AmeriVest Suspends Dividend Payment

AmeriVest Properties Inc., a Denver-based real estate investment trust, has announced a suspension of the payment of its common dividend for the first quarter.The REIT said the move was made to maximize its ability to complete a "strategic transaction" in a timely manner. The company noted that its board of directors retained Bear Stearns in November to evaluation strategic options, including a possible sale or recapitalization of all or a portion of its properties. The REIT specializes in acquiring and operating multitenant office buildings for small and medium-size businesses in Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, and Indianapolis. It can be found online at http://www.amvproperties.com.