44.11 | $ | 0.31 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 47.06 | $ | 41.14 | $ | 0.31 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 46.66 | $ | 34.77 | $ | 0.31 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 38.88 | $ | 27.10 | $ | 0.31 | ||||
2016 |
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 29.54 | $ | 20.51 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 28.93 | $ | 23.46 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 31.85 | $ | 25.40 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 31.64 | $ | 23.56 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
2017 |
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 31.73 | $ | 26.21 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 33.84 | $ | 28.47 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 36.38 | $ | 31.29 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 38.96 | $ | 34.77 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
2018 |
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 39.74 | $ | 32.73 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 41.65 | $ | 33.17 | $ | 0.38 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 39.88 | $ | 35.66 | $ | 0.38 |
48
LaSalle's Market Price Data
LaSalle common shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "LHO". This table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per LaSalle common share, as reported by the NYSE, and distributions declared per LaSalle common share.
|
Price Per Common Share |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dividends Declared Per Share(1) |
|||||||||
|
High | Low | ||||||||
2015 |
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 43.56 | $ | 36.54 | $ | 0.375 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 39.70 | $ | 34.87 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 38.46 | $ | 27.70 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 32.10 | $ | 24.91 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
2016 |
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 26.85 | $ | 19.01 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 25.31 | $ | 21.56 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 29.10 | $ | 23.02 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 31.15 | $ | 23.05 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
2017 |
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 31.87 | $ | 27.80 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 31.75 | $ | 27.67 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 31.39 | $ | 27.48 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Fourth Quarter |
$ | 30.87 | $ | 27.44 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
2018 |
||||||||||
First Quarter |
$ | 30.99 | $ | 24.10 | $ | 0.450 | ||||
Second Quarter |
$ | 36.13 | $ | 28.23 | $ | 0.225 | ||||
Third Quarter |
$ | 35.64 | $ | 33.77 | |
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends
The following table sets forth Pebblebrook's ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends for the periods shown:
|
|
Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Six months ended June 30, 2018 |
||||||||||||||||||
|
2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred share dividends |
3.48 | 2.46 | 2.75 | 2.13 | 1.92 | 1.30 |
For purposes of computing these ratios, Pebblebrook calculates "earnings" by adding pre-tax income from continuing operations before adjustment for income or loss from equity investees, fixed charges and distributed income from equity investees and subtracting interest capitalized and preference security dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries, and "fixed charges" by adding interest expensed and capitalized, amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness, an imputed interest factor included in rentals and preference security dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries.
49
In addition to the other information included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the matters addressed in the section entitled "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements," whether you are a Pebblebrook shareholder or a LaSalle shareholder, you should carefully consider the following risks before deciding how to vote your Pebblebrook common shares and/or LaSalle common shares. In addition, you should read and consider the risks associated with each of the businesses of Pebblebrook and LaSalle because these risks will also affect the combined company. These risks can be found in the respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of Pebblebrook and LaSalle, each of which is filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should also read and consider the other information in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 252.
Neither the exchange ratio nor the cash consideration will be adjusted in the event of any change in the share price of either Pebblebrook common shares or LaSalle common shares.
Upon completion of the mergers, each outstanding LaSalle common share will be converted automatically into the right to receive (i) 0.92 Pebblebrook common share, with cash paid in lieu of any fractional shares, or (ii) $37.80 in cash, without interest. Neither the exchange ratio of 0.92 nor the cash consideration of $37.80 will be adjusted for changes in the market prices of either Pebblebrook common shares or LaSalle common shares. Changes in the market price of Pebblebrook common shares prior to the mergers will affect the market value of the merger consideration that LaSalle shareholders will receive on the completion date of the mergers. Share price changes may result from a variety of factors (many of which are beyond the control of Pebblebrook and LaSalle), including the following factors:
The market price of Pebblebrook common shares at the completion of the mergers may vary from such price on the date the merger agreement was executed, on the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and on the date of the special meetings of Pebblebrook and LaSalle. As a result, the market value of the merger consideration represented by the exchange ratio and the cash consideration will also vary. For example, based on the range of trading prices of Pebblebrook common shares during the period after September 5, 2018, the last trading day before Pebblebrook and LaSalle announced the
50
mergers, through October 25, 2018, the latest practicable date before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the exchange ratio of 0.92 represented a market value ranging from a low of $31.05 to a high of $38.53, implying merger prices per share of $31.63 and $36.23, respectively, after taking into account the cash consideration (assuming that 33% of LaSalle common shares receive the cash consideration).
Because the mergers will be completed after the date of the Pebblebrook and LaSalle special meetings, at the time of your special meeting, you will not know the exact market value of the Pebblebrook common shares you will receive upon completion of the mergers. If the market price of Pebblebrook common shares increases between the date the merger agreement was signed, the date of the Pebblebrook special meeting or the date of the LaSalle special meeting and the completion of the mergers, LaSalle shareholders could receive Pebblebrook common shares that have a market value upon completion of the mergers that is greater than the market value of such shares calculated pursuant to the exchange ratio on the date the merger agreement was signed or on the dates of the special meetings, respectively. Additionally, if the market price of Pebblebrook common shares declines between the date the merger agreement was signed, the date of the Pebblebrook special meeting or the date of the LaSalle special meeting and the completion of the mergers, LaSalle shareholders could receive Pebblebrook common shares that have a market value upon completion of the mergers that is less than the market value of such shares calculated pursuant to the exchange ratio on the date the merger agreement was signed or on the date of the Pebblebrook special meeting or the LaSalle special meeting, respectively.
Therefore, while the number of Pebblebrook common shares to be issued per LaSalle common share is fixed, (1) Pebblebrook shareholders cannot be sure of the market value of the merger consideration that will be paid to LaSalle shareholders upon completion of the mergers and (2) LaSalle shareholders cannot be sure of the market value of the merger consideration they will receive upon completion of the mergers.
Pebblebrook and LaSalle shareholders will be diluted by the mergers.
As a result of the mergers, Pebblebrook shareholders will own a smaller percentage interest in Pebblebrook than they had immediately prior to the mergers and LaSalle shareholders will own a smaller percentage interest in the combined company than they owned in LaSalle immediately prior to the mergers Upon completion of the mergers, we estimate that ownership of the issued and outstanding common shares of the combined company will be as follows (in each case assuming that all of the limited partners (excluding LaSalle and its affiliates) of LaSalle OP elect to receive Pebblebrook common shares instead of Pebblebrook OP common units):
Consequently, Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders, as a general matter, will have less influence over the management and policies of the combined company after the effective time of the company merger than they currently exercise over the management and policies of Pebblebrook and LaSalle, as the case may be.
51
Completion of the mergers is subject to many conditions and if these conditions are not satisfied or waived, the mergers will not be completed, which could result in the requirement that Pebblebrook or LaSalle pay certain termination fees.
The merger agreement is subject to many conditions which must be satisfied or waived in order to complete the mergers. For a summary of the conditions that must be satisfied or waived prior to completion of the mergers, see "The Merger AgreementConditions to the Mergers" beginning on page 228.
There can be no assurance that the conditions to completion of the mergers will be satisfied or waived or that the mergers will be completed. Failure to complete the mergers may adversely affect Pebblebrook's or LaSalle's results of operations and business prospects for the following reasons, among others: (i) each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle will incur certain transaction costs, regardless of whether the proposed mergers are completed, which could adversely affect each company's respective financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to its shareholders; and (ii) the proposed mergers, whether or not they are completed, will divert the attention of certain management and other key employees of Pebblebrook and LaSalle from ongoing business activities, including the pursuit of other opportunities that could be beneficial to Pebblebrook or LaSalle, respectively. In addition, Pebblebrook or LaSalle may terminate the merger agreement under certain circumstances, including, among other reasons, if the mergers are not completed by the end date, and if the merger agreement is terminated under certain circumstances specified in the merger agreement, Pebblebrook may be required to pay LaSalle a termination fee of $81 million, and LaSalle may be required to pay Pebblebrook a termination fee of $112 million. In addition, Pebblebrook has paid on behalf of LaSalle a termination fee of $112 million to BRE Landmark Parent L.P. in connection with LaSalle's termination of the Blackstone merger agreement, and the merger agreement does not provide for Pebblebrook to be reimbursed for such payment. See "The Merger AgreementTermination of the Merger Agreement" beginning on page 230.
Failure to complete the mergers could negatively impact the shares prices and the future business and financial results of both Pebblebrook and LaSalle.
If the mergers are not completed, the ongoing businesses of Pebblebrook and LaSalle could be adversely affected and each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle will have incurred substantial costs despite the failure to complete the mergers, including the following:
If the mergers are not completed, these costs and diversions could materially affect the business, financial results and share prices of both Pebblebrook and LaSalle.
The pendency of the mergers could adversely affect the business and operations of Pebblebrook and LaSalle.
Prior to the effective time of the company merger, some customers, lessors, lessees, hotel managers or suppliers of each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle may delay or defer decisions, which could negatively affect the revenues, earnings, cash flows and expenses of Pebblebrook and LaSalle, regardless of
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whether the mergers are completed. Similarly, current and prospective employees of Pebblebrook and LaSalle may experience uncertainty about their future roles with the combined company following the mergers, which may materially adversely affect the ability of each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle to attract and retain key personnel during the pendency of the mergers. In addition, due to operating restrictions in the merger agreement, each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle may be unable, during the pendency of the mergers, to pursue strategic transactions, undertake significant capital projects, undertake certain significant financing transactions and otherwise pursue other actions, even if such actions would prove beneficial.
The merger agreement contains provisions that could discourage a potential competing acquirer of LaSalle or Pebblebrook or could result in a competing acquisition proposal being at a lower price than it might otherwise be.
The merger agreement contains provisions that, subject to limited exceptions necessary to comply with the duties of either party's board of trustees, restrict the ability of either party to solicit, initiate or knowingly facilitate an acquisition proposal or an acquisition inquiry. Prior to receiving Pebblebrook or LaSalle shareholder approval of the mergers, either party may negotiate with a third party after receiving an unsolicited written proposal if the other party's board determines in good faith, after consultation with its financial advisors and outside legal counsel, that the acquisition proposal either constitutes a superior proposal or could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. Once a third-party proposal is received, the receiving party must, among other things, notify the other party within 24 hours following receipt of the proposal and keep the other party informed of the status and terms of the proposal and associated negotiations. In response to such a proposal, if either party's board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that the acquisition proposal constitutes a superior proposal, either party may, under certain circumstances, make a change in recommendation to such party's shareholders with respect to the mergers and enter into an agreement to consummate a competing transaction with a third party,
These provisions could discourage a potential competing acquirer that might have an interest in acquiring all or a significant part of LaSalle or Pebblebrook from considering or proposing such an acquisition, even if the potential competing acquirer was prepared to pay consideration with a higher per-share value than the value proposed to be received or realized in the mergers, or might result in a potential competing acquirer proposing to pay a lower per share value than it might otherwise have proposed to pay because of the added expense of the termination fee that may become payable in certain circumstances under the merger agreement. See "The Merger AgreementRestriction on Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals" beginning on page 217, "The Merger AgreementTermination of the Merger Agreement" beginning on page 230 and "The Merger AgreementTermination Fees" beginning on page 231.
If the mergers are not consummated by the end date, either Pebblebrook or LaSalle may terminate the merger agreement.
Either Pebblebrook or LaSalle may terminate the merger agreement if the mergers have not been consummated by the end date. However, this termination right will not be available to a party if that party failed to fulfill its obligations under the merger agreement and that failure was a principle cause of, or resulted in, the failure to consummate the mergers.
There can be no assurance that Pebblebrook will be able to secure debt financing in connection with the mergers and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement on acceptable terms, in a timely manner, or at all.
The mergers are not conditioned upon Pebblebrook having received any financing at or prior to the effective time of the company merger. However, in connection with the mergers and the
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transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, Pebblebrook has entered into a bridge loan commitment letter with Bank of America and BAML. The proceeds from any loan obtained in accordance with the commitment letter may be used, among other things, to pay costs and expenses incurred in connection with the mergers and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and to repay certain indebtedness of LaSalle and its subsidiaries. However, Pebblebrook has not entered into a definitive agreement for debt financing nor has it secured alternative financing. There can be no assurance that Pebblebrook will be able to secure such financing in a timely manner, or at all. Under the terms of the merger agreement Pebblebrook is required to close the mergers irrespective of whether it has obtained financing. See "Financing Related to the Mergers" beginning on page 233.
Some of the trustees and executive officers of LaSalle have interests in the mergers that are different from, or in addition to, those of other LaSalle shareholders.
Some of the trustees and executive officers of LaSalle have arrangements that provide them with interests in the mergers that are different from, or in addition to, those of the LaSalle shareholders, generally. These interests may create potential conflicts of interest. For a description of these interests, see the section entitled "The MergersInterests of LaSalle's Trustees, Executive Officers and Employees in the Mergers" beginning on page 155.
Risks Related to the Combined Company Following the Mergers
The combined company expects to incur substantial expenses related to the mergers.
The combined company expects to incur substantial expenses in connection with completing the mergers and integrating the business, operations, networks, systems, technologies, policies and procedures of LaSalle with those of Pebblebrook. There are several systems that must be integrated, including accounting and finance and asset management. While Pebblebrook has assumed that a certain level of transaction and integration expenses would be incurred, there are a number of factors beyond its control that could affect the total amount or the timing of the combined company's integration expenses. Many of the expenses that will be incurred, by their nature, are difficult to estimate accurately at the present time. As a result, the transaction and integration expenses associated with the mergers could, particularly in the near-term, exceed the savings that the combined company expects to achieve from the elimination of duplicative expenses and the realization of economies of scale and cost savings related to the integration of the businesses following the completion of the mergers.
Following the mergers, the combined company may be unable to integrate the businesses of Pebblebrook and LaSalle successfully and realize the anticipated synergies and other benefits of the mergers or do so within the anticipated timeframe.
The mergers involve the combination of two companies that currently operate as independent public companies and their respective operating partnerships. The combined company is expected to benefit from the elimination of duplicative costs associated with operating a public company. These savings are expected to be realized upon full integration following the completion of the mergers. However, the combined company will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating the business practices and operations of Pebblebrook and LaSalle. Potential difficulties the combined company may encounter in the integration process include the following:
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For all these reasons, you should be aware that it is possible that the integration process could result in the distraction of the combined company's management, the disruption of the combined company's ongoing business or inconsistencies in the combined company's operations, services, standards, controls, procedures and policies, any of which could adversely affect the ability of the combined company to maintain relationships with third-party hotel management companies, vendors and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the mergers, or could otherwise adversely affect the business and financial results of the combined company.
Following the mergers, the combined company may be unable to retain key employees.
The success of the combined company after the mergers will depend in part upon its ability to retain key Pebblebrook and LaSalle employees. Key employees may depart either before or after the mergers because of issues relating to the uncertainty and difficulty of integration or a desire not to remain with the combined company following the mergers. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that Pebblebrook, LaSalle or, following the mergers, the combined company will be able to retain key employees to the same extent as in the past.
The combined company's anticipated level of indebtedness will increase upon completion of the mergers and will increase the related risks Pebblebrook now faces.
In connection with the mergers, the combined company will assume and/or refinance certain indebtedness of both Pebblebrook and LaSalle, will incur additional indebtedness to pay the cash consideration and will be subject to increased risks associated with debt financing, including an increased risk that the combined company's cash flows could be insufficient to meet required payments on its debt. On June 30, 2018, Pebblebrook had indebtedness of $1.2 billion, including $383 million of outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility, a total of $675 million of outstanding term loans, a total of $100 million of unsecured notes and a total of $69 million of outstanding mortgage debt and LaSalle had $1.1 billion. After giving effect to the mergers, the combined company's total pro forma consolidated indebtedness will increase. Taking into account Pebblebrook's existing indebtedness and the assumption and/or refinancing of indebtedness in the mergers, the combined company's pro forma consolidated indebtedness as of June 30, 2018, after giving effect to the mergers, would be approximately $2.9 billion. As of October 25, 2018, Pebblebrook had an outstanding balance of $424 million on its revolving credit facility.
The combined company's increased indebtedness could have important consequences to holders of the combined company's common shares and preferred shares, including LaSalle shareholders who receive Pebblebrook common shares in the mergers, including:
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its cash flow to fund working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures and general corporate requirements;
If the combined company defaults under a mortgage loan, it will automatically be in default under any other loan that has cross-default provisions, and it may lose the properties securing these loans.
The future results of the combined company will suffer if the combined company does not effectively manage its expanded operations following the mergers.
Following the mergers, the combined company expects to continue to expand its operations through additional acquisitions, some of which may involve complex challenges. The future success of the combined company will depend, in part, upon the ability of the combined company to manage its expansion opportunities, which may pose substantial challenges for the combined company to integrate new operations into its existing business in an efficient and timely manner, and upon its ability to successfully monitor its operations, costs and regulatory compliance, and to maintain other necessary internal controls. There is no assurance that the company's expansion or acquisition opportunities will be successful, or that the combined company will realize its expected operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements, synergies or other benefits.
Counterparties to certain significant agreements with Pebblebrook or LaSalle may exercise contractual rights under such agreements in connection with the mergers.
Each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle is party to certain agreements that give the counterparty certain rights following a "change in control," including in some cases the right to terminate the agreement. Under some such agreements, the mergers may constitute a change in control and therefore the counterparty may exercise certain rights under the agreement upon the completion of the mergers. Any such counterparty may request modifications of their respective agreements as a condition to granting a waiver or consent under their agreement. There can be no assurances that such counterparties will not exercise their rights under these agreements, including termination rights where available, or that the exercise of any such rights under, or modification of, these agreements will not adversely affect the business or operations of the combined company.
Risks Related to an Investment in the Common Shares of the Combined Company Following the Mergers
The market price and trading volume of the common shares of the combined company may be volatile.
The U.S. stock markets, including the NYSE, on which it is anticipated that the common shares of the combined company will be listed under the symbol "PEB," have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. As a result, the market price of the common shares of the combined company is likely to be similarly volatile, and investors in the common shares of the combined company may experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to the combined company's operating performance or prospects. Pebblebrook and LaSalle cannot assure you that the market price of the common shares of the combined company will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future.
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In addition to the risks listed in this "Risk Factors" section, a number of factors could negatively affect the combined company's share price or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of the common shares of the combined company, including:
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the price of their common shares. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert the attention and resources of the combined company's management, which could have a material adverse effect on the combined company's cash flows, its ability to execute its business strategy and the combined company's ability to make distributions to its shareholders.
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The market price of the common shares of the combined company may be affected by factors different from those affecting the prices of Pebblebrook common shares or LaSalle common shares before the mergers.
The results of operations of the combined company, as well as the market price of the common shares of the combined company, after the mergers may be affected by other factors in addition to those currently affecting Pebblebrook's or LaSalle's results of operations and the market prices of Pebblebrook common shares and LaSalle common shares. These factors include:
Accordingly, the historical market prices and financial results of Pebblebrook and LaSalle may not be indicative for the combined company after the mergers. For a discussion of the businesses of Pebblebrook and LaSalle and certain risks to consider in connection with investing in those businesses, see the documents incorporated by reference by Pebblebrook and LaSalle into this joint proxy statement/prospectus referred to under "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference."
The market price of the common shares of the combined company may decline following the mergers.
The market price of the combined company's common shares may decline following the mergers if the combined company does not achieve the perceived benefits of the mergers as rapidly or to the extent anticipated by financial or industry analysts, or the effect of the mergers on the combined company's financial results is not consistent with the expectations of financial or industry analysts.
In addition, upon completion of the mergers, Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders will own interests in a combined company operating an expanded business with a different mix of properties, risks and liabilities. Current Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders may not wish to continue to invest in the combined company, or for other reasons may wish to dispose of some or all of their shares of the combined company. If, following the effective time of the company merger, large amounts of the combined company's common shares are sold, the market price of the combined company's common shares could decline.
The combined company cannot assure you that it will be able to continue paying dividends at or above the rate currently paid by Pebblebrook.
Following the mergers, the shareholders of the combined company may not receive dividends at the same rate they received dividends as Pebblebrook shareholders or as LaSalle shareholders for various reasons, including the following:
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Shareholders of the combined company will have no contractual or other legal right to dividends that have not been declared by the combined company's board of trustees.
The historical and unaudited pro forma combined financial information included elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus may not be representative of the combined company's results following the effective time of the company merger, and accordingly, you have limited financial information on which to evaluate the combined company.
The unaudited pro forma combined financial information included elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus has been presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that actually would have occurred had the mergers been completed as of the date indicated, nor is it indicative of the future operating results or financial position of the combined company. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information does not reflect future events that may occur after the effective time of the company merger, including the costs related to the planned integration of the two companies and any future nonrecurring charges resulting from the mergers, and does not consider potential impacts of current market conditions on revenues or expense efficiencies. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information presented elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is based in part on certain assumptions regarding the mergers that Pebblebrook and LaSalle believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Pebblebrook and LaSalle cannot assure you that the assumptions will prove to be accurate over time.
The combined company may incur adverse tax consequences if Pebblebrook or LaSalle has failed or fails to qualify as a REIT.
Each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle has operated in a manner that it believes has allowed it to qualify as a REIT under the Code and intends to continue to do so through the time of the company merger. Pebblebrook intends to continue operating in such a manner following the company merger. Neither Pebblebrook nor LaSalle has requested or plans to request a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, which we refer to as the IRS, that it qualifies as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable Treasury Regulations is greater in the case of a REIT, like each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle, that holds its assets through a partnership. The determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within the control of Pebblebrook or LaSalle may affect its ability to qualify as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle must satisfy a number of requirements, including requirements regarding the ownership of its shares and the composition of its gross income and assets. Also, a REIT must distribute to shareholders annually at least 90% of its net taxable income, excluding any net capital gains.
If Pebblebrook (or, following the company merger, the combined company) loses its REIT status, or is determined to have lost its REIT status in a prior year, it will face serious tax consequences that would substantially reduce its cash available for distribution, including cash available to pay dividends to its shareholders, because:
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Even if Pebblebrook (or, following the company merger, the combined company) retains its REIT status, if LaSalle is determined to have lost its REIT status for a taxable year ending on or before the company merger, LaSalle would be subject to adverse tax consequences similar to those described above. This could substantially reduce the combined company's cash available for distribution, including cash available to pay dividends to its shareholders, because, assuming that the combined company otherwise maintains its REIT qualification:
If there is an adjustment to LaSalle's taxable income or dividends paid deductions, the combined company could elect to use the deficiency dividend procedure in order to maintain LaSalle's REIT status. That deficiency dividend procedure could require the combined company to make significant distributions to its shareholders and to pay significant interest to the IRS.
