10-K 1 empire10kcc.htm

FORM 10-K

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

Commission file number 0-827

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York 13-6084254

State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization Identification No.)

60 East 42nd Street, New York, New York 10165

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 687-8700

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

$33,000,000 of Participations in LLC Member Interests

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [x] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act) Yes [ ] No [ X ] .

The aggregate market of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant: Not applicable, but see Items 5 and 10 of this report.

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ___

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [ X ] .

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.

Large Accelerated Filer [ ] Accelerated Filer [ ] Non-Accelerated Filer [X ]

Smaller Reporting Company [ ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business.

(a) General

Registrant was originally organized on July 11, 1961 as a general partnership. On October 1, 2001, Registrant converted from a general partnership to a limited liability company under New York law and is now known as Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. The conversion did not change any aspect of the assets and operations of Registrant other than to protect its investors from any future liability to a third party. Through April 16, 2002, Registrant owned the tenant's interest in a master operating leasehold (the "Master Lease") of the Empire State Building (the "Building"), located at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York. On April 17, 2002, Registrant acquired, through a wholly-owned limited liability company (Empire State Land Associates L.L.C.), the fee title to the Building, and the land thereunder (the "Land") (together, the "Real Estate"or "Property"), at a price of $57,500,000, and obtained a $60,500,000 first mortgage with North Fork Bank (the "Mortgage") to finance the acquisition and certain related costs.

Registrant does not operate the Building. It subleases the Building to Empire State Building Company L.L.C. (the "Sublessee") pursuant to a net operating sublease (the "Sublease") which expires on January 4, 2013 and contains three 21-year renewal options.

Registrant's members ("Members") are Peter L. Malkin, Anthony E. Malkin and Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. (collectively, the "Agents"), each of whom also acts as an agent for holders of participations in his respective member interest in Registrant (the "Participants").

Sublessee is a New York limited liability company in which Peter L. Malkin is a member and entities for Peter L. Malkin's family members are beneficial owners. All of the members in Registrant hold senior positions at Wien & Malkin LLC ("Wien & Malkin" or the "Supervisor"), 60 East 42nd Street, New York, New York, which provides supervisory and other services to Registrant and to Sublessee. See Items 10, 11, 12 and 13 hereof for a description of the ongoing services rendered by, and compensation paid to, Supervisor and for a discussion of certain relationships which may pose potential conflicts of interest among Registrant, Sublessee and certain of their respective affiliates.

As of December 31, 2007, the Building was 79% occupied by approximately 451 tenants who engage in various businesses, including the Boy Scouts, the YMCA, the practice of law and accounting, ladies' and men's apparel, and ladies' and men's shoes. Registrant does not maintain a full-time staff. See Item 2 hereof for additional information concerning the Real Estate.

(b) The Lease and Sublease

The annual rent payable by Registrant to its subsidiary under the Master Lease is $1,970,000 from January 5, 1992 through January 5, 2013 and $1,723,750 annually during the term of each renewal period thereafter.

Sublessee is required to pay annual basic rent ("Basic Rent") equal to $6,018,750 from January 1, 1992 through January 4, 2013, and $5,895,625 from January 5, 2013 through the expiration of all renewal terms. See Item 2. Sublessee is also required to pay Registrant additional rent of 50% of Sublessee's net operating profit, as defined in the Sublease, in excess of $1,000,000 for each lease year ending December 31 ("Additional Rent").

Additional Rent income is recognized when earned from the Sublessee, at the close of the year ending December 31; such income is not determinable until the Sublessee, pursuant to the Sublease, provides the Registrant with an audit report from a certified public accountant on the Sublessee's operation of the Real Estate. The Sublease requires that this report be delivered to Registrant annually within 60 days after the end of each such fiscal year. Accordingly, all Additional Rent income and the additional payment to Supervisor are reflected in the fourth quarter of each year. The Sublease does not provide for the Sublessee to render interim reports to Registrant. See Note 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements filed under Item 8 hereof (the "Notes") regarding Additional Rent payments by Sublessee for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. There was Additional Rent of $17,025,749 for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Real estate taxes paid directly by the Sublessee totaled approximately $22,151,850 for the year ended December 31, 2007.

(c) Competition

Pursuant to tenant space leases at the Building, the average annual base rental payable to Sublessee is approximately $35 per square foot (exclusive of electricity charges and escalation). The asking rents for the building range from $42 to $52 per square foot.

(d) Tenant Leases

Sublessee operates the Building free from any federal, state or local government restrictions involving rent control or other similar rent regulations which may be imposed upon residential real estate in Manhattan. Any increase or decrease in the amount of rent payable by a tenant is governed by the provisions of the tenant's lease.

 

Item 2. Property.

On April 17, 2002, Registrant acquired, through a wholly owned limited liability company (Empire State Land Associates L.L.C.), the fee title to the Building, and the land thereunder, at a price of $57,500,000, and obtained a $60,500,000 first mortgage with North Fork Bank to finance the acquisition and certain related costs. The Building, erected in 1931 and containing 102 stories, a concourse and a lower lobby, occupies the entire blockfront from 33rd Street to 34th Street on Fifth Avenue. The Building has 72 passenger elevators and 4 freight elevators and is equipped with air conditioning and individual air handling units. The Building is subleased to Sublessee under the Sublease which expires on January 4, 2013 and contains three 21-year renewal options. See Item 1 hereof for a description of the terms of the Lease and Sublease.

The Real Estate is carried in the financial statements at its historical cost of $60,484,389, consisting of $57,500,000 for the purchase price paid to the seller, $752,022 for acquisition costs, and $2,232,367 representing the unamortized balance of the cost of the Master Lease on the date the Real Estate was acquired. The cost of the Land was estimated to be 35.63% of the total cost of the Real Estate, and the Building, 64.37%. Under the terms of the contract of sale, the deed contains language to avoid the merger of the fee estate and the leasehold, although on a consolidated financial statement basis the Registrant incurred no leasehold rent expense after acquiring the Real Estate.

The mortgage is scheduled to mature on May 1, 2012 and requires monthly payments of interest only at 6.5% per annum. The mortgage may be prepaid at any time after 24 months with the payment of a premium equal to the greater of (a) 1% of the amount prepaid and (b) an amount calculated pursuant to a prepayment formula designed to preserve the bank's yield to maturity. The Mortgage is secured by a lien on the Real Estate and Registrant's leasehold estate under the Master Lease of the Real Estate.

Restricted cash at December 31, 2007 includes an interest-bearing account held at North Fork Bank pursuant to the terms of the Mortgage, to be used monthly to satisfy a portion ($166,167) of Registrant's mortgage interest obligation. On March 27, 2008, Registrant deposited an additional $2,000,000 into this restricted account under the same conditions and will continue to do so annually hereafter.

The Building is being depreciated on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of 39 years. Mortgage financing costs, totaling $1,796,287, are being amortized ratably over the life of the Mortgage.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

The Property of Registrant was the subject of the following material litigation:

Wien & Malkin LLC and Peter L. Malkin, a member in Registrant, were engaged in a proceeding with Sublessee's former managing agent, Helmsley-Spear, Inc. commenced in 1997, concerning the management, leasing and supervision of the property that is subject to the Sublease to Sublessee. In this connection, certain costs for legal and professional fees and other expenses have been paid and incurred by Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin. Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin have represented that such costs will be recovered only to the extent that (a) a competent tribunal authorizes payment or (b) an investor voluntarily agrees that his or her proportionate share be paid. Accordingly, Registrant's allocable share of such costs is as yet undetermined, and Registrant has not provided for the expense and related liability with respect to such costs in its consolidated financial statements. As a result of the August 29, 2006 settlement agreement which included termination of this proceeding, Registrant will not recognize any gains or losses from this proceeding other than the possible charges for the aforementioned fees and expenses.

The August 29, 2006 settlement agreement terminated Helmsley-Spear, Inc. as managing and leasing agent at the property as of August 30, 2006. CB Richard Ellis was engaged as the new leasing agent, and Sublessee self-manages the property. The $1,834,000 portion of the contract settlement payment funded from Sublessee's reserves was deducted as an expense in computing additional rent for 2006, so that Registrant has effectively borne one-half of Sublessee's contract settlement payment expense, or $917,000.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Participants.

No matters were submitted to the Participants during the period covered by this report.

 

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Security Holder Matters.

Registrant was originally organized as a general partnership pursuant to a partnership agreement dated as of July 11, 1961. On October 1, 2001, Registrant converted from a general partnership to a limited liability company under New York law.

Registrant has not issued any common stock. The securities registered by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, consist of participations in the Members' interests in Registrant (the "Participations") and are not shares of common stock nor their equivalent. The Participations represent each Participant's fractional share in a Member's undivided interest in Registrant and are divided approximately equally among the Members. A full unit of the Participations was offered originally at a purchase price of $10,000; fractional

units were also offered at proportionate purchase prices. Registrant has not repurchased Participations in the past and is not likely to change that policy in the future.

    1. The Participations are neither traded on an established securities market nor are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. Based on Registrant's transfer records, Participations are sold by the holders thereof from time to time in privately negotiated transactions and, in many instances, Registrant is not aware of the prices at which such transactions occur. During the past year there were 195 transfers. In one instance, the indicated purchase price was equal to 6.5 times the face amount of the Participation transferred, i.e., $65,000 for a $10,000 Participation. In two instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 5.5 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In one instance, the indicated purchase price was equal to 5.25 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In fifteen instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 5 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In eight instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 4 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In three instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 3.97 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In two instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 3.4 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In five instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 3.3 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In six instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 3 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In one instance, the indicated purchase price was equal to 2.73 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In thirteen instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 2.5 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In seven instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 2.25 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In four instances, the indicated purchase price was equal to 2 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In one instance, the indicated purchase price was equal to 1.5 times the face amount of the Participation transferred. In all other cases, no consideration was indicated.

