================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) September 6,2005 (August 31, 2005) ---------- Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Maryland 001-32136 20-0057959 --------------- ------------ ------------------- (State or other (Commission (IRS Employer jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.) incorporation) 333 Earle Ovington Boulevard, Suite 900 Uniondale, New York 11553 ----------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (516) 832-8002 ---------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) ================================================================================Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K ITEM 5.02 DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OFFICERS. (b) Mr. Frederick C. Herbst voluntarily resigned as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (the "Company"), effective September 16, 2005. Mr. Herbst's resignation did not involve a disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices. (c) The Company has appointed Mr. Paul Elenio as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, effective as of September 16, 2005. Mr. Elenio is 38 years of age, has served as the Senior Vice President--Finance of the Company since 2004 and has served as Vice President and Controller for the Company or its predecessor companies since 1996. Mr. Elenio is responsible for overseeing the Company's financial reporting, tax planning and reporting and budgeting and forecasting. There is no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Elenio and any other persons pursuant to which Mr. Elenio was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits Exhibit Number -------------- 99.1 Press Release, dated September 6, 2005. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Dated: September 6, 2005 ARBOR REALTY TRUST, INC. By: /s/ Walter K Horn ------------------------------ Name: Walter K. Horn Title: General Counsel, Secretary and Director of Compliance EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number - -------------- 99.1 Press Release, dated September 6, 2005.
Exhibit 99.1 ARBOR REALTY TRUST ANNOUNCES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER SUCCESSION UNIONDALE, N.Y., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ABR), a real estate investment trust focused on the business of investing in real estate related bridge and mezzanine loans, preferred and direct equity investments, mortgage-related securities and other real estate related assets, today announced the resignation of Frederick C. Herbst, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Herbst resigned to pursue other professional opportunities, effective September 16, 2005. On that date, Paul Elenio, the Company's Senior Vice President of Finance, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Elenio began his career with Arbor and its predecessor companies in 1991. Ivan Kaufman, Arbor's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We appreciate Rick's valuable contributions over the years and wish him continued success in his future endeavors. Paul's knowledge of the firm and his financial background make him a perfect fit to assume the CFO responsibilities and we look forward to a smooth transition. I have worked with Paul for many years and have the utmost confidence his abilities will serve us well as he assumes his new role." About Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. is a real estate investment trust which invests in a diversified portfolio of multifamily and commercial real estate related bridge and mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, mortgage related securities and other real estate related assets. Arbor commenced operations in July 2003 and conducts substantially all of its operations through its operating partnership, Arbor Realty Limited Partnership and its subsidiaries. Arbor is externally managed and advised by Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC, a national commercial real estate finance company operating through 15 offices in the U.S. that specializes in debt and equity financing for multifamily and commercial real estate. Safe Harbor Statement Certain items in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Arbor can give no assurance that its expectations will be attained. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Arbor's expectations include, but are not limited to, continued ability to source new investments, changes in interest rates and/or credit spreads, changes in the real estate markets, and other risks detailed in the Arbor's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and its other reports filed with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Arbor expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Arbor's expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Investors: Media: Stephanie Carrington/ Denise Roche Bonnie Habyan, SVP of Marketing The Ruth Group 516-229-6615 646-536-7017 / 7008 bonnie.habyan@thearbornet.com scarrington@theruthgroup.com droche@theruthgroup.com SOURCE Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. -0- 09/06/2005 /CONTACT: Investors - Stephanie Carrington, +1-646-536-7017, scarrington@theruthgroup.com, or Denise Roche, +1-646-536-7008, droche@theruthgroup.com, both of The Ruth Group; or Media - Bonnie Habyan, SVP of Marketing of Arbor Realty Trust, Inc., +1-516-229-6615, bonnie.habyan@thearbornet.com /