As a result of all these factors, Pebblebrook's (or following the mergers, the combined company's) or LaSalle's failure to qualify as a REIT could impair the combined company's ability to expand its business and raise capital, and would materially adversely affect the value of its shares.
Risks Related to Pebblebrook's Qualification as a REIT
You should read and consider the risk factors specific to Pebblebrook's qualification as a REIT, which will also affect the combined company after the mergers. These risks are described in Part I, Item 1A of Pebblebrook's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 under the heading "Federal Income Tax Risk Factors" and in other documents that are incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Refer to the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 252. If the company merger does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization, there may be adverse tax consequences.
Risks Related to LaSalle's Qualification as a REIT
You should read and consider the risk factors specific to LaSalle's qualification as a REIT, which will also affect the combined company after the mergers. These risks are described in Part I, Item 1A of LaSalle's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 under the heading "Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT," and in other documents that are incorporated by reference
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into this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Refer to the section entitled "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 252.
If the company merger does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization, LaSalle shareholders may recognize taxable gain.
The completion of the mergers is conditioned on the receipt by each of Pebblebrook and LaSalle of an opinion of its respective counsel to the effect that the company merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. However, these legal opinions will not be binding on the IRS or on the courts. If the company merger were to fail to qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, then each LaSalle shareholder generally would recognize gain or loss, as applicable, equal to the difference between (i) the sum of the fair market value of the Pebblebrook common shares and/or cash received by the LaSalle shareholder in the company merger; and (ii) the LaSalle shareholder's adjusted tax basis in its LaSalle common shares exchanged therefor.
The combined company depends on key personnel for its future success, and the loss of key personnel or inability to attract and retain personnel could harm the combined company's business.
The future success of the combined company depends in large part on its ability to hire and retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel. The future success of the combined company also depends upon the service of the combined company's executive officers, who have extensive market knowledge and relationships and will exercise substantial influence over the combined company's operational, financing, acquisition and disposition activity.
The executive officers of Pebblebrook immediately prior to the effective time of the company merger will continue to serve as the executive officers of the combined company, with Jon E. Bortz continuing to serve as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the combined company. These officers have extensive experience and strong reputations in the industry. The loss of services of one or more members of the combined company's senior management team, or the combined company's inability to attract and retain highly qualified personnel, could adversely affect the combined company's business, diminish the combined company's investment opportunities and weaken its relationships with lenders and business partners, which could materially and adversely affect the combined company.
Pebblebrook and LaSalle face other risks.
The foregoing risks are not exhaustive, and you should be aware that, following the mergers, the combined company will face various other risks, including those discussed in reports filed by Pebblebrook and LaSalle with the SEC. See "Where You Can Find More Information and Incorporation by Reference" beginning on page 252.
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This joint proxy statement/prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this joint proxy statement/prospectus contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and markets in which Pebblebrook and LaSalle operate and beliefs of, and assumptions made by, Pebblebrook management and LaSalle management and involve uncertainties that could significantly affect the financial results of Pebblebrook, LaSalle or the combined company. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the anticipated benefits of the business combination transaction involving Pebblebrook and LaSalle, including future financial and operating results, and the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that Pebblebrook and LaSalle expect or anticipate will occur in the futureincluding statements relating to expected synergies, improved liquidity and balance sheet strengthare forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although Pebblebrook and LaSalle believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, Pebblebrook and LaSalle can give no assurance that their expectations will be attained and therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect outcomes and results include, but are not limited to:
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Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described above or elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date they were prepared.
All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that Pebblebrook, LaSalle or persons acting on their behalf may issue.
Neither Pebblebrook nor LaSalle undertakes any duty to update any forward-looking statements appearing in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and Pebblebrook Hotel, L.P.
Pebblebrook
Hotel Trust
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(240) 507-1300
www.pebblebrookhotels.com
Pebblebrook Hotel Trust is an internally managed hotel investment company, organized in October 2009 to opportunistically acquire and invest in hotel properties located primarily in major U.S. cities, with an emphasis on the major gateway coastal markets. As of June 30, 2018, the Company owned 28 hotels with a total of 6,972 guest rooms.
Pebblebrook common shares are listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol "PEB".
Pebblebrook
Hotel, L.P.
7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(240) 507-1300
Substantially all of Pebblebrook's assets are held by, and all of its operations are conducted through, Pebblebrook Hotel, L.P., which we refer to as Pebblebrook OP. Pebblebrook is the sole general partner of Pebblebrook OP. At June 30, 2018, Pebblebrook owned 99.7% of the Pebblebrook OP common units issued by Pebblebrook OP. The remaining 0.3% of Pebblebrook OP common units are owned by other limited partners of Pebblebrook OP.
LaSalle Hotel Properties and LaSalle Hotel Operating Partnership, L.P.
LaSalle
Hotel Properties
7550 Wisconsin Avenue, 10th Floor
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 941-1500
www.lasallehotels.com
LaSalle Hotel Properties was organized as a Maryland real estate investment trust on January 15, 1998, and primarily buys, owns, redevelops and leases upscale and luxury full-service hotels located in convention, resort and major urban business markets. LaSalle is a self-administered REIT.
LaSalle common shares are listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol "LHO".
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LaSalle Hotel Operating Partnership, L.P.
7550 Wisconsin Avenue, 10th Floor
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 941-1500
LaSalle OP was formed as a Delaware limited partnership on January 13, 1998. LaSalle is the general partner of the LaSalle OP, and, as of June 30, 2018, owned through a combination of direct and indirect interests, approximately 99.9% of the common units of LaSalle OP. The remaining 0.1% is held by limited partners who owned 145,223 LaSalle OP common units as of June 30, 2018.
References to the combined company are to Pebblebrook after the effective time of the mergers. The combined company will be named "Pebblebrook Hotel Trust" and will be a Maryland real estate investment trust. At the effective time of the company merger, all of the seven members of the Pebblebrook Board will continue to serve as the trustees of the combined company. No members of the LaSalle Board will serve as trustees of the combined company. The executive officers of Pebblebrook will continue to serve as the executive officers of the combined company, with Mr. Bortz continuing to serve as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of the combined company. The combined company is expected to have a pro forma enterprise value of approximately $7.6 billion and a total market capitalization of approximately $4.3 billion (in each case based on the closing price of Pebblebrook common shares on October 25, 2018 of $32.71, and assuming that all LaSalle shareholders elect to receive the maximum cash amount). The combined company's asset base after the completion of the mergers will consist primarily of 66 hotel properties (assuming that the sale of three LaSalle hotels under contract for sale is completed as expected immediately prior to completion of the mergers), and the combined company will have a greater presence in key urban markets in the United States, including significant exposure to major market West Coast cities with strong long-term growth and high barriers to entry.
The business of the combined company will be operated through Pebblebrook OP and its subsidiaries, including the surviving partnership. After giving effect to the mergers, Pebblebrook OP will hold a limited partnership interest in the surviving partnership, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Pebblebrook OP will be the general partner of the surviving partnership. The Pebblebrook parties will have the full, exclusive and complete responsibility for and discretion in the day-to-day management and control of Pebblebrook OP and the surviving partnership.
The common shares of the combined company will continue to be listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol "PEB".
The combined company's principal executive offices will be located at Pebblebrook's current offices, 7315 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1100 West, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
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THE PEBBLEBROOK SPECIAL MEETING
This joint proxy statement/prospectus is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies from Pebblebrook shareholders for use at the Pebblebrook special meeting. This joint proxy statement/prospectus and accompanying form of proxy are first being mailed to Pebblebrook shareholders on or about [ · ], 2018.
Date, Time, Place and Purpose of the Pebblebrook Special Meeting
The special meeting of the Pebblebrook shareholders will be held on November 27, 2018, beginning at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the offices of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037 for the following purposes:
A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus, which Pebblebrook encourages you to read carefully in its entirety.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus also contains information regarding the LaSalle special meeting, including the items of business for the LaSalle special meeting. Pebblebrook shareholders are not voting on the proposals to be voted on at the LaSalle special meeting.
Recommendation of the Pebblebrook Board of Trustees
The Pebblebrook Board has unanimously (i) determined and declared that the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of Pebblebrook and Pebblebrook shareholders, (ii) approved the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (iii) authorized and approved the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. Certain factors considered by the Pebblebrook Board in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement can be found in the section entitled "The MergersRecommendation of the Pebblebrook Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers" beginning on page 122.
The Pebblebrook Board unanimously recommends that Pebblebrook shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
Pebblebrook Record Date; Who Can Vote at the Pebblebrook Special Meeting
Only holders of record of Pebblebrook common shares at the close of business on October 23, 2018, Pebblebrook's record date, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Pebblebrook special meeting and any adjournment of the special meeting. As of the record date, there were 69,039,917 Pebblebrook common shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the Pebblebrook special meeting, held by approximately 19 shareholders of record.
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Each Pebblebrook common share owned on Pebblebrook's record date is entitled to one vote on each proposal at the Pebblebrook special meeting.
Approval of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on such proposal.
Approval of the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast on such proposal.
Regardless of the number of Pebblebrook common shares you own, your vote is important. Please complete, sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card today or vote by phone or Internet.
Pebblebrook's bylaws provide that the presence in person or by proxy of shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting on any matter constitutes a quorum at a meeting of its shareholders. Shares that are voted and shares abstaining from voting are treated as being present at the Pebblebrook special meeting for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present.
Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes
Abstentions will be counted in determining the presence of a quorum, but broker non-votes will not be counted in determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. Broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast on such proposal and therefore will also have no effect on the outcome of the proposal as long as a quorum is present. Abstentions will have no effect on the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. Broker non-votes will also have no effect on such proposal.
Pebblebrook shareholders may vote for or against the proposals submitted at the Pebblebrook special meeting in person or by proxy. Pebblebrook shareholders can authorize a proxy in the following ways:
Pebblebrook shareholders should refer to their proxy cards or the information forwarded by their broker or other nominee to see which options are available to them.
The Internet and telephone proxy submission procedures are designed to authenticate shareholders and to allow them to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. If you submit a proxy over the Internet or by telephone, then you need not return a written proxy card or voting instruction
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card by mail. The Internet and telephone facilities available to record holders will close at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on November 26, 2018.
The method by which Pebblebrook shareholders submit a proxy will in no way limit their right to vote at the Pebblebrook special meeting if they later decide to attend the meeting and vote in person. If Pebblebrook common shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, Pebblebrook shareholders must obtain a proxy, executed in their favor, from the broker or other nominee, to be able to vote in person at the Pebblebrook special meeting.
All Pebblebrook common shares entitled to vote and represented by properly completed proxies received prior to the Pebblebrook special meeting, and not revoked, will be voted at the Pebblebrook special meeting as instructed on the proxies. If Pebblebrook shareholders of record return properly executed proxies but do not indicate how their Pebblebrook common shares should be voted on a proposal, the Pebblebrook common shares represented by their properly executed proxy will be voted as the Pebblebrook Board recommends and, therefore, "FOR" the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. If you do not provide voting instructions to your broker or other nominee, your Pebblebrook common shares will NOT be voted and will be considered broker non-votes.
If Pebblebrook shareholders hold Pebblebrook common shares in an account of a broker or other nominee and they wish to vote such shares, they must return their voting instructions to the broker or other nominee.
If Pebblebrook shareholders hold Pebblebrook common shares in an account of a broker or other nominee and attend the Pebblebrook special meeting, they should bring a letter from their broker or other nominee identifying them as the beneficial owner of such Pebblebrook common shares, but they will need a "legal proxy" from the broker or other nominee to vote those shares at the Pebblebrook special meeting.
If Pebblebrook shareholders hold their shares in "street name" and they fail to provide their broker or other nominee with any instructions regarding how to vote their Pebblebrook common shares, their Pebblebrook common shares held by brokers and other nominees will NOT be voted, and will NOT be present for purposes of determining a quorum.
Revocation of Proxies or Voting Instructions
Pebblebrook shareholders of record may change their vote or revoke their proxy at any time before it is exercised at the Pebblebrook special meeting by:
Attending the Pebblebrook special meeting without voting will not revoke your proxy.
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Pebblebrook shareholders who hold Pebblebrook common shares in an account of a broker or other nominee may revoke their voting instructions by following the instructions provided by their broker or other nominee.
Pebblebrook will appoint an inspector of election for the Pebblebrook special meeting to determine whether a quorum is present and tabulate affirmative and negative votes and abstentions.
Solicitation of Proxies; Payment of Solicitation Expenses
The solicitation of proxies from Pebblebrook shareholders is made on behalf of the Pebblebrook Board. Pebblebrook will pay the cost of soliciting proxies from Pebblebrook shareholders. Pebblebrook has engaged Okapi to assist in the solicitation of proxies for the special meeting and Pebblebrook estimates it will pay Okapi a fee of approximately $30,000, plus an additional $100,000 upon the completion of the mergers. Pebblebrook has also agreed to reimburse Okapi for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proxy solicitation and to indemnify Okapi against certain losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses.
Pebblebrook's trustees, officers and employees also may solicit proxies by mail, personal interview, telephone, facsimile, e mail, on the Internet or otherwise. Pebblebrook's trustees, officers and employees will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies. Pebblebrook also will request persons, firms and corporations holding shares in their names, or in the names of their nominees, that are beneficially owned by others to send or cause to be sent proxy materials to, and obtain proxies from, such beneficial owners and will reimburse such holders for their reasonable expenses in so doing.
Although it is not currently expected, the Pebblebrook special meeting may be adjourned for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies if the holders of a sufficient number of Pebblebrook common shares are not present at the Pebblebrook special meeting, in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum or if Pebblebrook believes it is reasonably likely that the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement will not be approved at the Pebblebrook special meeting when convened on November 27, 2018, or when reconvened following any adjournment. Any adjournments may be made to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice (other than by an announcement at the Pebblebrook special meeting), by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal to approve any adjournment, whether or not a quorum exists, or by the Pebblebrook Board for any reason (subject to certain restrictions in the merger agreement, including that the Pebblebrook special meeting may not be held, without LaSalle's consent, on a date that is more than 30 days after the date on which the Pebblebrook special meeting was originally scheduled).
At any time prior to convening the Pebblebrook special meeting, the Pebblebrook Board may postpone the Pebblebrook special meeting for any reason without the approval of the Pebblebrook shareholders (subject to certain restrictions in the merger agreement, including that the Pebblebrook special meeting may not be held, without LaSalle's consent, on a date that is more than 30 days after the date on which the Pebblebrook special meeting was originally scheduled).
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PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO PEBBLEBROOK SHAREHOLDERS
Common Shares Issuance Proposal
(Proposal 1 on the Pebblebrook Proxy Card)
Pebblebrook shareholders are asked to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement. For a summary and detailed information regarding this proposal, see the information about the mergers and the merger agreement throughout this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the information set forth in sections entitled "The Mergers" beginning on page 76 and "The Merger Agreement" beginning on page 203. A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all votes cast at the special meeting on the proposal.
Pursuant to the merger agreement, approval of this proposal is a condition to the completion of the mergers. If the proposal is not approved, the mergers will not be completed.
Recommendation of the Pebblebrook Board of Trustees
The Pebblebrook Board unanimously recommends that Pebblebrook shareholders vote FOR the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
Pebblebrook Adjournment Proposal
(Proposal 2 on the Pebblebrook Proxy Card)
Pebblebrook shareholders are being asked to approve a proposal to adjourn the Pebblebrook special meeting one or more times to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to permit, among other things, further solicitation of proxies, if necessary or appropriate, to obtain additional votes in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement if there are not sufficient votes at the time of the Pebblebrook special meeting to approve such proposal. Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all votes cast at the special meeting on the proposal.
If, at the Pebblebrook special meeting, the number of Pebblebrook common shares present in person or represented by proxy and voting in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement is insufficient to approve the proposal, Pebblebrook intends to move to adjourn the Pebblebrook special meeting in order to enable the Pebblebrook Board to solicit additional proxies for approval of the proposal.
Recommendation of the Pebblebrook Board of Trustees
The Pebblebrook Board unanimously recommends that Pebblebrook shareholders vote FOR the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the Pebblebrook special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Pebblebrook common shares pursuant to the merger agreement.
No business may be brought before the Pebblebrook special meeting except as set forth in the notice.
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This document is being furnished to LaSalle shareholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies from holders of LaSalle common shares by the LaSalle Board to be exercised at the LaSalle special meeting. This document and accompanying form of proxy are first being mailed to LaSalle common shareholders on or about [ · ], 2018.
Date, Time, Place and Purpose of the LaSalle Special Meeting
A special meeting of LaSalle's common shareholders will be held on November 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, 806 15th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20005 for the following purposes:
No other business may be acted upon at the LaSalle special meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. Holders of at least 662/3% of LaSalle's outstanding common shares entitled to vote at the LaSalle special meeting must approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement for the mergers to occur.
A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus, which LaSalle encourages you to read carefully in its entirety.
This joint proxy statement/prospectus also contains information regarding the Pebblebrook special meeting, including the items of business for the Pebblebrook special meeting. LaSalle shareholders are not voting on the proposals to be voted on at the Pebblebrook special meeting.
Recommendation of the LaSalle Board of Trustees
The LaSalle Board, by a unanimous vote of all trustees present (with only Mr. Scott not present due to his hospitalization), (i) determined that the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable and in the best interests of LaSalle and LaSalle shareholders, (ii) authorized and approved the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement and (iii) approved and adopted the merger agreement. Certain factors considered by the LaSalle Board in reaching its decision to approve the merger agreement, the mergers and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement can be found in the section entitled "The MergersRecommendation of the LaSalle Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers" beginning on page 118.
The LaSalle Board, by a unanimous vote of all trustees present (with only Mr. Scott not present due to his hospitalization), recommends that LaSalle shareholders vote "FOR" the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, "FOR" the non-binding advisory proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to certain executive officers of LaSalle in connection with the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and "FOR" the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the LaSalle special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the company merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
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Record Date, Notice and Quorum
All holders of record of LaSalle common shares as of the record date, which was the close of business on October 23, 2018, are entitled to receive notice of and attend and vote at the LaSalle special meeting or any postponement or adjournment of the LaSalle special meeting. Each LaSalle common shareholder will be entitled to cast one vote on each matter presented at the LaSalle special meeting for each LaSalle common share that such holder owned as of the record date. On the record date, there were 110,397,737 LaSalle common shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the LaSalle special meeting.
The presence in person or by proxy of LaSalle shareholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast as of the close of business on the record date will constitute a quorum for purposes of the LaSalle special meeting. A quorum is necessary to transact business at the LaSalle special meeting. Abstentions will be counted as shares present for the purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. If a quorum is not present at the LaSalle special meeting, LaSalle expects that the LaSalle special meeting will be adjourned to a later date.
Completion of the mergers requires approval of the merger proposal by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares as of the record date for the LaSalle special meeting. Each LaSalle common shareholder is entitled to cast one vote on each matter presented at the LaSalle special meeting for each LaSalle common share owned by such shareholder on the record date. Because the required vote for the merger proposal is based on the number of votes LaSalle's common shareholders are entitled to cast rather than on the number of votes cast, failure to vote your LaSalle common shares (including failure to give voting instructions to your broker or other nominee) and abstentions will have the same effect as voting "AGAINST" the merger proposal.
In addition, the approval of the LaSalle advisory (non-binding) proposal on specified compensation and the approval of the LaSalle adjournment proposal each requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal. Approval of these proposals is not a condition to completion of the mergers. For the purpose of each of these proposals, if a LaSalle shareholder fails to cast a vote on such proposal, in person or by authorizing a proxy, such failure will not have any effect on the outcome of such proposal. Abstentions are not considered votes cast and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of such proposals.
Accordingly, in order for your LaSalle common shares to be included in the vote, if you are a shareholder of record of LaSalle common shares, you must either return the enclosed LaSalle proxy card, authorize your proxy or voting instructions by telephone or through the Internet or vote in person at the LaSalle special meeting.
As of the record date, LaSalle's trustees and executive officers owned and are entitled to vote an aggregate of approximately 595,590 LaSalle common shares, entitling them to exercise less than 1% of the voting power of the LaSalle common shares entitled to vote at the LaSalle special meeting. LaSalle's trustees and executive officers have informed LaSalle that they intend to vote the LaSalle common shares that they own in favor of the merger proposal, in favor of the LaSalle advisory (non-binding) proposal on specified compensation and in favor of the LaSalle adjournment proposal.
In addition, at the close of business on the record date, Pebblebrook OP owned and was entitled to vote 10,809,215 LaSalle common shares, or approximately 9.8% of the LaSalle common shares issued and outstanding on that date. In the merger agreement, Pebblebrook OP agreed to vote all of its LaSalle common shares in favor of the company merger.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the LaSalle special meeting will be counted by the person appointed by LaSalle to act as inspector of election for the LaSalle special meeting. The inspector of
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election will also determine the number of LaSalle common shares represented at the LaSalle special meeting, in person or by proxy.
Holders of record of LaSalle common shares may vote or cause their shares to be voted by proxy using one of the following methods:
Regardless of whether you plan to attend the LaSalle special meeting, LaSalle requests that you authorize a proxy to vote your LaSalle common shares as described above as promptly as possible.
Under NYSE rules, all of the proposals in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are non-routine matters, so there can be no broker non-votes at the LaSalle special meeting. A broker non-vote occurs when shares held by a bank, broker, trust or other nominee are represented at a meeting, but the bank, broker, trust or other nominee has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have the discretion to direct the voting of the shares on a particular proposal but has discretionary voting power on other proposals at such meeting. Accordingly, if you own LaSalle common shares through a broker, bank or other nominee (i.e., in "street name"), you must provide voting instructions in accordance with the instructions on the voting instruction card that your broker, bank or other nominee provides to you, as brokers, banks and other nominees do not have discretionary voting authority with respect to any of the three proposals described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. You should instruct your broker, bank or other nominee as to how to vote your LaSalle common shares following the directions contained in such voting instruction card. If you have not received such voting instructions or require further information regarding such voting instructions, contact your broker, bank or other nominee who can give you directions on how to vote your LaSalle common shares. If you hold your LaSalle common shares through a broker, bank or other nominee and wish to vote in person at the LaSalle special meeting, you must obtain a "legal proxy," executed in your favor, from the broker, bank or other nominee (which may take several days). Because the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of all of the outstanding LaSalle common shares, the failure to provide your bank, broker, trust or other nominee with voting instructions will have the same effect as voting "AGAINST" the merger proposal. Because the approval of each of the LaSalle advisory (non-binding) proposal on specified compensation and the LaSalle adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on such proposal, and because your bank, broker, trust or other nominee does not have discretionary authority to vote on either proposal, the failure to provide your bank, broker, trust or other nominee with voting instructions will have no effect on approval of either proposal, assuming a quorum is present.
