Document:

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                                                                     Exhibit 4.1

                         REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of January 23, 2001 (this
"Agreement"), among Viacom Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), Robert
----------                                                    -------
L. Johnson ("RLJ") and Johnson Children's Insurance Trust (the "Trust") (RLJ and
             ---                                                -----
the Trust individually also, a "Stockholder" and collectively, the
                                -----------
"Stockholders").
 ------------

          WHEREAS, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
November 2, 2000, among the Company, Robert L. Johnson, Johnson Children's
Insurance Trust, Liberty Media Corporation, Sheila Johnson, Debra Lee, OTB
Acquisition Corp. and BET Holdings II, Inc. (the "Agreement and Plan of
                                                  ---------------------
Merger"), BET Holdings II, Inc. will merge with and into OTB Acquisition Corp;
------

          WHEREAS, upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Stockholder will beneficially own the shares
of non-voting, Class B common stock of the Company, $.01 par value (the "Common
                                                                         ------
Stock") set forth opposite the Stockholder's name in Schedule I hereto (together
-----
with any Common Stock or other securities of the Company issued as a dividend or
other distribution with respect thereto, or in exchange therefore, or in
replacement thereof, the "Company Common Stock"); and
                          --------------------

          WHEREAS, the Company and the Stockholder now wish to enter into this
Agreement to set forth their understanding as to the registration rights of the
Stockholder with respect to the Company Common Stock;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
agreements and covenants hereinafter set forth, the Company and the Stockholder
hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  Definitions
                                  -----------

          SECTION 1.01. Definitions. (a) As used in this Agreement, the
                        -----------
following terms shall have the following meanings:

          "Affiliate" has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2, as in effect on
           ---------
the date hereof, under the Exchange Act.

          "beneficially own" has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3, as in
           ----------------
effect on the date hereof, under the Exchange Act.
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          "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other
           ------------
day on which banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in The City of
New York.

          "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in the Agreement and Plan of
           ------------
Merger.

          "Commission" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any
           ----------
successor agency.

          "Exchange Act" means the United States Securities Exchange Act of
           ------------
1934, as amended.

          "Holder" means the Stockholder, any Permitted Transferee and any
           ------
Pledgee.

          "Market Value" means, with respect to any Registrable Stock, on any
           ------------
day, the number of shares of such Registrable Stock multiplied by the weighted
average 20 trading day period ending in the preceding day.

          "Permitted Transferee" means in the case of RLJ, (a) spouses, lineal
           --------------------
descendants and members of RLJ's immediate family or trusts for their benefits,
(b) any Person identified to the Company prior to any transfer of Registrable
Stock thereto pursuant to Section 3.01, or (c) upon RLJ's death, his executors,
administrators, testamentary trustees, legatees, heirs and beneficiaries.

          "Person" means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited
           ------
partnership, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated
organization or other entity, as well as any syndicate or group that would be
deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

          "Register," "registered" and "registration" shall refer to a
           --------    ----------       ------------
registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement or
similar document in compliance with the Securities Act and the declaration or
ordering of effectiveness of such registration statement or document.

          "Registrable Stock" means the Stockholder Shares and any securities
           -----------------
issued or issuable with respect to any Stockholder Shares by way of conversion,
exchange, replacement, stock dividend, stock split or other distribution or in
connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation
or other reorganization or otherwise.  For purposes of this Agreement, any
Registrable Stock shall cease to be Registrable Stock when (i) a registration
statement covering such Registrable Stock has been declared effective and such
Registrable Stock has been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration
statement, (ii) such Registrable Stock is sold by a Person in a transaction in
which the rights under the provisions of this Agreement, or any portion thereof,
are not assigned pursuant to the terms hereof, or (iii) such Registrable Stock
is eligible for sale under Rule 144(k) without any volume, manner of sale or
other restriction.

          "Registration Period" means the period beginning on the date hereof
           -------------------
and ending on the fifth anniversary of such date.

                                       2
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          "Securities Act" means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as
           --------------
amended.

          "Selling Holder" means any Holder whose Registrable Stock is included
           --------------
at the request of such Holder in any Registration Statement filed pursuant to
Article II of this Agreement.

          "Stockholder Shares" means the shares of Company Common Stock issued
           ------------------
by the Company to the Stockholder pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

          "Subsidiary" means, with respect to the Stockholder, (x) any
           ----------
partnership of which the Stockholder or any of its Subsidiaries is a general
partner or (y) any other entity in which the Stockholder or any of its
Subsidiaries owns or has the power to vote more than 50% of the equity interests
in such entity having general voting power to participate in the election of the
governing body of such entity.

All other capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth
in the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

                                  ARTICLE II

                              Registration Rights
                              -------------------

          SECTION 2.01. Restrictive Legend.  (a) Each certificate representing
                        ------------------
shares of Registrable Stock shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section
2.01 or in Section 2.02, be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend
substantially in the following form:

          THE TRANSFER OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS
          RESTRICTED BY AN AGREEMENT ON FILE AT THE OFFICES OF THE CORPORATION.
          THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
          REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF
          ANY STATE AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT PURSUANT
          TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER SUCH ACT AND APPLICABLE
          STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION TO THE REGISTRATION
          REQUIREMENTS OF SUCH ACT OR SUCH LAWS.

          (b)    The Company shall, at the request of a Holder, remove from each
certificate evidencing Stockholder Shares the legend described in Section
2.01(a) if in the opinion of counsel to the Holder reasonably satisfactory to
the Company the securities evidenced thereby may be publicly sold without
registration under the Securities Act.

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          SECTION 2.02. Notice of Proposed Transfer. Except for bona fide
                        ---------------------------
pledges, prior to any proposed transfer of any shares of Registrable Stock
(other than to a Permitted Transferee as described in Section 3.01 or under the
circumstances described in Sections 2.03 or 2.04), the Holder thereof shall give
written notice to the Company of such Holder's intention to effect such
transfer.  Each such notice shall describe the manner of the proposed transfer
and shall be accompanied by an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
Company to the effect that the proposed transfer may be effected without
registration under the Securities Act, whereupon the holder of such Registrable
Stock shall be entitled to transfer such Registrable Stock as set forth in such
notice.  Each certificate for Registrable Stock transferred as above provided
shall bear the legend set forth in the last paragraph of Section 2.01(a), except
that such certificate shall not bear such legend if (i) such transfer is in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 of the Securities Act (or any other
rule permitting public sale without registration under the Securities Act) or
(ii) the opinion of counsel referred to above is to the further effect that the
transferee and any subsequent transferee (other than an Affiliate of the
Company) would be entitled to transfer such securities in a public sale without
registration under the Securities Act.  The restrictions provided for in this
Section 2.02 shall not apply to securities that are not required to bear the
legend prescribed by Section 2.01(a) in accordance with the provisions of
Section 2.01.

          SECTION 2.03. Request for Registration. (a) On any Business Day during
                        ------------------------
the Registration Period, the Stockholder (or any Holder to which the Stockholder
has assigned its right to initiate a registration and as to which the
Stockholder has given prior written notification to the Company of such
assignment ("Assignment Notification")) holding Registrable Stock outstanding
             -----------------------
having a minimum value of $50,000,000 (based on the current market price of such
Registrable Stock) (the "Initiating Holder") may request in a written notice
                         -----------------
that the Company file a registration statement under the Securities Act (or a
similar or successor document pursuant to any other statute then in effect
corresponding to the Securities Act) covering the registration of Registrable
Stock then held by such Initiating Holders. Following receipt of any notice
under this Section 2.03, the Company shall (i) within 10 Business Days notify
any other Holders of Registrable Stock of such request in writing and (ii) use
all commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be registered under the
Securities Act all Registrable Stock that the Initiating Holders and any such
other Holders have, within 10 Business Days after such Holders' receipt of such
notice, requested be registered in accordance with the manner of disposition
specified in such notice by the Initiating Holder.

          (b)    If the Initiating Holder intends to have the Registrable Stock
distributed by means of an underwritten offering, the Selling Holders and the
Company shall enter into an underwriting agreement and other ancillary
agreements (such as a custody agreement) in customary form with the underwriter
or underwriters. The Company will select the underwriter for such offering,
subject to the reasonable approval of the Initiating Holder. All of the
representations and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, the
Company in the underwriting agreement and other ancillary agreements to and for
the benefit of such underwriters, shall, except as they relate to information
provided to the Company in writing by the Selling Holders for purposes of the
proposed underwriting and registration, also be made to and

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for the benefit of such Selling Holders of Registrable Stock for the limited
purpose of their participation in such offering. No Selling Holder shall be
required to make any representations or warranties to or agreements with the
Company or the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements
regarding such Selling Holder, the Registrable Stock of such Selling Holder and
such Selling Holder's intended method of distribution and any other
representations required by law or reasonably required by the underwriter. If
any Selling Holders disapprove of the terms of the underwriting, such Holder may
elect to withdraw from registration all its Registrable Stock by written notice
to the Company, the managing underwriter and the Initiating Holders.

