The Macerich Company operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States. The company, through its majority-owned partnership, The Macerich Partnership, L.P., engages in the acquisition, ownership, development, redevelopment, management, and leasing of regional and community shopping centers. As of June 30, 2005, it owned or had ownership interests in 76 regional shopping centers, 20 community shopping centers, and 2 development/redevelopment projects. The Macerich Company has elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 858 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As a REIT, the company would not be subject to federal income tax, provided that it distributes at least 90% of taxable income to its shareholders. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.