If you authorize a proxy to vote your LaSalle common shares, your LaSalle common shares will be voted at the LaSalle special meeting as you indicate on your proxy. If no instructions are indicated when you authorize your proxy, your LaSalle common shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the LaSalle Board. The LaSalle Board recommends that you vote "FOR" the merger proposal, "FOR" the LaSalle advisory (non-binding) proposal on specified compensation and "FOR" the LaSalle adjournment proposal.
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You may revoke your proxy at any time, but only before the proxy is voted at the LaSalle special meeting, in any of three ways:
Attendance at the LaSalle special meeting will not, in itself, constitute revocation of a previously granted proxy. If you own LaSalle common shares in "street name," you may revoke or change previously granted voting instructions by following the instructions provided by the broker, bank or other nominee that is the registered owner of the shares.
No matters other than the proposals set forth above may be brought before the LaSalle special meeting.
LaSalle will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies for the LaSalle special meeting. LaSalle has engaged Mackenzie to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of approximately $75,000 ($30,000 of which was previously paid in connection with the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Blackstone merger agreement, which was terminated on September 6, 2018), plus an additional fee of $100,000 upon the completion of the mergers, plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses. LaSalle has also agreed to indemnify Mackenzie Partners, Inc. against certain losses, damages and expenses. LaSalle's trustees, officers and employees also may solicit proxies by mail, personal interview, telephone, facsimile, e-mail, on the Internet or otherwise. LaSalle's trustees, officers and employees will not be paid any additional amounts for soliciting proxies. LaSalle also will request persons, firms and corporations holding shares in their names, or in the names of their nominees, that are beneficially owned by others to send or cause to be sent proxy materials to, and obtain proxies from, such beneficial owners and will reimburse such holders for their reasonable expenses in so doing.
Although it is not currently expected, the LaSalle special meeting may be adjourned for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies if the holders of a sufficient number of LaSalle common shares are not present at the LaSalle special meeting, in person or by proxy, to constitute a quorum or if LaSalle believes it is reasonably likely that the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will not be approved at the LaSalle special meeting when convened on November 27, 2018, or when reconvened following any adjournment. Any adjournments may be made to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date without notice (other than by an announcement at the LaSalle special meeting), by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal to approve any adjournment, whether or not a quorum exists, or by the LaSalle Board for any reason (subject to certain restrictions in the merger agreement, including that the LaSalle special meeting may not be held, without Pebblebrook's consent, on a date that is more than 30 days after the date on which the LaSalle special meeting was originally scheduled).
At any time prior to convening the LaSalle special meeting, the LaSalle Board may postpone the LaSalle special meeting for any reason without the approval of LaSalle's common shareholders (subject to certain restrictions in the merger agreement, including that the LaSalle special meeting may not be held, without Pebblebrook's consent, on a date that is more than 30 days after the date on which the LaSalle special meeting was originally scheduled).
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PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO LASALLE SHAREHOLDERS
(Proposal 1 on the LaSalle Proxy Card)
The LaSalle Board is asking LaSalle shareholders to vote on the merger proposal as contemplated by the merger agreement. For detailed information regarding this proposal, see the information about the mergers and the merger agreement throughout this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the information set forth in the sections entitled "The Mergers" and "The Merger Agreement." A copy of the merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
Approval of the merger proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares as of the record date for the LaSalle special meeting. If you properly authorize your proxy by mail, by telephone or through the Internet, but do not indicate instructions to vote your LaSalle common shares "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" on this Proposal 1, your LaSalle common shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the LaSalle Board. Because the required vote for this proposal is based on the number of votes LaSalle shareholders are entitled to be cast rather than on the number of votes cast, failure to vote your LaSalle common shares (including failure to give voting instructions to your broker or other nominee) and abstentions will have the same effect as voting "AGAINST" the merger proposal.
Approval of this proposal is a condition to the completion of the mergers. In the event this proposal is not approved, the mergers cannot be completed.
Recommendation of the LaSalle Board
The LaSalle Board recommends that LaSalle common shareholders vote "FOR" the merger proposal.
LaSalle Advisory (Non-Binding) Proposal on Specified Compensation
(Proposal 2 on the LaSalle Proxy Card)
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and Rule 14a-21(c) under the Exchange Act, the LaSalle Board is asking LaSalle common shareholders to vote at the LaSalle special meeting on an advisory basis regarding the compensation that may be paid or become payable to LaSalle's named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the company merger. Information intended to comply with Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K concerning this compensation, subject to certain assumptions described therein, is presented in the section entitled "The MergersInterests of LaSalle's Trustees, Executive Officers and Employees in the MergersQuantification of Payments and Benefits."
The LaSalle shareholder vote on executive compensation is an advisory vote only, and it is not binding on LaSalle or the LaSalle Board. Further, the underlying arrangements are contractual in nature and not, by their terms, subject to shareholder approval. Accordingly, regardless of the outcome of the advisory vote, if the company merger is completed, LaSalle's named executive officers will be eligible to receive the compensation that may be paid or become payable to LaSalle's named executive officers that is based on or otherwise relates to the company merger, in accordance with the terms and conditions applicable to such compensation. Approval of this proposal is not a condition to completion of the mergers.
The LaSalle Board is asking LaSalle shareholders to vote "FOR" the following resolution:
"RESOLVED, that LaSalle Hotel Properties' common shareholders approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of LaSalle Hotel Properties that is based on or otherwise relates to the company merger, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K under the heading "The MergersInterests of LaSalle's
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Trustees, Executive Officers and Employees in the MergersQuantification of Payments and Benefits'Golden Parachute' Compensation" beginning on page 161 of the joint proxy statement/prospectus dated [ · ], 2018 (which disclosure includes the Golden Parachute Compensation Table required pursuant to Item 402(t) of Regulation S-K)."
Adoption of the above resolution, on a non-binding, advisory basis, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal. If you properly authorize your proxy by mail, by telephone or through the Internet, but do not indicate instructions to vote your LaSalle common shares "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" on this Proposal 2, your LaSalle common shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the LaSalle Board. An abstention or failure to vote on this proposal will have no effect on the approval of this proposal.
Recommendation of the LaSalle Board
The LaSalle Board recommends that LaSalle shareholders vote "FOR" the LaSalle advisory (non-binding) proposal on specified compensation.
(Proposal 3 on the LaSalle Proxy Card)
The LaSalle Board is asking LaSalle common shareholders to vote on a proposal that will give the LaSalle Board the authority to adjourn the LaSalle special meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the LaSalle special meeting to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
Approval of the LaSalle adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal. Approval of this proposal is not a condition to the completion of the mergers. If you properly authorize your proxy by mail, by telephone or through the Internet, but do not indicate instructions to vote your LaSalle common shares "FOR," "AGAINST" or "ABSTAIN" on this Proposal 3, your LaSalle common shares will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the LaSalle Board. An abstention or failure to vote on this proposal will have no effect on the approval of this proposal.
In addition, even if a quorum is not present at the LaSalle special meeting, the LaSalle Board or the LaSalle shareholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the LaSalle special meeting may adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time (subject to certain restrictions in the merger agreement, including that the LaSalle special meeting may not be held, without Pebblebrook's consent, on a date that is more than 30 days after the date on which the LaSalle special meeting was originally scheduled).
Recommendation of the LaSalle Board
The LaSalle Board recommends that LaSalle shareholders vote "FOR" the LaSalle adjournment proposal.
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The following is a description of the material aspects of the mergers. While Pebblebrook and LaSalle believe that the following description covers the material terms of the mergers, the description may not contain all of the information that is important to Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders. Pebblebrook and LaSalle encourage Pebblebrook shareholders and LaSalle shareholders to carefully read this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the merger agreement and the other documents attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and incorporated herein by reference, for a more complete understanding of the mergers.
The following chronology summarizes the key meetings and events that led to the signing of the merger agreement. The following chronology does not purport to catalogue every conversation among the parties to the transaction, their boards of trustees, management or representatives and other parties.
Pebblebrook's executive officers have extensive experience with LaSalle and 35 of its 41 hotel properties. Mr. Bortz, Pebblebrook's President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, founded LaSalle and was its president, chief executive officer and a trustee from its formation in 1998 until his retirement from LaSalle in 2009 and in addition served as chairman of the LaSalle Board from 2001 until his retirement from LaSalle. During Mr. Bortz's tenure at LaSalle, LaSalle purchased 22 of the 41 hotel properties LaSalle currently owns. Mr. Martz, Pebblebrook's Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, served as LaSalle's treasurer from 2004 to 2005, vice president of finance from 2001 to 2004 and director of finance from 1998 to 2001. In addition, Pebblebrook either bid on or extensively reviewed and underwrote 12 additional LaSalle hotels, and received an offering memorandum for one other, when Pebblebrook evaluated them for purchase from third parties prior to their acquisition by LaSalle.
Given Mr. Bortz's prior experience founding and leading LaSalle, the possibility of Pebblebrook and LaSalle combining had been considered by Pebblebrook's executive officers and suggested by members of the investment community for several years, beginning as early as 2014. The possibility was suggested by certain institutional investors in meetings with Pebblebrook throughout 2017.
In October 2017, Pebblebrook management began specifically to consider the possibility of a strategic combination with LaSalle. Shortly thereafter, they spoke with representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisor, Raymond James, about the potential combination.
On October 18 and 19, 2017, the Pebblebrook Board met for its regular quarterly meeting, at which the possibility of a strategic combination with LaSalle was considered.
Between October 2017 and January 2018, Pebblebrook management continued to analyze a potential strategic combination with LaSalle and spoke with representatives of Raymond James from time to time about such a transaction.
On January 12, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, a potential strategic combination with LaSalle. Members of the Pebblebrook management team and representatives of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, which we refer to as Hunton, Pebblebrook's outside legal counsel, were present. At this meeting, representatives of Hunton reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law in considering Pebblebrook's strategic alternatives, including a combination with LaSalle. Pebblebrook management discussed with the Pebblebrook Board LaSalle's portfolio of properties and Pebblebrook management's preliminary financial analysis of a potential strategic combination with LaSalle, including parameters for a fixed exchange ratio based on the financial analysis discussed with the Pebblebrook Board. The Pebblebrook Board also considered various strategies for approaching LaSalle to discuss a potential strategic combination. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Pebblebrook Board authorized Pebblebrook to acquire up to 4.8% of
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the outstanding LaSalle common shares on terms approved by the Pebblebrook Board and also approved a plan in which Pebblebrook management would approach LaSalle's management to discuss a potential combination and deliver an offer letter in accordance with the valuation parameters of LaSalle considered by the Pebblebrook Board.
Beginning on January 12, 2018, and from time to time through February 21, 2018, Pebblebrook OP purchased, through its broker, Raymond James, an aggregate of 5,438,101 LaSalle common shares in open market transactions.
On February 13 and 14, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board met for its regular quarterly meeting, at which the potential combination with LaSalle was again discussed in detail, including a strategy for approaching LaSalle to discuss the potential combination. Pebblebrook management also discussed with the Pebblebrook Board its updated preliminary financial analysis of a potential combination with LaSalle, including having taken into consideration the then-current prices of Pebblebrook common shares and LaSalle common shares and Pebblebrook management's estimates of LaSalle's net asset value, as well as the status of Pebblebrook OP's purchases of LaSalle common shares. The Pebblebrook Board reiterated its support of the plan it had approved at its meeting on January 12, 2018, in which Pebblebrook management would approach LaSalle management to discuss a potential combination and deliver an offer letter in accordance with the potential valuation of LaSalle considered by the Pebblebrook Board.
The LaSalle Board, together with its management, regularly reviews and, when advisable, revises its long-term strategies and objectives in light of developments in real estate and lodging markets, capital market conditions and its business and capabilities. In the course of reviewing its long-term strategies and objectives, the LaSalle Board and management have considered various potential strategic alternatives with the goal of maximizing shareholder value, including potential acquisitions, dispositions and business combination transactions, and have recognized that LaSalle continues to face challenges as a public company. These challenges include the cyclical nature of the lodging industry and the advanced stage of the lodging industry's current economic recovery cycle, the risk of a slowdown of the economy, expected increases in interest rates which could increase the cost of debt, the increase in supply in the lodging industry which over time could drive down both hotel occupancy and room rates and the challenges of acquiring assets on an accretive basis to expand the portfolio in light of the intensely competitive environment and strong price appreciation for luxury, upper upscale and upscale hotels in LaSalle's core markets. The LaSalle Board considered the potential negative impact of such factors on the results of the operations of the lodging industry, including LaSalle, and the related downside risks in its common share price.
On February 20, 2018, LaSalle announced its results of operations for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017, including a decrease in room revenue per available room and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the fourth quarter and full year 2017 as compared with the fourth quarter and full year 2016. In addition, LaSalle provided earnings guidance for the first time in two years and, based on such outlook, disclosed that the LaSalle Board expected to reduce LaSalle's quarterly dividend rate during 2018. On February 21, 2018, the closing price per LaSalle common share on the NYSE was $25.37, which represented a 10% decline from the previous trading day's closing price of $28.25.
On the evening of March 5, 2018, while attending the Citi 2018 Global Property CEO Conference in Hollywood, Florida, Michael D. Barnello, who serves as LaSalle's President and Chief Executive Officer and is a member of the LaSalle Board, and Mr. Bortz met for dinner at the invitation of Mr. Bortz. During this dinner, Mr. Bortz, at the direction of the Pebblebrook Board, stated that Pebblebrook was interested in a business combination with LaSalle and that he would be sending a written acquisition proposal to the LaSalle Board. Mr. Barnello responded that the LaSalle Board was always open to considering opportunities to maximize shareholder value and would review
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Pebblebrook's written proposal. Following the dinner, Mr. Barnello informed the other members of the LaSalle Board about Pebblebrook's expression of interest. Upon Mr. Bortz's retirement from LaSalle in September 2009, Mr. Barnello was appointed as its Chief Executive Officer and Stuart L. Scott was appointed Chairman of the LaSalle Board. The retirement of Mr. Bortz and the appointment of both Mr. Barnello and Mr. Scott were previously disclosed by LaSalle in its Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 14, 2009.
On March 6, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, Mr. Barnello's dinner with Mr. Bortz. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of its outside corporate securities counsel DLA Piper LLP (US), which we refer to as DLA Piper, were present. Mr. Barnello summarized for the LaSalle Board his discussion with Mr. Bortz. Representatives of DLA Piper reviewed with the LaSalle Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law. In light of the imminent written proposal from Pebblebrook, the LaSalle Board determined that it would be appropriate for LaSalle to retain outside financial advisors and additional outside legal counsel to assist the LaSalle Board in its evaluation of the Pebblebrook proposal and related matters. The LaSalle Board discussed that management, in consultation with several members of the LaSalle Board, had contacted financial and legal advisor candidates, including Citigroup Global Markets Inc., which we refer to as Citi, and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, which we refer to as Goldman Sachs, as financial advisors, and Goodwin Procter LLP, which we refer to as Goodwin, as additional outside legal counsel. The LaSalle Board authorized management to continue discussions with representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs regarding their candidacy to serve as financial advisors. The LaSalle Board considered Citi as a potential investment banking firm candidate to assist and advise the LaSalle Board because of Citi's qualifications, experience and reputation, long-standing relationship with LaSalle (serving as an underwriter in its equity offerings and as a lender under its credit facility and term loans) and substantial knowledge of the lodging REIT industry. The LaSalle Board considered Goldman Sachs as a potential investment banking firm candidate to assist and advise the LaSalle Board because of Goldman Sachs' qualifications, experience and reputation, its knowledge of the lodging REIT industry and its involvement in recent transactions in the REIT industry and its experience with shareholder activism and acquisition transactions generally.
Later on March 6, 2018, Messrs. Scott and Barnello received a letter from Mr. Bortz on behalf of Pebblebrook, which we refer to as the March 6 letter, and the proposal set forth therein as the March 6 proposal. The March 6 letter stated that Pebblebrook had believed for several years that there would be tremendous benefits from merging the two companies. The March 6 letter proposed an all-stock business combination of LaSalle and Pebblebrook at an implied price of $30.00 per share for 100% of outstanding LaSalle common shares based on a 10-day volume weighted average price of Pebblebrook common shares ending on March 5, 2018, paid in Pebblebrook common shares utilizing a fixed exchange ratio of 0.8655 Pebblebrook common shares for each LaSalle common share. The letter stated that the proposal represented a premium of 17.5% to current price per LaSalle common share. The letter also stated that Pebblebrook had accumulated a 4.8% ownership position in LaSalle common shares through open market purchases and proposed that the companies enter into a mutual exclusivity agreement for a mutually agreed duration. The letter also indicated that certain of LaSalle's trustees (who were not named) would join the board of trustees of the proposed combined company and that Pebblebrook's executive management team would lead the proposed combined company. In the letter, Pebblebrook requested a response from LaSalle by March 16, 2018. The March 6 letter was circulated to the LaSalle Board. On March 6, 2018, the closing price per LaSalle common share on the NYSE was $25.39.
On March 6, 2018, Mr. Bortz spoke with representatives of BAML about BAML advising Pebblebrook in connection with the proposed transaction.
On March 7, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of DLA Piper were present. The
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LaSalle Board reviewed the terms and conditions of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. In reviewing Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal, the LaSalle Board considered, among other things, that the Pebblebrook common shares being offered as consideration could fluctuate (positively or negatively) prior to the closing of the transaction, and that the proposal therefore lacked the price certainty of a cash proposal or a proposal with a meaningful cash component or a pricing collar or similar type of pricing protection mechanism. The LaSalle Board also discussed its concerns that Pebblebrook common shares trade at a significantly higher EBITDA multiple as compared to other publicly-traded lodging REITs and whether this would continue in the future. The LaSalle Board also discussed that Pebblebrook had acquired a 4.8% ownership position in LaSalle common shares and that there was significant turnover in LaSalle's shareholder base following LaSalle's announcement of financial results on February 20, 2018. After discussion, the LaSalle Board determined that it should further review Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal and any potential response to Pebblebrook in the context of LaSalle's standalone plan.
Mr. Barnello also updated the LaSalle Board on his recent discussions with representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin. The LaSalle Board determined that it would be appropriate for LaSalle to retain these financial and legal advisors to assist the LaSalle Board in its evaluation of the financial and legal aspects of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal, respectively, any response thereto and related matters. The LaSalle Board authorized management to negotiate engagement letters with each of Citi and Goldman Sachs, subject to confirmation by the LaSalle Board that Citi and Goldman Sachs, respectively, did not have any engagements that would interfere with the ability of Citi and Goldman Sachs to serve as LaSalle's financial advisors. The LaSalle Board also determined that all communications by LaSalle with Pebblebrook regarding its March 6 proposal would be made solely through Mr. Barnello, so that LaSalle communicated with one voice.
Also at the meeting, the LaSalle Board established an advisory transaction committee, which we refer to as the LaSalle transaction committee, to assist the LaSalle Board, in between board meetings, in considering the Pebblebrook proposal and the range of alternative actions available to LaSalle, including discussing such matters with Mr. Barnello. Mr. Scott, Jeffery T. Foland and Darryl Hartley-Leonard, all of whom are non-management, independent trustees and have significant experience with acquisition transactions, were appointed to the LaSalle transaction committee. Throughout the LaSalle transaction committee's evaluation of Pebblebrook's proposals and a potential sale of LaSalle, the LaSalle transaction committee conducted formal meetings, but its members were also in regular informal communication with Mr. Barnello, representatives of LaSalle's financial and legal advisors and with each other. In addition, the LaSalle transaction committee, as well as the LaSalle Board, frequently met in executive session with only the independent trustees and, on certain occasions, representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper present.
Later in the week of March 5, 2018, LaSalle engaged Goodwin to act as additional outside legal counsel to the LaSalle Board. In the following weeks, representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper reviewed the LaSalle Board's duties under the circumstances and representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed various preliminary financial analyses with the LaSalle Board and the LaSalle transaction committee to assist the LaSalle Board and the LaSalle transaction committee in evaluating Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal and to prepare for a potential public disclosure of the proposal by Pebblebrook.
On March 8, 2018, Mr. Bortz sent an email to Mr. Scott and indicated that he would be interested in discussing Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal with Mr. Scott. Consistent with the LaSalle Board's determination on March 7, 2018, Mr. Scott replied that all communications between the companies on this topic should be made through Mr. Barnello.
On March 12, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and
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DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Goodwin provided the LaSalle Board with an overview of their fiduciary duties under applicable law and applied these principles to considering Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed with the LaSalle Board their preliminary financial analyses of certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal based in part on publicly-available Wall Street research consensus estimates of LaSalle's and Pebblebrook's financial prospects. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also provided an update on lodging industry fundamentals and an update on trading performance in the lodging REIT sector. In response to questions from the LaSalle Board about Citi's and Goldman Sachs' relationships with Pebblebrook, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs responded in such a manner that satisfied the LaSalle Board in determining that any such relationships would not interfere with either Citi's or Goldman Sachs' ability to serve as a financial advisor to LaSalle, subject to review by the LaSalle Board of customary written relationships disclosure regarding Pebblebrook.
The LaSalle Board discussed the implications of the unsolicited nature of Pebblebrook's proposal, its acquisition of 4.8% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares and the potential courses of action that Pebblebrook might pursue, including publicly disclosing its unsolicited proposal for an acquisition of LaSalle. The LaSalle Board discussed that if Pebblebrook's proposal became public, LaSalle could receive additional acquisition offers.
Following discussion of these topics with management and consultation with representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper, the LaSalle Board noted that LaSalle had an existing 2018 budget which included forecasts for the year ending December 31, 2018 and directed management to prepare a five-year standalone plan for consideration in connection with Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal and any other strategic alternatives to be considered by the LaSalle Board. The LaSalle Board decided to meet to discuss these topics in further detail on March 20, 2018. The LaSalle Board also directed Goodwin to request that each of Citi and Goldman Sachs provide to the LaSalle Board its customary written relationships disclosure letter regarding Pebblebrook.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the independent board members participating in the meeting met in executive session with Goodwin and DLA Piper to further discuss Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal and potential strategic alternatives available to LaSalle.