          (c)    Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the
                 contrary,

                 (i)   if the Company shall furnish to the Selling Holders a
          certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer or the President of
          the Company stating that in the Company's good faith opinion such
          registration would be adverse to the Company in any material respect
          or would materially interfere with any material transaction then being
          pursued by the Company, then the Company's obligation to use all
          commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement shall
          be deferred, provided that (A) the period of any such deferral shall
                       --------
          terminate upon public disclosure of any such material transaction, (B)
          the Company shall not obtain any deferral under this Section
          2.03(c)(ii) more than two times in any twelve-month period, (C) each
          deferral under this Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall not exceed 60 days in
          the aggregate, and (D) such deferral shall not be effective unless
          each director, officer and other holder entitled to registration
          rights with respect to the Company Common Stock is or agrees to be
          subject to deferral provisions substantially equivalent to those
          contained herein;

               (ii)    The Company shall not be required to effect a
          registration pursuant to this Section 2.03 during the period starting
          7 days prior to the date of filing by the Company of, and ending on a
          date 90 days following the effective date of, a registration statement
          (or such earlier date upon which the Company withdraws such
          registration statement prior to effectiveness or ceases to pursue the
          effectiveness of such registration statement or the registration
          statement, once effective, ceases to be effective for any reason)
          pertaining to a public offering of securities for the account of the
          Company, or on behalf of the selling stockholders, under any other
          registration rights agreement which the Holders have been entitled to
          join pursuant to Section 2.04; and

               (iii)   The Company may, with respect to any registration
          pursuant to this Section 2.03, include in such registration any shares
          of Company Common Stock to be issued or sold by the Company, or to be
          sold by any o ther selling stockholders exercising rights pursuant to
          a registration rights agreement; provided, however, that if, in the
                                           --------  -------
          written opinion of the managing underwriter, the total amount of such
          securities to be so registered, including such Registrable

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          Stock, will exceed the maximum amount of the Company's securities that
          can be marketed (i) without materially and adversely affecting the
          price at which securities are sold in such offering, or (ii) without
          otherwise materially and adversely affecting the entire offering, then
          the number of Registrable Stock and other shares of Company Common
          Stock proposed to be included in such registration shall be included
          in the following order:

                    (1)    first, the Registrable Stock requested to be included
                           -----
               in such registration by the Selling Holders;

                    (2)    second, any other stockholders who have a right to
                           ------
               participate in such registration;

                    (3)    third, any Company Common Stock to be issued or sold
                           -----
               by the Company; and

                    (4)    fourth, shares of Company Common Stock to be sold by
                           ------
               any such other selling stockholders (or, if less than all such
               shares are included in such registration, the shares held by each
               such other selling stockholder on a pro rata basis, based on the
               number of shares owned by such other selling stockholder thereof
               at the Registration Date).

          (d)  In the first year following the Closing (as defined in the
Agreement and Plan of Merger) the Company shall be obligated to effect and pay
for (i) a maximum of one registration pursuant to this Section 2.03 plus (ii) a
maximum of two more registrations solely exercisable by any Pledgee with respect
to shares of Registrable Stock pledged in accordance with Section 3.01(a) of
this Agreement; provided, that a registration requested pursuant to this Section
                --------
2.03 shall not be deemed to have been effected for purposes of this Section
2.03(d) unless (A) it has been declared effective by the Commission, (B) it has
remained effective for the period set forth in Section 2.05(a), (C) the offering
of Registrable Stock pursuant to such registration is not subject to any stop
order, injunction or other order or requirement of the Commission (other than
any such stop order, injunction, or other requirement of the Commission prompted
by any act or omission of Selling Holders), and (D) the Selling Holders have
been permitted to include in such registration statement not less than 80% of
the Registrable Stock requested for inclusion by the Holders in such
registration statement.

          SECTION 2.04.  Incidental Registration.  (a) Subject to Section 2.08,
                         -----------------------
if at any time the Company determines that it shall file a registration
statement under the Securities Act for the registration of Company securities in
a firm commitment underwritten public offering (other than the registration of
an offer and sale of securities pursuant to an employee or similar benefit plan,
registered on Form S-8 or comparable form; or relating to a merger, acquisition
or other transaction of the type described in Rule 145 under the Securities Act
or comparable rule, registered on Form S-4 or similar forms or filed in
connection with an exchange offer or an offering of securities solely to the
Company's existing stockholders) on any form that would also

                                       6
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permit the registration of the Registrable Stock and such filing is to be on its
behalf or on behalf of the Company or selling holders of its securities for the
general registration of Company Common Stock to be sold for cash, the Company
shall each such time promptly give the Holders (other than Pledgees), written
notice of such determination setting forth the date on which the Company
proposes to file such registration statement, which date shall be no earlier
than 15 Business Days from the date of such notice, and advising the Holders of
their right to have any or all of the Registrable Stock included in such
registration; provided, that such notification requirement and the Holder's
              --------
right to have Registrable Stock included in such registration expire after any
Holder has actually participated twice in a registration under this Section
2.04. Upon the written request of any Holder received by the Company no later
than 10 Business Days after the date of delivery of the Company's notice, the
Company shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be registered
under the Securities Act all of the Registrable Stock that each such Holder has
so requested to be registered, subject to reduction in accordance with paragraph
(b) of this Section.

          (b)    If, in the written opinion of the managing underwriter, the
total amount of such securities to be so registered, including such Registrable
Stock, will exceed the maximum amount of the Company's securities that can be
marketed (i) at a price reasonably related to the then current market value of
such securities, or (ii) without otherwise materially and adversely affecting
the entire offering, then the Company shall be entitled to reduce the number of
shares of Registrable Stock to be sold in such offering by the Holders and any
other stockholder of the Company offered the opportunity to participate in such
offering, and subject thereto, in the following order: (A) first, in proportion
                                                           -----
(as nearly as practicable) to the number of shares of Company Common Stock held,
at the time of filing the registration statement, by each stockholder (other
than a Holder) of the Company who has been offered the opportunity, but who has
no right, to participate in such offering; and (B) second, in proportion (as
                                                   ------
nearly as practicable) to the number of shares of Company Common Stock requested
to be registered under such registration statement by the Initiating Holder at
the time of filing the registration statement, by each Holder and each other
stockholder of the Company who has a right to participate in such offering.

          (c)    A request by Holders to include Registrable Stock in a proposed
registration pursuant to Section 2.04(a) shall not be deemed to be one of its
request registration rights granted pursuant to Section 2.03.

          SECTION 2.05.  Obligations of the Company.  Whenever required under
                         --------------------------
Section 2.02 to effect the registration of any Registrable Stock, the Company
shall, as expeditiously as possible:

          (a)    prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement
with respect to such Registrable Stock which, subject to Section 2.03(c), shall
be filed as soon as practicable, but in no event later than 90 days after
written notice requesting a registration statement under Section 2.03 has been
received by the Company and use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause
such registration statement to become and remain effective for the period of the
distribution

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contemplated thereby determined as provided hereafter; provided that the Company
                                                       --------
shall not be required to keep any Registration Statement effective for more than
60 days;

          (b)  prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and
supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection
therewith as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities
Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Stock covered by such
registration statement and, as may be necessary to complete the contemplated
distribution of the Registrable Stock, to keep such Registration Statement
effective for a reasonable period not to exceed 60 days and promptly notify the
Holders of any stop order issued or, to the Company's knowledge, threatened to
be issued by the Commission and take all commercially reasonable actions
required to prevent the entry of such stop order or to remove it if entered;

          (c)  furnish to the Selling Holders such numbers of copies of the
registration statement and the prospectus included therein (including each
preliminary prospectus) and any amendments or supplements thereto in conformity
with the requirements of the Securities Act and any exhibits filed therewith and
such other documents and information as they may reasonably request;

          (d)  use all commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify
the Registrable Stock covered by such registration statement under such other
securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction within the United States and
Puerto Rico as shall be reasonably appropriate for the distribution of the
Registrable Stock covered by the registration statement; provided, however, that
                                                         --------  -------
the Company shall not be required in connection therewith or as a condition
thereto to qualify to do business in or to file a general consent to service of
process in any jurisdiction wherein it would not but for the requirements of
this paragraph (d) be obligated to do so; and provided, further, that the
                                              --------  -------
Company shall not be required to qualify such Registrable Stock in any
jurisdiction in which the securities regulatory authority requires that any
Selling Holder submit any shares of its Registrable Stock to the terms,
provisions and restrictions of any escrow, lockup or similar agreement(s) for
consent to sell Registrable Stock in such jurisdiction unless such Selling
Holder agrees to do so;