       

      Tender offers for Participations have been commenced by unrelated third parties during 2006 and early 2007 all of which have expired at the date of this filing, in each case at prices ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 for an original $10,000 Participation. A small number of Participation(s) aggregating less than 0.1% of total Participations were reportedly tendered.

    2. As of December 31, 2007, there were 2,762 holders of Participations of record.

    3. Registrant does not pay dividends. During the year ended December 31, 2007, Registrant made regular monthly distributions of $98.21 for each $10,000 Participation. There was Additional Rent of $17,025,749 for the year ended December 31, 2007 which enabled Registrant to make an additional distribution for each $10,000 Participation of $4,052 on March 6, 2008. See Item 1 hereof. There are no restrictions on Registrant's present or future ability to make distributions; however, the amount of such distributions, particularly distributions of Additional Rent, depends solely on Sublessee's ability to make payments of Basic Rent and Additional Rent to Registrant. See Item 1 hereof. Registrant expects to make monthly distributions in the future so long as it receives the payments provided under the Sublease. See Item 7 hereof.

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(Unaudited)

Item 6.

The following table presents selected financial data of the Registrant for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2007. This information is unaudited and has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or from audited consolidated financial statements included in Annual Reports on Form 10-K previously filed by the Registrant. This data should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Year ended December 31

 

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

Basic rent income

$6,018,750

$6,018,750

$6,018,750

$6,018,750

$6,018,750

Additional rent income

17,025,749

18,791,329

16,324,979

9,469,543

6,802,295

Dividend and interest income

418,234

339,334

158,209

61,322

70,481

Miscellaneous

-

978

-

-

-

 

Total revenues

$23,462,733

$25,150,391

$22,501,938

$15,549,615

$12,891,526

Net income

$17,068,579

$18,813,909

$16,308,881

$ 9,761,227

$7,247,765

Earnings per $10,000

participation unit,

based on 3,300

participation units

outstanding during the year

 

 

 

 

$5,172

 

 

 

 

$5,701

 

 

 

 

$4,942

 

 

 

 

$2,958

 

 

 

 

$2,196

Total assets

$79,886,241

$81,491,531

$80,063,503

$73,446,834

$72,185,694

Long-term obligations

$60,500,000

$60,500,000

$60,500,000

 

$60,500,000

$60,500,000

Distributions per $10,000

participation unit, based on

3,300 participation units

outstanding during the year:

 

Income

$5,172

$5,298

$3,318

$2,524

$2,196

 

Return of capital

596

-0-

-0-

-0-

2,394

 

Total distributions

$5,768

$5,298

$3,318

$2,524

$4,590

 

[SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA]

Item 6.

The following table presents the Registrant's unaudited operating results for each of the eight fiscal quarters in the period ended December 31, 2007. The information for each of these quarters is unaudited and has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments, which consist only of normal and recurring accruals, have been included to present fairly the unaudited quarterly results. This data should be read together with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto of the Registrant included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

September 30,

December 31,

Consolidated Income Data:

2007

2007

2007

2007

       

Basic rent income

$1,504,687

$1,504,688

$1,504,688

$1,504,687

Additional rent income

-

-

-

17,025,749

Dividend and interest income

207,132

80,992

71,394

58,716

Total revenues

1,711,819

1,585,680

1,576,082

18,589,152

         

Interest on mortgage

983,125

994,049

1,004,972

1,004,972

Supervisory services

39,854

39,854

39,854

893,294

Depreciation of building

249,566

249,565

249,564

249,567

Amortization of mortgage financing costs

44,907

44,907

44,907

44,908

Professional fees and miscellaneous

98,747

980

4,252

112,310

Total expenses

1,416,199

1,329,355

1,343,549

2,305,051

Net income

$295,620

$256,325

$232,533

$16,284,101

         

Earnings per $10,000 participation unit, based on 3,300 participation units outstanding during each period

 

 

$90

 

 

$78

 

 

$70

 

 

$4,934

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

(A Limited Liability Company)

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Item 6a.

 

 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

June 30,

September 30,

December 31,

Consolidated Income Data:

2006

2006

2006

2006

Basic rent income

$1,504,687

$1,504,688

$1,504,687

$1,504,687

Additional rent income

-

-

-

18,791,329

Dividend and interest income

143,681

64,465

64,433

66,755

Miscellaneous income

-

-

978

-

Total revenues

1,648,368

1,569,153

1,570,098

20,362,771

         

Interest on mortgage

983,125

994,049

1,004,973

1,004,971

Supervisory services

39,854

39,854

39,855

1,006,494

Depreciation of building

249,566

249,566

249,565

249,565

Amortization of mortgage financing costs

44,907

44,907

44,907

44,908

Professional fees and miscellaneous

615

(81)

44,605

275

Total expenses

1,318,067

1,328,295

1,383,905

2,306,213

Net income

$330,301

$240,858

$186,193

$18,056,558

Earnings per $10,000 participation unit, based on 3,300 participation units outstanding during each period

 

 

$100

 

 

$73

 

 

 

$56

 

 

$5,472

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward Looking Statements

Readers of this discussion are advised that the discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Registrant (including related notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Certain statements in this discussion may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect Registrant's current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic performance, financial condition and achievements of Registrant, and do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Registrant has tried, wherever possible, to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "estimate" or words of similar meaning.

Although Registrant believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic and business conditions, which will, among other things, affect demand for rental space, the availability of prospective tenants, lease rents and the availability of financing; adverse changes in Registrant's real estate market, including, among other things, competition with other real estate owners, risks of real estate development and acquisitions; governmental actions and initiatives; and environmental/safety requirements.

 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") issued disclosure guidance for "Critical Accounting Policies." The SEC defines Critical Accounting guidance for Critical Accounting Policies as those that require the application of management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.

Registrant's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon Registrant's consolidated financial statements, the preparation of which takes into account estimates based on judgments and assumptions that affect certain amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. The accounting policies and estimates used and outlined in Note 2 to Registrant's consolidated financial statements, which are presented elsewhere in this annual report, have been applied consistently as at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Registrant believes that the following accounting policies or estimates require the application of management's most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments:

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets: Registrant assesses the carrying amount of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. When Registrant determines that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may be impaired, the measurement of any impairment is based on a discounted cash flow method.

Revenue Recognition: Basic Rent and Additional Rent, which is based on the Sublessee's annual net income as defined in the Sublease, are recognized when earned. Before Registrant can recognize revenue, it is required to assess, among other things, its collectibility. If Registrant incorrectly determines the collectability of revenue, its net income and assets could be overstated.

 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

At the time of its organization, Registrant acquired the Master Lease of the Property subject to the Sublease. Basic Rent received by Registrant was used to pay annual rent due under the Master Lease and the Basic Payment for supervisory services to Supervisor; the balance of such Basic Rent was distributed to the Participants. Currently, Basic Rent received by Registrant is used to pay the Basic Payment and a portion of debt service on the Mortgage; and the balance of such Basic Rent is distributed to the Participants. Additional Rent and any interest and dividends accumulated thereon are distributed to the Participants after the additional payment to Supervisor. Pursuant to the Sublease, Sublessee has assumed responsibility for the condition, operation, repair, maintenance and management of the Property. Registrant is not required to maintain liquid assets to defray any operating expenses of the Property.

The supervisory services provided to Registrant by Supervisor include, but are not limited to, maintaining all of its entity and Participant records, performing physical inspections of the Building, providing or coordinating counsel services to Registrant, reviewing insurance coverage, conducting annual supervisory review meetings, receipt of monthly rent from Sublessee, payment of monthly and additional distributions to the Participants, payment of all other disbursements, confirmation of the payment of real estate taxes, and active review of financial statements submitted to Registrant by Sublessee and financial statements audited by and tax information prepared by Registrant's independent registered public accounting firm, and distribution of related materials to the Participants. Supervisor also prepares quarterly, annual and other periodic filings with the SEC and applicable state authorities.

Registrant pays Supervisor for other services at hourly rates.

Registrant's results of operations are affected primarily by the amount of rent payable to it under the Sublease. The amount of Additional Rent payable to Registrant is affected by the New York City economy and real estate rental and tourist attraction markets, which are difficult for management to forecast.

As compared with the prior year, a decrease in Additional Rent earned in any year reduces the distributions made to the Participants in the following year and the additional payment to Supervisor. Reductions in the amount of Additional Rent paid to Registrant in the future will not have any other impact on Registrant. See paragraph 1 of Item 7 hereof and Notes 2 and 3 of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The following summarizes the material factors affecting Registrant's results of operations for the three preceding years:

(a) Total revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2006. Such decrease was the net result of a decrease in Additional Rent received by Registrant in 2007 and an increase in dividend and interest income earned as compared with the year ended December 31, 2006. Total revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005. Such increase was the result of an increase in Additional Rent received by Registrant in 2006 and an increase in dividend and interest income earned as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(b) Total expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2006. Such increase is the net result of a decrease in the additional payment to Supervisor and an increase in professional fees and miscellaneous expenses for services related to a tender offer as compared with the year ended December 31, 2006. Total expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005. Such increase is the result of an increase in the additional payment to Supervisor and an increase in professional fees and miscellaneous expenses as compared with the year ended December 31, 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Registrant's liquidity has not significantly changed for the year ended December 31, 2007 as compared with the year ended December 31, 2006. Registrant may from time to time set aside cash for contingent liabilities.

No amortization payments are due under the Mortgage to reduce the outstanding

principal balance prior to maturity. Furthermore, Registrant does not maintain any reserve to cover the principal payment of such Mortgage indebtedness at maturity. Therefore, repayment of the Mortgage will depend on Registrant's ability to arrange a refinancing. If the Real Estate continues to generate an annual net profit in future years comparable to that in past years, and if current real estate trends continue in the geographic area in which the Real Estate is located, Registrant anticipates that the value of the Real Estate would be sufficient to cover the Mortgage balance at maturity.

