Artis Real Estate Investment Trust Named One of Canada's Top Small and Medium Employers for 2015

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - March 19, 2015) - On March 10, 2015, Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:AX.UN) ("Artis" or the "REIT") was announced as one of Canada's Top Small and Medium Employers for 2015.

"Artis' success has been possible because of our talented and dedicated workforce. By establishing human resource programs that promote our employees' personal and professional development, we increase engagement, productivity and retention," said Armin Martens, CEO of Artis. "We are pleased to be named one of Canada's Top Small and Medium Employers and will continue to invest in programs that maintain our status as a best-in-class employer."

Canada's Top Small and Medium Employers is a competition which evaluates employers on various criteria, including: physical workplace, work atmosphere, health, financial and family benefits, vacation and time off, employee communications, performance management, training and skills development and community involvement. Receiving a place on the list indicates that the company's progressive and forward-thinking programs are competitive among similarly sized companies.

"It is incredibly rewarding to be recognized as one of Canada's Top Small and Medium Employers," said Tricia Veness, Director of Human Resources. "Our growth over the last several years has required us to become proactive in evaluating all aspects of our total compensation plan and corporate culture. Promoting the health and wellness of our employees has become an important focus at Artis, which not only benefits our current employees but also assists in recruiting qualified candidates to join our team."

Artis commenced operations with a staff of three in 2004, and now has over 170 employees. Artis is headquartered in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, but has expanded significantly over the last several years and now has offices located in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Phoenix.

Artis is a diversified Canadian real estate investment trust investing in office, industrial and retail properties. Since 2004, Artis has executed an aggressive but disciplined growth strategy, building a portfolio of commercial properties in Canada and the United States, with a major focus on Western Canada. As of today's date, Artis' commercial property comprises approximately 25.8 million square feet of leasable area.

At December 31, 2014, actual year-to-date Property Net Operating Income ("Property NOI") by asset class was approximately 24.5% retail, 51.9% office and 23.6% industrial. Property NOI by geographical region was approximately 8.1% in British Columbia, 39.0% in Alberta, 5.6% in Saskatchewan, 12.3% in Manitoba, 12.1% in Ontario and 22.9% in the U.S.

Property NOI is a non-GAAP measure. Artis calculates Property NOI as revenues, measured in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, less property operating expenses such as taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, and does not include charges for interest and amortization or income from joint arrangements accounted for as equity investments.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.