          (e)  promptly notify each Selling Holder for whom such Registrable
Stock is covered by such registration statement, at any time when a prospectus
relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the
happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such
registration statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a
material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, and promptly prepare and furnish to
such Selling Holder a reasonable number of copies of a supplement to or an
amendment of such prospectus as may be necessary so that, as thereafter
delivered to the purchasers of such securities, such prospectus shall not
include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading in light of the circumstances under which they were made. In the
event the Company shall give such notice, the Company shall extend the

                                       8
<PAGE>

period during which such Registration Statement shall be maintained effective as
provided in Sections 2.04(a) and (b) by the number of days during the period
from and including the date of the giving of such notice to the date when the
Company shall make available to the Selling Holders such supplemented or amended
prospectus;

          (f)  furnish, at the request of any Holder requesting registration of
Registrable Stock pursuant to Section 2.03, if the method of distribution is by
means of an underwriting, on the date that the shares of Registrable Stock are
delivered to the underwriters for sale pursuant to such registration, or if such
Registrable Stock is not being sold through underwriters, on the date that the
registration statement with respect to such shares of Registrable Stock becomes
effective, (1) a signed opinion, dated such date, of the independent legal
counsel representing the Company for the purpose of such registration, addressed
to the underwriters, if any, as to such matters as such underwriters may
reasonably request and as would be customary in such a transaction; and (2)
letters dated such date and the date the offering is priced from the independent
certified public accountants of the Company, addressed to the underwriters, if
any, (i) stating that they are independent certified public accountants within
the meaning of the Securities Act and that, in the opinion of such accountants,
the financial statements and other financial data of the Company included in the
registration statement or the prospectus, or any amendment or supplement
thereto, comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable
accounting requirements of the Securities Act and (ii) covering such other
financial matters with respect to the registration in respect of which such
letter is being given as such underwriters may reasonably request and as would
be customary in such a transaction;

          (g)  enter into customary agreements (including if the method of
distribution is by means of an underwriting, an underwriting agreement in
customary form) and take such other actions as are reasonably required in order
to expedite or facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Stock to be so
included in the registration statement;

          (h)  otherwise use reasonable best efforts to comply with all
applicable rules and regulations of the Commission;

          (i)  use reasonable best efforts to list the Registrable Stock covered
by such registration statement with each securities exchange or automated
quotation system on which the Company Common Stock is then listed;

          (j)  the Company shall promptly make available for inspection by any
Selling Holder or underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to any
registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent or
representative retained by any such Holder or underwriter (collectively, the
"Inspectors"), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents
 ----------
and properties of the Company (collectively, the "Records"), as shall be
                                                  -------
reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence
responsibility, and cause the Company's officers, directors and employees to
supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection
with such registration statement;

                                       9
<PAGE>

          (k)  the Company shall provide a CUSIP number for the Registrable
Stock included in any registration statement not later than the effective date
of such registration statement; and

          (l)  the Company shall during the period when the prospectus is
required to be delivered under the Securities Act, promptly file all documents
required to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14
or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

For purposes of Sections 2.05(a) and 2.05(b), subject to the limitations set
forth therein, the period of distribution of Registrable Stock in a firm
commitment underwritten public offering shall be deemed to extend until each
underwriter has completed the distribution of all securities purchased by it,
and the period of distribution of Registrable Stock in any other registration
shall be deemed to extend until the earlier of the sale of all Registrable Stock
covered thereby and 60 days after the effective date thereof.

          SECTION 2.06.  Additional Holder Obligations.  (a)  It shall be a
                         -----------------------------
condition precedent to the obligations of the Company to take any action
pursuant to this Agreement that the Holders shall furnish to the Company such
information regarding themselves, their relationship with the Company and its
Affiliates, their beneficial ownership of Company Common Stock, the Registrable
Stock held by them, and the intended method of disposition, if any, of such
securities as the Company shall reasonably request and as shall be required in
connection with the action to be taken by the Company.

          (b)  The Company may, upon written notice to such Selling Holder,
suspend such Selling Holder's use of the prospectus for a reasonable period if
the Company in its reasonable judgment believes it may possess material non-
public information the disclosure of which at that point in time in its
reasonable judgment would materially interfere with any acquisition, financing
or other material event or transaction which is then intended or would be
materially prejudicial to the Company. Each Selling Holder further agrees that,
upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the
kind described in Section 2.05(e) or this Section 2.06(b), such Selling Holder
will forthwith discontinue disposition of such Registrable Stock covered by the
registration (other than in transactions exempt from the registration
requirements under the Securities Act) until such Selling Holder's receipt of
the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section
2.05(e), or until it is advised in writing (the "Advice") by the Company that
                                                 ------
the use of the applicable prospectus may be resumed, and, in either case, has
received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated
or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such prospectus. If the Company
shall give any such notice, the Company shall extend the period during which the
registration shall be maintained effective as provided herein by the number of
days during such period from and including the date of the giving of such notice
to and including the date when each Selling Holder shall have received (x) the
copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section 2.05(e)
or (y) the Advice, and, in either case, has received copies of any additional or

                                       10
<PAGE>

supplemental filings that are incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference in such prospectus.

          (c)  Each Selling Holder understands that information provided to it
pursuant to any notice under Sections 2.05 or 2.06(b) or otherwise pursuant to
this Agreement may contain confidential information, as reasonably designated in
writing by the Company, and agrees that unless such information otherwise
becomes generally known to the public to maintain such information in confidence
and not use such information for its own benefit other than as expressly
contemplated by this Agreement.

          (d)  Each Selling Holder agrees to comply with the prospectus delivery
requirements under the Securities Act in connection with the sale of any
Registrable Stock pursuant to a registration statement filed hereunder.

          SECTION 2.07.  Expenses of Registration.  All expenses incurred by the
                         ------------------------
Company in connection with each registration pursuant to Sections 2.03 and 2.04
of this Agreement, excluding underwriters' discounts and commissions, but
including without limitation all registration, filing and qualification fees,
word processing, duplicating, printers' and accounting fees (including the
expenses of any special audits or "cold comfort" letters required by or incident
to such performance and compliance), fees of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or listing fees, messenger and delivery expenses, all
fees and expenses of complying with state securities or blue sky laws, the fees
and disbursements of counsel for the Company, shall be paid by the Company;
provided, however, that if a registration request pursuant to Section 2.03 is
--------  -------
subsequently withdrawn by the Holders of a number of Registrable Stock such that
the remaining Holders requesting registration would not have been able to
request registration under the provisions of such Section 2.03, the Company
shall not be required to pay any expenses of such registration proceeding, and
such withdrawing Holders shall bear all such expenses.  The Holders shall bear
and pay the underwriting commissions and discounts applicable to securities
offered for their account and the fees and disbursements of their accountants
and counsel in connection with any registrations, filings and qualifications
made pursuant to this Agreement.

          SECTION 2.08.  Underwriting Requirements.  In connection with any
                         -------------------------
underwritten offering, the Company shall not be required under Section 2.04 to
include shares of Registrable Stock in such underwritten offering unless the
Holders of such shares of Registrable Stock accept the terms of the underwriting
of such offering that have been reasonably agreed upon between the Company and
the underwriters selected by the Holders.

          SECTION 2.09.  Indemnification.  In the event any Registrable Stock is
                         ---------------
included in a registration statement under this Agreement:

          (a)  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each Selling
Holder, such Selling Holder's directors, officers, agents, trustees and
stockholders, and each Person who participates in the offering of such
Registrable Stock, including underwriters (as defined in the Securities Act),
and each Person, if any, who controls such Selling Holder or participating
Person

                                       11
<PAGE>

within the meaning of the Securities Act, against any losses, claims, damages or
liabilities, joint or several, to which they may become subject under the
Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (or proceedings in respect thereof) arise out of or are based on any
untrue or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in such
registration statement (including any prospectus filed under Rule 424 under the
Securities Act or any amendments or supplements thereto) or arise out of or are
based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading, and shall
reimburse each such Selling Holder, such Selling Holder's directors, officers,
agents, trustees, stockholders, and such participating Person or controlling
Person for any legal or other fees and expenses reasonably incurred by them (but
not in excess of fees and expenses incurred in respect of one counsel for all of
them (plus one additional counsel serving solely as local counsel), subject to
the limitations set forth in Section 2.09(c)) in connection with investigating
or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action; provided, that
                                                                --------
the Company shall not be liable to any Selling Holder, such Selling Holder's
directors, officers, agents, trustees and stockholders, and participating Person
or controlling Person in any such case for any such loss, claim, damage,
liability or action to the extent that it arises out of or is based upon (i) an
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission
made in connection with such registration statement, preliminary prospectus,
final prospectus or amendments or supplements thereto, in reliance upon and in
conformity with written information furnished expressly for use in connection
with such registration by or on behalf of any such Selling Holder, such Selling
Holder's directors, officers, agents, trustees and stockholders, and
participating Person or controlling Person or (ii) an untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in connection with
such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus or
amendments or supplements thereto corrected in a final or amended registration
statement or prospectus if such Selling Holder or underwriter received written
notice of such final or amended prospectus prior to the confirmation of any sale
but failed to deliver a copy of the final or amended prospectus at or prior to
the confirmation of the sale of the Registrable Stock to the person asserting
such loss, claim, damage or liability. Such indemnity shall remain in full force
and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any such
Selling Holder, such Selling Holder's directors, officers, agents, trustees and
stockholders, and participating Person or controlling Person, and shall survive
the transfer of such securities by such Selling Holder.