Registrant anticipates that funds for working capital for the Real Estate will be provided from rental payments received by Sublessee, which entity is required to make payments of Basic Rent and Additional Rent under the Sublease and, to the extent necessary, from additional capital investment by the Members of the Sublessee. Registrant has no requirement to maintain substantial reserves to defray any operating expenses of the Real Estate.

 

 

Registrant has the following contractual obligations:

Payments due by period


Contractual Obligations


Total

Less than
1 year


1-3 years


3-5 years

More than
5 years

Long-Term Debt Obligations

$60,500,000

$0

$0

$60,500,000

$0

Interest Obligations

16,931,597

3,987,118

7,974,236

4,970,243

0

Capital Lease Obligations

0

0

0

0

0

Purchase Obligations

0

0

0

0

0

           

Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Registrant's Balance Sheet

 

0

 

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

0

Total

$77,431,597

$3,987,118

$7,974,236

$65,470,243

$0

 

A June 9, 2008 solicitation was mailed to Participants seeking consent to a financing program permitting Registrant to fund improvements and tenanting costs at the Building over 10 years of approximately $600 million and to acquire additional property on terms deemed favorable by the Agents.

 

Inflation

Inflationary trends in the economy do not directly impact Registrant's operations. As noted above, Registrant does not actively engage in the operation of the Real Estate. Inflation may impact the operations of the Sublessee. The Sublessee is required to pay the Basic Rent regardless of the results of its operations. Inflation and other operating factors affect the amount of Additional Rent payable by the Sublessee, which is based on the Sublessee's net operating profit.

 

Other Information

The Sublessee is to maintain the Building as a high-class office building as required by the terms of the Sublease.

Based on Sublessee's review of the need for upgrades and improvements to the Real Estate, Sublessee has incurred improvement costs of approximately $14,108,000 during 2007. Sublessee estimates that the total cost of all projects will be approximately $625,000,000 over 10 years, including sprinklering of the building of approximately $30,000,000 required by Local Law #26.

The Sublessee anticipates that the direct or indirect costs of improvements will reduce Additional Rent during the year 2008 but should have no effect on the payment of Basic Rent.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

The consolidated financial statements of the Registrant as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 and the financial statements of the Sublessee as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 are included in this annual report immediately following Exhibit 32.2 or will be included by amendment.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None

Item 9a. Controls and Procedures.

    1. Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. The person who functions in the capacity of Registrant's chief executive officer and Registrant's chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of Registrant's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of December 31, 2007, the end of the period covered by this report, has concluded that as of that date that Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that material information relating to Registrant would be made known to him by others within those entities on a timely basis.

    2. Changes in internal controls over financial reporting. There were no changes in Registrant's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, the Registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Registrant is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purpose in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Under the supervision of and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of Registrant's current registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by Registrant's current registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit Registrant to provide only management's report in this annual report.

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant.

Registrant has no directors or officers or any other centralization of management. There is no specific term of office for any Agent. The table below sets forth as to each Member as of December 31, 2007 the following: name, age, nature of any family relationship with any other Agent, business experience during the past five years and principal occupation and employment during such period, including the name and principal business of any corporation or any organization in which such occupation and employment was carried on and the date such individual became an Agent:

 

 

 

Name

 

 

Age

Nature of Family Relationship

 

Business Experience

Principal Occupation and Employment

Date Individual became an agent

Peter L. Malkin

74

Father of Anthony E. Malkin

Real Estate Supervision

Senior Member and Chairman, Wien & Malkin LLC

1961

Anthony E. Malkin

45

Son of Peter L. Malkin

Real Estate Supervision and Management

President,

Wien & Malkin LLC, and W&M Properties, L.L.C.

2001

Thomas N. Keltner, Jr.

61

None

Real Estate Supervision

Member,
Wien & Malkin LLC

 

1998

As stated above, all three Members who are acting as Agents for Participants hold senior positions at Supervisor. See Items 1, 11, 12 and 13 hereof for a description of the services rendered by, and the compensation paid to, Supervisor and for a discussion of certain relationships which may pose actual or potential conflicts of interest among Registrant, Sublessee and certain of their respective affiliates.

The names of entities which have a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or are subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of that Act and in which any Member is a director, member or general partner are as follows:

Peter L. Malkin is a member in 250 West 57th St. Associates L.L.C. and 60 East 42nd St. Associates L.L.C.

Anthony E. Malkin is a member in 250 West 57th St. Associates L.L.C. and 60 East 42nd St. Associates L.L.C.

Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. is a member in 60 East 42nd St. Associates L.L.C.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

As stated in Item 10 hereof, Registrant has no directors or officers or any other centralization of management.

Registrant's organizational documents do not provide for a board of directors or officers. As described in the Report, Registrant is a limited liability company which is supervised by Wien & Malkin. No remuneration was paid during the current fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 by Registrant to any of the Agents as such. Registrant pays Supervisor, for supervisory services and disbursements, fees of $159,417 per annum. Supervisor also receives an additional payment equal to 6% of distributions to the Participants in Registrant. Pursuant to such arrangements described herein, Registrant incurred supervisory fees during 2007 totaling $1,012,856 (consisting of $159,417 as an annual basic fee for supervisory services and $853,439 as an additional payment). For tax purposes, such additional payment is recognized as a profits interest and the Supervisor is treated as a partner, all without modifying each Participant's distributive share of reportable income and cash distributions. See Item 7 hereof. As noted in Items 1 and 10 of this report, all of the Agents hold senior positions at Supervisor.

Wien & Malkin also serves as supervisor for Sublessee, for which it receives a basic annual fee of $270,000. For 2007, Wien & Malkin received $301,271 in other service fees from Sublessee. Under separate agreements to which Sublessee is not a party, certain of Sublessee's participants pay Wien & Malkin and members of Peter L. Malkin's immediate family a percentage of distributions above an annual threshold. These third party payments (which totaled $460,732 to Wien & Malkin and such Malkin family members in 2007) do not impose any obligation upon Sublessee or affect its assets and liabilities.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

and Management.

    1. Registrant has no voting securities (Item 5). At December 31, 2007, no person owned of record or was known by Registrant to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding Participations.

    2. At December 31, 2007, the Members (Item 10) beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, the following Participations:

       

       

      Title of Class

      Name & Address of Benefical Owners

      Amount of Beneficial Ownership

      Percent of Class

      Participations in Member Interest

      Anthony E. Malkin

      60 East 42nd Street

      New York, N.Y. 10165

       

      $23,333

       

      .07071%

       

      At such date, certain of the Members (or their respective spouses) held additional Participations as follows:

      Peter L. Malkin owned of record as trustee or co-trustee but not beneficially, $516,667 of Participations. Mr. Malkin disclaims any beneficial ownership of such Participations.

      Entities for the benefit of members of Peter L. Malkin's family owned of record and beneficially $828,607 of Participations. Peter L. Malkin disclaims any beneficial ownership of such Participations, except that related family trusts and entities are required to complete scheduled payments to Peter L. Malkin.

      Anthony E. Malkin owned of record as trustee or co-trustee but not beneficially, $35,833 of Participations. Anthony E. Malkin disclaims any beneficial ownership of such Participations.

      Members of Thomas N. Keltner, Jr.'s family owned of record and beneficially $24,378 of Participations.

    3. Not applicable.

    Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

    (a) As stated in Item 1 hereof, Mr. Peter L. Malkin, Mr. Anthony E. Malkin and Mr. Keltner are the three Members in Registrant and also act as agents for the Participants in their respective member interests. Peter L. Malkin is also a member in Sublessee. As a consequence of one of the three Members being a member in Sublessee, and all of the Members holding senior positions at Supervisor (which supervises Registrant and Sublessee), certain actual and potential conflicts of interest may arise with respect to the management and administration of the business of Registrant. However, under the respective participating agreements pursuant to which the Members act as agents for the Participants, certain transactions require the prior consent from Participants owning a specified interest under the agreement in order for the Agents to act on their behalf. Such transactions, among others, include modifications and extensions of the Sublease or Mortgage, or a sale or other disposition of the Property or substantially all of Registrant's assets.

    Reference is made to Items 1 and 2 hereof for a description of the terms of the Sublease between Registrant and Sublessee. The respective interests of the Members in Registrant and in Sublessee arise solely from ownership of their respective Participations in Registrant and, in the case of Peter L. Malkin, his family entities' ownership of member interests in Sublessee. The Members as such receive no extra or special benefit not shared on a pro rata basis with all other Participants in Registrant or members in Sublessee. However, all of the Members hold senior positions at Supervisor (which supervises Registrant and Sublessee) and, by reason of their position at Supervisor, may receive income attributable to supervisory or other remuneration paid by Registrant to Supervisor and Sublessee. See Item 11 hereof for a description of the remuneration arrangements between Registrant and Supervisor relating to supervisory services provided by Supervisor.

    Reference is also made to Items 1 and 10 hereof for a description of the relationship between Registrant and Supervisor, of which all of the Agents are among the Members. The respective interest of the Members in any remuneration paid by Registrant to Supervisor arise solely from such member's interest in Supervisor. See Item 11 hereof for a description of the remuneration arrangements between Registrant and Supervisor relating to supervisory services provided by Supervisor.

    (b) Reference is made to Paragraph (a) above.

    (c) Not applicable.

    (d) Not applicable.

     

    Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

     

    The fees paid by Wien & Malkin LLC, the Supervisor of Registrant, to Margolin, Winer and Evens LLP and J.H. Cohn LLP for professional services for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:

    Fee Category

    2007

    2006

    Audit Fees

    $54,000

    $50,800

    Audit-Related Fees

    2,500

    4,200

    Tax Fees

    -

    6,000

    All Other Fees

    -

    -

    Total Fees

    $56,500

    $61,000

     

    Audit Fees. Consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of Registrant's consolidated financial statements and review of the interim financial statements included in quarterly 10-Q reports.

