News and developments

Morgan & Morgan Legal advised Green Tower Properties Inc. and its shareholders in the registration and conversion as a Real Estate Investment Trust and an initial public offering (IPO) of its shares through Latinex.

Green Tower owns 95% of the MMG Tower building (hereinafter “MMG Tower” or the “Tower”), located in Costa del Este, in the township of Juan Díaz, Panama City, Republic of Panama, on a plot of approximately 4,395.56 square meters. MMG Tower has a LEED Gold Certification issued by the United Green Building Council which, together with its other competitive advantages including its privileged location, energy efficiency, its design and management under the highest standards, has attracted a diversified group of tenants, comprised mostly of multinational companies, in addition to housing the main offices of Morgan & Morgan Legal and MMG Bank.

REIT’s that comply with the above mentioned requirements of registration before the SMV, LATINEX and the General Revenue Office (the Dirección General de Ingresos or “DGI”) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, among other additional conditions, are exempt from the payment of income tax at the corporate level. Shareholders of a REIT pay income tax on distributions received from the REIT at the rates set forth in the Tax Code. However, all REITs are required to withhold 10% of amounts distributed to shareholders in the form of advanced income tax, which withholding the shareholder of a REIT may decide to consider as the definite and final income tax to be paid for the received distribution.

MMG Bank Corporation has been engaged as arranger, Payment, Registry and Transfer Agent, Custodian and Placement Agent of the REIT and MMG Asset Management Corp., as Investment Manager.

Francisco Arias G., partner, Ricardo Arias, partner, Ana Carolina Castillo, partner, and international associate Miguel Arias M, participated in this transaction.