          (b)  Each Selling Holder requesting or joining in a registration,
severally and not jointly, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each
of its directors and officers, each Person, if any, who controls the Company
within the meaning of the Securities Act, and each agent and any underwriter for
the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses,
claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which the Company or any
such director, officer, controlling Person, agent or underwriter may become
subject, under the Securities Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (or proceedings in respect thereof) arise out of or are
based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact
contained in such registration statement (including any prospectus filed under
Rule 424 under

                                       12
<PAGE>

the Securities Act or any amendments or supplements thereto) or arise out of or
are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each
case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in such
registration statement, preliminary or final prospectus, or amendments or
supplements thereto, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished by or on behalf of such Selling Holder expressly for use in connection
with such registration; and each such Selling Holder shall reimburse any legal
or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company or any such director,
officer, controlling Person, agent or underwriter in connection with
investigating or defending any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action;
provided, that the liability of each Holder hereunder shall be limited to the
--------
aggregate net proceeds received by such Selling Holder from the sale of
Registrable Stock covered by such registration statement. consent, but if
settled with its written

          (c)  Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section
2.09 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall,
if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against any indemnifying party under
this Section 2.09, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement
thereof and the indemnifying party shall have the right to participate in and
assume the defense thereof with counsel selected by the indemnifying party and
reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party (unless (i) such indemnified
party reasonably objects to such assumption on the grounds that there may be
defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those
available to such indemnifying party, (ii) the indemnifying party and such
indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the retention of such counsel or
(iii) in the reasonable opinion of such indemnified party representation of such
indemnified party by the counsel retained by the indemnifying party would be
inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such
indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such
proceeding, in which case the indemnified party shall be reimbursed by the
indemnifying party for the reasonable expenses incurred in connection with
retaining separate legal counsel); provided, however, that an indemnified party
                                   --------  -------
shall have the right to retain its own counsel, with all fees and expenses
thereof to be paid by such indemnified party, and to be apprised of all progress
in any proceeding the defense of which has been assumed by the indemnifying
party. The failure to notify an indemnifying party promptly of the commencement
of any such action shall not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability
in respect of such action which it may have to such indemnified party on account
of the indemnity contained in this Section 2.09, unless (and only to the extent)
the indemnifying party was prejudiced by such failure, and in no event shall
such failure relieve the indemnifying party from any other liability which it
may have to such indemnified party. No indemnifying party shall, without the
prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement of any
claim or pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which the indemnified
party is or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought
hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement includes an
unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability arising out
of such claim or proceeding. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for any
settlement of any such action or proceeding effected without its written
consent, but if settled with its written

                                       13
<PAGE>

consent, or if there be final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action or
proceeding, the indemnifying party shall indemnify and hold harmless the
indemnified party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such
settlement or judgment; provided that the indemnified party is otherwise
                        --------
entitled to indemnification pursuant to Section 2.09.

          (d)  (i)   To the extent any indemnification by an indemnifying party
is prohibited or limited by law or is otherwise insufficient to hold the
indemnified party harmless under paragraphs (a) and (b) above, the indemnifying
party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the
amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses,
claims, damages or liabilities in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
the relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party in connection
with the actions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities,
as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of
such indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or
alleged untrue statement of material fact or omission or alleged omission to
state a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by,
such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
action. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims,
damages or liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or
other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any
investigation or proceeding.

               (ii)  The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.09(d) were determined by
pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take
account of the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning
of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

          SECTION 2.10  Rule 144.  The Company covenants that it will file any
                        --------
reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act
and that it will take such further action as the Holders may reasonably request
to the extent required from time to time to enable the Holders to sell
Registrable Stock without registration under the Securities Act within the
limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 under the Securities Act, as
such Rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation
hereafter adopted by the Commission.  Upon the request of any Holder, the
Company will deliver to such Holder a written statement as to whether it has
complied with such reporting requirements.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                 Miscellaneous
                                 -------------

          SECTION 3.01. Transfer of Registration Rights.  (a) The Stockholder
                        -------------------------------
may (i) transfer shares of Registrable Stock together with the associated
registration rights to any

                                       14
<PAGE>

Permitted Transferees and (ii) pledge or otherwise
transfer as security shares of Registrable Stock together with the associated
registration tights to a banking or other lending institutions or entities (the
"Pledgee") that provides, and in connection with, financing to RLJ; provided,
 -------                                                            --------
however, that (A) the transferring Holder shall give the Company notice at or
-------
prior to the time of such transfer or pledge stating the name and address of the
transferee or pledgee and identifying the securities with respect to which the
rights under this Agreement are to be transferred, (B) such transfer or pledge
is subject to the restrictions contained in Sections 8.12 and 8.14(b) of the
Agreement and Plan of Merger which which are incorporated herein by reference,
(C) such transferee or pledgee shall agree in writing, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Company, to be bound as a Holder by the
provisions of this Agreement and by the provisions of the Agreement and Plan of
Merger in so far as it pertains to the holding, owning and disposition of
Registrable Stock, and (D) immediately following a transfer the further
disposition of such securities by such transferee is restricted under the
Securities Act.

          (b)  Upon any transfer of shares of Registrable Stock other than as
set forth in this Section 3.01 the registration rights attributable to such
transferred Registrable Stock as described in this Agreement shall automatically
terminate and be of no further force and effect as of the time of such transfer.

          SECTION 3.02.  Interpretation.  (a) The headings contained in this
                         --------------
Agreement and, in the table of contents to this Agreement are for reference
purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of
this Agreement.

          (b)  In the event of an ambiguity or a question of intent or
interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly
by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or
disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provisions of this
Agreement.

          (c)  If the Stockholder shall assign its rights pursuant to this
Agreement in connection with the transfer of less than all of its Registrable
Stock, the Stockholder shall also retain its rights with respect to its
Remaining Registrable Stock.

          (d)  The definitions of the terms herein shall apply equally to the
singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may
require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and
neuter forms.  The words "include", "includes" and "including" shall be deemed
to be followed by the phrase "without limitation".  The word "will" shall be
construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall".  Unless the
context requires otherwise (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement,
instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such
agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such
amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (ii) any reference
herein to any Person shall be construed to include the Person's successors and
permitted assigns, (iii) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder", and words
of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety
and not to any particular provision hereof, and (iv) all references

                                       15
<PAGE>

herein to Articles and Sections shall be construed to refer to Articles and
Sections of this Agreement.

          SECTION 3.03.  Amendments.  This Agreement may be amended by the
                         ----------
parties at any time prior to the Effective Time.  This Agreement may not be
amended except by an instrument in writing signed by each of the parties hereto.

          SECTION 3.04.  Assignment.  Except where otherwise expressly provided
                         ----------
herein, this Agreement and the rights and obligations hereunder shall not be
assignable or transferable by the parties hereto (except by operation of law in
connection with a merger, or sale of substantially all the assets, of any party
hereto) without the prior written consent of the other party hereto.  Any
attempted assignment in violation of this Section 3.04 shall be void.  Subject
to the foregoing, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

          SECTION 3.05.  No Third-Party Beneficiaries.  This Agreement is for
                         ----------------------------
the sole benefit of the parties hereto and their permitted assigns and nothing
herein expressed or implied shall give or be construed to give to any Person,
other than the parties hereto and such assigns, any legal or equitable rights
hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Persons entitled to
indemnification pursuant to Section 2.09 hereof are intended, third-party
beneficiaries of the provisions of that Section.