    Audit-Related Fees. Consists of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of Registrant's consolidated financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees." In 2007 and 2006, these services include accounting consultation, review of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements as they pertain to Registrant, and other audit-related services.

    Tax Fees. Consists of fees billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and preparation of tax returns.

    POLICY ON AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL OF AUDIT SERVICES

    AND PERMISSIBLE NON-AUDIT SERVICES OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

    Registrant has no audit committee as such. Registrant's policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services performed by the independent public accountants. These services may include audit services, audit related services, tax services and other services. For audit services, the independent auditor provides an engagement letter in advance of the services outlining the scope of the audit and related audit fees. If agreed by Registrant, this engagement letter is formally accepted by Registrant.

    For all services, Registrant's supervisory management staff submits from time to time to the Agents of Registrant for approval services that it recommends the Registrant engage the independent auditor to provide. In addition, the Agents of Registrant pre-approve specific non-audit services that the independent auditor is authorized to provide. All fee proposals for those non-audit services must be pre-approved in writing by a senior executive of the Supervisor. The Agents of Registrant are informed routinely by the independent auditor pursuant to this pre-approved process.

     

    Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

    (a)(1) Financial Statements

    (2) Financial Statement Schedules

    The consolidated financial statements and the financial statement schedule of the Registrant and the financial statements of the Sublessee required in this annual report are listed in the respective indexes to those financial statements and financial statement schedule of the Registrant and the Sublessee included immediately following Exhibit 32.2 or to be included by amendment.

    (3) Exhibits: See Exhibit Index.

     

     

     

    SIGNATURE

     

    Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

    The individual signing this report on behalf of Registrant is Attorney-in-Fact for Registrant and each of the Members in Registrant, pursuant to Powers of Attorney, dated October 13, 2003 (collectively, the "Power").

     

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (Registrant)

     

     

    By /s/ Mark Labell

    Mark Labell, Attorney-in-Fact

     

    Date: June 30, 2008

     

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following person as Attorney-in-Fact for each of the Members in Registrant, pursuant to the Power, on behalf of Registrant and as a Member in Registrant on the date indicated.

     

    By /s/ Mark Labell

    Mark Labell, Attorney-in-Fact*

     

    Date: June 30, 2008

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    _________________________________

    * Mr. Labell supervises accounting functions for Registrant.

    EXHIBIT INDEX

    Number Document Page*

    3 (a)

    Registrant's Partnership Agreement dated July 11, 1961, filed as Exhibit No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as amended (the "Registration Statement") by letter dated August 8, 1962 and assigned File No. 2-18741, is incorporated by reference as an exhibit hereto.

    3 (b)

    Amended Business Certificate of Registrant Filed with the Clerk of New York County on August 7, 1998 reflecting a change in the Partners of Registrant which was filed as Exhibit 3(b) to Registrant's 10-Q-A for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 and is incorporated by reference as an exhibit hereto.

    3 (c)

    Registrant's Consent and Operating

    Agreement dated as of September 30, 2001

    3 (d)

    Certificate of Conversion of Registrant

    to a limited liability company dated October 1, 2001 filed with the New York Secretary of State on October 3, 2001.

    4

    Registrant's form of Participating Agreement, filed as Exhibit No. 6 to the Registration Statement by letter dated August 8, 1962 and assigned File No. 2-18741, is incorporated by reference as an exhibit hereto.

    24

    Powers of Attorney dated October 13, 2003 between the Partners of Registrant and Mark Labell which was filed as Exhibit 24 to Registrant's 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference.

    31.1

    Certification of Mark Labell, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

     

    31.2

    Certification of Mark Labell, Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     

    32.1

    Certification of Mark Labell, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     

    32.2

    Certification of Mark Labell, Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

     

    * Page references are based on sequential numbering system.

    Exhibit 31.1

    CERTIFICATIONS

    I, Mark Labell, certify that:

      1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.;

      2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

      3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

      4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and we have:

      1. designed such disclosure controls and procedures or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,

        to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

      2. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

      3. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

    1. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

      1. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,

      2. summarize and report financial information; and

      3. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

    Date: June 30, 2008

     

     

     

     

    By /s/ Mark Labell

    Name: Mark Labell

    Title: Senior Vice President, Finance Wien & Malkin LLC, Supervisor of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

     

     

    Exhibit 31.2

    CERTIFICATIONS

    I, Mark Labell, certify that:

      1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.;

      2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

      3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

      4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and we have:

      1. designed such disclosure controls and procedures or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,

        to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

      2. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

      3. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

      1. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

      1. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

      2. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal controls over financial reporting.

     

     

    Date: June 30, 2008

     

     

     

     

    By /s/ Mark Labell

    Name: Mark Labell

    Title: Senior Member of Financial/Accounting Staff of Wien & Malkin LLC, Supervisor of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

     

    Exhibit 32.1

     

     

    Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350 as adopted

    Pursuant to Section 906

    of Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002

    The undersigned, Mark Labell, is signing this Chief Executive Officer certification as Senior Vice President, Finance of Wien & Malkin LLC, the Supervisor * of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Registrant") to certify that:

      1. the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for the period ended December 31, 2007 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.78m or 78o(d)); and

      2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Registrant.

    Dated: June 30, 2008

     

     

    By /s/ Mark Labell

    Mark Labell

    Senior Vice President, Finance

    Wien & Malkin LLC, Supervisor

     

     

     

    *Registrant's organizational documents do not provide for a Chief Executive Officer or other officer with equivalent rights and duties. As described in the Report, Registrant is a limited liability company which is supervised by Wien & Malkin LLC. Accordingly, this Chief Executive Officer certification is being signed by a senior executive of Registrant's supervisor.

    Exhibit 32.2

     

    Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

    Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350 as adopted

    Pursuant to Section 906

    of Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002

    The undersigned, Mark Labell, is signing this Chief Financial Officer certification as a senior member of the financial/accounting staff of Wien & Malkin LLC, the Supervisor* of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Registrant"), to certify that:

      1. the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Registrant for the period ended December 31, 2007 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C.78m or 78o(d)); and

      2. the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Registrant.

    Dated: June 30, 2008

     

     

    By /s/ Mark Labell

    Mark Labell

    Senior Vice President, Finance

    Wien & Malkin LLC, Supervisor

     

     

     

     

    *Registrant's organizational documents do not provide for a Chief Financial Officer or other officer with equivalent rights and duties. As described in the Report, Registrant is a limited liability company which is supervised by Wien & Malkin LLC. Accordingly, this Chief Financial Officer certification is being signed by a senior member of the financial/accounting staff of Registrant's supervisor.

     

     

     

     

    INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (A Limited Liability Company)

     

    Report of Margolin, Winer & Evens LLP -- Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    Report of J.H. Cohn LLP -- Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

    Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

    Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     

     

    SCHEDULE III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2007

    All other schedules are omitted as the information is not required, is not material or is otherwise provided.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     

    To the Participants in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

    (a Limited Liability Company)

     

    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Associates") as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, members' equity and cash flows for the year then ended, and the supporting financial statement schedule, Schedule III- Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2007, also included in this Form 10-K. These consolidated financial statements and the schedule are the responsibility of Associates' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.

    We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. as of December 31, 2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and the related financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2007, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

     

     

    /s/ Margolin, Winer & Evens LLP

    Garden City, New York

    May 6, 2008

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

     

    To the Participants in Empire State Building Associates L.L.C.

    (a Limited Liability Company)

     

    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. and subsidiary ("Associates") as of December 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, members' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Associates' management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. and subsidiary as of December 31, 2006, and their results of operations and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

     

     

     

    /s/J.H. Cohn LLP

     

    New York, N. Y.

    March 7, 2007

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (A Limited Liability Company)

    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    A S S E T S

     

    December 31,

     

    2007

    2006

    Assets:

       

    Real estate:

       
     

    Building:

       
     

    Empire State Building, located at

    350 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y.

    $38,933,801

    $38,933,801

     

    Less: Accumulated depreciation

    5,699,520

    4,701,257

     

    33,234,281

    34,232,544

     

     

    Land Land

    21,550,588

    21,550,588

     

    TOTAL REAL ESTATE

    54,784,869

    55,783,132

         

    Cash and cash equivalents

    23,161,493

    22,346,462

         

    Restricted cash re: mortgage interest - North Fork Bank

    889,535

    885,458

    Additional rent due from Empire State

       
     

    Building Company L.L.C., a related party

    -

    1,291,329

    Receivable from participants - NYS estimated tax

    279,438

    231,915

    Accounts receivable

    -

    2,700

    Mortgage financing costs

    1,796,287

    1,796,287

    Less: accumulated amortization

    1,025,381

    845,752

     

    MORTGAGE FINANCING COSTS, NET

    770,906

    950,535

         

    TOTAL ASSETS

    $79,886,241

    $81,491,531

    LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY

    Liabilities:

     

    First mortgage payable

    $60,500,000

    $60,500,000

     

    Accrued interest payable

    338,632

    338,632

     

    Prepaid rent

    -

    501,564

     

    Due to Empire State Building Company L.L.C., a related party

    974,251

    -

     

    Accrued supervisory services, to a related party

    853,439

    966,640

     

    TOTAL LIABILITIES

    62,666,322

    62,306,836

    Commitments and contingencies

    -

    -

    Members' equity

    17,219,919

    19,184,695

       

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY

    $79,886,241

    $81,491,531

    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (A Limited Liability Company)

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

     

     

       

    Year ended December 31,

     

    2007

    2006

    2005

    Revenues:

         
     

    Rent income, from a related party

    $23,044,499

    $24,810,079

    $22,343,729

     

    Dividend and interest income

    418,234

    339,334

    158,209

    Miscellaneous income

    -

    978

    -

    Total revenues

    23,462,733

    25,150,391

    22,501,938

           