On March 16, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs contacted representatives of Raymond James, and indicated that LaSalle had received the March 6 letter and would respond to Pebblebrook in due course.
On March 19, 2018, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs, as instructed by the LaSalle Board, confirmed to representatives of Raymond James that LaSalle was carefully reviewing the merits of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal in consultation with representatives of its financial and legal advisors and would respond in due course.
On March 20, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss further Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal and LaSalle's standalone plan. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Goodwin provided the LaSalle Board with an overview of their fiduciary duties under applicable law and the application of those principles to Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. LaSalle management discussed with the LaSalle Board LaSalle's standalone plan developed at the direction of the LaSalle Board, which included management's forecasts for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, and the underlying assumptions to these forecasts. The LaSalle Board discussed the risks, challenges and strategic opportunities facing LaSalle in the context of reviewing management's forecasts. Following discussion and questions of management about the assumptions on which the plan was based, the LaSalle Board approved management's forecasts for use by Citi and Goldman Sachs.
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The LaSalle Board then considered the option of LaSalle continuing as an independent public company and discussed the expected performance of LaSalle in the future. The LaSalle Board discussed the increase in supply and competition in LaSalle's markets and the expected future negative impact on hotel occupancy and room rates. The LaSalle Board also discussed current lodging REIT valuations and LaSalle's common share price as compared to the valuation proposed in Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. The LaSalle Board reviewed the current macro-environment, the current performance of the REIT industry and lodging REIT sector in particular and observations regarding the perception of LaSalle and Pebblebrook in the investment community.
The LaSalle Board, with the assistance of LaSalle management and in consultation with representatives of the LaSalle Board's financial and legal advisors, discussed other strategic alternatives available to LaSalle that could potentially enhance shareholder value, including whether to continue to execute the long-term plan as a standalone company, accelerate the return of capital to shareholders and pursue hotel acquisitions and dispositions, or whether to engage in a process to explore interest in a potential sale of LaSalle (with both strategic and financial buyers).
The LaSalle Board, with the assistance of LaSalle management and in consultation with representatives of the financial and legal advisors, also further discussed Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal, including Pebblebrook's financial prospects based on Pebblebrook's public guidance for 2018 at the time, Wall Street research consensus estimates and management's forecasts, as well as recent trading prices of Pebblebrook common shares, and the implied value of the share consideration proposed by Pebblebrook. The LaSalle Board and management reviewed the possibility of a business combination with Pebblebrook, including the geographical markets in which LaSalle and Pebblebrook own properties, long-term growth, short- and long-term financial benefits, views of the strengths and weaknesses of both companies and other factors. The LaSalle Board also discussed potential risks regarding the use of Pebblebrook common shares as consideration to be received by LaSalle shareholders, including that Pebblebrook common shares traded at prices between $27.01 and $39.74 over the previous 12 months, Pebblebrook's common shares trade at a significantly higher EBITDA multiple as compared to other publicly-traded lodging REITs and whether this would continue in the future, and the inherent risk associated with a potential decline in the trading price of Pebblebrook common shares before the closing of a potential transaction. The LaSalle Board also considered that Pebblebrook would be the ultimate surviving entity in the proposed combination, and that LaSalle shareholders would own approximately 57% of the combined company. The LaSalle Board also considered that Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal contemplated that, while a majority of the combined company would be owned by LaSalle shareholders, Pebblebrook trustees elected by Pebblebrook shareholders would likely constitute a majority of the board of trustees of the proposed combined company. Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board reviewed various potential paths forward to maximize value for shareholders and determined that, given the potential risks associated with Pebblebrook's common share consideration, it would not be in the best interests of shareholders to engage in discussions with Pebblebrook at that time. The LaSalle Board authorized and directed LaSalle management and representatives of its advisors to contact Pebblebrook and its advisors to express its determination.
The LaSalle Board also discussed potential disruptions to LaSalle's business (including the potential loss of business partners, customers and employees) as a result of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal, including if it were to be publicly disclosed. In this regard, representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper discussed with the LaSalle Board that the consummation of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal (which provided that Pebblebrook trustees would likely constitute a majority of the board of trustees of the proposed combined company) would be considered a change in control under the severance agreements with LaSalle's senior officers (which are summarized under the section entitled "Interests of LaSalle's Trustees, Executive Officers and Employees in the MergersChange in Control Severance Agreements" beginning on page 157) and that if LaSalle's senior officers were
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terminated in connection with the proposed transaction, then they would be entitled to the severance payments and benefits under the applicable severance agreements and vesting of their equity awards. Representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper also reviewed with the LaSalle Board that LaSalle's employees, other than LaSalle's senior officers, would not be provided with similar severance payments and benefits in the event they were terminated in connection with the consummation of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Following this discussion, the LaSalle Board approved a cash retention bonus plan for certain of LaSalle's employees, other than its senior officers (which is summarized under the section entitled "Interests of LaSalle's Trustees, Executive Officers and Employees in the MergersPayment of Employee Bonuses" beginning on page 158).
Later on March 20, 2018, Messrs. Scott and Barnello received a letter from Mr. Bortz, which we refer to as the March 20 letter, stating that Pebblebrook had not received a response to its March 6 proposal, other than the courtesy call from representatives of LaSalle's financial advisors to representatives of Raymond James on March 16, 2018, and reiterating Pebblebrook's interest in pursuing a merger with LaSalle. The March 20 letter was circulated to the LaSalle Board that evening.
On March 21, 2018, as directed by the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs informed representatives of Raymond James that the LaSalle Board would provide a response to Pebblebrook's March 6 letter on March 22, 2018.
On March 21, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, Pebblebrook's March 20 letter. Members of LaSalle's management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello reviewed with the LaSalle Board Pebblebrook's March 20 letter and a proposed response letter to Pebblebrook's March 6 letter based on the LaSalle Board's discussions at its meeting on March 20, 2018. Mr. Barnello also reviewed with the LaSalle Board the proposed communications plans that LaSalle management had prepared with the assistance of the LaSalle Board's advisors to respond to a public disclosure of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. The LaSalle Board directed Mr. Barnello to send the proposed response letter to Pebblebrook and representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs to contact representatives of Raymond James to express the determination made by the LaSalle Board at its meeting on March 20, 2018 and summarized in the proposed response letter.
On March 22, 2018, in accordance with the direction from the LaSalle Board, Messrs. Scott and Barnello sent the response letter to Mr. Bortz, which stated that after careful consideration the LaSalle Board had unanimously determined that Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal was insufficient from both price and mix of consideration perspectives and was therefore not in the best interests of LaSalle shareholders.
On March 22, 2018, Mr. Barnello received an unsolicited call from a representative of an affiliate of The Blackstone Group L.P., which we refer to as Blackstone, who indicated that in the course of Blackstone's regular review of public companies in the REIT industry, Blackstone noticed an apparent dislocation of LaSalle's share price to its net asset value. The representative of Blackstone indicated that Blackstone would be interested in discussing a potential strategic transaction with LaSalle if there was mutual interest from the LaSalle Board. Mr. Barnello responded that the LaSalle Board was always open to considering opportunities to maximize shareholder value and that he would inform the LaSalle Board of this conversation.
On March 23 and March 24, 2018, as directed by the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs had discussions with representatives of Raymond James regarding Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal and LaSalle's response. During these discussions, at the direction of the Pebblebrook Board, representatives of Raymond James requested that the senior management teams and financial advisors of the respective companies have an in-person meeting to discuss Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs, at the direction of the LaSalle transaction
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committee and management, responded that LaSalle did not believe it would be appropriate to hold an in-person meeting at that time.
On March 24, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, the potential combination with LaSalle and LaSalle's response to Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Members of the Pebblebrook management team and representatives of Hunton and Raymond James were present. Pebblebrook management discussed with the Pebblebrook Board various preliminary financial analyses with respect to a potential combination with LaSalle. The Pebblebrook Board also considered various strategies for responding to LaSalle. Following discussion, the Pebblebrook Board authorized Pebblebrook to make public its offer to acquire LaSalle.
On March 25, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, the interactions with Pebblebrook. Members of LaSalle's management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello and representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs updated the LaSalle Board on the recent discussions with representatives of Raymond James. Mr. Barnello reviewed with the LaSalle Board the current communications plan prepared by LaSalle's management with the assistance of its advisors in the event that Pebblebrook's proposal became public. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed with the LaSalle Board certain preliminary financial analyses of both LaSalle and Pebblebrook. The LaSalle Board also adopted a dividend policy for the remaining quarters of 2018. Mr. Barnello also apprised the LaSalle Board of his conversation with Blackstone.
On March 28, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, Pebblebrook issued a press release disclosing its March 6 letter and March 20 letter, as well as LaSalle's March 22 letter. On March 27, 2018, the closing price per LaSalle common share on the NYSE was $24.84, which was the last closing price prior to the public announcement of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal.
Subsequently on March 28, 2018, LaSalle issued a press release confirming that the LaSalle Board had unanimously rejected Pebblebrook's unsolicited proposal, and providing its rationale for doing so. The press release also indicated that the LaSalle Board continued to be open-minded and would consider any alternatives that enhance long-term shareholder value. LaSalle also announced its dividend policy for the remaining quarters of 2018, stating that LaSalle expected to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.225 per LaSalle common share for each of the quarters ending June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018. The amount of the announced quarterly dividend was a 50% reduction from the amount of the quarterly dividend LaSalle had been paying per LaSalle common share since July 15, 2015.
Also on March 28 and March 29, 2018, respectively, representatives of Goldman Sachs and Citi each received calls from a representative of Blackstone expressing Blackstone's possible interest in acquiring LaSalle. The representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs indicated to Blackstone's representatives that they would inform LaSalle of Blackstone's possible interest.
Beginning on March 28, 2018, in light of the public announcement of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal, LaSalle and representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs received unsolicited correspondence from potentially interested financial sponsors and strategic parties. During that time LaSalle also received correspondence from certain LaSalle shareholders holding individually in the range of 3.0% to 9.1% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares, including HG Vora Capital Management, LLC and certain affiliated investment funds, which we refer to, collectively, as HG Vora, which filed a Schedule 13D on April 2, 2018. During that time through May 20, 2018, LaSalle's management, at the direction of, and in consultation with the LaSalle Board and the LaSalle transaction committee, and with the assistance of LaSalle's financial and legal advisors, held discussions with certain of these LaSalle shareholders. During these discussions, several LaSalle shareholders indicated that they expected the LaSalle Board would independently evaluate all available options to maximize shareholder value, including any proposals received from Pebblebrook.
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Later on March 28, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, the public announcement of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Members of LaSalle's management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. The LaSalle Board discussed, in consultation with representatives of its financial and legal advisors, the impact on LaSalle's business of the public announcement of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal and LaSalle's public response. Mr. Barnello and representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also updated the LaSalle Board regarding unsolicited correspondence they had received from other potentially interested financial and strategic parties and LaSalle shareholders in light of the public announcement of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board concluded that, in light of recent events and the issues and topics discussed at prior board meetings, the LaSalle Board should consider at a subsequent meeting the process for exploration of a potential sale of LaSalle.
On April 3, 2018, Mr. Barnello received a call from a representative of Blackstone, during which the representative of Blackstone expressed Blackstone's interest in acquiring LaSalle in an all-cash transaction in the range of $28.00 to $30.00 per share. Mr. Barnello said that he would inform the LaSalle Board of Blackstone's interest. On April 3, 2018, the closing price per LaSalle common share on the NYSE was $29.59.
On April 3, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, the exploration of a potential sale of LaSalle. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello apprised the LaSalle Board of his discussion with Blackstone. The representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed potential strategic parties, financial sponsors and brand management companies who might have an interest in acquiring LaSalle. The LaSalle Board discussed the potential risks and benefits of commencing a process in which parties would be invited to review confidential information and submit indications of interest with respect to a potential acquisition of LaSalle. In particular, the LaSalle Board discussed the potential disruptions to LaSalle's business during a protracted process, the risk of leaks about the process that might arise from contacting other parties, and the potential impact of such leaks on LaSalle's business, including the potential loss of business partners, customers and employees. The LaSalle Board also discussed the potential need to disclose proprietary and confidential information to current and potential competitors during such process. The LaSalle Board also considered the risks and challenges in conducting a strategic process in light of Pebblebrook's publicly disclosed March 6 proposal to acquire LaSalle.
Based on the benefits and risks discussed at this meeting and the previous meetings of the LaSalle Board and the LaSalle transaction committee, the LaSalle Board determined, based on its knowledge of the lodging REIT industry and LaSalle, its discussions with representatives of the financial and legal advisors and the strategic alternatives potentially available to LaSalle, including pursuing a business combination with Pebblebrook and remaining as an independent public company, that it was in the best interests of LaSalle shareholders to take steps to further explore a potential sale of LaSalle.
Following this discussion, representatives of Goodwin reviewed with the LaSalle Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law, particularly in the context of exploring a possible sale of LaSalle. Representatives of Goodwin also discussed the role of the LaSalle Board in overseeing the strategic review process and ways for doing so, including evaluating potentially forming a special committee consisting solely of independent and disinterested trustees of the LaSalle Board as well as LaSalle's management being restricted from having discussions with financial sponsors regarding their future roles, compensation, retention or investment arrangements in connection with a proposed transaction. After discussion with Goodwin, the LaSalle Board determined that given the facts and circumstances of the situation a special committee was not necessary, but that during the strategic review process the independent trustees of the LaSalle Board would continue their practice of holding executive sessions and, at the invitation of the independent trustees, representatives of the financial advisors and outside legal counsel would participate in those sessions. The LaSalle Board and members of LaSalle's management then discussed the role of LaSalle's management in the strategic process. They agreed
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that, except as otherwise instructed by the LaSalle Board, management would not engage in discussions regarding any compensation, retention or investment arrangements with bidders so as to avoid any potential conflict or concern of favoring any one bidder over other bidders.
At the meeting, with input from representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs and members of management, the LaSalle Board discussed the types of potential acquirers (strategic, financial and brand management) that might be interested in participating in a formal sale process for LaSalle. The LaSalle Board considered various factors concerning such potential acquirers including, among other things, experience in executing public mergers and/or acquisitions or purchases of significant real estate portfolios, financial ability to pay and capacity to execute a transaction of this size, experience in the lodging REIT industry, potential interest in acquiring LaSalle and confidentiality and competitive concerns.
Also at the meeting, the LaSalle Board discussed the customary written relationships disclosure provided by each of Citi and Goldman Sachs at the request of the LaSalle Board and distributed to the LaSalle Board prior to the April 3 meeting. After discussion, including with Goodwin, the LaSalle Board determined that those relationships would not interfere with either Citi's or Goldman Sachs' ability to serve as a financial advisor to LaSalle. As part of this discussion, Goodwin outlined the material terms of the proposed engagements of each of Citi and Goldman Sachs. Following this discussion, the LaSalle Board determined to engage both Citi and Goldman Sachs as its financial advisors to assist the LaSalle Board in its evaluation of strategic alternatives, including with respect to proposals from Pebblebrook.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the independent trustees participating in the meeting met in executive session with Goodwin and DLA Piper to further discuss the strategic process.
From April 5 through April 17, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs together contacted 20 parties (six strategic parties (including Pebblebrook), nine financial sponsors (including Blackstone) and five brand management companies), that satisfied the criteria discussed and approved by the LaSalle Board at the April 3, 2018 meeting, to participate in a formal sale process for LaSalle. Ten of these parties (including Blackstone and Pebblebrook) entered into confidentiality agreements with LaSalle. These ten parties consisted of three strategic parties, six financial sponsors and one brand management company. Blackstone's confidentiality agreement was entered into on April 10, 2018, and contained standstill obligations that expire on May 9, 2019. All of these other confidentiality agreements (other than Pebblebrook's confidentiality agreement, which is discussed below) contained standstill obligations of various lengths, the shortest of which expires on January 18, 2019. Additionally, all of these standstill obligations either automatically terminated upon LaSalle's announcement of execution of a definitive agreement with a third party to effect the sale of LaSalle, or allowed the bidder to make confidential proposals to LaSalle at any time following LaSalle's announcement of execution of a definitive agreement with a third party to effect the sale of LaSalle. Bidders that entered into a confidentiality agreement with LaSalle were provided access to an online data room containing nonpublic information regarding LaSalle and its properties. Additionally, each such bidder was invited to attend a high-level management presentation conducted by members of LaSalle management. The ten parties that did not enter into a confidentiality agreement with LaSalle indicated that they were not interested in pursuing a transaction with LaSalle at that time. Pebblebrook's confidentiality agreement was entered into on May 5, 2018, as discussed below.
On April 5, 2018, a draft mutual confidentiality agreement was distributed on behalf of LaSalle to representatives of Raymond James. LaSalle's draft confidentiality agreement provided for, among other things, (i) a standstill provision which prohibited LaSalle or Pebblebrook, as applicable, from taking various actions including making a proposal to acquire the other party until the earlier of 18 months after the execution of the confidentiality agreement or the public announcement by the other party of its execution of a definitive agreement to effect a sale of LaSalle, which we refer to as the standstill provision, (ii) a prohibition from making a public announcement or disclosure of a proposal to acquire
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the other party, which we refer to as the public acquisition proposal prohibition, and (iii) a prohibition from making any public announcement or disclosure concerning the discussions or negotiations taking place between LaSalle and Pebblebrook or any proposed terms being discussed, which we refer to as the public disclosure prohibition.
On April 6, 2018, LaSalle executed engagement letters with Citi and Goldman Sachs, respectively, as the LaSalle Board authorized during the April 3, 2018 meeting.
On April 6, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle transaction committee, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs had discussions with representatives of Raymond James and BAML regarding the proposed mutual confidentiality agreement. During these discussions, at the direction of Pebblebrook management, representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors indicated that Pebblebrook would not enter into a confidentiality agreement with standstill obligations without first receiving adequate assurance that Pebblebrook would be provided the same access to diligence materials and given the same opportunities to participate in LaSalle's sale process as the other potential bidders in the process. Per their earlier discussions with the LaSalle transaction committee, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs stated that Pebblebrook would be provided access to the same diligence information and be given the same opportunities to participate in LaSalle's sale process as the other bidders in the process.
On April 9, 2018, representatives of Hunton sent to representatives of Goodwin a revised draft of the mutual confidentiality agreement which, among other things, (i) reduced the period of the proposed standstill provision from 18 months to three months, (ii) allowed Pebblebrook publicly to disclose its acquisition proposals and (iii) deleted the public disclosure prohibition.
On April 10, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle transaction committee, representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin had a discussion with representatives of Pebblebrook's financial and legal advisors to discuss the draft mutual confidentiality agreement. At the direction of the LaSalle transaction committee, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs indicated that LaSalle was conducting a formal sale process in an attempt to maximize value for LaSalle shareholders and that other potentially interested parties would not participate in the sale process if Pebblebrook were invited to participate in the sale process without being restricted from making public acquisition proposals or public announcements about the process and its discussions with LaSalle.
On April 13, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, the potential combination with LaSalle. Members of the Pebblebrook management team and representatives of Hunton, Raymond James and BAML were present. Representatives of Hunton reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law. Pebblebrook management reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board various financial aspects of the potential combination, including whether to include cash consideration as a portion of the proposed merger consideration and various financing options to fund such cash consideration. Following discussion, the Pebblebrook Board authorized Pebblebrook management to increase the fixed exchange ratio to 0.8944 Pebblebrook common share for each LaSalle common share and to revise the proposal so as to permit LaSalle shareholders to elect to receive cash for up to a maximum of 15% of the aggregate merger consideration along with the other terms set forth in the April 13 letter described below.
Beginning on April 13, 2018, each of the bidders that had entered into a confidentiality agreement with LaSalle as of that date was provided access to an online data room containing nonpublic information regarding LaSalle and its properties.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. on April 13, 2018, Mr. Bortz, on behalf of Pebblebrook and as authorized by the Pebblebrook Board, sent a letter to the LaSalle Board, which we refer to as the April 13 letter, and the proposal set forth therein as the April 13 proposal. The April 13 letter stated that Pebblebrook remained committed to a merger of the two companies and provided a revised proposal with respect to merger consideration.
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The April 13 proposal provided for a fixed exchange ratio of 0.8944 Pebblebrook common share for each LaSalle common share. The 0.8944 exchange ratio provided in the April 13 proposal represented a 3.3% increase to the 0.8655 exchange ratio provided in Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. According to the April 13 letter, the April 13 proposal resulted in an implied price of $31.75 per share for 100% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares based on the closing price per Pebblebrook common share on the NYSE of $35.50 on April 13, 2018. The April 13 letter also stated that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect to receive cash up to a maximum of 15% in aggregate merger consideration, subject to proration. The April 13 letter indicated that the proposal was not subject to a financing condition. The April 13 letter stated that, with LaSalle's full cooperation, Pebblebrook believed that the companies could sign a definitive merger agreement within ten business days. The letter also included a summary of certain proposed key terms which included: an exclusivity period of ten business days; a 30-day go-shop period during which LaSalle could solicit alternative proposals; a break-up fee of 1.25% of equity value during the go-shop period and 3.25% of equity value after the go-shop period; Pebblebrook executives would manage the combined company; and a seven-member board of trustees (three independent trustees from each company and Mr. Bortz) would govern the combined company. In the letter, Pebblebrook requested a response from LaSalle by April 15, 2018. Mr. Barnello sent the April 13 letter to the LaSalle Board. On April 13, 2018, the closing price per LaSalle common share on the NYSE was $29.94.
On April 14, 2018, following discussions with the LaSalle transaction committee, Mr. Barnello contacted Mr. Bortz to schedule a time to have a discussion the next day regarding the following:
Later on April 14, 2018, representatives of Goodwin sent to representatives of Hunton a revised draft of the mutual confidentiality agreement as indicated by Mr. Barnello's earlier communication to Mr. Bortz. LaSalle's revised draft confidentiality agreement provided for, among other things, (i) the standstill provision with the three-month term proposed by Pebblebrook in its April 9 revised draft of the confidentiality agreement, (ii) the public acquisition proposal prohibition and (iii) the public disclosure prohibition.