          SECTION 3.06.  Notices.  All notices, requests, claims, demands and
                         -------
other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given (and shall
be deemed to have been duly given upon receipt) by delivery in person, by
telecopy or email or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return
receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following addresses (or at
such other address for a party as shall be specified in a notice given in
accordance with this Section 3.06):

                      (i)  if to the Company,

                           Viacom Inc.
                           1515 Broadway, 52/nd/ Floor
                           New York, NY 10036
                           Fax:  212-258-6099
                           Attn:  Michael D. Fricklas

                           with a copy to:

                           Shearman & Sterling
                           599 Lexington Avenue
                           New York, NY 10022
                           Fax:  212-848-7179

                                       16
<PAGE>

                           Attn:  Creighton Condon

                     (ii)  if to the Stockholder,
                           Robert L. Johnson
                           Johnson's Children's Insurance Trust
                           c/o Bank of New York

                           with a copy to:

          SECTION 3.07.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed and
                         ------------
delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and
by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when
executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall
constitute one and the same agreement.

          SECTION 3.08.  Severability.  If any term or other provision of this
                         ------------
Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule of law,
or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to
any party.  Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid,
illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in
good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the
parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the
rights, benefits and obligations originally contemplated by this Agreement be
preserved to the fullest extent possible.

          SECTION 3.09.  Waiver of Jury Trial.  Each of the parties hereto
                         --------------------
hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law any right it may
have to a trial by jury with respect to any litigation directly or indirectly
arising out of, under or in connection with this Agreement.  Each of the parties
hereto (a) certifies that no representative, agent or attorney of any other
party has represented, expressly or otherwise, that such other party would not,
in the event of litigation, seek to enforce that foregoing waiver and (b)
acknowledges that it and the other hereto have been induced to enter into this
Agreement by, among other things, the mutual waivers and certifications in this
Section 3.09.

          SECTION 3.10.  Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by,
                         -------------
and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York applicable
to contracts executed in and to be performed in that State (other than those
provisions set forth herein that are required to be governed by Delaware Law).
All actions and proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement
("Actions") shall be heard and determined exclusively in any New York state or
  -------
federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan of The City of New York.  The
parties hereto

                                       17
<PAGE>

hereby (a) submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court
sitting in the Borough of Manhattan of The City of New York for the purpose of
any Action arising out of or relating to this Agreement brought by any party
hereto, and (b) irrevocably waive, and agree not to assert by way of motion,
defense, or otherwise, in any such Action, any claim that it is not subject
personally to the jurisdiction of the above-named courts, that its property is
exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the Action is brought in an
inconvenient forum, that the venue of the Action is improper, or that this
Agreement may not be enforced in or by any of the above-named courts.

                                       18
<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed as of the date first above written.

                                    VIACOM INC.

                                    By      /s/  Michael D. Fricklas
                                        --------------------------------
                                        Name:    Michael D. Fricklas
                                        Title:   Executive Vice President,
                                                 General Counsel and
                                                 Secretary

                                    ROBERT L. JOHNSON

                                    By      /s/  Robert L. Johnson
                                        -----------------------------
                                        Name:    Robert L. Johnson
                                        Title:

                                    JOHNSON CHILDREN'S
                                    INSURANCE TRUST
                                    THE BANK OF NEW YORK, TRUSTEE

                                    By      /s/  Jory Zimmerman
                                        -----------------------------
                                        Name:    Jory Zimmerman
                                        Title:   Vice President,
                                                 The Bank of New York

                                       19

<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE I

                       OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY COMMON STOCK

Name                                                           Number of Shares
----                                                           ----------------

Robert L. Johnson                                              27,972,328

Johnson Children's Insurance Trust                                292,559

                                       20<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.8
                                                                     -------
                           STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     THIS AGREEMENT (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") is made and entered into as
of May 15, 2001 between GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), and BARRY M. BAROVICK ("Executive").

     WHEREAS, the Company and Executive have entered into an employment
agreement effective as of May 15, 2001 (the "Employment Agreement"), whereby
Executive will be President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; and

     WHEREAS, the Employment Agreement provides for the purchase of shares of
common stock of the Company, $.01 par value per share ("Shares" or "Common
Stock"), subject to the terms and conditions of a stock purchase agreement to be
entered into by the parties, in order to provide an opportunity to Executive to
acquire an equity ownership position in the Company on favorable terms, as an
incentive to contribute to the success of the Company.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual
covenants and terms hereafter set forth, it is agreed as follows:

     1.  Sale of Stock.  The Company offers to sell to Executive, and hereby
         -------------
grants to Executive the right to buy, up to 125,000 Shares on August 13, 2001
(the "Purchase Date"); provided, that Executive continues in employment with the
Company from the date of this Stock Purchase Agreement through the Purchase
Date.  In order to accept the Company's offer to purchase the Shares, Executive
shall deliver to the Company's Stock Administrator his written and signed
election to purchase the Shares in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit A, by the Purchase Date.  The Company's offer to sell Shares to
Executive, to the extent not accepted by the close of business on the Purchase
Date, shall expire at that time, unless the time for acceptance is extended by
action of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board").

     2.  Purchase Price.  The purchase price per Share of the Shares sold to
         --------------
Executive hereunder (the "Purchased Shares") shall be a price which is $ .50
below "Fair Market Value" per share.  "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common
Stock as of any given date shall mean:  (i) the closing price of the Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (as reported for regular trading hours and
not extended hours) on the trading day preceding such date.  In determining the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock, the Company may rely on the closing price
as reported in the New York Stock Exchange composite transactions published in
a) the Wall Street Journal; b)  the Yahoo Finance internet site, or c) such
other reliable source of information as the Company deems appropriate.

     3.  Payment of the Purchase Price.  The aggregate purchase price for the
         -----------------------------
Shares purchased by Executive hereunder shall be paid by delivery to the Company
of cash or a cashier's or certified check within five business days of the
Purchase Date.

                                       1
<PAGE>

     4.   Conditions to Issuance of the Purchased Shares.   The following
          ----------------------------------------------
conditions apply as a prerequisite to the Company's obligation to issue any
Shares or deliver any certificate for Shares or other evidence of ownership of
Shares purchased by Executive hereunder:

               (a)  Executive understands and agrees that Executive's election
to purchase the Shares or any portion thereof, under the terms of this Stock
Purchase Agreement, shall be irrevocable and Executive agrees to make payment to
the Company for the Shares purchased. Executive represents that he has had full
access to information about the Company to the extent necessary for, and has
made, an informed investment decision. Executive warrants and represents that he
has not relied on any representations of the Company or its management regarding
the purchase of Shares hereunder except as expressly stated herein.

               (b)  Satisfactory arrangements must have been made for the
payment (in cash or via a reduction of the number of Shares issuable upon
purchase) by Executive of any federal, state and local taxes required to be paid
and/or withheld on account of purchase of the Shares.

               (c)  If, at the time of purchase of the Shares hereunder, there
is not in effect a registration statement registering the purchased Shares under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), Executive acknowledges
and agrees that the Shares will be purchased only for investment and without any
present intention to sell or distribute such Shares, and otherwise in full
compliance with the terms and conditions of the 1933 Act, the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and all other applicable
federal and state securities laws, including regulations thereunder (the
"Securities Laws"). Executive further understands that the Securities Laws,
and/or the Company's compliance requirements thereunder, may impose restrictions
on transfer of the Shares acquired hereunder.

               (d)  The Company may, in its absolute discretion, also take
whatever additional actions it deems appropriate to effect compliance with the
Securities Laws, including, but not limited to, placing legends on shares
certificates and issuing stop-transfer orders to transfer agents and registrars.

               (e)  In the event that the election to purchase Shares hereunder
shall be exercised by any person or persons other than the Executive, the
Company is entitled to require proof, satisfactory to the Administrator, of the
right of such person(s) to do so.

               (f)  The Shares shall be admitted to listing on all stock
exchanges on which such class of stock is then listed; and

               (g)  Any registration or other qualification of the Shares under
any state or federal law or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, which the
Company shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable, shall be
completed; and (h) Any approval or other clearance from any state or federal
governmental agency which the Company shall, in its absolute discretion,
determine to be necessary or advisable shall be obtained.

                                       2
<PAGE>

     5.  Issuance of the Purchased Shares.   The Shares issuable and deliverable
         --------------------------------
upon Executive's election hereunder may be either previously authorized but
unissued shares or issued shares which have then been reacquired by the Company.
Upon receipt of Executive's election to purchase Shares and payment therefor
under this Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company's Stock Administrator shall
arrange for issuance and delivery to Executive of certificates representing the
Shares.  Executive understands and agrees that the Purchased Shares shall be
registered in his name and in certificated form.