    Expenses:

         
     

    Interest on mortgage

    3,987,118

    3,987,118

    3,987,118

     

    Supervisory services, to a related party

    1,012,856

    1,126,057

    1,027,208

     

    Depreciation of building

    998,262

    998,262

    998,262

     

    Amortization of mortgage financing costs

    179,629

    179,629

    179,629

     

    Fees and miscellaneous, including amounts paid to a related party

    216,289

    45,416

    840

    Total expenses

    6,394,154

    6,336,482

    6,193,057

     

    NET INCOME

    $17,068,579

    $18,813,909

    $16,308,881

    Earnings per $10,000 participation unit, based

    on 3,300 participation units outstanding

    during each year

     

    $5,172

     

    $5,701

     

    $4,942

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

     

     

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (A Limited Liability Company)

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS' EQUITY

     

             
     

    Members'

    Share of

     

    Members'

     

    Equity

    Net Income

     

    Equity

     

    January 1,

    For Year

    Distributions

    December 31,

    Year Ended December 31, 2005:

           

    Anthony E. Malkin Group

    $4,165,395

    $5,436,293

    $3,649,849

    $5,951,839

             

    Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. Group

    4,165,394

    5,436,294

    3,649,849

    5,951,839

             

    Peter L. Malkin Group

    4,165,392

    5,436,294

    3,649,848

    5,951,838

    TOTALS

    $12,496,181

    $16,308,881

    $10,949,546

    $17,855,516

     

    Year Ended December 31, 2006:

           

    Anthony E. Malkin Group

    $5,951,839

    $6,271,303

    $5,828,243

    $6,394,899

             

    Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. Group

    5,951,839

    6,271,303

    5,828,243

    6,394,899

             

    Peter L. Malkin Group

    5,951,838

    6,271,303

    5,828,244

    6,394,897

    TOTALS

    $17,855,516

    $18,813,909

    $17,484,730

    $19,184,695

     

    Year Ended December 31, 2007:

           

    Anthony E. Malkin Group

    $6,394,899

    $5,689,526

    $6,344,452

    $5,739,973

             

    Thomas N. Keltner, Jr. Group

    6,394,899

    5,689,526

    6,344,452

    5,739,973

             

    Peter L. Malkin Group

    6,394,897

    5,689,527

    6,344,451

    5,739,973

    TOTALS

    $19,184,695

    $17,068,579

    $19,033,355

    $17,219,919

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

     

     

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (A Limited Liability Company)

    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

     

    Year Ended December 31,

     

    2007

    2006

    2005

    Cash flows from operating activities:

     

    Net income

    $17,068,579

    $18,813,909

    $16,308,881

     

    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

    cash provided by operating activities:

     

    Depreciation of building

    998,262

    998,262

    998,262

     

    Amortization of mortgage financing costs

    179,629

    179,629

    179,629

     

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

         
     

    Additional rent due from Empire State

    Building Company L.L.C., a related party

    -

    33,650

    (605,436)

     

    Due to Empire State Building Company L.L.C., a related party

    2,265,580

    -

    -

     

    Accounts receivable

    2,700

    (2,700)

    -

     

    Accrued interest payable

    -

    -

    338,632

    Prepaid rent

    (501,564)

    -

    501,564

    Accrued supervisory services, to a related party

        (113,200)

    98,849

    417,138

    Net cash provided by operating activities

    19,899,986

    20,121,599

    18,138,670

     

    Cash flows from financing activities:

         
     

    Change in receivable from participants

    (47,523)

    (140,477)

    (28,544)

     

    Change in restricted cash

    (4,077)

    (33,775)

    (342,010)

     

    Distributions to participants

    (19,033,355)

    (17,484,730)

    (10,949,546)

     

    Net cash used in financing activities

    (19,084,955)

    (17,658,982)

    (11,320,100)

           

    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    815,031

    2,462,617

    6,818,570

    Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    22,346,462

    19,883,845

    13,065,275

    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,

    END OF YEAR

    $23,161,493

    $22,346,462

    $19,883,845

    Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    Cash paid during the year for interest

    $3,987,118

    $3,987,118

    $3,648,486

     

     

     

    See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (A Limited Liability Company)

    NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     

    1. Business Activity and Purchase of Real Estate

    Through April 16, 2002, Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. ("Associates") owned the tenant's interest in a master operating leasehold (the "Master Lease") on the Empire State Building (the "Building"), located at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York. On April 17, 2002 Associates acquired, through a wholly-owned limited liability company, the fee title to the Building and to the land thereunder (the "Land"), (together, the "Real Estate"). Associates subleases the property to Empire State Building Company L.L.C. ("Sublessee"). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Associates and, effective April 17, 2002, its wholly-owned limited liability company, Empire State Land Associates L.L.C. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

    Associates operated as a general partnership, Empire State Building Associates, until October 1, 2001, when it converted to a limited liability company and changed to its current name. Ownership percentages in Associates were unchanged by the conversion. Associates continues to be treated as a partnership for tax purposes, and the partnership's income tax basis of its assets and liabilities carried over to the limited liability company.

     

    2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

                    a. Cash and Cash Equivalents

    Cash and cash equivalents include investments in money market funds and all highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired.

    b. Restricted cash

    Restricted cash at December 31, 2007 and 2006 includes a money market account held at North Fork Bank pursuant to the terms of the mortgage, to be used monthly to satisfy a portion of the mortgage interest obligation.

    1. Real Estate and depreciation

    The Real Estate is carried in the financial statements at its historical cost of $60,484,389, consisting of $57,500,000 for the purchase price, $752,022 for acquisition costs and $2,232,367 representing the unamortized balance of the cost of the Master Lease on the date the Real Estate was acquired. The cost of the Land was estimated to be 35.63% of the total cost of the Real Estate, and the Building 64.37%. Under the terms of the contract of sale, the deed contains language to avoid the merger of the fee estate and the leasehold, although on a consolidated financial statement basis, Associates incurred no leasehold rent expense after acquiring the Real Estate. The Building is being depreciated on the straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of 39 years from April 17, 2002.

    1. Mortgage Financing Costs and Amortization

      Mortgage financing costs, totaling $1,796,287, are being amortized ratably over the life of the mortgage.

      Amortization expense amounts to $179,628 for each of the next five years subsequent to December 31, 2006.

    2. Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

      Associates assesses the carrying amount of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. When Associates determines that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may be impaired, the measurement of any impairment is based on a discounted cash flow method.

    3. Revenue Recognition

    Basic rental income, as defined in a long-term lease, is a fixed minimum annual amount that Associates records ratably over the year. Additional rent is based on 50% of the net operating profit of the Sublessee, as defined, in excess of $1,000,000 for each lease year ending December 31st and is recorded by Associates when such amounts become determinable, at the end of each calendar year.

    1. Use of Estimates:

    In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

     

     

    3. Related Party Transactions - Rental Income

    Associates does not operate the Building (Note 1). It subleases the Building to the Sublessee, a related party (Note 4), pursuant to a net operating lease dated December 27, 1961, as modified February 15, 1965. The sublease provides for the same initial term and renewal options as the leasehold, less one day. In January 1989, the Sublessee exercised its option to renew the sublease for the first renewal period from January 4, 1992 to January 4, 2013. The annual minimum basic rent during the remainder of the Sublessee's first renewal term, through January 4, 2013, is $6,018,750 (approximately $30,100,000 in the aggregate). The sublease provides for three successive renewal options of twenty-one years each, at an annual basic rent of $5,895,625 throughout all subsequent renewal terms.

     

    Additional rent through all renewal terms under the sublease is payable in an amount equal to 50% of the Sublessee's annual net operating profit, as defined, in excess of $1,000,000. For 2007, 2006 and 2005, Sublessee reported net operating profit of $35,051,498, $38,582,657 and $33,649,958, respectively. Therefore, rent income was comprised as follows:

     

    For the years ended December 31,

     

    2007

    2006

    2005

    Minim Minimum net basic rent

    $ 6,018,750

    $ 6,018,750

    $ 6,018,750

    Additional rent earned

    17,025,749

    18,791,329

    16,324,979

     

    $23,044,499

    $24,810,079

    $22,343,729

    Real estate taxes paid directly by the Sublessee for the year ended December 31, 2007 totaled $22,151,850.

    1. Related Party Transactions - Supervisory and Other Services

    Supervisory and other services are provided to Associates by its supervisor, Wien & Malkin LLC ("Wien & Malkin" or the "Supervisor"), a related party. Beneficial interests in Associates are held directly or indirectly by one or more persons at Wien & Malkin and/or their family members.

    Wien & Malkin LLC, a limited liability company, succeeded Wien & Malkin LLP, a limited liability partnership, on November 30, 2006 without any change in duties, responsibilities, staffing, operation, rights or compensation to it as Supervisor.

    Basic fees for supervisory services are $159,417 per annum. Wien & Malkin also received $104,094 during 2007 for services rendered in connection with tender offers from unrelated third parties. Wien & Malkin receives an additional payment equal to 6% of distributions to the participants in Associates. For tax purposes, such additional payment is recognized as a profits interest and the Supervisor is treated as a partner, all without modifying each Participant's distributive share of reportable income and cash distributions. Fees for supervisory services (including disbursements and cost of regular accounting services) during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, totaled $1,012,856, $1,126,057 and $1,027,208, respectively, including distributions in respect of Wien & Malkin's profits interest which totaled $853,439, $966,640 and $867,791 for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

    Wien & Malkin also serves as supervisor for Sublessee for which it receives a basic annual fee of $270,000. Other service fees received by Wien & Malkin from the Sublessee for the year ended December 31, 2007 totaled $301,271. Under separate agreements to which Sublessee is not a party, certain of Sublessee's participants pay Wien & Malkin and members of Peter L. Malkin's immediate family a percentage of distributions above an annual threshold. These third party payments (which totaled $460,732 in 2007 to Wien & Malkin and such Malkin family members) do not impose any obligation upon Sublessee or affect its assets and liabilities.