On April 15, 2018, Mr. Barnello called Mr. Bortz and indicated that the LaSalle Board had received Pebblebrook's April 13 proposal and was evaluating it. Mr. Barnello also indicated that LaSalle was willing to have a meeting as Pebblebrook requested and that LaSalle had proposed a revised mutual confidentiality agreement with the standstill provision for a reduced period of three months, consistent with Pebblebrook's original proposal, in order to facilitate Pebblebrook's participation in LaSalle's sale process. Mr. Barnello also offered to schedule a meeting among Mr. Bortz and certain members of the LaSalle Board, including Mr. Scott, on April 17, 2018, contingent on Pebblebrook not publicly disclosing its April 13 letter, and preferably after execution of a mutual confidentiality agreement. Mr. Bortz responded that Pebblebrook was not interested in entering into a mutual confidentiality agreement with LaSalle. Mr. Bortz also indicated that he could not attend a meeting on the date Mr. Barnello proposed because the Pebblebrook Board would be conducting its regular quarterly meeting on that date. Neither Mr. Bortz nor Mr. Barnello proposed an alternative
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date. Mr. Bortz also indicated that it would not be appropriate for him to say whether or not Pebblebrook was going to publicly release its April 13 letter.
Later on April 15, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, Pebblebrook's April 13 proposal and the strategic process. Members of LaSalle's management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello updated the LaSalle Board on his discussion with Mr. Bortz. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs updated the LaSalle Board on their discussions with representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also reviewed with the LaSalle Board certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's April 13 proposal and certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also updated the LaSalle Board on the initial stages of the strategic process completed to date, noting the parties that remained interested in engaging in discussions regarding a possible acquisition of LaSalle, their diligence efforts to date and expressed levels of interest. The LaSalle Board discussed the possibility that Pebblebrook could publicly disclose its April 13 proposal and the impact that would have on the strategic process. The LaSalle Board also discussed recent discussions and correspondence with certain LaSalle shareholders.
On April 16, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, Pebblebrook issued a press release disclosing its April 13 letter.
Subsequently on April 16, 2018, LaSalle issued a press release confirming that the LaSalle Board was reviewing Pebblebrook's April 13 proposal.
On April 17, 2018, Bloomberg published an article speculating as to a potential sale of LaSalle, with Blackstone listed as an interested suitor. After discussing the Bloomberg article with representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin, Mr. Barnello contacted members of the LaSalle Board to update them on this development. Prior to the publication of this article, on April 16, 2018, LaSalle's common share closing price on the NYSE was $30.71.
On the evening of April 17, 2018, before the Pebblebrook Board met for its regular quarterly meeting the next day, the Pebblebrook Board, members of Pebblebrook management and representatives of Hunton met and discussed in detail the potential combination with LaSalle. The discussion included, among other things, the possibility of Pebblebrook further increasing the financial terms of its offer to acquire LaSalle and inviting LaSalle to conduct due diligence with respect to Pebblebrook.
On April 18, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held its regular quarterly meeting. At this meeting, Pebblebrook management reviewed, among other things, certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook, LaSalle and Pebblebrook's potential combination with LaSalle. The Pebblebrook Board also discussed increasing the fixed exchange ratio and the aggregate amount of cash consideration in connection with making a revised offer to acquire LaSalle. The Pebblebrook Board also approved the engagement of each of Raymond James and BAML. Before doing so, Hunton reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board the contents of customary written relationships disclosure letters regarding LaSalle from each of Raymond James and BAML, which satisfied the Pebblebrook Board that there were not any relationships that would reasonably be expected to interfere with either Raymond James' or BAML's ability to serve as a financial advisor to Pebblebrook. Raymond James and BAML were engaged by Pebblebrook because of their respective qualifications, experience and reputation, long-standing relationship with Pebblebrook and substantial knowledge of the lodging REIT industry. BAML was also engaged to assist Pebblebrook in obtaining financing to fund any cash consideration that would be payable in a combination with LaSalle.
Between April 18, 2018 and April 21, 2018, an initial bid instruction letter was distributed on behalf of LaSalle to each of the nine potential bidders that had entered into confidentiality agreements with LaSalle prior to April 21, 2018 (including Blackstone). The letter indicated a deadline for submitting preliminary non-binding indications of interest by May 4, 2018. Because Pebblebrook had
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not entered into a confidentiality agreement with LaSalle at that time, it did not receive an initial bid instruction letter.
On April 19, 2018, Mr. Bortz corresponded with the Pebblebrook Board regarding making another merger offer to LaSalle, to be characterized as a best and final offer, on the terms previously discussed with the Pebblebrook Board. The Pebblebrook Board approved the terms of the April 20 proposal described below, including an increase to the aggregate amount of the cash consideration from 15% to 20% and an increase to the fixed exchange ratio from 0.8944 to 0.9085 Pebblebrook common share for each LaSalle common share.
Later on April 19, 2018, as authorized by the Pebblebrook Board, Mr. Bortz sent a letter to the LaSalle Board in which Pebblebrook proposed that LaSalle conduct a due diligence review of Pebblebrook to better understand Pebblebrook's business and evaluate Pebblebrook's April 13 proposal. Pebblebrook proposed that LaSalle enter into a unilateral confidentiality agreement obligating LaSalle to maintain the confidentiality and nonuse of Pebblebrook's nonpublic information, and enclosed a copy of a proposed confidentiality agreement. In the letter, Pebblebrook stated that it did not require that LaSalle provide it with any information under the proposed unilateral confidentiality agreement.
On April 20, 2018, Mr. Bortz, on behalf of Pebblebrook and as authorized by the Pebblebrook Board, sent a letter to the LaSalle Board, which we refer to as the April 20 letter, and the proposal set forth therein as the April 20 proposal. The April 20 letter stated that Pebblebrook was making a final offer to LaSalle. The April 20 proposal provided for a fixed exchange ratio of 0.9085 Pebblebrook common share for each LaSalle common share. The 0.9085 exchange ratio provided in the April 20 proposal represented a 1.6% increase to the 0.8944 exchange ratio provided in Pebblebrook's April 13 proposal. According to the April 20 letter, the April 20 proposal resulted in an implied price of $32.49 per share for 100% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares based on the closing price per Pebblebrook common share on the NYSE of $35.76 on April 19, 2018. Unlike Pebblebrook's March 6 proposal, Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal did not state an implied price based on a volume weighted average price of Pebblebrook common shares. The April 20 letter also stated that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect to receive cash up to a maximum of 20% in aggregate merger consideration, subject to proration. The April 20 letter indicated that the proposal was not subject to a financing condition. The letter stated that the other key terms proposed in Pebblebrook's April 13 letter remained unchanged and that Pebblebrook would send LaSalle a draft merger agreement shortly.
On April 21, 2018, Mr. Bortz sent an email to Mr. Scott and indicated that he would be interested in discussing Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal with Mr. Scott. Consistent with the LaSalle Board's prior determination, Mr. Scott replied that Mr. Bortz should direct his communications on this topic to Mr. Barnello.
On April 22, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal and the strategic process. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed with the LaSalle Board certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal and certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's March 6 and April 13 proposals. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also updated the LaSalle Board on the strategic process completed to date, noting the parties that remained interested in engaging in discussions regarding a possible strategic transaction or acquisition transaction involving LaSalle, their diligence efforts to date and expressed levels of interest, and noting the parties that had declined interest. The LaSalle Board discussed the possibility that Pebblebrook could publicly disclose its April 20 proposal and the impact that would have on the strategic process. The LaSalle Board also considered Pebblebrook's April 19 letter requesting LaSalle to enter into a unilateral confidentiality agreement and determined that it would not be appropriate to engage in a unilateral diligence review of Pebblebrook at that time given that LaSalle was not
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conducting reverse due diligence on any other bidders during the initial stages of the sale process. The LaSalle Board also discussed recent discussions and correspondence with certain LaSalle shareholders.
From April 23 through April 27, 2018, seven of the potential bidders that had entered into confidentiality agreements with LaSalle (one strategic party and six financial sponsors) attended high-level management presentations conducted by members of LaSalle management (Blackstone attended a presentation on April 26, 2018) and attended by representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs as requested by LaSalle. Following these management presentations, members of LaSalle management participated in follow-up due diligence sessions with each of these potential bidders and their respective advisors. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also attended these due diligence sessions as requested by LaSalle.
On April 24, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, Pebblebrook issued a press release disclosing its April 20 letter.
Subsequently on April 24, 2018, LaSalle issued a press release confirming that the LaSalle Board would carefully review Pebblebrook's April 20 letter.
Later on April 24, 2018, Mr. Bortz, on behalf of Pebblebrook and as authorized by the Pebblebrook Board, sent a letter to the LaSalle Board enclosing a proposed draft merger agreement as referenced in Pebblebrook's April 20 letter and consistent with the terms of the April 20 proposal.
On April 27, 2018, Pebblebrook conducted its quarterly earnings call relating to its financial and operating results for the first quarter. During the call, Mr. Bortz reiterated Pebblebrook's interest in pursuing the acquisition of LaSalle.
Also on April 27, 2018, representatives of Citi received an unsolicited inquiry from a potential strategic acquirer. After consulting with management and representatives of Goodwin, as directed by management, later that day, representatives of Citi provided the potential strategic acquirer with the same form of confidentiality agreement provided to other potential participants in LaSalle's sale process. Representatives of Goodwin negotiated the terms and conditions of this draft confidentiality agreement with representatives of the potential strategic acquirer until May 6, 2018, by which point LaSalle had received written non-binding preliminary indications of interest from the other participants in LaSalle's sale process, as described below. Despite repeated requests by representatives of Citi and Goodwin made at the direction of management to move quickly to finalize negotiation of the confidentiality agreement, the potential strategic acquirer was lagging behind other continuing participants in LaSalle's sale process as of such date, and therefore confidentiality agreement negotiations with the potential strategic acquirer were discontinued as of May 6, 2018.
On May 1, 2018, a representative of Goldman Sachs spoke with Mr. Bortz. Further to the LaSalle Board's direction that Pebblebrook be invited to participate in the formal sale process of LaSalle and confidentiality agreement negotiations to that end, and pursuant to the LaSalle Board's direction that Pebblebrook's participation in the formal sale process of LaSalle be solicited, the representative of Goldman Sachs spoke with Mr. Bortz to indicate LaSalle's continued interest in negotiating a mutual confidentiality agreement with Pebblebrook and the willingness of representatives of Goldman Sachs to facilitate discussions to that end. That day, representatives of Goldman Sachs informed LaSalle management and the LaSalle transaction committee regarding this discussion. After a series of discussions on this topic, Mr. Bortz indicated that, under certain terms, Pebblebrook may be interested in reinitiating discussions regarding a mutual confidentiality agreement.
On May 2, 2018, representatives of Hunton sent to representatives of Goodwin a revised draft of the mutual confidentiality agreement. In its revised draft confidentiality agreement, Pebblebrook included (i) the standstill provision, (ii) the public acquisition proposal prohibition and (iii) the public disclosure prohibition (each of which Pebblebrook proposed would expire 14 days after the execution of the confidentiality agreement).
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From May 2 through May 5, 2018, representatives of LaSalle's financial and legal advisors, with input from, and at the direction of, the LaSalle transaction committee and LaSalle management, and representatives of Pebblebrook's financial and legal advisors had various discussions regarding the length of the time that the prohibitions set forth in the mutual confidentiality agreement would apply. During these discussions, Pebblebrook's financial and legal advisors indicated that Pebblebrook would not enter into a confidentiality agreement which contained restrictions limiting its ability to act beyond June 4, 2018, which was the week of the Nareit® REITweek: 2018 Investor Conference in New York.
On the morning of May 4, 2018, representatives of Goodwin sent to representatives of Hunton a revised draft of the mutual confidentiality agreement which provided that the restrictions set forth therein would apply for 45 days.
In connection with the May 4, 2018 deadline for submissions of indication of interest, of the nine potential bidders that received a bid process letter on behalf of LaSalle, three financial sponsors, which we refer to as Party A, Party B and Blackstone, submitted indications of interest to LaSalle, as described below. All other potential bidders that had entered into confidentiality agreements with LaSalle declined to submit an indication of interest.
On May 4, 2018, LaSalle received written non-binding preliminary indications of interest from Party A and Blackstone. Party A proposed to acquire LaSalle in an all-cash transaction at a price of $30.00 per LaSalle common share, and stated that it was prepared to complete its confirmatory due diligence and concurrently negotiate a definitive merger agreement within 21 days, and that the transaction would not be subject to any financing contingency. Blackstone proposed to acquire LaSalle in an all-cash transaction at a price of $31.50 per LaSalle common share, which price was predicated on no additional dividends being paid to LaSalle's common shareholders other than LaSalle's next regularly scheduled dividend. Blackstone's proposal also stated that it was prepared to complete its confirmatory due diligence immediately and concurrently negotiate a definitive merger agreement within seven days, and noted that the transaction would be funded with Blackstone's $15.8 billion fully discretionary Blackstone Real Estate Partners VIII fund, and would not be subject to any financing contingency. Blackstone's proposal also provided that it would expire at the close of business on May 7, 2018. On the prior trading day, May 3, 2018, the closing price per LaSalle common share on the NYSE was $29.78.
On May 5, 2018, representatives of Goodwin sent to representatives of Hunton a revised draft of the mutual confidentiality agreement which agreed to Pebblebrook's request that the restrictions set forth therein would terminate on June 4, 2018.
Later on May 5, 2018, Pebblebrook and LaSalle entered into a mutual confidentiality agreement. The executed confidentiality agreement included, among other things, (i) the standstill provision, (ii) the public acquisition proposal prohibition and (iii) the public disclosure prohibition (each of which later expired on June 4, 2018). The confidentiality agreement also permitted Pebblebrook to make confidential proposals to LaSalle at any time and provided that the standstill provision would terminate prior to June 4, 2018 if there was a public announcement by LaSalle of its execution of a definitive agreement to effect a sale of LaSalle. Shortly after execution of the mutual confidentially agreement, Pebblebrook was provided access to an online data room containing nonpublic information regarding LaSalle and its properties, which was the same information provided to the other participants in LaSalle's sale process upon entering into a confidentiality agreement, and LaSalle was provided access to an online data room containing nonpublic information regarding Pebblebrook and its properties.
On May 7, 2018, LaSalle received a written non-binding preliminary indication of interest from Party B. Party B proposed to acquire LaSalle in an all-cash transaction at a price of $32.00 per LaSalle common share. Party B's proposal also stated that it was prepared to complete its confirmatory due diligence and concurrently negotiate a definitive merger agreement within 45 days, and noted that the transaction would not be subject to any financing contingency.
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On May 7, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, the proposals received from Party A, Party B and Blackstone and Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed the financial aspects of the proposals. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed with the LaSalle Board its fiduciary duties in the context of evaluating the preliminary indications of interest from Party A, Party B and Blackstone and Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal.
Following this discussion, the LaSalle Board discussed how best to encourage the parties to improve their respective purchase prices and other terms. Because Party B's and Blackstone's proposals were within close range of each other, the LaSalle Board determined to advance both parties to the next phase of the strategic process, to provide each party with additional due diligence access and a draft merger agreement with respect to which the parties would be requested to provide comments and to encourage them to increase their respective purchase prices in view of the competitive nature of the process. Because Pebblebrook had entered into a confidentiality agreement with LaSalle, and on the basis of Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal, the LaSalle Board determined that Pebblebrook should also be included in the next phase of the strategic process, provided with the same due diligence access as the other bidders, provided a draft merger agreement with respect to which Pebblebrook would be requested to provide comments and encouraged to increase its proposed purchase price.
The LaSalle Board directed management, in consultation with representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs, to structure the next phase of the process to target a potential conclusion on or about May 18, 2018, which the LaSalle Board concluded was a realistic deadline for the bidders to complete their due diligence and negotiate and execute a definitive agreement. Because Party A had submitted a proposal that was lower than the others, the LaSalle Board directed representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs to inform Party A that it would not be moving forward at that time, unless Party A were meaningfully to increase its proposed price. The LaSalle Board also discussed that to date none of the three financial sponsors had, and had not requested to have, discussions with LaSalle's management regarding any roles, compensation, retention or investment arrangements in connection with a possible transaction.
At the meeting, Mr. Barnello also provided an update on LaSalle's financial results that it expected to report for the first quarter of 2018, which management expected to be above Wall Street research consensus estimates, and an update on LaSalle's preliminary financial outlook for the remainder of 2018, which management expected to increase in comparison to LaSalle's previous guidance.
On May 8, 2018, bid process letters were sent to Party B, Blackstone and Pebblebrook which, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, set a second round bid deadline of May 16, 2018, and requested marked drafts of LaSalle's proposed form of merger agreement by May 14, 2018.
On May 8, 2018, Party B, Blackstone and Pebblebrook were provided with a draft merger agreement on behalf of LaSalle. The draft merger agreement provided to the two financial sponsors (Party B and Blackstone) contemplated, among other things, a customary all-cash merger, a LaSalle termination fee equal to 2% of the equity value of the transaction if the merger agreement was terminated under certain circumstances and a reverse termination fee equal to 10% of the equity value of the transaction if the merger agreement was terminated under certain circumstances. Drafts of an equity commitment letter and limited guaranty were concurrently provided to the financial sponsors. The draft merger agreement provided to Pebblebrook contemplated, among other things, a customary business combination merger and a LaSalle termination fee equal to 2% of the aggregate equity value of LaSalle if the merger agreement was terminated under certain circumstances. The merger agreement provided to Pebblebrook also provided that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect to receive a cash amount per LaSalle common share equal to the exchange ratio multiplied by the
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five-day volume weighted average price per Pebblebrook common share ending on the trading day immediately before execution of a definitive merger agreement, up to a maximum of 20% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing, subject to proration.
On May 8, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs contacted representatives of Party A and informed them that, because their indication of interest was below the level of the other bidders, LaSalle would not be proceeding with Party A at that time, unless Party A were meaningfully to improve its proposed price. There were no further discussions between Party A and LaSalle or its representatives.
On May 10, 2018, LaSalle announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2018. LaSalle reported first quarter results that meaningfully exceeded its expectations and raised its guidance for the remainder of 2018. On May 10, 2018, the closing price per LaSalle common share on the NYSE was $31.43.
Also on May 10, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, the status of discussions with LaSalle and its advisors. Members of the Pebblebrook management team and representatives of each of Hunton, Raymond James and BAML were present. Among other things, Pebblebrook management reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board certain financial aspects of the proposed transaction and its due diligence review of LaSalle, including with respect to various one-time costs associated with LaSalle's transaction expenses and retention and severance obligations. Pebblebrook management also reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board the status of Pebblebrook's discussions with BAML to obtain a commitment letter for a bridge loan to fund the cash consideration in the proposed transaction. Representatives of Hunton reviewed the material terms of the draft merger agreement under negotiation with LaSalle.
The LaSalle Board also held a meeting on May 10, 2018 to discuss, among other things, management's standalone plan and the strategic process. Members of LaSalle's management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. The LaSalle Board reviewed certain updated financial projections regarding LaSalle for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, prepared by LaSalle's management, which were the same in all respects as the forecasts that LaSalle's management had prepared and provided to the LaSalle Board on March 20, 2018, except that they incorporated LaSalle's actual performance for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2018 and an updated forecast for the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2018, and a corresponding roll forward for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022. The LaSalle Board discussed the risks, challenges and strategic opportunities facing LaSalle in the context of the updated forecasts. Following discussion and questions of management regarding various matters relating to the updated forecasts, including the assumptions on which they were based, the LaSalle Board approved the updated forecasts for use by Citi and Goldman Sachs.
At the meeting, representatives of Goodwin reviewed certain terms contained in the draft merger agreements presented to the bidders. In addition, the LaSalle Board discussed the updated customary written relationships disclosure letter provided by each of Citi and Goldman Sachs and distributed to the LaSalle Board before the meeting. In the case of Citi, the disclosure letter listed engagements for which Citi and its affiliates has recognized compensation for investment banking, commercial banking and other financial services provided to Party B (including its portfolio companies and its affiliated public vehicle), Blackstone Real Estate Advisors L.P. (including its portfolio companies and its affiliated public vehicle Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc.) and Pebblebrook since January 1, 2016. In the case of Goldman Sachs, the disclosure letter listed engagements for which Goldman Sachs has recognized compensation for financial advisory and underwriting services provided by its investment banking division to Party B (including its affiliates and portfolio companies), Blackstone (including its affiliates and portfolio companies) and Pebblebrook in the two years preceding the meeting. After discussion,
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including with Goodwin, the LaSalle Board again determined that those relationships would not interfere with Citi's or Goldman Sachs' ability to continue to provide financial advisory services to LaSalle. At the conclusion of the meeting, the independent trustees participating in the meeting met in executive session with Goodwin and DLA Piper to further discuss the strategic process and negotiations with Party B, Blackstone and Pebblebrook.
On May 11, 2018, members of LaSalle management and Pebblebrook management conducted in-person, reciprocal high-level management presentations with representatives of their respective financial advisors also present.
On May 14, 2018, HG Vora filed an amendment to its Schedule 13D reporting beneficial ownership of 9.1% of LaSalle's outstanding common shares. The amendment to HG Vora's Schedule 13D also disclosed a letter that it had sent to the LaSalle Board stating that it believed that a sale of LaSalle on the terms of Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal or better would be superior to any credible standalone plan.
On May 14, 2018, outside legal counsel to Blackstone, provided Blackstone's initial comments on the draft merger agreement, equity commitment letter and limited guarantee to Goodwin. In the drafts, among other things, Blackstone proposed a LaSalle termination fee equal to 3.5% of the equity value of the transaction and replaced LaSalle's right to specific performance with the right to receive a reverse termination fee equal to 7% of the equity value of the transaction as LaSalle's sole and exclusive remedy if the merger agreement were terminated under certain circumstances.
On May 14, 2018, representatives of Hunton provided Pebblebrook's initial comments on the draft merger agreement to representatives of Goodwin. The Pebblebrook draft merger agreement provided, among other things: the price per share for the cash election shares would be based on the exchange ratio multiplied by the five-day volume weighted average price per Pebblebrook common share as of the end of the last trading day before the execution of the merger agreement; the occurrence of the closing under the merger agreement would constitute a change in control and termination without "cause" under the severance agreements with LaSalle's senior officers, and that following the closing Pebblebrook would cause the combined company to pay all severance payments and benefits that each of LaSalle's senior officers would be entitled to under his applicable severance agreement; and LaSalle's outstanding equity awards would vest in connection with the closing under the merger agreement.
Also on May 14, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, the strategic process. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello updated the LaSalle Board on the status of the negotiations with Party B, Blackstone and Pebblebrook.