     6.  Legends on Share Certificates.   Executive understands and agrees that
         -----------------------------
the Company shall cause legends in substantially the form set forth below to be
placed on the Share certificates evidencing ownership of the Purchased Shares,
together with any other legends that may be required by applicable state or
federal securities laws:

          THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
          REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
          "ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, ASSIGNED, SOLD, PLEDGED OR
          HYPOTHECATED, OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, UNLESS AND UNTIL
          REGISTERED UNDER THE ACT OR, IN THE OPINION OF COUNSEL
          SATISFACTORY TO THE ISSUER OF THESE SECURITIES, SUCH
          TRANSACTION IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE ACT.

          THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
          CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND REPURCHASE RIGHTS OF
          THE ISSUER AS SET FORTH IN THE STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
          DATED MAY 15, 2001 BETWEEN THE ISSUER AND THE ORIGINAL
          HOLDER OF THESE SHARES, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED AT
          THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE ISSUER. SUCH TRANSFER
          RESTRICTIONS AND REPURCHASE RIGHTS ARE BINDING ON THE
          ORIGINAL HOLDER AND TRANSFEREES OF THESE SHARES.

     7.  Stop-Transfer Notices.  Executive understands and agrees that the
         ---------------------
Company may issue appropriate "stop transfer" instructions to its transfer agent
in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to in this Stock
Purchase Agreement with respect to the Purchased Shares.

     8.  Repurchase Right of the Company.
         -------------------------------

               (a)  Subject to the provisions of Sections 8(b) and 8(c) below,
in the event that Executive's employment with the Company is terminated, whether
by the Company or by Executive, then the Company shall have the right,
commencing upon the date of such termination as reasonably fixed and determined
by the Company, to repurchase up to all of the Purchased Shares, at a repurchase
price equal to the purchase price per Share paid by Executive for the

                                       3
<PAGE>

Shares (the "Repurchase Right"). Purchased Shares which are subject to the
Repurchase Right will hereafter be referred to as the "Unreleased Shares."

               (b)  The Company's Repurchase Right shall expire as to 33.33% of
the Purchased Shares (to the nearest whole Share) upon each anniversary of the
Purchase Date so long as Executive remains continuously employed with the
Company.

               (c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, in the following
events, the Company's Repurchase Right as to all Unreleased Shares will be
immediately extinguished:

                    (i)     Following a "Change of Control." "Change of Control"
shall have the meaning set forth in the Employment Agreement, and such
definition is incorporated herein by reference;

                    (ii)    if Executive terminates his employment with the
Company for "Good Reason." "Good Reason" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Employment Agreement, and such definition is incorporated herein by reference.

                    (iii)   if Executive's employment with the Company is
terminated by the Company other than for "Cause." "Cause" shall have the meaning
set forth in the Employment Agreement, and such definition is incorporated
herein by reference.

     9.  Escrow of the Shares.   To insure the availability for delivery of
         ---------------------
Unreleased Shares upon exercise of the Repurchase Right by the Company,
Executive hereby appoints the Secretary, or any other person designated by the
Company as escrow agent, as its attorney-in-fact to sell, assign and transfer
unto the Company, such Unreleased Shares, if any, repurchased by the Company
pursuant to the Repurchase Right and shall, upon execution of this Stock
Purchase Agreement, deliver and deposit with the Secretary of the Company, or
such other person designated by the Company, the share certificates representing
the Unreleased Shares, together with the stock assignment duly endorsed in
blank, attached hereto as Exhibit C-1.  The Unreleased Shares and stock
                          -----------
assignment shall be held by the Secretary in escrow, pursuant to the Joint
Escrow Instructions of the Company and Executive attached as Exhibit C-2 hereto,
                                                             -----------
until the Company exercises its Repurchase Right as provided in Section 8, or
until such Unreleased Shares are no longer subject to the Repurchase Right, or
until such time as this Stock Purchase Agreement no longer is in effect.  As the
Purchased Shares become no longer subject to the Repurchase Right, the escrow
agent shall promptly deliver to Executive the certificate or certificates
representing such Purchased Shares in the escrow agent's possession belonging to
the Executive, and the escrow agent shall be discharged of all further
obligations hereunder; provided, however, that the escrow agent shall
nevertheless retain such certificate or certificates as escrow agent if so
required pursuant to other restrictions imposed pursuant to this Stock Purchase
Agreement.  The Company, or its designee, shall not be liable for any act it may
do or omit to do with respect to holding the Purchased Shares in escrow and
while acting in good faith and in the exercise of its judgment.

                                       4
<PAGE>

     10.  Restrictions on Transfer of the Shares.  Except for the escrow
          --------------------------------------
described in Section 9 hereunder, or transfer of the Shares to the Company or
its assignee or designee upon exercise of its Repurchase Right, none of the
Purchased Shares nor any beneficial interest therein shall be sold, transferred,
assigned, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of in any way until the
release of such Shares from the Company's Repurchase Right in accordance with
the provisions of this Stock Purchase Agreement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the transfer of any or all of the Purchased Shares during Executive's lifetime
or on Executive's death by will or intestacy, or such a transfer to a member or
members of Executive's Immediate Family shall be exempt from the provisions of
this Section, provided that Executive notifies the Company in writing within
thirty (30) days of such transfer.  An "Immediate Family" member shall mean a
parent, sibling, spouse or issue, spouses of such issue and any trust for the
benefit of, or the legal representative of, any of the preceding persons and/or
Executive, or any partnership substantially all of the partners of which are one
or more of such persons or Executive or any limited liability company
substantially all of the members of which are one or more of such persons or
Executive.  The terms of this Stock Purchase Agreement shall be binding on and
shall inure to the benefit of, any valid transferee under these provisions. The
Company shall not be required to (a) transfer on its books any Shares that have
been transferred or pledged in violation of any of the provisions of this Stock
Purchase Agreement or (b) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the
rights of a stockholder to any transferee or pledgee to whom such shares shall
have been so transferred or pledged.  Any such attempted transfer or pledge
shall be void.

     11.  Registration of the Shares.  The Company agrees to register the
          --------------------------
Purchased Shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act,
at its expense, which registration shall be effective no later than the
expiration of the Company's Repurchase Right as to any of the Purchased Shares.
The Company agrees to maintain the effectiveness of such registration for such
period of time as shall be necessary to meet the purposes of this agreement.
Executive understands and agrees that registration of the Purchased Shares will
not eliminate certain restrictions on transfer of the Shares which may exist
under the Securities Laws, based upon Executive's possible status as an
"affiliate" of the Company, as that term is defined in the Securities Laws.

     12.  Taxes.
          ------

          (a)  Election of Early Taxability under Section 83(b).  Executive
               ------------------------------------------------
represents that he has reviewed with his own tax advisor the federal, state,
local and foreign tax consequences, if any, of this investment and the
transactions contemplated by this Stock Purchase Agreement.  Executive further
represents that he has relied solely on such advisor and not on any statements
or representations of the Company or any of its agents with respect to tax
matters in connection with this agreement.  Executive understand that Executive
(and not the Company) shall be responsible for Executive's tax liability that
may arise as a result of this investment or the transactions contemplated by
this Stock Purchase Agreement.  Executive understands that Section 83 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), taxes as ordinary income
the difference between the purchase price for the Shares and the Fair Market
Value of the Shares as of the date any restrictions on the Shares lapse.  In
this context, "restriction" includes the Company's Repurchase Right.  Executive
understands that he may elect to be taxed at the

                                       5
<PAGE>

time the Shares are purchased rather than when the Company's Repurchase Right
expires by filing an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with the I.R.S.
within thirty (30) days of the Purchase Date. A form for making this election is
attached as Exhibit B hereto. Executive agrees to provide a copy of any such
election to the Company within 10 business days of filing it with the I.R.S.

          EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT IS EXECUTIVE'S SOLE
          RESPONSIBILITY AND NOT THE COMPANY'S TO TIMELY FILE THE
          ELECTION UNDER SECTION 83(b), EVEN IF EXECUTIVE REQUESTS
          THAT THE COMPANY MAKE THIS FILING ON BEHALF OF EXECUTIVE.

          (b)  Withholding.   Upon the recognition by Executive of taxable
               -----------
compensation income related the purchase of Shares at a discount hereunder,
Executive shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Company to satisfy the
obligation to withhold income and employment taxes from such recognized income,
which shall include, Full payment (in cash or by check) of the amount that must
be withheld by the Company for federal, state and/or local tax purposes.

     13.  Exercise of the Company's Repurchase Right.
          ------------------------------------------

          (a)  The Company's Repurchase Right may be exercised upon
authorization of the Board, and by the Corporate Officer or Officers of the
Company to whom the Board has delegated the authority to effect the repurchase
of the Shares.