    1. First Mortgage Payable

    To finance the acquisition of the fee title to the Real Estate (Note 1) and certain related costs, Associates obtained a $60,500,000 first mortgage with North Fork Bank. The mortgage is scheduled to mature on May 1, 2012 and requires monthly payments of interest only at 6.5% per annum. The mortgage may be prepaid at any time after 24 months with the payment of a premium equal to the greater of (a) 1% of the amount prepaid and (b) an amount calculated pursuant to a prepayment formula designed to preserve the bank's yield to maturity. The mortgage is secured by a lien on the Real Estate and Associates' leasehold estate under the Master Lease of the Real Estate.

    The estimated fair value of Associates' mortgage debt, based on available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies was $63,178,583 at December 31, 2007 and the carrying value at December 31, 2006.

    1. Number of Participants

    There were approximately 2,762, 2,764 and 2,759 participants in the participating groups at December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

    1. Determination of Distributions to Participants

      Distributions to participants during each year generally reflect the excess of the current year's minimum annual rent income, plus additional rent income and dividend income earned in the prior year, over the cash expenses and mortgage requirements of the current year, adjusted for those cash reserves management judges to be suitable under the circumstances.

    2. Distributions and Amount of Income per $10,000 Participation Unit

    Distributions per $10,000 participation unit during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, based on 3,300 participation units outstanding during each year, consisted of the following:

     

    Year ended December 31

     

    2007

    2006

    2005

     

    Income

    $5,172

    $5,298

    $3,318

     

    Return of capital

    596

    0

    -0-

     

    TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS

    $5,768

    $5,298

    $3,318

             

     

    Net income is computed without regard to income tax expense since Associates does not pay a tax on its income; instead, any such taxes are paid by the participants in their individual capacities.

    1. Related Party Transactions - Fees

    The accompanying statements of income reflect fees paid or owed to Wien & Malkin, a related party

    ( Note 4), as follows:

     

    2007

    2006

    2005

    Payments made or accrued

    $ 104,094

    $ -

    $ -

     

    1. Contingencies

      Wien & Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, a member in Associates, were engaged in a proceeding with Sublessee's former managing agent, Helmsley-Spear, Inc. commenced in 1997, concerning the management, leasing, and supervision of the property that is subject to the Lease to Sublessee. In this connection, certain costs for legal and professional fees and other expenses have been paid and incurred by Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin. Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin have represented that such costs will be recovered only to the extent that (a) a competent tribunal authorizes payment or (b) an investor voluntarily agrees that his or her proportionate share be paid. Accordingly, Associates' allocable share of such costs is as yet undetermined, and Associates has not provided for the expense and related liability with respect to such costs in these consolidated financial statements. As a result of the August 29, 2006 settlement agreement which included termination of this proceeding, Associates will not recognize any gains or losses from this proceeding other than the possible charges for the aforementioned fees and expenses.

      The August 29, 2006 settlement agreement terminated Helmsley-Spear, Inc. as managing and leasing agent at the property as of August 30, 2006. CB Richard Ellis has been engaged as the new leasing agent, and Sublessee will self-manage the property. The $1,834,000 portion of the contract settlement payment funded from Sublessee's reserves has been deducted as an expense in computing additional rent income for 2006, so that Associates has effectively borne one-half of Sublessee's contract settlement payment expense, or $917,000.

    2. Concentration of Credit Risk
     

    December 31,

    Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following:

    2007

    2006

    JPMorgan Chase Bank

    $0

    $540,469

    Distribution account held by Wien & Malkin LLC

    324,111

    324,111

    Fidelity U.S. Treasury Income Portfolio

    22,837,382

    21,481,882

    Total cash and cash equivalents

    $23,161,493

    $22,346,462

    Associates maintains cash and cash equivalents in two banks and in two money market funds (Fidelity U.S. Treasury Income Portfolio and North Fork Bank) and a distribution account held by Wien & Malkin. The balance in each bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $100,000, and at December 31, 2007 there was an uninsured balance of approximately $789,535 and at December 31, 2006 an uninsured balance of approximately $1,225,927. The money market funds are not insured. The funds (approximately $324,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006) held by Wien & Malkin in the distribution account were paid to the participants on January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2007. Associates made an extra distribution to the participants of $13,370,544 on March 6, 2008.

      1. Income Taxes

    Net income is computed without regard to income tax expense since Registrant does not pay a tax on its income; instead, any such taxes are paid by the Participants in their individual capacities.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    SCHEDULE III

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING ASSOCIATES L.L.C.

    (A Limited Liability Company)

    Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation

    December 31, 2007

    Column

     

    A

    Description

    Land and building situated

     

    at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.

     

    B

    Encumbrances-

     

    North Fork Bank

     

    Balance at December 31, 2007

    $60,500,000

     

    C

    Initial cost to company

     

    Land and building

    $60,484,389

     

    D

    Cost capitalized subsequent to acquisition

    None

       

    E

    Gross amount at which carried at

     

    close of period (See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financials Statements)

     

    Land

    $21,550,588

     

    Building

    38,933,801

     

    Total (a)

    $60,484,389

     

    F Accumulated depreciation (b)

    $ 5,699,520

     

    G Date of construction

    1931

     

    H Date acquired

    April 17, 2002

    I Life on which depreciation of building in

    latest income statements is computed

    39 years

    1. Gross amount of real estate

    Balance at January 1, 2007 $60,484,389

    Purchase of real estate:

    F/Y/E 12/31/07 -

     

    Balance at December 31, 2007

    $60,484,389

    The costs for federal income tax purposes are the same

    as for financial statement purposes.

    (b) Accumulated depreciation

    Balance at January 1, 2007

    $4,701,258

     

    Depreciation:

     

    F/Y/E 12/31/07

    998,262

     

    Balance at December 31, 2007

    $5,699,520

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    EMPIRE STATE BUILDING COMPANY L.L.C

    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND 2006

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Dated:

    New York, NY

    April 18, 2008

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

     

     

     

    Contents

     

     

    Page

     

    Report of independent auditors

    3

       

    Comparative balance sheets - assets

    4

       

    Comparative balance sheets - liabilities and members' capital

    5

       

    Comparative statements of income

    6

       

    Analysis of members' capital

    7

       

    Comparative statements of cash flow

    8

       

    Notes to financial statements

    9 - 13

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Report of Independent Auditors

     

     

     

     

    To the Members of Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

    We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Empire State Building Company L.L.C. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related statements of income, analysis of members' capital, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Empire State Building Company L.L.C. at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

    /s/ McGrath Doyle & Phair, CPA

    New York, NY

    April 18, 2008

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

    BALANCE SHEETS

    ASSETS

    December 31,

    2007

    2006

    Current Assets:

    Cash and cash equivalents

    $ 49,598,323

    $ 38,575,462

    Due from Empire State Building, Inc.

    2,500,920

    3,133,929

    Due from Empire State Building

    Associates L.L.C.

    974,251

    -

    Accounts receivable and accrued charges

    to tenants:

    Rent and electric inclusion

    3,608,056

    4,725,491

    Escalation rent

    591,590

    1,527,986

    Cleaning services

    16,806

    116,480

    Prepaid expenses:

    Real estate taxes

    10,984,744

    11,167,106

    Rent

    75,490

    75,490

    Insurance premiums

    912,930

    964,708

    Other operating expense

    184,347

    524,063

    Total current assets

    69,447,457

    60,810,715

    Fixed Assets:

    Building improvements and equipment

    $66,708,284

    $ 5,862,940

    Less-Accumulated depreciation

    22,762,333

    43,945,951

    20,412,049

    45,450,891

    Sub-leasehold

    740,000

    740,000

    Less-Accumulated depreciation

    719,857

    20,143

    715,885

    24,115

    Sub-leasehold improvements in progress

    20,129,653

    6,867,031

    Total fixed assets

    64,095,747

    52,342,037

    Other Assets:

    Deferred leasing commissions

    48,725,487

    45,176,216

    Less-Accumulated amortization

    33,261,567

    15,463,920

    30,338,139

    14,838,077

    Deferred legal fees

    363,514

    363,514

    Less-Accumulated amortization

    330,776

    32,738

    306,332

    57,182

    Other receivables

    669,114

    212,350

    Deposits - other

    49,871

    70,872

    Total other assets

    16,215,643

    15,178,481

    TOTAL ASSETS

    $ 149,758,847

    $128,331,233

    See accompanying notes and accountants' audit report.