On May 15, 2018, the LaSalle transaction committee met to discuss, among other things, management's reverse due diligence review of Pebblebrook. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. LaSalle management reviewed with the LaSalle transaction committee management's reverse due diligence of Pebblebrook and LaSalle management, with the assistance of representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs, reviewed the financial aspects of Pebblebrook's five-year forecasts previously provided by Pebblebrook.
Also on May 15, 2018, Party B informed representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs that Party B would need additional time beyond the May 16, 2018 deadline to submit a revised proposal and mark-up of the merger agreement. The LaSalle Board was informed of Party B's expected delay in submitting its revised proposal.
From May 15 through May 20, 2018, representatives of Goodwin, with input from LaSalle management and with the benefit of the views of the trustees provided at the LaSalle Board and LaSalle transaction committee meetings, and Blackstone's outside legal counsel exchanged drafts and
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participated in discussions regarding the terms of the merger agreement and related agreements. The key issues negotiated with respect to the merger agreement and related agreements included, among other things: the representations and warranties to be made by the parties; the restrictions on the conduct of LaSalle's business until completion of the transaction; the definition of material adverse effect; the conditions to completion of the mergers; LaSalle's obligations to cooperate with Blackstone's debt financing efforts; LaSalle's ability to participate in discussions or negotiations with third parties relating to unsolicited acquisition proposals; the right of the LaSalle Board to change its recommendation that shareholders approve the merger in response to a superior proposal or otherwise; LaSalle's right to terminate the merger agreement to accept a superior proposal under certain conditions; the other termination provisions and the triggers of the termination fee payable by LaSalle; the provisions regarding LaSalle's equity awards, employee benefit plans, severance and other compensation matters; the remedies available to each party under the merger agreement, including the triggers of the reverse termination fee payable to LaSalle and the terms of the guaranty of certain payment obligations by Blackstone Real Estate Partners VIII fund; and the amounts of the LaSalle termination fee and reverse termination fee.
Also from May 15 through May 19, 2018, representatives of Goodwin, with input from LaSalle management and with the benefit of the views of the trustees provided at the meetings of the LaSalle Board and of the LaSalle transaction committee, and representatives of Hunton exchanged drafts and participated in discussions regarding the terms of the merger agreement and related agreements. The key issues negotiated with respect to the merger agreement and related agreements included, among other things: the representations and warranties to be made by the parties; the restrictions on the conduct of the parties' businesses until completion of the transaction; the definition of material adverse effect; the conditions to completion of the mergers; LaSalle's obligations to cooperate with Pebblebrook's financing efforts and the post-signing transition; the parties' ability to participate in discussions or negotiations with third parties relating to unsolicited acquisition proposals; the right of the parties' boards to change their recommendation that shareholders approve the merger in response to a superior proposal or otherwise; the parties' right to terminate the merger agreement to accept a superior proposal under certain conditions; the other termination provisions and the triggers of the termination fees payable by the parties; the provisions regarding LaSalle's equity awards, employee benefit plans, severance and other compensation matters; the remedies available to each party under the merger agreement; and the amounts of the LaSalle termination fee and Pebblebrook termination fee.
On May 16, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, the potential combination with LaSalle. Members of the Pebblebrook management team and representatives of each of Hunton, Raymond James and BAML were present. Pebblebrook management reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board the status of the negotiations with LaSalle and various financial aspects of the potential transaction. Representatives of Hunton reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law and the material terms of the draft merger agreement. During this meeting, the Pebblebrook Board decided not to increase the fixed exchange ratio or cash election provision set forth in Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal at this time because, among other reasons, the value of the implied merger consideration had increased due to an increase in the trading price of Pebblebrook common shares since April 20, 2018. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Pebblebrook Board directed management to submit an offer letter and draft merger agreement to LaSalle that day as requested by LaSalle in the bid process letter.
Also on May 16, 2018, as authorized by the Pebblebrook Board and in accordance with the LaSalle bid process letter, Pebblebrook sent to LaSalle its proposal to acquire LaSalle, which we refer to as the May 16 proposal. The May 16 proposal included the same 0.9085 exchange ratio set forth in the April 20 proposal. The implied price of Pebblebrook's May 16 proposal was $34.58 per LaSalle common share based on the exchange ratio of 0.9085 and the closing price per Pebblebrook common
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share on the NYSE on May 16, 2018 of $38.06, and assuming an all-shares transaction. The May 16 proposal also included the same 20% cash election provision included in the April 20 proposal. Pebblebrook included with the May 16 proposal a copy of a commitment letter with BAML to fund any cash required by Pebblebrook to complete the proposed transaction.
Also on May 16, 2018, Blackstone presented a revised written proposal to acquire LaSalle in an all-cash transaction at a price of $33.00 per LaSalle common share, which price was predicated on no additional dividends being paid to LaSalle common shareholders other than its next regularly scheduled dividend. Blackstone's proposal also provided that it would expire at 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2018 if Blackstone and LaSalle had not entered into a definitive agreement prior to that time or if another bidder was granted exclusivity. On May 16, 2018, the closing price per LaSalle common share on the NYSE was $31.39.
Later on May 16, 2018, representatives of Goodwin provided a revised draft of the merger agreement to representatives of each of Blackstone's outside legal counsel and Hunton and instructed each of them that any further revisions should be presented by noon on May 18, 2018.
In connection with the submission of their proposals, Party B, Blackstone and Pebblebrook were informed that the LaSalle Board would hold a meeting later in the week to consider their proposals with the goal of selecting a winning bidder, finalizing definitive documentation and publicly announcing a transaction prior to opening of trading on May 21, 2018.
On May 17, 2018, Party B presented a written confirmation of its proposal at the same price of $32.00 per LaSalle common share as set forth in Party B's May 4 proposal. Party B's proposal also stated that it expected to be able to complete all confirmatory due diligence and concurrently negotiate a definitive merger agreement within 20 days, and noted that the transaction remained subject to final approval from Party B's investment committee. Party B also presented initial comments on the draft merger agreement with its May 17 proposal, and stated that additional comments would be provided if Party B were to continue in the strategic process. Party B did not provide comments on the drafts of the equity commitment letter or limited guarantee.
Later on May 17, 2018, the LaSalle transaction committee met to discuss, among other things, the strategic process. Other members of the LaSalle Board, members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. The LaSalle transaction committee, with the assistance of management and in consultation with the LaSalle Board's financial and legal advisors, discussed the revised proposals received from Blackstone and Pebblebrook on May 16 and Party B on May 17. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also reviewed with the LaSalle transaction committee certain financial aspects of the three revised proposals and preliminary financial analyses with respect to LaSalle. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed with the LaSalle Board key execution risks associated with each of the three proposals and the material open points on the latest drafts of the merger agreements received from each of the three parties.
The LaSalle transaction committee discussed the advantages and risks of a proposed transaction with Blackstone or Pebblebrook, including, among other things, whether the proposals represented an attractive valuation of LaSalle for shareholders when considered in light of the LaSalle Board's knowledge and understanding of the business, operations, management, financial condition and prospects of LaSalle, including the various challenges presented if the LaSalle Board were to reject both of the offers and LaSalle were to continue as a standalone company.
Based on the LaSalle transaction committee's discussion at this meeting and previous meetings of the LaSalle Board and of the LaSalle transaction committee, the LaSalle transaction committee concluded that both Blackstone's and Pebblebrook's revised proposals would, if consummated, provide greater certainty of value (and less risk) at that time to LaSalle shareholders relative to the potential trading price of LaSalle's common shares over a longer period as a standalone company. The LaSalle
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transaction committee determined to continue the discussion at meetings of the LaSalle Board scheduled for the following day.
On May 18, 2018, Blackstone's outside legal counsel provided a revised draft of the merger agreement to Goodwin.
On May 18, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, the strategic process. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. The LaSalle Board, with the assistance of management and in consultation with the LaSalle Board's financial and legal advisors, discussed each of the revised proposals received from Blackstone and Pebblebrook on May 16 and Party B on May 17. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also reviewed with the LaSalle Board certain financial aspects of the three revised proposals and preliminary financial analyses with respect to LaSalle and Pebblebrook's May 16 proposal. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed with the LaSalle Board key execution risks associated with each of the three proposals and the material open points on the latest drafts of the merger agreements received from each of the three parties.
The LaSalle Board discussed the advantages and risks of a proposed transaction with Blackstone or Pebblebrook, including, among other things, whether the proposals represented an attractive valuation of LaSalle for shareholders when considered in light of the LaSalle Board's knowledge and understanding of the business, operations, management, financial condition and prospects of LaSalle, including the various challenges presented if the LaSalle Board were to reject both of the offers and LaSalle were to continue as a standalone company. Based on the discussion at this meeting and previous board and transactions committee meetings, the LaSalle Board concluded that both Blackstone's and Pebblebrook's revised proposals would, if consummated, provide greater certainty of value (and less risk) to LaSalle shareholders relative to the potential trading price of LaSalle common shares over a longer period after accounting for the long-term risks to LaSalle's business resulting from operational execution risk and evolving industry dynamics. The LaSalle Board then discussed how best to further enhance shareholder value by encouraging each of Blackstone and Pebblebrook to increase its offer price and enter into definitive documentation for a transaction.
The LaSalle Board also discussed that, from a timing perspective, Party B was significantly behind Blackstone and Pebblebrook in its evaluation of LaSalle and would not be prepared to enter into a definitive agreement for at least 20 days. Additionally, the LaSalle Board noted that Party B had not improved its offer price in the second round of the strategic process and had reaffirmed a lower value than the revised proposal from Blackstone. The LaSalle Board discussed the substantial extra time that would be required by Party B as compared to Blackstone and Pebblebrook and the risk that Blackstone would withdraw its all-cash proposal if LaSalle was to materially deviate from the proposed timing. Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board directed representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs to contact Party B and indicate that the LaSalle Board would be pursuing a transaction with a different party unless Party B were to materially improve its proposed offer price and to expedite its timing to reach a definitive merger agreement.
The LaSalle Board also discussed, with the assistance of LaSalle management and in consultation with financial and legal advisors, the certainty of value in Blackstone's all-cash offer as opposed to the share consideration offered by Pebblebrook. The LaSalle Board discussed concerns including, among others, that Pebblebrook's proposal used a fixed exchange ratio pursuant to which LaSalle shareholders would receive a specific fraction of a Pebblebrook common share for each of their LaSalle common shares regardless of the value of Pebblebrook common shares at the time of the closing of a transaction with Pebblebrook, and that at the time of LaSalle agreeing to merger with Pebblebrook, LaSalle shareholders would have no certainty of the value of the consideration they would receive at the merger's closing. In this regard, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed with the LaSalle Board that as of March 27, 2018, the last trading day prior to public announcement of Pebblebrook's
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unsolicited proposal, the 52-week intraday trading range per Pebblebrook common share was $27.57 to $39.74, and that as recently as March 23, 2018 the closing price per Pebblebrook common share was $32.73. The LaSalle Board also discussed its concerns that Pebblebrook common shares trade at a significantly higher EBITDA multiple as compared to other publicly-traded lodging REITs and that it is difficult to predict whether this would continue in the future. The LaSalle Board also considered that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect to receive a cash amount per LaSalle common share equal to the exchange ratio multiplied by the five-day volume weighted average price per Pebblebrook common share ending on the trading day immediately before execution of a definitive merger agreement (which was a price of $34.41 per LaSalle common share based on a five-day volume weighted average price of Pebblebrook's common shares ending on May 16, 2018), up to a maximum of 20% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing, subject to proration. Given the certainty of Blackstone's all-cash proposal, the LaSalle Board determined that it would request that Pebblebrook revise its proposal to provide more protection to LaSalle shareholders in the event that the price per Pebblebrook common share declined between the signing and the closing of the transaction. The LaSalle Board noted that this could be accomplished in various ways, including by increasing the cash component of its proposed merger consideration, or implementing a pricing collar or similar type of pricing protection mechanism with respect to the share consideration.
During the meeting of the LaSalle Board, a representative of Goodwin received a call from a representative of Pebblebrook's financial advisor who requested an update on the status of LaSalle's sale process and the LaSalle Board's deliberations. The representative of Goodwin indicated that representatives of LaSalle's financial advisors would contact representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors following the conclusion of the board meeting.
Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board instructed representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs to inform representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors that the LaSalle Board was seeking an increase in Pebblebrook's proposed exchange ratio and also requesting that Pebblebrook revise its proposal to provide more protection to LaSalle shareholders in the event that the share price per Pebblebrook common share declined between the signing and the closing of the transaction, which protection could be accomplished in various ways, including by increasing the cash component of its proposed merger consideration, offering a fixed value transaction or implementing a pricing collar with respect to the share consideration. The LaSalle Board also instructed representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs, following receipt of feedback from Pebblebrook, to request that Blackstone submit a best and final revised offer. Following the meeting, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs communicated these points to representatives of each of Blackstone's and Pebblebrook's financial advisors.
The independent trustees of LaSalle then met in executive session and continued discussions. Representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper were in attendance. The independent trustees discussed the merits of the different proposals and agreed to discuss them again after final proposals had been received.
On the afternoon of May 18, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs contacted representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors and informed them of the feedback from the LaSalle Board on Pebblebrook's proposal. In these discussions, as directed by the LaSalle Board, the representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs indicated that the LaSalle Board was seeking an increase in the exchange ratio and more protection for LaSalle shareholders in the event that the share price per Pebblebrook common share declined between the signing and the closing of the transaction. The representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs indicated, as directed by the LaSalle Board, that the LaSalle Board was open to discussing various different ways to accomplish these objectives with Pebblebrook and its financial advisors, including by increasing the cash component of its proposed merger consideration or implementing a pricing collar or similar type of pricing protection
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mechanism with respect to the share consideration. In response, representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors provided no specific feedback to the requests presented by the representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs. At the direction of Pebblebrook management, representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors concluded by stating that Pebblebrook was considering whether or not it wanted to continue participating in LaSalle's sale process.
Later on the afternoon of May 18, 2018, at the direction of Pebblebrook management, representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors contacted representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs and indicated that Pebblebrook would continue to participate in LaSalle's sale process, but that Pebblebrook was not willing to increase the exchange ratio or provide more protection for LaSalle shareholders in the event that the share price per Pebblebrook common share declined between the signing and the closing of the transaction.
On May 18, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs contacted representatives of Blackstone and indicated that the LaSalle Board had met that day and was continuing its review of Blackstone's latest proposal.
On May 18, 2018, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs contacted Party B as directed by the LaSalle Board. Per the LaSalle Board's direction, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs indicated that Party B needed to materially improve its proposed offer price and to expedite its timing to reach a definitive merger agreement with LaSalle. Thereafter, there were no further discussions with Party B.
Later on May 18, 2018, representatives of Hunton provided a revised draft of the merger agreement to representatives of Goodwin, which reflected no progress on the open points in the merger agreement, as it was in substantially the same form as the revised draft of the merger agreement provided to representatives of Goodwin on May 14, 2018. On May 18, 2018, the closing price per Pebblebrook common share on the NYSE was $39.01.
Later in the evening on May 18, 2018, representatives of Goodwin and representatives of Blackstone's outside legal counsel had discussions regarding the merger agreement. During these discussions, representatives of Blackstone's outside legal counsel indicated that Blackstone did not want to further discuss open points on the merger agreement until LaSalle had responded to Blackstone's May 16 proposal.
Also, later on the evening on May 18, 2018, further to the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi had a discussion with representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisor and indicated that the next morning LaSalle would provide Pebblebrook, through representatives of LaSalle's financial advisors, with specific guidance on what improvements Pebblebrook would need to make to its proposal in order to increase its chance of being successful.
Early in the morning of May 19, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss the strategic process. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs updated the LaSalle Board as to the discussions they had with representatives of each of Blackstone's and Pebblebrook's financial advisors at the direction of the LaSalle Board. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed with the LaSalle Board that, based on the previous day's closing prices, Pebblebrook's proposal had had an implied value of $35.44 per share for 100% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also reviewed with the LaSalle Board that Pebblebrook had declined to increase the value of its proposal from what it offered in its April 20 proposal or provide LaSalle shareholders with any protection in the event of a decrease in Pebblebrook's share price between signing and closing of the transaction. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also reported that representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors had asked for specific guidance on valuation. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs acknowledged that symmetrical collars were more common in these types of transactions than asymmetrical collars, and the LaSalle Board discussed being open to
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a symmetrical collar. The LaSalle Board also discussed the risk that Blackstone would withdraw its all-cash proposal if LaSalle was to materially deviate from its proposed timing to announce a transaction prior to market opening on May 21, 2018.
Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board instructed representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs to inform representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors that by noon on May 19, 2018, Pebblebrook would need to improve its proposed exchange ratio from 0.9085 to 0.9250, provide for an asymmetrical collar with 10% downside protection for LaSalle and provide a revised draft of the merger agreement which was more responsive than the draft merger agreement provided by representatives of Hunton to representatives of Goodwin on May 18, 2018. The LaSalle Board indicated that if Pebblebrook agreed to these terms the LaSalle Board would seek to enter into definitive documentation for a transaction with Pebblebrook as soon as possible. The LaSalle Board determined to meet again later in the day to further consider the status of the current proposals from Blackstone and Pebblebrook.
At approximately 9:00 a.m. on May 19, 2018, as directed by the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs communicated the feedback from the LaSalle Board to representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors on the following business terms:
In these discussions, as directed by the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs emphasized that the LaSalle Board was focused on the risk to LaSalle shareholders of a decline in the price per Pebblebrook common share between signing and closing of the transaction and that the LaSalle Board would be open to considering any potential mechanisms which Pebblebrook could suggest to ameliorate these concerns. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs concluded by acknowledging that symmetrical collars were more common in these types of transactions than asymmetrical collars and suggested that the LaSalle Board could be open to a symmetrical collar.
In these discussions, as directed by Pebblebrook management, representatives of Raymond James and BAML responded that Pebblebrook would not provide a pricing collar, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical, because such collars are not appropriate or customary in a REIT industry share-for-share transaction when the target's common shares are listed on a major stock exchange. Representatives of Raymond James and BAML further stated that a collar would be particularly inappropriate in this situation because Pebblebrook's several offers to merge with LaSalle had already been publicly disclosed and supported by research analysts and institutional investors and Pebblebrook common shares thus traded at price levels that reflected the potential of a merger.
Also in these discussions, as directed by the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs indicated to representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors that LaSalle would need definitive responses from Pebblebrook on LaSalle's request to increase the exchange ratio, to provide protection against a decline in the price per Pebblebrook common share between signing and closing, and a revised draft of the merger agreement by noon on May 19, 2018. As directed by the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also indicated that in the meantime LaSalle would not have discussions with any other parties regarding a transaction. As directed by the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs further indicated that if Pebblebrook would agree with the above terms, LaSalle would seek to execute a definitive merger agreement with Pebblebrook as soon as possible. Alternatively, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs indicated, as directed by the LaSalle
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Board, that if Pebblebrook did not agree to these terms the LaSalle Board was likely to move forward with a proposal from another party.
Shortly before noon on May 19, 2018, at the direction of Pebblebrook management, representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors orally provided representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs with a revised proposal that was subject to the approval of the Pebblebrook Board and consisted of the following terms, which we refer to as the May 19 proposal, and indicated to the representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs that this was Pebblebrook's best and final offer:
Shortly thereafter, on May 19, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Goodwin had a call with representatives of Hunton to discuss the open issues in the merger agreement. Thereafter, Pebblebrook and its financial and legal advisors received no further communication from LaSalle or its financial and legal advisors prior to LaSalle's May 21, 2018 press release announcing the execution of the Blackstone merger agreement.
In the afternoon of May 19, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss the status of the negotiations with Blackstone and Pebblebrook. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed the financial aspects of the latest proposal from Pebblebrook and the latest discussions with representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors. Representatives of Goodwin updated the LaSalle Board on the status of the merger agreement negotiation with Pebblebrook. The LaSalle Board discussed that while Pebblebrook had improved the exchange ratio, it again refused to include a collar or any other mechanism to protect the value of the transaction for LaSalle shareholders. The LaSalle Board determined that because Pebblebrook had not met the LaSalle Board's request for a collar (whether symmetrical or asymmetrical) or any other protection from a decrease in Pebblebrook's share price between the signing and closing of the transaction, the best pathway to maximize value for LaSalle shareholders was to expeditiously seek an improved offer price from Blackstone, in light of the expiration of Blackstone's offer at 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2018. The LaSalle Board considered, among other things, the certainty of value in Blackstone's all-cash offer as opposed to the share consideration offered by Pebblebrook and Blackstone's proven ability to complete large acquisition transactions on the agreed terms. Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board instructed representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs to request that Blackstone increase its purchase price to $34.25 per share. Following the meeting, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs communicated this information to Blackstone. The LaSalle Board determined to meet again later in the day to further consider the status of the current proposals from Blackstone and Pebblebrook.
Later on May 19, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs had discussions with a representative of Blackstone in which they asked Blackstone to increase its price to $34.25 per share.
In a subsequent discussion also on May 19, 2018, the Blackstone representative indicated that Blackstone would not be able to pay $34.25 per share, but that it would increase its price to $33.50 per share, assuming no additional dividends were paid to LaSalle common shareholders other than
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LaSalle's regular dividend for the quarter ending June 30, 2018 and that the LaSalle termination fee would equal $112 million (representing approximately 3.0% of its equity value and 2.3% of its enterprise value, based on the merger consideration) and the reverse termination fee payable to LaSalle would equal $336 million (representing approximately 9.0% of its equity value and 6.9% of its enterprise value, based on the merger consideration). During that discussion, the Blackstone representative stated that Blackstone was not willing to increase its offer beyond $33.50 per share and that LaSalle should not contact Blackstone again other than to accept its revised offer of $33.50 per share.
Later in the afternoon on May 19, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss the status of the negotiations with Blackstone and Pebblebrook. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs provided the LaSalle Board with an update regarding the discussions with Blackstone and Pebblebrook since the last board meeting, including that Blackstone had offered $33.50 per share, plus the regular dividend for the quarter ending June 30, 2018, as its best and final offer, and that Pebblebrook was not willing to improve its offer presented earlier that day. Although the exchange ratio last proposed by Pebblebrook resulted in an implied price of $35.89 per share for 100% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares based on the closing price per Pebblebrook common share of $39.01 on May 18, 2018, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed with the LaSalle Board that based on 30-, 60- and 90-day volume weighted average share prices, the implied consideration of Pebblebrook's last proposal was less than $33.50 per LaSalle common share. Representatives of Goodwin then summarized the material terms of the merger agreement and ancillary documentation that had been negotiated with Blackstone, including that the LaSalle termination fee would equal $112 million (which the LaSalle Board viewed as reasonable and not likely to preclude any other party from making a competing acquisition proposal) and that the reverse termination fee payable to LaSalle would equal $336 million. The LaSalle Board again considered, among other things, the certainty of value in Blackstone's all-cash offer as opposed to the share consideration offered by Pebblebrook and Blackstone's proven ability to complete large acquisition transactions on the agreed terms.