          (b)  The Company's Repurchase Right may be exercised for a period of
sixty days following the date of Executive's termination of employment as set
forth in Section 4(a) above.  In order to exercise such Repurchase Right, the
authorized Corporate Officer of the Company must deliver written notice to the
Executive or the Executive's personal representative of the Company's intention
to purchase a designated number of the Unreleased Shares, with a copy to the
escrow agent referred to in Section 9 above, accompanied by:  a) a check in the
amount of the aggregate repurchase price; b) a notice to Executive that the
Company has canceled and forgiven an amount of indebtedness (accrued interest
first, and then outstanding principal) of Executive to the Company  equal to the
aggregate repurchase price; or c) a combination of a) and b) so that the
combined payment and cancellations of indebtedness equals such aggregate
repurchase price.  Upon delivery of such notice and the payment of the aggregate
repurchase price, the Company shall become the legal and beneficial owner of the
Shares being repurchased and all rights and interests therein or relating
thereto, and the Company shall have the right to retain and transfer to its own
name the number of Shares being repurchased by the Company, or the right to
cancel such Shares.

     14.  Release of the Purchased Shares.  Upon extinguishment of the Company's
          -------------------------------
Repurchase Right with respect to any portion of the Purchased Shares pursuant to
Section 4 above, the Shares so released shall be delivered to Executive at such
address as shall be requested by Executive in writing to the Company's Stock
Administrator. Executive shall submit the certificates representing the Shares
to be released to the Company's Stock Administrator for

                                       6
<PAGE>

reissuance without the restrictive legends relating to the Company's Repurchase
Right. The Company's Stock Administrator will promptly arrange for reissuance of
the certificates without such legend and delivery to Executive.

     15.  Adjustments in the Shares.  The Shares available for purchase under
          -------------------------
this Stock Purchase Agreement shall be appropriately adjusted (as to number and
kind of securities, and purchase price) as determined by the Board in the event
that the Company's Common Stock is changed into or exchanged for a different
number or kind of shares of the Company or other securities of the Company by
reason of merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, stock
split-up, stock dividend, combination of shares or otherwise, to the end that
after such event, Executive's  proportionate interest shall be maintained as
before the occurrence of such event.  Such adjustment in Shares available for
purchase shall be made without change in the total price applicable to the
Company's offer herein (except for any change in the aggregate price resulting
from rounding-off of share quantities or prices).  Any such adjustment made by
the Board shall be final and binding upon Executive, the Company and all other
interested persons.

     16.  Transfer of the Company's Rights and Obligations Hereunder.  Subject
          ----------------------------------------------------------
to the provisions of Section 8(c)(1) hereunder, the Company is entitled to
transfer its rights and obligations under this Stock Purchase Agreement to one
or more persons or entities, and all covenants and agreements hereunder shall
inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by the Company's successors and
assigns.  If the Company undergoes a Change of Control, then the Company shall
use its best efforts to cause any surviving corporation or entity or acquiring
corporation or entity, or affiliate of such corporation or entity, to assume the
Company's obligations under this Stock Purchase Agreement, but such successor or
assign may substitute similar stock awards (including an award to acquire the
same consideration paid to the stockholders in the Change of Control
transaction) for Company's offer herein.

     17.  Rights as a Stockholder.  Executive shall not be, nor have any of the
          -----------------------
rights or privileges of, a stockholder of the Company in respect of any shares
purchasable upon the exercise of his right to purchase Shares hereunder unless
and until such Shares have been issued by the Company to Executive.

     18.  Rights to Continuation of Employment.  Executive acknowledges and
          ------------------------------------
understands that the benefits conferred upon Executive hereunder do not
constitute an express or implied promise of continued employment with the
Company, and that this Stock Purchase Agreement shall not be construed as
obligating the Company to employ or retain Executive for any specific period of
time.

     19.  Disputes.  Any dispute arising in connection with this Stock Purchase
          --------
Agreement shall be finally determined and settled by arbitration.  Arbitration
shall be initiated by one party making written demand upon the other party and
simultaneously filing the demand together with required fees in the office of
the American Arbitration Association in New York, New York.  The arbitration
proceeding shall be conducted in New York, New York by a single arbitrator in
accordance with the Expedited Procedures of the Employment Dispute Resolution
Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except as otherwise provided
herein.  Except as required by the arbitrator, the parties shall have no
obligation to comply with discovery requests made in the

                                       7
<PAGE>

arbitration proceeding. The arbitration award shall be a final and binding
determination of the dispute and shall be fully enforceable as an arbitration
award in any court having jurisdiction and venue over such parties.

     20.  No Waiver; Severability.  Either party's failure to enforce any
          -----------------------
provision hereunder shall not in any way be construed as a waiver of any such
provision, nor prevent that party from thereafter enforcing such provision
and/or any other provision of this agreement.  The invalidity of any provision
of this Stock Purchase Agreement shall not in any manner affect the validity or
enforceability. of any other provisions hereof.

     21.  Notice.  Any notice to be given under the terms of this Stock Purchase
          ------
Agreement to the Company shall be addressed to the Company in care of its Stock
Administrator, 1646 N. California Blvd., Suite 500, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; Ph.
925-939-3500, fax: 925-934-8672; with a copy to the General Counsel, 2215
Sanders Road, Suite 400, Northbrook, IL 60062;  and any notice to be given to
Executive shall be addressed to him at his address of record on file with the
Company, with a copy to his attorney, Jeffrey Zukerman, Zukerman, Gore &
Brandeis, LLP, 900 Third Avenue, Eighth Floor, New York, NY 10022-4728.  By a
notice given pursuant to this Section, either party may hereafter designate a
different address for notices to be given to him.  Any notice which is required
to be given to the Executive shall, if Executive is then deceased, be given to
Executive's personal representative if such representative has previously
informed the Company of his status and address by written notice under this
Section.  Any notice to any party will be effective upon receipt (or refusal of
receipt), and shall be in writing and delivered personally or sent by telecopy
or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid.

     22.  Compliance with Laws.  The Stock Purchase Agreement and the offer,
          --------------------
sale, issuance and delivery of Shares and the payment of the purchase price
thereunder  are subject to compliance with all applicable federal and state
laws, rules and regulations (including but not limited to Securities Laws and
federal margin requirements) and to such approvals by any listing, regulatory or
governmental authority as may, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be
necessary or advisable in connection therewith.  Any securities delivered
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement shall be subject to such restrictions,
and the person acquiring such securities shall, if requested by the Company,
provide such assurances and representations to the Company as the Company may
deem necessary or desirable to assure compliance with all applicable legal
requirements.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Stock Purchase
Agreement and the Shares offered and sold hereunder shall be deemed amended to
the extent necessary to conform to such laws, rules and regulations.

     23.  Titles.  Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not
          ------
to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.

                                       8
<PAGE>

     24.  Governing Law; Entire Agreement; Amendments.  This Agreement shall be
          -------------------------------------------
administered, interpreted and enforced under the internal laws of the State of
Delaware, without regard to conflicts of laws thereof.  This Stock Purchase
Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to
the purchase of Common Stock by Executive as outlined in his employment
agreement with the Company, and supersedes all prior understandings of the
parties with regard thereto.  In the event of a conflict between the provisions
of his employment agreement with the Company and this Stock Purchase Agreement,
the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement shall prevail.  This Stock Purchase
Agreement may not be modified except in a writing signed by both parties.

     This Agreement may be executed in a number of counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original for all purposes, and all of which together shall
constitute one instrument.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Stock Purchase Agreement has been executed by the
parties as indicated below.

EXECUTIVE                                     GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY

 /s/ Barry M. Barovick
----------------------------------
Barry M. Barovick                             By:  /s/ Reuben S. Leibowitz
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                   Reuben S. Leibowitz
                                                   Chairman of the Board
Date:    June 5, 2001
        --------------------------
                                              Date:    June 5, 2001
                                                      --------------------------

                                              ATTEST:
Residence Address:

9 Burnham Place                                       /s/ Carol Vanairsdale
FairLawn, NJ 07410                                    --------------------------
                                                      Carol Vanairsdale
                                                      Assistant Secretary

                                       9
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT A

                    EXECUTIVE'S ELECTION TO PURCHASE SHARES

To:  Stock Administrator
     Grubb & Ellis Company
     1646 N. California Blvd., Suite 500
     Walnut Creek, CA 94596
     Ph. 925.939.3500
     FAX 925.934.8672 (a faxed election must be followed by delivery of the
     original)

     I hereby elect to purchase _____________________________ Shares of Common
Stock of Grubb & Ellis Company (the "Company") pursuant to the terms of the
Stock Purchase Agreement entered into as of May 15, 2001 between the Company and
me, at a purchase price per Share calculated at the Fair Market Value (as
defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) per share on August 13, 2001, less
$.50 per share.  I agree to provide payment of the aggregate purchase price by
the close of business on August 17, 2001.  I understand that the certificates
representing the Shares purchased will be registered in my name.  Please deliver
the Share certificates to the following address, which will be the address of my
stock account with the Company's stock transfer agent and registrar:

               Barry M. Barovick
               ____________________________________
               ____________________________________
               ____________________________________

    I hereby certify that my social security number is ____________________.