     

     

     

    Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

    BALANCE SHEETS

    LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' CAPITAL

    December 31,

    2007

    2006

    Current liabilities:

    Accounts payable

    $ 5,117,522

    $ 2,975,794

    Accrued additional rent

    -

    1,291,329

    Accrued expenses

    1,711,944

    2,137,005

    Total current liabilities

    6,829,466

    6,404,128

    Other liabilities:

    Security deposit trust accounts

    $ 5,950,523

    $ 7,125,280

    Tenants' security deposits

    (5,950,523)

    -

    (7,125,280)

    -

    Deferred real estate tax escalation income

    689,665

    922,836

    Lease payable

    127,548

    233,193

    Rents received in advance

    972,390

    550,415

    Total liabilities

    8,619,069

    8,110,572

    Members' capital - December 31, 2005

    141,139,778

    120,220,661

    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS'

    CAPITAL

    $ 149,758,847

    $128,331,233

     

     

     

    See accompanying notes and accountants' audit report.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

    STATEMENTS OF INCOME

    Years Ended December 31,

    2007

    2006

    Revenues:

    Rental

    $73,541,920

    $68,835,404

    Observatory income

    49,630,146

    45,801,259

    Antenna license fee income

    12,511,410

    12,725,936

    Insurance proceeds

    164,572

    164,572

    Investment income

    2,653,052

    1,518,475

    Total revenues

    138,501,100

    129,045,646

    Expenses:

    Basic rent

    6,018,750

    6,018,750

    Repairs and supplies

    15,825,004

    12,700,182

    Labor costs

    22,069,483

    20,399,594

    Advertising

    790,439

    629,670

    Website costs

    138,311

    248,556

    Utilities

    2,829,629

    2,596,137

    Insurance

    8,256,411

    8,580,948

    Real Estate taxes

    22,151,849

    22,708,091

    Other expenses

    5,074,230

    4,899,514

    Depreciation and amortization

    5,302,128

    5,418,203

    Settlement of litigation (net of $1,222,000

    contribution from a member)

    -

    1,834,000

    Total expenses

    88,456,234

    86,033,645

    Net income before overage rent

    50,044,866

    43,012,001

    Overage rent

    17,025,749

    18,791,329

    NET INCOME

    $ 33,019,117

    $ 24,220,672

     

     

     

    See accompanying notes and accountants' audit report.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

    ANALYSIS OF MEMBERS' CAPITAL

    2007

    2006

    Members' capital - January 1,

    $120,220,661

    $106,099,989

    Net income for the year ended December 31,

    33,019,117

    24,220,672

    153,239,778

    130,320,661

    Less-Distributions:

    Monthly distributions, at $300,000 per month

    (3,600,000)

    (3,600,000)

    Extra distribution

    (8,500,000)

    (6,500,000)

    MEMBERS' CAPITAL - DECEMBER 31

    $141,139,778

    $120,220,661

     

     

     

     

     

     

    See accompanying notes and accountants' audit report.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

    STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

    Years Ended December 31,

    2007

    2006

    Cash flows from operating activities:

    Net income

    $33,019,117

    $ 24,220,672

    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net

    cash provided by operating activities:

    Depreciation

    2,354,256

    2,354,251

    Amortization

    2,947,872

    3,063,952

    Changes in assets and liabilities:

    Decrease in receivables

    2,153,505

    1,696,491

    Increase in other receivable

    (456,764)

    -

    Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses

    573,856

    (136,312)

    Decrease in due from Empire State Building, Inc.

    633,009

    1,021,748

    Increase in due from Empire State Building

    Associates L.L.C.

    (974,251)

    -

    Decrease (increase) in deposits

    21,001

    (69,892)

    Increase in accounts payable

    2,141,728

    143,701

    (Decrease) in accrued expenses

    (1,716,390)

    (857,222)

    (Decrease) in lease payable

    (105,645)

    (90,498)

    (Decrease) increase in deferred real estate

    tax escalation income

    (233,171)

    922,836

    Increase in rents received in advance

    421,975

    302,100

    Net cash provided in operating activities

    40,780,098

    32,571,827

    Cash flows from investing activities:

    Additions to property

    (845,344)

    (6,234,613)

    Additional sub-leasehold improvements in progress

    (13,262,622)

    -

    Increase in leasing commissions

    (3,549,271)

    (2,115,212)

    Net cash used for investing activities

    (17,657,237)

    (8,349,825)

    Cash flows from financing activities:

    Distributions to members

    (12,100,000)

    (10,100,000)

    Net cash used in financing activities

    (12,100,000)

    (10,100,000)

    Net increase in cash

    11,022,861

    14,122,002

    Cash at beginning of year

    38,575,462

    24,453,460

    CASH AT END OF YEAR

    $49,598,323

    $ 38,575,462

    See accompanying notes and accountants' audit report.

     

     

    Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

    NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    NOTE

    1. Business Activity

    Empire State Building Company L.L.C. ("Company") is a limited liability company which leases and sublets commercial property situated at 350 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.

    2. Lease

    The lease with Empire State Building Associates L.L.C. included an initial term, which expired on January 4, 1992. The leasehold may be renewed for four successive periods of 21 years at the option of Company. On January 30, 1989, Company exercised its option to renew the sub-lease for the first renewal period from January 5, 1992 through January 4, 2013. The second renewal option for the period from January 5, 2013 through January 4, 2034 must be exercised by July 4, 2010. The final term ends on January 4, 2076.

    The annual basic rent during the first renewal term is $6,018,750 and is $5,895,625 during each of the remaining three renewal terms.

    Additional rent is payable equal to 50% of the sub-lessee's annual net income, as defined, in excess of $1,000,000.

    1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

    1. Basis of presentation:

      The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

    2. Conversion to Limited Liability Company:

      Effective December 17, 2001, Company converted from a partnership to a limited liability company. Ownership percentages were unchanged by the conversion, and the partnership's income tax basis in its assets and liabilities carried over to the limited liability company.

    3. Accounts Receivable and Accrued Charges to Tenants:

      The Company considers accounts receivable to be fully collectible; accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been established. If accounts become uncollectible, they will be charged to operations when that determination is made. Collections on accounts previously written off are included in rental income as received.

    4. Revenue Recognition:

      Rental revenue is reported as billed, based on the terms of the respective leases.

    5. Deferred leasing commissions:

      Leasing commission costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective tenant leases.

    6. Depreciation:

      The sub-leasehold was acquired on December 27, 1961. The cost of the sub-leasehold is being depreciated on a straight-line basis. Through 1987 depreciation was computed over the initial term of the sub-leasehold at the rate of $24,633 per annum. Effective January 1, 1988 the sub-leasehold is being depreciated over the remaining initial period plus the first renewal term of 21 years. The building improvements and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis over cost recovery periods ranging through thirty-nine years.

    7. Use of estimates:

      In preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, management often makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

    8. Advertising:

      Company expenses the cost of advertising and promotions as incurred.

  1. Transactions with Related Parties

Supervisory fees and other services are provided to Company by its Supervisor, Wien & Malkin LLC, a related party. Beneficial interests in Company are held directly or indirectly by one or more persons at Wien & Malkin and/or their family members. Wien & Malkin LLC, a limited liability company, succeeded Wien & Malkin LLP, a limited liability partnership, on November 30, 2006 without any change in duties, responsibilities, staffing, operation, rights, or compensation to it as Supervisor.

Service fees to Wien & Malkin are as follows:

Year Ended

December 31,

2007

2006

Basic supervisory fees

$270,000

$270,000

Other fees and disbursements

238,144

243,577

Administration of tenant security deposits (a)

63,127

70,682

TOTAL

$571,271

$584,259

  1. For administration and investment of each tenant security deposit account, Wien & Malkin has earned since 1973 an annual service fee of 1% of the cash account balance, in accord with the applicable statute. This fee totaled $63,127 for 535 accounts in 2007. Because this service fee is deducted from interest otherwise payable to tenants, the financial statements show no related expense to Company.

Under separate agreements to which Company is not a party, (a) participants in a 10% interest in Company held of record by Peter L. Malkin pay members of Mr. Malkin's immediate family 12.5%, and other persons having no management role or ownership interest in Wien & Malkin 12.5%, of their share of the group's operating distributions in excess of $252,000 for any year and capital transaction distributions in excess of such annual priority plus return of capital, (b) participants in a 5% interest in Company held of record by Peter L. Malkin pay such Malkin family members 12.5%, and such other persons 12.5%, of their share of the group's operating distributions in excess of $126,000 for any year and capital transaction distributions in excess of such annual priority plus return of capital, (c) participants in an 8.3125% interest in Company pay Wien & Malkin 10%, such Malkin family members 22.5%, and such other persons 22.5%, of their share of the group's operating distributions in excess of $149,625 for any year and capital transaction distributions in excess of such annual priority plus return of capital, and (d) certain holders aggregating less than 5% of the interests in Company pay a portion of their distributions to Wien & Malkin and other persons.

These third party payments (which totaled $460,732 to Wien & Malkin and such Malkin family members in 2007) do not impose any obligations upon Company or affect its assets and liabilities.

Wien & Malkin also serves as supervisor for the Company's lessor and receives from the lessor a basic annual fee and an additional payment based on distributions to its investors. Beneficial interests in the lessor are held directly or indirectly by one or more persons at Wien & Malkin and/or their family members.

  1. Income Taxes

    The Company does not itself pay a tax on its income. Instead, any such taxes are paid by the members in their individual capacities.

  2. Contingent Liabilities

    Wien & Malkin LLC and Peter L. Malkin, a member in Company, were engaged in a proceeding with Helmsley-Spear, Inc. commenced in 1997, concerning the management, leasing and supervision of Company's property in which Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin sought an order removing Helmsley-Spear. In this connection, certain costs for legal and professional fees and other expenses have been paid and incurred by Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin and certain costs related to terminating such proceedings may be incurred in the future. Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin have represented that such costs will be recovered only to the extent that ( a ) a competent tribunal authorizes payment by Company or ( b ) an investor voluntarily agrees that his or her proportionate share be paid. Accordingly, Company's allocable share of such costs is as yet undetermined and Company has not provided for the expense and related liability with respect to such costs in these financial statements.

    The original action was commenced in June 1997 and was referred to arbitration. The March 30, 2001 decision of the Arbitrators, which was confirmed by the court, (i) reaffirmed the right of the investors to vote to terminate Helmsley-Spear without cause, (ii) dismissed Helmsley-Spear's claims against Wien & Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, and (iii) rejected the termination of Helmsley-Spear for cause. The parts of the decision under appeal were initially affirmed by the Appellate Division, and the New York Court of Appeals declined to review such ruling. On October 6, 2003, the United States Supreme Court granted Wien & Malkin's petition, vacated the judgment of the Appellate Division and remanded the case to the New York court.