The LaSalle Board further discussed the advantages and risks of the proposed transaction with Blackstone. The LaSalle Board believed that Blackstone would not improve upon its latest offer and that asking for additional improvement on this offer would put at risk the ongoing negotiations with Blackstone to finalize the terms of the merger agreement. In light of these discussions, the LaSalle Board concluded that Blackstone's improved and final offer would, if consummated, provide greater certainty of value (and less risk) to LaSalle shareholders relative to the potential trading price of LaSalle common shares over a longer period as a standalone company after accounting for the long-term risks to LaSalle's business resulting from operational execution risk and evolving industry dynamics. The LaSalle Board also considered that Blackstone could withdraw from the process if the LaSalle Board did not accept its proposal by the stated deadline of entering into a definitive merger agreement by 5:00 p.m. May 20, 2018. After considering LaSalle's strategic alternatives to a potential transaction with Blackstone and LaSalle's ability to continue as a standalone company, the LaSalle Board instructed Goodwin to work with Blackstone's outside legal counsel to finalize the merger agreement and related documents. The independent trustees then met in executive session and continued discussions. Representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper were in attendance.
Subsequently on May 19, 2018, as directed by the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs informed a representative of Blackstone that the LaSalle Board was willing to move forward with negotiating and finalizing a definitive merger agreement concerning Blackstone's offer of $33.50 per share. The representatives of Blackstone indicated that it expected LaSalle to work with Blackstone to finalize and execute a definitive merger agreement by 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2018.
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Subsequently on May 19, 2018, Goodwin and Blackstone's outside legal counsel had a call to resolve open issues on the merger agreement. Thereafter, Goodwin and Blackstone's outside legal counsel exchanged revised drafts of the merger agreement and related documents.
In the morning of May 20, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to receive an update on the status of the discussions with Blackstone. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin provided an update on the discussions with Blackstone since the last board meeting, including that negotiations between LaSalle and Blackstone were substantially complete. Following discussion, the LaSalle Board instructed LaSalle management and the LaSalle Board's advisors to work with Blackstone and its advisors to finalize the merger agreement and related documents. The LaSalle Board determined to meet again later in the day to further consider the final terms of the proposed transaction with Blackstone.
In the afternoon of May 20, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss the final terms of the proposed transaction with Blackstone. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin updated the LaSalle Board on the discussions with Blackstone since the last board meeting. Representatives of Goodwin provided an overview of the negotiation process to date with Blackstone's representatives, indicating that negotiations with Blackstone were complete, as well as a presentation regarding the terms of the merger agreement and related documents. Representatives of Goodwin also reviewed with the LaSalle Board its fiduciary duties in connection with a potential sale of LaSalle. The LaSalle Board considered, among other things, the terms of the draft Blackstone merger agreement that addressed LaSalle's ability to consider third-party proposals following the execution and announcement of the Blackstone merger agreement and to terminate the Blackstone merger agreement to accept a superior proposal, including the termination fee payable by LaSalle and the circumstances in which it would be required to be paid. The LaSalle Board also discussed that to date Blackstone had not had, and had not requested to have, discussions with LaSalle management regarding their future roles, compensation, retention or investment arrangements in connection with the proposed transaction.
Also at this meeting, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed the financial analyses supporting their proposed opinions. After discussion among the LaSalle Board and its financial advisors, representatives of each of Citi and Goldman Sachs each delivered an oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by the delivery of a written opinion from each financial advisor, both dated May 20, 2018, to the LaSalle Board to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered and limitations and qualifications on the review undertaken described in each financial advisor's written opinion, the $33.50 in cash per outstanding LaSalle common share to be paid to the holders (other than BRE Landmark Parent L.P. and its affiliates) of the outstanding LaSalle common shares pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such holders.
After the discussion, and taking into account the opinions delivered by Citi and Goldman Sachs, and other factors, including the LaSalle Board's belief that a merger with Blackstone, which we refer to as the Blackstone merger, was more favorable to LaSalle shareholders than other strategic transactions available to LaSalle, the LaSalle Board unanimously adopted resolutions which, among other things, approved the Blackstone merger agreement, the Blackstone merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Blackstone merger agreement, which we refer to as the Blackstone transaction, and recommended that LaSalle shareholders approve the Blackstone transaction.
Later on May 20, 2018, LaSalle and Blackstone executed the Blackstone merger agreement and all signatories to the equity commitment letter and limited guarantee executed such agreements.
On the morning of May 21, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle and Blackstone issued a joint press release announcing the execution of the Blackstone merger agreement.
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On June 10, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, LaSalle's announcement of the Blackstone merger agreement and Pebblebrook's ongoing interest in combining with LaSalle. Members of the Pebblebrook management team and representatives of each of Hunton, Raymond James and BAML were present. During this meeting, Pebblebrook management and representatives of its financial advisors reviewed various financial aspects of the potential transaction, including the termination fee payable to Blackstone in the event LaSalle terminated its agreement with Blackstone to enter into a merger agreement with Pebblebrook. Following discussion, the Pebblebrook Board directed Pebblebrook management to submit another proposal to LaSalle on the terms set forth in the June 11 proposal described below. The Pebblebrook Board also directed Pebblebrook management and representatives of Hunton to submit a new merger agreement to LaSalle.
On the morning of June 11, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, Mr. Bortz, on behalf of Pebblebrook and as authorized by the Pebblebrook Board, sent a letter to the LaSalle Board, which we refer to as the June 11 letter, and the proposal set forth therein as the June 11 proposal. The June 11 proposal provided for a fixed exchange ratio of 0.92 Pebblebrook common share for each LaSalle common share (the same exchange ratio as set forth in Pebblebrook's oral proposal on May 19, 2018). As in Pebblebrook's April 20 proposal and May 19 proposal, the June 11 letter stated that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect cash for up to a maximum of 20% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing, subject to proration. As in Pebblebrook's May 19 proposal, the per-share cash amount was based on the exchange ratio multiplied by the five-day volume weighted average price per Pebblebrook common share as of the end of the last trading day before the proposal was made. The June 11 letter indicated that the per-share cash amount for the June 11 proposal was fixed at $37.80 per share and would not fluctuate, the per-share cash amount was based on the exchange ratio multiplied by the five-day volume weighted average price per Pebblebrook common share ending on June 8, 2018, as opposed to the per share cash amount for the May 19 proposal of $35.05 per share, based on the exchange ratio multiplied by the five-day volume weighted average price per Pebblebrook common share ending on May 18, 2018. The letter also included a summary of certain proposed key terms which included: Pebblebrook executives would manage the combined company; the June 11 proposal was not contingent on financing or further due diligence; a break-up fee of $112 million; and no payments or vesting under change in control severance agreements for Pebblebrook's executive officers. The June 11 letter also stated that Pebblebrook was prepared to enter into a merger agreement essentially identical to the Blackstone merger agreement adapted to reflect the terms of the June 11 proposal and that Pebblebrook would send LaSalle a draft merger agreement under separate cover. Representatives of Hunton subsequently sent the draft merger agreement to representatives of Goodwin.
On the morning of June 11, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, Pebblebrook issued a press release disclosing its June 11 letter and Pebblebrook also publicly disclosed a related investor presentation.
On the morning of June 11, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle issued a press release confirming receipt of Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal and indicating that the LaSalle Board would carefully review Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal in accordance with the provisions of the Blackstone merger agreement.
Later on June 11, 2018, the LaSalle transaction committee met to discuss, among other things, Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed with the LaSalle transaction committee certain preliminary financial analyses with respect to the June 11 proposal. Representatives of Goodwin provided an overview of their fiduciary duties under applicable law and the application of those principles to Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal. Representatives of Goodwin also reviewed LaSalle's obligations under the Blackstone merger agreement related to the June 11 proposal. Thereafter, the information discussed at this meeting was provided to the other members of the LaSalle Board and Mr. Barnello briefed and consulted with other members of the LaSalle Board regarding the June 11 proposal.
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On June 12, 2018, HG Vora filed an amendment to its Schedule 13D reporting beneficial ownership of 9.1% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares. The amendment to HG Vora's Schedule 13D also disclosed a letter that it had sent to the LaSalle Board stating that it believed that Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal constituted a superior proposal under the Blackstone merger agreement.
Also on June 12, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board authorized Pebblebrook OP to acquire up to 9.8% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares on terms approved by the Pebblebrook Board through open market purchases or by private agreement.
On June 14, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. The LaSalle Board, with the assistance of management and in consultation with representatives of Goodwin, discussed Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed with the LaSalle Board that in connection with Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal, and in accordance with the Blackstone merger agreement, the LaSalle Board was permitted to determine whether or not in comparison to the Blackstone transaction, Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal constituted a superior proposal (as defined under the Blackstone merger agreement, which we refer to as a superior proposal) or could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. Representatives of Goodwin also provided the LaSalle Board with an overview of their fiduciary duties under applicable law and the application of those principles to Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal.
The LaSalle Board discussed the terms of Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal including: that the price per share for the cash election shares had been increased from $35.05 in the May 19 proposal to $37.80 in the June 11 proposal; that Pebblebrook would have to pay the cash termination fee of $112 million to Blackstone if LaSalle were to terminate the Blackstone merger agreement to execute a merger agreement with Pebblebrook, which we refer to as the Blackstone termination fee (Pebblebrook's June 11 draft merger agreement did not contemplate Pebblebrook paying the Blackstone termination fee); that Pebblebrook had not improved the exchange ratio from its last proposal on May 19, 2018; that the June 11 proposal continued to have a fixed exchange ratio pursuant to which LaSalle shareholders would receive a specific fraction of a Pebblebrook common share for each LaSalle common share regardless of the value of Pebblebrook common shares at the time of the closing of a transaction with Pebblebrook, and LaSalle shareholders would have no certainty of the value of the consideration they would receive at the closing of the transaction; and that despite multiple requests from the LaSalle Board and its financial advisors between May 18 and 19, 2018, the June 11 proposal did not contain a pricing collar or similar type of pricing protection mechanism with respect to the share consideration. The LaSalle Board again considered, among other things, the certainty of value in Blackstone's all-cash offer as opposed to the share consideration offered by Pebblebrook, and Blackstone's proven ability to complete large acquisition transactions on the agreed terms. Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board determined to meet again to further consider Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal.
On June 17, 2018, the LaSalle Board held another meeting to further discuss Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed with the LaSalle Board that, in connection with the June 11 proposal and in accordance with the Blackstone merger agreement, the LaSalle Board was permitted to determine in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, whether in comparison to the Blackstone transaction, Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal constituted a superior proposal or could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. Representatives of Goodwin also reviewed with the LaSalle Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law and the application of those principles to an evaluation of Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal. Also at this meeting, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal, including the implied value of the consideration set
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forth in Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal since the announcement of the Blackstone merger agreement and a comparison of Blackstone's price of $33.50 per LaSalle common share and Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal.
The LaSalle Board discussed that, among other things, the key terms included in Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal were substantially similar to the prior proposal submitted by Pebblebrook on May 19, 2018, which the LaSalle Board previously evaluated alongside the Blackstone proposal submitted on the same date. The LaSalle Board also discussed that, as in Pebblebrook's May 19 proposal, the June 11 proposal included the same 80% share consideration and provided that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect cash up to a maximum of 20% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing, subject to proration; however, unlike the May 19 proposal, under the June 11 proposal the shareholders of the combined company resulting from the combination of LaSalle and Pebblebrook would bear the expense of the $112 million termination fee that would be payable to Blackstone under the Blackstone merger agreement. The LaSalle Board also discussed that Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal continued to fail to address the significant price risks and uncertainties for LaSalle shareholders that the LaSalle Board had previously communicated to Pebblebrook, and that in previous discussions, Pebblebrook refused to agree to any possible terms that would protect LaSalle shareholders against downside risks in the event of a decline in Pebblebrook's share price between the signing and closing of a transaction with Pebblebrook. The LaSalle Board also discussed that the Blackstone merger agreement represented immediate and certain cash value, was in the best interest of LaSalle shareholders and was expected to close as early as August 2018, and Blackstone's proven ability to complete large acquisition transactions on the agreed terms. Based on the discussions at this meeting and prior board meetings, the LaSalle Board unanimously determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, that in comparison to the Blackstone transaction, Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal did not constitute a superior proposal and could not reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal.
On the morning of June 18, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle issued a press release disclosing that the LaSalle Board had determined that Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal did not constitute a superior proposal and could not reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. The press release further disclosed that the LaSalle Board had reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the Blackstone merger agreement.
Also on the morning of June 18, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle filed a proxy statement regarding the Blackstone transaction in preliminary form with the SEC.
Also on the morning of June 18, 2018, Pebblebrook issued a press release disclosing that it had increased its ownership of LaSalle to approximately 9.0% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares.
On June 22, 2018, Pebblebrook filed a Schedule 13D reporting beneficial ownership of 9.8% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares.
On July 10, 2018, Pebblebrook filed a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC in order to solicit proxies from LaSalle shareholders to vote against the Blackstone transaction.
On the morning of July 20, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, Pebblebrook issued a press release disclosing a letter to the LaSalle Board reconfirming Pebblebrook's June 11 proposal, which we refer to as the July 20 letter, and the proposal set forth therein as the July 20 proposal. The July 20 proposal provided for a fixed exchange ratio of 0.92 Pebblebrook common share for each LaSalle common share (the same exchange ratio as set forth in Pebblebrook's May 19 proposal and in its June 11 proposal). As in Pebblebrook's April 20, May 19 and June 11 proposals, the July 20 letter stated that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect cash for up to a maximum of 20% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing, subject to proration. The July 20 proposal included a fixed per share cash amount
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of $37.80 per share (the same per share cash amount as set forth in the June 11 proposal, which was based on the five-day VWAP of Pebblebrook common shares ending on June 8, 2018). The July 20 letter included the same summary of certain proposed key terms which were included with the June 11 letter. The July 20 letter also stated that Pebblebrook was prepared to enter into the draft merger agreement that Pebblebrook provided to LaSalle in connection with its June 11 proposal. Later that day, Pebblebrook sent a copy of the July 20 letter to LaSalle.
Later on July 20, 2018, LaSalle issued a press release confirming receipt of Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal and indicating that the LaSalle Board would carefully review Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal in accordance with the provisions of the Blackstone merger agreement and a separate press release announcing that LaSalle had set July 20, 2018 as the record date for the LaSalle special meeting for the purpose of obtaining shareholder approval of the Blackstone transaction.
On July 29, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to discuss, among other things, Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. The LaSalle Board, with the assistance of management and in consultation with representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin, discussed Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed with the LaSalle Board that, in connection with the July 20 proposal and in accordance with the Blackstone merger agreement, the LaSalle Board was permitted to determine in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, whether or not in comparison to the Blackstone transaction, Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal constituted a superior proposal or could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. Representatives of Goodwin also reviewed with the LaSalle Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law and the application of those principles to an evaluation of Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal. Also at this meeting, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal, including the implied value of the consideration set forth in Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal since the announcement of the Blackstone merger agreement and a comparison of Blackstone's price of $33.50 per LaSalle common share and Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal.
The LaSalle Board discussed that, among other things, the key terms included in Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal were the same as the prior proposal submitted by Pebblebrook on June 11, 2018, which the LaSalle Board previously evaluated and determined did not constitute a superior proposal and could not reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. The LaSalle Board also discussed that, as in Pebblebrook's April 20, May 19 and June 11 proposals, the July 20 proposal included the same 80% share consideration and provided that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect cash up to a maximum of 20% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing, subject to proration. The LaSalle Board also discussed that under the terms of Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal, LaSalle shareholders would ultimately bear the majority of the $112 million termination fee that would be payable to Blackstone under the Blackstone merger agreement, given that LaSalle shareholders would own the majority of the combined company. The LaSalle Board also discussed that Pebblebrook had not improved either the exchange ratio or the cash amount from its June 11 proposal. The LaSalle Board also discussed that Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal continued to fail to address the significant price risks and uncertainties for LaSalle shareholders that the LaSalle Board had previously communicated to Pebblebrook and publicly disclosed, and that Pebblebrook refused to agree to any possible terms that would protect LaSalle shareholders against downside risks in the event of a decline in the price per Pebblebrook common shares between the signing and closing of a transaction with Pebblebrook. The LaSalle Board also considered the most recent publicly announced financial performance and 2018 outlook of Pebblebrook as well as LaSalle management's view of such performance and outlook. The LaSalle Board also reviewed certain updated financial projections regarding LaSalle for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022, prepared by LaSalle management, which were the same in all respects as the forecasts that LaSalle management had prepared and provided to the
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LaSalle Board on May 10, 2018, except that they incorporated LaSalle's actual performance for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, and a corresponding roll forward for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2022 (which updated projections are summarized below under the section entitled "Certain Prospective Financial InformationFinancial Projections" and which we refer to as the LaSalle projections). The LaSalle Board discussed the risks, challenges, and strategic opportunities facing LaSalle in the context of the LaSalle projections. Following discussion and questions of LaSalle management regarding various matters relating to the LaSalle projections, including the assumptions on which they were based, the LaSalle Board confirmed the LaSalle projections for use by Citi and Goldman Sachs. The LaSalle Board also discussed that the Blackstone merger agreement represented immediate and certain cash value, was in the best interest of LaSalle shareholders, was expected to close in early September 2018 and Blackstone's proven ability to complete large acquisition transactions on the agreed terms. Based on the discussions at this meeting and prior board meetings, the LaSalle Board unanimously determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, that in comparison to the Blackstone transaction, Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal did not constitute a superior proposal and could not reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal.
On the morning of July 30, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle issued a press release disclosing that the LaSalle Board had determined that Pebblebrook's July 20 proposal did not constitute a superior proposal and could not reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. The press release further disclosed that the LaSalle Board had reaffirmed its recommendation in support of the Blackstone merger agreement.
Also on the morning of July 30, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle filed a definitive proxy statement regarding the Blackstone transaction with the SEC.
Later on July 30, 2018, Pebblebrook filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC in order to solicit proxies from LaSalle shareholders to vote against the Blackstone transaction.
On August 6, 2018, LaSalle issued a press release announcing that it had filed an investor presentation with the SEC in connection with the Blackstone transaction for use with LaSalle shareholders and proxy advisory firms.
On August 9, 2018, LaSalle announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2018. LaSalle reported second quarter results that exceeded LaSalle's expectations. On August 9, 2018, the LaSalle common share closing price on the NYSE was $34.21.
On August 10, 2018, Pebblebrook issued a press release announcing that it had filed an investor presentation with the SEC in connection with its opposition to the Blackstone transaction.
On August 13, 2018, LaSalle delivered an investor presentation to proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis & Co., which we refer to as Glass Lewis.
On August 13, 2018, Pebblebrook delivered an investor presentation to proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis.
On August 13, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to receive an update on the Blackstone transaction. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello provided an update on the Blackstone transaction and discussed, among other matters, LaSalle's recent meeting with Glass Lewis and upcoming meeting with proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services, which we refer to as ISS, and recent actions taken by Pebblebrook in furtherance of its unsolicited proposal to acquire LaSalle.
On August 20, 2018, in anticipation of LaSalle terminating the Blackstone merger agreement and entering into an agreement and plan of merger with Pebblebrook, Pebblebrook entered into an agreement with a third-party purchaser, unaffiliated with either Pebblebrook or LaSalle, Saddletree
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Capital Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, which we refer to as Saddletree, to sell three of LaSalle's hotels to Saddletree, which we refer to as the portfolio sale agreement, contingent upon, among other things, LaSalle entering into a merger agreement with Pebblebrook, certain of LaSalle's affiliates joining the portfolio sale agreement upon entering into such merger agreement and the shareholders of both companies providing the requisite approvals. See "Financing Related to the MergersContingent Purchase and Sale Agreement" beginning on page 234 for more information.
On August 20, 2018, LaSalle delivered an investor presentation to ISS.
On August 20, 2018, Pebblebrook delivered an investor presentation to ISS.
On August 20, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to receive an update on the Blackstone transaction. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello provided an update on LaSalle's pending transaction with Blackstone and discussed, among other matters, LaSalle's recent meeting with ISS.
On August 20, 2018 the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss LaSalle's responses to Pebblebrook's prior proposals and Pebblebrook's ongoing interest in combining with LaSalle. Members of the Pebblebrook management team and representatives of each of Hunton, Raymond James and BAML were present. At this meeting, Pebblebrook management reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board, among other things, the terms of the portfolio sale agreement with Saddletree and how the aggregate proceeds of approximately $715 million resulting from the consummation of the portfolio sale agreement transactions could be used to fund an increase in the cash portion of the proposed merger consideration. Pebblebrook management also reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board certain financial aspects of the proposed transaction, including with respect to an increase in the cash portion of the merger consideration from 20% to 30%. Pebblebrook management also updated the Pebblebrook Board on the status of Pebblebrook's discussions with BAML regarding a commitment letter for a bridge loan to fund the cash consideration of the proposed transaction. At the conclusion of the meeting and with input from Pebblebrook management and representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors and legal advisors, the Pebblebrook Board authorized management to submit a revised proposal to the LaSalle Board on the terms set forth in the August 21 proposal described below, which included an increase in the cash consideration of the prior proposal from 20% to 30%.
On August 21, 2018, after the closing of trading on the NYSE, Pebblebrook issued a press release disclosing a letter to the LaSalle Board, which we refer to as the August 21 letter, and the proposal set forth therein as the August 21 proposal. The August 21 letter provided a revised proposal with respect to merger consideration. The August 21 proposal provided for a fixed exchange ratio of 0.92 Pebblebrook common shares for each LaSalle common share (the same exchange ratio as set forth in Pebblebrook's May 19, June 11 and July 20 proposals). The August 21 letter stated that LaSalle shareholders would be provided with the option to elect cash up to a maximum of 30% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing, subject to proration (which was an increase from the 20% provided in Pebblebrook's April 20, May 19, June 11 and July 20 proposals). The fixed per share cash amount for the August 21 proposal was fixed at $37.80 per share (the same per share cash amount as set forth in Pebblebrook's June 11 and July 20 proposals). The August 21 letter included the same summary of certain proposed key terms which were included with the June 11 and July 20 letters. The August 21 letter also stated that Pebblebrook was prepared to enter into the draft merger agreement that Pebblebrook provided to LaSalle in connection with its June 11 proposal. Pebblebrook's August 21 press release also indicated that Pebblebrook recently entered into an agreement to sell certain LaSalle properties in connection with the closing of a Pebblebrook-LaSalle merger. On August 21, 2018, Pebblebrook also sent a copy of the August 21 letter to LaSalle.
