BNP Residential Properties, Inc. Agrees to be Acquired by Babcock & Brown

Business Wire, August 31, 2006

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- BNP Residential Properties, Inc. (AMEX: BNP) announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge with a wholly owned subsidiary of Babcock & Brown Real Estate Investments LLC in a transaction valued at approximately $766 million. Babcock & Brown is a publicly traded international investment and advisory firm traded on the Australian Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BNB.

Under the terms of the agreement, Babcock & Brown will acquire all of the common stock of BNP for $24.00 per share in cash. Holders of limited partnership units in BNP's operating partnership will have the right to elect to receive $24.00 per unit in cash or alternatively, the holders of the limited partnership units may have the right to elect to receive units in the surviving operating partnership. The total merger consideration of approximately $766 million includes the equity shareholder acquisition price of approximately $316 million and the ability to either assume or refinance approximately $450 million of existing BNP debt.

Dan Brickman, Head of Babcock & Brown US Real Estate, said "Babcock & Brown's primary interest in BNP is its high quality apartment portfolio of 8,180 apartment units in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, with an average age of 14 years, which it owns and operates. The overall portfolio occupancy is currently over 95% and rental rates are experiencing strong growth from continuing improvement in market conditions."

"BNP also serves as a general partner of limited partnerships that own three properties with 713 additional units, which BNP manages. In addition to the apartment portfolio BNP owns 40 restaurant properties leased on a triple-net basis to a franchise operator under a master lease. BNP also owns several parcels of land in these regions".

"The BNP merger is an exciting next step for Babcock & Brown in a wider US multifamily strategy. The BNP assets geographically complement the Alliance Holdings portfolio acquired earlier this year by Babcock & Brown and a syndicate of institutional investors. Following this acquisition Babcock & Brown's multifamily portfolio will have in excess of 28,000 units in nine states in the US and will be more diversified by decreasing the concentration in Texas to 40% and strengthening our presence in the Southeast while maintaining our acquisition discipline of focusing in the high job growth Sunbelt states.

"The additional benefit of acquiring the BNP operating platform and the highly experienced BNP senior management team adds a whole new dimension to our multifamily capabilities going forward. Over time, we intend to continue to grow both the US multifamily asset base as well as our pool of global institutional co-investors."

Eric Lucas, Head of Global Real Estate at Babcock & Brown, said "This transaction reflects the ongoing development of Babcock & Brown's real estate business model away from pure investment to the establishment and growth of asset management and investment platforms. We expect this type of investment activity to increase going forward."

Philip Payne, BNP Chairman said "the merger allows our shareholders the opportunity to fully realize the market value of BNP's assets, while providing our employees an opportunity to continue to grow the BNP franchise with the backing of a global real estate player in Babcock & Brown. We view this transaction as a win for all parties involved".

Completion of the merger is currently expected to occur during the fourth quarter of 2006 and is subject to approval by BNP's common stockholders and certain other customary closing conditions. The transaction has been approved by the BNP Board of Directors, which has also recommended that the common stockholders approve the merger.

Banc of America Securities LLC acted as financial advisor to BNP Residential Properties, Inc. and DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP acted as its legal counsel.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal counsel for Babcock and Brown.

About BNP Residential: BNP Residential Properties, Inc. is a real estate investment trust focused on owning and operating apartment communities. The Company currently owns and operates 32 apartment communities containing a total of 8,180 units, and serves as general partner of partnerships that own three communities containing 713 units. In addition to the apartment properties, the Company owns 40 properties that are leased on a triple-net basis to a restaurant operator. The Company currently operates in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

BNP Residential Properties, Inc. is structured as an UPREIT, or umbrella partnership real estate investment trust. The Company is the sole general partner and owns a controlling interest in BNP Residential Properties Limited Partnership, the operating partnership. All of the Company's operations are conducted through the operating partnership.

For more information on BNP contact Philip Payne or Andrea Burris at (704) 944-0100 (investor.relations@bnp-residential.com) or visit our website: www.bnp-residential.com.