    On October 14, 2004, the Appellate Division issued a unanimous decision reversing the Arbitrators, and decided (i) that there was a covert assignment without Company's knowledge or consent and (ii) that the corporation controlled by Irving Schneider and now named "Helmsley-Spear," which had represented itself to be Company's managing agent since September 1997, in fact never received a valid assignment to become Company's managing agent. Company's previously authorized managing agent, the original corporation named "Helmsley-Spear," was owned by Harry B. Helmsley and is no longer active. On February 21, 2006, the Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Appellate Division and reinstated the decision of the Arbitrators, including items (i), (ii) and (iii) in the preceding paragraph. On July 21, 2006, Wien and Malkin filed a certiorari petition seeking review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which it later withdrew as part of an August 29, 2006 settlement agreement terminating claims broadly by exchange of general releases between Helmsley-Spear, Irving Schneider, and their related parties on one hand, and Leona M. Helmsley, Peter L. Malkin, Wien & Malkin, various property owners supervised by Wien & Malkin, and their related parties, on the other.

    In January 1998, Irving Schneider, who is one of the controlling principals of Helmsley-Spear and has no record or beneficial interest in Company, brought litigation against Company's supervisor, Wien & Malkin, and member, Mr. Malkin, claiming misconduct and seeking damages and disqualification from performing services for Company. In March 2002, the court dismissed Mr. Schneider's claims. Although Mr. Schneider thereafter appealed the dismissal, the claim was withdrawn prior to 2006 and is no longer pending.

  3. Concentration of Cash Credit Risk

    Cash balances are maintained in bank and money market funds. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insures bank balances up to $100,000 each.

    As of December 31, 2007, uninsured balances amount to approximately the following:

    Cash distribution account

     

    $ 300,000

    Money Market Account - NFB

     

    2,101,320

    Treasury cash series - NFB Investment Services

     

    45,685,158

    Cash in operating account

     

    280,158

    Investments in Fidelity Money Market

       

    Trust Funds (U.S. Treasury Income Portfolio)

     

    1,209,408

       

    $49,576,044

  4. Building Improvement Programs

Company has ongoing building improvement programs, which are in various stages of completion. The approximate committed balance on these programs is $15,030,000.

9. Multiemployer Pension Plan

In connection with Company's collective-bargaining agreements with the Service Employees Janitorial International Union - Local 32B-32J and the Central Pension Fund - Local 94, Company participates with other companies in two defined benefit pension plans. The plans cover all of Company's janitorial and engineering employees who are members of the unions. These two plans are not administered by Company and contributions are determined in accordance with provisions of negotiated labor contracts. Pension expense is not material to the financial statements for any period presented.

Under the Employees Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, an employer is liable upon withdrawing from or the termination of a multiemployer plan for its proportionate share of the plan's unfunded vested benefits liability. Management has no intention of undertaking any action, which could subject Company to this obligation.

  1. Rental Income

The Company leases office and retail space to tenants under noncancelable operating leases with various terms. The following is a schedule of future minimum rents (excluding tenant real estate tax, electricity and operating expense reimbursements) under leases at December 31, 2007:

2008

$ 73,112,337

2009

79,783,158

2010

74,782,482

2011

64,762,180

2012

58,176,525

$350,616,682

 

 

 

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING AND OBSERVATORY

COMPARATIVE COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

YEARS ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2007

AND

DECEMBER 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:

New York, NY

March 12, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Empire State Building Company L.L.C.

60 East 42nd Street

New York, NY 10165

We have audited the accompanying Comparative Combined Statement of Income of Empire State Building and Observatory for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 for the purpose of determining "Net Operating Profit" and "Overage Rent" as those terms are defined in Section 2.05 of Agreement of Sublease dated December 27, 1961. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the entire building, with the exception of the Observatory, was operated by Empire State Building Company L.L.C. and the Observatory was operated by Empire State Building, Inc. The Combined Statement of Income is the responsibility of the management of Empire State Building Company L.L.C. and Empire State Building, Inc. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Combined Statement of Income based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Combined Statement of Income is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the statement. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Combined Statement of Income. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the accompanying Comparative Combined Statement of Income of Empire State Building and Observatory presents fairly, in all material respects, the Net Operating Profit and Overage Rent for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, in conformity with Section 2.05 of the aforementioned Agreement dated December 27, 1961.

/s/ McGrath Doyle & Phair, CPA

New York, NY

March 12, 2008

 

Empire State Building and Observatory

COMPARATIVE COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Increase

2007

2006

(Decrease)

INCOME

Rent, including electricity

$ 85,504,396

$ 80,253,242

$ 5,251,154

Observatory admissions

56,798,756

50,487,048

6,311,708

Other observatory income

5,602,192

5,629,119

(26,927)

Antenna rent

12,511,410

12,725,936

(214,526)

Insurance proceeds

164,572

164,572

-

Lease cancellation

657,897

122,016

535,881

Other

3,180,762

2,016,452

1,164,310

Total income

164,419,985

151,398,385

13,021,600

OPERATING EXPENSES

Rent

6,018,750

6,018,750

-

Real estate taxes

22,151,849

22,708,091

(556,242)

Wages, contract cleaning and protection service

16,935,189

15,328,820

1,606,369

Electricity

15,310,350

13,348,837

1,961,513

Tenants' and building alterations, repairs and supplies

29,909,862

18,842,905

11,066,957

Management fees and leasing commissions

3,549,270

2,235,212

1,314,058

Observatory:

Wages

5,936,445

4,722,644

1,213,801

Contracted labor

2,588,262

2,258,466

329,796

Advertising and public relations

979,360

573,372

405,988

Payroll taxes and other labor cost

2,310,893

1,935,805

375,088

Other taxes and expenses

1,431,837

1,011,335

420,502

Steam

2,566,981

2,387,507

179,474

Professional fees (Note 1)

3,738,257

3,490,270

247,987

Payroll taxes and other labor costs

5,134,294

5,060,686

73,608

Insurance

8,256,411

8,580,948

(324,537)

Water and sewer

262,648

208,630

54,018

Rubbish removal

23,106

91,892

(68,786)

Advertising

928,750

878,226

50,524

Telephone

118,269

94,063

24,206

Sprinkler alarm service

193,501

179,636

13,865

Directory service

41,321

43,601

(2,280)

Paging and other intercommunication

200,738

134,441

66,297

Dues

48,668

37,440

11,228

Lease cancellation fee

-

300,000

(300,000)

Settlement of litigation (net of $1,222,000 contribution

from a member)

-

1,834,000

(1,834,000)

Other expenses

733,476

510,151

223,325

Total expenses before overage rent

129,368,487

112,815,728

16,552,759

NET OPERATING PROFIT

$ 35,051,498

$ 38,582,657

$ (3,531,159)

OVERAGE RENT, 50% OF NET OPERATING PROFIT

IN EXCESS OF $1,000,000

$ 17,025,749

$ 18,791,329

$ (1,765,580)

 

 

 

 

Empire State Building and Observatory

NOTES TO COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

NOTE

1.     Professional fees in 2007 and 2006 include payments to Wien & Malkin LLC aggregating $571,271 and $584,259, respectively, including supervisory fees of $270,000 in each year. A member in Wien & Malkin LLC is a member in Company.

                    2.     Contingent Liabilities

Wien & Malkin LLC and Peter L. Malkin, a member in Company, were engaged in a proceeding with Helmsley-Spear, Inc. commenced in 1997, concerning the management, leasing and supervision of Company's property in which Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin sought an order removing Helmsley-Spear. In this connection, certain costs for legal and professional fees and other expenses have been paid and incurred by Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin and certain costs related to terminating such proceedings may be incurred in the future. Wien & Malkin and Mr. Malkin have represented that such costs will be recovered only to the extent that ( a ) a competent tribunal authorizes payment by Company or ( b ) an investor voluntarily agrees that his or her proportionate share be paid. Accordingly, Company's allocable share of such costs is as yet undetermined and Company has not provided for the expense and related liability with respect to such costs in these financial statements.

The original action was commenced in June 1997 and was referred to arbitration. The March 30, 2001 decision of the Arbitrators, which was confirmed by the court, (i) reaffirmed the right of the investors to vote to terminate Helmsley-Spear without cause, (ii) dismissed Helmsley-Spear's claims against Wien & Malkin and Peter L. Malkin, and (iii) rejected the termination of Helmsley-Spear for cause. The parts of the decision under appeal were initially affirmed by the Appellate Division, and the New York Court of Appeals declined to review such ruling. On October 6, 2003, the United States Supreme Court granted Wien & Malkin's petition, vacated the judgment of the Appellate Division and remanded the case to the New York court for further consideration of the issues raised by Wien & Malkin's appeal.

On October 14, 2004, the Appellate Division issued a unanimous decision reversing the Arbitrators. The Appellate Division decided (i) that there was a covert assignment without Company's knowledge or consent and (ii) that the corporation controlled by Irving Schneider and now named "Helmsley-Spear," which had represented itself to be Company's managing agent since September 1997, in fact never received a valid assignment to become Company's managing agent. Company's previously authorized managing agent, the original corporation named "Helmsley-Spear," was owned by Harry B. Helmsley and is no longer active. On February 21, 2006, the Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Appellate Division and reinstated the decision of the Arbitrators, including items (i), (ii) and (iii) in the preceding paragraph. On July 21, 2006, Wien & Malkin filed a certiorari petition seeking review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which it later withdrew as part of an August 29, 2006 settlement agreement terminating claims broadly by exchange of general releases between Helmsley-Spear, Irving Schneider, and their related parties on the one hand, and Leona M. Helmsley, Peter L. Malkin, Wien & Malkin, various property owners supervised by Wien & Malkin, and their related parties, on the other.

In January 1998, Irving Schneider, who is one of the controlling principals of Helmsley-Spear and has no record or beneficial interest in Company, brought litigation against Company's supervisor, Wien & Malkin, and member, Peter L. Malkin, claiming misconduct and seeking damages and disqualification from performing services for Company. In March 2002, the court dismissed Mr. Schneider's claims. Although Mr. Schneider thereafter appealed this dismissal, the claim was withdrawn prior to 2006 and is no longer pending.