From August 22 through 26, 2018, representatives of LaSalle and Blackstone discussed Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal and the upcoming special meeting of LaSalle shareholders scheduled
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for September 6, 2018 relating to the Blackstone transaction, including options that Blackstone could take under the Blackstone merger agreement in response to Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal.
On the morning of August 22, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle issued a press release confirming receipt of Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal and indicating that the LaSalle Board would carefully review Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal in accordance with the provisions of the Blackstone merger agreement.
On August 22, 2018, HG Vora filed an amendment to its Schedule 13D reporting beneficial ownership of 8.2% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares. The amendment to HG Vora's Schedule 13D also disclosed a letter that it had sent to the LaSalle Board stating that it held 9.1% of the outstanding LaSalle common shares as of the record date for the special meeting of the LaSalle for the Blackstone transaction, that it intended to vote against the Blackstone transaction and that it believed that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal constituted a superior proposal.
On August 23, 2018, Glass Lewis recommended that LaSalle shareholders vote against the proposal to approve the Blackstone transaction.
On August 23, 2018, the LaSalle transaction committee met to discuss, among other things, Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed certain preliminary financial analyses with respect to the August 21 proposal. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed LaSalle's obligations under the Blackstone merger agreement related to the August 21 proposal. Thereafter, the information discussed at this meeting was provided to the other members of the LaSalle Board and Mr. Barnello briefed and consulted with other members of the LaSalle Board with respect thereto.
On August 24, 2018, proxy advisory firm ISS recommended that the LaSalle shareholders vote against the proposal to approve the Blackstone transaction.
On August 26, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed with the LaSalle Board that, in connection with the August 21 proposal and in accordance with the Blackstone merger agreement, the LaSalle Board was permitted to determine in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, whether or not in comparison to the Blackstone transaction, Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal constituted a superior proposal or could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. Representatives of Goodwin also reviewed with the LaSalle Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law and the application of those principles to an evaluation of Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Also at this meeting, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal, including the implied value of the consideration set forth in Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal and a comparison of Blackstone's price of $33.50 per share and Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. The LaSalle Board discussed that based on the closing price per Pebblebrook common share on August 24, 2018 of $36.37 multiplied by the proposed exchange ratio of 0.92 in Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal, this represented a premium of 8.6% above Blackstone's price of $33.50 per LaSalle common share. The LaSalle Board also discussed the recommendations of both ISS and Glass Lewis that LaSalle shareholders vote against the Blackstone transaction, recent unsolicited correspondence from shareholders regarding the vote on the Blackstone transaction and the current voting expectations regarding the shareholder vote on the Blackstone transaction.
The LaSalle Board discussed that, among other things, Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal increased the maximum number of LaSalle common shares that could receive $37.80 in cash to 30% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding immediately prior to the closing, subject to
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proration (a 50% increase in the cash consideration compared to Pebblebrook's prior proposals). The LaSalle Board also discussed whether Pebblebrook had agreed that its LaSalle common shares would be excluded from the cash election in the mergers, which would effectively increase the maximum number of LaSalle common shares that could receive the cash election price to approximately 33% of the aggregate number of LaSalle common shares outstanding. The LaSalle Board also discussed that the increased cash component of Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal mitigated the price risks and uncertainties for LaSalle shareholders that the LaSalle Board had previously publicly disclosed regarding Pebblebrook's prior proposals, and provided a certain degree of protection to the LaSalle shareholders against downside risks in the event of a decline in price per Pebblebrook common share between the signing and closing of a transaction with Pebblebrook. The LaSalle Board also discussed that the other key terms included in Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal were substantially similar to Pebblebrook's June 11 and July 20 proposals.
Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board determined in good faith, after consultation with its outside legal counsel and financial advisors, that in comparison to the Blackstone transaction, Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. The LaSalle Board did not, however, determine that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal in fact constituted a superior proposal and did not change its recommendation in support of the Blackstone transaction. Following this determination, the LaSalle Board was permitted under the Blackstone merger agreement to engage in discussions with Pebblebrook and to seek improvements with respect to the August 21 proposal, including clarification regarding Pebblebrook's proposed asset sales and Pebblebrook's position regarding the composition of the Pebblebrook Board following the closing of the proposed transaction and confirmation that Pebblebrook would pay the Blackstone termination fee on behalf of LaSalle. The LaSalle Board also instructed LaSalle management to provide due diligence access to Pebblebrook and instructed the representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper to engage in discussions with Pebblebrook and its advisors regarding the August 21 proposal. At the conclusion of the meeting, the independent trustees participating in the meeting met in executive session with Goodwin and DLA Piper to further discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal and the Blackstone transaction.
On the morning of August 27, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle issued a press release disclosing that the LaSalle Board had determined that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. The press release stated that under the Blackstone merger agreement, the LaSalle Board's determination allowed LaSalle to conduct discussions and negotiations with Pebblebrook. The press release further disclosed that the LaSalle Board had not determined that that the Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal in fact constituted a superior proposal and had not changed its recommendation in support of the Blackstone merger agreement.
On August 27, 2018, representatives of Goodwin provided a revised draft of Pebblebrook's June 11 draft merger agreement to representatives of Hunton. The revised draft provided, among other things, certain revisions to conform to the Blackstone merger agreement, that Pebblebrook would pay the Blackstone termination fee on behalf of LaSalle, that the Pebblebrook termination fee would equal 3.0% of Pebblebrook's equity value, clarifications regarding Pebblebrook's proposed asset sales, that LaSalle would be permitted to continue to pay its regular quarterly dividend to LaSalle common shareholders and that three LaSalle trustees would join the board of trustees of the proposed combined company at closing.
Also on August 27, 2018, Pebblebrook was provided access to an online data room containing nonpublic information regarding LaSalle, which was the same data room to which Blackstone also had access. In addition, LaSalle was provided access to an online data room containing nonpublic information regarding Pebblebrook.
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Also on August 27, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss the status of discussions with Pebblebrook. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. The LaSalle Board received an update regarding the interactions between representatives of LaSalle's and Pebblebrook's financial and legal advisors that day.
On August 28, 2018, LaSalle made available to Pebblebrook and Blackstone the LaSalle projections.
On August 28, 2018, representatives of Hunton provided a revised draft of the merger agreement to representatives of Goodwin. The revised draft provided, among other things, that the LaSalle common shares owned by Pebblebrook would be considered cash election shares in the merger (effectively reducing the number of cash election shares available to LaSalle shareholders other than Pebblebrook), that LaSalle would cooperate with Pebblebrook's efforts to sell certain LaSalle assets in connection with the closing, that LaSalle would not be permitted to continue to pay its regular quarterly dividend to the LaSalle common shareholders and that no LaSalle trustees would join the board of trustees of the proposed combined company at closing.
On August 28, 2018, the LaSalle transaction committee held a meeting to discuss the status of discussions with Pebblebrook. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Goodwin reviewed Hunton's revised draft of the merger agreement and discussed the differences between Goodwin's prior draft and Hunton's revised draft. The LaSalle transaction committee discussed, among other matters, certain terms of the draft merger agreement with Pebblebrook and other matters related to a potential transaction with Pebblebrook. The LaSalle transaction committee also discussed the current voting expectations for LaSalle's shareholders meeting scheduled for September 6, 2018, LaSalle management's recent discussions with investors and research analysts and LaSalle management's diligence session with the Pebblebrook management team scheduled for the following day.
On August 29, 2018, members of LaSalle management and Pebblebrook management conducted in-person, reciprocal high-level management presentations with representatives of their respective financial advisors also present. Following those management presentations, members of LaSalle and Pebblebrook management and their respective financial and legal advisors participated in follow-up due diligence discussions.
Also from August 29 through September 6, 2018, representatives of Goodwin, with input from LaSalle management and with the benefit of the views of the LaSalle trustees provided at meetings of the LaSalle Board and of the LaSalle transaction committee, and representatives of Hunton exchanged drafts and participated in discussions regarding the terms of the merger agreement and related agreements. The key issues negotiated with respect to the merger agreement and related agreements included, among other things: the restrictions on the conduct of the parties' businesses until completion of the transaction; the treatment of the LaSalle common shares owned by Pebblebrook; LaSalle's obligations to cooperate with Pebblebrook's planned sale of certain LaSalle properties concurrent with closing; the right of the parties' boards to change their recommendation that shareholders approve the merger in response to a material change in circumstances; the composition of the board of trustees of the proposed combined company; LaSalle's ability to continue to pay its regular quarterly dividend to LaSalle common shareholders; and the provisions regarding LaSalle's equity awards, employee benefit plans, severance and other compensation matters.
On August 29, 30 and 31, 2018, the LaSalle transaction committee held meetings to discuss the status of discussions with Pebblebrook. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. At these meetings, Mr. Barnello and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper provided updates on Pebblebrook's due diligence review and on the merger agreement negotiations. LaSalle management reviewed with the LaSalle transaction committee LaSalle management's reverse due diligence of Pebblebrook and
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LaSalle management, with the assistance of representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs, reviewed the financial aspects of Pebblebrook's updated five-year forecasts previously provided by Pebblebrook. Mr. Barnello also provided updates regarding his conversations with Blackstone representatives regarding Blackstone's alternatives under the Blackstone merger agreement in response to Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. At these meetings, the LaSalle transaction committee directed the representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper to continue negotiations with Pebblebrook and its advisors. Following these discussions, the LaSalle transaction committee instructed representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin to seek to have Pebblebrook agree that its LaSalle common shares be treated as share election shares in the proposed merger, that LaSalle be permitted to pay its regular quarterly dividend to LaSalle common shareholders prior to closing and that three LaSalle trustees join the board of trustees of the proposed combined company.
On August 31, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle transaction committee, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs contacted representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors to communicate LaSalle's position on matters related to the draft merger agreement.
On August 31, 2018, representatives of Goodwin provided a revised draft of the merger agreement to representatives of Hunton.
During the weekend of September 1, 2018, Mr. Barnello had conversations with representatives of Blackstone regarding potential options that Blackstone could take regarding Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal.
On September 1, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello and representatives of Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin provided an update on the status of LaSalle's negotiations with Pebblebrook since the LaSalle Board's determination that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal could reasonably be expected to lead to a superior proposal. Mr. Barnello also summarized his recent discussions with Blackstone. Members of the LaSalle transaction committee also reported to the LaSalle Board on their discussions at recent meetings.
Later on September 1, 2018, representatives of Hunton provided a revised draft of the merger agreement to representatives of Goodwin.
On September 2, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper provided an update on merger agreement negotiations, including that Pebblebrook had agreed to exclude its LaSalle common shares from the cash election shares in the proposed merger, Pebblebrook agreed to permit LaSalle to pay a dividend to LaSalle common shareholders in the first quarter of 2019 if the transaction did not close by December 31, 2018, the parties were still discussing the treatment of LaSalle's equity awards in the company merger and that Pebblebrook remained unwilling to add any LaSalle trustees to the board of trustees of the proposed combined company. The LaSalle Board also discussed having Mr. Barnello meet with Mr. Bortz to discuss the composition of the board of trustees of the combined company. At the conclusion of the meeting, the independent trustees participating in the meeting met in executive session with Goodwin and DLA Piper to further discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal and the negotiations with Pebblebrook.
On the morning of September 3, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper provided an update on merger agreement negotiations. The LaSalle Board discussed, among other matters, open items in the draft merger agreement with Pebblebrook, including
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that Pebblebrook remained unwilling to invite any LaSalle trustees to join the board of trustees of the proposed combined company. Following this discussion, the LaSalle Board authorized Mr. Barnello to meet with Mr. Bortz to discuss the composition of the board of trustees of the proposed combined company.
In the afternoon of September 3, 2018, Mr. Barnello met with Mr. Bortz and indicated that it was important to the LaSalle Board that it have representation of its non-executive independent trustees on the board of trustees of the proposed combined company. Mr. Bortz stated that Pebblebrook remained unwilling to add any LaSalle trustees to the board of trustees of the proposed combined company.
Later on September 3, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello summarized for the LaSalle Board his discussion with Mr. Bortz earlier that day. Mr. Barnello and representatives of Goodwin provided an update on the merger agreement negotiations with the significant remaining open point being whether or not any LaSalle trustees would be added to the board of trustees of the proposed combined company. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed certain financial aspects of Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal, including the implied value of the consideration set forth in Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal since the announcement of the Blackstone merger agreement and a comparison of Blackstone's price of $33.50 per share and Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs also reviewed the 2018 outlook of Pebblebrook as well as LaSalle management's view of such performance and outlook which remained unchanged from the July 29, 2018 LaSalle Board meeting. Representatives of Goodwin also discussed the likely timeline of events if the LaSalle Board determined that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal was a superior proposal and provided notice to Blackstone of its intent to terminate the Blackstone merger agreement. The LaSalle Board further discussed the advantages and risks of the proposed transaction with Pebblebrook that are described below in greater detail under the section entitled "Recommendation of the LaSalle Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers" beginning on page 118. Following this discussion, the LaSalle Board determined to defer a decision on whether Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal was a superior proposal, pending a final attempt to persuade Pebblebrook to provide for LaSalle trustees to join the board of trustees of the proposed combined company. At the conclusion of the meeting, the independent board members participating in the meeting met in executive session with Goodwin and DLA Piper and continued discussions.
Also later on September 3, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss, among other things, the status of the negotiations with LaSalle. The Pebblebrook management team and representatives of each of Hunton, Raymond James and BAML were present. Representatives of Hunton reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board its fiduciary duties under applicable law. Representatives of Hunton also reviewed with the Pebblebrook Board the terms of the proposed merger agreement and the remaining open issues, including the composition of the board of trustees of the proposed combined company. Following this review, the Pebblebrook Board reaffirmed to management that the Pebblebrook Board remained unwilling to add any LaSalle trustees to the board of trustees of the combined company. Pebblebrook management also provided an update on the status of the negotiations regarding the commitment letter with BAML. Representatives of Raymond James discussed with the Pebblebrook Board certain financial aspects of the proposed transaction with LaSalle. The Pebblebrook Board further discussed the advantages and risks of the proposed transaction with LaSalle, including the advantages and risks that are described below in greater detail under the section entitled "Recommendation of the Pebblebrook Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers" beginning on page 122. At the conclusion of the meeting and following the input of Pebblebrook management and representatives of its financial advisors and legal advisors, the Pebblebrook Board authorized management to continue working towards a definitive merger agreement. The Pebblebrook Board also authorized management to enter into a term loan with BAML to provide Pebblebrook with additional funds to pay the Blackstone termination fee on behalf of LaSalle.
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On September 4, 2018, Mr. Barnello had a discussion with a representative of Blackstone regarding Blackstone's views regarding Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal and the status of the LaSalle shareholder meeting scheduled for September 6, 2018 to vote on the Blackstone transaction.
On September 4, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to receive an update on the status of the discussions with Pebblebrook and Blackstone. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Mr. Barnello summarized for the LaSalle Board his recent discussion with Blackstone. Mr. Barnello and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin provided an update on the merger agreement negotiations with Pebblebrook.
Later on September 4, 2018, Mr. Barnello had a conversation with a representative of Blackstone who indicated that if the LaSalle Board determined that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal constituted a superior proposal, Blackstone would waive its four business day negotiation period under the Blackstone merger agreement.
Later on September 4, 2018, at the direction of the LaSalle Board, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs had a discussion with representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors regarding open points on the merger agreement. Shortly after this discussion, at the direction of the Pebblebrook Board, representatives of Pebblebrook's financial advisors informed representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs that Pebblebrook remained unwilling to add any LaSalle trustees to the board of trustees of the proposed combined company.
Later on September 4, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. The LaSalle Board discussed that despite several attempts, Pebblebrook remained unwilling to add any LaSalle trustees to the board of trustees of the proposed combined company. Mr. Barnello also apprised the LaSalle Board that Blackstone had indicated that it would waive its match right under the Blackstone merger agreement. Following these discussions, the LaSalle Board directed LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper to concede the requirement that LaSalle trustees join the board of trustees of the proposed combined company and to finalize all other terms of the merger agreement and related documentation with Pebblebrook and its advisors. At the conclusion of the meeting, the independent trustees participating in the meeting met in executive session with Goodwin and DLA Piper and continued discussions.
On the morning of September 5, 2018, the LaSalle Board met to receive an update on the status of the discussions with Pebblebrook. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin provided an update on the discussions with Pebblebrook since the last meeting of the LaSalle Board. LaSalle management provided an update on the diligence information received from Pebblebrook related to its proposed asset sales. Following discussion, the LaSalle Board instructed LaSalle management and the LaSalle Board's advisors to continue to work with Pebblebrook to finalize the merger agreement and related documents. The LaSalle Board determined to meet later in the day to further consider the final terms of the proposed transaction with Pebblebrook, based on its August 21 proposal.
Later on September 5, 2018, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed the terms and conditions of the Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal from a financial point of view. Representatives of Goodwin reported that the terms of the merger agreement and related documentation with Pebblebrook were substantially complete. Representatives of Goodwin led a discussion on the terms of the proposed merger agreement with Pebblebrook and advised the LaSalle Board regarding the expected timing for execution of a definitive agreement, the public announcement of the transaction
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and a projected closing timetable if the LaSalle Board determined that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal constituted a superior proposal and Blackstone waived its four business day negotiation period under the Blackstone merger agreement. After the discussion, and taking into account the other factors described below in greater detail under the section entitled "Recommendation of the LaSalle Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers," including the LaSalle Board's belief that the merger is more favorable to the LaSalle shareholders than other strategic transactions available to LaSalle, including remaining as an independent public company, the LaSalle Board determined that the Pebblebrook August 21 proposal constituted a superior proposal and that LaSalle would notify Blackstone of its intent to terminate the Blackstone merger agreement. The LaSalle Board directed LaSalle management to provide notice to Blackstone of the LaSalle Board's determination that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal constituted a superior proposal in accordance with the terms of the Blackstone merger agreement.
Following the meeting of the LaSalle Board on September 5, 2018, after the closing of trading on the NYSE, LaSalle provided notice to Blackstone of the LaSalle Board's intention to approve, recommend and enter into a definitive agreement with Pebblebrook with respect to a superior proposal in accordance with the terms of the Blackstone merger agreement.
Also on September 5, 2018, LaSalle also issued a press release disclosing that the LaSalle Board had determined that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal constituted a superior proposal. The press release further disclosed that the Board had not yet terminated the Blackstone merger agreement nor changed its recommendation in support of the Blackstone transaction.
Later on September 5, 2018, representatives of Goodwin contacted representatives of Hunton, indicating that the LaSalle Board had determined that Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal represented a superior proposal and that LaSalle had notified Blackstone of the determination of the LaSalle Board as required by the Blackstone merger agreement, in order to afford Blackstone an opportunity for a four business day period to propose amendments to the Blackstone merger agreement to enable the LaSalle Board to maintain its recommendation of a transaction with Blackstone.
Later on September 5, 2018, Blackstone delivered to LaSalle a written waiver of Blackstone's right to revise the terms of the Blackstone merger agreement during the four business day negotiation period and would accept LaSalle's termination of the Blackstone merger agreement, subject to Blackstone's receipt of the Blackstone termination fee.
During the evening of September 5, 2018, the Pebblebrook Board held a meeting to discuss the final terms of the merger agreement with LaSalle. Pebblebrook management and representatives of each of Hunton, Raymond James and BAML were present. Pebblebrook management updated the Pebblebrook Board on the resolution of the outstanding open issues in the negotiations. Representatives of Hunton reviewed the final terms of the proposed merger agreement. Representatives of Raymond James reviewed the financial analysis supporting its proposed opinion to the Pebblebrook Board. The Pebblebrook Board further discussed the advantages and risks of the proposed transaction with LaSalle, including the advantages and risks that are described below in greater detail under the section entitled "Recommendation of the Pebblebrook Board and Its Reasons for the Mergers" beginning on page 122. Following further discussion, the Pebblebrook Board adopted resolutions approving and authorizing Pebblebrook management to pay, on behalf of LaSalle, the Blackstone termination fee and to enter into the merger agreement with LaSalle, in each case, on the following morning and in connection with LaSalle's termination of the Blackstone merger agreement, but subject to the receipt the following morning of the written opinion from Raymond James.
Later on September 5, 2018, representatives of Goodwin contacted representatives of Hunton to inform them of the written waiver delivered by Blackstone.
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On the morning of September 6, 2018, Raymond James delivered its opinion to the Pebblebrook Board to the effect that, as of such date and subject to the procedures followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and limitations on the review undertaken by Raymond James as set forth in its opinion, the merger consideration to be paid by Pebblebrook in the merger pursuant to the merger agreement was fair, from a financial point of view, to Pebblebrook.
Also on the morning of September 6, 2018, prior to the opening of trading on the NYSE, the LaSalle Board held a meeting to discuss the final terms of the proposed transaction with Pebblebrook based on Pebblebrook's August 21 proposal. Members of LaSalle management and representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs, Goodwin and DLA Piper were present. Representatives of Citi, Goldman Sachs and Goodwin updated the LaSalle Board on the discussions with Pebblebrook since the last board meeting. Representatives of Goodwin provided an overview of the negotiation process to date with Pebblebrook's representatives, indicating that negotiations with Pebblebrook were complete, as well as a review of the terms of the merger agreement and related documents. Representatives of Goodwin also reviewed with the LaSalle Board its fiduciary duties in connection with a potential sale of LaSalle.
Also at this meeting, representatives of Citi and Goldman Sachs reviewed the financial analyses supporting their proposed opinions. After discussion among the LaSalle Board and its financial advisors, representatives of each of Citi and Goldman Sachs each delivered an oral opinion, subsequently confirmed by the delivery of a written opinion from each financial advisor, both dated September 6, 2018, to the LaSalle Board to the effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered and limitations and qualifications on the review undertaken described in each financial advisor's written opinion, the aggregate consideration to be paid to the holders (other than P