                                   _________________________________________

                                                   Barry M. Barovick

                                   Date_____________________________________

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                            SECTION 83(b) ELECTION

    The undersigned hereby makes an election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code with respect to the property described below and supplies
the following information in accordance with the Regulations promulgated
thereunder:

1.  The name, address and taxpayer identification number of the undersigned are:

          Barry M. Barovick

          9 Burnham Place

          Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

          SSN: _______________________

2.  Description of property with respect to which the election is being made:

          _________ shares of Common Stock of Grubb & Ellis Company (the
"Company"), $ .01 par value per share.

3.  The date on which and taxable year in which the property was transferred to
taxpayer:

          August 13, 2001.

          Taxpayer's applicable tax year:  the 2001 calendar year.

4.  The nature of the restriction(s) to which the property is subject is:

          If the undersigned taxpayer's employment with the Company is
terminated under certain circumstances prior to August 13, 2004, then the
Company has the right to repurchase the shares at the purchase price paid by
taxpayer. This repurchase right expires as to one-third of the shares annually,
upon continuation of the taxpayer's employment.

          The shares which are subject to the Company's repurchase rights are
non-transferable except to members of taxpayer's immediate family and except
upon death by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

                                       1
<PAGE>

5.  Fair market value of the property:

          The fair market value at the time of transfer to taxpayer (determined
without regard to any restrictions other than restrictions which by their terms
will never lapse) of the property with respect to which this election is being
made is $________ per share.

6.  Amount paid for the property:

          $ _______ per share.

7.  A copy of this statement has been furnished to Grubb & Ellis Company, the
undersigned's employer.

                                  TAXPAYER

Date:_____________________        ____________________________
                                        Barry M. Barovick

                                       2
<PAGE>

                                  EXHIBIT C-1
                                  -----------

                     ASSIGNMENT SEPARATE FROM CERTIFICATE

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED I, ________________, hereby sell, assign and transfer
unto ________________________________________________(__________) shares of the
common stock, par value $.01 per share, of Grubb & Ellis Company standing in my
name of the books of said corporation represented by Certificate No. _____
herewith and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint_______________________
_____________________________________________ to transfer the said stock on the
books of the within named corporation with full power of substitution in the
premises.

     This Stock Assignment may be used only in accordance with the Stock
Purchase Agreement between Grubb & Ellis Company and the undersigned dated
______________, _____.

Dated: _______________, _______________

                              Signature:______________________________

                                       3
<PAGE>
                                  EXHIBIT C-2
                                  -----------

                           JOINT ESCROW INSTRUCTIONS

                                                                 August 13, 2001
                                                                 ---------------

Escrow Agent
Robert J. Walner
Corporate Secretary of Grubb & Ellis Company
2215 Sanders Road, Suite 400
Northbrook, IL 60062

Dear Mr. Walner:

     As Escrow Agent for Grubb & Ellis Company (the "Company") and the
undersigned Barry M. Barovick (the "Executive"), you are hereby authorized and
directed to hold the documents delivered to you pursuant to the terms of that
certain Stock Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") between the  Company and the
undersigned, in accordance with the following instructions:

     1.  Executive irrevocably authorizes the Company to deposit with you any
certificates evidencing shares of common stock of the Company  (the "Purchased
Shares") to be held by you hereunder and any dividends, additions and
substitutions to said shares (the "Retained Distributions") as defined in the
Agreement.  Executive does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint you as
Executive's attorney-in-fact and agent for the term of this escrow to execute
with respect to such Purchased Shares all documents necessary or appropriate to
make such securities negotiable and to complete any transaction herein
contemplated, including but not limited to the filing with any applicable state
blue sky authority of any required applications for consent to, or notice of
transfer of, the securities.  Subject to the provisions of the Agreement and
paragraph 2, Executive shall exercise all rights and privileges of a stockholder
of the Company while the Purchased Shares are held by you.

     2.  In the event that you are provided notice by the Company that the
Executive has terminated employment with the Company and the Purchased Shares
held hereunder have been repurchased pursuant to the Repurchase Right under the
Agreement, you are directed to transfer the Purchased Shares and all Retained
Distributions allocable thereto to the Company.

     3.  The Company shall notify you at such time and as to the amount of
Purchased Shares which are no longer subject to the Repurchase Right and you
will deliver to Executive a certificate or certificates representing that many
shares of stock to Executive.

     4.  If at the time of termination of this escrow you should have in your
possession any documents, securities, or other property belonging to Executive,
you shall deliver all of the same to Executive and shall be discharged of all
further obligations hereunder.

     5.  Your duties hereunder may be altered, amended, modified or revoked only
by a writing signed by all of the parties hereto.

                                       4
<PAGE>

     6.  You shall be obligated only for the performance of such duties as are
specifically set forth herein and may rely and shall be protected in relying or
refraining from acting on any instrument reasonably believed by you to be
genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
You shall not be personally liable for any act you may do or omit to do
hereunder as Escrow Agent or as attorney-in-fact for Executive while acting in
good faith, and any act done or omitted by you pursuant to the advice of your
own attorneys shall be conclusive evidence of such good faith.

     7.  You are hereby expressly authorized to disregard any and all warnings
given by any of the parties hereto or by any other person or corporation,
excepting only orders or process of courts of law and are hereby expressly
authorized to comply with and obey orders, judgments or decrees of any court.
In case you obey or comply with any such order, judgment or decree, you shall
not be liable to any of the parties hereto or to any other person, firm or
corporation by reason of such compliance, notwithstanding any such order,
judgment or decree being subsequently reversed, modified, annulled, set aside,
vacated or found to have been entered without jurisdiction.

     8.  You shall not be liable in any respect on account of the identity,
authorities or rights of the parties executing or delivering or purporting to
execute or deliver the Agreement or any documents or papers deposited or called
for hereunder.

     9.  You shall not be liable for the expiration of any rights under any
applicable state, federal or local statute of limitations or similar statute or
regulation with respect to these Joint Escrow Instructions or any documents
deposited with you.

     10.  You shall be entitled to employ such legal counsel and other experts
as you may deem necessary properly to advise you in connection with your
obligations hereunder, may rely upon the advice of such counsel, and may pay
such counsel reasonable compensation therefor.

     11.  Your responsibilities as Escrow Agent hereunder shall terminate if you
shall resign by written notice to each party or if you cease to be an employee
of the Company.  In the event of any such termination, the Company shall appoint
a successor Escrow Agent.

     12.  If you reasonably require other or further instruments in connection
with these Joint Escrow Instructions or obligations in respect hereto, the
necessary parties hereto shall join in furnishing such instruments.

     13.  It is understood and agreed that should any dispute arise with respect
to the delivery and/or ownership or right of possession of the securities held
by you hereunder, you are authorized and directed to retain in your possession
without liability to anyone all or any part of said securities until such
disputes shall have been settled either by mutual written agreement of the
parties concerned or by a final order, decree or judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction after the time for appeal has expired and no appeal has
been perfected, but you shall be under no duty whatsoever to institute or defend
any such proceedings.

                                       5
<PAGE>

     14.  Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing
and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or upon deposit in
the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail with postage and
fees prepaid, addressed to each of the other parties thereunto entitled at the
following addresses or at such other addresses as a party may designate by ten
(10) days' advance written notice to each of the other parties hereto.

          COMPANY:       Grubb & Ellis Company
                         2215 Sanders Road, Suite 400
                         Northbrook, IL 60062

          EXECUTIVE:     Barry M. Barovick
                         9 Burnham Place
                         Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

          ESCROW AGENT:  Corporate Secretary of Grubb & Ellis Company

     15.  By signing these Joint Escrow Instructions, you become a party hereto
only for the purpose of said Joint Escrow Instructions; you do not become a
party to the Agreement.

     16.  This instrument shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto, and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

     17.  These Joint Escrow Instructions shall be governed by, and construed
and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, excluding
that body of law pertaining to conflicts of law.

EXECUTIVE                             GRUBB & ELLIS COMPANY

__________________________            By:_______________________________________
Barry M. Barovick
                                      Title:____________________________________

                                      ESCROW AGENT

                                      __________________________________________
                                      Robert J. Walner
                                      Corporate Secretary, Grubb & Ellis Company

                                       6

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